family health & life magazine - september 2010
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September 2010 Issue of Family Health & Life MagazineTRANSCRIPT
Family Health & LifeSEPTEMBER 2010
FREE
COPY DIABETES ON THE RISE
FIND OUT IF YOU ARE AT RISK
PAGE 26
TOP FOODS THAT PROTECT
AGAINST CANCERPAGE 6
AND MORE:12 How to build your child’s confidence 16 Financial strategies for parents with parents
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Are You Eating the RIGHT Fruits? PAGE 9
3
Family Health & Life AUGUST 2010
IN THIS ISSUE 6 Foods that protect against cancerProtect yourself and your family from Cancer by eating foods that are hidden gems.
9 What are the top 5 fruits?Exploring op 5 fruits that you should include in your daily diet.
10 Noble SilenceTen Days in a Vipassana Meditation Retreat. A personal journey.
12 How to build your child’s confidenceGive your child the extra boost they need to be more confident.
13 Tips for a Safe and Healthy LifeDo these things and you will be healthier – Guaranteed!
14 You are what you sayCommunication is the key to everything.
16 The Sandwich GenerationFinancial strategies for parents with parents
20 What Makes Canada Number One?What makes our nation the best one to live in. Find out.
22 Is your kid facing back to school blues?10 Tips for parents to help their children fight school fright.
24 Addiction flags or just teen behavior?Tips for spotting drug and alcohol abuse in children
26 Diabetes on the rise in CanadaAre you at risk? Find out now !
27 Book reviews
4
Issue 3, Vol 1 August-September 2010
Published by
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Publisher & EditorIan Khan
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Creative DirectorSabeen Syed
Contributors
Rod Charles, Iva Young, Drew Tapley, Edie Hand & Dr. Judy Kuriansky, Guy Letts, Neil Bobb, Clint
Ali, Derek Steele, Jennifer McVeigh
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NoticeAgnitio Media Corporation and the people associated with it take no responsibility for
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Hello Folks,
I hope you are having a great summer this year !
Back to school is here. Its that time of the year when your loved ones go back to getting some education. Going back to school can both be enjoyable as well as a great experience for students and parents together. Our children will make new friends, get busy with education and most importantly learn new things. It can however be a daunting task for some children to go back to school. Reason being problems at school, bullying or even substance abuse to which they are exposed more outside home.
In this issue we tackle some important aspects. Raising your child’s confidence, spotting drug abuse and helping kids overcome school fright are just some noteworthy topics that we will talk about. In addition we have the regular articles about healthy living and wellness for the whole family.
Our email boxes at Family Health & Life have filling up with comments from readers like you and we are glad to be providing healthy living and wellness information for everyone in the GTA. Keep those e-mails coming in as your feedback makes us work harder in getting all the good information to you. Enjoy the rest of the summer & Live healthy !
Lastly as Canadians we should do as much as we can to help all those in need. Over 16 million people have been affected by the recent flood in Pakistan and the human toll on live and property is devastating. Do take out a minute from your day to see if you can help those affected in any way. Should you be interested in donating to the cause, please do so through our recommended charity www.hopeforpakistan.ca. We at FHL are also urge you to support the Alyssa Trent Foundation (www.thealyssatrentfoundation.com), a GTA based non profit dedicated to severely disabled children. These causes need our support !
Make it a healthy day !
Ian
Editorial
Family Health & Life
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Call 416-748-7775
At Toor Law Office our goal is to serve you beyond expectations.
6
Toronto fitness trainer Korey Sam squares himself, takes a deep breath, and quickly fires up his arms up and down into
ten flawless reps, straining underneath the weight of a bench press.
Sam keeps himself fit and looking his best for his clients by blasting and bending his body into shape three to four times a week. But the gym is only the beginning of Sam’s heavy lifting.
“People definitely need to get more active, that’s for sure,” says Sam. “But what you lift into your mouth at the dinner table is just as important. The risk of many medical problems, including some cancers, can be reduced if people would take the time to eat better.”
For several years, organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society have stressed that one of the most important things that you can do to protect yourself and your family
Foods that protect against cancer
by Rod Charles
Nutrition
7
against cancer is an improvement to your diet. They write on their webpage that up to 35% of all cancers can be prevented by being active, eating well and maintaining a healthy body weight. After not smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of getting cancer.
“White flour, white rice, white noodles, people need to start cutting back on that and looking at 100% whole grains--that includes the germ and bran of the grain, the source of the majority of the nutrients. That change alone wouldn’t just reduce cancer risk but you would see marked decreases in diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, to name a few. You want to reduce the risk of cancer in your home? Eating more vegetables – is a good start.”
Mary Bamford agrees that choosing
more wholesome foods, closer to their grown or raised state over processed, is a common sense approach to healthier eating. As a Registered Dietician at the Adelaide Clinic in Toronto, she says people need to eat regular meals, be physically active, and include at least three servings of fruit and vegetables at each meal.
“In general, fatty fish are a great food
to eat at least twice a week,” says Bamford. “And of course leafy greens, whole grains, vegetables like rutabaga and rapini also play a role not only in reducing cancers.”
TOP FOODS FOR FIGHTING CANCER
n Fatty FishExamples: Salmon, Arctic Char, Speckled TroutBamford: Make fish a big part of your
diet to help maintain optimum health. A great website to check out is www.seachoice.org for some for environmentally sustainable fish and seafood choices. You can download an App for your smartphone to use while at the market or store. n Full colour spectrum of
vegetables--white, yellow, orange, red, green, blue, purpleExamples: Everything from lettuce to beets, apples to sweet potatoesBamford: Eat something orange and
green every day. Have some grapes with breakfast, and some spinach with dinner. Variety is the key to optimum health. n Brassica Family of foods
Examples: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Mustard Greens, Rutabaga and Turnip.
For several years, organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society have stressed that one of the most important things that you can do to protect yourself and your family against cancer is an improvement to your diet.
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Bamford: While you can’t go wrong with eating the ‘full colour spectrum of vegetables’, take time to research and look specifically for foods that fall into this great cancer busting group of foods. People who consume 3-4 servings per week have lower rates of cancer than people consuming the same number of vegetable servings with fewer from the Brassica family n Whole Grains
Examples: Everything from whole wheat and oats to brown rice, pot barley and quinoaBamford: Whole grains are rich with
cancer fighting properties. 80 per cent of the grains we eat is wheat, and more variety is better. In addition, of the wheat we eat more than 3 of every 4 servings is refined or white--the means many of the nutrients are stripped away and just the starch is left. The body responds to the starch from white grains like it is sugar. Therefore I consider white bread like a dessert. Treat white bread
like a like a luxury rather than a daily staple – treat it like a treat and savour it once in a while. Again, variety is the key: try switching white bread to whole wheat bread. Eat oatmeal, brown rice, and look for 100% whole grain cereals using grains that you don’t normally eat at other meals. n High Anti-oxidant super foods
Examples: Blueberries, raspberries, pomegranateBamford: Frozen or fresh, you can’t go
wrong. I love to take frozen fruit and blend them into plain yogurt. No need for sugar or sweetener of any kind. Try eating fruits like this every day if possible. n Spices
Examples: Cinnamon, basil, thyme, nutmeg, sage, curry, turmericBamford: If you can, grow a little fresh
herb garden in your backyard and use these spices whenever you can. For example, sprinkle some cinnamon in your morning cereal. These spices have interesting compounds which protect the plant, and therefore protect you. n Tea
Examples: Green TeaBamford: Natural plant, full of anti-oxidants.
n Super Food for Men: Cooked TomatoesExamples: Tomato paste, Stewed Tomatoes, Canned tomatoesBamford: Excellent for preventing
prostrate cancer n Food Fact for Women: Cut down on
alcoholExamples: Wine, beer, shooters, vodka, rum, coolers, etc.Bamford: While some heart health
benefits have been seen with moderate alcohol intake (7-10 drinks per week, never more than 2 on a single occasion), this does not hold true for breast cancer prevention. There is good evidence that any amount of alcohol makes women more vulnerable to breast cancer.
Rod Charles is a professional writer based in Toronto with experience working in print and as an online editor.
Charles has written travel articles for the Toronto Star and covered sporting events for
Canadian Online Explorer (Canoe.ca). Rod can be contacted at [email protected]
Nutrition
You want to reduce the risk of cancer in your home?
Eating more vegetables – is a good start.”
9
if consumed regularly, helping to fight against inflammation, chronic pain, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, age-related cognitive decline and eyesight degeneration associated with aging.
n Blackberries - Blackberries are notable for their high nutritional contents of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, and manganese. Blackberries are well-ranked for having strong antioxidant levels, and they also contain copious amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
n Kiwi - Kiwi is a rich source of vitamin C and vitamin K, which is a natural blood thinner. It’s also a good source of potassium, just slightly less than that of a banana. Potassium is one of those nutrients that’s absolutely essential for heart health, yet many people don’t get nearly enough. Kiwi also delivers a mild laxative effect, possibly because of the high level of dietary fiber.
n Strawberries - Strawberries are low in calories compared to many other fruits, and are a good source of fiber. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids, promoting lots of antioxidant activity in the body.
A n apple a day just doesn’t cut it anymore, and too many apples could make you fat.
That’s the advice of Iva Young, a nutritional expert who warns that the wrong kinds of fruits can actually do more harm than good.
“We really should be smart about the fruits we consume,” said Young, author of Healthy Mom (www.ivayoung.com). “After all, remember that fruits are very similar to breads, pastas, rice, and other high carbohydrate-rich foods in that fruits are high in carbs. That is one reason why we should only consume a certain amount, and choose the fruits that are lower in sugar. If you pick the right fruits and eat the proper portions, then you will give your body what it needs and it will benefit greatly from your efforts.”
So, which fruits offer the biggest health boost? Young named the following fruits, all of which are comparatively low in sugar, as her top five:
n Raspberries - Raspberries are an excellent source of fiber, offering 30 percent of our recommended daily value, 8 grams per serving. Raspberries are also a rich source of vitamin C, with about 50 percent of our daily value. In addition, they are a rich source of manganese, delivering 60 percent of what we should have each day. Raspberries rank near the top of all fruits for antioxidant strength and contain many anti-disease properties
n Oranges - Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin A and C, along with powerful antioxidants. Oranges also provide a good source of fiber when the pulp is consumed. The white pith of the orange also contains flavonoids, and some doctors are even using extracts from the pith to help fight certain types of cancer.
“Sugar is also something that you should keep your eye on, because it affects the health of your teeth and the functioning of your hormones, specifically leptin,” she added. “Leptin is the important hormone responsible for telling the body that you should stop eating. With excess amounts of sugar in your body, the amount of leptin is diminished, which causes you to overeat. Excess sugar also has been known to cause intestinal issues increasing the chances of bloating, which causes your stomach to stick out and look like you have extra fat. That’s how consuming too many sugar-rich fruits can actually make you look fat, and make you feel less healthy than if you didn’t eat any fruits at all.”
Iva Young was born in Munich, Germany, and her family moved to Toronto, Canada, when she was two years old. Her parents grew up in Croatia, so she grew up
eating traditional high-fat Croatian and German meals. That upbringing helped spark her passion for nutrition
and natural health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and health promotion from California
Polytechnic University.
the above article is part of the authors book titled Healthy Mom. Printed with permission from the autho.
What are the
top 5 fruits?Expert reveals how eating the wrong fruits can be worse than eating none at all.
by Iva Young
Nutrition
10
DAY FOUR
There is a collective familial bond in here binding me to each individual. I met Michael at the pickup point the day before the course. He’s a recovering addict on his second course with high hopes and good expectations. He left today after breakfast. I have no idea why he left, but I feel utterly affected by his departure as I see him carrying his backpack towards the gate. I sensed he was here more out of desperation than anything else, so I felt sad that he may see this as a personal failure.
Having stared at that stationery gate many times over the last four days, this is the first time I have seen it move. It would be moving several more times over the next six days.
My hunger has diminished rapidly in here as I am consuming far less calories, but I still dearly look forward to the activity of eating. Mealtimes are ritualistic and break the day. Even the presence of seventy men slurping soup in silence no longer feels strange.
The rules advise that only light exercise is permitted, and there is a walking path that I use several times a day. The path is about 1 km roundtrip, and at one point runs alongside the women’s’ domain. I bend the rules slightly by doing some light daily exercise and stretches, but I am careful to do them out in the wilderness so no one can see me. It seems that most of the interns are happy to sit and ponder, sleep, or squeeze in more meditation between sessions in the Hall.
I have found an ant hill just off the path that must be at least a foot tall, and I begin studying the thousands of ants in their perpetual routine duties. It’s like watching
Noble SilenceSoul
by Drew Tapley
Ten Days in a Vipassana Meditation RetreatOne Man’s Personal Journey into Exploring Meditation
the hard Way and the Fruits it Bore
(Continued from our last issue)
11
an epic sci-fi trilogy on widescreen. Invading predatory insects swoop down and try and break through the defences of the fort. Open air cinema at its most intimate.
DAY FIVE
The technique is not working for me today. I am uncomfortable in all the postures and have the attention span of a sardine. I feel at odds with myself and boredom clings to me like wet clothes, but I don’t want to leave the Hall as quite often the advocates will follow you and ask you to return. I remember reading how a political hostage would spend his days in captivity walking routes in his mind to keep himself sane. When I was a kid, I used to pick blackberries with my sister along country lanes close to our home, and tried to remember each house as I passed it in my mind: the painted garage doors, a weeping willow or gravel driveway. With these thoughts came memories, then emotions of my childhood.
After morning meditation, I return to my room where Matt is once again lying on his bed, eyes open and lost in thought. This is his journey, and he will remain here like this for hours.
At lunch today, my heart leapt out of my chest as a fellow intern passed me the salad tongs. This is the first time in five days that my presence has been acknowledged by another intern. I have thus far been surviving on the friendship and hospitality of ants.
During afternoon meditation, I discovered that there is a mind within my mind that seems to be someone else, other than me. Having questioned the apparent onset of schizophrenia, I conclude that my mind has invented a personality to entertain itself. Bored and neglected, the ego has developed a sarcastic dry sense of humour with its main activity being to poke fun of other peoples’ quirks and appearances. I burst out laughing several times in the Mediation Hall, much to my own annoyance.
Day five is very important for my emotional compass. In order to successfully complete this program I am viewing this course as a podium with five steps at the front, and five at the back. Today, I am now standing on the plateau surveying where I have been emotionally, and the days ahead of me.
DAY SIX
On one of my many walks today, an idea came to me for a novel. It came so fast and so suddenly that I immediately sat down on
a log and started fleshing out characters and plots in my mind. This was the start of a project, and I was eternally grateful to have some mental chewing gum. Until now, exercise had been my only indulgence, and I wasn’t so much bored as lost within the caverns of myself. Over the next few days, blinding flashes of creativity came raining down like comets: short stories, plays; even songs that I’ll never be able to sing in tune.
This is every writers dream, and here I am with no way to record these ideas other than to trust them to memory. I’m panicked they will be lost, so I repeat them over and over to burn into my memory.
In the Centre, all domestic duties are taken care of. I literally have nothing to worry about regarding my welfare other than to wash myself and my clothes. All my meals are cooked and plates washed, and my daily routine is completely fixed and regimented. A gong will tell me where I should be, and what I should be doing. I don’t even have the social pressure of having to make conversation at dinner. There are no distractions, no pretences, and no awkward situations. Life exists here in a hermetic bubble sealed off from the world inside a forest.
DAY SEVEN
Each afternoon I go off into the recreation area to study insects. It has become my favourite activity, and today I followed a millipede as it crawled down one tree across leaves on the ground, and up another tree.
There is always an instructor available for an hour in the afternoon to discuss any personal or practical problems with
the interns. Within the Centre, several “advocates” cook and generally take care of domestic duties. Although verbal communication is prohibited, brief and essential conversations can take place with the head advocate or an instructor if necessary.
Today is my birthday. I have this urge to make a huge birthday badge out of leaves and mud and pin it to my shirt, but then remind myself how this would break some rule of communication. I spoke to the instructor today just to be able to tell someone that it is my birthday. This is the first time I have spoken properly in seven days, and when I opened my mouth to speak I croaked like Toad of Toad Hall. I got a meek, “Happy birthday” response, which was better than nothing. As I left, several interns were waiting to go in, and I would later discover that day three and day seven were the elimination rounds.
At eight o’clock I am utterly miserable. It’s my birthday and I have tried to celebrate it myself but the novelty wore off hours ago, so I decided to go “over the fence” and get a cheeseburger. I don’t know where I am geographically, but assume there must be a place selling food close-by.
The idea of getting a birthday cheeseburger goes from notion to motion, and it’s only when I am about to realize this plan that I recall handing in my wallet before the course started.
The last part of this article series will be continued in our next issue.
Drew is a freelance writer and book editor originally from the UK, and now living in Toronto.
Contact him at [email protected]
12
Building confidence
Confidence means knowing you are a worthwhile person. Kids learn to be confident by how they are treated in their families: if they are encouraged to speak up and to do things, they come to discover that they are capable. Kids at this age commonly feel gawky and awkward about their physical skills and emotions. They may be afraid to play basketball because they are afraid they can’t make the basket, or not write for the school paper because they fear they aren’t a good writer. Confidence is key to self-esteem, both personal confidence (“I can do this”) and social confidence (“Others like being with me”).
According to the U.S. Department of Education, youth often feel inadequate as they are trying to adapt to their changing bodies and relationships withfriends and family. Young teens with low self-confidence can be lonely, awkward with others, sensitive to criticism, and less likely to join activities and form friendships. This isolates them further and slows their ability to develop
a better self-image. Saddled with low self-confidence, when they do make friends, they are more vulnerable to peer pressure. Adolescents who lack confidence may hold back in class or do the opposite—act out to gain attention. At worst, a lack of confidence usually leads to self-destructive behavior and habits—smoking or drug or alcohol use, sexual behavior, or even self-injury.
Teachable moments
Every time your child does something that makes him feel good about himself, make a big deal about it. Say, “That is so terrific! I am so glad you could do that!” Do this even over small things and be very specific. If your daughter combs her hair perfectly every morning, say, “I am so proud that you take such good care of yourself every morning and that I never have to remind you.” If your son puts the top back
Young teens with low self-confidence can be lonely, awkward with others,
sensitive to criticism, and less likely to join activities and form friendships.
How to build your child’s confidence
on the chocolate milk, say, “You’re so good about being responsible in putting the cap back on the chocolate milk.”
Be very complimentary and supportive. Express care by saying, “I’m glad to see you,” “I love you so much,” “I’m glad you are my child,” or “You can do anything if you want to.” If your child is giving a speech at school, have her practice in front of you and point out all the things she is doing right instead of what is not up to par. That approach of emphasizing the positive builds confidence.
Lesson: Yes, I can!
The above article is part of “31 Things to Raise a Child’s Self-esteem” by Edie Hand and Dr. Judy Kuriansky,
published by Turner Publishing Company.Printed with permission from the authors.
How to build your child’s confidence
13
Eat healthy
uEat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day.
uLimit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
uEat a balanced diet to help keep a healthy weight.
Be active
uBe active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles.
uHelp kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day. Include activities that raise their breathing and heart rates and that strengthen their muscles and bones.
Protect yourself
uWear helmets, seat belts, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
uWash hands to stop the spread of germs.uAvoid smoking and breathing other
people’s smoke.uBuild safe and healthy relationships with
family and friends.uBe ready for emergencies. Make a supply
kit. Make a plan. Be informed.
Get check-ups
uAsk your doctor or nurse how you can lower your chances for health problems based on your lifestyle and personal and family health histories.
uFind out what exams, tests, and shots you need and when to get them.
uSee your doctor or nurse as often as he or she says to do so. See him or her sooner if you feel sick, have pain, notice changes, or have problems with medicine.
Tips for a Safe and Healthy LifeTake these steps every day to live healthy !
Manage stress
uBalance work, home, and play.uGet support from family and friends.uStay positive.uTake time to relax.uGet 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Make sure kids get more, based on their age.
uGet help or counseling if needed.
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14
Language defines the very possibilities and limits of human thought and imagination. In a way, what we say determines who we are
and what we do. This issue I want to explore the role that language plays in our daily lives, and how to identify negative speech patterns or, what I call, Negative Speak.
Language and Reality
When we talk about language defining the limitations of human thought this doesn’t only apply to individuals but to entire cultures. Many of us are familiar with negative words that act as obstacles to our own growth, but we are less familiar with how our own culture and cultural language affects how we perceive the world. For instance, in some cultures there is no word for ‘freedom’ for the simple reason that they have freedom—there is no need to talk about it in terms of having it or not having it. Ironically, the more we use a word like ‘freedom’ the less we have of it. Likewise, if a language has no word for greed, you’ll not find greed within that culture. Things only come into the world and are made ‘real’ in some sense through the word.
Language and Deception
Gore Vidal noted that ‘words are used to disguise, not to illuminate action.’ In this
example, words are used to distort reality rather than construct it. In a society based on media, language is a powerful tool that is constantly used to misinform, confuse, and distort the facts. Euphemisms, rhetoric, and changing the meaning of words all help to deceive us. Politicians and marketers are skilled in the art of manipulation through the use of language and images. For instance, the term ‘collateral damage’ is more palatable to us than ‘the murder of innocent women and children’. Politicians know this, and constantly invent words that minimize negative connotations. There are numerous examples of this from saying ‘passed away’ instead of ‘died’, to making unsubstantiated claims and promises.
Language and Perception
If language can be used to construct and distort reality, then how does our own daily use of language affect the reality we construct
for ourselves? I knew this person who, whenever I asked how he was doing he’d reply, ‘you know, trying to get by.’ While he may have felt that way, it also constructed, reinforced and limited his perception of himself. Not only did he see himself in a negative way, but others saw him that way to. His attitude towards himself was embedded in his language use and as a result, it became a self fulfilling prophecy. If he reply ‘excellent’ each time, that wouldn’t mean his life was necessarily going well, but there’s no way his life could be excellent if he always said, ‘trying to get by’ either. He not only constructed a particular reality for himself, but he also participated in his own self-deception. This is an example of Negative Speak.
Language and Negative Speak
While it’s a useful exercise to identify negative speech patterns in others, it is
You are
what you say
by Guy Letts
Communication
15
All of these forms of self-negating talk make up negative speak patterns or Negative Speak. Not only do they limit our ability to communicate effectively which has an impact on all of our relationships, but they also limit ourselves in terms of who we are and what we can do. Instead of Negative Speak, practice Positive Speak as an alternative and see a world of possibilities open up before you. If you are thinking to yourself that you ‘don’t’ use Negative Speak terms or that it’s too ‘difficult’ to think about what you say all
the time, then you need to do some Positive Speak exercises.
Guy Letts is a certified coaching practitioner and founder of New Leaf Personal and Professional Coaching
Services. You can contact Guy by email at, [email protected] or visit his website at www.
newleafcoachingservices.com.
4) Dismissive Talk is when you use dismissive phrases like, ‘I don’t know’ or ‘whatever’. The problem here is that conversations, thoughts and feelings are promptly shut down and averted.
5) Distorted Talk is when you make presumptions about things in general. Distortive Talk is found in phrases like, ‘you’re making me angry’ and can lead to things like road rage.
more important to become self-reflexive and start identifying negative speech patterns and Negative Speak in your daily conversations. We all use Negative Speak at some point, and for many of us it’s automatic and unconscious. However, with a little bit of practice you can start to become more conscious of Negative Speak in your daily speech, which becomes easier to identify the more you practice.
Here are five general categories of Negative Speak: 1) Always Talk is when you use words
like, ‘never’, ‘ever’, and ‘always’. The problem with these words isn’t just that they over-generalize a situation but that they construct things as absolute.
2) Impossible Talk includes words like ‘don’t’, ‘won’t’ and ‘can’t’ which restricts and limits all that is possible.
3) Past Talk is the language of regret and procrastination and is found in words like ‘should’ve’, ‘could’ve’, and ‘would’ve’.
In a society based on media, language is
a powerful tool that is constantly used to
misinform, confuse, and distort
the facts.
16
For most of our lives, our parents have been the ones we’ve turned to for support, advice, and financial help. But as our parents age,
they may need to rely on us as we once did on them. On average, Canadian men now live to 78 years of age, women beyond 80. Most enjoy good health until their mid-70s, when incidence of physical illness increases dramatically, along with chronic mental illnesses. All of these can rob people of their abilities to make decisions and deal with life’s daily routines.
Many of our parents will live long and re-main healthy, vibrant people. But developing strong plans now can limit future erosion of family finances should parents need costly medical, home, or institutional care. As well, setting key legal mechanisms in place now will enable our parents’ finances to be responsibly administered in the future, should they become unable to make their own decisions.
Gather information
We can help assemble a clear picture of your parents’ assets, in-come sources, and anticipated expenses.
uIncome: We can help you identify your parents’ income sources and any conditions
that apply. For example, a deceased spouse’s Canada Pension Plan benefits drop by 40 per cent to the survivor.
You should record these points as well as details like location and contents of bank accounts and safety deposit boxes. Our Personal Financial Review will also help tally household expenses and taxes.
uAssets: Have your parents designated beneficiaries for their registered investments and insurance? If an RRSP or RRIF’s beneficiary is the surviving spouse, the funds transfer automatically on the plan owner’s death. Whether the beneficiary is the estate or the spouse, it is possible to defer taxation until death of the second spouse. But if others are beneficiaries, the estate may have to pay tax. These can be complex decisions we can help sort out. If one or both parents own a business, you’ll need to determine if they may consider selling the business at some point. If that is not an option, they should have a business succession plan which identifies partners, shareholders, or family members with an interest in the business. We can review options and help your parents make a choice they and other potentially affected co-owners are comfort- able with.
uExpenses: First your parents’ existing expenses must be identified, then contingent expenses considered. Ultimately, one or both may require home care or personal care
The Sandwich GenerationFinancial strategies for parents with parents
by Neil Bobb, Fellow, Society of Actuaries
Even the most well adjusted family may find sorting out aging parents’ finances can be a highly sensitive issue, especially when parents themselves are reluctant to face the necessity.
Finance
17
in application are often between spouses, and make handling family finances much easier should one of them become incapacitated. Powers of attorney limited to specific accounts are often used to facilitate the payment of bills. The enduring power of attorney takes effect as soon as the document is signed, and can continue when a person becomes men-tally incompetent, provided a clause to that effect is inserted in the document. Another alternative is the springing power of attorney, where the authority granted under the power of attorney does not become effective until the person who granted it becomes mentally incompetent. It may also be advisable to assign a contingent or secondary power of attorney, perhaps to a trusted adult child, so that if both parents become mentally incompetent, a backup person is ready to step in.
uCommitteeship: If power of attorney has not been as-signed and mental incompetence be-comes an issue, committeeship by a responsible adult must be sought through the courts. The process costs time and money, and the province’s public trustee may have to step in while the issue is resolved.
uPersonal Care Decisions and Health Care Directives: Many provinces authorize the use of documents that appoint someone to make personal care decisions when you are not able to do so. Such documents can also be used to give
homes. Some provincial health-care systems may not provide for care as you would want, and the cost of meeting their needs may fall to them—or to you.
If you discover shortfalls are likely, you and/or your parents may explore more aggressive options. Talk to us about strategies to handle the financial load.
uInsuring Peace of Mind: Do your parents have extended health care insurance plans? If so, what are the conditions and limitations? If not, should they be enrolling in such plans?
It’s important to note insurance policies your parents may have and whether or not they are adequate. You may wish to explore critical illness insurance which pays a lump sum in the event of certain critical illnesses to cover future costs of extended medical or personal care. Often, adult children buy insurance for parents. Premi-ums may be more costly, but illnesses covered can be debilitating for a lengthy period.
Put legal documents in order
uEnduring Power of Attorneys: Through an enduring power of attorney parents can appoint a person or persons to make decisions concerning property and financial affairs. A power of attorney can be general in application or limited to dealing with certain assets or money in particular accounts. Enduring powers of attorney that are general
ESTATE TRUSTEENOT A JOB FOR EVERYONE
In Quebec it’s called the “Liquidator.” In many other provinces it’s the “Executor.” But regardless of what name it goes by, it involves time consuming responsibilities. Very often parents select one of their adult children for the job. Before you accept, be sure you understand that it’s more than an honorary role.
You will need to:
uDetermine, locate, and notify beneficiaries.
uArrange for burial or cremation and a funeral service.
uApply for life insurance benefits.
uPrepare an inventory of the estate’s assets and debts.
uArrange for payment of all debts.
uFile an income tax return for the year of death and returns for the estate.
uAdminister testamentary trusts.
uDistribute estate assets.
instructions on conditions under which an individual would not want invasive or “heroic measure” medical care to continue.
Should your parents be considering such documents, they will want extremely careful wording to ensure both legal and medical terminology is accurate. Your parents should consult a lawyer and a physician, and revisit the document periodically to ensure their feelings haven’t changed and that the wording remains medically valid. Alternately, they might leave such decisions to whomever has power of attorney, after providing guidelines to that person, but the
18
power of attorney itself may not be sufficient to provide the authority to others to make health-care decisions.
uWills: About 50% of Canadians don’t have wills. Yet without it, legal fees can mount if disposition is contentious, the de-ceased person’s wishes may not be taken into account, and survivors have to deal with the situation while coping with grief.
Holograph wills, created in the person’s own handwriting, dated, and signed, are legal in some provinces. But holograph wills often fail to express intentions in adequate legal terms and the courts may not interpret the will as intended. Do-it-yourself will kits have become popular, but cannot address points unique to your parents’ situation. Such kits are unlikely to maximize inheritances your parents may want kept secure for heirs.
Only sound financial, legal and accounting advice will accomplish that goal. We can help your parents deter-mine tax liabilities flowing
from their estate, and can suggest options to more effectively achieve their goals.
As long as they remain men-tally competent to do so, your parents should review existing wills periodically, to deter-mine if the documents require updating due to changed situations or circumstances.
Trusts
Trusts are useful in many situations:
uSafeguarding assets for minors: Parents can set up a testamentary trust to specify when children should receive their portion of the estate, and in what amounts.
uLong-term care for dependants with special needs: A testamentary trust can provide for dependants who have special needs and at the same time preserve any government assistance they may receive.
uIn second marriage situations: If your parents have remarried, a trust can provide payments to a current spouse throughout his or her lifetime, while preserving the assets for children from a previous marriage.
uIncome-splitting—Testamentary trusts are taxed at the same graduated marginal rates that apply to individuals. Income earned in the testamentary trust can be taxed at the lower trust tax rates and then distributed to beneficiaries as tax paid capital.
Your needs also matter
As you work to help your parents ensure their future financial needs are met, remember your needs are also important. We will work to help you keep your financial balance, while setting in place strategies to ensure your parents the comfort and security they deserve.
This article presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Neil Bobb, Fellow, Society of Actuaries is a consultant with Investors Group can be
contacted at [email protected]
Ideally, your parents may raise the topic; perhaps they are only waiting for a sign from you that you’d be willing to help them set their affairs in order. They may be unsure where to start or what to do, and you may need to find a way to broach the subject. For example:
uWhen friends or neighbours experience a difficult situation. “I heard about Lillian’s illness, Mom. I’m so sorry—but you know I wonder sometimes what you’d like us to do if something like that happened to you. Perhaps we should talk about it now.”
uWhen you’re arranging your own affairs. “Dad, I’m revisiting my will now that my financial situation has changed a bit. How about yours? Should we both do it together?”
uWhen you come across written material that deals with the subject. “My financial advisor sent me this information, Dad, and it’s really interesting. We could go through it together and see where you and mom stand with all this.”
As you work to help your parents ensure their future financial needs are met, remember your needs are also important.
BROACHING THE SUBJECT
• Building Your Portfolio• Managing & Reducing Taxes• Leaving a Legacy• Retirement Readiness• Lifestyle Insurance™ - Life, Disability, Critical Illness & Long Term Care• Education Funding• Mortgages, Loans, Lines of Credit• Maximizing Cash Flow• Business Solutions• Retirement Paycheque™• Guaranteed Investments• Socially Responsible Investments• Corporate Class tax-advantaged Investment solution
Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Great‐West Life Assurance Company.Investors Group Guaranteed Investment Funds are segregated fund policies issued by the Great‐West Life Assurance Company. Mortgages are offered throughI.G. Investment Management, Ltd.*, Investors Group Trust Co. Ltd. is licensed to lend in all jurisdictions in Canada. Inquires will be referred to a MortgagePlanning (Agent) Specialist. * Mortgage Brokerage Licence #10809, Mortgage Administrator Licence #11256. The Investors Group Corporate Class mutual fundsare shares issued by Investors Group Corporate Class Inc.™Banking products and services are distributed through Solutions BankingTM. Solutions Banking products and services are provided by National Bank of Canada.TM Solutions Banking is a trademark of Power Financial Corporation. Investors Group and design are trademarks owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. National Bank of Canada is a licensed user of these trademarks.
Neil Bobb, FSAPh: (905) 306-0031 X 316e-mail: [email protected]: www.investorsgroup.com/consult/neil.bobb
Financial Life Planning for Families
Neil Bobb, FSA Ph: (905) 306-0031 X 316 e-mail: [email protected] web: www.investorsgroup.com/consult/neil.bobb
• Building Your Portfolio • Managing & Reducing Taxes • Leaving a Legacy • Retirement Readiness • Lifestyle Insurance™ - Life, Disability, Critical Illness & Long Term Care • Education Funding • Mortgages, Loans, Lines of Credit • Maximizing Cash Flow • Business Solutions • Retirement Paycheque™
• Guaranteed Investments
• Socially Responsible Investments
• Corporate Class tax-advantaged Investment solution
Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Great‐West Life Assurance Company. Investors Group Guaranteed Investment Funds are segregated fund policies issued by the Great‐West Life Assurance Company. Mortgages are offered through I.G. Investment Management, Ltd.*, Investors Group Trust Co. Ltd. is licensed to lend in all jurisdictions in Canada. Inquires will be referred to a Mortgage Planning (Agent) Specialist. * Mortgage Brokerage Licence #10809, Mortgage Administrator Licence #11256. The Investors Group Corporate Class mutual funds are shares issued by Investors Group Corporate Class Inc.™ Banking products and services are distributed through Solutions BankingTM. Solutions Banking products and services are provided by National Bank of Canada.
TM Solutions Banking is a trademark of Power Financial Corporation. Investors Group and design are trademarks owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. National Bank of Canada is a licensed user of these trademarks.
Financial Life Planning for Families
Finance
19
RECIPE
Bhutanese Red Rice Pilaf with Vegetables
INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons sesame oil1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed1 teaspoon dried chilli flake1 cup sliced daikon1 cup diagonally sliced celery3/4 cup julienned carrots2 cups Bhutanse red rice4 cups boiling water1 cup chopped tamari1 cup chopped scallions (white and green parts)
DIRECTIONSHeat a wok or large skilled (one with a tight fitting lid) over high heat. Add the oil, ginger, garlic, and chile flakes and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the daikon, celery and carrots and strir fry for 2-3 minutes to infuse the vegetales with flavour. Add the rice and stir fry for 2 minutes. Lower the heat, then slowly pour in the water. Add the tamari. Cover and Simmer for about 20 minutes, until water is absorbed. Stir in the scallions or use them as garnish. Taste and adjust the seasonings if desired.
Excerpted with permission by New Harbinger Publications, Inc.Gluten Free Recipies for the Concious Cook by Leslie Cerierwww.newharbinger.com
Food
This dish is a good example of how you can mix and match not just ingredients, but also
cooking methods.
Although this method is similar to pilaf, I start by stir-frying ingredients with an Asian flair, including a generous amount of fresh
vegetables.
The result is extremely flavourful and colorful, and not unlike fried rice.
Bhutanese red rice imparts another layer of color to the dish, but if you don’t have
any on hand, you could also use brown rice, brown basmati or brown jasmine rice would
be especially good choices.
For any type of brown rice, increase the cooking time to about 40 minutes.
20
Immigration
Amongst people who decide to leave their home country and settle in another country, most of them prefer Canada. Canada
is one of the few countries which is known for incredible resources, vast geography, diverse peoples, abundant opportunities, accessible health and social services. Canada has been ranked number one by the United Nations Human Development Index for more than six times as the best country in the world in which to live.
Some of the reasons people choose Canada as their choice are:
Firstly, Canada is a safe country and people living here feel secure. No matter, in which part of Canada you want to settle down, you will always feel like home. Even in major cities of Canada such as - Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Mississauga, etc people can roam around without feeling neglected.
Secondly, Canada is a well developed country and rich in economy. By immigrating to Canada, one can enjoy stable income. Most of the jobs in Canada are well paid so that people can cover all their expenses required for living a happy life.
Thirdly, in Canada you will
never feel alone even during worst times. All the residents of Canada
are protected by Canadian social assistance system. In case, you have lost your job, you
don’t have to struggle much as there are many government-funded courses and programs that provide you with all the support to find another job very fast. In many ways Canada offers protection for its residents and the best part is that it is covered by the government.
by Clint N. AliMBA BSc Licensed Paralegal
What Makes
Canada Number One?
21
Next, Canada is an open and democratic society where immigrants too play an important and equal role in the country’s prosperity and community life. This is why businesspersons and skilled workers from every part of the world are welcomed here. Here emphasis is firmly focused on immigrants with economic and professional skills.
Over the recent years and including the international economic instability Canada has proudly been accepting new Immigrants. Canadian authorities follow a point based system where each and every applicant is reviewed by the authorities on the basis of his age, education qualifications, work experience, languages known along with other defined parameters. Although the rules are constantly changing presently the ways in which a candidate can be evaluated are:
n Skilled Worker: selection as a permanent resident based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French and other criteria that have been shown to help them become economically established in Canada. Important to note the new rules state an offer of arranged employment in Canada
or one year of employment or student experience in Canada must be met to allow the application to proceed.
n Canadian Experience Class: if you are a temporary foreign worker or a foreign student who graduated in Canada, you may possess the requirements to become a permanent resident from a temporary one.
n Investors, Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Persons: this three option business immigrant is meant to encourage experienced business individuals to Canada and build the development of a growing and developing Canadian Economy.
n Provincial Nominees: any persons who possess the education, skills and work experience needed to make an immediate economic contribution to the province or territory that nominates them.
n Sponsoring Your Family: Citizenship and Immigration Canada recognizes the importance of family unity and so, if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, you can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent child (including adopted) or eligible relative (such as a parent or grandparent) to become a permanent resident.
In short Canada is a very peaceful country with the right set up for those want to see positive changes in their lives. For easy immigration to Canada, you can take help of a knowledgeable Law Firm and have your application successfully approved.
Although it can be very exciting to immigrate to Canada, there are many ways in which families can be fooled by unlicensed Immigration Specialists and lose a lot of money unnecessarily, which is why you should strongly consider which Immigration Law Firm you want to help assist with your immigration needs.
Clint is a Licensed Paralegal and works for Ali Law Professional Corporation.
He can be contacted at [email protected]
Canada is a safe country and
people living here feel secure.
22
1Don’t assume you know what your child is going through before you’ve asked. Even if it turns out that your suspicions
were correct, the act of asking shows that you care and that you are open to talking.
2Find times when you can be physically and emotionally available to talk to your child. Don’t ask ‘what’s wrong?’ when
you are on your way out the door, or while you are managing tasks on your BlackBerry. Kids can tell when you’re distracted, and they can also tell when you are genuinely interested in what is happening with them.
3General observations or gentle expressions of curiosity/concern can be a great way of starting a conversation:
“I’ve noticed that you’ve been quiet lately…. If there’s anything you want to talk to me about, know that I’ll listen.”
4If your child discloses a problem, avoid immediately moving to solutions. Take some time to explore what your child is
feeling, and acknowledge their emotions (even uncomfortable ones like anger or shame). Show your child that it’s safe to talk to you—even about the stuff that feels really bad.
5Pay attention to your own emotions, and how you are being affected by what your child is telling you. It’s normal to get
triggered sometimes–not only do you love your child and want the best for them—but you were a child once and remember exactly how hard it can be. Nevertheless, if you find that you are getting overwhelmed or losing clarity on the issue, you might need to take a time out. Don’t worry about how this will look to your child; you are modeling a very healthy form of self-care for them.
6When is comes time to work on finding solutions, make problem solving a collaborative effort. Ask if they have
any ideas on what might make the situation better. Present your own possible solutions as tentative: “I have an idea, how do you think it would work in your situation…”
7Ask how you can best help. Your child might want you to be very involved, or they might want you to take a back seat.
Unless your child is in real danger (in which case your involvement is not up for question) respect your child’s wishes.
8Help connect them with resources. Do they need to talk to a guidance counsellor? The principal? Write a letter
to someone? Get help from a tutor? Support them in getting the assistance they need.
9Check in regularly, and let your child know that you are always available to talk to, even though you might not have
all the answers.
10Take care of yourself. As parents, we tend to give great advice, but can we take it? Build a support network,
ask for help when you need it, take time to rest and relax. All of these things will help you to help your child through their tough times.
Information provided by Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 www.kidshelpphone.ca
Is your kid facing back to school blues?10 tips for parents
Education
23
for PAKISTANDONATE BY SEPTEMBER 12, 2010 AND THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WILL DOUBLE
YOUR DONATION
““A BIGGER GLOBAL DISASTER THAN THE 2004 INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI AND THE 2010 HAITI EARTHQUAKE COMBINED” - UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL
www.HopeForPakistan.ca
Donate online at www.hopeforpakistan.ca or through a local donation box
Hope
24
It’s 11:00 p.m. on a Friday night and your 15-year-old is returning home from a night out with friends. She goes straight to her room without saying a word. You
look out the window and see a group of kids driving away who you don’t recognize. They look older. Your daughter seems hostile when you ask about them. Should you be concerned these are warning signs of teen drug or alcohol use or is this normal teen behavior?
You should be concerned. Trust me, because I was a teenage addict. At a party, my parents allowed me, then 8-years-old, to take a sip from his margarita. It only escalated from there, as I began smoking pot at 10, and was fully addicted to ecstasy, meth and cocaine by 16. My parents didn’t act to prevent my addictions, and I struggled for years until a 12-step-program changed my life. Now as a parent and director for community outreach of Teen and Family
Services in Houston, Texas, I have a passion for helping others prevent the cycle of addiction. So how can you tell if your teenager may be using drugs or alcohol?
u1. Distinguish from what is normal teenage behavior and what is not. One of the most difficult tasks as a learning parent is to differentiate between “normal” teenage behavior and what parents should really be concerned about. Never dismiss abnormal behavior. It’s all a matter of paying attention, following instincts and acting before it is too late. Trust your gut feeling; if something feels off or wrong, it probably is.
u2. Watch for changes in school performance. This can signal a problem. All teens have academic areas of weakness. What you need to be concerned about is a sharp drop in grades or attendance or a marked increase in discipline problems at school, especially if it detours away from his or her usual performance. Be on top of what’s going on in your child’s life. Provide stability for your child so they don’t have the chance to run wild, get bored and turn to substances to occupy the time that you aren’t giving—like I did.
by Derek Steele, author of Addict at 10
Addiction flags or
just teen behavior?
10 tips to spotting drug and alcohol abuse
One of the most difficult tasks as a learning parent is to differentiate between “normal” teenage behavior
and what parents should really be concerned about.
Parenting
25
u6.Genetic predisposition. Research indicates that people who have a family history of addiction are at higher risk of developing a substance abuse problem. A good comparison is type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can run in your family, but with proper diet and exercise you can avoid a problem. In the same way, addiction can run in families, but if individuals avoid addictive substances they will avoid the problem. Keep in mind that substance abuse is a complicated problem. Family history is just one factor to consider.
u7.Co-occurring mental health diagnosis. ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety disorders and depression place teens at higher risk of developing a substance-abuse issue. Proper treatment can lessen the risk. Follow the treatment recommendations of professionals who have specific experience treating these issues in teens.
u8. Your teen has an obsession with the drug-using culture. Music, movies, television shows, clothing and websites can be clues that your child is interested in that lifestyle. From my experience, if this type of behavior is going on, there is a reason other than just curiosity.
u9. Pay attention to the feedback you get from other parents. Sometimes it is hard not to get defensive if others are pointing out less than desirable behavior in our children, but that kind of objective feedback can be very valuable. Ask other involved adults such as coaches, youth ministers, teachers and scout leaders to give you periodic feedback on their observations of your child. It is sometimes difficult for us to see the truth because we are so emotionally involved in our teens’ lives.
u10. Missing money, time unaccounted for and secretive behavior in general can be red flags. Do not ignore these behaviors. Asking hard questions and digging for the truth can sometimes be exhausting. It is our job to stay diligent and hold our kids accountable.
Derek Steele is the author of Addict at 10 (Synergy Books, January 2010, 978-0-9840760-9-3, $22.95) and devotes
his time to help people struggling with addiction. He is also a board member of Teen and Family
Services in Houston, Texas and a volunteer at the Covenant House. Steele lives in Missouri, Texas, with his
wife and their two children.
Emotional signs of drug/alcohol use:-severe or unreasonable mood
swings-angry outbursts that are
disproportionate to the situation-not showing emotional involvement
in things that used to matter-paranoia
This is not meant to be a definitive list of
signs as every teen’s situation is different, but in my 18 years of working with teens, I have never seen a child who was using drugs that did not at least demonstrate some of the behaviors described above.
u5. If you suspect drug or alcohol use, drug test your teenager. I am a big believer in drug testing. If your child has nothing to hide, then they should not have a problem taking a test. As far as I am concerned, refusal to take a drug test proves a problem exists. Your teen does not need more friends. They need a strong, dedicated parent. If you are confused and concerned for your child’s health and safety ask a trained professional for help. Help is available in nearly all communities, and it is better to over react than to not act at all.
u3. Look out for changes in your child’s friends. Most teens will drift from group to group in high school as they try and figure out where they fit. The changes you should be most concerned with are: new friends your child has but doesn’t want you to meet; when usual, long-time friends stop coming around; or if you get the feeling the new group is “shady.” In my experience, it’s the job of the parent to ensure a positive influence and environment is around your child—even when you are not present. This means knowing where they are, what they are doing and who they are with.
u4. Keep an eye out for physical and emotional changes. The teenage years are a normal time for change, but there are key indicators that may signal trouble:
Physical signs of drug/alcohol abuse:
-changes in sleep patterns such as sleeping more than usual or not at all
-significant weight changes-haggard appearance-odors of chemicals or smoke-dilated or restricted pupils-red eyes
26
Health
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?Diabetes is diagnosed through testing the
level of glucose in your blood. Some signs and symptoms of high blood glucose are thirst, urinating often, and feeling tired. It is recommended that people over 40 years old have their blood glucose tested by a doctor every 3 years.
How to Keep your Sugars under Control:n Eat 3 meals per day spaced no more
than 6 hours apartn Limit sugars and sweets such as pop,
candy, and dessertsn Eat high fibre foods like whole grain
breads, vegetables, and fruitsn Limit your intake of grains and starches
to the size of your fist at each meal
S omething sweet is on the rise in Canada and I’m not talking about our booming maple syrup business. According to the Canadian Diabetes
Association, the number of Canadians diagnosed with diabetes has doubled over the past 10 years to approximately 2.5 million people . It is now estimated that 1 in 4 Canadians have either diabetes or pre-diabetes.
What is Diabetes?Diabetes is a disease that causes your
blood glucose (sugar) to rise after eating starchy or sugary foods. This is due to the pancreas producing too little insulin and the body becoming insulin resistant (not using insulin properly). Diabetes is classified as type 1, type 2, or pre-diabetes and they all require treatment by healthcare professionals.
Type 1 Diabetes: Accounts for 10% of diabetes cases and occurs when the body completely stops producing insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes: Accounts for 90% of cases and occurs slowly over time as the body decreases insulin production and becomes insulin resistant.
Pre-Diabetes: Approximately 6 million Canadians show signs of this condition in which blood glucose is slightly elevated, but not enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. About 50% of people with pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes.
What are the Risk Factors for Diabetes?
Contrary to popular belief, the candy-loving “sweet tooth” cannot be blamed for causing diabetes. The main risk factors are: n Age > 40 yearsn Being overweightn Family history of Diabetesn Gestational Diabetes (diabetes in
pregnancy) n Ethnicity (South/East Asian, Hispanic,
African/Carribean etc)
n Aim for 150 min per week of physical activity such as walking, biking, or swimming
n Maintain a healthy weight
Looking into the FutureWith another 1.2 million people estimated
to be diagnosed with diabetes by 2020, Canadians will need to focus on leading a healthy lifestyle to avoid the risk. If you think you or a loved one are at risk for diabetes, please enlist the help of your doctor, dietitian, and nurse.
Jennifer McVeigh is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at LMC Endocrinology Centres www.LMC.ca. At LMC, Jennifer works along with
endocrinologists and nurses to help treat diabetes.
Diabetes on the rise in Canada
Are you at risk?by Jennifer McVeigh, RD, CDE, BASc
27
THE ALTERNATE MEDICINE CABINETby Kathy Gruver, MS, LMT, RM, NHC
yNaturopathy has been around for
ages. Actually thousands of years before modern medicine was invented. Kathy Gruver in her book offers practical and real advise aout how Natural cures and treatements can dramatically change your life. Offering “hundreds of ways to take charge ofyour health. Naturally”, the book offers answers and solutions to health problems for all of us.Not intended as a presciption or diagnosis for any disease, the book educates the reader about ways to improve your health and create a better and healthier life for yourself and your family.
A great read and a reference, The Alternate Medicice Cabiet is a must read.
ISBN10: 0-7414-5903-5US$11.95 Available at most major bookstores.
FROM FAT TO FITby Carole carson
yGetting fit ad losing all the
excess pounds is not that difficult anymore. In her book “ From fat to Fit” Carole tells us abou her story of fat loss in her late 60’s and how she managed to shed her excess pounds and now is at the best shape of her life. Featured in many international newspapers and TV shows, carols story is an inspirational story for the rst of us who wat to get fir but dont know how to get started.Carole in her own quest managed to shed 63 pounds and shrink from size 18 to a size 6. A remarkable book whch is both inspirational as well as practical when it comes to being healthier. A must read.
ISBN : 987-0-9766030-9-2US$14.95 Available at most major bookstores.
DAD’S PREGNANT TOOby Harlen Cohen
yExpectant fathers. Help
is here. Harlen Cohen in his 500 odd page book has practical advise and tips for you to manage the ins and outs of childbirth. The book is filled with stories, tips and advice from expectant fathers, expectatnt mothers, new dads and new moms. A very easy fun filled read, the book offers more than 100 tips that can make things much easier for you when its time for the big day. This is a witty and wise guide to everything that you and your patner will encounter along the way.
Get the book if you are expecting a child or are planning one !
ISBN: 978-1-4022-1133-1$15.50. Available at most major bookstores.
POINT CLICK & SAVEby Rachael Singer Gordon
yIn her book Rachel
keeps on stone unturned when it comes to saving money and makeing the best of the internetwhen it comes to maiing and saving money. The book explores online shopping and how to get the best argings that can save you a lot of money over time.
“Point Click & save” is a perfect companon for everyone who wants to know the techniques for saving money and to look for deals online. Not only useful for Moms but for everyone in the household.
ISBN: 978-0-910965-86-6$21.95 in Canada. Available at most major bookstores.
Book reviewsPOWER OF THE FIVE ELEMENTSby Charles A Moss, MD
yChinese medicine has been around since thousands of years and one reason for it to be around is that it offers real healing. In our
modern times it is common practise to pop a few pills that can cure anything from a headache to hysteria, however in order to heal from the inside out an alternate form of healing and medicine may be just the answer. In his book Charles Moss writes about fniding your adaptation
type and how to use that to control stress and your health. Identifying your adaptation type is the key. The book offers a roadmap for healthy living and healing through the wisdom of ages. Highly recommended read for serious health enthusiasts.
ISBN: 978-1-55643-874-5 $23.00. Available at most major bookstores.
PARENTING THE STRONG WILLED CHILDThe Clinically poven five week method for parents of two o six year old.
yReal advise for parents is here. This five week program will transform your and your childs life. The authors have siplified the challanges of
parentohood and have explained everything from why children behave the way they do and to creating a strong foundation for behavioural change. A very highly recommended read for parents of not only strong willed children but for everyone who would like to know how to infuenc childrens behavious and make changes that help shape their personalties with time. Both authors are trained child psychologists.
ISBN: 978-0-07-166782-1
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