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Staying connected through generations HOW TO PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH SMALL HEALTH TIPS, BIG WELLNESS GAINS

Awesome autumn recipes A SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION OF THE

B2 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026

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FA L L R E C I P E

Butternut Squash Soup

◆ 2 large bay leaves

◆ 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ◆ 2 cups yellow onion chopped

◆ 2 tablespoons fresh ginger minced

◆ 2 cups carrots chopped

◆ 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

◆ 2 teaspoons garlic minced ◆ 4 cups vegetable broth

◆ 1 13.5 ounce can unsweetened coconut milk

◆ 8 cups butternut squash peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

◆ Fresh thyme to garnish

◆ Salt and pepper to taste

◆ 1 teaspoon dried thyme

1. Over medium high heat, coat

the bottom of a soup pot with olive oil. Add onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook stirring often, until onions have a slightly translucent appearance and carrots are slightly soft (about 2 minutes).

2. Add broth, butternut squash,

dried thyme, bay leaves, ginger, and nutmeg and bring to a simmer (note: it may seem like there isn’t enough liquid, but don’t add more liquid to achieve the right consistency and have a thick soup rather than a watery soup). Cover and allow to

simmer, stirring occasionally, on medium-low heat until carrots and squash are soft and easy to stab with a fork (about 10-15 minutes).

3. Remove from heat and

remove the bay leaves. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until the contents are smooth. (Or carefully spoon all the contents into a blender, blend until smooth, and return the blended soup to the pot).

4. Stir in the coconut milk.

Garnish with fresh thyme and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Notes:

Drizzle heavy cream over the soup to create a decorative white swirl. For a vegan option, use coconut milk instead of cream. Substitute ½ teaspoon of dried ginger for the fresh ginger.

Adjust herbs and spices to suit your taste. For a richer, creamier soup, substitute ½–1 cup of heavy cream for the coconut milk. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3months. Newspaper Toolbox

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NSNH Seniors Programs and Services North Shore Neighbourhood House offers a wide range of seniors programs that promote health, wellness, creativity, and social connection for all ability levels. Seniors can enjoy fitness classes, recreational activities, outings, art, music, and opportunities to meet new friends in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Programs are offered at NSNH and John Braithwaite Community Centre. Specialized services include the Memory Arts, dementia support program, features gentle exercise, games, and creative activities in a supportive setting for participants and caregivers. The Wellness

Social Circle for frail or isolated seniors, which provides weekly wellness and social opportunities to improve quality of life. NSNH also offers a Peer Support Volunteer Program where trained senior volunteers provide emotional support, guidance, and resource information through confidential one-on-one sessions available in different languages! Check our website at nsnh.bc.ca or contact us for more information:

Tooka Hashemi 236-987-1046 seniors@nsnh.bc.ca

Personalised Home Care, Designed Around You Compassionate support to help you thrive at home. At TheKey, we provide home care that promotes independence, dignity, and quality of life. From companionship to dementia care, our caregivers deliver support tailored to your needs. Our Balanced Care Method® supports physical, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing. With 25 years of experience, TheKey offers trusted expertise, matched caregivers, and care that evolves with you. Visit TheKey.ca or call 1-866-904-6041.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026 | B3

West Vancouver students launch program connecting youth with seniors ABBY LUCIANO

aluciano@nsnews.com

“It’s really important to bring people together, no matter the age.” Grade 12 Mulgrave School students Alex Jin, Lucas Lin, Jeffrey Ren and Ben Ghandchi are the team behind the initiative. It was created as part of a group project for the Young Entrepreneurship and Leadership Launchpad (YELL) program. “It’s really important to bring people together, no matter the age,” Ghandchi said. “Because at the end of the day, sometimes [age] is just a number, and seeing how people with different perspectives interact, young or old, is always an important thing.” For Jin, the project hits close to home. After Jin’s grandfather died, he noticed his grandmother was more isolated, distant and smiled less. But when talking to her on the phone for a few minutes, Jin couldn’t help but notice a difference. “Just spending five minutes on the phone would make her face light up, and that really changed her mood,” Jin said. A few summers later, he began volunteering as a dishwasher at the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre, and noticed many older folks in the cafe were eating alone. “Not because they couldn’t make any friends, it was more that they outlived their friends,” he said. “And I just realized how big of an issue this is.”

Mulgrave school students Lucas Lin (left), Alex Jin, Ben Ghandchi, Vanessa Grdina and Jeffery Ren hang out with 91 year old Kathy MacKenzie through the CareQuest program, a youth-led initiative to help social isolation in seniors.

So when Jin was in the YELL program, which is a course that teaches students entrepreneurship, he brought forward the idea and the group got to work creating a business plan. The team works behind the scenes to help youth and seniors connect. Students and seniors make requests on the CareQuest website, sharing their hobbies and interests, and then the team makes a match and interviews the volunteer to ensure they’re a good fit. From there an introduction is made and the two start building a friendship. The four Mulgrave School students have been running the program since November 2025 and are already seeing successes, with 10 matches made so far. Grade 11 Mulgrave School student Vanessa Grdina and 91 year old West Van resident Kathy McKenzie connected through CareQuest. For nearly a year, Grdina and McKenzie have been chatting once or twice a week after school. The two connect

through a shared interest in healthcare – McKenzie tells stories of her nursing career, and Grdina wants to enter dentistry – while also learning about each others families and bonding over baked goods. “She brightens my life,” McKenzie said. “I look forward to her visit. When you’re my age, it’s the small things that make you happy. She’s kind of a breath of fresh air and I live alone, so I don’t really socialize [at home] very much.” McKenzie decided to join the program after hearing about it at the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre, where she hangs out a few times a week. The connection is mutually beneficial, said Grdina. “I hear lots about her training and education in the past, and it shows me the dedication that she has and doing what you love, what that requires and how much fun you can have along the way,” she said. “It gets me excited for going to university, meeting people and following through with dentistry

or something in the medical field.” Grdina said she joined CareQuest to broaden her worldview. “I feel like we don’t really get many opportunities to have long conversations,” she said, adding that her connection with McKenzie puts a focus on meaningful chats and makes her reflect on their discussions. “I always had a close connection with my grandparents, so it’s just like having another one.” The four Mulgrave students who started the program are now looking to expand to other locations such as West Vancouver’s Inglewood Care Centre and even into Vancouver. “There’s so much for both sides to learn,” said Lin. “It creates friendship, relationships, connections that we can all hold on to for the rest of our lives.” While the focus is on youth volunteers, anyone can join the program, the students said. More information can be found on carequest.info. ■

Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

PAUL MCGRATH / NORTH SHORE NEWS

tudents in West Vancouver have launched a program that connects youth with seniors to combat social isolation. The program, called CareQuest, pairs youth volunteers with a senior who shares similar interests, meeting once or twice a week by phone, video call or in-person to build an ongoing friendship.

B4 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026

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WELLNESS TIPS

The care you need in the place you love

Small changes can make a big difference to your health and happiness.

CALL NOW

1-866-904-6041 Scan or visit thekey.ca

Mobile Services

Try these everyday habits: MOVE YOUR BODY

Find an activity you enjoy and make movement part of your day.

STAY HYDRATED

Drink water regularly throughout the day.

NOURISH YOURSELF

Choose a variety of nutritious foods that fuel your body.

PRIORITIZE SLEEP

Give your body and mind time to rest and recharge.

Available

STAY CONNECTED Make time for friends, family and meaningful relationships.

CARE FOR YOUR MIND

Take a few moments each day to relax, breathe and unwind.

GET OUTSIDE

Enjoy fresh air, natural light and time in nature.

BE PROACTIVE

Keep up with recommended health screenings and regular checkups. Newspaper Toolbox

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026 | B5

FA L L R E C I P E

Zucchini Bread

◆ 2 zucchinis

◆ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

◆ 2 eggs

◆ 1 teaspoon baking soda

◆ 2/3 cup melted butter

◆ 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

◆ 1/2 cup sugar

◆ 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

◆ 1/2 cup brown sugar

◆ 2 cups flour

◆ 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

◆ 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

◆ 1 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat the oven to 177 C (350 F). Grease a 25 by 12 centimetre loaf pan.

2. Cut off the ends of the

zucchinis, then grate them using a cheese grater. Place the grated zucchini in a large bowl, and combine it with all the other ingredients except the flour and nuts. Incorporate

everything until the mixture has a uniform texture. Add the flour and mix well. Repeat with the nuts.

3. Pour the mixture into the

pan, and bake for about 60 minutes or until a fork inserted in the centre of the bread comes out clean. Let cool, then slice and serve.

When you add zucchini to lightly sweetened bread, the result is impossible to resist. Newspaper Toolbox

Contact Tooka Hashemi 236-987-1046 www.nsnh.bc.ca

The NSNH Seniors Centre at JBCC is a warm and welcoming community space for adults 55+ where they come to exercise, learn, play, socialize, volunteer, take bus trips, have fun and make new friends. We offer fitness, art, music, wellness, language, socialization and dementia programs, low-cost activities and games as well as variety of free services including the Seniors Peer Support, information and referral programs.

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Hearing Care, at Your Home or Ours Original. Independent. Trusted. Since 2009, Hear at Home has helped people stay connected through personalized hearing care. Founded by Jennifer Abbott as a fully mobile service, we’ve grown to include a welcoming boutique clinic in North Vancouver’s Delbrook Plaza. We’re independently owned, which means we can recommend hearing solutions from a range of manufacturers, tailored to your hearing needs, lifestyle and budget. Visit our clinic for comprehensive hearing assessments, hearing aids, earwax removal, repairs and ongoing support. Or let us come to you. Our mobile service brings professional care to homes, retirement residences and care communities throughout the North Shore and Greater Vancouver. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or arranging care for a parent, we’ll take the time to listen, explain your options and help you feel comfortable with the next step.

Our care continues beyond your first appointment. From helping you get comfortable with new hearing aids to supporting families and caregivers, we’re here to make everyday communication easier and help you feel more confident in every conversation. For 17 years, it’s been our privilege to support our community with compassionate care and lasting relationships.

Hear at Home Mobile Hearing Clinic Delbrook Plaza, 112–3721 Delbrook Avenue, North Vancouver 778-340-1101

B6 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026

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W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H

Prioritizing your health is the key to better living Questions to ask your doctor at every age As you get older, your body changes and your health-care needs evolve. That’s why it’s important to speak with your doctor on a regular basis. Here are a few questions to ask at your next appointment.

IN YOUR 20s ✤ Which methods of contraception would you recommend for me? ✤ How do I know if I’m at risk of developing cervical cancer? ✤ Which sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) should I be tested for?

IN YOUR 30s ✤ What can I do to increase my chances of having a healthy pregnancy? ✤ How can I maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure level? ✤ What would you recommend

if I’m having trouble sleeping because of stress?

IN YOUR 40s ✤ Should I be screened for diabetes and high cholesterol? ✤ How can I prevent bladder leaks? ✤ Am I in perimenopause if my menstrual cycle is irregular and I get hot flashes?

IN YOUR 50s ✤ How often should I have a mammogram?

✤ Should I get the shingles vaccine or any other type of shot? ✤ What would you recommend to relieve my menopause symptoms?

IN YOUR 60s AND OLDER ✤ Am I at risk of developing osteoporosis? ✤ Should I take calcium or vitamin D supplements? ✤ Do I need to get the flu shot if I’m in good health? Regardless of your age, talking openly and regularly with your doctor is crucial to taking charge of your health.

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Creating vibrant communities where seniors can thrive For more than 25 years, PARC Retirement Living has been redefining independent senior living in British Columbia by creating vibrant communities where older adults can enjoy an active, connected, and fulfilling lifestyle. Founded by Rainer Müller, PARC was inspired by the positive experience of his own mother’s move to a retirement residence, which led him to envision a new model of senior living focused on independence, wellness, and meaningful engagement, in buildings purposefully designed for seniors to live well. Today, PARC owns and operates a collection of awardwinning retirement residences across British Columbia, with three located on the North Shore: Summerhill PARC, Cedar Springs PARC, and Westerleigh PARC. Each residence is designed to reflect the character of its surrounding neighbourhood while offering contemporary suites, premium amenities, and convenient access to local shops, services, and cultural attractions. At the heart of the PARC experience is its signature PARC Active Living™ program, which promotes healthy aging through four key pillars: physical wellness, emotional well-being, social connection, and nutritious dining. Residents enjoy a wide variety of fitness classes, educational opportunities, arts and cultural programs, events and outings. This holistic approach encourages

residents to stay engaged, build new connections, and continue pursuing the passions that enrich their lives, and try new ones. PARC is equally recognized for its culinary philosophy, which emphasizes fresh, chef-prepared meals that are both nutritious and delicious. Dining is viewed not simply as a service, but as an important social experience that brings residents together while supporting overall health and well-being. Beyond its residences, PARC is deeply committed to community involvement. The organization actively supports local charities, organizations, and initiatives that enhance the lives of seniors in each community where PARC is located. This commitment to giving back reflects PARC’s belief that successful retirement living extends beyond the walls of its residences and includes fostering strong, connected neighbourhoods for all seniors and community members to thrive. With thoughtfully designed communities, exceptional hospitality, and a strong focus on wellness, PARC Retirement Living continues to set a high standard for independent senior living, helping residents embrace each stage of life with confidence, purpose, and joy.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026 | B7

Living Well for 25 Years

For a quarter century, PARC has been redeﬁning what senior living looks like in communities across BC. From chef-prepared meals that are both nutritious and delicious, to uniquely engaging activities and wellness programs custom designed for older adults, to modern, elegant amenities and welcoming spaces designed with sustainability in mind – every detail is shaped with intention. We’re proud of the independent living residences we’ve built, and the way they support a lifestyle that is active, connected and genuinely fulﬁlling.

Redefine your next chapter. Book a tour to come see for yourself why so many seniors have chosen to call PARC home.

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B8 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026

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O C T O B E R I S B R E A S T C A N C E R AWA R E N E S S M O N T H

CHECK

YOURSELF

PROTECT YOURSELF

The fight against breast cancer:

A COMMUNITY EFFORT

In October, government agencies, medical professionals and organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society join forces for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During these four weeks, many initiatives take place to spread information about the latest scientific advances, risk factors and the importance of screening. It’s the perfect time to learn and to get involved.

STATISTICS THAT REMAIN CONCERNING According to estimates from the Canadian Cancer Society, more than a quarter of all new cancer diagnoses this year in women will be breast cancer. This statistic represents an average of 89 confirmed cases per day in Canada. Even though the mortality rate has been declining since its historical peak in 1986, research indicates that approximately one in eight Canadian women will

develop the disease in their lifetime.

COMMITMENT MAKES A DIFFERENCE It’s hard to imagine what the situation would be like if the public didn’t contribute to funding research and related activities. Everybody can get involved in the cause according to their abilities and means. You can: ■ Organize your own fundraiser ■ Make a one-time donation in memory of a loved one or sign up for a monthly giving program ■ Attend or volunteer at local events, such as the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure Can’t donate or volunteer? Your voice is just as valuable. Don’t underestimate the positive impact of raising awareness among your friends and family. For more information, visit cancer.ca.

Animal-assisted therapy for breast cancer Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), or pet therapy, has gained newfound popularity recently. It involves using trained therapy animals to help individuals cope with various physical and mental health conditions. Breast cancer patients are one group that can significantly benefit from animal-assisted therapy.

POSITIVE BENEFITS FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, and it can take its toll on patients both physically and emotionally. This is where animal-assisted therapy comes in. Studies conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) have shown that AAT can positively impact breast cancer patients by reducing anxiety and distress. Therapy animals provide companionship and unconditional love, uplifting spirits and fostering a sense of hope and positivity for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Research also suggests that interactions with therapy

animals can lower blood pressure, reduce pain perception and enhance immune function, all of which are crucial considerations in the comprehensive care of breast cancer patients. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s necessary to highlight all avenues of breast cancer treatment. By incorporating AAT into cancer treatment plans, healthcare providers can offer a more holistic approach to care, addressing not just the physical but also the emotional and psychological aspects of the disease.

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WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,OCTOBER OCTOBER28, 28,2026 2026| | B9 B9

OOCCTTOOBBEERR I ISS BBRREEAASSTT CCAANNCCEERR AWA AWARREENNEESSSS M MOONNTTHH

Women Womenwith withbreast breast cancer cancerhave haveoptions options for forpreserving preservingtheir their fertility fertility

IMMUNOTHERAPY: IMMUNOTHERAPY:

How How can can it it help help fi fight ght breast breast cancer? cancer? Immunotherapy,a acutting-edge cutting-edgecancer cancer Immunotherapy, treatment,harnesses harnessesthe thebody’s body’simmune immune treatment, systemtotocombat combatcancer cancercells. cells.ImmunoImmunosystem therapyisisa apromising promisingapproach approachininbreast breast therapy cancercases, cases,asasititstimulates stimulatesthe theimmune immune cancer systemtotorecognize recognizeand andattack attackcancer cancercells cells system moreeff eff ectively. more ectively.

CHECKPOINT CHECKPOINTINHIBITORS INHIBITORS Innovative Innovativedrugs drugscalled calledcheckpoint checkpointinhibiinhibitors torsspecifi specifi cally callytarget targetthe theimmune immunesystem’s system’s checkpoints. checkpoints.These Thesepoints pointsare arelike likemolecumolecular lar“brakes,” “brakes,”preventing preventingthe theimmune immunesystem system from fromattacking attackingthe thebody’s body’scells. cells.However, However, cancer cancercells cellsoft oft en enexploit exploitthese thesecheckpoints checkpoints totoevade evadeimmune immunedetection. detection.Checkpoint Checkpoint inhibitors, inhibitors,such suchasasPembrolizumab Pembrolizumaband and Atezolizumab, Atezolizumab,function functionby bydisabling disablingthese these brakes brakestotoenhance enhancethe theimmune immunesystem’s system’s ability abilitytotorecognize recognizeand andobliterate obliteratecancer cancer cells. cells.

Breast Breastcancer cancerdiagnosis diagnosiscan canbe beaachallenging challengingtime timefor for women, women,especially especiallywhen whenititcomes comestotofamily familyplanning. planning. However, However,there thereare areseveral severalfertility fertilitypreservation preservation options optionsavailable. available.

ADOPTIVE ADOPTIVECELL CELLTHERAPY THERAPY Adoptive Adoptivecell celltherapy therapyinvolves involvesextracting extracting immune immunecells cellsfrom fromthe thepatient, patient,which which are arethen thengenetically geneticallymodifi modifi ed edororcultured cultured inina alab labtotoenhance enhancetheir theircancer-fi cancer-fi ghting ghting abilities. abilities.Aft Aft ererbeing beingreintroduced reintroducedinto intothe the patient’s patient’sbody, body,these thesesupercharged superchargedimmune immune cells cellsare arebetter betterequipped equippedtotoidentify identifyand and eliminate eliminatecancer cancercells. cells.One Oneofofthe themost most notable notableforms formsofofACT ACTisisCAR-T CAR-Tcell celltherapy, therapy, where whereTTcells cellsare areengineered engineeredtotoexpress express chimeric chimericantigen antigenreceptors receptors(CARs) (CARs)that that specifi specifi cally callytarget targetcancer cancercells. cells. Immunotherapy Immunotherapyoff off ers ersseveral severaladvantages advantages over overtraditional traditionaltreatments treatmentssuch suchasaschemochemotherapy therapyand andradiation. radiation.For Forexample, example,itittends tends totohave havefewer fewerside sideeff eff ects ectsand andcan canprovide provide long-lasting long-lastingresponses, responses,potentially potentiallyleading leading totobetter betteroutcomes outcomesfor forpatients patientswith withbreast breast cancer. cancer.

WHO WHOSHOULD SHOULDCONSIDER CONSIDER Genetic Genetictesting testing GENETIC GENETICTESTING? TESTING? Individualswith witha astrong strongfamily familyhistory history and andbreast breastcancer cancer Individuals ofofbreast breastororovarian ovariancancer, cancer,particularly particularly Genetic Genetictesting testingisisa acrucial crucialtool tooltotoevaluevaluate atethe thelikelihood likelihoodofofbreast breastcancer cancerrisk, risk, especially especiallyfor forthose thosewith witha afamily familyhistory historyofof the thedis dis ease. ease.The TheBRCA1 BRCA1and andBRCA2 BRCA2genes, genes, ininparticular, particular,have havebeen beenlinked linkedtotoa ahigher higher vulnerability vulnerabilitytotobreast breastand andovarian ovariancancers. cancers.

HOW HOWGENETIC GENETICTESTING TESTINGISISDONE DONE Mutations Mutationsininthe theBCRA BCRAgenes genescan canbe beidenidentifi tifi ed edthrough througha ablood bloodororsaliva salivasample. sample.IfIf you youcarry carrya amutation mutationinineither eitherBRCA1 BRCA1oror BRCA2, BRCA2,your yourrisk riskofofdeveloping developingbreast breastcancancer cerisissignifi signifi cantly cantlyhigher, higher,with withestimates estimates suggesting suggestingup uptotoan an8080per percent centlifetime lifetime risk. risk.Furthermore, Furthermore,these thesemutations mutationsare are associated associatedwith witha ahigher higherlikelihood likelihoodofofdedeveloping velopingbreast breastcancer canceratata ayounger youngerage. age.

ififmultiple multiplefamily familymembers membershave havebeen been diagnosed diagnosedatata ayoung youngage, age,should shouldconsider consider genetic genetictesting. testing.This Thistesting testingcan canprovide provide valuable valuableinformation informationfor formaking makinginformed informed decisions decisionsabout aboutscreening, screening,preventive preventivemeameasures suresand andtreatment treatmentoptions. options. AApositive positivetest testresult resultcan canelicit elicitfear fearand and anxiety, anxiety,but butititcan canalso alsoempower empoweryou youtoto take takeproactive proactivesteps stepsininmanaging managingyour your health. health.This Thismay mayinvolve involvemore morefrequent frequent screenings, screenings,preventive preventivesurgeries surgeriessuch suchasas mastectomy mastectomyororoophorectomy oophorectomyand andlifestyle lifestyle changes. changes. By Byembracing embracinggenetic genetictesting testingand andits itspopotential tentialimplications, implications,individuals individualscan cantake take proactive proactivesteps stepstotomitigate mitigatetheir theirrisk riskand and potentially potentiallyprevent preventbreast breastcancer. cancer.

HERE’S HERE’SAALOOK LOOKAT ATFOUR: FOUR:

1.1.

Embryo Embryofreezing freezinginvolves involvesharvesting harvestingeggs eggsfertilized fertilized with withsperm spermand andfreezing freezingthem themfor forlater lateruse usethrough throughinin vitro vitrofertilization fertilization(IVF). (IVF).Although Althoughthis thismethod methodhas hasaahigh high success successrate, rate,ititrequires requirestime timeand andmay maydelay delaycancer cancer treatment. treatment.

2. 2.

Egg Eggfreezing freezinginvolves involvesretrieving retrieving and andfreezing freezingunfertilized unfertilizedeggs eggsfor for future futureuse, use,offering offeringflexibility flexibility for forsingle singlewomen womenororthose those without withoutaapartner. partner.

3. 3.

Ovarian Ovariantissue tissuefreezing freezingisis an anexperimental experimentaltechnique technique that thatinvolves involvesremoving removing and andfreezing freezingovarian ovariantissue tissue containing containingimmature immatureeggs eggsbefore before cancer cancertreatment. treatment.Although Althoughthe the success successrates ratesvary, vary,this thismethod method can canbe beaaviable viableoption optionfor forsome some women. women.

4. 4.

Hormone Hormonetherapy therapysuppresses suppresses ovarian ovarianfunction functionduring during chemotherapy chemotherapytotohelp help protect protectfertility. fertility.However, However, its itseffectiveness effectivenessisisstill still debated. debated. It’s It’simportant importanttotodiscuss discuss your youroptions optionswith withaa reproductive reproductivespecialist specialist before beforeinitiating initiatingcancer cancer treatment. treatment.Factors Factors such suchas asthe thestage stageofof cancer, cancer,the thetreatment treatment plan planand andyour yourindividual individual preferences preferencesshould shouldguide guide decision-making. decision-making. Newspaper NewspaperToolbox Toolbox

B10 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026

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Non-profit’s rec programs bring health and wellness to the neighbourhood ABBY LUCIANO

aluciano@nsnews.com

f you head to North Shore Neighbourhood House, it won’t take you very long to find a healthy activity to join in on. From chair yoga to mindful meditation, the non-profit is offering tons of recreation programs this fall for people to boost their physical and mental wellness. Classes take place at their location at East Second Street or at the John Braithwaite Community Centre (JBCC) on West First Street. Here are five classes to get your body and brain moving this fall.

CHAIR YOGA As the name suggests, participants in this yoga class use a chair, completing seated and standing poses to improve flexibility, balance and strength. Par-

ticipants will also go through breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to promote overall well-being and reduce stress. No previous yoga experience is required. The class runs at the JBCC Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. until Dec. 15, or Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. until Dec. 16. It ranges between $104 to $120 for the season.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION Trying to find ways to manage stress or calm your nerves? The North Shore Neighbourhood House is offering a mindfulness meditation class where participants will learn ways to ease the mind, reduce anxiety and foster self-compassion while practicing techniques they can integrate into daily life. The class runs at the non-profit’s Inman Room every Thursday from 6:30

to 7:45 p.m. until Dec. 3. Registration is $75.50.

MEMORY ARTS This program is for people living with memory loss and their care partners, giving participants a chance to socialize, create music and connect with others in the program. The program gives a sense of community so that those experiencing memory loss and their caregivers don’t have to go through it alone, said Lea Kohli, manager of recreation programs at North Shore Neighbourhood House. The classes happen in the Inman Room every Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:15 p.m. until Dec. 8. The cost is $99.

KEEP WELL PROGRAM This program offers the best of both worlds of physical and mental wellness. Keep Well is an exercise and wellness

“Being in these programs is keeping them active, moving and mobile, in addition to the connection.” program for people 55 and older. Those who partake in the class will get one hour of exercise followed by a social hour. And the best part? It’s free. The sessions take place at NSNH every Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. If you cannot make it during that time period, it also runs at various other dates and times at Delbrook Recreation Centre, Parkgate Community Centre and

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PAUL MCGRATH / NORTH SHORE NEWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026 | B11

Participants take part in a seniors seated fitness class at North Shore Neighbouhood House in North Vancouver.

the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre. Offering these kinds of programs at the non-profit is beneficial to seniors, Kohli said. “Being in these programs is keeping them active, moving and mobile, in addition to the connection,” she said.

“They’re able to … stay active, come into the neighbourhood house on their own and feel strong.”

FAMILY YOGA If you’re looking to take a yoga class with the family, this class would be your best bet. Parents or grandparents

can enjoy a typical yoga class while still spending time with their children or grandchildren. The family yoga class takes place every Saturday from 11:15 a.m. to noon starting Nov. 7 until Nov. 28. Tickets are $32 for adults and $20 for children and seniors.

“They’re able to … stay active, come into the neighbourhood house on their own and feel strong.” Kohli said the North Shore Neighbourhood House tries to incorporate an intergenerational approach to their programs, like family yoga, so everyone can participate. “It creates a community feel. It allows people to participate without needing to arrange another potential babysitter or another activity for their kids to do at the same time,” she said. A full list of the North Shore Neighbourhood House’s programs can be found on their website. ■ Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

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Helping Seniors Live Independently, Age Comfortably, and Stay Connected to Community We help seniors stay longer in the comfort of their homes with our Home Support services. We can help with all levels of care, such as meal preparation, laundry, housekeeping, getting dressed, and medication assistance. We are not a US franchise; we are a local business. We live where you live, so you can trust us to know the neighbourhood and the ins and outs of our healthcare system. Our team of Geriatric Specialist Nurses conduct all new client assessments and provide complementary RN support for our clients and staff. Staying in your home is the best way to age comfortably; we even have drivers to get you where you need to go. A strong network of family, friends, healthcare professionals, community organizations and welcoming local spaces can make it easier for seniors to remain active and engaged in the communities they helped build. That is why Shylo chose to sponsor a room in the new Silver Harbour Seniors Centre. The goal is not simply to put their name on a door; it is to help create a space where meaningful moments can happen. Shylo has been the Gold Sponsor for their annual Senior Expo for many years now, so it was a natural progression for them to

expand their support and sponsor a room at the new Silver Harbour Seniors Centre. Shylo’s approach to Home Care has always centred on person-centred support, independence, and helping people to live life on their own terms. This belief is at the heart of everything the team does, and sponsoring a room in a Seniors Centre reflects those same values beyond the walls of an individual client’s home. Over time, the true value of the space will not be measured by its furniture, its walls, or even its schedule of activities. It will be measured by the conversations that happen there, the friendships that begin there, and the people who leave feeling more connected than when they arrived. For Shylo, that is a community investment worth making. At Shylo, we believe independence is about more than doing everything on your own. It’s also about having the support to continue living a fulfilling, connected life. It is our honour and privilege to be trusted to care for you and your loved ones. With Shylo it’s Your Home – Your Health– Your Choice TM shylohomehealthcare.ca 604-985-6881

B12 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026

north shore news nsnews.com

Helping North Shore seniors stay safely in their own homes for over 45 years

WHY HOME CARE?

✓ Care on your terms. Eat what you want,

when you want. Shylo can do the shopping and prepare your meals. ✓ Stay safe. No wandering residents and dozens of staff members to deal with every day. ✓ Age in place. You can truly age in place in the comfort of your own home. ✓ Mobile services - service providers come to you; no need to travel outside and risk exposure to germs and viruses.

WHY SHYLO?

✓ Shylo was the North Shore’s first Home Care agency and remains an award-winning leader in home healthcare.

✓ Shylo can support every level of care from basic companionship to more complex palliative care.

✓ Shylo is NOT a franchise sending profits to the US with mandated hours of service. We are LOCAL and proud to support and give back to our community.

Most importantly, Shylo Home Healthcare is an approved service provider for Veteran Affairs Canada, ICBC, WorkSafe BC, The Public Guardian and Trustee and Vancouver Coastal Health.

CALL 604-985-6881 FOR YOUR FREE IN-HOME HEALTH ASSESSMENT