55Plus

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July/August 2020

Getting Back Out Again TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES IN BEAUTIFUL BRITISH COLUMBIA

Walk in Comfort!

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHOES

The Ideal Alternative to Condo Living Insect Bites & Stings Sidney by the Sea

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2 | TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

TIMES COLONIST * 55 PLUS

Getting Back Out Again TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES IN BEAUTIFUL BRITISH COLUMBIA

By David Rose, Mile Zero Tours ow that B.C. has entered Stage 3 of its Coronavirus Restart Plan and is continuing to move forward, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that things return to normal. Mile Zero Tours provides just the tours to be able to get out again and discover lots of great holiday getaways close to home with event-fi lled packages. They even pick you up at your door and drop you back home again afterwards. All you need to do is go out and enjoy! Beginning in September, four tour packages will include trips to the Okanagan, Tofi no, Whistler and a mountain train trip to the Rockies. Join the Okanagan Grape Escape this September where you will make stops in Osoyoos, Oliver, Penticton and Kelowna.

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Visit the S.S. Sicamous sternwheeler, very much a part of B.C.’s history. Stay in a lakeside suite overlooking Osoyoos Lake as well as Okanagan Lake. Go for a cruise on Okanagan Lake and ride the vintage Kettle Valley Railway. And of course, experience wine tastings. By the end of the tour, you will feel you have truly experienced the Okanagan. Perhaps the open ocean meeting the shore is more your thing. If so, the Tofino Escape may be the adventure you are looking for. Great for waves, beaches and lush coastal rainforest, the Tofi no area is the place to be for the real West Coast experience. Tour guests stay at an ocean resort where every room has an ocean view. The tour includes stops in the Villages of Tofi no and Ucluelet as well as at Pacific Rim National Park in between.

If there are three things Canada has in abundance, it is oceans, forests and mountains. Why settle for just one? Take it all in with a tour that will give you scenery, history, culture, and dining that will make you wonder at the marvels of our own backyard. On the Sea to Sky tour you’ll stay at the luxurious Fairmont Whistler Resort, stroll Whistler Village, visit museums including the Britannia Mine Museum, take a wagon tour around a working farm in Pemberton and visit a distillery. Why stay inside during the Winter? Why not see our Province it in all its beauty, and from the comfort of a train? The Winter Mountain Train tour takes guests to

view the snow-covered Rocky Mountains in Wintertime - a truly Canadian experience. Ride the rails across B.C. and stay three nights at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper National Park. Enjoy winter activities in Jasper or simply relax in the Lodge’s outdoor heated pool. Finish up your trip with a night at the Fantasyland Hotel in the famed West Edmonton Mall. Get out and experience these world-class destinations close to home and see what you have been missing. Get out again, with Mile Zero Tours. For more info, visit: milezerotours.com or call: 250-590-0811.

DID YOU KNOW?

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BC Reg #67275

Fall 2020

E�ploring �eau��ul �ri�s� �olu��ia

Okanagan Grape Escape Tofino Escape Sea to Sky Winter Mountain Train

5 Days 4 Days 5 Days 7 Days

Sep 2 Oct 25 Nov 1 Dec 3

$ 1799 $ 1149 $ 1799 $ 3599

* Prices listed are per person including all taxes from Victoria

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

September 2: 5 Day - Okanagan Grape Escape

A publication of the Victoria Times Colonist

Limited small group sizes

Publisher: Dave Obee Director of Advertising: Peter Baillie Editor: Jenus Friesen jfriesen@timescolonist.com

LIFE ENRICHING TRAVEL STARTS AT YOUR DOOR!

250.590.0811 1.844.590.0811 www.MileZeroTours.com

2621 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8T 4M2 To advertise in the next issue of 55 Plus, contact: Simone Fibiger Phone: 250-380-5358

ccording to the Canadian Cancer Society, several viruses have been linked to cancer in humans. Viruses work by entering living cells and hijacking their machinery in order to reproduce and make more viruses. To do so, the CCS notes that many viruses will insert their own DNA or RNA into their host cells, affecting those cells’ genes. That can push the cell toward becoming cancer. At least a dozen types of human papillomaviruses, or HPVs, are known to cause cancer. That’s important to note, as the CCS says most sexually active people are infected with one or more of the more than 40 types of HPVs that are passed on through sexual contact. In addition to HPVs, a type of herpes virus known as the Epstein-Barr virus as well as HIV and hepatitis B and C have also been found to cause cancer. It’s equally important to point out that while these and other viruses can cause

cancer, that does not mean everyone who has been diagnosed with them will get cancer. But people who have been diagnosed with cancer-causing viruses should discuss their cancer risk with their physicians, making sure to ask if there is anything they can do to lower their risk for the disease. – MC

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TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020 | 3

Birkenstock’s Original Footbed

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he original Birkenstock footbed is the heart of all of their models. While today it is synonymous with exceptional comfort, the word “footbed” was first used by Birkenstock in the 1930s to describe anatomically-shaped inner soles with special support elements. The details are all in the design; each element of the Birkenstock footbed serves a purpose to encourage proper foot well-being and health. The first layer is jute, and this forms the foundation. The jute layer stabilizes the natural cork and latex core.

The second layer is the heart of the shoe. The shock-absorbing and flexible cork and latex core supports and relieves pressure on the feet. The natural materials insulate against heat and cold. A second layer of jute is placed around the sides of the footbed. This increases the flexibility and makes the shoe more durable. The extra layer of thick, absorbent jute helps regulate moisture. The suede lining in the footbed also absorbs moisture. The natural property of the layer helps ensure a pleasant foot climate. Along with comfort, Birkenstock footwear presents designs for today’s market. Women’s, men’s and unisex styles offer a wide selection for individual tastes. Birkenstock is committed to environmentally friendly operations. “For us, sustainability is not a marketing-driven fad, but rather an expression of our corporate ethos.” Enjoy comfort while you walk. Or, as we say, “Walk in Comfort”! walkincomfort.ca

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4 | Tuesday, july 28, 2020

TIMES COLONIST * 55 Plus

Re-opening! Saanich Recreation, Parks and Community Services

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aanich is excited to begin reopening the recreation centres. There are a few things to expect when you arrive.

Pre-registration for all drop-in programs is be required: In order to control the number of people coming to the centres and to avoid being disappointed if there is no room, phone in or book online for your drop-in session, up to five calendar days in advance. Remember to cancel your spot if you are unable to attend as others may be waiting. Reserve online at: saanich.ca/recreation or reserve by phone. When you arrivE: Expect directions for entering, exiting and traffic flow. Abide by the distancing markings; no one exhibiting signs of flu or cold will be allowed entry. Sorry, no socializing in the lobbies for now: Proceed to your program room when you enter as there is no loitering before or after your program. Spacing will be enforced; staff will be happy to give directions and answer questions. Cafes will remain closed for now. Hand sanitizing will be a requirement: Sanitizing stations will be available and are required upon entering. Personal protection equipment is optional. Classes will be smaller: Classes have been carefully planned. Participants can enjoy classes yet remain at a safe distance from each other.

Equipment will be infrequent and will be clean: Most programs will not include equipment unless necessary. Equipment will be cleaned before use and only given to one person per class, then re-sanitized after class. Participants may be asked to wipe down equipment before and after use. Prescreening questions will be asked: If you are feeling ill or have been in contact with an ill person, or in contact someone who has been asked to quarantine, do not come to the centres. We cannot let anyone in who has been in contact with a potential COVID patient or is feeling unwell.

Now the good part: What iS available! Weightrooms: Starting July 13, weightrooms began to reopen with new protocols. 90-minute time slot reservations can be booked five calendar days in advance. Cancel if you can no longer attend as other are waiting. Skating: • Adult Stick and Puck will be offered at GR Pearkes Rec Centre, July 21, 23, Aug 6, Aug 31. Skate rentals will not be available. Bring your own skates, helmet, gloves and stick. • Adult Only Skate will be held on July 22 and Everyone Welcome on Saturdays, 12-1 p.m. beginning July 25.

WE’RE COMING BACK…..slowly! Saanich is excited to be able to offer limited programs at our centres.

Free Guided Walks: • Gentle Walk and Talk, and Sunday Hikes have resumed. Gentle Walk and Talks are now offered Tuesday and Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. to accommodate more people. Enjoy beautiful scenery and gentle exercise on local Saanich trails. Sunday Walks will be July 26, and August 23 from 1-3 p.m. Social Croquet: Croquet has started at Burnside Lawnbowling Club. Rekindle the joy, get some fresh air and meet new friends. No equipment or experience needed, just fun play. Cancelled if raining by 10 a.m.

To register for your reserved drop-in spot call any Saanich Recreation Centre 250-475-7100 250-475-5400 250-475-7121 250-475-7600

Outdoor Tennis, Pickleball, Cedar Hill Golf Course, Parks and Trails are open! Get outside and take advantage of the nice weather. Some programs just don’t lend themselves to be modified to safe physical distancing and cannot be started at this point. Programs such as bridge, cards and mahjong, to name a few, do not allow enough space between players to meet the protocol standards at this time. For a schedule of activities available or to reserve a spot, go to: saanich.ca – Parks, Recreation and Community Services\ Facilities, Calendars, Fees To reserve your spot over the phone, call: GR Pearkes: 250-475-5400 Commonwealth Place: 250-475-7600 Cedar Hill: 250-475-7121 Gordon Head: 250-475-7100

Help is never far away with Niche Academy and gvpl.ca By Jessica Woollard, GVPL he COVID-19 pandemic and the need to shelter in place throughout the spring created high demand for digital content through the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL): ebooks, e-audiobooks, streaming movies and music, online classes and more. In April, online library card registrations for the Greater Victoria Public Library increased by 500 per cent, and digital usage increased by 77 per cent, compared to the same period last year. With the increased usage of digital library resources and collections delivered through GVPL’s virtual branch,

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See view programs available each week go to: www.saanich.ca/recreation

Gordon Head Recreation Centre G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre Cedar Hill Recreation Centre Saanich Commonwealth Place

Aquatics: Aquafit will restart at Gordon Head on Jul 20. Classes will be M/W/F at 10 a.m. and noon. Saanich Commonwealth Place will resume limited services in August.

gvpl.ca, the library is expanding its services to support cardholders as they explore digital content. Thanks to funding from the Friends of the Library, GVPL has launched Niche

Academy, a platform of easy-to-use video tutorials that teaches viewers how to get the most out of the library’s digital content. Users can choose from a range of video tutorials, each one selected by GVPL librarians, and learn how to get the most out of GVPL’s digital content, including the following: borrowing and downloading ebooks; how to take classes on Lynda.com; streaming movies and music; and learning a language with Mango Languages. Niche Academy is available on the library’s website at: gvpl.ca/help. Ready to go digital? Visit gvpl.ca/ digital. Need a library card? Get one at gvpl.ca in two minutes or less.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020 | 5

The Ideal Alternative to Condo Living

tarlight Village is a community of one and two bedroom homes and is ideally situated on the beautiful Saanich Peninsula, with easy access to all amenities: schools, hospital, ferry terminal, airport, Sidney by the Sea, grocery stores, farmers markets, restaurants, parks, walking paths and so much more. While there are lots of condos in the area, many of them are not pet friendly. Four legged Louie is just one of the valued team members at Starlight Village – Louie helps to make sure that home buyers and their furry friends have a place to call home. Brand new homes at Starlight Villages start at just $299,000 including GST. These affordable single entry level homes are the ideal alternative to condo living. They were designed with living and comfort in mind. There are three floor plans to choose from, with an attractive selection of flooring,

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cabinets, countertops and more to customize your new home. Couples and small families can enjoy cooking for themselves and friends in the upgraded open concept kitchen that

includes a quartz countertop and stainless steel appliance package. Built with open space and comfort in mind, including vaulted living and dining areas, all Starlight homes

Amazing benefits of having a pet

ets bring much joy to the lives they touch. It should come as no surprise that in Canada, it is estimated that there are approximately 7.9 million cats and 5.9 million dogs. Approximately 35 per cent of Canadian households have a dog, while 38 per cent have a cat (source: Ipsos Reid). Pets offer companionship and unconditional love. While they are fitting for any family, seniors may find that having a pet is especially beneficial. The organization, A Place for Mom, which helps match families with senior living residences, says pets provide a comfort system that produces measurable health results. Caring for pets and being around them can produce a chemical chain reaction in the brain that may help lower stress hormones and also increase production of the feel-good hormone, ‘serotonin’. This is not the only health benefit pets bring. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic, which looked at 1,800 people between the ages of 25 and 64 who had healthy hearts, found that almost half were dog owners. Having a dog was likely to spur heart-healthy behaviours like exercising with the pet, eating well and maintaining ideal blood sugar levels. Pets also provide emotional support and companionship that can help seniors, including those who may be divorced or widowed, to feel more secure and happy. The National Poll on Healthy Aging found that among respondents who had pets, 88 per cent said their pets helped them enjoy life, and 86 per cent said their pets made them feel loved. Seniors considering getting a pet can explore the many benefits to doing so. • Reduce pain: A study published in Pain Magazine found therapy dogs provided “significant reduction in pain and emotional distress for chronic pain patients.”

are equipped with heat pump systems and fully fenced private backyards. Starlight Village is proud to have an experienced contractor building your new Home. Don Gress is a registered CSA builder with 50 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. Don and his team have built over 300 similar homes in Greater Victoria. Some past projects include the Songhees Retirement Park, Hawthorne Village in Saanichton and Hummingbird Village on the Saanich Peninsula. You can see that every home has been built with pride to the highest quality and standards. Call the folks at Starlight Village for a privat tour. They are just as excited as you are to call the new Starlight Village ‘home’. Phone: 250-818-4842 Emal: sales@starlightvillage.ca Visit: starlightvillage.ca

WELCOME HOME Opening your world to a brighter future

• Feeling of purpose: Caring for an animal not only stimulates physical activity, but can also give seniors a reason to get up and go, which equates to a feeling of purpose. • Altered focus: Having a pet can help seniors focus on something other than physical or mental health issues and preoccupations about loss or aging. • Increased physical activity: Pets require care, and that interaction can get seniors moving more than if they didn’t have a pet. • Improved health: Ongoing research from Harvard Medical School has found dog owners have lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart disease than those who don’t own a dog. • Stick to routine: Caring for pets helps seniors maintain a routine. Having structure after retirement can be important to ward off risk of depression. Staying on top of feeding, grooming and other pet needs can help prevent cognitive decline. Pets bring many benefits to their owners’ lives, and they may be the perfect remedy for seniors looking for a friend and purpose. – MC

Live Happy at Starlight Village Now Selling 42 One & Two Bedroom Modern Homes on Saanich Peninsula Starting at

299,000

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250.818.4842 • starlightvillage.ca • sales@starlightvillage.ca

6 | Tuesday, july 28, 2020

TIMES COLONIST * 55 Plus

Lifestyles improve and so can yours “These are trying times. We are watching our investments fall all around us. Those of us who are retired or semi-retired are seeing our investment values go down while we draw funds from our portfolios. There is a better way.”

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hy sell your home or cash in your valuable investment portfolio to live off the equity when you can get a tax-free reverse mortgage on your home and live off the equity? Are you buying a home? Yes, you can buy a new home using a reverse mortgage. Do you own investment properties? Yes, you can include investment properties in a reverse mortgage. Do you have a mortgage on your home or investment property? Get rid of it and have no monthly payments. Imagine the change in your monthly cash flow if all of a sudden you no longer had to make mortgage payments? Imagine freedom to travel. Imagine helping your children or grandchildren. I have been a mortgage broker since 2005. When I first started out, I thought a reverse mortgage was a bad thing. Too expensive. I would lose my home. As I learned more about them and saw so many people change

URGENT MESSAGE FOR ANYONE OVER 55 YEARS!! REVERSE MORTGAGE RATES HAVE NEVER BEEN THIS LOW. 1 YEAR 3.49% • 2 YEAR 3.59% 3 YEAR 3.69% • 5 YEAR 3.79% LIMITED TIME ONLY. HURRY. DON’T WAIT. DON’T CASH IN YOUR INVESTMENTS TO GET BY. 250-217-2200 CALL FOR DETAILS

Murray Savage, AMP

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their lives by taking out a reverse mortgage, I changed my mind. All the nay-sayers have been proven wrong. One grandmother I know has seen her grandchildren in Ontario three times over the past year. She had only seen them once over the prior five years. Lifestyles improve. It’s incredible when you realize the difference. Retire in your own place. Age in your own place. Don’t sell and pay $1500 a month to a landlord’s profit sheet. Let me arrange that new Reverse Mortgage for you and I will refund you up to $500 on completion, to cover your appraisal and a bit towards closing costs. Call me for a no obligation Personal Options Analysis. Maybe a line of credit (HELOC) is better for you? I can help.” Great service. Information rules the day. Murray Savage: 250-656-9551 or murraysavage@shaw.ca sidneymortgages.com

Agencies for seniors - ready to serve Victoria Silver Threads Service and Senior Serving Seniors are joining forces and sharing space in a newly renovated centre located at 1911 Quadra St. he store front location will provide a variety of programs and services as well as information, referral and support for seniors in the community from their new, central location, across from the Victoria Police Station and near the Crystal Pool. The two organizations have compatible missions and a combine 103-year history of serving seniors in Greater Victoria. Seniors Serving Seniors is a registered non-profit charitable society in British Columbia that supports

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Silver Threads Service We are a charitable, not for profit society that enhances social connections and well-being for seniors. We provide programs and services for those 55 years of age or better with two centres and outreach programs 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

the well-being of seniors. They are the go-to organization in connecting the information needs of seniors with relevant resources and programs. Seniors Serving Seniors is a responsive, accessible, flexible and transparent. Silver Threads Service is a charitable, not-for-profit society that enhances social connections and well-being for seniors. They do this by providing programs and services that are accessible to everyone. Their vision sees seniors in Greater Victoria as engaged and supported, with an enhanced quality of life. For details, call Seniors Serving Seniors: 250 413-3211, or Silver Threads Service: 250 388-4268.

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TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020 | 7

Yeowch!!

Insect bites and stings

By your friendly neighbourhood Heart Pharmacist popular pastime in Victoria is hiking and spending time in nature. People are also spending more time in their gardens during the pandemic. Both activities ground us and instill an appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us. However, you know me, I like to worry. Nature is also full of insects that bite, sting, cause rashes, allergic reactions and diseases. August is a time when wasps start to get angry. I hope I didn’t discourage you from spending time in the wilderness. Be aware that the things buzz around our ears might not be entirely harmless. With a bit of knowledge, these insect stings and bites can be treated at home. There are many little creatures that seek to feast upon our flesh and suck our blood. This seems a little dramatic, but I have always wanted to write that. We divide insect related injuries into two broad categories; stings and bites. Fortunately, treatment for both is similar. First, try to avoid getting stung or bitten in the first place. Avoid times when biting insects are active. Generally, mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Wear light coloured clothing and long pants, socks and long sleeved shirts to protect your skin. The insect repellant called DEET works by masking our human scent. For infants six months to two years, use a lower strength product (10 % DEET) once a day only. Kids 2 to 12 years can use the 10 % DEET up to three times daily. Everyone 12 years and older should use a 30 % DEET product. Babies under 6 months have very sensitive skin, so its best to avoid contact with insect repellants and sunscreen. I get asked if citronella and other essential oils can be used as insect repellents. Some evidence suggests that citronella is slightly effective, but DEET is a better choice. There is an urban myth that ingesting higher amounts of vitamin B1 (thiamine) can act prevent bug bites, but this is only a myth. The most worrisome are the classic stinging insects: wasps, hornets and bees. If you have one of these bugs flying around you, avoid the temptation to swat them away. Sudden or startling movements can make them more likely to sting. Sit still or gently blow them

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away. If you are stung, check if the stinger is still on your skin. If it is, try and scrape it off with your fingernail, credit card or any hard edged object. Do not try and grab the stinger with tweezers and pull it out. This may squish out more venom. How you treat all insect stings or bites is essentially the same. First, ensure there is no immediate risk of an anaphylactic reaction. Symptoms are usually easy to spot: wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling in mouth and neck areas, dizziness or fainting. This is a time to find urgent medical care. While we are on the subject of anaphylactic reactions, check to ensure your EPI-PEN has not expired. Applying a cold compress or ice pack over a bite helps treat pain and reduce swelling. Do not apply ice directly to skin, and only for 15 minutes at one time. After the initial pain of the sting is over, there may be some swelling and redness from your body’s allergic reaction to the venom. Mild reactions may respond to topical hydrocortisone or diphenhydramine cream. For more severe reactions, oral antihistamines may be needed. Ask your Heart Pharmacist for the best option to treat your allergic symptoms. If you were stung on the hand or wrist, consider removing rings, watches or bracelets. Swelling might make them painful and hard to remove later. Generally, swelling and itching from bug bites decreases after three to four days. There is a rare chance that insect bites or stings can cause a longer lasting problem. There is the remote probability of West Nile Virus (mosquitoes) and Lyme disease (ticks). I told you I like to worry. The incidence of contracting these diseases in BC is low but not improbable. So watch for any of these symptoms after a bug bite: fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, long lasting rashes and sensitivity to light. These are symptoms of concern and should be brought to the attention of a physician quickly. Most insect stings and bites are mild and resolve without any treatment. But its best to know how to treat and avoid this summer health concern. Get out and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds Victoria. Spending time in the garden can also be relaxing. heartpharmacy.com

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

8 | Tuesday, july 28, 2020

TIMES COLONIST * 55 Plus

Endorsing Companionship

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eft-handed, lefty, southpaw – these are all terms used to describe people who favour their left hands for writing, throwing a ball and a myriad of other activities. It is estimated that between 10 and 12 per cent of all people are left-handed. Although that makes southpaws an undeniable minority, the number of left-handed people is creeping up. Left-handers are worthy of notice and recognition. As such, explore these interesting facts and figures about left-handers.

“I’m lonely …” These were not the first words uttered by 91 year-old Ed. But he blurted that out within minutes of telling me that he didn’t need much help – maybe three hours every two weeks.” By Johanna Booy, Senior Care Victoria re seniors in denial? No, most don’t realize how lonely they are until someone comes into their home expressing new interet and passion for their life’s experiences. Our job is to validate the senior and draw information to help us ascertain who they are and develop relationship. At the end of this visit, Ed received a big hug – initiated by myself. “Oh, you don’t know how much I miss that …” A caregiver related one of her companion visits: “When I first started in home care, I was young, and the agency I worked with had us running from home to home. Our mandate was to complete a list a mile long in two hours, and often less, and then try to sneak out of the house before our senior tried to engage us when leaving. If you didn’t manage to – you were stuck there for at least 15 minutes, meaning you were late for your next senior. I was so trying to work by the book. I mentioned my frustration about being late between visits to a friend and they suggested I work the visit with the senior into the cleaning, laundry, etc. My gent had emphysema and was on oxygen. It meant he couldn’t get out at all, and this made him very lonely. It also meant, he couldn’t help me with simple chores so we could work together and chat. I made him a deal. I told him if he let me whip through the chores in an hour and-a-half, I’d sit with him for the last half-hour. It worked – a ‘win-win’ for both of us.” This doesn’t address the statement “I’m lonely”. Seniors that are lonely can be also depressed. They express little interest for life’s pleasures because they have lost some of their zeal for life. No one sees it coming – it sneaks up on the senior and their family. Take for instance a loving daughter living in a nearby city who keeps in touch with her dad three to four times a week by phone. She’s a busy professional. When she calls and asks her dad how he is, he becomes animated and lively, telling her he’s fine – he has a visitor and progresses to tell her all that he’s

Fun facts about lefties

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been up to. There’s no sign in his conversation that anything is lacking – she must hang up the phone and think ‘dad is just great’! Our caregiver asked him why he told her all that positive stuff when he tells her he’s lonely. He said “I don’t want to bother her – she’s busy and I don’t want her to worry”. We, as care workers, hear the most amazing things – details often not shared with medical staff or family. The secrets we have been privy to, sobbed onto our shoulders and asked to promise to “never tell a soul” are so amazing, such depth of remorse or sorrow, that one must wonder how the senior has shouldered the burden all those years. Those secrets weren’t shared because the senior was bursting to tell; it was because someone had developed ‘relationship’, become their companion and friend. Family are often the last to know how seriously lonely their parent is. He or she may not need care – but they need companionship. As a matter of fact, regular companionship may just keep the need for future care needs at bay. seniorcarevictoria.ca If you are reading this article and you have a passion working with seniors – to cook for them, read or walk with them, or provide a few hours of respite for a spouse, we need you! Companioning is rewarding for a senior, but will take you by surprise! You will be greatly rewarded as well. Caregiver 101 training course is available August 10-13, 3-5pm at our Oak Bay office. Call 250-382-2328 to register.

Sports proclivity Being left-handed may confer an advantage for athletes. Wayne Gretzky, Sandy Koufax and Martina Navratilova are just a few of the many accomplished left-handed sports legends. Sports scientist Florian Loffing with the Institute of Sport Science, University of Oldenburg in Germany found that in sports where there is a short time constraint, lefties appeared to excel. That could be why he found 26 per cent of the top male players in table tennis are lefties. And sports like baseball and cricket are dominated by left-handed players. Health risks and benefits Lefties should take notice that there may be some side effects to being left-handed. According to a 2010 study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers found those who were left-handed had an increased risk for dyslexia, ADHD and certain mood disorders. It could be tied to the hemispheres of the brain and how 30 per cent of left-handed people are partial to the right hemisphere or have no dominant hemisphere for language functioning.

Victoria’s Premium Home Care

Conversely, lefties can bounce back from stroke or other brainrelated injuries more readily than righties, according to data published in 2015 in Scientific Reports. Also, a study published in Laterality found that left-handed people are less likely to suffer arthritis and ulcers. More creative Lefties are more likely to be artistic or innovative. Research published in the American Journal of Psychology found there is some evidence that left-handed people are better at divergent thinking, a method of idea generation that explores many possible solutions. The Left-Handers Club, a pro-lefty advocacy group, also found that left-handed individuals tend to be drawn to careers in the arts, music, sports and information-technology. Ambidextrous inclinations The world is geared towards being right-handed, with buttons on jackets, doorknobs, desks in school, and more designed with right-handed people in mind. Therefore, many lefties become ambidextrous simply because they have to, according to data published in Reader’s Digest. Presidential possibilities? Many notable people have been left-handed, including eight U.S. Presidents. James A. Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama all are or were left-handed. Even though the world may not have been designed for left-handed people, lefties certainly thrive. – MC

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It’s never too late to celebrate the life of a loved one “We are here to help you share their stories, provide the space for you to share your memories, and for all of us to once again, share our grief together… as we always have.”

W By Laura Van Sprang, Manager Sands Victoria Funeral Chapel

ith everything we are experiencing at this unprecedented time, imagine also going through the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, this is happening for many families 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 fi nding ways that we can bring the community together for the support that is so needed, working within the guidelines and restrictions in our Province. We are pleased to once again be able to offer private intimate services and receptions in our facilities. We are staying within the limits of the recommended group numbers and respecting

physical distancing, as well as providing informative signage and implementing safety measures. Technology is also a way for us to stay connected, and live streaming a service is an option we 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 are not able to attend in person at this time. Protecting the families we serve and our employees is our top priority. We are taking every necessary precaution, to gather safely as families and friends pay their respects and say goodbye to those they love. It is also the responsibility of every individual person to act responsibly. We are all in this together and it is the right thing to do. The hardest part for us at the funeral homes is

Tech expert dispels 5G myths

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here are many misconceptions going around about 5G. But the truth is the revolutionary wireless technology is a game-changer that’s a major upgrade from the previous 2G, 3G and 4G networks. Varun Kalia, head of mobile communications at LG Electronics Canada explains: “Each evolving network has powered new capabilities, from the fi rst texts to global roaming to fast streaming. At LG, we innovate for a better life, and that means we have been planning for the 5G

roll out and how it can benefit the lives of our customers from our 5G-ready mobile devices to home appliances and autonomous vehicles.” here, kalia breaks down five fast facts to know about 5g. 1 It’s up to 20 times faster than 4G. In theory, 5G can reach speeds of 20 gigabytes per second compared to the current 4G LTE’s peak speeds. That means it can support many more devices on its network and exchange information at lightning-fast speeds.

2 You’ll see better battery life. Automating daily tasks means we won’t need much of the computing power that drains your battery. Newer 5G devices may have noticeably longer battery life. 3 5G will power more than phones. 5G has a much lower latency, which is the time it takes for a signal to travel to its destination and back – lag time in simple terms. That’s vital to better enable devices and machines to talk to each other, and will lead to future innovations like autonomous cars. 4 5G is safe. It emits the same frequencies as current cell phones, wireless headphones and Wi-Fi. 5 It can spur VR and AR. 5G is a foundation for increased use of virtual reality and augmented reality. This will enable immersive experiences for fun and learning. newscanada.com

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. It is never too late to celebrate the life of a loved one. If your family has had to postpone a service or celebration, please know our expert funeral directors and support teams are here to assist you in moving forward in creating a beautiful Time to Remember. We are here to help you share their stories, provide the space for you to share your memories, and for all of us to once again, share our grief together… as we always have. arbormemorial.ca/en/sands-victoria

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TIMES COLONIST * 55 Plus

Tips for fitness beginners during the pandemic

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etween being cooped up working from home and dealing with the stressors of a global pandemic, many of us are turning to exercise for escape and fun. But fitness newbies may be at greater risk of getting sidelined by easy-to-prevent injuries. To reduce the risk of injury, Jeff Grimshaw, a Canadian certified pedorthist and president of the Pedorthic Association of Canada, shares these tips: Replace your shoes regularly. With each use, the support of your shoes gradually wears down. Factors determining worn out shoes includes shoe condition, tread wear and midsole compression. Even if your shoes are sitting in a closet, the soles will deteriorate over time. Aim to replace your running shoes after one year or 500 - 1000 kilometres to ensure they continue to support proper foot movements without stress or strain. Wear orthotics in athletic shoes, too. Harper says some people who have been prescribed orthotics wear them only in their daily shoes. However, it’s vital to wear orthotics in your athletic shoes as well, to ensure your

feet are getting the support they need to function correctly. Choose shoes designed for your specific activity. Different types of athletic shoes are designed for the way your feet move in specific activities. Examples of athletic shoes are walking shoes, running shoes and sportspecific shoes such as basketball or court shoes. Don’t ignore foot pain. Often, pain in your feet can be easily addressed with changes to your shoes or by starting to wear orthotics for additional support. However, sometimes foot pain can signal more serious issues. If you are experiencing prolonged pain or discomfort in your feet, schedule a consultation with a certified pedorthist for an exam and treatment plan. Many are reopening or seeing patients through virtual consultations. Start off slow. While it’s commendable to want to give 110 per cent to your new activity, your body and feet need time to adjust to any new fitness regimen. Gradually build up the length and frequency of your activities to allow your body to ease in. More information can be found at pedorthic.ca. – MC

We Do Home Care Differently

Don’t settle for anything less than what your loved one deserves.

In Partnership with:

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Live well at home with your personally selected Caregiver, from hourly to 24/7 live-in and short term respite care. Home Care Assistance is the only home care agency that offers Cognitive Therapeutics, a research-backed activities program that promotes brain health and vitality. Call for a free in-home assessment.

www.HomeCareAssistanceVictoria.ca

Unit 16, 21 Dallas Rd., Victoria 250-592-4881 Flader Business Centre, 101–9837 7th St., Sidney

Living in Sidney by the Sea the ideal Place to call home

Aura Residences are currently being built by Homewood Constructors and just blocks from the sea in Sidney.

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idney is a community built around the belief that the best small towns balance walkable convenience with the sense of getting away from it all. Ideally nestled along the eastern coast of the Peninsula, with gorgeous views over the ocean to the San Juan Islands, living in Sidney is a dream come true for many. Whether you are an art and culture buff, the outdoorsy type or have older or wee ones to entertain, there is something for everyone. Sidney enjoys a thriving arts and culture community that celebrates local artisans. From the seaside sculpture walk to the beautiful totems that welcome visitors at the Mary Winspear Centre, the lovely art galleries and many local cafés – Sidney has much to offer. Along with outdoor markets, car shows, kayaking, whale watching, bike riding, fi shing, crabbing, boating, shopping or simply walking at the water’s edge, Sidney truly offers it all.

A new condominium opportunity is taking shape in Sidney, built by established award-winning local builder Homewood Constructors Ltd. With a reputation for quality, Homewood Constructors knows that craftsmanship and quality are key to repeat clients. They partner with reputable subcontractors and suppliers, including some of the industry’s most experienced and skilled professionals within the Vancouver Island building industry. Homewood Constructors is showcasing a collection of 34 one-, two- and threebedroom condominium homes that offer comfort and quiet sophistication. You’ll fi nd Aura Residences quietly situated, just blocks from the seafront, with fi ne boutiques and a vibrant and varied dining culture – all within a convenient walk. For more details, call: 250-883-2715. auraresidences.com

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The value of joining a community taPestry at victoria harbour

“Tapestry has positioned itself as a leader in active aging, offering vibrant and connected communities where individuals can stay healthy, strong, engaged and socially connected.”

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ven before the current global health crisis, social isolation was an area of growing concern for Canadians. A 2019 BC Centre for Disease Control report identified an increase in social isolation rates and found that a “lack of social support has been linked to poor mental health, as well as poor physical health outcomes”. Fortunately, the same report also noted that social support is linked to promoting healthy behaviours and can help those dealing with emotionally stressful times. Given the importance of social connection to individual wellness, many seniors are looking to move into communities that will actively support their goal of increasing social connection while maintaining their full independence. One such community is Tapestry at Victoria Harbour. Tapestry has positioned itself as a leader in active aging, offering vibrant and connected communities where individuals can stay healthy, strong, engaged and socially connected. In each community, Tapestry residents have unlimited opportunities to participate in authentically-local wellness programs that help them live their lives to the fullest. With

an offering aligned to the 7 Dimensions of Wellness, Tapestry’s residents exercise their bodies and minds while making meaningful social connections, as well as connecting and contributing to the broader neighbourhood. Tapestry residents stay active and healthy by joining fitness classes or working out with a kinesiologist. They share personal stories and experiences, participate in courses and lectures, and seek spiritual fulfi llment by attending yoga and meditation classes. They may choose to volunteer, join an environmental group, or garden in one of Tapestry’s beautiful outdoor spaces.

Bev, a long-time Tapestry resident in Vancouver, found profoundly meaningful connection in her community. “I never thought that Tapestry would become a family. But it is,” says Bev. “I have no relatives here, and yet I feel loved and embraced by people here.” The Tapestry philosophy of bringing people together also extends to dining. From sharing a meal with fellow residents, friends and family in the full-service restaurant or pub, to hosting a dinner party in each home’s full kitchen, the choice is always yours. “Our dining venues encourage social interaction and vibrancy,” says JJ Jurgens, Executive Chef for Tapestry at Arbutus Walk in Vancouver. “And our full range of menu items feature freshly prepared, delicious and nutritious meals that support our focus on wellness.” Currently under construction, Tapestry at Victoria Harbour is on schedule for occupancy in early 2021. The Presentation Centre, complete with fully furnished display suite, is now open by private appointment. Visit TapestryVictoria.com or call 250-419-4261 to learn more.

Where luxury living meets inspired active aging. Embrace a New Age.

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