Lifestyles Magazine July-Aug issue 2013 by Lifestyles Magazine

JULY AUGUST 2013

Your Guide to A Healthy, Happy, Balanced Life

country gardens

MARK CULLEN chef marcel’s

BBQ SECRETS prunes

SUPERFOOD? mediterranean diet

LIFESTYLES CHANGE patio & deck

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contents Vol 2 No 4

country garden MARK CULLEN

mediterranean diet LIFESTYLES CHANGE

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colour 101 DESIGN IDEAS

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chef marcelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BBQ SECRETS

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prunes NEW SUPERFOOD?

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Welcome to LSM, Orilliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own lifestylesmagazine.ca, dedicated to delivering articles designed to enhance a Healthy, Happy, Balanced Life. From designing and decorating your own home, to healthy eating and exercise, to just plain relaxing, travelling and building your dreams, we intend to deliver stimulating articles that lead to personal well-being and happiness.

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P29 CONSERVE WATER PG8 GUIDE TO GRILLING PG12 ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST PG14 GLAUCOMA IS TREATABLE PG15 HELP FOR VERTIGO PG16 HEALTHY SLEEPING PG18 SAVE MONEY ON DECOR PG19 BUILDING IN THE WOODS PG20 WEIGHT LOSS WOES PG22 GREEN CLEANING PG24 BREWING ICED TEA PG24 PICKING A DAY CAMP PG26 SCRAPBOOKING PG29 OUTDOOR SAFETY TIPS PG30 Chef Marcel, Chef Extraordinaire, Sixteen Front, Orillia. COVER PHOTO: by Brock Weir

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...providing you have the gift of space!

fter gardening in the suburbs for 25 years, I am now a “country” gardener. Mary and I moved to her family farm, built a house there and now I enjoy a lovely 10 acre garden. There aren’t a lot of books around on the sole subject of the “big country garden” so here are a few ideas to keep in mind if you have the gift of space.

Plant in wide swaths

Mark Cullen’s

The Country Garden

With a large lot, you have the luxury of creating dramatic sweeps of colour by planting large numbers of the same flower. (Just one or two flowers will look lost on the big canvas.) You can also use statuesque plants – big specimen perennials such as Joe-Pye weed, white fleece flower and giant maiden grass – that would overpower a small garden.

Use repetition

Repeating elements within a garden to create a pattern or rhythm is a sound design technique especially if you are trying to unify a large space. Repeat large elements such as clusters of shrubs or groups of trees, and small elements such as mounding border plantings of bellflowers or alyssum, as your space allows. I’ve seen gardens where a particular shape was repeated to great effect – for example, spheres of allium, globe

cedars and boxwood. Or, you can repeat one or two colours, whether in plants or structures.

Create generous borders

If planned and planted thoughtfully, garden borders can give your large property a more “homey” feeling. By planting generous borders on all sides of the yard, what I call framing, you’ll create a feeling of intimacy that many large yards lack. In smaller gardens, the depth and length of borders may be dictated by the size of your lot. But in a larger garden, you can frame your whole yard with the garden border. Begin your design process by looking at the views from the windows in your most frequently used rooms. These views should be framed and enhanced by plants and structures. Draw a rough plan of your property and the house placement. Using a grid made up of straight lines, determine where those frames should fall and where you want major pathways. Avoid blocking desirable views. Establishing a basic geometry so that major elements are aligned will give the garden a strong underlying structure. Within this grid of straight lines, you can create curved beds and walkways that are secondary to the main path system. Keep the borders proportional to the size of the overall garden. Place shade or flowering trees in the remaining lawn area, being careful to provide them with room to grow without blocking attractive views from your home.

Divide the space

To add variety and give the feeling of a more intimate space, divide your country garden into a series of smaller gardens or “rooms”, using the grid you have laid out. These rooms can be defined by hedges, fencing, trellises, pathways, or hard furnishings. Berms, ground covers and flower borders can also mark the transition from one area of the garden to another. Arbours planted with vines can act as doorways. A series of attractive arbours will draw visitors on a tour of your garden without your ever having to leave your lounge chair.

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Maintaining the Country Garden

There are several approaches or tricks that you can use to work with nature to produce a splendid-looking garden without having to quit your day job to look after it.

Pick plants that naturalize

Consider the soil and the growing conditions on your land and choose plants whose needs match those conditions. The plants will thrive, either self-seeding or producing many off-shoots. Plants that spread on their own (i.e. naturalize) will save you a lot of work. I think of the wonderful display of lupines that I see in the Maritimes every summer and I am reminded of the many gardeners I’ve met from there who don’t think much of these flowers – they naturalize so vigorously they are sometimes considered weeds! In Ontario, where they aren’t so easy to grow, lupines are prized for their colours and ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. While it seems that we often want what is the most difficult to grow in our gardens (like rhododendrons in Ottawa), fighting the natural climate or growing conditions in your region is not the best ecological way to go.

Create a Xeriscape

Derived from xeros, the Greek word for “dry”, this approach to gardening is all about using less water, and therefore making less work. Choosing

drought-tolerant plants is key to a xeriscape, as is holding moisture in the soil via mulch, wind barriers and soil amendments. Watering systems such as soaker hoses and drip irrigation make the most of every drop.

Group plants

Grouping plants with similar needs cuts down on the time and effort required to keep them looking good. For example, combine plants that need consistent moisture in an accessible spot close to your water source to make watering quick and easy.

Mulch

Mulching is the best trick for creating a lowmaintenance garden. In addition to holding moisture in the soil, it reduces the amount of weeding dramatically by preventing weed seeds from germinating. A good layer of mulch insulates the soil against temperature fluctuations. It allows the soil to warm up more quickly in

the spring and protects the root systems from direct sunshine. While lawn isn’t generally considered low-maintenance, I like to think of it as a sophisticated ground cover – a cool, green section of grass makes a pleasant visual break between beds and garden areas. Since many country gardens rely on well water as an irrigation source, and water conservation is crucial, choose hardy, drought-tolerant grass seed varieties. Don’t worry if the lawn goes brown during dry spells; it almost inevitably bounces back when rain and cool temperatures return. The secret to lawn survival is to prepare the planting area well with a 10cm (4”) layer of triple mix, which combines equal quantities of peat, compost and topsoil. Excerpts from The Candian Garden Primer Mark Cullen, Orillia Home Hardware

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How to conserve water and benefit the environment

Strategically watering a lawn and garden to reduce evaporation is one way homeowners can conserve water around the house.

co-conscious men and women have many options at their disposal when it comes to protecting the environment. One such way is to conserve water. Conserving water can be done in a variety of ways, many of which won’t require much effort at all. The following are a handful of ways to

conserve water to benefit the environment. Upgrade your home’s water features According to the Environmental Protection Agency, toilets, showers and faucets account for two-thirds of all indoor water use. If you haven’t upgraded these items in recent years, chances are they’re not very eco-friendly. In the past, toilets used between 3.5 to 5 gallons of water per flush. But today’s low-flush toilets use 1.6 gallons of water or less per flush, significantly reducing the average home’s water consumption. Older showerheads may also be unnecessarily wasting water. EPA estimates suggest that showers account for roughly 20 percent of total indoor water use. Older showerheads typically consume about 4.5 gallons of water per minute, while newer, low-flow showerheads consume just 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Such showerheads are inexpensive and can drastically reduce your monthly water consumption, helping the environment while saving you money. Change your landscaping practices Homeowners with a green thumb can employ a more eco-friendly approach to tending to their lawns and gardens without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. One way to do so is by watering in the early morning hours or during the evening, especially during the hot summer months. Doing so means less water will be lost to evaporation, which means you won’t have to over-water to make up for the water lost to evaporation that’s common when a lawn or garden is watered during the hot and humid daylight hours. How often you cut the grass can also contribute

to excessive water consumption. Allowing the grass to grow taller will provide more shade for the lawn’s roots. This makes for stronger roots and more water retention in the soil, which translates to less watering. Another way to conserve water when landscaping is to strategically locate plants based on their water needs. Group plants with similar water needs next to one another and, if planting a garden for the first time, look for plants that do not need lots of water to survive. This is especially important for those people who live in regions where temperatures are particularly high during the spring and summer. Become more conscious of your water consumption and usage One of the easiest ways to conserve water is to become more conscious of the various ways in which you waste water on a daily basis. Nearly everyone wastes water, be it running the dishwasher when it’s not full or using a washing machine without a variable load control or letting the faucet run continuously while brushing your teeth. When you resolve to conserve more water, take note of the ways you might be wasting water throughout a typical day, and then alter those behaviors to be less wasteful. Conserving water is essential to protecting the environment. Adhering to a few simple and efficient strategies is all it takes to reduce your daily water consumption, do your part to protect the environment and maybe even save a little money along the way.

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Chef Marcel shares his BBQ secrets

Cedar Planked North African Cornish Hens

ummer or winter, I love to BBQ, be it on the patio, by the water, on the boat or even outside my ice fishing hut. Contrary to popular belief, you can BBQ anywhere and you can put anything you want on the BBQ! You can keep it simple, with only a few ingredients like fresh herbs from your garden and homemade BBQ sauce, or you can get creative with some cedar planks, salt slabs, even stones from your garden. Add your favourite marinades, flavoured sprays, even a specialty glaze. The options are endless. For me, cooking on the BBQ is a lot of fun and incredibly creative!

Here are a few handy tips

Start with a clean grill. Always scrub the grill when it is hot. It is much easier to clean that way. Get an old clean dish towel and put some vegetable oil on it and rub this on the grill. This will help prevent foods from sticking to it. Always preheat your BBQ to maximum temperature, searing your ingredients on high heat to start. This includes meat, veggies or fish. Why? This locks in all the juices. Then you can reduce the heat to finish the cooking process. Always keep a spray water bottle on hand in case of flame flare ups. And, for the perfect combination, add your favourite summer beverage! Here are a couple of recipes from Chef Marcel’s BBQ cooking class.

Cook’s Notes These cornish hens are rubbed with a streamlined version of the Moroccan spice mixture RAS AL BANOUT, marinated and roasted with lemons and oranges. Don’t serve the fruit with the chicken since the fruit is used for flavouring only. Ingredients 4 cornish game hens 2 lemons - halved 1 orange - quartered 5 garlic cloves 1.5 tspn salt 2 tbsp smoked paprika 2 tspn cumin seed 2 tspn ground ginger .25 tspn cayenne pepper .25 cup olive oil 4 cedar planks (soaked in water for approximately 4-6 hours) 1. Using a sharp knife or cleaver, split each hen down the back and open it up flat. Arrange the hens, skin side up on the cedar planks. Squeeze the lemons and oranges over the hens and then place the squeezed lemon and orange pieces beneath the hens. 2. On a clean work surface sprinkle the garlic and salt. Using a food processor or mortar & pedestal, chop them together to form a paste. Scrape the garlic paste into a bowl and add the smoked paprika, cumin, ginger and cayenne. Gradually stir in the oil to make a paste. Spread the paste on the skin and let the hens stand at room temperature for 1 hour before roasting. 3. Season planks and place hens on planks. Cover and BBQ on medium-high heat for 45 minutes to an hour.

Try this ... Israeli Couscous! 16 oz of Israeli Couscous (cook according to package instructions) 1 pint of cherry tomatoes cut into quarters 1 cucumber cubed 1/2 an onion BBQ’ed and cubed 1/2 a red and yellow pepper BBQ’ed and cubed 1 bunch of asparagus BBQ’ed and sliced one inch in length 1 tspn mild curry powder 2 tspn red wine vinegar 1 small bunch of chopped basil 1 cup of roast garlic dressing Combine all ingredients together.Then eat drink and be merry! Chef Marcel www.sixteenfront.com

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Families can embrace a Mediterranean diet

Opting for seafood instead of red meats is one component of the Mediterranean diet, which offers a number of health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.

ealthy eating is a top priority for many families. The search is always on for foods that taste good, appeal to the masses and provide adequate nutrition. The benefits of a Mediterranean diet have been touted for years. New information has emerged that reveals the potential of the Mediterranean diet to reduce a person’s risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a diet rich in fish, nuts, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and red wine can significantly reduce a person’s risk of developing heart-related ailments. The study was the first large, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effects of the Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular health. The research included more than 7,000 participants, each of whom were randomly given one of three different diets. These included a Mediterranean diet with extra virgin olive oil, a Mediterranean diet including extra nuts and a typical low-fat diet. Some of the findings include: • Overall risk for major cardiovascular events were lowered with the Mediterranean diet. • A Mediterranean diet that included extra servings of nuts cut stroke risk by 46 percent.

• Extra servings of extra virgin olive oil reduced stroke risk by 33 percent. • Although the low-fat diet was most effective at lowering participants’ cholesterol, it was the least effective at preventing heart attack, stroke and deaths from cardiovascular disease. This evidence debunked the common philosophy that cholesterol is the major contributor to heart health risks. According to the British Medical Journal, a Mediterranean diet does not only provide cardiovascular benefits. It also has been shown to reduce overall mortality, death from cancer and incidences of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The Mayo Clinic says that the diet is composed of recipes from regions that border the Mediterranean Sea. There is a heavy emphasis placed on vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and olive oil. Dairy, red meats and sweets are heavily limited. Those interested in adopting a Mediterranean diet should realize it is largely a lifestyle change. Start by selecting fish and white meats over red meats. Fish can be enjoyed at least three times per week. Then incorporate more nuts, legumes and omega-rich oils into the diet. Supplementation with olive oil can include up to four tablespoons per day. Aim for eating three servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables daily. Men and women should consult with a doctor before modifying their diet and their kids’ diets.

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grilling with wood & smoke

low smoked chicken, ribs, and brisket are staples of the traditional North American barbecue. The deep smoky flavours and falloff-the-bone tenderness is a hallmark of the lowand-slow — a low temperature, cooked over a long time — cooking technique. Originally, open pit fires were used for the slow cooking process. Luckily, with a smoker box, wood chips and a gas barbecue, backyard chefs can now taste the smoky flavour of wood and cook with the convenience of gas. Here are some helpful tips for adding smoky flavor to your next backyard meal. • Wood chips should be soaked in water for at least an hour before using. Drain them and add them to a stainless steel or cast iron smoker box. • Fill the smoker box two-thirds of the way with chips and place the box on either the heat plate above the burner or on the cooking grids.

• Add wood chips five to 10 minutes before putting your meat on the grill —raw meats take on smoky flavours much better than even slightly cooked meats. Having a smoky environment to start will enhance and deepened flavours. • Smoked meats will have a deep, pink ring on the outside — this indicates how deep the smoke has penetrated your meat. • Hickory is probably the most famous smoking hardwood. It imparts a strong hearty flavour to meats and is used mostly to smoke pork shoulders and ribs. • Mesquite is one of the most popular woods, it is sweeter and more delicate than hickory, and is a perfect complement to richly flavoured meats such as beef, duck or lamb.

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Prunes as a superfood are revamping fruit image

he public has certainly heard of prunes, but most people do not eat them on a regular basis. Prunes are traditionally the go-to food for a person who has digestive issues and needs help with constipation. Their reputation as a laxative has created somewhat of a negative image of prunes, but learning about the many health benefits of eating prunes could change the public perception of this fruit. Prunes, also known as dried plums, are among the healthiest foods a person can eat. Not only do they have benefits for the gastrointestinal system, they are high in antioxidants, may help prevent premature aging and can promote cardiovascular health. The plum is related to the peach, cherry, nectarine, It was found that prunes apricot, and almond. The Japanese plum is the most had more than twice the commonly eaten fresh plum, while the European plum is the one traditionally dried to turn into antioxidant capacity of prunes. Plums have been eaten for centuries, and in Chinese mythology the plum tree is associated other superfoods, like with great age and wisdom. Plums are one of the blueberries and raisins. most widely cultivated fruits. Prunes are usually made by dehydrating the fruit quickly with the use of natural gas heat in dehydrating tunnels. Essentially, We carry a large selection of Mind/Body/Spirit Books, heating elements and fans are used Crystals & Stones, Unique Gifts, Statuary, Incense, to force hot air Divination & Healing Tools. through plumfilled tunnels. At We also specialize in this point prunes Alternative Health Services, can be stored or processed further IonSpa Detox Footbath, for packaging. Amethyst Bio Mat Some prunes Intuitive Readings are processed with potassium and Classes. sorbate, which is a preservative that improves the shelf life of packaged prunes. Prunes also are generally washed

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and steamed to return some of the moisture to the fruit. Other prunes are hot-packed so they are processed without any preservatives. What makes prunes (and plums) nutritional powerhouses is that they are very high in antioxidants, substances that help fight free radicals in the body that contribute to illness. According to researchers from Tufts University in Boston, prunes rank No. 1 in terms of antioxidant capacity. It was found that prunes had more than twice the antioxidant capacity of other superfoods, like blueberries and raisins. Dried plums also rank above fresh plums in having a greater capacity of antioxidant power. Prunes contain high levels of hydrocinnamic acids (phenol compounds), which give them their antioxidant boost. Prunes are very high in dietary fiber, containing between 6 to 7 grams. As many know, dietary fiber is the part of plant foods that the stomach and intestinal enzymes cannot absorb into the bloodstream. Fiber will remain in the colon and absorb water, which helps soften the stool before it is passed. Prunes also contain sorbitol, which is a mild colon stimulant. This will help speed up the passage of stool and reduce the risk of constipation and hemorrhoids, and may reduce risk of colorectal cancer. Individuals may not be aware that prunes also contain high amounts of polyphenols, which are known to restore bone mass and structure, according to Heal With Food. Therefore, dried plums are part of osteoporosis prevention treatment for postmenopausal women. Various studies have indicated prunes may have beneficial effects on bone mineral density, bone formation activity and the production of boron, which is thought to play a role in the prevention of osteoporosis. Prunes also may help prevent certain types of cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, foods high in fiber and vitamin A may offer some protection against cancers of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts as well as cancers induced by chemicals. The phytonutrients in plums also can inhibit in-vitro breast cancer growth without adversely affecting normal cell growth. It is well known that eating prunes and drinking prune juice can help keep a person “regular,” but the nutritional benefits of dried plums extends beyond their value treating gastrointestinal conditions.

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Summer Road Trip “Car Preparation” Checklist q Brake inspection – A thorough inspection

reparing your vehicle for summer road trips can be an overwhelming process, especially if you are planning on travelling with children or pets. Here is a “car preparation” checklist to have your local dealership or technician go over to ensure your travels this summer are stress free and enjoyable. q Air conditioning – having a fully functioning A/C unit in your vehicle will provide comfort to you and your passengers from the extreme summer temperatures

of your vehicles’ braking system should be completed prior to leaving on your trip. Your technician should inspect the brake fluid level, rotor thickness, pad wear and condition of hoses and brake lines. q Exterior lighting – If you happen to be towing a boat, motor home or any type of utility trailer, ensure all exterior lights on the trailer (as well as your vehicle) are operating. This will save you a potential ticket for any burned out headlights or brake lights. q Air filters – there are usually two filters located in a vehicle, your engine air filter as well as your cabin air filter. Having a clean engine air filter will help your car breathe easier which results in more desirable fuel mileage and a clean cabin filter is a must for anyone suffering from seasonal allergies. q Tire pressures – having the right amount of air pressure will not only save you money in fuel costs, but it will also keep your tires wearing longer and enhance vehicle handling.

Manufacturers recommend pressures can be located on a placard, typically attached to your vehicles’ door edge. q Radiator – an overheating vehicle is never a fun experience. Having your radiator, hoses and coolant levels checked for leaks, loose hose clamps or damage will give you peace of mind while travelling. q Engine oil – if your oil change interval falls while you are away from home, it would be highly beneficial to have it completed early. This will save you time, money and stress while on vacation, locating an available garage or dealership.

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Glaucoma, M a common but treatable disease

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any people expect some moderate loss of visual acuity as they age. Though some people can go a lifetime with 20/20 vision, many do need to get prescription eyeglasses as they age or get stronger prescriptions if they already wear glasses. Glaucoma is one of the more common vision issues men and women face as they age. Though anyone, including newborn babies, can get glaucoma, older people are at a greater risk. That’s important for men and women to know, as the Glaucoma Research Foundation notes that glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, and roughly 10 percent of people who receive proper treatment will still experience loss of vision. Because it is so prevalent, glaucoma is something men and women should familiarize themselves with so they’re more equipped to recognize its symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible.

What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is not a single disease but the name used to refer to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. Located in the back of the eye, the optic nerve is responsible for carrying information from the eye to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve can eventually lead to loss of vision.

How does glaucoma develop? One of the first things to happen when a person gets glaucoma is the loss of peripheral vision. This is enough to motivate many people to visit their eye doctor, who will then develop a course of treatment to restore vision. Those who experience a loss of peripheral vision but do not seek treatment may notice their overall vision is worsening, and total blindness can result.

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Are all glaucomas the same?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases, and not all glaucomas are the same. There are three types of glaucomas, and each has its own set of symptoms. • Open-angle glaucoma The most common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is gradually damaged. Eyesight will be slowly lost, and one eye may be more affected than the other. • Closed-angle glaucoma When a person has closed-angle glaucoma, which is somewhat rare, the iris and the lens block the movement of fluid between the chambers of the eye, causing pressure to build up as the iris presses on the eye’s drainage system. • Congenital glaucoma Congenital glaucoma is rare and most often affects infants at birth. Children and young adults can also get congenital glaucoma, though such instances are also rare.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

The symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type. Vision loss is the only noticeable

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symptom of open-angle glaucoma, and that vision loss is likely to affect peripheral vision, which may not be noticeable until it’s severe because the healthy eye will make up for the loss. By the time sharpness of vision is affected, significant vision loss has likely occurred. Closed-angle glaucoma may cause mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they tend to do so in short periods that occur in the evening and disappear by morning. In some instances, symptoms can be severe and will require immediate medical attention. These symptoms include sudden and severe blurring of vision; severe pain, either in the eye itself or the surrounding areas; redness of the eye; nausea and vomiting; and possibly colored halos around lights. Symptoms of congenital glaucoma may be present at birth or develop as a child becomes a toddler. These symptoms may include watery eyes, sensitivity to light, an eye or eyes that appear cloudy and eyes that appear larger than normal because the eyeballs have enlarged due to pressure. A child may also be experiencing congenital glaucoma if he or she is frequently rubbing his or her eyes or squinting or keeping his or her eyes closed much of the time.

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Does your world spin ... from Vertigo? Chiropractic care can help

f you suffer from vertigo, you will feel as if the world spins around you, or even like you are spinning in the world. Vertigo symptoms are usually aggravated by certain head movements or positions, and often can be relieved by closing your eyes and staying still. You may even feel nauseated, vomit, sweat, and have ringing in the ears or inco-ordination from the spinning sensations. Episodes can last minutes to hours and recur often. Vertigo can definitely restrict many enjoyable physical activities and alter how you live your day to day life. There are many causes to vertigo. After the more serious causes have been ruled out, chiropractic care can help vertigo from TMJ disorders, head trauma, whiplash, headaches, motion sickness, benign positional vertigo, to some extent Meniereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease, chronic postural

w h ith ta om th x c es e h re re ea di no lt t f v a hy or ti Se on ni or s

stress, and causes rooted in foot disorders. Serious causes may include brain tumor, stroke, multiple sclerosis, heart disorders, or infection. The primary concern is how the brain centers and spinal tracts function for balance and movement control and co-ordination. Chiropractic treatment is applied to the proper alignment and workings of joints in the head, neck, spine, face, jaw, and foot. This all helps spatial awareness and signals back to the brain for movement co-ordination. Sometimes crystals form on the hairs in the inner ear and a chiropractor attempts to dislodge these through specific head placements. One study done on 112 cervicogenic vertigo patients showed excellent results post chiropractic cervical correction. Bring your world into focus this summer by seeing a chiropractor for your vertigo and nervous system functional correction. You may be dancing at New Years!!! Dr. Lynn Dowswell, Dowswell Chiropractic, 705-325-0832

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Colour 101 “ I would like to repaint my home, but am at a loss at deciding which colours work best. When selecting colours, is there a general rule that I should follow?”

Before

After

olour is the main tool that interior designers use in creating maximum impact with minimum financial input. For the cost of a gallon of paint, it is the most inexpensive way to create drama in a space. When establishing a colour scheme for a client, I typically ask what colours they gravitate to? What atmosphere are we trying to create, and what is the particular function of that room? Colours have inherent psychological properties that can effect our behaviour and mood. For example, reds tend to excite and stimulate our appetites, making it a perfect colour for accent walls in dining areas and kitchens. I would think twice about painting a child’s room red, for that very purpose.

Typically, greens and blues have a calming effect, so therefore are perfect for rooms of relaxation such as bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms. Yellows can brighten a space, especially if they are void of natural light. Use yellow in moderation though, as it is one of the most difficult colours to be around for long periods of time.

Complementary, analogous and triadic colour combinations always create a sense of harmony and balance. When establishing a colour scheme, always think about repeating the same colour or tones of that colour throughout to create a sense of flow. Typically, neutrals work well through transitional spaces, such as hallways and stairwells. Although neutral spaces can be quite striking on their own, it’s always fun to add a splash of colour, using accessories, artwork or even a simple panel of painted wall as shown in this client’s living space. You can benefit from the impact of colour without a huge commitment. Creating a feature wall or accent wall in a contrasting paint colour from the rest of the room can add interest and draw attention to the main furnishings such as the sofa and artwork in a living room or the main headboard wall in a bedroom. Have fun experimenting with which colour speaks to you! Nancy Lem, Interior Designer www.NancyLemDesign.com

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Create

a peaceful healthy sleeping environment It is easy to overlook the benefits of a good night’s sleep. Without adequate rest a person can be left feeling irritable, distracted and sluggish. Those who repeatedly do not get enough sleep could be facing other health problems as well. For some, the secret to getting a better sleep is modifying their sleeping environment. Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate insufficient sleep has become a public health epidemic. An estimated 50 to 70 million American adults report having a sleep or wakefulness disorder, and women are twice as likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Plus, one in three people suffer from some form of insomnia during their lifetime.

n some instances, lack of sleep or too much sleep might be indicative of a medical condition, but it could just be related to poor sleep hygiene and an uncomfortable sleeping environment. Making some changes could make all the difference. • Start with your mattress. You will spend between seven to 10 hours in your bed each and every night. An uncomfortable mattress could be an underlying factor in your sleep problems. If your bed is several

years old, it could pay to invest in a new mattress and box spring. If you sleep with your spouse and your bed is too small, upgrading to a larger size could provide the room you need. If you cannot afford a new mattress, buying a mattress topper in memory foam could mask any problems for the time being. • Balance light and dark. In order to trigger sleepiness at the right time, it is essential to get at least 30 minutes of natural sunlight each day during the morning or afternoon. In the evening, begin dimming the lights to trigger the body’s natural internal clock and stimulate the production of the natural hormone melatonin, which relaxes the body into sleep. Keep a dark bedroom — invest in blackout curtains if need be. • Consider white noise. Giving your brain a noise to associate with relaxing sleep can help you drift off more quickly. White noise can also mask other sounds that may distract sleep, such as traffic outside or a partner snoring. White noise can come from a special alarm clock that provides soothing sounds of rain or waves. Many people find running a fan in the bedroom provides the right amount of noise.. • Make the bedroom a cozy retreat. Your bedroom should be a relaxing sanctuary. Fill it with cozy cushions and pillows. Make sure the room is clean and clutter-free. Relaxing blues and purples can be soothing colors to use in decorating, and the use of lavender essential oil could also add to the relaxing environment. • Avoid distractions. When setting up your bedroom, do not fill it with electronics, such as a computer, tablet and television. These devices could contribute to wakefulness and actually impede your ability to get the rest you need. • Keep cool. A cool bedroom is key to drifting off to sleep. Sweating and overheating can keep you awake, so drop the temperature down at night and dress lightly for bed. You want to feel comfortable and not too hot or cold. If sleeplessness becomes a chronic problem and is not alleviated by changing the sleeping environment, visit a doctor.

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How to give a room a new look without breaking the bank

edecorating a room or an entire house can change the entire feel of the space dramatically. But an unpredictable economy has made many consumers a little more particular when it comes to spending on home décor. Changing elements in a room does not have to be expensive. A few updated pieces or accessories can give a room an entirely new look without breaking the bank.

Slipcovers

Slipcovers are no longer the amorphous sacks they once were. Slipcovers now come in all different price points. Spending a little more can mean getting a style that is elasticized or formfitting, which will conform to the contours of a sofa or love seat. This is a simple way to cover up an outdated style of sofa fabric or a chair that has seen better days. Slipcovers also are a good way to protect new couches from damage when there are children or pets in the home. To get the right slipcover, measure the piece of furniture you intend to cover. Without the correct fit, even a well-crafted slipcover can look awkward and cheap. Pay attention to the material of the slipcover, so you know it will be durable and thick enough to cover an existing sofa fabric pattern.

Knobs and Pulls

Breathe new life into older furniture by changing the knobs, draw pulls and handles. Many times furniture comes with standard brass knobs that can look dated over time. Using sleeker, more

streamlined knobs can make traditional furniture look more modern. Changing pulls from metal to wood can make a room look more earthy or country. Home improvement stores and accessory retailers stock a wide variety of handles and knobs that can transform just about any piece of furniture. And what cannot be found in a store can most likely be purchased online.

Paint or Stain

Painting a room’s walls a different colour can provide immediate results. But furniture also can be painted and stained. Many times older furniture is made from quality wood, not the type of composite or pressboard wood of some less expensive furniture options. That means that finishes can be stripped and replaced with new stains. Turn a dated dresser into something that looks brand new with a new stain colour or a coat of paint. Think about painting or staining using foam sponges to reduce the appearance of brush lines.

Accessorize

Swapping out curtains, throw pillows and even wall art can easily and often inexpensively transform the look of a room. Homeowners can purchase accessories with bright colours that add a pop of brightness throughout the room and can provide a pick-me-up for neutral design tones. Older lamps can be given a new look just by replacing lamp shades. There are many affordable options at discount stores and major retailers.

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Area rugs can also transform a room with little effort. Bring in a new colour scheme with a different patterned rug and carry the pattern to stairways with runners.

Bare Minimum

Sometimes less is more, and this can also pertain to home decorating. Revamping a room can be done by subtraction as well as addition. Homeowners can explore the option of taking out a piece of furniture that may be cumbersome and blocking foot traffic. Removing knickknacks from shelves and thinning out the use of collectibles can make a room more airy and inviting. Before money is spent on changing furniture or accessories, people can look into what they can remove from the room to freshen it up. Giving a room a new look and feel can be done without breaking the bank.

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Building in the Woods

any people daydream of designing, building and living in a home or cottage in the woods. This time of year, the forest is so green, serene and welcoming, a lovely place to play and live. But there are a number of factors to keep in mind if a woodsy wonderland is your ultimate dream destination. Firstly, build your home to take advantage of those green views and hopefully a south facing façade. Make sure you plan your principal rooms with windows facing your best views of the woods and trees. Privacy is key, so put windows where you aren’t gazing into the neighbour’s yard, or onto the roadway. If you can, site the house well back from the road, so you are truly nestled

into the woods on all sides of the home. Whatever you do, don’t over clear your lot. You bought the lot because you love the woods and wanted to live in the trees, so don’t take them all down. Clear only what you need to for house, septic and well, and live there for at least a year, through all the seasons, before you take any more down. Go over the site plan and the site carefully with your contractor so that you have a clear understanding of what trees are being taken down, what areas are being cleared and why. Make sure your contractor takes precautions on preserving the site. Heavy equipment driving over and compacting the root systems of trees will kill them. You can get tree mats or mulch to lay down to help protect tree bases and make sure boom truck deliveries and other tall equipment is clear of breaking off any

branches. If damage is done to trees, you will generally lose them within five years. One last thing. Living in the woods can be buggy, so always plan for a screen porch in your woodsy retreat. You can enjoy the beauty of the green without the sting of mosquitoes while enjoying your green oasis. Kristi McKechnie B. Tech Arch Sci. www.scottinc.ca

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Weight loss woes? Think about your Thyroid!

t’s time to talk weight loss again, an ongoing and emotional struggle for many. How many of you can relate to the following frustrations: “I do everything right, exercise daily, eat a clean diet, ensure adequate protein, and still... I can’t seem to shed a pound!” If this sounds like you, it’s time to look into your thyroid function. The thyroid is a small endocrine gland with a large responsibility. It sits just below the Adam’s apple, and produces two hormones, very simply known as T3 and T4. These hormones have the mighty job of controlling metabolism, and thereby regulating temperature, growth and overall function of the body’s many organ systems. The most common diagnosed thyroid condition is hypothyroidism. Subclinical hypothyroidism is arguably one of the most common undiagnosed conditions, period. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is one of the first tests run when investigating thyroid function through your MD or Naturopathic doctor. In Canada, the normal

reference range runs between .35 and 5 mlU/L. A high reading (>5) can be confusing, as it indicates below normal thyroid function. TSH works on a feedback loop, stimulating the production and release of T3 and T4. When T3 and T4 are at adequate levels, TSH decreases. In the case of hypothyroidism, the thyroid does not respond the way it should to TSH, which continues to increase waiting for T3 and T4 to kick in. This is why a high reading demonstrates low function. Subclinical hypothyroidism challenges the accuracy of the current reference range, as many individuals can and do experience significant symptoms of low thyroid function while testing ‘within the normal range’. Whether you have a diagnosis of hypothyroidism or are suspected of having a subclinical hypothyroid condition, the symptoms are generally the same – insomnia, fatigue, poor memory or mental fatigue, hair loss, depression, and weight gain, to name a few. Imagine something that is slowing your metabolism, regardless of healthy dietary and lifestyle interventions. Unless this ‘something’ is addressed the results you are working for will

never be obtainable. Hypothyroidism is often treated with a pharmaceutical medication known as levothyroxine, which will help to support weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. If you are looking to try the natural route first, l-tyrosine, ashwaghanda and kelp can also be extremely effective in supporting thyroid function. If you are experiencing sudden weight gain, or difficult weight loss, talk to your health care practitioner and have your thyroid levels checked, and get to the root of your weight loss challenges.

Dr. Jody Snider, Naturopathic Doctor www.RestorationHealthCare.com

Welcome Gloria!

ennis and the team at Laclie Pharmacy are very pleased to welcome Gloria Beazley-Broad to our award winning pharmacy. Gloria has worked in Orillia a number of years and is well known for her great customer service and caring manner. Gloria would like to thank all of her loyal customers from her previous workplace for making it a joy to come to work and feel appreciated. If you would like to follow Gloria and receive the service that you have become accustomed to, transferring your prescriptions and health records to Laclie Pharmacy is FREE of charge. We look after all the details. Feel free to call one of our team members or better yet, drop by to experience the difference in our appearance and customer service first hand….. your health depends on it!

Sincerely, Dennis Lee Owner/Compounding

Pharmacist

Laclie Pharmacy has invested in your health!

Due to Liberal government funding cuts to pharmacies in Ontario, some pharmacies have had to decrease expenses (staff) to remain viable which translates into longer wait times for prescriptions, automated phone lines, a lower quality of customer service and the possibility of prescription errors.. We have two pharmacists on duty and sufficient staff to service our clientele in a timely and efficient manner (usually 10 to 15 minutes for new or repeat prescriptions). We don’t have an answering machine or an automated phone service… you actually get to talk to a real person right away, honest!

Transferring

Carolyn Bucik

your prescriptions

Great Customer Service Team!

We have grown in size and increased the number of staff to provide you with the great customer service that we are famous for. We have won a number of awards over the years including “pharmacist of the year” and “pharmacy of the year” a number of times. I get a lot of the credit, but it would be impossible to accomplish this without my excellent team. This same team has been together many years which affords consistency in staffing that translates into better customer service. You know us, but more importantly, we know you! We are LOCALLY owned and operated and proudly support our community. We are a full service pharmacy with an emphasis on SERVICE.

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

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

Dennis Lee Owner/Compounding Pharmacist

Laurie Fors

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Prepare a deck or patio for entertaining

ew things are better than having a functional and beautiful outdoor space to entertain guests. Establishing an entertaining space and maintaining that space are essential when planning another year of fun in the sun. There are many things homeowners can do to ensure their entertaining space is safe and functional. Include some landscaping and decorating components to your plans to make the space as comfortable and aesthetically appealing as possible. Here are a few key tips for readying your yard for entertaining possibilities. Expand on these basics to customize an area for your unique needs.

• Check the area for any needed repairs. Prior to your first entertaining session, look over the deck or patio to take note of any flaws that may present safety hazards. Are there any loose railings? Are all screws and nails flush so they don’t cause tripping? Are there any cracks in concrete or loose patio blocks? Be sure to remedy all of the repairs needed to ensure guests will be safe. If you’re unsure of any structural deficits, consult a contractor. • Hire a reputable contractor. If you are just laying the groundwork for a new patio or deck, it is important to get the necessary permits and then hire a person who has been properly vetted. Check qualifications and licensing before hiring a contractor and ask to view a portfolio of his or her previous work. Word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted friends and family members are good, and you can also double-check qualifications by contacting the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged or use a service such as Angie’s List to read reviews of his or her work.

• Think about closing in a portion of a deck or patio. • Consider a fireplace or fire pit. For centuries The use of a canopy, netting or even greenery to man (and woman) has gathered around fire protect an entertaining space can help minimize for socialization and a means to warming up. weather-related damage to outdoor furniture. Having a backyard fireplace, pit or chiminea is a Netting will keep a good number of biting insects conversation-starter, a decorative focal point, and at bay when the weather is warm and humid. a functional tool to extend the Having a bit of concealment also means you can seasons where outdoor create a private space that isn’t easily viewed by entertaining can take neighbors or passersby. place. Place the fire wisely and • Plan well-defined areas. Just as rooms serve with concern for different purposes inside of the home, outdoor safety. It should areas can be separated according to usage. Establish be out of the way a sitting nook where guests can gather and talk. of foot traffic, but Have a bar or serving area where refreshments central enough so that are made and served. Make sure there is a shaded it can be a gathering point. area for when the sun is too uncomfortable. Have a sunny area where people can soak up a few rays or dry off after a dip in the spa or pool. Don’t forget to establish a spot for the kids!

• Invest in quality outdoor furniture. Today’s yards are extensions of a home’s interior. Guests no longer want to sit on uncomfortable metal or plastic furniture. There are many different outdoor sofas and chairs that are as stylish as they are comfortable. These pieces can be matched to the décor inside your home for a cohesive look. • Accessorize. Consider the creature comforts of indoors and mimic that outdoors. Don’t shy away from hanging artwork on an exterior wall or using urns or pottery to decorate the space. Weather-resistant materials ensure everything from clocks to televisions can be used outdoors. Think about having an entire set of serving dishes and other entertaining items for the outdoors. When refurbishing outdoor entertaining areas, emphasize comfort, safety and functionality. Remember all treated deck lumber doesn’t have to look “green”. Try the new cedar look, as shown, stocked by Orillia Home Hardware.

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Garment Care ... the move to green cleaning

ave you ever wondered how all Roman senator’s kept their toga’s nice and white? They took them to the dry cleaner! Back then it was called a fullery. Laundering services in Rome and it’s provinces were such big business that many of the government senate seats were held by fullers and there was a fullers guild. They weren’t just using soap and water either. They had figured out that there is a certain amount of chemistry involved in stain removal and that a mix of urine and fuller’s earth would take out those nasty grease stains Yes, urine. They even taxed its sale. Once they moved away from the use of good old soap and water they became a “dry cleaner”, something we are all familiar with. Much research and development has gone into moving away from solvents and back to good old soap and water. The new machines and surfactants being developed can handle the most delicate garment with less stress to the environment. Wet cleaning or green cleaning as it is known in the industry does not use hazardous chemicals, and doesn’t generate hazardous waste. The specialized detergents and conditioners used in the wet clean process are milder than home laundry products. All of the products can be disposed of down the drain and are easily handled by local waste water treatment facilities. A reputable wet cleaner should be able to compete in the industry without having to pass on extra cost to their customers. A good cleaner should also stand behind their quality guarantee and take full responsibility for damaged items. If you ask questions and get to know your cleaner and their policies you’ll ensure the best possible care for your favourite garments. Susan Welden www.fabricare.ca

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Brewing Iced Tea

here are many choices when brewing your own iced tea. While there are some teas I would never consider icing, that doesn’t mean that you can’t! When choosing a tea to serve iced try thinking outside the box and consider green and white teas as well. Both make wonderful, healthy, cold drinks. Now, let’s look at the choices you have when preparing. In addition to the traditional brewing method (boil your water and brew the leaves), you can also try sun tea and cold brewing.

To prepare sun tea you will need 1. A glass jar or container, preferably with a top so nothing can land or crawl into your tea 2. 4-6 tablespoons of premium loose-leaf tea (Moroccan Mint Green, Delicious White Lychee, Peach Apricot Black are excellent choices) 3. 8 cups of cold water Place tea leaves in the container, pour the water on top and place the container in bright sunlight for approximately two hours. When the tea is ready, remove the leaves and serve over ice. The other method of preparation is cold brewing. With this method, the cold water draws out or pulls the flavour from the leaf as opposed to hot water, used in traditional brewing, which pushes the flavour from the leaf. Subsequently, cold infusion is a much slower, gentle method that results in a smooth, more subtle, naturally sweet tasting tea.

To prepare a cold infusion tea you will need 1. A glass jar or container with a top 2. 4-6 tablespoons of premium loose-leaf tea 3. 8 cups of cold water Pour water over the tea leaves and place the container in the refrigerator for 8-10 hours. When the tea is ready, remove the leaves and enjoy. One word of caution, brewed tea has a shelf life! Not only can bacteria begin to form but time and exposure diminish the health benefits.

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For best results remember Tea stored at room temperature should be kept no longer than 2 days. Tea stored in the refrigerator should be kept no longer than 3 days. Also, sugar won’t generally dissolve in cold tea so try honey, agave syrup or artificial sweeteners if you like your tea sweet. Laurie Neill, White Lions Tea House www.WhiteLionsTeaHouse.ca

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Keeping kids active once the school year ends

In many ways, today’s kids have busier schedules than any previous generation of youngsters. Many extracurricular activities, including sports, require a nearly year-round commitment, and the dual-income household has landed many kids in after-school programs where kids tend to their schoolwork or engage in various activities that keep them from resting on their laurels.

ut those busy schedules get a lot less hectic when the school year ends. Once school is out, kids used to a full schedule might find themselves with lots of time on their hands. Though it’s good for kids to squeeze in some rest and relaxation during their summer break, it’s also important for kids to stay active so they don’t develop poor habits as the summer goes on. In addition, the American Psychological Association notes that kids who are physically active are more capable of coping with stress and tend to have higher self-esteem than kids who do not include physical activity as part of their regular routines. The following are a few suggestions for parents looking for ways to keep their kids active throughout the summer while still allowing them to recharge their batteries after a long school year.

Plan an active vacation.

Summer is when many families go on vacation, so why not choose a vacation that involves more than napping poolside? Though it’s still good to leave some time for relaxation, find a locale where you can embrace activities like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, or other adventures that get you and your youngsters off the poolside chaise and out exploring. Such a trip might inspire kids to embrace an activity more fully, getting them off the couch not only while they’re on

vacation but also when they return home for the rest of summer.

Teach kids to garden.

Gardening might be seen as a peaceful and relaxing hobby, but it still requires a lot of elbow grease and hard work that pays physical dividends. A garden must be planted, hoed, weeded, and watered. As well, gardening gets kids out of the house to enjoy the great outdoors. When growing a vegetable garden, kids might embrace the chance to be directly involved in the foods that will eventually end up on their dinner tables. Parents can embrace this as an opportunity to teach the value of eating locally produced foods and the positive impact such behavior has on the environment.

Go swimming.

Few adults who work in offices haven’t looked out their windows on a sunny summer day and thought how nice it would be to be spending that afternoon making a few laps in a lake, at the beach or in a pool. Kids have the same daydreams during the summer, so take a day off every so often and take the kids for an afternoon of swimming. Swimming is a great activity that exercises the entire body, including the shoulders, back, legs, hips, and abdominals. In addition, swimming helps kids and adults alike maintain

Swimming is a fun and healthy exercise to keep kids physically active throughout the summer. a healthy weight while also improving their cardiovascular health. It’s hard for some people to find a place to swim once the warm weather departs, so take advantage of the summer weather and go swimming as often as possible while the kids are not in school.

Limit how much time kids spend watching television, playing video games or surfing the Internet.

Many of today’s kids are as tech savvy as they are busy. But it’s important that kids don’t spend too much time online or on the couch watching television or playing video games. Such activities are largely sedentary, and they can set a bad precedent for the months ahead, even when the school year begins once again. Parents should limit how much time their youngsters spend in front of the television or the computer during summer vacation, keeping track and turning the TV or computer off if they suspect kids are spending too much time staring at the screen instead of being active. Kids might not love it when you turn their video games off or minimize their access to social media, but explain the limitations at the onset of summer and let kids know you expect them to be physically active even if it is summer vacation.

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Tips for a Successful Summer Day Camp Experience

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re you considering sending your child to summer day camp? If so, you’ll want to check out these top 10 tips from Lakehead Orillia’s CampU to help ensure your child’s camp experience is the best it can be!

For parents 1. Attend the camp’s open house to see the facilities and learn about camp activities and procedures before the first day. 2. Review the camp’s policies and procedures with your camper before camp starts. 3. Make sure that you are aware of camp drop-off and pick-up times. You may need to look for extended care programs. 4. Encourage your child to explore their interests and also try new things! 5. Ask your child about their daily experiences at camp and encourage them to keep a journal of special memories and keepsakes.

For campers 1. Is it your first time going to camp? Why not bring a friend!

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2. Try something new – YOLO! (If you have no idea what this means, your kids will!) 3. Set a goal to make at least one new friend while you are at camp. 4. Get to know your camp counsellors - they are your summer camp experts! 5. Each day share something about camp (like a favourite activity) with your family. Day camps allow children to strengthen their emerging skills, meet new friends with similar interests, and learn important leadership and teamwork skills. Summer camp can open the door to lifelong interests and friendships, so encourage your child to make the most of every day at camp! Lakehead University Orillia CampU Counsellors www.lakeheadu.ca

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Make the most of your river cruise

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acationers often want to make the very most of their escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In addition to seeing the sights and sounds their chosen destination has to offer, men and women on vacation also want to pencil in some time for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Perhaps no vacation option offers that balance better than river cruising. Unlike ocean cruising, river cruising emphasizes the destination, allowing guests to reach more cities and attractions than they could access via ocean cruising or bus tours. And, in between locales, cruisers can still kick their feet up and enjoy majestic views so they don’t miss out on any of that coveted R&R. That ability to offer the best of both worlds is one reason river cruises continue to grow in popularity. The fastest-growing segment of the cruising industry, river cruising has increased at double digit rates for the past several years, tripling the growth rate of ocean cruising over that time. First-time river cruisers can make their experience even more memorable by employing a few tricks of the trade. • Compare all-inclusive offerings. Before booking a river cruise, shop around and compare each company’s all-inclusive offerings. Though logic might suggest every “all-inclusive” offer is the same, that might not always be the case. All-inclusive pricing typically features accommodations and all onboard meals, but some companies sweeten their all-inclusive packages with extras. Some cruises, for example, offer daily guided shore excursions and culturally relevant multimedia talks in their all-inclusive package. Compare all-inclusive offerings to find the best fit for you. • Book early. Booking early has its benefits with most vacation options, and river cruising is no exception. Some cruise lines offer great deals for passengers who book early, and these deals might include airfare incentives that can drastically reduce the cost of international airfare.

• Remember the essentials. Once your trip is booked, don’t forget to pack the essentials, including all relevant travel documents. International travelers will need their airline tickets and passports, and it’s also a good idea to notify your bank and credit card company that you will be traveling overseas. This ensures you will be able to use your ATM card and credit card at will without raising a red flag with your bank and credit card company back home. In addition, pack any medication you’re currently taking and, though seasickness or nausea is highly unlikely when traveling on a river, any additional over-thecounter medications that might help you counter any unforeseen bouts of indigestion or headache.

• Be a traveler for all seasons. Some river cruises will take travelers to a host of cities and quaint locales. Passengers frequently awake in an exciting new destination each day, enjoying new scenery and vistas that can change drastically from day to day. These destinations don’t always offer the same weather, so remember this when packing and pack clothes that can handle whatever weather you might encounter. River cruising continues to grow in popularity as travelers increasingly look to vacations that combine the allure of international travel with the rest and relaxation of a scenic river trip.

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hen the economy took a turn for the worse several years ago, many families had to cut costs in order to make ends meet. For many families, that meant leaving vacations on the cutting room floor. While the economy has rebounded, uncertainty surrounding that comeback has prevailed for many families, who remain hesitant to book a traditional vacation for fear of spending money they might be better off saving. The sacrifice of traditional vacations has led many families to embrace the “staycation,” wherein families still take time off to be with one another but do so largely at home rather than heading off to an exotic locale or resort. A staycation is a great way for families to rediscover their own communities and spend quality time together without the hustle and bustle of airports or highways. Families who still find themselves hesitant to commit to a more traditional vacation can heed the following tips to ensure their staycation is a success. • Go out to dinner. Part of the fun of a family vacation is getting to enjoy some nights out on the town. But even if you’re not straying far from home this year, you can still enjoy the cuisine your community has to offer. Dine out a few

Make the most of your ‘staycation’ A staycation can still include some family fun at the beach.

nights during your time off, making sure to enjoy a few different restaurants instead of relying on one your family frequents throughout the year. Dining out on a weeknight will create the feel of a more traditional vacation, and you might just find a new restaurant you and your family love and can revisit in the years to come. • Absorb the local culture. The daily grind has a way of making life hectic, and chances are you and your family don’t get to enjoy your own community’s culture throughout the year. Take advantage of the time afforded you by your staycation to soak up all the culture and recreational activities your community has to offer. Visit nearby museums, take in a performance at your local theater or explore a nearby park, be it for a day of hiking or a more laid back picnic in the sun. This can help everyone reacquaint themselves with the reasons you chose to settle down in your community. • Go camping. Just because you’re having a staycation doesn’t mean you have to stay home. Spend a few nights away from home by taking the family on a camping trip. The fee to stay at a nearby campsite is negligible when compared to the cost of hotel rooms for an entire family, and you won’t spend nearly as much on food

Scrapbooking

Your picture is worth a 1000 words or more!

crapbooking is a great hobby when it comes to lifestyles. What a great way to add life to your pictures especially when combining photos with paper, embellishments, words or anecdotes to describe an event. The event can be everyday happenings to extraordinary and oneof-a kind events like a wedding or birth of a child. Start by choosing a paper with colours, designs, patterns or themes that suit your photos and size of album. Three to four photos are commonly grouped together but a page can look great with just one photo enlarged or many photos creatively cut down to size. This is a great way to “save” photos that are not high quality or have a lot of

unnecessary background. Tools needed are pretty basic and straightforward. A slicer where a blade slides along a ruler or a straight edge is used to trim paper or photos down to size and can accommodate 12” x 12” paper. Photos are often matted, given a background that is slightly larger that gives it a crisp edge or border allaround. Choose adhesives that are acid free, so as not to damage your photos over time. A pair of scissors, a ruler, some paper and photos and you are on your way. Embellishments can include notes or journaling about the event. Creativity comes in

because you’ll need to bring your own to the campsite. Camp during the week instead of on the weekends, and you might have more of the campground to yourself. • Head for the beach. In its National Coastal Population Report examining population trends from 1970 to 2020, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that 39 percent of the United States population lived in counties directly on the shoreline. North of the United States, Canadians know they are surrounded by three oceans and have access to thousands of additional bodies of water, including the Hudson Bay, Bering Sea and Gulf of St. Lawrence. That means access to the water and the beach is readily available for Americans and Canadians who wish to spend part of their staycation with some sand between their toes and the sound of waves crashing on the shorelines in their ears. Make time to visit the beach on your staycation, and you might be able to recreate the feeling of a more traditional getaway. Staycations have become a staple for families looking to avoid expensive resort vacations. But staying close to home can still be just as fun as traveling abroad.

with stickers, trinkets, jewels, cards, cut-out shapes, and ribbon. There are specially designed 3D add-ons with flat backs that can be easily adhered to paper but just about anything goes - coins from a trip to concert tickets, magazine clippings, newspaper articles, certificates and greeting cards. These all can be added with the right kind of adhesive or can even a be removed easily with removable adhesive or photo corners if you think that you may want to use the item at a later date and be inspired to do something else creative with your keepsakes. Ellen Wolper www.PaperKapers.ca

healthy, happy, balanced life

LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

Safety tips

for outdoor enthusiasts

utdoor enthusiasts typically cannot wait to get outside and make the most of a beautiful day. But in their haste to enjoy the great outdoors, men and women can easily overlook safety precautions that protect them from potential hazards. Though it’s easy to get excited about a sunny day, it’s important for outdoor enthusiasts to take safety seriously. No matter your activity, always bring adequate sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, and remember to bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day. In addition to packing sunscreen and water, outdoor enthusiasts can employ various additional safety methods depending on which activity they choose to enjoy.

Cycling

Cyclists must always be on alert for those with whom they are sharing the road. While many motorists respect cyclists, there are some who see cyclists as a nuisance, and such motorists may drive recklessly around cyclists in an attempt to scare them off the road. Cyclists are oftentimes at the mercy of motorists, so it pays to stay as attentive as possible. Never listen to an MP3 player or another music player while riding a bike. Such a distraction could prove deadly if it takes your attention away from the road. Alertness is important when cycling, as are the following precautionary measures. • Always wear a helmet and reflective clothing that makes it easy for motorists to see you • Obey the traffic laws • Always ride with traffic • Inspect your bicycle and address any mechanical issues before each ride

Hiking

When the weather permits, few activities combine the benefits of physical activity with the aesthetic appeal of nature as well as hiking does. Hikers should never hike on poorly developed

trails or trails that are too difficult for them to handle, and they should have at least a basic understanding of the symptoms of altitude sickness. Always share your route with friends or family members before embarking on a hiking trip. This protects you if you should get lost or injured and you need a rescue team to find you. Hikers should also pack the following supplies before hitting the trails. • Compass • Flashlight and extra batteries • Whistle and signal mirror • Map of the park that includes the trails you plan to hike • Waterproof matches • First aid kit • Blanket

In-line skating and skateboarding

In-line skating and skateboarding are popular activities for adults and children alike. But even though you may associate such activities with your childhood, that does not mean the risk of injury is insignificant. In fact, even seasoned skateboarders and veteran in-line skaters have suffered broken bones or head injuries while skateboarding or skating. Proper attire is essential for skaters and skateboarders hoping to prevent injury, so be sure to wear the following gear the next time you hit the half-pipe or go skating by

the boardwalk. • Helmet • Knee pads • Wrist guards • Elbow pads

Water sports

Water attracts the sun, so it’s imperative that anyone planning to spend ample time on or around the water take steps to protect their skin. Wear appropriate clothing and apply sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 15. Never take to the water after you have consumed alcohol. Alcohol can dull your senses, making you less likely to recognize a dangerous situation should one present itself. If you plan on entering the water, always enter feet first and do your best to avoid swimming alone. When you employ the buddy system while swimming, you are ensuring there is someone there to help you should you begin to struggle or to alert lifeguards or other safety personnel should something go awry. If you to plan to fish on a boat, let your loved ones staying behind on land know where you plan to fish so they can share this information with authorities if your boat has problems or you don’t return on time. The great outdoors can be enjoyed throughout the year. But outdoor enthusiasts will have a much better time if they take the necessary steps to reduce their risk of injury.

Home Owners helping Homeowners

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