Healthy Living

HEALTHY

LIVING SPECIAL FEATURE

Salute to National Nursing Celebrating the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale

Powerhouse Frontline Workers Make up Cool Aid’s Outreach Team A Salute to Nurses and Midwives Worldwide

Benefits of Purified Distilled Water To the Hands and Hearts that Care

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

MAY 2020

2 | HEALTHY LIVING | Times Colonist

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Nurses & Senior Living Communities celebrating tHe 200 year anniversary of tHe birtH of florence nigHtingale - May 12, 2020.

inset: Portrait of Florence nightingale (12 May 1820 – 13 august 1910), the founder of modern nursing.

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The aquara by element (aquarabyelement.com) development is a harbourside community in songhees in Vic West that offers independent living, supportive living and licenced care.

lorence Nightingale was a manager and trainer of nurses during the Crimean war; she was later credited with professionalising the roles of nurses and bringing credibility to the role of modern nursing care. We owe Florence Nightingale a debt of gratitude for the contribution that nurses provide in our health care today, and especially care in senior living.

The role of nurses and care in a senior living community is integral to it’s success. A typical senior living community that includes a “care” component in addition to independent and supportive living is lead by a Director of Care.

A senior living community allows those 65 years or older to live

independently, add supportive living for help with small things and access care if and when needed within the community.

The Director of Care participates in the overall management of the community as well as leading a team of dedicated nurses and care aides for the residents in care. Nurses are responsible for the treatment plans and administration, in addition to health monitoring and day to day care. Nurses work closely with the community management, staff, residents and families. Their position requires a vast description of education, training, and skills.

For example, during this pandemic, senior living communities rely heavily on the

Director of Care to set cleaning and protective equipment protocols, monitor staff health, or set restrictions on visitors to ensure the continued health of everyone at the community. In short, the care component in senior living wouldn’t be possible without nurses, and for that we are very thankful.

Aquara is unique in Victoria for their choice of either 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. Phone: 250-940-5155.

Greater Victoria Public Library at your fingertips! get outsiDe anD reaD

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alking, gardening and yoga are great ways to enjoy our beautiful natural environment while taking care of our mind, body and spirit. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry recommends safely spending time outdoors, where the risk of spreading COVID-19 is “infinitesimally small” when maintaining social distancing. Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) recommends free digital library resources you can take with you anywhere.

NATIONAL NURSING WEEK MAY 11-17, 2020

listen wHile you walk

During National Nursing Week and Year of the Nurse, please join me in thanking and recognizing BC nurses for their unwavering commitment to safe patient care on the frontlines — in hospitals, care homes and in our communities.

This week, and every day, let’s support BC nurses. www.bcnu.org

Christine Sorensen President, BC Nurses’ Union

• While strolling by the ocean, listen to an audiobook and get lost in a charming story that will keep your attention while you exercise. Visit gvpl.ca or your library website to get started.

• GVPL recommends: ‘Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions’ by Mario Giordano - available instantly through RBDigital Audiobooks.

garDening MiX • Tens of thousands of songs are ready to be your soundtrack in the great outdoors.

Log in to ‘Naxos Music Library’ through gvpl.ca or your library website, then listen or sing along while weeding and planting.

PhoTo by blaZ eRZeTic on unsPlash

• GVPL recommends: ‘Off to Explore’ an upbeat playlist available to stream in Naxos Music Library.

MinD in Motion • If exercising on your balcony or patio is more suitable for you, GVPL recommends three options, all available with your library card number and password.

• ‘Rodney Yee’s Yoga for Beginners’ video available on streaming platform: Hoopla • ‘WellBeing Journal’ - available to read on digital magazine platform: RBDigital • ‘Mindfulness videos’ - available on: Lynda.com Get a library card online at: gvpl.ca or visit your local library website and start reading, listening, watching and learning instantly.

SPECIAL FEATURE

HEALTHY LIVING | March 10, 2020 | 3

BeneďŹ ts of PuriďŹ ed Distilled Water THE MEGAHOME WATER DISTILLER IS A CONVENIENT AND AFFORDABLE UNIT THAT CREATES CLEAN, HEALTHY WATER – UP TO FOUR GALLONS PER DAY.

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riangle Healing believes that if you are drinking anything less than puriďŹ ed distilled water, everything in your body is affected – you risk aging faster with more pain. If you imagine the health of a ďŹ sh swimming in a bowl of dirty water, it is that easy to understand. You want your muscles, vital organs and cells to be absorbing pure water as much as possible.

Using a distiller means you are helping the environment by keeping plastic bottles out of landďŹ lls.

To start a cycle after ďŹ lling your distiller with water, you simply push a button. When the cycle is ďŹ nished, thermostatic controls automatically switch the unit off. Each cycle is approximately four to ďŹ ve hours and will produce four litres of distilled water.

HOW DOES DISTILLING WORK? Water boils and creates steam

which is then collected into a jar where it cools. Impurities from the water are left inside the machine. Distilled water contains no solids, minerals or trace elements, and has no taste. Distillation removes the debris, bacteria and other contaminants.

Distilled water is one of the world’s best and purest waters.

It is excellent for detoxiďŹ cation and fasting programs, and helps to clean out cells, organs and uids of the body. It does this by carrying away harmful substances. The water in our homes, ofďŹ ces, schools, hospitals, etc., is likely to be overloaded with zinc from oldfashioned galvanized pipes, or with copper and cadmium from copper pipes.

One of the most important functions of water is to ush out toxins and salt from from the body. People who drink the right amount of liquids, including distilled water, fresh

fruits and vegetables and their juices, have better circulation.

This is one of the most important components to optimum health and a long life.

Water improves your mind and your brain power, and the right kind of water is one of your best natural protections against all kinds of viruses and diseases.

The Megahome Water Distiller distiller operates on a one-touch button. Raw water is boiled into steam, then cooled and condensed into pure water that is collected from the vapour.

The main advantage of distilled water is that it is 100 per cent boiled, sterilized, clean, safe and environmentally friendly.

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(EALTHY ,IVING If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Triangle Healing in Victoria at: 1-888-370-1818.

Visit: trianglehealing.com to explore their products.

MAY 12, 2020 PUBLISHED BY THE VICTORIA TIMES COLONIST 2621 DOUGLAS ST., VICTORIA, B.C., CANADA V8T 4M2 0(/.% s 4)-%3#/,/.)34 #/!$6%24)3).' MARGARET LONG, PHONE: 250-380-5246 MLONG@TIMESCOLONIST.COM %$)4/2 *%.53 &2)%3%. s *&2)%3%. 4)-%3#/,/.)34 #/-

Helping people attain optimum health.

Natural Action Water Unit

Forever Alkaline Water Stick PuriďŹ er

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any Germ ’s ete Athl oice Ch

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The Real Champion of Juicers Everything you could want in a juicer – can handle wheatgrass, pasta and baby foods... all without destructive heat.

Handheld Vacuum Pump included 15 Year Home 3 Year Commercial Warranty

250.370.1818 l 1.888.370.1818 l 770 Spruce Avenue, Victoria l www.trianglehealing.com We are open for phone and online orders, pickups and deliveries. No in-store shopping.

4 | HEALTHY LIVING | Times Colonist

Recognizing Outstanding Nurses

She is a marathon runner and supports her mother and 13 year-old son, who is my grandson.

I can think of no one more deserving of recognition than Sandra in this time of danger to so many. She puts her life on the line for us every day when she goes to work.

There is no one I would rather have care for me should I catch this nasty corona virus.

Sincerely, David Williams

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ileen Greene, RN, is an inspiration to all nurses, both locally and internationally.

Eileen is a former nursing instructor from Camosun College and is currently a sessional instructor with the University of Victoria School of Nursing.

Eileen created the Home of Good Hope in 2007 (a Registered Canadian Charity) along with a local mother whose daughter was dying from AIDS. The Home of Good Hope began as a soup kitchen for Namibia Africa’s poor and vulnerable children. The project started by feeding a nourishing meal to a handful of children, and has grown over the years to now feeding 800 children per day as well as providing health and education supports.

Eileen’s effort was recognized by receiving the 2015 Human Rights and Nursing Award from the International Care Ethics Observatory, a worldwide collaborative of researchers in ethics. The committee described Eileen as humble about her work and that her work is all about the children.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Two very special nurses Eileen Greene in Nambia, Africa.

Eileen works tirelessly to raise funds to support the ongoing needs of the Home of Good Hope. Her commitment and dedication is an example of how a local Victoria nurse has made a difference to the lives of hundreds and thousands of impoverished children living in Africa.

For more information, visit homeofgoodhope.ngo – M. Eastman

Thank you to our Nurses, our front line Heroes!

Thank you for choosing to serve and care for us, especially these days. We appreciate you every day!

Maureen Hobbs, RN Continuing Sessional Instructor, UVic School of Nursing.

Nursing Leadership Maureen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in her work with nursing students, colleagues and the community.

Maureen represents leadership both in nursing and community engagement.

For example, in 1973, working as the public health nurse for Belmont Senior Secondary School in Langford, Maureen established a daycare for young single mothers returning school.

As a spin-off, in 1995, Maureen developed a program that continues today, named the Moms and Mentors Society (momsandmentors.ca). The program matches new young mothers to experienced moms who then provide support and guidance. Over time, the program has stepped away from the school and public health nursing to become the grassroots community it currently is today.

Sandra Magollan

Helping people create beautiful gardens for 27 years!

1370 Wain Road, N. Saanich, BC 250-656-0384

W W W. R U S S E L L N U R S E R Y. C O M

“I want acknowledge Sandra Magollan, an Intensive Care nurse at the Royal Jubilee ICU. As you know, this is the unit that handles Covid 19 patients on Southern Vancouver Island.

Sandra is an outstanding and highly qualified professional who brings years of service to her profession. Victoria was lucky to get her a few years ago when she decided to move here from the Greater Toronto area. She is an all-rounder, too.

“I have the pleasure of knowing two very special nurses: Donna and Allison are both nurses working in psychiatry on 2 North at RJH (Royal Jubilee Hospital).

They care deeply about their patients and consistently advocate for them.

They are kind, compassionate, knowledgeable individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best possible care for their patients.

They inspire me to be a better person.

– Barb Jones

Melissa Derry

Emergency Nurse Our daughter, Melissa Derry, graduated from the UVic BSN program in 2003, and worked in Vancouver for a couple of years before setting off for Hawaii. She is an emergency nurse at Queen’s Medical Centre in Honolulu, Hawaii’s first and only Level 1 Trauma Centre, and has worked there for 15 years.

Melissa was one of the team leaders to set up the Covid-tents outside of the Emergency Department. She is the educator for all triage, and worked for 11 shifts in a row at the beginning of the Covid crisis.

Since then, she is literally working 12 hours shifts or self-isolated at home.

As you can imagine we are incredibly proud of her.

– Lori and Michael Derry

HEALTHY LIVING | May 12, 2020 | 5

SPECIAL FEATURE

keeping long-term care residents and families connected during the pandemic

Protecting the most vulnerable defines

who we are.

With current pandemic precautions seniors living in long-term care have been cut off from their families & therapy programs. Please help us buy tablet computers & smart TVs that can help keep them connected, & avoid social isolation during this challenging time.

Give today at: www.gvef.org/donate Or drop off gently used items at the Best Western Carlton Plaza Hotel 642 Johnson St., Victoria.

Recreation Therapist Jenna setting up a video call.

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ablet computers and smart phones can make a big difference for families with a loved one in long-term care right now. I know – my Dad is a resident at Oak Bay Lodge.

My Dad is 81 now, and lives with dementia. He doesn’t really understand that he’s living in a care facility so, when we’re not around, he’s always wondering where we are and wants to find us. When we visit he’s instantly filled with joy, and his relief is palpable.

Before the virus struck, my Mom would see him every evening. They’d walk the unit together, then sit and colour in my Dad’s colouring book before she’d get him ready for bed.

When the pandemic took hold, it was hard on all of us, and my Mom most of all.

We desperately wanted to know if he was okay, but didn’t feel comfortable calling the unit for updates – we know the nurses and therapists are stretched thin right now and, ultimately, even if the staff could have facilitated a call, we really wanted to see him and see that he’s okay.

The staff went out of their way to set up through-the-window visits for residents

but, for us, this wasn’t a great solution either.

At my Mom’s age, she’s been encouraged to stay at home throughout the pandemic.

We also feared that we’d find the experience more heartbreaking than anything else.

My Dad wouldn’t be able to understand why we were there just to see him, and couldn’t take him out like we used to…it would just be painful for everyone.

Fortunately, after a few weeks of stress, one of the therapists used a cell phone to send us a short video of my Dad. It was such a simple thing, but it filled us with a monumental amount of joy and relief to be able to see him looking happy, healthy, and well cared for.

I’ve since learned that Eldercare Foundation is now raising funds to provide more tablet computers and smart phones to local long-term care facilities so that while we’re forced to be apart, we can close the distance with more pictures, videos and video chats. I know for families like mine, it would make a world of difference! gvef.org – Written by a loving daughter in Victoria, BC.

www.gvef.org • 250-370- 5664 1454 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 2B7 Registered Charity #898816095RR0001

6 | HEALTHY LIVING | Times Colonist

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To the hands and hearts that provide care

THANK YOU This Na onal Nursing Week, Victoria Hospice thanks their incredible nursing team for the compassion and kindness they extend to pa ents and families each and every day.

www.VictoriaHospice.org

To the Hands & Hearts that Care

famous expression says: “Not all heroes wear capes.” This National Nursing Week, this statement is especially true. At Victoria Hospice, our heroes wear many things, including a compassionate, caring smile.

Our Board of Directors, volunteers and staff would like to thank our nursing team for the care, compassion and kindness they extend to patients, families and to each other every day.

National Nursing Week is a chance to acknowledge this amazing team and show our appreciation for them, especially over the last few months. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all areas of our lives, and especially the lives of those on the frontlines. With safety protocols in place such as physical distancing and face masks, our nursing team’s ability to connect with patients and families is greatly challenged.

“We care for the whole person and their family,” says Tracy McConnell, RN. “We love to really connect with family and friends and learn more about our patient with shared stories.”

“It’s been a very difficult time because we are not accustomed to putting restrictions on our visitors.”

Thanks, in part, to generous community donations, Victoria Hospice is still providing

quality end-of-life care for patients and families while following provincial health guidelines. Continued support from our community buoys the spirit of our care team during a stressful time, as do the many small acts of kindness such as banging on pots and pans every night.

“I heard you as I stood at our staff window feeling exhausted from a long day,” said one of our nurses. “I felt the love, the support. Thank you from the bottom of my tired but grateful heart.”

Countless gestures of kindness have helped to lift our nurses’ spirits. These include a donation of homemade scrub bags from a local community group, the creation of ‘smile buttons’ so the smiling faces of our frontline staff can be seen while wearing masks, and donations from staff and volunteers to provide coffee and treats for our frontline team.

Our nursing team rises to the challenge and continues to provide the best possible end-of-life care. We thank our Hospice nurses for their courage, strength and resiliency every day of the year.

So, when you stand on your deck and bang pots at night, know that we’re doing the same. It may seem small, but it’s a way to say thank you to our heroes this National Nursing Week. victoriahospice.org

HEALTHY LIVING | May 12, 2020 | 7

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cool aiD on tHe frontlines of coviD-19 Outreach team composed of powerhouse frontline workers

For only $25 you can feed a person for a week.

When you donate to Cool Aid, you are helping the most vulnerable people in our community: people with mental and physical health challenges, people suffering from addictions, and people on the road to recovery. Every donation you make to Cool Aid brings hope for the future.

cool aid’s community health centre nurses - back row: hannah Roy and Tamara barnett (on bench); back row on sidewalk: anne Drost, christiane gray-schleihauf, caroline Meegison; Front: Karen lundgren, Kellie guarasci and Roz Milne.

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s the COVID-19 pandemic continues its firm grasp on our community, organizations like Victoria Cool Aid Society continue to adapt. Just ask Anne Drost, Clinical Nurse Lead at Cool Aid’s Community Health Centre who, along with her team, is on the frontline caring for some of our region’s most vulnerable citizens.

“Most of the patients we see have extremely complex medical and psychological needs, and adapting to this new reality is particularly challenging for both patients and staff. But we have a dedicated and creative team and we’re delivering healthcare safely and effectively.”

Some of these modifications include installing virtual kiosks at Cool Aid’s shelters and housing sites for live meetings with doctors, providing healthcare by email and phone, and using personal protective equipment with a number of social distance protocols for patients who need to come in for physical appointments.

Cool Aid is also pivoting its strategy to accommodate the population of homeless encampments being dismantled at Topaz Park and along Pandora Avenue. With 360 individuals being relocated into new hotel rooms organized by BC Housing, Cool Aid is stepping up to serve as their main healthcare provider.

Three hotels will each be set up with their own clinics staffed primarily by Cool Aid nurses, which will operate six hours a day, seven days a week. This very team will also be

taking on other medical outreach at smaller sites, including Cool Aid’s newest shelter on Yates Street for women.

We are grateful to have a whole project outreach team composed of powerhouse frontline workers. This includes top-notch physicians, nurses, pharmacy services and even partnerships with peer and harm reduction workers. A total of eight nurses will offer on-site primary care, such as wound care, general medical care and making the connections needed to other specialized services.

From the moment a patient walks into the clinic, even during this time of distance and isolation, nurses are providing the human connection, care and comfort people need to help manage their illness, anxiety and fear.

Now more than ever, nurses and all healthcare workers deserve our support and respect as they put their own lives at risk to help others. It is their resilience, their courage and their conviction keeping all of us safe and healthy during this pandemic.

This National Nursing Week, please join Cool Aid in extending our heartfelt gratitude to nurses everywhere, and to all the other frontline heroes who are going above and beyond to support Greater Victoria’s most at-risk neighbours. Right now, donations are making a big difference in our ability to support Cool Aid’s vulnerable clients and frontline staff. If you would like to contribute to the effort and make a donation, please visit coolaid.org/donate.

A donation of just $25 will feed a person who is challenged with food insecurity for an entire week. Through Cool Aid’s grocery card program hundreds of people are shopping for their own groceries and cooking their own meals. In this time of great need, you are not only providing food for those who are hungry, but giving the gift of independence.

Please visit coolaid.org/donate to support vulnerable people.

“So far I’ve had the privilege of providing groceries cards to some of our palliative patients. These are so appreciated that several clients have burst into tears when they received them.”

— Katie Leahy RN BScN

To Make A Donation D ti Please visit

coolaid.org/donate

or by phone 250-383-1977 101-749 Pandora Avenue, Victoria BC V8W 1N9 250-383-1977 | coolaid.org

8 | HEALTHY LIVING | Times Colonist

SPECIAL FEATURE

Nursing observances through the year Nurses put in long hours as they work tirelessly to advocate for their patients.

While any time of year is an opportunity to thank the nurses in our lives, there are various events throughout the year that pay special homage to these hardworking professionals.

January

april

National Blood Donor Month arrives in January, and while it’s not a nursingspecific event, nurses may be on call to help manage patients, take health histories and assist with the collection of blood.

Donors can use their trips to donation centres as opportunities to thank nurses for all they do to help others.

April 16, 2020 marks National Healthcare Decisions Day. Nurses and other providers may be instrumental in empowering patients to talk about the importance of advanced care planning and being an advocate for one’s own health.

MarcH The week of March 8-14, 2020 is Patient Safety Awareness Week. This week can spark important discussions that can inspire action to improve the safety of the healthcare system for patients and the workforce.

March also is home to Certified Nurses Day, which takes place on the 19th. This is a day when nurses celebrate their nursing certification and organizations around the world join to honour the dedication and service of certified nurses.

May May is a big month for nursing observances. The entire month is Oncology Nursing Month, when the efforts of nurses who work in cancer care are celebrated.

May 6 marks National School Nurse Day, which highlights the hardworking nurses who work in our nation’s schools.

May 6-12, 2020 is National Nurses Week, annually celebrated on or near the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. This week is also when we celebrate International Nurses Day, which falls on May 12.

Help your community right now.

Call 250-381-5532 or rapidrelieffund.ca to donate.

May 10-16 is National Nursing Home Week, where nurses who work in nursing homes are honoured as the public learns more about nursing home care & planning.

June National Nursing Assistant Week begins on June 18 and continues until June 25.

This week provides an opportunity to showcase the incredible men and women who devote their lives to being nursing assistants. National Career Nursing Assistants’ Day also takes place on June 14.

august Teamwork is essential in healthcare facilities and health unit coordinators are vital and indispensable professionals who support doctors and nurses in various ways.

During Health Unit Coordinators Week, which runs from August 23-29, and on Health Unit Coordinators Day on August 23, these special workers get the attention they deserve.

october Emergency Nurses Day on October 9 recognizes emergency nurses for their dedication, service and commitment to their patients and communities.

noveMber Home Health Care Aide Week takes place the second full week of November each year and honours the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists and social workers who make differences in the lives of the patients and families they serve.

Promoting nursing and other healthcare observances helps the community learn about these invaluable medical personnel and show appreciation for all that they contribute.

– MC

HEALTHY LIVING | May 12, 2020 | 9

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The perfect year-round getaway

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Skyview Industries has been serving Victoria and BC Gulf Islands for over 31 years.

or homeowners wanting to fully enjoy the indoor/outdoor possibilities, Skyview has some great ideas. From awnings and canopies to skylights and sunrooms to self-cleaning hot tubs and swimspas, the possibilities are impressive.

With hot tubs, energy-efficiency, longevity and ease of maintenance are key.

The Canadian-made Hydropool self-cleaning hot tub is quiet, and is literally the world’s easiest hot tub to maintain. The advanced self-cleaning system simultaneously removes surface debris and cleans the bottom of the tub with a built-in floor vacuum, fully cleaning the water every 15 minutes.

Where foam-insulated hot tubs can prove challenging,Hydropool hot tubs and swim spas (the pool you didn’t think you could afford) are among the most energy-efficient on the market. Because of their unique design, Hydropool products allow for easy maintenance.

Self-cleaning swim spas

Self-cleaning hot tubs Self-cleaning Hydropool hot tubs and swim spas cleanse 100 per cent of the water every 15 minutes. That’s an incredible eight times in two hours.

Skyview has an impressive selection of Hydropool self-cleaning hot tubs for sale at near wholesale prices. See thei collection in their showroom, just off Keating Cross Road in Saanichton.

Hydropool Swim spas are the perfect way to swim everyday. No need to vacuum the swim spa — they self-clean 100 per cent of the water every 40 minutes. Made in Ontario, Swim Spas by Hydropool are the perfect way to swim, exercise or play every day. The patented self-cleaning feature minimizes maintenance thus leaving you more time to get into the swim spa with family and friends.

If you are going to make an investment in a swim spa, do your homework. Not all swim spas are built the same. Talk to the folks at Skyview and see why they think their swim spas are the best quality and value.

Sunrooms Skyview has been building custom sunrooms and awnings for over 31 years.

Enjoy your hot tub or swim spa in any

weather with a low-maintenance awning, canopy or sunroom. You will enjoy greater use of your home and garden. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, the awnings and canopies can be converted to a sun and garden room and be partially or fully enclosed in the future.

Skyview’s products block the sun’s damaging UV rays and will not fade, fray, tear or dent. The solar bronze tinting allows up to a 45 per cent reduction in heat gain and glare.

Skyview Industries has been serving Vancouver Island for over 31 years.

Their philosophy is to provide homeowners with the best products, price and service.

Skyview Industries, 1-6721 Butler Crescent, just off Keating Cross Road in Saanichton. sunspaces.com

NO PAYMENTS • NO INTEREST for 9 months OAC on ALL factory order Hot Tubs & Swim Spas Serving Victoria and BC Gulf Islands for over 31 Years.

We sell Hydropool hot tubs and swim spas, and we build custom sunrooms.

We also service all hot tub brands and we have all the water chemicals and accessories for your hot tub.

Your Swim Spa

Your Hot Tub

Up To

Many finishes to choose from

Ever yt Ever Ev y thi hing ng g iin n th the e St Stor ore or e

Thank you to our Nurses and Front Line Workers.

We appreciate you every day.

sunspaces.com Monday - Saturday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

SKYVIEW INDUSTRIES LTD. #1 – 6721 Butler Crescent (off Keating Cross Road), Saanichton

250.652.0888

sunspaces.com/awp pricing on website

10 | HEALTHY LIVING | Times Colonist

THANK YOU!

We at The Bottle Depot are immensely grateful to every health care worker, first responder, and essential services worker like our own Team, that work hard everyday to keep us safe and are making a real difference to help beat COVID-19 together.

The Bottle Depot pays the FULL REFUND for all beverage containers!

We are OPEN EVERYDAY from 9am-5pm at 3 convenient locations: • 4261 Glanford Ave (North of Vanalman) • 655 Queen Ave (Downtown off Douglas) • 3961 Quadra St (South of McKenzie) All month of May supporting the RAPID RELIEF FUND in our 3 dedicated Depot Charity Bins.

Please don’t put refundable beverage containers in your blue box!

The Bottle Depot has 60+ Charity Bin locations through the CRD and offers Free Bottle Drive & Commercial Pick-ups.

Make sure to always Return-It. It’s truly worth it in every respect!

SPECIAL FEATURE

A Challenging Time to Say Goodbye Written by Laura Van Sprang, Manager Sands Victoria Funeral Chapel

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every individual person at this time, to act responsibly. We are all in this together even though we are separated, because it is the right thing to do.

The hardest part for us at the funeral home is having the bereaved leave without the supportive hugs we have all become so accustomed to giving. Everyone is so understanding and we show our support through heartfelt looks and kind gestures.

If the family wishes to postpone services until a later date, we can still assist them in arranging things in advance and remind them that it is never too late to celebrate a life and we will be here to guide them through that time, when the world has healed and we can once again come together and share our grief, as we always have. arbormemorial.ca/en/sands

ith everything we are all experiencing at this unprecedented time, imagine also going through the loss of a loved one.

Unfortunately, this is happening for many families at present and we want you to know that we are here for you.

At Sands, we want to provide the best possible service to every family, who are not only dealing with a pandemic, but have also suffered a tremendous loss. We are finding ways that we can bring the community together for the support that is so needed, without actually being able to come together.

Technology is a way for all of us right now to stay connected and live streaming a service is also an option we can offer. This allows your family and friends to watch from anywhere in the world. We hope this can be of some comfort for those who would like to pay tribute to their loved one and share their story at this time.

Protecting our employees and the families we serve is our top priority and we are At your time of need or when closely following updates and planning ahead, our dedicated adhering to direction from the professionals are here to help, government, including the recommended social and in person, by phone or online. physical distancing.

Visit sandsvictoria.ca We are open, but are taking every necessary precaution, Or call 778 -749 - 0028 including screening individuals at the door. We are allowing Sands Funeral Chapel for people to pay their respects Cremation and Reception Centre - Victoria and say goodbye to their loved

by Arbor Memorial ones, but with staggered arrival 1803 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC times and appropriate distancing.

Arbor Memorial Inc. It is also the responsibility of

We continue to help families through challenging times.

3col x 56 0011814207 sands

HEALTHY LIVING | May 12, 2020 | 11

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Getting a good night’s sleep By your friendly neighbourhood Heart Pharmacist

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ometimes we think of sleep as a trivial matter. However, a lack of quality sleep and its consequences (such as daytime sedation) has a great impact on society.

Sleeping problems have been an issue during this health crisis. People attribute increased stress, lack of exercise and disrupted schedules as possible reasons. I’m sure they are all contributing factors, but lack of quality sleep can adversely affect one’s health.

There are many natural options to help with sleep at your Heart Pharmacy. This month, I shall hope to explain why sleep is so complex and offer options to help you get some more.

Sleep is divided into five parts; stages one to four, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

Our bodies move between these five stages of sleep at various times during the night. It is thought that your body needs REM sleep to rejuvenate.

These tips can be very helpful for people who have difficulty sleeping.

• Try to have a fixed bedtime and wake-up time. This will help your body get into a regular sleep routine. Even if you are not going to work or school as usual, get up at the same time as you normally would.

• Try to avoid daytime naps. Some people do take a rest in the afternoon. If you must rest, try and limit it to 30 to 45 minutes.

• Avoid alcohol in the evening. It is true that alcohol can make you drowsy, but it can also interfere with your sleep as it leaves your body.

• Get some exercise, but not in the evening.

Regular exercise is great for your body and can wear you out. Rigorous exercise in the evening, though, can have a stimulating effect.

• Create a comfortable sleeping environment. The bedroom should be dark, cool (not cold) and free of any odd sounds.

• Clear your mind before bed. Do not engage in activities that activate the mind.

Avoid reading thought-provoking books before bed.

• If you cannot fall asleep within 30 minutes, get out of bed and leave the bedroom. Go elsewhere and have a light snack and read a light novel. Do not watch television or use a handheld electronic device. are tHere any suppleMents tHat can Help witH insoMnia/ Difficulty in falling asleep?

Valerian is the most widely recognized herbal product for sleeping problems.

Valerian seems to be more effective when used for longer periods of time (two weeks). One study demonstrated that people who took a Valerian/Lemon Balm product a half-hour before bed, reported a 33 per cent improvement in sleep quality. It is common to find valerian mixed with other herbs used for sleep such as passionflower, hops and skullcap.

Another popular and effective natural sleep remedy is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland as the evening approaches. This hormone is produced as light decreases, but is blocked when things become brighter; remember the light emitted from handheld devices?

The role of melatonin is to lower body temperature and chemically produce sleepiness. Melatonin might not be for everyone. Talk to your doctor or Heart pharmacist before starting melatonin as it can interfere with blood thinners, sedatives, antidepressants and immunosuppressants.

For me, the best way to fall asleep is to follow a good nighttime ritual. I brush my teeth, wash my face, then sit in bed a read a novel until I become drowsy. This is thought to be helpful because it gives your body cues that it is time to fall asleep.

No matter what works for you, it is important to get plenty of rest. Hopefully it is not my articles putting you to sleep. heartpharmacy.com

The length of time you sleep is important. it is thought that your body needs ReM sleep to rejuvenate. any disruptions may make you get less ReM sleep.

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

12 | HEALTHY LIVING | Times Colonist

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