TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com
ADVERTISING FEATURE
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2022
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Gone But Not Forgotten Seasonal Allergies
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pring is upon us and it’s a • Protect your mouth while wonderful time of year… outside: Many people have unless you have seasonal noticed reduced allergy allergies. Itchy, watery eyes, symptoms during the pandemic runny nose and fatigue - in due to wearing masks while addition to reduced sleep quality outdoors. Surgical masks & and productivity - can make you N95 masks seem to be hesitant to get outside. The key more effective. to managing seasonal allergies is • Don’t bring the outside...inside: to take action before you When coming home after time show symptoms. outdoors, change your clothing as it’s likely carrying pollen. If HERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS you have long hair, wearing it YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT pulled back or wearing a hat SYMPTOMS AND REDUCE while outside can reduce the THEIR SEVERITY: amount of allergens that get • Keep windows and doors shut stuck in your hair. And if it’s in especially in the mornings and your hair, it’s on your pillow! evenings (when pollen counts Changing your pillowcase more are highest) and on windy days. often will reduce the amount • Protect your nose while outside: of pollen your face makes very Applying a thin petroleum jelly close contact with each night. at the entrance of your nostrils Many people find that their will trap pollen & prevent it from seasonal allergies are simply not entering your respiratory tract. manageable without medication. Thoroughly wash your hands Always speak with your before touching your nose, pharmacist or trusted healthcare and don’t use too much as it provider about which medications shouldn’t be inhaled. • Protect your eyes while outside: are right for you. Visit any of our Heart Pharmacy locations to Sunglasses protect your eyes speak with our pharmacy staff from UV rays and pollen and we’ll be happy to help! particles; sunglasses with side Take care, The Heart shields are even better. Pharmacy Team
Written by Laura Van Sprang, Manager of Sands Funeral Chapel of Victoria ne of the most rewarding things about being a funeral director is the privilege of meeting so many amazing people. When a family chooses our funeral home to assist them, they are usually pleasantly surprised with the connection that is made with their funeral director and team of funeral professionals. The directors know it’s going to happen, because it usually does and we look forward to it. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret… it is not only the families we serve that impact our lives; it is also those who have passed away. I have been personally inspired by so many people who are no longer with us. I did not know them, they did not know me and they will never know they made a difference in my life, but they did and they do. I can recount numerous occasions, sitting around the arrangement table with a grieving family, listening intently to the incredible stories of a recently deceased family member. Hearing of their triumphs and tribulations, academic and
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professional successes, what they did for their family, their community, if they wrote, painted, invented, played a musical instrument, and the list goes on. I love the way people speak with such pride about their loved ones, it is truly a part of the healing, and we appreciate that they share this with us. I’ll share a memory I have of a woman who was entrusted into our care after her passing. She was a very tiny lady who was almost 100 years old, and I envisioned her life as being calm and peaceful: just as she looked. Then, her adult children arrived to make the arrangements. Well, as it turned out, this tiny lady was only small in stature, but big in heart, integrity and determination. Widowed at an early age and left with 3 very young children to raise on her own, this single mom who did not speak English, decided to move them all to Canada for a better life. Upon arrival she learned the language, worked hard, and persevered for her family. I was now sitting across from her children: a doctor, an engineer and a teacher, all who attributed their success to the tiny lady in our care. I was overcome with emotion and completely inspired by their story,
their pride and especially, their mom. Even something as simple as a zip up robe can have an impact. When a daughter brought in a robe to have her mother dressed in for their final goodbye, she said, “It’s not fancy, but it was her favourite”. I thought, A zip up robe? I love it! The ties on my own robe were always coming undone and getting in the way. Not only do I now own a zip up robe, but I bought one for my mom as well, and she loves it too! I was totally inspired by someone who is no longer here. I shared the news of my purchase with that family, and the grandson, who had bought the robe for his grandmother, thought that was pretty special. So, if you ever wonder if you will make a difference in this world once you’re gone, I promise that you will. Our legacies truly do live on through those left living; who tell our stories and proudly go on about who we were and what we did. And you never know what impact you may have or inspiration you may be to someone you never had the chance to meet. One day we will all be gone, but not forgotten.
Worried about the safety of living at home alone, but not ready for long-term care or full home-care? Sometimes a little help means a lot.
Heart Pharmacy’s Heart at Home program helps with: • Daily in-home medication support, ensuring that your loved one is taking their medications daily • Assistance with more challenging medications like patches, inhalers, eye and ear drops, and insulin • Regular reporting to your doctor and loved ones of any issues with medications or general health • Companionship and structure, with the same faces every day at consistent times To discuss how it works and whether it’s right for you or a loved one, contact us anytime by: Phone: 778-817-0417 or Email: heartathome@heartpharmacy.com
www.HeartPharmacy.com/heart
Need extra income? Many adults supplement their income by delivering the
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TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2022
ADVERTISING FEATURE
timescolonist.com | TIMES COLONIST
SILVER THREADS SERVICE
Want to live longer? Try lawn bowling!
Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness practices
By Erica Loenen s we enter our third year of living with COVID-19, the impacts of the pandemic on our mental and emotional well-being are becoming increasingly important to address. Adopting self-care practices into our lives can be a wonderful way to tend to our mental wellness and to increase our sense of calm, gratitude, and community. Mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, and guided breathing have been shown to increase positive emotions, decrease feelings of stress and anxiety, and improve our quality of life. Additionally, yoga can offer improvements in our physical strength, immunity, cardiovascular health, and inflammation. To incorporate practices like yoga, meditation, and mindful breathing into your routine, all you need is a comfortable place where you can sit and relax. If these techniques are new to you, the attentive guidance of a qualified instructor can be hugely beneficial to learning these new strategies in a safe and effective way. Silver Threads Service offers several programs led by qualified facilitators, including Mindfulness & Meditation, and Chair Yoga (exploring both seated and standing postures,
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cognitive and mental health as well. Participants who try bowls make new friends, become part of a community and increase brain activity by developing strategy and tactics. So, do you want to live longer and increase your physical, cognitive and mental health? Come out to one of the Victoria open houses and try bowls — it’s brilliant! victorialbc.com/links
BOWLS BC
Bowls South Island - Lawn Bowling
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULES Burnside Lawn Bowling Club
Cowichan Lawn Bowling Club
Oak Bay Lawn Bowling & Croquet Club
100th Anniversary Celebration: June 18, 2022 noon - 3pm 274 Hampton Rd 250-727-0954 email: burnsidebowlslbc@gmail.com Open House: May 7, 1-4
1st St. at Centennial Park, Duncan 250-748-6542 email: cowichanclub3y1@gmail.com Open House: May 1, 12-3
2190 Harlow Dr. (Carnarvon Park) Website: bowlsoakbay.ca email: bowlsoakbay@gmail.com Open House: April 9, 16, 23 & 30 10-12 each day
Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling & Croquet Club
Gordon Head Lawn Bowling Club
Sidney Lawn Bowling Club
720 Belleview St 250-385-3577 email: cplbcc.info@gmail.com Open House: Bowling & Croquet April 23, 11-3
4105 Lambrick Way (250) 479-0088 email: info@ghlbc.ca Open House: April 10, 10-2 Yard Sale & Open House: April 23, 10-2
9580 Fifth St. 250-516-2229 email: sidneylawnbowlingclub.com Open House & Garage Sale April 23, 9:30-1:30 Open House: April 24, 2-6
Central Saanich Lawn Bowling Club
Juan De Fuca Lawn Bowling Club
Victoria Lawn Bowling Club
1800 Hovey Rd, 250 652 4774 Website: sites.google.com/site/csaanichlawnbowls email: csaanichlawnbowls@hotmail.com Open House: May 1, 12:30-3
1767 Island Highway (beside Q Centre Arena) 250-478-8384 ext 2264 Open House: April 16, 17, 18, 19, 23 & 24, 1-3
Beacon Hill Park Cook St. 250-383-5851 email: vlbclub@gmail.com Open House: Bowling & Croquet April 23 & 24, 10-4
Lake Hill Lawn Bowling Club
Victoria West Lawn Bowling Club
3930 LaSalle St 250-590-8125 email: lakehillbowling.ca Open House: April 23, 1-3:30
95 Bay St. 250-382-0751 email: members@vicwestbowls.ca Open House: April 3, 10-3
Join us at any of the Open Houses above to discover the joy of Bowls on Lower Vancouver Island! www.victorialbc.com/links
ANSWERS yoga 6. strength health 7. calm breath 8. relax mindful 9. routine meditation
Lawn bowling, more commonly referred to as “bowls”, is a lowimpact sport that can help keep adults active well into their golden years. The sport is easy to learn, and the only equipment new participants need is flat-soled shoes. With adaptive equipment available, anybody can play bowls, regardless of their ability. From competitive leagues to relaxed, social games, bowls offers something for everyone. Not only does bowls improve your physical health, but it improves your
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ccording to ParticipACTION, “the best way to remain healthy, strong and independent is to get active”. The research is clear that physically active adults have better health and live longer. Yet based on a recent study, the number of adults in Canada meeting national physical activity guidelines continues to drop. How can you get active and remain healthy, strong, and independent? Try lawn bowls.
with many modifications offered). Silver Threads Service has been serving seniors in Victoria for 65 years, and prides itself on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for those looking to try out new experiences and classes. We offer two locations: our centre in Saanich at 286 Hampton Road, and our centre in Victoria at 1911 Quadra Street. Memberships are valid at both locations. For more information, call the Victoria Centre at 250-388-4268. Our mindfulness classes are open to individuals 55 years and older, of all levels and backgrounds, and we look forward to welcoming you into our centres. MEMORY PLUS CHALLENGE ZOOM WORD SCRAMBLE Memory PLUS is a Silver Threads Service program for those 55+ who would like to enhance their memory skills in an active and social group setting. The PLUS stands for Practice, Laughter, Useful Strategies. Call 250 388-4268 or visit silverthreads.ca for more information. We encourage you to exercise your brain by solving an all about Mindfulness word scramble. 1. ogay ____ 2. ltehah ______ 3. ahterb ______ 4. dimflun _______ 5. itndoitame _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 6. gentrhst ________ 7. lacm ____ 8. xlera _____ 9. notueir _______ REGISTRATION IS NOW ON FOR THE NEXT SESSION! Wednesdays, March 23rd to May 11th or June 1st to July 20th. Morning classes are at the Victoria Centre, located at 1911 Quadra Street from 9:30am to 11:30am. Or there are afternoon classes at the Saanich Centre, located at 286 Hampton Road from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The cost is 8 sessions - $72 Members or $104 Non-members. Call 250 388-4268 for more information.
Family activities to get kids off the couch
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hanks to increasingly busy weekday schedules that have families running in different directions for work, school and extracurricular activities, weekends are an ideal time to recharge. Too often, however, family members retire to their respective rooms, devices in hand. Chances are phones are being used while lounging on the couch or bed, something that has negative health consequences for many children and adults. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain, loss of muscle strength, weak bones, diminished immune system response, and poor blood circulation, according to the health information site Medline. These fun activities can get kids and parents off the couch on weekends. • ENGAGE IN SPORTS TRAINING: Whether the children participate in organized sports or not, set up an obstacle course or fitness circuit in the backyard. Everyone takes turns going through the course. The family can spend time together as everyone gets beneficial exercise.
• TAKE A FAMILY BIKE RIDE: Inflate those tires and tighten your helmet chin straps. A family bike ride is an ideal activity for the family because it is something that can be enjoyed by all age groups. Choose the pace and the terrain based on the age of the youngest and/or oldest rider (flat, easy-to-navigate paths for the very young or the elderly), and enjoy exercise in the great outdoors. • DO A WALKING TOUR: Educational attractions like museums, zoos, aquariums and arboretums are great to visit on weekends. The family will see new sights and learn important information about exhibits, all the while walking a few miles. • CHECK OUT A DRIVING RANGE: Practice golf swings at a driving range or a virtual driving range. Everyone can compete to see whose drive is the longest. The possibilities for physically active family engagement are endless and beneficial for the body in myriad ways. – MC
Silver Threads Service
Celebrating 65 years of community service to seniors! Offering great programs & two locations to serve you. Saanich Centre 286 Hampton Rd. 250 382-3151
Victoria Centre 1911 Quadra St. 250 388-4268
Visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information
stay active * stay healthy * stay connected
TIMES COLONIST | timescolonist.com
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2022
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Infertility Awareness - Fertility Boosting Tips
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pring is the time of birth. Looking around we see the rebirth of nature in the buds and flowers blooming, and we see animals with their young at this time. But for 1 in 5 women, fertility is not an easy journey and can be tumultuous and heart breaking as they try to start a family. April 24-30 is Infertility awareness week, where women are called to share their stories with infertility to end the isolation of this struggle. I wanted to take this time to talk about the leading causes of infertility, why we have seen a dramatic rise in infertility rates over the last 40 years, and dive into some ways to boost and support fertility naturally. WHAT CAUSES INFERTILITY IN WOMEN? Infertility rates have almost doubled since 1980, with an estimated 15% of couples having trouble conceiving. Why have infertility rates risen? Besides structural issues with the reproductive system, some of the main factors in women’s infertility include hormonal imbalances, being over or underweight, stress, and age. Many women are waiting until later in life to start a family, which can mean they may be less fertile than when they were younger. However, factors such as poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, and exposures to hormone altering toxins through foods, products and environmentally play a huge role in this reduction. We also have been living through a wave of unrealistic beauty standards which has led many women down the path of restrictive eating and over exercising which impacts health and ability to conceive. Another big factor in rising infertility rates may be the boom in hormonal birth control use, which can significantly impact the natural hormonal cycles of many women. The good news is many fertility issues can be helped by supporting good health and hormonal balance.
HOW TO SUPPORT FERTILITY NATURALLY 1. CLEAN UP YOUR LIFESTYLE Toxin overload is a major factor for many hormone imbalances. Eating clean– meaning whole, organic foods; sourcing non-toxic cosmetic, personal care, and household products, and limiting the consumption of alcohol will allow the body to reset and come back into balance. 2. EAT PLENTY OF GOOD FATS Good quality fats are essential for fertility, and can help reduce inflammation, which can be a factor in fertility problems. Good sources of fats are avocados, nuts/seeds, grass fed dairy, fish, and pasture raised meats. 3. GET PLENTY OF ZZZ’S Irregular sleep cycles and not getting enough sleep can significantly impact hormones. Try to maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time, and limit blue light from screens for at least one hour before bedtime. Also aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. I know you think you can run on 5 hours, but your body knows otherwise. 4. MOVE YOUR BODY MODERATELY Movement is essential for a healthy body, but some studies have shown that women who over exercise may impact their fertility. It’s important to not go until the point of exhaustion, but to still get the heartrate up and the muscles mobile and moving for about 30-60 mins every day. 5. TAKE CARE OF YOUR STRESS Stress is a major factor in the body’s ovulatory cycle. Things like over exercising or not eating regularly can cause physical stress that leads the body to believe it’s not a safe time to conceive. Emotional stress also takes its toll, and taking steps to manage and reduce stress
can help improve fertility. Talking with a trusted friend or professional, hitting up a yoga or meditation class, or spending time in nature are all great ways to manage stress. 6. TRACK YOUR CYCLE Tracking your cycle, either in a journal or a fertility awareness app can help you better understand your body’s natural rhythms and may help you pinpoint any areas in your life that need some adjustments to support a healthy cycle. Take note of how long your period lasts, when you ovulate, and how you feel during the different phases. This can also help you plan your lovemaking around your fertile window.
9. TRY SOME FERTILITY SUPPORTING HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS Herbs have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to help support fertility. **Always consult a healthcare provider before including any herbal remedies in your diet as they are powerful and can potentially interact with other medication or health conditions.
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Red Raspberry Leaf - Drinking raspberry leaf tea is thought to help support fertility.
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Rhodiola - helps to balance stress hormones and support fertility.
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CoQ10 - a potent antioxidant for healthy fertility and egg quality.
These may sound like basic tips, but the foundation of a healthy body is the most important factor in fertility. It can take some time to rebalance, restore, and nourish the body. Building a healthy, happy family starts with the health of the parents, both mother and father but especially the mother as the growing little one will be feeding off of her nutrient supply. Infertility can be devastating to many when they may feel as though their body is fighting against them, but the body is actually protecting its survival by not conceiving when it is not resourced to handle the pregnancy. Reframing this can also go a long way in motivating from a place of love to create the safe, healthy circumstances for the body to create new life.
8. STAY WELL HYDRATED Proper hydration levels encourage healthy lubrication and soften the cervix, which can help the sperm better reach the egg.
Ashwagandha - Thought to aid the endocrine system, balance stress and reproductive hormones.
Chaste Tree - Thought to balance hormones and support healthy ovulation.
10. SUPPLEMENT ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS On top of a healthy nutrient rich diet, fertility can also be supported with a good multivitamin, Vitamin D and omega 3s to ensure essential nutrient levels are maintained.
7. EAT REGULAR MEALS Making sure to keep blood sugar levels stable will help reduce cortisol (a stress hormone) and also ensure you’re getting enough calories and nutrients to support healthy ovulation.
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DR. MARITA SCHAUCH, BSC. ND, IS A NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN WITH A PRACTICE AT TALL TREE INTEGRATED HEALTH CENTRE, 5325 CORDOVA BAY RD., MATTICK’S FARM PH: 250-658-9222 DOCTORMARITA.COM
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Tree Island
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Amoda is a local womanowned brand elevating daily routines with organic Japanese matcha, adaptogen lattes and herbal teas that support your energy, stress and mood.
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Various Sizes • Product of Japan
$248
Lifestyle Markets Douglas Street Location
B.C. GROWN ORGANIC
Ambrosia Apples
VICTORIA'S LARGEST 100% ORGANIC PRODUCE DEPARTMENT
3 lb • 1.36 kg Bag
$588
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Offers Valid Until Stores Close April 17, 2022
Victoria In the Douglas Shopping Centre
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
2950 Douglas Street ◆ 250.384.3388
Cook St. Village Beside Moka House
343 Cook Street ◆ 250.381.5450
Sidney Fifth at Bevan
9769 Fifth Street ◆ 250.656.2326 SHOP ONLINE ANY TIME
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Call 250 384-3388 Mon - Fri 9 am to 12 noon With $50 minimum order and within radius.
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