34 minute read
Business
10 20under
Ten Talented Islanders Under 20 to Watch
Advertisement
When we think about talented Islanders, we often focus on adult accomplishments. But young people can—and often do—exhibit outstanding talent at a young age. They are driven to succeed and work undaunted towards their goals.
We’ve put together a list of ten talented young Islanders who stand out and show promise before the age of twenty.
By Jacqui Chaisson Photos Jacqui Chaisson, Evan Ceretti & Story Thorburn
▲ Makayla Bernard Photo by Jacqui Chaisson Makayla Bernard started creating her unique jewellery pieces three years ago, at the age of nine, after taking a quill workshop on Lennox Island hosted by the Canada 150 celebrations.
In 2018, Makayla joined the Young Millionaires Program with West Prince Development Corporation. That same year, she was presented with the Award of Excellence from the West Prince CBDC for her work. Makayla also won the West Prince Youth Entrepreneur Award in 2018, and in 2019, the Young Millionaires Award from the Lennox Island Development Corporation.
“My pieces are made mostly from birch bark that I harvest myself and porcupine quills that I find in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, as porcupines are not native to the Island,” says Bernard. “I harvest and clean these myself. Quilled pieces are made by soaking birch bark and quills in water to make them easier to work with. I pull quills through the birch bark to create designs; some are finished off with sweet grass.” There is a lot of preparation involved in the creation of each piece, including strolling through the woods looking for porcupines or sourcing carcasses from roadkill incidents. “We also have contacts in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick who will freeze and store deceased porcupines until we can arrange to pick them up,” says Bernard.
You can purchase her creations by contacting her directly, at pow wows, at the Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Culture Centre, or by visiting her Facebook page Quilling with Makayla.
RORY BENNETTO O’BRIEN
Ginger Food Adventures
Canada’s Food Island has a new ambassador. Eleven-year-old Rory Bennetto O’Brien has a passion for local food. With the launch of their YouTube channel, “Ginger Food Adventures,” they have an opportunity to share that passion with the world.
“Originally, Rory really wanted to be another Fortnite and manga YouTube fan account, but the world didn’t really need more of that,” Sarah Bennetto O’Brien, mom to Rory, laughs. “Rory has been around chefs their whole life, and food is a strong focus with any travel that we do as a family. This was a natural choice for what to feature and share with others!”
Ginger Food Adventures is very entertaining and informative; Rory’s enthusiasm is everpresent, whether they’re reviewing crunchy pickles from Charlottetown’s Riverview Country Market, custom cookies from Butter Bits in Summerside, or a burger from The Abby, located inside Lone Oak Brewing Co. in Gateway Village. Rory’s commentary is delightful and engaging as they delve into the unique flavours and attributes of each bite; you can almost taste it. Ginger Food Adventures sometimes uploads a new video weekly, although Sarah explains, “We just do this for fun, so there isn’t a set schedule. Rory is super excited to have all of the seasonal restaurants open up for the summer, and then we’ll have a wave of that content hitting the channel.”
Ginger Food Adventures is all about supporting local food and restaurants; I highly recommend subscribing to the channel and planning your next food adventure.
▲ Rory Bennetto O’Brien - Shot on location at The Abby (Lone Oak Brewery) Photo by Jacqui Chaisson
GREER CrossFit Athlete
▲ Anikha Greer - Shot on location at CrossFit 782, Charlottetown Photo by Story Thorburn CrossFit is the sport of fitness. it tests aerobic capacity, gymnastic skill, and strength. Every competition has completely different workouts, but in the end, tests the same things to determine who is fittest.
In 2020, 17-year-old Anikha Greer finished first in Canada as a teenager. “It was a great way to end off my age group years, since the two seasons prior, I’d been third,” says Greer. “It was a phenomenal way to start my career as an individual, and really showed my perseverance and all the work I’d put in the years prior.”
Greer got her start in CrossFit at age 12, after participating in gymnastics for much of her childhood. She trains five days a week at a local gym, CrossFit 782. “Brett Roberts, my coach, programmed basically every workout I’ve done since I was 14 years old,” says Greer. “He knows me better than anyone else, and has been there through every high and low of my career to date.”
“I will train typically from noon to 3:30 p.m., break for an hour, and train until seven,” says Greer. “Some days I come in at six a.m. and do a long aerobic piece beforehand as well, but not every day. We do have an off-season, and the volume and type of training varies. This is basically my fulltime job.”
This year, Greer qualified for a CrossFit Games semifinal (which will take place this June) as an individual, and is one of the youngest in the world to do so. “I’m very proud of that accomplishment.”
AVA & LILY
RASHED Singer-Songwriters
Stream their music on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube
Seventeen-year-old identical twins Ava and Lily Rashed are continuing with a family tradition. Their great-grandfather, Charlie Chamberlain, was the lead singer for Don Messer and His Islanders, a Canadian music icon and a Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee; their father, David Rashed, the keyboardist and cowriter for the multi-platinum selling band Haywire.
Ava and Lily were nine years old when they performed onstage for the first time in a concert for “Stop Cyber Bullying” on the Confederation Centre Mainstage. “We became very good friends with Parry Aftab in 2012 during the Stop Cyber Bullying event here on PEI,” says Ava. “We had a great idea for a song, and we played it for Parry and her husband. They read the lyrics as we sang. They loved it and thought the message was perfect.”
“We lent that song, and our voices, to that great cause,” adds Lily. “We love to help out when we can with our music.”
The twins reached the semifinals of America’s Most Musical Family in December 2019 with an unforgettable rendition of Elle King’s “Ex’s & Oh’s.” “We had the privilege of working with a lot of amazing people in the music industry, and it gave us a glimpse of our dream, which made us determined to work even harder than we have before and never give up on our dreams.”
Both girls agree they would love to make a career in music. “We love songwriting and performing live and would love to follow in our father’s and grandfather’s footsteps.”
▲ Ava & Lily Rashed Photo by Story Thorburn
LUKA HALL Musician, Performer
▲ Luka Hall Photo by Story Thorburn Fourteen-year-old Luka Hall started playing the fiddle at age six and recorded his first CD, That Little Fiddle Player, when he was only ten. He followed up with the second CD, Category 1, at 13.
“It was very exciting, as Category 1 was nominated for Music PEI’s Instrumental Recording of the Year,” says Hall. “I also had the opportunity to record a track with one of my music mentors, Richard Wood, on this last CD.” Hall plays clarinet in the school band and takes piano lessons, as well as learning the guitar and saxophone, but his passion for music doesn’t stop this 14-year-old from enjoying other pastimes. “I love to play basketball, go fishing, skiing, camping, travelling, and spending time with my family and dogs,” says Hall. “I love animals, and hope someday to own a small farm where I can host ceilidhs in the barn while continuing to travel and do more recording.” You may have seen this talented Islander performing locally at the PEI International Shellfish Festival, Farm Day in the City, and as an official busker at the Guild. “I also step danced for a few years at Havenwood Dance Studio and performed in Seussical Jr., The Wizard of Oz Jr., and Frozen Jr., as well as two seasons in Anne & Gilbert.”
Music will certainly always be an important part of Luka Hall’s future!
NATE & JEVON GAMBLE
Musicians
Twin talent seems to be a “thing” on the Island. Our second set are The Gamble twins comprised, of fourteen-year-old Nate and Jevon Gamble. This musical duo played the half-time show for Island Storm Basketball, multiple ceilidhs and talent shows and opened for the Amanda Jackson Band at a private event. Nate and Jevon wrote a song to support Rally for the Valley back in the winter of 2020. The organizers for Rock the Boat Music Festival asked them to make a special appearance for the Rock the Boat Music Fest in 2020, but due to COVID-19 the festival was cancelled. Jevon started picking at the guitar at age 10 when he started playing with the rock band at his consolidated school in grade five. He got a bit more serious playing the drums at that time as well. Robin Gamble, the twins’ mother says Nate started formal piano lessons at age nine.
“Jevon plays the guitar, drums, bass, saxophone, and tuba, all left-handed.” says Robin, “Nate plays the keys, drums, a bit of guitar, the French horn, the trumpet, and he sings.” She continues, “Nate is right-handed but has acquired a talent for playing the drums left-handed, as they are Jevon’s drums!”
The twins play music every day, both are in three school bands, Nate has piano lessons once a week and the boys have a mentor and music teacher, Todd MacLean.
They were chosen for the Red Nose Talent Show, an amazing fundraiser for mental health which takes place this June. Watch for them performing on Victoria Row this summer or check them out on YouTube.
▲ Jevon & Nate Gamble Photo by Evan Ceretti
Dancer, Performer CRAWFORD Dancer Lorynn Crawford has a philosophy. “Dance is about finding your passion, about embracing music and movement and storytelling in a remarkable way,” says Crawford. “Dancers are so special for the entertainment and happiness they can bring to their audiences.”
Her passion for dance began at age three. Over the years, Lorynn has danced many types of dance but if she had to choose a favorite, it would be ballet.
▲ Lorynn Crawford Photo by Story Thorburn At 15, Crawford has already realized every dancer’s dream. “I got accepted into the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Summer Intensive Program two years in a row. I was thrilled to be accepted and given a scholarship to go,” says Crawford. “It was definitely one of my proudest moments.”
Crawford’s interest in dance became more serious at age 11. Up to that point, she participated in a variety of activities, including competitive gymnastics at Island Gymnastics, a competitive dance team, and some theatre roles with the Confederation Centre in Anne of Green Gables: The Musical and Evangeline, as well as a stint with Anne & Gilbert at the Guild.
“Looking back, I think I was searching for something that put all these things together: dance, athleticism, and drama. The logical choice was ballet,” says Crawford. “Last summer, I was offered the opportunity to attend the professional ballet program as a full-time student with the Quinte Ballet School of Canada in Oakville, Ontario. I was very close to committing for the year when COVID-19 struck.”
Crawford is thrilled to pass on her love of dance. “This past year, I was so excited when my teacher from Dance Virtuosa, Kashena Collins, asked me to teach some dance classes. On Sundays, I teach two introduction-to-dance classes for ages three to five. The kids are so sweet; I love being their teacher and sharing my passion for dance.”
JORDAN SPENCE
Hockey Player
Jordan Spence discovered his love for hockey in the most unlikely of places. He was born in Sydney, Australia, and then his family moved to Osaka, Japan, soon after which he learned the game of hockey from his Canadian father. system despite not being able to speak any English when he first arrived. Now Jordan speaks three languages (Japanese, English and French), and due to his travel and exposure to such diverse cultures, he adapts easily to new situations.
“Jordan just loves the game,” says Adam Spence, Jordan’s father. “Hockey doesn’t have the same strong cultural roots in Japan as it does in Canada; Jordan played simply because he loved hockey.”
When Jordan was 13, the family moved to Cornwall, PEI, where he flourished in the minor hockey “Hockey has always been a good way to connect with his peers in new environments. It’s one of his strongest character traits,” says Adam.
Jordan Spence, who has dual citizenship in Canada and Japan, represented Team Canada for the first time at the 2019 U18 World Championship. He recently signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings. “He’s very excited to be embarking on this new opportunity,” says Adam. “This doesn’t detract from his education. With an average in the high eighties, Jordan is considering several Ivy League schools.”
From a three-year-old just beginning on the ice to his time with the Moncton Wildcats, and now currently playing for the Val-d’Or Foreurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) while under contract with the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL), it’s obvious he’s the one to watch!
▲ Jordan Spence Photo by Getty Images
CAT CUMMINS
▲ Cat Cummins Photo by Story Thorburn Actor, Dancer
Catherine Cummins— Cat to her friends—has been involved in theatre and dance from the age of three. “My first performance was a musical called No Strings Attached, the story of Pinocchio. I was in grade five, and it was amazing,” says Cummins. “It was run by the musical theatre program at the Confederation Centre of the Arts under Dance Umbrella. I played a bug and a tree, and I was so excited.”
It was that show that sparked her confidence, and she began taking on other roles in Island theatres, but she says she will always remember her first show and how lifechanging it was.
Recently, Cummins played Fiona in Shrek and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. “Acting is by far one of the most rewarding passions you could have. It feels so good to do something you enjoy and can share with others,” says Cummins. “I love being able to be myself onstage, but at the same time, be someone else.”
Cummins says that growing up in PEI exposed her to many amazing musical theatre productions. “It gave me the courage to pursue my dreams of performing. I am now currently a teacher for the Linkletter Music School,” says Cummins. “I absolutely love my job, and I love teaching kids something I’m so passionate about.”
Cummins’s advice to aspiring performers is, “It’s a very competitive art form, and you’re going to be told ‘no’ more than ‘yes.’ You get to meet so many people that will have an influence on your life forever, and you’ll make lifelong friends. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
NATHANIEL ING
Musical Artist
Nathaniel Ing comes from a creative background. “On both sides of my family, there are fantastic musicians and singers,” says Ing. “My uncle, specifically, along with my grandparents and extended family throughout the Maritimes.”
Ing’s first professional performance was the world premiere of Evangeline: The Musical in 2013 at Confederation Centre of the Arts, where he played the role of young Olivier. “I love the rush of entertaining and bringing joy to a crowd. There’s something so special about that feeling of knowing you’ve brightened a lot of people’s days,” says Ing. “I’m driven by my passion for music and performance. The emotion and story that can come from just a few simple notes have always been a sort of magic that has transfixed me for as long as I can remember.”
Ing has diverse training, starting with hip-hop dance classes from grade three. “I’ve also had lots of vocal training from Lori Linkletter, and I’m currently studying guitar under Donovan Morgan of The Royal North.”
Under the stage name “King Ing,” Nathaniel Ing has just released Someone Find Me, which is available to stream on iTunes, Spotify and all other major platforms. Ing is expanding his creative repertoire. “I’ve been doing a lot of audio engineering and light design for several shows at The Guild this season and last,” says Ing. “Learning all aspects of both live theatre and concerts has always been an interest of mine.”
This fall, Ing is heading for Halifax to attend Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) to study Music Production and Engineering at NSCC’s Ivany Campus. “They’ve just recently built the best studio in Canada east of Montreal. I’m very excited to get over there; it’s been a long time coming.”
▲ Nathaniel Ing Photo by Evan Ceretti
GROWING YOUR BUSINESS WITH CBDC
By Rachel Adams, CBDC Project Communications Officer
Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) are not-forprofit high-risk niche lenders. We do not compete with conventional lenders – we work with entrepreneurs who have difficulty securing capital through traditional sources. The 41 CBDCs across the Atlantic region are staffed with trained professionals who work to assist in the creation of small businesses and the expansion and modernization of existing businesses. We provide financial assistance, business counselling and advice, entrepreneurship development and training and technical services to entrepreneurs. Investment decisions are made by an independent Board of Directors comprised of volunteers who are professionals from the local community.
These directors are our strength; they are dedicated to helping make their community a better place to live and work. CBDC programs include General Business Loan, Youth Business Loan, First Time Entrepreneur Loan, Social Enterprise Loan, Consultant Advisory Service, Business Counselling, Innovation Loan, Self-Employment Benefit, and Business Management Skills Training.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, CBDCs were asked by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to help deliver the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, as well as assist provincial level program deliveries. CBDCs are here to help, during the pandemic and beyond.
GENERAL BUSINESS LOAN:
From small businesses to even larger ones, there are many times when a business may need a commercial loan. Perhaps you need to procure new machinery or equipment? Maybe it’s time to upgrade your facilities or buildings. Or perhaps a loan is the only way for you to improve or expand your business to tap new market opportunities. Banks and other traditional lending institutions can often be unavailable to you. At the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) we might be able to help! The most flexible commercial business loan we offer, the CBDC General Business Loan was made just for these situations.
Loans up to $150,000 may be available to eligible applicants. All loans are repayable and offer competitive repayment terms and interest rates. Financing can include a demand or term loan, a loan guarantee, or equity investment.
Loans will be secured, and can be from one to ten years, giving you the chance to develop your business while being free from financial burden.
Qualifying applicants are entrepreneurs or businesses purchasing a new business in rural Atlantic Canada, those expanding a current business, existing companies in need of working capital, and more. CBDCs lend to both seasonal and year-round businesses in all sectors.
TO GET STARTED ON THE APPLICATION PROCESS, YOU CAN:
• Reach out to your local CBDC.
• Complete our Business Loan application.
• Complete our Fillable Business Plan. Register your business.
IMPACT PROGRAM:
The Impact Loan Program helps foster small and medium-sized businesses in urban Atlantic Canada. In PEI, CBDC Central PEI offers this program to the Greater Charlottetown Area (Charlottetown, Stratford, and Cornwall).
With Impact, entrepreneurs of all ages can apply for a business startup loan, while established business owners between 19 and 39 can avail themselves of expansion financing. Low-interest loans of up to $25,000 are available, with flexible repayment terms and no penalty for early repayment of the principal.
The application process is fast and straightforward, so entrepreneurs can reach their goals more quickly and take their business to the next level.
RRRF/UMSLI:
RRRF(Regional Relief and Recovery Fund) and UMSLI (Urban Main Street Loan Initiative) provide funding to support SMEs (Small and MediumSized Enterprises) that have not been approved or are ineligible for supports through CEBA. These emergency working capital relief funds provide interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to help cover operating costs during periods when revenues have been temporarily reduced due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
UMSLI is for SMEs in the Greater Charlottetown Area (GCA), delivered by the CBDC Central PEI office located in Summerside. The RRRF is for rural business owners and is offered by all three Island CBDCs (CBDC Eastern PEI, CBDC Central PEI and CBDC Western PEI).
RRRF/UMSLI are COVID-19 relief loans, and available for a limited time only.
CBDC East 540 Main Street, Montague 902.838.4030
CBDC Central PEI 11 Water Street, Summerside 902.888.3793
West Prince Ventures Ltd. 455 Main St, Alberton 902.853.3636
www.cbdc.ca
NINE STEPS TO VICTORY
Master Business Coach Barbie Moudahi’s Advice for Entrepreneurs
By Barbie Moudahi Photos Evan Ceretti Shot on location at Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites Many people find themselves and their business travelling an unfamiliar road with new obstacles in their path. It doesn’t matter why you find yourself in that place; what does matter is your ability to answer the question, “What do I do next?”
Sometimes, being under intense pressure is a gift to an entrepreneur. You can take a seemingly impossible, difficult time and discover new business possibilities you weren’t seeking before. It’s the best time to step outside your familiar “business box” and take a deliberate overview of the whole picture from an outside-the-box point of view. As the world around us changes, we must also change.
Below, I’d like to share nine steps to victory for business owners and entrepreneurs.
NINE STEPS TO VICTORY
1. Set a Target. Choose a target that’s important to you, and that you don’t know how to achieve. Write it down, and add a date for achieving it. Review this target daily.
2. Replace Doubt with Curiosity. Ask yourself questions. “What if I...?” “How can I...?” “Who can I reach out to?”
3. Replace Self-Criticism with Determination. Your determination is the part of you that helped get your business off the ground in the first place.
4. Concentrate on the Word “Opportunity.” Focus on the opportunities; they are there to find. Ideas are all around you. Be hungry for knowledge, gain it, and apply it!
5. Replace Worry with Action. It’s always better to take a step of deliberate action verses no action. Knowledge times action equals power.
6. Never Accept Excuses. Particularly if they are from you.
7. Never Accept Criticism From Others... Unless they are someone whose advice you highly value. Otherwise, keep your blinders on, and hold the course.
8. Keep a Journal. Write your ideas down, make notes about your progress, and review.
9. Reach Up to Others. No one achieves success alone. Reach out to those you admire and would value advice from, whether you know them or not. You will find a hand reaching down to pull you up.
YOUR BUSINESS’S PROS AND CONS
I would like to share an action you can apply to your business now: write a “pros and cons” list. I recommend using a form of the Benjamin Franklin problem-solving technique. Take a sheet of paper, draw a line down the middle, and draw another line across the top (like a letter “T”). On the top left, write “Pros,” and on the top right, write “Cons.”
Write down the present “Pros” about your business on the left, and the “Cons” on the right. Take time to finish this, rather than writing them all in one sitting, since you’ll have different ideas at different times.
Next comes a more difficult part of the exercise. Step outside yourself, let your emotional attachment to your business go for now, and look at your list with fresh eyes and a purely impartial point of view.
Go through your “Pros,” and number the items from most to least important for your business’s ongoing success. Next, go through your “Cons,” and number the items. Number one should be the item that needs the most immediate attention. On both sides, delete any items that you no longer see as important enough to include in your list.
Sit down in a quiet area with your complete list in front of you. Now, bring your emotion and passion for your business back to the table. If the “Pros” list still fires you up, you have that feeling of excitement, and you know that your business provides an important service or product to your clients, then the business deserves to be protected and grown. (If the fire is no longer lit, you may need to seek a new path.)
Items that are higher up on your “Pros” list are the business’s strengths, and are the main items for you to focus on and expand. Choose one of these, and discover ways to expand and grow this strength.
Look at the “Cons” list. The top items are the biggest challenges you face today. There are solutions and answers for each of these. This is now your prioritized “To-Do” list. Much of business is simply problemsolving; seek solutions. Problems are opportunities in waiting.
For both your “Pros” and “Cons” lists, start by focusing on one item only. Research, read and learn; take quiet time to think; reach out to other professionals and mentors; and start your quest to find avenues for growth.
IN CLOSING
The thing that you do best is being you. Whether you know it now or not, you’re exceptional and unique. You have the power within you to create the tomorrow you’re longing for. Your business dreams aren’t lost; they may have taken a detour, but detours lead to new places yet to be discovered. Life is an adventure. Learn what you need to learn, get the coaching or mentoring that you deserve, and then look within. The answers are there for you.
You have what it takes to get through these times. With a little ingenuity, stubbornness, foresight, and support, not only can you get your business through this interruption, you can thrive.
Sometimes an earthquake in your life, or in your business, provides the gift of change. Seize it, seek the lessons and opportunities in it, and take the next definitive step. You’re either moving backwards or moving forwards; there’s no in-between.
During times of adversity, new ideas and passions are born that can impact the world. I believe we have a responsibility to be successful, so that we can continue to provide positive contributions to the clients we serve and those we’re yet to meet.
Barbie is accepting new clients.
Barbie Moudahi, Master Business Coach Barbie@MasterLeadershipSystems.com 902.807.0587
REFRACTIVE SURGERY
Arranging LASIK, PRK, and RLE on PEI
Submitted by Dr. Jayne Toombs Photo Evan Ceretti
Since many Family Vision Centre patients are glasses- and contact-lens wearers, they’re likely wellaware of the possibility of refractive surgery (“laser eye surgery”). But even Islanders who consider refractive surgery intriguing may not have had a chance to research its availability to PEI residents.
To the best of our knowledge, no surgeons or clinics here on the Island offer LASIK (“laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis”), PRK (“photorefractive keratectomy”), or RLE (“refractive lens exchange”), three common types of refractive surgery. However, these surgeries can be arranged through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick-based providers accessible within hours by car.
While refractive surgery does require at least one trip off-Island, not every appointment needs to take place in the same location as the surgery itself. PEI-based optometrists like those at Charlottetown’s Family Vision Centre are accustomed to guiding local patients considering, scheduling, and healing from refractive surgery. (Indeed, Family Vision Centre has provided Islanders with these services for over two decades.)
Islanders who exclusively consult friends, family, or online sources while planning for refractive surgery may not be confident that they fully understand the distinction between LASIK, PRK, and RLE. Fortunately, they aren’t expected to choose singlehandedly. Optometrists and surgeons will recommend a type of refractive surgery, factoring in the eye’s age; the condition of specific sections of the eye; the patient’s vision issues, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness; and other specifics. (Some vision concerns cannot be addressed or prevented through refractive surgery.)
Refractive surgeries are brief (the three types covered in this article generally don’t take longer than half an hour; LASIK and PRK are especially rapid) and typically don’t cause excessive pain, nor require general anaesthesia.
Preparing for LASIK, PRK, or RLE may require a patient to tweak their personal habits or routines. For instance, patients are generally instructed to avoid contact lenses well before the actual date of their refractive surgery, which patients may wish to keep in mind if they strongly prefer to wear contacts to a specific upcoming occasion or event. (That said, the social-distancing policies remaining in place during 2021 may mean fewer social events of this kind.)
Patients are generally instructed not to drive following their refractive surgery; therefore, for Islanders booking LASIK, PRK or RLE in another province, reliable transportation back to PEI (or to temporary out-of-province accommodation) is crucial.
Following refractive surgery, patients may need to alter their daily routines to accommodate the healing process, and may need to change some habits or avoid some activities for a specific length of time. (For instance, locals who like to take advantage of PEI’s lakes and beaches should bear in mind that patients recovering from refractive surgery typically need to avoid swimming. Driving in dark environments can also be problematic.)
Side effects such as dryness and visual haloes sometimes occur as patients recover from refractive surgery; Family Vision Centre can provide information on post-surgery specifics, such as side effects and the anticipated recovery time following a procedure.
Dr. Jayne Toombs Family Vision Centre
111 Pownal St, Charlottetown 902.566.4418
www.familyvisioncentre.com
Discover Summer-Ready Skin
Youthful You Medaesthetics
Words By Katrina Geenevasen
While true beauty does indeed lie within, having summer-ready skin you feel proud to show off certainly doesn’t hurt. That’s where Youthful You Medaesthetics comes in.
Prince Edward Island’s premier laser treatment clinic for men and women, Youthful You offers its clients comprehensive knowledge, training and equipment that help improve clients’ skin using tried, tested and proven treatments.
Afraid to put on that itty-bitty bikini? Don’t be. Youthful You has you covered.
Spider and varicose veins - which appear as web-like vessels just below the surface of your skin - are an issue that an estimated 3.7 million Canadians suffer from. They’re oftentimes painful, and can cause itching, swelling, burning and cramping.
They can, however, be a thing of the past, and without painful injections.
Youthful You’s Excel V laser system safely and effectively treats both tiny, superficial face veins and deeper blue leg veins on all skin tones using pulses of light energy. Eventually, this destroys the vessels, which are later reabsorbed by your body. Blood flow is then redirected to veins deeper below your skin’s surface, where it should be.
Often, patients find that one or two treatments are sufficient, says Diane MacDonald, laser specialist, retired RN and owner of Youthful You. However, the number of treatments necessary depends on the number, colour, and size of the vessels being treated.
An added bonus? The treatments don’t hurt. Most clients only feel a slight stinging during the treatment, and afterwards, there’s no pain at all.
MacDonald says most patients find the majority of the treated veins show significant improvement within just two to six weeks of treatment, which means it’s not too late before the balmy summer months (finally) arrive.
Skin Tightening
Vascular Correction
Sagging skin and cellulite are common issues more people than not deal with, but you don’t have to!
Using the BTL Exilis Elite, Youthful You offers effective, non-invasive skin tightening with no downtime.
It’s the only face skin tightening and body sculpting technology that uses radio frequency technology to tighten skin and enhance collagen and elastin production.
There’s no need for painful surgery; the Exilis Elite has been clinically proven to remove stubborn fat, while also improving the overall texture and tone of skin, quickly and easily.
Permanent Hair Removal
Quick, less painful than other hairremoval treatments (such as waxing - ouch!), and precise, the xeo® laser hair removal treatments at Youthful You make razors a thing of the past.
The life-altering treatment (seriously - it is life altering!) works by emitting pulses of light energy into the hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and is converted to heat energy. The heat then loosens the hair and disables the cells responsible for new growth.
Why deal with ingrown hairs, razors and itchy, unsightly bumps? Silky, smooth skin awaits in as few as four to six treatments.
▲ Diane MacDonald (Photo: Sara Bakker)
Your Skin is in Good Hands
A retired acute care RN, MacDonald has taken her skills and extensive knowledge to ensure every client receives only the best treatments and most effective solutions.
“I’m passionate about offering solutions for clients that have no idea there are solutions for problems they have,” says MacDonald. “I enjoy making people feel good about themselves. It’s gratifying to help someone look at themselves in a happier way. Many times it’s very simple treatments that make a big change in someone and how they feel. Some results are dramatic and some are subtle.”
Her dedication shows; countless clients praise MacDonald for her attention to detail and dedication to providing superior service.
“It has been a pleasure to consult with Diane and to select the best treatments and products together that are best suited for me and my profile,” says client Penny White. “Diane is a terrific listener and very knowledgeable in her field. I couldn’t be happier with the results that I have experienced so far!”
Summer-ready skin awaits; are you ready to show it off? Book your appointment today.
Youthful You Medaesthetics 902.394.6500 (message/text) 902.566.4780 (message) youthfulyoumed@icloud.com www.youthfulyoupei.com
THE COVID-19 VACCINE
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?
By Jonathan Broderick, Pharmacist Photos Story Thorburn
Can I choose which vaccine I get?
As of now, the general recommendation from Provincial and national public health bodies is that the first vaccine made available to you is the best option. All vaccines approved in Canada are deemed safe and effective and the benefits of protection against COVID 19 far outweighs the risks. It is always important to speak with one of your healthcare providers to discuss the specifics of your personal medical history, allergies etc. to make sure there is not a reason that may prevent one or more of the vaccines from being a good option for you. Any delay in a vaccination because you want to wait for “the good one” will leave you unprotected for a longer period which increases your risk of exposure.
What are the most common side effects?
Side effects are like other vaccines received in the upper arm, or deltoid muscle. Mild pain, redness, inflammation, and tenderness are all common for 2-3 days, with some feeling tightness and firmness for a week or more. Symptoms such as low-grade fever, headache, muscle, and joint pain are all relatively common for a few days after receiving the vaccine. Most symptoms are mild, but some do have symptoms that will decrease activities for a few days. Any of these symptoms is your immune system letting you know that the process is working and that you will develop immunity, even though you may not feel 100% for a bit.
Should I be concerned about serious side effects?
As with any vaccine or medication, there is always a benefit vs risk. With all COVID 19 vaccines, the benefit far outweighs the risk of extremely rare side effects such as blood clots and anaphylactic reactions. No one wants to have any risk at all of course, but the risks of a COVID 19 infection and the complications from that is exponentially higher than any of the serious side effects mentioned above.
Should I get the vaccine while sick?
It is preferable to not be sick when receiving this or any vaccine. The usual recommendation would be to delay the vaccination if you are suffering from a fever or feeling really run down. A little stuffy nose or cold, if mild, should not stop you from receiving a COVID vaccine.
Is it safe to get the vaccine if I’m pregnant or nursing?
Although there hasn’t been extensive study into the effectiveness and safety of COVID vaccines in pregnant and nursing mothers, we do know that the risk of serious complications of COVID for pregnant women is much higher than women who are not. It is important to discuss this with your primary healthcare provider.
Are there any chronic illnesses or conditions that prevent me from getting the vaccine?
Most chronic illness is linked to a much higher mortality rate from COVID infections. It is very important for this population to receive a COVID vaccine, as their risk of complications is much higher. There may be certain allergies, conditions etc. where this may not apply, so it is always important to speak with your health care provider about your specific situation.
How many vaccine doses do I need?
Most COVID vaccines require two doses, except one that is a single shot. Usually, these doses are separated by 4-12 weeks, but those timelines can vary depending on stock in a particular province. Provincial Public Health offices will make those decisions based on different factors as well.
If I think I’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or may have had COVID-19, can I still get the vaccine?
People who have had COVID 19 will develop a little bit of immunity from the infection, but it is still recommended as of now that they receive a standard vaccination series. If you suspect you have COVID 19, you should call 811 and follow directions to get tested.
Do the current vaccines protect against the new variants?
This is ever changing with new information daily on both new variants and vaccine effectiveness against these variants. As of now, there is coverage from vaccinations against most if not all variants, but the degree of coverage may vary. It is important to always follow the most current information from our public health office as well as Health Canada and NACI (National Advisory Committee on Immunizations)
▲Jonathan Broderick
Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine every year?
That is a very good question, and unfortunately no one is sure of that answer yet. There are several factors that would go into those decisions. How long does the vaccine series provide immunity? do new variants continue to emerge? Have we vaccinated enough of the population to create herd immunity? There is a lot of moving parts to account for in these decisions, but the thought of having COVID 19 and vaccine boosters a part of our lives for the foreseeable future seems likely to some degree, but there are still a lot of unknowns.
Is the vaccine safe for my children under five or senior family members?
Studies are underway for children and varying ages to determine safety and effectiveness of these vaccines. Once there is enough data in this population, Health Canada and other health bodies will be making decisions on when these people can receive vaccines. The elderly is the highest risk group, so it is imperative that this population receives vaccines.
Pharmasave Montague
521 Main Street, Montague 902.838.2561
