Lifestyles Magazine Jan-Feb 2013 Issue

ORILLIA

JANUARY FEBRUARY 2013

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travel

TRENDS men can eat

HEALTHY need a kitchen

DESIGNER? weddings

HELPFUL TIPS how to find

THE RIGHT SPA

E N S I ’ Z A A I L G

L MA I OR LES

Y T ES F I L

4 healthy, happy, balanced life

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE ORILLIA

contents

tnt

lifestylesmagazine.ca Vol 2 No 1

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PG18 Welcome to LSM, Orillia’s own lifestylesmagazine.ca, dedicated to delivering articles designed to enhance a Healthy, Happy, Balanced Life. From designing and decorating your own home, to healthy eating and exercise, to just plain relaxing, traveling and building your dreams, we intend to deliver stimulating articles that lead to personal well-being and happiness.

healthy, happy, balanced life 5

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE ORILLIA

contents

lifestylesmagazine.ca Vol 2 No 1

finding a

SPA Scott: 705.305.2225 www.ConsciousWater.ca

PG39

kitchen DESIGNER? PG41

travel VACATIONS PG43

COVER PHOTO DEAN BRODY SOLD OUT! PG12 Photo supplied by: Strutent Entertainment

PATTERN DECORATING HEALTH Q & A KITCHEN GERMS? EMOTIONAL FREEDOM WELCOME TO LIFESTYLES KEEP KIDS SAFE FITNESS GOALS ORGANIZING YOUR FINANCES PRE-SCHOOLERS & READING ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME TIPS THE CAR BIZ IS ALCOHOL BENEFICIAL? IMPROVING MEMORY ACHIEVE BETTER SLEEP MANAGING BACK PAIN NOT READY TO RENOVATE? REMODEL ECONOMICALLY TRUTH ABOUT HYPNOSIS

PG7 PG9 PG10 PG11 PG12 PG15 PG16 PG30 PG30 PG32 PG33 PG34 PG34 PG35 PG36 PG37 PG38 PG40

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6 healthy, happy, balanced life

Adding a tasty twist to traditional long-grain rice

Enjoy experimenting with different cuisines at the dinner table? This recipe for “Chicken and Vegetable Clay Pot Rice” from Andrea Nguyenʼs “Into the Vietnamese Kitchen” (Ten Speed Press) allows home chefs to bring a taste of Vietnam into their homes.

Chicken and Vegetable Clay Pot Rice Serves 3 or 4

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon white pepper

½ teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoons light (regular) soy sauce 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

¾ pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into ½-inch cubes 5 tablespoons canola or other neutral oil 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

2 2

⁄3 cup chopped celery (pea-sized pieces) ⁄3 cup chopped carrot (pea-sized pieces)

5 to 6 dried shiitake mushrooms, reconstituted, trimmed and chopped into pea-sized pieces

½ cup frozen peas, preferably petite peas, thawed 2

cups long-grain rice

22⁄3 cups chicken stock

1. In a bowl, stir together the salt, white pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.

Add the chicken and use chopsticks to mix well. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat.Add the onion and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.Add the celery, carrot and mushrooms and continue to sauté for about 3 minutes, or until half cooked.Add the chicken and sauté gently for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the heat, stir in the peas and set the pan aside.

3. Rinse the rice and let it drain for 10 minutes in a sieve positioned over a bowl.

Meanwhile, bring the stock to a near simmer in a small saucepan and then cover to keep it hot.

4. In a heavy-bottomed 5-quart Dutch oven or similar pot, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat.

Firmly shake the sieve, holding the rice to expel any water, and then add the rice to the pot. Stir constantly with a large spoon for about 3 minutes, or until the grains are opaque and feel light.Add the stock and expect dramatic boiling. Immediately give the rice and stock a big stir, then lower the heat to medium so the contents simmer and cover the pot. Put your ear by the pot and you will hear gentle bubbling.

5. During the next 5 minutes, encourage the grains to absorb the stock and cook evenly. To do this, periodically remove the lid, give the rice a big, quick stir, and then replace the lid. Stir the rice 3 times, usually about 30 seconds after the steam plumes begin shooting from under the lid. The rice will first swim in stock and then progressively become less easy to move.

Small craters will form on the surface, too.

When you stir the third time, the rice should stick a bit to the pan and most of the stock will have been absorbed.

6. Uncover and add the vegetables and chicken and any juices from the skillet, distributing them evenly over the rice.

Replace the lid and continue cooking for 10 minutes longer. Uncover and stir the contents, scraping the bottom to combine all the ingredients. Replace the lid, remove from the heat and let the rice sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Fluff the rice with chopsticks or a fork and then spoon it into 1 or 2 serving bowls or platters. If a little crust has formed on the bottom of the pot, scoop it out and serve the shards separately for anyone who enjoys the crisp, nutty taste.

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Experiment with flavorful Indian cuisine Experimenting in the kitchen is one of the many joys of cooking. Men and women love to cook and experience international cuisine without leaving the comforts of home.

The food of India is as beloved as it is versatile. Weekend warriors who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen often like doing so with Indian cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors. Such is the case with the following recipe for “Pumpkin With Cashews” from Monisha Bharadwajʼs “Indiaʼs Vegetarian Cooking” (Kyle Books).

Pumpkin with Cashews Serves 4

5 ounces freshly grated coconut, dried 8 cashews 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 2 tablespoons sunflower oil ½ teaspoon black mustard seeds 2 dried red chiles, broken in half and seeds shaken out 6 curry leaves ½ teaspoon turmeric 11 ounces pumpkin, peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes 3 tablespoons soft brown sugar Salt, to taste 2 ⁄3 cup milk

1. Put the coconut, cashews, poppy seeds, and 1⁄4 cup of water in a blender and grind to a paste. Add water as necessary to make a fine paste. Set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a heavy pan and add the mustard seeds. When they pop, add the chiles and the curry leaves. Sprinkle in the turmeric and pour in the coconut paste at once. Stir to blend.

3. Add the pumpkin and a couple of tablespoons of water.

4. Add the sugar and salt. Pour in the milk and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer until the pumpkin is just tender but still holds its shape, about 10 to 12 minutes. Serve hot with rice.

healthy, happy, balanced life 7

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Try out pattern, even if it is only on an accent chair in one room of the house. It can add visual dimension to a space.

DONʼT BE AFRAID OF PATTERN

Many homeowners want to introduce pattern to their rooms but don’t know where to start. They may wonder if two patterns match or how to determine scale. It may take a little practice, but using pattern is easier than one may think.

Nothing adds visual interest to a room more than pattern and color. While homeowners may have the knack with color, they may shy away from pattern.

Individuals can trust their instincts — they’re usually right. For those who have mastered pattern with their wardrobes, it’s time to try out some

pattern in home design.

Varying pattern size adds dimension to a room. Not every pattern should be the same size and variety, otherwise things can look too matched and staged. Try varying patterns of similar colors but experiment with size. For example, place a largely patterned area rug on the floor. An ottoman may feature a medium-sized pattern. Mix things up by alternating throw pillows in a floral or paisley print with subtle stripes.

However, make sure the texture of the fabrics match. Gauzy curtains with heavy chenille pillows may clash.

When selecting patterned items, choose similarly colored items. This way even if the fabrics or patterns aren’t exactly the same, they’ll look cohesive through color. For a room to feel a bit more upbeat, consider complimentary opposite colors. If you prefer a more restful atmosphere, try a palette of colors from the same family. Just vary the intensity of the shades.

Homeowners who have gained some pattern confidence may want to strike out on their own to create a room that is unique. Those who still need a little help may want to consider taking the path of designers before them. There are certain patterns and fabrics that have already been established as working together for certain design styles. Here are a few.

• American Southwest: Navajo patterns are at the forefront of this design style and can be used on upholstery or pillows. Use a smallerscale stripe on window treatments.

Solid-shaded throw pillows in a complementary color to the Navajo

pattern will coordinate well.

• English country: This style is about large-scale chintz on sofas and draperies.

Mix in narrow-striped, slip-covered lounge chairs for a little extra panache.

• American country: A small floral print on the sofa or comforter can be offset with a large country quilt pattern hung on the wall as a wall treatment.

Checkerboard checks, medium stripes on draperies or select crocheted valences coordinate well.

• 18th century: Lavish patterned fabrics in chintz or paisley featuring golds and robin’s egg blue are just some of the options for classic decorating.

• Modern: Mix stripes and geometric patterned items in splashes of color to add a modern feel to a room.

Individuals can experiment with patterns to make a room more personalized and less of a neutral blank page. If it proves difficult to come up with patterns that work together, look at design magazines or books for some inspiration.

8 healthy, happy, balanced life

Aged cheese and dairy are common triggers for migraine headaches.

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Foods may trigger migraines M

any factors, including food, can contribute to the onset of migraine headaches. However, migraine headaches remain a mystery to migraine sufferers and medical professionals alike. Researchers have studied the effect of foods on the genesis of a migraine, and some foods have proven to be repeat offenders when it comes to triggering the headaches.

Chemical components of certain foods may play a role in why they cause headaches to occur.

Also, the effect certain foods have on the body may also be instrumental. For example, alcohol tends to thin the blood, which can increase blood flow to the brain. Furthermore, alcohol is a diuretic and can dehydrate the body, another headache trigger. Although everyone reacts differently to alcohol, whiskey, red wine, champagne, and beer are the most common alcoholic migraine triggers.

Tyramine Foods that contain tyramine may also trigger migraines. Tyramine is a naturally-occurring compound often present in many plants and animals. It can also form from tyrosine — an amino acid found in a variety of foods — when those foods are fermented or start to decay. Tyramine can have effects on the adrenal gland, which triggers the “fight or flight” reaction in the body. This elevates the heart rate, increases blood pressure and increases the amount of adrenaline and other substances in the blood. All of these factors may trigger a migraine.

Aged cheese, preserved meats and other items that have been fermented are prime sources of tyramine. They can be reduced or avoided if it seems these foods play a role in migraines.

Additives Chemical additives may be used in foods to preserve freshness or modify flavor. Some people report headaches from monosodium glutamate (MSG), but there is no definitive research linking MSG to headaches. However, heavily processed foods may affect people who suffer from migraines in different ways.

Cured and processed meats, such as hot dogs and sausage, will contain additives. Additives are present in many convenience foods, such as frozen and packaged dinners, as well. Processed cheese may have additives as well as high levels of tyramine, making them a double threat.

Migraine sufferers should limit processed foods and choose fresh foods to minimize exposure to chemical additives.

Other Triggers There are other foods beyond those with tyramine or additives that may trigger headaches as well.

Dairy products are often a cause of allergic reactions in people.

Dairy may contribute to the overproduction of mucous in the sinuses, which can create pressure and lead to migraines.

Published surveys have found that after cheese, chocolate, alcohol, bananas, and citrus fruit are the most common triggers of migraines. These foods may influence the release of serotonin, causing constriction and dilation of blood vessels, or directly stimulate areas of the brain such as the trigeminal ganglia, brainstem and neuronal pathways. The result is a propensity for migraines.

Caffeine products are triggers for some people, while others find caffeine helps them find relief. That is why caffeine is sometimes paired with a pain-relief medication for faster efficiency.

The World Health Organization estimates that there are more than 20 million migraine attacks occurring worldwide every day. Women are three times as likely to suffer migraines than men. Individuals who experience migraines should keep a food diary to determine if foods are playing a role in attacks. A migraine can come on 20 to 25 minutes after a certain food or beverage is consumed. Learning which foods frequently trigger migraines might help sufferers who avoid these foods reduce the frequency of migraines.

healthy, happy, balanced life 9

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

health & wellness

Q&A

Beth & Cat answer your questions.

Direct all questions to them at: info@lifestylesmagazine.ca

Embark On A New Path Towards A Healthier Lifestyle This New Year

Start 2013 Off Right

This column is geared towards providing you with a renewed sense of health, well-being and peace of mind through information, education and answers to your health & wellness related questions.

Our hope is to provide you with the information you need to allow you to make an educated and empowered choice towards a healthier lifestyle and an improved quality of living.

Whether you have tried out various body, mind & spirit modalities or you are entirely new to the world of holistic health practices, our intention is for you to find inspiration, motivation & the ability to make informed decisions about your own holistic health & wellness journey.

We invite you to send us any health & wellness related questions that you have and we will draw upon our own expertise and knowledge, as well as the wide range of expertise from throughout the Orillia health & wellness community.

We will attempt to provide you with answers to your health & well-being – from nutrition to intuitive healing, massage to yoga, dance to pre/post natal health – we are here to support

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With the arrival of the New Year, it seems that everywhere we look we are bombarded with all kinds of methods and means of getting healthy and fit, losing weight, becoming stronger, improving our diet, boosting our energy and avoiding disease. Even people that have a fairly good understanding of what they need to do to make positive choices towards improved or maintained good health can feel overwhelmed by the choices and range of information. Those individuals that have never had the opportunity to learn about healthy, positive lifestyle choices

can feel truly at a loss about where to go or how to begin on a road towards better health.

you on your journey.

Our panel of holistic health practitioners comes to you collectively with more than 75 years of experience, humbly offering you knowledge and expertise as a means of contributing to the improved health & well-being of each individual within our greater Orillia community.

Community Guest Panel Contributors

Deepam Wadds, Rebalancing Deep Tissue Massage Therapist Ashley O’Connell, Certified Hypnotherapist & Reiki Master Marion Hurlimann, Certified Reflexologist Erin & Adrian Bhatti,Teachers of Qi Gong & Tai Chi Katy Howard, Naturopathic Doctor, Renewed Health & Wellness Writers/contributors Beth McKean, Certified Shiatsu Therapist, Reiki Practitioner, Free Spirit Dance Cat O’Connor, RYT500, RHN (in progress), owner of Yoga in Motion, Certified Fitness Instructor and Holistic Health & Wellness Writer Beth McKean

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10 healthy, happy, balanced life

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Discover the most germ-infested room in the house (it’s not the bathroom)

C

onsidering the nature of a bathroom, people generally think that most germs reside there.

However, kitchens tend to be the most germ-filled room in the average home, and many kitchen items and surfaces can harbor bacteria and viruses that make people sick.

Although the average toilet bowl has 3.2 million bacteria per square inch, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, frequent disinfecting and cleaning of the bathroom helps reduce germ infestation.

According to health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola, there could be up to 200 times more fecal bacteria on your kitchen cutting board than on your toilet seat.

Even a kitchen tabletop contains an average of 344 bacteria per square inch compared to 295 per square inch for a toilet seat.

of the most germ-ridden. There are roughly 134,630 bacteria/square inch on a kitchen sponge or cleaning cloth. It is easy to spread these germs to “clean” dishes and surfaces by using a germy sponge for cleaning up.

Ideally sponges should be replaced after one week of use. Sponges that remain wet or have leftover organic matter on them, like bits of food, tend to breed germs fast. Disinfect a sponge in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute or run it through the dishwasher. Use one sponge for dishes and one sponge for cleaning the kitchen to prevent more cross-contamination.

Kitchen faucet and surfaces: Using dirty hands to turn on the water in the kitchen can make grime and germs collect on this surface. Use a disinfecting product to clean the faucet, countertops and inside of the sink frequently.

Unless people are considering cooking Drains: Not all of the water in a drain and eating meals in their bathrooms, it seeps out. This moist area, usually may be time to examine enhanced with bits the germ-ridden areas of food or other Kitchen sinks are of the kitchen and start organic material, notorious spots for germs provides a ripe cleaning. environment for to reside and thrive.

Cutting boards: Even germs to grow and the best-billed cutting thrive. Baking soda boards can scratch or gouge, creating is a good freshener and cleaner that is crevices where bacteria thrive. Also, also relatively safe for the environment. because cutting boards are used for a Use it to disinfect drains and remove wide variety of cutting tasks, there is odors. a high likelihood of cross-contamination Doorknobs, light switches, phones: between raw animal products, seafood Many people fail to wash down knobs and vegetables. It’s a good idea to and switches as frequently as they routinely sanitize the board by running it should. A kitchen phone can have 133 through the dishwasher or cleaning with bacteria per square inch and should also soap and water and then a small amount be wiped down. Antibacterial wipes are of a bleach/water solution. good for this type of quick cleaning.

Sponges and rags: The tools of A rag with a diluted solution of bleach is also effective. cleaning in the kitchen tend to be some

Pet food bowls: Although pet bowls should be thoroughly washed every day, some people do not do so. The rim of bowls can harbor a lot of germs. In addition to causing illness in people, they may make pets sick. Routinely run the bowls through the dishwasher to rid them of bacteria.A bleach-and-water solution is one of the most effective all-purpose cleaners. Just use caution on surfaces or materials that you don’t want stained. Remember, some bacteria are good and necessary for human life. Therefore, don’t go around making the house ultra-sterile. Otherwise it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and actually lead to more illnesses.

healthy, happy, balanced life 11

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Tap Your Way To

Emotional Freedom

“The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system.” This statement holds as the basic premise of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). Having its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, EFT uses the same meridian system as is used in acupuncture and acupressure. By using a series of incredibly easy tapping processes, just about anyone can find relief from emotions that have caused problems in their lives.

By correcting a disturbance in the body's energy system, we simultaneously correct it on the emotional level. These techniques are gentle, rapid

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and startlingly effective. New or old emotional upsets can often be released in New or old less than an hour! Similarly, life-long emotional upsets phobias, compulsive behaviors and unhealthy patterns of belief can be can often be eliminated. The process itself is actually quite simple. While holding a problem in released in less mind and experiencing the feelings associated with that problem, you tap with than an hour! your fingers on specific acupuncture points.This opens the meridians and balances your energy. EFT has a success rate of about 85 to 97%, depending on the problem. Many issues, which previously may have taken months or years of work with more traditional approaches, can be worked through in half an hour. In fact, these techniques are so unintrusive, so painless, that clients will often say, "Thank you for your time, but it seems the problem went away by itself."

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12 healthy, happy, balanced life

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Editor’s notes

Welcome to year two of Orillia’s own Lifestyles Magazine. We are dedicated to delivering articles designed to enhance a Healthy, Happy, and Balanced Life. From designing and decorating your own home, to healthy eating and exercise, to just plain relaxing, traveling and building your dreams, we intend to continue to deliver stimulating articles that lead to personal well-being and happiness.

We are committed to bringing our readers and advertisers together to promote buying local goods and services. Our readers are demanding to know just what is available to them locally. Most don’t want to go too far afield in order to get great products, find the right services or attend cultural events. Most could care less about Toronto and want to know what’s available right here in Orillia and vicinity.

In fact, many of our articles are authored by local merchants. Why? Because we believe they are experts in their respective fields. When you want advice, a friendly smile and genuine concern for your specific needs, shop locally and read our magazine. We are doing our very best to keep you informed and up-to-date on everything to do with your active lifestyle.

Why not check out some of those articles right now. Orillia Public Library’s 1,001 Acts of Reading Program • Not Ready to Renovate?

• Health & Wellness Q & A column • Need a Kitchen Designer?

• Weddings, be honest with yourself & credit card, and much more!

To get the scoop even faster subscribe online and get our electronic version sent directly to your email address seven to 10 days sooner and enjoy money saving e-blasts in between! Listen to Sunshine Radio 89.1 in January to win prizes for subscribing.

So there you go. You are one of our 80,000 readers locally, so sit

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20,000 Lifestyles Magazines are distributed directly to homes throughout all of Orillia and surrounding areas including Coldwater, Hawkstone, Base Lake, East Oro, Westridge, Rama, Sebright, East Atherley, Brechin, Lagoon City, Cumberland Beach, Severn Bridge, and Washago.

This Issue’s Cover Dean Brody’s February 12th Orillia Opera House appearance is sold out. The Dirt Tour 2013 marks his first national tour. Dean won Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year at the 2012 Canadian Country Music Awards. Full tour dates: www.deanbrody.com R Brock Weir Publisher www.lifestylesmagazine.ca brock@lifestylesmagazine.ca www.facebook.com/lifestylesmagazineca

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healthy, happy, balanced life 13

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

MEN CAN EAT HEALTHY,TOO Men can still eat beef as part of a healthy diet. Just be sure to choose lean, or even extra lean, cuts of beef.

give up eating so much of their favorite foods. The following are a few ways men can eat healthy without sacrificing all the foods they love.

Eating healthy should be a goal for men and women alike, but many men feel a healthy diet is one that’s not necessarily that macho and certainly not very flavorful. But a healthy diet boosts your energy while helping to fight disease.

Choose lean cuts. Eating too much meat has been linked to heart disease, but that doesn’t mean men have to give up steak entirely. Instead, choose lean cuts of beef when eating meat, a lean cut of beef as a 3.5-ounce serving that has less than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat and 95 milligrams of cholesterol. Ambitious men can even opt for extra lean cuts of beef, which have less than 5 grams of total fat, 2 grams of saturated fat and 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 3.5-ounce serving. Examples of extra lean cuts of beef include eye of round roast or steak, sirloin tip side steak, bottom round roast and steak, and top sirloin steak.

While it’s good to choose lean or extra lean cuts of beef, it’s still best to avoid overdoing it with regard to red meat. Eating less red meat makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood pressure down.

The idea that a healthy diet is one devoid of flavor is a misconception. In fact, many men don’t have to give up their favorite foods to make their diets healthier, they just have to

Embrace whole grains. Bread is a beloved food for many men, and, if chosen wisely, it can even be healthy and help prevent disease. Whole-grain bread, for instance, can boost energy levels while helping men maintain healthy weights.

The American Society for Clinical Nutrition notes that stud-

ies dating back several decades have provided strong support that whole grains play a beneficial role in reducing risk for coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer. And it’s now easier than ever before for men to include whole grains in their diets, as whole-grain pastas and cereals are available at more and more grocery stores.

Avoid saturated fat. England’s National Health Service notes that a diet heavy in saturated fat is likely to increase the cholesterol in your blood, which increases your risk for heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis, a potentially deadly condition where the body’s medium and large arteries become clogged. Saturated fat can be found in a host of foods, including butter, whole milk, hard cheeses, and fatty meats or meat products such as sausage. But foods such as beans, fish and skinless poultry, each of which provide lots of protein, are not heavy in saturated fat, and can be just as delicious if not more so. What’s more, fish and poultry are considered complete proteins, which means they contain the necessary amino acids to help the body build new proteins, keeping the body’s various systems in good shape.

Keep a schedule. Many men will only eat when they’re hungry, which leads to overeating. Instead of allowing hunger to dictate when you eat, keep a steady schedule, ideally eating every 4 to 5 hours so your body is getting the fuel it needs throughout the day. When eating, be sure portions are small. Once your body grows accustomed to smaller portions every 4 or 5 hours, you can expect to feel more energized during the day, and you will likely notice it’s easier to maintain a healthy weight.

Eating healthy is no longer done at the expense of a flavorful diet. Men can employ a host of healthy eating strategies and still enjoy their favorite foods.

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14 healthy, happy, balanced life

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

SIMPLE WAYS to boost your energy levels

A low-calorie bowl of cereal in the morning can help improve energy throughout the day.

No one is immune to random bouts of fatigue. For many people, fatigue is most common around mid-afternoon, when the workday starts to drag and that hefty midday meal has inspired thoughts of catnaps.

Though an episode of fatigue here or there is likely nothing to worry about, adults who find themselves routinely struggling to muster any energy, whether it’s to finish a project at work or play with the kids at night, might be surprised to learn that boosting daily energy levels is relatively simple. The following are a few easy ways to boost your energy levels and make the most of each and every day.

Get regular exercise. Many adults know the value of exercise but simply can’t find the time in the day to squeeze in a little time on the treadmill or at the gym.

But the American Council on Exercise notes that as little as 10 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise at a time each day can boost your energy levels and improve mood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, including at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities, each week. If that’s a problem, particularly on weekdays, squeeze in 10 minutes here or there when the opportunity presents itself. But the more committed you are to regular exercise, the more your energy levels are likely to improve.

Treat yourself to a massage. Many people find their energy levels are adversely affected by stress. Too much stress can make you physically sick and cause both physical and mental fatigue. There are many ways to more effectively cope with stress, and treating yourself to a massage is one of them. A massage can relieve stress and help overworked muscles recover, boosting energy levels as a result.

Treat breakfast with the respect it deserves. When you wake up in the morn-

ing, even after a great night’s sleep, your body’s energy reserves are almost entirely depleted. Consequently, men and women who don’t eat a healthy breakfast are almost certain to struggle with their energy levels throughout the day.

Something as simple as a bowl of lowcalorie cereal or some oatmeal with fruit can help restore your body’s energy levels and lay the groundwork for a productive day. Skipping breakfast entirely will make you feel sluggish in the morning and increases the risk that you will over eat come lunchtime, adversely impacting your energy levels for the rest of the day.

Focus on maintaining steady energy levels throughout the day. Lacking energy over the course of a typical day might be a byproduct of your eating habits beyond the breakfast table. Numerous studies have found that eating three large meals per day is not an effective way to maintain steady energy levels over the course of a typical day.

Instead, smaller, more frequent meals coupled with healthy snacks can stabilize blood sugar levels and help maintain sufficient energy levels, improving both mental acuity and mood. Instead of a large omelet platter for breakfast, choose a small bowl of low-calorie cereal and follow it up three to four hours later with a healthy snack of fresh fruit. When lunchtime arrives three to four hours after your mid-morning snack, choose a small lunch with ample protein and follow that up a few hours later with a healthy snack of yogurt. The specifics of your diet should be discussed with your physician, but you will likely find that eating smaller, more frequent meals and healthy snacks will drastically improve your energy levels throughout the day.

Drink more fluids. Your lack of energy might not be the result of an unhealthy breakfast or a lack of exercise. Some people simply don’t drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and feel sluggish as a result. Symptoms of dehydration mimic those of hunger, leading many to purchase unhealthy snacks when they might just need to drink more fluids. Those snacks can compound the sluggishness you feel from being dehydrated, zapping your energy levels even further. So if you daily routine does not include drinking enough fluids, try having a few glasses of water each day and your energy levels might just improve.

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

healthy, happy, balanced life 15

Window guards save kids’ lives The advantages to open windows are many. But one particular disadvantage is the safety hazard open windows present to young children.

More than 5,000 American children are injured each year after falling out of windows, says the Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. Two-thirds of these children are toddlers, and a quarter of all injured are hurt seriously enough to require hospital admittance.

Montreal Children’s Hospital says they treat roughly 10 children a year who have fallen from a window. Due to toddlers’ high center of gravity (a head that is particularly heavy), most topple over and land head-first, which can have devastating effects.

Falls from windows can cause serious injuries and even death. However, the accidents are largely preventable. Many recall the tragic 1991 incident when musician Eric Clapton’s son, Conor, fell to his death from an apartment 49 stories up in a Manhattan highrise. Conor, age 4, allegedly darted past a housekeeper who had left the window open after cleaning and fell out of the window. The song “Tears in Heaven” was subsequently written by Clapton for his son.

Children are often insatiable in their curiosity and desire to see what is happening in the world around them. Goings-on outdoors can be fascinating, and it is not farfetched to see children leaning up against windows and screens to get a better view of outdoors. A window screen can easily dislodge and provides no barrier from a fall.

Parents and guardians of young children should add window protection to the list of safety gear they use to childproof a home. There are many varieties of window guards that attach to windows and provide a measure of security against falls. Some of these safety devices are bars or grills that install into

Windows can be a safety hazard for young children. But window guards can prevent falls.

place but can be easily removed by an adult in the event the window needs to be used as an emergency evacuation point. Window gates can be used on larger, swing-out windows to form a barrier for children.

There are also locks and latches that restrict how much a window can be opened.

Some areas of the country have made it law to have window guards on second story windows where children under age 10 are in residence, particularly highrise apartment buildings. Even falls from groundfloor windows can cause injuries. It’s important to check with a landlord or with a municipal office about the requirements with regard to window guards.

In addition to the installation of window guards, there are other safety steps that help prevent window-related falls.

• Keep furniture away from windows. Children can climb on the furniture and have better access to windows.

• Keep beds away from windows, especially in a child’s bedroom.

Children may horse around on a bed and bounce through an open window if the bed and window are not far apart.

• Routinely inspect the hardware and construction of the window to ensure it is secure. Periodically check the fit of a window guard to make sure it is properly installed.

• Do not open windows wide in children’s rooms. A few inches is all that’s needed for fresh air.

• Make sure children know they are not allowed to play next to open windows or to try to climb up to windows.

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16 healthy, happy, balanced life

how New Year... Learn to set fitness New Goals... objectives Old Strategy? and stick with them!

Our New Year’s Resolutions are one of the biggest goals we set for ourselves every year. While the resolutions vary from person to person, one of the most common objectives is to begin a healthier lifestyle. Here are some tips on how to keep your resolution and achieve your goals.

Plan Ahead. We have a work schedule, so why not have a fitness and

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE nutrition schedule as well? Schedule your workout on days of the week that are most convenient for you and plan all of your meals for the week. This ensures that you will stick to your exercise regime and that you will have the proper fuel in your fridge to obtain the result you want.

Talk about it. Don’t keep it a secret! Tell your friends and family about your resolution and be proud of the change you are going to make. Perhaps this will even motivate them to join you in your journey. The support of people you love will help you stick to your goals.

Measure it. What gets measured gets done. Determine what your specific goals are and track the progress you have made to achieve them. You may only be able to run for 10 minutes in the beginning, but it will be motivating to see your time and distance increase as you continue your program.

Get in with both feet. You can’t expect to exercise, continue with unhealthy eating habits, and experience a difference. Likewise, if you eat healthy and skip the workout, your results will be disappointing. Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand.

Do it for you. We are always helping others, whether it be our families, friends, co-workers or clients. Let this be what you do for yourself. Take care of your body. It is the greatest thing you will ever own.

Reward yourself. Once you’ve set yourself a goal and achieved it, reward yourself with something (not a cheeseburger) that you don’t normally do for yourself. Whether it’s new clothes, a massage, a manicure or even a new pair of shoes for the gym, it will help keep you motivated and give you something to look forward to.

Be realistic. Don’t over commit. Your plan must be realistic to your lifestyle in order for it to be achievable. Remember, it only takes three 30 minute workouts each week to experience a difference in your life.

Remember why. Never forget the reason why you want to do this. We all have specific reasons as to why we want to change our lifestyles and become healthier. Visualize where you want to be and don’t let your reason slip away.

Ask for help. Don’t try to do this on your own. Ask questions. Research.

Associate yourself with like-minded people. There are unlimited recourses on how to start your fitness journey that include hiring a personal trainer, adopting the buddy system, attending regular fitness classes, and getting a meal planner. When it comes to health and fitness, learning is a neverending part of the journey.

Jessica Brown is a graduate of the Fitness and Health Promotion program at Durham College and is a CSEP certified personal trainer. Her passion for helping others lead healthier lifestyles is evident in her training style.

In addition to training members at Anytime Fitness, Jessica is a professional figure skating coach with the Beaverton Figure Skating club.

Jessica Brown www.anytimefitness.com

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Investing in original art for your

home can be an exciting experience that expresses your individuality, setting your home apart from any other.

There is always the thought process of where the piece will look the best and will the colours work well with your furnishings as well as the other artwork that is already hanging. Such time and care should also be considered when deciding where it should hang. The ideal height is at eye level, unless it is for the dining room, where it is quite acceptable to hang the work a little lower to compensate for the seated viewers.

An original work of art should always be hung away from direct sunlight. The ultraviolet light will often cause irreversible damage over time. If needed, the curtains and the blinds can be drawn when you are not in the room to preserve the longevity of your cherished investment. The least amount of damage is caused by incandescent light.

The painting should never be hung above a direct heat source such as a working fireplace, hot air vents or a radiator as the heat fluctuations can cause the frames and canvases to warp.

Humidity must also be a consideration. It is always best to avoid hanging work in the bathroom or kitchen. If you are choosing to hang your work in your basement family room, be sure to use a dehumidifier to ensure that the painting does not become moldy or experience moisture damage.

To clean your original artwork, be sure to use a

very soft non-abrasive lint-free duster. Avoid the use of chemicals, water or paper towels as these will all damage your investment. If you are cleaning a watercolour painting that is under glass, then be sure to spray the cloth and then wipe the glass to ensure that the moisture does not collect under the frame and damage the work underneath.

With proper care, your beautiful work of art can last for generations to come and will showcase your individuality, enhancing your home decor.

Kyra Dahlke www.facebook.com/KikiLaRuseGallery

healthy, happy, balanced life 17

The Art Of Caring For Art

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choosing a bridesmaid

GOWN bridal

CUSTOMS advantages to a

WEDDING VIDEO wedding favor

IDEAS

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healthy, happy, balanced life 19

First Make The Bridal Appointment... then be honest s a bride-to-be, I’m sure that everyone has given you opinions on every aswith yourself pect of your wedding. While your friends’ and family’s expertise can range from helpful to hindering, everyone seems to leave out what to do when & your credit card!

booking a wedding dress appointment. Not all bridal boutiques require appointments, so don’t shy away from walking in. However, if they do, it never hurts to check with the salon. If you do decide to book one and it’s after hours, see if the store has an online booking system.

At the appointment, don't be afraid to share your vision with the consultant keeping your budget in mind. The more specific your requests are, the easier it is to pinpoint a style that suits you and your credit card. Extravagance does not a perfect wedding dress make, so don’t be embarrassed if you have a low budget! It saves you the risk of trying on and falling in love with a dress you can’t afford.

As exciting as trying on dresses is, don’t bring your entire family tree. Find a few key people who you want to be there. The fewer people with differing opinions, the less confusing it will be for you. Remember, it’s about how you feel in the dress. That being said, take a risk and try on something that’s not your style. You’d be amazed at how different dresses can look off the hanger.

Wedding dress shopping does not need to be stressful. With a little bit of homework, planning, and keeping an open mind, it can be a very special time in your life, so try to relax and enjoy the entire experience!

Nicole MacDonald www.sayyesbridalgallery.ca

20 healthy, happy, balanced life

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

ADVANTAGES TO A

Wedding

photos and videos on their smartphones and other devices on a regular basis, a wedding video can serve as a family memento. What other time, apart from the holidays, do you have all of your friends and loved ones together in one place?

• Although no one wants to think of a friend or relative passing away while planning their wedding, the fact remains that after a few years some of the people who attended your wedding may no longer be around.

Having a wedding video may be the only last moving image and sound of a special person who is no longer in your life.

The decision to hire a videographer is one such area couples fret over.

After all, with a photographer snapping hundreds of pictures, having a video may seem like an unnecessary luxury. However, people often find that having a wedding video to cherish long after the day has passed is well worth the price.

There are several advantages to hiring a professional videographer to capture the day. A professionally produced wedding video is not the same as Uncle Fred carrying around his archaic camcorder and catching a few embarrassing dance moves during the reception. A professional

• Sound is a portion of the wedding that photos simply cannot capture. To relive the music and the words of the day, a videographer is a necessity.

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• Choose a videographer who will work in conjunction with the wedding mood and parameters. You probably don’t want a videographer who uses bright lights that can be distracting. Nor do you want a videographer who pushes the camera in guests’ faces for a lessthan-candid interview. Today’s professionals are inconspicuous and simply record the events as they unfold.

• The videographer often works in tandem with the photographer.

Some photographers have a videographer on staff. But it is fine to bring in your own if you like the quality of the photographer’s photos but not the videographer’s work.

• Although ours is an increasingly digital world where people capture

• You can work with a good videographer so it’s not simply a video with close-up shots of your face or unflattering perspectives.

Talk about your preferences and even fears about being filmed (some people just don’t like watching themselves on TV), and the videographer can no doubt find solutions that will accommodate your needs.

Up To

video will showcase all moments of the wedding from perspectives not easily captured by photography. In addition to showcasing the images of the wedding, the video will also share the sounds and emotions of the day. Here are some things to think about.

microphones will produce a video with the best sound quality.

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healthy, happy, balanced life 21

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• There are many things that you will not see at the wedding but may have liked to, such as the first gasps of wonder upon guests walking into the reception room, or the tears on the face of an aunt who was sitting too far back in the church pews. This is where a wedding video can prove invaluable.

Video

• Modern videographers offer high-resolution, edited movies. These can be delivered via Blu Ray DVD and ensure the best quality for your package.

Although brides and grooms may be cutting costs with regard to their wedding, they may not want to pass on the wedding video.

CHOOSING A HUE FOR THE

bridesmaid gowns Bridesmaids are an important part of the wedding party, and most brides opt to have a handful of close friends and family members play a special role in the wedding. Choosing a gown and a color that will flatter all of the bridesmaids typically takes a little work.An overwhelming majority of couples choose to have a formal wedding. The average number of bridesmaids for these formal weddings is four. Considering around two million weddings take place in NorthAmerica every year, that’s a lot of bridesmaids for whom gowns and other attire must be planned.

Many bridesmaids worry about the gowns they will wear come the big day. Horrible bridesmaid dresses have been the butt of jokes for years and many people have their own stories of garish gowns they’ve been asked to don for a wedding.

Some have said that brides intentionally choose ugly gowns for their bridesmaids to ensure they’re not outshined come the wedding day.Although this may be the case for some, most brides aspire to select gowns that will be flattering for all.

And color scheme is integral in the choice of gown.

Every well-planned wedding carries a color scheme throughout. This includes the color a bride selects for her bridesmaids to wear. But not every color accentuates everyone’s features. Therefore, some experimentation might be necessary to find a color that is flattering to all and fits with

the color scheme.

Depending on hair color and skin shade, there are many flattering hues available for gowns. When making this decision, consider bridesmaids’ethnicity and skin tone.

African-American: Women with dark skin and hair may really shine in jewel-colored gowns, including silver, gold, purple and salmon. Very pale colors may be daring and conspicuous.

Asian and olive-skinned women: Those with a slight yellow tone to their skin will look good in many colors, including red, navy, peach, and fuchsia. However, avoid colors in light yellow, aqua, gray, taupe, or mint, which may make the bridesmaid look washed out.

Fair skin: Ladies with pale skin will benefit from richly colored gowns in jewel tones. Pastels may work, but be careful about those depending on hair color. Pink or red-hued gowns may clash with someone with auburn hair.Yellow and green may not work with a fair brunette. Gray and silver may wash out someone who is pale and blonde.

Once a color is chosen, brides also need to consider the season. Certain colors may look out of place depending on the season. For example, an evergreen or deep blue may seem wintry during a summer wedding. Similarly, russet or brown may work for the autumn but not for a spring wedding. Many

Every well-planned wedding carries a color scheme throughout.This includes the color a bride selects for her bridesmaids to wear. But not every color accentuates everyone’s features.

brides gravitate toward mid-level blues, greens, pinks and purples for their weddings, simply because those colors transcend the seasons.

After colors are worked out, the style of the gown deserves consideration. Because not every bridesmaid has the same physical attributes, many brides are now open to selecting a color and length and allowing the bridesmaid herself to choose the exact style. This way someone who is busty won’t feel uncomfortable in strapless, and someone who is thin won’t be overwhelmed by a lot of ruffles. The intent is to have bridesmaids feel beautiful and comfortable, and different styles can help achieve this.

Making the effort to choose a gown color and style that is flattering to all in the bridal party will help the ladies feel they are truly a special part of the wedding.

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Top teeth-staining offenders Dress chosen; check. Flowers ordered; check.

Photographer booked; check. Bright smiles for the big day; hmmm, not so much….

A soon-to-be bride and groom have a long list of things to complete prior to their wedding day. Though much thought is given to music, transportation, gowns and tuxedoes, it’s important not to overlook a white smile, which will ultimately be the lasting memory of the special day in photo albums for years to come. A white smile can make all the difference and is the finishing touch to every look.

In the past, tooth whitening was something left to the professionals at the dentist’s office. Over the years, in-office whitening procedures have evolved to include laser activation of a whitening gel. While effective, the process can be very expensive — something that may not fit into a couple’s wedding day budget. Most people interested in brightening their smiles can find success with at-home whitening solutions.

Wear white on your wedding day — with a bright smile Itʼs easy and affordable to achieve a bright smile with athome whitening solutions.

Crest 3D White, the #1 whitening brand recognized by top beauty magazine editors, offers effective at-home whitening solutions, such as Crest 3D White Intensive Professional Effects Whitestrips and Glamorous White Toothpaste, to get a bright, white smile for the big day. The best part is that Intensive Professional Effects Whitestrips whiten as well as a $500 in-office professional treatment for a fraction of the cost.

In addition to relying on at-home and in-office tooth whitening solutions, there are other ways that the soon-tobe bride and groom and their bridal party can achieve a whiter smile in time for their wedding day: • Get routine dental checkups and cleanings. A professional cleaning at the dentist can remove unsightly tartar and buff the teeth clean. You may see a noticeable difference in the appearance of your teeth after a routine dental cleaning.

• Eat raw fruits and vegetables. Chewing raw fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, grapes, carrots and spinach is a good way to reduce tooth staining.

• Brush and floss regularly. An at-home oral hygiene routine is essential for good oral health and appearance.

Use a toothpaste like Crest 3D White Glamorous White Toothpaste, which removes up to 90 percent of surface stains in just 5 days.

Taking steps toward a beautiful, white smile is something every soon-to-be bride, groom and bridal party member can do. Those who are making their wedding day to-do list should include easy tooth-whitening solutions as a ‘must’ for their special day.

Bright, white smiles can take years off of your appearance and help boost your confidence.

Also, they can help you look your best when posing for wedding-day photographs.

While many couples opt for whitening treatments to ensure pearly whites on their big day, steering clear of foods that are notorious for staining teeth is also a good idea. The outer layer of the tooth is very porous, and dark-colored foods and beverages may stain teeth more easily. The following items are known to discolor teeth: • Black coffee

• Tea

• Red wine • Cola

• Dark fruit juices

• Popsicles with artificial coloring • Soy sauce

• Balsamic vinegar • Tomato sauce • Blueberries

• Beets

• Curry

Minimize the consumption of these foods and use a straw to drink acidic or staining beverages to keep teeth as white as they can be.

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

USE CUISINE TO CREATE

a wedding to remember

D

espite the months of planning and poring over every minute detail of a wedding, it has often been said that what people remember most about wedding receptions is the food and if they had fun. Therefore, instead of worrying about choosing Jordan almonds over chocolate truffles, or whether the cake should have an extra tier, couples may want to pay more attention to selecting their reception menus.

Although certain foods are wedding staples, it could pay for couples to think with their stomachs instead of their heads when selecting wedding day fare. Having a selection of foods that taste as good as they look is a wise idea over having certain foods simply because they are trendy.

Whether you are cooking yourself, having a family member serve as chef or relying on the menu of the reception hall, think about foods that will please guests and select those items, regardless of them being fancy.

Here are some other tips.

You want foods to be filling but not so much so that guests have to waddle to the dance floor. If you’re planning on

several courses, keep portion sizes small to offer a taste of the different items offered.

Classic foods can work well as wedding fare. Roasts, barbecued meats and favorite pasta dishes can make guests feel like they’re dining at someone’s home and not at a wedding.

Choose items people have heard of.

Instead of tornadoes of beef, select a hearty prime rib. Just because a dish sounds fancy doesn’t make it taste better. If a guest doesn’t know what he or she is eating, it can be uncomfortable. Now is not the time to experiment with exotic foods either.

Otherwise, some picky eaters may be left hungry.

Think about the foods you love and see if they can be incorporated at the wedding.

Although a breakfast bar at an evening event may seem funny, waffles and omelets may appeal to a greater number of guests than a gourmet fish creation.

Don’t make vegetarians an afterthought.

Too often, vegetarians must eat whatever the kitchen can pull together, which is usually a compilation of the vegetable garnishes from the meat dishes. Make an effort to have a true vegetarian dish that is

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intricate and delicious.

Mashed potatoes are a crowd pleaser. Serve little portions of mashed potatoes in cocktail glasses and enable guests to top as they see fit with bacon bits, cheese or chives.

Moderate drinkers not only live longer, they also tend to enjoy

No idea is silly. Serving any type of food in a hors d’oeuvre style can make it acceptable at a formal affair, whether that food is pizza or caviar-topped crackers.

better overall health than heavy drinkers or those who abstain.

If you have a favorite restaurant that serves delicious food, find out if they will cater your wedding.

According to a study titled “Alcohol consumption and morbidity in the Canadian Health Survey: Inter-beverage differences.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence,” moderate drinkers had 15 less percent disability than the general population.

Just because it isn’t on the menu doesn’t mean it cannot be prepared. Talk to the catering manager and let him or her know your preferences. Provided you’re willing to pay a little more, there’s a good chance you can have items that aren’t on the standard catering menu.

Think outside the box for your cocktail hour serving “bars.” Abread bar, a dipping station, milk and cookies service, or vegetable bar are options that go against the standard cheese and pasta stations.

Although it’s your wedding, ultimately the goal is to please the guests. By choosing foods they will love and rave about, you’re guaranteed positive remarks on your wedding.

Joanne DeGasperis Ceremonialist & Independent Non-Traditional Minister Specializing in Weddings & Handfastings joanne@bellalunassacredcircle.com 705-812-7728 Winner of 2012 Wedding Industry Experts Awards Best Wedding Celebrant, Barrie area

24 healthy, happy, balanced life

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Unique

RECEPTION TOUCHES

has served as a mentor or source of inspiration.

• Choose one special component as an extra goodie for guests. Some couples feel the more they offer the better guests will view their wedding. Spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean guests will have a better time. If you want to go above and beyond the ordinary, find one thing that you absolutely love and offer that at the party. It could be a flambé presentation, a chocolate or candy bar, a carving station with your all-time favorite food (even if that’s PB&J), or a carnivalinspired automatic photo booth.

Over the course of their lifetimes, many people will be wedding guests on several occasions. During the height of wedding season, weddings can run into one another, as the format and the festivities are similar at various ceremonies. Couples interested in setting their nuptials apart may want to enhance the wedding reception with a few unique ideas.

Who hasn’t attended a wedding that seems formulaic? The couple enters, they do their spotlight dance, there’s food, a bouquet toss and then the cake cutting. Guests may actually be able to predict what’s coming next. While it is often customary and easy to follow tradition, that doesn’t mean you cannot buck with tradition and offer a few creative ideas to make your event stand out.

Here are several ideas you can introduce into your wedding to add something special to the reception.

• Skip the big entrance. Those who were kind enough to attend the ceremony have already been introduced to the newly minted happy couple. Instead of spending the cocktail hour in the isolation of the wedding suite, mingle with your guests from start to finish. So much time is spent posing for pictures or being out of touch with guests, the cocktail hour can be a great time to sit and chat. Being with guests during the cocktail hour means you

don’t have to make that big entrance from behind closed doors. Guests will have all eyes on you when you step on the dance floor for your first dance together.

• Dance to an upbeat number. Guests are expecting a slow, sappy tune. What they may not expect is an upbeat song that shows you are willing to have a little fun.

If you haven’t mastered the waltz but enjoy a little quick step now and again, feel free to choose a tune that shows your excitement and love for each other.

• Encourage couples to dance together. It’s often customary for the bridal party to join the bride and groom on the dance floor midway through the first dance. However, that leaves spouses or significant others waiting in the wings while their dates tango with groomsmen or bridesmaids.

Instead, don’t have assigned partners.

Rather, encourage your bridal party members to dance with whomever they choose.

• Swap the garter/bouquet toss for something more meaningful. If you’re part of a couple who feels the garter and bouquet toss has become trite, there are other ways to create special moments in your celebration — ones that don’t single out the singletons who haven’t yet found their special someones. Use this time to present a small gift or token of your affection to someone on the guest list who

• Hire a live performer. Although it’s hard to beat the performance quality of your wedding song being performed by the original artist, unless you’re cousins with Celine Dion, chances are she won’t be available to sing “My Heart Will Go On” at your reception. However, a live band adds a certain level of excitement that a disk jockey may not be able to provide.

Those who are adding a cultural or ethnic component to their wedding may want to hire a dance troupe or another type of performer, like a bagpiper, as an added measure of entertainment for guests.

• Let them eat … cookies? Some people just don’t like cake. Therefore, why should a couple have to cut a seven-tiered white confection? Towers of different types of treats can be created from just about anything and serve as the perfect backdrop for that classic cake-cutting photo. A pyramid of cream puffs, stacks of brownies, a cookie castle, or cereal-cake concoctions can work. Some bakeries will decorate a “dummy” styrofoam cake, and then you can serve apple pie a la mode, if you desire.

• Stage a costume switch. Let’s face it, dancing all night in a long gown takes some stamina. As the bride, have a more comfortable cocktail dress available to switch into for the latter part of the reception. It will also add some variety to your wedding photos.

first dance SONG IDEAS If Michael Bublé or Nat King Cole aren’t on your playlists, chances are you may be looking for a first-dance song that’s a little less traditional for your wedding reception.

Couples considering a song that’s a little different and speaks to them but won’t necessarily offend the wedding purists in attendance might want to consider the following tunes:

“All I Want is You” (U2) “Amazing” (Aerosmith)

“You & Me” (Dave Matthews Band)

“Crazy for You” (Adele)

“Faster” (Matt Nathanson)

“For You I Will” (Monica)

“Kiss Me” (Sixpence None the Richer) “I’ll Stand by You” (The Pretenders)

“Love Song” (The Cure)

“No One” (Alicia Keys)

“Suga Suga” (Baby Bash)

“Without You” (Rent Soundtrack)

“You Want to Make a Memory” (Bon Jovi)

healthy, happy, balanced life 25

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

T

Planning your wedding ceremony? Don’t fret

his is your opportunity to be creative and to plan a day that speaks entirely to both your personalities, wishes and dreams, an event for you, your families and friends to remember, always.

Awedding ceremony is one of life’s rites of passage that celebrates and honours two people in love taking a most important step in their lives, through words, song, gestures and even dance.An exchange of rings is the most common symbolic gesture in a wedding ceremony.Aring is an unbroken circle made of a metal that won’t tarnish representing the infinity of neverending love, vows of devotion, and a giving of one’s heart to the other. Other objects you deem sacred may already be involved in this process: a family heirloom such as a ring; cufflinks; a bracelet; earrings or other jewellery, or even an item of clothing.

An exchange of gifts, such as objects you both feel are sacred and/or which hold special personal meaning may also be a part of the ceremony. These objects may be part of a story–how they came to be owned by one of you. For example: stories of love; of perseverance; of adversity and triumph. You may want to tell these stories in the ceremony which can make it even more meaningful and memorable.

Look for inspiration Another place to look for inspiration is to think of the ceremony as a step through a portal or gateway into another stage of your lives. You might also think of it as a joining of souls or a merging of hearts. These can be represented through symbolic acts and metaphors. You might enact this by: • Jumping over a sacred object like a stalk of grain, a broom, a sword or a family rug.

• A ritual binding with ribbons or “hand fasting” during the recital of vows symbolizes the strength of the union.

• The ritual burning of words written on paper symbolizes all the things you cast away to begin your new lives.

• It can be an invitation for the spirits of departed loved ones, chosen helpers or deities to bear witness and bless this special day.

You can also honour your guests by inviting them to participate in the ceremony:

• You might walk through an archway formed of all the linked hands of your guests • Throwing of confetti, or the “smudging” of sacred smoke • You may choose to involve your guests by designating certain speakers to read certain parts of the ceremony.

Words make the difference The way the ceremony is written is also important.

What words do you want to use that would most closely describe your faith: god; goddess; great spirit; ancestors; creator or some other spirit or deity? How will you declare your love for each other in your vows? What stories will you tell? The right wedding officiant will help you write the ceremony and your spoken vows, make suggestions and assist you with ideas.

What makes a wedding ceremony memorable in the eyes of your guests will not necessarily be how flawlessly everything was executed, but how unique and special the event was. Too many couples get caught up in the perfection of the day and forget that the purpose of this day is to celebrate and honour them and their union, as well as any familial or spiritual traditions. For you, it will be how personally meaningful it is. For that to happen, you need to make the ceremony uniquely your own. By doing so, it will be forever memorable in your hearts and the hearts of those you love.

Rev. Joanne DeGasperis www.bellalunassacredcircle.com

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26 healthy, happy, balanced life

Safe and smart ways to slim down before your wedding .

Many brides-to-be, and even some grooms-to-be, express concern about their weight in the weeks and months leading up to their wedding. Losing weight is a goal for many engaged couples, but it’s important that couples who want to shed a few extra pounds don’t sacrifice safety for the sake of slimming down.

According to a Cornell University study of 273 women with a wedding day approaching, 70 percent wanted to lose more than 20 pounds before their weddings. However, reality indicates that a weight loss of 5 to 10 pounds is more attainable — more so if the weight loss regimen is spread out over several weeks. The term “brideorexia” has entered the vernacular, and it is associated with brides who are taking extreme measures to lose weight. Taking laxatives, engaging in fluid-only diets and even using tobacco or drugs to serve as appetite suppressants are just some of the measures some brides have taken to shed weight before their wedding days.

There is no magic formula to shed pounds, but there are certain ways to jump-start and maintain the process of healthy weight loss so brides can look slimmer and healthy for their big day.m • Eat. Although initial calorie curbing can help shed weight, eventually your body may adapt to your new eating habits or go into “survival mode,” which means conserving fat reserves. Researchers at Penn State University found that fasting signals to your body that it is being starved, triggering a lower metabolic rate. Brides-to-be should never cut out food entirely. Eating anything less than 1,200 calories a day will encourage the body to try to conserve energy by lowering its metabolism. Severe calorie restriction is not an effective way to lose weight.

• Step up your exercise regimen. Reducing food intake alone will not help you lose weight quickly. The goal is to burn more calories than you consume. Therefore, adding more cardiovascular activity to your routine can help burn calories more efficiently.According to a clinical study from researchers at Italy’s University of Padua published in the 2011 International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, eating a light meal before exercising helps you burn more fat and keeps your body burning fat even 24 hours after the exercise.

• Reduce sodium intake. Sodium doesn’t necessarily lead to weight gain, but it can make it appear so. Sodium contributes to water retention in the body, which may make you appear heavier or bloated. Cut back on foods that are high in sodium, especially as the wedding draws close, to reduce water retention.

• Identify sources of empty calories. Fruit juices, soda and other beverages are often the culprits with regards to unnecessary calorie consumption. Therefore, choose your beverages wisely and limit them to water, teas and unsweetened drinks.

If you want to drink fruit juice, consider diluting it. In addition, most alcoholic beverages have 100 calories or more. While it may be tempting to celebrate with wine, champagne and mixed drinks during your engagement period, your waistline may ultimately pay the price for such indulgences.

• Hire a good photographer. Acamera allegedly adds 10 pounds, a reason many couples panic about their wedding day.Aphoto is a 2D image of a 3D object. Therefore, the photo reduces depth perception and flattens an image, which may make some items look like they have more bulk.Aprofessional photographer will know how to manipulate lighting and angles of the camera to ensure a more flattering shot.

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Concern about fitting into their gowns drives many brides to crash diet in an effort to lose weight • Eat smaller portions. Oftentimes, its not a matter of what you are eating but how much. Most portion sizes served in restaurants or even at home are double or triple the amount that you should be eating. When in doubt, cut everything in half.

• Fill up on fiber or protein. Instead of resorting to pills to suppress an appetite, simply eat foods that will fill you up naturally.

High-fiber foods will bulk up in the stomach and keep you feeling satiated longer. The same can be said for lean proteins, which take longer to digest, thus fending off hunger pangs.

While losing weight for a wedding is many couples’ultimate goal, the best way to tackle this task is in a healthy, responsible manner.

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

favor ideas

Do you have a shelf or cabinet that’s filled to the brim with wedding favors such as engraved ice cream scoopers, cake servers, cheese spreaders or tea light candle holders? If you do, you’re not alone. As couples pore over guest favor options, many select trinkets or knickknacks that, while thoughtful, end up collecting dust in someone’s home.

Edible gifts also can be thoughtful — and flavorful!

Guests may look forward to an edible favor because it’s a memento of the special occasion and it won’t become a permanent fixture in their homes. There are many edible favors from which to choose. They can also be customized according to the theme of the wedding.

Chocolate It’s difficult to find an edible favor more universally beloved than chocolate. Rich and inviting, chocolate has long been given as a symbol of love and devotion.

Chocolate candies and baked goods can work well for wedding favors, provided the favors are refrigerated to avoid melting.

Ideas for chocolate favors include individually packaged truffles, gourmet brownie bites, candy-covered chocolates with an inscription, chocolate covered apples, chocolate coins, and other similar creations. Chocolate molded designs (much like those

Exotic Dance Wear, Club Wear & Gifts Edible wedding favors may include decorative cookie baskets featuring gourmet cookies from a favorite bakery. chocolate Easter bunnies) are another idea.

Cookies Sweet cookies also make good edible favors. Butter cookies are a favorite because they are sturdy enough to cut into different shapes. Professionally iced, these cookies can be a masterpiece to behold. Some couples opt for customized fortune cookies that express personalized sentiments to guests.

Make-your-own Sometimes it’s less expensive to give guests kits that they can take home to create their own edible treasures.

Options abound and can include everything from personalized packets of hot chocolate to tea bags. Other couples choose among mixes for making cookies or cakes.

Candies It has become popular to have a selfserve candy bar at many weddings.

Guests are invited to step up to the display and serve themselves from a series of different confections. Autumn weddings could have Halloweeninspired candies or those in fall hues. It’s easy to follow a color theme when you have a bevy of different candies at your disposal.

Many discount stores sell inexpensive jars and candy dishes to house the candy. Designer Chinese takeout-type containers are available from craft stores and can be the perfect way for guests to make that candy portable.

Other edibles From cupcakes to maple syrup to personalized bottles of barbecue sauce, couples have so many options for guest favors at their disposal.

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Origins of bridal customs Bouquet: Nowadays, the bride carries a beautiful bouquet of flowers. But the purpose of the bouquet held different meanings in the past. Saracen brides carried orange blossoms for fertility.

Others carried a combination of herbs and flowers to ward off evil spirits with their aroma. Bouquets of dill were often carried, again for fertility reasons, and after the ceremony, the dill was eaten to encourage lust.

Throwing rice: Today it has become de rigueur to blow bubbles, toss birdseed or release doves when the bride and groom leave the house of worship newly betrothed. That’s because savvy individuals found that raw rice can pose a hazard to birds pecking in the area.

However, rice throwing is an old custom that dates back to the Middle Ages, when wheat or rice where thrown to symbolize fertility for the couple.

Bridesmaids: There may be arguments over dresses and how many bridesmaids to have in a wedding party now, but in ancient times it was “the more the merrier.” That’s because bridesmaids were another measure to keep the bride safe against evil spirits. Essentially the bridesmaids were decoys for the spirits — dressing like the bride to confuse the spirits or maybe help deter them to leave the bride be.

Wedding rings: Wearing of wedding rings dates back to ancient Egypt. The round shape of a ring symbolizes eternal love. The ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it is believed this finger has a blood vessel that goes directly to the heart.

Wedding cake: The traditional wedding cake evolved from Roman times when the cake was originally made from wheat. It was broken over the bride’s head to ensure fertility. All of the guests eat a piece for good luck. Single women used to place a piece of wedding cake under their pillows in the hopes of finding their own husbands.

Father accompanying the bride: This tradition symbolizes that the bride’s father endorses the choice in a husband and is presenting his daughter as a pure bride to that man.

Kissing the bride: In older times, a kiss symbolized a legal bond. Therefore, the bride and groom kissed to seal the deal on their betrothal.

There are many traditions surrounding a wedding that people simply accept.

But understanding their origins can make the ceremony more meaningful.

healthy, happy, balanced life 29

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

WHAT NOT TO SERVE AT A WEDDING

Couples often fret over what to serve their guests at the reception, and rightfully so.

Reception costs can comprise a majority of the wedding-day budget. When spending $100 or more per guest, you want to ensure you’re getting what you paid for and that guests enjoy what they’re eating.

Filet mignon may be a good choice, but steak tartare is probably best avoided. Find out which foods to avoid serving your wedding guests.

Exotic cuisine: You may be a risk taker when it comes to cuisine, but others may not share your zeal for exotic foods. Now is not the time to introduce guests to the wild and wacky. If you’ve seen an exotic dish on the Food Network or the Travel Channel, give it a try another time.

Anything on fire: Why risk an accident for a spectacle? Baked alaska, cherries jubilee, apples flambé … these are foods that might provide a show, but the cost of that show may not be worth it in the end.

Raw food: Clams on the halfshell or sushigrade tuna may seem like good ideas, but keep in mind that it is hard to ensure quality when feeding 200 people at the same time. Foods that require special refrigeration or immediate service for freshness are best left for other occasions. Don’t risk food poisoning on a room full of people unless you want your

wedding to be remembered for stomach cramps.

Along, sit-down meal: Two or three courses is fine, but if guests have to sit through a neverending parade of courses, that limits their ability to mingle and have a good time.

Anything too elaborate: The faster servers can get food out to guests the better. If they have to sit there piping mashed potato roses on dishes or assemble intricate canapes, the delay might not be worth the presentation.And remember, the more bells and whistles, the higher the price tag.

Fast food: This is your wedding, and you want the food to fit with the scale of the day.A formal wedding generally includes a formal meal.Although it may be alright to include some fast food inspired dishes at the cocktail buffet, steer clear of burgers and fries for the main meal.

Themed food: Don’t dye that baked potato purple because you want the wedding to be a plum-colored affair.Also, it’s best to avoid themed food, unless it is part of a cultural wedding or can be pulled off with class. It’s much easier to pass off crepes and croissants for a Parisian wedding than giant turkey legs and tankards of ale for a Renaissance-themed one.

No food at all: Whether your wedding is small or grand in scale, guests will expect some sort of food. Be sure to have some butler-passed hors d’oeuvres or some well-placed pickings for guests to grab while mingling.After all, they will need something to provide the energy to mingle and dance, and food can help buffer the effects of too many cocktails.

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Controlling Finances Means Less Anxiety

W

ith busy lifestyles, we generally don’t have much time to ferret out where every penny goes. A solution is to begin modestly by reviewing and categorizing expenses listed on your latest month’s credit card and chequing account statements.

Shelter can be used to capture expenses like rent, mortgage payments, condo fees, property taxes, water, heat, electricity, and home maintenance. Transportation can include car payments, gasoline, car maintenance, public transit, and taxi fares. Food can include groceries as well as dining out. Recreation can be used to collect any expense related to continuing education, physical fitness, sports, hobbies, travel, vacations, and reading. Household items can include telephone, Internet access, cable TV, child-care, pet food, furniture, equipment, and supplies. Health can include all medical

and personal care expenses, and life insurance premiums. Under “other,” you can collect anything that did not fit into any of the more specific categories, including expenditures on alcohol and tobacco products, for example, or interest charged on your credit card.

If you are like me, you still pay some small portion of your expenditures by cash. Categorize cash withdrawals from your chequing account as “other” expenses.

Next, add up the items in each category from your credit card and bank statements for the month. Now, add up all the deposits for the month and classify this amount as “income.”

Now the fun begins. Compare your total income to your total expenses, and compare category totals. What do you see that makes sense? What do you see that surprises you? Decide what, if anything, you want to change, and make a realistic plan to effect the change. Don’t give up if your plan doesn’t immediately work out exactly as you would like it to.

By simply making an effort to take control of your expenses, you will begin to free yourself from one of life’s major anxieties.

1,000 Acts of Reading The Orillia Public Library loves reading. And, we love the people who come here that love to read. On a daily basis we see hundreds of individuals both in and out of our building who all have one thing in common–a love of reading.

The thing about reading is that there are all kinds of different ways to read.

You can read a book, you can listen to one, you can watch a movie, you can chat about them, you can sing songs, and rhyme rhymes. There are thousands of different ways to read.

There are so many different ways to encourage your child to read even before they are able to understand the alphabet.

In fact, the library has gotten so excited about this idea, we created our own program called “1000 Acts of Reading.”

The idea behind the campaign? One small act can make a big difference when a child is learning to read.

The Orillia Public Library is launching its “1000 Acts of Reading” Campaign in 2013. This campaign is designed to help parents and caregivers understand that there are many ways to encourage a lifelong love of literacy in their children, and it does not always involve sitting down with a book. Early literacy (learning to read before you can read) is simple and fun, and a great way for parents and caregivers to bond with their child. We are hosting a community literacy day at the library in early 2013 to bring

Benefits Pre-Schoolers

Herm]an A. van den Berg www.business.lakeheadu.ca/orillia together families to learn about literacy, reading and all of the community resources available to them.

There are thousands of different ways to read before you are able to read. This includes everything from making cookies together, to chatting about your day.

All of these things lead to literacy and reading and we want to make sure everyone knows about them. Come into the children’s department to chat with our staff about books, play with some toys, or come to one of our fabulous story times where we will tell you more about early literacy things you can do at home!

The Orillia Public Library will be launching this campaign in early 2013 with fun initiatives, giveaways, and programs that will bring the community together to help promote early literacy and a lifelong love of learning. We have partnered with organizations like the Southern Ontario Library Service and Farzin Photography to help us bring our campaign to the community. There are 1000 different ways to read together, and all you have to do is start with one act at a time.

www.orilliapubliclibrary.ca

32 healthy, happy, balanced life

Make your home more energy efficient

Sealing around windows reduces air leaks and saves you money in the process.

Did you know that being green saves money, especially around the house?

Homeowners annually lose hundreds of dollars to inefficient appliances and a drafty home. Making simple changes can benefit the planet and your bottom line.

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Choose the right appliancesAppliances in your home as well as certain behaviors can have a considerable impact on how much energy is consumed. The Energy InformationAdministration reports that the average home uses approximately 1,000 kilowatt hours (kwh) each month.

Kwh is measured by multiplying the number of 1,000 watts of electricity used by the number of hours the device is in use.

Every appliance has a different measure of electricity usage.

Selecting energy-efficient appliances and using them in a conservative manner can reduce energy usage and the cost of your monthly utility bill. Try to run highwattage appliances during the evening or early-morning hours when energy rates may be reduced.Also, if the weather will be warm, running these appliances during cooler hours prevents the home from heating up even more — possibly requiring the additional use of an air conditioner.

Unplug appliances when they’re not in use to avoid vampire drain. Many appliances still draw a small amount of

Here are some examples of common appliances in the home and how much energy they consume in one hour, courtesy of Bright Hub. Electric clothes dryer: 6,000 watts Washing machine: 425 watts Refrigerator: 188 watts Dishwasher: 200 watts Central AC: 6,000 watts Window AC: 1,300 watts Flat screen TV: 150 watts LCD TV: 213 watts Vacuum: 1,100 watts Freezer: 273 watts Water heater: 473 watts Toaster oven: 1,200 watts Coffeemaker: 1,200 watts Laptop: 50 watts DVD Player: 25 watts Desktop Computer: 95 watts Cable Box: 20 watts

power even when turned off.Also, be sure to properly insulate and position appliances so they can run at the highest level of efficiency.

Energy audit You can request or hire individuals to conduct an energy audit or home energy assessment. The audit will assess how much energy your home consumes and evaluate what measures you can take to

make your home more energy efficient.

If you prefer to do an energy audit yourself, you can look at a few key areas around the home where there may be air leaks or inefficient uses of energy. First, turn off any combustible appliances, such as water heaters and furnaces. Make sure the windows are closed, then turn on exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to suck the air out of the rooms. Feel around outlets, doors, windows, baseboards, fireplaces, and attic hatches for any apparent leaks. Use a stick of incense to easily see the flow of air in the incense smoke.

If any leaks are found, address each one.

This generally involves recaulk. The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5 percent to 30 percent per year.

There are other steps you can take to make a home more efficient.

• Install solar panels.

• Using motion-activated lights.

• Install programmable thermostat.

• Check the insulation in attics and basements and install new if the insulation you currently have is no longer efficient.

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The Car Biz... ...back to customer service Observing the car biz over the past 35 years, technology and innovation have brought a lot to the table in our ever-changing industry. The days of the Chevy Citation, the Pinto and Pacer are a distant memory for most of us, and the cars of today offer more than ever. In the past 10 years the gap in quality and safety between car manufacturers has shrunk and most manufacturers are playing on the same field as the luxury brands.

The biggest change in the business is the way business is handled. The days of haggling & bringing your dad along to negotiate for you are long gone. With the benefit of the information highway provided by the Internet and with dealer margins shrinking year after year, the days of negotiating thousands off the sticker price are long gone. Now the manufacturers seem to battle it out with hidden incentives, zero percent interest rates, cash for clunkers, family pricing, no payments until

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Price, quality, style, safety all attract customers to the showroom. But with the gap narrowed between most products, there is another thing that will come into the car buying mix and that is customer service. Yes customer service, just like the old days, is the number one reason consumers return to the brand and the dealer. With technology, information and quality where it is today, the only thing left to separate the brands is customer service.

When it’s time to buy you next car, find one that suits your needs, pick a color and pick a dealer you feel will take care of you and enjoy the ride!

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Improving

Our world is filled with overstimulation and constant distractions. It’s no wonder we have greater trouble staying focused, being clear, and suffer from poor short term memory. These are issues all ages deal with, yet in an aging society that deals with dementia and Alzheimer’s, it is important to remember natural methods we can all use to stimulate brain activity, and keep our senses sharp.

Some causes for memory loss include certain prescription medications, alcohol and tobacco use, poor nutrition, sleep deprivation, stress, depression, and head injuries. Natural supplements and

IS MODERATE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION BENEFICIAL? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more than 50 percent of American adults 18 years of age and older regularly consume alcohol. Meanwhile, Statistics Canada states that each person in Canada consumes roughly 116 liters of alcohol every year.

While overindulging is dangerous, drinking alcohol in moderation need not be perilous. In fact, moderate alcohol consumption can be good for you. Research by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that moderate drinkers live longer than nondrinkers and heavy consumers of alcohol.

Moderate drinking is beneficial to the heart, resulting in a 40 to 60 percent decrease in heart disease risk. Moderate drinking constitutes up to two drinks each day for men and one drink per day for women.

As mentioned, overindulgence in alcohol can be dangerous and detrimental to individual health. But moderate alcohol consumption can provide a host of benefits, including:

• Increasing survivability of heart attacks

• Reducing risk of stroke

• Lowering risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and senile dementias.

An analysis of 32 studies comparing nondrinkers and moderate consumers of alcohol found that moderate consumption is associated with a 33 to 56 percent lower incidence of diabetes and a 34 to 55 percent lower incidence of diabetes-related coronary heart disease.

Alcohol might also help individuals avoid painful arthritis. According to the European League Against Rheumatism, alcohol consumption is associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing arthritic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, olosteoarthritis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and spondylarthropathy.

Overindulging in alcohol is unsafe and potentially very risky to an individual’s long-term health. However, when consumed in moderation, alcoholic beverages can promote healthy living.

Short Term Memory

changes in ones diet will help dramatically improve memory and brain activity.

Reducing sugar intake, MSG and artificial sweeteners as well as eating organic, high fiber and protein, and especially omega 3 fatty acids. Vitamin E, Thiamine B1, and Ginkgo Biloba all help with blood circulation to the brain and are good antioxidants as well. These can boost cognitive function, protect the brain from minor strokes which cause dementia and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Memory exercises taught through Brain Gym® International work wonders in promoting mind fitness and physical movements to increase brain function and prevent possible memory loss.

Receiving hands-on body work such as Shiatsu or acupuncture will help create homeostasis of the body and mind, stimulating the central nervous system and cerebral cortex. Specific acupressure points that relate directly with memory loss can be easily accessed to help move energy blockages found. This leaves the receiver able to think clearly, stay present, and manage their daily tasks comfortably from a place of zero stress.

Beth McKean

www.balancedbodystudio.ca

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Health experts have long been professing the “back is best” mantra to new parents. As it turns out, the back also may be best for adults.

Placing an infant to sleep on his or her back is essential to reducing the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and has been part of the advice given to new parents for decades. Sleeping on one’s back can also be ideal for improving the health of older children and adults, offer sleep experts. Misalignment of the body during sleep can put strain on different areas of the body, most especially the spine, neck, shoulder, hips and jaw. Stressing these areas can affect how you feel the next day. People who cannot find a comfortable sleeping position also may have trouble drifting off to sleep in the first place.

Sleeping on your side is the second-best sleep position behind sleeping on your back for optimal health.

Strike a pose Although mattress and pillow comfort, room temperature, noise levels, and the level of darkness play a large role in getting a good night’s sleep, sleep position can also help or hinder the quality of sleep.

Sleeping on the back is the preferred position if a person wants to improve personal health. The advantages to resting on the back are numerous. Sleeping on your back enables the spine, head and neck to remain in a neutral position, alleviating or preventing strain on these areas of the body. Those with acid reflux may find sleeping on their backs helps reduce symptoms, especially if the head is slightly elevated with a fluffy pillow.

Back sleeping is also good for preventing premature wrinkling. That’s because nothing — like a pillow or mattress — is pressing up against the face for a long period of time. Some

for better sleep

medical experts also say that sleeping on the back supports a woman’s breasts.

Sleeping on the back is not good for everyone, however. Heavy snorers or people who suffer from sleep apnea should avoid this position because the tongue can fall inwards and block the breathing passage.

It isn’t adviseable for pregnant women to sleep on their backs, either. This is because the weight of the uterus when lying on the back is placed on a large blood vessel called the inferior vena cava, reducing the flow of blood back to the heart. This in turn may staunch blood flow to the fetus. It is best for pregnant women to sleep on their left sides, or at least place a pillow under the right hip to slightly angle the body toward the left, which promotes stronger blood flow. Side sleeping is the next best position if the back is not comfortable.

According to experts, the worst positions for sleeping are the fetal position or on the stomach. This is because these positions cause the body to be curved in unnatural shapes that can strain the spine and neck. Arthritic people may be in agony the next day.

Although people spend significant portions of their lives asleep, few give sleep much thought until it becomes a problem in their lives. The Better Sleep Council says sleep is essential to health, and people should strive to get 7.5 hours of sleep every day.

There are tips for promoting better sleep, which include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding eating or exercising close to bedtime, and reducing factors that diminish one’s ability to fall asleep. Choosing a more healthy sleep position can be one of the things people do to get a better night’s sleep.

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Low Back Pain?

How To Manage It

Eighty percent of the population will experience acute low back pain at some point in their lives and 30 to 60% of this pain will recur. Twenty percent of low back pain (LBP) cases that persist past one year will become a chronic condition. Statistics show that the incidence of LBP has increased by five fold in the last 15 years. This increase has resulted in a huge cost to society in terms of lost productivity, disability, and healthcare.

Lifestyle risk factors for LBP include smoking, poor hydration, emotional stress, sleep disturbance, repetitive work, vibration, and static postures. Addressing these issues in your lifestyle can help reduce your risk for LBP. Low back pain is the most common reason cited for those under the age of 45 to limit activity.

With this in mind, literature strongly suggests clinically that immediate intervention and treatment is warranted within the first four to six weeks of symptoms for the best outcome and resolution in the short-term. Most improvement is seen within this early time frame. The rate and percentage of resolution diminishes significantly past three months.

Clearly, the best advice is to seek treatment as early as possible to increase chances of complete symptom and functional recovery.

The most promising and effective intervention for low back pain in the first three months and supported by studies is chiropractic spinal treatment and movement/exercise of any kind, as tolerated, along with patient back education. Bed rest treatment groups had the worst outcomes. Exercise is strongly supported for short and long term management of LBP with best outcomes. Literature is nonspecific in the type of activity, however, a great fitness program needs core strength, flexibility, resistance training for strength, and aerobic conditioning.

Dr. Lynn Dowswell, Chiropractor

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Not Ready to Renovate?

Whether you live in a dorm room, apartment or house, personal living space is important to everyone. With the promise of change and renewal this New Year brings, many people feel the desire to refresh or transform their homes. But, renovations can be an unrealistic financial strain that you may not be willing or able to commit to. Don’t dismay. It is possible to capture the latest trends and update your home by making small changes that result in a big impact.

First of all, choose a small room or just one area of a room you’d like to concentrate on. Here are just a few economical ways to revitalize your space.

Mix it Up

Don’t be afraid to surround yourself with old and new. There is no need to break the bank by redoing everything at once. Combine your past (such as photos and mementos from vacations) with the latest trends in textiles and glassware to create a welcoming feeling of comfort in your home. Fill a unique vase with stones from your favourite beach or dried wildflowers from the cottage. By mixing heirloom pieces with colourfully playful toss pillows and luxurious throw blankets, your personality and individual style will shine.

Invite Fragrance and Glow

Rejuvenate!

Chase away those dreary long winter days and nights with the warm inviting glow of candles.

If you have young children or pets and are hesitant to light up the real thing, experiment with the many flameless varieties currently on the market. You won’t believe how realistic some of them are.

Illuminate not only your room, but your senses with a wide variety of scented candles. From calming vanilla to spicy cinnamon there is a scent waiting to exude whatever vibe you enjoy.

Remove Clutter

Hide away remotes, magazines and toys in fashionable baskets. With an abundance of interesting shapes and colours, your eye will be drawn away from messy to tidy!

Changing even just one small area of your space will create a positive energy flow which will help rejuvenate your home and your spirit.

Michelle Madden

www.saturdayafternoons.ca

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

EASY AND ECONOMICAL SOLUTIONS FOR THOSE POSTPONED REMODELING PLANS

by Gale Steves

If you cannot wait any longer to make some much-needed changes in your home, you are not alone.

Canadians are once again getting ready to begin the home improvement process. This pentup energy often begins in the kitchen, a room that gets a lot of wear and tear but also seems to go out of fashion more quickly these days.

This time around, you will be more cautious like many consumers are with their choices and costs … and yet you want to make observable changes.

The most obvious change is installing a new countertop.

Remember that countertops represent 30 percent of the color in any kitchen. Create new excitement by simply replacing your tired, scratched or stained counter surface with one made from the latest generation of

premium laminate.

The latest additions to the popular design choices reflect new interest in natural, classic and tumbled marble, limestone and travertine.

The good news is this fashionable look is available without the high cost of stone or the constant maintenance those stones require.

These lighter, less patterned laminate designs are perfect for today’s hectic lifestyle. In fact, the new cost-efficient countertop can be installed within a few hours and without disrupting family life.

They also give an existing kitchen the promise of a whole new look that’s universally appealing. That equals a big change for small change.

All of these new designs are available in a new surface effect of a lower matte-gloss sheen that seems almost glazed. The “Glaze” texture is actually a layering of

matte features over a glaze of semi-gloss. This creates a timeworn result that is less reflective and more restrained.

It’s a perfect balance for the sophisticated dramatic materials that are part of today’s kitchen: stainless steel, chrome, copper, and even glass.

The newest patterns will benefit from technology, which brings four times the scuff and scratchresistance of conventional laminate, as well as five times the wear resistance to the surface.

Unlike granite, the surfaces of these new laminates are nonporous and never need to be sealed.

Here are some other remodeling ideas that will have high impact without high expense: • Replace your old refrigerator with an energy-efficient model. Look in the big box stores for floor models or even those with a little dent on the side, which will never be seen.

• Refresh your cabinets with a coat of paint, and change all the cabinet hardware in the process. This makes everything look new.

• Swap out your old ceiling light fixture and install under cabinet lighting as well. A little light can make a dramatic difference.

• Change your sink or sinks. Consider a new sink when adding a laminate countertop. These sinks were designed to be mounted to a laminate surface.

Gale Steves is a frequent contributor to home design publications.

healthy, happy, balanced life 39

How to find the right LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

S P A Few things are as relaxing as a trip to a spa.

Once a spa visit is complete, men and women typically notice they’re more relaxed, their bodies feel much better, and they now feel rejuvenated.

Once upon a time, spa treatments were considered a luxury only the wealthy could afford. However, spas have become more affordable over the years, and though not necessarily inexpensive, spas can now be enjoyed by people regardless of which tax bracket they fall into.

That’s especially true for savvy spa shoppers who know what they want and how to find the right spa for them. The following are a few tricks of the trade to ensure you find a spa that suits your needs without breaking the bank.

Don’t assume the most expensive spa is the best spa. Regardless of what you’re buying, it never helps to assume the most expensive item is automatically the best.

This same principle can be applied to spas.

Fees for spas can range from very cheap to exorbitantly expensive, and a more affordable spa might just be equal to, if not better than, a high-end spa where a single treatment might cost as much as a month’s rent. When researching where to go for a spa treatment, consider all options and you might just find an affordable diamond in the rough. A less expensive spa might not have the advertising budget of its high-end counterparts, as the proprietors could be looking to save that advertising money so they can make your treatment more affordable.

• Get a recommendation from someone you trust. Oftentimes, the best spas are so good their customers feel the need to spread the word. When shopping for a spa, ask coworkers, friends or family members if they can recommend a facility. When doing so, also ask if there’s any particular spas to avoid. That latter question is important because even though spas can be a relaxing way to escape the daily grind, veteran spa customers all seem to have at least one

Spa treatments are more affordable than ever, especially for savvy shoppers who know what to look for in a good spa.

for you

horror story of a spa treatment gone awry.

Use the Internet to your advantage. The Internet has done wonders for spa lovers looking to enjoy a treatment without going broke. Websites like Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com offer daily discounts on a variety of things, including spa treatments.

Sign up for such Websites, which typically allow you to tailor your interests so you won’t be inundated with e-mails for discounted products you don’t want. Spas pay attention to such Websites and know if their competitors are offering special deals, so this is a great way to get a good price on a spa treatment.

Look for a spa that will work with you.

When looking for a spa, discuss any issues you might have prior to booking an appointment. For example, if you have sensitive skin, inquire about the products that will be used during your treatment.

Men and women with preexisting physical conditions, be it a back issue or muscle spasms, should inquire about the staff’s experience at dealing with such conditions

and which techniques the therapist will use so injuries aren’t exasperated. Shoppers with preexisting conditions should look for spas that have a history of dealing with such conditions. Consider asking the physician who treats your condition for a recommendation.

• Don’t overdo it. Even if affordable spa treatment offers are flowing into your email inbox at a breakneck pace, try your best to avoid overbooking treatments. A massage, particularly more intense treatments, can tax the body, and you don’t want to go overboard and end up with feelings of soreness or exhaustion. A reputable spa won’t allow you to book more than two or three treatments per day, so be wary of any spa that allows you to book as many as possible on the same day.

The soothing benefits of a good spa treatment are no longer a luxury strictly for the wealthy. Just be sure to choose a spa carefully before booking any treatments.

Orillia Foot Clinic & Wellness Centre 705.259.2838 333 Mary Street, Orillia www.ofcwc.com info@ofcwc.com

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Ahypnotist giving you a suggestion that goes against your beliefs would result in you becoming fully alert or ignoring the suggestion entirely.

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Hypnosis is a Strange and Unusual State Hypnotic State is something people experience on a regular basis. The most commonly referred to is “Highway Hypnosis” where the driver is traveling along a familiar route and suddenly finds him/herself further ahead in their travels then they were aware of, wondering where the last 5 kms went…Many describe hypnosis as similar to the state experienced just before falling asleep, when you are still aware of what is going on around you, although your eyes are closed and you feel very relaxed allowing your mind the freedom to drift where it will.

Many People Can’t Be Hypnotized “All Hypnosis is Self Hypnosis” first stated by the late Dave Elman, author of “Hypnosis.” Dave Elman was responsible for teaching thousands of medical professionals the art of hypnosis. All books and teachers of hypnotherapy seem to agree with this statement, as you cannot hypnotize someone who is unwilling; however hypnosis is a very natural and easy state to access with a willing participant, and since hypnosis is a naturally occurring state, it feels normal to most people. The latest studies suggest that 90% of people can be hypnotized.

Ashley O’Connell CH, RM, PN www.balancedbodystudio.ca/modalities/hypnosis

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Need a Kitchen Designer?

Re-modeling a kitchen is one of the largest investments you will make in your life. It is the most design-sensitive and intricate room in your home and working with a kitchen designer will ensure the outcome is functional, efficient, safe and beautiful.

Details count. There is a lot to know, so save time and hassle and avoid the pitfalls and disasters that can occur during a renovation by learning some of the strategies to help you in your quest. From hiring the right kitchen designer, to developing a budget, to planning your project, and most of all, living through it!

Find Your Perfect Relationship Choosing a designer to work with is as important as choosing your finishes and your budget. A good way to find the perfect designer for you is to ask your friends and family or other local companies and contractors if they have any recommendations.

Don't hesitate to ask the designer for references and call those references. After all you are hiring them for a job. Some questions to ask. Did the project start and finish on time? Did deliveries and installer show up when they were supposed to? Did the project stay on budget or close to it? Were there any unauthorized changes? Did anything go wrong and if it did how quickly was it resolved? Last but not least, go with your gut. If you feel like you can't trust that person, keep looking!

Determine Your Budget Before starting any major renovation, you

healthy, happy, balanced life 41 need to have an idea of what you are willing to spend. A rule of thumb that works for kitchen renovations is to take 10% the current value of your home and use that number as your budget. This budget will need to include cabinetry, countertops, appliances, sink(s), faucet(s), hardware, flooring and paint.

Be sure that you receive a written outline of what is included in your quote and that you read it through before signing to make sure it meets your expectations and that there are no hidden surprises.

Be wary that spending too little on your renovation could result in decreasing the value of your home and spending too much does not necessarily mean you are going to get any return on that investment down the road. In other words, don't overdo it, stay within the value of the home and you can't go wrong.

windows, doors, heating, plumbing, and electrical locations. Measure the whole room to allow the designer a complete picture of the space and the option to change the layout to better accommodate your needs if required.

Bring a detailed wish list organized by priority with the most important things at the top. Do you want more storage? Do you need a place for recycling? More counter space? Include an idea folder of pictures, products, materials and details that appeal to you. Also include informa-

Do Your Research Before you sit down with a designer, you

need to do some research and make some decisions.

You will need to bring a scale drawing of your kitchen showing locations of all the

tion on kitchen use such as how many cooks and seating for eating or homework.

You will also need to have specifications of the appliances you are planning to incorporate into the kitchen. Redesigning after you have decided on the perfect layout to accommodate a change in appliances is time consuming and will delay the start of a project. Details count and the more information you can give a kitchen designer at the onset of the planning stage, the better.

You are now armed with the knowledge to help your re-model flow smoothly and with the skills to hire someone who has your best interests in mind. A kitchen designer is your key to making your dream kitchen into reality. So renovate with confidence and peace of mind and let the experts worry about the project details for you.

Tania Winters tania.winters@hhbcorillia.ca

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Health Benefits of Rooibos

I

Tea

’ve just reviewed several avenues of research regarding the disease-preventing and vitality-raising health benefits of drinking tea. It seems obvious that tea should be an essential part of our diet if we want to maintain good health and vitality. Experts vary on their suggestion for the amount of tea to drink each day, but it’s at least 4 cups if you want to reap the great rewards, and who wouldn’t?

The herbal tea made from rooibos has been a popular drink in Southern Africa for generations. The plant, Aspalathus linearis, is grown only in a small area in the Western Cape province of South Africa, but during recent years rooibos has become popular in other parts of the world as well. Though not technically a tea, the infusion made from oxidized rooibos leaves is commonly referred to as rooibos tea. The health benefits of rooibos tea seem to be mostly due to the flavonoids aspalathin and nothofagin, although other compounds in rooibos may also play a part. Here's a summary of the benefits:

T

Since nothofagin and especially aspalathin are not really found in any other plant, rooibos tea looks like a valuable addition to one's health regimen. Even people who are not fans of green tea usually like the taste of rooibos tea. Since rooibos contains no caffeine, it can be also enjoyed in the evening.

It isn’t difficult to live the high antioxidant lifestyle, taking in foods, herbs and teas that will protect your body in many ways, reduce the risk of various chronic and degenerative diseases and make you feel good.

As Hippocrates remarked in his credo “Let thy food be thy medicine.” Drink Rooibos for taste or drink it for health. In either case, you’ll derive innumerable benefits.

Laurie Neill

www.whitelionsteahouse.ca

Settling For Poor Customer Service!

he pharmacy landscape has changed in Ontario. The government significantly reduced funding for us last year. Some pharmacies, as a result, reduced expenses by reducing staff and services. This has resulted in longer wait times, poor customer service and possible prescription errors. We feel that you should not have to wait for hours for a medication that you need now!

At Laclie Pharmacy, we have invested in your health and safety. We have two pharmacists on duty most weekdays and ample staff to ensure that your prescriptions are filled in a timely and efficient manner.

A real person answers the phone and we are open 7 days per week. Our focus is on YOU not cosmetics, groceries or appliances!

Carolyn Bucik

• Acts as an antioxidant • Prevents DNA damage • Relieves allergies • Cardiovascular protection • Regulates blood sugar • Aids in liver tissue regeneration • Lowers blood pressure • Resolves respiratory and gastrointestinal problems including colic • Inhibits brain aging & reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Dennis Lee

Laurie Fors

Are you wanting to switch pharmacies but aren’t sure how to accomplish it?

You have a choice. You are not locked into dealing with a particular pharmacy. Phone us or drop by to let one of our award-winning team members arrange for a transfer.

We look after all of the details. Stop tolerating poor customer service. Transfer your prescriptions and health records to Laclie Pharmacy and start getting the service that you deserve.

Your health depends on it!

Sincerely, Dennis Lee Owner/Compounding Pharmacist

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Proud to be part of a Network of over 750 Independent Pharmacies across Canada.

400 Laclie Street MON-FRI 9am-7pm SAT 9am-5pm SUN 10am-4pm 325-1188 email: lacliepharmacy@yahoo.ca www.pharmacyorillia.ca 325-1111

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Travel Vistas

The lure of the

Galapagos Islands

Giant Galapagos tortoises meander distant highlands, and prehistoric marine iguanas sun themselves on black lava rocks along the shore. Flightless cormorants and tiny penguins dart through the waters while graceful red-billed birds screech across the sky.

Here, in this unique paradise, it’s possible to explore remarkable island ecosystems while enjoying lounging sea lions, breaching whales offshore and pink flamingos in hidden lagoons. The volcanic Galapagos Islands sit about 650 miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. At first, they appear to be desolate. Yet, these rough and rocky isles are home to wonderfully strange and abundant wildlife.

As Charles Darwin did some 200 years before us, it’s easy to marvel at the highly-adapted creatures found nowhere else on earth.

Mix With Nature The Galapagos is a rare destination where you become accustomed to being surprised. Nothing quite compares to the joy of observing animals in the wild here, or the sense of wonder and privilege felt while spending time with animals who don't run or fly away when humans approach, and are truly unique treasures of our earth.

It was here Darwin found the perfect conditions to formulate his evolutionary theory: that far from the ravages of the continents, life evolved into a strange sub-world of specialized creatures who adapted to their harsh environment in an amazing variety of ways.

Here, on barren coasts of fresh black lava frozen in its descent to the shoreline, it’s easy to see why early explorers, whalers, and pirates likened the islands to an inferno on earth. It’s easy to appreciate each island as a little "world unto itself" with its own distinctive character, terrain, climate, and wildlife.

It seems a comfortable place for its odd inhabitants to lay eggs, raise young, and feed on the abundant marine life swept here by cool Humboldt Currents. From the world's only seagoing lizards to flightless cormorants and penguins, inflatable frigate birds, clownish boobies, patriarchal tortoises and 13 species of Darwin finches, it’s amazing to enjoy thrilling encounters with animals, upclose and in large numbers, who are completely at ease among human visitors.

Nature, Up Close & Personal Cruising between these enchanted islands is the best way to experience these unique islands. A limited number of small ships and yachts take tourists from island to island in the Galapagos. Unlike traditional luxury cruises in other parts of the world, luxury Galapagos cruises lack crowds, assigned seats, lavish entertainment, and sailing for long periods at sea. Instead, cruises are for active individuals interested in the nature and animals of the islands, for those seeking wild places and soft adventure, with time to relax on the beach or swim and snorkel or dive.

44 healthy, happy, balanced life

Like Nowhere Else

• Evolutionary wonders such as Darwin's finches, land and marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants.

• An incredible mix of polar and tropical species, from penguins and fur seals to flamingos and tropical fish.

• Giant tortoises, waved albatrosses and sea turtles in some of their last habitats on earth.

• Masses of fearless seals, iguanas, and birds almost pose for photos.

• Volcano summits, tortured lava flows, blue sky and the sea.

• Snorkel with sea lions over coral reefs and submerged craters teeming with marine life.

• Explore remote mangroves, pirate hideouts, cliffs and coasts.

• Inland lagoons and highlands with an astounding array of rare bird life.

• Watch dolphins, whales, and rays in abundance.

• The Galapagos. 19 islands, 3,086 square miles, spread over 20,000 square miles of ocean, population 17,000 residing on the islands, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela and Floreana.

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

River Cruising Savor This Intimate Journey

A

h, the river flowing endlessly, taking you where and when you want to go. Effortlessly cruising the great rivers of Europe from your well-appointed stateroom, your home away from home.

Where else, but on the river, can you journey into the heart of Europe’s greatest cities and towns

Some cruising advantages • Castles, vineyards, city centers are now all just a few short steps from your moving bedroom.

• Enjoy the vistas of the region without having to pull off a road to pull out your camera.

• Enjoy the views while enjoying a delightful glass of wine with your partner.

• A more discerning traveler explores a region without having to pack and unpack each day.

• Experience more direct in depth local experiences.

• Mingle with the local people at a pub or restaurant for refreshments.

• Explore knowing your accommodations await you just down the lane at the riverfront.

Where else, but on the river, can you journey into the heart of Europe’s greatest cities and towns, mingle with the people, sit at a quaint bistro while savoring the ambiance and traditions of the country?

The Danube and Rhine, where great cities and civilizations have existed for centuries. Explore rustic medieval castles and fortresses, majestic cathedrals, while enjoying spectacular views of

the always-changing countryside.

Both convenient and comfortable, it’s no wonder River Cruising is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry.

So, in addition to the extraordinary access to small and large cities, village living and the endless scenery, there are other reasons why many North Americans are taking to cruising Europe.

• Local wines, beers and regional beverages are available for tasting and enjoyment.

• Enjoy a host of local gourmet cuisine prepared daily by award winning chefs

• Staterooms feature hotel quality beds, linens and all the amenities you are used to

• Enjoy local entertainment both on and off the ship David Shaw

www.intravel.ca

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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

What to do when sickness strikes while traveling efore going on vacation, few people consider what might go wrong. Instead, travelers are understandably preoccupied with all the exciting things that await them on their travels.

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For some travelers, however, what awaits is memorable for all the wrong reasons. Getting sick while traveling is something no traveler expects and, as a result, few are prepared for sickness when it strikes. Insect-borne diseases and gastrointestinal illnesses are some of the major health risks for travelers, particularly those visiting developing nations. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, travelers should heed the following advice, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, should an unexpected illness rear its ugly head while away from home.

Don’t put off seeing a doctor. Some people simply refuse to see a doctor. While men and women might know their bodies well enough to make it through ailments at home without seeing a doctor, it’s best not to take any chances when traveling, especially when traveling in a foreign country.

Travelers should see a doctor immediately if:

• They experience diarrhea and a fever 102 F or above.

• They experience bloody diarrhea.

• Fever or flu-like illness appears when visiting a malaria-risk area.

• They get in a car accident.

• They are bitten or scratched by an animal.

Drink plenty of fluids. When experiencing diarrhea, travelers will lose a lot of body fluids. To combat this loss, drink plenty of clean water and other fluids. Regions with little infrastructure, including those with no plumbing or outhouses, and those where electrical capacity is minimal often make it difficult to adequately refrigerate food, increasing the risk of disease. Travelers visiting such areas are, therefore, more susceptible to illness like diarrhea. If diarrhea does occur, replace fluid loss with an oral rehydration solution, or ORS. It’s typically not too difficult to find an ORS in stores and pharmacies in developing countries. Just be sure that when adding water, the water has been treated or boiled.

Consult staff or crew immediately if illness strikes while in transit. Symptoms of illness don’t always manifest themselves right away. Sometimes it happens when in transit.

Travelers who are on a plane and suddenly stricken with illness should tell a crew member immediately. Respiratory illnesses or any illness characterized by lots of coughing might prompt the crew to request the ill passenger wear a surgical mask. This is to protect fellow travelers and the crew and should not be taken as an insult. Instead, travelers should be mindful of other passengers and cooperate with the crew as much as possible.

DID YOU KNOW?

Should an illness strike at sea, travelers should contact the crew for help immediately.

If on a cruise ship or a boat, the ship will likely have a medical facility on board. It could just be seasickness, something the crew aboard the cruise ship will likely be adept at handling. If the condition is something more serious, the crew might arrange to move a sick passenger to a hospital at the next stop. Whatever the case, contact staff or crew immediately. A typical crew has seen it all before and should be completely capable of handling a sudden illness.

Contact any insurance providers. Travelers who purchased evacuation insurance should contact their provider the moment any trouble arises. Have the name and telephone number of the provider on hand at all times. It’s also a good idea for individuals to have the contact information for their standard healthcare provider with them when traveling. Some travelers might be covered even when traveling overseas.

Laughter and music just may be good for the heart. Millions of people routinely take prescription medications or make dietary changes, such as eliminating salt from their diets, in an effort to lower blood pressure. However, for those who are interested in making some easy lifestyle changes that can result in modest reductions in blood pressure, listening to music or laughing more may do the trick. In a Japanese study presented in May at an American Heart Association meeting, researchers explained that people who took part in bimonthly group sessions built around music or laughter lowered their systolic blood pressure (the top number in the reading, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) by an average of five to six points after three months. In contrast, the average blood-pressure reading in a control group that received neither therapy didn't move. According to experts, this decline in pressure is the equivalent of what someone could expect from adopting a low-salt diet or losing 10 pounds. The American Heart Association recommends that healthy blood pressure should be less than 120 for systolic and less than 80 for diastolic.

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