HH&F Magazine

Spring 2013 HALTON

Spring Fashion Allergies Real Estate - Cars >>

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24 Honda Accord 2013 . . . . . . . . . . .26 Cars: European motoring. . . . . . . . . . . . .30 BAO Lifestyle in action . . . . . . . .38 Shopping local or online for glasses?. . . . 42 SAD and ways back to smile. . . . . . . . . . .

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Spring 2013 HALTON

inside:

6 10 Electric Future [cars]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Carnevale di Venezia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Venice Inspired Opulence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Planning for Succession . . . . . . . .28 De-cluttering your home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 My FIRST BUSINESS . . . . . . . .34 38 The BAO report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Children and EYE Exams. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

42 Spring Allergies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Spring SAVVY- FASHION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Beauty: Micro Pigmentation. . . . . . . . .

Materials and professional suggestions contained in this magazine are provided by the Associate Editors and represent only their opinions.

ReadersHH&F areWinter advised to consult with their 2012 CS5.indd 4 own health-care provider BEFORE attempting any of the health treatments described in this issue.

Caution and DUE DILIGENCE is advised for all financial matters presented to readers.

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spring 2013 page 3

FASHION

S

spring savvy

This season choose from some of the most beautiful coats, cardigans and sweaters to keep you fashionable and well wrapped for winter.

Warmth can be beautiful too!

Get set to spring into action! Are you ready for this season’s superbright colours, graphic prints and sexy flashes of skin?

Designers incorporated brilliant hues in a rainbow of colours into their creations, including beautiful corals, blues, greens, reds and yellows. High contrast, geometric patterned outfits are a huge trend as the new version of 60s mod is in! Sharp black and white in graphic checks, stripes and florals is the statement for spring. Bold patterns and psychedelic prints as well as striking silhouettes from body conscious sheath dresses to boxy tops make an equally outstanding impact. This season brings a whole new meaning to great style! Check out some of the season’s must haves:

COLOUR Colours positively pop this season! 2013 is brighter than ever! Cobalt, fire engine red, bold orange and sunshine yellow are energizing after a long winter; and green in shades like emerald and mint is making a big presence. There is also a strong influence of a softer more muted colour palette.

Think blush, lemon yellow, lavender, olive, and mocha.

BLUE All shades of blue from cobalt to the depths of navy are hot this season. Cobalt blue projects such attitude and presence when worn with bright colours or white, yet it’s not overpowering. Also, it’s a colour that is flattering on almost every skin tone.

One of the newest colour combinations for Spring is cobalt with various shades of orange including melon, coral and tangerine. For the latest tone on tone dressing, pair cobalt with deeper shades of blue; the look is sophisticated. Navy and deeper page 4 spring 2013

indigo shades can be treated as neutrals.

They pair surprisingly well with pale colours like lavender, olive, and lemon and make them pop. And of course white and indigo make a strong pairing that’s hard to top.

CITRON Not quite neon and not quite lime or lemon. This pop of fresh limony colour makes a statement. Use it to pop your outfit. This colour is fantastic in a blazer over black and white geometric printed dresses or tops.

SHADES OF GREEN Kelly green, forest green, sea foam and soft spearmint green mix it up as green is the latest trend colour of the season. Wear your darker shades of green via a flowing chiffon blouse for daytime and a brighter shade in a sexy dress for a night out.

A fresh pop of mint green is very current.

Mix it with the darker shades in your wardrobe for an update; it pairs beautifully with navy or black. Later in the season pair mint with your summer whites.

RED HOT Red is the colour of passion and fiery red pieces are sexier than ever. Trade in that beige trench coat for a striking red one! Nothing adds impact to an outfit quite like the perfect red jacket or blazer.

Choose a sharp silhouette and make it memorable by wearing the jacket with fun printed pants.

PURPLE This royal colour makes a reappearance but this time the strongest shades are soft: violet , lavender and pale lilac which work especially well for delicate lace , flowy chiffon dresses and boho blouses.

PINK Rich pinks in vibrant candy tones are fun for the warmer months. The bolder the better! Bright fuchsia is popping up on everything from flirty dresses to tailored pants. Pair with neutrals or with coral for a can’t miss look.

OLIVE This rich green puts a warm toned spin on everything from evening wear to slick suits. It can act as a neutral with brighter colours or can be paired with other neutrals like grey , black or ivory. Moving 2012 page5 5 springfall 2013 page

FASHION

forward this colour will continue to be one of the more trendy ones.

ICY TONES In addition to the warmer pastels we normally see in Spring like orange sherbet, cotton candy pink and pale yellow, this season there is a new crop of soft colours. Nothing is as refreshing as a batch of icy cool tones: think muted grays and silvers, icy blues and barely there pinks. It’s a paler palette that allows for neutral styling and layering options similar to nude tones.

WHITES White, the warm weather staple, is going to be strong this season with styles that range from lacy sweet to downtown tough. White is one of those non colours that never goes out of style. Wear it head to toe this season. White on white is a surefire recipe for a superchic look.

Blouses and dresses are ultra feminine in delicate white fabrications like chiffon or silk as well as sheer mesh veilings, embroideries, lace and eyelet. Gauzy all white layering has a vintage feel, yet is very sexy and romantic. Quite the opposite, white can look sleek in architectural shapes. Mix in one crisp white piece into your outfit this season. It’ll make even the loudest brights pop that much more. A structured white blazer adds sharpness to your office attire or even your weekend jeans and tee. Then for a night out, pair with a mini and push up the sleeves. Its cool. Sleek all white dressing works well with a silver shoe or lucite heels which are all the rage right now.

MONOCHROMATIC + COLOUR BLOCKING Monochromatic dressing hits the full spectrum for the coming season...wear head to toe of any colour. Try all cobalt, all orange or any single hue. It may seem like a daring move, but the results are great. These shades pack a major punch. And, we are finally allowed to be matchy matchy in our clothing and accessories. A matching blazer and skirt combo is an easy way to do tone on tone dressing.

Pastels are a more subdued way to try monochromatic dressing. page 6 6fall 2012 2013 page spring

JS Boutique dress Kenneth Cole Nine West Anne Klein Mexx Sandwich Part Two and many more

B O U T I Q U E 70 Main St. South Downtown Georgetown 905.877.0111

I would recommend wearing neutral with abstract florals or ground a polka dot blouse with a pastel shoes with your colourful outfit. skirt.

Brilliant floral prints are Update your colour blocking found on almost everything. I love combinations. Mixing bold colours the look of a floral blazer. For day with each other as well as neutral add a T shirt, skinnies and heels. tones continues to be a hot trend for For evening a scoopneck, tuxedo Spring. Try blue with orange; add pants and edgy heels give the pretty a touch of black for edge. Pink and blazer a dressier feel. Polka dots are coral make a dynamic modern duo fashions most iconic pattern but this and for the latest, try mint green season they have a fresh new look with navy or black. Black and white in must have colours and touches of emerged as one of the big themes texture. Check out our Mexx mint for Spring 2013. Black and white green and navy polka dot cardi. So are two classic colours that can be cute with a pair of cobalt skinnies or worn all year round; a combination a pencil skirt. of these two contrasting colours is always striking. They are profesGRAPHIC MOD sional enough to be worn to work and sleek enough for a night out. This season it’s all about mixing White and beige make a killer duo black and white prints. Mod is in! This graphic 60’s inspired look as well. is back. New spins on the ladylike classic include black and white PATTERN UP! checks and stripes, colour blocking, It’s time for a perfect mix of light eye popping high contrast geomethearted prints. This season it’s about ric prints and ingenious shapes. Try fine prints in minutely detailed it on everything from shift dresses designs on everything from slim to little skirts. Mix your black and suits to dresses to pants. Whether white graphics with colourful sepabright florals, jazzy geometric rates. If you have a bold geometric motifs or paisley, the latest printed black and white dress, throw on a pieces are fun to wear. Pair stripes colourful cardi for some edge. spring 2013 page 7

FASHION STRIPES Stripes are indeed the word for the coming season. But they’re not just pinstripes. Bigger is better. Geometric stripes are envisioned in fresh ways. Whether horizontal or vertical, thick or thin, chevron or curved, they’re on everything from ball gowns to tees. With denim or with navy they read nautical chic. I love the look or a striped black and white top with a coloured pant.

DENIM Pants are going to be slim this season. So get into side zip ankle or form fitting straights which never fail to flatter. Colour continues to dominate ranging from bold brights to the new soft and muted pastels like pale jade, lilac and soft cognac.

One of my favourites is the Fidelity Ace in pale jade. The fit is sexy and comfortable while the colour acts as a neutral.

For Spring, print and pattern on jeans are big news! Not just animal print, but new fun designs like beach scenes, floral patterns, ikat, and ombre. If you want to try this trend but are hesitant, start with a very subtle pattern in a deeper tone. To keep focus on the top half wear a white or neutral coloured top or blazer. The new length in spring and summer jeans is to the ankle or cropped.

SKIRTS You will love the new shape of skirts! Swingy full skirts are everywhere this season ranging from mini lengths to longer page 8 spring 2013

mid calf options. Full skirts work best in supple fabrics like silk, cotton or even knit. For a sleeker shape, find a skirt fitted thru the mid section with fullness starting below the hips.

A-line styles with fullness or pleats starting at the top of the skirt, camouflage trouble spots like a tummy or large bust.

Tuck in your top and add heels to emphasize the hourglass silhouette. The style is flirty, so give it a twirl!

The tried and true classic pencil skirt nips your waist and defines curves. What’s new is the below-the-knee length. A pastel pencil is current for spring and work appropriate. Wear with menswear inspired separates. A slick white blazer and a fitted feminine top tucked into a pencil skirt gives a clean polished look. Or wear with a sultry bustier and heels for a sexy evening look.

BLAZERS This is going to be the most useful item in your wardrobe this Spring as you will wear it with your dressy clothes and your casual outfits including your jean shorts! A strong shouldered jacket adds instant edge. This architectural shape makes any outfit more polished and the heightened shoulders create definition and narrow the torso and arms. Be sure to add a blazer that is versatile and can be worn with you work outfits as well as your casual clothes on the weekend. A blazer with skinny jeans or slim pants and pointy toe pumps is sophisticated and polished. From moto styles to leather jackets to embellished jackets, there is something for everyone.

DRESSES The Fit and flare style is the shape of dresses this season and it works on most body types including plus sizes. Its flirty shape flatters and a belted waist creates a sexy hourglass in seconds. Best of all it looks as appropriate in the office as it does at cocktail hour.

Similarly, a trumpet shaped dress is also versatile and flattering.

Sporty dresses with flirty A-line skirts and shoulder showcasing bodices as well as racerback dresses are an easy everyday dress that you can just throw on and go. They work easily with wedges and high heel sandals as they do with flats. Add a cardi or leather jacket.

SHOES Platform sandals and wedges in bold colour combinations and neutral colour blocked designs will be the highlight of the season. They are perfect for finishing off your outfit with a punch of colour. And if you’re going for the mod look, make a strong statement in high contrast black and white sandals. On trend this season, ankle strap sandals are a perfect match for skirts and are built to show a lot of skin. They’re as sexy as sandals can get!

Although once a trend, gladiators are now closet staples. They are sporty and chic and work with casual dresses and shorts. Also, for comfort and style, lace up espadrilles and cork wedges are a summery must have.

The new shoe of the year is clearly the single sole pump. Sexy pointy heels are back and have been modernized with everything from dainty ankle straps to cylindrical heels. This season they are fun in bold colours and patterns. Its one of the easiest ways to add colour and glamour to your look.

ACCESSORIES One of the most important features about accessories this Spring is shape. From cubic to triangular to trapezoidal, these statement pieces in modern shapes and hot colours are eye catching. Oversize earrings, sculptural bangles and showstopping bold necklaces are your best bets.

Look for interesting colour combinations and textures.

Metal is back in full force with shiny hues and chrome details popping up everywhere and on everything from sexy stilettos to little clutches to bangles. Shine instantly amps up your look. Try silver accessories with a white button down and a black pencil skirt. Gold is currently the hottest metal so…..Pile it on! Don’t hold back. A mix of bold gilded cuffs, collars and rings on every finger make any outfit look totally cutting edge. Gold and white is a striking combination for Spring. Look for gold metal hardware on white purses.

Boxy bags and structured ladylike purses are the IT bags.

These structured extras balance a flowy silhouette and look equally sharp with a crisp suit. Look for duo or multicoloured bags especially black and white combinations, orange and coral, blue and green and beige and black.

Ready, Set, SPRING! Its here before you know it. So shed the winter greys and go for colour, pattern and style!

Not sure where to start? Contact Moxxi Boutique for your personal wardrobe consultation and closet organization services.

Joanne Smith, Moxxi Boutique

spring 2013 page 9

BEAUTY

M

micro-pigmentation

No one looks like the cover of the magazines.

Not that perfect!

Those are graphic dreams tailored to please [and tease] at the cashiers’ lineup.

Starting at a young age most little girls love to play “make-up”, but over the years, putting on makeup becomes a morning chore that if we could, we’d rather abolish it altogether.

Regardless, we apply make-up to make ourselves look and feel better. Our face is not symmetrical (the most sought ingredient toward perfection). The naked face is the truth for others to see the real you, and the challenge each morning for us is to create symmetry and a harmonious balance between all our facial features.

Life gives us the “little” imperfections which, the more we Mornings are spent redesigning or filling look in the mirror, gaps in our eyebrows, applying lipsticks the more they grow. and liners to reshaping our lips and to add a burst of colour to liven up our look.

Changing mirrors?

Won’t help, and you know it...

We enhance and outline the eyes to define and make them pop, which is not too bad.

Squeezing it all in a time frame too small for that carefully orchestrated beauty, is the challenge. Daily, of course!

Having this routine for years, before, or after breakfast, [ few times even instead of], inevitably THE QUESTION creeps into your mind: Is there a way that such a time consuming ritual could be eliminated permanently?... yet still look great each morning and enjoy the rest of my day without re-applying make-up?

THE answer is: YES! Say “Hello!” to the magic powers of MICRO-PIGMENTATION.

page 10 spring 2013

AFTER

BEFORE

A true beauty-genie that stays with you all the time, don’t even have to make a wish, just look in a mirror “et voila!”. Done!

Not claiming to transform you into a 24/7 fashion statement, this genie will allow you to be “ready to go”, complete with your ME & MY FRESH LOOK, whether you just woke up in the morning, after a nap or right out from a shower.

Micro-pigmentation (often referred to as permanent makeup) can help both, women and men. Close to the medical side of skin science, it is done in one or two easy sessions in a salon-like, private setting.

Many reasons why more and more people are opting for the procedure and here are the most common, THE Top 8 Reasons for Micro-Pigmentation:

Convenience: Saving many hours per year in application time and enjoying a “natural” every day look; Hair Loss: People with alopecia, (a form of hair loss), may choose to have permanent make-up to create an appearance of eyebrows where the brow hair has been lost. The appearance of uneven or sparse eyebrows can be helped without surgery. They can be enhanced and bring back the defining arches and tails.

Active Lifestyle: It can be tough to manage make-up smear issues if you’re an athlete or have an active lifestyle.

AFTER

Allergies and Irritated Eyes: Certain skin types are easily irritated by traditional make-up. Contact lenses or excessive time in front of a computer screen can create tearing and irritated eyes and be a good reason for micro-pigmentation.

Physical Limitations: Applying cosmetics can be a bothersome task if you have a physical condition. Those with cataracts or other visual impairments, people with severe arthritis have found micro-pigmentation to be a viable solution.

Skin Discoloration/Deformities: Certain skin disorders and deformities can alter skin colour.

Micro-pigmentation has been successful with a genetic trait such as cleft lip by re-establishing the vermillion border, outlining the exterior with colour and shading a soft colour into the lip interior.

It can also improve upon conditions like scarring and uneven pigmentation known as vitiligo.

Breast Reconstruction: Micro-pigmentation is used with great success in simulating the look of an areola and nipple, for cancer patients after they have had reconstruction surgery.

Aging: As we age, we lose colour and volume in our face.

BEFORE

Follow-Up Care As the pigment fades over the years, you may need additional treatments to maintain the look. Micro-pigmentation has been referred to as permanent make-up, however, it is not always so permanent. It is affected by sunlight, and aging can sometimes lighten the colour, as well as many topical lotions and potions that are applied to the area regularly.

Marcie Rushlow is a dedicated Micro-Pigmentation specialist and can answer further your questions about your particular condition confidentially at 289-839-0258.

• Micro-pigmentation can help by adding colour to an aging, faded lip. Without colour, lips can appear thin and life-less.

• Micro-pigmentation aids in reshaping and defining the aging eyebrow. When we age, eyebrows can become sparse, non-existent or just il-shaped from years of abuse [nearly being tweezed within an inch of their life] because of ever changing fads.

• Reversing the look of aging eyes can be greatly enhanced with Micro-pigmentation by outlining with colour, which helps to conceal the gradual loss of our beloved lashes, which decrease in length and quantity with age. This outlining gives eyes more definition and creates interest. Otherwise, aging eye area, will appear smaller and less vibrant.

Geo wn - Milton - O Oakville lle - London Georgetown

Helping women look beautiful far beyond just one day...

After a skin tone evaluation, a colour is carefully chosen to best match your complexion in order to achieve the desired results.

The specialist will implant into the dermal layer of your skin a safe, iron oxide based pigment to complete the tinting.

What should I expect after the procedure?

You should expect a little swelling in the treated region. Your specialist will instruct you on how to care for the area and what type of ointment to apply.

Pigmentation will appear darker for a few weeks after the procedure, but will fade by approximately 30% when healed. spring 2013 page 11

CARS

E

electric future

Many had [some still have] big dreams of “electric cars for everyone!”

In 2013 the real holdback is not how reliable how comfortable and how [in]expensive they are...

The real challenge: the perceived inconvenience of using electric cars, in Ontario. It doesn’t matter if it helps the planet, or your pocket, by skipping altogether the gas pumps and going for the electrical plug.

If convenience is not there, ain’t going to be a success story. Is that simple!

We’ve been there 113 years ago...

Going electric, technically was achieved by 1890s and in 1900 electric vehicles even with “motor-in-wheels” were rolling out as cars, busses, trucks and fire engines.

What caused the all around “clean and quiet horseless buggies” to disappear? The battery! It almost closed the book on that technology, forcing the geniuses of the era to turn away, fast and furious, from electrics, right back to gasoline engines.

That was the case of Professor Porsche 1900 “Elektromobil” and his famed turbochargers for 1926 Mercedes SSK. [Porsche invented those while working with Daimler, Benz and Maybach at Mercedes plant].

Nissan Renault page 12 spring 2013

That was Europe, and North America made a bigger effort to embrace these “electrics”, Chicago Electric and Detroit Electric going on to produce [and sell] close to 35,000 of these “quiet automobiles”.

Too many recent garage-size startups plus the added challenge of unproven technology, is a natural call for consumers’ caution

and a turn off for investors.

Offering to the public, transportation that looks like a boot on wheels, a wing-less air plane or a golf cart on steroids does not bring much confidence of a reliable, convenient transportation as expected nowadays when driving, from here to there.

Make an electric sports car that looks like a contender which, conveniently you can “launch it” whenever, as fast as a gasoline muscle car, and you will see buyers willing to shell out the $150k- $250k...

Tesla, Venturi, Lightning are making those cars for 7-10 years by now. With ranges of 280-400 km per charge and accelerations challenging most gasoline sports cars. Add to the package a 10-minute fast charger, and is getting quite convenient!...

Different logistics for family cars that have to be spacious enough to carry the whole tribe, around town or to the nearby city, so ride comfort, range per charge and recharging time are the predominant criteria.

Choosing your electric transportation starts with the number of wheels you want to ride on 2,3,4,6 or even 8. You also have options on how you want to steer yourself through traffic with 1,2,4,6 wheels or “do it for u” all-wheel-steering. To complete your choices of how power gets to the wheels you’ll find from the basic 1 to 4 motors, as front-wheel drive, rear wheel drive, all-

Lightning

Dodge

spring 2013 page 13

CARS

wheel-drive or 1, 2, 3, 4 or 8 motor-inwheels direct drives.

So by now we have available all the angles of driving-breaking-steering, but the sheer number of combinations brings more confusion than clarity.

Future electrics will have different options than the ones we are contemplating in 2013. Regardless, the biggest hurdle will be the old one: the battery!

Over-simplified, the battery will replace the gasoline tank and options will be measured either in driving km as rangeper-charge 150-250-400-600km, or, in KW as the power stored per full charge 30-40-65-85KW or a craaazy... 600KW, as Mercedes has for their latest and fastest SLS AMG Electric Drive [0-100 in 3.9 seconds!]. That’s in sync with the whopping $538,000 price tag, a convincing GRAND statement for the environmentally right, with a “heavy foot”.

A

Now, back to us, the sane people.

I fill up my “dirty” car once a week but for same driving, I’d have to recharge a “clean” car 2-6 hours daily, a borderline inconvenience. A “fast-charge” will be a must have, and recharging in 10-30 minutes, not 4-12 hours, is a big step closer to convenience.

City driving could be done with smaller batteries [shorter range per charge].

Car makers already offer a selection of different size batteries to lower the prices for these electrics. Battery rental is an option. Free public recharge stations seem enticing and favoured by municipalities around the world, drivers as well.

Subsidies help, [but won’t last forever] otherwise, the confidence that you are making a great purchase erodes fast when asked to pay up-front, a premium of 10 years worth of gasoline, to drive same distance, in a clean-technology car.

Building thousands of recharge stations like they already have all around Europe and California, is a start. Not surprisingly, in those parts of the world the electrics sell in encouraging numbers.

Going shopping will become synonymous to recharging because the largestore chains, restaurants and even coffee shops would eagerly “help you” stay or page 14 spring 2013

T

shop longer, till your car is ready to go.

The smart electrics will call your phone to let you know that the charging is complete and you are ready to go the distance, once more, for pennies to the dollar or completely free [for now].

You didn’t get a call from your car yet?

Then you call your car and find out if you have enough juice to take you back home or to the next shop-n-charge of the day...

Today’s hybrids are just a transition step to electrics. Building the hundreds of thousands of charge stations plus the one(s) you will have at home is a mammoth challenge for the electrical grid, already over stretched in hot summer days.

BMW

M

Whatever we end up saving by not using fossil fuel, with electrics replacing the old guzzlers, we will still have to produce same transportation in hydro, mile for mile. Not a biggie if we talk 1,000 or 5,000 cars but what about... 2,000,000 cars and trucks and busses? And that’s on top of the trams, LRT and the subway, taxing the grid already...

AMG

If we make up for that extra hydro-for -electrics from wind, rivers or solar sources, than we win outright the environmental battle, regardless how much needs to be invested in the infrastructure.

Cover that new hydro demand from coal, oil or gas-generated power, then we have to go to the calculator and check if we are ahead in the pollution game and carbon footprint will tell the real story, not politics.

But enough with these electrics.

Don’t let all these future headaches get to you, today! Have a double-double and the new freebee recharge! Not on menu yet, so grab it while it lasts!

Way to go Tim Hortons!

Sergiu Vexler - Sei Wynn Media

T F

H V spring 2013 page 15

PLACES

C

carnevale di venezia

almost two million party goers, snapping photos everywhere you look, day and night... colour this with breathtaking costumes sprinkled on sidewalks between buildings unchanged for over 500 years, feels like time travel...

Welcome to CARNEVALE di Venezia!

For thousands of years, masks were used as a replacement of the more elaborate mythological statues, or, as mighty protectors adorned at entrances to dispel “the bad” and protect the locals.

But the mask also let the wearer become someone else, free of the social or personal inhibitions. From the early theatrical world, where pretending to be someone else was an art, costumes, props and the liberating mask spilled to the ordinary crowd in a simpler form and what a better time to let your inhibitions disappear than at a party.

The mega party that takes place in Venice, nowadays at the end of each January with museum worthy costumes, dance balls, street shows, parades and costume contests, did not start like this. Actually, was not even a celebration before Lent, it was held after Christmas and Piazza San Marco had yet to exist...

Masks were worn in Venice public political gatherings all the way back to year 762 when Venetians elected Orso Ipato as their [arguably] first Doge.

Using masks in public celebrations, where all walks of life were mingling in search for fun, was mentioned as early as 1096.

The first masked public celebration documented as such, was in 1162 when Carnival of Venice was born as a celebration of the victory by Venetian Doge Vitale Michieli 2nd over Ulrich 2nd of Treven.

page 16 spring 2013

The tribute to Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia [as Venice was known at the time] consisted each year of 1 bull, 12 pigs and 12 loaves of bread when the animals were ceremoniously slaughtered one each day, cooked and the food given to the citizens.

The free food, music, dance, masks, wine, commedia dell’arte [street theatre in that era] and saltimbanco, all twhat was needed for a good time, for a 12-day party!

Year after year, celebrations grew larger and the next Doge, Sebastiano Viani decided to create the public space Venice needed: Piazza San Marco.

The canal cutting through the middle, Rio Baratario, was filled in; the church of San Geminiano was demolished and rebuilt farther back. An orchard together with a number of buildings obstructing the site, were levelled. The newly created space had the floor raised by one meter to prevent high tide flooding, [unfortunately, half of what was needed], paved and fitted with storm drains leading to the nearby canals. That’s how Piazza San Marco came to exist. The home for Carnevale di Venezia dance finale: The Grand Ball!

Venice was a cultural centre, an industrious city, a leader in ship building, a trading hub that exploited its market knowledge to the benefit of the republic.

Its citizens enjoyed a privileged life compared to rest of Europe which somewhat explains their history.

Architecture, painting, sculpture, glass

Piazza San Marco Acqua Alta [high water]

Piazza San Marco [high sun]

traditional masks: Bauta, Dottore della Peste, Colombina, spring 2013 page 17

page 18 spring 2013

work [on nearby Murano Island], elevated the artistic life. All trades and crafts flourished. Having a mega party in a city where masks were a way of life, engaged the creative spirit to bring new colours and shapes to each carnival. After 400 years of mask and the costume making, the artisans were recognised as artists, and on April 10th, 1436, mask makers [mascherari], were granted the statutes of their own guild, placing them on same level with the painters.

While mask making was not a strange trade to neighbouring France, masks, having a political role, was unique to Venice democratic system where each masked citizen had an equal political voice and vote as his neighbour.

Wearing masks meant freedom, yet “too much” of this freedom brought [much needed] legislated restrictions: • masked people were not allowed to carry weapons [police had the right to search and enforce the rule]; • masked people were not allowed to “throw eggs” [from balconies, at women passing below despite that they were filled with rosemary water and were a simple call for attention or romance]; • masks were not allowed in nuns’ convents; • masks were prohibited on most religious holidays; • masks were prohibited for dealers in the gambling houses...

By 1600 Venice was having 6-month per year “mask season”. Doing that for hundreds of years, got to the better part of the population, even priests and nuns joining the crowds, masked of course. Crime, promiscuity, prostitution and gambling became a fact of life for Venice of 1600’s and 1700’s. Fortunes were gambled and squandered daily in “ Il Ridotto” establishments [the ancestors of modern casinos] and Venice notoriety of “everything goes” was well established in Europe. spring 2013 page 19

English freshmen had a tradition of going to Venice for an initiation of sort, before launching in their careers.

Can not think of a better portrayal of Venetian society of the 1740-1750 than the life of Giacomo Casanova, the famous Venetian that frequented the local ballrooms in search for love with success after success. But Casanova was also a frequent visitor to the gambling houses were he discovered that loss after loss would land him in jail for unpaid gambling debts. His escape from Palazzo Ducale, [Piombi jail rooms], is an adventure and a story in its own right.

400 years before “Sin City”, Venezia, was the fun city...

Nowadays Carnevale, you could find simple masks and costumes, strolling by “one of a kind” creations that take countless numbers of hours of preparatory design and months of artistic work to complete the dreams. These museum worthy costumes are worn by actors, but don’t be surprised that a few artizans dress up themselves [spouses as well] to display proudly their creations. Can it get more personal than this?

page 20 spring 2013

THE TRADITIONAL MASKS BAUTA , is THE traditional white mask, [initially was black]. It could be worn for a prolonged time, as its shape allows to eat and drink without the need to be removed and was worn with a tricorn cap and red cape [later changed to black cape] and this attire was legislated as a prerequisite to all citizens attending political debates.

MORETTA, a strapless mask of French origin, oval black considered very feminine for its typical round eye cutouts, is held in place by a button placed between the front teeth of the wearer. Sometimes finished with a black macramé, it did not allow for speech, hence also called Servetta Muta, “the silent maid”.

A favourite for situations when not much talking was required, yet it fell out of style by 1760.

DOTTORE della PESTE, a unique party mask that in reality was an early version of...gas mask.

During a bubonic plague, a French doctor attempting to make his own protective gear when visiting patients, invented this long nose mask

spring 2013 page 21

stuffed with a mix of smelling herbs, [rosemary-garlic-juniper] hopefully protective, complete with round seethrough crystals covering the eye cutouts, giving the impression of wearing glasses. He covered himself with a cape, gloves, high boots and used a stick to poke at the bodies lying on the ground, or to avoid direct contact with those approaching him looking for help. The doctor survived the plague and that was an inspiration for

other doctors to use later the same style mask, while for mascherari, became a style to replicate, without the glasses and herbs.

VOLTO [Larva], was the most common party mask for centuries and by 16th century, the French influence of “new” feminine mask lines, made these masks even more popular. Intricate unique decorations brought to the public opulent designs. Along with the

matching costumes and props, Venetian artists still keep creating some of the most impressive if not surreal party outfits, proof that the art of costume making was not forgotten, despite of a ban on Carnivals after Napoleon conquering Venice in 1797.

Two hundred years later, in 1980 the traditional Carnevale di Venezia was revived [without the decadent lifestyle that brought its demise] and Volto masks again ornate the walkways of the city, a fascinating live “museum couture”.

COLOMBINA is a mask designed to the specific request of a famous actress of Commedia dell’Arte playing the Colombina role. The beautiful actress did not want to cover her legendary beauty with a full face mask and mascherari had to design a half face mask [overly decorated with jewels and feathers], mounted on a stick so she could remove it elegantly and show her whole face, whenever she wanted to reveal her beauty. Today, beside the paper mache, Colombina masks can be found made in leather or filigree [metal cut in a “see-through” intricate pattern] and worn with straps, rarely mounted on a handle.

JESTER (Joker) is another popular mask originating from the theatre world character, symbol of “anything goes” no matter how crazy.

PHANTOM (of the Opera), animal world, books, legends and astronomy round off the other common sources of inspiration adding to the diversity of unique masks and costumes found nowhere else but at Carnevale di Venezia!

A Rivederci!

page 22 spring 2013

spring 2013 page 23

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547 M A I N S T R E E T E A S T , U N I T 16 -17, M I LT O N

DECOR

V

venice inspired opulence Seeing yourself in a mirror is a stark, instant reality check.

Seeing yourself in a Venetian mirror,... is magic in broad daylight! everything appears nicer, so, “Mirror, Mirror on the wall,...� has a meaning after all...

The Hall of Mirrors Chateau du Versailles page 26 spring 2013

Polishing to a shine obsidian stone, or objects of gold, bronze, silver even steel, was done for thousands of years as a way of making mirrors. Romans were attributed with the crude way of making first glass mirrors by placing molten lead inside blown glass. The Venetian mirrors were created much later, by combining the secrets of making crystal clear flat glass, the secrets of coating with the reflective tin-mercury and ornate them painstakingly in a unique Venetian style.

Till late 1600s,Venice had the monopoly on the luxury mirror trade and kept the secrets hidden from the world on the Murano

Island since 1255. So rare and expensive were these mirrors that in 1650 a merchant in Paris was boasting proudly of having two such pieces, for a whopping ₤6,000 each, and altogether 11 pieces were counted as available in all Paris. It was said, that one large Venetian mirror could buy a whole merchant ship...

Not to be outdone easily, Venetian artisans also were adding gold and bronze to the tint of the mirrors, making everything appear more...beautiful.

European, Middle Eastern and Asian Royals were adorning their palaces with

these opulent splurges. Maria de Medici purchased 119 Venetian mirrors to complete her Mirror Room, for which order, Venice sent her one extra mirror, overlydecorated with jewels [still held in Louvre]. Aristocracy trying to keep up with this royal feat, were selling country side residences to have the cash for such luxuries of their own. It comes to no surprise that the “The Council of Ten” in Venice was protecting its master craftsmen the way they did [whisked them to and from Murano Island at night, disguised as firemen]...

palatial ornaments to the boudoirs, bathrooms or dining rooms, adding space and beauty to any room.

Intricate flowerish designs, were replaced more recently by lavish curvy lines on the top, sometime overflowing to the sides of the frame reminiscent of the lazy waves of the canals surrounding everything in Venice. So why not surrounding their mirrors too? Abundance of delicate bevelled glass and hand engraved details complete the visual extravaganza.

Not being required anymore to shell out lifetime savings for one mirror[phew!], you can comfortably splurge into a $500 -$1,500 range, with designs, styles and sizes to suit your space.

Even if you may never visited the place yourself, you can still create the feeling of Venice in your own home, adding a touch of romance by introducing Venice [inspired] interior-design ideas, and mirrors are a starting point.

One of the most sought after items that are still growing in demand, is the antique looking bathroom Venetian mirror.

Those were the times when these mirrors were fetching more money than the same size painting by Rafael and that kind of riches, triggered one of the most famous industrial espionage story of the era.

Jewel toned frames in rich hues and intricate designs will create a new sophisticated look to your bathroom!

A rhapsody needs a whole orchestra, but a rhapsody in glass, needs just Louis XIV set out to outdo his one Venetian mirror. grandmother [Maria de Medici] and decided to ornate a huge room in Dini Lamers Château du Versailles as, the Hall Dini&Co of Mirrors. Seventeen arches to be walled with no fewer than 351 large mirrors [Venetian of course], but made in France with the help of three bribed Venetian artisans.

As the legend goes, Repubblica di Venezia hired assassins to go and poison the traitors. The plot was too late to prevent the new French glass factory starting production and improve further on the traditional manufacturing of flat glass [sheet], delivering the mirrors needed to complete the Hall by 1684. Having this new “industrial” scale supply, meant that eventually, prices would come down and Alexandre Dumas missed out on this great story...

Over the centuries these mirrors lent their aristocratic feel of

home decor events fashion gifts

REALTORS, STAGERS & INTERIOR DESIGNERS welcome!

289-891-9135 w w w.diniandco.com 56 Main St. South, Georgetown

spring 2013 page 27

TAX MATTERS

P

planning for succession Working a lifetime Unfortunately death and taxes are not JWRS may result in unintended disputes mutually exclusive. Whether you are a if one party challenges legal ownership. to accumulate the business owner or just own appreciable JWRS assets may be exposed to marital such as securities or real estate, or creditor claims or loss of the principal wealth of your assets planning is essential to allow for a smooth residence exemption for a joint owner. estate, calls for transition in a tax-efficient manner.

Converting ownership will result in a fair one more wise Need to know… market value disposition if there is a change in beneficial and legal ownership. This decision: how to In most situations, there is a fair market could result in unintended capital gains. A leave the most to value deemed disposition of capital properly prepared trustee document may held by the decedent at the time confirm no change in beneficial ownership. your loved ones property of death unless the property passes to and the least one’s spouse. Similar rules are in effect for Alter ego/ joint RRSPs and Registered Retirement Income partner trusts to the taxman. Funds (“RRIF”).

Estate-succession Will planning planning does not Will provisions should be consistent with current tax and family law legislation as have to be difficult... well as with your shareholders’ agreement.

Probate is the process in which the Court confirms your Will for a 1.5% fee on the assigned value of your assets. Most financial institutions will require probate.

For many years, we have been utilizing dual Wills in Ontario. The secondary Will is prepared for assets not requiring probate such as shares of your private corporation and personal property which may constitute a significant portion of your estate. Hence, significant probate savings are readily available by utilizing a secondary Will.

Alternative methods of ownership There is no probate on assets that go directly to individuals. Assets held jointly or jointly with right of survivorship (“JWRS”) or RRSPs, RRIFs and insurance products with specific beneficiary designations will not have probate. If your “Estate” is the designated beneficiary, probate will apply. page 28 spring 2013

If you are 65 years of age, you as settlor of the trust may transfer assets to an alter ego or joint partner trust. Here, assets are not subject to probate and generally, may not be subject to creditor claims. Not only is public disclosure of the assets on death avoided, the use of the trust will protect the assets from potential challenges that could otherwise occur with Will planning.

Beneficiaries are appointed in the trust indenture.

There is no tax on any unrealized gain on transferring assets to the trust, however there is a deemed disposition at fair market on the death of the settlor with an alter ego trust. With a joint partner trust, the disposition is on the death of the surviving spouse.

On death, tax is levied at the top rate on unrealized capital gains, with no capital gains exemption available.

Income earned by the trust during your lifetime is taxed in the trust at the top rate unless the income is paid to you, taxed at your marginal tax rate. These trusts are generally used for fixed income assets.

Testamentary trusts Testamentary trusts, whether spousal or non-spousal, are an easy, flexible and effective way to minimize tax on future income derived by assets of your estate and to facilitate a sale or transfer of your shares in a tax-effective manner.

A testamentary trust acts as a separate person, utilizing graduated tax rates. For example, if your spouse has no other income, $100,000 of interest income from estate assets will attract tax of approximately $28,150. If this income was split equally with the trust, the combined tax would be approximately $20,100, for a savings of $8,050 annually. Splitting of income may avoid a reduction or clawback in your spouse’s old age security.

Without a provision in your Will to create the testamentary trust, your estate cannot reap the potential benefits. If it is determined at a later date that the trust may not be as beneficial, it may be wound up with the assets distributed to capital beneficiaries.

You may avoid probate and take advantage of testamentary trust planning with RRSPs/ RRIFs/insurance products if you properly designate the beneficiary as ‘a testamentary trust� created in your Will. Your financial advisor may have to discuss this procedure with the financial institution to ensure they will accommodate you.

Additional planning considerations Capital losses from the sale of securities may be applied to capital gains reported in the terminal return if these assets are not distributed by the estate to capital beneficiaries before the end of the first taxation year of the estate.

Unpaid bonuses, dividends or social security benefits (CPP/OAS) payable at the time of death, may be reported on a separate rights or things tax return. The advantage of this special return, is that this type of income is not intermingled with other income reported on the terminal return, and is taxed at graduated rates with full refundable tax credits. Rights or things returns may be filed by the later of 1 year of the date of death or 90 days after receiving the notice of (re)assessment for the terminal return.

There are other post-mortem procedures that may facilitate a better tax result on the transition or wind-up of your operating

or investment corporation provided your executors have the power to implement such procedures.

For example, procedures to extract surplus from a private corporation on a tax-free basis or the ability to increase in the underlying tax cost of corporate-held capital property, such as land or portfolio investments up to their fair market value at the time of death are also available.

If the deceased operated an unincorporated business, the due date for the return is extended to June 15th from the foregoing April 30th date.

In order to meet these filing deadlines, executors should meet with the family accountant to discuss planning and information gathering procedures well in advance.

Winding-up the estate Whether you are a business owner or just own appreciable assets such as securities or real estate, planning is essential to allow for a smooth transition in a tax-efficient manner.

When planning to wind-up the estate, the timing and dollar amount of the distribution of estate assets must be considered.

Generally, after taxes are paid with the return filings, if possible, retained assets should not be income-producing to avoid another tax return filing.

Your executor must apply to CRA for a clearance certificate on CRA Form TX19 after receiving the notice of assessments for the terminal, rights/things and estate tax returns. Without clearance, executors will continue to be liable for unpaid taxes of the deceased, especially in situations where a reassessment is issued at a later date.

Compliance issues

Summary

The filing due date for the terminal tax return is April 30th for deaths occurring between January 1 and October 31st. For deaths occurring in November and December, the due date is 6 months subsequent to the date of death. The balance due date for a balance owing is the same as the due date of the return.

Updating your Wills and other critical legal agreements every 5-7 years to conform to changing tax and other legislation will pave the way for an orderly transition which we all want to achieve.

Larry Stolberg CA,CPA,CFP

Disclaimer to readers: Contact your professional advisor prior to implementing any of the outlined strategies.

Practice restricted to Canadian & U.S. taxation Unaudited financial statements available By appointment only

647-298-1339 lstolberg@lnsca.com

Larry Stolberg CA,CPA, CFP TAX SPECIALIST 245 Commercial St. Milton, On L9T 2J3

spring 2013 page 29

REAL ESTATE

D

de-cluttering

Show me someone that doesn’t collect souvenirs and things! and the more you have, the more reasons to cling to them.

All good and well till it’s time to move and the family has to deal with THE CLUTTER, stuff unused, memories unseen for 10, 20 or 30 years...

page 30 spring 2013

As a Real Estate Professional, my clients it creates a more spacious and welcoming include those who want to up-size or down- environment. size for a variety of reasons. Anyone going The first step in the process is to determine through the process of preparing a home for the support and resources you will need sale knows there usually to successfully accomis one universal task plish this task. Carefully they must contend with: analyze the time and effort A Real Estate the need to de-clutter. required – and from there, In some cases that task determine whether this Professional can be relatively simple, is a task that the family with a Senior while in others it can be can manage alone, or if monumental, traumatic this is something you will Real Estate – or even insurmountrequire outside resources Specialist [SRES] to accomplish. So where able.

Any realtor will advise designation, is do you start? you that prospective trained to walk buyers are distracted by cluttered walls and families through Your Own Home “busy” surfaces, put off by stuffed, disorganized every step of Everyone accumulates closets, and disconde-cluttering excess in their home. Over certed by rooms with the years, rooms gradually too much furniture as it process... become filled with extra tends to make a space furniture, dishes, books, look small and cramped. garden equipment and paperwork that you If you are planning to sell your house or don’t use and barely notice. As you look that of a loved one, ask your Real Estate around, you realize that you no longer need Professional for assistance in preparing the many of the things that are taking up space home for sale.

A simple, clean, efficient home holds in closets, cupboards, spare bedrooms, tremendous appeal for a potential buyer, as basements and garages.

Simplification

Estate Sales

Regardless of whether or not you’re planning to move, it’s always a good idea to make a fresh start in a simplified environment. Lighten up. Reclaim your closets and cupboards! Find satisfaction in donating your unused and unwanted household goods to a charitable organization. If you are planning to sell, a Real Estate Professional can help you sort out what you need to keep, and help you put a system in place to organize the remaining items in your home. When you see the end result, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Sometimes a family is faced with the overwhelming responsibility of looking after the estate following the passing of a loved one.

Preparing a home for sale at this time can be very emotional as family rifts can occur about the simplest of decisions, including how to divide up and de-clutter personal items from the home especially if they trigger memories of unresolved disputes.

Your Real Estate Professional can assist you in managing the work required, and can provide you with the resources you need to make this huge emotional task less stressful and more productive, all the while, fulfilling family estate goals.

De-cluttering Most homeowners or their family members must eventually face the de-cluttering process in order to prepare a home for sale.

A Relative’s Home The Transitional Process Based on demographics and statistics, many adults in the Baby Boomer generation are now either looking after their aging parents, or facing the emotional and physical task of helping their parents transition from a long-time family home into smaller quarters or an assisted-living facility. For many families, a parent transition can be an overwhelming, emotionally draining, and sometimes physically challenging ordeal.

Such a transition requires family members to provide both emotional and physical support for their elderly relative[s]. This includes ensuring that their home and the possessions they’ve collected over the years are handled with respect.

All homeowners find the process of transition overwhelming. Not only does this involve managing a relocation, but often includes preparing the vacated home for sale, as well.

A Real Estate Professional with a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation is trained to walk families through every step of this process, lending ears, hearts and hands to assist in a successful transition. Their professional expertise includes knowing and understanding the symptoms and behaviours associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and how these can change or complicate the task at hand. spring 2013 page 31

REAL ESTATE Here are some of the most common stumbling blocks to letting go: •

“I may need that some day”

•

“This must be worth something”

•

“It reminds me of that person, (place) and means so much to me”

• “I’m saving it for my children” As an outside resource, Real Estate Professionals can assist you in making these difficult choices, keeping you focused on practical issues while ensuring that you or your relative continues to be surrounded by the items that mean the most to you and them.

Packing during the de-cluttering process will save you time, money and stress for the eventual move. As you are de-cluttering, sort and pack non-essential items, determine which boxes will go to the new home, which ones will go to family members or friends, and which have been earmarked for charitable organizations or will be sent to the curb for disposal. page 32 spring 2013

Overwhelming Clutter: Compulsive Hoarding Shhhh….not one wants to talk about this issue. But trust me – in my experience, it truly does exist. This is not about passing judgement or analyzing how it got to the way it got; it’s about being keenly aware that hoarding is not just about the “stuff”.

With the increasing popularity of the TV show, Hoarders, more and more people are becoming aware about the realities of hoarding.

Compulsive hoarding is the excessive acquisition of possessions (and failure to use or discard them), even if the items are worthless, hazardous or unsanitary.

Compulsive hoarding impairs mobility and interferes with basic, day-to-day activities such as cooking, cleaning, showering and sleeping. A chronically-disorganized environment is never healthy, but can be particularly dangerous for seniors or people with mobility issues.

Unlike what you see on TV shows, my personal experience has taught me that a compulsive hoarder cannot be forced to let go of his or her belongings through the

invasion of a team during an intense period of time. It usually takes some sort of crisis (such as an eviction, or a health, safety, fire or child custody issue) to motivate the hoarder to ask for help to clear things up.

But even with a strong incentive, hoarders still struggle with the pain of letting go, and if pushed too quickly, can resist and relapse. There is clearly an emotional component to this disorder that requires support and attention beyond getting rid of the clutter.

How Can a Real Estate Professional Help?

Often it is not the hoarder who typically asks for help, but rather the family members involved, after realizing the need for guidance from professionals that helped other families navigate through same challenge.

The Real Estate Professional can act as a support and a resource to help the family create a more manageable living environment. Should there be a deadline imposed by an outside service (such as the health department or a town by-law authority),

your Real Estate Professional should be able to work equitably with all parties to achieve a reasonable resolution within the specified time frame while helping in several areas.

Where to start?

Starting is always the most difficult part of the process. On top of preparing the property for sale, it is also important to ensure there is a mutual understanding of the goals so that all parties can develop a reasonable plan to achieve those goals.

The process can be, and most often is, an emotional roller coaster that not everyone, particularly the family members involved, can always fully understand and prepared to accept. It’s never perfect and doesn’t always go according to schedule, but with patience and encouragement, progress will be made.

The Simpler, the Better As you can see, there are a number of different issues that come into play when preparing a home for sale.

Regardless of the situation, the key thing to remember is that a simplified, well-organized home will stand out from the other properties on the market, which increases the chances of connecting with the right buyer in a short period of time.

While the work required to achieve this may seem overwhelming [at the beginning], working with your Real Estate Professional can help you accelerate the schedule and get the property ready for market earlier.

DE-CLUTTERED BASEMENT

DE-CLUTTERED GARAGE

If you are facing a similar challenge, and need more information on how a Seniors Real Estate Professional can help you, contact me for a free consultation about your situation.

Denise Dilbey Broker Royal LePage Meadowtowne Realty Direct:416-919-9802 Office:905-877-8262 www.ddilbey.com Accredited Relocation Specialist Seniors Real Estate Specialist, NAR spring 2013 page 33

SMALL BUSINESS

M

my first business!

This column is for those with an entrepreneurial mind who want to take their IDEA to the next level, and start their first business.

Few things in life are more exciting than the thought of starting in your first business.

Why? because: It’s the way YOU feel about creating something, from nothing. because: It’s the way YOU feel you can control and change [for better] your reality. because: It’s the way YOU understand where you want to be 5 years from now and don’t have to convince anyone else for its merit, 5 years in advance. because: It’s the way YOU would like others to see, who you really are and what you can accomplish. because: It’s the way YOU feel as being able to make other peoples’ life [a bit] better. because: Doing something different, deep inside, is totally... YOU. If this seems like blah-blah to many, I agree with them, but to YOU, the entrepreneur, I know it is right-on.

So let’s ignore - for now- “those many” that would not read this column because they are the 98% of the people that are not entrepreneurs, and already chose to be your future...customers. Funny, eh? They

page 34 spring 2013

all have a place into your grand plan and we’ll see later where and how to expect them to help you on your journey, because they will.

As for now, you are just having a bright IDEA, a spark, that sheds light over a myriad of questions lurking in the dark.

ALL those questions have answers, which will act like traffic signs on the road of your journey. YOU have to make sure though, that the answers you choose are not leading you into road-blocks which you can’t see right now, but others, the consultants [will talk about them later], those that have “been-there-done-that”, know they’re there and can warn you ahead of time, even show you a detour or two.

It doesn’t matter what your IDEA is, or what you dream to accomplish with it.

I said, IT DOESN’T MATTER! What matters is that you are different than the crowd! You have an idea and the courage to learn how to do it right nowadays, not in 1990 or 2000...You have the gift of being an entrepreneur in 2013.

The first concept to take to heart is: You start a business to make money.

What you do with that money, is up to you. The business structure will help you pay for your present and future existence.

If you have in mind to set up a business to make something, or buy-and-sell stuff or offer services that are not meant to make

you money, my friend, that’s volunteering.

Nothing wrong in volunteering, in helping others better their lives, but someone else [or your savings] will have to pay for your existence. So the business will have to make a profit for you, out of your IDEA. The next concept you have to keep in mind at all times: Nothing is perfect in the business world. No matter how careful and detailed you are, there will always be a potential for new events, new situations that will enhance, or diminish the greatness of your IDEA [not your merit, nor your fault]. Be aware about it, before the start.

After understanding those two concepts, is easier: you don’t have to have a grand idea, something that is a revolution to the man kind. Evolution will suffice. It has to bring a solution to a problem, solution others can’t be bothered in bringing to the world.

But you do, it’s your IDEA. Whether it’s paperclips [electronic ones] or time travel, whatever you have in mind, they’re all good ideas because everything around us can be made better, faster, improved in one way or another and the best part of it is that everyone around you [myself included], WANTS the better, the faster, the improved model. So, this is your opportunity!

Facebook did not start with the vision of having gazillion people socializing online and grossing truck-loads of money from that social desire. It germinated from a need to reach fast few hundred students, to call them to an event, and was created in a dorm...The social interaction among those to be listed was a very natural addition to the initial concept and, before long, it took a path that we all know by now.

Windows and Apple are classic garage and basement startups that went on their global paths years later...

Hundreds of books were written [and some were even read], about starting into your business and the perfect scenarios for each phase are elaborately described to the point that by the time you read and assimilate the whole material, your spark might be faded and enthusiasm gone.

Starting your FIRST business is different than anything you will experience in your future business life.

In your world of just ideas [for now], you’re tall-and-strong, and you the entrepreneur, have to expect all types of answers thrown back at you from the myriad of questions that you will have for yourself and for others. Keep an open mind and expect that the war for success will be won even if

some battles may not turn out to be glorious victories. There will be “stalemates” but not defeats. Defeat is not in your vocabulary, only in mine, [because I have to mention it here].

Where is the start line?

Start line does imply a race and it’s true: from the moment you got the IDEA, it’s a race. Although you may not see the other runners [the competition], be prepared that sooner or later, another entrepreneur will get the same IDEA, or a similar one.

The simpler your IDEA is, the sooner someone else will try to do the same thing or close to it. You just have to be aware of this reality and run with your IDEA at your own speed. No need for more pressure on you right now. Start with the internet, searching Google, Yahoo! Bing, eBay and see if someone else has something similar to your IDEA. All you want at this time is a reassurance that you are not inventing something which is already selling in our area, that you are not reinventing the wheel.

Following is a reasonable step by step approach that you might want to adopt versus the alternative of jumping directly into making a business plan.

spring 2013 page 35

SMALL BUSINESS

first:

next:

Search for “starting a business” in Government of Canada, Government of Ontario sites, “entrepreneur” and business consultants sites, to get a first feel of what’s needed, as far as future paperwork. It is a primer for your future business life.

Talk with friends in business, about you starting a business, not about your IDEA! See how much you already grasped on this topic from your initial research and be honest here on this self-evaluation. It will build your confidence, even that you missed out on some aspects, at least you are realistic, learn from it and start adjusting.

next:

Staying focused on “start up” see what magazines are out there specifically for entrepreneurs and new businesses. For the moment, avoid the regular business and financial magazines that might be of your interest, in two-three years from now. Have a look at franchise magazines as well to see which big names could compete in the future with your IDEA. Go to that particular franchise website and dig out logistics for our area, products they sell and what “new” they want to bring to the market in the near future [press release pages on Head Office sites].

next:

Make a list of who you expect would be your local competition for the IDEA. You have to take the time and go see their [local] establishments, check out prices, styles of products, displays, availability of the competing product, how long would take them to restock, get a feel of their store attitude in selling that product, what they say is good about it, what they see is not so good, warranties, frequency of product returned, be a truly...motivated buyer that puts “just a few extra questions”.

Write down, right after the visit, all details that struck you most, as strong points for them, challenge points for you and any additions or changes that come to mind to improve your IDEA. All these will become important tools, later. So for now, just gather as many details as you can about your [future] local competitors. This will be something new to you, and may feel as you are spying or cheating someone by doing this. Delete that thought! There are armies of researchers doing this day after day, everywhere. It’s a common daily business activity, across the spectrum, from burgers and subs to cars and avionics...and if you have rockets in mind, then you have to do this research in rocket industries. I think I made my point.

If you plan a store on the internet, have a

look at similar websites and consider the possibility of starting simpler, with eBay although be aware of the “hidden” costs to sellers that will add up faster than you’d like!

next:

After doing all this “research” you start to have a pretty good idea of what you WANT to do, either have a plaza store, or a website or an office with connectivity, or a garage with hoist if you think of car repairs, or a bright space for a day-care or a small industrial unit for manufacturing...

next:

This is the moment when most people would advise you to start working on a business plan.

NOT YET! The paperwork needed, require a good understanding of business world and let’s face it, you don’t have that [yet].

Banks, lawyers and investors, would understand and weigh the merit of your IDEA only through a complete business plan, and if you need their help to start your business, better present your future business in a format they understand.

My advice is to put in one folder, all the information that you have so far, the questions and answers that string together, or at least the way you think they should, [IDEA,type of business, where], and save it for later. That’a your business foundation, the things that you are familiar with. Things that are understood, things that you can explain to ohers clearly.

By no means is a complete foundation, but is the correct start. Your business plan will come, just a bit later.

next:

Your IDEA has to be wrapped-up [packaged] in a shape that is saleable to a user [the buyer] so the goods [or services] you offer become a PRODUCT. To a customer you sell a product not an IDEA and the products sold will make you the profit, the main reason, you’re starting in this world of business.

next:

Adding up roughly how much would COST you to make one product in an imaginary factory, or hourly COST to repair a car in your future garage or the daily COST of care for a child in your future day-care, will let you establish a base cost per unit [that will be adjusted and re-adjusted several times, don’t worry about that now].

Here you put in an estimated cost of parts/materials, cost of labour and cost of rent/heat/hydro per product [the monthly divided by 30 and by the number of units you want to make that, perday]. This will be your estimated cost per unit.

The real cost you will find only after you start making the product, so this initial estimated cost will always be smaller than the real cost, and the accountant [your future friend], knows that.

next:

next:

It’s time to establish a selling price.

Here accountants and marketers would give you a plethora of “must add in this” and “must consider that” and following to the letter their [correct] advice, before you know it you will find yourself lost into accounting and the science of marketing. For now, ignore that.

Are you going to retail direct to public or sell through distributors? If you don’t want to do direct retail [front store or website], keep in mind that distributors/retailers need to make their own margins [profit] from selling your product.

Here’s a simple formula: take the estimated cost of your product and add 30% as profit for your efforts and another 40-70% on top of that, for the [re]sellers.

Don’t get upset that the sellers get more than you [on paper], while you are the one going through all the trouble of looking after the endless details for making your IDEA, into a product...

The retailers [and distributors] have their own costs related to your product and in time you’ll find that it is a reasonable arrangement.

The final adjustment to your initial retail price is after factoring in what you think the buyers are willing to pay for your product.

Dig out the answer to this question: “How many of my products I have to sell IN ONE WORK-DAY, to make a decent living?”

The rationale: if you know how many units you have to make/sell in a month, to pay for your monthly bills, you discover your red line for STAYING in business. Divide that by 24 days and “voila!”: the real taste of having your own business. It doesn’t matter if your typical business is crammed in 2-3 days, like hair salons. This “daily must make” will also let you see right away other opportunities, as in a hair salon, 2-3 days you have lots of spare time to spend on yourself, on your family or...growing the business. The more you will sell over this red line [presuming that you can deliver], the faster your business will grow.

Getting a grasp of the concept: HOW MANY DO I HAVE TO SELL DAILY? you my friend, have gained enough understanding about “what, where and how many” to become a business owner. One thing left for me to say: WELCOME to the fascinating world of business!

Body, soul and smarts, by now you’re in it already!

next:

Having gone through all these NEXT steps on your own, and with the built-up confidence that will exude, the time is right to seek an accountant and eventually a marketer [yep, a marketing guru] who will guide you through the details of getting started in business, with an intelligent business plan that will help you start your first business.

Sergiu Vexler sergiuve@gmail.com

spring 2013 page 37

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T

the bao report:

!

The Secret History of the D E I F I S Women’s Fitness Industry S A CL

A hundred years ago, women weren’t allowed into most North American health clubs.

That eventually changed, but not always to women’s advantage.

In this special report, we explore the secret history of women and fitness, then reveal tips and tricks for Halton residents to get the most out of their work-outs.

page 38 spring 2013

Although it’s often forgotten (or perhaps ignored) by historians of both comic books and physical fitness, one of the many reasons William Moulton Marston created the comic-book character Wonder Woman was to encourage little girls to exercise.

This was no small feat in the 1940s. While boys were routinely encouraged by doctors, educators, and parents to play in all sorts of body-conscious roughand-tumble ways, girls weren’t quite as lucky. They languished in a hazy interior world of imaginary tea parties, restrictive “junior miss” fashions, and postVictorian sugar-and-spice residue—-rarely given opportunity to access, much less know, their own strength or vitality.

With Wonder Woman, Marston--a Harvard-educated author, inventor, and psychologist—-offered a compelling alternative. To entice young female readers, he equipped his Amazon princess with fairy-tale accoutrements the likes of which are still

It’s difficult to overstate the significance of aerobics which, ironically, turned out to be anaerobic upon the fitness industry. The ever-so-softly whispered, yet somehow very clearly received, message was the exact opposite of Wonder Woman’s power-to-thepeople platform. It went something like this: “There’s something with you!”

According to Jeff Nguyen, fitness director at The BAO Institute For Healthy Living in Georgetown, woman receive the greatest mental, physical, and emotional benefit from training at co-ed facilities that are serious about hard work and great results.

“If you don’t fix it, no one will ever love you, and you’ll die alone!”

making Barbie, 70 years later, fume with jealousy: a sleek invisible jet; super-powered tiara, earrings, and bracelets; and an ultra-patriotic, Claire McCardellinspired bathing suit offering a freedom of movement (and a stunning display of toned, proud, muscular flesh) purposely worn as a statement against prudery and restraint.

“Let us help you. Trust us.

We know what we’re doing.

All you need to do is sign right here...”

Gone was the old-fashioned idea of body-as-temple... of exercise-as-meditation... of simply becoming a little better every day. Into its place swept an adversarial relationship with our own bodies, a war no one can ever win. Accordingly, the word “health” either disappeared from the conversation or became a euphemism for “vanity”. In its place: An egodriven, self-loathing, excruciatingly punishing take on “women’s fitness” that our European counterparts quite rightfully rejected in favour of brisk walks and manual labour.

Once enticed, little girls (including, as it turned out, Gloria Steinem) were informed that Wonder Woman’s superhuman speed, strength, and stamina came not from magic, nor from myth, but rather simply a special form of exercise known as Amazon training. It was a radical gesture—-and, in the eyes of some, the beginning of the second wave of feminism.

Meanwhile, the combustible collision of fitness and femininity remained Wonder Woman’s almostexclusive territory until the early 1980s. That’s when Perfect—-starring a defiantly androgynous Jamie Lee Curtis, a revelation of thrusting hips, glistening shoulders, and leotarded thighs burst onto the scene.

And along with her dynamic performance: The aerobics craze.

Today, it’s increasingly acceptable to dismiss women who dismiss exercise as lazy, lumpy, just not with it,

TO CA D LL A Y !

Over the years, and very much in line with the ebb and flow of women’s rights, Wonder Woman’s original emphasis upon exercise receded into the background, Marston’s far less politicized replacements explaining away her powers as gifts of Greco-Roman gods. Alas, it would take another American superhero, Michelle Obama, to revive the concept of Amazon training, to shock us with her self-proclaimed right to bare arms, but that’s an essay for another day.

wrong

bao THE

INSTITUTE FOR HEALTHY LIVING

A:EMHG L

MOST

COMPLETE

HEALTH & FITNESS

CENTRE OPEN 24/7/365

RATED A+

905-87 7-07 71 232 GUELPH STREET GEORGETOWN BAO i n s t i t u t e . c o m

spring 2013 page 39

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and certainly not worth loving. But, according to Jeff Nguyen, director of The BAO Institute in Georgetown, many women don’t join conventional gyms because they’re fed up with their thin, brittle veneer of feel-good self-help jargon barely disguising contempt for women who don’t look perfect.

1

According to Nguyen, “When women rightfully reject the oppressiveness of conventional big-box gyms, they often run to women’s-only clubs, yoga studios, places that feel safer.

But these options come with their own limits and their own problems. At The BAO Institute, we believe in creating a space where everyone feels comfortable, where there are options for everyone, and where all of your fitness and wellness needs can be satisfied under one roof.”

IT STARTS ONLY WITH

: ME!

For women ready to make peace with their own bodies... who want to operate with optimal vitality... fit, well, and most of all radiant... without driving themselves absolutely, positively nuts... what to do? We spoke with the trainers and instructors at The BAO Institute For Healthy Living in Georgetown. Here’s what they told us: GET A GRIP -- VAPOURIZE YOUR VANITY -RESIST ALL EXTREMES -- LOVE YOUR BODY!

page 40 spring 2013

GET A GRIP: When it comes to exercise, it’s not about sex or beauty or having a rocking bikini-ready body. It’s about the hard, cold reality of old age. Think about it: The last thing you want is to spend the last few decades of your life trapped inside yourself, tortured by aches and pains that could’ve been avoided if you had a fitter body. Think a life of leisure sounds better? It does, until your doctor tells you it’s time for a hip replacement.

VAPOURIZE YOUR VANITY: If you don’t like the way you look, then do something quick and dramatic today, something to cause a distraction: dye your hair auburn; indulge in an iridescent lipcolour; shamelessly adorn yourself with oodles of opulent costume jewelry; or just stop inspecting yourself in the mirror every five minutes. Exercise takes time to work its magic, and if you push yourself too fast or too hard, you’re asking for injury.

RESIST ALL EXTREMES: It’s lovely that you’ve found your bliss in yoga... or on a bike... or whatever your latest, greatest fitness obsession may be. But true health and safety comes from cross-training cross-training: a balanced mix of strength, endurance, and flexibility disciplines practiced over the course of a week or month.

Varying intensity, from rageful to restorative, is also important.

LOVE YOUR BODY: The Amazons of vintage Wonder Woman comics didn’t grow superhumanly strong and lean from whining about their sagging breasts, their bulging bellies, their jiggling thighs. Nor did they fret over who might be younger or prettier or more likely to get asked out on Saturday night. They loved themselves (inside and out), they supported each other (even when playing competitive sports), and they exercised as a form of self-respect and personal development. Most critically, they didn’t surrender to fear. They tried new things. They played full out. They never worried about looking silly. They were too busy exercising their right to be fit and strong and (most of all) healthy.

spring 2013 page 41

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children and eye exams

Not all children start with perfect vision for their age and parents should be aware that there are dedicated vision check ups that will show if child sight is developing properly.

Q: What age should a child have their first eye exam? : A A child should have an eye exam as

early as the age of 6 month to 1 year. If there is a family history of eye disease especially lazy eye, they should be examined sooner. by optometrists, ophthalmologists or even family doctors.

Q: What if a child is too young to recognize letters?

A: Adult eye examinations uses letter

charts to test visual acuity; however kids may be unfamiliar with or hesitant to identify, letters or numbers. A variety of standardized eye charts contain pictures and symbols for children that can dependably determine visual acuity in children, even those who cannot speak yet.

warning signs can I as Q: What parent look for at home to deter

mine if an eye exam is needed?

There are vision milestones that children should go through as they grow and the absence of any of these milestones, calls for an immediate vision examination:

A:







Q: A:

How often should children have their eye tested?

OHIP allows cover for one full eye exam annually for ages 0-19. Now some children have normal vision and healthy eyes and they would be seen annually. Some children may have some eye issues and might be seen more frequently than this. At the end of the day it is up to your eye care professional to determine the necessity and frequency of check ups / eye exams. page 42 spring 2013

a



From birth to 1 month, a baby should fixate briefly on bright lights and faces, although one or both eyes may wander out of position.

Age 1-3 months, a baby will begin to view parent’s face when being talked to. The eyes will follow moving objects horizontally and will look towards new sounds. Primary colours and lights are most stimulating to vision at this age.

3-5 months, many visual skills begin to develop, including focusing, 3D vision and colour discrimination. A child will begin to reach for nearby objects and to look at items held in their hands.

At ages 12-18 months, a baby demonstrates more visually-guided behaviours. He/she often will play hide-andseek or peek-a-boo and be able to point to pictures in books, identifying likenesses and differences between them.

Eye-hand co-ordination is adequate to





build a tower of up to 4-5 cubes and to make circular strokes with a crayon.

Drawing ability improves between ages 18 months – 2 years. A child begins to hold a crayon with an adult grasp, and makes vertical and horizontal strokes with ease. As walking ability becomes more stable, a child is able to move easily across changes in flooring (carpet to floor, stairs, inclines, etc.).

By age 2-3 years, a child begins to imitate play and develops the ability to run, jump, hop, and skip with fewer trips or falls. By this age, eye-hand co-ordination is adequate to build a tower of 10 cubes, copy a circle and a cross, and begin to cut paper with scissors. Children should be having their eyes examined again by an optometrist at this point to ensure they are seeing well and the eyes are continuing to develop properly ready for school.

While all the age ranges given above are approximate, any definite delay warrants a professional eye examination as soon as possible. Early identification and correction of vision problems is essential so that every child can see and learn to the best of their ability.

Q: What should a full vision exam include?

A: Children don’t always have the aware-

ness needed to recognize that they have a vision problem. Most of the time, they assume that everyone sees the same way as they do. All children need regular comprehensive eye examinations to determine if they have healthy eyes and vision.

A comprehensive eye examination for children would include these elements: Relevant History The optometrist will review your child’s health history, including prenatal conditions, birth history, current and past illnesses and developmental milestones. The optometrist also will ask you about any family history of eye conditions (particularly lazy eye or strabismus) or relevant medical conditions.

Details of your child’s performance in school, sports, and other activities will also be discussed. You should advise the optometrist if you have any specific

concerns or have noticed any problems with your child’s eyes or vision.

This information helps to determine if your child is at risk for various eye conditions.

Visual Acuity Visual acuity is a measure of the sharpness of vision; it describes the size of detail that a child can see and use in daily activities, and is determined for each eye separately; this involves covering one eye at a time.

While visual acuity of 20/20 is expected for adults, it is normal for children to demonstrate different levels of visual acuity at different stages of development; your optometrist can determine if your child’s vision is at a normal level for their age.

Refraction Refraction is the determination of refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism).

For young children, retinoscopy is used to objectively determine refractive error.

In this procedure, light is shone into the eye and a series of lenses are used to focus the reflection from the retina. Eye drops to dilate the pupil and relax the eye’s focusing system may be used, to give greater accuracy to this procedure.

Older children may look through a phoroptor, to compare the effect of different lenses on their vision, and choose which lens provides the clearest image.

Keep in mind that refraction changes as your child grows. The optometrist will determine if glasses are necessary at any stage, to allow your child to achieve proper vision and full visual development.

Eye Coordination Eye co-ordination includes eye alignment, movement, and tracking, and allows perception of motion and depth.

To test eye co-ordination, the optometrist will observe the fixation and movement of your child’s eyes. Your

child may try on different types of specialized 3D glasses to measure depth perception.

Strabismus (turned eye) and other disorders of eye co-ordination are a common cause of lazy eye (amblyopia), and must be identified and treated in early childhood to allow proper vision development.

Eye Health Examination Healthy development of the physical structure of the eyes is necessary for good vision.

Slit-lamp examination, provides a magnified view of the anterior eye structures, including the conjunctiva, iris, crystalline lens and cornea. Ophthalmoscopy allows examination of the internal eye structures, including the retina, optic nerve, macula and fovea. Eye drops, which dilate the pupil, may be used to give greater accuracy to these procedures.

Eye health testing also involves assessment of pupil reflexes, peripheral vision and colour vision.

David Joseph Family Optical

EYE EXAMS GLASSES CONTACT LENSES SAFETY GLASSES

Family OPTICAL over 23 years in service Georgetown Bolton

905-873-3050

905-857-5556

spring 2013 page 43

HEALTH

S

seasonal allergies

“We start to see the sun more, the colours of the day are warming, snow is melting away, birds in the trees are making so much noise and we wonder why...

As Canadians, we are very used to the changing seasons. After the long winter months, we can be assured spring will come with its warmer breezes, longer days of sunlight and welcoming opportunities to get outdoors more, not so bundled up!

But quite a few of us see it as time for itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny noses and nasal congestion – YES, those of us who suffer from seasonal allergies.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, as it

Spring is coming!” is referred to, is a very common

condition that affects people of all ages. It usually begins in spring and extends into the fall. In general, tree pollens cause symptoms in the spring, grass pollens are involved in the late spring into summer, and weed pollens (like ragweed) in late summer to early fall. Certain outdoor molds can cause seasonal allergies as well.

Lisa Bowen page 44 spring 2013

If you think you are alone - there is plenty of data to show that many Canadians find this a significant problem each year. It is often regarded as a seasonal nuisance, but allergy symptoms can negatively affect our productivity at work, can impact our children’s performance at school, and can have an affect on an individual’s family and social interactions.

The symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis include sneezing, itching of the nose and eyes, congestion and a runny nose. Sufferers can also have an itchy throat, ear fullness and a feeling of pressure over the cheeks and forehead. Confirmation of the diagnosis can be made either by a skin-prick test (injecting small amounts of the allergen under the skin to see if an allergic response occurs), or alternatively through a specific blood test.

If this sounds like what you face each season, it is helpful to find ways to avoid the causative triggers and to understand what treatments are available. Treatment options include oral products (taken by mouth), nasal sprays and eye drops. The different classes are listed below, and your Healthcare Provider can assist you in determining what might work best for your symptoms.

Nonprescription Products Antihistamines Antihistamines work by blocking histamine that is one of the main chemicals involved in allergies.

Antihistamines work on most of the allergic symptoms (sneezing, itching of the nose, runny nose), but they do not help with nasal congestion.

There are two types of products in this category and they are most effective when taken before you are exposed to the allergen and until the allergen is no longer present.

The “first generation” antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine have been available longer and are often associated with more sedation (sleepiness) than some of the newer products. The newer “second generation” antihistamines such as loratadine and cetirizine are the products most often recommended due to less drowsiness and effect on mental alertness. Until you know how these medications affect you, stay cautious, whenever driving or doing activities that require alertness.

Sodium cromoglycate This product, available as a nasal spray or eye drops, is useful for reducing symptoms of itching, sneezing and runny nose, but is not very effective for nasal congestion.

Again, it is recommended that treatment be started before allergen exposure, and continued throughout the allergen season.

Decongestants Decongestants are other common products that are often used for short-term relief of nasal congestion.

There are products to be taken orally, and if you are self-selecting these and are already taking other medications, ask your Pharmacist for some advice on safe use.

Decongestants in the form of nasal sprays or eye drops are also available and work well to control symptoms.

If you use these products you need to be aware to limit their use to not more than three to five days, as you can experience a condition where your congestion gets even worse (called ‘rebound congestion.’) spring 2013 page 45

HEALTH

Combination products There are many different allergy combination products available (not to be confused with cough and cold preparations) for self-selection, and many contain different combinations of antihistamines and decongestants. Always read labels carefully! As these products may interact with some prescription medications and/or should not be used if a person has certain medical conditions, your Pharmacist or Doctor can provide further guidance.

Prescription Products Nasal Corticosteroids Corticosteroid sprays are a different class of drugs that improve nasal symptoms by reducing inflammation in the nose. These vary in the amount of product per spray or the style of actuator, and thus in consumer preference. These products are good for moderate to severe or persistent allergic rhinitis, or for mild symptoms that do not p respond to antihistamines.

Some of our Dispensary Team Allergy Shots

Other Options

Allergy shots are a treatment that might be warranted when allergen exposure is great and symptoms are severe. If your allergies don’t improve over time with other treatments, you can discuss the option of allergy shots with your Healthcare provider.

Saline nasal irrigation is a method to flush out mucus and irritants from the nose and increase airflow.

Saline solution (that can be either store-bought or prepared at home) is used to cleanse the nose by flushing with either a bulb syringe or squirt bottle. Products called Neti pots have also become popular and can be used to hold the saline solution during the irrigation.

Finally, alternative approaches such as the use of acupuncture, the use of homeopathic products or the use of herbal remedies may provide some relief to individuals.

page 46 spring 2013

pollen into the air through wind and electrostatic charges!).

Strategies for dealing with allergies Tracking the Pollen Count Pay attention to your local or regional weather report beginning in the spring for daily pollen count reports.

Knowing the peak pollen season in your area and tracking pollen counts can help you keep your exposure to a minimum.

Keep in mind the following general principles as well:

-

Peak pollen times are usually in the morning, and if you can, avoid excessive outdoor activity during this time;

Be also aware that pollen grains may cling to the fabric in your clothes, so after coming indoors, take a shower and change your clothing.

Spring is a great time to hang laundry to dry outdoors, but remember allergens can cover the fabric and increase your exposure.

On sunny days, wearing sunglasses outside can also minimize your contact with pollen and will help reduce light sensitivity and excessive eye watering.

-

Hot, windy and dry days generally mean more pollen stirred up in the air, brought in from further away;

So, as winter wanes and spring approaches, don’t despair if you suffer from seasonal allergies! Use this as an opportunity to talk to your Healthcare Provider and keep informed about the variety of treatments available.

-

Rain tends to wash pollen out of the air – a gentle, prolonged rain shower does a better “cleaning job” than a brief thunderstorm (storms may even stir up more

The staff at Young’s Pharmacy and Homecare are always available to assist with any questions you have.

Just get outside this spring and come visit us!

Keep your home as allergy-free as possible by: • vacuuming carpets regularly, or consider wood or laminate flooring as alternatives to carpet; • reducing clutter that gives dust (and dust mites) more places to settle; • using a HEPA filter (high efficiency particulate air filter) in your bedroom and in your vacuum as it can trap allergens; • changing your sheets and pillowcases frequently; • cleaning your dryer vent out often • using air conditioning while indoors instead of leaving windows open; • using a dehumidifier to keep indoor air dry (damper air may promote the growth of mold and can trigger allergies).

Lisa Bowen B.Sc.Phm. Family Practice Pharmacist

Our talented healthcare team is here for YOU! ... more reason to make our ur pharmacy your pharmacy!

47 Main St. South, Georgetown

www.youngspharmacy.com

905-877-2711

spring 2013 page 47

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