lifestyles magazine march-april 2014 issue

things to considerCHANGING CAREERS

seven ways toGO GREEN

veggie gardeningMARK CULLEN

the nutritivePOWER OF APPLEShomeowners reduceMONTHLY EXPENSES

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MARCH APRIL 2014

Your Guide To A Healthy,

Happy, Balanced

Life

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Lifestyles

Welcome to LSM, Orillia’s own lifestylesmagazine.ca, dedicated to delivering articles designed to enhance a Healthy, Happy, Balanced Life. From designing and decorating your own home, to healthy eating and exercise, to just plain relaxing, travelling and building your dreams, we intend to deliver stimulating articles that lead to personal well-being and happiness.

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Vol 3 No 2

gardeningMARK CULLEN

changingCAREERS

learn art onA BUDGET

reduce monthly EXPENSES

tips forJOB SEEKERS

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power ofAPPLES

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6 healthy, happy, balanced life LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

By Mark Cullen

Whether a crop is cool, warm or hot tells you at what point in the season it is planted. Cool crops, such as spinach, lettuce, and radishes, may be planted as soon as the soil can be worked

in early spring. They germinate and mature quickly to ensure they are harvested before the hot weather of summer. I sow Tango Green leaf lettuce and Lollo Rossa lettuce as soon as I can get out in the garden. They mature quickly allowing me to harvest in early summer. This makes room in the garden for a hot crop to be planted.

Warm crops such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts should be planted no sooner than two weeks after the last frost. I start these seeds indoors for a head start on the growing season.

Hot crops like beans, peppers, tomatoes, corn, and pumpkin can be planted only once the soil is warm and temperatures are reliably above 20 degrees Celsius. Ontario farmers used to say, “Plant your corn when oak leaves are the size of a squirrels ear.” That is about right too. Dusky Green beans and Slenderwax Yellow beans are great garden performers.

Many vegetables have early, middle and late varieties that mature at different points in the season. Read the seed packets for the number of days to maturity.

Whether starting seeds indoors or planting directly outside, the rule of thumb is that seeds should be sown to a depth equivalent of two to

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Starting Your Veggie Garden from Seed

healthy, happy, balanced life 7LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

three times their diameter. Very tiny seeds can be pressed lightly into the soil with a finger or can be spread lightly, then covered with a little soil and watered with care.

If planting directly outdoors, create a furrow with a stick, trowel or hoe to the appropriate depth, distribute the seeds, then fill in the furrow.

I mix small seeds with dry sand, about three parts of sand to one part seed. The sand mixture is then dribbled into the furrows, or distributed into the holes. This gives me a more even distribution of seed and reduces the need for thinning.

I like to pour a thin layer of dried sand or vermiculite over the seeded row to mark it. This way I have a reminder of where the rows are located before they germinate, and it also minimizes weeding early in the season.

All seeds must be sown into moist soil until they sprout.

If seeds have been started indoors, they

will need to be hardened off for a week or two before they are transplanted. Hardening off prepares the tender seedlings for the rise and fall of temperatures and moisture levels outside. Put your seedlings in a shaded spot outside, protected from the wind and harsh elements, for a couple of hours and then return them indoors. Each day, leave them out for a little longer, until they can cope with outdoor conditions, then transplant them.

Keep transplants well watered and well fed with nutrient-rich compost and plenty of sunlight.

For an excellent range of quality tested Ontario seeds check out the line of Mark’s Choice garden seeds at Home Hardware.

Mark Cullen, Host, Ladies Night, Home Hardware, May 15th

www.markcullen.com

Starting Your Veggie Garden from Seed


3 Inexpensive Ways to Learn Art on a Budget

Most of us know that doing something creative is good for the mind, body and soul, but

think it’s just too expensive to do. We can hire a local teacher, either one-on-one, or we can go to a school. For some that can be costly. The good news is, you don’t have to pay high fees at a specialized school to master a craft. If you’re looking to learn a new art or craft like drawing, painting or playing an instrument, there are lots of ways to do it affordably. Here are some suggestions that fit even the tightest of budgets.

Art Supply StoresStores like Michael’s or Curry’s are filled with the greatest of resources. Artists! The people stocking the shelves and ringing out your order are usually artists. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about the best starter kits for what you want to learn. They will steer you to the

best, and because artists know how to stretch a dollar better than anyone, they will help you get the best deal they can. They not only direct you to the right tools for the project you have in mind, they advise you on how to use those tools best.

Local Art Collectives, Associations & ClubsArt collectives are groups run by a community of artists, designed to be safe spaces for social and independent business and artistic development. A collective offers space for underground and emerging artists to create and to perform. Like associations and clubs, there will be a small annual fee to join. Once you’ve joined, you have space to work in and artists to work alongside and to learn from. It can be quite inspiring to create with people, no matter what you’re creating, be it sculpting, writing a short story or learning guitar.

Zephyr Art Gallery in Orillia is run by volunteers and can be a good resource. The Writer’s Community of Simcoe County offers an inclusive, supportive environment for new and experienced writers. In Barrie you have the D.I.Y. Arts Collective, the Barrie Art Club and the Barrie Writer’s Club.

YouTube!There are literally millions of artists posting how-to videos that cover every detail of what you want to learn.

Everyday, people are learning how to play guitar, how to use a sewing machine, and anything else you could possibly imagine. I have even posted video on drawing and painting techniques. As long as you have or can find internet access, this is all free. Yes, some are posting video on the first steps and are hoping you’ll pay for the more. You can continue your search and find your way with a ton of different teachers. Most are just people who want to share their passions with you and hope they might earn a small portion from the ads.

Go learn an art. Enrich your mind and body and feed your soul!

Linda Laforge, visual artist,graphic designer, writerwww.LindaLaforge.com


Healthy Mouth Means A Healthy You

Taking good care of your mouth, teeth and gums, does more than help ensure you have a bright, white smile. A

healthy mouth and healthy body go hand in hand. Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve your overall health, reducing the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserving your memory in your golden years. The phrase “healthy mouth, healthy you” really is true and is backed by growing scientific evidence.

It’s never too early to start teaching your children to take care of their teeth and gums. Healthy habits learned in childhood can pay off in adulthood. Here are six ways that healthy teeth and gums boost your overall health.

Boosts Your Self-esteem and Confidence Decayed teeth and gum disease are often associated not only with an unsightly mouth but very bad breath, so bad it can affect your confidence, self-image and self-esteem. With a healthy mouth that’s free of gum disease and cavities, your quality of life is also bound to be better. You can eat properly, sleep better and concentrate with no aching teeth or mouth infections to distract you.

May Lower Risk of Heart DiseaseChronic inflammation from gum disease has been associated with the development of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, blockages of blood vessels and strokes. Studies suggest that maintaining oral health can help protect overall health.

Preserves Your Memory Adults with gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums) performed worse on tests of memory and other cognitive skills than did those with healthier gums and mouths, according to a report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Individuals with gingivitis were more likely to perform poorly on two tests: delayed verbal recall and subtraction, both skills used in everyday life. Using an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste can help reduce bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis.

Reduces Risks ofInfection and Inflammation in Your Body Poor oral health has been linked with the development of infection in other parts of the body. Research has found an association between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Experts say the mechanism of the destruction of connective tissues in both gum disease and RA is similar.

Eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene helps reduce your risks of tooth decay and gum disease.

Helps Keep Blood Sugar Stable if You Have Diabetes People with uncontrolled diabetes often have gum disease. Having diabetes can make you less able to fight off infection, including gum infections that can lead to serious gum disease. Some experts have found that if you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop more severe gum problems than someone without diabetes. That, in turn, may make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.

Reducing your risk of gingivitis by protecting your oral health may help with blood sugar control if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Helps Pregnant Women Carry a Baby to Term Women may experience increased gingivitis during pregnancy. Some research suggests a relationship between gum disease and preterm, low-birth-weight infants.

If you’re pregnant, you should visit your dentist regularly as part of your prenatal care. Consider it good practice for the role modeling that lies ahead for all new parents.

Dr. Robert Eisen www.orilliasmilecentre.com


The days when men and women would work for the same company for decades are largely a thing of the past. Though some

professionals still remain loyal to a single firm for the duration of their careers, such instances are now the aberration as opposed to the norm.

Switching firms or careers has certainly become more acceptable over the years, but that does not necessarily mean everyone who switches jobs is doing it for the right reason. Many people have switched jobs only to realize the grass is not greener on the other side. Others have switched jobs amidst economic uncertainty only to be laid off shortly after making the move. While the opportunity for a fresh start is nothing to scoff at, professionals looking to change careers should consider a host of factors before deciding to do so.

MotivationBefore changing careers, it’s best to sit down and honestly assess what is motiving your potential move. If you harbor a strong desire to pursue a passion and make it your career, then changing careers is probably something you must do. But changing careers because you feel you are slighted by a current employer or you feel like changing for the sake of change, then you might want to reconsider. If you’re considering a change because of an issue with

your present employer, try working out the issue before pursuing a career change. You might find the issue is a byproduct of miscommunication and not something to change careers over. If you want to change careers because you feel like you need a change, keep in mind how difficult the job market is and how vulnerable you might be if your next move does not pan out. Give your motivation some serious thought before making any career changes, and you’re less likely to regret your decision.

ExperiencePursuing a new career in a different field can be exciting, but if you lack experience in that field then you could be making a mistake. While the economy has rebounded in 2013, the job market is still highly competitive and less than ideal for inexperienced workers. While you will need to start somewhere if you ever hope to transition to a new career, consider doing so on a part-time or volunteer basis and keep your current job. This gives you a chance to get your feet wet and pad your resume, and you will still have the safety net of a full-time career.

Quality of LifeQuality of life is too often overlooked when professionals are considering a career change.

Though the opportunity to make more money is enticing, money should not dictate your decision. A new job with a higher salary might require you to be on the road more often than your current career, negatively impacting your quality of life, especially if you have a family. Longer hours at the office may also take away from family or personal time, which can affect your quality of life as well. Before changing careers, think of the potential impact such a change may have on you and if you’re willing to live with that impact.

RelocationBetter jobs might be available in a different job market, but there are disadvantages to relocating. Many established professionals already have a network of friends, family and fellow professionals, and abandoning that network for a new life in another city can be extremely difficult. Single workers might adjust more easily to a relocation, but parents must consider the potential impact a relocation will have on their families. Even single professionals might find moving to a new city where they have no established social circle is far more difficult than they imagined. Such a move can cause feelings of loneliness and isolation. Unemployed professionals may feel that’s a risk worth taking, but those who already have a job should determine if a relocation is really something they are ready to try.

Things to consider before changing careers


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Headache? What type do you have?

There are so many different types of headaches: common and classic migraines, cervicogenic (from the neck), tension-type, cluster, TMJ disorders (jaw problems), sinus, exertion, and food allergies and

intolerances. Once any serious underlying pathology is ruled out, accurate diagnosis of the type of headache lends to a better treatment outcome. A number of clinical trials have demonstrated that chiropractic care is valuable for managing headaches that are the result of functional problems.

So what puts the “ache” in headache? It’s the non-brain structures such as blood vessels, membranes, cranial and spinal nerves, the skull, and spinal bones and joints. When these structures are stretched, compressed, irritated or inflamed headaches often result. Chiropractors correct the functional cause of the headache for relief.

There are a number of things that can cause functional headaches in both children and adults. A few include whiplash, head trauma, falls, poor posture, heavy backpacks and bags or purses, contact sports, stress, the birthing process, teeth grinding and clenching, jaw problems and dental work.

A careful health and lifestyle history and physical assessment of the head, jaw, and spine can provide ample information on the type of headache and the causes. The goal of treatment is to always decrease frequency of occurrence, intensity and duration of each headache episode.

Everyone responds differently to care. In a randomized controlled study performed at the University of Odense, Denmark, those under chiropractic care decreased their use of painkillers by 35 per cent and the number of headache hours per day decreased by 69 per cent. An analysis of 47 studies revealed that it took an average of 7.7 chiropractic visits to see 46.5 per cent improvement in headaches, neck pain and upper back pain. It took only 17 visits to completely resolve them.

Dr. Lynn Dowswell, D.C.Dowswell Chiropractic Centre, Orillia 705-325-0832

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Ask the TrainerExpert answers to your health & wellness questions

The holidays are over, yet the stress still seems to be lingering. I feel as if I can’t get back on track with a regular schedule. Can you please provide some tips to help me cope with my stress?

Here are three very simple steps you can do to help you feel stronger, happier, and better able to manage your stress. Begin by eating fresh, wholesome foods that will fuel your brain and boost your mood. Reaching for the junk food might give you instant satisfaction, but will make you feel depleted in the long run. Next, continue to stay physically active, as exercise is known to help reduce stress and clear your mind. And lastly, create an experience of joy somewhere in your day, such as watching a funny movie, or curling up with your favorite book and a cup of tea. Setting aside this time for yourself can help you shift your thinking to feeling good and creating positive thoughts.

Lately I have been suffering from a lot of lower back pain, what can I do to help this?

If there are no prior injuries, lower back pain is generally caused by a weakened core. Increasing back and core strength will help decrease lower back pain. There are many different exercises that can be performed to help with this issue. Consulting with a personal trainer can help assure you are choosing exercises appropriate for your individual situation.

Recently while exercising on the cardio machines, my toes went numb within a few minutes of working out. Any ideas as to what is causing this?

Numbness in the toes is a common complaint among treadmill and elliptical users. Often, the cause is wearing shoes that are too tight or tying the shoelaces too tight. Feet swell when exercising, so make sure when purchasing shoes you try them on at the end of the day and opt for a wider toe box so toes have room to move. If you believe that your shoes are the correct size, make sure you allow for some time to stretch the foot and lower leg before beginning your workout. Tightness may lead to improper form, which could lead to numbness. If the numbness persists, you may have a nerve issue called Morton’s neuroma, where the pressure on the nerves between the 2nd-3rd toes or 3rd-4th toes causes the numbness. In this case it’s important to see a podiatrist to help treat the condition.

Jessica Brown, CSEP-CPTwww.anytimefitness.com

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Steps first-time job seekers can take to prepare for their professional lives

Though things have improved in the last few years, recent college graduates still face an

uphill battle when beginning their professional careers. Standing out in a crowded pool of applicants isn’t easy, but first-time job seekers must find a way to do just that.

Preparing for a professional career begins long before men and women send out their first resumes. The following are a few steps first-time job seekers can take to ensure their transition from student to professional goes as smoothly as possible.

Clean up your online presence College is a carefree time for many students, but those fun times should not come to define your online presence. When preparing to enter the workforce, scrub your social media presence clean of anything that does not present you in a mature and positive light. Fair or unfair, photos from nights out on the town in college can damage your reputation and prevent hiring managers from considering your resume. Clean social media profiles of any information like photos, blog postings or musings on Twitter that may leave companies questioning your judgment and maturity level. Think twice

before posting anything in the future.Clean up your physical presence Shoulder-

length hair and a scruffy beard might have been a great image on campus, but it won’t score you points in the business world. First impressions go a long way, and appearance can make or break a first impression. Even if a more conservative look is not your personal style, it’s the style many companies prefer.

Do your homework Just because college has ended doesn’t mean first-time job seekers no longer have homework. Research the industry you want to work in, staying abreast of the latest developments and predictions as to where the industry is going and which companies will be leading the industry in the coming years. Research also should involve learning about companies you want to work for, and that research should be kicked into overdrive if and when you are granted a job interview. Hiring managers will be more impressed by candidates who demonstrate a knowledge of the industry and their companies than they would be a candidate with a high GPA but little industry knowledge.

Work free Lounging around mom and dad’s house waiting for the phone to ring won’t stand out on a resume. If job offers are scarce, consider working free, offering your services to companies in your industry free of charge in an attempt to get your foot in the door. This may mean applying for an unpaid internship or simply writing hiring managers at certain companies and offering to come in a few days each week to get a feel for the industry and help in any way you can. Many professionals began their careers working for no money. This can ingratiate first-time job seekers with companies while providing them valuable experience that can help them stand out in a crowded pool of applicants.


The nutritive power of apples

Who has not heard the old adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? It may seem unlikely that

one fruit could be so effective at maintaining good health, but apples really are a super food.

Apples are a member of the Rose family and are related to pears, peaches, apricots and plums. Though considered a fall fruit, apples can be enjoyed year-round thanks to commercial food production and importing.

Apart from being sweet, sometimes sour and refreshingly crisp, apples pack a number of nutritional benefits. Research has shown that apples can help to reduce a person’s risk of heart disease and help those with diabetes. In addition, apples can help fight cancer and prevent dental problems.

According to new information from long-running studies published in the British Medical Journal, eating at least two servings a week of whole fruit, particularly apples, blueberries or grapes, reduces a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes by around 23 per cent.

Apples are high in many antioxidants and, as a result, this makes them especially valuable at fighting illness. For example, the disease-fighting compounds in antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers by neutralizing free radicals.

Apples also are very high in fiber. Fiber is needed to help a person feel full

and can also regulate digestive function. Fiber also can help reduce cholesterol by preventing the buildup of cholesterol-causing plaques in the blood vessels, improving cardiovascular function and possibly reducing risk of a stroke as a result.

In addition to working their magic inside of the body, apples can have a noticeable impact on physical appearance as well. Apples are sometimes referred to as “nature’s toothbrushes” because they can brighten and clean the teeth. The crisp, abrasive texture stimulates the gums and removes debris from the teeth. What’s more, the natural mild acidity of apples helps to stimulate saliva production that can rinse away germs that lead to plaque.

An apple weighs in at under 100 calories per serving, making them a low-fat and ideal snack any time of the day. Because they are low in calories and full of fiber, apples can

help men and women maintain a healthy weight.Because apples can be plagued by insects and parasites, some growers repeatedly

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How homeowners can reduce their monthly expenses

Saving money is a priority for many people. But reducing monthly expenses is typically a bigger concern for homeowners,

especially new homeowners adjusting to life with a mortgage, higher energy bills than they likely had while renting and other costs associated with owning their own homes.

Home ownership is a dream for many people, but the realization of just how expensive owning a home can be is often eye-opening once you get the keys and move in. Once the initial sticker shock has worn off, homeowners should know that the cost of home ownership need not be so steep. In fact, there are several ways homeowners can cut costs without drastically changing their lifestyle.

Combine your insurance coveragesMany lenders mandate that borrowers carry homeowners insurance for their homes. The cost of coverage varies from company to company, and one of the ways homeowners can reduce the cost of their homeowners insurance is to bundle their homeowners coverage with their auto insurance. Some companies provide discounted premiums as high as 15 percent for policy holders who combine their homeowners and auto insurance coverage. Speak with your current provider to determine if combining your

coverage could save you money. If the savings are not significant, shop around for an insurance company that can offer you the lower price you desire. Just be sure the company is accessible and reputable.

Refinance your mortgage Refinancing your mortgage is another great way homeowners can save a substantial amount of money. Even if you only recently purchased your home, your lender might be willing to refinance your mortgage with a lower interest rate. Depending on the amount of time and money left on your loan, reducing your interest rate by two per cent can save you a substantial amount of money on your monthly mortgage payment, which can add up to considerable savings on the total interest you will pay over the life of the loan. If you think your interest rate is a tad too high, consult your lender and discuss refinancing at a lower rate.

Bundle your services More and more consumers have decided to bundle their Internet, phone and television packages. Consumer Reports found that bundling just two of those services instead of buying them from separate providers can save consumers between 40 to 60 per cent depending on where they live. Rates for bundling packages often come with an

expiration date, but a Consumer Reports survey found that even those packages come with some wiggle room. In their 2011 Annual Telecom Survey, Consumer Reports found that one-third of survey participants attempted to negotiate a lower rate for their bundled services, and 90 per cent of those efforts were successful. When negotiating, discuss lower prices for bundling as well as extending the package beyond the current expiration date. It never hurts to ask, and one study has already shown that it actually helps to ask.

Go green Going green benefits the environment, and it’s almost certain to benefit homeowners’ wallets. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, toilets account for more water usage in the home than any other appliance or fixture. But the EPA also notes that a family of four can save thousands of dollars by switching to a high-efficiency toilet over that toilet’s lifetime. And installing eco-friendly appliances or fixtures around your home might even make you eligible for certain tax breaks while also updating your home, something that will make the home more attractive to prospective buyers when you sell down the road. There are many ways to make a home more environmentally friendly, and nearly all of them can save you money over the long run.


Boaters have more fun

Have you ever looked out across the water and wished you were one of those boaters cruising along

without a care in the world? You can be. In fact, boaters are ‘more energetic,

in good physical shape and have a more positive frame of mind’ than those who have stayed ashore, according to a national survey of 2,030 Canadians conducted by Discover Boating and Harris Decima in 2012. The survey also reports that boaters lead more fun-filled lives than non-boaters. Here’s why.

Living with less stressThe survey found that 69 per cent of frequent boaters are more likely to describe themselves as very good at handling the stresses of everyday life versus non-boaters (60 per cent).

Looking & feeling goodFrequent boaters (81 per cent) are more likely than non-boaters (67 per cent) to report keeping a positive frame of mind and being in good physical shape.

Boaters dive in for a good timeIt’s not surprising that 99 per cent of frequent boaters agreed that boating is just plain fun.

“For most boaters, being on the water is one of the best ways to spend quality time with friends and family,” says Tracey Hart, director of marketing for Discover Boating, an organization dedicated, she says, to helping more Canadians get on the water and experience the fun of the boating lifestyle.

You don’t own a boat yet? Don’t let that stop you. There are still ways to get on the water, says Hart. DiscoverBoating.ca is a valuable resource to check out a variety of rental options in your area.

www.DiscoverBoating.ca


Hot, spicy foods are enjoyed by many and can be found in restaurants and on dinner tables across the globe. Home cooks

can take the heat up a notch with spicy smoked peppers that turn any meal into something delicious.

From omeletts to chili to marinades, adding peppery spice imparts a smoky, sweet and alluring flavor to dishes. Traditional recipes can also be given a bit of heat. Such is the case with the following recipe for Chipotle Hummus.

Directions• Blend garbanzo beans, water, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, chipotle

peppers, garlic, and cumin in food processor until smooth.• Add pimientos and pulse until coarsely chopped.• Stir in cilantro. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.

This can be made a day ahead. Bring to room temperature before serving.

3½ cups garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained

½ cup water

¼ cup tahini (sesame paste)

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon chipotle

1 garlic clove, minced

peppers in adobo sauce, minced

1½ teaspoon fresh cumin, ground

¼ cup pimientos

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

fine sea salt and black pepper, ground, to taste.

Classic Hummus gets a Spicy Makeover

Chipotle HummusMakes 16 servings

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Leaky fixtures can waste significant amounts of water.

Individuals may not be able to reverse global climate change on their own, nor can one person working alone prevent a species of animal from becoming extinct. But collective efforts in which communities make concerted efforts to protect the planet have the potential to bring about significant change.

Such efforts need not even be extensive. When widely adopted, the following ways to go green can benefit the environment in myriad ways, and each is rather easy to adopt.

fast ways to go green today

Sort the trash. A substantial amount of household waste can be recycled, but too frequently people throw out things in haste. Cans, bottles, aluminum foil, paper bags, plastic bags, and plastic containers can be recycled or put to use in other ways. When you examine things that end up in the garbage, you may find that such items have utility elsewhere. Take a few minutes to analyze if something can be reused before tossing it out.

1 Buy local products. Purchasing locally grown foods or products produced nearby reduces the need to transport those products while cutting back on packaging as well. Visit farmers’ markets on the weekend to stock up on items used for meals during the week. This will greatly lower your energy footprint, and you won’t have to spend much time traveling for your meals.

3

Turn off a few lights. There is no need to have every room in the house illuminated, especially when those rooms are unoccupied. Consciously turn off the lights, televisions, radios, and other electronics after you leave a room to cut down on energy usage.

4

Plant native greenery. Trees, shrubs and other plants improve air quality while providing a home to wildlife. Plants produce oxygen and store carbon, helping to control greenhouse gases and keep the atmosphere cooler. Plant more trees or other plants around the house, which helps the environment and adds some aesthetic appeal to your property. Choose native plants that will thrive in your climate.

5

Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. A standard water heater is set to 140 F, but many people do not need water that hot. Turn it down a few degrees, and you’ll save energy and reduce the risk of scalding.

6

Fix plumbing leaks. Leaky toilets can waste a substantial amount of water, some as much as 200 gallons per day. Fixing leaky toilets as well as any faucets around the house can help conserve energy and save money on your monthly water bill.Going green doesn’t involve a large investment of time or money. A variety of small changes can be effective when a good number of people do their part.

7

Carpool to school or work. Carpooling greatly reduces wear and tear on vehicles and can reduce the need for costly repairs while saving fuel. Tufts University professor William Moomaw, co-author of the latest “Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change” report, calculated that if American commuters would carpool for just one day per week, they could significantly reduce America’s carbon emissions by 2050. Carpooling to school and work also cuts down on the number of vehicles on the road during times of gridlock, reducing the propensity for accidents and traffic jams.

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Choosing a Retirement Home for a Loved One

Once the family doctor or the

family of a potential resident have come to the conclusion that Mom, Dad or loved one cannot manage on their own, there are a few very significant things that should not be overlooked in your retirement home search.

• Most importantly, listen to your loved one since this is a difficult time for all concerned

• Ensure the facilities are R.H.R.A. (Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority) licensed and regulated.

• It is important to ensure the home is secure and fully meets fire code sprinkler requirements.

• First and foremost discuss the needs of the potential resident. Are these needs likely to improve or diminish over time?

• If there is dementia or memory loss issues, ensure the facilities you are considering offer trained “Memory Care” staff. These centers specialize in Alzheimer’s and Dementia clients. Tudhope Manor, Orillia specializes in this area of expertise. All staff are trained and certified G.P.A. (Gentle Persuasive Approach) caregivers.

• If possible, ask your loved one where he or she would prefer to move?

• Be as supportive as possible if a loved one’s desires of where to live does not correspond with yours, as is often the case. Remember, this is their future home.

• Be flexible and keep an open mind since waiting periods to get into a retirement residence can be lengthy. It may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months

• Take into account the financial abilities of your loved one.

• Can they afford to pay solely or do they need some County or Government financial assistance?

• What financial programs may be available to help?

• Visit several potential retirement homes more than once to ensure staff, building cleanliness, meals and that the general well-being of present residents is always consistent.

• A kind, caring and knowledgeable staff is always a pre-requisite.

• Do not trade modern esthetics in exchange for quality of care.

• Always get the name of the Director of Care for the homes you are considering in order to help answer any and all questions that will arise in your search for that perfect home.

• Above all, don’t settle. Make sure the home is right for your loved one.

Shelley Dolson, Executive Director/Director of CareTudhope Manor, Orillia


Long-term financial tips for single parents

Single parents face a number of obstacles, not the least of which is how to effectively manage their finances. Managing finances

for a family is not easy when both parents live under the same roof, much less when one parent is going it alone.

Many single parents find themselves putting their long-term financial plans on the back burner. That’s often a byproduct of juggling many responsibilities at once, which makes it easy to ignore the one that might not have an immediate effect on the family. But focusing on long-term financial goals might be even more important for single parents than parents who still live together. The latter typically has the luxury of dual incomes, while the former must make his or her single income go a lot further. As daunting a task as long-term financial planning can seem to a single parent, there are steps single parents can take to secure their financial futures.

Examine spending habits and look for places to save moneyIn order to plan for your financial future, you need to know how you’re spending your money in the present day. Examine your spending habits to see if there are any areas where you might be able to trim some fat and divert those dollars

toward securing your financial future. If you’re struggling to save even a little money each month, then look for areas where you might be able to

save, such as reducing your cable television package or carpooling to work to save money on fuel. Being a single parent can be hectic, so it’s easy to lose track of your spending habits. But once you examine those habits, chances are you can find ways to save some money.

Purchase supplemental insuranceSingle parents don’t have the safety net of a second income to fall back on should something happen and they are unable to work. Many employer-sponsored disability benefits provide just a fraction of your total income, which likely won’t be enough to keep you and your family financially afloat for very long. Supplemental insurance can help fill that gap between your

total income and the disability benefit provided by your company, likely protecting your savings and ensuring an accident doesn’t hinder your long-term financial goals.

Save for retirementSaving for college or university is a goal for many parents, regardless of their marital status. However, single parents with limited incomes should emphasize retirement savings over college savings. That’s because financial aid, which many kids rely on to attend college, is based largely on a family’s income level. So even kids from

low-income households will be able to attend college if their grades are up to par. But single parents must save for retirement to secure their own financial future and ensure they can still afford to support themselves when they are no longer working.

Establish a will and an estate planAll parents should have a will and an estate plan that specifically spells out how their money should be distributed to their children and who should act as their child’s guardian in the case of the parents’ death. This is especially important for single parents who may or may not be able to rely on a child’s other parent for support.

Home Owners helping Homeowners™

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lifestyles magazine march-april 2014 issue

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