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I`ve Got Hearing Aids! Now What
HEALTHY LIVING B2 [ H E A LT H Y L I V I NG ] T THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS APRIL 30, 2015 SPONSORED CONTENT The Silver Platter story D aniella Silver is a young mom of three. Her family is a long string of artists, and she inherited that inclination. Ever since she was a little girl, she always found that food was the best outlet for her bursting creativity. “I know that you eat with your eyes first and your mouth second.” Her dishes have always used esthetics as an extra-special ingredient. Four years ago, she found out that two of her daughters had severe food allergies. As a result, she had to rethink her entire culinary repertoire. But that didn’t stop her from making beautifully delicious dishes. In fact, it gave her the creative push needed to develop a whole new roster of recipes using healthy ingredients and simple techniques to produce spectacular results. Soon she had a binder full of hand-written recipes and realized that she wanted to share what she learned with other moms around the world. She wanted to write a book that could be shared from one generation to the next, grandmother to mother to daughter, like the cookbooks that her mother gave to her. She turned to Norene Gilletz, the kosher Daniella Silver and Norene Gilletz culinary guru who had inspired her since childhood. She was familiar with Gilletz’s recipes as her mom made them for her when she was a child, and the idea of working with her was an absolute dream. With the kind of passion-fuelled confidence that’s born out of fear and nerves, she picked up the phone and gave Norene a call. She just had to share her story, her passion, and her cookbook dream. Later, Norene told her that her enthusiasm and creativity reminded her of herself when she was a young cook. What really stuck with Norene, though, was Daniella’s passion for passing down culinary knowledge throughout generations. Norene understood and shared this vision, and jumped onto the cookbook project without hesitation. They spent endless days reviewing, editing, and tasting the fruits of their labour. Two years of hard work and a good many pots of tea later, they’re ready to present The Silver Platter: Simple to Spectacular, a wholesome, family-friendly cookbook with over 160 recipes for every occasion and every diet. It’s the perfect addition to the bookshelves of aspiring cooks for generations to come. ■ Details of the book can be found at www. daniellasilvercooks.com We love to make you smile! Centre Street Dental in Thornhill General and Family Dentistry Crowns & Bridges • Veneers ZOOM! 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Thornhill (Bathurst & Steeles) We accept all requisition forms. 7131 Bathurst St, #LL03 Thornhill ON L4J 7Z1 P: 905–889–2400 | F: 905–889–2455 Ultrasound | X-ray | BMD | MSK North York (Bathurst/Finch) 4949 Bathurst St, Unit #100 Toronto ON M2R 1Y1 P: 416–223–5460 | F: 416–223–8335 Ultrasound | X-ray | Mammo | MSK Midtown Toronto (Yonge/Davisville) 1881 Yonge St, Unit #612 Toronto ON M4S 3C4 P: 416–487–2425 | F: 416–487–0746 Ultrasound | MSK 2015-03-12 2:23 PM THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS APRIL 30, 2015 [ H E A LT H Y L I V I NG ] T B3 SponsorED Content Delmanor offers all-inclusive retirement communities S eniors looking for an active and all-inclusive retirement community should consider one of Delmanor’s five locations in the GTA. These Tridel-inspired condominiums promise the high quality associated with the developer’s name along with amenities and programs aimed specifically at seniors. “The rental of the suite includes a continental breakfast, lunch and dinner service, weekly house cleaning and access to a health-care professional 24-hours a day,” says Nikki Lewis, corporate manager of marketing and sales for Delmanor. Included in the monthly price is a pendant with an emergency response system that has a built-in GPS so the staff know exactly where a resident is in case of an emergency, and are able to respond immediately. The buildings are set up with rooftop Specific space is also set aside for reliterraces, shuffleboard courses, libraries, gious services. computer cafes and pubs. “Our community partners come and It’s doubtful seniors will ever be bored with the wide range of daily entertain- provide those services. For example, in ment and activities offered, such as fitness the North York location, we have a South cjn_ad_2015.qxp:Layout 1 4/16/15 4:06African PM Page 1 community, so they host a Jewish classes. Oy! I’m kvelling! Living in a one or two bedroom retirement rental suite with full hotel style service changes everything for the better. No more household chores, which means lots of time for Bubbe and Zayde to spend with the Bubellah. They can teach you about computers in the internet lounge, you can teach them to putt on the putting green, or play piano, or all about gardening in the potting room. The list is almost endless and your family is always welcome for Shabbat dinner in our gracious private dining room with table service. Of course, your suite has a kitchenette so you can still say “Ess a bisel eppis, tatelleh”. Gib a kick. Discover this grand Tridel inspired lifestyle. Come for a personal tour and nosh, or call to inquire about a free trial stay. Act now to enjoy full hotel style service, including meals and our renowned LivingWell lifelong health and learning programs. Delmanor Welcomes Your Pet 5351 Yonge, south of Finch • (416) 225-9146 • delmanor.com Friday night Shabbat,” says Lewis. Although the menu is not kosher, there’s always an alternative available to pork and shellfish products. They also accommodate other dietary requirements, like vegetarian and gluten-free. One unique feature of the Delmanor groups is their LivingWell program – a coaching service which helps residents set their goals, come up with an action plan to achieve their goals and provides support throughout the process. “It’s a fantastic program,” Lewis says. “It encourages [both] individual empowerment and building a sense of community, so we offer group programming and also one-to-one programming.” “Recently in Etobicoke someone wanted to stop using his cane and develop balance. Thanks to the LivingWell program, he’s now been able to stop using his cane within the residence. He only uses it within his suite and when he leaves the residence,” Lewis says. “That’s a huge personal achievement for him.” Resident’s can also use the LivingWell coaching program to achieve goals beyond those related to fitness. “I personally know a lady who lost a family member and she went to our LivingWell coach as a confidante and talked to him about the grieving process, and he helped her find community resources as well.” Delmanor’s programs and services seek to take care of the whole person – physically, mentally and socially. “There’s a feeling when you walk into our communities – it’s such a warm welcoming feeling. It truly is a family feeling."n B4 [ H E A LT H Y L I V I NG ] T THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS APRIL 30, 2015 Where Would You Like To Move? Now more than ever you Agent need an Award Winning it happen. who will make SponsorED Content I’ve got hearing aids! Now what? Let me MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOU! Tracy Saunders Call me today and let’s talk No Cost... No Obligation! * G BOOMER TO SENIOR SPECIALIST 2014 *Sales Representative Direct: 416-543-7252 Realtron Realty Inc., Brokerage E-Mail: [email protected] etting hearing aids can feel like the end of a long journey for some. The average person will first suspect a hearing loss and then wait seven years before booking a hearing test. Seven long years of struggling with background noise, laughing at the wrong jokes, asking others to repeat themselves and pretending to hear. Finally, you have made the decision to have your hearing tested. At that appointment you learn that you do in fact have a hearing loss and order a pair of state-ofthe-art hearing aids. Now what? While getting hearing aids may feel like the end of a journey, it actually marks the start of a new one. Luckily, this new journey is quite simple and easy to follow. Once a person is fitted with hearing aids, their homework is simple. Wear them. Wear them every day and all day long if you can. Doing this allows your brain to become accustomed to your new, better hearing and you should actually forget you are even wearing anything at all! We would call this phase of your hearing aid journey, the “maintenance” phase. During this time, we want to maintain your hearing aids and the hearing level you have. Hearing Solutions offers drop-in cleaning services at all our clinic locations. Regular in-clinic cleanings allow our staff to use specialized equipment to clean debris that can build up in the hearing aids and check whether they are functioning well. No appointment is needed for a cleaning service. So, when is your next appointment? Once you have gotten your hearing aids, we will assume you are wearing them and enjoying them! In other words, no news is good news. All patients are encouraged to call and book a service appointment whenever they have any difficulty with their hearing or their hearing aids. If you have purchased your hearing aids from us, your appointments are always free. Let’s say that you love your hearing aids right off the bat. You will always be asked to come for a check-up two to four weeks after getting your new hearing aids. That is a standard policy. It allows us to evaluate your progress and ensure correct use of the hearing aids. After that, like previously mentioned, it is up to you to let us know if you are having difficulties. Otherwise, we won’t call you until a year later for your annual checkup. Congratulations are always in order for a patient who has embarked on the journey towards better hearing health. For some, it can seem like a daunting journey, but it is incredibly worthwhile both for you and those around you. Most importantly, it is often much easier than anybody would expect. Partnering with a clinic like Hearing Solutions ensures you will be taken care of long after your purchase of hearing aids. While buying the hearing aids is an important step, it is only the start of a long but exciting journey. Trust us with your hearing and, in turn, you will always get sound advice you can trust. n Tracy Saunders is an audiologist registered with CASLPO, and Hearing Solutions’ audiology manager. THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS APRIL 30, 2015 T B5 [ H E A LT H Y L I V I NG ] SponsorED Content Kvetch Stretch Take charge of your aging at PearlMD Rejuvenation T he new science of aging is shedding light on the coveted fountain of youth. Our midlife represents both risk and opportunity. As we creep into our middle years we often begin to experience disruptive symptoms, notice rapid aging in our skin and changes in our body shape. At the same time we face increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. And so our midlife becomes a critical window of opportunity to take charge of our aging. Underscoring rapid midlife aging is the accelerated loss of vital factors: our hormones, our nutrients, our sleep and our telomeres, which are protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes that shorten as we age and place a finite limit on our lifespan. Rapid aging ensues: from the age of 40 to 50 years women age twice as fast as any other decade. The menopausal loss of hormones contributes to the “cliff effect” of accelerated midlife aging in women as compared to men. But hormones are just one piece of the aging puzzle. A comprehensive proactive aging strategy must look to balance hormones while also addressing nutritional and lifestyle factors such as too much stress and not enough sleep. While genetics and telomeres are critical, new science is revealing that our genes are not set in stone. But rather, our DNA is a road map that can be shaped by our lifestyle and life choices. And so a customized lifestyle plan can help us achieve ageless vitality, optimal health and peak performance now and for our long future. Maintaining healthy skin, youthful facial contours, and a fit body are cornerstones of a comprehensive inside-outside approach to navigating the aging process. The external signs of aging–deepening wrinkles, sagging skin, jowls and pigmented spots are highly amenable to non-surgical effective technologies and treatments including natural dermal fillers to revolumize, neuromodulators such as Botox to lift and shape the brow, and medical grade skin care to retexture the skin and correct uneven pigment. The combined esthetic approach is vital to achieve natural meaningful results. There will never be a magic bullet to the fountain of youth. Instead, a comprehensive inside-outside approach can keep us looking good and feeling great through the ages. n PearlMD Rejuvenation, 1650 Yonge St., Toronto www.pearlrejuvenation.com 416-644-1112 [email protected] Show your body who the real muscle is around here. At V!VA Thornhill Woods, Vaughan’s premier retirement community, we believe our Community Members should always feel their best. That’s why we provide our exclusive V!VAfit wellness program developed by an older adult fitness expert. Every V!VA Community Member receives a personalized wellness routine with one-on-one guidance. Call us today to get pumped up about how great all-inclusive rental retirement living can feel. Enjoy the premier Jewish retirement lifestyle at an unbeatable price! ONE BEDROOM SUITES $3,200 * FROM Limited Availability - Call Today! Joi n Israeli Dance Classes Sunday, May 3, 10:30am to 12:00pm Us! Discover the rhythm, energy and culture of Israel through dance and song. Celebrating Mom Spa Experience Wednesday, May 6, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Enjoy V!VA’s exclusive spa services including relaxation techniques, mini-manicures, and complimentary refreshments. Call 905.417.8585 to RSVP today! Making Today Great! Schwartz/Reisman Centre 9700 Bathurst St., Vaughan Visit us at vivalife.ca Dr. Jennifer Pearlman is a certified menopause practitioner and attending staff physician at the menopause clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital. She is medical director at PearlMD Rejuvenation. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Respite Suites *Conditions apply WELDRICK RD. W. B6 [ H E A LT H Y L I V I NG ] T Arab-Israeli women more traumatized by birth, study shows Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod Special to the CJN G iving birth is one of the most powerful experiences of a woman’s life. Yet until recently, women’s feelings about the event weren’t given much consideration – despite long lasting and potentially serious consequences that could include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In Israel, although Jewish and Arab women give birth side by side, a recent study reveals disturbing inequalities in their perceptions. According to the study, 32 per cent of Arab mothers reported that they had had a traumatic birth, compared with only 14 per cent of Jewish mothers. Arab mothers said they were more afraid for them- selves or their babies, and that they’d received too much medical intervention. The study relied on self-reporting in the absence of any consistent scientific definition of “traumatic birth.” Lead researcher Ofra Halperin, a senior lecturer in the nursing department of Emek Izrael (Yezreel Valley) College, has spent a lifetime studying women’s health and began this study, with two other Israeli researchers, out of a deep personal interest. “We live in Israel,” says Halperin. “The two main populations here are Jewish and Arab. I wanted to know if there is a difference, due to culture. Because when you’re in the hospital, in the maternity ward… it [seems] like everything is the same, but it’s not really the same.” Continued on next page Caring for your health and wellness, naturally. Conditions treated: • Chronic Pain • Fatigue • Digestive Conditions • Allergies • ADHD • Environmental Illness • Cardiovascular Disease • Diabetes • Neurological Conditions • • • • • • • • Cold and Flu Skin Conditions Weight Management Stress Management Depression/Anxiety Smoking Cessation Pediatric Health concerns Women’s/Men’s Health and more... Naturopathic Medicine is covered under most group benefit health plans E W AVEU BAYVIE STREET EET STR YONGE BATHURST STEELES AVENUE Betty Rozendaal BES, MA, R.Ac, ND WOODBINE AVENUE 12 A CENTRE STREET Hwy 404 HWY 407 Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Registered Acupuncturist Thornhill Naturopathic Health Clinic 12 A Centre Street Thornhill, Ontario L4J 1E9 New Patients Welcome. Ask for your FREE 15 minute consultation. FREE Parking www.thornhillnaturopathic.ca Phone: 905-707-2001 Fax : 905-707-2004 Toll Free 1(855) DrBetty Cutline. Credit THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS APRIL 30, 2015 THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS APRIL 30, 2015 [ H E A LT H Y L I V I NG ] T Although Halperin’s study unearthed significant psychological differences, the study found identical low rates of medical problems in mother or baby. “The outcomes of birth here in Israel are good for mother and child. There’s no difference between Arab and Jewish women… The outcomes of birth here in Israel are good for mother and child In the hospitals, they all get the same treatment, the same facilities, there’s no exceptions here.” So why does women’s perception matter at all? “If you suffer more, if you see your birth as traumatic, it will have an effect for months afterwards.” The worst-case scenario is PTSD. Though this is a rare outcome, Halperin says “there are certain things that are not acceptable after birth.” Her study identified only a very small group with PTSD, but most of those affected were Arab. Trauma can also cause sleeping disor- mavencare Quality Home Care FIRST 3 HOURS FREE! FIRST TIME EVER! Get real-time updates via our Mobile App BOOK ONLINE WWW.MAVENCARE.COM OR CALL: 416-855-2333 *VALID ONLY WHEN YOU BOOK 10 OR MORE HOURS ders, breastfeeding problems and difficulties in establishing a solid bond with the baby. And having had one traumatic birth experience, researchers found, was also a strong predictor for future traumatic experiences. Jewish and Arab mothers prepare very differently for childbirth, says Halperin. “Jewish women… are always questioning… they ask their friends, they go to professionals to get more information… Young people want a lot of information. They ask a lot of questions, they want to know more, they want to know all their options. They want to have control, they want to choose.” Arab mothers, on the other hand, “take things as they come. Especially women. They are still not independent enough, confident enough in themselves to take control. That’s why they don’t go to preparation classes, and they still count on their elders more than on professionals.” The differences are obvious when they come to the hospital. “Jewish women say, ‘Why this, why that, why did you decide to do that?’ The Arab women… take whatever is offered… They don’t say, ‘What are my other options?’ … They lean on the professionals with not much questioning. “We have to be aware of the differences and take them into account when we take care of those women to help them get the B7 best experience that they can have.” When she lectures internationally, Halperin says many people ask her “if [these differences are] because of the political situation here, that they receive less treatment, or different treatment. [But] it’s not so.” “Israeli Arabs get the same opportunities and the same treatment as Jewish Israelis. Still, the culture and the background that you come from have an influence… If I asked Ethiopian Jews who gave birth here, I’m sure their experience is different from Israeli-born Jews, because of the culture that they come from.” Recruiting more Arab midwives will help erase cultural barriers and even linguistic ones, since many rural Arab women can’t speak Hebrew. At Halperin’s college, in the Galilee, nursing students are about half Jewish and half Arab. “If some of [the Arab students] would like after they are finished studying to go and learn midwifery, I would be happy. I am encouraging a lot of them to come.” Transcending cultural differences means better experiences for all mothers, says Halperin. “Women who have control, especially in something as significant as birth, [find it] very empowering. It doesn’t matter who you are and where you’re from – you deserve it.”■ B8 [ H E A LT H Y L I V I NG ] T THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS APRIL 30, 2015 Living with brain cancer Susan Minuk Special to The CJN H eidi Wilk recalls her husband, Matthew’s diagnosis with a brain tumour in 2008 as the saddest moment of her life. “[I thought] ‘my husband is going to die young. We are not going to grow old together. Why was this happening?’” Matthew, 32, had a seizure picking up their then one-year-old daughter, Brooke, from Chabad Day Care on June 27, 2008. “When he awoke from his seizure, he said, “there was a rabbi looking over me. I thought I was in heaven.” Since then, said Heidi, “we have had a strong connection to Chabad. Matthew has put on tfillin every morning since that day.” After the seizure, a tumour the size of a baseball was discovered, and Matthew had surgery to have it removed. “Two weeks later, we met with the team at Princess Margaret Hospital, and they There was a rabbi looking over me. I thought I was in heaven. told us it was glioblastoma multiforme. Dr. Warren Mason came up with the chemotherapy [treament] that has kept Matthew alive for a very long time,” said Heidi. Both from Montreal, Heidi and Matthew moved in 2002 to Toronto, where Matthew was doing his residency in medicine. Heidi, a registered dietician at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, became the family’s breadwinner. We are the people who care, and it shows! Nurses & Caregivers from general attendant to acute injury care Serving Toronto & GTA since 1985 Call 416 754-0700 • 1 800 567-6877 www.nhihealthcare.com Forest Hill prosthodontists dr. harold a. berenstein dr. yoav finer SpecialiStS in proSthodonticS OPTICAL LABS Your Smile Solution www.foresthillprostho.com Specializing in a great fit! Eye Glasses beautiful collection of brand name frames Hearing Aids Up to $500 off your hearing aid purchase Free shuttle service available Contact Lenses order in store or at www.focusopticallabs.ca 221 Wilmington Ave. Heidi and Matthew Wilk and their children, from left: Zachary, Joshua, and Brooke. Paula Feig Photo & Staff FOCUS SINCE 1985 Continued on next page EYE-HEARING TESTS AVAILABLE 416-630-7911 crown & bridge, veneers implant & cosmetic dentistry 2006 bathurst street, toronto telephone: 416-781-2006 [email protected] You’re invited to join The CJN’s As we age, our bodies go through many changes. Many people, over the age of 55 notice that their muscles become not as strong as they used to be. In such cases very often doctors diagnose Sarcopenia, which is in the most literal sense means the loss of muscle mass, strength and function. It happens due to change in hormone levels, alteration in protein requirements and sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms of muscle loss include, but not limited to, musculoskeletal weakness and loss of stamina. The research done by A.M. Jette and L.Brach, showed that 40% of women aged 5564, almost 45% of women aged 65-74, and 65% of women aged 75-84 are unable to lift 10lb weight holding their arm straight. Typically by the age of 75 sarcopenia accelerates rapidly and it may contribute to frailty and increases the likelihood of falls and fractures in older adults. Although scientists keep working on drugs to help treat the sarcopenia, the best known treatment so far which has been medically proven is regular exercising! Specifically resistance training or strength training, exercising that increases muscle strength and endurance, has been shown to help prevent and treat sarcopenia. Resistance training has been reportedly showing a positive influence on the neuromuscular system, hormone concentrations and protein synthesis rate. Research has shown that a consistently progressive program of resistance training can increase protein synthesis in older adults in as little as two weeks. However, exercising routine should be very carefully balanced according to the needs and physical shape to be safe and avoid a risk of injury. For optimal results a fitness specialist should create a plan and oversee the the proper number, intensity, and frequency of resistance exercise. For more information and consultation contact Katrina Korzh , a fitness specialist with over 20 years of experience, specializing in working with seniors and women at 416-890-9411 or visit www.backtoactivelife.com Party Supplement JUNE 4, 2015 Deadline for advertising: May 22, 2015 THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS APRIL 30, 2015 [ H E A LT H Y L I V I NG ] T Chai Lifeline played a big role in the Wilk family life “We were told he had 18 months – maybe three years – to live, if we were lucky,”she said. Matthew responded well to the chemotherapy and radiation. The family made life adjustments, and went on to have two more children, Zachary, now age four, and Joshua, age two. Post diagnosis, Matthew continued to complete his medical fellowship at St Michael’s hospital and then got hired as staff obstetrician at Mount Sinai Hospital. But then, life threw the family another curve. After four years, the tumour came back in the same spot. Joshua was then four months old. Matthew had surgery again and was started on a new treatment called Avastin which had been recently approved in Canada, but not funded for brain cancer. “The problem with Avastin is that it is extremely expensive and the government does not cover it. However, my insurance does cover it so that’s why I have to work full time. It’s not an option,” said Heidi. Matthew needs treatment every two weeks. Nothing prepares you for a serious accident or illness. we are here to help We have been providing clinic, home, work and school based rehabilitation for over 25 years. Call the company nominated for Rehabilitation Company of the Year 2014 today for a free consultation! Harriette Brown, O.T. and the NRS team We treat people with: Orthopedic issues, Brain injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, M.S., Amputations, Burns, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, etc. Services offered: Case Management Life Care Planning Physiotherapy and Kinesiology Massage Therapy Occupational Therapy Social Work Counselling Speech and Language Therapy Dietary Counselling Adaptive Technology Life Skills, Job and Academic Coaching Languages: Services available in multiple languages Funding sources: Auto Insurance, WSIB Extended Health, Private Area served: Ontario Contact us for a free consultation! Phone 416-667-3422 or 1-800-898-3422 Email [email protected] www.neurorehab.ca Comprehensive Community-based Rehabilitation for Adults and Children After the recurrence of the disease in November 2012 his clinical privileges were largely restricted to that of a surgical assistant. Keeping busy was Heidi’s therapy. “I didn’t have time to sit and think about everything that was going on. The stress most working moms experience on a daily basis increased 10-fold for me. My work-life balance also included surgeries, hospital visits, chemotherapy, radiation treatments and juggling insurance claims to cover Matthew’s expensive medications. Chai Lifeline played a big role in the Wilk family life. “Matthew would come home tired from his treatments. I would come home from work with three young kids running around. Everything was put on me. Chai Lifeline helped me by picking up the kids and taking them to programs. Big Sisters would come take the kids out, and they provided us with counselling services,” says Heidi. Every three months, Matthew has an MRI. “Before he gets his MRI results he meets with the rabbi because it gives B9 him comfort and hope. “Between visits, life is normal but around the MRI time it all comes back,” she said.“ For five years I didn’t say a word. People didn’t know what was going on and then I just said I am ready. After the recurrence I was so full of emotion I had to let it out. I had so much to say. “Matthew is teaching the kids how to ride bikes, and he plays with them every moment he can. He gets around the city by TTC, he bikes, and every Saturday takes the kids to Chabad service. “Matthew has unfaltering appreciation and compassion for everything I accomplish in a day. We are best friends. We love each other. We laugh. We don’t need much to be happy together. We appreciate life’s little things and don’t lose sight of what’s important. “I hate cancer but I love how it’s changed me. I now appreciate what I have more than I long for what I don’t. I hope to teach my kids these important life lessons so they can grow up to cherish what they have and live every day to the fullest,” says Heidi. n B10 [ H E A LT H Y L I V I NG ] T THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS APRIL 30, 2015 The Medical Receptionist: Make sure she’s on your side Lauren Kramer Special to The CJN S he’s the person who stands between you and the doctor you need to see: the physician’s receptionist or personal assistant. Her job is thankless and prestige-free. The doctor gets all the credit for whatever happens inside the closed door of the consulting room. The receptionist presides over the waiting room, juggling the doctor’s overwhelming caseload, managing difficult patients and setting up tests and referrals. She is lucky if she gets a smile, let alone a word of thanks. More likely, she’ll get complaints about the wait time or angry words about mistakes in scheduling. Many of us consider receptionists mere paper-pushers, but the truth is they are in command when it comes to seeing a doctor. The control they wield is absolute, and delays at their discretion can be excruciating. It pays to have them on your side. Lisa Hallgren is the medical receptionist at a Richmond, B.C. walk-in clinic, and says her biggest gripe is the disrespect she receives from some patients. “People will take their frustrations out on you, especially on the telephone. There are patients who demand to be seen right away and have no consideration for other people who may be urgent cases,” she says. “On the whole we take a lot of attitude from people. In extreme cases I’ll tell a patient they’re not welcome at the clinic. In incidents where patients are exceptionally rude the doctor always has our back and will ask the patient to leave if necessary.” At the end of the day, the receptionist is the public face of the doctor’s office, and her behaviour can profoundly influence the patient’s experience. Should you tell your doctor if you have concerns about his or her receptionist? Def- initely, says Dr. Stanley Hurwitz, a Richmond, B.C, family physician. “If there is a significant issue in the front room and I don’t know about it, I can’t do anything about it,” he says. “Sure, I’m going to be protective of my staff. But I expect my staff to be courteous with my patients and vice-versa.” How not to annoy the receptionist: “How much longer?” Don’t persistently question the receptionist on the estimated waiting time until you will be seen. “I’m a friend (colleague) of the doctor’s. Can you get me in today?” Never take advantage of a personal or professional relationship with a doctor to try and get an appointment sooner than would otherwise be available. “The doctor has to cancel.” Don’t be upset. Understand that medical or family emergencies are inevitable and often they incur delays and rescheduling of appointments. “I don’t have an appointment, but…” Don’t arrive unannounced – unless, of course, the situation is an emergency. “I’m calling for my test results.” Don’t keep phoning for results that can’t be delivered over the phone. n DESIGNER & LUXURY EYEWEAR NAME BRAND LENSES It's very simple ... We sell more than anyone else... So we can sell for less than Everyone else !!! Everyday! All the time! For almost 30 years. Onsite Optometrist Now Located At Our Dufferin Location All the Names you want, at prices you won't believe! Check out our website for further specials - new lines arriving constantly. 4 Stores To Serve You Better www.lfoptical.com Stay updated anywhere, anytime at www.cjnews.com THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS APRIL 30, 2015 T B11 [ H E A LT H Y L I V I NG ] Strategies to improve kids nutrition Susan Minuk Special to The CJN W hen mealtimes are more about tantrums, screaming and bribery than healthy eating, a mother may feel at the end of her tether. Aviva Allen, a children’s nutritionist, spoke to some 40 mothers last fall as part of a parenting speaker series at Adath Israel Congregation. Inspired by her two young boys and their adventures in food, Allen understands the challenges faced by parents, and she specializes in helping them with their nutritional needs. Prenatal nutrition, the introduction of solid foods, dealing with picky eaters, food sensitivities, digestive issues, healthy weight, and all areas of nutrition relating to kids and families are dealt with by Allen through her nutritional counselling practice located in mid-town Toronto. After obtaining certification from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, Allen went on to graduate from the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in New York City, a health supportive chef training program with an emphasis on cooking with whole, unprocessed foods. Additionally, she has received specialty pediatric training in the SOS Approach to Feeding for children who are picky and/or resistant eaters. Allen conveyed to the group of mothers proven strategies to help children and their families embrace better eating habits. “Picky eating is something that many children will go through. The key is knowing when there is a problem, when it is appropriate to take action, and how.” She offered the following tips: • Eat with your kids: “Have at least one meal a day together, as each meal is a learning opportunity, an opportunity for the child to learn from your skills. Kids are Aviva Allen with sons Solomon and Lev on the child. “And don’t be a short-order cook. Focus on serving one common meal but make some variation on it” she said. Some parents will offer bribery in terms of sweets and desserts, but that does not send the right message. “If it is a non-food reward, it can be effective for some children. My children might pick a sleepover at their grandparents or a trip to the science centre. This is all about encouraging them to try new foods,” said Allen. Children will not starve themselves, true or false? “Most healthy children will not starve themselves. However, there is a small percentage of the pediatric population – maybe three to five per cent – that actually would starve themselves. There may be some sensory issues involved. learning what and how you are eating. If you want your kids to eat vegetables you also need to be eating vegetables. Eating on the go, grazing, eating in the car or standing up, skipping meals – these are learned behaviours. You have to watch what you are doing,” she said. Dr. Shirley Young is pleased to welcome Dr. Louise Foxman • You want to make certain your child’s meals are not too close together but also not too far apart: “Offer four to five opportunities to eat throughout the day, including meals and snacks. Snacks don’t have to be snacking foods. They can be small meals. Leave two to three hours between meals and snacks. If they are too close together, they can cause issues because the child is not hungry enough to eat.” • Don’t force food: “For example, a parent or grandparent chasing the child around the room with a spoon. Pressure can be seen in different forms.” Allen said that if they are eating in a family setting, there will be less pressure • Have fun with your food: “Kids love to play with their food and I encourage them to do this. It is a way for them to explore and learn, and helps them to become more comfortable with new foods before putting them into their mouths.” Many parents try sneaking vegetables into foods. “Parents who do this feel better. They feel they are doing their job, and getting nutrients into their child. Nevertheless, you still need to teach children those skills, teach them to actually enjoy eating whole fruits and vegetables,” said Allen. “I think your goal as a parent is to try and teach your child healthy eating habits that will last him until adulthood. It is not just about how much he is eating at this particular meal, or this week, or this month – it’s about building healthy eating habits, and that will take time.” n to her optometry practice, located in the Promenade Mall on the second floor. Dr. Foxman has 24 years of experience, including 16 serving the Thornhill and Richmond Hill communities. Dr. Foxman speaks French and Hebrew and is available Wednesdays and Sundays. Our office is open 7 days a week. Walk-ins are welcome. Please call 905-731-0961 to book an appointment. Beauty Lives uptown First time clients present this ad to receive 15% oFF your visit.* *Valid Until May 30th, 2015 801 York Mills rd. suite 311 toronto ontario M3B 1X7 tel: +1 416 449 4044 uptownspa.com B12 [ H E A LT H Y L I V I NG ] T THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS APRIL 30, 2015 SPONSORED CONTENT Four Elms top choice for seniors F our Elms Retirement Residence, which opened four years ago in Thornhill, offers care for both independent seniors and those who require assistance. “People come in and they can be completely independent and as they continue to age and their needs change, they don’t have to move out,” says Reesa Soto, Four Elms marketing manager. “We can provide assisted-living services within the building and in the privacy within their own suite.” Four Elms may also be a top choice for seniors who have cognitive impairments. The residence has an entire floor devoted to people with memory issues. The floor is secure, so residents can walk around and feel comfortable. “The people there are really receiving excellent care,” Soto says. Those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia cannot exit the floors on their own for safety reasons, but family and friends are always welcome to visit and escort them off the floor. Staff also take residents off the floor at least once a day, for all big events and to enjoy the weather. “It’s kind of like a home within a home. It has its own activity room, dining room, lounge, nurses station, yet the feeling is not that of an institutional environment,” Soto says. “It’s comfortable and it’s warm.” The floor also offers the innovative Brain Gym program, exclusive to Four Elms, which focuses on the plasticity of the brain with the aim to slow down or reduce neuro-degenerative diseases. Residents of all floors receive amenities which include three meals a day, health monitoring, a wireless emergency pendant with built-in GPS, weekly housekeeping, and laundry of linens and towels. Those in assisted living may also get their personal laundry done and assistance with bathing, dressing and administration of medications. The residence is predominately Jewish, so there is a pre-Shabbat service every Friday afternoon and a rabbi comes in to lead a service. The menu always has a fish alternative or the option to order a la carte. They also accommodate dietary restrictions. “We are very big on our food and making our residents happy. They have a huge input in everything that goes on here,” Soto says. “We take the information they give us and we use it to better ourselves.” Residents are unlikely to be bored with the programs that go on seven days a week. Four Elms has a full-time activity manager who schedules daily exercise classes, lectures, live entertainment and outings. “We keep the residents stimulated and engaged all the time. There is always something to do here,” Soto says. “A lot of the residents say this is a cruise ship that doesn’t float.” Soto says children of residents have noticed a huge change in their parents once they’ve moved into Four Elms. Whereas before they may have felt lonely in their house, they are now interacting with their peers all day long, and it’s enhancing their lifestyle. “It opens a new chapter in their life. Now they have a new purpose to get up and go down and interact, and suddenly their children see them happier and like a different person,” Soto says. “They flourish.” ■ At Four Elms we honour and celebrate the Traditions that are important to you! Remarkable Food! Remarkable People! Uncompromising Excellence in Care! Call us today to book your complimentary meal & personal tour The Shalom Singers THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH, 2:30 - 4:00 PM Come prepared to sing along as The Shalom Singers perform some of your all-time favorite classic melodies in Hebrew,Yiddish and English.
