the official newsletter of the Golden Care Network
the
nugget Issue 1 • April 2014
Make-A-Wish
8
11
&
9
April Showers Bring May Flowers!
contents
Issue 1 • April 2014
The Golden Care Network
was created by a group of innovative health and home care community leaders who had a vision for a structured support network in serving the needs of the boomer generation. Weekly meetings focus on education and awareness. Each member is a community leader in private business and development. Please visit the index page to learn more about each member individually and the services offered through the Golden Care Network. For information on how to join please contact a member of the network executive team below: http://www.bbcon.ca/en/Golden_ Care_Networkers_Ottawa_164.html
3 Advanced Hearing............................................................................. 4 Nuggets Health Watch: Exercises for People with Arthritis 5 Vital Pharmacy................................................................................... 6 Dynamic Brain.................................................................................... 7 GCN Supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation.....................8-9 Decorating Den / Carsten Sasche............................................ 10 Nuggets Lawn & Garden: Start Your Garden Off Right........ 11 Norman Willet............................................................................... 12 Oasis Event Management.......................................................... 13 Nuggets Lawn & Garden: Prevent Gardening Injuries......... 14 Ben Fox.......................................................................................... 15 Nuggets Food .............................................................................. 16 Inner Recovery............................................................................. 17 Nuggets Diversions..................................................................... 18 Nuggets Health Watch: Eyes on Health........................................
The Nugget Vol. 1, Issue 1 © 2014 to the Golden Care Network. Layout and design © 2014 to SGMR Graphic Design and Illustration sgmrgraphics@gmail.com.
the nugget • 2
nuggets
health watch
Eyes on health:
What your eyes can tell doctors People who have been putting off eye examinations may want to call their opthalmologists to schedule an appointment. That’s because vision checkups can do more than protect your eyes. By examining the eyes, doctors may have a window into health problems affecting other areas of the body. Researchers recently discovered a link between detected retinal amyloid plaques and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. While evidence was found in lab mice, autopsies of at least eight Alzheimer’s disease patients have also shown amyloid plaques, which are known to interfere with memory and other mental functions, present in the retinas. Doctors at CedarsSinai Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif., are gearing up for larger studies of humans to determine if an Alzheimer’s imaging technique can be perfected. Dementia is not the only thing that doctors may be able to detect through an eye exam. Jaundice in the whites of the eyes may indicate liver disease, and early warning signs of diabetes may be detectable in the eyes. The American Academy of Opthalmology says the eye is the only place where doctors can see veins, arteries and a nerve without surgery, and eye examinations are increasingly
being relied on to gauge overall health. The following are a few additional conditions that may be detected through the eyes.
Allergies Patients may be referred to an allergy specialist if
eyelid, known as xanthelasma palpebra, is a warning sign of high cholesterol, which is often initially diagnosed during a routine eye exam.
Cancer Some cancer metastases can be detected during an eye exam. The presence of a bump or brown spot on the
occur elsewhere, but is much more visible in the brows.
Clogged arteries Blockages in the smaller veins in the retina may indicate clogs caused by arterial plaque. This will show up as a retinal occlusion in a visual exam. If blood vessels in the eyes are blocked, clogged arteries may be present elsewhere in the body, so a cardiology workup may be ordered.
Bell’s palsy
Certain medical conditions can be detected early during routine eye examinations. they exhibit dark under-eye circles. While this can be a sign of aging, dark circles, sometimes referred to as “allergic shiners,” also may indicate certain allergies. When clogged sinuses cause a blockage of blood flow in the nasal passages around the eye, darkness may result. This symptom in conjunction with persistent nasal congestion could be a sure sign of allergies.
High cholesterol The presence of bumpy, yellowish patches on the
The inability to close one eye or to control tear production in that eye may be a sign of Bell’s palsy. This is a condition of the nervous system that controls facial muscles, causing temporary paralysis in one side of the face. Sometimes Bell’s palsy follows a viral or bacterial infection. metro newspaper services
eyelid also may be indicative of skin cancer. Many malignant eyelid tumors are basalcell carcinoma. If the spot is brown, it’s more likely to be malignant melanoma.
Thyroid issues When the outer one-third of the brow (the part closest to the ear) begins to disappear on its own, this is a common sign of thyroid disease. The thyroid helps regulate metabolism, and thyroid hormones are essential to hair production. Hair loss may
the nugget • 3
Did you know? Why is hearing well important to you? Being able to hear your special someone speak is a luxury most of us take for granted. Advanced Hearing Group of Clinics have the professional medical team to thoroughly investigate any hearing concerns you have. Don’t wait, call today.
Schedule Your Hearing Test Today!
613-728-HEAR (4327) 3 Ottawa Locations to serve You! 1657 Carling Ave. 296 Metcalfe St. ahac.ca 2604 Draper Ave., Suite 212
Though vaccines are usually associated with childhood or foreign travel, older adults may need certain vaccinations as they age. Even those who received immunizations as youngsters may need refresher doses or vaccinations tailored specifically to the over 50 crowd. Seniors are urged to talk to their doctors about certain vaccines. In addition to flu shots, there are vaccinations that can help prevent
other illnesses, such as pertussis (whooping cough), shingles, diphtheria/tetanus, and pneumonia. Shingles is a condition that affects those who had chickenpox as children, and can be quite painful. A vaccination is an easy way to avoid it. Many local pharmacies now offer on-site immunizations, saving people a trip to the doctor’s office. metro newspaper services
Facts About Hearing Loss Hearing loss is most often gradual in nature, and therefore, a hearing problem may not be evident for some time. As we age, our bodies become less efficient and organs run less efficiently. There is a growing collection of research and detailed studies that indicate that individuals with hearing loss are better helped when they act quickly to resolve their hearing difficulties. When the hearing nerves and areas within the brain are deprived of sound, they tend to atrophy or weaken over time. Kral et al. (2000) found neuronal structural differences in the auditory cortex of auditory deprived brains compared to
brains that were not deprived. Kral et al. (2005) found that the functional development of the auditory cortex
critically depends on the auditory experience. Turgeon et al.
(1995) found that the neurons in the inferior
colliculus, a key relay station in the primary and secondary auditory cortex, are considerably altered by auditory deprivation.
the nugget • 4
Prolonged lack of stimulation makes the process of wearing a hearing aid more difficult. We refer to this as auditory deprivation, first reported in 1984 (Silman et al., 1992). The key to avoid auditory deprivation and an adverse affect on your hearing is to keep the auditory system active and not to let the parts of the auditory system stay dormant. The sooner you activate these centers of the auditory system and the brain when you first notice hearing loss, the greater the success you will have to hear. ADVANCED HEARING GROUP
nuggets
health watch
Exercises for people with arthritis Arthritis can make physical activity more difficult. In spite of that difficulty, exercise is an important part of staying healthy for men and women with arthritis. Even moderate physical activity can strengthen bones and muscles and increase joint flexibility, making it easier for arthritis sufferers to perform daily tasks. According to the Arthritis Foundation, men and women with arthritis should commit to regular exercise that includes three types of activities: flexibility exercises, strengthening exercises and cardiovascular exercises. Consult a physician before beginning any exercise regimen, and discuss any limitations your specific condition might place on your physical abilities. Such limitations might diminish as your exercise regimen progresses, but it’s important to exercise within those limitations at the onset to avoid injuries. It’s also important to consult your physician should you experience a flare-up of arthritis before, during or after exercise. Such flareups might require you to alter your routine, and your physician can help with such alterations. Flexibility exercises: Perform flexibility exercises every day, as they will protect your joints by reducing injury risk. Flexibility exercises,
which are often referred to as range-of-motion exercises, help your body warm up for more strenuous exercise. Once you’re comfortable doing at least 15 continuous minutes of flexibility exercises, you’re likely ready to add strengthening and cardiovascular exercises to your routine. Many people with arthritis find yoga is an especially effective flexibility exercise, as it strengthens and relaxes stiff muscles and even aids in weightloss efforts. Just don’t push yourself too hard when starting out with yoga, as the exercises are more difficult than they might seem. Strengthening exercises: Strong muscles reduce stress on the joints, something that’s especially helpful to arthritis sufferers. Strengthening exercises, also known as resistance exercises, build the body’s muscles so they’re more capable of absorbing shock and more effective at preventing injury to the joints. When performing strengthening exercises, you
will use weight or resistance to make the muscles work harder and grow stronger. Isometric strengthening exercises tighten the muscles without moving the joints, while isotonic strengthening exercises strengthen the muscles by moving the joints. The Arthritis Foundation recommends performing strengthening exercises every other day and always in conjunction with flexibility exercises, which can be performed before and after strengthening exercises. Cardiovascular exercises: Walking, dancing, swimming and bicycling are examples of
cardiovascular, or aerobic, exercises, which many people find the most enjoyable way to exercise. Cardiovascular exercises make the heart, lungs, blood vessels and muscles work more efficiently while improving endurance and strengthening bones. Initially, cardiovascular exercises might be difficult for arthritis sufferers who have not exercised in a while. However, you can gradually build toward 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise three to four times per week, and you will notice your endurance improves the more you commit and stick to your routine. Include cardiovascular exercises as part of your larger routine, performing some type of aerobic exercise after strengthening exercises. More information on exercising for people with arthritis can be found at www.arthritis.org. metro newspaper services
Did you know? Arthritis is a debilitating condition that affects mobility within a person’s joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. It is estimated that there are around 50 million people in America with doctor-diagnosed
the nugget • 5
arthritis or a similar joint disease. There are about 4 million Canadians who have arthritis, and it is estimated that, by 2026, more than 6 million Canadians age 15 and older will have arthritis. metro newspaper services
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Alzheimer’s test to give the healthy three-year warning A blood test for Alzheimer’s capable of predicting whether a person will develop dementia has been developed in a breakthrough hailed by campaigners. The test could ultimately lead to successful treatment that would halt or even prevent the disease, scientists said. The research found that biomarkers in the blood could be used to forecast whether a person would develop Alzheimer’s disease within three years with a 90 per cent level of
accuracy. The research, published in the journal Nature Medicine, identified 10 molecules in the blood that could be used to predict with at least 90 per cent accuracy whether people went on to develop mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s. It is the first study to show differences in biomarkers in the blood between those who went on to suffer the disease, and those who remained “cognitively normal”. Excerpted from Ottawa Citizen Mar 2014
The Pharmacist Is In! Celebrating the Services, Expanded Role, and Dedication of Ontario Pharmacists In March we celebrated Pharmacist Awareness Month, it was the perfect time to recognize the expanding role of Ontario pharmacists and their role as valuable healthcare providers. This year’s theme, The Pharmacist Is In, was about raising awareness around the full range of services pharmacists are qualified to provide. In Ontario, pharmacists can provide services ranging from medication management to flu vaccinations. “Pharmacists are on the frontlines of health care and offer a variety of convenient and accessible services for their patients up to 24 hours a day with no appointment. During Pharmacist Awareness Month, we celebrate the
pharmacist’s integral role in a patient’s healthcare journey.” Top Five Reasons to See a Pharmacist Services Ontarians may not know their pharmacist can provide include: • A MedsCheck medication review, at no charge, for patients who are on three or more chronic medications, or those who have diabetes, or who are residents of a long-term care home, or who are homebound and unable to get in to their pharmacy for a consultation. • Flu shots and consulting on and demonstrating the administration of other injectables such as insulin and vitamin B12 injections. • Smoking cessation
counselling and prescribing medications to support patients who want to quit smoking. • Adapting and renewing prescriptions (when appropriate) to help ensure patients stay on track with their medications and get the most benefit possible from their prescriptions. • Helping patients meet their health and wellness goals by providing support, information, and education about chronic conditions (like high blood pressure or diabetes) and common ailments. Together, patients, caregivers, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers can work towards the best possible
the nugget • 6
health outcomes. Ontarians are encouraged to get to know their pharmacist, and learn more about what their pharmacist can do for them. Pharmacists, whether in a community pharmacy, family health team, long-term care or hospital setting are important members of the healthcare team. They are the most accessible of all healthcare providers and can provide their services and consultations without the need of an appointment. “Raising awareness about all of the services pharmacists provide will not only result in better health for Ontarians, but also better sustainability for our healthcare system.” Edited from: Ontario Pharmacists Association
Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer, Posit Science
Our mission is to raise Canadian awareness of the need for brain fitness DynamicBrain is the sole Canadian partner of Posit Science Corporation, the leading provider of clinically proven brain fitness programs. We are the industry leading gateway to online brain training programs that are designed to improve your brain and your life through strategic tools that have been developed by a strong scientific backing and research. The program is available in both English and French.
The Mayo Clinic Metrics • Improved memory by 10+ years • Improved visual system by 300% • Improved hearing system by 131%
https://www.dynamicbrain. ca/peer-reviewed-research AARP’s 37 million members partner with BrainHQ for Brain Fitness
www.dynamicbrain.ca www.dynamicbrain.brainhq.com
As co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Posit Science, Dr. Michael Merzenich heads the company’s science team. For more than three decades, Dr. Merzenich has been a leading pioneer in brain plasticity research. In the late 1980s, he was on the team that invented the cochlear implant. In 1996, Dr. Merzenich was the founding CEO of Scientific learning Corporation, which designs and develops software that applies principles of brain plasticity to assist children with language learning and reading. Dr. Merzenich received numerous awards and prizes, been granted nearly 100 patents for his
work, and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1999 and the Institute of Medicine in 2008 Frieda Fanni is Founder and President of DynamicBrain Inc. based in Ottawa, Ontario. With an engineering background and over 30 years of experience in the computer software and telecommunications industry, Frieda Fanni has founded DynamicBrain to pursue her life-long passion and interest about human brains and the impact of environmental elements on them.
Why Brain Training & How to Improve Brain Function Can We Change Our Brain? For over four centuries, it was believed that the human brain is developed during childhood and did not change once it was fully developed. It is now scientifically proven that the brain can change its physical form and function in response to new experiences throughout a person’s lifespan. This adaptability of the brain is called neuroplasticity or brain plasticity. How the Brain Changes Brain plasticity is a physical process. Gray matter can actually shrink or thicken; neural connections can be forged and refined or
weakened and severed. Changes in the physical brain manifest as changes in our abilities. For example, each time we learn a new dance step, it reflects a change in our physical brains: new “wires” (neural pathways) that give instructions to our bodies on how to perform the step. Each time we forget someone’s name, it also reflects brain change— “wires” that once connected to the memory have been degraded, or even severed. As these examples show, changes in the brain can result in improved skills (a new dance step) or a weakening of skills (a forgotten name). Brain Fitness 50 years ago, going to the
gym wasn’t something the average person did. Now, it seems, everyone has a gym membership, or finds another way to exercise regularly. That’s because a revolution took place in the 1980s and 1990s: we all learned how important physical exercise was for our overall health and well-being. Brain fitness is the next step in that revolution. Just as you can exercise your abs, delts, and quads, you can exercise your memory, attention, and more. As with physical exercise, brain exercise can help you improve your performance and feel your best. The health of your brain, like the health of your body,
the nugget • 7
depends on many factors. Some, such as your genes are out of your control, but many powerful lifestyle factors are within your sphere of influence. The six pillars of a brainhealthy lifestyle are: • Regular exercise • Healthy diet • Mental stimulation • Quality sleep • Stress management • An active social life The more you strengthen each of the six pillars in your daily life, the healthier and hardier your brain will be. Excerpted from: Helpguide.org
THE GCN is a PROUD SPonsor of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern Ontario President FOX, BERNARD Insurance Advisor Tel: (613) 720-0778 Ext. Vice President LEVANS, STARR Independent Distributor Treasurer BOGDANOV, PAVEL General Manager Membership HARRIS, TRISH Life Coach Host TACKOOR, MARIE Community Sales Leader _________________ PPI SOLUTIONS SHAKLEE OTTAWA FLOWERS INNER RECOVERY
Lawyer-Injury, Insurance & Disability Law McNALLY GERVAN LAWYERS GRENIER MILLER, GISELE Owner/Operator ALTERED SPACES - ALTERED LIVES KALRA, SANJIV Managing Director MAPLECARE PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC LALONDE DESJARDINS, TANYA Director, Mission Delivery & Operations MAKE A WISH - EASTERN ONTARIO CANADA LATOUR, BLAIR Owner/Production Manager BKL DESIGN GROUP INC.
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SACHSE, CARSTEN Sales Representative
CHU, TU Pharmacist
KELLER WILLIAMS OTTAWA REALTY LTD.
VITAL PHARMACY Ottawa (Ontario)
SUN, CRYSTAL Lawyer
COBURN, LYALL Certified Home Inspector
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WILLET, NORM Financial Advisor INDEPENDENT PLANNING GROUP INC.
Upcoming Events May 03 2014 - 4 Wishes June 28 2014 - Rope for Hope
For more information please visit
www.makeawisheo.ca the nugget • 8
Growing your Business Through CSR Initiatives By Bradley Thomas Communications Specialist
Make-A-Wish® Eastern Ontario is proud to grant the wishes of children 3-17 with a lifethreatening illness to inspire Hope, Strength and Joy. With the help of generous members of the community, we were able to grant a record 60 wishes in 2013. Make-A-Wish® is the largest wish granting organization in the world, with chapters in more than 40 countries.
Visit us online: www.makeawisheo.ca
Contact Us: 613-234-3555 tanya.desjardins@makeawish.ca
Is your business aligned with a cause or charitible organization? Are you being environmentally and socially responsible? If you aren’t, you should consider adopting corporate social responsibility initiatives. They are becoming the norm, and it is likely that your competition is doing it, and you may be falling behind with the times. Being a socially responsible business has many benefits, many of which are not directly related to your bottom line. By developing strong
New Tax Credit for FirstTime Charity Donors Called the first-time donor’s super credit by the federal government, the tax credit is aimed at getting new donors to give to charities by increasing the value of the federal charitable donations tax credit by 25 per cent. The credit can be applied to cash donations of up to $1,000, and can be claimed only once in any taxation year from 2013 to 2017. To be eligible for the credit, first-time donors can’t have claimed a charitable donation tax credit since 2007, according to the Canada Revenue Agency. For a first-time donor who made $500 in charitable donations in 2013, the super credit would be $125, or 25 per cent, in addition to
the federal and provincial charitable donation tax credits. With the addition of firsttime donor’s credit, an individual can get a 40 per cent federal credit for cash donations of $200 or less, and a 54 per cent federal credit for the part of the donations over $200. This represents a major incentive to donate to a registered Canadian charity. The tax agency has resources on its website, including a charitable donation tax credit calculator, to help first-time donors with the calculations. Sourced from The Canadian Press Published Thursday, Apr. 03 2014
the nugget • 9
CSR initiatives, you will see: • higher profitability • increased stakeholder engagement • increased employee satisfaction and productivity • stronger ties to the community • better access to investment capital • improved reputation • a strengthening of your brand Your CSR initiatives could be the reason why a client chooses your business over your competition when all things are considered equal.
Decorator/Designer Decorating Den
Downsizing Claudette Léger-Paillé Decorator/Designer
Downsizing, New Design, Redesign, Space Planning. We will come to your home or space, We will work with your taste, your style and your budget. Call for your complimentary in-home consultation. claudette@decoratingden.com www.claudette.decoratingden.com Bus: 613-722-8786 Cell: 613-558-4110
The number of Canadians aged 65 and older is now close to 5 million – or 14.3% of Canada’s population. The number of baby boomers is 9.6 million of 27.4%. Why do these numbers matter? Because, it reflects the number of people who are apt (or need) to downsize. When baby boomers or seniors become empty nesters, many of them want to move out of the big house and into a smaller space, but don’t
know where to start. It can be a daunting task – on many levels, especially emotionally. That’s where we can help. We’ve helped our clients select their prized possessions and give away what no longer works for the new space. Let us help you transition from your big home to a small condo or bungalow. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
Claudette Léger-Paillé Decorator/Designer
Value of building permits up $400M in 2013 The City of Ottawa received $400 million more worth of applications for building permits than the year before, according to a new report from the municipality.
doesn’t say how many were approved.
There was $2.4 billion worth of applications in 2013, according to the building code services report from the city. That’s an increase from $2 billion in 2012.
Of those, 6,726 were for new houses, which is a drop when compared to 6,584 in 2012.
A city press release highlighting the report’s contents only makes reference to the value of applications received – it the nugget • 10
There were 8,537 applications for building permits in 2013, according to the report. That’s up from 8,234 in 2012.
“These figures are key indicators that Ottawa’s economy is moving along at a strong pace,” said Mayor Jim Watson in the news release. Excerpted from Ottawa Business Journal Publ. Apr 2014
spring
Lawn & Garden
How to guarantee your garden starts off on the right foot As winter slowly winds down, many gardeners cannot wait to soak up the springtime sun and get their hands dirty in the garden. Such excitement is not just good for gardeners, but can benefit the garden in the months to come as well. Late winter or early spring is a great time to get a head start on the gardening season. Even if gardening season is still around the corner, completing the following projects can ensure your garden gets off on the right foot.
a landscape, and gardens left to the elements are often filled with debris once spring arrives. Dead leaves, fallen branches, rocks that surfaced during the winter frost, and even garbage that might have blown about in winter winds can all pile up in a garden over a typical winter. Clearing such debris likely won’t take long, but it’s a great first step toward restoring the garden before the time comes to plant and grow the garden once again.
any issues before they plant. Ignoring the soil until a problem arises can turn the upcoming gardening season into a lost opportunity, so test the soil to determine if it has any nutrient or mineral deficiencies. This may require the help of a professional, but if a problem arises, you might be able to adjust the acidity or alkalinity of the soil and still enjoy a successful gardening season.
Clear debris
Examine the soil
Another way to examine the soil is less complex but can shed light on when would be a good time to get back to work. Reach into the soil and dig out a handful. If the soil quickly crumbles, you can start preparing for gardening seasoning. But if the soil is still clumped together, it needs more time to dry out before you can begin your prep work.
One of the best things you can do for your garden as winter winds down is to clear it of debris. Winter can be especially harsh on
Soil plays a significant role in whether a garden thrives or struggles. Examining the soil before the season starts can help gardeners address
Did you know? Watering a lawn can do more harm than good if the lawn is not watered correctly. Excessive watering is a waste of water and can cost homeowners money while harming the environment at the same time. Water that is not absorbed by the lawn can result in runoff, which causes nitrogen in the grass, any fertilizer that was applied and chemicals in the water itself to run into gutters and eventually pollute streams, rivers and oceans. In addition, grass needs oxygen in the soil to grow properly. But when
a lawn is overwatered, the oxygen between the soil particles is pushed out, depriving roots of the oxygen they need to grow in strong. This leads to shallow root systems, which make a lawn more susceptible to stress, disease and insect infestation. But overwatering can also be unsightly, as lawns that are overwatered tend to have more weeds, robbing even the greenest of lawns of its aesthetic appeal. metro newspaper services
Initiate edging Edging is another task gardeners can begin as they get ready for the season. Edge plant and flower beds, but be sure to use a spade with a flat blade or an edger designed to edge flower beds. Such tools will cut deep enough so grass roots that may eventually grow into the flower bed are severed. Depending on how large a garden is, edging can be a time-consuming task, so getting a head start allows homeowners to spend more
the nugget • 11
time planting and tending to their gardens once the season hits full swing.
Fight weeds Though weeds likely have not survived the winter, that does not mean they won’t return once the weather starts to heat up. But as inevitable as weeds may seem, homeowners can take steps to prevent them from turning beautiful gardens into battlegrounds where plants, flowers and vegetables are pitted against unsightly and potentially harmful weeds. Spring is a good time to apply a pre-emergent weed preventer, which can stop weeds before they grow. Though such solutions are not always foolproof, they can drastically reduce the likelihood of weed growth. Though gardeners might not be able to start planting their gardens in late winter or early spring, they can still get outside and take steps to ensure their gardens thrive once planting season begins. metro newspaper services
Registered Disability Savings Plan Helping People With Disabilities Save for the Future
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) helps people with disabilities and their families save for the future. To help you save, the Government will pay a matching Canada Disability Savings Grant of up to $3,500 a year on your contributions. The Government will also pay a Canada Disability Savings Bond of up to $1,000 a year into the RDSPs of low-income and modest-income Canadians. No contributions are necessary to receive the bond. Earnings accumulate tax-free until money is taken out of the RDSP. What is a Registered Disability Savings Plan? The RDSP is a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. In general, RDSPs can be opened before the end of the calendar year in which the beneficiary (the person who will receive the money) turns 59. Who should consider opening an RDSP? You should consider opening an RDSP if you have a longterm disability and are: • under the age of 60 (if you are 59, you must apply before the end of the calendar year in which you turned 59); • a Canadian resident with a social insurance number; • eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (Disability Amount), and • looking for a long-term savings plan. What is the Disability Tax Credit (Disability Amount)?
The Disability Tax Credit (Disability Amount) reduces the amount of income tax that an individual with a severe and prolonged physical or mental disability may have to pay. It is a non-refundable credit. For more information on the Disability Tax Credit (Disability Amount), visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.cra.gc.ca/disability or call1 800 959-8281 (TTY users call 1-800-665-0354). What is the Canada Disability Savings Grant? The Canada Disability Savings Grant is a matching grant that the Government will deposit into your RDSP to help you save. Please visit www. disabilitysavings.gc.ca for current income amounts. The Government will provide matching grants of up to 300%, depending on the amount contributed and the beneficiary’s family income. The Government will deposit a maximum of $3,500 each year, with a limit of $70,000 over the beneficiary’s lifetime. Grants will be paid into the RDSP until the end of the calendar year in which the beneficiary turns 49 years old. You must apply for the grant at the financial organization where you have your RDSP.
More information is also available at www.disabilitysavings. gc.ca. Excerpted from “Registered Disability Savings Plan� Š Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2012
the nugget • 12
"$ " $ " # # # 1. Apply for the Federal Disability Tax Credit
2. Apply for the Registered Disability Savings Program
www.wiseadvice.ca Norman Willet
RDSP Specialist and Financial Advisor Independent Planning Group Inc. nwillet@sympatico.ca • 613 601-0707
Are you having a real challenge seeking out what resources are available to you as an active baby-boomer or for your aging parents? Baby Boomers are going through an unprecedented demographic shift with some 500,000 Canadians turning 65 every year for the next 20 years going forward!
many of this trend-setting generation are at the peak of their income earning years and have comparatively large discretionary incomes to spend.
With a more youth-oriented attitude, many Baby Boomers are downsizing by selling their properties and changing their lifestyles by moving into condos or active living retirement communities.
By visiting trade-shows geared towards active boomers and the 55 plus demographic market, you’ll learn about all the latest products and services offered through specialized businesses based out of your own local community.
The baby boomer and the 55 plus demographic is an extremely desirable one because of its sheer size. From a business promotion perspective, niche marketing has almost become a rule for small business success. As such, it makes sense for businesses in this field to target a niche as large and moneyed as possible - and the huge baby boomer and seniors’ market is full of niche opportunities that can be exceptionally rewarding. Contrary to popular belief though, there are a great number of baby boomers and so-called ‘seniors’ that are not yet retired. Even more compelling is the fact that
Trade Shows also allow you to identify what you would need for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle through Health and Wellness events, along with learning about top Leisure Travel destinations. The opportunity for onestop, trade show discovery shopping is a solution to save you time and money, while informing you on how to change your lifestyle for the better. Why not place an upcoming boomer trade show onto your agenda and make it a date? Louise A. Rochon the nugget • 13
spring
Lawn & Garden
Garden injuries are a major concern Gardening is often described as a relaxing and beneficial hobby regardless of a person’s age. While time outdoors in the garden can prove calming and enjoyable, there is a dark side to gardening as well. Namely the injuries that may result from various activities. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, emergency rooms in the United States treat more than 400,000 outdoor gardentool-related injuries each year. Additionally, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand has issued warnings that caution gardeners about hand-related injuries. Doctors from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine have also warned that pruning, mowing and weeding can be dangerous -- even comparable to competitive sports. People don’t often associate a garden with danger, but this line of thinking can be dangerous in itself.
Hand injuries Cuts and even finger amputations may result from unfamiliarity with pruning tools, such as hedge clippers or handheld pruners. The design of these tools is so they’ll be able to cut through small to moderately sized branches, which means it would not be too difficult for a pruner to snap through a finger bone. Injuries with these tools often occur when the gardener is distracted or the tool slips during use. Pruners may also exacerbate conditions of carpal tunnel syndrome, usually caused by repetitive hand movements, such as typing or repetitious work. The ASSH says that prolonged, repetitive motions, such as weeding or pruning, can cause skin, tendon or nerve irritation. Rotate tasks every 15 minutes to give certain areas of the body a break. The use of battery-powered and ergonomically designed hand tools can alleviate pain and may prevent some injuries. Power tools require less effort for cutting, which may reduce tool slippage or misuse.
Bites and bruises Infection is another injury that people may not associate with gardening. Gardeners often come in contact with many different types of organic matter when gardening. Bacteria,
fungi, and insects, as well as chemical fertilizers and pesticides, may be found in soil. Failing to protect hands, especially those with a small abrasion or cut in the skin, enables these substances to
and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Try to do the majority of yard work in the early morning or early evening when the sun’s rays are the least harmful.
Gardening can be quite an enjoyable activity but not if a person is sidelined by an injury. Use caution and common sense whenever landscaping. potentially enter the body and bloodstream, and infections or rashes may result. Contact with poisonous insects is another concern. Some ants have irritating bites. There are many types of spiders that can be poisonous or inflict a painful bite. Scorpions in dry climates can sting when uncovered in burrows. Wearing gloves, particularly leather ones, can offer protection against thorny objects, insect bites, chemicals, and other skin irritants found in the soil.
Sun damage Spending time outdoors subjects a person to UV exposure each and every time. Gardening unprotected can mean a bad case of sunburn and the potential to develop skin cancer at a later time. Whenever spending time outdoors pruning or just admiring the landscape, gardeners should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen
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Additional injuries Many gardeners fail to ease back into garden activities after the winter respite. Should a gardener dive right into strenuous gardening tasks, injuries may ensue. Many hospitals see an influx of back-related injuries, heart attacks, muscle strains, and lacerations come the first stretch of warm weather. Just like an athlete wouldn’t start the new season off right in a professional game, so shouldn’t a gardener start strenuous activities without gradually warming up to them. metro newspaper services
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How would a Critical Illness Impact your Life? Few of us want to contemplate the reality of being told we have a serious illness. Even fewer of us have likely given any thought to how we’d cope financially, if faced with such a diagnosis. And although the odds of surviving a critical illness are better than ever thanks to medical advances, you may want to consider these statistics: • Cancer, heart attacks and strokes are the three most common critical illnesses in Canada, occurring across all ages.1 • An estimated 177,800 new cases of cancer occurred in Canada in 2011. Approximately one in two Canadians will develop cancer; three in four will survive.2 • Heart attacks strike 70,000 Canadians each year.3 • Strokes hit 50,000 Canadians each year.4 • Over 13,000 Canadians undergo surgery every year to replace aortic valves.5
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• Nine in ten Canadians (90%) have at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke.6 During your recovery, you may end up having to pay for healthcare services, special drugs and supplements, and homecare expenses not covered by your government health insurance plan or your group plan. You might even have to travel to get the medical attention you need. Add all of this to your regular household bills, and the financial consequences of surviving a serious illness could add up very quickly. Source: Canadian Cancer Society, 2007. 2 Source: Canadian Cancer Society, 2011. 3 Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 2012. 4 Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 2012. 5 Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2007. 6 Source: Tracking Heart Disease and Stroke in Canada. Public Health Agency of Canada, June 2009.
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Surviving a critical illness can be challenging financially. But you can be better prepared. We all know someone who has suffered a serious illness. Yet few of us have thought how we’d cope financially if faced with one. The simple, accessible and affordable protection offered by Lifecheque Basic critical illness insurance from Manulife can help. Lifecheque Basic covers five of the most common illnesses and it provides you with a cash benefit to use any way you want, so that you can focus on what's most important ... getting better. Don’t let the financial consequences of a critical illness compromise your recovery. Call today.
Manulife Financial and the block design are registered service marks and trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it and its affiliates including Manulife Financial Corporation.
Bernard Fox Independent Insurance Advisor 35 Antares Drive Ottawa, ON K2E 8B1 T 613.720.0778 www.bernardfox.com
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Sourced from Manulife Financial
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A Country for the Young and Old
option A (with photo) John Williams
XYZ Financial 376 Rivercrest Road Bigsby, Ontario L5M 2Y6
option B (address only John Williams XYZ Financial
insert photo 376 Rivercrest is a complete reversal of Road OTTAWA -- Canada is here Bigsby, Ontario L5M 2 trendlines a decade ago Fax: (000) becomingTel:a(000) nation the 000-0000of Fax: (000) 000-0000 Tel: (000) 000-0000 Email: jwilliams@xyzfinanci every aging andEmail: thejwilliams@xyzfinancial.com very young. and is rejuvenating region of the country. New census data shows
Canada now has a higher proportion of seniors than ever before -- a development that has crept up on society with far-reaching implications for health, finance, policy and everyday family relationships. At the same time, the latest tranche of 2011 census information shows a surprising 11-per-cent resurgence of toddlers -- a burst of growth in the under-five population that the nugget • 15
Generally, though, the census shows in great detail what most people already know intuitively: Canada is aging quickly as the baby boomers mature. The population of over65ers has surged to nearly five million over the past five years, growing 14.1 per cent since the last official count, Statistics Canada says. Sourced from Huffington Post
the
Recipe Box Peanut Butter Noodles From allrecipes.ca
Makes 4 servings • 1/2 cup chicken broth • 1-1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root • 3 tablespoons soy sauce • 3 tablespoons peanut butter • 1-1/2 tablespoons honey • 2 teaspoons hot chile paste (optional) • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 8 ounces Udon noodles • 1/4 cup chopped green onions • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook until tender according to package directions. Drain. 2. Meanwhile, combine chicken broth, ginger, soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, chili paste, and garlic in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until peanut butter melts and is heated through. Add noodles, and toss to coat. Garnish with green onions and peanuts.
No Bake Peanut Butter Pie From allrecipes.ca
makes 2 9-inch pies • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese • 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar • 1 cup peanut butter • 1 cup milk • 1 (16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping, thawed • 2 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crusts 1. Beat together cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar. Mix in peanut butter and milk. Beat until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. 2. Spoon into two 9 inch graham cracker pie shells; cover, and freeze until firm.
Cooking for one or two Seniors face many changes as they move into their golden years. Downsizing living spaces and vehicles is common, as is implementing certain changes to improve quality of life. Many seniors also scale back in the kitchen, where some must make changes because of medical conditions. While it seems like reducing food portions would be easy, those used to prepping meals for a large family may find it difficult. The following tips can make meal preparation efficient and cost-effective. Divide and store. Supermarkets are increasingly offering larger packages of food products as well as “family size” offerings to compete with warehouse clubs. Buying in bulk can help individuals save money, but it may not always be practical for people living alone or with just a spouse. If you must buy in bulk, invest in a food vacuum sealer or freezer storage bags. Immediately separate meats and poultry into smaller portions before storing them in the freezer. Otherwise, look for bulk items that are individually wrapped to maintain freshness. Many canned and jarred items can be covered and stored in the refrigerator after containers are opened. Plan meals with similar ingredients. To reduce food waste, use leftovers to create casseroles or mix them in with new meals. Broiled or grilled chicken can be used to make soups, stir-fry dishes,
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fajitas, and sandwiches. The fewer ingredients you have to buy, the smaller the risk of spoilage. Cut recipes in half. Recipes can be cut down depending on how many mouths need to be fed. When baking, cutting back on proportions of ingredients can be challenging. Search online for recipe-scaling programs that can make the work easier. Cook on the weekend. Use a weekend day to prepare food and package it into small containers in the refrigerator or freezer. Then the containers can be taken out as needed and heated quickly in the microwave for fast meals. Organize a meal-sharing club. Get together with a few friends who also have empty nests and split cooking duties. If you’re accustomed to cooking larger portion sizes, do so and then spread the wealth with others in the group. Then sit back and relax when it is your opportunity to have meals delivered to you. metro newspaper services
How Emotions Affect Your Body A person’s mind set can affect their immune system. Scientists don’t fully understand the biological mechanisms, but they know that negative feelings the stress, sadness, and worry spike in the hormone cortisol levels, which in turns suppresses the immune system. Here are some tips to stay positive and healthy. • Be playful - Sometimes we take life too seriously. • Love yourself - allow yourself to shine from the inside out • Be authentic - be true to yourself and others • Practice an optimistic mind set - be happy, calm and liveliness • See your value - realize your worthiness and how you impact others • Practice meditationtake time for yourself , listen to what your body is saying • Exercise - do yoga, tai chi, qigong or other calming exercises 3 x per week
• Avoid drama - do not get caught up in other people’s problems Cohen Studies assessed 193 subjects to determine their positive emotions (including happiness, calmness and liveliness). It concluded the people that scored low on positive emotions were 3x as likely to succumb to exposure to a virus that is going around versus a positive thinking mind set person. Meditative exercises are known to boost your immune system by up to 2x. If you’re struggling on how to release your emotions, feeling stuck where you are in your life hire a “life coach” to guide you to where you want to be. Sometimes we cannot always see the big picture when we are driving our course in life especially when there is mud on your windshield. So how happy are you? Trish Harris Inner Recovery Life Coach
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Did you know? According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College University, men are now retiring later than they have in the past. In an analysis of data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Center for Retirement Research found that the average retirement age for men has risen from 62 in the mid-1990s to 64 near the end of the first decade of the 21st century. The reasons for this change are likely not because men are reluctant to leave office life behind, but because of a variety of factors that have to do with finances. Many
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companies no longer offer pension plans, so men are more likely to work longer to save more money for their retirement. In addition, Social Security benefits in the United States are now calculated differently than they were in the past, so men have a greater incentive to work longer. But finances aren’t the only reason men work longer. Many men now have jobs that are not physically taxing, enabling them to work longer as a result. metro newspaper services
the nugget Diversions
CLUES ACROSS 1. Express disgust or contempt 4. Do-nothings 10. Before 11. Gave birth to a horse 12. Spanish pain 14. Khmer Rouge’s Pot 15. Tory opposition 16. Even chance 18. Horse feedbag 22. Selfishness 23. Windward Island nation 24. On and on:ad ___ 26. 2nd musical tone 27. A steady brisk pace 28. People in southern India 30. Withered, dry 31. Central nervous system
34. Short composition for solo instrument 36. Communist 37. Specific localities 39. Garden cultivator 40. Stratford’s river 41. Atomic #34 42. Stalkless leaves 48. Significant other 50. Chilled 51. Dakar is the capital 52. Amuse & delight 53. Explorer Vasco da ____ 54. Annoy 55. 365 days (abbr.) 56. Peremptory command 58. Born of 59. Particle fineness grades 60. Obtain
CLUES DOWN 1. Colas 2. Awaken 3. Better half 4. In event that 5. Demotes 6. City in NE Pakistan 7. Lotus roadster model 8. University board trustees 9. 40th state 12. Egyptian Sun god (var. sp.) 13. Hindu exercise discipline 17. Small coin (French) 19. More naked 20. Feel deep affection for 21. A protected community 25. Nation of birth 29. Two people singing 31. Applauding sounds
solutions
32. Variable stars 33. Reject 35. Building up 38. Not a fraction 41. Sailor 43. An evening party 44. Hollow for a lightbulb 45. Type 46. Dutch portrait painter Sir Peter 47. River of Hesse 49. N. Botswanan lake 56. 1/10 gram (abbr.) 57. Original Hawkeye actor’s initials
funny corner One evening I went to visit my elderly grandparents. When it started getting late I asked my grandfather if he had the time, as I didn’t have my watch with me. “I don’t have a watch or clock around here,” he tells me. “Then how do you tell the time?” I asked. “You see that trumpet in the corner? That’s how!” He picks it up, and thirty seconds later an angry neighbour shouts, “2:30 in the morning and you’re playing the trumpet!” the nugget • 18