Lifestyles
NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2015
imagineer JIMI McKEE oral health for OVERALL HEALTH kids who GROW UP GIVING tasty take on HOLIDAY DINNER unique HOLIDAY PARTIES home selling SECRETS Scan
weekly for more
online!
y, h t al fe e H Li A o ced T e lan d i u Ba G ur ppy, o Y Ha
Shelley’s Trendy Finds!
These
past few weeks I have been noticing a great trend in MEN’S fashion! Lots of lovely wine coloured sweaters, pants and suits. Shades of rich Merlot/Bordeaux to softer Pinot/Shiraz shades of plum. Loving it! Ditch the brown and black for a nice maroon anything this winter. Very cool! Also, scarves in bold prints and plaids. Of course, solids paired with a nice suit make business attire and after five wear a nice transition from day to social time an easy transition. Shearling jackets also very en vogue for the fashion forward man!
For
the holiday shopping season a very nice, unexpected find was...wait for it...a terrific, delicious brunch offered at Milestones in Barrie’s south end offers many varied selections including a mimosa or caesar cocktail with your brunch price! Scrumptious food and great, friendly service. A must try for the Christmas shopper needing a break!
For
that special someone’s gift, check out Town’s Jewellers, Mississaga St., Orillia for all your “Bling’s the Thing” gifts. Offering everything from the full Pandora line of bracelets, charms, rings and pendants, the classy ELLE ladies line, to Simon G. diamonds as well as a great exclusive line of men’s jewellery by Aagaard. You will not be disappointed!
For a great drive
on a Saturday afternoon hit Cellarman’s Ale House just off King St., Midland for their Kitchen Party, a mixed kettle of folk, bluegrass, celtic and “open jams” Saturdays 1-4pm. Lots of fun, great food and lively music. Off the beaten path. Fun for sure so get there early as it is a small British Pub. Great imported beer and pub fare abounds. Atmosphere plus!
Check out Perfume
our latest music review. Varied and eclectic for all ages and musical tastes!
scents for the season vary far and wide for the ladies. From Thierry Mugler’s Angel, a vanilla/chocolate/ musk concoction, through the subtle Gucci Bamboo, a softer floral, to the ever stellar classic Jean Paul Gauthier “Classique.”
For our gents out there we have just as wide a selection! Alfred Dunhill. Yes, that Dunhill, the tobacco company, offers the hypnotic “Desire” a bit hard to find. Or, perhaps the classic from Christian Dior “Farenheit” an intense, deep woodsy scent with a lovely subtle sandalwood undertone, a trendy Burberry scent or Tommy Bahama for a tropical bend. As well, a Dolce and Gabbana “Blue” or the hip Guess/Marciano line of exclusive powerful aromas...your choice! A little goes a “loooong” way when it comes to good quality perfumes or men’s colognes.
Great buys
can be found in your local Joe Fresh clothing department for kids at Zehrs/Superstores-kids summer and fall clothing 50% off or more. Worth a look! Joe and Kelly Mimran always hit the mark with children’s trendy styles, designs, colours and fabrics. Fun stuff! Lifestyles Magazine is online 24/7, 365 days a year! Remember... “Weir Happy at Lifestyles Magazine.ca” R. Brock Weir Publisher/Editor brock@lifestylesmagazine.ca 705 330 2262
Shelley Weir Associate Publisher shelley@lifestylesmagazine.ca 705 330 1026
Linda Laforge Production | Creative | Design linda@lifestylesmagazine.ca 705 728 6218
LSM-lifestylesmagazine.ca is published six times a year by YouLink Inc. Contact us at info@ lifestylesmagazine.ca and visit us at www.lifetylesmagazine.ca. All rights reserved. Letters to the editor are invited. Please send letters to info@lifestylesmagazine.ca. Reproductions of any article, photograph or artwork without specific written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. The information contained in lifestylesmagazine.ca may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior wrtten permission. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. The options expressed in lifestylesmagazine.ca are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or advertisers. YouLink Inc., 3-200 Memorial Avenue, Suite 104, Orillia ON. L3V 5X6
contents NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2015
| VOL 4 NO 6
FeatureStory
CoverPhoto
“Always be positive!” You sure?
7 WHO IS JIMI McKEE?
“Positively!”
I call myself an Imagineer, meaning that every year my format changes. The more you change your creative style, the less blank spots there will be.
In this Issue 4
Shelley’s Trendy Finds
8
Hip winter coats in fashion
8
Bring music into your world
9
Ask the trainer
10 Improve indoor air quality 10 Kitchen & bathroom trending 11 Tips for trendy entryways 12 Make your holiday party unique 13 Tips for visiting a store santa 16 Home selling secrets revealed 17 Avoid food borne illnesses 18 Treats for unexpected holiday guests 20 Narrowing holiday dinner options
Features tips for
ORAL HEALTH
16
tasty take on
HOLIDAY DINNER
21
teaching kids
GIVING
22
6
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Meet Jimi McKee...Imagineer!
On a beautiful autumn day I sat down and had an insightful chat with our friend Jimi McKee artist, creative spirit, and totem pole carver extraordinaire. Who Is Jimi McKee?
I call myself an Imagineer, meaning that every year my format changes. The more you change your creative style, the less blank spots there will be.
Why Totems?
Twenty years ago I purchased 218 B.C. cedar totems long before they were popular. I realized very early on our heritage had not educated us in any way about their meaning or existence. I naively thought every hotel chain in Canada would want them for their grand foyers and lobbies only to find......they, in fact, did not! They did not find them either interesting or exciting. Fortunately, my friend Jeff in Port Carling, Ontario was holding an antique show. I asked him for a space to set up my totems to sell that weekend and he obliged. However, long before I got inside the building to arrange them for display, the initial four were immediately purchased. People lined up outside the arena where they were to be sold and on display bought the remaining 150 I had set up in the next 30 minutes!
Totem Pole Meaning?
They tell a story of a life, a family’s life, a school’s life, a history. I carve, in detail, events that have occurred within that totems story. Today poles are cool, “funky as hell”...even great being imperfect. I carve them for families, to tell their own story. Orillia’s Blues Festival pole depics all the musicians and what they played. Fun and very cool to do!
Let’s Talk Music
I started way way back in the 1960’s playing guitar and singing with a blues band in Toronto! Really enjoyed being onstage performing until an accident cost me partial use of my left foot and there went my aspiring musical career. Today I still play for pure enjoyment, usually harmonica with some buddies. We have a major blast when we get together at annual parties here at home and various spots in and around town.
What Makes Jimi McKee Happy?
When I am appreciated. Nothing better for an
artist than being appreciated for their work and talent. That may sound hokey, but it is true.
How Does Jimi McKee Relax?
For the past 42 years, my wife Karen and I go to the Florida Keys to fish, detox from all the paints I injest over the year and just mellow out. I find it gives me balance. I get away from the day to day pressures of an artist and just relax.
What Is Your Passion?
Learning something new! Whether it’s in my art, restoring sports cars or my music, there is just always something new to discover. Art is a pyramid of base blocks. Inhale everything. Be a human sponge! Do not be afraid to copy ideas from things you admire about others. This allows you to develop your own style and taste.
Late In Life Lesson?
“Always be positive!” You sure? “Positively!” Shelley Weir, Associate Publisher
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Hip Winter Coats In Fashion...Faux Real!
A
s we gently get nudged into the brisk, cooler temperatures it is good to know coats for this upcoming season are pretty hip. The big news...faux fur! Whether it be shaggy, smooth or vibrant in colour, Faux fur rules. Robe coats are very in fashion and are great for the office or after work as there is just a belt for quick on/off meetings. Hats and even gloves cuffed in the stuff (faux fur that is) are this winters hot ticket items. Even gloves designed for cold weather texting are very in vogue. Should your tastes gravitate to textile fabrics you too are not left in the cold. Candy colours and vibrants take
the lead this season. Pinks, plums, pastel blues and heather greys are all up there in popularity. Leather, should you choose...perhaps park your black and try a deep oxblood or maroon jacket. Deep greens are also trending this winter in leather. Leather sleeves on fabric coats also are here to stay for this winter anyway. Then there’s my personal fave, faux... leopard anything. Paired with a statement Coach, Michael Kors or Kate Spade bag... you can’t miss! So, you can see this winter you do not have to be out in the cold as the coat fashions abound...Faux Real! Shelley Weir, Associate Publisher
Bring Some New Music Into Your World This Season
S
ince the colder temperatures take a lot of us indoors its nice to hear some musical artists have new releases. Some great gift and listening ideas for the upcoming holiday season include: The Very Best of Celtic Thunder, a nice, mellow listen with some great energy. Josh Groban’s Stages, featuring all the old and newer live theatre songs. Great background for your next dinner party. Meghan Trainor’s Title, for the livelier side in all of us. More than all about that bass! Bahamas, nice easy listening in a smooth groove on his newest release. Damien Rice, my fave! His new Faded Tantrums offers great crossover Irish folk alternative sounds. Lucinda Williams, Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone, for the country rockers
out there. Hot new stuff. Barbra Streisand, Partners, classic Barbra. Enough said.
Enjoy. Bring some new music into your world. Sounds good to me! Shelley Weir Associate Publisher
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
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Ask the Trainer
Expert answers to your health and wellness questions
Why don’t I see anyone doing a warm-up prior to working out? That’s a great question, and one that’s relatively easy to answer. Most people simply don’t make time for a warm-up. Lots of folks just want to “get in and get out,” and don’t really consider the benefits of properly preparing the body for exercise. Let’s highlight a few of these benefits, so you have justification for incorporating it into your workout. A warm-up increases the temperature of your muscles and joints, which makes movement more efficient and reduces the risk of injury. It causes blood vessels to dilate, which shuttles oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, allowing you to achieve peak performance. It also prepares you for exercise mentally, heightening your senses and allowing you to focus and concentrate on the work at hand. There are lots of other benefits, but no matter why you do it, a simple fact remains. You will feel and perform better if you include a warm-up. Take five minutes, and do some light cardiovascular exercise, along with a few basic bodyweight strength exercises. Try the elliptical or some fast walking, and throw in some lunges, push-ups, squats, or planks. And don’t forget, it’s best to try and mimic your actual workout if possible!
in ingredients that I could buy at my local grocery store? How do I manage my food intake during the holidays, especially with all the cakes, cookies, and other goodies seemingly everywhere? Help! I thought we were going to skirt by without addressing this, but I’m glad you asked. Interestingly enough, the answer depends almost entirely on you. Assuming you’re susceptible to sweets and other treats, you really only have three options...go all-out and worry about the ramifications later, avoid them at all costs, or take a reasoned approach and indulge to a modest degree. I think most people would argue that the third idea is the best one. After all, why not treat yourself to a few holiday goodies, especially if you can limit yourself to one or two here and there. And don’t forget to continue with your workouts during this time as well. Restricting foods that you truly enjoy will only increase your cravings for them, and make for an unhappy holiday season. Bottom line, it comes down to choice, and you can choose to make healthy decisions or not, but you have to be realistic. Keep variety, moderation, and balance in mind, and reward yourself for being active all year long! I drink a vanilla or chocolate protein shake every day. I like the taste, but I’d like to add some flavour without adding too many extra calories. Can you suggest some simple add-
Bananas, peanut butter, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, rolled oats, and many of your favourite fruits are easy add-in ingredients that will jazz up your protein shake. You can satisfy your sweet tooth and reduce post-workout inflammation with this chocolate and cherry combination: combine chocolate protein power, 1 cup of skim milk, 1 banana, and a cup of fresh or frozen dark cherries. Of course, there’s nothing better than the perfect mix of chocolate and peanut butter to curb a craving: combine chocolate protein power, 1 cup of skim milk, ½ banana, and 1 tbsp. of peanut butter. Vanilla protein powders work well with a variety of fruit. Turn your shake into something you drink poolside by adding vanilla protein power, 1 cup of coconut milk, 1 cup of frozen raspberries or pineapple and1 tsp coconut extract for a tropical treat. Jessica Brown Anytimefitness.com Jessica is the Member Experience Manager at Anytime Fitness in Orillia, Wasaga Beach and Alliston. She is a fitness enthusiast with a coaching background in competitive figure skating. She earned her CSEP-CPT certificate through Durham College’s Fitness and Health Promotion Program and is also a certified TRX instructor.
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How to improve indoor air quality in winter
H
omes tend to be stuffier in autumn and winter. As temperatures outside dip, windows are closed and air quality inside homes can suffer. Poor indoor air quality can not only be uncomfortable, causing residents to experience headaches, dry eyes and nasal congestion, but also can be unhealthy. According to the Lung Association, poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer and chronic lung diseases, such
as asthma. Though it’s not feasible or healthy to open windows when temperatures outside dip to near or below freezing, there are steps everyone can take to improve the indoor air quality in their homes. Add to your décor with plants. Plants provide both aesthetic and practical appeal to a home’s interior. Houseplants can clean and purify the air in a home, helping to remove formaldehyde, benzene and other toxins that can make indoor air unhealthy to breathe. Benzene is an irritant that can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and blurred vision, among other side effects. Formaldehyde, which is often found in homes thanks to its widespread use in a range of products, can cause watery eyes, nausea and wheezing. Watch what you are lighting up. Many homeowners know that smoking indoors drastically reduces indoor air quality, putting even nonsmokers at heightened risk of developing various respiratory ailments. Homeowners concerned about the indoor air quality in their homes should ban smoking inside, no matter how low temperatures dip outside. In addition, homeowners with wood-burning stoves and fireplaces should be especially diligent maintaining these features, as they can release harmful soot and smoke if they are not taken care of. Some people may also be allergic to incense and scented candles, so keep a watchful eye on residents and guests whenever you light
candles or sticks of incense. If any symptoms of allergies appear, avoid lighting any more candles or incense, waiting until you can open the windows if you want to light any again. Purchase an air purifier. Air purifiers are beneficial year-round, helping to remove allergens and particles from a home. Highefficiency particulate air filters, known as HEPA filters, are extremely effective at removing airborne particulates from the air inside your home. Pay attention to pets. Like their owners, pets tend to spend more time indoors during the winter. That means more fur and pet dander, the skin flakes in an animal’s fur or hair that can trigger allergic reactions, is likely in your home during the winter than in the summer. To combat this, bathe your pets regularly in the winter, making sure to wash the animal’s bedding in hot water on a weekly basis as well. Open the windows when possible. Winter does not typically provide many opportunities to open the windows, but you might get a few chances to let some fresh air in through the windows during winter. Make the most of these opportunities and when possible crack the windows when you’re cleaning so dust and other particles that kick up have a path outside of your home. Clean interior air should be a year-round priority, but homeowners may have to go the extra mile to keep their homes’ interior air clean when winter arrives.
Kitchen & Bathroom Trending
Take the “tired” out of your bathroom
I
s your bathroom looking tired? With homeowners spending an average $9,000 to $16,000 on bathroom renovations taking six to eight weeks to complete, it’s no wonder so many people drag their feet. What if your shower could be overhauled without removing tiles and replacing in-wall fixtures? With the GROHE RetroFit™ system, you can and it is cost-effective. Simply remove your shower head and screw in this product to enjoy a luxurious shower thanks to GROHE DreamSpray® technology in both the hand shower and shower head. If you want the benefits of a thermostatic valve, consider their external Euphoria Shower system. Available at the Water Closet Showrooms. www.WaterCloset.ca
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Tips For Practical Trendy Entryways
I
t’s the time of year when we’re spending more time inside, entertaining friends, connecting with family and tracking more muck, dirt and snow indoors. These tips, ideas and inspirations will help make your home’s entryways beautiful yet functional, whether a more formal front entry or a high-traffic family entry.
Front Entry
Your front entry is where your visitors get their first impression of your home’s interior, so make it colourful and practical. While it’s more common to paint the exterior of a front door in a standout colour, painting the inside of your front door with a fresh pop of colour is unexpected. Or, if your entry has some interesting architectural elements or unique
angles, create a feature of these with a contrasting tone. Complement the colour you choose with a utilitarian but pretty doormat or area rug in coordinating shades. For a more permanent graphic and colourful flooring option, lay durable floor tiles right at the front door (black and white is always classic) that are beautiful while durably deal with wet shoes and boots. Add architectural interest if there is none by installing practical yet stylish panelling around your entryway to keep the walls looking fresh and offset them with an unexpected colour on the trim. Include a spot for guests to sit to remove or put on footwear and provide a ledge for resting purses, keys or other items in tow. A mirror maximizes light and visually expands small spaces, and is handy for last minute makeup checks, coming and going.
Family Entry
The family entry, whether your side, back or front door, a little stairway landing or a large mud room, can take a beating and demands a lot in durability and organization. Make the way into your home for your family a lot more practical yet pretty, with these ideas.
If you’ve got the room, consider built-in cubbies and benches that provide a spot for the coats, hats, mitts, scarves and footwear for everyone in the family. If your family entry isn’t overly roomy, hang a row of coat hooks, with a shelf above with baskets for accessories and a bench below, brightened up with a single feature wall painted a welcoming colour to maximize the small space. Durable floor tiles arranged in a fanciful pattern are a colourful feature in the family entry as well. Or, opt for moveable carpet tiles in a variety of colours that can be arranged in a variety of ways to suit your decor and picked up for easy cleaning. Help keep this busy area of the home tidy and organized with labels on bins and baskets of each family member’s name or with what item can be found inside. Place an umbrella stand or large decorative flowerpot at the door for soggy umbrellas, along with hooks for reusable shopping bags and the dog’s leash. Visit www.dulux.ca or Orillia Trim and Door, where expert and knowledgeable staff are ready to help you select the right colours, products and tools for any room of your home. Ken Forbes, www.OrilliaTrimandDoor.com
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How to make your holiday party unique
E
ntertaining season is in full swing, and many people’s social calendars are filled with parties, dinners and family gatherings. For those serving as host or hostess, setting your event apart from others can be challenging but not impossible. Explore these ideas to breathe new life into holiday parties. Choose a creative date. The weeks between December 1st and New Year’s Day tend to be the busiest of the holiday season, so think about not hosting your event during this time. A party or something in mid-January may
be more amenable to busy guests. Parties that fall outside of the usual time period may be a welcome change for guests who are simply stretched too thin during the heart of the holiday season.
Create a photo montage. Collect images of your guests from the last year and create a slide show. Guests will likely enjoy reliving the previous 12 months and look forward to making some memories in the year to come.
Choose an unusual party time. Cocktail parties are the norm come the holiday season, so switch things up for your soirée. Host a brunch or luncheon, which figures to be less expensive than cocktail or dinner parties.
Throw a party you would love to attend. Instead of thinking of ways to make your party the best or the most unique for guests, figure out your likes and what makes you comfortable. If you are relaxed and enjoying yourself, there’s a good chance that demeanor will rub off on your guests. The holiday season is littered with parties, many of which are difficult to distinguish from one another. But party hosts can take several steps to set their shindigs apart from other holiday gatherings.
Invite children to the event. For a departure from the more typical adults-only holiday parties, include children in the festivities this year. Seeing the magic of the holidays through the eyes of children can add life to your party, and it can save you and your guests the cost of childcare.
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Tips for visiting a store Santa
Discover the ways to make a visit with Santa a pleasant experience
C
hristmastime is filled with many different traditions. Many people decorate their homes with Christmas trees, and songs are sung with family members who come from near and far to share gifts and companionship. Families with young children often make visiting Santa Claus a part of their annual traditions. During the holiday season, Santa can be found taking up residence in department stores and malls across the country. Thousands of children and their parents will wait in line to get some face time with jolly old St. Nick. The following are a handful of ways to make kids’ visits with Santa even more pleasant. Do a test run. If your child has not taken a photo with Santa before, he or she may be frightened and the result will be a poor photograph. The beard and the red coat coupled with the fact that kids are sitting on a stranger’s lap can be terrifying for youngsters. Acclimate your child to the experience by visiting the mall to see Santa and become familiar with what he
looks like and how he acts. It may take a couple of visits before your child is ready to wait in line for the real visit. Go off-peak. Visit Santa when the store just opens or when lines are not as long, such as during school hours or dinner time. This should cut down on the wait and create a less tense experience. Confirm visiting hours so you don’t arrive only to find he’s out to lunch or feeding his reindeer. Do not schedule anything after the Santa visit, so you don’t feel rushed. Dress comfortably. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing so neither you nor the kids will be uncomfortable. The goal is to look nice for the photo, but not at the expense of the children’s comfort level. And while you should be comfortable as well, be sure to look presentable, in the event you have to hop into the photo
if that’s the only way your son or daughter will tolerate the experience. Pack some supplies. Bring snacks and drinks for the kids so hunger does not make them antsy. Bring along a change of clothes in case someone spills food or spits up before your turn. Get Santa recommendations. Ask friends and neighbors which Santas they visit. Many stores will have a Santa on hand, but not every Santa is as adept at handling children. You want someone who is used to making children feel welcome and comfortable. Above all, try to have a good time and don’t expect perfection. Sometimes the best Santa-visit moments are the ones that are unrehearsed.
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Home Selling Secrets Revealed
I
f you are looking to sell your home you want to know the secret to success. The truth is, there is no secret. There’s no secret formula, no special sauce, and no magic wand that will help you sell fast and for top dollar. Selling a home, or any product for that matter, comes down to three things: product, price, and exposure. These are the three keys to success. If you take away any one element, you will drastically reduce your chances of a sold sign on your lawn.
Product
No one expects a house to be perfect. That being said, you really want to put your best foot forward as you only get one shot at a first impression. Make yourself a list. If something is worth fixing, fix it. If something is not worth fixing but needs addressing, you can adjust it in the price and make sure the buyer is aware. People appreciate honesty. Another big part of having your home
show ready is staging. Staging can be as simple as deep cleaning the entire house, decluttering each room, removing any personal items like photos and paying attention to curb appeal.
Price
You will usually have a number in your mind of what you think your property is worth. To truly determine market value, a professional appraisal is always a smart idea – afterall, knowledge is power in the selling process. There are also a couple of things you can do yourself to initially help to narrow down a price range. There are four things that are important to homeowners when buying a home; location, age, size and special features. If you can rate your home from 1-10 on each item you will get a maximum score of 40. That score will allow you to more easily compare homes listed in your area against the same system. In Ontario, homeowners also have access to SOLD data in their area through www. aboutmyproperty.ca. Understanding your bottom line is also very important. That way, you can account for such things like buffer room for negotiation, a buyer’s agent, or if you need to adjust your pricing along the way.
Exposure
Just like the fundamentals of basketball have always been the same, the fundamentals of marketing a property still hold true today. It was the alley-oop (an assisted slam dunk) that really changed the game forever. The game changer, or the “alley-oop” of real estate, is the Internet. Long gone are the days of going into a real estate office and searching through a big book of homes for sale. With unprecedented access to data right at their fingertips, people are now starting their new home search online. There are still a large percentage of buyers that drive or walk around their desired neighbourhoods and look for signage. Bottom line - to sell your house in 2015, at the very least, you need an eye-catching sign on your lawn that connects a buyer to more information online. Whether you choose to sell your home alone, use a traditional agent, or decide to sell with the assistance of a high tech, high touch, company like PropertyGuys.com, these three marketing fundamentals working together in harmony will greatly increase your ability to sell in any market. Jason Schlegel, PropertyGuys.com
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Oral health impacts overall health
A
healthy mouth is good for more than just a pretty smile. Oral health can affect the entire body, making dental care more than just a cosmetic concern. Many people know that poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and even lost teeth. But are you aware that failing to brush or visit the dentist regularly also can lead to more serious health issues? According to Colgate, recent research suggests that there may be an association between oral infections, particularly gum disease, and cardiovascular disease and preterm birth. Gum disease also may make diabetes more difficult to control, since infections may cause insulin resistance and disrupt blood sugar. Your mouth also can serve as an infection source elsewhere in the body. Bacteria from your mouth can enter the bloodstream through infection sites in the gums. If your immune system is healthy, there should not be any adverse effects. However, if your immune system is compromised, these bacteria can flow to other areas of the body where they can cause infection. An example of this is oral bacteria sticking to the lining of diseased heart valves. Other links have been found between oral health and overall health. In 2010, researchers from New York University who reviewed 20 years of data on the association concluded that there is a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers in the UK also found a correlation. Analysis showed that a bacterium called “Porphyromonas
gingivalis” was present in brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease but not in the samples from the brains of people who did not have Alzheimer’s. The P. gingivalis bacterium is usually associated with chronic gum disease and not dementia. Researchers also have found a possible link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer. Harvard researchers found that men with a history of gum disease had a 64 percent increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared with men who had never had gum disease, based on studies of men from 1986 through 2007. While oral health issues may lead to other conditions over time, symptoms also may be indicative of underlying conditions of which a person is unaware. Inflammation of gum tissue may be a warning sign of diabetes. Oral problems, such as lesions in the mouth, may indicate the presence of HIV/AIDS. Dentists may be the first people to diagnose illnesses patients don’t even know they have. An important step in maintaining good overall health is to include dental care in your list of preventative measures. Visit the dentist for biannual cleanings or as determined by the doctor. Do not ignore any abnormalities in the mouth. Maintain good oral hygiene at home by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once per day. Mouthwashes and rinses also may help keep teeth and gums healthy. Oral health and other systems of the body seem to be linked. Taking care of your teeth promotes overall health.
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tomach bugs are rarely pleasant. Such bugs can last several days and result in missed school or work and even turn into something more serious, like dehydration. Many stomach bugs, whether they are the result of a virus or germs brought home from school, may be the result of poorly handled food. Food borne illnesses cause about 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,200 deaths nationwide each year, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Under the right conditions, various bacteria can proliferate in food and result in bugs characterized by bouts of nausea or vomiting. While many food-related ailments are innocuous, one never knows when something ominous could be lurking in the foods one has eaten. In many cases, preventing food-related illness needs to begin even before food is brought into the home.
At the store
Shop at stores that take proper food handling seriously. Look for clean stores that properly refrigerate foods.
Avoid contraction of food borne illnesses
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A food thermometer helps accurately gauge food to prevent illness from undercooking. Inspect frozen or refrigerated foods to make sure nothing appears open or tampered with. If food is packed in clear wrapping, check to see that the food does not have a lot of ice crystals, which may mean it thawed out and then was refrozen. Select canned foods that are in packages without dents or bulges. Dents may compromise the can’s seam and let in contaminants, while bulges may indicate improper sealing or processing, contaminating the food inside the can. Shop for perishable foods last so you minimize the amount of time they are without refrigeration. If you expect that it will take you longer than an hour to get home, consider transporting foods in insulated bags or a cooler to preserve their freshness.
At home
Do not leave foods that need to be chilled sitting out for long periods of time. Refrigerate and freeze foods promptly after unpacking them from the store or after a meal is over. When defrosting foods, do not do so on the kitchen counter. Instead, use the refrigerator or run frozen packages under water.
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All fresh produce should be rinsed thoroughly before use, even if stores say the foods have already been washed. Produce can retain bacteria from the fields where it was grown. Also wash the skins or rinds of foods before peeling or slicing, or you may transfer bacteria to the flesh of the food. Wash and disinfect hands, utensils, cutting boards, and any other surfaces after handling raw meats and poultry. Try to contain juices from meats so they do not get all over countertops. Always use separate utensils for preparing uncooked meats and produce. Cook foods to the recommended temperature and check with a food thermometer. Keep in mind that some foods may cook unevenly, especially in microwaves. Stir and keep cooking to ensure even heat distribution. Do not overload the refrigerator and freezer; otherwise they may not chill foods sufficiently. Check that the appliance is working properly. Avoiding food borne illnesses requires diligence at the store and at home. With care, members of the household can remain healthy.
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A perfect homemade treat for unexpected holiday guests C
ome the holiday season, it’s not uncommon to have a few unexpected guests pop in for a visit. Loved ones want to share holiday cheer, and may arrive unexpectedly to share such well wishes. Preparing for unexpected guests can make their visits that much more enjoyable. When such guests come knocking this holiday season, share your holiday cheer over a cup of coffee and a treat like “Blueberry Streusel Baby Bundts” from Kathy Wakile and Miriam Harris’ “Indulge: Delicious Little Desserts That Keep Life Real Sweet” (St. Martin’s Press).
Blueberry Streusel Baby Bundts Makes 2 dozen
Cake
1 2/3 cups flour 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup sour cream
Streusel Blueberry Streusel Baby Bundts 1. Preheat the oven to 375 F with two racks positioned in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Lightly coat the baking pans with nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil from an oil mister, then dust with flour, tapping out the excess. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. 3. In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and blend, then add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with the sour cream.
1/2 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup fresh blueberries
4. To make the streusel, stir together the brown sugar, walnuts and cinnamon. Measure out and set aside 1/3 cup of the mixture. Toss the remaining streusel with the blueberries. 5. Divide 1/3 cup reserved streusel mixture among the wells of the Bundt pans (about 1/2 teaspoon each), then use a pastry bag to pipe in thin layers of the batter, alternating with layers of the blueberry mixture, filling each well no more than two-thirds full and finishing with a batter layer. 6. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops of the cakes are evenly browned and spring back when gently pressed with a finger, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time.
7. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Can be double-wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and gently reheat before serving.)
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Narrowing holiday dinner options S
hopping for holiday gifts may be a top priority for many come the holiday season, but for hosts and hostesses opening their homes to friends and family, several other tasks need to be done as well. One of the more significant decisions holiday hosts must make is choosing what to serve when guests arrive for holiday dinners. Holiday dinners are often more extravagant than the run-of-the-mill dinners families eat on ordinary weeknights. Crafting a special dinner requires both planning and prep work, and there are some ways to make the experience go more smoothly.
What’s cooking? ®
Culture often dictates which meals are prepared. Many popular main courses involve pork and poultry, as baked hams and roasted turkeys are especially popular during the holiday season. But regardless of history, hosts should consider which foods appeal to the greatest number of guests, then plan the dinner around these items. Also, if you’re known for a particular dish, go ahead and make that, even if it’s a less traditional holiday meal. Another savvy move is to choose foods that can be prepared in advance. If you’re hosting a houseful of guests, steer clear of foods that require individualized attention or must be cooked and served promptly, like a risotto. Casseroles, pasta dishes, roasts, and other similar foods can be prepared and cooked, then reheated in time for the main course.
Keep it simple
Although you may want to impress your guests with your culinary prowess, experimenting with exotic dishes or trying intricate plating techniques can backfire if you do not have adequate practice. It’s better to stick to familiar foods and save the experimentation for a smaller dinner party. Meals that have become routine to you can almost be made on auto-pilot. This way you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with guests.
Delegate some work
Guests are often eager to contribute something to holiday meals. When planning a holiday dinner, think about which items you can ask others to bring. A noted early bird may bring appetizers, like a cheese platter. Those who tend to make late entrances may be tasked with providing decadent desserts. Unless the entire meal is potluck, holiday hosts usually handle the main courses and many of the side dishes.
Be prepared for leftovers
In an effort to ensure everyone has enough to eat, you likely will make more food than you and your guests need. Don’t let those leftovers go to waste. Stock up on takeaway storage containers so your guests can bring home some of the food. Promptly wrap up any leftovers and store them in the refrigerator so food will not spoil. Holiday meals are full of many good foods and lots of conversation. Help make them a success by planning ahead.
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A less traditional yet tasty take on a holiday dinner
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Winter Fruit-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
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oliday dinners vary from household to household. Some might prefer a traditional meal of turkey with all of the trimmings, while others might want to try their hands at something new. For those among the latter group, the following recipe for “Winter-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin,” from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook” (Storey Publishing), is sure to make a splash at your holiday dinner table this season.
Winter Fruit-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin Serves 8 1/2 cup dried apricots 1/2 cup dried cherries 1/2 cup dried figs 2 pork tenderloins (about 3 pounds total) 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup crumbled blue cheese 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup honey, preferably sourwood honey 1. Mince the apricots, cherries and figs by hand or in a food processor. 2. Slice the tenderloins lengthwise, almost all the way through. Open them up and lay them flat. Place each tenderloin on a large piece of plastic wrap. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap and pound each piece of meat with a meat tenderizer until it is about 1/2inch thick. Remove the top piece of plastic.
3. Season the surface of the pork with the salt and pepper. Divide the fruit mixture in half and spread evenly on the cut surface of each tenderloin. Top each with half of the cheese. Roll up each tenderloin, using the bottom piece of plastic to help you, tucking in the fruit and cheese as you go. Tie kitchen string every 2 inches around the tenderloins, continuing to push in any fruit or cheese that may fall out. 4. Preheat the oven to 450 F. 5. Heat the oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Sear the tied tenderloins, turning as each side is browned. Be careful when searing the open side, as some fruit and cheese might fall out. You are just trying to seal in the meat juices, not trying to
cook the pork all the way through. 6. Combine the butter and honey in a microwaveable bowl and microwave on high for about 20 seconds, or until the butter is melted. Drizzle the butter over the tenderloins. 7. Place the tenderloins on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 150 F. Remove the baking sheet and allow the tenderloins to sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will keep the juices in the meat rather than all over your kitchen counter. 8. Snip off and discard the strings. Slice the pork into 1-inch-thick pieces and serve.
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How to raise kids who grow up giving
Generosity is something children can learn at an early age and continue into adulthood
T
he message of giving has reached new levels in recent years. While charitable endeavours have long been the centre of many local community groups’ outreach efforts, social media has made charitable efforts as popular as ever, with millions taking part in exercises such as the Ice Bucket Challenge and other ventures meant to raise awareness for charitable causes. Charitable giving is a family tradition in many households. Many parents find that the earlier they introduce their children to charitable giving and volunteering, the more likely their kids are to embrace these efforts, both immediately and into adulthood. Parents can impart lessons to their youngsters about the importance of giving during the end of the year, when many charities raise their public profiles, or when newsworthy events, such as devastating storms, draw attention to the less fortunate. Nancy Phillips, founder and president of DollarSmart Kids Enterprises, Inc., says it’s been scientifically proven that giving increases self-esteem and self-confidence. Children who learn that they can help others will soon realize they have the power to make a difference. Recognizing that they can make a big change is a very empowering discovery for kids. Here’s
example by getting involved yourself. Make sure the entire family gets involved with the effort of giving. Let children see where their efforts are going. Writing a check is a rather unceremonious way of giving that may not resonate with young children. But if they can see food being delivered to the hungry or pet supplies going to an animal shelter, they can see the fruits of their efforts paying off. how parents can foster a love of giving. Choose age-appropriate tasks. Young children do not have a lot of money, so try to find charitable tasks that allow them to donate their time and skills. Kids can help make cookies for bake sales or participate in food drives in front of grocery stores for certain charities.
Create a giving account or box. Make it a family tradition that members of the household will donate an item they receive or a small amount of money to the box each month. At the end of the year, the family can deliver those funds and gifts to a charity of choice.
Talk about giving at dinner. Make philanthropy a regular part of family conversation. Discuss the Let children choose the beneficiary of their plight of the less fortunate with your children, efforts. Children may have their own ideas about focusing on the value of volunteering and helping who they want to help. Let kids choose because others. they’re more likely to get behind the effort if they Children can learn to be generous and give to feel their input is valued. others at an early age, and those that do are more Lead by example. Don’t just pay lip service likely to grow into charitable adults. to the idea of being charitable. Provide a good