55 Plus

55

plus

Proactive strategies to reduce your risk of COVID-19 ADVANTAGES OF SUPPORT IN YOUR

Senior living community MEMORIAL SOCIETY OF BC

Life carries on, so does death

5 must-haves for the perfect walk-in tub

CUSTOM TOE SPLINTS ELIMINATE PAIN

Keto, DASH and Mediterranean Diets

Magazine

March 2020

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Advantages of Having Support in Your Senior Living Community

By Erin Van Zant, AQUARA by element enior living communities offer considerable advantages to residents that can help them overcome the uncertainties and challenges of the current situation, or any environment for that matter.

Easy access to health care, security and a guaranteed healthy food source combine with a lively social environment to give invaluable peace of mind.

A professional health care team is the foundation of a senior

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living community. Workers and professionals are there for your safety and security, and are a valuable resource for community operators in ensuring that residents and visitors follow hygiene protocols or in deciding when visitors should suspend visits until conditions are safer.

Many of us take access to food for granted, yet we are all finding out now just how tenuous such access could be when things go wrong.

Overcrowded stores, inferior cleaning protocols, product shortages and long

lines are simply not issues in a senior living community. Professionals do the shopping, worry about what you need, and queue up while you are living safely at home. Exposure to viruses is negligible.

Likewise, the isolating conditions of our current predicament remind us of the importance of a social living environment, as many people now suffer the isolation from family or caregivers to stay healthy. In a senior living community, the social circle is part of your daily life. The community offers a robust and organized

Publisher: Dave Obee Director of Advertising: Peter Baillie 2621 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8T 4M2 To advertise in the next issue of 55 Plus, Contact: Simone Fibiger • Phone: 250-380-5358

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Submit editorial to Jenus Friesen: jfriesen@timescolonist.com

A publication of the Victoria Times Colonist

schedule with plenty of room for impromptu coffee dates, glasses of wine or even an unexpected elevator conversation. These can be the most interesting and memorable social interactions. So even when you may have to miss family visits, you and your family will be comforted to know that your social needs are being met.

The Aquara by element development in Victoria offers independent living in a harbourside community in Songhees in Vic West, with supportive living and licenced care.

For more information, check out the Times Colonist (timescolonist. com/homes/victorians-find-new-lifeat-senior-communities-1.24073285) article from Andrew Duffy.

Uniquely for Victoria, Aquara allows purchasing or renting in an aging-in-place retirement community.

Upon completion, Aquara will offer 47 condos, 75 rental suites and 35 care units. Aquara Discovery Centre is open at #110 – 645 Tyee Rd. Aquarabyelement.com

Adventures EXPLORE BRITISH COLUMBIA’S SPECTACULAR COASTAL WILDERNESS

Mothership Adventures Columbia III History Cruise:

Desolation Sound & Bute Inlet – May 25 to 29 –

Campbell River to Port McNeil via Loughborough Inlet

Kayak

Broughton Archipelago & Great Bear Rain Forest

– Call for availability –

– June 4 to 9 –

Some Spots Still Available!

Contact us for more information phone 250-202-3229 or 1-888-833-8887, or visit: www.mothershipadventures.com

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othership Adventures has been exploring British Columbia’s spectacular coastal wilderness aboard the Columbia III since 1995, offering sea kayaking, natural history, cultural and special interest tours.

Built in 1956 for the Columbia Coast Mission in Vancouver, Columbia III operated tirelessly for many years as a hospital ship serving the isolated communities on B.C.’s remote and rugged shores. Now luxuriously refurbished and updated with all the modern amenities and state-of theart navigational and safety systems, she carries small groups of guests to visit our magnificent coast — one of the richest and most diverse marine habitats on the planet.

From the Great Bear Rain Forest in the north to Desolation Sound in the south, the Columbia III travels the Coast’s myriad of inlets, channels, ports and

coves. Mothership Adventures’ captains and crew are B.C. Ministry of Transportcertified, committed to passenger safety and possess a wealth of local knowledge gained from years of maritime experience. Our professional sea kayak guides have guided commercially for many years and are always attentive to guests’ well-being on the water.

Beginner and experienced kayakers are welcome.

Gourmet meals including seafood, fresh produce and home baked desserts are prepared in our well-equipped galley.

On our Desolation Sound cruise, well known author and historian Jeanette Taylor, will lead this coastal history tour. Her vast and wonderful store of knowledge brings to life this coast’s fascinating history. Shore excursions by zodiac are included in each day’s itinerary. mothershipadventures.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Proactive strategies to reduce your risk of COVID-19

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | 3

More information about COVID-19 is available at www.cdc.gov

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OVID-19 continues to dominate headlines across the globe. The novel coronavirus first made headlines in late 2019 after an outbreak in Wuhan, the sprawling capital city in China’s Hubei province. The virus has since spread beyond China’s borders, leading to school closures and changes in public life, such as the shutting down of professional sports leagues, that many might never have thought they would see in their lifetimes.

Despite the relative infancy of COVID-19, doctors have learned much about it, including who might be most at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early information out of China revealed that older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions are at the greatest risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are the chronic medical conditions that appear to make people especially vulnerable to sickness from COVID-19.

HOW PEOPLE IN AT-RISK GROUPS CAN REDUCE THEIR RISK OF GETTING SICK

It’s important that elderly people and people with chronic medical conditions take their risk seriously, as the COVID-19 had already contributed to thousands of deaths by early March 2020. The CDC notes that it is especially important that people at elevated risk take actions to reduce their risk. The following strategies can be part of a proactive approach.

• STOCK UP ON HEALTH SUPPLIES. Contact your physician and arrange to obtain extra necessary medications so you do not have to leave your home should an outbreak occur in your area. If that’s not plausible, the CDC recommends signing up for mail-order medications. Stock up on overthe-counter medications and medical supplies, including everyday items like tissues, so you don’t have to leave the house if an outbreak occurs.

• STOCK UP ON GROCERIES. Make sure you have enough groceries on hand so you can stay at home if restrictions on leaving home are put in place during an outbreak.

• EMBRACE THE BASICS. Basic strategies like avoiding people who are sick; washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or spending time in public; avoiding touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.; and avoiding crowds can help to reduce your risk of getting sick from COVID-19.

Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in China in late-December 2019, doctors have learned that certain people are especially vulnerable to getting sick from the virus. Taking certain steps may reduce the risk of getting sick. More information about COVID-19 is available at www.cdc.gov. –MC

Visit Live Well Pharmacist for all your Health and Wellness Needs Broadmead Pharmasave Offers: • FREE local prescription delivery • Medication experts to discuss your specific health care needs • Blister packaging to help organize your medications • Customized medications (Compounding Services) • Easy prescription transfers • Large selection of Home Health Care products • Postal outlet

JOIN US FOR SENIOR’S DAY The 1st Wednesday of Every Month!

15% Off Everything in Store * *Some exclusions apply. See in store details.

Proudly serving the local community: Broadmead Village: #310 – 777 Royal Oak Drive . . . . .250.727.2284

4 | TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

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Crystal Pool: Your Hub for Vibrant Aging

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pring is an ideal time to learn a new sport or start a new hobby. The Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre is Victoria’s community hub for a wide range of learning and recreational opportunities for the older adult.

Drop-in fitness activities include yoga, aquafit, boot camp, stretch and strength and more. Balance Booster™ is a program to increase both your lower and upper body strength which helps with balance as we age. ESSENTRICS® Aging Backwards is an age reversing workout to help release tight muscles, rebalance joints, improve posture and restore the entire body.

If you like to swim, the Silver Streaks Swim Club is a welcoming, coached group that swims three times a week at 10 a.m.

There are Quiet Swims with no music Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Or join us for Aqua Zumba – a low-impact, high energy aquatic dance party and have fun while you burn calories.

Increase your activity in your free time by adding fly fishing, kayaking, dragon boating or sailing to your skills. Women Only sailing is also available.

Beyond fitness activities, if there’s a story inside you just waiting to get out, try your hand at memoir writing. If you’re just looking to get out and be social, try Road Trips and Rambles – guided bus trips that venture all over Vancouver Island and occasionally to the mainland to visit wineries, farms, artist studios, churches, restaurants and more.

Visit the Crystal Pool to customize a fitness and recreation plan that works for you. Contact the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre at: 250-361-0732, email CrystalPool@victoria.ca, or visit in person at 2275 Quadra St.

Life carries on – so does death.

END OF LIFE ARRANGEMENTS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS

By Stephen Garrett, Executive Director, Memorial Society of BC t is important during these times of pandemic that we learn to get our needs met while honouring all of the requirements of social distancing. Online learning for our children, food supplies for our families and working from home are realities of life that need to be tended to.

Dying and death are no exception.

In my role as executive director of the Memorial Society of BC, I have discussed with our contracted providers, the best practices for making funeral arrangements at this very challenging time. Here is a list of new practices that will keep your family and the staff at the funeral home healthy and safe while also taking care of your deceased loved one’s funeral needs.

I Come on an Adventure with Us

Road Trips & Rambles Enjoy time with friends and build community as we explore Vancouver Island together! From history and vineyards; to wildlife and theatre.

We are now taking registrations for Chemainus Theatre productions including – 39 Steps (April 29), Beauty and the Beast (June 24) and Glory (September 30).

For more information: Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre 250.361.0732

To register: victoria.ca/recreation

The first recommendation is to make your arrangements either online or by telephone. Funeral provider staff teams are well trained to handle these important and sensitive issues in either of these two ways.

The second choice is to have one family member and only one supporter attend the arrangement meeting at the funeral home.

The funeral home staff will have made certain that the arrangement room has been sanitized and that the table or desk arrangements comply with social distancing recommendations.

The third option is to have the funeral provider staff come to your house to make the final disposition arrangements in the comfort and safety of your own home, again, keeping in mind the social distancing requirements.

Know that Memorial Society of BC staff and the staff teams of our contracted funeral providers are taking all the precautions needed in order that you and they are kept safe during these challenging times, and that your family gets the end of life services you need and deserve for your deceased loved one.

Our Vancouver office will remain open through the course of this pandemic to assist you by telephone with your end of life needs and questions during this coronavirus crisis. Phone: 1-888-816-5902. memorialsocietybc.org

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | 5

Keto, DASH and Mediterranean Diets By your friendly neighbourhood Heart Pharmacist

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hat is a Pharmacist doing giving advice about diets? Pharmacists do have a basic education about diet and nutrition, but not as much as a nutritionist. If you have in-depth questions about nutrition, you should speak to a dietician.

In BC, you can talk to a registered dietician by dialing 8-1-1. Pharmacists do have an interest in diets, especially when it may affect your medication.

There are a few diet systems that have been promoted over the years.

Their overall focus is to help people lose weight. This is what sells books. There are some great diets that help to reduce the risk of heart disease, but often they are overlooked.

A couple of diets that are helpful for overall health improvement are the DASH diet and Mediterranean diet. These diets focus on meals high in fruits and veggies, low in salt, low in saturated fats and moderate amounts of grains, fish and poultry. One of my favourite authors is Dr. Dean Ornish.

His diet recommendations are reasonable and beneficial for reducing the risk of heart disease. You can find his books at the public library or in used book stores.

THE KETOGENIC DIET

The ketogenic diet, keto diet for short, uses a bodily metabolic trick to help your body burn fat. A keto diet is a very low carbohydrate diet, which emphasizes an intake of higher fat foods. Your body runs on two fuel sources, glucose and ketones. In a balanced diet, your body digests complex carbohydrates into simple sugars as a fuel source. When your diet is restrictive with carbohydrates, your body must produce ketones for fuel. Your liver creates ketones from stored body fat. This is a very simplified description of the diet, but I hope you get the idea.

Does a keto diet work for weight loss? It does, but the results are not miraculous. The diet is also quite restrictive and can be hard to maintain. Regrettably, as with most short term dietary changes, once you return to your previous dietary habits, your body may return to it’s previous weight. So why would a pharmacist be concerned about your diet and desire for weight loss?

There are a few reasons.

Warfarin is the first. Pharmacists often lose sleep when thinking about blood thinners and

dietary interactions. The dose of warfarin is a tight balancing act between your diet, vitamin K and other factors. If you were to suddenly switch to a keto diet, this will most certainly impact your warfarin dosage. Many of the permitted foods in a keto diet are high in vitamin K. Foods such as avocados, kale, broccoli and spinach make the list. Not to mention that when you eat foods higher in fat, your body absorbs more Vitamin K. More Vitamin K from your diet means that your body’s ability to form blood clots increases and your dose of warfarin will have to change to accommodate this. If you were to go off your keto diet suddenly, then this switches in the other direction. Short answer, if you plan any extensive changes to your diet, speak to a physician or pharmacist first.

Keto diets tend to be lower in dietary fibre and lower in certain vitamins and minerals, while higher in protein. People with kidney disease might run into health issues trying to process this extra protein in their diet.

Keto diets tend to be lower in fibre and magnesium, which can lead to constipation.

This could be troublesome with people who suffer with irregularity or hemorrhoids.

If a person has Type 1 or 2 diabetes, they should definitely speak to a dietician before embarking on a carbohydrate restricted diet.

RISKS AND BENEFITS

While there are some benefits to a keto diet, there are also some risks for certain people. I’m a fan of moderation for all things.

There are some good points to take from a keto diets. Diets that are limiting in simple sugars, while incorporating healthy fats, can be beneficial to your health.

Before you consider any radical changes to you lifestyle, talk to a physician, dietician or pharmacist. They may be able provide you with balanced ideas for a healthy diet and weight loss. heartpharmacy.com

Celebrating Seniors!

EARLY RISER DISCOUNT

20% OFF Monday-Wednesday

for all seniors before 11am

Some restrictions apply. Offer not applicable on prescription drugs or sale items.

Expires April 8th, 2020. If you have any questions email ask@heartpharmacy.com

www.HeartPharmacy.com HEART COMPOUNDING PHARMACY AT CADBORO BAY, 3825 Cadboro Bay Rd. Ph: 250-477-2131 HEART PHARMACY AT FAIRFIELD PLAZA, Fairfield Plaza, 1594 Fairfield Rd. Ph: 250-598-9232 HEART PHARMACY AT SHELBOURNE PLAZA, 3643 Shelbourne St. Ph: 250-477-1881 UVIC CAMPUS PHARMACY, UVIC SUB, 3800 Finnerty Rd. Ph: 250-721-3400 ST. ANTHONY’S CLINIC PHARMACY, 582 Goldstream Ave. Ph: 250-478-8338

6 | TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

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5 Must Haves for the Perfect Walk-In Tub

OPEN THE DOOR TO IMPROVED HEALTH, SAFETY, COMFORT AND MOBILITY.

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afe Step understands the risks that come with a regular bathtub, which is why they created walk-in tubs with the safety of seniors in mind. Walk-in tubs can provide seniors and their families with peace of mind knowing they can bathe and shower in a safe environment while giving seniors independence. Here are five must-haves for the perfect walk-in tub.

THE ABILITY TO SWITCH BETWEEN SHOWER AND TUB

The best of both worlds - enjoy the convenience of showering and bathing in this walk-in tub. The Hybrid tub is ideal for those who enjoy both a standing and sitting shower.

This tub provides you with a luxurious spalike experience and offers a variety of safety, convenience and therapeutic features.

SAFETY FEATURES

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Entering and exiting the bath is always a concern for the elderly, especially for those with arthritis or joint pain. Safe Step tubs features one of the lowest step-ins in the industry. Another safety feature includes the built-in safety grab bars. Each tub has two built-in grab bars to prevent any dangerous falls. Lastly, Sage Step tubs include an antislip tub floor and seat, allowing you to sit back and relax knowing the safety features will prevent slipping on wet surfaces.

THERAPEUTIC FEATURES

All of the Safe Step Tubs have a number of therapeutic features, two of which include Chromotherapy and the Dual Hydrotherapy Massage System.

What’s the difference? Chromotherapy is a standard feature in every tub they offer, and

can benefit your mental well-being by reducing anxiety and stress while helping you relax. With seven colours of light to choose from, sit back and relax your body and mind. A powerhouse of therapeutic benefits, the Dual Hydrotherapy Massage System combines whirlpools and air massage jets to soothe aching muscles and joints. This system can provide relief for a number of conditions, a few include anxiety, arthritis, bronchitis, colds, lower back pain, poor circulation and much more.

LIFETIME WARRANTY

Purchasing a Safe Step Tub is an investment in your home and health. Purchase a tub with peace of mind knowing your investment will be protected, as long as you live in your home.

HIGHEST MANUFACTURING STANDARDS

Safe Step Tubs is proud to say that they are North American made (parts and labour included). This allows them to offer high quality while maintaining an affordable price for tubs and showers. Products are engineered to the highest standards. They build each tub with a long-lasting, durable aluminum frame that keeps you safe for years to come, as well as a sanitary gel-coat that prevents the formation of bacteria.

Safe Step Tubs is a Canadian owned and operated business. A walk-in tub can provide families and their loved ones with ease of mind knowing they are safe while bathing. Safe Step’s unique and industry-leading features will improve the overall bathing experience. For a free consultation or more information, visit: safesteptubs.ca

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | 7

Luv-A-Rug MORE THAN JUST THE MOST-LOVED RUG-WASHING COMPANY

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uv-A-Rug Services Inc. has become one of the best-known and most-loved authentic area rug washing companies on Vancouver Island. They can appraise, restore and repair rugs to look like new again.

They’ve also built special equipment for their industry to clean rugs without compromise.

Luv-A-Rug washes rugs one at a time, from the front, back and all the way through, using only fresh water and gentle cleaning solutions that are safe for rugs. Their process is so amazingly efficient that they can confidently promise, “You’ll fall in love with your rug all over again.” And if their five-Star Google reviews are anything to go by, Luv-A-Rug lives up to their promise.

But washing and restoring rugs isn’t all they do. They’re continually finding new and creative ways to help their community.

For example, Luv-A-Rug has launched a campaign to help keep area rugs out of the landfill. Instead of seeing them dumped into the landfill, they’ll take those rugs, as long as

they’re in restorable condition.

Luv-A-Rug will clean and repair them for free, and then donate the rugs to schools to use in their classrooms or to charities so they can sell them to raise funds.”

When School District 61 teachers disputed their Division’s decision not to have custodians clean classroom area rugs anymore, Luv-A-Rug immediately stepped in and cleaned those area rugs -- all for free – a $90,000 value!

With charitable acts like these, it’s no wonder Luv-A-Rug is Vancouver Island’s most-LOVED area rugwashing company.

To have your rugs restored to look so beautiful that “You’ll fall in love with them all over again,” bring them to Luv-A-Rug at 445 Beta Street from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, or on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. luvarug.com Luv-A-Rug cleaned School District 61’s area rugs for free – a $ 90,000 value!

Victoria Computer Club TIP OF THE MONTH: KEEPING UP TO DATE

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MEMORY PLUS PROGRAMS

(PRACTICE, LAUGHTER, USEFUL STRATEGIES)

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emory PLUS is a Silver Threads Service program for those 55+ who would like to improve their memory in an active and social group setting. The PLUS stands for Practice, Laughter, Useful Strategies.

Memory PLUS is a weekly two-hour program where participants learn in a group setting led by a qualified facilitator.

In a comfortable learning environment, participants connect with peers, explore techniques, play cognitive games and do other challenges to increase cognitive function.

We hope to be able to offer 10 week sessions in various locations in Greater Victoria later in the spring.

For availability, call: 250-382-3151

t’s the end of the third month of the year. Have you been keeping your devices up-to-date with the Microsoft updates on a regular basis? Are all your Android/Apple devices updated and backed up? Do you know how to check to see if your devices need updates?

It doesn’t matter if you have a laptop, desktop PC, tablet or phone - learning how to update your devices on a regular basis is good practice, both for the device and for your safety. The second most important thing to do is to know how to back up your precious files and pictures, either using an external hard drive, thumb drives, cloud services, etc.

The Victoria Computer Club meets at the Saanich Centre of S i l ve r T h re a d s S e r v i c e Silver Threads Service located at We are a charitable, not for 286 Hampton Rd. They hope once profit society that enhances social the COVID-19 Pandemic is over, to connections and well-being for welcome you to visit. Until then, seniors. We provide programs and services for those visit the website: at: 55 years of age or better with two centres and outreach programs to serve you. victoriacomputerclub.org Saanich Centre Victoria Centre for more information.

286 Hampton Rd. 250 382-3151

2340 Richmond Rd. 250 388-4268

Visit www.silverthreads.cafor more information

stay active * stay healthy * stay connected

8 | TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

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Living with Loss in Isolating Times Counselling support is available to you from Hospice’s team of trained professionals HERE A FEW POINTS TO REMEMBER IN UNCERTAIN TIMES:

Visit Live Well Pharmacist for all your Health and Wellness Needs We Offer: • FREE local prescription delivery • Medication experts to discuss your specific health care needs • Blister packaging to help organize your medications • Customized medications (Compounding Services) • Easy prescription transfers • Large selection of Home Health Care products • Postal outlet

JOIN US FOR SENIOR’S DAY Every Wednesday 20%* 55 years plus

*

JAMES BAY

#113 - 230 Menzies Street 250.383.7196

INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN GRIEVING STYLES

Although grief has some

GRIEF IS A NATURAL PROCESS

The grief you feel when someone important to you dies is a natural expression of the important and meaningful connections you share.

Grief is a normal response to loss and part of all of lives.

TIME FOR GRIEF

Despite what you may hear about ‘getting over it’ or ‘the first year’, there are no predictable timelines for grief; it takes as long as it takes. Although the intensity of grief usually diminishes over

time, there will always be times when your grief surges and you feel it more strongly. As we all are coming to terms with COVID-19, feeling uncertain about our own and each other’s well-being and safety, this may be a time when your grief is more present.

In these times of change and forced distance, know that you are not alone. Call Victoria Hospice’s Bereavement Services at: 250-519-3040 for counselling services and resources or visit VictoriaHospice.org. You do not need a prior connection to Hospice to receive counselling and support.

You may also want to check out the great resources and information provided by one of our close partners, Canadian Virtual Hospice: MyGrief.ca and KidsGrief.ca.

Custom toe splints can eliminate pain

Stop bunion growth and joint pain.

By Dr. Kent Butler, Podiatrist aving 10 toes with a total of 28 bones and 18 joints can produce a lot of possible problems. Most toe problems develop slowly as the toes change shape over time. The abnormal toe shape often leads to painful callouses and joint pains.

Removing the callouses can provide immediate pain relief, but these callouses can quickly regrow. Often the crooked toes can be manipulated back into a more corrected position and Dr. Butler makes custom toe splints to accomplish this. These splints can alleviate painful lesions and

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• Bunions • Callouses • Ingrown Nails • Heel pain • Sore feet • Arthritis • Orthotics

Dr. Kent Butler D Foot Specialist F I handcraft each orthotic just for you!

Royal Oak Shopping Centre #207-4480 West Saanich Rd

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n many of our materials at Victoria Hospice, we display an image of a labyrinth as a metaphor for grief. There are no dead-ends or wrong-turns, and even though you may feel isolated, there is a path to travel.

In these uncertain times concerning COVID-19, please know that Victoria Hospice is here to support you. ‘Social and physical distancing’ and staying at home can be isolating, but our team of trained professionals is still available to provide support. Our counsellors are providing counselling sessions by phone and through videoconferencing.

common features, how you grieve is unique to you. It is a reflection of your personality, your previous losses and the relationship that you had with the person who died.

Each person in your family will grieve in their own way and at their own pace.

250.704.1178

also reduce the progression of toes curling. Patients find it very rewarding when a simple splint can eliminate a painful problem.

Dr. Kent Butler D.P.M graduated with honours from the California College of Podiatric Medicine.

He then completed a one year surgical residency followed by a one year biomechanics fellowship at the Pacific Coast Hospital in San Francisco. Specializing in biomechanics helps him accurately assess a patients foot and leg function during the gait examination.

As a student, he worked four years making prescription orthotics for podiatrists. Here he learned

various fabrication techniques and modification skills to facilitate orthotic function. Dr. Butler is the only podiatrist who personally handcrafts every step of each custom orthotic for his patients.

Foot pain is not something you have to live with. Most foot problems can be treated successfully. Happy feet allow you to enjoy an active and healthier life.

“I love my job and would be glad to help you with your foot health. My mission is to treat every patient with respect and honesty.”

207 - 4480 West Saanich Rd., Victoria, 250-704-1178. ihealthgroup.ca