Issuu fm summer 2018

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Matters Magazine.ca

Family Focused & Community Centered SUMMER | 2018

MILTON MOM SHARES HER

Mom-Life Lessons

SPRING CLEAN

Your Smile Social Media AND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF I HAVE

Hearing Loss? How to Spot AN UP-AND-COMING NEIGHBOURHOOD


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Message Cover photo by: Julie Cash

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Readers!

I have to say that this has been the most eventful three months I have experienced in a very long time. Between running the magazine, helping my husband with the marketing of his landscape business and co-organizing The first annual Mom Show, I am in great need of some down time! It seemed like everything came at me at once and there was no stopping it. It was all worth it, in the end and the truth is, I would do it again. The Mom Show was a wonderful learning experience for me. It was mostly in my comfort zone, but many aspects challenged my organizational skills. I am grateful for my partner in the project, Sam Kassam-Macfie. Together, we tackled a huge undertaking and in the end, we brought you one of, if not , the biggest trade show Milton has ever seen! It was a day for moms to come out a shop, get pampered, do Zumba and even learn some Bollywood moves! I have to thank my family for not disowning me and for putting up with all the absent mindedness over the last three months. They picked up the slack when I couldn’t and I am grateful for that. I am looking forward to a little downtime. I’ll take it slow for a couple of weeks and then I have some exciting stuff I will be working on that I am so excited to share! I don’t do “downtime” very well, onwards and upwards for this girl!

Susana Medeiros

CONTENTS

www.familymattersmagazine.ca susana@familymattersmagazine.ca 647.407.5540

How to Choose the Right Vacuum Cleaner For You......................................2 Sping Clean Your Smile...........................4 Not Just the Same Old Song and Dance: Freedom for Stuck Relationships.............8 Social Media and Your Mental Health....12

Kendra Guidolin, Editor

Julie Rock, Photographer

Lynn Lockhart, Designer

All editorial content is the property of Family Matters in Milton Magazine and cannot be reprinted in part or in whole without the written permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved. The Publisher reserves the right to reuse content and may reuse content in other media forms for the purpose of promotion of the Magazine or the Advertisers. The Publisher does not necessarily endorse the products or services advertised. The publisher makes all efforts to ensure that information is current and accurate. However, the Publisher does not assume liability for errors or omissions. All content is meant for information purposes only. For medical advise, please see your medical professional.

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How to Spot an Up-and-coming Neighbourhood!..................................14 Parenting Behaviours that Make Anxiety Worse.......................................16 Milton Mom shares her MOM– Life Lessons.........................................19 How Do I Know if I Have Hearing Loss?...24

SUMMER 2018


HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT

Vacuum Cleaner For You BY DAVID DANIELLI

Central vacuum systems will always provide the cleanest home, as they are installed into your garage. Doing so means the smallest particles of dirt which aren’t caught by the filtre are vented outside your living space.

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f you don’t have a central vacuum though, there are other types of vacuums available to you; the key is to find the vacuum which best fits your lifestyle, rather than changing your lifestyle to fit your vacuum. The stick vacuum, which has been around for years, has seen some significant progress in battery technology lately. These units are now incredibly convenient, fairly light weight, and reasonably powerful. However, they still have some issues you should be aware of: eventually the battery life begins to shorten, and basic repairs for things like on/ off switches aren’t an option, as parts aren’t available. In short, you have something that is easily replaced under warranty, but becomes un-repairable when the warranty expires. The upright vacuum cleaner has been a staple of carpet cleaning since the 1930’s, when the first electrically powered carpet sweeper was announced by the Hoover Company. It featured an electric motor running a powered brush roll attached to a broomstick, with a cloth shakeout dirt collection bag. Over the years the cloth

E TH UM U VAC ORE ST

shake-out bag has changed to a more sanitary disposable paper bag, and more recently, a collection cup with a semi permanent filtre. There are a few things to consider when purchasing an upright vacuum, such as: does it fit under the bed if needed? Can it lift the brush roll to clean floors as well? How long is the cord? How heavy does it become as the bag becomes full? The portable vacuum that most closely resembles a central vacuum is the canister vacuum, with the appropriate accessory tools. If you only have bare floors, then a simple non-electric floor brush is sufficient, but if you have heavier carpet, and maybe a pet or two, then you will need an electric power brush. These units offer the most flexibility for the best range of conditions, and, if fitted with a true HEPA exhaust filtre, get as close to a central vacuum clean as possible. Always try to choose the vacuum that best suits your needs and your budget. Ask about the warranty options for both parts and labour and what the process for warranty repairs will be.

The Vacuum Store 785 Main Street E., Milton, Ontario L9T 3Z3 905 876 3394 | www.vacuumstoremilton.ca


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SPRING CLEAN

Your Smile B Y H E A T H E R W O L F, R D H

It’s that time of year again; time to open our windows, let the sunshine in, and delve into the spring cleaning. Even the Martha Stewarts among us tend to collect some junk, gunk, and debris over the long winter months. The same can be said when it comes to our oral hygiene habits and the health of our gums and teeth.

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nlike our homes, however, the small space that is our mouth requires a little more attention than an annual cleaning. Even with superb brushing and flossing habits, the development of plaque and tartar on teeth is inevitable, much like the nooks and crannies of our homes that collect debris at the hand of our busy schedules. Missed a spot? That deposit of plaque ultimately calcifies into a hard deposit known as tartar, or calculus, which can no longer be removed with a toothbrush. This is where your dental hygienist steps in with their expertise and specialized dental instruments. The longer these deposits are left to fester, 4

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the larger and more tenacious they become to remove. Further, calculus deposits contribute to gum disease, bone loss, and tooth decay. Routine cleanings not only reduce your risk of developing such conditions, but in the long run, also reduce the amount of time you spend in our chairs. Truth of the matter is that routine dental cleanings are the most undervalued appointments in the dental office. Your dental hygienist does a lot more in that hour appointment than just powerwash your teeth and scan for cavities. Oral cancer

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A message to the Town of Milton d it’s doors to FirePower. We chose THIS This June marks 10 years that Milton opene we set out to introduce a sport that was And unity. comm the of se community becau almost unheard of. CrossFit. ently believed in our vision of “Reconnecting Thank you to the many Miltonians who confid came to our first month free, are still here who ers adopt early The ”. Families Through Sport ue join each month, we are grateful contin who ers a decade later. And to the new memb for your trust. rted and encouraged us when things were Thank you to the local businesses who suppo time. From Troy’s Diner to the Ivy Arms, to tough; who became family friends at the same Councilors who joined and supported the the Tiger family. We are grateful to the Town partnering with us to raise funds for for Fire Milton to Day, n FireFighter Appreciatio more. much Canadian Fallen FireFighters. And so Milton, and Family Matters for sharing our Thank you to the Champion, TVCogeco, Snap for awarding us Business of the Year, and erce Comm of ber stories. Thank you to the Cham FirePower Kids. most recently Entrepreneur of the Year for Miltonians from beginner CrossFitters to the In 10 short years we have taken homegrown of for young athletes to begin a lifelong love outlet world championships. We created an rt suppo to ians Milton many for hometown fitness. We’ve also created jobs here in our their families. Fitness based in encouragement, inclusiveAnd through it all, we Built a Community of unity while also paying it forward. comm our to back giving ness, fun, love and ss become 10 YEARS CROSSFIT STRONG Thank you Milton for helping this family busine

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screenings, periodontal disease assessments, and a thorough examination of the teeth are only a few of the components of a routine dental cleaning. Besides, good oral health is about more than just fresh breath and pearly whites; your oral health plays an integral role in your overall health. Considering that the majority of the population visits their dental hygienist more often than their physician, we are at the forefront of identifying and controlling a number of conditions associated with oral health including diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, sleep disorders, and stress. So how often should you see your dental hygienist? The interval between your dental cleanings is based on individual oral health needs, medical conditions, and a risk factor analysis that includes

smoking, diabetes, and genetics. According to recent studies in the Journal of Dental Medicine, patients exhibiting one or more risk factors— which represents over half the population— should schedule cleanings at least twice a year, or even more often in some cases. In my experience working as a dental hygienist, I’ve found that an optimal dental cleaning regimen is closer to a seasonal than annual frequency. Make a visit to your dental office a part of your spring-cleaning list. Don’t hesitate to discuss your individual oral health needs with your dental team. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have and share our recommendations for how often we’d like to see you and your healthy, pearly white smile.

1030 Kennedy Circle, Milton, Ontario L9T 0J9 905.693.8929 www.escarpmentviewdental.com

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Not Just the Same Old Song and Dance:

FREEDOM FOR STUCK RELATIONSHIPS BY DR. KERRIS DEL ROSARIO

Many of us experience struggles at times in our closer relationships — not those with a new colleague or a cashier ringing in our groceries, but those with siblings, long-time friends, parents, children, or even spouses. Someone recently told me her frustration with her sibling’s refusal to share what was bothering him (every time she asked about it, she was met with a cold response).

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nother example may be when a parent, concerned with their child’s dropping grades, insists that the child study more often; when this insistence is met with defiance, the parent feels disrespected and is infuriated, fuelling more refusal from the child. Even couples married for years can find that they are unable to have certain conversations, experiencing a roadblock that does not reflect the closeness they desire after years of shared experiences. When we get along with many other people, why do our closest relationships seem more difficult? Significant relationships have a deep impact on us because we draw our understanding of our identity from them. When we struggle in a close relationship, we often question ourselves; “does anyone care about me?” “What is wrong with me if this is how people close to me feel?” Often the thoughts or feelings we have stem from similar experiences early on in life— that is, a moment when we didn’t experience love or protection

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from a caregiver, a sibling appearing to be prioritized over us, or a lack of responsiveness from a parent. Current relational struggles can carry the emotional weight of experiences long past. Such deep pain is hard to face, so we may avoid thinking about it under the guise of leaving the past in the past, but then we leave ourselves susceptible to experiencing repetition of similar hurts and unhealthy patterns in our current relationships. Relational reactions happen almost instantaneously, setting off what some authors refer to as a characteristic “dance” that often strays away from the present circumstance. So, what’s the solution? Here are a few tips that can help us get unstuck: 1. Notice your own dance steps. As you reflect on moments that did not go well, stop for a moment and consider how you may be experienced by others. Perhaps the child who felt disrespected

SUMMER 2018

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was already feeling inadequate, and the parent’s angry insistence about studying fuelled further feelings of worthlessness that prevented the child from focusing on learning. Maybe the sibling of the person who felt ignored and shut out was worried about being judged or criticized, and the person’s repeated questioning simply escalated the pressure they felt. In both cases, a different approach may have produced different results. 2. Pay attention to the music; that is, identify your self-talk and sensitivities. Like in a slow-motion replay, zoom in on the moment just before you reacted with a big emotion, and ask yourself: what were you thinking and feeling? What other experiences were you reminded you of? What emotions did you have other than those you let show? These questions will help you identify any feelings related to past experiences, so you can put them aside and focus on what’s happening right now instead. 3. Consider taking the lead; change in the people around you may start with you. Have a

conversation about your insights from the first two points, and see how different dance steps and new music could break you out of the same old relational routine. 4. Give yourself a break. Allow yourself to make mistakes as you’re learning a new way of relating to this person, just don’t let those mistakes prevent you from continuing to choreograph a new dance for the relationship. References/Resources: Johnson, S. (2008). Hold Me Tight: Seven conversations for a lifetime of love. New York: Little, Brown, and Company. Levine, A. & Heller, R. (2010). Attached: the new science of adult attachment and how it can help you find – and keep – love. New York: Penguin Random House Company. This article was written by Dr. Kerris del Rosario, psychologist with del Rosario Psychology & Psychotherapy Group in Milton and Kitchener, Ontario. del Rosario Group provides personalized assessment and therapy for children, adolescents, adults and couples. www.delRosarioPsych.com www.facebook.com/DrKerris | Twitter: @DrKerris

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Social Media

AND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH B Y D R . S H E R R Y V A N B LY D E R V E E N

In addition to the obvious risks of social media, such as providing a medium for public bullying and shaming, there is a more insidious risk. Use of social media can be damaging to your general well-being, and even your mental health. There is now a growing body of research showing that social media use is associated with poor body image, anxiety and depression, as well as hopelessness, a risk factor for suicide. The more time you spend on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Vine, and Snapchat, the less happiness and life satisfaction you will experience. Ironically, you will also feel a greater sense of social isolation and disconnection. Both hopelessness and social isolation have powerful negative influences on our well-being, mental health and physical health.

Social Comparisons

One of the primary reasons social media is believed to have such a negative impact on well-being and mental health is that it facilitates frequent and large quantities of social comparisons. As we scroll through what other people have chosen to highlight in their lives (usually their successes/accomplishments and altered photos), it is difficult not to compare ourselves and make judgements. Because most people highlight their accomplishments rather than their failures on social media (relationship status, new child, home renovation, recent vacation, promotion, great meal out, another adventure), when we compare ourselves to them, the probability is high that we will view ourselves as worse off. Nobody’s real life is as exciting as someone else’s social media persona.

Excessive Use

For some people, use of social media can become excessive. If use of social media results in a neglect of other aspects of life, is used to escape life, and results in a preoccupation or obsessive thoughts about using social media, professional help may

be needed. If you or a loved one is experiencing excessive use, stopping may be difficult, due to both psychological and physiological responses.

Reducing the Impact of Social Media

Stopping use of social media has been associated with improvement in mood and well-being. If that is too difficult, or you use social media to connect with loved ones living away at great distances, use in moderation. It is important to keep young children’s use of social media to a minimum, and build social media free time into you and your family’s day, especially on weekends and during family times (e.g. dinner, visiting extended family members). Face to face interaction, without the distraction of technology, is essential to our well-being. There should also be a cutoff time for you and your children each night. Do not check your accounts more than 40 minutes before bed or during the night. The anxiety and stress related to social media increases physiological reactions, making sleep more difficult to attain, while the light from devices suppresses melatonin.

This article was written by Dr. Sherry Van Blyderveen, Clinical and Counselling Psychologist with New Leaf Psychology Centre. www.newleafpsychology.ca Also on Facebook and Twitter


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How to Spot

AN UP-AND-COMING NEIGHBOURHOOD! BY TANYA VAKIL FERNANDES

In real estate, the ability to identify an emerging neighbourhood before it becomes trendy is akin to predicting the jackpot numbers. If you’re one of the lucky ones that manages to move into an up- and-coming neighbourhood before the masses start to flock in, not only do you get to bask in the new local businesses that are flourishing around you but you’ll also get to enjoy a pleasant jump in your home’s value. So how do you spot the next trendy area before it’s too late? Here are some of the telltale signs. Look For New Businesses

The opening of new local businesses shows much promise of growth but the types of businesses matter too. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a Starbucks; clothing stores, sit-down restaurants, independent coffee shops, art galleries, and supermarkets are businesses that tend to attract people from other parts of town and before long, people may start to see some semblance of a very desirable neighbourhood.

Look At The Surrounding Neighbourhoods

If you don’t see homes being renovated or new businesses popping up, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the neighbourhood won’t become a hot market in the future. Check the surrounding areas. Is it close to a trendy neighbourhood? If so, there’s a chance that people who have been priced out of that neighbourhood will want to move into nearby areas.

Look For Renovations To Existing Homes Ask your real estate agent If you see homes that are undergoing renovations, it’s a good sign that people in the neighbourhood are taking care of their properties by making a long-term investment in their houses or preparing to sell at a higher value. Either way, renovations improve the neighbourhood’s overall curb appeal and attract the attention of prospective buyers.

Still not sure? Talk to your real estate agent. They’ve been in the business long enough to decode all the signs of an emerging neighbourhood and have the inside scoop on upcoming development plans that could change the face of a neighbourhood.

Tanya Vakil Fernandes | Realtor & Interior Designer 475 Main St E., Milton, ON L9T 1R1 Tel : 905-878-8101 | Fax: 905-878-8188



Parenting Behaviours

THAT MAKE ANXIETY WORSE D R . S H ONNA JOHN, C. Psych. One of the most common conditions that we treat at our psychology clinic is anxiety in children. Parents commonly question whether they are contributing to or enabling their child’s anxiety. The fact is, parents (and children) are doing the best that they can. However, there are ways that parents respond to their children that inadvertently makes them more anxious1. Intrusive involvement: When “helicopter” parents become overly involved in their child’s activities and decisions, the message they are giving to the child is, “you can’t handle it by yourself.” This parenting strategy does not empower children to be brave or face their fears. Rather, this approach feeds the anxiety, and can contribute to the child avoiding more and more things due to their fears. What can you do differently? Teach your child to problem-solve by: 1: Identifying the trigger to their anxiety 2: Brainstorming the various solutions for the problem 3: Listing the pros and cons of each solution 4: Choosing one solution (or combine a few) 5: Testing it out to see what happens. If the solution works out well, that’s great! If the solution did not work out, then try the other ideas that you have already brainstormed. This approach empowers children and helps to develop their decision-making skills.

more realistically in anxiety provoking situations. Encourage your child to answer questions such as: “what are the facts of the situation?”, “what happened when you worried before?”, “what else could happen?”, “what is likely to happen?”, “what advice would you give a friend in the same situation?”, and “what is a more realistic thought about the situation?”. It is important for children to spend some time exploring the pattern of their worries so they can handle situations in a braver manner next time.

Solving distress for your child: When parents try to resolve every distressing situation, children do not develop the tools and strategies to manage distress when they are tweens, teens, and adults.

Intolerance of anxious arousal (or negative emotions): When parents are intolerant of their child’s “negative emotions” such as anxiety, sadness, frustration, and disappointment, they are communicating that emotions are “bad”. Parents show that they are intolerant or try to limit their child’s negative emotions in several ways, such as immediately fixing their child’s problems, telling their child to “just get over it”, comparing their own adult problems to their child (i.e., “my problem is bigger than yours”), and/ or telling their child that others have it harder than they do (i.e., “there are children starving in Africa…”). All of these approaches communicate that a parent is having trouble dealing with their child’s negative emotion.

What can you do differently? Teach your child to be a “detective” by finding clues to help him/ her think

What can you do differently? Understand that it is okay for children to feel distress. Distressing

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emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, and anger are natural and normal emotional states. These emotions tell us valuable information about any given situation. For example, anxiety typically occurs when we want protection. A child can then use that information to identify why they want to be protected, and effectively take steps towards managing the problem. Parents can help their children express their emotions by using empathetic listening— this allows parents to contain their child’s emotions so that the child can gain some space from the situation and control it. Limited risk-taking play behaviour: Parents may be so focused on keeping their child safe from harm that they may limit their child’s natural curiosity and play. For example, a parent may stop their child from climbing on play structures or participating in certain sports for fear that they may get hurt (e.g., gymnastics and hockey). When parents model anxious behaviours and provide threat or avoidant information to their child, they increase their child’s risk of developing an anxiety disorder2.

What can you do differently? Parents should reflect on their own anxiety and seek support for themselves if needed to reduce their overprotective parenting. Promoting worry in children does not keep them safe; rather, it can make their child’s anxiety spin out of control. It is important to realize that children must face their fears and be exposed to a variety of experiences. In general, preventing avoidance and rewarding brave behaviours are the key parental ingredients to overcoming high anxiety in children1.

(1) Kendall, P. C. “Cognitive Behavioural Treatment for Anxiety in Youth: Practical Evidence-Based Strategies” presentation (November 3, 2017). Rapee R. Family Factors in the Development and Management of Anxiety Disorders. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2012/03/01 2012;15(1):69-80. Dr. Shonna John, C. Psych. | Halton Psychologists 14A Martin Street, Milton, L9T 2P9

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COVER STORY

MILTON MOM SHARES HER

Mom-Life Lessons BY SUSANA MEDEIROS

Denise Deveaux-Pimentel is Milton mom who decided to take a few hours for herself in May to attend The Mom Show. The show was hosted by myself, owner of Family Matters Magazine, and fellow businesswoman Sam Kassam-Macfie, owner of Famiizuu. The thought behind the event was to bring moms together for an afternoon of shopping, pampering, and fun. As one of the biggest Milton has ever hosted, the show included over 75 vendors with businesses of interest to women/ moms of all ages. We at Family Matters Magazine hosted our own booth as well, and had a special treat in mind for the attending moms that day; Denise took full advantage of it!

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amily Matters had a “family room” set up at our booth, and had Julie of Julie Rock Photography shoot some great shots of all the beautiful moms who were willing to put themselves in front of the camera. This setup was a backdrop for a very exciting contest. Each mom who was photographed also agreed to share their thoughts, advice, or challenges on keeping balance in their busy mom life. Once their post was shared, they were automatically entered to win a $750 gift certificate, which was generously gifted by Michelle Boudreau, owner of Enlighten Laser and Skin Care Milton. The winner would also grace the cover of this issue of Family Matters Magazine, sharing their story with our readers. Denise DeveauxPimentel was our lucky winner! Denise is a proud Milton mom of one daughter. She has been married to her highschool sweetheart for 20 years. Along with continuing to work full-time in the industry she has worked in for 23 years, she also works to balance her house chores by having clear roles between her husband and herself; her husband looks after the outdoors, while she looks after the interior. Once either of them are done,

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they help the other finish their chores in order to maximize family time. When asked about her biggest challenge as a mom, Denise admits that she underestimated how emotional it would be to learn to “let go”. She is challenged by her deep need to help all those around her, and is always on a mission to think of ways to serve her family. Recently, Denise has strived to become a healthier version of herself, and has made some lifestyle changes which have resulted in a weight loss of 30 pounds. She understands the value in self-care in all areas; along with training at Brookville Fitness, she also makes time for a monthly massage at Enhance Massage Clinic and Spa, chiropractic care and learning about nutrition with Dr. Heather Jones at Discover Wellness Within, and other self-care at Aspasia’s Studio. Her best advice to other moms is to ensure that you are surrounding yourself with people who will enable you to be your best authentic self, while discovering your own unique life’s purpose. Although, Denise does encourage other moms to also

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take the time for self-care, she understands the guilt that can come with it. Raised in a loving Catholic home, Denise’s family always stood by each other and were very selfless in giving of themselves to one another, and to others. Although she is grateful to have learned this way of loving, she also understands that it is important to look after yourself first, so that you are whole and happy, and in turn, are able to be better for those we love. As a mom, Denise’s tips and tricks learned along the way for keeping her busy life in check are: 1. When leaving the room, always check to see if anything can be brought with you to be put away 2. Always have an attitude of gratitude 3. Surrender to the thought that you are not alone, and that when things don’t happen as planned, it may be because there is something better in store 4. Forgive yourself and learn from experience to improve the outcome for next time Family Matters Magazine is thrilled to present Denise with $750 to spend at Enlighten Laser and Skin Care. She is a deserving mom who we are sure will enjoy every minute of pampering. Enlighten Laser and Skin Care offers an array of services such as skin care,

facial hair removal, etc. In whatever way Denise decides to pamper herself, she will be very well looked after! As a fellow busy mother and business owner myself, I am very proud of Denise for her dedication to self-growth and self-care. I strongly encourage all moms to take a step back and ask yourself if you are doing enough to look after your own needs and wants. We all take on so much everyday; we look after our homes, children, partners, parents, and jobs/ businesses. Often, there are not enough hours in the day to squeeze in some “me time”. It is important to remember that “me time” doesn’t have to be an expensive gym membership, a monthly massage, or an expensive women’s retreat (although those all sound devine!); it can simply be some time alone in the bathtub, a walk in the evening on your own, or even a netflix guilty pleasure in the middle of the day. Whatever you choose, try to do it without feeling guilty. You deserve it. You have earned it. You need it. Your family needs you to do this. When you take time for yourself, you are refueling your “giving tank”. When you refuel, you are able to give so much more to others who need you and love you.

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In Spring of 2017, we featured the De Souza family on our cover. We shared the story of how Melanie had gone to her doctor various times about a her concerns with a lump in her breast. We told you about her Stage 3 Breast Cancer diagnosis and how it came after her doctor called her a hypochondriac. Since then, Melanie has undergone treatment and was told in January of this year, that the treatment had been successful and she was going to be ok. We wanted to update you on her story and ask for your support.

This passed April, Melanie was in for a routine check up when she learned that the cancer had come back and had actually spread. It has spread to her bones. Melanie has been given a prognosis of seven years, at best. Her children are 3 and 6. Her husband, Rich has been her rock and is a wonderful and supportive husband. He too has had his share of health issues. In January, doctors found a non malignant tumour which was tangled up in nerves on his spine and causing him pain. He was off work for months as a result and has just recently returned. Melanie is no longer able to work and is trying to spend her last years making as many memories as she can with her children. The entire family are Disney super-fans and have always dreamed of visiting Disney one day. A neighbour has set up a go fund me page for this. The family will be travelling to Disney in October. This family needs our support and they need our prayers. A fundraiser is being held at Rad Brothers in Milton on June 22 in honour of the De Souza family. Please be in touch to find out how you can help. We do hope to see your family come out and support this beautiful family.

A fundraiser for Melanie De Souza and Family Friday, June 22 at 5 PM - 11 PM THE RAD BROTHERS SPORTS BAR AND TAP HOUSE

1-550 Ontario St S., Milton


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HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE

Hearing Loss?

BY YVONNE OLIVEIRA

Some people are born with hearing loss, while others experience hearing loss as a natural part of the aging process. Ear infections and prolonged exposure to loud noise can also cause hearing problems.

You may have hearing loss if:

Hearing Loss in Adults

Hearing Loss in Children

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should have your hearing tested by an Audiologist. As a first step, HearSay has a 3-minute hearing screening that you can complete on your own device to determine whether you should pursue further testing.

• You are aware of others talking, but you do not understand what is being said and/or you feel people mumble when they speak • You often experience ringing (or other types of noise) in your ears/ head • You have difficulty determining from which direction some sounds originate • You have difficulty hearing familiar sounds like the telephone or doorbell • You have a history of exposure to loud noise (from concerts, construction sites, airports, etc.) • Your friends and family think you have hearing loss Observing your child’s reaction to sound helps identify potential problems. Does your child respond to your voice? Does your child understand simple words and sounds, and try to imitate them? Hearing problems can delay the development of a child’s speech, language, and learning skills, so it is important to detect hearing problems early.

For many, hearing loss is a normal part of growing older. However, the process is usually so subtle that those with hearing loss are often the last to realize it. People with hearing loss can feel isolated and lonely; sometimes they hesitate to get involved in conversations because they are afraid of misunderstanding and responding inappropriately. At the same time, friends and family with normal hearing may complain about having to constantly repeat themselves, or about the television volume being turned up too loudly.

VISIT: https://hearing-screener.beyondhearing.org/5e9X0d to determine if you may have hearing loss. Should you have any concerns upon completion of the screening, feel free to contact us at Hear Say for a professional opinion.

6941 Derry Road West, Milton, ON L9T 7H5 905.875.3345 www.hearsay.ca



RE BEFO 1 JULY


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