Yakimovich Programs and Sessions

Sessions offered in the Yakimovich Wellness Centre are virtual or in-person and free.

We hope these sessions:

• Help you better navigate your health and aging journey;
• Increase your knowledge, skills and access to resources in your community and within the health care system; 
• Provide a variety of topics to help you Be Well, Be Secure, Be Connected, and Be Enriched

Download this info sheet to learn about and register for upcoming sessions.

If you require any assistance with registration, please contact Liz McCarter at Elizabeth.McCarter@islandhealth.ca.

Upcoming Sessions

March 2025 Sessions

Nordic Pole Walking: Learn and Practice the Technique of Nordic Pole Walking
Dates: Fridays, March 14th – April 11th, 2025 (5-consecutive weeks)
Time: 1:30 to 3 p.m. (in-person only)
Instructor: Liz McCarter, Certified Nordic Pole Walking instructor
Description: Nordic Pole walking helps you gain fitness, strength, balance and have fun along the way.
You will learn how to:

• pole walk, 
• be encouraged to get out and walk a few times a week to gain confidence in your skills
• meet people to continue walking with
• learn where there are Nordic Pole walking groups you can join in the community

Poles – will be provided to each person to use for the 6 weeks or bring your own
What to wear – wear clothing that you can easily move in, wear layers and wear running shoes or good walking shoes
What to bring – if you have a fanny pack or knapsack bring that to put your water bottle, wallet and any extra clothes, hat and or gloves. 
What to expect – first day will be an orientation and assigning poles but after that we will be learning the technique of Nordic pole walking;  be able to stand and walk for 10-15 minutes. There will be benches to sit on to take a break during the class time.

To register, email Elizabeth.McCarter@islandhealth.ca or call 250-580-3034 (please include your first and last name, email address/phone number, say “Nordic Pole Walking” and how many people in your group.)

Home Activity Program – SAIL (Strategies and Actions for Independent Living)
Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, March 17th – April 9th (2 times/week for 4 weeks)
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (zoom link will open at 1 p.m.)
Description: Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is an evidence-based fall prevention program centered around a strength, balance, and fitness program for adults 65 and older. The exercises can be done standing or sitting. In this 4-week program you will learn the proper and safe way to do the exercises and will be encouraged to practice the exercises at home.  
Instructor: Liz McCarter, Recreation Therapist

Register for this program

Eating Healthy on a Budget
Date: Monday, March 24th, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Nadine Bartels, interim Public Health Registered Dietitian for the Greater Victoria Area with Island Health, combines her love for food with a passion for empowering others to build a healthy relationship with eating. She is interested in helping support healthy eating across the lifespan and is very fortunate to be able to share her knowledge with a variety of audiences, including youth, young parents, older adults, and other health care professionals. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, crocheting, and playing with her two cats.
Session Description: Join this interactive presentation to learn practical tips that can help you get nutritious foods while staying within a budget. We will discuss the following topics: 

• What does eat well mean and why is it important for older adults?
• Food costs and other challenges to eating on a budget
• Getting the most for your dollar when buying groceries
• Affordable meal planning and preparation 
• And learn about what community food resources exist that can help you

Register for this session

Fear Ageism Not Aging
Date: Thursday, March 27th, 2025
Time: 1:30 to 3 p.m. (zoom link will open at 1 p.m.)
Description: Ageism affects everyone at any age; however, older adults and seniors are particularly vulnerable to experiencing the negative implications of ageism. There is a need to change people’s understanding of ageing and older people, to challenge our belief systems and see people for who they are, as individuals, and what they contribute to society.   
Presenter: Gabi Townsend is the Coordinator of the Victoria Community Response Network (VCRN). Their mandate is to raise awareness of senior abuse, neglect and self-neglect through presentations, community participation and sharing materials and resources.  Her career with the Alzheimer Society of BC put her in touch with persons with dementia and their caregivers, supporting them all through their difficult journeys.

Register for this session

The Alliance Between the Gut and the Brain, an Introduction and an Update
Date: Friday, March 28th, 2025
Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m. (zoom link will open at 9 a.m.) 
Description: This presentation will focus on the essential roles of gut bacteria in the development, organization, and function of the brain. 
Presenter: Dr. Ed Ishiguro is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at University of Victoria. 

Register for this session