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OTTAWA AND THE VALLEY’S NEWSPAPER FOR PEOPLE FIFTY AND OVER
April 2015
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Youngatheart
n e w s pa p e r
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MARY
COOK’S
Memories
of the ’30s
Ottawa
Senators
Ride Unprecedented
Wave to Playoff Berth
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OTTAWA EAST
1459 Ogilvie Rd
OTTAWA
1399 Bank St
YEARS OF
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youngatheartnewspaper.ca
April 2015 3
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Liam Maguire
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Inside
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Cover story ............................... 5
Over The Back Fence.............. 6
Finance .................................... 9
At Home ................................... 11
Healthy Living ......................... 19
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It’s a Fact
Q: How did the Hockey Hall of Fame
get its start?
A: In 1943, a group of men decided it
was time to acknowledge the achievements
of the many people who had made great
contributions to the game.
Led by Capt. J.T. Sutherland, their vision was the Hockey Hall of Fame, a place,
under one roof, where they would collect,
preserve, research, exhibit, and promote
sticks, pucks, team sweaters, pads and
gloves, trophies, team guidebooks, schedules, and anything else that was significant
to the story of ice hockey in Canada, and
around the world.
Like many of the teams in the National
Hockey League, the Hall of Fame has had
its share of homes. When it was founded in
the 1940s, plans called for construction of a
building in Kingston, but nothing was ever
built. In the late 1950s, with hockey mogul
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Conn Smythe spearheading the project,
the hall’s first home was in a building at
the Canadian National Exhibition grounds
west of downtown Toronto, which was
shared with Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.
In 1961, the hall moved into its own facility
on the CNE grounds.
On June 18, 1993, the Hockey Hall of
Fame welcomed the public to its current
home in BCE Place, a $26-million downtown Toronto facility with 52,000 square
feet of space, including 10,000 square feet
in the restored Bank of Montreal building
at Yonge and Front Streets. It houses the
largest collection of hockey artifacts and
memorabilia in the world.
Randy Ray and Mark Kearney are the
authors of nine books about Canada. For
more trivia, visit their website: www.triviaguys.com
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4 youngatheartnewspaper.ca April 2015
Senators ride unprecedented wave to playoff berth
Cover Story by Liam Maguire
T
he tsunami that the Ottawa Senators rode to an unexpected playoff
berth had an auspicious start. Their
remarkable charge to the post season and a
berth against rival Montreal, is charted as
beginning back on Feb. 10. This has now
become the benchmark date for the latest
into the schedule, combined with the furthest out any team has been, that recovered
to make the playoffs.
Ottawa was fourteen points back of the
8th seed in the Eastern Conference when
they took the ice against the Buffalo Sabres
that night and secured a 2-1 win. The previous mark was held by the NY Islanders,
who charged back from 12 points out on
Jan. 31, 1994, in a markedly different NHL
era – no shootouts and tie games counted
on the schedule.
If Feb. 10 was the statistical beginning, the
emotional start came eight nights later, ironically against the very team they now face in
the first round, the Montreal Canadiens.
Coming off a game in which they lost
two key players to concussions in the same
play, a collision between forward Clarke
MacAuthur and goaltender Robin Lehner,
and with starting goalie Craig Anderson
already injured, the Senators summoned
unknown third-string goalie Andrew Hammond from Binghamton, their AHL farm
team. Never drafted, cut from a Junior A
team, four years with a losing record every
season in college, including his first season
in which he didn’t even record a win, and
with seven wins in twenty-five starts on
the farm this season, there was nothing,
absolutely nothing, to suggest he would
be anything but cannon fodder. Instead, he
led Ottawa to a 4-2 win over Montreal and
began a statistical conquest of records that
were 76 years old.
How can his record and the team’s
charge be explained? It can’t. It has to be
regarded as one of the most astonishing and
improbable series of games and underdog
play by a team and one player in NHL history, and possibly in all sports history.
Photos: Christopher Szagola/Cal Sport Media/Newscom
The Senators celebrate clinching a playoff spot following their win against
the Flyers in Philadelphia on April 11.
Andrew Hammond’s stunning final regular season numbers were twenty-three
starts, 20-1-2; .941 SV% and a 1.79 GAA.
Hammond’s stunning final regular season numbers were twenty-three starts, 201-2; .941 SV% and a 1.79 GAA. His run
is akin to something you’d see in a Hollywood movie, and as there is with any good
movie, you need your lead actor but also
a supporting cast. Senator’s captain and
offensive dynamo Erik Karlsson, who had
already been buoyed by the return of Marc
Methot, played inspired hockey in front of
the unheralded goaltender. Two rookies,
Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman, supplied
timely scoring, Kyle Turris lived up to his
advanced billing of being a number one
center, Mika Zibanejad became a consummate number two pivot and every single
player bought in.
It’s a well-used expression in sports …
players buying in. What it means is any
night or, in this case every night, eighteen
players committed to both ends of the ice,
went hard to the net, committed physically, backed each other up, and rallied
against every single bit of adversity for
eight weeks! Led by a maritime coach, a
Swedish captain, a goaltender from British
Columbia, local players from Orleans and
Stittsville, the Ottawa Senators galvanized
our nation’s capital and their fans the world
over. How far the ride rolls remains to be
seen but this Cinderella story has definitely
not hit midnight.
Liam Maguire is a three-time published
author and is regarded as the world’s number one NHL historian. He currently hosts
the Ultimate Hockey Show on 1310am, Saturdays from 11a.m.-1p.m.
youngatheartnewspaper.ca
April 2015 5
Y@H’s Over The Back Fence...
Volunteer Profile…
For Rietta Hillis, of Morewood, volunteering in her community and beyond
has been her mission for more years than
she can remember.
For many, many years she led 4H
clubs in her area, leaving her mark with
hundreds of youth, giving inspiration
and purpose that is still being felt in the
Morewood area today. For at least two
decades, Hillis has held bible study in
her own home, opening up friendships
and building strong Christian relationships. After taking courses that allow
her to minister at church services, Hillis
is often called upon as guest minister in
and around her rural community and this
summer will officiate at her own granddaughter’s wedding in June. She has
conducted as many as 25 church services
in a given year, attesting to her popularity
in the pulpit.
Of course, she has performed many
other duties connected with her church
community as well. Those duties include
preparing a newsletter of church activities, holding office in U.C.W. (United
Church Women), and she has been president and secretary of the Women’s Insitute when it was active in the Morewood
area. She also taught Sunday school for
more than 26 years.
Rietta Hillis
Apart from her deep involvement with
her church, Hillis was also on the executive of the Canadian Club in Morrisburg.
And, as neighbours will attest, the Hillis
home has always had an ‘open door policy’ where newcomers were welcomed to
the community with enthusiasm, usually
including a homemade dish.
When she has time, she and her husband Ken love to garden. It goes without saying that what they produce, be it
vegetables or flowers, often find its way
into the homes around them.
Y@H congratulates Rietta Hillis on
her many years of dedication as a volunteer and of being a good neighbour in her
community of Morewood and beyond.
Where Is It Now?
The Berlin Wall
Little of the Berlin Wall survives today
in the German capital. The one-time barrier
between East and West Germany has been
removed, chipped away or auctioned off
since 1989 when the 156.4-kilometre-long
East German fortification was mostly torn
down after fully encircling the former West
Berlin since 1961.
After reunification of the two Germanys,
65 cranes, 175 trucks and 13 bulldozers
were deployed to remove the barrier in the
inner city by the end of 1990 and in the outer
city by 1992, according to the Berlin Wall
Story, a chronicle of the 204,100-ton monument written by Hans-Hermann Hertle.
This Month
in History
April 28, 1945
In the Netherlands, a truce is arranged between Canadian and German
forces in Holland. 6 youngatheartnewspaper.ca April 2015
The longest surviving stretch, the East
Side Gallery on Berlin’s Mühlenstrasse,
extends about 1.3 kilometers and can be
seen in its entirety.
More than 40,000 segments were
crushed to make materials largely for building roads, but some survived intact. They
were auctioned as art objects, purchased
or donated to museums and institutions
around the world, such as the Imperial War
Museum in London and Ronald Reagan
Presidential Library in California.
However, a few segments of the Berlin
Wall have, over time, ended up in some
unexpected locations. These include in the
men’s washroom at the Main Street Station
Casino, Brewery and Hotel in Las Vegas
and in the office lobby of the Perfil Group
building, Buenos Aires.
Los Angeles is home to the longest section of Berlin Wall in the United States,
where an 11.6-metre-long piece of the Wall
stands in front of the Variety Building on
Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles.
Contributors to Over The Back Fence
include: Mary Cook, Randy Ray and Mark
Kearney.
Funny You Should Ask
Q: Now in my mid-eighties, I remember my grandmother talking about ‘rainy
daisies’, and I think it had something to do
with women’s rights back in the late 1800s
or early 1900s.
A: You have hit upon quite a movement
by the women of your grandmother’s era.
Rainy daisies were actual skirts ... that’s
right, women’s skirts! It had to do with
shorter hemlines, and came into fashion
in the 1890s, creating almost a rebellion
against the Paris fashion-makers, who still
favoured the long and sweeping hemlines.
It all happened in New York City when
a group of women fed up with Paris calling
the shots, organized the Rainy Day Club
to promote shorter skirts, working towards
skirts that were at least two or three inches
above the ground. Their main reason was
that the sweeping long skirts dragged in the
mud, and on rainy days were sometimes
sodden to the knees.
Needless to say, the Conservatives
thought the whole idea was obscene and
the women were called immoral and were
tabbed the “Rainy Daisies.” Well, the
shorter skirt caught on, and by 1905 catalogues were advertising the shorter skirts
as health skirts, and very appropriate for
rainy weather.
Needless to say, there were many people
deeply opposed to a woman showing her
ankles, and it rankled enough that the topic
became the subject of church sermons, editorials, and even resolutions in some society clubs. But the “Rainy Daisies” lived on.
Although Eastern Ontario is far from
becoming the ‘concrete jungle’ found in
Southern Ontario, especially around the
Toronto area, the ramifications of a recent
bill passed by the Federal Government
could eventually affect our area as well.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture
(OFC) has high praise for Bill C-40, an act
which will respect the integrity of the area
known as the Rouge National Urban Park
in the Greater Toronto Area. The Bill will
see this 7,600 acre parcel of land developed
into a new park area, creating the first protected urban area for some 1,700 species of
plants and animal life, while encouraging
sustainable farming practices. For more
than 200 years, Ontario farmers have been
working the land in the proposed park area
located in the Rouge River Valley.
However, the provincial government,
part owner of the area, wants to bring in
amendments which would seriously undermine Bill C-40, threaten farmers operating
within the park, and imposing unnecessary
restrictions on farmers within the park
boundaries, putting farmers at a distinct
disadvantage.
The OFC wants the land transferred to
the federal government so that the park,
which would be the first of its kind in all
of Canada, could provide a tremendous
opportunity to showcase agriculture in an
urban setting, while operating under the
stewardship of Parks Canada. Now the
OFA is working to convince the provincial
government to accept Bill C-40 without
amendments.
The Farm Scene
Remember When …
The Chernobyl power plant disaster
It was 27 years ago this month, on April
26, 1986, when the world witnessed the
worst nuclear power plant disaster of all
time. An explosion blew the lid off a reactor in Chernobyl in Russia, sending 50 tons
of radioactive material into the atmosphere.
More than thirty people died at the outset, and thousands more deaths were to follow. This tragedy sent shock waves around
the world and a group of professionals right
here in Eastern Ontario flew into action to
help ward off some of the aftermath of the
explosion in Belarus, the most seriously
affected area.
Many, many young children from Belarus were brought to this region and billeted
into local homes in Ottawa and throughout
the Valley where they were treated with
free medical and dental care, and given
massive doses of vitamins to build up their
immune systems.
They stayed in their host homes for
many weeks, and when they returned to
Belarus, they went with enough vitamins to
last a year to further activate their immune
systems to fight off the deadly effects of the
nuclear disaster.
Checking with one of the host families
this month, we learn that they are still in
contact with the now grown-up children,
many who have since married and have
families of their own. None of the children
brought to this area to escape the disaster
suffered serious after-effects of the accident, thanks in large part to the people here
who opened their hearts and homes.
Y@Hconnectingwith
P
The President of the Canadian
Real Estate Association
auline Aunger of Smiths Falls has just been chosen
to head the Canadian Real Estate Association and
its’ more than 109,000 members. That is quite an
accomplishment for a young woman who started out thirty
eight years ago as a novice realtor in an Eastern Ontario town.
A native of Smiths Falls, where her roots run deep in every
aspect of the town, Aunger has carved a name for herself as
both an outstanding realtor, and as someone who cares deeply
for her community and the world beyond. Mary Cook talked
with Aunger about her climb up the real estate ladder to the
highest office of the National Board that governs every aspect
of the real estate business in all of Canada.
Y@H: There must have been something that first drew
you to real estate, can you tell me about that day?
PA: My husband and I bought our first home when I
was 19 years old and newly married. I enjoyed the experience and the realtor that we used became my first mentor. It’s hard to believe that I have been in real estate for almost
38 years and I still enjoy it as much as I did the very first
day I was licensed.
Y@H: Do you remember your first sale?
PA: Hopefully every realtor remembers that first sale.
Mine was on Boxing Day and was a raised bungalow. I
also remember my first listing – a small 1 1/2 storey home
that was listed at $19,900. Y@H: You made history more than 20 years ago when
you purchased the first Royal LePage Franchise in Canada.
How did the business of real estate differ back then from
today?
PA: It was certainly a slower paced real estate market
before the internet!
Y@H: How much has your own business grown since
that day in 1993?
PA: Today my business is almost 100% referral from
fellow realtors, past clients and friends.
Y@H: What makes a good realtor?
PA: A great realtor is many things. I believe that a good
realtor is a professional who demonstrates professionalism
by striving diligently to achieve positive outcomes for
their clients and other people, advocates for practices that
strengthen the profession and public protections, ensures
effective communication is a high priority, values professional relationships within and outside the real estate
industry, and contributes to the community in which they
conduct business.
Y@H: Let’s move beyond real estate and into your
community. A few years ago you received the local Chamber of Commerce’s highest award – The Business Person
of the Year. What does that honour mean to you?
PA: There is no greater honour than being recognized
by your peers. It was a great honour and even more rewarding because my family was there to see me receive
the award.
Y@H: Some of your other interests include the Rideau
Lakes Figure Skating Club. Can we assume you were once
a skater? PA: My children would laugh at the suggestion that I
was a skater! As a parent of skaters, I believed that if you
were at the rink you might as well volunteer. And so I was
pleased to serve on their board of directors and as President of
the Rideau Lakes Figure Skating Club.
Y@H: You have always been interested in local theatre, and
I know you are a founding member of the Community Theatre, does actually being on stage appeal to you? And what was
your role in establishing local theatre in what we once knew as
the old railway station in Smiths Falls?
PA: As a student I was a member of the Smiths Falls Little
Theatre and when the opportunity arose to bring community
theatre back to Smiths Falls, I was pleased to be on the original
board and have continued to serve. I am now the immediate
past president of the Smiths Falls Community Theatre. I have
appeared on stage but unfortunately life has been busy and that
part of my life is on hold. We have had an amazing group of
volunteers over the years and transforming the train station into
the Station Theatre and watching it from the beginning to the
wonderful theatre it is today has been very rewarding.
Y@H: Your local hospital has also benefited from your
involvement. What role have you played in what we now know
as the Perth and Smiths Falls Community Hospital?
PA: I was honoured to serve on the Hospital Board for over
seven years, including chairing the building committee during
the construction of the $40-million renovation and addition to
the Smiths Falls site. As well I co-chaired Major Gifts on the
fundraising team that raised the money for the construction. It
was a busy time and I was pleased to be part of the team that
brought a dream to fruition.
Y@H: Getting back to your appointment as President of the
Canadian Real Estate Association, what will your role be?
PA: As President, I will chair the meetings of our board of
Directors and will be the spokesperson for the Canadian Real
Estate Association.
Y@H: Does that mean your Smiths Falls office will see less
of you for a while?
PA: This year will see me travel more but as my fellow
agents will tell you, I am notorious for being in the office early
mornings, late evenings and weekends. And with text and email,
staying in touch is easy.
Y@H: Your daughter Jenn is now part of your local real
estate office. How do you feel about that?
PA: It is truly a blessing to have Jenn in the office. She is a
great asset and already a great realtor. Her work ethic is similar
to mine and she is already involved with the community of
real estate. She is the present chair of the Young Professional
Network for the Ontario Real Estate Association and sits on our
local real estate board.
Y@H: Your interest in local affairs is legendary. How do you
manage to work everything into an already overloaded schedule?
PA: The old phrase, if you want something done, ask a busy
person, probably holds true! I will be less involved locally this
year but look forward to returning with renewed energy when
my term as President is over.
Y@H: What bit of advice can you give to someone who is
considering making his or her first home purchase?
PA: Find a great realtor! They are not just about showing you
the home, but helping you through each step of the purchase,
from drafting the offer, giving advice, being with you through
the home inspection, and being your advisor throughout the
entire process.
Pauline Aunger of Smiths Falls.
Y@H: I imagine the word ‘ retirement’ is a dirty
word for Pauline Aunger, but can you see yourself
still going strong a decade from now?
PA: Absolutely … I love my career and I cannot
imagine retirement…much like I cannot imagine
Mary Cook retired!
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youngatheartnewspaper.ca
April 2015 7
Y@Hmemoriesofthe’30s
By Mary Cook
The detested pickled herring
There were many foods that we put on our table in those Depression
years that I could barely tolerate. A sensitive stomach coupled with an
over-active mind, helped along by a mean-spirited
brother, often had me turn up my nose at what was
put on my dinner plate. Emerson, who knew very
well how pernickety I was about what I put in my
mouth, didn’t help matters a bit.
Most of Father’s German dishes I loved ... sauerkraut, potato pancakes and the like. But blood pudding, head cheese and baked liver were all dishes that
I could nicely do without, especially when Emerson
would remind me where each came from just as I sat
down at the kitchen table to eat. He would do this very slyly, of course,
so that Mother or Father were unaware of what he was up to. Sometimes
nothing more than a raised eyebrow, as I bravely tried to bite into a piece
of liver, was all it took to send me running to the outhouse.
During the winter months and into the spring, Father prepared another German delicacy that I hated with a passion. Everyone else ate
it with great gusto, but all I had to do was look at it, and my stomach
would start to roll. And that was pickled herring!
Every year when the ice had frozen solid Father would go ice fishing.
Sometimes he would be gone for two or three days, because he fished
for the herring in Muskrat Lake at Cobden which was a long piece from
our farm. He would go with one or two of the neighbours and they would
fish and camp out until they had enough to make their trip worthwhile.
He would bring the catch home joined together with a long wire in
a washtub on the back of the sleigh. I never wanted to look at them
and my brother Emerson knew this. So he always managed to free one
from the wire and put it right under my nose when I least expected it,
sending me into hysterics. I thought herring were the most ugly fish I
had ever seen next to the mud pout.
Make a Gift of Love to
Tomorrow’s Animals
Father would unload the tub at the pump in the
backyard and fill it with water. Some of the herring
would be revived when they hit the cold well water
and my stomach would be in knots knowing what
fate was waiting for them. It was at this point that
my brother Emerson would tell me that the herring
would never really die. They would go into the barrel and live until they found their way to our plates.
Mother and Father would work away in the
back shed putting down the fresh water fish, and I
couldn’t bear to watch the process. They would be
cleaned inside and out, which, if I had any common
sense, would tell me the fish would be quite dead by
the time they hit the barrel. But because Emerson
told me some would stay alive, I believed him and
vowed I would never eat as much as a smidgen.
The herring were put in the barrel in layers and
covered with a brine Mother made from vinegar, salt
and spices which came in a brown paper bag from
the Rawleigh man. Mixed in would be pounds of
chopped onions from our root cellar. And then the
barrel was ready to roll to the cooling kitchen where
the fish never quite froze, but were very close to it.
As soon as Emerson learned we were having the
herring for a meal he would sidle up to me and whisper, “They’re raw you know. We will be eating raw
fish. You never saw Mother cook them did you?”
Audrey said pickled and cooked were the same
thing, and I took that bit of information to my aggravating brother. “Just taste them and see if you think
they are cooked,” he would offer. Mother had a rule
in our house and that was that you had to try at least
a bit of whatever was served at the table, citing the
starving Armenians if we left anything on our plates.
And so I knew I was doomed to eat a bit of this most
awful meal. Mother would cut the pickled herring
into chunks and put them on the table in front of Father’s plate. And we would pass our plates down to
him to be loaded up. Emerson sat across from me at
the kitchen table so it was impossible to ignore him.
As soon as the little piece of herring was put on my
plate, Emerson would form the word “raw” with his
lips and stare right at my piece of fish.
It didn’t take long for my stomach to get the message
from my brain. I would look at that fish that looked
exactly like it did when Father brought it home from
Muskrat Lake, then look over at Emerson who was still
mouthing the word raw, and I was lucky if I could make
it to the outhouse in time ... the vision of Emerson’s lips
mouthing the message clear in my mind.
Often I would cover the fish with my helping of
mashed potatoes so that I wouldn’t have to look at
it. But I knew that eventually it would be the only
thing left on my plate and I was doomed to fork it in.
My beloved sister Audrey knew the anguish I was
going through, and saved me on many an occasion.
Sitting next to me at the table, she would pass me a
piece of her bread and I would put the bread on my
lap, and when all eyes were on their own plates, I
would slide the herring off my plate and onto the
bread, fold it over, and pass it under the table to
Audrey. She would cram it into her mouth and be
done with it.
All that would be left would be the grease spot
where the herring lay. I tried not to think of the
starving Armenians, or my poor cousins in Ottawa
who didn’t have a pork or herring barrel in their
summer kitchens, or a root cellar full of home grown
vegetables. All I could think of was that I had once
again been saved from eating something that I knew,
without a doubt, would have me running to the outhouse before my meal was over.
Win tickets to Stars on Ice
Win a stick chair
Enter to win a pair of tickets to the 25th anniversary tour of Stars on Ice. The show, directed
by Kurt Browning, will be held May 3 at the
Canadian Tire Centre.
To enter, send your name and telephone
number by email to [email protected] or by mail to: Stars on Ice, c/o
Young at Heart Newspaper, 1339 Mory Street,
Ottawa, ON K1T 1C8.
Deadline for entries is April 27. Seven lucky
winners will be chosen at random and contacted
by telephone.
You could be the lucky winner of a stick
chair – the portable, folding, lightweight, multifunctional walking stick … seat … cane. See ad
on back page for more details on the stick chair.
To enter, send your name and telephone
number, along with your height, by email to
[email protected] or by
mail to: Stick chair, c/o Young at Heart Newspaper, 1339 Mory Street, Ottawa, ON K1T 1C8.
Deadline for entries is May 10. Three lucky
winners will be chosen at random and contacted
by telephone.
You can create a brighter
future for Ottawa’s
animals by leaving a gift
to the Ottawa Humane
Society in your will.
It’s easy to do.
It will give you a sense
of pride and comfort
to know that you will
continue to make an
extraordinary difference
in the lives of the animals
in our community.
For more information please contact
Greg Beck, Manager: Legacy Giving
Call: 613-725-3166 ext 268
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.ottawahumane.ca
8 youngatheartnewspaper.ca April 2015
Y@Hfinance
Financial Planning Coalition endorses
new unified Canadian standards for profession
The Financial Planning Coalition has long advocated for a common
set of national standards for individuals who hold themselves out as
financial planners. To this end, the Coalition has been working on a
framework for the official recognition of financial planning as a distinct profession. The recent announcement by the Financial Planning
Standards Council (FPSC) and theInstitut quebecois de planification
financiere (IQPF) regarding the publication of unified Canadian definitions and standards can be viewed as a significant milestone toward
this critical consumer protection issue.
With the Canadian Financial Planning: Definitions, Standards
& Competencies, FPSC and IQPF establish a unified code of ethics
and a common set of practice standards by which individuals holding
the F.Pl. title and CFP® designation must abide. They also define the
ethical and performance standards that clients should expect from a
professional relationship.
“We’ve achieved unprecedented consensus within the financial
planning profession to unify standards that will help give Canadians
clarity and confidence when engaging a qualified financial planner,”
says Cary List, President and CEO of FPSC. “Together we will use
this as a foundation to elevate financial planning as a distinct professional practice in Canada; one that holds itself to the highest possible
standards of ethics and performance.”
“This is a milestone for the financial planning profession,” says
Jocelyne Houle-LeSarge, President and CEO of IQPF. “This publication plays an important role in driving consistency across the financial
planning profession by specifying unified standards for those practicing within it. It further acts as a resource to the industry firms, financial planning educators, other key industry partners and the Canadian
public at large.”
A survey recently released by the Coalition revealed that, while many
Canadians feel they have insufficient knowledge to adequately plan
their financial future, they are also unaware of the lack of mandatory
standards for financial planners throughout most of Canada. Fewer than
half of respondents (49 per cent) understood the unique role of a financial
planner compared with other financial advisors, the qualifications for
financial planners, or the manner in which they conduct their business.
Many Canadians believe that they are currently protected through government regulation in this regard,
however there is no restriction on title use in Canada
outside of the province of Quebec.
Canadians deserve to know that when they work
with someone who claims to be a financial planner,
that they will be working with someone who has met
strict, enforceable standards of competence, practice
and ethics.
Scott Robertson, President of the Institute of
Advanced Financial Planners (IAFP) notes, “The
IAFP endorses the standards announced by the IQPF
and the FPSC. Our members have been leaders in
providing financial planning services for the past
30 years based on elevated standards of practice and
ethics. We are working in collaboration with these
two organizations, as well as the Canadian Institute
of Financial Planners (CIFPs), under the banner of
the Financial Planning Coalition in an effort to bring
about regulation of financial planning throughout the
country. We view this announcement from FPSC and
IQPF as bringing us all one step closer to having a
regulated profession in Canada.”
CIFPs President & CEO Keith Costello echoes
this strong endorsement. “Financial planners hold
a unique position within the financial services landscape. Unified Canadian standards, created in conjunction with the financial services industry and professional financial planners (both F.Pl. and Certified
Financial Planner® professionals) through the two
organizations in Canada that are responsible for the
establishment and maintenance of standards for the
financial planning profession, are a significant step toward eventual official recognition of the profession.”
This spring, the Financial Planning Coalition
intends to launch a campaign to garner political and
Tax tip:
Top questions at tax time
Every year around tax time, Canadians call the Canada Revenue
Agency (CRA) with a variety of questions. Here are the answers to the
top questions asked at tax time. For answers related to your personal
activities you can find those through the CRA’s My Account service.
My Account allows you to track your refund, view or change your
return, check your benefit and credit payments and your RRSP limit,
set up direct deposit, and so much more.
To register for My Account, go to www.cra.gc.ca/myaccount and
select “CRA register.” You will need to provide your:
• social insurance number
• date of birth
• current postal code or ZIP code; and
• an amount you entered on your income tax and benefit return, so
have your copy on hand (the line requested changes and it could be
from either the current tax year or the previous one).
Top questions
How do I change my address? You can do it online if you have
registered with My Account or by mailing or faxing a completed Form
RC325, Address Change Request, or a signed letter to your tax centre.
Your signed letter must include your social insurance number, your
new address, and your moving date. You can also call the Individual
Income Tax and Trust Enquiries at 1-800-959-8281.
Continued on page 10
consumer attention to this important, timely and
quite significant concern.
The Financial Planning Coalition was formed in
2009 to create a common set of national standards
for individuals who hold themselves out as financial planners. The Coalition is currently working
towards a framework for the official recognition
of the financial planning profession that will best
serve the public interests of Canadians. Members
of the Coalition include the Financial Planning
Standards Council (FPSC),Canadian Institute of Financial Planners (CIFPs), the Institute of Advanced
Financial Planners (IAFP) and theInstitut quebecois
de planification financiere (IQPF). Each Coalition
member organization has a mandate that supports
professional standards in financial planning, is committed to serving the public interest, and engages
in the education, certification and/or oversight of
financial planners.
For more information visit coalitionforprofessionalstandards.ca.
For more information regarding the Canadian
Financial Planning Definitions, Standards & Competencies contact Financial Planning Standards
Council, (FPSC®), a not-for-profit organization
which develops, promotes and enforces professional
standards in financial planning through Certified
Financial Planner® certification. FPSC’s purpose is
to instill confidence in the financial planning profession. As a standards-setting and certification body,
FPSC ensures CFP® professionals and FPSC Level
1™ Certificants in Financial Planning meet appropriate standards of competence and professionalism
through rigorous requirements of education, examination, experience and ethics.
For more information visit www.fpsc.ca.
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youngatheartnewspaper.ca
April 2015 9
Y@HtheABCsoffraud
Tools available to combat fraud
By Bud McGinnis
Last month we reviewed “Red Flags”
and how so many frauds and scams deal
with offers that are
just too good to be
true. Perhaps the victim
is “guaranteed” a very
high return, say 15% on
his investment, because
it’s invested with an offshore firm that pays no
taxes. Alternatively, it
may be a winning number on a sweepstake, or untold wealth for
allowing a foreign prince to deposit a large
sum of found money directly into your bank
account. Many other instances can be envisioned, but in all cases the returns are “too
good to be true” and any money flowing
goes directly into the pocket of the fraudster.
There’s another type of fraud that succeeds because of the honest society in
which we grew up, when homes were never
locked. Now we lock them even when we
are inside. Although times have changed
greatly, that “honesty” gene is still part of
us. Indeed, it takes effort for many of us
to realize that the caller on the other end of
phone line may not be who he says he is.
Or the lady at the door really doesn’t rep-
resent the charity she is speaking of. She’s
there for herself; any cash or credit card
information obtained will be used to her
own benefit.
A third type of fraud has blossomed over
the past few years with the development
of the internet and all the possibilities it
offers. Moreover, seniors are now deeply
involved with computers and are targeted by
fraudsters and scam artists. Just think how
email has helped the Nigerian 419 crook. In
the past he had to type his letter, generally
poorly done and on poor quality paper, then
address, stamp and post the letter. It was
both time consuming and expensive. Now
that same letter can be well prepared and
sent to thousands of potential victims around
the world by just pressing the “send” button. In addition, of course, a great range of
criminal opportunities have opened up with
the targeted emails and phishing expeditions
that have become so popular.
Fortunately, the news media is effective
in keeping the public informed about such
criminal activities in our region. Moreover, a
great deal of help is also available on the internet. One needs only to go to Google and type
RCMP, press enter, and you have the Mounted Police website in front of you. Among the
many items of interest is a listing of the various frauds and scams employed to separate
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Call Marilynne Off: 613.422.6757 Cell: 613.250.8016
10 youngatheartnewspaper.ca April 2015
us from our wealth – Identity Theft, Phishing,
Advance Fee, Credit Card and Debit Card
Fraud, and so forth. The means by which
each scheme is used to defraud the victim is
described when you click on it. There is also a section that lists schemes
that are currently in play in the region. Currently, for example, there’s a telephone
scam where the call is supposedly made by
an RCMP officer. When the potential victim answers the phone, the caller identifies
himself as an RCMP officer who is calling
to collect outstanding fines, or income
taxes. The caller informs the victim that he
must pay immediately or will be arrested
within 24 hours. In most cases, there is a
level of authenticity because the number
for the RCMP National Headquarters General Inquiries line – 613-993-7267 appears
on the victim’s call display. He may also
use a variety of other scam tactics, like the
24-hour limit on making payment.
The RCMP website clearly states that it
does not contact individuals for the purpose
of collecting fines or taxes, and never asks
the public to make a payment over the telephone. Anyone who receives a call from
someone alleging to be a police officer
collecting fines or taxes should hang up
immediately and contact their local police
service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (Toll free 1-888-495-8501).
There are many other agencies that provide valuable information of this type. The Ottawa Police Services and the OPP
both maintain up-to-date web pages with
respect to scams and frauds. Likewise,
the Better Business Bureau, the Senior
Citizens Council, Canadian Association
of Retired People (CARP) and the Competition Bureau provide a great deal of
useful information. You need only Google
the name of the organization followed by
“Frauds and Scams” and their webpage
opens showing how the criminal operates
and what you can do to protect yourself. There is one other organization that I
came upon recently that also provides a
great variety of easily understood information. The email address is ConsumerFraudReporting.org.
We must remember that the best of information has no value unless it is used. Accordingly, it’s important to remain alert, remembering that these criminals are in our midst
at all times. Remember also to take time to
evaluate offers that are “too good to be true,”
or designed to take advantage of your honesty
and trust. Talk with others if in doubt.
In closing, we again make the offer of
a free presentation at your convenience
to any group wishing to learn more about
frauds and scams and how to avoid being
victimized. In Ottawa just dial 613-5645555 and leave a message. A Rotarian will
call back to make arrangements. Whenever
possible a police officer participates with
Rotarians in these presentations.
Tax tip continued from page 9
online. The CRA will email to you an email
notification letting you know there is mail
for you to view in My Account. To register for online mail, provide CRA with an
email address on your T1 return or register
directly atwww.cra.gc.ca/myaccount.
How do I register for direct deposit?
You can register for direct deposit online through My Account or by mail by
filling out the “Direct Deposit Enrolment Form” and mailing it to the address
indicated on the form or by calling 1-800959-8281. For more information, go
to www.cra.gc.ca/directdeposit.
CRA online services make filing easier and getting your refund faster
CRA online services are fast, easy, and
secure. You can use them to file your income tax and benefit return, make a payment,
track your refund, receive your notice of assessment, and more. Did you know that the
Government of Canada is switching to direct
deposit for payments that it issues? This includes your tax refund and benefits payments.
Sign up for direct deposit today. For more
information, go towww.cra.gc.ca/getready.
How do I change my marital status?
You can change your marital status online by
using the option “Change my marital status”
through My Account, by calling 1-800-3871193 or by sending a completed Form RC65,
Marital Status Change to your tax centre.
What is my balance owing or where
is my refund? You can find out online if
you are registered with My Account. You
can also call the Tax Information Phone
Service (TIPS) at 1-800-267-6999 to ask
about your refund. TIPS is available from
mid-February to December 2015. You can
also call the CRA’s Individual Income Tax
and Trust Enquiries at 1-800-959-8281.
How can I get a copy of my notice of
assessment or reassessment? You can
get a copy quickly and easily through My
Account. If registered you will be able to
view and print detailed information on an
assessment or reassessment of your income
tax and benefit return for the current year
or the 11 previous years. If you register for
online mail, you will receive your notice
Who Said What …
“Everything points to Canada as being one of the key countries in the new
race for survival If all politicians were like Mr. (Pierre) Trudeau, there would
be world peace.”
- John Lennon talking to the Parliament Hill media in 1969
Y@Hathome
Finally a fresh new alternative
to condos and retirement homes in Ottawa
W
illiam’s Court is the latest from Lépine, one
of the leading developers of luxury apartment
communities in Canada. Lépine’s family business is founded on 60 years of quality construction with a
traditional “owner in the store” approach. They have led
the way in defining a new category of housing accommodation, being driven by a desire to encourage the growth
of vibrant communities in which people enjoy peace of
mind, true quality and room to breathe.
When spaces are designed to reflect and connect with
the beauty of the nature surrounding it, its inhabitants are
likely to live happy, healthy and active lifestyles. This mantra is at the heart of the resort-like apartment community of
William’s Court. As a result, it was recently crowned as the
winner of Ontario’s 2014 Amenities Awards of Excellence.
This community of six buildings surrounds four acres of
courtyard gardens outfitted with a gazeebo, a play structure
and fitness stations. The courtyard is seamlessly connected
to public terraces complete with complementary barbeque
facilities and easy access to an indoor salt-water pool and
world-class fitness centre. Combine all this with a laidback atmosphere that is accented by a timeless elegance,
and you will realize the new lease on lifestyle waiting for
you at William’s Court.
As you arrive at the clubhouse it is immediately obvious why these new luxury apartments are being leased up
almost as fast as they are being built. In a class all its own,
this award-winning apartment community provides fresh
new options in today’s real estate market. The modern onsite leasing centre is open seven days a week showcasing
dozens of suite layouts, price options and lease terms.
You will also be invited to climb aboard the tour cart to
be chauffeured around the property to visit the ten model
suites furnished for viewing throughout the neighbourhood. There is no need to worry about the winter months,
as the tour cart avoids inclement weather with ease by
travelling through the interconnected climate controlled
parking garage.
William’s Court offers everything from the efficient
unit layout you might find in a private villa, to grand suite
layouts that deliver the panache of the city’s finest condos
but without any ownership headaches. These apartments
are pet-friendly and are free from property taxes, condo
fees and other hidden costs.
Own peace of mind when you lease luxury apartment
from Lépine.
Call today and Francesca Lépine and her team of
warm and helpful leasing consultants will match your
needs with an apartment home that is designed to fit you
perfectly.
When confronted with the options in the real estate
market today, William’s Court should be your first resort
because you are looking for more than just a home — you
are looking for peace of mind!
Come and see William’s Court for yourself and live
carefree! 1.866.993.1152 | kanatalakesapartments.com
youngatheartnewspaper.ca
April 2015 11
Kitchen Faucet
*Faucet may
not be exactly
as shown
99
$
Brushed Nickel
Ceramic Disc
Cartridge
with Lifetime
Warranty
Solid Wood Vanity with
Ceramic Top & Basin
BLOWOUT
Solid Wood
Euro Style Vanity
24’’w x 18’’d
x 35.5 h
Also available
in white
395
$
42” with
Cararra
Marble
top
Solid Wood Double
Vessel Vanity with Carerra
White Marble Top
795
$
Reg.
$1,295
Solid Wood Shaker Style
Maple Vanity 49” wide
71”w x 22”d x 31”h
795
995
$
36” Solid Wood with
Glass Top
with FREE
Marble Onyx
Top
$
Available in
Walnut &
Black Cherry
finish
3 sizes to
choose from
28’’, 36’’, 48’’
Starting from
395
$
Reg. $495
Espresso Vanity
Solid Wood
S
Kitchen & Bath
One
piece
Green
or
Black
Glass
top
Sale
$
645
Antique Furniture Vanities
with Granite Tops & Basins
5 Sizes to
choose
from
25’’, 31’’,
38’’, 50’’,
64’’
$
Starting from
495
Solid Wood Espresso Vanity
with Carrera Marble Top
Available
in 30”
and 36”
$
Starting from
495
Double Legged
Pedistal
Wholesal
To The Public. Cut & Po
Vanity Top
& Hutch
50”Maple
finish with
matching triple
mirror cabinet.
Also available
in Espresso
1295
$
Newcastle White Vanity
• Soft close
doors and
drawers
• Also available
in 30”, 36”
and 60”
• Top sold
separatly
32”x 22”
x 33.5”
$
Reg. $795
395
Sale
845
$
HIGH END QUALITY PRODUCTS AT WHOLESALE PRICES
Over 100 Vanity Styles
Gus is a qualified Master Plumber with over 30 years experience.
12 youngatheartnewspaper.ca April 2015
SALE
olished in Peterborough.
Infinity
Door
50%
OFF
Sale
795
30”x21”x9”
• 304SS/15
Gauge
Walk-In Tub
495
Double,
undermount
32”x21.75”
x 9”deep
• Therapeutic &
whirlpool jets
• 100% acrylic
• 2 Pumps
• Double drain system for
fast draining
• Stainless Steel Door
(removable 4”end Strip)
295
Reg.
$7,995
Black or Beige
Granite Sink
$
Reg. $595
•
•
•
•
•
$
$
Stainless Steel Sink
NOW
60” x 32”
- 8mm glass
- Very smoth
rollers
High Mount
Dual Flush
18” High
Eco Friendly Water Saver
Excellent flush
Insulated tank
1.8 and 4.8 liters per flush
195
$
Solid
Wood
Mirror
Espresso & White
(select models)
20
$
each
Shower House
60” Shower Door
One Piece Quartz Walls
No Grout
le Granite
$
50%
OFF
Most items now
38’ x 38’ or
32” x 32”
Rain Shower,
6 Body Jets,
Handspray,
Frameless
Tempered
Glass
With Seat
545
$
995
One Piece Shower Panels
Starting from
$
38”h
29.5”w
55-59”l
2995
One Piece
Dual Flush
• 1pc dual flush toilet
• 16’’ comfort height
• 1.8 and 4.8 liters per flush
295
Powerful
Dual Flush
Eco Friendly Water Save:
• Excellent flush
• White
• Low water consumption
• Insulated tank
• 1.8 and 4.8 liters per flush
$199
145
1761A St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa Gus’s Kitchen & Bath 2183 Carling Avenue, Ottawa
Reg.
$395
$
613.248.2284
$
www.guskitchenandbath.com
613.828.2284
youngatheartnewspaper.ca
April 2015 13
A
Meet the family behind Gus’s Kitchen and Bath
fter a successful start in Peterborough, Gus’s
Kitchen and Bath is now firmly established in
the Nation’s Capital. Gus Dozois brings years
of experience in the kitchen and bath arenas, and as
a licensed plumber, is well aware of the pitfalls facing
customers who are either renovating their present
homes, or installing all new cabinetry and fixtures in
a new residence. His philosophy of a customer dealing directly with the owner has paid high dividends to
those dealing with any one of his companies – outlets
which stretch from Peterborough to Whitby, and now
with two locations in Ottawa, with plans for further
expansion throughout the Province. Y@H caught up
with Dozois to find out what has led to his phenomenal success and what customers in Eastern Ontario
can expect in the future from this growing company.
Y@H: Tell us how it all began. When did you first
get into plumbing and where?
GD: As a a resident of Northern Ontario, I had an
opportunity to take a plumbing, pipefitting and gas
fitting apprenticeship in Calgary, Alberta in the early
‘80s. I then headed out west with my suitcase and
began working for Arpis Industry. Calgary was booming, and I gained much experience in the plumbing
of hospitals, schools, highrises and shopping plazas. I
then completed my schooling at the Southern Institute
of Technology.
Y@H: When did you move from employee to employer status and where?
GD: After six years in Alberta, I moved to Peterborough with my wife Wendy and two sons, James who
was three years of age and eight-month-old John.
The boom was now in Ontario and I had a connection
and a job here. I continued to learn the service and
housing sector of plumbing including well pumps.
In 1989, we opened our own plumbing and pump
service called Gus’s Plumbing and Pump Service. We
joined local 463 plumbers and pipe fitters union and
won most of the bids on large commercial projects in
Peterborough, including Trent University expansions
and retro fit servicing their boilers and chillers. We also
held the city contract for plumbing and heating for a
12-year period.
Y@H: What made you move from a simple plumbing business into the highly competitive field of cabinetry and fixtures?
GD: In 1991 we opened a retail outlet, and at that
time the selection of fixtures was very limited. So we
saw an opportunity to complement our business with a
retail store. As we continued to grow our business, we
expanded by adding kitchen cabinets and granite. Then
we continued further into wholesale and distribution.
Y@H: You now have four businesses operating between Peterborough and Ottawa, can you see Gus’s
Kitchen and Bath becoming a franchise operation
where entrepreneurs can become expansions of your
present business?
GD: James and John expressed interest in our business at a very early age. James followed in the technical aspect and also educated himself with a plumbing apprenticeship at Durham Collage and holds a
14 youngatheartnewspaper.ca April 2015
master plumbing license.
John’s focus was on management and marketing,
and was our right arm in
setting up our retail outlets.
He managed the head office in Peterborough, until
just recently taking over
the Ottawa store region.
The boys have become part
owners in the business and
will soon be the future of
the company’s expansion.
Y@H: What makes your
business different from other kitchen and bath renovation operations?
GD: The biggest difference is that we buy the best
quality products available on the market in volume. We
warehouse our products in huge quantities and have
a large selection readily available. With a hundred and
fifteen plus styles of vanities in stock at all times, as
well as hundreds of toilets, granite counters, showers
faucets etc., we can offer top quality products that are
affordable to our customers.
Y@H: You must deal with changing trends every
day. What is the consumer’s favourite countertop now?
GD: Customers choose granite as their first choice of
countertop. Granite is the most durable option as you
can place pots from your stove directly onto your granite and your knives will dull before leaving scratches on
the granite surface. The maintenance of having to seal
the countertop, which is only a matter of wiping on
and off every one to five years depending the sealer, is
worth the care free enjoyment of such a timeless stone.
Y@H: It has been said that by installing granite
countertops in both kitchen and baths in your present
home, you increase the value of your home by many
thousands of dollars. Is that possible?
GD: With our busy lifestyle, home buyers are looking for a home that they can enjoy without having
to spend time and money on improvements. Granite
counters will last the lifetime of your home and the
cost of granite is now affordable to the average home
owner. The granite will not only improve the value but
attract future buyers.
Y@H: In today’s climate, we are all aware of efficiently run appliances and that includes those items
that use water, what can the consumer install in his or
her home that assures them they are getting the best
possible economic usage of what they install?
GD: Dual Flush toilets have been used for decades
in many countries around the world to conserve water.
Canada has recently followed suit. These toilets are not
only environmentally friendly, but they also save the
consumers on expensive water bills and are better for
septic systems.
Y@H: You have been in the business for more than a
quarter century, how has it changed since you opened
your first outlet?
GD: We have seen toilets, sinks and bathtubs go
from every colour under the sun to white, bone, and
biscuit. Even grey is difficult to find. Vanities are now
the furniture piece of the bathroom with so much
more choice than 25 years ago. Bigger corner tubs are
being sized down, with freestanding tubs the latest in
bathroom fashion. With an aging population, bathtub
spaces are being converted into luxury showers, that
are not only attractive, but practical to accommodate
a barrier-free environment. Toilets and vanities are
now higher. Standard vanity height is 34 instead of 30
inches and toilets range from standard 15” high, to
a comfort height of 16 and barrier free height of 18
inches. Water conservation is a big priority with all toilets and they must be efficient in removing the waste
in a single flush. As discussed above, the most popular
countertops are stone with ceramic sinks. The days of
arborite and enamel on steel sinks are near extinction.
Tubs are manufactured using acrylic instead of steel.
Ceramic disc cartridges built for a lifetime of maintenance free have replaced the plastic and the washer
cartridges in faucets. Quartz shower wall are now being used for ease of cleaning, no more grout to clean!
Y@H: What can those potential customers of Gus’s
Kitchen and Bath expect when they call you?
GD: Customers shopping at Gus’s should expect to
be served with professional, friendly knowledgeable
staff. Our showrooms display a large variety of quality
products in stock and ready to be shipped from our
Peterborough warehouse.
N O C O N D O F E E S , N O P R O P E RT Y TA X E S , N O C O M PA R I S O N
FINALLY A FRESH
NEW ALTERNATIVE
CALL NOW
1.866.993.1152
TO CONDOS & RETIREMENT HOMES IN OTTAWA
www.KanataLakesApartments.com
IMMEDIATE
OCCUPANCY
or book for 2016
700 - 1500 Square Feet
$1350 - $2950/Month
MASTER
BEDROOM
ENSUITE
16’ x 11’
W/D
L
FURNISHED GUEST SUITE
L
ENTRY
BATHROOM
9 FOOT CEILINGS
IN-SUITE LAUNDRY
WIC
BEDROOM
ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDED
AMPLE STORAGE
14’ x 11’
INDOOR SALTWATER POOL
P
STAFFED FITNESS CENTRE
KITCHEN
HVAC
BARBECUE TERRACES
8’ x 12’
LIVING/
DINING
22’ x 16’
LOUNGE
DW
GAZEBO GARDEN
LAKES & TRAILS
DEN
14’ x 10’
TOUR TEN FURNISHED
MODEL SUITES
*1500 Square Feet
Grand Suite Available On Request
L E A S E A L U X U R Y A PA R T M E N T T O O W N P E A C E O F M I N D ,
F R E E D O M T O T R AV E L , A N D A R E S O R T L I F E S T Y L E
LEASING CENTRE Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-5PM. After hours by appointment.
1145 Maritime Way, Kanata | 1.866.993.1152 | www.KanataLakesApartments.com
youngatheartnewspaper.ca
April 2015 15
Designing an accessible exterior space
By Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
When it comes to designing a house that is safe,
welcoming and accessible to everyone, outdoor
spaces are just as important as indoor spaces. All too
often, however, the exterior spaces of even the most
accessible homes are overlooked.
Successfully creating a universally accessible
exterior space starts with assessing both the space
itself, as well as how you, your family and your
friends will use it. The following tips will show you
how to design an accessible and flexible outdoor
space that will keep pace with your family’s evolving needs and lifestyle for years to come.
If you have a very large lawn or garden, you may
want to group some of your favourite elements, such
as decks, play spaces, and eating and cooking areas,
close to each other and to the main access points of
your house. This will help make it easier for people
who may have stamina limitations to enjoy your
yard, and socialize more comfortably with the rest
of your family.
Consider designing a circuit of pathways and
seating areas in way that makes it simpler to move
about — particularly for people who use mobility
devices, have limited sight or who live with dementia. If your garden has multiple levels, consider using
a sloped walkway or ramps that are integrated into
the overall landscape design.
Ideally, all patios, terraces and seating areas
should be accessible and large enough to allow someone who uses a walker or wheelchair to turn around.
As a general rule of thumb, people who use walkers,
wheelchairs or scooters need pathways that are at least 1,065 mm
(42 inches) wide. Where turning is
required, provide an area of at least
1,525 x 1,525 mm (60 x 60 inches)
for people who use a walker or
wheelchair, or 2,100 x 2,100 mm
(83 x 83 inches) for scooters and
larger wheelchairs.
Avoid plants and trees that drop
a great deal of debris, as these can
pose a safety issue for people with
limited mobility. Protruding or
hanging objects can also be dangerous, especially for people with
low or reduced vision.
If pruning or trimming chores
could pose a challenge, select plant
species that won’t be too large for
your space, and which require little
or no ongoing maintenance.
To maximize the number of
days each year when you can enjoy your yard, consider using trees, porches, gazebos or umbrellas to
provide protection from the wind and sun, and make
sure stormwater will drain away from your home
and any exterior access pathways.
If you’re designing a deck or patio, use the same
safety considerations you’d use for the inside of
your home. For example, make sure the stairs have
uniform tread heights and depths, and if you have
a large vertical rise, consider installing a lift or a
series of ramps.
Senior’s Equity Financing Seminar
Draw Equity For Easier Retirement (DEFER)
The Truth regarding Reverse Mortgages
and/or Home Equity Lines of Credit
Who should attend?
• Retired Seniors with a residence
• Seniors with a residence having cash flow problems
• Seniors who have been denied a mortgage/renewal
Bob Labreque Invis
#M08001625
When:
Wednesday, April 29, 2015 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where:
Hintonburg Community Centre, 1064 Wellington St., Ottawa
Limited handicap parking.
Cost:
$20 per person or $30 per couple, payable with registration.
Limited seating so reserve early!
Speaker: Robert Labreque, Mortgage Agent (INVIS #M08001625)
and Columnist, The Ottawa Sun, for 26 years
Please RSVP to: Bob Labreque, INVIS, P.O. Box 6, Williamsburg, ON K0C 2H0
or call (613) 535-2200 or email [email protected]
THIS IS A MUST ATTEND SEMINAR BY ONE OF OTTAWA’S PREIMMENT MORTGAGE BROKER
16 youngatheartnewspaper.ca April 2015
Last but not least, make sure your outdoor space has sufficient lighting. The right exterior illumination will not only enhance safety and
visibility, but it can also be used to create atmosphere, help people find
their way and increase the security of your home.
For a free copy of the “About Your House” fact sheet “Exterior
Spaces” or for information on any of the other guides, fact sheets
and check lists in CMHC’s Accessible Housing by Design series, visit
www.cmhc.ca.
For over 65 years, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
(CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency, and a source of
objective, reliable housing information.
Inquire before you hire
(NC) Hiring a tradesperson is a difficult decision for many Ontario
families. Tradespeople provide specialized skills and expertise on
subjects that many of us have no knowledge. This lack of knowledge
leaves Ontario homeowners vulnerable to being duped by dishonest
individuals claiming to be certified tradespeople.
According to Ontario’s skilled trades regulatory body, there have
been a number of examples where homeowners have been the victim
of unqualified tradespeople who falsely advertised themselves as certified. This has left consumers either out of pocket for shoddy work or
at risk from unsafe repairs.
“Ontarians are in the extremely fortunate position of having access
to thousands of hard-working, talented and honest skilled trades professionals in this province, but that doesn’t mean that everyone who
advertises themselves as skilled and certified are what they claim to
be,” says David Tsubouchi, Registrar and CEO of the Ontario College
of Trades.
The Ontario College of Trades is the organization mandated to
oversee and modernize skilled trades in Ontario and protect the public
interest, and it is regularly contacted by citizens who are taken advantage of by uncertified workers, and left with unfinished or shoddilycompleted renovations.
The good news is that the establishment of the College means consumers now have access to a website to easily confirm the credentials
of someone who says they are certified in one of Ontario’s 22 compulsory trades (A trade in which registration as an a apprentice, journeyperson candidate or certification as a journeyperson is mandatory.)
“The ultimate goal is to help people make informed decisions so
they reduce the risk of costly problems and, in some cases, work that
could risk their safety,” says Tsubouchi.
The most important thing for the public is to do their research
before hiring a tradesperson. Ontarians who are hiring someone to
fix the plumbing in their home or fix their brakes can go to the College’s Public Register at www.collegeoftrades.ca, where you check a
tradesperson’s credentials, and see if she or he is certified to do the job.
Plant the right tree in the right place
(NC) Spring is the optimal time to plant trees on your
property – but did you know that planting the right tree in
the right place can help you save energy? Putting it in the
right location is also a safety measure.
Here are some helpful tips from Hydro One:
1. Plant tall-growing trees at least eight metres away from
power lines. Tree contact with power lines accounts for
about 30 per cent of power outages in Ontario.
2. Deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees provide shade from
the summer sun to cut down on heat gain, but lose their
leaves in winter to let sunlight enter your home and
maximize solar warmth and light. Plant them to the
south and the southwest around your home’s windows
to provide shade from late afternoon/evening sun.
3. A good windbreak includes a mixture of coniferous
trees, deciduous shrubs, evergreen shrubs and perennial
plants. The right combination planted tightly together
can thoroughly shield your home from cold winter
gusts. Even a single row of white pine trees can reduce
the speed of wind hitting your home by 60 per cent.
4. Low-growing evergreen shrubs planted beside basement walls add a green layer of insulation to your
home’s exterior. Tightly placed shrubs help to keep
warmth in and winter winds out. Plant shrubs at least
60 centimetres away from your foundation walls.
5. Remember to call before you dig to locate underground
lines. Do this through Ontario One by calling toll-free
at 1-800-400-2255 or online at www.on1call.com.
Advertorial
M
Cashflow in Retirement
any seniors worry about cash flow in retirement mainly due to a remaining mortgage
on their residence or accumulating debt.
Our government went to great length in 2013 to “cool
down” an apparent overactive real estate market. It
did this by changing quite a few
mortgage rules. Sadly, seniors who
own their houses got caught in the
crossfire.
In days of old, knowing your
banker was good enough to get
what you needed, whether you
qualified or not. I’ll get into modern qualifying standards a little
later. Since the late ‘90s, mortgage Bob Labreque
Invis
and loans decisions have been tak- #M08001625
en out of the hands of those bankers and replaced with computer models. In the early
2000s, fringe lenders (also called “equity lenders”)
made a fortune financing what the banks used to do
when you had a great banker, great credit, or lots of
equity. In November 2013, then Finance Minister Jim
Flaherty came out with two new rules that all lending
institutions were urged to follow. These were called
Bill B-20 and Bill B-21. In essence, all applicants
had to qualify for a loan or a mortgage. In retirement,
sometimes urgencies get in the way of common sense.
The multitude of credit card offers, or unsecured lines
of credit being brandished by lending institutions as
a “secret low rate” deal for X number of months held
seniors hostage. It was too easy to borrow but now that
the expiry date is here, how can we payoff that loan?
The single greatest asset is your home. Even if you
had a stellar credit history, going for a consolidation
mortgage to pay off said debts seems like a good idea.
Since your banker no longer has the power to approve
you without qualification, today all credit applications need to be reviewed by computer. The new rules
state that your debt to income ratio for your residence
(Gross Debt Service) must not exceed a certain percentage of your provable income, and all debts, including the residence (Total Debt Service) also must play
into those numbers. That percentage is based on your
credit score. The higher the score, the more you have
shown that you can handle credit, so the maximum
also will go higher.
In retirement, most of us lose some income. The
equity in your house should be or could be used to
enhance cash flow, if required. Now those rules have
changed as well. Even though you own the equity in
your house, you can only borrow up to 80% of the
value of the house by way of mortgage or only 65%
of its’ value by secured line of credit and only if your
debt servicing ratios are in line.
Let me give you an example. Don and his wife
bought a house 15 years ago. Don still owes $120,000
on the house. He has recently retired and his income
is down to RRSP’s he had set aside, a small company
pension and both Government pensions. His wife
never worked outside the home, so she is stuck with
only OAS which she won’t get for two more years.
The total family income is $2,300 per month plus
whatever Don needs to draw from his RRSP. His
regular mortgage payment is $1,500 per month which
includes property taxes. You can now see where I’m
coming from! The house is worth some $450,000
today but he can barely afford his existing mortgage
payment, let alone heat, hydro and groceries. Prior to
retiring, he should have refinanced the house while
he still had a salary. So now he goes to the bank to
ask about lowering the payments on his mortgage.
The Bank discourages him from doing that, saying that he is down to 10 years on his amortization
and to extend the mortgage over a longer period
of time, it will need to be re-approved at a higher
rate. He would need to have the house re-appraised
and he would have to go back to see his lawyer.
They did offer him a line of credit, thus avoiding
all the fuss. So he applied for $60,000 with interest
only payments of $200. Whatever he was short on his
budget, he could borrow from his new line of credit.
He figured he was short about $1,000 a month so he
would be good for five years. Three days later came
the news that he did not qualify for five cents let
alone $60,000! He had to sell his house. Not only was
he now retired, but now he apparently had to sell his
house. He did indeed call his real estate agent who
told him to call me for financial support rather than
be forced to sell.
I visited them in their home. I could feel the
sadness as they tried to mentally prepare to move
and pay rent. I looked over their financial position.
Apart from the mortgage, they owed a whopping
$40,800 in credit card debt and a new furnace/air
conditioning unit. They had both fallen victim to
the low rate credit card offers mentioned above.
Their cars were also dated but ran like tops.
Both of them wanted desperately to stay in their
15-year-old home. This was the rewarding part for me.
I turned things around and arranged a new mortgage
for what they owed ($120,000), amortized over 30
years with payments of $488 a month. I also arranged a
secured line of credit for $80,000 with payments of up
to $233 per month if they used up the whole amount.
We paid off all debts owing. The equity in their home
will support their retirement until such a time when
they want to move, not are forced to move. Their new
monthly payments were $700 lower than what they
had been paying. The new line of credit would enable
them to fix what needed fixing, buy a newer car when
theirs finally broke down, take an occasional holiday
to celebrate retirement, etc. We did this whole thing
within the new parameters set out by the federal government.
Why could I do this and not their bank? It’s called
caring with a little touch of imagination.
MORE TO COME!
youngatheartnewspaper.ca
April 2015 17
Add mushrooms for a nutritional difference
They may be small and light, but did you know that
eating just four to five, medium-sized mushrooms (100
grams) provides vitamins and minerals that are essential
for a healthy body and active lifestyle?
With many of us trying to save money at the grocery
store, buying fresh foods that are nutrient dense is very
important. Fresh Canadian mushrooms are a nutrient
dense food that is available year-round, making them a
great value for both your health and your pocketbook. By
adding a 1/2 cup serving of mushrooms to your meals, you
Mushrooms are the secret ingredient
in these meatball sliders
are adding vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants − all
vital to good health.
Take a look at a few more details:
Loads of Vitamins: When it comes to the B vitamins,
including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, fresh
mushrooms make a great choice. A ½ cup serving makes
an important contribution to daily intakes of folate, thiamin and vitamin B6. Fresh mushrooms are also the only
vegetable source of Vitamin D.
Many Minerals: A single serving of fresh mushrooms
is a source of copper, phosphorus, potassium and selenium.
Along with serving up great taste, fresh mushrooms also
contribute to daily intakes of iron, magnesium and zinc.
Fabulous Fibre: Mushrooms offer both soluble and
insoluble fibre, which promote satiety, good bowel health,
and may have anti-cancer properties. Whether the concern is
lowering cholesterol levels, the risk of heart disease, type 2
diabetes, colon cancer, diverticulosis, or just the promotion
of good bowel health, fibre is one of the dietary keys. Getting enough fibre every day has also been linked to a lower
body mass index, an indicator of obesity. Because fibre helps
make foods more satisfying, one tends to eat less, and that can
translate into weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants are the heroes of cell
preservation. They work by slowing or preventing the
oxidative process caused by free radicals that can lead to
cell damage and the onset of problems like heart disease
and diabetes. Recent research has found that both raw
and cooked mushrooms contain a powerful antioxidant
called ergothioneine. Portabella and crimini mushrooms
have the most of this antioxidant, followed by white button mushrooms.
Try this tantalizing
roasted mushroom tart
Living Lou is a popular Canadian food blogger
with an expertise in cooking and baking – and she
also brings a youthful, innovative approach to the
kitchen.
“I wanted to lighten up my favourite meatball
sliders and using the ‘blend and extend’ method is
the perfect way to do this,” Louisa points out. “Who
would think that finely chopped mushrooms would
blend in seamlessly with ground beef? It’s quite the
revelation and something that I’ve been using in all
sorts of recipes. Not only does it add volume, vitamins and minerals to dishes, it makes eating beef
more affordable.”
Sliders are great, she adds, for feeding a crowd and
are especially kid-friendly. These sliders are a little on
the spicy side, but you can omit the red pepper flakes
if you want to keep things a bit milder.
Makes 12
Beef and Mushroom
Meatball Sliders
Ingredients:
4 oz white button mushrooms
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb lean ground beef
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1
egg
2 tbsp +1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease a baking sheet with
olive oil.
2.In a food processor, process mushrooms and garlic.
3.In a large bowl, combine mushroom mixture with
beef, bread crumbs, parsley, egg, 2 tbsp barbecue
sauce and red pepper flakes.
4.Using a standard ice cream scoop, scoop mixture
into 12 even meatballs.
5.Brush with remaining ¼ cup of barbecue sauce.
6.Bake in oven for 35-45 minutes or until fully
cooked.
18 youngatheartnewspaper.ca April 2015
Mushrooms combine deliciously with béchamel and
fried sage in this recipe by eatHalifax:
Roasted Mushroom Tart
Serves 4-6 as a main
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: Less than 1 hour
Ingredients for tart:
2 1/2 lbs. mixed mushrooms
(like whole cremini, whole button,
halved king oyster, whole enoki)
1
head of garlic, cloves removed and peeled
1/2 small lemon, sliced in rounds
3 tbsp olive oil
5 sprigs each fresh thyme and rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
1
sheet puff pastry, thawed
Ingredients for béchamel:
6 tbsp butter
6 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1/4 tsp nutmeg + more to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmigianino Reggiano
Ingredients for fried sage:
1/4 cup oil
Bunch of fresh sage, stems removed
Salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425º F. Toss together the mushrooms
(except the enoki), garlic, lemon, olive oil, herbs, and a
pinch of both salt and pepper. Spread onto a parchmentlined baking sheet. Roast until golden brown but still
tender, about 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
If using enoki mushrooms, add in the last 5 minutes.
Remove the herb stalks and lemon slices.
Meanwhile make the béchamel. Melt the butter in a
medium saucepan until hot and bubbling. Add the flour.
Cook for 1 minute, whisking often. Whisk in the milk
gradually. Bring to a boil. Cook, whisking frequently,
until thick and smooth, 8-10 minutes. Stir in the nutmeg
and cheese. Season to taste with salt, pepper and more
nutmeg if desired.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry
into a larger square. Fold over the edges ½ inch to create
a border. Prick the centre lightly with a fork. Bake 10
minutes. Pour the béchamel into the crust. If it all doesn’t
fit without pouring over the edge, save it and serve with
the tart. Bake an additional 10 minutes until set. Arrange
the mushrooms and roasted garlic on top. Bake 5 minutes
more or until the pastry is golden brown.
For the fried sage, heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add 1/3 of the sage leaves and cook
until crisp, only 2-3 seconds. Transfer to paper towel
and sprinkle with salt. Repeat with remaining leaves.
Crumble over the tart to serve.
More information and recipe ideas can be found at
www.mushrooms.ca.
– News Canada
Y@Hhealthyliving
Most Canadians have been touched by cancer,
but many don’t feel prepared to support
themselves or their loved ones
More than 75% of Canadians have had a personal connection with cancer, whether through their own diagnosis
or that of a loved one, according to a new survey commissioned by the Canadian Cancer Society. The survey,
released ahead of the charity’s annual Daffodil Month
fundraising campaign, also showed that more than half
(56%) do not feel well equipped to support themselves, a
friend or loved one with cancer.
“When I was diagnosed with colon cancer, I felt disoriented and scared. My family and friends tried to help but
they just didn’t have a full understanding of what I was
going through,” says Randy Dalton, a colon cancer survivor and peer support volunteer with the Canadian Cancer
Society who has so far shared his experience with more
than 35 others going through their own cancer journey.
“Looking back, knowing that there was someone I could
talk to who could relate to what I was experiencing, would
have been invaluable. It’s the reason why I volunteer with
the Canadian Cancer Society as a peer support specialist
– so I can help others who may be going through a similar
experience.”
The survey was conducted by Angus Reid in March
2015 and includes responses from 2,198 Canadians across
the country. The results also show that upon learning of
a cancer diagnosis, fewer than half of Canadians (49%)
searched for information, while only 19% looked into
support services.
The internet is a great source of information, but when
it comes to cancer, the accuracy of that information can
be questionable. The Canadian Cancer Society provides
reliable information that is grounded in scientific fact.
The Society can help answer questions about more than
200 different types of cancer and can connect people with
services that can help them or loved ones through their
cancer journey. These services have also been proven to
help decrease stress and anxiety for
patients and family caregivers.
“The results of this survey clearly illustrate the need for the Canadian Cancer Society’s information
and support services,” said Pamela
Fralick, President and CEO of the
Canadian Cancer Society. “We
are calling on Canadians
to help spread the word
about our services so
people can feel better
equipped to help those
with the disease.”
By reaching out to the Canadian Cancer Society, people can:
• Ask a trained cancer information specialist questions about cancer, prevention,
supports and more.
• Talk to someone who’s had a similar cancer
experience.
• Connect, day or night, to get support through online
communities.
• Get support to quit smoking, remain smoke-free or help
someone quit smoking.
These services are free, personalized and confidential. To connect, call 1-888-939-3333 or visit
cancer.ca.
“It’s important to note that the Canadian
Cancer Society’s vital services are supported
by Daffodil Month and our other fundraising programs,” adds Fralick. “Without the
support of donors, we simply would not be
able to offer these services that
help so many people.”
During Daffodil Month
in April, volunteers across
the country are involved in
numerous activities to raise
funds for the fight against cancer, including selling daffodil pins
and flowers. Money raised during Daffodil Month helps cancer patients and
their families in communities across
Canada. In addition to services, donations fund life-saving research
and other important work so that
fewer Canadians are touched by the
disease.
This month, join the fight. Support
Canadians living with cancer. Find out more at cancer.
ca/daffodil.
Society study looking at the role of
avoidable cancer risk factors
Imagine if the number of Canadians expected to be
diagnosed with cancer in 30 years could be cut in half. It’s
not such a far-fetched idea.
A new study, funded by the Canadian Cancer Society,
will for the first time determine the most comprehensive
estimates of how many cancer cases could be avoided if
Canadians improve their lifestyles and reduce their exposure to environmental carcinogens.
Modifiable risk factors for cancer include:
• Smoking
• body weight
• inactivity • poor diet
• overexposure to the sun and artificial ultraviolet rays
• infections, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV)
• air pollution
Research has already shown that about half of all cancers
could be prevented through healthy, active living and public policies that protect health. However, current estimates
linking specific modifiable lifestyle and environmental
risk factors with cancer occurrences are fragmented across
the country. The depth and reliability of this information
varies depending on the province, risk factor, and cancer
type. When complete, this new study will provide the most
comprehensive and accurate breakdown of cancer risk fac-
tors across the country. This information can then be used to
promote the creation of the most effective and targeted programs and policies to reduce our risk of developing cancer.
“The opportunity to work in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society on cancer prevention is exciting and
unique for our team,” says Dr Christine Friedenreich, Head,
Division of Preventive Oncology in the University of Calgary’s Department of Oncology, and a lead investigator on
the study. “We’ve never had a grant of this kind that brings
together researchers with the healthcare providers and policy makers who can directly apply the results of our study
to programs and policies that will reduce cancer incidence.”
“Understanding how many cancers cases are a result of
avoidable risk factors can help inform today’s prevention
priorities and identify where public policies would have
the greatest impact,” says Dr Robert Nuttall, Assistant
Director of Cancer Control Policy at the Canadian Cancer
Society and a partner on the study. “Healthy living is the
best recipe for avoiding cancer. It’s never too late to start
practicing healthy behaviours.”
Cancer prevention:
What we know and don’t know
Smoking, excess weight, poor diet and lack of physical
activity are believed to account for the greatest number
of preventable cancers. However, less is known about the
impact of other factors on cancer incidence rates – factors
such as alcohol consumption, HPV and hepatitis B infections, and environmental exposure to air pollution and
ultraviolet rays.
The research team will determine the number of Canadians who are exposed to each of these risk factors using
national and provincial databases and surveys, and will
identify the magnitude of cancer risk using published
literature. Building on the knowledge we already have,
this new study will determine the impact of modifiable
risk factors on the number of cancer cases diagnosed in
Canada now and in the future. The national data will also
be broken down by province and territory.
“We cannot sit back and wait for the wave of new
cancer cases we’re expecting as the Canadian population continues to grow and age. Our goal is to stop as
many cancers as we can before they even start,” says
Dr Siân Bevan, Director of Research, Canadian Cancer
Society. “The results from this research will help reduce
the burden of cancer in Canada by providing crucial
information for the development of cancer prevention
policies; identifying priority areas for cancer prevention
research; and setting priorities for public health education
programs.”
youngatheartnewspaper.ca
April 2015 19
By KiKi Bochi
Yoga 101: Could this be the perfect exercise
program you’ve been looking for?
With its focus on balance, yoga is often billed as the
antidote to life in the fast lane. This ancient form of Eastern
exercise is hot these days, and for good reason. Anyone can
do yoga and practised correctly, it can provide excellent
conditioning, exercise and stress reduction.
Devotees to yoga swear by it — it just makes you feel
good. Now there may be scientific support — if you’re
into scientific theories — for why yoga boosts your sense
of well-being beyond what you can get from other forms
of exercise.
In a recently published paper, medical researchers
in the US compared a group that exercised by walking
with a group that was assigned to do yoga for 12 weeks.
While they may have improved their fitness, the participants who walked had no increase in the neurotransmitter, gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA). Low GABA,
which can be caused by stress, has been linked to anxiety
disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and
chronic pain.
In comparison, the yoga group showed increased GABA
levels — a clinical explanation for why yoga, by making
you find your center, makes you feel good. The researchers
concluded the mind-body benefits could be useful in treating everything from anxiety to heart disease. And while the
study didn’t specifically address how yoga helps regular
folks who just want to relax and stay fit, the advantages
would obviously extend to them, possibly even providing a
preventative benefit.
“Yoga is known to improve stress-related nervous
system imbalances,” said Chris Streeter, MD, associate
professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of
Medicine and the lead author of the study, which was
conducted with the help of New York Medical College
and the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.
“This paper provides a theory, based on neurophysiology and neuroanatomy, to understand how yoga helps
patients feel better by relieving symptoms in many common disorders.”
So is there a down-side to this 5,000-year-old practice
that has become one of today’s hottest mind/body trends?
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons, there is. Some of the more strenuous and complicated poses can cause injury to the neck, shoulders, lower
back or knees. Those who are pregnant and individuals
with severe osteoporosis, high or low blood pressure, and
inner ear problems are at greater risk.
“Yoga is a popular activity with many benefits,” says
Raj Rao, MD, a spokesperson for the academy. A good
yoga program — one that slowly progresses to more
difficult poses and more strenuous activity — can lower
a person’s heart rate, improve muscle and joint conditioning, decrease pain, and contribute to an overall sense of
physical and mental wellbeing, he says. “However, as in
any activity, moderation and caution are key.”
To avoid injury, orthopaedic surgeons advise the following:
• Work with a qualified yoga instructor. Ask about his or
her experience and credentials.
• Select the class level that is appropriate for you. Start
by taking a single beginner or introductory class before
signing up for a class series. Also, consider taking yoga
more than once a week. People who take just one class
a week are more susceptible to injury.
• Warm up thoroughly — cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are vulnerable to injury. Also, cool down after
your session to relax your muscles and restore your
resting heart rate and breathing.
• If you are unsure of a pose or movement, ask questions. Your instructor should be able to suggest modifications.
• Know your limits. Do not try positions beyond your experience or comfort level. Beginners should start slowly
and learn the basics first, focusing on gentle stretching
and breathing rather than trying to accomplish difficult
poses. • Listen to your body. If you experience pain or exhaustion while participating in yoga, stop or take a break. If
pain persists, speak to your doctor.
• Discuss any known injury or other condition with your
yoga instructor prior to the class so that he or she can
recommend modifications.
• Wear appropriate clothing that allows for proper movement. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• If you choose to use a yoga DVD at home, look for one
that comes highly recommended and start modestly.
Unsightly Toenails?
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colour and contour! INQUIRE ABOUT KERYFLEX
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Call 613-595-9700
20 youngatheartnewspaper.ca April 2015
Before
After
28 Deakin Street, Suite 101 | www.ottawafootpractice.com
Quit smoking your way
By Tara Hoppe, BScN Student and
Emina Campbell, RN
Have you been thinking about reducing or quitting smoking lately? Do you want to help a loved
one quit? Whether you want to quit smoking or you
want to support someone to quit smoking, check out
the MyQuit program.
There are many health benefits from quitting
smoking which take effect almost immediately.
Within 20 minutes of smoking your last cigarette
your blood pressure and heart rate decrease,
within two weeks your circulation and lung function improve, and in just one year the chance of
coronary heart disease is cut in half. Anyone can
benefit from quitting smoking at any age and at
any time, regardless of how long you have been
smoking. Is this a good time for you to reduce
or quit?
Even though you know the benefits of quitting,
it doesn’t necessarily make it easier to do so. If
you have tried to quit smoking before, or know
someone who has tried to quit, then you know that
nicotine addiction can be difficult to overcome.
Many factors such as your genetics, how many
cigarettes you smoke, and timing all play a large
role in quitting for good. How you quit is personal
and the support you get to quit should be personalized to you.
You have already learned so much about what
does and doesn’t work for you. Each quit attempt
you may have made in the past has taught you about
your triggers and how to overcome them. Maybe
you drank your morning coffee in a different chair,
had your shower before your morning cigarette or
modified your break schedule at work. Every time
you have cut down or quit has prepared you to be
even more successful the next time.
MyQuit is available within your community and
free of charge. It is a program that will work with
you to discover the best path to reaching your goals.
Through MyQuit you’re supported by a qualified
quit coach through phone counselling or online
support, or you’re connected with quit groups or
workshops in your community. Although support
from loved ones is very important to help you quit
successfully, combining counselling with the use of
medications, such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy
(NRT), has been shown to double or even triple your
chance of quitting. Because of this, your personalized MyQuit coach will help you decide whether
NRT or medication is right for you and will connect
you with services in your community that offer NRT
in collaboration with counselling. MyQuit will help
you set a quit date and will guide you on your journey to your victory.
If you are looking to support someone to quit
smoking then MyQuit can help you, too! You can
order the MyQuit brochure, print out the ‘Help a
Smoker Quit Guide’ or brush up on some tips to
be supportive and encouraging. Friends and family
play a crucial role in helping a person achieve their
goals. Successfully quitting can include detours
and bumps along the road. Celebrate the little successes along the way and remember to be a friend
first.
Once you’ve quit smoking, you may be faced
with good days and bad. Cravings can be strong
and triggers can be everywhere. You can find
ways to overcome these hurdles! Spend time
with friends and family who don’t smoke and
take part in activities that will keep
you active and distract you. Have
healthy snacks on hand and remember the four D’s when a craving hits:
drink water, delay, distract and deep
breathing. Most importantly, stay
positive and keep in mind that every-
one’s journey is different. Know that
when you’re ready you have options
and supports available to help you
reach your goal!
For programs and support contact
MyQuit.ca or call 1-877-376-1701
A Hearing
Solution
for You!
Hearing Solutions Clinic, a trusted name for hearing care
K
eeping us connected with everything and everyone, our
ability to hear is priceless. Unfortunately, one in ten of us
suffer from hearing loss. If ignored, even the slightest hearing
loss has significant consequences. You become disconnected
from your world as loved ones become mumblers and asking
to repeat becomes a nuisance. Your safety and independence is
compromised. You risk misdiagnoses and diminishing cognitive
abilities. Indeed, untreated or improperly treated hearing loss has
a pronounced negative impact on your quality of life.
Locally grown, owned and operated, Hearing Solutions Clinic
adopts a unique and refreshing approach to patient care which
drastically differs with that of retail settings, larger clinics and
manufacturer owned chains.
As a newly graduated Audiologist, Rosanne McNamee, Doctor
of Audiology, had many interviews for positions at local hearing
companies. At each establishment she found the same thing; the
interviews had nothing to do with her knowledge and skills, they
instead focused on the number of hearing aid units she was expected
to sell and the company’s affiliation to a given Manufacturer.
“That was not my idea of proper hearing health care,” says
McNamee. “I came into this profession to improve my patients’
quality of life. I wanted to focus on my patients’ needs, not
sales. I wanted to be able to consider everything available to
them in the market, not just the product lines that provided my
employer the biggest profit margins. I wanted to be driven by
satisfied customers and by the smiles on their and their loved
one’s faces.” And so she decided to set up her own business,
Hearing Solutions Clinic, doing it her way and putting patients
first. Hearing Solutions Clinic was founded in 2001 and is still
going strong a decade and a half later.
Hearing Solutions Clinic offers patients a unique patient driven
holistic program of care where the patient is an active part of the
decision-making process and where there are no limitations on
service or product.
Unlike larger companies and chains, there is no predetermined
product or plan. Each and every patient’s intervention plan is
as unique as they are. The experience begins with a thorough
assessment which is followed by a detailed needs assessment.
Throughout, the patient’s opinions and concerns are held
paramount.
“We want to ensure that our patients’ hearing needs are met.”
explains McNamee, “We devote all the time necessary for both
thorough assessment and follow-up. We offer a 90-day trial
period on all hearing aids. This extensive trial gives patients the
confidence that they have chosen the right solution for them,
their lifestyle and hearing needs.”
In addition, there are no Hearing Instrument Practitioners or
Hearing Instrument Specialists at Hearing Solutions Clinic.
Patients are rather seen by bilingual Audiologists with either a
Master’s or Doctoral degree in Audiology. They are qualified to
service both children and adults, whether they are private pay or
third party supported (WCB, VAC, ACSD, etc). Most importantly,
they all share the core values, beliefs and principles that created
Hearing Solutions Clinic over a decade ago. Consequently, patients
receive the service of professionals who are not only top in their
field, but who strive for the highest standard of care.
“Hearing is complex and so are today’s hearing aids,”
McNamee explains. “Dealing with the most qualified health
care professional, in the most independent setting, is crucial.”
At Hearing Solutions Clinic you will never worry whether or not
you have chosen the best place to trust with your hearing needs.
This grass-roots business model is very rare in today’s market
and it is this refreshing approach that sets Hearing Solutions
Clinic apart from other hearing companies. So, if you believe
in your right to the best, fullest and most customized service
available, make sure you book your appointment at one of two
Hearing Solutions Clinic locations. “We are not operating in
any location other than our two long-standing offices: 1917
Baseline Road in Nepean and 5528 Ann Street in Manotick. If
you’re not visiting those locations, you’re not dealing with the
real Hearing Solutions Clinic.”
Parking is free. Home visits optional.
Wheelchair accessible.
For more information visit
www.hearingsolutionsclinic.com.
1917 Baseline Rd. in Ottawa
Phone: 613-288-0295
5528 Ann St. in Manotick
Phone: 613-692-7375
Please call
to book your
consultation!
Rosanne McNamee
Doctor of Audiology
youngatheartnewspaper.ca
April 2015 21
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
to help families living with dementia
Two Ottawa area women started a journey last month
which will see them attempt to hike the entire Appalachian Trail by September of this year. They have a dual
goal – to achieve personal satisfaction, and to help raise
much-needed funds for the Alzheimer Society.
Ranked by CNN in the Top 10 of the world’s longdistance trails, the Trail is 3,510 kilometres (2,180 miles)
long – or five million steps. From its start on Mount
Springer, Georgia, the Trail traverses 14 states to end on
Mount Katahdin, Maine. The total elevation gain of hiking
the entire Trail is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest
16 times!
Of the thousands of ‘thru-hikers’ who attempt the
complete hike in one season, fewer than 20% actually
complete it. So what would induce two youngish, senior
women to hike the Appalachian Trail this year?
“My love of mountains began when I attended a Girl
Guide mountaineering camp in Alberta when I was 15,”
says Anda Bruinsma. “My reward is the immense personal
satisfaction I get from achieving a difficult goal. I’ll be 58
a month after we start the hike. What an amazing adventure this will be!”
“I’m happiest when playing outside,” says Arlene
Gregoire. “I’ve decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail
as a way of disengaging from the fast-paced and demanding career I had with the City of Ottawa. Getting back to
nature and slowing down will help me transition between
work and my next phase of life – retirement.
Both women are seasoned hikers with many international, rugged hikes in their background. But both are motivated by another important goal: to raise much-needed
funds for the Alzheimer Society.
“Our hike will be really tough and painful at times.
So we’ll take that on, if others will help to pay by donating to a really important cause!” laughs Bruinsma.
“My dear mother suffered from dementia before she
died and this hike will honour her memory as we raise
funds for research, and to support people in our community who are living with dementia. That’s why we’re
calling it A Walk to Remember, because it will be just
that, in many ways!”
Anda Bruinsma and Arlene Gregoire started their 3,510 km hike in March.
Bruinsma and Gregoire’s determination to complete
the Appalachian Trail is matched by their determination
to raise lots of money for the Alzheimer Society. Putting
their playful sense of humour to work, they’ve set their
goal at $218,920 – $100 for every mile of the Trail. “Why
not set a stretch goal?” asks Gregoire. “We want to go big,
or go home!”
Anyone wishing to support their Appalachian adventure
with a donation can do so by visiting the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County’s Walk to Remember
donation page, at www.alzheimerottawa.thankyou4caring.
org/pages/walk-to-remember-donation or by calling the
Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County at 613523-4004.
Universal prescription drug coverage
could save money for Canadians, study finds
Canadians enjoy universal healthcare that covers medical
and hospital expenses. However, there is a common assumption that universal prescription drug coverage would be too
expensive to put into practice. In a new study published in
the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) last
month, researchers found that universal pharmacare may be
much more affordable than many people assume.
“The discussion about pharmacare often focuses on
concerns about the cost,” says study co-author Dr. Danielle
Martin, vice-president of medical affairs and health system
solutions at Women’s College Hospital. “This research shows
that Canada could provide universal prescription drug coverage without raising taxes, and that changes the conversation.”
The researchers found that overall spending on prescription drugs in Canada would likely decrease by $7.3
billion with universal drug coverage. That figure includes
increased government costs of about $1 billion, and private
sector savings of about $8.2 billion.
22 youngatheartnewspaper.ca April 2015
The researchers arrived at these figures by analyzing
patterns of prescription drug use by different drug classes
in Canada, and costs of those medications. They also studied how those drugs were paid for: through private drug
plans such as employer plans, through government drug
plans, or through direct payment by patients.
Their model took into account efficient product selections and price negotiating power that are available in a
single-payer system. In other countries with universal drug
coverage, governments are able to purchase generic and
brand-name medications at lower prices because they are
buying in large quantities.
Using data from the Canadian Rx Atlas, 3rd Edition,
researchers led by Steve Morgan, PhD at the University
of British Columbia’s School of Population and Public
Health found that Canadians spent about $22 billion on
prescription drugs in the fiscal year 2012-13. The researchers found that having a universal public drug program
would lower those costs to $15.1 billion. Even though
there would be an increase in prescription drug use by
people who previously had no drug coverage, a universal
program would still result in 32 per cent lower drug costs
through economies of scale.
According to the researchers, the estimated $958 million in increased costs to governments would be a relatively small increase in spending.
The model assumes that Canada would be able to
negotiate drug prices similar to those of other countries with universal drug plans, and that generic drug
use would be similar to current use in some provincial
drug plans.
The study authors note that Canada is the only developed country with universal healthcare that does not also
have universal drug coverage. They add that about 10 per
cent of Canadians cannot afford to take prescribed medication as ordered by their doctor.
Get internal correction for
your painful flat feet
Advertorial
There’s no need to let foot pain slow you down or prevent you from doing the things you want to do
One of the leading causes of foot pain is misaligned, collapsing, flat feet also
known as talotarsal displacement or excessive pronation. In fact collapsing
feet can not only cause extreme pain in the feet but it can escalate throughout
the entire body bringing pain to ankles, legs, hips, back, neck and other places.
The abnormal foot alignment or imbalance can wreak havoc with the whole
body. Left untreated, the effects of the collapsing feet can be compounded
causing more destruction, pain and limitations and daily restrictions in activities and life. Talotarsal displacement (TTD) can be seen in people of all ages
whether they are a child or adult.
Flexible orthotic devices, specifically designed to compensate clinical and radiological findings, is the most conservative
option to keep your feet in good alignment to eliminate pain.
Do you suffer from shin splints, heel
pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, tendon and ligament strain? These
are just some of the excess pronation resulting in abnormal force transfer to ailing foot/ankle structures. Beside orthotics there is an option to solving the pain
• A highly effective
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ance and alignment of the foot/ankle will
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At Ottawa Foot Practice your foot health is their priority. Pierre Dupont, who
is a doctor of podiatric medicine – registered chiropodist – foot specialist,
performs the HyProCure stent or foot implant procedures for patients living in
Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax.
He explains the HyProCure stent maybe suitable for those whose foot pain
is unresponsive to full-time wear of podiatric orthotics or for those who have
worn orthotics for decades and got to point their devices are no longer providing pain relief. This procedure may also be ideal for those with foot pain and
refuse to wear orthotics due to their shoe choices such as unsupportive trendy
shoes, high heels or going barefoot. Runners suffering from toe joint, tendon,
heal or ankle pain may also find relief from the HyProCure stent placement.
Ottawa Foot Practice will perform a thorough exam comprised with digital
X-ray views to pinpoint the root-cause of you foot condition.
SORE FEET?
Zap away your pain
with laser treatments, flexible
orthotics or HyProCure stents.
Before
After
Pierre Dupont, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Registered Chiropodist | Foot Specialist
28 Deakin Street, Suite 101
www.ottawafootpractice.com
www.hyprocureottawa.com
613-595-9700
youngatheartnewspaper.ca
April 2015 23
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