Being Well Spring 2015

HELPING YOu ANd YOuR FAMILY LIvE LIFE …

WELL

SPRING 2015 vOLuME 10, ISSuE 2

spring cleAn your life!

how to become a more organized, less stressed and healthier you

Southlake’s Black Tie Ball

go behind the scenes of this premier event

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HELPING YOu ANd YOuR FAMILY LIvE LIFE …

WELL

cover story

Spring 2015 vOLuME 10, ISSuE 2

in every issue 2 Message from Southlake 5 Well Notes 14 Partners in Care IBM: A culture of giving back 18 Behind the Scenes Complicated health issues, complicated recovery: The role of post-acute care units at Southlake Regional Health Centre 33 Health care: A look ahead 37 Hospital News Southlake’s arthritis program receives national recognition 38 Foundation News We have a new look!

Running and walking to support our hospital

22 FRANK FERRAGINE Reap what you sow

feature stories 6 Celebrating our people 10 Moo-ve over cows Milk alternatives are here 12 The makings of a ball Behind the scenes of the Southlake Black Tie Ball 16 School’s out for summer…

But what do you do when your adult child returns to the nest?

40 Community Event Listings 42 Marlene’s Meal Makeovers In memory: One of Marlene’s favourite spring dishes 43 Last Word York Region Public Health: Your one-stop smart parenting shop

26 Downward dog decision Which style of yoga is right for you?

28 Remembering Franca Reflecting on a legacy of compassionate care 30 Spring clean your life

34 Care for caregivers 36 Small but mighty 100 years of Newmarket philanthropy 44 5 power plants to grow or eat this spring

32 Planning your estate now will save you tax headaches in the future

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MESSAGE from Southlake

dr. dave wIllIaMs PRESIDENT & CEO SOUTHLAKE REGIONAL HEALTH CENTRE

neIla PosCente PRESIDENT & CEO SOUTHLAKE REGIONAL HEALTH CENTRE FOUNDATION

WE dId IT! Our community’s support for our hospital never ceases to amaze and delight us. Together, we did it again! We are thrilled to announce the completion of our Images for Life campaign to upgrade diagnostic imaging across the hospital.

Thanks to the support of our incredible community, we reached our ambitious $16-million goal and a new MRI is coming to Southlake. Targeted to be operational by 2016, the additional MRI means that 5,000 fewer of our family members, friends and neighbours will have to travel away from their community for MRI scans. Thank you, our generous community, for making this possible.

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essentiAl southlAke contAct informAtion LOOKING AHEAd No matter how large the accomplishment, the Southlake team never rests. We are continuously looking ahead to prepare for the future needs of our community or to fill a gap where we’ve identified one.

That’s why we’ve made fundraising for a residential hospice on the Southlake campus a top priority, with our $12-million love lives here campaign. The current lack of hospice beds in York Region means that terminally ill patients and their families have little choice in where they live out their final days.

The 10-bed Residential Hospice at Southlake will support approximately 250 patients and their families each year, in a comfortable, home-like setting. An interprofessional team of physicians, nurses, social workers, personal support workers, spiritual advisers and volunteers, will work together to meet each patient and their family’s individual needs.

End-of-life care is increasingly becoming a priority for Ontarians. In December 2014, Health Quality Ontario (HQO) released a report on end-of-life care that shows the staggering personal economic impact of end-of-life care that will escalate as the population ages. By 2026, the number of Canadians dying each year is projected to increase by 40 per cent to 330,000, and each of those deaths will affect the well-being of an average of five others, or more than 1.6 million people. The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) has developed a framework for end-of-life care that identifies the key elements for high quality care, to encourage reflection, dialogue and planning, in association with access to palliative care, in order to improve end-of-life experiences for patients and their families.

According to the OMA, only 25 per cent of Canadians over the age of 30 have made end-of-life-care plans and just over 40 per cent of those over the age of 70 have done so.

The HQO report highlights the need for public discussion about the normalization and de-medicalization of death and dying. Here at Southlake, we believe that begins by realizing that end-of-life is, after all, a stage of life.

For a hospital that is committed to providing patient-centred care at all stages of disease and illness, the construction of a residential hospital is critical in providing the full spectrum of care for our patients. For residents of York Region and surrounding communities who want a comfortable place to live out their final days in the end stage of a terminal illness, the Residential Hospice at Southlake will provide the type of quality end-of-life care that our community needs and deserves.

Southlake is relying solely on community support to build, furnish, equip and maintain the hospice. While the Government of Ontario provides most of the funds to operate the hospice, it does not fund capital expenses associated with the project. That’s why, once again, we are calling on our community for help. Here at Southlake, we are making end-of-life care a priority. We believe that our loved ones, friends and neighbours deserve to face the end-of-life with the dignity, choice and comfort of residential hospice care.

All hospital enquiries: 905-895-4521 Volunteering at Southlake: 905-895-4521, ext. 2104 volunteers@southlakeregional.org Careers at Southlake: 905-895-4521, ext. 2535 careers@southlakeregional.org To give us feedback on the care received: Patient Relations Office 905-895-4521, ext. 2290 For information on making a donation: visit southlakefoundation.ca or contact Southlake Foundation at 905-836-7333, 1-877-457-2036 or Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation Medical Arts Building 102-581 Davis Dr. Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P6

need A fAmily doctor?

For a current list of physicians taking new patients: • Visit southlakeregional.org and click on “Healthcare Professionals” or call Southlake at 905-895-4521, ext. 6913; or • Visit Healthcare Connect at ontario.ca/healthcareconnect or call 1-800-445-1822.

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PUBLISHER Ian Proudfoot REGIONAL GENERAL MANAGER Sean Sauve EDITOR Lee Ann Waterman SOUTHLAKE EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS Andrea Griepsma, Claire M. Jones, Tammy La Rue, Dionne Malcolm, Kathryn Perrier, Jenn Rae CONTRIBUTORS Erin Cerenzia, Jim Craigmyle, Susan Finkelstein, Bill Hodgins, Sue Kanhai, Andrew Livingstone, Joann MacDonald, Jenn Rae, Julia Roitenberg ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Debra Weller ADVERTISING MANAGER Jennifer Kopacz SALES REPRESENTATIVES Melanie Attridge, Jeremy Brown, Judy Fulton, Joelle Hawley, Carola McKee, Trish Miller-Kostin, Matt Monfaredi, Ashley Murdoch Regional Director, Production and Creative Services Katherine Porcheron GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Brenda Boon DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Rob Lazurko DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Carol Lamb

“1-2-3 Move In” Package Includes: 1. ASA Real Estate agents to help sell your home 2. Help with downsizing and coordinating your move 3. Packing, moving and unpacking your belongings

L Leave It AL r Up To Ou am Trusted Te Of Experts

Beingwell is published four times a year by York Region Media Group, a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd., in partnership with Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation.

Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

Publication Number 40036321 The material in this publication is intended for general information purposes only and, while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material, it does not constitute advice or carry the specific endorsement of either York Region Media Group or Southlake Regional Health Centre/Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation. Readers are encouraged to consult their doctor to discuss their health concerns.

*some conditions apply Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: beingwell 580B Steven Court, PO Box 236 Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 4X1 905-853-8888 • Fax 905-853-4626 beingwell@yrmg.com 4

BE I N GW E L L

well NOTES

B Y L ee ann W aterman lwaterman @ yrmg . com

When my husband and I were planning our move to York Region nearly seven years ago, at the top of my wish list for our new home was space for some edible gardens.

I dug my herb garden close to the back door for easy access within a couple weeks of moving in—to give a permanent home to the then-potted chives, lavender, thyme and sage I’d sectioned off from the well-established plants at the old house.

Late that fall, I ordered a dump truck load of triple mix, marked out a large rectangular spot with layers of dampened newspaper (to suppress the grass) and built a raised bed, layering the soil with decomposing fall leaves.

The next spring, I was ready to plant.

In the years since, I’ve added perennial edibles including blackcurrant bushes (which are thriving and make wonderful jam), blueberries (mostly rabbit food) and asparagus (due for picking and eating this spring).

I like to experiment in the garden and not all my efforts are successful. The young edamame sprouts were like candy to the chipmunks and I did not harvest a single pod.

I introduced blight with a lovely Thai pink egg tomato and had to plant my tomatoes in bags on the back deck last year in an attempt to remove it from the soil.

Depending on the weather and the proliferation of pests in any given season, I usually have an overabundance of

certain vegetables and barely enough to scrape together a serving of others. And although we enjoy it all, I joke I am lucky that I don’t have to feed a family with my harvest.

The main purpose of my garden is the pleasure it brings.

I enjoy the entire process—from plotting and ordering seeds in early March, to planting seeds in freshly tilled soil, to picking kales leaves or digging parsnips for dinner.

Working in the garden gives me a sense of calm and sense of satisfaction.

This winter, I chatted with Bradford resident and City TV personality Frank Ferragine (aka “Frankie Flowers”) about his passion for digging in the dirt and the link he makes between gardening and well-being.

This edition of beingwell also looks at two issues facing many in the “sandwich generation”—boomerang kids and caregiver burnout. If you’re preparing for your adult children to move back home or adapting to a role as the primary caregiver for an aging parent or ill spouse, you’ll find insight and information in these articles.

We also bring you the latest news from Southlake Regional Health Centre, including profiles of outstanding professionals—obstetrician Dr. Anne Walsh and registered nurse Peter Capotorto—and a behind-the-scenes look at the makings of the Southlake Black Tie Ball.

I hope you enjoy this issue. We welcome your feedback at beingwell@yrmg.com.

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JIM CRAIGMYLE PHOTOGRAPH

dr. aNNe WalSh, Obstetrician

Recipient of a Dr. David Hill Memorial Award, an award that recognizes staff who demonstrate some or all of the characteristics and strengths for which Dr. Hill is most remembered. It also recognizes the recipients’ commitment to embrace Southlake’s vision and values.

Anne Walsh knew that she wanted to be a doctor since the age of five. Every weekend, her grandmother would give her a comic to read. “Nurse Nancy looked after all the toys in the hospital and made them better. I wanted to be just like her,” she recalls.

Her mother was a pharmacist and both her aunt and uncle (also her godparents) were family doctors.

“My uncle was a huge role model for me in terms of patient care. He went above and beyond for his patients. That was what I saw and thought, I want to do that,” she says.

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Born in Scotland, Dr. Walsh earned her medical degree in Glasgow and her surgeon’s qualifications at the University of Toronto.

She started working at Southlake in 1995.

In her role as Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology (which she served for five years, until July 2014), Dr. Walsh acted as a link between doctors and hospital administration.

She was instrumental in developing an interprofessional culture within the Maternal Child Program—an initiative that can be found hospital-wide and that is quickly earning Southlake a reputation for teamwork and collaboration. All the while, Dr. Walsh was also busy running her own practice.

This September will mark her 20th year at Southlake.

“What I love about Southlake is the fact that there’s still a community feel. Even though we’ve grown—we’ve got the Cancer Centre and the regional programs, it’s become bigger and more sophisticated—you

still have that community feel. People say hello, you know their names and you know about their families. Colleagues, patients, these are people that you’ve got a lot of history with. That’s what I like, that small town feel.”

Birthing unit staff are incredibly supportive, she says. The clerks, the cleaning staff, the nurses—everybody is part of the family. There’s a real sense of collegiality.

The 2014 Dr. David Hill Memorial Award acknowledged Dr. Walsh’s efforts to meet the needs and desires of her patients and colleagues, by always taking the time to provide recognition and acknowledgement and never hesitating to lend guidance or a listening ear. The award meant all the more to her knowing the calibre of staff at Southlake. She was honoured to be acknowledged by her colleagues for her work. “You’re surrounded by fantastic people here. It makes the award even more special,” she says.

celeBratiNg OUR people

BY SuE KANHAI

Southlake Regional Health Centre is fortunate to have caring, dedicated staff, physicians and volunteers who go above and beyond in their service to patients, colleagues, the hospital and the community. They give so much of themselves to improve the lives of others.

It’s only fitting that, as we celebrate doctor’s day and Nursing Week this May, we take a moment to shine a spotlight on two truly outstanding medical professionals who are part of the Southlake family and who were each awarded one of Southlake’s 2014 Awards of Excellence – the hospital’s highest honour.

peter capotorto, RN, Medicine Program (MACU)

Inaugural recipient of the 2014 Southlake Way Award of Excellence, an award that recognizes members of the Southlake team who consistently demonstrate the behaviours, attitudes and actions that are consistent with The Southlake Way. Peter Capotorto credits his parents as his source of inspiration. His father is a retired RCMP officer. His mother gives without ever wanting anything back.

“I’ve grown up with the notion of service,” he says. “Because of that, I wanted to pursue work that would help others.”

Mr. Capotorto studied kinesiology at York University. After graduating, he came across an article about how underrepresented men are in nursing. He applied and was accepted into the nursing program at York.

“I loved it right from the beginning. It was everything I was looking for,” he says.

Driven by a strong sense of mission, it has always been important to Mr. Capotorto that he follow his passion, which is to help others in some small way. He knows not everyone finds that kind of meaning in their work and considers himself lucky to do so.

Mr. Capotorto works in Southlake’s Medical Assessment and Consultation unit (MACU), an acute care atmosphere, which he says suits him. Patients arrive to the unit directly from the emergency department and stay three to five days, receiving tests and consultations.

Once staff have a clinical picture of what’s going on, the patient is either sent home with directions for followup care as an outpatient or is admitted to a medical unit within the hospital.

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“You have to be on your A-game with your assessment skills because things can change very rapidly. I like the fact that you’re always on your toes. You’re always thinking; there’s never complacency,” he says. “It’s what wakes me up in the morning and makes me want to go to work.”

What other job is there, he asks, where you meet different people, experience different emotions, situations and scenarios and are able to test yourself constantly? “And at the end of the day, no matter how hard it was, you can justify it by knowing you helped someone out,” he says. “I woke up today and it mattered to someone.”

The 2014 Southlake Way Award of Excellence acknowledged Mr. Capotorto for, among other things, his remarkable compassion, empathy and selfless behavior.

He is friendly, approachable and devoted to excellence—qualities often noted by both patients and fellow staff.

Being singled out made him feel a bit guilty because he feels he’s no different than anyone he works with. It’s one of the reasons he finds Southlake such a great place to work—he has built such wonderful relationships. He and his co-workers have gone through tough situations together and they’ve helped him through both emotionally and physically.

“There’s a certain humbleness that comes with the nursing field. It’s not that we’re not appreciated, but if you don’t get a thank you at the end of the day, it’s okay,” he says.

“Something inside you is satisfied.”

“Once the doctor gives the diagnosis, you’re the next person into the room. What are you going to do? Are you going to be a task-oriented person who just follows the orders or are you going to actually care and tend to the other needs the individual has?” Mr. Capotorto asks.

He wants to get to know the person he’s responsible for, to give 100 per cent, to know that he is doing and caring enough.

“You come into work and what type of energy are you going to give? That energy is also medicine in itself; it doesn’t always have to be a pill,” he says.

Doctor’s Day in Ontario is May 1—the birthday of Canada’s first female physician, Dr. Emily Stowe. National Nursing Week is May 11-17. Say thank you to a special doctor or nurse with a tribute gift. Southlake Foundation will notify the physician or nurse that a gift was made in their honour (amounts will be kept confidential and names wil be kept confidential at your request).

For more information or to make a donation, visit southlakefoundation.ca.

His laugh carried across our office.

When Ted laughed, you could hear him from the front desk through to the loading dock. That’s why after his stroke, our team was hit hard, wondering if he’d ever laugh again.

Thanks to Southlake, Ted has regained so much of his life back. We’re running as a team for everyone who wants the best for their colleagues when they need it.

There are some things you can’t outrun.

On April 26th, run to support them. runforsouthlake.ca

REGISTER FOR THE RUN OR WALK FOR SOUTHLAKE TODAY AND HELP US TRANSFORM LIVES IN OUR COMMUNITY.

Tell us why you are running or walking! #runforsouthlake OUTDOOR SPONSOR

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MOO-VE OVER COWS: milk AlternAtives Are here

BY SuSAN FINKELSTEIN

Cow’s milk has traditionally been the “go-to” beverage for calcium and vitamin D in North America.

But with allergies and intolerances as well as lifestyle choices that eliminate certain foods, the dairy case has grown to make room for milk alternatives that include beverages made from almond, coconut, soy, rice and even hemp. Here’s some information to consider when making your choices. dairy milks Cow’s milk is an excellent source of calcium and an even better source of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, which all lead to healthy bones. Vitamin D is also being touted for decreasing the risk of type 1 diabetes and certain cancers.

Goat’s milk has a similar nutritional profile to cow’s milk but a much lower amount of vitamin B12. Only found in animal products, vitamin B12 is essential for the brain and nervous system and helps in the formation of healthy blood. People with an allergy to the protein in cow’s milk or a lactose intolerance may find goat’s milk easier to digest.

In Canada, dairy cattle cannot be given artificial hormones to increase milk production.

nut-based milks Made from finely ground almonds and water, nutty-tasting almond milk has fewer calories than other non-dairy milks. Almond milk contains no saturated fat or cholesterol.

A relative newcomer to the non-dairy category, coconut milk beverages are made from filtered water and coconut cream. Some manufacturers add thickeners and emulsifiers to improve the texture. Coconut milk beverages are naturally higher in fat than other non-dairy milks. However, coconut’s saturated fat is of a different form than dairy saturated fat (the artery clogging type).

Both almond and coconut milks are low in protein and fortified with vitamins and minerals, so you’re getting similar amounts of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D and B12 to cow’s milk.

These milks may contain a lot of sugar, depending on the flavour. Look for brands with 10 grams of sugar or less per cup.

soy milk Made by extracting the liquid from ground-up soybeans, soy milk is a nutritionally adequate alternative to cow’s milk thanks to its protein content. It is also a good choice for those who cannot tolerate lactose (from dairy milk).

Another plus: There is ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid, in soybeans. Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid critical for brain development, reducing inflammation and joint pain, managing depression, preventing dry eyes and lowering blood cholesterol. One cup of soy beverage provides 300 mg of ALA (women need 1,100 mg per day; men require 1,600).

Read nutritional labels to find a brand that is fortified with vitamins and minerals in similar amounts to cow’s milk and lower in sugar. Some flavoured soy milks have as much as 21 grams of sugar per cup.

Health organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society, recommend women who have breast cancer, are at high risk for breast cancer or are breast cancer survivors avoid soy supplements, due to the impact of soy on estrogen levels in women. Soybeans, like all plants, naturally contain phytochemicals. Soybeans contain isoflavones, a phytoestrogen type of phytochemical that is structurally similar and can bind to the estrogen found in humans.

Studies into the relationship between soy consumption and breast cancer have either shown soy to be protective or neutral. There have been no studies that concluded soy consumption increases breast cancer risk, so women who fall into this group should follow their own personal preferences and the advice of their health care team when it comes to eating soy foods.

nutritionAl compArisons for 250 ml (1 cup) of milk And milk AlternAtives PERCENTAGES INDICATE DAILY RECOMMENDED VALUES. Cow’s milk, 2% Calories Fat Sugar Protein Calcium vitamin D B12 10

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129 5g 13 g 8g 31% 45% 25%

Goat’s milk, 2% Calories Fat Sugar Protein Calcium vitamin D B12

90 2.5 g 11 g 7g 30% 45% 3%

Almond milk Calories Fat Sugar Protein Calcium vitamin D B12

60 2.5 g 7g 1g 30% 45% 53%

Coconut milk Calories Fat Sugar Protein Calcium vitamin D B12

70 4.5 g 7g 0g 10% 30% 50%

Soy milk Calories Fat Sugar Protein Calcium vitamin D B12

66 3.7 g 9.4 g 7g 32% 38% 7%

grain milks For those who cannot tolerate soy or who have nut allergies, fortified rice beverage can be a good choice. Rice beverages are made by blending partially milled rice with water. During processing, the carbohydrates break down into sugars, giving rice milk its naturally sweet taste.

Rice milk is the only non-dairy milk alternative that does not contain added sugars. The 10 grams of sugar in this milk are naturally found in the rice. Rice milk contains almost no protein but is free of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Hemp milk is made from hemp seeds that are soaked and ground with water. It has a creamy consistency that tends to be a bit thicker than skim milk and other milk alternatives and a slightly nutty flavor. The creamy consistency is due to hemp milk’s higher fat content, but only 0.5 g come from saturated fat. Most of its fat is polyunsaturated in the form of the essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6.

If you have milk allergies, lactose intolerance or soy allergies, hemp or rice milk can be a great alternative—as long as you look for a brand that is fortified with calcium and vitamin D and are not depending on it as a major source of protein in your diet. And again, stick with the original or unsweetened versions

the bottom line If you have allergies or intolerances to dairy, nuts or even soy or dietary restrictions, there are alternatives to dairy milk for you. Choose varieties that are fortified with nutrients or ensure you are getting protein, calcium, vitamin D, etc. from other sources. Taste matters, too. If you cannot tolerate the original version, ensure the flavoured variety has no more than 10 grams of added sugar per cup.

Susan Finkelstein is a registered dietitian.

Rice milk Calories Fat Sugar Protein Calcium vitamin D B12

120 2.5 g 10 g 1g 30% 25% 25%

Hemp milk Calories Fat Sugar Protein Calcium vitamin D B12

100 7g 6g 2g 30% 25% 25%

SOURCES: The Canadian Nutrient File, Health Canada Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Original Living Harvest Hemp Milk So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage Original, Product Nutrition Facts Panel Liberte Goat Milk Rice Dream Rice Drink Original SP RI N G 2 0 1 5

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the mAkings of A bAll

Behind the scenes of the Southlake Black Tie Ball

BY SuE KANHAI

Men in tuxes, ladies in gowns–the who’s who of York Region and beyond, dancing the night away in support of a cause close to all of our hearts… Southlake!

The 2015 Southlake Black Tie Ball, presented by Aurora Trails, is sure to be a sophisticated and unforgettable evening. On Saturday, November 7, nearly 1,000 guests will gather for the not-to-be-missed event at the Terrace Banquet Centre in Vaughan.

The height of elegance, the night promises a lavish cocktail reception, a gourmet sitdown dinner, auctions, live music and a number of other surprises.

What goes into preparing for an event of this magnitude? Cortney Cassidy, Event Specialist at Southlake Foundation and Jennifer Bassett, President of Bassett Events, are the key organizers for this year’s celebration. They gave us a behind-thescenes look at how an incredible gala evening like this comes together.

Planning starts a full 18 months before the 12

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date, when Southlake Foundation touches base with its many dedicated volunteers.

“We have two wonderful Co-Chairs of the event this year,” Ms Cassidy says. “Felicia Salomon, our Board Chair, and Susan Chant, our previous Board Chair, have both been involved in the ball in the past in different capacities. Both are very well suited to help make this year’s event a success.”

This year, for the first time, the Foundation is working with Bassett Events, a boutique event management company that specializes in fundraising event planning. Southlake hopes to capitalize on president Jennifer Bassett’s amazing resources and experience.

“Jennifer brings with her a vast network of experience and entertainment connections,” Ms Cassidy says. “This event will be phenomenal!”

Ms Bassett is known for fashionable, stylish, high-profile events. She and her team have organized and orchestrated countless dazzling affairs, including: the Writers’ Trust

of Canada Great Literary Dinner, Hilary M. Weston Prize for Non-Fiction Award, Stand Up to Cancer Canada, Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards and David Foster Foundation Miracle Gala. Her impressive client roster includes the Hospital for Sick Children, World Wildlife Fund Canada, Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto, Sheena’s Place, Plan Canada, Casey House, Toronto Zoo and Four Seasons Hotel.

Ms Bassett explains the process for coming up with the vision of an event: “More often than not, our clients will have a theme. From there, we will work together to create a look and feel for the event. It starts with the design of the invitation and carries through to the overall look of the gala evening. The continuity of the vision is essential.”

On November 7, Southlake’s guests will enjoy the sophistication of an elegant dinner dance. “The famous Black and White Ball that Truman Capote hosted in New York in the 1960s acted as a reference point for the

sophistication and glamour of days gone by,” Ms Bassett explains. “The days of women in long gowns and men in traditional dinner jackets are largely gone when it comes to the gala world. Southlake’s Black Tie Ball will bring this back.”

Ms Bassett has been creating unique and memorable events for more than 15 years.

The Southlake Black Tie Ball will prove no exception, with glamorous pop band Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra performing and none other than fashion icon Jeanne Beker slated to host.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jeanne in the past and she’s fabulous!” says Ms Bassett. “Not only does she bring celebrity and panache–she also brings her excellent reputation and professionalism.”

JIM CRAIGMYLE PHOTOGRAPH

soutHlake BlaCk tIe Ball organIZers (froM left) Cortney CassIdy, event sPeCIalIst at soutHlake foundatIon, JennIfer Bassett and ZoÉ ClIfton of Bassett events, revIew dÉCor oPtIons at exClusIve affaIrs rentals.

To ensure the perfect venue, organizers booked more than a year in advance. The Terrace Banquet Centre is the venue of choice because of its size and features, including an enormous dance floor—an essential, Ms Cassidy says, for Southlake’s fun-loving supporters.

“Our crowd is definitely a dancing crowd,” she says. “We’ve always made sure that we have an amazing band that keeps the dance floor full.”

Entertainment is a crucial part of the evening, with decadent food and drinks, latenight treats and the always popular live and silent auctions.

Who are the typical attendees? It’s a dynamic mix.

“Hospital staff, doctors, community supporters, sponsors and elected officials,” Ms Cassidy says. “We are thrilled that Jeanne Beker is hosting this year’s Ball. She definitely adds glamour and excitement.”

The Black Tie Ball, which is held every two years, began in 1997. Through this event community supporters have raised more than $6.5 million in gross revenue for the hospital.

“Southlake simply could not exist without the community and events like the Black Tie Ball,” Ms Cassidy says. Fundraising events such as this are crucial to the hospital’s continuing operations, as government funding doesn’t cover the costs of the new and replacement equipment that is so urgently needed.

Southlake is grateful for the leadership of Aurora Trails, the group of builders who are supporting Southlake as the title sponsor of the 2015 Southlake Black Tie Ball. Some sponsorship opportunities are still available, but with more than 50% of the tables sold out, they’re going quickly! The Foundation aims to recognize sponsors in unique ways throughout the night, with higher contributing sponsors receiving creative recognition at the event as the specialty sponsor of a specific area or element of the evening.

“Our community is so generous with sponsorship,” Ms Cassidy says. “Though it seems like just a wonderful party on the night of the event, the overall goal is to raise funds to transform lives in our community.”

If you’re looking for a way to demonstrate your company’s values and community spirit, the Southlake Black Tie Ball is an event worth sponsoring.

For more information, call Cortney Cassidy at 905-836-7333, ext. 5106 or email cdcassidy@southlakeregional.org

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IBM:

A culture of giving back

by A ndrew L i v ingstone

Long before phrases like “corporate citizenship” and “social responsibility” were part of business language, IBM Canada was striving to make the world work better.

The company opened its doors in spring 1917 with a business focus on research and development of information technology— products designed and developed to record, process, communicate, store and retrieve information. From a social point of view, the company was concerned with building a strong team that would provide a contributing leadership in the broader community.

Nearly a century later, IBM Canada continues to champion improvement and innovation and support organizations at the core of a strong community, like Southlake Regional Health Centre.

“From it’s earliest stage, it didn’t invest in research and development for the sake of discovering new things and finding a market for it,” says Dave Robitaille, head of corporate citizenship and corporate affairs for IBM Canada, who also heads up the employee giving program. “Our businesses have been entirely about solving the problems of the world around it and, in solving those problems, we were making the world work better.”

For nearly two decades, IBM Canada, with its head office in York Region, has contributed to the advancement of health care in the region, including Southlake.

Through a program where employees can donate to their charity or organization of choice, the IBM Canada team has raised more than $500,000 for Southlake, helping it to grow into an innovative and progressive health care provider for the region.

Employees direct their payroll contributions to the charities. IBM takes care of the logistics and paperwork—and matches those donations with its own.

“It’s a personal choice, but we see it every day, tons of our colleagues out there in the community and are really giving back,” says Pat 14

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Pat Horgan of IBM Canada presents IBM Employee Charitable Fund cheque to Neila Poscente during Southlake Foundation’s Southlake Count On Me campaign. IBM Canada is a longtime supporter of Southlake.

Horgan, vice-president of manufacturing, development and operations for IBM Canada, who also sits on Southlake Regional Health Centre’s Board of Directors.

“It’s in our DNA,” he continues. “I think it’s something we feel strongly about as a company and we can proudly attest to that because it’s been a large part of our history.”

Many IBM employees have some form of personal connection to Southlake, Mr. Horgan says. “It’s obvious to us that it’s the right kind of place that captures a lot of interest from our employees to give back.”

Neila Poscente, President & CEO of Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation, says employee giving programs are key to the Foundation’s success in raising money to improve the overall delivery of services at the hospital.

Big or small, it doesn’t matter, she says, each company who participates plays a part. The foundation is particularly grateful to companies like IBM that will match employee contributions.

“We have seen a huge increase in employee giving and matching support programs. People are capitalizing on the opportunity to double the impact of their support,” Ms Poscente says.

“Their donation can go even further.”

Across the private sector, organizations have been making an effort to make strategic community investments that align with their corporate missions and values. This focus allows organizations to more clearly demonstrate their impact to stakeholders, employees and the community at large.

Such programs benefit the companies as well, says Ms Poscente. Companies that contribute are looked at in a positive light because they care about the community they operate within.

“If they have a social responsibility or corporate mandate—and a lot of companies are looking at doing this—they’re looked on more favourably, not just with employees, but in the

community or with business arrangements,” she says.

“It creates visibility and it creates a positive workplace. You feel that your company is invested in what matters to you. You work there and what’s important is your family, your community and if your employer has some of those similar values.”

Mr. Robitaille and Mr. Horgan see the impact their charitable programs have on their employees. People want to work for a great organization and organizations that support the community they reside in, Mr. Robitaille says, particularly at a time when there is “significant bleed between what is work time and what is personal time.”

If employees can integrate their communitycentred desires with their work responsibilities, he says, that can be “a game-changing difference in their decision as to where they are going to work.”

Mr. Horgan adds IBM Canada’s relationship with Southlake is in line with two of the company’s central values: building community and championing innovation.

“We talk about having a smarter community and a cornerstone of having a smart, vibrant progressive place where you live is the hospital,” Mr. Horgan says. “And I think Southlake gets that and we get that.”

For more information on how you can implement an employee giving program at your organization, contact Southlake Foundation at: foundation@southlakeregional.org Many companies offer corporate matching programs that will help you double the impact of your gift. Contact your employer to find out if they offer a matching gift program.

George Jones and his daughter Amanda, who is starting a career in teaching, may not have imagined they’d be living under the same roof again now, but are appreciating finding a new, closer relationship as adults.

School’s out for summer…

But what do you do when your adult child returns to the nest?

by L E E A N N W AT E R M A N

Out of school and working to build a career.

Underemployed and unable to afford rent. In need of a soft place to land after loss of work or a relationship or a struggle with addiction or mental illness.

These are some of the common reasons parents are seeing more and more of their 20-somethings returning home to the nest.

Statistics Canada’s 2011 census found just over 42 per cent of adults aged 20 to 29 live with their parents. In 1991, that number was 32 per cent; in 1981, it was 27 per cent.

Young adults, the census report states, may 16

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live with their parents as a source of emotional or financial support. Reasons for staying or returning home include not being part of a couple, cultural preferences, cost of housing, pursuit of higher education or difficulty finding employment.

Toronto filmmaker Maureen Judge explored the topic of boomerang kids in the 2002 documentary In My Parents’ Basement and is currently working on another film on the topic, My Millennial Life.

Her 24-year-old son is back living at home while he works two part-time jobs, with the

goal of a career in the music industry.

She has observed some of the downsides of adult children living with their parents.

The “failure to launch” can lead to low-self esteem, bitterness or anger “at the world” and even depression for adult children. It can also cause some resentment among parents who may feel they are putting their own plans—to retire or downsize, for example—on hold for their kids.

“It’s hard to accept that your 25-year-old isn’t contributing to the household financially,” Ms Judge says.

JIM CRAIGMYLE PHOTOGRAPH

But, she says, there are also pluses.

For the children, it can provide a sense of emotional and financial security at a stressful time in their lives.

“Security was a big one that’s a positive to me,” Ms Judge says. “Having a place where you know you can go and be safe—and I mean mentally and physically safe.”

For parents, there is satisfaction in providing that safe landing and in having a chance to build a deeper relationship with their children—something Ms Judge found with her son.

“I really enjoy his company as an adult,” Ms Judge says. “My husband and I both learn a lot from him and I think he’s learned from us.

So there’s that mutual giving.”

The millennials, she says, see living with their parents as acceptable, commonplace.

“They are not unhappy or happy,” she says.

“It’s just a fact.”

Amanda Jones, 24 and living with her dad in Holland Landing, says she is hardly alone in her circle of friends. In fact, she can only

name one who has left the nest.

For Ms Jones, who lived away from her parents for five years while attending school to become a teacher, moving back home made sense for her long-term goals.

After university, she moved to Waterloo to live with her boyfriend, a graduate student.

She volunteered during the day and worked as a tutor in the evenings. When she landed a spot as a supply teacher with the school board in York Region, where she and her partner hope to settle, she knew she had to take it.

Moving in with her dad (and her sister and her boyfriend) meant she could take the job and start saving for her future. When her boyfriend graduates this year, he will join her.

Their end goal is to save enough money for a wedding and a down payment on a house by summer 2016.

“Financially, it’s amazing,” she says. “I’m really lucky. Not many people have it as good as I do.”

She gives her dad $50 a month—an amount she admits is more of an acknowledgement of his support than a real contribution to household costs such as utilities and food. (She pays for her car and other personal expenses.)

The downside, Ms Jones says, is a lack of her own space in a pretty full house.

“I spend a lot of time in my room,” she says.

“It’s hard going from having a whole house to having a room—at least it feels that way some times.”

Ms Jones doesn’t recall discussing her plans in detail with her father before moving in. She just assumed he’d be okay with it.

“Guess what, I got a job in York Region and I’m moving into my old bedroom,” is how her dad recalls the conversation. But, he is quick to add, he was okay with it.

“Amanda is driven and motivated,” George Jones says with obvious pride. “She knows her path and if there is any way as a parent I can help her in that, I will.”

Neither felt the need to establish ground rules beforehand—largely because of Ms Jones’ personality (her dad describes her as responsible and easy-going) and because she had a plan and a timeframe for getting out on her own.

Flexibility and general consideration for one another, Mr. Jones says, is key to harmony in the household.

He warns parents in this situation to expect that your kids will have changed—matured and developed their own opinions and habits.

But getting to know the new them can be enjoyable.

Both father and daughter have appreciated finding a new, closer relationship as adults.

“I have more insight into what’s happening in his life and he knows more about what’s happening in my life,” Ms Jones says. “We talk more.”

Communication and respect When parents and adult children find themselves living under the same roof, they can revert to old patterns, says psychologist and author Sara Dimmerman. For children, this might mean leaving dishes in the sink or sleeping in until noon. For parents, it could be attempting to enforce childhood rules or offering unwanted advice.

What families need to do is have an honest conversation, Ms Dimmerman says. “We are all adults. How do we make the best living arrangements possible? How do we work as a team to make this work?”

Making it work, she says, depends on respect for one another and a shared understanding of what is appropriate, considerate behaviour when you’re living with other adults. Establishing expectations at the outset and revisiting them as needed can make for happy co-habitation, she says.

These expectations will be different for each family, but could include: • Contributing to household expenses and chores: Will your child pay rent?

Cover their communication and transportation expenses? Make dinner once a week? Cut the grass?

• Communicating around schedules: Do you expect a call or text when your child won’t be home for dinner? Will a child staying out until the wee hours on a weeknight disturb your sleep? What’s a reasonable time to expect them home?

• Socializing: Can your child’s boyfriend/girlfriend spend the night?

Can they invite friends over? Do you want them to clear the room the night of your regular book club meeting ?

• End game: What does your child want to achieve before they venture out on their own? Completed post-secondary education and full-time work?

Employment that can cover their living expenses? Money saved for a down payment on a condo? What steps are they taking to get there?

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behind

the scenes

complicated health issues, complicated recovery The role of post-acute care units at Southlake Regional Health Centre

by B I L L H O D G I N S

Newmarket resident Lois Galloway has long held Southlake Regional Health Centre in high regard. She has volunteered at the hospital in the past and Southlake has often been there to care for her and her family, including a daughter with disabilities. “The hospital has been a family place for me,” she says.

Nine months ago, Southlake saved her life.

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Ms Galloway had a hysterectomy at a Toronto hospital.

“The surgery went well, ” she says. “But when I got home, I got sicker and sicker. We didn’t know what was happening.”

After several days and with Ms Galloway in great pain, her family called 911. She was taken by ambulance to Southlake.

Ms Galloway has no personal recollection of the month that followed, relying on reports from her family to fill in the blanks.

From what she understands, a bleeding ulcer during surgery meant that she required 10 to 12 units of blood. Following surgery, she developed an infection in her abdomen that caused the pain that led her to Southlake, where it was decided that the surgical wound would have to be re-opened in order to try to save her life.

“I was in renal failure,” Ms Galloway shares.

“At that point, my family was told I would 18

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likely not make it, that they better start planning for my funeral.”

Her chance for survival depended on strong sedation; in effect, she was placed into a medically induced coma so she wouldn’t move or use any extra oxygen.

Thankfully, Ms Galloway pulled through, but once she was again awake and alert, she had an entirely new set of challenges to face: she had lost the ability to walk or talk.

That’s when Southlake’s rehabilitation teams stepped up.

“I could not move,” Ms Galloway says. “I’d lost all my muscle control from the short period of time when I was not using my muscles. I had to learn how to breathe, how to swallow, to eat, to move my arms. I needed to learn how to walk again. It was like starting from scratch!”

Ms Galloway was transferred to the third floor with Southlake’s rehabilitation team.

“They were the ones who helped me to get moving again,” she says.

Owen Wong, a physiotherapist in Southlake’s Medical Complex Care (MCC) unit, where Ms Galloway received treatment, remembers her well. Mr. Wong says that her story is an inspiration to staff and other patients passing through the hospital’s three rehabilitation units, which each play important

roles in improving the quality of life for patients after they have undergone a significant illness or injury.

An aging population and patients with multiple chronic conditions mean the work done by staff in these programs has become increasingly important—an integral part of the health care puzzle and an essential element in a patient’s road to recovery.

Southlake’s Rehab Neurological Unit (RNU) usually cares for about two dozen patients, split between neurological and general patients, Mr. Wong says.

It’s traditionally a unit where staff treat accident victims and others with extreme injuries, as well as stroke survivors who are

JIM CRAIGMYLE PHOTOGRAPH PHYSIOTHERAPIST OWEN WONG LEADS Members of Southlake’s Medical Complex Care team AS THEY share information as part of their patient care strategy.

relearning skills and regaining function.

The MCC unit, where Ms Galloway received treatment, also cares for two dozen patients at most times. Treating patients with complex medical issues who require various types of care—usually in the form of rehabilitation—the MCC team supports patients to help them regain their independence.

“This is for the person who’s going to need a lot more than 30 days (to recover),” Mr. Wong says. For example, they may care for a patient recovering from a hip fracture, who is also suffering from dementia or someone who is taking longer than typical to recover from a stroke.

The transitional care unit is a bit of a mixed

bag of recovering patients, Mr. Wong says, and includes those waiting to be transferred to next-care facilities.

Each unit plays a significant role in the recovery of a patient and their transition to the next stage of treatment and recovery.

Southlake is fortunate to be able to offer so many services under one roof, according to Mr. Wong, who says that, in the GTA network, patients could end up being referred from facility to facility in search of the necessary rehab equipment and service, depending on what is required for treatment.

For someone recovering from extreme mobility issues or a range of physical, medical and mental challenges, this can be a major

barrier to care and recovery.

The people of York Region are able to avoid that because of the range of complex care offered locally at Southlake.

And it’s something people like Ms Galloway are thankful for.

Without the intensity of rehabilitative services Ms Galloway received at Southlake, she could not have recovered and returned home. While she still struggles with stairs, she is walking and even driving today.

“It was almost a year ago that I was laying on a table and they told my family that I wasn’t going to make it,” she says with a defiant smile.

“Now look at me!”

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JIM CRAIGMYLE PHOTOGRAPH

Lois Galloway (CENTRE) celebrates her success with Southlake PHYSIOTHERAPISTS Julie MacLean and Owen Wong.

Interprofessional approach to care The staff in Southlake’s Medical Complex Care (MCC) unit are champions of the interprofessional approach to care that is spreading across the hospital campus.

Recognizing the role that it plays in creating shockingly excellent experiences for every patient who comes through the hospital’s doors, Southlake is undergoing a hospital-wide commitment to collaboration.

MCC physiotherapist Owen Wong and nurse practitioner Kevin Persaud say that this approach to care is allowing them to achieve successful outcomes for their patients. “Complex conditions require a complex recovery process,” explains Mr. Wong. “This is something that we have been able to achieve thanks to the interprofessional care approach.”

In this approach, each team member relies on their colleagues’ expertise to figure out how best to care for a patient and how to prepare for the next step in the patient’s treatment. The team remembers how a collaborative approach allowed them to help former patient Lois Galloway get home to her family: “Physiotherapy and occupational therapy worked closely with Lois and the nursing team,” recalls Ahava Lipetz, one of the occupational therapists who treated Ms Galloway. “Together, we created a schedule that let us work with 20

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Lois when her pain was minimized, allowing us to make her therapy as comfortable as possible.”

As Ms Galloway’s swallowing improved and she no longer required a feeding tube, the speech language pathologist worked together with the dietician and nurse to ensure that she maintained an optimum weight, helping her gain the strength that she needed to participate in her therapy. With the help of physiotherapy, Ms Galloway’s mobility and physical strength increased and she became physically stronger, so she was able to take on more of her personal care with support from the rehab assistant.

The team met regularly to review Ms Galloway’s progress, making sure that her concerns were addressed and that the transition home would be smooth. “We keep in constant contact with the patient, family and the whole health care team,” explains Samantha Henningar, patient flow navigator. “It is also important to recognize how our team has a strong relationship with CCAC (Community Care Access Centres)—our partnership helps ensure that the patient’s support extends into the community.”

Eager to build upon and optimize their existing teamwork, the MCC team took part in Southlake’s Interprofessional Faculty

Development Workshop last fall, where they learned how to create an environment where health care professionals are inspired and empowered to work, practice and learn together as interprofessional teams.

“It helps that our team had a good working relationship to begin with,” says Mr. Wong.

“The workshop helped us learn altogether what true interprofessional collaboration really means. This allowed us to clarify and solidify our understanding and helped us gel together.”

The workshop gave the MCC team tools, which they utilized at their “bed-side roundings” (the MCC’s take on traditional hospital rounds that have become interactive meetings that take place at each patient’s bedside). During these rounds, the team discusses the patient’s condition, prognosis and treatment plan, including the patient in the discussion.

“It gives our patients the opportunity to meet with the health care team and say, ‘This has been bothering me’,” says Mr. Wong. Both Mr. Wong and Mr. Persaud agree that this involvement generates a more positive shift in their patients’ attitudes, which leads to quicker recoveries and the ultimate goal of getting patients back home to their families.

“It feels good to know it’s all taken care of.”

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cover STORY

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Frank Ferragine aka “Frankie Flowers” Reap what you sow B Y L E E A N N W AT E R M A N PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM CRAIGMYLE

Frank “Frankie Flowers” Ferragine’s roots in gardening run deep.

His childhood home was connected to the family’s greenhouses on Centre Street in Bradford, so he grew up surrounded by plants.

“As a child, I loved everything about gardening and growing plants,” he recalls.

“I loved the physical aspects of digging, weeding and planting. I loved the creative elements of design when selecting plants for a garden or container and I loved the process of watching those design ideas grow into great gardens and wonderful combinations.”

That love hasn’t waned.

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Today, Mr. Ferragine is perhaps best known for his work on City TV, as weather anchor for Breakfast Television (BT) and gardening expert for both BT and CityLine. He is also the author of several gardening books and a much soughtafter speaker. He also still plays a role in the family business, Bradford Greenhouses, and gardens for pleasure.

“I always knew gardening would be a part of my life. When you work and grow up in the gardening industry or even when you farm, your job isn’t a job—it’s a lifestyle and that lifestyle becomes the fabric of who you are,” he says. “No matter how fashionably I dress to do the weather, I always know my ‘happy place’ is being dirty in my garden.”

Having just built and moved with his wife and two sons to a new home in Bradford, Mr. Ferragine describes his current gardens as “under construction”.

“We have some pretty amazing plans for our dream garden, including a formal entry way surrounded by a boxwood hedge and hydrangea. The theme for the front is green and white,” he says. “The backyard is our playground. We plan on installing a pool, outdoor fireplace, outdoor kitchen and, of course, my vegetable and herb garden.”

Spring is Mr. Ferragine’s favourite season in the garden.

“A new season is a new year; it’s a time to improve or expand on last year’s efforts,” he 24

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“If you celebrate a birth, you do it at Southlake. If you break a bone, you mend it at Southlake. If you see a family member mature and lose quality of life, Southlake creates a comfortable environment for them to live their final days.

Southlake is home.”

says. “The new garden season is a time to remember last year’s failures or challenges and celebrate its success by using your experience to improve your overall space.”

Mr. Ferragine sees a strong link between gardening and health. He appreciates the physical aspect—burning calories and increasing your fitness level—and the nutritional and even therapeutic benefits of growing and eating your own vegetables, fruits and herbs. His most recent book, Power Plants, co-authored with homeopath Bryce Wylde, explores the world of medicinal plants.

But it’s perhaps the mental and emotional benefits he appreciates the most—the mood boost from just being around plants and the sense of satisfaction that comes with creating a garden.

“Gardening is work, but it’s the kind of work

where you get to see your efforts grow into results,” he says. “Nothing feels better than producing and growing something beautiful.”

That theme of growth extends to Mr. Ferragine’s philanthropic endeavours and is summed up in a quote on his website: “You are a seed in your community and it’s up to you to grow a great garden around it.”

“I’m a firm believer that a happy rich life is one full of opportunities and one of the key opportunities is giving back to your community,” he says. “It is my responsibility to share my success and experience to create happiness within my family, my friends and my community. Karma is key. Good vibes bring good vibes.”

One of the causes he supports is Southlake Regional Health Centre.

Mr. Ferragine was born at the hospital when it

was known as York County, as were his siblings.

His brother, Anthony, who passed away in 1998, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, at the hospital in 1997.

Mr. Ferragine’s grandmothers, grandfather and uncle all spent their final hours at Southlake.

“Southlake is where my family begins life and ends life. The staff is unbelievable and I thank them,” he says.

Southlake, he says, is a constant in the life of his family and in fabric of the community—and that’s why it’s important for individuals and businesses to support the hospital.

“If you celebrate a birth, you do it at Southlake. If you break a bone, you mend it at Southlake. If you see a family member mature and begin to lose quality of life, Southlake creates a comfortable environment for them to live their final days,” he says. “Southlake is home.”

For more information about Frank Ferragine, visit frankieflowers.com.

Gardening for health The physical and mental health benefits of gardening are well documented.

Here are some of the ways developing your green thumb can improve your health: Physical fitness Pulling weeds, moving soil and raking leaves can all be considered moderate activity—and count toward the 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity recommended for adults by Health Canada. Physical activity can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis.

It can also burn calories, build strength and improve you general fitness. mental well-being Studies have suggested that just being around plants can boost your mood, increase productivity and make you feel more energetic. Because it requires you to think, learn and be creative, gardening keeps your mind active, which can help you maintain brain health and function as you age.

stress relief Any gardener will tell you that digging in the dirt is a good way to decompress after a hectic day or week. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology in 2011 found that 30 minutes of outdoor gardening significantly reduced salivary cortisol levels (used to measure levels of stress hormones) and restored positive mood among participants—providing evidence that gardening can promote relief from acute stress. better nutrition Growing your own vegetables and fruits will encourage you and your family to get their recommended daily servings. Peas in the pod, cherry tomatoes warmed by the sun and just ripened raspberries are treats for children and adults alike when they are picked and eaten just outside your door.

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downwArd dog which style of yogA is right for you?

While yoga’s origins can be traced back at least 5,000 years, its popularity in North America has skyrocketed over the last few decades. There are now more than 500 types of yoga, each offering practitioners various paths to better physical and mental health.

Melissa Williams, founder of Ananda Yoga Studios and owner of Ananda Hot Yoga Aurora, says many people turn to yoga for the physical benefits and discover other benefits as they progress. “As their yoga practice increases, they look for more than the physical,” she says. “They explore the mind, body and spirit connection.”

In addition to challenging physical movements and postures, yoga classes incorporate breathing techniques and guided meditation. “It sets the mind a little clearer,” Ms Williams says. “You’ve let go of all the thoughts and everything you have to do. You focus on your breath, the physical movements and the sensations in your muscles.”

Ms Williams says all types of yoga are “amazing for stress relief,” but one style of yoga may be more suited to your physical aptitude and goals. Here is a look at the payoffs and demands of some common types of yoga.

HATHA YOGA The most popular form of yoga, Hatha incorporates classical poses to create better physical and mental strength and build the mind-body connection. Today, Hatha commonly refers to basic yoga classes in which poses are held for a number of breaths, with no flow between movements. Classes incorporate slow-paced stretches, breathing exercises and meditation—a great form of yoga for beginners. Many of the other types of yoga incorporate Hatha yoga.

ASHTANGA YOGA Ashtanga yoga takes static Hatha poses and turns them into dynamic poses that flow. It is a vigorous, athletic style of yoga that has participants synchronize their breath with six progressively more challenging series of postures. It can help with weight loss and building physical fitness.

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decision

BY JOANN MACDONALD

VINYASA YOGA/FLOW YOGA

HOT YOGA

Also popular, vinyasa yoga centres on smooth flow between a series of poses. Movements from one pose to the next occur on an inhale or an exhale, so the breath is synchronized to the flow. vinyasa includes sun salutations.

Teachers may incorporate different speeds or sequences, so beginners should ask questions before joining a class. vinyasa yoga builds both strength and flexibility, creating lean muscle mass while stretching muscles at the same time.

Hot yoga refers to any style of yoga performed in a heated studio with a temperature up to 38 Celsius. Gentle yoga may be offered in a lightly heated (32 Celsius) room. “It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy,” Ms Williams says. “Your muscles are warmed up a lot quicker so you’re able to get into deeper muscles and tissues at a quicker rate.” Proponents of hot yoga say that it reduces stress, detoxifies organs and assists in weight loss. Because the heat increases flexibility, Ms Williams cautions that participants must avoid pushing themselves too far. “It’s really important to listen to your body. Don’t overdo it or tomorrow you’ll feel it.”

YIN YOGA “Yin yoga is very good for deeper muscle and tissue release,” Ms Williams says. “It’s a very passive style of yoga with less engagement of the muscles.” Yin yoga takes place mainly on the floor and is said to calm the nervous system.

Participants get support from bolsters and straps as they hold poses for several minutes, stretching connective tissues. Ms Williams recommends the practice for athletes, runners, cyclists or people who are healing from injury.

It can also be used to prepare for the physical stillness required for meditation.

RESTORATIVE YOGA Restorative yoga centres on relaxation. “It’s very restful,” says Ms Williams. “That is very good for people who are looking for quiet, pampering.

It’s great for somebody who has gone through a traumatic experience or finished a marathon or travelled the world.” Supported by props, such as bolsters, straps, blocks and pillows, participants in restorative yoga are most often seated or lying down. They may have beanbags over their eyes while in a resting pose. “If the class is small, the teacher will go around and put people in poses,” Ms Williams says.

IYENGAR YOGA Iyengar is a form of Hatha yoga that focuses on the alignment of the body. The practice emphasizes proper mastery of each pose and poses are held for a specific amount of time.

The methodical focus on asanas (postures) aims to have participants improve their body, mind and spirit connection for better well-being.

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POWER YOGA Power yoga is an approach to performing any vinyasa-style yoga, rather than being a style in itself. Modelled on Ashtanga yoga, power yoga is vigorous and intense. It is fast-paced enough to be a “workout”. unlike Ashtanga, power yoga doesn’t follow a pre-determined series of poses.

It focuses less on the spiritual element of yoga and more on building strength.

FERTILITY YOGA Fertility yoga is just what it sounds like—yoga designed to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Ms Williams says it has a very high success rate. “In your subconscious, you are stressed. What happens to us on a mental level affects us physically. Fertility yoga focuses on stress relief and certain muscles in the body that spasm as we stress.” The practice incorporates gentle stretches, deep breathing and strategies to clear the mind. Postures aim to nurture the reproductive and endocrine systems.

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Barre yoga uses a ballet barre to combine the graceful movements of dance with yoga. The practice increases flexibility and strengthens the core. As with other forms of yoga, it’s a great way to stave off injury. “A lot of people come to yoga when they are injured, including dancers,” Ms Williams says. “If you start yoga before you are injured, you’ll prevent injury.”

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Larry and Franca Conte, pictured visiting baby Jeremy.

REMEMBERING

Franca REFLECTING ON A LEGACY OF COMPASSIONATE CARE by jenn rae

“Franca was passionate about taking care of babies and children,” remembers Larry Conte with a smile. “Her heart and soul was in this.”

Franca and Larry met in high school, when he was 17 and she was just 14. It was love at first sight. They became engaged and in her final year of school, while the other girls in her class were planning what to wear to prom, Franca was planning her wedding.

“For as long as I knew her, she was always looking after children,” says Mr. Conte.

Whether helping to care for her nephews as a teenager, raising their two children, Tess and Jeff, running her home day care business or working as a nurse in Southlake’s Maternal Child Department, Mr. Conte says that his wife was the happiest when she had a baby in her arms.

Franca became a registered practical nurse with plans to work in cancer care, but when the opportunity came up to work in Southlake’s Maternal Child department in 28

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2002, Franca found her home. “Franca was so happy there,” says Mr. Conte. “She told me, ‘Here’s where I get my baby fix!’”

Close friend Sharon Cameron, who worked with Franca in post-partum care, says that she was an exceptional nurse. “Franca was the essence of what a nurse should be,” says Ms Cameron. “How she spoke to her patients, how she was always doing extra. She didn’t just embrace our hospital’s values, she exceeded them.”

With a mutual love for babies, Ms Cameron and Franca’s friendship blossomed. Ms Cameron reflects that Franca made the most of the quieter moments in her shift, seizing every opportunity to hold the babies in her care. “In those quiet moments, in the early hours of the morning, she would be at peace with the outside noise,” says Ms Cameron.

“In moments like these, she would say that nothing else matters … this is what life is about.”

“That was Franca’s favourite time of the

day,” Mr. Conte recalls. “She was happiest any time she could hold a baby. Even if it was 3 a.m. on the night shift and she was knee-deep in paperwork, Franca would be overjoyed to cuddle and sooth any baby that needed her help.”

Franca’s gentle touch wasn’t only reserved for babies. A true post-partum nurse, Franca gently guided her patients into their new role of parenthood. “She had patience, understanding and empathy,” says Ms Cameron. “She always put her patients first.”

When Franca was diagnosed with glioblastoma, her hospital family joined Mr. Conte at her side, visiting and showering her with love in her time of need, says Ms Cameron. Sadly, Franca passed away in April 2014. In lieu of flowers, Larry knew what would make Franca the happiest and asked for donations to Southlake. Franca’s friends and colleagues showed an outpouring of support, donating thousands of dollars to

the Maternal Child department in her memory.

Through conversations with Southlake Foundation, Mr. Conte found out that the maternal child department was in need of a portable ultrasound machine. He and his family decided that funding this piece of equipment would be the perfect way to honour Franca’s memory and they added to the memorial donations to cover the cost of the machine.

“The memorial donations that came in support of Franca were truly touching,” says Neila Poscente, President and CEO of Southlake Foundation. “What a wonderful way to pay tribute to someone who was so committed to patient care and who meant so much to so many of us.”

On the first anniversary of Franca’s passing, as her husband, children and hospital family reflect and remember this spectacular woman, they will know that the donations raised in Franca’s memory are helping Southlake’s health care team care for patients in Franca’s beloved maternal child department.

“It’s comforting,” says Ms Cameron. “It’s like a little piece of her is still here and we’re giving patients a little bit of love from Franca.”

Franca’s gift Following her shift in Southlake’s Maternal Child Department on Sept. 28, 2011, Franca Conte decided to check in on her husband Larry’s co-worker, Vincenza Lind, who had just delivered her son Jeremy at Southlake. “As soon as she saw baby Jeremy, she knew something wasn’t right,” reflects Mr. Conte.

Ms Lind said that she didn’t think much of it when Franca and the nurse on duty asked her if they could take Jeremy out of the room for a few minutes, taking a few minutes to finally rest. “Franca told me later that she kept calm because she didn’t want to concern me,” says Ms Lind.

Out of the room and behind the scenes, Jeremy was whisked to the neonatal intensive care unit, where it was discovered that he was only receiving 33 per cent oxygen. If it wasn’t for Franca’s intuition, Jeremy wouldn’t have survived until his next check-up, scheduled for two hours later.

“We thank God every day that Franca was there, at that exact time,” says Ms Lind. “I can’t bear to think how it would have turned out, had she visited earlier or later in the day.”

Franca stayed with Ms Lind late into the night, well after her shift, comforting and reassuring her that baby Jeremy was in the best hands at Southlake. “It was the first time I met Franca,” Ms Lind recalls.

“She went out of her way to visit me that day and ended up saving my son’s life.”

Today, Jeremy is a happy and healthy three-and-a-half year old. He will be raised, says Ms Lind, with Franca’s memory and as he grows older, he will realize that he was part of something so special on the day that he was born.

“Baby Jeremy was Franca’s gift,” says Mr. Conte. “To me, her purpose in life was saving baby Jeremy. You ask him who his angel is and he’ll tell you it’s Franca.”

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spring cleAn your life Spring is the season of renewal and reorganization.

This year, take the time-honoured tradition of spring cleaning and apply it to other areas of your life! The result will be a more organized, less stressed and generally healthier you.

schedule health aPPointments Booking your annual check-up with your family physician is a good place to start.

Depending on your sex and age, you may also be due for cancer screenings through a Cancer Care Ontario program.

The Ontario Breast Screening Program provides mammograms every two years to women aged 50 to 74 as well as women as young as 30 who have been deemed to be at high risk for breast cancer.

ColonCancerCheck recommends all Ontarians aged 50 and over be screened for colorectal cancer—with an at-home test every two years for those at average risk and colonoscopy for those with increased risk because of family history.

Cervical cancer screening (PAP smear) is recommended every three years starting at age 21 for women who have ever been sexually active.

For more information, visit cancercare.on.ca.

allergy-ProoF your home Whether it’s dust, pets or pollen, chances are someone in your family or circle of friends has an allergy. Reduce the allergens in your home by washing bedding in hot water (at least 54 Celsius), cleaning your curtains or blinds, shampooing your carpets and replacing the filters in your central heating and cooling system as well as room air conditioners.

Purge your medicine cabinet Leaving expired or unused prescription medications in your medicine cabinet or kitchen cupboard can lead to their potential misuse or abuse. The medication may no longer be effective or, if not disposed of properly, could end up in the wrong hands.

Do not dispose of unused or expired medication, including prescriptions, over-thecounter-medications or natural health products in oral dosage form, in the garbage or by flushing down the toilet. Take them to

mammothoN

iS a oNe-daY BreaSt ScreeNiNg BlitZ happeNiNg acroSS YorK regioN, North YorK aNd South Simcoe oN maY 6.

There are 22 participating Ontario Breast Screening Program sites (OBSP) that will allow eligible women who are overdue or have never had a mammogram to walk-in or pre-book their appointment on that day. Visit mammothon.ca for more information, eligibility and site locations.

Southlake Regional Health Centre is participating in Mammothon 2015 and will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 6. Call 905-895-4521, ext. 6228 to pre-book your appointment or find out about walk-in times. The event will take place in the Medical Arts Building, 581 Davis Dr., Newmarket. Register at the Welcome Centre on the fourth floor.

Parking is available in the garage and also behind the Medical Arts Building off Lundy’s Lane.

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your local pharmacy for proper disposal.

While you’re at it, toss any beauty products you’ve been hanging onto for more than a year as well. Old make-up, such as lipstick or eye products, can harbour bacteria that can lead to infection. Sunscreen that has passed its expiration date can also lose its effectiveness. organiZe your inboX Virtual clutter can be as overwhelming and stressful as a physical mess.

Set up some routines to manage your email.

Use folders to organize messages you need or want to keep (income tax receipts, bank statements, photos of your grandkids, recipes, etc.) and delete the rest regularly. Unsubscribe to senders whose emails you always delete. revamP your meal Plan After a winter of comfort foods, you and your family will likely welcome some fresh vegetables at the dinner table or in your lunchboxes. For inspiration, find a farm that offers a box of fresh produce weekly through a community supported agriculture (CSA) program or head to your local farmers market.

Markets in Aurora, Bradford, East Gwillimbury, Schomberg and Newmarket will be opening for the season in May. get outside If the below-average temperatures this winter had you hunkering down at home, now is the time to break out of that shell.

The health benefits of spending time in nature are innumerable.

Going for a brisk walk or bike ride in your local park or along one of our many local trails can help you reap the many benefits of regular exercise—reduced risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer; improved fitness and strength; a healthy weight; and improved mental health.

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31

Planning your estate now

will save you tax headaches in the future

by A ndrew L i v ingstone

When it comes to our estates, Canadians are typically not the best planners. Less than 40 per cent of high net worth individuals have a prepared will and nearly 80 per cent of those wills aren’t up-to-date.

Mark Halpern, a certified financial planner and trust and estate practitioner suggests it’s a reflection of our busy lives and our reluctance to talk about death that many of us are not wellprepared or well-educated. “Everyone is so busy taking care of other things and other people, they usually don’t spend enough time planning for themselves and their families,” he says.

Typically money from an estate can have three possible destinations as beneficiaries and each of us can only pick two of those. “The choices are family, charity and the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). Most people will pick family and charity,” says Mr. Halpern of the three choices. “Unknown to most Canadians, upon the death of a husband and wife, the CRA can collect upwards of 50% of their assets if no planning is in place.”

If you want to ensure the wealth you’ve accumulated over a lifetime is distributed according to your wishes, it’s important to plan ahead.

Many of us will have a significant portion of our estate tied up in RRSPs (registered retirement savings plans) or RRIFs (registered retirement income funds). They can be transferred to a spouse or dependent child, taxfree. But on the death of the surviving spouse, Mr. Halpern explains, all money in these plans is considered income and is taxed at almost 50 per cent.

But there is a way to avoid some of these taxes—and support causes and organizations important to you and your community at the same time.

If you’ve been proactive in your estate planning and have crystalized your retirement income needs, “it would be a wonderful idea to make the charity the beneficiary of all or some of your retirement funds, especially if by doing so you are saving taxes” Mr. Halpern says. Planning, he stresses, is the key.

For example, you could leave your nonregistered assets, real estate and insurance monies to your children and registered funds to a charity of your choice.

“If you’ve done your planning and allocated money for your kids elsewhere, making a charity the beneficiary of your registered funds would result in your estate receiving a significant tax receipt for that donation and offsetting any other taxes owed,” Mr. Halpern says.

You could also use your registered assets to 32

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make a charitable donation now—and avoid paying some of the income tax on monies withdrawn from these plans later.

“If your net worth is high, most people will only be taking out the minimum required by the government, which means your tax bill is only going to continue to accumulate,” Mr. Halpern explains.

“Why not take out some of the money now and give it to charity? Now, that withdrawal becomes tax neutral because you’re giving it to charity and you get a tax receipt for the entire donation.”

Or you could take out a life insurance policy using the after-tax amount withdrawn from your RRIF—and designate the beneficiaries as family and a chosen charity.

“Half of the proceeds can go to charity and offset the taxes owing on your RRIF and the other half can go to your family,” Mr. Halpern explains. The result is that your family ends up with more money in the end had you not made the charitable beneficiary and, more importantly, you are remembered for leaving a large donation to your favourite charity instead of a large tax payment to the government.

Barb Steele, a Newmarket-based certified financial planner, money coach and registered retirement counsellor, says the best way to preserve and transfer wealth, with little tax impact, is via permanent life insurance.

“Charitable givings via life insurance is very tax efficient and a win/win for everyone,” she says.

“I don’t know why more benefactors are not using this vehicle.”

Insurance has always been used by wealthy families, she says, but is available to everyone.

“There is no better time than now to be using this vehicle as a means of wealth preservation, wealth creation and wealth transfer. It is just another form of risk-free diversification and should be built into every portfolio.”

Consult a certified financial or estate-planning specialist today to find the best options for you and your family.

For more information on how to include Southlake Foundation in your estate planning, contact Kate Turoczi at kturoczi@southlakeregional.org or 905-836-7333, ext. 5118.

HEALTH CARE: A LOOK AHEAD From cause awareness to celebrating health care professionals, each month there are many health observances on the calendar.

By directing your monthly cause donations to Southlake, your gift will help transform the lives of patients closer to home.

APRIL JaMIe PIMek

Cancer Month Newmarket resident Jamie Pimek will never forget the day that changed his life forever: the healthy, active 31-year-old had just been diagnosed with colon cancer. After feeling sick for months and trying to convince himself that the pain in his stomach was just stress, Jamie finally listened to his body and visited his doctor, setting in motion his journey of surgery, chemotherapy and recovery at Southlake. Today, Jamie’s cancer is in remission and he is living life to its fullest.

Your Cancer Month donation to the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre will help thousands of patients like Jamie receive cancer treatment close to home.

Donate today at southlakefoundation.ca

Parkinson’s Awareness Month National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week April 18 to April 25 National Immunization Awareness Week April 26 to May 2

World Autism Awareness Day April 2 World Health Day April 7

MAY Cystic Fibrosis Month Food Allergy Awareness Month Hepatitis Awareness Month Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month Vision Health Month National Hospice Palliative Care Week May 3 to May 9 Your donation to Southlake Foundation’s love lives here campaign will help bring a residential hospice to our community. Donate today at southlakefoundation.ca Mental Health Week May 4 to May 10

Celebrating Great Care Southlake is proud to be home to so many talented and caring health care professionals. Say thank you to a special nurse or doctor, with a tribute gift in his or her name!

National Nursing Week May 11 to May 17 Doctor’s Day May 1 International Nursing Day May 12

JUNE ALS Awareness Month Stroke Awareness Month

World Blood Donor Day June 14 SP RI N G 2 0 1 5

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care for caregiVerS: Keeping caregiver burnout at bay

BY JOANN MACDONALD

Beth Greenblatt was just 27 years old and expecting her second child when her husband, Michael, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1985. Within 18 months, Michael could no longer sustain his business and, within several years, his condition deteriorated to the point that husband and wife took on the roles of patient and caregiver.

Ms Greenblatt employed a “strategy of survival,” setting herself a series of small goals to get through each day. “I suddenly felt very alone in the world,” she says. As his condition worsened, her husband became withdrawn and depressed and often refused to leave the house.

The role of caregiver took its toll on Ms Greenblatt physically and emotionally. “I became worn and torn,” she says. She lost weight, experienced anxiety and developed lower back problems, sciatica and tendonitis.

“One of the biggest downfalls of caregiving is you become so involved in the caregiving role, you don’t even see what you’ve become,” she says. “You don’t realize day after day after day, you don’t see the changes until somebody comes into the house and 34

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expresses concern.”

She sought help from a therapist in 1997 and has used counselling as a coping strategy ever since.

There are 8.1 million caregivers looking after loved ones in Canada. Caregiver burnout—a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion—can occur when caregivers don’t get the help they need or try to do more than they are physically, emotionally or financially able.

“Taking care of yourself first is a necessity, not a luxury,” says Kathy Duncan, education co-ordinator with York Region’s PalCare Network, which provides palliative care education to volunteers, personal support workers and health care professionals. She advises that caregivers think of it like flying in an airplane—in an emergency, you must put on your own oxygen mask first.

Ms Duncan says family caregivers often have difficulty letting go of their loved one’s care, even when help is available in terms of a personal support worker, volunteer, friend or family member.

“They never allow themselves the opportunity to get a break,” she says. “If they

don’t learn to let go and take some time to take care of themselves, exhaustion happens.

And care can become less gentle and more frustrated.”

Ms Greenblatt says it’s often difficult to ask for help from family members. “It’s like walking through a minefield sometimes,” she says. “You want to ask somebody for help, but you’re afraid they’ll turn away or come in and take over. More often than not, you don’t know what kind of help you need.”

Ms Duncan points out the stresses of caregiving affect family and professional caregivers alike. “The person giving palliative care knows they have this person for a limited time. It’s very hard to give care to a person and not feel some sort of attachment.

In this field, it’s loss after loss after loss.”

She says many caregivers take on their clients’ problems.

“The ill person may be angry and lashing out,” she gives as an example. “It’s very stressful for the caregiver. We teach caregivers how to develop a therapeutic relationship. They learn that this is part of the ill person’s journey. You can support them and acknowledge them and validate

them without actually having to fix it.”

In August 2002, a visiting St. Elizabeth nurse suggested that it was time for Ms Greenblatt to give up the caregiving role and entrust her husband to long-term care.

“I burst into tears,” she says. “I had promised I would take care of him. But I finally admitted I could no longer cope. I had to admit that I could no longer manage the physical and mental burdens.”

Ms Greenblatt made the difficult choice to transfer her husband to a long-term care facility in 2003, 18 years after his diagnosis.

“Life is unpredictable,” she says. “To make the unpopular decision is an act of courage.

To save someone, you must save yourself.”

Today, her husband continues to live well in long-term care and Ms Greenblatt has remarried with his blessing. She has completed a 10-week course in Palliative Care and now volunteers at Southlake.

“I have learned to get back out into the

real world,” she says. “I really like people and I have a need to give back to the community. Because of what I’ve gone through, I don’t judge anybody. I really think I have empathy to offer the family. I can just listen to them. They just need someone to talk to, someone who has a sense of the losses and the gains. ” In addition to the physical and emotional burdens, many caregivers and their families cope with financial concerns. Sometimes, two incomes become one, one income becomes none or caregivers juggle full-time jobs with caring for a family member.

“A diagnosis can happen quickly and, all of a sudden, you’re in the middle of a storm,” Ms Duncan says. “You don’t know what resources are available to you. There are some very real concerns there.”

She recommends people contact Community Care Access Centre to determine what services may be available.

Please support Southlake Foundation’s love lives here campaign to build a residential hospice on the Southlake campus. Your donation will help us provide a place for families to live, love and say goodbye. Donate now at southlakefoundation.ca

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Coping with caregiver burnout With many years of caregiving under her belt, Beth Greenblatt advises care providers to watch out for these signs of fatigue and depression in themselves, such as not socializing, not taking or returning phone calls, collapsing into sleep with emotional exhaustion and giving up on making plans for the future.

PalCare Network’s Kathy Duncan has these suggestions for avoiding caregiver burnout: • Go for a walk, tend the garden, get a massage or take a long bath (or do any enjoyable activity that takes you away from your to-do list).

• Spend time in nature.

• Go to a happy movie.

• Chat with a friend.

• Seek support from hospice organizations like Newmarket’s Doane House Hospice, whose trained volunteers provide both companionship

to people with life-threatening illnesses and short-term relief for their caregivers. Their Caregiver Support Program sees groups meet to explore common experiences as caregivers.

• Take advantage of counselling offered through church groups.

• Engage in self-reflection—journal, doodle or cut pictures out of magazines to create a collage of what you’d like the future to look like.

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• Ask yourself the question, “What might bring me joy?”

“Caregivers get so caught up that they actually feel guilty if they take some time for themselves,” Ms Duncan says.

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smAll but mighty:

100 YEARS OF NEWMARKET PHILANTHROPY

BY ERIN CERENZIA

Historians are like archeologists. But instead of using shovels, we search for clues to the past by digging through old records and files.

Through my academic research and in my role as director at large for the Newmarket Historical Society, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in our town’s immense historical archives, where I have learned how rich Newmarket’s history is and how its people have shaped our town. As the world prepares to commemorate the centenary of the First World War, I have delved deep into Newmarket’s past and discovered that more than 100 years ago, our community exhibited a philanthropic spirit that impacted our nation.

The First World War is considered one of the most defining events of modern history and touched the lives of every Canadian— young and old, man or woman, at home or abroad—including those in the Town of Newmarket. Despite being a small town of just less than 3,800 people, Newmarket’s mighty response to the war was one of fierce patriotism and generosity, arguably setting a precedent for the overwhelming spirit of giving we continue to see in our community today.

Hundreds of Newmarket men enlisted over the years, contributing to famous battles including the Second Ypres, the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of Passchendaele and the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Newmarket also maintained a military presence at home by creating a voluntary “Home Guard” of close to 300 men. Our town’s military contributions were widely recognized by noteworthy individuals like Ontario Premier William Hearst, who spoke of Newmarket’s patriotism, arguing he “hadn’t seen anything like it elsewhere.”

But Newmarket’s spirit of giving was not limited to its military sacrifice. In fact, its loyalty to the war effort was echoed through volunteerism on the home front, specifically through community-driven fundraising projects that ran throughout the war.

Newmarket’s branch of the Red Cross Society spearheaded these campaigns, including a drive to raise $2,000 (almost $41,000 today!) to purchase an ambulance to send to the front.

In a few short months, enough money was raised to not only purchase the ambulance, but also to completely outfit the vehicle with necessary supplies, to cover the cost of its insurance and to have it shipped to the front for service.

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Newmarket residents also fundraised to send Olive Niles, a nurse with 14 years of experience, to the front. Donations funded Miss Niles’ salary and transportation and when it was time for her departure, Mayor Cane explained it was “a distinct honour for Newmarket to be able to send one so well qualified for the service of our own Town.”

While Miss Niles treated soldiers overseas, at home, Newmarket was able to house and care for over 150 wounded soldiers within Pickering College, which was generously offered by the Quaker Society of Friends for use as a military hospital at the onset of the war.

Throughout the war’s four long years, the spirit of giving among Newmarket residents remained a constant. Motivated by patriotism, residents rallied to contribute to the war effort, establishing a community of generosity that still endures over 100 years later. Today, our community’s philanthropic reasons for giving are slightly different, as we focus on creating

To learn more about how the Town of Newmarket is commemorating the centenary of the First World War or to volunteer, visit newmarkethistoricalsociety.ca.

newMarket MaIn street nortH, 1912

world-class healthcare close to home.

In more recent history, our community has supported its hospital in campaigns to fund the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre, the Regional Cardiac Care program and the upgrade of its Diagnostic Imaging services. And now, our community is once again answering the call by championing Southlake’s vision for a residential hospice through support for the love lives here campaign.

Since 1980, more than $100 million has been donated to Southlake by our generous community. They say history repeats itself; and in the case of Newmarket and the surrounding communities, as we commemorate the First World War’s centenary, we remain ever mighty in our generosity.

Erin Cerenzia has a masters degree in history and is director at large at the Newmarket Historical Society.

hospital NEWS

southlake’s arthritis program receives national recognition Top honours for Dr. Carter Thorne for his outstanding contribution to rheumatology in Canada Praised for his dedication to advancing rheumatology medicine and his passion for making lives better, Dr. Carter Thorne, chief of rheumatology and director of The Arthritis Program (TAP) at Southlake Regional Health Centre, has been named the 2015 recipient of the Canadian Rheumatology Association’s Distinguished Rheumatologist Award. Dr. Thorne was presented with this national award at the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) Annual Scientific Meeting in Quebec City earlier this year.

For Dr. Thorne, his passion comes from knowing his work is changing people’s lives.

“This recognition is truly an honour,” he says. “At Southlake, we are committed to delivering the best possible care to our patients. Arthritis can be a challenging and debilitating disease, but through the work of The Arthritis Program at Southlake, we’re able to give people their lives back. It’s always a special feeling when someone comes to us feeling hopeless and, with the right tools, support and coaching, they realize they can truly improve their quality of life.”

The Distinguished Rheumatologist Award is presented annually to a clinician who has made an outstanding contribution to rheumatology in Canada in the areas of patient care and service and participation in Canadian and international rheumatology

organizations and associations.

Dr. Thorne is an incredibly accomplished and active clinician in the field of rheumatology. He created a thriving Ontario Rheumatology Association (ORA), as well as is involved in the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH), the Ontario Best Practices Research Initiative (ORBI), and participated in a number of local provincial and national models of care initiatives.

An avid-researcher, Dr. Thorne has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and served as an executive member of Canadian Rheumatology Research Consortium (CRRC) in order to Canadianize trials that would be good for patients and feasible to recruit.

In addition to his role as chief of rheumatology at Southlake, Dr. Thorne has previously served as president, vice–president and secretary-treasurer for the CRA. He was also secretary-treasurer of PANLAR (Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology), a position that he held for five years.

Dr. Thorne’s recognition is just one in a number of recent recognitions for The Arthritis Program. Lorna Bain, co-ordinator for TAP, was recently awarded the Barb Haines Memorial Award for the best scientific abstract submitted by an occupational

therapist at the CRA conference. A third award, a plaque, was presented to TAP by the Osteoporosis Strategy and Osteoporosis Canada for their work in implementing an enhanced model of a fracture clinic screening program at Southlake.

With approximately 10,000 patient care visits per year, The Arthritis Program is an award-winning regional program at Southlake dedicated to delivering the highest standards in quality arthritis care. Since its inception in 1991, TAP has used a team-based, patientcentred approach to the assessment, treatment and education of people of all ages who are diagnosed or experiencing the symptoms of arthritis. TAP is committed to research and is involved in a number of leading-edge projects that are paving the way in the field of arthritis care.

The program teaches and coaches other healthcare teams, medical trainees, residents and health care students who are interested in learning about TAP’s practice environment and approach to patient care.

For more information about Southlake and its award-winning people, programs and services, visit the Celebrating Our Successes page at southlakeregional.org.

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IS IT TIME TO ENJOY THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE?

foundation NEWS

WE HAVE A NEW LOOK! Talk about spring cleaning! Have you been on southlakefoundation.ca lately? We’ve been hard at work on our website with one goal in mind: giving you, the user, a better web experience.

Visit southlakefoundation.ca today to read about: • What we’re fundraising for and why community support is so important.

• Foundation events, like the Run or Walk for Southlake, our Golf Tournament and the Southlake Black Tie Ball.

• Community events that support Southlake. Find one, or create one of your own!

We also encourage you to see the impact of your donations at work by reading stories

Downsizing remains one of the most effective ways to free up equity and lower housing costs allowing you to enjoy your retirement.

Betty is an Accredited Senior Agent with experience helping people make this transition in life. To find out how Betty can help you successfully make your move, give her a call.

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www.bettyspowerteam.com

from our patients—real people from our community whose lives have been transformed here at Southlake. If you have a Southlake story of your own, you can submit it through the website.

Visit our site often—a Foundation blog is in the works and will be coming soon! In the meantime, stay up to date on the latest Foundation news by following us on Facebook at facebook.com/SouthlakeFoundation or Twitter @SouthlakeFndn.

Running and walking to support our hospital The 2015 Run or Walk for Southlake, presented by Nature’s Emporium, is coming up quickly. This year’s event is taking place at the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex on Sunday, April 26.

With a NEW venue, NEW routes, a LARGER athlete’s village and TONS of exciting and family-friendly activities, this year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet. What a great opportunity to shake off the winter blahs, get outdoors and have some fun—all while supporting Southlake!

If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time! Visit runforsouthlake.ca to register today.

If you’ve already signed up, remember to collect pledges. If you can’t participate, find someone to pledge. Fundraising is critical to helping us bring the very best in health care to our community. Did you know that your registration fee only covers the cost of running the event? That’s why pledging is so important.

The dollars that you collect above and beyond your registration fee are the funds that truly make a difference at Southlake.

Your fundraising dollars affect every patient who passes through our doors, funding the most critical needs of our health care team across the hospital.

Our hospital depends on you. The Government of Ontario provides no funding for hospital equipment and requires sig-

nificant community donations for infrastructure improvements. We depend on your pledging dollars to fund these vital upgrades across the hospital, so that each and every one of our patients—every mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, brother, sister, son and daughter —can receive the worldclass care that our community expects from Southlake.

Fundraising tips

• Use the online fundraising tools at runforsouthlake.ca • Create a buddy system. Ask someone who cannot participate on event day to help collect donations.

• Ask one person per day to donate. No gift is too small.

• Find out if your company has a matching gift program.

• Hold a fundraising event to benefit your team. The sky is the limit: dress down days at work, car washes, dog washes, bake sales and more!

We encourage everyone who calls Southlake their hospital to join us at the Run or Walk for Southlake on April 26.

There’s no time like the present, so register today!

“It’s the stories that we hear from the patients that drive us. Peoples’ lives are being transformed at Southlake every day, and it inspires us to work so hard to help.”

Felicia Salomon, Chair, Southlake Foundation Board

Felicia is a lawyer and a principal of The Preston Group, a major developer in Newmarket and East Gwillimbury. She is also a valued member of Southlake Foundation’s Board of Directors.

As Chair of the Board, Felicia brings with her leadership and business development skills to help set the strategic direction of the Foundation and support its bold fundraising goals.

Volunteers like Felicia are an integral part of our team. Together, we are inspiring investment in Southlake’s future and transforming lives.

ARE YOU A DRIVEN INDIVIDUAL WITH COMMUNITY & BUSINESS CONNECTIONS AND A DIVERSE RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL SKILLS?

YOU CAN HELP US TRANSFORM LIVES CONTACT SARAH FIELDHOUSE AT 905.836.7333 EXT. 5123 OR SFIELDHOUSE@SOUTHLAKEREGIONAL.ORG TO FIND OUT HOW.

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community event listings EvENTS SuPPORTING SOuTHLAKE EAST GWILLIMBURY WOMEN’S SHOW, PRESENTED BY TANGLES SALON & SPA Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Holland Landing Community Centre egwomensshow.com Sharon Bates, egwomensshow@gmail.com Supports Stronach Regional Cancer Centre

SOUTHLAKE CARDIAC REHAB PRESENTS THE WALK OF LIFE Thursday, June 18 The Magna Centre southlakewalkoflife.ca Michelle Elvie, walkoflife@southlakeregional.org Supporting Southlake’s Regional Cardiac Care Program

THE LAKE RIDE Sunday, May 31 100K starts and finishes at 600 Stonehaven Ave., Newmarket Christine Gardner, TheLakeRide@gmail.com Supporting the purchase of equipment at Southlake

POLO FOR HEART June 19, 20, 21 Gormley Polo Centre poloforheart.org Karen White, karenwhite@zing-net.ca Supporting Southlake’s Regional Cardiac Care Program

JBD FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS ANNUAL CHARITY CLASSIC Wednesday, June 3 St. Andrew’s valley Golf Club Blair Dunlop, jdbfinancialsolutions@gmail.com Supporting Southlake’s Regional Cancer Program

COMMPORT’S 6TH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT Thursday, June 25 St. Andrew’s valley Golf Club commport.com/charity Supporting Southlake’s Regional Cancer Program

ARTIST SALON & SPA STYLE FOR A CAUSE EVENT Sunday, June 14 styleforacause.com Maria Racco, info@artistssalonspa.com Supporting Southlake Foundation’s love live here hospice campaign

OPTIMIST CLUB OF NEWMARKET POKER RIDE Saturday, June 27 Optimist Youth Hall Janice Asselstine, janiceasselstine@rogers.com Supporting Southlake’s Paediatric Oncology Clinic

EASY

FUNDRAISING FOR SOUTHLAKE IS

1 2 34 ENGAGE THE FOUNDATION ARRANGE YOUR EVENT Contact us and we’ll help you get started.

Plan out the details.

SHOWTIME!

Host your event.

YOUR WORK IS DONE!

Submit the proceeds to the Foundation and we’ll put them to work!

southlakefoundation.ca

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“CHIP IN” FOR CANCER RESEARCH, IN HONOUR OF LAURIE BUCKLAND Wooden Sticks Golf Club Tuesday, July 7 Greg Seeman, 905-852-4379, info@woodensticks.com DUNCAN SCOWCROFT GOLF CLASSIC Saturday, July 11 Wooden Sticks Golf Club duncanscowcroftgolfclassic.com Supporting Transform a Life POLO FOR THE CURE – WOMEN’S POLO TOURNAMENT Sunday, July 19 Fox Den South Field, 13401 Leslie St., Richmond Hill poloforthecure.com Donna, uniquelyequine@sympatico.ca Supporting Breast Cancer ORCHARD BEACH PRO-AM CHARITY TOURNAMENT Wednesday, July 29 Orchard Beach Golf Club Donna Cryderman, dcryderg118@rogers.com Cindy Scott, c.scott@rogers.com 905-895-4388 www.orchardbeachgolf.com PRODuCTS & SERvICES SuPPORTING SOuTHLAKE IN HONOUR OF MARLENE MACPHERSON Get your copy of Marlene’s Cookbook online while quantities last: www.shop.marlenesmealmakeovers.com Proceeds support childhood cancer and paediatric care at Southlake.

DONATE A CAR Donate a Car Canada accepts vehicle donations for Southlake Regional Health Centre. visit southlakefoundation.ca/about/friends for more information on how you can donate a car and transform lives, close to home.

BENSON KEARLEY IFG Insurance Brokers & Financial Advisors $10 to Southlake for every no obligation quote.

Supporting Transform a Life STEPS CLOTHING BIN DONATIONS Southlake Campus and Magna Centre Location Portion of proceeds supports Transform a Life THRIFT OUTLET AND BIN LOCATIONS 6 The Queensway S. Sutton & 26602 Hwy 48 N Sutton West Accepting gently used clothing, housewares and furniture donations.

Portion of proceeds support Southlake’s Regional Cancer Program

SUPPORT CARDIOVASCULAR REHAB, DO THE

WALK OF LIFE Southlake’s Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation program presents the Annual Walk of Life in association with the Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada.

Sign Up

The Walk of Life is a noncompetitive walk to raise money in support of Southlake’s Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation program.

WHEN: Thursday, June 18, 2015 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Lace Up

WHERE: The Magna Centre 800 Mulock Drive, Newmarket, ON Register or sponsor a friend at www.southlakewalkoflife.ca

Walk

For more information, contact Michelle Elvie at 905-895-4521, ext. 5308 or walkoflife@southlakeregional.org.

Or scan this QR code on your mobile device.

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marlene’s

MEAL MAKEOVERS

One of Marlene’s favourite spring dishes:

FABULOUS FLANK STEAK Flank steak on the grill is not just a quick and easy dinner, the leftovers make for a terrific salad and fajitas for dinner the next evening. Buy extra and store in freezer already in marinade...now that is convenience!

BY MARLENE MACPHERSON

IN MEMORY In memory of our friend and beingwell contributor, Marlene MacPherson, we want to share one of Marlene’s favourite spring dishes from her C1P2 Cookbook. Limited quantities are left - purchase your copy online today at http://shop.marlenesmealmakeovers.com.

100 per cent of proceeds of the sale of Marlene’s cookbook are contributed to Southlake Foundation in support of childhood cancer and paediatric care.

Cook Once Grilled Flank Steak Yield: 6 servings

Produce 1 Steak Salad Serves 2 for lunch.

Ingredients 125 mL (1/2 cup) olive oil 15 mL (1 tbsp) Dijon mustard 80 mL (1/3 cup) soy sauce 2 cloves garlic, minced 60 mL (1/4 cup) red wine vinegar 2 mL (1/2tsp) ground black pepper 30 mL (2 tbsp) lemon juice, freshly squeezed 900 g (2 lb) flank steak 22 mL (1-1/2 tbsp) Worcestershire sauce

Ingredients leftover grilled flank steak from Cook Once, sliced 1 bunch arugula 1 tomato, sliced 60 mL (1/4 cup) olives, whole or chopped 60 mL (1/4 cup) ranch dressing (or to taste)

Method In a re-sealable bag, add olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, and ground black pepper.

Place meat in bag and seal. Gently massage the meat into the marinade to coat thoroughly.

Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grate. Place steaks on grill and discard the marinade. Grill meat for 5 minutes per side or to desired doneness.

Free giveaWay COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY For your chance to win one of five copies of Marlene’s C1P2 cookbook, prepare one of the recipes above and share a picture of you and your family enjoying it! #beingwellmag Facebook.com/SouthlakeFoundation @SouthlakeFndn

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Method Place washed arugula in bowl, add sliced tomatoes, olives and steak. Add dressing and toss to coat.

Produce 1 Steak Fajitas Serves 2 for dinner.

Ingredients leftover grilled flank steak from Cook Once, sliced 15 mL (1 tbsp) olive oil ½ red onion, thinly sliced ½ pepper, thinly sliced 30 mL (2 tbsp) balsamic vinegar tortilla shells, for serving 125 mL (1/2 cup) cheese, grated 1 tomato, diced Method Heat a sauté pan with olive oil, add onions, peppers and cook for 7 minutes until softened.

Add steak and balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Warm tortilla shells in microwave in between two damp paper towels. Place steak mixture in bowl and serve with warm tortillas, grated cheese and diced tomatoes. Wrap the steak mixture with cheese and tomatoes in the warm tortillas and serve.

last WORD

York Region Public Health

by J u lia R oitenberg

It’s not easy being a parent.

Whether you’re trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or are caring for a baby or small child, the information, programs and services offered through York Region Community and Health Services’ Public Health Branch can help make parenting a little easier. They can also equip parents with the information and tools they need to make early, educated choices about their children’s future learning, health and development.

Many of these programs and services are provided free-of-charge to York Region residents.

Prenatal programs and classes Both York Region Public Health’s online prenatal program and its in-person prenatal classes are designed to prepare expectant moms and their support person for labour, childbirth and caring for their new baby.

The online program is provided free of charge to York Region residents and includes printable fact sheets with information about pregnancy, parenting and community resources. It is a convenient option for those unable to attend the in-person classes.

Registrants can also enter and exit the program at their own convenience.

In-person prenatal classes are offered for a nominal charge, evenings and weekends at various locations across the region and are provided in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Moms who sign up for the in-person classes will also receive access to the online program.

For more information on York Region Public Health’s prenatal programs or to register, visit york.ca/prenatalclasses.

Supporting mom and baby York Region Public Health’s All Babies Count prenatal nutrition program is geared toward teens, single moms and moms who are new to Canada and provides them with important nutrition, pregnancy and parenthood information.

New moms can also access breastfeeding information as well as one-on-one support

YOUR ONE-STOP SMART PARENTING SHOP from a registered nurse or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) through York Region’s breastfeeding clinics.

To book an appointment or for more information on prenatal nutrition or York Region Public Health’s breastfeeding clinics, visit york.ca/prenatal.

From healthy babies to healthy children Ontario’s Healthy Babies Healthy Children program provides home visits by registered nurses and family visitors to expectant mothers, new parents and families who need extra support. The program is offered free of charge to eligible families and participation is voluntary. The support team provides information and assistance and connects participants to helpful community resources.

For more information on the program, visit york.ca/hbhc.

Helping young kids thrive Bounce Back & Thrive! is a 10-week resiliency skills training program for parents with children under eight years of age. The program helps you and your children “bounce back” from everyday stresses and difficulties and teaches you how to calmly resolve problems and conflicts.

For more information about Bounce Back & Thrive!, contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.

Dental care The York Region Public Health Dental Program provides dental screening for children 17 years of age and under. Screening helps identify children with urgent dental needs that require immediate treatment and provides options for them to receive care. Screening is offered annually in all York Region elementary schools, by appointment at public health dental clinics or by request at some Welcome Centres and Ontario Early Years Centres. Children from families without dental insurance who are unable to pay for the costs of dental care may be eligible for assistance through programs

such as Children in Need of Treatment and Healthy Smiles Ontario or may be offered preventive services at a public health dental clinic.

Information at your fingertips York Region Public Health provides busy families with helpful parenting information, in a variety of convenient formats.

York Parent is a free online newsletter that offers child development information and parenting tips to subscribers.

Each issue covers a variety of topics and provides links to useful websites and resources, including coping with stress, feeding your child, positive discipline, toilet training, oral care and connecting with your child.

There is also information on prenatal and postpartum mood disorders, including details about the Transition to Parenting Program.

This registered nurse-facilitated support group helps moms and families with the adjustment during pregnancy as well as after the birth of a baby. Parents can subscribe online at york.ca/ parenting.

Parents looking for more information on any of York Region Public Health’s parenting programs, services or resources can visit York Region’s website: york.ca/parenting, or call Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY: 1-866-252-9933 York Region Pubic Health knows that being a parent is challenging and is committed to offering expectant moms and new parents the information, programs and services they need to help make the job of parenting easier.

Julia Roitenberg is the director of the child and family health division and chief nursing officer for York Region Public Health.

For more information about any of these programs or to find out what other programs and services are offered, visit york.ca.

5 PoWer Plants TO GROW OR EAT THIS SPRING B Y L E E A N N W AT E R M A N

In his most recent book, Power Plants, co-written with homeopath Bryce Wylde, gardening expert and City Television personality Frank Ferragine examines medicinal plants—vegetables, fruits and herbs that offer health benefits.

Here are his top five power plants.

2

Haskap berry

A common indoor plant, aloe vera has a long history in folk medicine. The gel or juice can soothe and treat minor burns such as sunburns and abrasions.

This sweet-tart berry is high in vitamin C, potassium and fibre and has five times the antioxidants of blueberries. Native to Canada and suited to Ontario gardens, the shrubs grow to 1-1/2 to 2 metres wide and tall and berries ripen in late spring.

3

4

1

Aloe vera

Oregano

Oil of oregano is rich in vitamin K, which promotes bone health, and dietary antioxidants. Many people also believe oil of oregano can aid in warding off cold symptoms.

Cayenne peppers

This fiery pepper is usually only eaten in small doses, but can pack a big punch. It contains a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C and iron. Eating cayenne peppers can provide a slight boost in your metabolism.

5

Dandelion

A nuisance to many homeowners, dandelion greens are nutritional powerhouses, high in vitamins K, A and C and a good source of calcium and iron. The roots and flowers are also edible. Dandelions are believed by some to support a healthy immune system and improve digestion.

The statements above should not be considered medical advice. Please check with your primary health care provider before starting any treatment.

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Infinite.

Invincible.

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That’s how a kid should always feel.

Call today for a home or auto insurance quote, we’ll donate $10 to Southlake Regional Health Centre.

Proceeds will go towards priority needs like paediatric care, so this tyke can stay a hero. Indefinitely.

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