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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2023
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Silver Threads offers many great programs W
ith so many race and athletic events happening around Victoria this season, it’s the perfect time to talk about “Race Recovery.” The use of Contrast Therapy—going from hot to cold—has long been popular among elite athletes, particularly following intense training or a race, to assist with muscle recovery. Today this recovery approach has been embraced by “everyday athletes” as well. Runners, rowers, cyclists, pickle ballers and other athletes have found that the hot cold ritual helps lessen muscle fatigue and decrease pain, swelling, and lactic acid buildup. Other benefits include boosted immunity, improved mood, and a jump-start for circulation. What is Hot Cold Therapy? As simple as it sounds, contrast therapy involves alternating between warm and cold temperatures. At RITUAL, our Nordic Circuit is centred around the age-old Finnish tradition of sauna. Guests move between the hot heat of the sauna or steam room and into the cold pool and Nordic shower, then rest while the body adjusts. Everyone moves at their own pace, based on the needs of their bodies.
THE HOT — Warming your body in the sauna (85 - 95 degrees Celsius) or steam room increases circulation to aid healing, relieve muscle cramps and aches. Go at your own speed but most people spend 10-15 minutes in the heat, 2-5 minutes in the cold, and 5-15 minutes resting. THE COLD — Opposite to heat, the immersion in the cold pool (9 degrees Celsius) or bucket shower reduces inflammation and swelling, and can help with pain management. RELAX – After the sauna and cold plunge, your body needs to adjust and allow your heart rate to settle. It’s nice to relax for 10-15 minutes inside or outdoors on a lounger in the fresh air before repeating the cycle. Hot and cold each have their own benefits but paired together in succession they deliver a thrilling intensity and calming respite. Benefits you may anticipate from your Nordic Circuit experience: • Improved Circulation • Reduced Swelling or Inflammation • Improvement in Muscle Strains • Increased Range of Motion • Reduced Muscle Soreness • Increased Energy & Alertness • Elevated Mood • Better Sleep Ritual Nordic Spa is a neighborhood sauna house in downtown Victoria, popular with locals and visitors alike. All you need is your swimsuit! Learn more at: RitualNordicSpa.com
at Hydrate Wellness Centre
Through every age and stage, our bodies support us hormonally to help us feel good, think sharp, keep our moods balanced, optimize our physical and metabolic health, heal from injury and aid in reproduction. At certain times of life there are significant hormonal shifts where our hormones begin to change with our natural aging process. Naturopathic medicine can offer one to look deeper into these shifts and can aid in guiding the process through optimizing our hormones, allowing one to age easily and gracefully. Hormonal changes can not only make us feel well but can also be a significant disruptor in our daily wellbeing. Puberty, PMS, pregnancy, menopause, and andropause are just a few of the health areas that our hormones make shifts to help us grow and change yet may have significant negative impacts when the imbalances are too extreme. At Hydrate Wellness Centre, naturopathic medical care with our Naturopathic doctor, Dr. Kristen Bovee can support you hormonally in most of these areas. Hormone testing is an essential to identify hormone imbalances. At Hydrate Wellness we use functional tests such as the DUTCH test to identify such imbalances in addition to clinical assessment and regular blood work. Through testing one can gain fuller understanding of sex hormones, adrenal hormones, androgen production, and thyroid function. Once these imbalances are identified it becomes safer and easier to make decisions on exactly how to treat them. Areas that we can help support are through prescribing bioidentical hormone replacement, nutrient optimization via nutrient infusion support to allow endocrine organs to function normally, nutritional guidance to further impact healthy hormone balance, and natural supplementation in the form of botanical extracts and nutraceutical formulations. Naturopathic medicine always uses evidenced based approaches to naturally bring hormones back into balance. Hormone balancing is reflected also externally. Natural hormone support will help you look your best at any age with the help of natural skin care regimes and gentle skin care treatments that will keep you feeling and looking your best. At Hydrate Wellness Centre we have an array of skin therapies including botox, filler, IPL and Morpheus 8. Our clinical skin care lines Alumier MD and Colorescience are our home care skin care lines of choice, available at the clinic. Naturopathic medicine has a lot to offer when looking at guiding the body through the ages. Hormonal health is an important factor in graceful aging and feeling our best. To begin assessing your hormone health book in for a First Visit for Naturopathic Medicine to start your journey to becoming the best you. hydratewellness.com
N
ow that Thanksgiving is a wrap and we are careening toward Christmas, there are still two months for fun, socializing and learning new skills before the end of the year. Silver Threads Service is ready to fill your time and offers many great activities for those 55 years and better. At the Victoria Centre, at 1911 Quadra Street, new sessions of Learn to Knit starts Monday, Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. On the same day, at 12 noon, a Learn to Knit Continuing will also be offered. Perhaps just in time for gifting family and friends some hand knitted scarves for Christmas? For physical activity, on Wednesdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 noon, Ping Pong for Parkinsons provides gentle exercise in a supportive environment. Call to reserve your spot. You will find the Saanich Centre at 286 Hampton Road. Starting on Friday, Nov. 3 and running from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Learn to play Snooker is offered. You will learn techniques including grip, cueing, stance and shots as well as the rules of the game of snooker. Enjoy playing on our full-sized table. No experience is required and all equipment will be provided. Since most of us don’t have a table to
practice on – the table at the centre can be booked for private practice and play. Mindfulness and Meditation is an all-levels class designed to calm the body and the mind. Improve your ability to be present and reduce your stress levels in this 45-minute class consisting of guided breathing
SERVICES FOR SENIORS Cost: 6/$63 members, $90 non-members Silver Threads Service has been serving seniors in Victoria for more Leader: Yamini Iyer than 67 years, and prides itself on creating a welcoming and inclusive Brain Power Challenge - Word environment for those looking to try Scramble If you are ready to amp up your out new experiences and classes. For more information or to register, cognitive function and take a call the Saanich Centre at 250-382- proactive approach to your brain 3151 or the Victoria Centre at 250- health, Silver Threads Service offers two programs that can 388-4268. support you in this health practice. Evening Wellness Victoria Centre Registration is now open for the Fall Brain Games and Memory Evening classes offered at the PLUS Programs. Victoria Centre, for those who have work, family or other daytime Memory PLUS Saanich Centre commitments. Memory PLUS is a program for those 55+ who would like to Hatha Yoga enhance their memory and learn The perfect way to still your mind and move your body at the end of new skills in an active and social your day. This class caters to all skill setting. The PLUS stands for levels, as variations will be offered Practice, Laughter and Useful to accommodate all bodies. Come Strategies. with your water. Mats and props Dates: Wednesdays, Oct. 25 to provided. Nov. 29 Dates: Tuesdays, Oct. 24 to Nov. 21 Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: 6/$54 members, $78 nonTime: 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Cost: 6/$54 for members, $78 non- members Leader: Lisa van Bommel members Leader: Paige Driedger Call 250-382-3151 or visit silverthreadsservice.ca for more Essentrics information. A full-body workout that unlocks and decompresses joints by stretching and strengthening In the spirit of Halloween, without impact to the body. this month’s word scramble is The goal is improving wellness, frightful. increasing energy, and reducing pain. 1. oypkso Every time you come to an 2. labkc Essentrics class, you will enjoy 3. olsetenk fresh music playlists and new 4. nthaedu euhos exercise sequences. 5. athpnom Dates: Tuesdays, Nov. 7 to Dec. 12 Time: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: 6/$54 members, $78 nonmembers Leader: Junko Hammond
Find your Courage, improve your Communication and create deeper Connections in your life.
Bollywood Dance Bollywood Dance is for all ages and levels — no experience required! Explore the world of Bollywood in these classes that include a gentle warm-up and new, easy to follow choreography each week!
awakeningslifecoaching.ca Linda@awakeningslifecoaching.ca (250) 951-6460
Dates: Thursdays, Nov. 9 to Dec. 14 Time: 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
6. rim eperar 7. auondlcr 8. kpinump
Answers: 1. spooky 2. black 3. skeleton 4. Haunted House 5. phantom 6. grim reaper 7. cauldron 8. pumpkin
Contrast Therapy Supporting + Race Recovery Hormone Health
Silver Threads Service
Over 65 years of community service to seniors! Offering great programs & two locations to serve you. Saanich Centre 286 Hampton Rd. 250 382-3151
Victoria Centre 1911 Quadra St. 250 388-4268
Visit www.silverthreads.ca for more information
stay active * stay healthy * stay connected
Enhance your Health at Hydrate: Welcome to Fall! We have a cozy IV chair awaiting your arrival! Come relax, recharge, and rejuvenate as we support your system with a customized naturopathic nutrient infusion.
Immerse. Rejuvenate. Repeat.
We offer complete naturopathic and IV care, medical aesthetics and a full naturopathic dispensary to keep you looking and feeling your best!
SAUNAS | COLD PLUNGE | MASSAGE | MEMBERSHIPS BOOK ONLINE RITUALNORDICSPA.COM | 778-440-9009 Finnish Sauna Tradition in Downtown Victoria
250 590 1482 | hydratewellness.com 1103 Fort Street | on the corner of Cook and Fort
and meditation practices. Join us at the Saanich Centre from Thursdays, Oct. 26 to Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. These are just a few of the offerings later this fall, for a complete listing see our Program Guide at www.silverthreads.ca.
This month’s Healthy Living Coaching focus is on personal values.
V
alues drive our every decision. They are the foundation to who we are and how we show up in the world. The problem around values is that for many, we don’t know exactly what our values are. So how then, did they form? Values become ingrained in us as we journey through our lives. They are based on what our parents teach us, what we learn directly and indirectly in school. They are based on our experiences, real or perceived. Even though we might not be able to articulate them, they are always there, under the surface. Values are different from morals in that our values can and do change over time. As we age and reach different stages in our lives our values begin to shift. Learning our values As a coach, values work is the very first thing I do with a new client. We do this because a client’s values will form the foundation, just like a house, of all our future work together. Over and over we will go back to them, checking to see if they are being compromised, we’re angry or sad, or if they’re being honoured, we’re happy or content. Once clients learn their values they are amazed at how much more clearly they see certain things in their world. Why, something their boss or partner did, made them angry. Why, when life feels like it’s finally all going well, that it’s because their values are being honoured or paid attention to. When working with a coach you’re getting better at being able to recognize, articulate and make choices based on your values. As a result it makes us feel more like we are living a balanced life. How values affect our relationships When we don’t know or recognize our values they can be ignored or compromised. You will see this in friendships where they suddenly end. When a friend has done something you don’t like and you simply stop responding or reaching out. You may experience it at work when you decide to quit your job because the company’s values are no longer in alignment with your own. Or you may be struggling in your marriage or long term relationship, noticing more arguments and disagreements with your partner because you no longer hold the same values. Want to learn more about your values and feel supported in living your life in alignment with them each day? Consider booking a free 30-minute sample coaching session to get a feel for coaching at awakeningslifecoaching.ca. It can change your life.