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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024
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SILVER THREADS SERVICE
How I faced my fears and worries
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1. The simple relaxation benefits of visiting a spa can lower stress levels, which can be worth it on its own. Excessive or prolonged stress is a common cause for weakened immune systems, and reducing stress by making time for self-care can help ensure better health.
and Complementary Medicine suggest that massage may increase the activity of natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell which play a key role in defending the body against viruses. 3. Hot and cold therapy, such as sauna bathing followed by a cold plunge, is known to stimulate circulation and enhance immune function. The heat from a sauna encourages the production of white blood cells, crucial to fighting off infections. Additionally, the cold plunge causes blood vessels to constrict, then dilate as the body warms up, which can improve circulation and detoxification. This process may reduce inflammation and increase the body’s resilience against common colds and flu. Ready to give it a try? Enjoy some stress-reducing and immuneboosting treatments at RITUAL Nordic Spa, an urban sauna house in downtown Victoria. Offering RMT Massage therapies, plus a Nordic Circuit that includes sauna, steam, cold plunge, Nordic bucket shower, salt lounge and outdoor patios. A great way to build your hot/cold practice or spend time with friends. All you need is your swimsuit! Learn more at: RitualNordicSpa. com
2. Massage therapy has been shown to benefit the immune system. Regular massages can lower stress levels, as well as stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins and waste from the body. By improving lymph flow and circulation, massage can help keep the immune system functioning optimally. Studies published in The Journal of Alternative
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OPTIMIZING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH INDIVIDUALIZED MEDICINE NUTRITIONAL ADVICE VITAMIN INFUSION(IV) THERAPY BOTANICAL SUPPORT hydratewellness.com 1103 Fort Street 250-590-1482
Too Young for Bingo? Too Old for Break Dancing? Join us at Silver Threads Service Health,Wellness & Social Programs for 55+ Helping older adults fit in since 1956 Visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information Victoria Centre 1911 Quadra St. | 250 388-4268
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BRAIN POWER CHALLENGE Silver Threads Programs Split Word Game If you are ready to amp up your cognitive function and take a proactive approach to your brain health, Silver Threads Service offers programs that can support you in this health practice. Our Fall Programs have started and include Brain Games and Dynamic Discussions. These programs are for those 55+ who would like to enhance their memory skills in an active and social group setting. Call 250 382-3151 or visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information. Use the Program theme and make words from the syllable fragments in each square. Cross out each grid as you use it. sic ness ga ment
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Essentrics A full body fitness workout done from a standing position and occasionally floor based. The focus is on opening up connective tissue through flowing movements. VICTORIA CENTRE Dates: Wednesdays, October 30th to December 11th Time: 11:15am to 12:15pm SAANICH CENTRE Date: Thursdays, October 31st to December 12th Time: 2:00pm to 3:00pm Cost: 7/$77 members, $105 non-members Leader: Junko Hammond (Level 4 Essentrics instructor)
Experienced Ukulele Saanich Centre For students who have previous experience in ukulele. Dates: Wednesdays, October 23rd to November 27th Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm Cost: 6/$54 members, $78 non-members Leader: Molly Raher Newman
Beginner Ukulele Victoria Centre Learn the basics of ukulele - perfect for people wanting to learn this fun and easy instrument! Dates: Fridays, October 25th to November 29th Time: 1:00pm to 1:45pm Cost: 6/$54 members, $78 non-members Leader: Wendy Pritchard Beginner Continuing Ukulele VICTORIA CENTRE For students who have taken Beginner Ukulele and want to review and expand upon beginning techniques.
Fridays, October 25th to November 29th 2:00pm to 2:45pm 6/$54 members, $78 non-members Wendy Pritchard
Parlez Vous Francais? SAANICH CENTRE Nous sommes un nouveau groupe de conversation française. Un niveau de français intermédiaire ou plus est requis pour participer à ce programme. Venez vous joindre à ce groupe de francophones pour rencontrer d’autres personnes qui parlent français, faire de nouveaux amis, discuter de sujets variés, rire, et s’amuser ensemble. Dates: Wednesdays, October 23rd to November 20th Time: 9:30am - 10:30am Cost: 6/$24 members, $42 non-members; 5/$20 members, $35 non-members Leader: Louise Thauvette
Naturopathic Immune Support for the Fall As summer draws to a close, numerous changes begin to occur in our surroundings that directly impact our immune system’s natural defences. The shortening of days results in a decrease in vitamin D due to reduced sun exposure. Additionally, our diet tends to rely more on fruits and vegetables that may not be locally sourced, resulting in less nutrient-dense produce that has been stored for extended periods, leading to diminished nutritional value in our meals. Furthermore, exposure to colder temperatures can put stress on our bodies, increasing our vulnerability to infections.
recommendations, here are the top naturopathic nutrients:
years. It is called an adaptogen meaning it helps protect the body against various stresses including physical, mental or emotional stress. It is used to protect and support the immune system preventing colds and upper respiratory infections. It has antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties. Studies have shown that astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates immune system suggesting it may help prevent colds.
• Vitamin D: While not commonly found in many foods, you can obtain vitamin D from fortified milk, cereals, and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Your body also synthesizes vitamin D from sunlight. This nutrient boasts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, supporting immune health, muscle function, and brain cell activity. Aim for a daily intake of at least 2000 IU during the fall and winter months.
Lifestyle Recommendations:
• Limit intake of simple sugars and dairy, as they can strain the immune system and contribute to mucus production.
• Zinc: A daily dose of 25-50 mg is recommended. Zinc acts as a gatekeeper for immune function, playing a vital role in the development and functioning of cells involved in innate immunity and infection control. It is also crucial for metabolism, wound healing, and maintaining the senses of taste and smell. Rich food sources of zinc include chickpeas, red meats, and fortified breakfast cereals.
• Spend time outdoors daily: Even a brief walk outside can boost your mood and contribute to stress relief, thanks to exposure to natural light.
• Include seasonal, locally sourced foods rich in beta-carotene, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, orange-fleshed squash & yams.
• Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus): has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of
• Increase your consumption of nuts and seeds, which provide essential trace elements like zinc and selenium. For instance, pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts are excellent choices. |
Our Saanich Centre is located at 286 Hampton Road, in the Tillicum Gorge neighbourhood and can be reached at 250 382-3151. Our Victoria Centre is located at 1911 Quadra Street, near the Police Station and can be reached at 250 388-4268. Our Fall Program Guide is now available at our centres and online at www.silverthreads.ca
Dates: Time: Cost: Leader:
Nutritional Support
Finnish Sauna Tradition in Downtown Victoria
Silver Threads Service has 53 different weekly registered programs, 41 weekly drop ins and 43 monthly activities from September to December, and has been serving the community for 67 years.
The second sessions of Fall Programs begin this month and include gentle yoga, art, discussion groups, crafts, and much more. For a complete listing see our Fall Program Guide at www.silverthreads.ca
The following are various strategies, encompassing nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes, to enhance our immune strength for the fall season.
NORDIC CIRCUIT
I have been enjoying the time I spend at Silver Threads, and I know I have made progress. You are probably reading this and thinking I have it all figured out. Most days I do. Just not on the days when a spider comes marching into my place. Those days I lose my everloving mind. It’s all about balance. Mary, Fearless Socialite and (now published) Writer
NEW OCTOBER PROGRAMS
BE WELL THIS FALL BY BUILDING A
Saanich Centre 286 Hampton Rd. | 250 382-3151
loud to my classmates. Conquering that fear was liberating! Next, I am going to take Introduction to Storytelling. It starts Thursday, October 24th in the afternoon at the Victoria Centre. Call them, sign up and you too can conquer your fears.
BRAIN POWER SPLIT WORD ANSWERS
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e all have our tips for preparing for flu season, such as regular hand washing, supplements and getting a flu shot. Here is one more ‘stay healthy’ tip to add that is a lot more fun. A visit to the spa can offer multiple wellness benefits, including a fortified immune system. Incorporating these three therapies into a wellness routine during flu season can be an effective way to strengthen the body’s natural defenses:
fitness, wellness, games, creative arts, music, Events, dance, movement, education, movies, literature, discussion
Add a Spa Day to your Flu Season Checklist
here are things that scare me. The older I get the more weirdly specific my fears get. Falling scares me, having my internet go down scares me, and this time of year spiders - they scare me as they stomp their way into my home to keep warm and dry. Some of my fears are real and rational. Some, maybe most are not. Then there is a variety rooted in childhood that rattle around in my head still, after many decades. I have invested time to catalogue all of them. I have learned to manage the real and rational fears by talking to family, doing deep breathing, relaxing, focusing on the now and not the what ifs. The irrational fears, well, that is different. But here is an example. Recently I began to think about getting out and meeting some new people. I live alone and know it would be good for me. But my inner 10-year-old and childhood fear was whispering “you can’t make friends.” I decided to not listen and conquer my fear. I signed up for a Soup Social at Silver Threads. I did it! I signed up! Then the worry about dribbling soup on myself, not knowing what to say or saying something with my mouth full kicked in. It was one day I told myself. If something bad happens I don’t have to go again. I went. It was great, none of the things I feared happened. I had a nice lunch, I chatted to some people, when conversation had a lull our volunteer server and facilitator kept it rolling, we laughed and told stories. I walked out feeling like Sally Field at the Oscars! “They liked me! They really liked me!” I looked at all the Programs offered at Silver Threads, and my next fear to conquer was sharing my writing. I write in a diary for me, to help process thoughts and record important (to me) things and all of that. I signed up for Memoir Writing. Not only did I write some personal stories, I read them out
Natural Immune Boosters According to Dr. Kristen’s
• Stick to a consistent sleep and wake schedule: Although it might be tempting to hit the snooze button when daylight starts later, maintaining a regular routine will enhance your sleep quality and help restore your energy throughout the day.
• Consider an indoor class for physical activity: If exercising outdoors becomes challenging due to limited daylight or unexpected weather changes, joining an indoor class can be a great alternative. Maintaining a healthy immunity can become challenging if we are not aware of the impacts the season has on us. Visiting a naturopathic physician can help guide you in the right direction to develop a healthy immune plan to get you through the cold and flu season in a positive way.