Dry Dehydrated Winter Skin With winter fast approaching we can expect cold weather and dry dehydrated skin. Dry dehydrated skin can be a temporary condition or a lifelong concern. This time of year it is more likely to be a temporary condition. Prolonged exposure to cold winds, forced air heating and low temperatures can dry out the skin and contribute to premature aging. Excess intake of alcohol and certain medications can also contribute to dry or dehydrated skin. One of the biggest consequences of dry, dehydrated skin is an increase in sensitivity. A thorough skin analysis is your ultimate tool in successfully treating this challenging skin condition. Use a gentle cleanser everyday, and an exfoliator once a week to remove the dead skin cells, hydrating masks are also available to give that thirsty skin a drink. Follow up with a hydrating serum and a good protective moisturizer. Being Canada’s leading health and beauty retailer, we offer a large variety of dermatological products suitable for all skin types and skin concerns. Stop by our cosmetic department for a complimentary skincare consultation. Sherry Chaput Cosmetic Manager Shoppers Drug Mart 1000 Islands Mall Shingles It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will develop Shingles. Shingles is caused by the Herpes Zoster virus - the same virus that causes Chickenpox. After recovery from Chickenpox, the virus remains in the body and lies dormant in the central nervous system; which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Nerves connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body, and shingles occurs when the virus travels down nerve fibers causing a new infection. In a majority of cases, the virus begins to multiply again causing shingles for no apparent reason.
Some possible triggers for shingles include: Ageing - 10 times more likely to occur in people over 60 than in children under 10. Diseases -Diseases such as certain cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma and also HIV or AIDS compromise the immune system. People with HIV are 25 times more likely to get shingles than the rest of the population. Cancer treatments - Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can lower resistance to disease Stress or trauma - Psychological and emotional stressors Medications - Immunosuppressive drugs to prevent transplanted organ rejection and prolonged steroid use, such as prednisone. After a transplant 25-45% of people may develop shingles. Children - Youngsters whose mothers had chickenpox late in pregnancy or had chickenpox in infancy themselves. Signs and symptoms of shingles: Usually the Herpes Zoster virus affects one nerve, on one side of the body. Symptoms occur in the area of skin that the nerve supplies. Most commonly the symptoms are pain (constant dull, burning, or gnawing pain; sharp, stabbing pains that come and go), tender skin and a rash, often on one side of the body. Occasionally, two or three nerves alongside each other are affected. The nerves involved are usually those that supply the skin on the chest or abdomen (stomach). The rash has the appearance of chickenpox but only on the band of skin supplied by the affected nerve. Red blotches emerge that develop into itchy fluid-filled blisters. New blisters may arise for up to a week. Inflammation/swelling may be caused in the soft tissue under and around the rash. People with lesions on the torso may feel spasms of pain at the gentlest touch or breeze. The blisters will gradually dry up, form scabs or crusts, and begin to fade in 7-10 days. Minor scarring may occur where the blisters have been. A shingles episode can often last between 2 and 4 weeks. The upper face, including the eye area is also a common site, called optical shingles. The virus invades the ophthalmic nerve, may cause painful eye inflammation and cause temporary or permanent loss of vision. 1-5 days after the pain begins, a rash will typically appear. Shingles Vaccine (Zostavax) At Shoppers Drug Mart we offer Zostavax Clinics to aid in the prevention of Shingles. The Zostavax vaccine is administered to people 50 and over who have had chicken pox. The vaccine requires a Prescription from your Physician. Zostavax greatly reduces the chance of developing Shingles, and in cases where Shingles does develop, it greatly reduces the severity and complications resulting from Shingles. To learn more about Shingles and our Zostavax Clinics or to make an appointment, please check with one of our Pharmacists by stopping in or calling our Pharmacy. Shoppers Drug Mart is the place for your Shingles prevention. Mark Leslie Pharmacist/Owner
From Our Publisher
Welcome to the December issue of KnowBrockville, Brockville’s only locally owned newspaper. December is the month of giving and receiving, seeing friends and family that you have not seen for a while. However, we also take time to consider the less fortunate in our communities. There are many in our communities that cannot afford a Christmas like we do and we all should do our part to help them.
Centennial Road Church hosted Jingle Jam Wrapped Up at the 1000 Islands Mall on December 13th. Jingle Jam was a musical variety show, it consisted of a multimedia production using music, dance, video and comedy sketches to help families build character, faith. This was an opportunity to experience the Christmas story in a fun and unique way. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Martha Moon.
As a small business owner I give to community groups on a regular basis throughout the year and Christmas is no different. At Christmas we choose to donate to the local food banks and toy drives, this year we also purchased some snowsuits for the Kinsmen Club Snowsuit drive. It not only gives you a sense of pride in knowing that you are helping someone, but it just may make that person’s day just a little brighter. Brockville is a very giving community and we are all proud to be part of it. This December issue is filled with the many events that we have covered during the past month. Each month our talented team of photographers are covering more and more events in the community and are being well reveived when we do. January 1st will bring a new year and new dreams and goals. As you sit and think about what you would like to accomplish in 2015 remember we can all achieve our goals if we set our hearts to it. At KnowBrockville we have huge plans beginning in January 2015. You may have seen some changes in this edition but much more is to come. We will be doubling our distribution and adding a number of communities where we will be distributed and covering events in. Until next month I wish all of your friends and family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Tim Sharpe Owner/Publisher
Marking Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, the staff and members of Curves Brockville raised $1550 to support The Brockville General Hospital’s (BGH) Mammography Department. “Everyone participated,” explains Curves Manager, Lenora Towell-Howard. “We had membership promotions and collected coins in a large vase. Our club held a Silent Auction, Fifth Avenue Jewelry Sale, Mary Kay Aloette and Avon Sales along with a Craft Sales. The amount raised this year is the largest amount donated to date and our way of supporting our local hospital.” The Brockville and District Hospital Foundation (BDHF) is extremely grateful for this year’s donation bringing the 6 year donation total to $7211. Pictured presenting a bouquet of thanks (l-r), Heather Halladay, BDHF, Board Member; Lenora TowellHoward, Manager, Curves Brockville and Debbie Wilson, BGH Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Operating Room, Ambulatory Care Unit, Brockville Cardiovascular Unit and Patient Flow. (Submitted)
Life in the Forces- A Salute to a Veteran By Laura MacPhee
Local military veteran Adrian O’Neill joined the Canadian Forces in 1980, becoming a member of the Brockville Rifles, an Infantry Regiment of the Canadian Army Primary Reserves. O’Neill trained as an infantryman for three years, finding satisfaction in the discipline, challenge, opportunity and camaraderie military life entails. In 1986, these facets drew him back to the military as a member of the regular forces, serving as a Mobile Support Equipment Operator (MSE Op) for the next 12 years. While the discipline required for success was difficult, the skills attained through training provided an opportunity for a fulfilling career. In O’Neill’s words, “It’s a career that any young person can do, and any trade you can think of, you can do in the military.” According to the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces website, the ratio of support personnel to field personnel (including air and sea) is 7:1. This number indicates the diversity in skilled trades needed to ensure optimal operation of our forces, and demonstrates the wide scope of opportunity available to individuals who join the military. O’Neill’s career took him to various bases throughout Canada, including Halifax, Petawawa and Chilliwack. He also served in Nato missions in Norway and Denmark, and completed a 7-month tour in Somalia in 1993. It was this experience in Somalia that greatly impacted O’Neill. Life in the Forces- A Tour of Duty By Laura MacPhee Adrian O’Neill’s 1993 tour of duty in Somalia tested his metal. For seven months he slept in a tent in the desert, enduring heat which on some days reached +57C, nights dropping to +26C. “You were cold at night because of such a drop” O’Neill said, especially sleeping in a tent in the middle of the desert.
The dust and sand were incredible, and the lack of rain ensured a steady film of dust covered everything. The meals featured bagged and boxed food, and were otherwise known as “rations”; these rations were “only made for living on for about a month, and by then there should be fresh food coming in” O’Neill recalls, however in reality, very little fresh food was to be had. But the discomfort of the living conditions paled in comparison with the humanitarian horrors Adrian witnessed. The civil war, drought, famine and starvation encompassing Somalia at this time claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. O’Neill says, “There was a 300km road coming from the north, and they (Somalians) would keep walking until they died. There were bodies everywhere ... lining the roads. When we got there and had to clean them up ... there would be a hundred bodies and you’d dig a big hole and put them in.” Because the scale of death was so large, many military personnel struggled to mentally process the devastation witnessed. Unlike today, there were no opportunities to de-brief prior to returning home from a tour. As O’Neill recalls, “We were leaving Somalia. There was a lot of fighting, a lot of artillery, we’re trying to get out and there’s a lot of shooting ...and eighteen hours later you’re sitting at home ... how do you deal with that?” O’Neill, in fact, did not deal with it at all until many years later. Life In The Forces- The Aftermath The horrors of Somalia in 1993 are difficult to forget. After struggling with anger, depression, and a sense of hopelessness, triggered by his experience there, Adrian O`Neill was finally diagnosed in 2005 with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). According to the Canadian Mental Health Association website, PTSD is a “mental disorder involving exposure to trauma involving death, or the threat of death ...” which may include events such as “war or conflict”. For many, the shame surrounding a “mental health” diagnosis is horrendous, resulting in untreated symptoms. Luckily, Adrian O’Neill had the courage to seek help and, after multiple doctors’ assessments and medication trials, the long road to recovery began. In 2006, O’Neill began volunteering with Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS), a program born of a partnership between the Department of National Defence and Veteran Affairs Canada. OSISS provides a forum for veterans to support each other through sharing their experience, strength and hope. This support has proved invaluable for O’Neill. Prior to attendance at OSISS meetings, O’Neill felt completely alone in his feelings and behaviours. “I thought I was the only one who was acting like this, or feeling like this” he relates, but listening to the stories of others helped him realize he was not alone. It was for this reason O’Neill started an OSISS group in Brockville, which meets every second Wednesday at the armoury. The regular attendance of members and constant influx of new people illuminates the prevalence of people suffering from PTSD. But O’Neill’s story proves that, with the right help, a normal, fulfilling life is possible. O’Neill’s final posting was at Camp Borden, where he provided training for personnel. After retiring from the military in 2009, Adrian started his own heavy equipment training company, Aspire, attributing his success to the training he received while in the forces. He also joined the Falcons Motorcycle Club, a group consisting of currently serving and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The bikers are a close knit group, and the camaraderie is essential for O’Neill’s well-being. One challenge of living with PTSD is the propensity towards isolation, so involvement with OSISS and the Falcons ensures Adrian’s days aren’t spent hiding from the world. Though the road ahead will undoubtedly have bumps, O`Neill`s courage in confronting his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder will serve him well, and his efforts to bring PTSD to light in this community will, without fail, give hope to a soul in need. For more information on Operational Stress Injury Social Support, please visit www.ossis.ca
From The Stacks - By The Brockville Public Library Best book to give Less than one month to go til the big day! Have you made your lists and checked them twice? So now all you need to do is actually make the purchases? I thought not! In case you are looking for some last minute inspiration the friendly BPL staff would like to suggest some of their favourite books to put under the tree. Who better to judge a book by more than it’s cover? We hope you find something to suit your needs so you can relax and savour the season. Merry Christmas! Lisa: I always include a copy of the board book edition of Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown with any gift I give to the parents of a new baby. It is a timeless classic and the perfect addition to a child’s first library.
Linda: This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate by Naomi Klein. In October she picked up the richest non-fiction literary prize in Canada for this book. I bought it for my husband who is a meteorologist, an environmentalist and an artist.
Margie: Author Amanda Lindout had always dreamed of travelling around the world. In her early twenties she took a job as a cocktail waitress at an upscale Calgary bar and was finally able to earn the money she needed to travel. With each trip Amanda turned into a more adventuresome and intrepid traveler. In 2008 Amanda was kidnapped by Islamist insurgents in Somalia. She was held in captivity for 460 days. A House in the Sky is Amanda’s gripping and courageous story of how events unfolded. Amanda: If I were giving a gift of a book to someone, I would definitely choose, Plenty More: Vibrant Vegetable Cooking from London’s Ottolenghi by Yotam Ottolenghi. This book would make an amazing present to anyone in love with food. From the soft padded hard cover to every breathtaking photograph – this cookbook is a feast for the eyes and the recipes are simply brilliant. Now you might be thinking, “What – no meat – no way”, but let me tell you these vegetable dishes make full use of beautiful oils, butter, artisan cheeses but all used with constraint. The book is organized by cooking method and emphasizes spices, seasonally and bold flavors. If you are looking for a gift for me, feel free to select this book as otherwise the library might never get its copy back ;) On The Right On Saturday December 13th Merry Bookmas took place at the 1000 Islands Mall. It was an opportunity to meet local authers. The show was organized by the Friends Of The Brockville Library. Photo by KnowBrockville photographer Martha Moon.
Jennifer: One of my favourite books to give as a gift to children under 7 is Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go (by Richard Scarry). This book is great for boys due to the multitude of moving vehicles but it also works for girls because it is about a family on a road trip doing things together. Younger children love to look at the busy pictures and discover new vehicles like the bananamobile while older kids can discuss Dingo Dog’s poor driving and find Goldbug on each page. Kathy: One of my favourite books is Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife. Although I am not typically a science fiction or romance reader this book would definitely appeal to both groups. It is a nice long story that you can sink your teeth into. Suspend any disbelief in time travel and get ready to immerse yourself in the protagonist’ unpredictable, emotional and, occasionally, embarrassing life. Brandy : My favorite book to share is No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod. Filled with picturesque Canadian landscape, and rythmic storytelling of the clan MacDonald, this book is essential Can-Lit for literary fiction readers.
Brockville Police 2nd Annual Toy Drive
This year marked the 2nd year for the Brockville Police Association Toy Drive. This year members purchased Christmas gifts for 50 local children who have been selected by Children and Family Services. On December 15th members of the Police Association dropped the toys off at the CAS office in Brockville. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Martha Moon.
Little Shop of Horrors Media Preview
From January 8, 2015 to January 10, 2015 students from both BCI and TISS will be putting on performances of The Little Shop of Horrors at the BCI Auditorium. On December 12th they held a media preview where they invited local media to see the cast. This show is an interesting show and I am sure will be a great production by some very talented high schools students. Photos by KnowBrockville photographer Martha Moon.
BGH Staff Toy Drive Supports Infant and Child Development
Community Christmas Celebrated
On December 13th a large crowd gathered at the Wall Street Church in Downtown Brockville to celebrate a community Christmas. Some of the entertainment included The Brockville Concert Band, Heather Eyerly and The Brockville Community Choir, The Alexander Big Time Band and more. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Martha Moon.
In this photo celebrating the donations towards the BGH Infant and Child Development Program are WHAT and Program team members. Pictures are Kathy Workman, Cecile Loiselle, Megan Johnson, Diane Clarke, Lauren Andrews, and Megan Thomson. (Submitted)
MAKING PLAY POSSIBLE BENEFITTING FROM TWO OCTOBER EVENTS
Kinsmen’s Snowsuit Drive passes goal!
The 26th annual Kinsmen Club of Brockville Snowsuit Drive ended on Monday, Dec 8th. They passed their goal of 1300 snowsuits with a total of 1435 snowsuits collected which represents 110% of our goal.
A cheque in the amount of $2000 for the combined events was presented on December 4, 2014. Pictured in the photo, left to right, are: Brent Scott (committee member), Jamie and Christa Monds, Kent Henderson, Jordan Blanchard (committee member), Sarah Leonard (committee member), and Dan Thompson. Making Play Possible’s committee members are very thankful for the funds generated through third party events in our community. (Submitted)
14 Women Remembered in Brockville
At O’Mally Kourt Fudgery the Victim Issues Coordinating Committee of Leeds & Grenville hosted the 25th Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre on December 6th. Fourteen women were murdered by a lone gunman walking through the halls of l’Ecole Polytechnique. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Martha Moon.
Procter and Gamble donates $250,000
On December 12th Procter and Gamble employees surprised staff from the United Way with a $250,000 cheque for this year’s campaign. Originally P&G had hope to donate $200,000 but when they heard the United Way’s Campaign was running behind they stepped up even more! Way to go P&G! Photo by KnowBrockville photographer Martha Moon.
Music @ Mac Johnson
On December 6th visitors to the Mac Johnson centre were entertained by The Hoolies. There was also apple cider and hot chocolate to enjoy beside the fire. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Martha Moon
Brockville Farmers Christmas Market
Photos with Santa @ The Brockville Dog Park
The first Christmas Market by the Brockville Farmers Market was held today at the Brockville Rowing Club. There will be other Christmas Markets on Saturday December 13th and 20th. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Martha Moon. On December 6th there was an opportunity to have your pets photo taken with Santa at the Brockville Dog Park. The event was a fundraiser for the dog park. Both the dogs and the humans had great fun with Santa. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Martha Moon.
I Am Alive Dog Rescue Gift Wrapping @ the 1000 Islands Mall
Brockville Rotary Santa Claus Parade
The 1000 Islands Mall in Brockville once again are giving local community groups the opportunity to offer gift wrapping services to help raise money. I Am Alive Dog Rescue has the great opportunity leading into Christmas to use this as a chance to raise much needed money to help them rescue more dogs and cats!
Alight At Night @ Upper Canada Village
It seems like with every Christmas that passes the more technology is involved or some might say is taking away the spirit of Christmas. Many of us dream of returning to a time when Christmas was magical. Unfortunately, they have not invented time travel yet but you can take a trip to a time when Christmas was magical.Head to Upper Canada Village for their Alight At Night Festival. Every winter thousands visit this magical display of lights that make you feel like you have travelled back in time. Perhaps it is the sounds of horse and sleigh passing you but it is a wondeful time.
The Rotary Santa Claus Parade was once again a successful event with thousands of adults and children alike turning out to show their support. The chilling weather did not deter those waiting patiently for a glimpse of old St. Nick, who did not fail to inspire the Christmas in all of us!! Submission and photos by KnowBrockville photographer, Don R. Corneil
Brockville Police Chief Steps Up
The United Way of Leeds Grenville are predicting a 5-7% shortfall on their fundraising goal and they are trying to rally the community to help lessen this shortfall. On December 2nd local media were invited to cover Brockville Police Chief Scott Fraser signing a pledge card to show his support for the United Way. We are hoping our followers and advertising clients if at all possible are able to help. You can call the United Way at (613)342-8889 to make a much needed donation. Photo by KnowBrockville Photographer Martha moon.
30 Hour Telethon presents cheque for $243,000
On December 1st Bruce Wylie chairperson of the 30 Hour Telethon presented Tony Weeks Brockville General Hospital CEO and the Palliative Care fundraising team with a huge cheque for $243,000. The 30 hour telethon benefits hospice palliative care services at the Brockville General Hospital. The 2015 Telethon is planned for Saturday, February 28th 2015. Photo by KnowBrockville photographer Martha Moon.
James Purcell Insurance presented with a donation of blankets!
The brokers from James Purcell Insurance presented Leeds Grenville Interval House with a donation of the IBAO’s signature ‘bipper’ fleece blankets today. The presentation is part of the company’s participation in the community’s ‘Country Christmas Remembered’ events. In this photo is James Purcell, Kimberley Wright & Colleen Purcell. Photo by Martha Moon.