news canada's july 2014 issue

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Consumer Information

Home & Garden

How to create the perfect cottage burger

p. 48

p. 17

p. 3

Travel & Destinationsp.54

Vol. 34 No. 07 July 2014

Personal Financep. 34

Health & Safetyp. 23

News Canada, established 1981, is published 12 times per year by News Canada Inc. Editorial and production offices are located at 920 Yonge Street, Suite 509, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3C7.All material appearing in News Canada is the responsiblity of the writer and or the sponsor organization. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor, Publisher or other members of the News Canada staff. News Canada is a member of the Periodical Publishers Exchange. GST#R122038979

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Toronto (416) 599-9900, 1-888-855-6397Publisher Ruth Douglas ext. 204Managing Editor Jane Stokes (905) 883-1576Account Executives Lisa Fazari ext. 206 Yvonne Larkin ext.205 Mary Beth Carter ext. 218

Michael Procunier ext. 212Paul Gitlin ext. 246

Comptroller Inna Lukyanova ext. 211Print Media Services Coordinator Robin Duke ext. 248Production Manager Saundra Miles ext. 215Ottawa Victoria Procunier (613) 241-9900Montreal Danny Coggins (450) 962-7610Western Canada John Ross (250) 758-6657

News Canada

Vol. 34 No. 07 July 2014

News Canada, established 1981, is published 12 times per year by News Canada Inc. Editorial and production offices are located at 920 Yonge Street, Suite 509, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3C7.All material appearing in News Canada is the responsiblity of the writer and or the sponsor organization. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor, Publisher or other members of the News Canada staff. News Canada is a member of the Periodical Publishers Exchange. GST#R122038979

TERMS OF USEArticles are provided free of charge. Credit of usage must be attrib-uted to News Canada with (NC) at beginning of an article or newscanada.com at the end. Any source/sponsor of the information quoted in the text must also be identified as presented. Images are only to be used with corresponding editorial copy. Usage of News Canada articles constitutes your acceptance of these terms and an agreement between you and News Canada.

Toronto (416) 599-9900, 1-888-855-6397Publisher Ruth Douglas ext. 204Managing Editor Jane Stokes (905) 883-1576Account Executives Lisa Fazari ext. 206 Mary Beth Carter ext. 218

Paul Gitlin ext. 246Fatima Chai ext. 281

Comptroller Inna Lukyanova ext. 211Print Media Services Coordinator Robin Duke ext. 248Articles Production Manager Kevyn Murray ext. 238Ottawa Victoria Procunier (613) 241-9900Montreal Danny Coggins (450) 962-7610Western Canada Tracy Houston 1-888-855-6397

News Canada

Food & Nutrition .....................................................................................................................3

Automotive ............................................................................................................................16

Consumer Information ........................................................................................................17

Families & Children ..............................................................................................................19

Fashion & Beauty ..................................................................................................................22

Health & Safety .....................................................................................................................23

Home & Garden ....................................................................................................................34

Lifestyles ................................................................................................................................42

Personal Finance ...................................................................................................................48

Summer Entertaining ..........................................................................................................52

Travel & Destinations ...........................................................................................................54

July 2014 3Find these articles at www.newscanada.com

FOOD & NUTRITION

How to create the perfect cottage burger (250 words + 1 photo)

(NC) This is picture perfect: you bite into a juicy, delicious, flamed-grilled burger topped with tangy dill pickles, a fried sunny-side up egg, and slice of real Canadian bacon – all the while watching the sun glisten on the lake from a dock on Georgian Bay.

Why not make this cottage daydream a reality? Chef Matt Basile, the owner of the Fidel Gastro Food Truck, along with leading brand Bick’s (his favourite pickle condiment) are both encouraging us to get inspired by the beauty of a Canadian summer to create the perfect cottage burger.

The summer not only means warmer weather and outdoor activities, but also access to an abundance of fresh local fruits and vegetables. Basile recommends choosing burger toppings

using local ingredients (that vary by region across the country), and combining them with items from your pantry or fridge - such as pickles, sliced beets or relish - to create the perfect burger.

Whether you are spending time at the cottage, or in the comfort of your own backyard, the incredible flavour combination of the Muskoka Breakfast Burger will inspire nothing but an endless summer:

The Muskoka Breakfast Burger2 Bick’s Sandwich Savers 50% Less Salt Tangy

Dill Pickles1 ciabatta bun, toasted1 cooked beef burger1 slice tomato, grilled, 1 slice back bacon, grilled

1 egg, fried, sunny-side up

Place pickles on bottom bun and top with burger and remaining ingredients. Enjoy.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Makes: 1 burgerFreezing: not

recommendedYou can find this recipe and more at www.bicks.

ca. www.newscanada.com

Three secrets to a sensational burger (425 words + 1 photo) By Chef Matt Basile

(NC) Absolutely any time is the perfect time to bite into a juicy, flame-grilled burger oozing with a mixture of flavourful toppings that are readily available in your fridge and pantry. From the zest of a hot pepper to the tang of a relish and crunch of a delicious Bick’s pickle – the possibilities are endless.

Each region of Canada, from the breathtaking Rocky Mountains to the craggy eastern shores, offers its own unique cuisine and collage of flavours. This provides even more options to personalize our burgers and there is nothing more satisfying than building your own.

As owner and chef at the Fidel Gastro food truck, here are my three secrets to a sensational burger:

Mix it up: I often combine chuck and brisket meat, but a mix of ground beef and pork also works well. My staple seasonings are salt, pepper and paprika. Use your hands to combine everything and shape into patties.

Pre-chill then grill: Chill burgers in the fridge for about an hour. This will keep the meat from falling apart when you fire it on the grill. Flip only once to prevent the meat from

drying, at five to six minutes (per side) for a medium burger.

Pickle perfection: Pile on your favourite toppings. Bick’s pickles and specialty products are a must. There are so many options – from baby dills to sliced beets to zesty onion relish – there is a special something for everyone and every palate.

One of my favourite burger recipes is for the Stampede Slider. Anyone with a hearty appetite will enjoy a juicy beef burger glazed with barbecue sauce, hot pepper rings and topped off with a deep fried baby dill pickle. This burger is guaranteed to become a year-round staple.

Stampede Sliders1 slider bun, toasted1 tbsp (15ml) barbecue Sauce1 tbsp (15ml) Bick’s Zesty Onion Relish1 small, cooked beef burger topped with

cheddar cheese, meltedBick’s Hot Pepper RingsBick’s Yum Yum Sweet Pickles1 tsp (5ml) finely chopped onions1 deep fried Bick’s Garlic Baby Dill Pickle,

for garnish

Spread bottom bun with barbecue sauce and relish. Top with burger and remaining i n g r e d i e n t s . Garnish with fried pickle.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Makes: 1 burgerFreezing: not recommendedTip: to fry pickles, quarter a garlic baby dill

pickle, toss in flour seasoned with chipotle chili powder, dip in egg and dip in seasoned breadcrumbs. Fry in oil on all sides until crispy.

You can find these recipes and more at www.bicks.ca.

Matt Basile is the chef/owner of the Fidel Gastro food truck and Lisa Marie restaurant based in Toronto, Ontario.

www.newscanada.com

Find these articles at www.newscanada.com4 July 2014

FOOD & NUTRITION

How to select the freshest seafood (408 words + 1 photo)

(NC) There’s something about the summer that leaves us craving a seaside vacation, but if a trip to the East Coast isn’t part of your summer plans, we have your seafood cravings covered.

Take a look at these tips from Clearwater Seafoods’ executive chef, Stefan Czapalay, showing us how to select, prepare and enjoy the best seafood this summer:

• When grilling seafood, look for thick pieces of meaty fish and stay away from light, flaky fish.

• Frozen seafood can actually be of higher quality when its frozen-at-sea, meaning that the product is frozen onboard the vessel within minutes of catch. This process locks in flavour, freshness and preserves the texture.

• When it’s too hot to cook, the popular Clearwater Scallops & Sauce provide a tasty meal. Simply heat up in the microwave according to instructions and toss with pasta or rice and serve.

• When purchasing whole fish examine the eyes, cloudy eyes are a good indication that the fish is past due.

• Fish typically goes bad after two days in the refrigerator. If you don’t plan on cooking it

within two days, try purchasing fish that’s been frozen-at-sea.

Try this easy and delicious East Coast scallops recipe:

Halibut with Mornay ScallopsIngredients: 1 package of Clearwater Garlic Cream

Scallops & Sauce½ cup button mushrooms, sliced1 tbsp green onions, sliced¼ cup red pepper, diced½ cup aged cheddar or Jarlsberg cheese,

grated2 halibut fillets (6 ounces each)Vegetable oil ButterWhite WinePreparation: Place Clearwater Scallops & Sauce in a triple

wrapped piece of foil along with a few sliced mushrooms, chopped green onions, a few diced peppers and a ½ cup of grated aged cheddar or Jarlsberg cheese.

Place foil bundle to the side of the grill not over a direct flame about 1 minute before starting the fish.

S e a s o n halibut fillets (or other fish) with salt and pepper, and lightly oil with vegetable oil.

Generous ly butter a triple folded piece of foil and place fish in center.

Sprinkle with white wine and wrap securely.Place foil pouch over the heat and close lid

on grill.When fish is cooked, open and drizzle juices

into a bowl and mix with Scallops & Sauce. Serve with Scallops & Sauce as a topper

(which takes about 9 minutes on high heat.)Chefs Note: You will know when the fish is

cooked as the foil will have a steady stream of steam escaping.

www.newscanada.com

Delicious burger recipes inspired by Canadian summers (316 words + 1 photo)

(NC) The warmth of the summer sun encourages escapes to the great outdoors. Whether enjoying your backyard or a family cottage vacation, this annual rite also involves firing up the grill to enjoy burgers under a canopy of sky – a true Canadian summer tradition.

Chef Matt Basile, owner of the Fidel Gastro food truck, uses the diversity of the Canadian palate to create signature burger recipes, with help from the leading pickle brand, Bick’s. These recipes are inspired by the country’s natural beauty and regional ingredients – and the delicious flavour combinations will tempt your taste buds for our favourite summertime fare – the burger.

Each creation belongs to Chef Basile, and each one is enhanced by Bick’s:

Grill it lakeside: Inspired by early mornings on the dock watching the sunrise, the Muskoka Breakfast Burger includes a perfectly fried sunny-

side up egg, a slice of real Canadian bacon and lots of Sandwich Savers 50% Less Salt Tangy Dill Pickles.

Bring on the crunch: Poutine, a quintessential French-Canadian culinary indulgence of crispy french fries, gravy and cheese curds, is paired with a flavourful Baby Dill Pickle. The Poutine Crunch Burger is deliciously satisfying after a long canoe ride or a hike in the woods.

Rodeo Roundup: The Stampede Sliders will wrangle even the heartiest appetite at the rodeo, so get saddled up to enjoy a juicy beef burger glazed with barbecue sauce, Hot Pepper Rings and topped with a deep fried Baby Dill Pickle. A winner right from the gate, this burger is guaranteed to become a year-round staple.

Packed with Taste: Hit the trails for a morning of outdoor activity and sunshine and come home to the Grouse Mountain Power Burger - a perfectly

grilled veggie burger topped with Sliced Beets, avocado, a dollop of Zesty Onion Relish for a bit of zing and slices of Garlic Baby Dill Pickles – a fantastic combination of crunchiness and flavour.

You can find these recipes and more at www.bicks.ca.

www.newscanada.com


Grill this salmon and scallops East Coast style (335 words + 1 photo)

(NC) This summer, get inspired by Canadian East Coast seafood and experiment with different flavours on the grill. For your next feast, try this delicious scallop recipe that’s perfect as a main dish, or for more tapas-style dining.

Salmon Puttanesca with ScallopsIngredients:1 package of Clearwater Marinara Scallops &

Sauce 1 tsp chili flakes1 tbsp capers, drained, rinsed and chopped 20 black olives, sliced2 salmon fillets (8 ounces each)Olive oilFresh rosemaryPreparation: Place Scallops & Sauce in a triple wrapped piece

of foil along with a few aromatics such as chilies, capers and black olives.

Place foil bundle to the side of the grill, not over a direct flame about 2 minutes before starting the fish.

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and lightly oil with olive oil.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped rosemary.To grill fish, preheat grill to 225C (435F) and

lightly coat grill with olive oil. Place fish in the middle of the grill.

Allow fish to cook for 2 minutes, turn and close lid for another 2 minutes. Open lid and watch fish until finished (typically 5-6 minutes.)

When fish is cooked, serve with Scallops & Sauce as a topper. Scallops & Sauce takes approximately 7 minutes to cook on high heat.

Seafood Grilling Tips:Stefan Czapalay, the executive chef for

Clearwater Seafoods, has travelled the world giving cooks and chefs tips on achieving the perfect seafood dishes. Here are a few tips that you can easily follow at home:

Preheat grill for approximately 30 minutes to lessen the chance of food sticking.

Forget about using tongs when grilling fish. You’ll end up with a mess and a very high chance of the fish falling apart. Use a grilling spatula when barbecuing.

If the protein is sticking to the grill, then it’s not ready to flip. Leave it be, wait 30 seconds and try again. Don’t flip until it is ready.

When possible, always choose sustainable seafood products like another Clearwater line called Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops.

www.newscanada.com

Entertain this summer with succulent seafood (261 words + 1 photo)

(NC) The stress of entertaining can get in the way of making the most of time with friends and family. To make sure your summer festivities go off without a hitch, here are some stress-free entertaining tips:

Whenever possible, prepare food in advance. Purchase, chop and marinate the evening before to ensure that everything is organized when guests arrive.

Keep it simple. Great meals aren’t always complicated. Look for recipes that include simple, fresh and high quality ingredients.

Fire up the grill and try something new. Cooking seafood on the barbecue adds new flavour and texture to the perfect summer dish.

Try this delicious and easy recipe for grilling bacon-wrapped sea scallops from world-renowned chef, Stefan Czapalay. As the executive chef

for Clearwater Seafoods, Stefan is an expert in preparing seafood for every occasion.

Rosemary Maple Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops

Ingredients:1 package Clearwater Bacon Wrapped Sea

Scallops1 cup maple syrup4 tsp rosemary (finely chopped)Preparation:Thaw Clearwater Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops

in package for 15-20 minutes before cooking.Preheat grill to medium-high heat.Prepare sauce by combining maple syrup and

finely chopped rosemary. Simmer for 2 minutes and let cool.

Fold a 25-inch piece of foil in half. Spray one side generously with cooking spray.

Place foil on grill greased side up and place scallops on foil (do not crowd.)

Grill, lid down for 12-15 minutes, turning frequently, or until bacon is crisp and scallops are cooked.

During the last 30 seconds, brush liberally with maple rosemary glaze.

Let stand for a few minutes before serving.www.newscanada.com

FOOD & NUTRITION

Plan ahead for no-guilt snacks (265 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Snacking is now an inherent part of today’s lifestyle and can be beneficial when used as a strategy for healthier eating.

Thinking through your snacking needs ahead of time is advised however – and keeping a variety of healthy choices on hand to meet those needs, will lessen the tendency to impulse snack on less desirable choices such as processed and salty snacks, sweets and baked goods. Tried and true snack staples include: fresh fruit, such as grapes, low-fat yogurt, cut up veggies and hummus, whole grain crackers and unsalted nuts of all kinds.

For a heartier snack or mini-meal, create tasty snack combinations. For example, why not toss some California grapes and walnuts into your favourite yogurt? Or, make a fresh trail mix with nuts, cheddar cheese cubes, fresh grapes (instead of raisins) and chocolate or carob chips.

Did you know that California grapes make a fabulous frozen dessert? Forgo the ice cream and sodas for a lighter treat that tastes just like a mini-sorbet.

To make frozen grapes: Rinse grapes and pat dry. Put whole clusters in a bowl or pick the grapes off their stems, and place them on a cookie tray before

putting them into the freezer. After two hours, they are ready to eat. Any uneaten grapes can be stored in the freezer in a plastic bag or sealed container, and enjoyed later.

www.newscanada.com


FOOD & NUTRITIONMake your salads pop with flavour (419 words + 1 photo) (NC) Who doesn’t love a great salad? Take a mix of interesting ingredients plus a dazzling dressing, and you are ready to serve it up.

Have you ever added grapes as a not-so-secret ingredient?

A single handful of California grapes, for example, are easy and versatile and will instantly boost your salad’s appeal with refreshing colour and goodness, not to mention the juicy burst of flavour that grapes add to each bite.

No matter what your salad’s origins – perhaps takeout from the fast food joint on the corner, from a bag of lettuce mix, or from specialty greens from your local grocer – when you toss in grapes, your salad will never again be ordinary.

Select any colour. You’ll notice that the red, green and black varieties pair well with an array of salad dressings. For example, their delicate sweetness blends well with creamy blue cheese and ranch dressings – and goes well with citrus, smoky and spicy dressings too. Even a simple vinaigrette dressing seems less vinegary when paired with grapes.

Best of all, California grapes pair well with earthier ingredients such as rice, pasta, and whole grains, including quinoa, faro, and wheatberries. The sweet-tart flavour and succulent quality of the fruit bring a much needed “lift” to such dishes, like this one:

Quinoa Salad with Grapes, Almonds and Spinach

1 cup multi-coloured quinoaSalt 1/3 cup Orange Mustard Dressing (recipe

follows)½ cup slivered almonds2 cups washed and dried baby spinach4 scallions, finely chopped3 cups green seedless California grapes, halvedFreshly ground black pepperOrange Mustard Dressing 1/4 cup vegetable oil1/4 cup rice vinegar2 tablespoons honey mustard2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add the quinoa and season with salt. Simmer 9 minutes and drain well. Cool 10 minutes.

M e a n w h i l e spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast until golden, 6-8 minutes. Let cool.

Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and stir in the dressing. Mix well and stir in the remaining ingredients. Season well with salt and pepper and serve at room temperature or chilled. Makes 6 cups.

Serves 6. Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 311;

Protein 8.5 g; Carbohydrate 46 g; Fat 12 g; 33% Calories from Fat; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 193 mg; Potassium 491 mg; Fibre 6 g.

www.newscanada.com

Accent your summer menu with grapes (368 words + 2 photos)

(NC) When it comes to summer picnics and backyard entertaining, make it easy on yourself and be sure to include grapes. This fresh and juicy burst of flavour makes a shareable appetizer, or a perfect side dish for grilled meats, burgers, and sandwiches. Toss them into a special salad – and for more nutrition and colour – and intrigue – in your drinks, freezing grapes ahead of time can cool a beverage in place of ice cubes.

Did you know that you can also grill grapes? Do it in clusters or as part of a skewer combo. Try marinated shrimp and grape kabobs, or spicy beef cubes with juicy California grapes in between. Heating them actually intensifies their delicious flavour.

To grill California grapes: Clip a bunch into clusters and toss them in olive oil with a sprinkle of salt. They only need 3-4 minutes on the grill next to your meat. Simply turn them a few times and remove them when they begin to slightly char.

Or, try this taste sensation:Fresh Grapes, Hot-Sweet Pecans, Baby

Greens and Gorgonzola Vinaigrette

Yield: 6 servingsH o t - S w e e t

Pecans2 tbsp. butter1/4 cup brown

sugar1/2 tsp. cayenne

pepper1/2 tsp. salt1 tsp. water1 cup pecan

halvesGorgonzola Vinaigrette1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil3 tbsp. white wine vinegar4 oz. gorgonzola cheese, crumbled (about 1

cup) 1/4 tsp. black pepper, ground1/2 tsp. saltAssembly8 oz. (about 6 cups) baby greens salad mix2 cups California seedless grapes, rinsedButter a metal cookie sheet and set aside.

In a non-stick frying pan, combine first set of ingredients, except for the pecans. Bring to boil

over medium-high heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Mixture will be bubbly and foamy looking, and very hot. Add pecan halves and stir while cooking for one and a half minutes. Spoon pecans onto cookie sheet and spread to separate. Let cool thoroughly. Whisk together dressing ingredients until well combined. To assemble salad, toss greens with grapes, nuts and vinaigrette.

Nutritional Analysis per Serving: Calories 458; Protein 6.5 g; Carbohydrate 23 g;

Fat 40 g; 75% Calories from Fat; Saturated Fat 9 g; Cholesterol 31 mg; Sodium 592 mg; Fibre 2.6 g.

www.newscanada.com


FOOD & NUTRITION

Add garden-grown greens to your primavera (314 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—The summer is a great time to take your green thumb from the garden to the kitchen. Packed with fresh veggies, salmon and protein-rich organic soy milk, this pasta is a wholesome dish that the whole family will enjoy. Make it with organic ingredients, or better yet, veggies and herbs from your garden. Additional recipes can be found at www.sonice.ca.

Salmon Pesto PrimaveraIngredients:Vegetable mixture:1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil or margarine 1 clove garlic, minced 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 1/3 red or green bell pepper, chopped8 oz (250 g) mushrooms, sliced Sauce:1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil or margarine 1 clove garlic, minced

1½ tbsp (22 ml) cornstarch 1½ cups (375 ml) So Nice Unsweetened organic

soy beverage1 can salmon (with crushed bones for calcium

and vitamin D) 1 tbsp (15 ml) ketchup 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp (10 ml) pesto½ tsp (2 ml) salt¼ cup (60 ml) fresh parsley, choppedDirections:To prepare vegetable mixture, in a large frying

pan, heat 1 tbsp (15 m) of oil or margarine over medium heat. Add 1 clove of garlic, celery, onion, bell pepper and mushrooms, cooking until onion is soft.

To prepare sauce, in a medium sauce pan, combine 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil or margarine and the second clove of garlic over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and

So Nice, then pour into the sauce pan when garlic starts to brown. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Keep sauce at a low boil for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, then turn down to low heat and simmer until thickened. Add salmon, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, pesto and salt, stirring until well combined.

Add the sauce to the vegetable mixture and spoon over any type of prepared pasta. Sprinkle parsley over top.

www.newscanada.com

Fall in love with a garden-fresh frittata (291 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—Did you know broccoli is a great choice for a home garden? Best in summer and early fall, a full sun or partial shade spot in your vegetable patch will make a great home for this vegetable staple. Home-grown, or bought from a farmer’s market, broccoli goes perfectly with this tasty frittata, full of fresh vegetables and herbs, protein-rich eggs and soy milk. It is an easy-to-make dish and a crowd-pleaser. Additional recipes can be found at www.sonice.ca.

Italian FrittataIngredients:½ cup (125 ml) fresh bread crumbs (about 1 slice

of bread)1 bunch broccoli, chopped and steamed½ red bell pepper, sliced2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil1 onion, chopped

½ tsp (2 ml) dried thyme¾ cup (175 ml) old cheddar cheese (optional)4 eggs¼ cup (60 ml) So Nice Original organic soy

beverage½ tsp (2 ml) salt¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper Directions:Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).Use a blender or food processor to make fresh

bread crumbs. Sprinkle crumbs in bottom of a pie plate. Arrange broccoli and red pepper evenly over bread crumbs.

In a small skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and cook onion and thyme until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Sprinkle the onion mixture and cheese over the broccoli and peppers.

In a small bowl, whisk eggs, So Nice, salt, nutmeg and pepper. Pour over vegetables.

Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes prior to slicing, or serve at room temperature.

Tip: You can also try substituting 3 cups (750 ml) of another calcium-rich vegetable, such as blanched kale, bok choy or napa cabbage for the broccoli.

www.newscanada.com

Peanut butter and soy milk blend for a tasty protein boost (100 words + 1 photo) ( N C ) — A s c h o c o l a t e ’ s favourite partner, peanut butter adds extra protein to any treat. Mix in a smooth soy milk to keep your tastebuds happy

and your stamina strong with this rich and

cool beverage. Additional recipes can be found at www.sogoodbeverage.com.Chocolate Peanut Butter SwirlMakes 2 to 3 servingsIngredients:1 cup (250 ml) So Good Chocolate Supreme frozen dessert2 cups (500 ml) So Good Original soy beverage1 banana, sliced2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) smooth peanut butter

½ cup (125 ml) iceDirections:Blend all ingredients until smooth. Garnish with banana slices and serve.

www.newscanada.com


FOOD & NUTRITIONMake cauliflower the star of your meal (158 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—It may take a bit of patience to master the growing of cauliflower in your garden, but the results are worth it. This versatile veggie grows best in the summer and fall, or if you prefer, you can find organic cauliflower at a local farmer’s market. Mash it with truffle oil, soy milk and white wine vinegar for a creamy and delicious alternative to potatoes. Additional recipes can be found at www.sonice.ca.

Cauliflower Puree with Truffle OilIngredients:1 cauliflower

3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil1 cup (250 ml) So Nice Original or Unsweetened

organic soy beverage2 tbsp (30 ml) truffle oil1 tbsp (15 ml) white wine vinegarSalt, to tasteDirections:Coarsely chop cauliflower and simmer in a pan

of salted water until tender. Drain.Heat So Nice in a saucepan. Add drained

cauliflower and mash together.

Add oil, vinegar and salt to cauliflower, and mix until combined.

Serve as you would mashed potatoes.

www.newscanada.com

Blend up a refreshing smoothie to start your day (161 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—This summer, discover the joy of growing berries in your backyard, and you’ll be sure to see your whole family thrilled with the fruits of your labour. A light, fresh smoothie packed with in-season berries is a tasty way to brighten up any morning. Combined with organic almond milk, creamy yogurt and a splash of orange juice, this smoothie is a breeze to make, and is easily customized with any of your favourite berries. Additional recipes can be found at www.sonice.ca.

Almond Berry Smoothie

Makes 4 servingsIngredients:1 cup (250 ml) fresh strawberries (or any

other in-season berries)2 cups (500 ml) So Nice Almond Original or

Unsweetened organic almond beverage1 cup (250 ml) plain yogurt½ cup (125 ml) orange juice1 handful ice cubes (if using fresh berries)Directions:Blend all ingredients together and serve,

garnished with fresh berries.

Tip: If berries aren’t in season, you can also use frozen berries and leave out the ice cubes.

www.newscanada.com

Delight tastebuds with a fresh and tasty trifle (223 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—The combination of almonds and berries in this trifle will be an instant crowd-pleaser at your next summer get-together. Preparing the trifle ahead of time makes for a quick and easy assembly when everyone is ready for dessert. Additional recipes can be found at www.almond-fresh.com.

Fresh Summer Berry Almond TrifleMakes 4 servingsIngredients:2 cups (500 ml) Almond Fresh Vanilla1 tbsp (15 ml) honey2 wide strips orange peel1 pinch salt

3 tbsp (45 ml) cornstarch1 tbsp (15 ml) orange liqueur (optional)½ small store-bought angel food cake2 cups (500 ml) fresh berry mixture, such as

raspberries, blueberries and sliced strawberriesDirections:Over medium heat, simmer 1½ cups (375 ml)

Almond Fresh with honey, orange peels and salt.In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch into remaining

Almond Fresh until dissolved. Stir into heating mixture and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add in orange liqueur, if using. Pour into a bowl, cover and

refrigerate for up to 1 day.

Just before serving, slice angel food cake into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Into 4 parfait or large wine glasses, layer each with ½ cup (125 ml) cake, ½ cup (125 ml) berries and ½ cup (125 ml) almond pudding. Garnish with fresh berries and serve.

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Chocolate smoothie gets a spicy cinnamon twist (99 words + 1 photo) (NC)—Blend banana and protein-rich soy milk to give this smoothie an extra nutrition boost, while satisfying those undeniable chocolate cravings. And then, add cinnamon for a unique and sensational spin. Additional recipes can be found at www.sogoodbeverage.com.

Chocolate Cinnamon Cha-Cha SmoothieMakes 2 to 3 servingsIngredients:2 cups (500 ml) So Good Chocolate Supreme frozen

dessert1 cup (250 ml) So Good Original soy beverage1 banana, sliced ¼ tsp (1 ml) cinnamonCinnamon sticks, for garnishDirections:Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth.

Garnish with cinnamon stick, sprinkle with cinnamon or garnish glass with banana slice.

www.newscanada.com

Go nuts for crêpes (186 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—Almond milk adds a light, refreshing and nutty taste to these sweet crêpes. Topped with your favourite fresh fruit, they’re excellent served as a light dessert or brunch dish. Additional recipes can be found at www.almond-fresh.com.

Crêpes à l’amandeMakes 16 to 20 crêpesIngredients:2 cups (500 ml) Almond Fresh Unsweetened

or Original1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour2 eggs1 tbsp (15 ml) oil½ tsp (2 ml) saltDirections:In a blender, combine all ingredients and

puree until smooth. Refrigerate batter for 30 minutes.

Heat a 6-inch (15-cm) non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour approximately ¼ cup (60 ml) of the batter into the hot pan and

swirl the pan so the batter evenly coats the bottom of the pan. Pour off any excess back in with remaining batter.

Cook the crêpe for about 1 minute on each side until set and slightly golden. Continue to cook crêpes one at a time until all batter is used, brushing the pan with oil or butter if needed.

Fold the crêpe in four and serve with fresh fruit and syrup.

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Blend fruit and soy milk for a refreshing fuel-up (94 words + 1 photo) (NC)—This exotic combination of kiwi and melon takes the smoothie experience to a new level. Incorporating the natural protein of soy brings lasting energy, great for breakfast or a mid-afternoon fuel-up. Additional recipes can be found at www.sogoodbeverage.com.

Kiwi Melon SmoothieMakes 2 servingsIngredients:1 cup (250 ml) honeydew, cantaloupe or other melon2 Kiwi fruits, cut into quarters1 cup (250 ml) So Good Original or Fat Free soy

beverage6 ice cubes2 tbsp (30 ml) honey (optional)Directions:Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth and

frothy. Serve immediately. www.newscanada.com

Enjoy a refreshingly different dessert (122 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—Looking for an easy summer dessert to help beat the heat? The combination of chocolate and almond in this granita is a refreshing change from traditional ice cream flavours, and will leave any chocolate lover wanting more. Additional recipes can be found at www.almond-fresh.com.

Choco Almond Granita Makes 6 servingsIngredients:3 cups (750 ml) Almond Fresh Chocolate 4 tbsp (60 ml) agave nectar4 tbsp (60 ml) agar powder (vegetarian

substitute for gelatin)½ cup (125 ml) sliced almondsDirections:

In a blender on high speed, blend Almond Fresh, agave nectar and agar powder.

Transfer to an ice cream machine and mix for 20 minutes.Add sliced almonds and mix for another 5 minutes. Best served within 4-6 hours of preparation.

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Satisfy your sweet tooth with a fresh summer treat (91 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—With an activity-packed summer ahead, it’s important to keep energized and refreshed. The combination of juicy watermelon and soy milk in this smoothie is sure to refresh and power you up with a surge of protein. Additional recipes can be found at www.sogoodbeverage.com.

Watermelon SmoothieMakes 2 servingsIngredients:2 cups (500 ml) watermelon, cubed1 cup (250 ml) So Good Original or Fat Free

soy beverage

1 banana6 ice cubes2 tbsp (30 ml)

honey (optional)Directions:Blend all

ingredients in a blender until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately.

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FOOD & NUTRITIONFresh tomatoes and melted cheese make a perfect pair (258 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—By bringing together classic Italian flavours, this multi-coloured cheesy tart is a sure crowd-pleaser. With melted mozzarella cheese and flaky pastry, the recipe is delicious as an appetizer for garden parties, or served for brunch with a green salad. For additional recipes, plus a chance to win $10,000 in prizes, take a look at: fb.com/saputo.ca.

Summer Tomato Mozzarellissima Cheese Tart

Preparation: 10 minutesCooking: 25 minutesMakes 4 servingsIngredients: 7 oz (200 g) store-bought puff pastry, thawed

3 oz (90 g) Saputo Mozzarellissima cheese, grated and divided

1 cup (250 ml) tomatoes, assorted sizes and colours, sliced

salt and freshly ground pepper, to tastebasil leavesDirections:Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface

to roughly a 9-inch (23-cm) square.Sprinkle pastry with ⅓ of the Mozzarellissima

cheese. Press the cheese into the pastry by going over it once or twice with a rolling pin.

Trim a ½-inch (1-cm) border off all sides of pastry. Wet the edges of the pastry with water, then place the cut strips on top, along edges to create a raised border. Place the tomato slices within the border in a single layer as tightly as possible. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook tart in the centre of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.

Remove tart from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Garnish with basil leaves and serve.

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Pizza brochettes deliver a bite-size taste sensation (167 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—Turn a classic favourite into a gourmet appetizer with these delicious and simple pizza brochettes. With juicy tomatoes and buttery mozzarella, it’s a taste the whole family can enjoy. For additional recipes, plus a chance to win $10,000 in prizes, take a look at: fb.com/saputo.ca.

Mozzarellissima Pizza BrochettesPreparation: 10 minutesMakes 21 to 24 brochettesIngredients: ½ loaf herb Focaccia bread, cut into bite-sized

pieces

7 oz (200 g) pepperoni, cut into bite-sized pieces1 small green pepper, chopped7 oz (200 g) Saputo Mozzarellissima cheese,

cubed1 pint (500 ml) grape tomatoes1 cup (250 ml) tomato sauce or basil pestoDirections: Thread one piece each of Focaccia, pepperoni,

green pepper, cheese and tomato onto a brochette or skewer. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 21 to 24 brochettes. Serve with warm tomato sauce or basil pesto sauce for dipping.

Tip:

Get creative by adding your own favourite pizza toppings to the brochette, such as sliced mushrooms, chunks of pineapple, diced ham or red onion.

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Pack a great Greek salad into a sandwich (260 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—A handheld version of the traditional Greek salad, this recipe is perfect for summertime picnics and backyard get-togethers. Serve cold on hot nights, or warm to enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness of mozzarella. For additional recipes, plus a chance to win $10,000 in prizes, take a look at: fb.com/saputo.ca.

Pressed Greek Salad Pita SandwichPreparation: 35 minutesCooking: 2 to 3 minutes to toast pitasMakes 4 servingsIngredients: 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced ½ English cucumber, diced½ small red onion, diced1 tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar

½ tsp (2 ml) dried oregano1 garlic clove, finely chopped4 Greek pitas, toasted (7-inch/18-cm)200 g (7 oz) Saputo Mozzarellissima cheese,

grated1 cup (250 ml) black Kalamata olives, pitted

and pureedsalt and freshly ground pepper, to tasteDirections:In a medium bowl, make the Greek salad mixture

by combining tomato, cucumber, onion, olive oil, vinegar, oregano and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and gently stir.

Place one toasted pita in a pan or dish in which it snugly fits. Do the same with a second pita in another pan or dish. Spread half the pureed olives over each pita. Do the same with cheese, followed

by the Greek salad mixture. Cover each with another toasted pita.

Place a clean heavy object (such as a saucepan with a heavy object in it) on top of each pita sandwich and let rest for 15 minutes.

Remove sandwiches and cut in half. Serve with a green salad.

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FOOD & NUTRITIONSpice up your summer with savory quesadillas (259 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—Searching for a tasty lunch or a light supper? These quesadillas will hit the spot and are ready in a snap – especially when you use cheese that is already shredded. For additional recipes, plus a chance to win $10,000 in prizes, take a look at: fb.com/saputo.ca.

Easy, Breezy and Cheesy QuesadillasPreparation: 5 to 10 minutesCooking: 25 minutes Makes 6 servingsIngredients: 1 onion, diced1 red pepper, seeded and diced1 green pepper, seeded and diced6 tortillas, medium-sized1 tbsp (15 ml) canola oil

4 cups (1,000 ml) Saputo Mozzarellissima or Taco Nacho shredded cheese

(sour cream and salsa are optional)Directions:Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add onion and peppers, stirring for 4 to 8 minutes until vegetables are tender and lightly browned. Remove vegetables from pan and set aside.

Lightly coat one side of a tortilla with canola oil and place oil side down in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2/3 cup of the Taco Nacho cheese evenly on the tortilla, followed by 1/3 of the vegetable mixture. Next, layer 2/3 cup of Mozzarellissima cheese evenly over top of the vegetables. Place a second tortilla on top and brush lightly with oil.

Cook quesadilla for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping once, until cheese is melted and tortillas are lightly

browned. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Cut each quesadilla into eight pieces, and serve warm with sour cream and salsa.

Tip:Add chopped

cilantro or serve guacamole and lime on the side for an extra flavour kick.

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Turn party food basics into sensational appetizers (423 words + 1 photo) (NC) At summer party gatherings, the key to impressing your guests – and their tastebuds – is all about turning party food basics into tasty appetizers that will dazzle. Take a look at these simple tricks to be an on-trend host while you create appetizers that are worthy of posting on the photo-sharing website Pinterest:

Take a mini bite – The hottest dishes are on the ones that can fit in the palm of your hand. From burgers to tacos, breathe new life into traditional fare by featuring delectable perfectly proportioned appetizers. Making it mini allows your guests to enjoy a variety of dishes without feeling stuffed.

Change up your serving ware – Further evidence that small bites are a growing trend is the shrinking use of dinnerware. Caterers now use a wide array of “dishes” including shot glasses, small jars or small bite-sized foods like Tostitos Scoops! tortilla chips to serve food normally plated.

Play with ingredients – Classic pairings like lemon and dill or garlic and butter will always please crowds, but unexpected flavour combinations can be surprisingly delicious. Play

with flavours one ingredient at a time. Combine sweet with salty or fresh with fried to wow guests.

A variety of menu options to suit your summer party needs can be found online at Tostitos.ca. If you really want to woo your guests, try this triple-tested recipe from Chatelaine. It uses all three tips for a fun twist on one of summer’s biggest food trends, fish tacos.

One-Bite Fish TacosMakes 40 tacos Ingredients: 1/4 cup sour cream2 tbsp water1 tsp lime zest2 serrano chilies, de-seeded and minced1 cup coarsely grated red cabbage1/4 cup coarsely grated red onion 2 tbsp lime juice 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp salt 300 g boneless cod fillet2 tbsp canola oil 1/2 cup finely diced pineapple40 cilantro leaves

1 bag Tostitos Scoops! tortilla chips

Directions: Stir sour cream

with water, lime zest and chilies in a small bowl. Set aside.

Combine cabbage with onion and lime juice in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Stir flour with salt in a medium bowl. Season with pepper. Cut cod fillet into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss with flour mixture until completely coated.

Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high. Add oil, then cod. Cook until browned, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat.

Assemble tacos by filling tortilla chips with pineapple, then cabbage slaw, then cod. Top with sour cream mixture, then cilantro leaf. Serve immediately.

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Chef-approved summer salsa recipe (279 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Fussy food isn’t right for dining al fresco. Instead, simple, easy and fresh is the mantra of patio entertaining this season. That’s why chefs and home cooks alike turn to everyday party favourites like tortilla chips as an easy solve for speedy and delicious summer-time dishes.

Kevin Prendergast, the executive chef at the Toronto Hilton says adding seasonal or tropical fruit to something you’re already serving, like salad or salsa, can create an instant taste twist that your guests will enjoy.

“Patio entertaining is about keeping it simple and light with seasonal snacks that suit almost every taste,” says Prendergast. “This time of year Canadians have access to an incredible array of summer flavours, so with a little creativity, it’s easy to put a fresh spin on a salsa by using fruit

to create a dip paired with tortilla chips, or a condiment topper for barbecued foods like grilled fish.”

Get your inspiration for fruit salsa from the beautiful colours found in the produce aisle of your local grocery store. Try mixing spicy salsa with watermelon or lime salsa with blueberries for a refreshing combination that will delight your guests.

Having a go-to source for your recipes is also an easy way to come up with ideas of what to serve when time is of the essence. Online recipe resources like Tostitos.ca have hundreds of ideas including this mango salsa.

Simple Mango Salsa Serves 8 peopleIngredients:

1 ripe mango1/4 cup chopped

onion1/3 cup Tostitos

salsa1 bag Tostitos

tortilla chipsDirections:Time – 10

minutesCut the mango in

little cubes.Combine mango, onion and salsa in a serving

bowl. Serve immediately with Tostitos chips.

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FOOD & NUTRITIONMake an impromptu summer party a scintillating success (347 words + 1 photo)

(NC) You don’t have to be a master on the barbecue, or have the most lavish of outdoor spaces to entertain this season. You just have to be ready.

With the right staples in your kitchen, you can whip up quick and delicious recipes for instant entertaining all season long, like these:

Pantry-to-party snacks: A perfect dip can be a lifesaver. Dips are appropriate for almost every occasion and require almost no attention. A must-have dip companion is chips like, Tostitos tortilla chips. Put a fun, sweet twist on your typical dip with the Creamy Cinnamon Fruit Scoops recipe below. Once the ingredients are combined they’re served in the Tostitos Scoops!, so you’re sure to impress even the pickiest of guests with this dish.

Follow your nose: Herbs and spices are a quick and easy way to add a wide variety of flavour to your dishes and best of all, ground or dried versions won’t spoil – but they do lose potency over time. If you’re unsure of a spice’s freshness, take a sniff – if there is no smell, throw it out. Fresh herbs, like basil or dill, can be easily preserved in a glass with water in the refrigerator, or cut up, pureed with a little olive oil and stored in the fridge.

Creamy Cinnamon Fruit Scoops Makes 40 Fruit ScoopsIngredients: 5 cups assorted fresh fruit, chopped1 container of low-fat vanilla yogurt4 tbsp sugar1 tbsp ground cinnamon

1 bag Baked Tostitos Scoops! tortilla chips

Directions:Time – 10

minutesCombine fruit in

a bowl and place spoonful of mixed fruit in each scoop

Top with yogurtSprinkle with cinnamon and sugarYou can find more recipes at Tostitos.ca.

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Three creative ways to cultivate your child’s culinary curiosity (410 words + 1 photo)

By Nadine Hughes(NC) Regardless of age and skill, cooking is a fun and engaging activity for families. As a mom and food expert, I love to encourage my kids to be creative and curious in the kitchen. Giving kids a hands-on experience allows them to foster a sense of confidence in their skills and abilities as mini-chefs in training.

Here are some creative ways to cultivate your child’s culinary curiosity:

Capture: Encourage a sense of pride and help your kids take pictures of their culinary creations or record their skills on video to share with family and friends.

Make it fun!: Food-related games can get kids excited about potential kitchen creations. For example, ask your child to come up with ten fun fruit and veggie combinations and then use Minute Maid Frozen Smoothies Tropical to make a new smoothie using their ideas.

Experiment: Experimenting with flavours and textures are a great way to harness a child’s creativity and curiosity. This recipe for Fruit Salad Ice Pops from the Canadian Living Test Kitchen allows children to mix and match

different fruits – in all shapes and sizes from blueberries to kiwi slices. Encourage self-direction by having children follow the recipe – counting blueberries and measuring the lemonade in a measuring cup.

Fruit Salad Ice PopsHands-on time: 15 minutesTotal time: 5 hours, 15 minutesMakes: 10 servingsDepending on the size of your ice pops you

may need to vary the amount of fruit and liquid needed. We used ten 3-oz ice pop moulds for the measurements below. To achieve the prettiest presentation, get as much fruit as possible into the mould.

1/4 cup Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade concentrate

1-1/4 cups water30 blueberries20 raspberries10 slices kiwi5 strawberries, quarteredIn glass measure, whisk together Minute

Maid Frozen Lemonade concentrate and water until smooth; set aside.

Place 3 b l u e b e r r i e s , 2 raspberries, 1 slice kiwi and 2 pieces of strawberry into each of 10 3-oz ice pop moulds. Pour in lemonade mixture to fill. Freeze until firm, about 5 hours.

PER 1 SERVING, RECIPE MAKES 10 SERVINGS: about 26 calories, trace protein, trace total fat (0 g saturated fat), 7 g carbohydrates (1 g dietary fibre, 5 g sugar), 0 mg cholesterol, 2 mg sodium, 59 mg potassium. %RDI: 1% calcium, 1% iron, 28% vitamin C, 3% folate.

For more delicious recipes using Minute Maid frozen drinks, visit www.minutemaid.ca.

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Simple smoothie gets kids to enjoy fruits and veggies (217 words + 1 photo)

(NC) It shouldn’t be a struggle to incorporate healthy and nutritious fruits and veggies into your child’s diet. Show kids how good greens can be with this delicious and simple smoothie recipe from the Canadian Living Test Kitchen. It combines Minute Maid Frozen Smoothies Strawberry Banana with frozen mixed berries, baby spinach and avocado for a delectable creation the whole family will enjoy.

Berry-Banana Green SmoothieAllergen alert: Recipe contains dairyHands-on time: 10 minutesTotal time: 10 minutesMakes: 4 servings

Frozen berries lend the bright pink colour to this delicious smoothie, meaning you can “hide” the fact that it’s loaded with healthful greens.

1 can (250 mL) Minute Maid Frozen Smoothies Strawberry Banana

2 cups frozen mixed berries1-3/4 cups milk1 cup baby spinach leavesHalf avocadoIn blender, combine Minute Maid Frozen

Smoothies Strawberry Banana, mixed berries, milk, spinach and avocado; purée until smooth.

PER 1 SERVING, RECIPE MAKES 4 SERVINGS: about 240 calories, 6 g protein, 6 g total fat (1 g saturated fat), 44 g carbohydrates

(7 g dietary fibre, 35 g sugar), 9 mg cholesterol, 65 mg sodium, 313 mg potassium. %RDI: 15% calcium, 9% iron, 16% vitamin A, 37% vitamin C, 18% folate.

Find this recipe and more at www.minutemaid.ca.

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Curious combination that mixes sweet and savory (339 words + 1 photo)

(NC) As kids grow, their willingness to try a variety of flavours grows too. But kids’ and teens’ palates, can be easily overwhelmed so pairing known foods with newer tastes is the way to go. This orange citrus and curry dip has a subtle flavour kick that will introduce young eaters to the sweet-savory combination in a familiar way – after all, most kids won’t turn down French fries. Gentle culinary introductions – like this one, courtesy of Minute Maid and the Canadian Living Test Kitchen – help pave the way for future curious exploration.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Orange Curry Dip

Allergen alert: Recipe contains dairyHands-on time: 10 minutesTotal time: 40 minutesMakes: 4 servingsA mildly sweet orange dip with just a hint of

curry is the perfect dipper for oven-crisp sweet

potato fries. This dip is also great with cut-up veggies and crackers!

3 large sweet potatoes1 tbsp. olive oilPinch each salt and pepper Orange Curry Dip:1/3 cup light mayonnaise1/3 cup sour cream4 tsp Minute Maid Frozen Original 100% Orange

Juice concentrate3/4 tsp curry powderPinch each salt and pepper (to taste)Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch (1 cm)

thick slices. Toss with oil, salt and pepper.Bake on two parchment paper–lined baking

sheets on bottom and middle racks of 425 F (220 C) oven, switching and rotating sheets and tossing once, until tender and edges are browned and crisp, 30 to 35 minutes.

Orange Curry Dip: Meanwhile, in bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Minute Maid

Frozen Original 100% Orange Juice concentrate, curry powder, salt and pepper until smooth. Serve with fries.

PER 1 SERVING, RECIPE MAKES 4 SERVINGS: about 306 calories, 5 g protein, 13 g total fat (3 g saturated fat), 44 g carbohydrates (6 g dietary fibre, 16 g sugar), 14 mg cholesterol, 207 mg sodium, 596 mg potassium. %RDI: 8% calcium, 13% iron, 344% vitamin A, 62% vitamin C, 10% folate.

Find this recipe and more at www.minutemaid.ca.

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Raise a glass of organic milk to celebrate 25 years of production (235 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Organic Meadow celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and if you are a fan of those creamy and flavourful dairy products, here are some key dates in the success story of this unique Canadian co-operative:

1989: OntarBio Organic Farmers’ Co-operative was formed around a kitchen table in Durham, Ontario by a group of six organic grain farmers.

1994: The co-op produces one of the first organic dairy products in Canada, organic cheese, under the brand name Country Meadow. In the years to come they grew the business through forging co-packer partnerships across the country.

1995: The production of organic milk began in 1L, 2L and 4L formats under the brand name Organic Meadow.

2006: The launch of Canada’s first (and still only) organic 2% M.F. lactose-free milk.

2008: The launch of organic cream, and Canada’s first organic 2% M.F. cottage cheese.

2009: Organic Meadow farmers invest in their own, right-sized small-scale organic dairy processing facility in Guelph, Ontario.

2010: In August, a new plant opens becoming Eastern Canada’s first organic dairy and one of Canada’s only ‘fully organic’ facilities.

2013: Organic Meadow is the recipient of 2013 Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence.

2014: The plant receives HACCP accreditation, the gold-standard for food safety excellence within the industry.

To read about some of Organic Meadow’s farms and farmers, visit www.organicmeadow.com. To see where Organic Meadow farmers are located, please go to http://www.organicmeadow.com/who_we_are/our_organic_farmers/where_do_we_farm.

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FOOD & NUTRITIONOrganic dairy farmers celebrate 25 years of wholesome co-operation (369 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Twenty-five years ago, six farmers gathered around a kitchen table in Durham, Ontario with a vision of building a sustainable system to make wholesome food accessible to Canadians. The system would be different than others before. It would start at the farm gate.

Today, that small farmer’s co-operative, Organic Meadow, has grown to become a leader in the organic dairy category, offering more than 90 products at grocery stores across the country, including organic milk, cream, cheese, butter, yogurt and ice cream.

“For 25 years we’ve done things the right way,” says Don Rees, the company CEO. “It started with building the organic milk supply, then creating an authentic brand and finally taking the leap into manufacturing by building our own organic dairy plant.”

As the category evolved, the co-operative has prospered by focusing on growing the products available from the farm gate level. Today its farms

supply 80 per cent of all organic milk in Ontario, producing more than 20 million litres of milk every year.

“To our farmers, the brand is a source of pride,” says Michelle Schmidt, marketing manager, for Organic Meadow. “It represents family tradition that for some has been passed down from generation to generation.”

In 2009, the farmers built their own 2,000 square- metre (22,000 square feet) dairy processing facility in Guelph, Ontario, the first organic dairy plant in Eastern Canada. And true to their core values, says Schmidt, all milk is locally sourced from the Ontario farms and is minimally-processed to deliver superior freshness and flavour.

“We try to work with nature,” says Deb Vice, a third-generation farmer and member of the Organic Meadow co-operative. “We believe that farming requires a holistic approach: when you treat your cows well, it makes a world of difference.”

To date, these farmers have prevented more than 25,000 tonnes of fertilizer, 5,000 litres of pesticide, and 7,000 litres of herbicide from leaching into our soils. This year says Vice, the Organic Meadow co-operative will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in Guelph, Ontario.

To read about some of Organic Meadow’s farms and farmers, visit www.organicmeadow.com.

To see where Organic Meadow farmers are located, please go to http://www.organicmeadow.com/who_we_are/our_organic_farmers/where_do_we_farm.

www.newscanada.com

Canada’s first organic dairy co-operative turns 25 (284 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Twenty-five years ago, six farmers gathered around a kitchen table in Durham, Ontario with a vision of building a sustainable system to make wholesome food accessible to Canadians. The system would be different than others before. It would start at the farm gate.

Today, this small farmer’s co-operative, Organic Meadow, has grown to become a leader in the organic dairy category, offering more than 90 organic products at grocery stores across the country, including organic milk, cream, cheese, butter, yogurt and ice cream.

“For 25 years we’ve done things the right way,” says Don Rees, CEO of Organic Meadow. “It started with building the organic milk supply, then creating an authentic brand, and finally taking the leap into manufacturing by building our own organic dairy plant.”

Today its farms supply 80 per cent of all organic milk in Ontario, producing over 20 million litres every year.

“To our farmers, the brand is a source of pride,” says Michelle Schmidt, marketing manager with the company. “It represents family tradition that for some has been passed down from generation to generation.”

In 2009, the co-operative’s farmers built their own 2,000 square-metre (22,000 square feet) dairy processing facility in Guelph, Ontario, the first organic dairy plant in Eastern Canada. True to their core values, says Schmidt, the milk is locally sourced from their Ontario farms and is minimally-processed to deliver superior freshness and flavour.

To date she points out, Organic Meadow farmers have prevented more than 25,000 tonnes of fertilizer, 5,000 litres of pesticide and 7,000 litres of herbicide from leaching into our soils. The co-operative will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year in Guelph Ontario.

To see where Organic Meadow farmers are located, go to http://www.organicmeadow.com/who_we_are/our_organic_farmers/where_do_we_farm.

www.newscanada.com

Serve home-made organic frozen yogurt (129 words + 1 photo)

(NC) - Take advantage of this summer’s organic bounty from the local farmers’ market. Try this simple and delicious recipe, courtesy of Deb Vice, an Organic Meadow farmer:

Farm-Made Peach Frozen YogurtIngredients375 ml (1 ½ cups) Organic Meadow 2%

M.F. Plain Greek Yogurt250 ml (2 cups) organic peaches (frozen)5 ml (1 tsp.) organic vanilla extract5 to 10 ml (1-2 tsp) organic cane sugar

(optional) DirectionsCombine all ingredients in blender. Blend

for 30 seconds on low speed. Pour mixture back into yogurt container, or any freezer grade container with a lid. Freeze for 2-3 hours to desired texture. Garnish with a fresh peach slice and share with friends and family. Serves 6.

To read about some of Organic Meadow’s farms and farmers, visit www.organicmeadow.com.

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AUTOMOTIVE

Car detailing techniques from the Pros (324 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—While it may seem like a straightforward task—a chore for some, a joy for others—there is indeed a right way and a wrong to clean your vehicle.

According to Lacey Elliott, car expert and spokesperson for autoTRADER.ca, some common mistakes people make when cleaning their vehicles may end up impacting all-important things such as resale value. “A car is, for most people, their second biggest investment after their homes, and it’s worth taking the steps to ensure that it’s looking its best.”

Wax sublimeMost don’t bother waxing, but even just one coat

will last a while and make a world of difference toward repelling dirt and grime, Elliott says. “Being able to claim that a car is in immaculate condition on your free autoTRADER.ca listing will only help sell it faster,” she says.

Clean the cleanersOne guaranteed way to scratch your paint job

while cleaning the exterior is to not pay attention to the sponge or chamois, Elliott says. Ensure cleaning tools are themselves cleaned thoroughly after every wash and inspect them as you go along for small stones, grime or dirt that can harm the vehicle’s paint.

Made in the shadeAvoid washing when the sun is directly overhead,

or at least park it in the shade so as not to expose it to harsh sunlight. “Soapy water won’t dry as fast in the shade,” she says. “So it gives you a bit more time to work towards getting it clean.”

Soap strategicElliott says not to skimp on specially formulated

automotive soap and other cleaners that are designed to bring out the best in different surfaces. “If it’s not car-specific soap, it may actually be

stripping off wax,” she says, adding that vinyl, leather and plastic cleaners all have custom formulas for their specific tasks. “There’s no such thing as a 10-in-1 miracle cleaner—get the right tools for each job.”

For more information, visit www.autoTRADER.ca

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Three must-do’s for getting the most when selling your car (293 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—For just about every Canadian car owner, selling a vehicle can be a stressful no matter how savvy the sales pitch.

But getting the best deal possible is all about planning, according to Ian MacDonald, director of marketing at autoTRADER.ca. He says that following a few simple rules of thumb will help guide even sellers with even little to no experience.

“We know that it can be nerve-wracking, trying to get the most out of the deal,” MacDonald says. “But a few key steps help build confidence that you’re selling a car that’s going to be right for someone—and make it all happen as soon as possible.”

Great pictures are worth itSearching online has become the go-to first

step for car buyers everywhere, MacDonald says.

“And having a great photo of your vehicle may mean the difference between getting your asking price, or having to drastically reduce. Think of your online listing as your car’s CV. You want it to look its best.”

Get the value 411Knowing the asking price of similar models is

the first step in pricing your own vehicle properly, says MacDonald. “You’ll have to be in the same ballpark, and one easy way to find out is our Value Finder based on over 400,000 listings.” A simple input of make and model yields price comparisons in the high, low and average ranges.

Get smarter with your phoneWith technology readily available, it makes

sense for sellers to avail themselves of tools such as smartphone apps that allow them to have on-

the-go comparisons at their fingertips. “You could be standing in your driveway, and know that a similar vehicle is also for sale nearby. That information can be absolutely critical.”


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What your car’s colour says about you (331 words + 1 photo)

(NC)—When it comes to this particular decision about that new car you’ve been contemplating, things are rarely ever just black or white.

Choosing the colour is just one of the many choices to be made when purchasing a new vehicle. And not unlike major choices such as make and model, it’s one that speaks volumes. A subdued hue vs. a bright tone, for example, tells the world what kind of personality you’ve got, or want to project. It’s also a decision often made with the heart vs. the head.

According to the most recent statistics from PPG Industries, the company that tracks preferences in automotive colour choice world-wide, white leads the way at 25 per cent, with silver and black tied for second place at 18 per cent.

“Those colours are classic choices,” says Lacey Elliott, car expert and spokesperson for

autoTRADER.ca. “And they’re popular because people associate them with technology and the cutting edge. They’re neutral and tend to look good in just about any light.” Colours of vehicles listed on autoTRADER.ca reflect global trends, with black, white, silver, grey and blue making up the top five, respectively.

Elliott adds that because white, silver and black have mass appeal, they may tend to sell quicker on the used vehicle market. Other colours, such as red, blue and green, while less popular, may be more associated with specific makes or models.

“If it’s a convertible or sports car, for example, people tend to think of those in more vibrant tones,” she says, adding that resale should be something buyers think about at the outset. “Car colour does impact residual value, which is why neutrals tend to fare better.”

Insurance rates, contrary to urban myths, are not influenced by car colour, Elliott says. “And if you are thinking about buying or selling, one tip is to browse through the over 400,000 listings on autoTRADER.ca for an idea of what’s out there.”


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CONSUMER INFORMATION

Protect yourself from the door-to-door war (351 words + 1 photo, ONT only)

(NC) It happens to everyone. You’re in the middle of dinner and there’s an unexpected knock at the door. Your family exchanges the ‘it isn’t for me’ glance, but still you head to the door.

After being engaged in conversation by a personable water heater salesperson, you soon realize you don’t know who the salesperson works for and aren’t sure if you need what he or she is selling. As you try to understand the purpose of the visit, it can easily slip your mind that Direct Energy, government agencies, and utilities do not promote the exchange of water heaters door-to-door.

“It’s important to be armed with the right questions when you’re dealing with a door-to-door salesperson. If you know the right questions to ask, you can avoid getting talked into something you don’t need,” says John Macdonald, president and CEO of EnerCare Inc., a leading provider of

energy efficient products, including water heater rentals. “Too often we hear about customers who were taken advantage of by a door-to-door salesperson because the customer was unsure of what they were actually being sold.”

Here are some important questions to ask the next time a door-to-door salesperson comes knocking:

• What company do you represent? • Can I see your ID?• How long have you been in business?• How many licensed technicians do you have?• What are the contract cancellation fees?• Can you leave the contract so I can review on

my own time? If the salesperson resists providing any of this

information, you should be wary of their motives. Remember, you do not have to sign anything on the spot, so be sure to take your time reviewing all

of the information provided. It is also recommended to call your current provider before signing anything to ensure that you have all the facts.

If you have signed a new water heater rental contract and are having second thoughts, you have 10 days to cancel it and up to a year if you were misled or deceived.

More information is available at www.FactsBeforeYouAct.ca.

www.newscanada.comAttention editors: This article is for distribution in Ontario only.

Summer brings out aggressive knocks at the door (373 words + 1 photo, ONT only)

(NC) While you’re outside gardening or enjoying the weather on your front porch, others are also taking advantage of the situation: door-to-door salespeople.

“For a number of years now aggressive door-to-door salespeople promoting water heater rentals and replacements have been a top complaint of Ontario homeowners,” says John Macdonald, president and CEO of EnerCare Inc., a leading provider of energy efficient products, including water heater rentals. “We want to make sure that consumers know what to look out for if a salesperson comes to their home, so that they can make an informed decision.”

Be cautious if a water heater salesperson says things such as:

“We’re from your current water heater provider, utility or local municipality.” – Direct Energy, government agencies and utilities do not promote the exchange of water heaters door-to-door, so if someone says this, they are likely misrepresenting themselves.

“Government regulations say your plastic venting materials need to be replaced due to safety reasons.” – First, your water heater provider or utility would never send someone to your house for a service call unannounced. Second, regulations only require venting updates when a water heater is replaced and not before.

“Our water heater is more efficient than the one you have in your home.” – There is no way of guaranteeing that the salesperson knows the age and type of water heater you currently have or the energy efficiency and savings from upgrading. We suggest you contact your service provider to ask them about any upgrade options.

“We can replace your water heater free of charge.” – You may be signing a long-term rental contract with a new company. Review the contract and take the time to do some research about this new company and their service.

“We need to see your current bills.” – Never share your personal information with a door-to-door salesperson because there is no reason they

would ever need to see your bill.

“We need to look at your current water heater.” – Never permit a salesperson to invite themselves into your house. If you are interested in an upgrade, or in having your unit serviced, we suggest you contact your current provider and schedule an appointment.

You can learn more about how to better protect yourself against aggressive door-to-door sales people at www.FactsBeforeYouAct.ca.


Choose a lawyer or paralegal to help with your legal needs (182 words + 1 photo, ONT only)

(NC) Ontario is the only jurisdiction in Canada that licenses both lawyers and paralegals. The Law Society of Upper Canada, which regulates the province’s lawyers and paralegals, offers some quick tips to help you choose the legal professional who is right for you.

Lawyers are licensed to provide a full range of legal services that include:

• Family matters, such as divorce, separation and child custody;

• Criminal matters in all levels of court; • Civil litigation matters in all levels of court; • Wills, powers of attorney and estate matters; • Real estate matters, including buying and

selling personal or commercial property;

• Administrative law matters, including appearances before tribunals.

Paralegals may represent you in:• Small Claims Court; • Traffic court for charges under the Provincial

Offences Act; • Tribunals, such as the Landlord and Tenant

Board or the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board;

• Minor criminal charges under the Criminal Code heard in the Ontario Court of Justice.

In addition to regulating lawyers and paralegals, the Law Society provides helpful resources on its website (lsuc.on.ca) including the guide Handling

Everyday Legal Problems that lists sources for free legal information and services.



CONSUMER INFORMATIONLaw Society publishes guide to legal information and services (431 words + 1 photo, ONT only)

(NC) Why would an organization that regulates lawyers and paralegals hand out a guide to free legal information and services? Thomas G. Conway, head of The Law Society of Upper Canada, answers this and other questions in the following Q & A:

Why did the Law Society produce the guide Handling Everyday Legal Problems?

“People’s legal needs are changing. Thirty years ago, if you had a legal problem, you made an appointment with the lawyer in your neighbourhood. This is no longer the case. Now, people are more likely to search the Internet than visit a law office.”

Why have things changed?“Things have changed for a number of reasons,

one of the biggest being that people want to be more informed and they want to have more input into managing their legal problems. They want to know their options before they contact a lawyer or paralegal.”

Is using the Internet as a resource a problem?“Not at all. There is a great deal of good legal

information on the Internet — there is also a great

deal of inaccurate information. The challenge is figuring out what information you can trust.”

Is that why the Law Society released its guide?“Pointing people to reliable information is a

large part of the reason. We also know that more Ontarians are handling legal problems on their own, either because they don’t feel they need a legal professional or because they can’t afford to pay someone. The Law Society exists to serve the public and we have an obligation to help people with their legal needs, in a way that is best for them.”

How will this guide help the public? “First, it will help people understand if the issue

they have is a legal problem. Sometimes you don’t realize you have a legal problem until it becomes much bigger and more difficult to resolve.

“Second, it will help people find useful and reliable legal information and connect with free or low-cost legal services. It will help people make good choices as they deal with their legal issue.”

What kind of information will they find?“The guide provides brief descriptions and

contact information for legal information sources

and free and low-cost legal service providers in the province. For instance, there is information about Law Help Ontario, which offers a number of free services, such as brief legal advice in three court-based locations. Legal Aid Ontario also provides a number of services, including its online Family Law Information Program and access to lawyers through its Family Law Service Centres.”

Where can people find this guide?“The guide was distributed for free across

Ontario through a number of publications. It’s also available on the Law Society website at lsuc.on.ca.”


Legal leaders see court from the other side (343 words + 1 photo, ONT only)

(NC) A recent event gave leaders in the legal community a chance to see what it’s like for people who have to solve their own legal problems in court. Robert Lapper, lawyer and chief executive officer at The Law Society of Upper Canada, was one of those leaders.

“It was an eye-opening experience to see first-hand the challenges faced by non-legal professionals as they navigate the justice system,” says Lapper.

The event, which was organized by the National Self-Represented Litigants Project, gave legal leaders an opportunity to shadow self-represented litigants as they managed their legal problem at a Toronto courthouse. The number of people representing themselves in court has increased dramatically in recent years, according to the project’s report.

“I was very aware of the increasing number of self-represented litigants and the many challenges they face. Participating in this event

made it all that much more tangible,” says Lapper. “It drove home for me the importance of the Law Society’s new focus on access to justice, which includes working with the courts and other key players from the legal community to help people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer or paralegal.”

The event included a tour of court-based services, such as Law Help Ontario provided by Pro Bono Law Ontario and Family Law Information Centres, provided by the Ministry of the Attorney General.

“While there are still many gaps in terms of making the system work for self-represented litigants, I was impressed by the number of services that do exist,” says Lapper. “Part of the challenge is making sure people know about these services. The Law Society has recently published a guide — available on our website at lsuc.on.ca — that can help. It’s called Handling Everyday Legal Problems. It provides brief

desc r i p t i ons and contact information for reliable legal i n f o r m a t i o n sources and free and l o w - c o s t legal service providers in Ontario.”

The Law Society of Upper Canada is the regulator of lawyers and paralegals in Ontario. Robert Lapper joined the organization as its CEO in February 2012.



FAMILIES & CHILDREN

Are you road trip ready? (150 words + 1 photo) (NC) If you have little ones, preparing ahead of time for your road trip will save you time and give you a smoother trip. Here is a checklist from Evenflo, a leading brand in car seats for children of any age:

• The proper car seat for the child. Either rear-facing, forward-facing or a booster

• Well-stocked diaper bag including diapers, wipes, a change pad, bibs and toiletries

• First aid kit• Bottles with extra nipples • Extra blankets and clothing • Toys and books • Snacks• Camera• Formula • Collapsible stroller or travel system • Soft baby carrier• Formula

You can join the conversation @EvenfloBabyCA on Twitter.

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Car seats require top attention for safety (160 words + 1 photo) (NC) Purchasing and installing a car seat can be overwhelming even for experienced parents. Since there are so many models to choose from, the following tips can help with the process:

• Consider the height, weight and age of your child when purchasing the car seat. Children under the age of one are required to be in a rear facing car seat.

• Check to see if your vehicle is equipped with the LATCH system (lower anchors and tethers for children safety) It will allow the seat to be installed with fast and easy technology like SureLATCH, and not the seat belt. The Evenflo Platinum Series Symphony All-In-One car seat can be installed in seconds.

• Once installed, the car seat can move up to one inch on each side. Any more movement indicates that the car seat is not properly installed.


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Let safety be your guide with car seat decisions (611 words + 1 photo) (NC) The car seat is a must-have item when travelling with children, but knowing which seat to purchase or how to install it can be overwhelming.

Here are five important areas to consider when purchasing a car seat:

1. What is the weight, height and age of your child? Transport Canada mandates that all children under the age of one must be in a rear facing car seat. Rear facing is the safest way to ride in a car and as long as your child does not exceed the weight and height requirements, it is best to leave them rear facing.

2. What is the intended use of the car seat? If you plan to move the car seat from car-to-car frequently consider a car seat that uses the SureLATCH technology like the Evenflo Symphony All-In-One car seat for ease and speed of installation.

3. In what type of vehicle will the car seat be primarily used? When purchasing a car seat consider the size of the seat and how the seat will fit into the car. If you plan to fit multiple car seats along one back seat, look for a slimmer design.

4. What are the behavioural characteristics of your child? If your child tends to slump over when they sleep in the car consider using a high back booster with an internal harness to keep them safe and secure.

5. What extras are important to you in a car seat? Does the car seat feature extras that will help you in everyday life. SureLATCH technology for quick installation, an infinite slide harness to avoid rethreading, and cup holders for the child should all be considered.

Once you have purchased the appropriate car seat for you and your child it is important to make sure that the car seat is installed properly. Check to see if your vehicle is equipped with the LATCH system (lower anchors and tethers for children safety), this will make installation much easier and secure.

If you car does not have the LATCH system check to see if the seat belt retractor system is switchable. Switching the seat belt to self retracting mode – where it pulls back to tighten on its own – is the safest and easiest way to install a car seat using just the belt.

After you have installed the car seat there are a couple of tests to check that it has been done properly.

• The inch test – the car seat can move an inch side to side and no more to be properly installed.

• The finger test – Only one finger should be able to fit between the harness and the child’s collarbone, this ensures a snug fit.

Other important tips for car seat safety include:

• Place your car seat in the centre of the back seat if possible, as it is the safest place.

• Take your child to the store with you when purchasing and test the seats out.

• Confirm that the seat meets the Transport Canada regulations for use in Canada – remember car seats expire every six years.

• Purchase a new car seat rather than using an old one or second hand car seat, so that you will have the up to date information on its history.

• Always replace a car seat that has been in a car accident. Even if the seat looks fine there could be internal damage that has compromised the integrity of the seat.


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Top tips for travelling with your baby (156 words + 1 photo) (NC) No matter how often you have travelled with your little one there are tips to help with both road and airplane travel.

• Plan ahead and know what to bring – Prepare a checklist to ensure that you have all your essentials for travel, don’t forget the baby’s passport. As well, consider planning your travel around your child’s sleeping schedule.

• Consider your car seat – Confirm that your child’s car seat is FAA approved to be used on airplanes. All Evenflo car seats with an internal harness have this approval.

• Keep baby comfortable – Car trips can be long for both baby and parents. To help your child be more comfortable consider the Evenflo

P l a t i n u m Protection car seat series. The Outlast P e r f o r m a n c e fabric keeps your child cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The happier the child, the smoother the car trip will be.


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FAMILIES & CHILDRENEnjoy summer on the road again (361 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Going on a road trip is an excellent way to spend time with the whole family. No matter whether you explore your own province, or drive further afield, summer is the ideal time to get out on the road again.

Short day trips to your local park for a picnic or just for some fun in the sun are a wonderful way to get outside. Getting your children involved with planning a picnic, like helping prepare the food or helping to pack the car, will lead to your child feeling more involved and excited about their day out.

Visiting local attractions, neighbouring towns or cities, or even going on an overnight trip are all great ways to spend time with your family and to learn about the attractions that surround you. Act like a tourist and visit sites you may have always

wanted to see or look at sights you have seen before with new eyes. To keep your children from getting restless or bored, play games or have your child lead the game, even letting your child pick where to eat can be exciting.

Once the road trip is planned it is important to keep in mind safety for the whole family. Remember that everyone needs to buckle up and that children under the age of 12 should always be in the back seat of the car and children under 100 pounds should be in a car seat or booster. A line called the Evenflo Platinum Protection Series is particularly comfortable for summer road trips, since it is made with Outlast Performance fabric. The fabric helps regulate your child’s body temperature keeping them cool leading to a happier and smoother ride. As well, make sure your child

is in the right seat for their age. Children under the age of one must be in a rear facing seat, toddlers can be in a forward facing seat and children under the age of 12 should be in a booster seat as long as they do not exceed the weight and height requirements.

Buckle up and get ready for those fun summer road trips as a family. You can join the conversation @EvenfloBabyCA on Twitter.

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How to keep your child safe at every age (360 words + 1 photo)

(NC) The safety of children is always a top priority for parents, mainly because as the little ones grow, their safety needs change. Take a look at this guideline for at least the first decade:

Babies – newborn to 12 months Bringing home your newborn is both an amazing

and scary experience tied together. To help your new little bundle of joy stay safe:

• Have your new baby sleep on his or her backand do not keep any stuffed animals or extra blankets in the crib.

• Ensure that your baby’s car seat is properlyinstalled and use a rear facing car seat until the age of one or longer.

• Remember to buy toys that are age appropriateand that do not have small items that can be taken off easily and become a choking hazard.

Toddlers – one to four years

Your new baby has grown so quickly and he/she is walking around the house and exploring their new world. To keep your toddler safe:

• Child proof your home. Add latches to cabinetsand covers to electrical outlets and use gates to keep your toddler from unwanted areas.

• After age one (and 20 pounds) your toddler cannow move to a forward facing car seat. Leading manufacturer Evenflo’s Triumph Convertible car seat can be used as both rear facing and forward facing.

• Never leave children in the car by themselves.In the summer heat, stroke can happen in minutes.

Big Kids – five to nine years At this age children are going to school and are

becoming more independent. To keep your big kid safe:

• Always keep your child in the back seat of thecar. In the event of a car accident front seat air

bags are powerful and can do more harm than good.

• Wear a helmet.When teaching your child to ride their bike make sure they are wearing a helmet at all times and that it fits properly.

• When playingsports like soccer make sure your child is staying hydrated.

No matter the age, kids are going to fall, slip and tumble and get bruises, this is all a part of growing up, but there are the little things you can do to keep them safe.


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Nourish your child’s mental well-being this summer (280 words + 1 photo)

(NC) If great weather, lazy days, and vacation living aren’t enough, here’s one more reason to love summer: It can be good for your child’s mental health.

“Quality parent-child relationships are critical to a child’s mental wellness” explains Dr. Wendy Craig, a psychology professor at Queen’s University. “But when the reality of daily life consists of rushing through dinner and homework to shuttle the kids to soccer practice, it leaves little time for the intimate, one-on-one moments that create a positive parent-child bond.”

Craig says the slower pace of summer presents a unique opportunity for parents to boost kids’ mental wellness by making their relationship a top priority. She offers these simple tips for creating

meaningful interactions with kids during the summer months:

Hit the road: Long car trips offer a great opportunity to talk and bond with your kids. Share memories of your favourite childhood trips, discuss plans, play conversation-based games.

Make a meal of it: Take advantage of a less hectic schedule to eat dinner as a family more often. Studies show that regular family dinners lower rates of substance abuse, and depression, while improving kids’ grades and self-esteem.

Lend a hand: Seek out volunteer work that you can do together, like donating time at a local food bank or doing yard work for an elderly neighbour. Helping others teaches kids empathy and makes them feel empowered.

Play on: Engage in outdoor sports or other leisure activities. Playing together fosters a healthier, happier relationship with your kids. It also boosts confidence and builds resilience, which contribute to positive mental health.

For additional tips on supporting children’s mental wellness during the summer and throughout the year, visit longlivekids.ca.

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FAMILIES & CHILDRENThe kids are not alright: The truth about children’s mental health (457 words + 1 photo) (NC) There’s a lot of talk about children’s mental health these days. We’ve all heard the stats: One in five Canadian children has a diagnosable mental health issue. Youth mental disorders rank second in hospital expenditure care in Canada. Despite all the attention this issue receives, the truth is many more children have milder but significant social, emotional, and behavioural problems that may go unnoticed by parents.

“The problem is many parents don’t see their children in the stats,” confirms Dr. Wendy Craig, a psychology professor at Queen’s University. “They assume if their child had a mental health issue, they’d know about it.” Mental health is often considered an all-or-nothing issue. “The perception is that your child’s either fine, or they’re suffering from serious mental illness.” In fact, Craig explains, mental health should be viewed on a continuum, with extreme mental wellness or illness at each end. As children develop, their mental well-being fluctuates. And genetics and biology aside, the degree to which kids slide to one extreme or the other throughout their lives depends largely on one important factor: the quality of their relationships.

Studies show that a positive parent-child relationship, in particular, may be the key to kids’ long-term mental wellness. Unfortunately, it seems Canadian parents are missing out on fostering this significant mental health asset. In a recent global study comparing children’s well-being in 29 countries, Canadian kids lag in the bottom third for relationships with both parents and peers. “These findings suggest our kids aren’t necessarily talking to us about how they’re feeling,” says Craig. “This can lead to a lot of misconceptions about what impacts their mental well-being.”

That’s the idea behind a new mental wellness campaign developed by Companies Committed to Kids (CCK), a not-for-profit that promotes kids’ social, physical, and mental health. The campaign highlights how everyday stressors in kids’ lives contribute to diminished mental wellness, and the important role parents play.

“The aim was to challenge parents’ assumptions about what impacts kids’ mental well-being,” explains CCK president, Bev Deeth. “We wanted to create a relatable, slice-of-life scenario to help parents understand how what they do and say

can be beneficial or detrimental to their child’s mental health.”

The campaign takes a preventative approach, offering simple tips and strategies that parents can access online at longlivekids.ca, to help support positive parent-child interactions. Deeth underscores the importance of helping parents recognize that by taking the time to really connect with their kids, they’re actually engaging in long-term mental health promotion.

Dr. Craig agrees. “Parents need to understand they can buffer their kids against future mental health challenges. Where mental health is concerned, relationships matter. And when it comes to kids’ mental health, parents’ relationships with their children matter the most.”

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Face time, your child’s greatest mental health asset (289 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Parents recognize the importance of healthy eating, physical activity, and adequate sleep to their children’s overall health. What’s less understood are the factors associated with kids’ mental well-being, and the significant role parents play.

“Quality parent-child relationships are critical to a child’s mental wellness” explains Dr. Wendy Craig, a psychology professor at Queen’s University. “Studies show that what parents say and do can have a significant beneficial or detrimental effect on their children’s mental health.”

Craig says a small investment of quality time spent connecting with kids one-on-one, can pay big dividends on their mental well-being. The key is to look for simple ways to build meaningful connections into daily family life.

Here are five tips to help foster the close relationships and open communications necessary for optimum mental health:

Be present. Look up from what you’re doing to focus on your kids. Take the time to enable intimate conversations to happen. Your undivided attention reinforces their sense of self-worth and belonging.

Model resilience. Help your child navigate life’s ups and downs by sharing personal experiences and the strategies that help you bounce back from adversity.

Have fun. Make time for play and laughter. Focus on kid-centred activities - what’s your child’s idea of fun? Sometimes, it’s important to engage in activities on their terms. Make them the expert.

Let go. Create age-appropriate opportunities for kids to try new things on their own. Independence builds the confidence and self-

reliance kids need to make positive choices for themselves.

Notice, respond and support your child’s mental health cues, like giving them a hug when they’re down, being an active listener, or getting them professional help if need be.

For more tips and strategies that promote mental wellness, visit longlivekids.ca.

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FASHION & BEAUTYMake a smile your most powerful fashion accessory (424 words + 1 photo)

(NC) No matter what clothes you choose to make a first impression, do remember that wearing a bright smile can work magic as well.

The next time, for example, that you strive to look your best when you host an event, go for a job interview, celebrate a milestone – or walk down the aisle – be sure to step up the grooming, put on your favourite outfit, and then add the most dazzling accessory, your smile.

Did you know that an uninhibited smile not only makes us look more attractive, it is also a gift? When you smile, others smile back and that is synergy for mutual stress reduction, relationship building, health improvement and longevity. Wearing a smile is such an effective accessory it’s no wonder the current fashion trends include an oral care regimen that includes the whitening and brightening of teeth.

“Smiling is one of our most important social assets, so it’s not surprising that we strive for long-term oral health and the desire for whiter teeth,” says Christopher Ludmer, marketing manager

in the Philips consumer lifestyle division. “Professional whitening products and related technology have evolved dramatically in recent years to produce the Philips Zoom line – and now there is almost universal satisfaction with the results.”

If, for example, you want to have a radiant smile on a special day, be sure to prepare in advance. Contact a dental office first to discuss the options. One of them is a light-activated whitening system called WhiteSpeed, a method that can whiten even sensitive teeth up to eight shades in just 45 minutes. Ludmer points out that light technology is a Philips expertise and the process delivers 40 per cent better results than any comparable non-light whitening system.

Or, there is a system of Zoom gels you can apply at home. This option includes the DayWhite treatment if you have two or three weeks – or the NiteWhite gel can transform your smile in less than one week.

“These specialized gels are the only two whitening products for home-use in which the efficiency has been proven by clinical studies,” Ludmer explains. “The formula not only whitens your teeth, it also reduces sensitivity, and protects the enamel.”

Or, for the times when you just can’t plan ahead, ask for the Zoom whitening pen during an annual dental checkup. Designed to be slipped discreetly into a purse or pocket, the pen allows you, at any given moment, to touch up a few spots of your pearly whites.

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Maximize the vacation romance barometer (355 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Couples often say that travelling together is good for romance – and no wonder. It is widely recognized that the bond created when caring for one another in places unknown, can improve the relationship permanently not just for the moment.

So if vacationing together is in your plans this summer, there’s no time like the present to get groomed. Here’s a little romance-enhancing checklist:

Healthy Hair: A good cut makes a woman’s hair bouncy and a man’s hair youthful. Revive dry over-processed hair with home treatments like olive oil, eggs, honey, or avocado – and guys, even with beer. Start by removing the product build-up with one-part baking soda plus two-parts gentle shampoo. Let the hair dry, apply your home-made treatment, leave it on for at least an hour, and wash it off gently with two shampoos.

Sensual Smile: Gleaming white teeth convey a clean fresh mouth – and it’s just the opposite if you have dingy teeth. Make your partner want to kiss your lips by asking your dental office for whitening advice. Professionals use the Philips Zoom technology either in the chair, or with products to take home. For example, in 45 minutes a light-activated system called WhiteSpeed can whiten even sensitive teeth up to eight shades. Or, one of two different Zoom gels are clinically proven to give you better results than any alternative: the DayWhite treatment works in two or three weeks, and the NiteWhite gel will transform your smile within a week. Best of all, both are formulated for sensitivity and to protect the enamel. Or, ask your dentist for the Zoom whitening pen. It’s designed to slip discreetly into a purse or pocket so at any

given moment you can easily touch up those pearly whites.

Body Grooming: Only you know the type of grooming you need to make yourself feel attractive and confident, from skin softening, to fresh scents, to hair removal. Plan ahead to address these things before the departure day and to identify the things to pack. Take travel-size grooming products to keep luggage light, and to illustrate to your mate that you are, indeed, a natural beauty.

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Be the most beautiful bride ever seen (267 words + 1 photo)

Plan your entrance in advance – and here’s how:(NC) Hair: In addition to a professional cut, colour, and style add a fabulous low-cost conditioning treatment of your own, leaving your hair feeling thicker and looking bouncier than ever before: heat one-half cup of olive oil for one minute (not too hot to touch); comb it through your tresses letting it soak in for an hour or two; shampoo twice for easy removal.

Face: Exfoliate your face daily with the following formula to reveal smoother and brighter baby skin: put one tablespoon of white sugar into a dish, pour in the same amount of milk, and before it dissolves gently rub it in circles all over your

face. Wash it off with warm water, rinse with cold, and glow.

Teeth: A timely dental visit will give you confidence in your looks and your breath, so why not go the distance while you’re there by asking for a safe way to whiten your teeth? Protect the enamel with a variety of Philips Zoom methods, from a 45-minute light-activated system, to take-home gels, to a Zoom whitening pen to slip into your purse for a last-minute touch up.

Hands: A manicure is a must when you display your hand for the ring. Be sure to exfoliate the skin with either a loofa, or by scrubbing with a combination of baking soda and water.

Feet: Once your feet are soaked with emollients, pampered with a pedicure and massaged, you will have far more comfort-longevity in your pretty shoes. Tip: On your long wedding day, you may be surprised how much energy can be recouped by simply changing your shoes.

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HEALTH & SAFETY

5 ways to handle food safely while grocery shopping (314 words)

(NC) Every year, more than four million Canadians contract food poisoning from bacteria, viruses and other germs that make their way into the food and drinks they consume. Although the food we eat in Canada is among the safest in the world, it can be contaminated at any point on its journey to our table.

The best way to protect yourself and your family from food poisoning is to follow the key food safety steps: clean, separate, cook and chill. And where does it all begin? At the grocery store. Here are some tips for handling food safely while doing your grocery shopping.

Buy cold or frozen food such as meats and dairy products at the end of your shopping trip.

• Check the “best before” date on your food.• Keep your raw meat, poultry, fish and seafood

away from other food in your grocery cart. The plastic bags in the produce or meat departments are a great way to keep them separated.

• Examine fruits and vegetables and avoid buying items that are bruised or damaged.

• If you use reusable grocery bags or bins, make sure to use a specific bag or bin for raw meat, poultry or seafood. Label the bag or bin with the type of food it carries and wash it often.

As unpleasant as it is to experience food poisoning, it can go beyond vomiting and diarrhea, commonly associated with a case of the stomach flu. Food poisoning can be quite serious,

especially for children ages five and under, adults 60 and over, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women. Complications can range from kidney failure and anemia to death. Pregnant women are also at increased risk of premature labour, miscarriage, stillbirth or a baby who is born severely ill.

You can find more safe food handling tips and information, including fridge and freezer storage temperatures and timelines at canada.ca/health.

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5 fast facts about food poisoning in kids 5 and under (458 words)

(NC) Did you know that children aged five and under are at an increased risk of contracting food poisoning and developing related health complications? This is because their immune systems are still developing and they are unable to fight off infection as well as adults.

Symptoms of food poisoning can vary from a mild stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills to extremely severe illness requiring hospitalization. Food poisoning in young children can also lead to dehydration as their bodies are smaller and they can lose a large percentage of body fluid very quickly.

Here are some other things you may not know that could put your young child at increased risk:

• Young children produce less of the stomach acid that kills harmful bacteria, which makes it easier for them to get sick. As such, they shouldn’t eat everything their parents eat or in the same way their parents eat it.

• Exposure to certain kinds of foodborne bacteria can lead to serious health conditions. For example, some strains of E. coli can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure and blood disorder that can be fatal. A few ways to prevent this illness include cooking ground beef, including hamburgers, to an internal temperature of 71 °C/160 °F and washing children’s hands after toileting, before eating, after visiting a petting zoo or farm or touching domestic animals.

• Never give honey to a baby under one year old. It can cause a serious type of food poisoning called infant botulism. Infant botulism is caused by bacteria called clostridium botulinum, which commonly exists in nature. If an infant swallows honey contaminated with spores of the bacteria, the spores may grow and produce toxins in the baby’s body which could cause paralysis. Healthy children over one year of age can safely eat honey because their risk of developing infant botulism is very low. By this age, they have developed helpful

bacteria in their intestines that protect them from those spores.

• Do not serve raw alfalfa or bean sprouts to young children. Raw sprouts have been linked to outbreaks of salmonella and E. coli infection. Cooked sprouts are safe to eat. Never give your child foods containing raw eggs such as cookie dough or cake batter and serve only pasteurized milk and juice to your child.

• The way we store, handle and prepare food at home or at a caregiver’s facility plays a critical role in our families’ food safety. Be sure to practice safe food handling at home and ask your child’s caregiver about their food handling practices.

There is more information about safe food handling for young children at canada.ca/health. You can also call 1-800-O-Canada to order the free guide, Safe Food Handling for Children Ages 5 & Under.

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Food storage tips to protect your family from food poisoning (360 words)

(NC) Eating a nutritious and balanced diet with plenty of variety is one of the best ways to maintain your health. While the food we eat in Canada is among the safest in the world, it can become contaminated by bacteria, viruses and parasites known as foodborne pathogens, which can make us sick.

Symptoms of food poisoning usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and fever. These symptoms can start suddenly, several hours or even days after you eat contaminated food and can become extremely dangerous, even fatal, in at-risk individuals. You should see a health care professional as soon as possible if you think you are suffering from a foodborne illness.

While most people can associate food poisoning with a case of the stomach flu, complications

can be serious or even fatal among certain more vulnerable groups in our society. For children five and under, adults 60 and over, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.

Here are some tips from the experts at Health Canada for properly storing foods to protect yourself and your family from food poisoning.

• Learn the basics of cleaning, separating, cooking and chilling food. Health Canada has some tips at canada.ca/health to get you started.

• Set your fridge at 4 °C/40 °F or lower and your freezer at -18 °C/0 °F or lower.

• Defrost food in the fridge, in cold water, or in the microwave, not on the counter.

• Always use a clean container to hold leftovers or wrap them in leak-proof plastic bags. Keep different types of leftovers separate.

• Store leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking.

• Eat refrigerated leftovers within two to four days, or freeze them for later use.

• There are no one-size-fits-all timelines for safely storing food in your fridge or freezer. Certain foods like fresh shellfish should be consumed within 12 to 24 hours while unopened and sealed luncheon meats and certain vegetables like spinach can last up to two weeks.

There is more information about this topic at canada.ca/health.

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HEALTH & SAFETY

Improper barbecuing can increase your risk of food poisoning (430 words)

(NC) Warmer temperatures, direct sunlight and improper food handling practices can put us in the danger zone for food poisoning. Follow these tips to help make your next barbecue a safe one.

Shop smart. Buy meat at the end of your shopping trip. Store meat in separate bags and bring a cooler with ice for longer trips. Keep coolers out of direct sunlight and their contents at 4 °C/40 °F or lower. Bacteria can grow above this temperature and ruin food in as little as one hour.

Store wisely. Refrigerate meat as soon as you get home. Freeze ground beef that won’t be used within one to two days, raw poultry within two or three days and other raw meats within two to four days. Marinate meat in the fridge and never consume leftover marinades that have touched uncooked meat.

Avoid cross-contamination. Keep raw meat away from other foods, including vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes. Use separate utensils, cutting

boards, dishes and other cooking equipment when handling raw and cooked meats. Never place cooked meat on the same plate used to bring the raw meat to the BBQ and use a clean spatula or pair of tongs to handle the cooked meat.

Defrost carefully. Always thaw meat in the fridge, in cold water or in the microwave, but not on the counter. If thawing in cold water, packaging should be sealed. Microwave defrosting is acceptable if the food item is placed immediately on the grill. Meat should be completely thawed before grilling so that it cooks more evenly.

Cook to a safe internal temperature. Bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter are killed by heat. Meat, poultry and seafood must be cooked to a safe internal temperature, which can be checked easily with a digital food thermometer. Health Canada has posted safe cooking temperatures at canada.ca/health.

Clean. Wash your hands, your cooking equipment, utensils and surfaces with warm, soapy water.

Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Keep cooked meats hot by setting them to the side of the grill, not directly over coals or lit burners, where they can overcook. Store salads and other cold foods in the fridge or in a cooler with ice packs until served.

Every year, more than four million Canadians get some kind of foodborne illness. Some of these can be dangerous or even fatal, especially for children five and under, adults 60 and over, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Be sure to keep your family safe by following these tips. Health Canada has posted more information at canada.ca/health.

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Safe fridge and freezer temperatures (43 words) (NC)—To store food safely and to reduce your risk of food poisoning, set your fridge at 4 °C/40 °F or lower and your freezer at -18 °C/ 0 °F or lower. Use a fridge thermometer to check. Source: Health Canada canada.ca/health.

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Does your nose have a “past due” setting? (22 words) (NC)—You can’t tell if food is unsafe by its smell, colour or taste. When in doubt, throw it out. Source: Health Canada canada.ca/health.

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Digital food thermometers are a cook’s best ally (59 words)

(NC)—Checking the temperature of your cooked meat, poultry, fish and shellfish with a digital food thermometer is the only reliable way to make sure your food has reached a safe internal temperature. Digital thermometers are considered to be the most accurate because they provide instant temperature readings. Download Health Canada’s Safe Internal Cooking Temperatures Chart at canada.ca/health.

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Pregnant women should avoid soft and semi-soft cheeses like brie and camembert (105 words)

(NC) Pregnant women are at higher risk of developing a foodborne illness called listeriosis, a bacterial infection caused by consuming food or liquids that have come into contact with the listeria monocytogenes bacteria, which has been found in soft and semi-soft cheeses.

Health Canada’s advice to avoid raw or unpasteurized dairy products while pregnant has recently changed to include pasteurized

soft and semi-soft cheeses like brie, camembert and blue-veined cheese. Pregnant women should only eat pasteurized dairy products and firm cheeses such as colby, cheddar, swiss and parmesan, which are safer options.

Health Canada has posted more food safety tips for pregnant women at canada.ca/health.

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Pregnant women are 20 times more likely to get listeriosis (187 words)

(NC) Pregnant women are 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to develop listeriosis, a bacterial infection caused by eating meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, fruits or vegetables contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. Pregnancy weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses, leaving pregnant women more vulnerable to food poisoning and related complications.

Complications from food poisoning can include premature labour, miscarriage, stillbirth or a baby who is born severely ill. A few quick tips from Health Canada to avoid getting sick include:

Avoid certain high-risk foods like soft and semi-soft cheese, raw fish and non-dried deli meats.

Wash your hands, kitchen surfaces, cutting boards and reusable grocery bags with warm, soapy water.

Separate all raw meat, poultry and fish from cooked and ready-to-eat foods.

Cook meat, poultry, fish and shellfish to safe internal temperatures. Check with a digital food thermometer.

Chill leftovers within two hours.Health Canada has posted a list of foods that

pregnant women should avoid and some safer alternatives, as well as a chart on safe internal cooking temperatures and more safe food handling tips at canada.ca/health.

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HEALTH & SAFETY

Air quality - did you know? (46 words + 1 photo)

(NC) You can’t always see or smell air pollution. Check the Air Quality Health Index for real time air quality conditions before heading outside. Are you air aware? Check the Air Quality Health Index to learn more about the health risks associated with air pollution www.airhealth.ca.

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Heat - did you know? (32 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Never leave children inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight. When outside air temperature is 23°C/73°F, the temperature inside a vehicle can be extremely dangerous- more than 50°C/122°F. – 29 words

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Extreme heat: did you know? (62 words + 1 photo) (NC) Leaving young children, seniors and pets unattended inside a vehicle, even on relatively mild days, can be very dangerous, even fatal. According to Health Canada, outside air temperatures as low as 23ºC/73ºF can climb to more than 50ºC/122ºF inside a vehicle. Imagine how hot it could get during an actual heat wave. There are more tips on staying safe in extreme heat at visit www.healthycanadians.gc.ca.

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Signs of heat illness (96 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Signs of heat illness i n c l u d e dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, h e a d a c h e , rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst and decreased

urination with unusually dark yellow urine. If you experience any of these symptoms during

extreme heat, immediately move to a cool place and drink water.

Signs of heat stroke can be loss of consciousness, confusion, no perspiration and a temperature of 40ºC/104º F. Heat stroke can be fatal so call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you see someone with these symptoms.

There is more information on heat stroke and heat-related illnesses at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca.

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Heat stroke versus heat illness: what’s the difference? (148 words + 1 photo) (NC) Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Signs include a 40ºC/104ºF temperature, partial or total loss of consciousness, confusion and little or no sweating. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number if this occurs.

Heat illness is caused by excessive loss of water and salt. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, diarrhea and muscle cramps. Whether indoors or outside, heat illness can also cause cramps, fainting, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or swelling in the hands and feet.

While extreme heat can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for seniors, infants,

young children, people with chronic illness and people who work or exercise in the heat. Health Canada has posted tips for all Canadians to prevent and treat heat illnesses at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/sun. The same information can also be ordered free of charge at 1-800-O-Canada.

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Never leave people, children or pets in vehicles, even on mild days (240 words + 1 photo) (NN) Leaving young children and pets unattended inside a vehicle, even on relatively mild days, can be very dangerous, even fatal. According to Health Canada, outside air temperatures as low as 23ºC/73ºF can climb to more than 50ºC/122ºF inside a vehicle. Imagine how hot it could get during an actual heat wave. Every spring and summer in Canada, there are reports of babies, toddlers and pets dying after being left unattended inside vehicles.

Extreme heat affects young children more quickly and dramatically because of their smaller size. Young children have a reduced ability to regulate their body temperature in comparison to adults, which leaves them vulnerable to heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when our core temperature reaches 40ºC/104º F and can be fatal. In a small, closed environment, our bodies, especially small or frail ones, can go into shock very quickly causing circulation to vital organs to fail.

It is never safe to leave people and pets inside a vehicle. Leaving the window open a crack is of no use.

As our climate c o n t i n u e s to change, E n v i r o n m e n t Canada forecasts that many cities in Canada can expect a substantial increase in the number of days with temperatures exceeding 30oC/86oF in the coming years, increasing the current risk of heat-related illnesses and death.

Tips for all Canadians on ways to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths can be found at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/sun. The same information can also be ordered free of charge at 1-800-O-Canada

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HEALTH & SAFETY

10 tips to help seniors avoid heat illnesses at home (339 words + 1 photo) (NC) Canadian summers are full of extremes. One day it could be pleasantly warm and the next it’s scorching hot, almost unbearable. While extreme heat can put everyone at risk, seniors are particularly vulnerable for conditions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, fainting and swelling of the hands and feet. Left unchecked, heat-related illnesses can become dangerous, even fatal.

For seniors, heat can be extremely dangerous, especially those who are chronically ill or take certain medications that interfere with their body’s natural cooling mechanisms. Those who are isolated from friends, family or neighbours and those who live in poverty or who have low literacy rates are also at risk.

Here are 10 tips to help stay healthy, cool and safe during the summer:

• Check for weather forecasts on the radio or TV for heat alerts.

• Ask family members, neighbours or friends to check on you when the mercury soars.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing.• Drink plenty of fluid and eat fruits and

vegetables as they have high water content.• Prepare cold meals that keep your oven turned

off.• Keep your air conditioner or thermostat

between 22oC/72oF and 26oC/79oF.• Use a fan to help stay cool and aim the air flow

in your direction.• Block the sun by closing awnings, curtains or

blinds during the day.• If safe, open windows at night to let cooler air

into your home.• Take cool showers or baths until you feel

refreshed. Make sure to use non-slip surfaces in the tub or shower.

Heat stroke can occur indoors or outdoors and is a medical emergency. If you are a senior or are

visiting an elderly friend or relative regularly, watch for signs of heat stroke such as a high body temperature, confusion, no perspiration or unconsciousness. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

There are more ways to protect yourself in high heat at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/sun. Heat-health brochures can also be ordered for free by calling the federal government information line at 1-800-O-Canada.

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Be safety-savvy by protecting kids from heat illness (328 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Many parents or caregivers may be unaware that due to their small size, babies and toddlers can suffer from heat illness much faster than adults. Their little bodies are not yet developed enough to regulate their own body heat, putting them at increased risk for heat illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, swelling, cramps, rashes, diarrhea and vomiting.

If not prevented, these conditions can lead to long-term health problems and even death. Older children are at risk too.

With climate experts at Environment Canada predicting hotter summers over the next decade or so, being heat-savvy is more important than ever. If you have young children in your care, there are some things you can do to protect children from heat illness.

Be prepared:• Check the Air Quality Index for air quality

conditions before going outside. Children are more susceptible to pollution.

• Plan activities around local weather forecasts.

• Never leave children unattended in vehicles. Their body temperatures rise three to five times faster than adults. Outside air temperatures as mild as 23ºC/73ºF can climb to more than 50ºC/122ºF inside a vehicle.

During your activity:• Apply a SPF 15 or higher sunscreen

(not on kids less than six months old) and mosquito repellant if necessary.

• Drink lots of fluids and eat fruits and veggies to stay hydrated. Dehydration can be dangerous.

• Nursing mothers should drink lots of fluids to keep themselves and their babies hydrated.

After your outdoor activity:• Watch children closely for changes in

behaviour, sleepiness, temper tantrums, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst and decreased urination. Immediately move

children to a cooler place if this occurs.

• Heat stroke is a medical e m e r g e n c y . Call 911 if your child loses consciousness, stops sweating, seems confused or has a high temperature.

• Bathe children in a cool bath.Tips for staying healthy in extreme heat can

be found at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/sun. The same information can also be ordered free of charge at 1-800-O-Canada.

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HEALTH & SAFETYBe prepared when exercising and playing in the heat (381words + 1 photo)

(NC) Canadians wait so long for summer to arrive that some of us overdo it a when exercising outdoors, especially during unexpected heat and humidity early in the season. It takes a while for our bodies to become acclimatized to warmer temperatures and our bodies regulate heat more slowly during hot, humid weather, causing us to overheat that much easier.

Before you head outdoors this summer, take a moment to understand the potential health risks of being active outdoors in extreme heat.

While being physically active has many health benefits, it can increase your risk for heat illness, especially in those with breathing difficulties, heart problems, a mental illness such as depression, hypertension or kidney problems. Even those without any chronic health conditions can be at risk without proper precautions.

Get informed:• Ask your sports organization or trainer if they

have a plan for extreme heat.• Ask a friend or buddy to watch you during

extreme heat; if you suffer from asthma, carry

your inhaler with you and make others aware of your condition.

• Modify or reschedule your activities.• Work out early in the day or in an air-

conditioned facility.• Check the Air Quality Index for air quality

conditions.• Check local weather forecasts so you can plan

accordingly.Keep yourself safe:• Stay hydrated by drinking fluids and eating raw

fruits and vegetables.• Wear sunscreen and insect repellant.• Allow your body to recover from heat exposure

by sitting in the shade or heading to an air conditioned area.

• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid heartbeat and extreme thirst.

• Heat illnesses can lead to long-term health problems and even death. These illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting,

swelling of hands, feet and ankles, heat rash, heat cramps and dehydration.

• The most serious heat illness is heat stroke, which can be fatal. Symptoms include a core body temperature of 40.5ºC/105º F, confusion, lack of sweat and unconsciousness. Call 911 immediately if you see someone with these symptoms.

• If you see someone going into shock from heat stroke, move them to a cool place, apply cold water to large areas of their skin and clothing and fan them as much as possible.

More tips for staying safe in the heat can be found at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/sun.

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Feeling hot, hot, hot? Follow these heat health safety tips (357 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Every year Canadians look forward to warmer weather after a long, cold winter. However, most people don’t consider the potential health risks posed by the heat. Prolonged periods of high heat, which are becoming more common as our climate continues to change, can be particularly dangerous.

While everyone can be affected by high heat, some people are especially susceptible to heat illness and heat stroke, such as older adults, infants and young children. As well, many people may not realize that some medications can increase their sensitivity to extreme heat.

Illness and death caused by extreme heat is preventable if you plan ahead, take precautions, know your risk factors and play it safe. Some simple steps you can take to lower your risk of heat illnesses:

• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty.

• Avoid sun exposure. Wear loose-fitting, breathable, light-coloured clothing and

shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella.

• Prepare cold meals without using the oven.• Take cool showers or baths regularly.• Watch for heat alerts and learn more about

how quality can impact health by checking the Air Quality Health Index.

• Plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.

• Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.

• Block sun by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day.

• During periods of extreme heat events, visit neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure that they’re cool and hydrated.

• Spend a few hours in a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, swimming facility or air-conditioned shopping mall, library or community centre.

Heat illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, fainting, swelling of hands and

feet, rash and muscle cramps can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately move to a cool place and drink water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency n u m b e r immediately if you are with someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating.

Find out more about staying safe during extreme heat at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca.

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HEALTH & SAFETYTips on how to protect you and your family from tick bites (340 words)

(NC) As the weather starts to warm up, if spending time at the cottage, in the woods or a nearby park is on your to-do list, make sure you play it safe. Even the savviest outdoors lover could be at risk for getting Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is a serious illness that’s caused by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. These ticks can become infected with bacteria that cause Lyme disease after feeding on the blood of infected birds or rodents. They can then spread the bacteria to humans when they bite.

Blacklegged ticks are found most often near wooded areas in Canada’s southern regions. Tick populations are growing and this means that the risk of contracting Lyme disease is on the rise. It can have severe symptoms, but it’s also easy to prevent and treat when caught early.

By taking simple precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting yourself and your family from Lyme disease:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin on your skin and clothing. (Always read and follow label directions.)

• Cover up. Wear closed-toe shoes, long-sleeved shirts and pants.

• Pull your socks over your pant legs to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.

• Wear light-coloured clothing to spot ticks more easily.

• Shower or bathe within two hours of being outdoors to wash off loose ticks.

• Do daily full body checks for ticks on yourself, children and pets. Ticks are very small, so look

carefully. Ask your veterinarian about products to protect your pets against ticks.

If you find a tick on your skin, removing it within 24-36 hours usually prevents the risk of infection. If possible, save the tick that bit you in a zip-lock bag and record the date of the bite. If you develop symptoms of Lyme disease in the weeks after you are bit, contact your health care provider right away. Early treatment of Lyme disease is key. (If you saved the tick, bring it to your medical appointment as it may help the doctor in his/her assessment of your illness.)

You can find more information on Lyme disease at Canada.ca/health.

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Debunking myths about Lyme disease (388 words)

(NC) The warm weather is fast approaching and Canadians are starting to plan their summer holidays with friends and family. As part of their preparations to spend time outdoors, Canadians should be mindful of a tick that’s about the size of a sesame seed that can cause Lyme disease.

Many Canadians who spend time outdoors have probably heard about Lyme disease and that it’s transmitted by ticks, most often found in and around wooded areas. But for most, knowledge of Lyme disease stops there.

Before you partake in outdoor activities this season, consider these myths and facts on Lyme disease from the experts at the Public Health Agency of Canada:

Myth #1: The only way to diagnose Lyme disease is by a “bull’s eye rash”.

Fact: While the bull’s eye rash is one possible sign of Lyme disease, symptoms differ from

person to person. Some will experience mild symptoms like fever, fatigue, chills, headache, muscle and/or joint pain, swollen lymph nodes or a skin rash soon after being bitten, while others may suffer severe symptoms, but not for weeks after the bite. If you have symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.

Myth #2: If you’ve been bitten by a tick, you have Lyme disease.

Fact: Not all ticks carry the Lyme-causing bacterium or transmit the disease. Removing the tick within 24-36 hours usually prevents the risk of infection.

Myth #3: The best way to remove a tick is to burn it with a hot match or apply petroleum jelly.

Fact: The best way to remove an attached tick is by carefully removing it with tweezers.

• Grasp the tick’s head as close to the skin as possible and pull slowly straight out.

• Wash the bite site with soap and water or disinfect it with alcohol or hand sanitizer.

• If mouthparts break off and remain in the skin, remove them with tweezers or, if unable, leave them alone and let the skin heal.

Myth #4: Lyme disease is transmitted from person-to-person.

Fact: Lyme disease is not contagious. While the Public Health Agency supports research to learn more about the disease and how Lyme bacteria behave once transmitted, evidence to date shows Lyme disease is only transmitted by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick.

For additional information on Lyme disease, visit Canada.ca/health.

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Where is Lyme disease found in Canada? (313 words)

(NC) Although many Canadians tend to think of Lyme disease as something that affects people in other countries such as the United States and Europe, the number of cases in Canada is rising, particularly in the southern regions of Canada.

Lyme disease is caused by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. They’re most often found in forests and the overgrown areas between the weeds and open spaces, although it is possible to be bitten outside of these areas. Current surveillance data indicates that infected blacklegged ticks are established or spreading in:

• Southern British Columbia• Southeastern and south-central Manitoba• Southern and eastern Ontario• Southern Quebec

• Southern New Brunswick and Grand Manan Island

• South shore and northern mainland Nova Scotia

If you live in one of these areas and spend considerable time outdoors, whether hunting, golfing, fishing, hiking, camping or working, health experts at the Public Health Agency of Canada recommend taking a few simple precautions to avoid getting the disease:

• Always cover exposed skin;• Dress in light-coloured clothing;• Use insect repellent that contains DEET or

Icaridin;• Wash or bathe within two hours of being

outdoors to wash away loose ticks;

• Do daily full body checks for ticks; and• Removing attached ticks with tweezers within

24-36 hours usually prevents the risk of infection.If you feel unwell and start developing symptoms

such as flu-like symptoms or develop a rash within a few days to a month after being bitten, contact your health care provider immediately.

By learning more about Lyme disease, you can stay safe while having fun outdoors. Taking steps to prevent, identify and respond to potential tick bites will reduce the risk of getting Lyme disease.


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HEALTH & SAFETY

Lyme disease, your pets and you (329 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Pets are beloved members of the family. With Lyme disease on the rise in Canada, pet owners should take precautions when taking their pets, particularly dogs, outdoors in warmer weather.

Lyme disease is contracted through bites from blacklegged ticks that have become infected after feeding on infected birds or rodents.

We all love to take our dogs out for a run in the park or a walk through the woods, but these types of activities could put your pet at risk for developing the disease. There are some things you can do to protect your pet.

• Tick bites on dogs, particularly long-haired breeds, may be hard to detect. Signs of Lyme disease appear two to five months after infection, so watch your dog closely for changes in behavior, appetite or gait if you suspect that your pet has

been bitten by a tick. If you see symptoms, talk to your vet.

• Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors.

• If you find a tick on your dog, remove it right away with tweezers, store it in a zip-lock bag and contact your veterinarian if you’re concerned.

• Ask your veterinarian to conduct a routine tick check at each exam and ask him or her when ticks are active in your area.

• Infected ticks are found in many southern parts of Canada, usually in forests and the overgrown areas between the woods and open spaces. Ticks can however be carried by migratory birds, so it is possible to be bitten outside of these areas.

• Talk with your veterinarian about using tick-preventive products on your pet and the Lyme disease vaccine available for dogs in Canada.

Although pets, particularly dogs, can contract Lyme disease, there is no evidence that they can spread the infection directly to people. Pets can, however, carry infected ticks into homes and yards. Like people, the best protection for your pets is to avoid tick bites.


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Lyme disease prevention: how to remove a tick (187 words + 1 photo) (NC) Lyme disease is an emerging infectious disease in Canada and the risk is increasing. Canadians engaging in outdoor activities like golfing, camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, property maintenance and outdoor workers such as park officers and surveyors should be on the lookout for blacklegged ticks. They could be carrying the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.

If you find an attached tick on your skin, carefully remove it with clean tweezers. Removing the tick within 24 to 36 hours usually prevents the risk of infection. Grasp the tick’s head as close to the skin as possible and pull slowly straight out until the tick is removed. Do not twist or rotate the tick and try not to squash or crush it during removal.

After removing the attached tick, wash the bite area with soap and water or disinfect it with alcohol or hand sanitizer. If mouthparts break off and remain in the skin, remove them with tweezers or, if you are unable to remove them easily, leave them alone and let the skin heal. If possible, note the day of the tick bite. Contact a doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of Lyme disease. Early treatment of Lyme disease is key.


www.newscanada.comPhoto caption 1: Position the jaws of the tweezers around the mouthparts of the tick and as close to the skin as possible. Photo caption 2: The tweezers should be held at a right angle to the tick’s body. Gently, but firmly, pull the tick up and away from the host’s skin.

Prevent type 2 diabetes in kids (273 words + 1 photo)

(NC) One in three Canadian children born in 2000 will be diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in his or her lifetime, according to the Canadian Diabetes Association, and the number of kids with type 2 diabetes has been increasing steadily.

Type 2 diabetes is often brought on by an unhealthy body weight and inactivity. As many as 30 per cent of Canadian youngsters are obese or overweight, says Dr. Shazhan Amed, a pediatric endocrinologist at B.C Children’s Hospital and clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia. She adds that 95% of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight.

But the disease can be prevented before it sets in. “Obesity is preventable,” says Amed, “therefore, type 2 diabetes can be a preventable condition.”

Your child may be at risk if he or she:• Consumes an unhealthy diet; • Has a sedentary, inactive lifestyle; • Spends too much time in front of a

TV, computer or video game screen;• Has a strong genetic link, such as a

parent with the disease;

• Is part of a high-risk ethnic g r o u p , such as Southeast A s i a n or First Nations.

You can lead by example:

• Don’t talk about dieting. Instead, offer cut-up veggies and fruit in lieu of chips, pastries and sweets.

• Skip the juice and pop. Milk and water are the best options.

• Work exercise into the daily routine, through walks, playing tag in a schoolyard, riding a bike, raking leaves, etc.

• Limit screen time.Playing a leadership role in slowing

the advance of type 2 diabetes and its related complications, Sun Life Financial answers your questions about diabetes on its website, BrighterLife.ca.

www.newscanada.com


HEALTH & SAFETY

Your doctor says you have diabetes — now what (506 words + 1 photo)

(NC) You get a call from your doctor’s office to come in and discuss some test results.

“Let’s get right to it,” your doctor says. “I’m afraid the test shows you have type 2 diabetes.” Maybe she hands you some pamphlets and the phone number for a diabetes clinic. She then says something about what to do next. But you are so upset that all you can hear through the fog of emotion is the odd word: diet … exercise … medication. But mainly, you hear your own voice inside your head: “Not me!”

A diagnosis of diabetes is definitely nothing to shrug at, so you’re right to be concerned. But there are also many useful, trustworthy resources available that will help you understand what’s happening to your body and equip you to manage it for the best possible outcome.

What is type 2 diabetes?Insulin is a hormone your body produces to

use the fuel glucose (a simple form of sugar) that your body makes from foods such as potatoes, fruit and bread, as well as from sugary foods such as ice cream and doughnuts. If you have type 2 diabetes, either your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or your body doesn’t properly use the insulin it does make. Either way, glucose

builds up in your blood. (This is what “high blood sugar” means.) Diabetes doesn’t go away by itself. Left alone or not managed well, it can cause heart disease, kidney problems, blindness and nerve damage leading to amputation.

According to the 2013 Sun Life Canadian Health Index, nearly 90 per cent of Canadians misidentified at least one risk factor for diabetes, a disease that has been called the epidemic of the 21st century by the World Health Organization.

The good news Your doctor will set a target range for your blood

sugar level, and if you keep within that range, you can live a long and healthy life. To do this, you’ll need to:

• Eat healthy meals and snacks.• Get regular exercise.• Take your diabetes medication as prescribed.• Check your glucose levels regularly.As well, there are lifestyle changes that can

make a positive difference (and not just if you have diabetes):

• Don’t smoke.• Maintain a healthy weight.• Manage your stress.• Stay active

• Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels on target.

• Visit your dentist and eye doctor regularly.

Many people, at least at first, can manage their blood sugar through diet and exercise alone. But keep in mind that diabetes is a progressive, life-long condition that can be managed — but not cured. Over time, controlling your blood sugar may get harder, and your healthcare team may need to adjust your diet, activity level or medication.

The Canadian Diabetes Association estimates that one in three Canadians will live with diabetes by 2020. Sun Life Financial is committed to playing a leadership role and as part of this, you can visit, BrighterLife.ca. The site will answer your health questions with the goal to slow the advance of diabetes and its related complications.

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Sun Roasted Carrot & Chicken Salad (275 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Created and inspired by professional chef Mark McEwan for Sun Life Financial – as part of the company’s commitment to help with the prevention and management of diabetes, this recipe demonstrates that healthy meals can be easy and full of flavour.

A combination of sweet and savoury, it’s a carrot and chicken recipe loaded with crunchy bites and topped with a kick of horseradish dressing. Packed with protein and heart-healthy veggies, this salad is sure to provide you with a boost of energy.

• Prep time: 20 minutes • Total time: 30 minutes • Portions:4 servingsDressing- 1 tbsp juice of lemon 75 ml white balsamic vinegar150 ml olive oil1 tsp horseradish

1 tsp grainy mustardPinch of salt 1/4 tsp pepperCombine all ingredients and slowly stream into

the oil while whisking.Carrot Salad 500 g carrots1/2 tsp kosher salt1 tbsp olive oil250 ml avocado, sliced2 green onions12 sprigs coriander (cilantro)50 ml celery heartsChicken Breast 450 gr chicken breast2 tsp grainy mustard1 tbsp olive oil1/4 tsp saltPepper to taste

Whisk mustard, oil and seasoning in a bowl to make marinade. Coat chickenand grill. Slice when slightly cooled.

Method - Toss carrots in olive oil and salt and roast at 375F until tender (should still have a “bite” to them). Place carrots and avocado on the plate and drizzle with 2 tsp of the dressing. Place sliced chicken breast on the carrots and avocado and top with green onion, coriander sprigs and celery hearts. Drizzle on additional dressing as garnish.

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HEALTH & SAFETYCanadians spend more on drugs than on Doctors (363 words + 1 photo) (NC) Canada’s healthcare system has been a source of national pride for decades with citizens benefitting from universal and accessible care. But sadly, with the current spending trajectory, the future of the system as we know it is unsustainable.

Our cherished healthcare system is being challenged by demographic shifts, increasingly high prevalence of chronic disease and the advent of very expensive specialty and targeted therapies. We are now spending $23 billion dollars on drugs, significantly more than on the physicians who treat us.

Simple changes to our healthcare choices will ensure a sustained system for future generations. And these changes will actually have no impact on Canadians at all – except for keeping more money in our wallets and more money available to be reallocated into other important health innovations.

The simple change: Ask for generic medicines at the pharmacy when one is available. That’s it.

The results of a poll conducted by Leger, the Research Intelligence Group, on behalf of Teva Canada indicates that at minimum 78 per cent of Canadians already know that generic medicines have the same effectiveness as brand-name medicines, contain the same amount of the active ingredient and must abide by the same quality standards as brand-name manufacturers.

Currently, generic medicines are dispensed by pharmacists to fill 66 per cent of all prescriptions in Canada, yet account for only 23.5 per cent of the $23 billion we spend on medicines every year. Priced at 60-80 per cent less than brand-name products, generic medicines ensure that money is left in the system. And if we used the same percentage of generics as the United States, which is 86 per cent of all prescriptions, we would have saved the Canadian health-care system $6.5 billion in 2013 alone.

With $6.5 billion we could hire more doctors, build more hospitals and long-term care facilities

and fund expensive i n n o v a t i v e medicines for the treatment of cancer or cardiovascular disease. The sustainability of the system for generations to come is depending on our behaviour choices now.

Make smart choices—ask for generic medicine from a company with a well-established quality track record. Find out more about generic medications, and why they cost less, by visiting www.TevaMakesMedicines.ca.

www.newscanada.com

Pharmacist answers questions about generic drugs 437 words + 1 photo)

By Sandra Hanna, BScPhm, RPh(NC) I like to empower my patients to make appropriate medication decisions for themselves and their families. With the plethora of information in media and online, patients often come to me with conflicting information about their medications, many regarding differences between brand and generic medicines. Pharmacists are medication experts and can be a tremendous resource. Here are some of the common questions I receive:

Are generic medicines effective and of high quality?

Rigorous testing is done on brand-name products to ensure that batches are equivalent, and equally effective. The same applies to generic medicines. Health Canada only approves generic medications (i.e. deems them ‘bioequivalent’) if they contain the same amount of active ingredient, are available in the same strength and dosage form, have the same route of administration, and meet strict manufacturing requirements.

Why do generic medicines cost less?The most costly stage of drug development is

the research phase. Brand-name pharmaceutical companies undergo this phase when new drugs or drug formulations are discovered. Once the

safety and efficacy of these drugs are established, these companies are given patents to protect their significant investment.

Once patents expire, generic equivalents are allowed to come to market at a lower price. This fluid system with a delicate balance between Brand and Generic Companies (both invaluable players in the industry), promotes research and development giving Canadians access to the newest medicines, while ensuring the sustainability of our healthcare system.

As an added bonus, the medication which is now a generic version has undergone years of patient experience—allowing doctors and pharmacists to better understand its clinical profile.

Shouldn’t I stick with the brand-name version if I can?

Many patients are understandably concerned about changes in their medications. Consistency is key in controlling and managing medical conditions. Sometimes patients who have been stable on one brand of a medication are switched to a different brand - one of the biggest misconceptions is that changing from a generic drug to a brand name drug will improve outcomes. The reality is that any change from one brand to another may lead

to inconsistency and should be monitored – irrespective of whether that change is from brand to generic or generic to brand.

Do you still have questions?

Remember, your pharmacist is a trained medication expert more than happy to answer questions.

If you want to look online, be sure to visit trustworthy sites. Some of these include Health Canada’s official Healthy Living website found at www.hc-sc.gc.ca, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health (CADTH) located at www.cadth.ca or sites like www.TevaMakesMedicines.ca, which is a company that makes both brand and generic medications.

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How much do you know about affordable medication? (189 words + 1 photo)

(NC) A recent survey asked Canadians how much they knew about the differences between generic and brand-name medications. It turns out they know quite a lot.

The results from a recent study conducted by Leger, the Research I n t e l l i g e n c e Group indicate that 78 per cent of Canadians already know that generic medicines have the same effectiveness as brand-name medicines and 80 per cent know that generic medicines are as safe.

But only 35 per cent of Canadians ask for generic medicines when filling a prescription—even though it means an average of 60-80 per cent lower cost. Clearly, many Canadians are missing out on an affordable choice, for a product that they already know is different only in name and price.

Generic medicines bring excellent value to you, your family, your employee drug plan and your government. The cost savings ensure that affordable medicine is accessible today—and makes room for the innovative medicines we will need in the future.

Make smart choices—ask for generic medicine from a company with a well-established quality track record. Find out more about generic medications, and why they cost less, by visiting www.TevaMakesMedicines.ca.

www.newscanada.com

HEALTH & SAFETY

Keep seniors mobile and out of the hospital (548 words + 1 photo, ONT Only)

(NC) Alberta Visser was a typical senior in assisted living when she fell and broke her arm. Health diminishing, she required the care of a nursing home, and she kept getting weaker.

“It was to the point where her quality of life was deteriorating – the less she was able to move, the weaker she became,” says her daughter Marcia.

Marcia Visser is no stranger to our health care system – she’s on the board of the Ontario Hospital Association. But, even she was having trouble figuring out how to help her mother stay active when she fortunately was introduced to Mobilization of Vulnerable Elders in Ontario (MOVE ON). The project increases the mobility rate of elderly patients and reduces their length of stay in hospitals and institutions. The program improves the quality of life for patients and their families, and creates savings for the health care system.

Health care workers use an algorithm to determine how a patient is doing in the program. A means they’re up and about three times a day; B means they can sit up in a chair; and C means they’re exercising in bed.

The program has been successfully implemented across 14 Ontario hospitals, and it’s one of six Adopting Research to Improve Care (ARTIC) Program projects. The Council of Academic Hospitals of

O n t a r i o , w h i c h r ep resen t s the 24 r e s e a r c h h o s p i t a l s throughout the province, delivers the p r o g r a m with funding support from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. It’s just one of many health innovation programs that the CAHO community is leading or supporting to improve the quality of care for Ontarians, and to make our health care system more sustainable. Investment in the health research sector is creating better ways to care for Ontarians.

Marcia Visser was inspired by what she saw, and went back to her mother’s nursing home with a plan to help her get moving again. Within two months, her mother was up and walking around more, and she was able to move back to assisted living where she had a much higher quality of life until she passed away.

“My mother was living a much better life once we got her moving. She’d be happy to know that others are doing the same.”

More information is available at http://bit.ly/1gVhMiY.

Sidebar: Health research mattersOntario’s 24 research hospitals create a healthier, wealthier, smarter Ontario by improving the quality care for patients, supporting thousands of good jobs, teaching the next generation and attracting the brightest and best researchers and health professionals.

They have helped strengthen the economy in many ways:• $1.2 billion was invested in research in 2012 and for every $1 invested in health

research, there’s a $3 return to the economy. • This investment supports 36,000 total jobs across Ontario.• Investment is attracted to the province. 16 per cent of investment comes from the

private sector (2.5 times more than the relevant OECD average).• In the last two years, investment in health research resulted in 139 health tech

commercializations.• The CAHO ARTIC Program has facilitated the implementation of six research

evidence projects across 82 hospital units in Ontario, involving more than 166 “change champions” across all disciplines.

• ARTIC projects aim to accelerate the implementation of research evidence to change care practices, reducing the adoption time from 17 years to 2 years.



Cutting edge research picks up steam in the north (613 words + 1 photo, ONT Only)

(NC) The pace of medical research is picking up, and one place that’s attracting top talent is Sudbury.

Dr. Rebecca McClure is one of the new faces of health research in Sudbury. McClure was a top researcher in molecular pathology at the Mayo Clinic, but she was recruited to Sudbury to work at Health Sciences North, one of 24 hospitals that comprise the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario.

“The scenery around Sudbury is some of best in the world and I get to do the work I like in a place I like to live,” says McClure. “I’m able to work on cutting edge health research without having to be in a large urban centre.”

For the past eight months, she’s been working at the Advanced Medical Institute of Canada (AMRIC), the research wing of Health Sciences North. AMRIC was the recent recipient of a $5-million grant for its research activities, and it’s this kind of investment that continues to build research capacity.

“I think it’s fabulous. They’re doing a great job here in Sudbury communicating the value of our work and the need for investment in both good researchers and labs.”

McClure has been working on the development of new genetic markers for cancer and other disease testing. A recent explosion of new technologies means that researchers are now aiming to design tests for hundreds of genetic markers, at low cost and high speed. This work will help Health Sciences North to develop a broader menu of

tests for a variety of diseases with a high local incidence, such as lung cancer, leukemias and lymphomas. This will ensure that patients and their tissue samples won’t need to be sent elsewhere for testing.

“We think that people here should have the same care as everywhere else. Patients here can have big delays in getting testing, they may have to go elsewhere, and in some cases, they don’t get the testing at all. This can lead to delayed treatment, higher costs and possible miscommunications,” she adds. “The facilities in Sudbury and Thunder Bay aren’t large in a global sense, but they’re not small in terms of the impact they have.”

She stresses that medical care is complex and it’s critical to have integrated, end-to-end local care to provide high quality care for patients. McClure says that if any part of the process gets disconnected from the others, quality of care for patients suffers. It’s a concept that she believes Sudbury understands. “People here in Sudbury are committed to figuring out how to change and adapt to the new processes that help us take advantage of the latest medical technologies. It’s always exciting to be part of something new.”

Sidebar: Health research mattersOntario’s 24 research hospitals create a healthier, wealthier, smarter Ontario by improving the quality care for patients, supporting thousands of good jobs, teaching the next generation and attracting the brightest and best researchers and health professionals.

They have helped strengthen the economy in many ways:

• $1.2 billion was invested in research in 2012 and for every $1 invested in health research, there’s a $3 return to the economy.

• This investment supports 36,000 total jobs across Ontario.

• Investment is attracted to the province. 16 per cent of investment comes from the private sector (2.5 times more than the relevant OECD average).

• In the last two years, investment in health research resulted in 139 health tech commercializations.

• The CAHO ARTIC Program has facilitated the implementation of six research evidence projects across 82 hospital units in Ontario, involving more than 166 “change champions” across all disciplines.

• ARTIC projects aim to accelerate the implementation of research evidence to change care practices, reducing the adoption time from 17 years to 2 years.

www.newscanada.comPhoto caption: Dr. Rebecca McClure, Health Sciences North Attention editors: This article is for distribution in Ontario only.

HEALTH & SAFETY

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HOME & GARDEN

Top to bottom house cleaning tips on a budget (314 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Cleaning supplies are endless since we often use different products for different rooms. But why overspend when there is a single product that has been helping people clean for over 165 years? Baking soda is an inexpensive and gentle alternative to harsh chemicals because it’s 100 per cent natural.

For a top to bottom clean home on a budget, try some of these tricks:

KitchenA smelly fridge can spoil the flavour of your

food. To help keep foods tasting like they should, use a box of baking soda or a product like Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh. They destroy strong odours to help food taste fresher longer.

Microwaves retain odours as well. For instant cleaning and deodorizing, sprinkle some baking

soda on a damp sponge and gently wipe the inside and outside of your microwave, then rinse well.

Remove tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and tea pots in a solution of baking soda and warm water – remember to rinse well.

BathroomWhat goes down sometimes comes back up.

To deodorize your sink and tub drains, and keep lingering odours from resurfacing, pour baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water. This will help to neutralize odours.

Keep bathroom wastebaskets fresh with just a sprinkle of baking soda. Apply regularly as you add to the container and when you empty it you can also wash the container with a solution of baking soda and water.

Family room

Clean and remove marks, such as crayon, from walls and painted furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Then wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth.

Keep upholstered sofas and chairs smelling fresh by sprinkling a little baking soda on them, wait 15 minutes and then vacuum up.

More information is available at www.armandhammerbakingsoda.ca.

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Create a backyard oasis this summer (336 words + 1 photo) (NC) Summer is here and while not all of us can escape to the beach or cottage, we can create our very own backyard oasis. It starts with considering what you already have and the areas of your backyard that could use a little love. Your oasis should reflect your personal taste and serve as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Read more for ideas on how to bring this concept to life:

Create a cozy outdoor lounge area. Make your outdoor space feel like your indoor living room. Comfortable and clean patio furniture will do just that, enticing families and friends to sit outside and enjoy the warm summer months. This will be the centre of your oasis, a gathering place, so making it comfortable and welcoming is important.

Bring the barbecue back to life. Grimy grills aren’t a welcome part of any backyard. Give it a good cleaning with the popular brand Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Using a damp brush, give the grill and overall barbecue a good scrub and then a thorough rinse to bring the lustre back for a new season of grilling.

Spruce up the garden. Your garden is a magical place, allowing you to escape the realities of day-to-day life so you can enjoy the simple beauty of flora and fauna. When designing your backyard keep the amount of sunlight and water that plants will need in mind. Be sure to include the colour and textures that you love to create an environment you’ll want to retreat to at the end of the day.

Bring a sparkle to your pool and outdoor toys. Whether you have an in-ground pool or

one of the inflatable variety, a few toys serve as necessary accessories for a fun and carefree environment. If they’ve been stored over the winter, mix baking soda with warm water and give the toys a good wipe or soak and then rinse.

More information is available at www.armandhammerbakingsoda.ca.

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Kids play – get creative with baking soda (206 words + 1 photo)

(NC) To unleash creativity and encourage scientific inquiry, it’s important to stimulate a child’s mind with exploration and play. Often, this is as simple as turning to your own kitchen cupboards.

Baking soda, for example, along with other household products, is a key ingredient for activities and projects. Rain or shine, for birthdays or class projects, the options are endless. You can make watercolours, play clay, magic beans and the well-known erupting volcano. With adult supervision, kids can be given creative license for fun all day.

To make a simple watercolour paint with baking soda, follow these easy instructions:

What you need:2 tablespoons Arm & Hammer Baking Soda2 tablespoons flour2 teaspoons sugar1 packet dry unsweetened drink mix (any

flavour)2 tablespoons waterHow to make it:1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.2. Add water and stir until fizzing stops;

different drink mix flavours will give you different colours.

3. For more intense watercolour, a few drops of food colouring can be added to the mix.

4. Paint with them right away, or pour into jar lids or a plastic tray and let harden for future use.

More ideas can be found at www.armandhammerbakingsoda.ca.

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HOME & GARDENHome energy saving tips for summer travelers (384 words) (NC) - Did you know that home appliances and electronics still draw power whether you’re using them or not? If you’re planning to travel this summer, consider giving them a vacation too. Turning them off, down, or even unplugging will reduce energy waste and give you the added benefit of a lower energy bill when you get home.

Dave Walton, the director of home ideas for Direct Energy recommends the following tips for summer travelers:

Control the air. Allowing the temperature in your house to increase by a few degrees when no one is home could save a significant amount on your summer energy bills. If you have a programmable thermostat, keep the temperature high while you’re away and set it to automatically lower before you arrive home. Adjusting the thermostat from 22 to 24 degrees Celsius over

an eight hour period during the day and again overnight could save you approximately three to five per cent on your hydro bill.

Unplug vampire electronics. Vampire electronics are the household appliances and devices that mindlessly add to your energy bills even when they are turned off. Things like cell phone chargers, microwave ovens, DVD players, televisions, computers, and gaming consoles all draw electricity when not in use. Even the average older home desktop computer uses about 311.0 kilowatt hours annually when in standby mode, costing approximately $24.00 a year.

Cover the windows. Before you leave for your holidays remember to close the curtains and drapes, especially on south and west facing windows. This will help block out the high summer sun and

stop the home from getting too hot inside, causing your AC to come on unnecessarily.

Set your lights on a timer. By using a timer, not only are you being more energy efficient, you will also be making it look like someone’s home while you’re out of town..

Stay connected while you’re away. That home-away-from-home can be great, but how will you know if a problem arises? Learning thermostats allow homeowners to monitor what’s going on, no matter where you are. You can get a message to your phone if your home is too hot or too cold, or receive information about how often the equipment has been coming on so you can better monitor the temperature you set.

More information is available at www.davescorner.ca.

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Avoid thermostat wars this summer (306 words) (NC) - As the summer heat sets in, household debates often turn to how high or low to set the thermostat. In fact, a recent survey by Direct Energy found that it was the third most common domestic disagreement, just after control of the television remote and cleaning the bathroom.

“With energy prices on the rise you’ll save the most money and avoid future arguments if you can come to an agreement on home temperature now,” says Dave Walton, the director of home ideas for Direct Energy. “You don’t need to have your temperature turned down as low as you might think. In fact, setting it to 25 degrees Celsius cuts the humidity and will keep you comfortable for a lower cost.”

Here are a few additional ideas from Dave showing how Canadians can stay cool and save money this summer:

Install a programmable thermostat - Set the times and temperatures to match your schedule. Also, consider setting the thermostat to turn off your air conditioner at night.

Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air - Fan blades should operate in a counter-clockwise direction to move the air downwards and maximize air circulation so that your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard.

Replace furnace filters every three months - This will help your air conditioner run more

efficiently. Clogged filters mean that furnace motors must work harder and use more energy.

Close the curtains and drapes - Before you leave the house, remember to close the curtains and drapes, especially on south and west facing windows. This will help block out the high summer sun and stop the home from getting too hot inside.

Fire up the barbecue - Cooking outdoors in the summer is much more efficient than using a conventional stove, which often warms the house. More energy saving tips are available at www.davescorner.ca.

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Tips to beat extreme summer heat (184 words)

(NC) - When the mercury rises, so do electricity bills in many homes. There are ways, however, to stay cool this summer and still save on energy costs. Dave Walton, the director of home ideas for Direct Energy, offers these suggestions to beat the heat and lower your energy bills:

• Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air. Fan blades should operate in a counter-clockwise direction to move the cool air down and maximize air circulation, easing the burden on the air conditioner.

• Close curtains or blinds on windows that receive direct sunlight to keep heat out of the house.

• Close vents in unused rooms and shut the doors. Don’t lose money cooling rooms that aren’t in use.

• Have a qualified professional perform maintenance on your air conditioner before the hot weather arrives to ensure it is operating efficiently.

• Install a programmable or learning thermostat and set the schedule to only cool down the house when you’re at home. Consider setting the air conditioner to turn off while you’re sleeping to save even more.

More energy saving tips are available at www.davescorner.ca.

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Don’t let the thermostat leave you hot and bothered (203 words)

(NC) - A recent survey by Direct Energy found that control of the thermostat is one of the most common household disputes. With energy prices on the rise this summer, fighting over indoor temperature may also leave Canadians fuming when they get their bill. Dave Walton, director of home ideas for Direct Energy offers suggestions for saving money while you keep the family cool:

Install a programmable thermostat - Set the times and temperatures to match your schedule. Also, consider setting the thermostat to turn off your air conditioner at night.

Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air – In the summer month, fan blades should operate in a counter-clockwise direction to move the

air downwards and maximize circulation so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard.

Replace furnace filters every three months - This will help your air conditioner run more efficiently. Clogged filters mean that furnace motors must work harder and use more energy.

Cover windows - Before you leave the house remember to close the curtains and drapes, especially on south and west facing windows. This will help block out the high summer sun and stop the home from getting too hot inside.

More energy saving tips are available at www.davescorner.ca.

www.newscanada.com


HOME & GARDENKeep energy efficiency on your house hunting radar (387 words + 1 photo, ONT Only) (NC) If you’re getting ready to buy a new home this summer, energy efficiency is an important element to keep in mind. While it may not be as a glamorous as planning the new paint colour or décor, energy costs should be on the list of items you evaluate at any potential new property.

You may think the only utility consideration is providing advance notice to open or update your account, but energy costs can vary significantly depending on the size of the home, your family and usage—and the type of fuel.

In Ontario, natural gas is most commonly used for home and water heating and while it is a cost-effective option over alternatives like electricity and oil, the costs are still an important factor in your monthly budget planning.

If you get a sense of the costs early it can prevent unwanted surprises later – and fortunately there are a few ways to estimate and understand your energy costs before you sign on the dotted line:

Estimate your average monthly bills. Ask the seller for past utility bills or amounts.

Consider the appliances. What stays and what will be replaced? Energy-efficient equipment is an investment in the value of your home, and the cost may be reduced through energy rebates – search online for details and current offers. Also, ask about current rental equipment and the terms of existing agreements.

Find out if an energy audit has been done: This will provide useful information on the home’s energy efficiency. It may also provide a list of things to help keep energy costs as low as possible. If an audit has not been done in a while, schedule one in advance to help you make an informed decision. The details on incentives for qualifying home buyers and sellers can be found at www.knowyourenergyscore.ca.

Once you’ve made your new home selection, visit your local utilities’ websites to find not

only additional energy efficiency information, but also instructions on how to ensure your service is set up properly.

Most companies require at least three days’ notice of the move and you’ll likely have a few online forms to fill out. At the same time, you can see if they offer a paperless billing option to help avoid cluttering your new home with paper mail.


How to spend less on natural gas (312 words + 1 photo, ONT Only)

(NC) With thermostats turned down and windows pushed open, many Ontarians are not thinking about their natural gas bills in summer months. However, according to Enbridge Gas Distribution, next to home heating, the greatest source of natural gas costs comes from heating water and swimming pools.

To use less energy and save money after an unusually long and cold winter, here are a few ways to do it:

Turn your thermostat down. Before opening your windows to enjoy the warm summer breeze, remember to lower the temperature on your thermostat or turn it off completely.

Use ceiling fans. The air flow created by ceiling fans can cool a room. Ceiling fans also lessen the reliance on air conditioning.

Keep drapes and shades closed. Even if your windows are closed, they can still let a lot of heat into your home. When it’s hot outside,

close your drapes and shades to keep your house cool.

Use a solar blanket on your pool. Cover your pool overnight to keep the water warm and reduce water evaporation.

Wash clothing in cold water. Hot water is rarely needed to clean your laundry.

Install low-flow showerheads. Consider installing low-flow showerheads to help reduce water consumption and lower natural gas use.

Keep your furnace filter clean: Make sure your furnace is working at peak efficiency by cleaning or replacing the filter regularly. A clean filter will help a central air conditioner provide better air flow throughout your house.

Plug the leaks: Use the nice weather as an opportunity to weatherize your home. Small changes, such as caulking or weather-stripping doors and windows, can provide energy savings when the weather cools. More significant

changes, like installing Energy Star windows, will help keep the cool air in during the warmer months.

Additional tips can be found online at www.enbridgegas.com/energyefficiency.



Put safety first with DIY projects (392 words + 1 photo, ONT Only) (NC) Many more of us are rolling up our sleeves these days to tackle home improvement projects, thanks to the growing popularity of television shows, blogs, and Pinterest.

Did you know, however, that routine renovations could damage natural gas pipes and cause a leak? Before placing power tools on the wall or shovels in the ground, there are some important safety considerations that should be built into your home renovation plan.

If you have a natural gas range, fireplace, dryer or barbecue, you will have natural gas pipes running throughout your house, according to Enbridge Gas Distribution. It’s important to locate these pipes before beginning any work as you could easily damage them (even during the most routine renovations) and cause a gas leak.

A licensed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor should identify all hidden piping before you begin your project. If natural gas pipelines must be moved, this work must be conducted by an HVAC contractor – this should never be attempted on your own.

Natural gas pipes, lines and cables are also buried underground outside your home. Any outdoor projects like building a deck, installing a fence or planting a tree requires calling before you dig.

Digging in the wrong spot could cause serious damage, injury or death. You might also cut off service to the entire neighbourhood or receive a costly fine. To find out where it’s safe to dig, call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 at least five days before starting your project. This free underground utility locating service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

While renovating, keep in mind that your natural gas appliances need room to breathe. If you’re adding partitions or walls near your furnace, water heater or other natural gas appliances, ensure that they have an adequate air supply. An HVAC contractor can help you evaluate the situation and provide expert advice on how to safely execute your plan.

Installing insulation, using solvents or chemical strippers, and sanding and refinishing may

release dust, flying particles, toxic fumes or other contaminants. To stay safe, make sure you have protective clothing, including safety goggles and masks.

R e m e m b e r , natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If you smell gas at any point during your renovation, leave the area and call the utility’s emergency number from outside or from a neighbour’s home.

More information on renovation safety can be found at www.sixsecondsafety.com.


HOME & GARDEN

Six simple steps to an organized and sensational garage space (634 words + 1 photo) (NC) Move over kitchens and bathrooms, homeowners are focusing on a new part of the home: the garage. No longer just a place to park the car and lawn equipment, today’s garages are getting bigger and better. Here are a few quick and easy projects to create a useful and organized garage.

Make a grand entrance. While your garage may be a mess inside, begin your update with a good exterior impression. Adding a coat of paint to the main garage doors can make a dramatic update. And don’t stop there. Jazz up metal side-entrance doors with a more vibrant shade. Rust Protector spray paint from Krylon is an excellent choice to provide superior metal protection – and it dries in just eight minutes to let you carry on with the rest of your projects.

Empty and organize. Now that your garage is looking great from the outside, it’s time to tackle the inside. Start by pulling everything out into the driveway, organizing the contents into groups: lawn and garden; tools and hardware; toys, games and bikes; and for items you no longer want or need – garage sale. While the space is empty, give it a good cleaning from top to bottom.

Create a workstation. No matter what your hobbies or interests, you’ll likely need a space to do work. Assess how much room you can allocate and then create a station to accomplish tasks easily.

Old metal tool cabinets are an excellent way to create an inexpensive DIY workbench. First, thoroughly clean the surfaces and then spray paint with Krylon Rust Protector in your favorite colour to not only make it look great, but keep the metal surface protected from rust. Next, mount a work surface to the top. Now you’ll have a designated work area – with all your necessary tools within arm’s reach. Plus, add a few bar stools and it can double as an entertainment station as well!

Keep hardware handy. While tool cabinets keep tools neatly stored away, there are some readily used tools that you want to keep in plain sight. For these items, hang a pegboard on the wall above your new workstation and equip it with a variety of hooks and bins. To take your organization a step further, spray paint outlines of each tool to show where they go. Finally, there will be no excuse to not put the screwdriver away!

Let there be light. If your garage is like most, it has a single incandescent bulb hanging from the ceiling… definitely not emitting enough light to do any work. Luckily, lighting up your space can be simple and inexpensive with a fluorescent light fixture. Available in a variety of lengths, these fixtures can easily be installed by hanging from chains mounted into the ceiling and simply plugging into a power source – no need for electrical wiring.

Create smart shelving. When your work area is complete, it’s time to find a place for the other items. Shelving is always a great option – but can be expensive to purchase. A more affordable option is to recycle cabinets or shelves that you already have in your home. Have an old microwave cart, plastic shelves or even old kitchen cabinets left from a remodel? They are the perfect home for garden equipment or kids toys. Clean the surfaces and then paint them to achieve a finished look. Think you can’t paint plastic? Think again. Krylon’s new Dual Superbond spray paint features a proprietary formula that offers a high-adhesion, specialty primer that ensures top performance even on hard-to-paint surfaces such as plastics, laminates and melamine, as well as other commonly painted surfaces.

With a bit of organization and effort, you can transform your garage from cluttered to classy in no time at all. For more information on project ideas, visit www.krylon.ca.

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Colourful creations: Five summer paint projects to create a splash (623 words + 1 photo)

HOME & GARDEN

(NC) Be gone muted colours of winter! As we welcome in warm summer temperatures, it’s time to brighten up our homes with sensational summer shades. And it’s easy to add a pop of vibrant colour with the help from the experts at Krylon spray paint.

“Painting is a project that even a novice DIYer can feel confident doing,” said Katherine Merkle, brand manager, Krylon. “And with the right spray paint you can achieve results that look like they were done by a professional.”

Start your summer off on the right foot with these five simple projects that are sure to make a splash.

Tricked Out ToysHave the kids’ toys seen better days? Or does

the hand-me-down pink bike now need to look a bit boyish? Spray paint to the rescue. With a few coats of paint, you can transform your bike from bleak to chic instantly. For a unique finish that adds just a bit of sparkle, try Krylon’s new Shimmer Metallic. Available in nine stunning shades, it creates a durable finish similar to an automotive finish for tricked out toys sure to excite the kiddos.

Marvelous MailboxIt’s one of the first things guests see as they

arrive at our homes, and one of the last things we often focus on – the mailbox. If your mailbox is showing rust or the paint is peeling off the pole, it’s time for an update. Whether your box is made

of metal, wood or plastic, you can rest assured that you’ll achieve superior results with Krylon’s Dual Superbond spray paint. The proprietary formula offers a high-adhesion, specialty primer that ensures top performance even on hard-to-paint surfaces such as plastics, laminates and melamine, as well as other commonly painted surfaces. Plus, it offers corrosion resistance, so your mailbox update looks good now… and down the road.

Pretty PatiosSummer also means picnics on the patio. And

luckily you don’t need to buy new furniture to make your outdoor space look new. Instead, breathe life into your existing wood or metal furniture with a fresh coat of Dual Superbond spray paint. With dozens of colours from which to choose you can create a stylish new look that will also hold up to the outdoor elements.

And don’t stop with your table and chairs – add pops of colour to other outdoor accents, such as flower pots and centrepieces. Spray paint even works on faded cloth items such as umbrellas, pillows and seat cushions. Soon you’ll have a pretty patio that will be the envy of the neighbourhood.

Gorgeous GrillsBy nature of their use, grills and fire pits get dirty

quickly. But they can easily achieve a makeover with spray paint. Be sure to choose a product, such as Krylon’s High Heat Max which can withstand extreme temperature swings of up to 1200°F (650°C). High Heat Max delivers maximum rust

resistance in three contemporary and stylish finishes, so you won’t just protect the grill, you’ll keep it looking designer beautiful all year long.

Sassy ShelvesWhile the warm

weather offers a variety of new activities… it also means more “stuff.” To keep the garage looking a bit more organized, shelves are an excellent spot to house anything from watering cans to soccer balls. No need to buy new – an old microwave cart or plastic shelves can easily be painted and repurposed to create instant organization. Start by cleaning the surfaces and then paint them with Dual Superbond to achieve a finished look. Soon you’ll have some sassy-looking shelves that will add some garage organization sanity.

Who knew that it could be as simple as grabbing a few cans of spray paint to brighten your surroundings… and your mood. For more information on Krylon products or projects, visit www.krylon.ca.

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6 smart tips for using paper towels (375 words + 1 photo)

(NC) This little tool is an everyday cleaning essential, but did you know that paper towels can be used for a lot more than spills? Lifestyle expert Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault has teamed up with the Royale Tiger Towel brand to share smart, everyday solutions for using paper towels around the home, as follows:

• Line the bottom of your lunch bag with a folded paper towel to absorb spills and make cleanup at the end of the day quick and simple.

• For a quick and easy way to clean the inside of your microwave, soak a paper towel in water and put it into a microwave-safe bowl. Squeeze half a lemon into the bowl and heat for one minute. The moisture from the towel will create a layer of steam, making it perfect for wiping away spills and splatters.

• Make drying the inside of small-neck glass bottles and vases easier by rolling up a paper towel into a small tube, inserting it into the container and letting it sit overnight. The absorbent towel will wick the water away, leaving it clean and dry.

• To clean calcium build-up from around the base of your bathroom faucet or your shower head, try soaking a paper towel in a vinegar and water solution and wrapping it around the affected areas. Allow the damp towels to sit for about an hour, then remove and rinse with clean water.

• Create a quick and disposable dust pan by wetting a few sheets of paper towel and placing them on the floor. Sweep dirt onto the towels, then simply fold them up and toss in the composter when done. The moisture is a magnet for grabbing onto dirt particles.

• Line the bottom of your waste bins with several sheets of paper towel and add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to catch any garbage leaks and keep the bin smelling fresh.

“While paper towels are a necessity in the kitchen, they can be also helpful throughout the rest of the home. Make sure to keep a roll under the bathroom sink, in the garage or even in the trunk of your car for quick, in-a-pinch clean-ups,” adds Perrault.

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HOME & GARDEN

Keep clean-up a breeze this barbecue season (287 words)

(NC) There’s nothing better than firing up the grill and enjoying your summertime favourites on the patio. But even if your next barbecue masterpiece is finger-licking good, it can still leave a mess.

Spend less time on prep and clean-up and more time enjoying the season with these easy backyard barbecue tips, courtesy of the Canadian paper towel brand, Royale Tiger Towel:

• Save trips back and forth to the kitchen. Use a sturdy tray or condiment caddy to carry your favourite toppings, cutlery and napkins in one trip.

• Don’t let spills and messes build up on the outside of your barbecue. As soon as the surface

cools, spray it with barbecue-friendly cleaner and wipe with a paper towel. Do the same for any work surfaces and patio furniture.

• Corn on the cob is a staple for many backyard meals, but removing the silk can be tough. Make it easy by running a moistened paper towel over the kernels after the husk has been removed.

• Keep paper towels secure and within reach by attaching the holder to the bottom of a picnic table. Then, just pop in a roll as needed.

• Help create a non-stick surface and reduce the mess that’s left behind after grilling by dipping a paper towel in a small amount of oil, holding it

with metal tongs and carefully rubbing it over the barbecue grate.

• Quickly chill drinks by wrapping a bottle or can with a wet paper towel and sticking it in the freezer for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Just keep track of the time to ensure drinks don’t freeze all the way to avoid an unwanted mess.

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Paper the tip of your green thumb (283 words)

(NC) Those with a green thumb usually have a secret to their success.

Did you know, for example, that paper towels can be a gardener’s best friend? Take a look at these easy tips from the popular Canadian brand, Royale Tiger Towel, endorsed by lifestyle expert Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault.

• Test the viability of old seeds before planting by placing some seeds in a damp paper towel and setting them in a warm place for two weeks. Continue to keep the towels moist during this time. If the seeds don’t sprout at the end of the two weeks, they are probably too old to use.

• Use paper towel rolls to protect young seedlings from pests and damage. Cut the cardboard rolls to

the needed length and carefully place around each seedling, pressing into the dirt. Once the seedling grows, simply cut the roll and remove.

• Paper towels are a great for keeping your produce fresh and lasting longer in the fridge. Simply line the bottom of your crisping drawer, or slip a sheet or two inside produce bags to keep moisture away which helps to deter the growth of mold.

• For herbs that need water to stay fresh, wrap them with a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag before storing in the refrigerator. Check the herbs every few days to ensure the towel hasn’t dried out. If it has, spray it with water or re-wrap with another damp paper towel.

Avoid putting your used paper towels in the garbage. Put them in your outdoor composter instead. Paper towels are a great carbon-rich addition to the compost pile.

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Curb appeal starts with your driveway (350 words + 1 photo)

(NC) When homeowners envision the ‘curb appeal’ of their property, favourite features such as landscaping, windows and even decorative pieces come easily to mind – but what about the driveway? Is yours attractive, or is it an eyesore?

This summer, don’t wait for the kid with the vat of black goo and a $10 roller brush to take care of the driveway for you. Take matters into your own hands and do it yourself.

“Although a door-to-door service may seem simpler, the materials used are often not designed to last or preserve your driveway the way we need them to,” explains Lawrence Genga, the senior director of marketing and research and development at Rust-Oleum Consumer Brands Canada. “When homeowners are proactive with the right products and do a driveway reno themselves, it not only improves the look, but also the life of their driveway.”

As your driveway gets older, it will fade and crack. Canada’s winters are cruel to asphalt, with buckling, heaving and salt all doing their best to turn it into a grey sponge. A fading driveway can be an indicator that the asphalt is breaking down. As a homeowner, your best first step is to inspect the surface– not just the colour, but the quality. Check for cracks, loose patches or low spots that puddle and can indicate poor drainage. Make sure there isn’t a big dip outside your garage and that the driveway hasn’t settled away from the house either.

If you encounter bigger issues related to the foundation you may need to call in the professionals. However, if a driveway is simply in need of a little TLC, there are effective products such as EpoxyShield Driveway to help homeowners tackle these issues themselves.

“ E p o x y S h i e l d Driveway is a line of high-quality products designed to help clean, repair and beautify your driveway and to help you do it right the first time,” Genga continues. “From small repairs such as filling cracks, to bigger projects such as levelling issues or complete re-coating, this product is helping homeowners to improve the look and performance of their driveways – without all the headaches.”

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HOME & GARDENIs it hard to finish the home projects you start? (253 words + 1 photo)

(NC) It’s no secret that the DIY trend is growing in Canada. Homeowners are taking on more projects themselves, from major renovations to small repairs, interior and exterior design and crafting.

In fact, Ipsos Reid research firm recently reported that in the last year, 73% of Canadian’s have taken on a DIY home improvement project – not a surprising number considering the tightening budgets and growing independence of the population. These DIYers are turning to new ways to get the job done and finding pride and savings in the projects they complete.

Although taking on such projects is popular, it turns out that finishing them is the real challenge. This insight is the inspiration behind a new

resource, www.helpingyoufinish.ca – an online community dedicated to educating, inspiring and helping us to cross the DIY finish line.

“Our company has been working with homeowners for almost a century, so we know the challenges you face – and we’re here to help,” says Lawrence Genga, the senior director of marketing and research and development at Rust-Oleum Consumer Brands Canada. “We want to instill confidence and pride in Canadians and inspire them to not only take on new projects, but to finish what they’ve started. Our digital resource provides step by step guidance, plus ideas, tips and techniques for success. It also connects you with like-minded

Canadians who truly love all things DIY.”

A platform for sharing experiences, as well as one-on-one access with project experts, the new helpingyoufinish.ca community is a resource for those seeking answers, ideas or inspiration.

www.newscanada.com

All hands on deck (451 words + 1 photo) (NC) Summer is here and you are looking at your deck or patio and wondering how much longer it’s going to last.

Is it starting to splinter? Are the stones rough and painful to walk on? How are you going to find the time or money to fix it without cutting into your free time or without blowing the budget? It’s no secret that a deck replacement is a big investment – one many of us like to avoid where possible. So, before you dig into your wallet or get out the sledge hammer, make sure you’ve explored your options.

First, start by checking your deck or patio carefully to make sure the structural integrity is sound. Improving the look of a deck that is damaged won’t extend its life. The same goes for a path or patio that has heaved excessively over the winter or is full of puddles after it rains. In those cases, a more significant repair, or replacement, is needed.

A Small Repair Sometimes the entire deck isn’t in need of

an update, just certain trouble spots. In this

case, there’s no reason to do an overhaul – just a simple touch up is needed. For example, if you’re experiencing cracks in cement or divots in your wood, there are a number of filler solutions available today that can help combat these issues.

A Fresh LookIf your wooden deck is still structurally sound but

visibly in need of help, it may be time to consider a fresh stain. When taking on a stain project be sure to properly prep and finish your surfaces – cleaning and sanding prior to staining, and using a quality clear coat or sealer following application, will provide the best results and longer-lasting protection.

A Firm Fix If your deck is beyond simple beautification, but

structurally sound, the answer may be to ‘restore’ it.

New products available on the market such as Restore (by Rust-Oleum) are allowing homeowners to update the look and durability of their decks without having to replace. And what most people love is that it’s thicker than most

other deck coatings, allowing it to be applied right onto existing surfaces without stripping or sealing.

“Restore is an advanced coating designed to reinvigorate your wooden decks, concrete patios and even vertical surfaces such as retaining walls,” says Lawrence Genga, the senior director of marketing and research and development at Rust-Oleum Consumer Brands Canada. “Its thick application fills in imperfections, locks down splinters, and provides lasting protection against moisture and the damaging effects of the sun. It’s also slip-resistant.”

With product options like this, you can be sure that a deck or patio restoration will be at the top of every ‘honey-do’ list this summer.

www.newscanada.com

Breathe new life into old rusty items (323 words + 2 photos) (NC) As many homeowners can attest, summer is by far the best time to take on DIY projects around the home. From major renovations to minor repairs, getting to work just seems easier with a nice warm breeze.

This renewed summer feeling also brings out the desire for homeowners to take inventory of their items, especially deciding what can stay and what must go. But before you scrap old items like rusted bikes or broken down wagons, consider an ‘upcycle’ project instead. Millions of Canadians are joining the upcycling trend by updating old outdoor items, and it can be easier than you think with the right tools.

Upcycling OutdoorsOne of the biggest issues homeowners run into

with outdoor pieces is rust and water damage. When items such as bikes, gazebos or even iron fences are left to endure winter weather, they can accumulate rust patches and corrosion, which are

not only an eyesore, but can reduce the life span of the structure. One simple solution when working with rusted items is to improve the look and protect from further damage with a high-quality rust paint, such as Tremclad.

“That one product has been around for decades helping so many treasured items last longer,” says Lawrence Genga, the senior director of marketing and research and development at Rust-Oleum Consumer Brands Canada. “The science behind Tremclad works to penetrate rust and help inhibit further occurrence.”

When using a rust product, the most important quality to look for is durability. The more durable your product, the less you will have to apply in the long run and the better protection your item will have from further water damage.

Another key consideration when doing outdoor projects? The weather. Not just when it comes to the durability of your project, but when applying your paint or products. Be sure to follow temperature instructions closely and select days with low wind for best results on your next upcycle project.

www.newscanada.com


HOME & GARDENPaint your patio set to perfection (416 words + 2 photos) (NC) Is your patio furniture set less than inviting now that you’ve removed the cover and brought it into the light? Not to worry. Some simple suggestions will revitalize it beautifully before sundown.

Many homeowners take the easy way out and trash their backyard treasures before giving them a second chance, especially metal, or wrought iron patio sets that have accumulated some rust and dust over the years. But the truth is that these items are easy to update with a little TLC and high-quality rust paint.

“If homeowners only realized how valuable and in-demand simple patio sets can be,” explains Lawrence Genga, the senior director of marketing and research and development at Rust-Oleum Consumer Brands Canada. “Older patio sets hold a unique charm, something many people scour garage sales and second-hand shops to find. So, instead of kicking these pieces to the curb, it’s time to revive them. With some quick updates, you can easily turn old furniture into new, unique items, and easily be the envy of the neighbourhood.”

Here are some patio set painting tips to help you get started:

• Gather the items that you want to paint in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside on a day with little wind. Make sure nearby items are covered to protect from any overspray.

• Identify your trouble areas and determine if rust needs to be removed. When you use high-quality products such as Tremclad rust paint, you can paint right over the rust. However, if rust debris is loose or flaky, or if you want to remove it for any reason, try using a wire brush or sandpaper to simply smooth the surface.

• Clean the furniture completely to remove the dust, debris, bits of grass, cobwebs, etc. so that the paint has a clean surface to work with. Use

soap and water to get rid of anything that is stuck on as it can interfere with the quality of your finished product.

• Make sure your piece has dried completely before you start the painting phase. No matter your application preference (brush-on or spray) be sure to check your product instructions carefully before you start.

• Don’t forget to paint the bottoms and undersides of the furniture as moisture can reach there as well.

• While your freshly painted furniture is drying, have a look around for some accents to decorate. Some bright colours and materials or flowers, outdoor art, candles, or lamps can all provide your ‘new’ space with some perfect finishing touches.

www.newscanada.com

Expert Food and Nutrition articles and videos available for your

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LIFESTYLESHow to start a book club (421 words)

(NC) You’ve decided that you want to read great books and you’re looking forward to thought-provoking reads and lively discussions. Here are some steps to getting your book club up and running:

Recruiting membersAs with any project, it’s best to start small and

build. Begin by talking to friends and colleagues who share your love of books. Once you have a core of three or four interested, you can reach out. An ideal size is eight to 16 members. Recruit with social media, or with a poster in your community centre, library, or laundromat. And also, notices in the local newspaper are all good ways to find the right people.

Choosing booksYou could go with a theme—a specific author,

country, or genre—or you could sign up to a book club network that will select the books for you. The popular Amnesty International Book Club

selects books with human rights experiences. The Amnesty book club also offers people the chance to take action on a critical human rights issue.

Meeting placeA book club is a social event as well as a chance

to discuss good books. Many clubs take turns meeting in each member’s place, with drinks, snacks, sometimes even meals to accompany the talk. Libraries, places of worship and community centres will often provide meeting rooms. You can pump up the socializing by meeting in a café, bar or restaurant—whatever suits your group.

TimingIt’s important to pick a schedule and stick to

it—the first Tuesday of the month for example, or the third Thursday. Once a month seems to work for most groups but you can shorten or lengthen that. Most clubs meet mid-week, but it can be a breakfast, lunch or evening meeting, whatever

works best. Depending on the chat, the meeting should last an hour and a half or more.

Keeping in touchSend out meeting reminders via email, Facebook

or Twitter. You might want to set up a group on social media or a blog. Keep a record of your group, noting the books you’ve read and special events. It can help bring new members up to speed.

NameCreate an identity for your club. The Awesome

Authors Club? The Beyond Words Book Club? You choose how serious you want to be.

The most important thing of all is to have fun. Information about the Amnesty International

book club is available by writing to Amnesty International Book Club, 1992 Yonge Street, Suite 319, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1Z7, or online at amnestybookclub.ca.

www.newscanada.com

5 summertime ways to support a favourite charity (320 words + 1 photo) (NC) There are many ways to make a contribution to the charity that’s closest to your heart. We spoke with Hala Al-Madi, events coordinator for the human rights organization Amnesty International, who passed on a few ideas for getting outdoors to help a cause:

• Get permission to set up a table at a fair or festival to hand out information about your charity and raise awareness of their work. Some organizations like Amnesty have petitions on important issues that you can ask passersby to sign.

• Run. Most towns and cities have fun-runs and marathons in the warmer months. You can take part in a five kilometre run, or a marathon if you have the energy, and get people to sponsor you to raise funds.

• Don’t want to run—then take a hike. Embark on a long-distance walk and ask your family and friends to pledge a toonie per kilometre.

• Get busy in the kitchen. Host a dinner party or a barbecue party and invite people to donate to your favourite charity what they might pay for a nice meal in a restaurant. Or on the lighter side, turn a relaxing ritual like your tea or coffee break into an opportunity to gather others, and invite them to donate to your charity of choice.

• Hold a garage sale—or be more ambitious and organize a neighbourhood-wide garage sale with a portion of the proceeds going to a good cause. Set up a baking and drink stand in your yard and offer refreshments in exchange for a donation.

Al-Madi said that this is just the tip of the iceberg and plenty of other ideas can be found

online at amnesty.ca/raisemoney or by writing to Amnesty International, 312 Laurier Ave E Suite 500, Ottawa ON K1N 1H9.

www.newscanada.comPhoto Caption: Volunteers at a festival raising awareness for Amnesty International. Summer is a great time to do something outdoors in support of your favourite charity.

Take the bite out of summer activitiesHow to guard against insect bites (306 words + 2 photos) (NC) – The beautiful summer weather is an open invitation for families to explore the great outdoors on adventures like camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, canoeing, fishing or even horseback riding. Unfortunately, it’s also an open invitation for pesky mosquitoes and deer ticks to leave their irritating mark on these fun-filled family outdoor activities in the form of painful, stinging bites.

There’s ample reason to take every possible measure to avoid these bites even without taking into account their terrible, stinging itchiness.

Fortunately, it’s never been easier to enjoy an outdoor family adventure and still have dependable protection from mosquitoes and deer ticks. Avon, the creators of the iconic Skin So Soft product line, also offers Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Icaridin Insect Repellent Spray II. Convenient and easy to apply, it’s available in a pump or aerosol format.

Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Icaridin Insect Repellent Spray II provides strong and dependable repellency against mosquitoes for up to five hours and deer ticks for up to seven hours. Avon’s repellent spray uses Icaridin as its repelling agent, which is an effective alternative ingredient to DEET.

Some consumers don’t like DEET repellents because they have a greasy feel and an odour, while, Avon’s insect repellent has a pleasant scent, is non-greasy, has a light feel when applied and also contains soothing ingredients like vitamin E and aloe.

Icaridin has been used worldwide since 1998, and is one of the best selling active i n g r e d i e n t s contained in insect repellent products in Europe. The Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Icaridin Insect Repellent Spray II is ideal protection when you want to enjoy outdoor activities like walks, evening barbeques, sunset gazes and campfires without the nuisance and concern of mosquitoes and deer ticks. It is available through Avon Independent Sales Representatives and more information can be found on www.avon.ca.

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LIFESTYLESTop 10 Mosquito survival tipsHow to protect your family from bites (394 words + 2 photos)

(NC) – There’s nothing more irritating and uncomfortable during a summer outdoor family adventure than the onslaught of pesky mosquitoes targeting you and your loved ones as their next prey. The hot, humid summer months are a time when families can bond while experiencing fun-filled outdoor activities. However, it’s also a time where mosquitoes and deer ticks like to roam and make our lives miserable and uncomfortable.

With that in mind, here are the top 10 bite prevention tips to make sure you and your family make it through this mosquito season:

• Wear light-coloured, loose clothing preferably long sleeves and long pants.

• Avoid wearing heavy fragrances when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn, which is peak feeding time for mosquitoes.

• Remove areas of standing water near your house or campsite as they can be breeding areas for mosquitoes.

• Clean Gutters: Gutters clogged with debris allow stagnant water to form perfect landing zones for mosquito eggs.

• Wear closed shoes instead of sandals and a hat to avoid ticks.

• Tuck pants into socks.

• Inspect your clothing and body after exploring wooded or grassy areas.

• Avoid standing water. Mosquitoes are often attracted to water, especially standing water, so when on summer outings avoid lakes, stagnant creeks, bogs, marshes, and swamps.

• Avoid getting too hot. Mosquitoes are thought to be attracted to warm bodies so staying cool is one way to avoid bites. Avoid excessive exercise at dusk to help keep the bites at bay.

• Use an insect repellent to reduce bites when spending time outdoors in mosquito-infested areas.

In fact, Avon, the creators of the iconic Skin So Soft product line, has launched a bug repellent in Canada – Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Icaridin Repellent Spray II - that provides strong

and dependable repellency against mosquitoes for up to five hours and deer ticks for up to seven hours. It’s DEET free which is important to a growing number of consumers.

Avon’s new Bug Guard repellent features Icaridin as its repelling agent, an effective alternative ingredient to DEET. Bug Guard has a pleasant fresh scent, is non-greasy, quick drying and has a light feel when applied.

Icaridin has been used worldwide since 1998, and is one of the best selling active ingredients contained in insect repellent products in Europe. It is now available in Canada through Avon Independent Sales Representatives. More information can be found at www.avon.ca.

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Secure your principal home before heading to the cottage (389 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Cottage season for many of us is the greatest lure of the year – and while it’s natural to want to get out into the great outdoors as quickly as possible, it is also important to tie up loose ends at home before you head out.

“When you’re enjoying cottage life, the last thing you want is to be worrying about the safety of your home and belongings,” says Craig Richardson, a vice president at TD Insurance. “But it is important to take the extra time to make sure that your primary property is taken care of while you’re gone.”

Richardson offers a quick list of items to run through before you leave for the weekend, a week, or the whole summer:

Secure your property – Secure your home, garage doors and windows. Consider buying a light switch timer to turn your lights on and off according to a schedule.

Pull the plug and stop the flow – Unplug televisions, computers, and kitchen appliances

like your coffee pot before you leave. Turn your refrigerator on to “vacation mode” if possible. These steps will not only save power, but protect appliances from power surges. Consider turning off the main water valve before you leave, and drain all the pipes and appliances.

You’ve (probably) got mail – An overflowing mailbox is a sure sign that homeowners are away. Call the post office to temporarily halt mail if you will be away for an extended period of time, or arrange for a neighbour to collect it. Consider stopping newspaper delivery.

Revisit your home insurance policy –Did you know if you’re away from your home for more than seven consecutive days you’re required to make arrangements for someone to check in on your place? If you’re travelling by road, you might pack a few necessities or favourite gadgets. Review your policy and check with your insurer for Time Away insurance to

ensure you’re covered.

K e e p n e i g h b o u r s in the know – Make arrangements for a trusted friend or neighbour to check on your home. Share your contact information in case of an emergency.

If you’ve checked off everything on this list, you can enjoy your home-away-from-home knowing your city residence is better protected. More information can be found at www.tdinsurance.com.

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LIFESTYLESRent a beautiful summer house, not a doghouse (338 words + 1 photo) (NC) Renting the perfect cottage or cabin can be a relaxing and affordable option for those who want to escape a summer-in-the-city with their loved ones.

With so many tools available now, renting the right place for you and your family is as easy as the click of a button. But while it may seem simple, renters still need to do their due diligence to make sure they’re renting a great summer house, not a doghouse.

“There are many important items to consider when looking for a summer cottage rental,” says Craig Richardson, a vice president at TD Insurance. “A little bit of planning can make all the difference in finding a vacation cottage where you can have peace of mind while creating lasting memories.”

Richardson offers some quick tips for first time renters:

Search smart – Create a cottage wish-list including the amenities you will need. Use reputable vacation-rental websites or speak to friends and family for referrals.

Ask questions – Contact the owner to get a better understanding of the offering and their expectations during your stay. Having an open and transparent relationship with the cottage owner is important to prevent miscommunication later on. Ask about amenities, supplies, appliances, emergency materials like first aid kits and fire extinguishers, and the proximity to hospitals, police and fire departments.

Ensure you’re insured – Canadians looking to rent cottages within Canada are likely covered by

the property owner’s policy. It’s important to check with the owner to make sure this is in place.

Get the terms in writing – Read the rental agreement carefully and save a copy of these terms for your reference.

By keeping these easy tips in mind, cottage renters can get ready for a great summer getaway. More information is available at www.tdinsurance.com.

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Tackle your ‘to-do’ list as cottage season begins (296 words + 1 photo) (NC) Have you noticed that the first day or two at the cottage are never about relaxing on the dock?

“Before you can get lost in the excitement of your weekend getaway, it’s important to make sure that there are no unexpected surprises waiting for you,” says Craig Richardson, a vice president at TD Insurance. “By taking some time now to set up and check out your property, you will help to prevent interruptions down the road.”

Check the following tasks off your to-do list within the first day of your arrival:

Ensure your doorways and pathways are safe and accessible – Clear away tree branches and damaged tree limbs, and mow the lawn if needed.

Survey your property – Check for damage to power or phone lines, doors and windows, as well as your roof or deck.

Check the water supply – Turn on the main water supply and check for leaks and potential damage. Call your insurance provider immediately if you notice something out of the ordinary.

Keep an eye out for signs of rodents – Check your cupboards and counter tops for signs of mice or other rodents that may have entered while you were away.

Be prepared – Replace the batteries in your flashlights and smoke alarms and ensure that your fire extinguishers are charged for an emergency.

Getting these quick steps out of the way when you first arrive allows you to focus on making the most of your time at your cottage or cabin. More information is available at www.tdinsurance.com.

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5 tips for stress-free summer travel (328 words + 1 photo) (NC) Summertime is the perfect season for travel, but planning a vacation can be daunting and stressful. Take a look at these five easy tips to help you relax in no time, courtesy of WIND Mobile, a leading name in wireless service:

Double check your checklist – Passport, money and tickets are the three things you need to have well in advance of your departure so make sure these items are available and valid. Keep them in a safe spot where you won’t forget them on your way out the door.

Make an itinerary, but don’t plan everything – Of course there are some sights that you definitely need to see, but planning doesn’t always leave much room for spontaneity. Try talking to the locals to find great hidden restaurants, architecture or even the best drink specials. Keeping an open

schedule lets you explore new options and enjoy true unlimited freedom.

Pack light – Lots of basic toiletries can be found wherever you are travelling and you won’t have to worry about shampoo exploding in your luggage. And when have you ever worn that second ‘dressy’ outfit that you packed, just-in-case? Just think of how much happier you’ll be when you don’t have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

Cut cellphone costs – Most mobile carriers offer options to purchase add-ons that save you money on using your smartphone while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the United States for example, WIND Mobile offers unlimited data, talk and text for just $15/month. Otherwise, make sure you avoid roaming charges by only checking

Instagram and Facebook when you find a free Wi-Fi hotspot.

Carry your cards – Your credit cards can be incredibly helpful while travelling. Using your credit card abroad gives you the bank rate of exchange on all your purchases and you won’t get charged extra fees. But don’t forget to notify your credit card company that you’ll be away.

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LIFESTYLESDo you have phone bill phobia? (234 words + 1 photo) (NC) It starts during travel, and then it increases after the trip when you open the phone bill to find your mobile provider has buried you in roaming charges.

While away, you may not have realized that you were being charged for sending texts, looking up your location online, or calling back home. Your phone can be a great resource on vacation, but being scared of high phone bills can be disheartening.

Did you know that one in four Canadians suffer from phone bill phobia? You can save yourself the headache however, by following these three simple steps:

1. Invest in an affordable roaming plan – Many mobile providers offer solutions to help banish phone bill phobia. That way you can keep up with all the latest news, updates and services wherever you are. WIND Mobile, for example, offers unlimited data, talk and text across the United States for only $15/month.

2. Turn your phone onto airplane mode – That way you can still play music or offline games without incurring extra costs.

3. Stick to Wi-Fi – Grab a coffee and relax in a cafe or take a seat in the hotel lobby for an easy way to get a quick fix of data while you travel.

N o w a d a y s , sharing your vacation while it happens has never been more popular. But remember to be smart with your smartphone while you’re away. More tips on this topic can be found at www.windmobile.ca/usunlimited.

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How to reduce mobile roaming charges (283 words + 1 photo)

(NC) At least one in five Canadians has come back from travelling only to realize that they’ve racked up a larger than expected cellphone bill. However, many mobile providers are now alleviating this stress by providing low-cost options for travelling.

“Taking your smartphone on vacation is almost unavoidable,” said Mirko Rugarli, the chief marketing officer at WIND Mobile. “Whether you’re travelling for business or for pleasure, your phone is crucial for keeping you connected. That’s why we’ve introduced the first plan in Canada that gives users true mobile freedom and unlimited services, when travelling across the United States.”

WIND Mobile recently launched the industry’s first add-on which features unlimited talk, text

and data across the states for only $15/month. By purchasing a low-price addition, Rugarli says that consumers are able to keep their smartphone smart while on vacation and retain access to everything they regularly use their phone for, from Instagram uploads and Facebook status’s to checking maps, calling and texting.

There are many simple ways you can reduce data consumption while on vacation, including: making sure you switch off location services; stopping push notifications on your mail app; using instant messaging services like iMessage, WhatsApp or BBM; and turning off mobile syncing. Another smart trick is to make sure you close applications as they can continue to run in the background, taking up data and draining your battery. If you’re

really worried about your cellphone bill, you can always turn off your mobile network completely, by switching to airplane mode and sticking to Wi-Fi.

More information can be found at www.windmobile.ca.

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Could seasonal phobias impact your summer vacation? (309 words + 1 photo)

(NC) One in 10 Canadians say they suffer from some kind of phobia – and even in the carefree days of summer some of us will have a hard time shaking our fears.

Phobias affect people with various degrees of severity, but any one of them can have a tremendous impact on how we enjoy our holiday. So this summer instead, plan ahead, rise above it, and find antidotes, like this:

Phengophobia – If you have a fear of sunshine, make sure you cover up and visit locations that have plenty of indoor activities to enjoy like museums and galleries. Also look for cities that have extensive underground transit or pathways to help you navigate.

Pteromerhanophobia – A fear of flying shouldn’t stop you from exploring. There are plenty of great

locations that can be visited across North America by car, bus, train, bike and even boat.

Thalassophobia – If you have a fear of the sea make sure you stay inland and avoid coastal regions. Explore the mountains or prairies or get lost in the busy activity of a large metropolitan city.

Cymophobia – A fear of waves doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the water. Instead, pick a destination with calm water or stick to a shallow pool.

Melissophobia – Don’t let a fear of bees stop you this summer. Even though bees are generally non-aggressive, if these little creatures make you uncomfortable steer clear of parks, gardens and patios.

Phonebillphobia – One in four Canadians are afraid of returning home from vacation only to discover that they’ve racked up a large phone

bill from roaming charges. Before you travel this summer, speak to your mobile service provider for information about add-ons that can make this phobia a thing of the past. WIND Mobile, for example, offers unlimited talk, text and data across the U.S. for $15/month.

More information is available at www.windmobile.ca.

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LIFESTYLESFun facts add a fun dimension to the U.S.A. (294 words + 1 photo) (NC) Picking up local trivia when you travel makes your trip more exciting and can impress your travel companions. So if you’re going to the United States this summer, here are a few tidbits to get you stated, courtesy of WIND Mobile, a leading name in wireless service:

For New York City, did you know?• It’s the birth place of Scrabble, teddy bears and

toilet paper.• The Federal Reserve currently holds

$400-billion dollars in gold.• Over 8.3 million people live in New York city

– that’s more people than the population of the country of Switzerland (8 million).

For San Francisco, did you know?• This is the city that brought us denim jeans,

Chinese fortune cookies and chop suey.

• Just how steep are the streets? Filbert Street is the steepest at 31.5 degrees.

• The cable cars that run across the city are the only national historical monument in the world that moves.

For Seattle, did you know?• It’s full of smart people; Seattle is the most

literate city in the United States.• It’s the birthplace of the world’s first gas

station and more recently, the very first Starbucks.• The city has a large houseboat community,

almost 500 – matched only by communities in Asia.

General travel, did you know?• You can drive from the Atlantic coast to the

Pacific Ocean in 36 hours, a little longer if you stop by the Grand Canyon for an unforgettable detour.

• The smallest state is Rhode Island (4,002 sq. km) and Alaska is the largest at (1,717,854 sq. km). it also boasts the longest U.S. coastline (10,686 km), which is longer than all the other coastlines in the country combined.

• You can get a whole month of unlimited talk, text and data while you travel there for only $15 thanks to WIND Mobile,

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Make your smartphone a thrifty travel companion (474 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Are you taking your smartphone travelling this summer? It makes an invaluable tool for keeping us organized, connected, productive and entertained while on the go. Smartphones have built-in GPS navigation, camera, alarm clock, pedometer, so naturally you will want to take it along. Or not?

Many of us have a fear of using our phones outside Canada – mainly because of the horror stories about travellers coming home to an astronomical wireless bill.

To help alleviate those phone fears, Marc Saltzman, a Canadian tech guru, shares his top five tips for avoiding “phone bill phobia” this summer:

Travel add-onsBefore you leave on your trip, it pays to pick

up a travel plan. Most carriers offer options to purchase add-ons that will save you money on the standard rates for voice, text and data usage while you’re away. Saltzman says that WIND Mobile, for example, is the first Canadian carrier to offer unlimited data, talk and text across the United States, for just $15/month. With an unlimited plan, you have the freedom to share your entire trip with the

world, without the stress of keeping track of your usage or the fear of coming home to a crazy bill.

Disable push mail, appsWhen roaming, manually check for new

email instead of having the data pushed to your phone automatically. iPhone and Android users, for example, can turn off “Fetch New Data”. Similarly, go into your settings and disable push notifications for apps that support it, such as: live sports scores, real-time weather and news headlines.

Stick to Wi-FiWhile travelling, you might consider turning

off data roaming on your mobile device altogether to only use free Wi-Fi networks, such as one offered at your hotel, airport or cafe. This is ideal for online activities like picking up email, browsing the web or checking Facebook, but resist tasks like online banking or shopping until you’re on a secure Wi-Fi or cellular network.

Properly close appsMake sure you properly close apps when

you’re done with them, otherwise, they may still be running in the background and using

up data (and your battery, too). On Android, press and hold your home button and then swipe to the right to close apps; iPhone users can double-tap the home button and then flick up to close each app.

DowngradeHere’s a little known tip for travellers: While

transmission speeds will be slower, switching from 4G LTE to 3G or even 2G can reduce data costs and conserve your phone’s battery at the same time. Simply go into your phone’s settings and make the switch under “network mode” or “cellular”.

More smart tips on travelling with your smartphone are available at www.windmobile.ca.

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FIND THE

CONTENT YOU’RE

LOOKING FOR

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PERSONAL FINANCEFive reasons why every Canadian woman should have her own will (489 words) (NC)—Making a will is a sensible and worthwhile task that everybody, whatever their age or financial status, should do. However there are some special reasons why women should make a will of their own:

• Women usually live longer than their husbands, so it’s a good idea for each of you to have your own will.

• Planning for children or other dependants is something that women usually want to pay special attention to.

• Taxes and legal concerns (especially if there was a previous marriage or other dependants) should be looked at.

• Many women will want to make special arrangements for the distribution of family heirlooms, jewellery, items of historical or sentimental value, and their own property.

• Continuing the support for charities and organizations that many women supported during their lifetimes may be a consideration.

A will lets you decideWith a properly prepared will, you can ensure

that:

• Property will be distributed exactly as you would have wished;

• You can name your own executor to administer your estate;

• Guardians of children will be named in the way you want;

• Personal items such as jewellery and antiques will be handled the way you intend;

• Individuals, your church, health charities and organizations like Amnesty International will receive the support you had always intended for them.

Common questions include: How do I start?If you do not have a will, now is the time to

prepare one. While a will does not need to be a complicated document, it is always advisable to contact a lawyer or trust company to help you. The peace of mind which comes from ensuring there are no small mistakes or omissions which could cause difficulties for your heirs is well worth the costs of such services.

Can I change my will?

Yes, you can always change your will, either completely or by means of a codicil, which is a document that adds to or alters your existing will. You should seek legal advice to do this as requirements vary from province to province.

Should I leave money to a good cause?Always take care of your loved ones first, but

then consider if there are organizations and causes you’d also like to support with your estate. The tradition of leaving money to charities that benefit society and your community is many centuries old. Today, people at all income levels support organizations like the Cancer Society or Amnesty International through their wills. These bequests are a vital source of funds for the organizations and stand as a lasting memorial to the donor. For individuals who feel that they cannot afford to make a large donation to a cause they support during their lifetime, a bequest in a will can be a good way to make a lasting contribution.

A free information package is available from Amnesty International at 312 Laurier Avenue East, Suite #19, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1H9.

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Making summertime memories in your RV (437 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Summer is synonymous with long lazy days, picnic lunches and road-trips. There’s nothing better than driving with the windows rolled down and your favourite tunes blaring. And for a growing number of Canadians that means hitting the road in a recreational vehicle.

There’s a wide assortment to choose from these days — everything from expensive bus-like motor-homes, to towable travel trailers, to camper vans, to relatively inexpensive pop-up camping trailers. Recreational vehicles are popular mainly because they’re fun and provide a greater sense of freedom compared to standard holiday trips. Although a special license isn’t required to drive most RVs, the experts at Desjardins Insurance advise that it’s nothing like driving a car. Here are some points to remember:

• Be cautious and allow more time to brake, change lanes, turn and merge into traffic.

• Be sure your vehicle can handle the trailer you are towing. Most SUVs, light-duty trucks and full and mid-size family cars can pull an RV trailer, but check your vehicle’s maximum towing weight and factor in any of your belongings inside the trailer.

• Use the right trailer hitch, connect brake and signal lights and make sure they are synchronized with your vehicle.

• Be aware of the height of your vehicle. You wouldn’t want to ruin your vacation by getting your RV stuck or damaged by a tree branch, overpass or sign.

• If you’ve never pulled a trailer before, you’ll probably find that backing up is the biggest challenge. If possible, get some practice with the help of someone with trailer experience before heading out on your holiday. And always ask someone to stand outside your vehicle when reversing to avoid any obstacles not seen in your mirrors.

Whether you own or rent your mobile vacation home, Desjardins Insurance advisors suggest that you have adequate insurance coverage before heading out into traffic. It’s important to contact your insurance company with all the details well in advance of your vacation.

Recreational vehicles are manufactured by many different companies with a wide assortment of extras and options, all of which should be taken into account in the insurance coverage.

Basically, your RV insurance policy protects you from financial and other losses that may result in the event of an accident or other unforeseen event. It will typically cover three main areas: damage to your vehicle and trailer including your personal property in the unit, public liability and medical coverage.

With the proper insurance coverage and a sensible safety-first approach to driving, an RV holiday will give you and your travel-mates memories that will last a lifetime. For more RV insurance information and for a quote, visit www.desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com.

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PERSONAL FINANCEBecome tax-savvy with your investment dollars (540 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Congratulations, you made it. You survived the debt temptations of the holiday season, achieved your personal best in RSP contributions and only had to pay a small amount in additional taxes for the last year. Now you can relax until the whole headache starts again in a few months. But what if you could avoid the hassle by setting up a plan that could help reduce your next end-of-year tax bill? According to John Gallagher, an investment adviser from Desjardins Securities, it’s about how you pay yourself first.

For example, when it comes to your registered accounts like an RRSP or a TFSA, your main goal is growth and/or to protect your investment. Plus, these are tax deferred or tax free instruments so there is no immediate concern about the tax implications. “It’s a question of how you choose to invest your money outside of your registered accounts,” said Gallagher. “Making money is easy. Keeping it can be the tricky part. And that’s why it matters how you invest.” To illustrate his point, here are three general tax treatment examples for an individual with an annual income of $85,000 and earning $1,000 of investment income in three different types of investments (using 2014 rates and figures):

Earned interest

If you earned $1,000 in interest income from a bond or GIC, you have received the most tax inefficient income. At tax filing time, this full amount would be taxed at your marginal tax rate. The taxes on your interest will be calculated like this: $1,000 x your 39.41% marginal income tax rate= $394.10, which would leave you with only $605.90 in interest.

DividendsDividend income receives favourable tax

treatment. The reason for this is because it represents after-tax corporate profits which are distributed to shareholders. If you earned $1,000 in corporate dividends, the tax payable is 1,000 x 19.86% special dividend income tax rate = $198.60. Therefore you would be left with $801.40 in dividends, an extra $195.50 in your pocket compared to interest income.

Capital gainsMost people are familiar with the concept of buy

low, sell high. The goal of selling high is to make a profit — or a capital gain. For instance, if you bought some stock or real estate and made a $1,000 profit, your capital gain would be $1,000. Our tax system only requires you to pay tax on half of the gain. So, your $1,000 gain becomes $500 for tax reporting purposes: $500 x 39.41% marginal

tax rate = $197.05. Therefore your $1,000 gain leaves you with $802.95 after tax, an extra $197.05 compared to interest income.

Canada is a wealthy country with high income tax rates, but many of us pay thousands in additional tax each year because we haven’t structured our investments with tax-efficiency in mind. “Many investors find our tax system very complicated, but a few simple tax-wise steps can keep more money in your pocket,” suggests Gallagher. While these are very general examples, it’s always important to sit down with an investment advisor to discuss what’s best for you. His or her expert advice can help you identify your financial goals and risk tolerance before you start investing. Remember, creating a solid plan can be your most valuable tax-efficient tip.

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Top 5 tips on dealing with collection agencies (473 words + 1 photo, NB ONLY)

(NC) - Whether it’s because of illness, unemployment or unexpected financial hardships, you might someday receive an unwanted call from a collection agency. When bills go unpaid for an extended period of time, creditors will often hire this type of company to collect money that is owed.

Rick Hancox, chief executive officer with the newly-formed provincial Financial and Consumer Services Commission in New Brunswick (FCNB), offers consumers tips on how to deal with collection agencies. “First of all, don’t panic. The agency isn’t in business to make your life miserable—it just wants to collect the money you owe to its client.”

Here are the FCNB’s top 5 tips on dealing with collection agencies:

1. A positive attitude can go a long way. According to Hancox, it may be helpful to know that “your attitude towards paying the debt can greatly influence the amount of cooperation that you will receive from the collection agency. If you have extenuating circumstances that caused financial hardship—a lay-off, disability, family emergency—explain your situation to the collector, for the record. However, it is best to arrange a date to pay the debt in full, if possible.”

2. If unable to pay the debt in full, offer to send a statement of monthly obligations and income. This will demonstrate to the agency that you wish to cooperate. This statement will show the agency where your money goes every month, and is often very helpful in making payment arrangements.

3. Debts should not be treated lightly. Stick to your arrangement with the collection agency.

4. Do not bounce a cheque or miss a payment. If for some reason you cannot meet the arranged payment, call the collector in advance.

5. Seek out information on your rights. All collection agencies and individual collectors are required to be licensed by the Financial and Consumer Services Commission in New Brunswick.

The commission also provides consumers with protection from harassment. “When dealing with a collection agency, you should never feel harassed,” added Hancox. Agencies and their employees cannot:

• use threatening, intimidating or coercive language;

• call your place of employment, or speak to your employer;

• divulge information about the debt to anyone other than you;

• call you before seven a.m. or after nine p.m. Monday through Friday, before one p.m. or after five p.m. on a Sunday, and on a holiday;

• make threats for which they have no legal authority. (For example , in New Brunswick, your wages cannot be garnished for this reason.)

Additional information on your rights when dealing with collection agencies can be found on the Financial and Consumer Service Commission’s website at www.fcnb.ca/collections. If you feel that you are being harassed, or that any of the above regulations have been violated by a collection agency, contact the Financial and Consumer Services Commission at 1-866-933-2222 to file a complaint.

www.newscanada.comAttention editors: This article is for distribution in New Brunswick only.


PERSONAL FINANCENavigation tools for the home buying Canadian (224 words)

(NC) Our first house is exciting and represents a big accomplishment, but the home buying process can be daunting without the proper preparation. Before you sign on the dotted line, take a look at these three important tips from mortgage specialists at RBC:

3 tips to help make home buying easierGet pre-approvedWhen you are pre-approved for a mortgage, you

can shop for a home with confidence. Meet with a mortgage specialist before you tour open houses

– you’ll have a clearer picture of what you can afford and that will take some of the stress out of the home buying process.

Know the hidden costsBeyond the mortgage amount, legal fees and

land-transfer taxes are common examples of costs that often aren’t accounted for when purchasing a home. Make sure you know all the associated costs. A mortgage specialist will help you identify these costs and ensure that they are not overlooked.

Keep your total budget in mind

Allow for a little wiggle room so that you’ll have some funds in reserve for ongoing home ownership costs, your lifestyle needs and any unexpected expenses that may arise.

Additional home buying tools and tips are available at www.rbcadvicecentre.com.

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Groundwork takes the stress out of purchasing a house (297 words)

(NC) As we enter the spring ‘home buying’ season, why not take a few steps to ensure the path to home ownership is less stressful?

Among them is creating a checklist to get your ducks in a row. Canadian mortgage specialists, RBC, says the benefits of being prepared are immeasurable – and that includes finding and purchasing the home of your dreams. Here, courtesy of RBC, are some tips to make sure you are ready:

Get pre-approved. Knowing that the funds are authorized allows you to shop for a home with confidence. Meet with a mortgage specialist before you tour open houses and it will give you a clearer picture of what you can afford.

Get the mortgage that’s right for you. Not all mortgages are created equally, and while the rates are one of the most important factors, there are a number of different types of mortgages available to suit a range of needs. A specialist in this field can provide a full picture of what features are

available with each mortgage, and how they can help you down the road.

Stress-test your mortgage. Trying it on for size is one of the most important things that any home buyer should do before the purchase. Take into consideration things like interest rates, unforeseen costs like a leaky roof, and potential changes to your family.

Additional information, including buying tools and tips, is available at www.rbcadvicecentre.com.

www.newscanada.com

Are you ready to buy your first home? (225 words)

(NC) Buying a house is one of the biggest investments of our lifetime – and it’s a journey that is usually filled with questions around affordability, impact on savings, and lifestyle changes.

There are a number of online calculators and tools that can help answer many of these questions and give you a good sense of how much ‘house’ you can afford and what your monthly mortgage payments will look like. Take a look at these three tips for first-time homebuyers, courtesy of the mortgage specialists at RBC:

Know how much you can afford – beyond the mortgage amount, don’t forget to consider ongoing home ownership costs and your lifestyle needs. Use the How much home can I afford calculator available at www.rbcadvicecentre.com to find out where you stand.

Get a pre-approved mortgage – shop for a home with confidence and let everyone know you are a serious buyer. Additional benefits for pre-approval include being able to put in your offer faster, and potentially beating out another prospective buyer who hasn’t done their homework.

Know your mortgage options – take advantage of flexible pre-payment privileges to cut years off your mortgage. There is always more to your mortgage than the interest rate, so be sure you know what options are available in each mortgage type, and how they can be used to save you money. Use online tools and calculators to test out different scenarios.

Additional information, including mortgage tools and tips, is available at www.rbcadvicecentre.com.

www.newscanada.com

Newcomers receive guidance to reach their goals (218 words + 1 photo) (NC) Newcomers to Canada have a great number of things they need to do once they arrive in their new home country, from opening a bank account to purchasing a home. In order to help them reach their goals, the Royal Bank of Canada announced some changes to their programs to make it easier for newcomers to gain access to credit.

RBC, one of the first banks to introduce the “no credit history required $1000 unsecured credit card for newcomers,” has expanded their qualifying reach, including adding spouses to the card. By increasing the number who qualify, it allows more

people to begin to build their credit history – and achieve their goals – in Canada.

Christine Shisler, directorof multicultural markets at RBC, provides some benefits to having a credit card:

Building credit history – A credit card is an efficient credit-building tool. Make regular monthly payments to ensure you’re set up for future financial success.

Budgeting and expense tracking – Paying with your credit card allows you to easily keep track of your spending by checking your transactions and reviewing your statement.

Getting out of a bind – Flat tire? Whatever the emergency, your credit card can be your safety net whenever the need arises.

More information can found online at www.rbc.com/canada or by visiting a branch.

www.newscanada.com


PERSONAL FINANCENewcomers given a break to build credit history (468 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Buying a home can be an overwhelming experience at the best of times, even if you have a glowing credit history. For newcomers to Canada, this life event can be even more difficult with no credit history in this country. Many newcomers buy a home within the first three to five years of arrival, and new enhancements at the Royal Bank of Canada’s Newcomer Mortgage program now extend to five years – with or without a credit history.

“Each year, we welcome more than 250,000 newcomers to Canada and one of the common challenges they face is establishing credit here,” said Christine Shisler, director of multicultural markets at RBC. “We want to be the bank that helps newcomers with their important firsts - their first bank account, their first credit card, their first car purchase and their first home. These are all significant milestones and we want to help make the transition to Canada as seamless as possible by recognizing their needs and values.”

The 21st Annual RBC Home Ownership Poll showed that, compared to other Canadians, newcomers seek advice from the greatest number of places and draw on advice from families,

real estate professionals, mobile applications, real estate websites, and social media. RBC recommends speaking to a mortgage specialist to discuss all the available options and to receive advice about getting the right type of mortgage.

Shisler’s three tips for potential homebuyers:1. Get pre-approvedWhen you are pre-approved for a mortgage, you

can shop for a home with confidence. Meet with a mortgage specialist before you tour open houses – you’ll have a clearer picture of what you can afford and that will take some of the stress out of the home buying process.

2. Know the hidden costsBeyond the mortgage amount, legal fees and

land-transfer taxes are common examples of costs that often aren’t accounted for when purchasing a home. Speak to a mortgage specialist to make sure you know all the associated costs.

3. Keep your total budget in mindAllow for a little wiggle room so that you’ll

have some funds in reserve for ongoing home ownership costs, your lifestyle needs and any unexpected expenses that may arise.

“We want to help people achieve their goals in Canada, whether that’s home ownership, buying a car or getting Canadian accreditation in their skill or trade,” said Shisler. “The changes we are making demonstrate RBC’s desire to understand and adapt to newcomer needs, values and timelines. We’re working to help them build the lives they want faster so they’re on track for success.”

Although RBC does not require newcomers to have a credit history in order to purchase a first vehicle or home, establishing a credit history is a critical step upon settlement in Canada.


www.newscanada.com

Bank leadership helps newcomers build a credit rating (298 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Canadians understand the importance of building a credit history – it opens up what you’re able to do and where you’re able to go. Newcomers to Canada also know the benefits of credit history in Canada, but for many, their need for credit often comes before they’ve built a credit history. Overcoming this barrier is becoming much easier thanks to policy changes at the Royal Bank of Canada.

RBC is helping newcomers achieve some of their major goals upon arrival in Canada: buying a car, home ownership, and settling into a new lifestyle and routine.

Credit cards: RBC was one of the first banks to introduce the “no credit history required $1000 unsecured credit card for newcomers,” and while credit isn’t a requirement for all RBC credit products,

RBC has expanded the reach in terms of who will now qualify for the card..

Car: In a study conducted by RBC, one-quarter of newcomers (26 per cent) report that they expect to buy a vehicle in the next year. Financing is a concern for another one-third (39 per cent) not knowing how they are going to make the purchase. Policy enhancements now make it easier to buy a first car by introducing a new “no credit history required” loan at over 3,500 dealerships nationwide.

Home: Many newcomers buy a home within five years of arrival, and new enhancements to RBC’s Newcomer Mortgage program now extend the qualifying period to five years – with or without a credit history.

“We understand and adapt to newcomer needs, values and timelines,” says Christine

S h i s l e r , director of multicultural markets for RBC. “We’re w o r k i n g together to help them build the lives they want faster so they’re on track for success in Canada.”


www.newscanada.com


SUMMER ENTERTAINING

Bringing Sip & Sizzle Home This Summer (433 words + 1 photo, ONT Only)

(NC) For 12 days this May, wine lovers flocked to Niagara-on-the-Lake to tour the beautiful wineries, to sip delicious VQA vintages, and to nibble on thoughtfully created dishes perfectly paired with wine. The inaugural event, Sip & Sizzle, was hosted by an organization called Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake – and if you missed the fun, including 26 unique wine and food pairings, this event was just the beginning of a fabulous summer season in Ontario’s award-winning wine country.

Indeed, the wine and grilled pairings offered at Sip & Sizzle were all created with special attention to detail, said the experts on hand. “We pair grilled stuffed apricots with our Estate Series Chardonnay Musque 2011,” explains Roselyn Dyck, the principal and certified sommelier at Cattail Creek Estate Winery. “The wine has ripe stone fruit characteristics which match nicely with the apricot, while the smokiness of the bacon and sharpness of the cheese compliment the sweetness of the wine. It really is the perfect match.”

Wine and wine culture is growing in popularity with the vintners offering a variety of experiences to meet many interests ranging from those who want to know about the cultivation and craft, to those who are all about ‘experiences’.

Visitors can tour vineyards and enjoy all that Niagara-on-the-Lake has to offer, says Dyck. It’s a one-stop destination for not only food and drink, but also for the fun of taking some of it home.

The participants at Sip & Sizzle were encouraged to recreate some of their favourite pairings in their own kitchens this summer. All of the wines sampled from the event are listed online at wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/sip-and-sizzle, and a selection of recipes is also available at facebook.com/wineriesofniagaraonthelake. Participants can also post pictures from their day in wine country, plus personal recipes and the inspirations behind any of their favourite pairings.

Since the region consists of 26 distinct wineries each with its own personality, the pairings include something for every kind of wine lover to try or

modify at home. As of this spring, farmers markets in the Niagara Region will be selling VQA wines on Thursdays – you can get your local, fresh foods and perfect paired wines all in one place.

Be sure to start your next adventure with guidance from the website and from your fellow wine buffs online.


Find the winery that’s right for you (495 words + 1 photo, ONT Only)

(NC) If you love wine but you’re not sold on the idea of visiting Ontario’s wine country, it might be that you just haven’t found the right winery for you, yet.

An organization known as the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake says it has something for everyone and they add that ‘gone are the days when being a wine enthusiast meant you were a wine snob’. These days, winery experiences are fun and engaging and are designed to embrace the interests of all wine buffs. They also add that for the romantics out there looking for ‘date night’ ideas, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a lovers’ paradise. Couples can unwind on a winery tour, or on a vineyard walk at say, Creek Estate, or at Château des Charmes, or sip wine while gazing out at the sunset over the lake of the Konzelmann Estate. Enjoy the seasonal tastes of the Niagara region in a winery restaurant at Peller Estates, or in the Ravine Vineyard on a day trip. Book a romantic getaway at charming and intimate accommodations, and enjoy carriage rides plus relaxing spas, all complimented with the sensuality of wine.

Or maybe you’re looking to have a girls’ getaway? Your best girl friends, premium wine, gourmet

food, decadent desserts, boutique shopping and local music talent will mean a whole lot of fun and laughter in Niagara-on-the-Lake wine country. Try a one-of-a-kind musical experience at Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate amphitheatre, or an afternoon at the Trius Jazz Festival. Maybe book a ‘wine and chocolate tasting’ and be sure to add Lailey Vineyard to your itinerary for a touch of girl power – home to the only female founding member of the Vintner’s Quality Alliance (VQA).

If you’re looking to be on trend, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a hotbed of winery stars and trendy new wines. It is well worth seeking out the latest and greatest small batch creations that are most often only available at the winery and sell out in a snap. Not only is it a chance to taste rare wines, but also to engage the people behind the scenes and witness dreams turning into reality. You can sometimes meet the winemakers at small family wineries like Between the Lines, Pond View Estate, and Riverview. If eco-focused practices are more your style, be sure to stop by Hinterbrook, Southbrook Vineyards and Stratus; or if trendy food trucks are your thing Coyote’s Run Estate Winery has four food truck events planned for this summer.

For the traditional wine enthusiast, there are wineries that are rich with history, helping to transform the Canadian wine industry into what it is today. Visit the forefathers for intimate tastings and educational tours. Must-stop destinations include Château des Charmes, Inniskillin, Reif Estate, and Marynissen Estate.

Since half the fun of being a wine lover is sharing the experience with others, you can find inspiration or post suggestions at facebook.com/wineriesofniagaraonthelake, or tweet at @NiagaraWine.



Wine, dine, repeat! (382 words + 1 photo, ONT Only)

(NC) We text, we tweet, we post, we like, we share, we email… but when do we actually connect with each other?

Indeed, finding fun and meaningful ways to spend time with our friends is often difficult. But then again, some ideas can be real winners.

How about gathering in the wining-and-dining heart of Ontario – a place that also happens to be a world-class tourist attraction?

An organization called Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake says it has endless options for an evening, a full day, or even a weekend of quality time, starting with these tips on how to create memories that last:

• Gather your friends and choose a date and time that works for everyone.

• Check out the events calendar at wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com for something that would interest you and your friends.

• Use the “plan your getaway” tool on the website and let it do the work for you.

• Once you are there, take advantage of the opportunity to taste wines only available in wine country.

• Find your favourites, jot down the names and take a couple bottles home, too.

• Now that you have a new favourite wine or two, it’s a perfect time to host a wine and food pairing dinner party… don’t fret, this is like potluck with a delicious twist.

• After exploring the variety offered by the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, each couple records their favourite food and wine pairing to recreate it back at home.

• Gather at someone’s house and let it roll. • Reminisce about your trip and share why you

picked the wine how you decided on your food pairing.

Now that you have the basics down, do the same for each season and rotate hosts. This will allow you to sample the different, seasonal wines, plus different wineries, and exciting seasonal food

pairings. If you and your friends don’t live close enough to visit each other, why not take advantage of your social network via the Internet? Or you can expand your repertoire by swapping ideas with all types of wine lovers at facebook.com/wineriesofniagaraonthelake or twitter feed, @NiagaraWine.


SUMMER ENTERTAINING

Expert Health and Safety articles and videos available for your

publication or website

www.newscanada.com


TRAVEL & DESTINATIONS

Are you flying home for the summer? (181 words + 1 photo)

(NC) Exams might be over, but there is one last subject that you need to study: how to breeze through airport security. The Canadian Air T r a n s p o r t Security (CATSA) gives us some lessons that will help you pass the checkpoint test in record time:

Before the airportDress comfortably for your trip. Avoid

wearing shoes with metal arches and belts with large buckles.

Ensure all liquids exceeding 100 ml are packed in your checked baggage. You may pack travel-sized containers (100 ml or less) in carry-on bags as long as they are in a clear 1 litre resealable bag.

Leave sharp items like pocket knives at home or in your checked baggage.

At the airport Be prepared to present your boarding pass

to the screening officer.Place your cell phone and other electronic

equipment, coins, keys and small metal items in your carry-on before walking through the metal detector.

Remove your laptop from its case and place it in a bin.

Additional travel tips can be found online at catsa.gc.ca or on Twitter (@catsa_gc).

www.newscanada.com

Top 10 airport security tips for travelling with kids (228 words + 1 photo) (NC) Airport security checkpoints can sometimes be stressful. Add kids to the mix and you might be headed for turbulence. Luckily, these 10 tips will help you weather the security experience:

1. Ensure that everyone wears comfortable clothing. Avoid big belt buckles and shoes with metal arches that have to be removed for screening.

2. Pack liquids exceeding 100 ml in your checked baggage.

3. Baby food, formula, milk, water and juice in containers larger than 100 ml are permitted in your carry-on baggage if you are travelling with a child under the age of two.

4. Any other liquids in your carry-on must be 100 ml or less and placed in a clear and resealable 1 litre plastic bag.

5. Soft snacks for children over two won’t fly. Carrot sticks and pretzels – yes; yogurt and soup – not so much.

6. Avoid travelling with toys that look like weapons.

7. Arrive early at the airport. This is especially important during busy periods.

8. Take advantage of the Family/Special Needs screening line.

9. Children who can’t walk yet should be held in your arms as you pass through the metal detector.

10. Advise the screening officer if you require assistance.

Additional travel tips can be found online at catsa.gc.ca or on Twitter (@catsa_gc).

www.newscanada.com

Top 10 airport security tips for seniors (262 words + 1 photo) (NC) If you are travelling this summer and are not familiar with airport security rules, the following 10 tips will help you breeze through the security checkpoint:

Before the trip1. Contact your airline in advance if you need

someone to help you through the screening checkpoint.

2. Pack liquids, gels and aerosols over 100 ml in size in your checked baggage. Items less than 100 ml can be placed in your carry-on baggage but must fit into one clear and resealable 1 litre plastic bag.

3. Prescription and non-prescription medicines are exempt from the 100 ml limit but they should be properly labelled.

4. Medical supplies, equipment and mobility aids don’t count as part of the two carry-on bag limit.

5. Dress comfortably for your trip. Avoid wearing shoes with metal arches and belts with large buckles.

At the airport6. Make sure you arrive early, especially during

busy periods. If you have difficulty lifting your

bags, advise airline staff when checking in.

7. Use the F a m i l y / S p e c i a l Needs lane if you need more time and assistance going through the screening checkpoint.

8. Have your boarding pass ready to present to the screening officer.

9. Place your cell phone and other electronic equipment, coins, keys and small metal items in your carry-on. Any liquids, like medicines, should be removed from carry-on baggage for inspection.

10. Let screening officers know if you have any medical devices or metal implants that may impact your screening. You can ask for a private search area if a physical search is needed.

Additional tips are available online at catsa.gc.ca and on Twitter @catsa_gc. If you have questions about security screening, call 1-888-294-2202.

www.newscanada.com

Make airport security clearance a breeze (216 words + 1 photo) (NC) If travelling by plane is in your future, the following tips will help you breeze through the security checkpoint.

Before you leave for the airport, make sure your travel outfit is security friendly. Avoid large metallic accessories such as heavy jewellery, big belt buckles and shoes with metal arches. When packing your carry-on bags, place all liquids, aerosols and gels (that are 100ml or less) together in a clear and resealable 1 litre plastic bag. You can also bring prescription medication and non-prescription medications such as cough syrup,

eye drops and contact lens solutions in containers larger than 100 ml in your carry-on bags. All other liquids, aerosols and gels exceeding 100 ml must be packed in your checked baggage.

Arrive at the airport early. This is particularly important during busy periods. As you approach the screening checkpoint, have your boarding pass ready to present to the screening officer. Place your cell phone and other electronic equipment, coins, keys and small metal items in your carry-on. If you have a laptop, remove it from its case and place it in a bin.

A d d i t i o n a l information on airport security screening can be found online at catsa.gc.ca or Twitter (@catsa_gc). Happy travels.

www.newscanada.com


TRAVEL & DESTINATIONSHow to organize your family for a getaway (323 words)

(NC) – Summer’s here and it’s time to get out and explore. With school wrapped up and warmer weather beginning, Canadians are planning vacations, road trips, long weekend getaways and family reunions. In fact, a recent survey conducted by American Express Canada found that 69 per cent of us will be taking a trip this summer.

Planning is an essential part of taking any type of vacation as it relieves stress and provides peace of mind allowing you to enjoy your trip. Here is a check-list for organizing a stress-free getaway, courtesy of Tamara McPherson, founder of the popular blog, WonderMoms:

Make a packing list for everyone, including yourself

If you’re part of the 29 per cent of Canadians travelling with immediate family this summer,

organizing for more than yourself is a must. Keeping your significant other and children organized is one of the easiest ways to avoid any vacation mishaps.

Research your destination before you goMany people don’t do enough research before

they visit a new destination. Check-out blog posts, articles or even forums to see what hidden gems, great landmarks, or events exist at your destination, so you don’t miss out on anything. You can also reach out to people on your social channels and see what they recommend.

Purchase travel insuranceA stress-free vacation begins well before the

trip, and purchasing travel insurance is peace of mind. When travelling out-of-province or out-of-country, healthcare can be costly and your plan

may not cover all mishaps or emergency medical expenses. Look into your coverage and make sure to get the plan that’s right for you.

Bring additional entertainment for long tripsWhether you’re travelling by plane, train, or

car, long trips can be tiresome. Bringing some entertainment for longer trips can help keep everyone excited for the vacation that lies ahead. Throw in some extra crossword puzzles, books or hand-held electronic devices to keep everyone happy.

More information is available online at americanexpress.ca/travelinsurance.

www.newscanada.com

Tips to save money on summer travel (288 words)

(NC) – We all like to travel without breaking the bank – and this goes for those who book their trips spontaneously, or plan months in advance. According to a recent survey conducted by American Express Canada, 69 per cent of Canadians are planning to travel this summer and with this being one of the busiest travel seasons, finding strategies to save on your trip doesn’t have to be a hassle.

Here are three tips to save on summer travel, courtesy of Laura McDonald, co-founder of the popular blog, Golden Girl Finance:

1. Know the travel trends – If you’re part of the 21 per cent of Canadians planning to travel

on an international trip this summer, it’s good to know that each country has a peak travel time. For example, travelling to the South of France during May to September means hotels are more than double the cost during shoulder seasons; travelling to India in spring will be more expensive due to the Holi Festival.

2. Avoid unexpected costs – Ensure that all documents, including your travel insurance application, are completed in advance. While away, unnecessary additional costs can add up and having travel insurance can provide peace of mind. From lost baggage to medical emergencies,

unexpected events can happen anywhere, at any time and it’s good to be covered.

3. Know when to book – The cost of flights can add up quickly, with taxes, fuel surcharges and operation costs, it’s easy for a $600 ticket to turn into a $1,000 ticket. Knowing when to purchase your ticket and when to depart are key ways to reduce your ticket price. Experts suggest booking between 55-80 days before your departure date to get the best prices.


www.newscanada.com

5 essential travel tips this summer (368 words)

(NC) – With summer being one of the busiest travel times, it’s easy to get lost in the tiny details of your trip. Which hotel should you book? What clothes should you pack? The list can go on and on. American Express Canada recently conducted a survey and found that 69 per cent of Canadians are planning on travelling this summer.

Tamara McPherson, founder of the popular blog, WonderMoms, shares five essential tips on summer travel:

1. Pack for all types of weather – No matter where you’re travelling, weather can always change. Remember that different countries can have vast and different temperature dynamics. A country like Australia actually gets colder during the summer time since it’s farther from the sun.

2. Find peace in crowds – Travelling in the summer means peak travel time. If you’re part

of the 78 per cent of Canadians who find loud travellers to be frustrating while vacationing, packing a hand-held device and earphones or ear plugs will help to keep your mind off the complaining passenger next to you.

3. Ensure you’re covered for mishaps – 80 per cent of Canadians cite lost or delayed luggage as one of the most frustrating things to happen while on vacation and 78 per cent have been frustrated by cancelled or delayed flights. Although most believe the airline will reimburse you, it’s typically not the case. Purchasing travel insurance can give you peace of mind and help cover you for trip delay and baggage loss/delay.

4. Avoid peak travel times – Know the peak travel times for your destination. For travelling out of the country, not only will weekday flights be more affordable, they’ll also be quieter. If you’re

interested in visiting a specific country, check to see if they have any large scale festivals and plan away from that time-frame so you don’t deal with an abundance of tourists.

5. Simplify your vacation – Simplifying your vacation is one of the easiest steps to take to de-stress. Know what you’re able to do in a day and plan accordingly. When creating an itinerary don’t over-schedule too many activities in one day or you’ll end up needing a vacation from your vacation.


www.newscanada.com

We’ve got your spring and summer lifestyle content covered

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news canada's july 2014 issue

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