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OTTAWA AND THE VALLEY’S NEWSPAPER FOR PEOPLE FIFTY AND OVER May 2015 • FREE MARY COOK’S Memories of the ’30s Youngatheart n e w s pa p e r .c A Celebrate Spring in the Capital Peloso Landscaping Inc. Introducing a New Product: SYNTHETIC GRASS from EZ GRASS General Contracting Interlocking and Asphalt for Driveways Large Scale Sodding Retaining Walls, Flower Beds, Patios and Window Wells Decks and Fences Licensed and Insured Fully Equipped Equipment Rentals Material Delivery References Available Stone from Industry Leaders Please contact us to book today. Call 613-260-9566 or email pelosolandscaping@bellnet.ca Referals Upon Request Over 20 Years Experience www.pelosolandscaping.ca Everything you need in a retirement community! Retire in Miramichi Retirement Miramichi offers a wide variety of rental homes with a size and style to suit your budget and lifestyle. With rents as low as $543/month, you’ll have more time and money in your pocket to do the things you want to do. Make the Right Move. Check us out at... www.retirenb.ca 2 youngatheartnewspaper.ca May 2015 1.888.844.2001 Luxury Rental Apartments Elegant Park-Side Living Overlooking the Rideau River, Strathcona Park and the Rideau Tennis Club, Terrasses Gabrielle is the perfect choice. It is a walk away from dining and shopping in Beechwood Village. Pick up the bike path outside your front door and cycle downtown to the Byward Market. Browse the boutiques along Sussex Drive No Condo Fees or the shops at the Rideau Centre, visit the National Gallery or the National Arts Centre, dine at one of Ottawa’s fine restaurants, or just enjoy a peaceful No Property Taxes afternoon stroll by the river. Whatever your pastime, the best of Ottawa living or Heating Bills is at your front door. • • • • • The Property Mid size 8-storey building for enhanced privacy and security Indoor ground level swimming pool 8th floor terrace with loungers and BBQ facilities Well appointed gym featuring LifeFitness equipment Personal fitness trainer available The Units • Elegant, spacious units with high ceilings • Open concept kitchens featuring: ~ Granite counters ~ Under-mount sink ~ Natural wood cabinetry ~ Slide-in stove with ceramic cook-top ~ Stainless steel appliances • Strip hardwood floors by Kahrs in the living areas • Ceramic tile in the entrance and bathroom • Washer and dryer in every unit • Calypso bath with arched shower enclosure • Panoramic windows, most with view of the park and river • Custom blinds • Individual control of central heat and air conditioning • Underground parking • Available maid service No Condo Meetings No Committees Let Someone Else Worry About The Maintenance Hassle free luxury urban living without complications of ownership An on-site management office means we are always easily available to address your needs TERRASSES GABRIELLE www.globegeneral.ca 411 North River Road, Ottawa 613-741-4411 www.terrassesgabrielle.com youngatheartnewspaper.ca May 2015 3 LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED Visit our Website for Articles, Past Issues, Contests and more... Youngatheart n e w s pa p e r .c A EDITOR Jayne Rooney (613) 421-7989 rooneyjayne@gmail.com PUBLISHER V.P. SALES Mark Rusiecki (613) 526-0651 mark.youngatheartnewspaper@bell.net CONTRIBUTORS Mary Cook Account Executive Shirley Landles (613) 526-2116 Randy Ray t ear h t nga You .C N Please direct all accounting and general enquiries to: 1339 Mory Street Ottawa, ON K1T 1C8 Tel: (613) 526-0651 Fax: (613) 526-0650 morymanor@bell.net Katharine and Eric Fletcher Bud McGinnis Ottawa Public Health Over the Back Fence................6 At Home.....................................11 Photo: Billie MacDonald Inside Distribution of this newspaper does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Young At Heart reserves the right to reject an advertisement or listing which is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Finance.......................................10 Healthy Living............................13 Cover Story ............5 Q: Many city and rural properties are overrun by squirrels at this time of the year. How many different varieties are found in Ontario? A: In the city, countryside, and the average backyard, squirrels are a very visible part of the Ontario landscape. There are several species of squirrels found in Ontario, including the Grey or Black, the Red, the Southern Flying, and Northern Flying. The Grey is perhaps the most familiar to southern Ontarians, coming in varying shades of grey, dark brown, or black. Although the myth still persists that grey and black squirrels are different species, they are in fact the same. They generally live near deciduous forests and are a sociable animal that spends much of its time in trees. The long bushy tail acts as a balance which allows the squirrels to adapt to a variety of situations when aloft. These squirrels have been noted for making significant migrations from one territory to the next, but they are usually found where there is ample foliage and We’re Getting Bigger & Better! Our community in historic Perth is adding 55 new suites in a spectacular expansion. This is a rare opportunity to select from a variety of suite layouts and sizes to suit every taste and budget. Call Diane for more information. A R PE It’s a Fact www.facebook.com/billiedesign Travel..........................................8 A SP www.youngatheartnewspaper.ca GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Billie MacDonald design EW a good supply of nuts and seeds. Grey squirrels are omnivores and eat a variety of buds, flowers, fruits and berries. These squirrels don’t hibernate, but horde food for the winter and forage for other food during that time to survive. Red squirrels are found throughout Ontario often in the same habitat as the Grey and though they eat most of the same kinds of food, they are more carnivorous than other squirrels and have been known to eat mice, robins and orioles. Red squirrels are smaller than Greys and are not as likely to spend much time on the ground. They are gifted climbers, territorial, noisy and have adapted well to Canadian terrain. The Southern Flying Squirrel is found mostly along the lower Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River but also as far north as Sudbury. Randy Ray and Mark Kearney are the authors of nine books about Canada. For more trivia, visit their website: www.triviaguys.com Now Booking Tours. Our new suites will fill up quickly. Call today for a tour, 613-267-7000. North Street, Perth, Ontario K7H 3R1• www.CarolinaSuites.ca • www.CarolinaSuites.ca • dchillingworth@carolinasuites.ca dchillingworth@carolinasuites.ca 12105 Alma Street, Perth, Ontario K7H 2R7 4 youngatheartnewspaper.ca May 2015 Y@Hmemoriesofthe’30s By Mary Cook A plunge in the muddy creek I always thought that the creek and the Bonnechere river were one and the same thing. Now I know that they were two very different bodies of water, both twisting through the lower part of our farm. Picturing that narrow stream, I can remember clearly how important the creek was to us. I remember now that this was where the water was brought up to the barnyard in a stone boat to fill the livestock troughs. This was where my brothers fished for mud pout. Here, we skipped stones and cooled our feet on a humid day. But Mother wouldn’t let us swim in the creek because it always looked muddy. Father said that was because it was shallow and ran over a red sand bottom. However, one day, I was submerged through no fault of my own. At the bottom of the back field was a row of tall maple trees. Father said they were planted by his great grandfather. Many years before my time, one was struck by lightning and it fell across the creek, and as the creek was narrow, offered a perfect bridge to cross over to the other side. We children often sat under these big maples because the creek was close to the house, and on a hot day, it meant we didn’t have to go far to get cooled off. A favourite spot was the fallen maple. The bark had long since been worn off from many crossings, and we children would sit on the old dry tree and let our toes dangle into the creek. It held the five of us with ease, and always our old dog Sport would be the last one to climb aboard, sitting at the very end, panting and relishing being with us. Sport hated groundhogs. I don’t remember that he ever caught one, but he was forever chasing them about the fields … and he could spot one a mile away. That day, we were all perched on the old fallen maple tree playing one of the many word games that my sister Audrey was continually making up. What it was is no longer important. But what was important, was that my brother Emerson saw the groundhog before Sport did. It was across the creek not ten feet from the west bank. Emerson pointed in its direction and hissed, “Sic him, Sport.” The obstacle of overcoming five kids sitting on the wrong end of the maple meant nothing to the big panting collie. The brothers knew enough to flatten against the tree trunk and Audrey bent over backwards, clutching at the dead branches. I like to think my young age had something to do with my slow reaction, because I never moved an inch. I took the brunt of Sport’s body full on, hit the icy water like a stone and went right to the bottom. It wasn’t very deep, but for someone who couldn’t swim, it was a terrifying encounter with the muddy water. I bounced like a rubber ball, screaming that I was drowning. The rescue was just a matter of my sister Audrey reaching down and hauling me back up onto the maple trunk. I was caked with mud and crying like blue fury. Audrey wiped me off as best she could with her apron, but I knew the only way I was going to get rid of the mud was to either walk over to the Bonnechere, or get submerged into the watering trough in the barnyard. Audrey chose the Bonnechere. I was stripped naked and since it was still spring, I was shivering like crazy. Audrey rinsed my clothes, setting them out on the grass to dry, and then I was led into the cold water as if I was being baptised. A few hundred yards away there was a standoff between Sport and the groundhog – Sport flat out in the tall grass waiting to pounce, and the groundhog standing on its hind legs on a mound of earth. Usually I was very attached to our farm dogs, but at that moment I was rooting for the groundhog. Cole Funeral Services Cole Funeral Services has moved to serve our families better. We now offer funeral, cremation and cemetery services all in one convenient location at Pinecrest Cemetery, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa. Cole Family Owned since 1924. As a continued service of our Family Legacy Program, Laurie and her team will work with you and your family when pre-planning your final tribute and will ensure all your choices are fulfilled and your life will be remembered the way you want. Call today or visit our website: 613-831-7122 www.colefuneralservices.com www.pinecrest-remembrance.com Mark Steele Managing Director 100600_CFS_FL.indd 1 Laurie Cole Owner, Cole Funeral Services May 2015 5 14-11-21 4:08 PM youngatheartnewspaper.ca Y@H’s Over The Back Fence... Volunteer Profile… If it has anything to do with sports in the communities of McNabb/Braeside, you can be sure that Jason Marshall, whose home is White Lake, will have something to do with it! He spends hours and hours volunteering in many capacities in the recreational life of his area. He chairs the Recreation Committee, and is on the White Lake Council committee which runs four seasonal events every year, featuring something for youth, adults and seniors. Marshall is also Recreational Director for special events for the town of Arnprior. He received an award from the mayor for making a difference in the community, recognizing his endless hours of working with all age groups in the town. As General Manager of radio station Heritage 98.7, Marshall meets the public at many events in that role. So, because of his high profile in his community, he has been called upon to be Master of Ceremonies for many events, a job which gives him much pleasure. For many years Marshall has coached ball, refereed little league, and acted as referee for high Jason Marshall school football, spending many, many hours at all levels of sports activities in the Renfrew, Arnprior, Braeside areas. Y@H congratulates Jason Marshall for making a difference in the lives of so many people in his combined communities. Where Is He Now? Sixties heartthrob Bobby Curtola He’s in his early 70s, but former teen heartthrob Bobby Curtola can still knock ‘em dead. And he’s not about to pack away his microphone any day soon. The native of Port Arthur, Ontario (now Thunder Bay) began singing in choirs and at sock hops at age 14 and was singing his first hit record on the Bob Hope Show by 16. Decades later, he is still performing in Canada, the United States and exotic locales such as Ecuador, Italy and Malaysia. In addition to singing, he’s a partner in Brandon, Manitoba-based Home Farms Technologies Inc., a high technology firm that has developed unique processes to manage liquid waste and convert solid waste into energy. Curtola’s rise to stardom was nothing short of meteoric. In the fall of 1959, he went from pumping gas at his father’s garage to teen idol. This Month in History May 16, 1964 In Maryland, Canadian millionaire E.P. Taylor’s horse, Northern Dancer, ridden by Bill Hartack, won the Preakness Stakes over 2-1/2 lengths over The Scoundrel. 6 youngatheartnewspaper.ca May 2015 His first hit single Hand In Hand With You was recorded at a radio station in Port Arthur before being released in January 1960. Brothers Basil and Dyer Hurdon, his first managers and songwriters, can be credited for much of this early success. The hit Fortune Teller was released in 1962 and soon went gold in Canada. A U.S. record deal was signed and Fortune Teller became a 2.5 million seller. The tune broke into the top 100 in the U.S. In the sixties, he had 25 Canadian Gold singles, including Indian Giver, Three Rows Over and Aladdin, and 12 Canadian Gold albums, most on the Tartan label. In the mid-60s he was among Canadian artists who lobbied for Canadian content rules, eventually legislated by the federal government, which guaranteed more Canadian content was seen and heard on radio and TV in Canada. In the early 70s, Curtola made the transition from “teen idol” to nightclub entertainer and performed in a variety of venues, including Las Vegas, where he sang for more than 20 years, cruise ships, Malaysia where he did a Christmas special and a string of Hard Rock Cafes including Bali, Indonesia. He also sang in Asia, France, Italy, Switzerland and England. When last heard from, he was continuing to tour Canada extensively, playing at casinos, sock hop reunions and special events, some designed to raise money for charity. When last heard from, Curtola, who is divorced from his wife Ava, was living in Liverpool, N.S. Funny You Should Ask Q: We have just purchased a small farm property and back in a clearing is a very old, and very rundown, stone house, which hasn’t been occupied for decades. On several of the walls there is very ornate wallpaper. The house is supposed to be close to 200 years old, and we were wondering if wallpaper was commonplace 200 years ago, or if it is even possible that wallpaper existed back then? A: Well, it took some searching, and we were told that, depending on where the old house is, it is quite possible the wallpaper was put on when the house was built. Wallpaper was actually first used in France, but quickly spread to other parts of the globe. Wallpaper replaced more expensive tapestries, and some of the original papers even looked like tapestries. And, being cheaper, became very popular. So, yes, even if your old house is close to 200 years old, it is quite possible the wallpaper is original, or very close to it. If there is a museum close to your property, and you are still curious, you might prevail upon the curator to have a look at it to see if it can be dated. Urban dwellers are not the only vehicle owners who wonder what to do with their tires which have seen better days. Farmers too have tires that no longer meet the punishing needs put on them by farm implements, and like their urban counterparts, what to do with them is always a concern. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) recently reminded farmers that there is an alternative to piling them in a heap on the ‘back forty.’ Coming up next month is a tire take back event, something the OFA is urging all Ontario farmers to take part in. Collection fees from donated tires will be given to the Sunshine Foundation of Canada. This organization gives outstanding support to children of all ages who daily have to meet challenges of physical and life-threatening illnesses. Between June 1 and 6, farmers are urged to drop off their used tires at more than 60 participating Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association locations. The OFA has a list of participating locations ready for those farmers willing to take part in the program. The collection fees normally charged will all be donated to the Sunshine Foundation of Canada. The Tire Take Back program is supported by Ontario Tire Stewardship. With more than 37,000 members registered with the OFA, it is expected a large number will take part in this very worthwhile endeavour. It was seventy-eight years ago this month, in 1937, when the fateful trip of the Hindenburg – travelling from Germany to the United States – ended in tragedy. The pride of Nazi Germany, the largest aircraft ever to have flown, was en route from Frankfurt to America when it touched a mooring mast at Lakehurst, New Jersey. It burst into flames and the entire crew and 36 passengers perished. The Hindenburg had a large viewing deck, a smoking lounge and cabins for the passengers. At over 800 feet long, it was likened to an ocean liner. It was reported that the disaster was caused when the ship’s very volatile hydrogen gas was ignited by static electricity on impact with the mooring mast. Later, an attempt was made to manufacture other airships using safer helium gas, but that mode of transportation never did catch on. It was said the terrible accident of the Hindenburg was enough to sour prospective travelers on that type of travel. The Farm Scene Remember When … Who Said What … “Most young Canadians … are born with skates on their feet rather than with silver spoons in their mouths.” - Lester B. Pearson Contributors to Over The Back Fence include: Mary Cook, Randy Ray and Mark Kearney. Please send us your questions and suggestions for future pages. Y@Hconnectingwith S Connecting With … Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock itting amidst the country’s glorious parliament buildings, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, in the heart of Downtown Ottawa, is the only church in the Nation’s Capital which can lay claim to having been on its original site for more than 187 years. Having witnessed much of the history of our nation, some of our most prominent leaders have found a spiritual home in its pews. Tracing its roots back to the founding churches of Scotland, St. Andrew’s has just recognized a moment in its own history, by calling its own first woman minister. The Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock has taken on the daunting role of preaching from a pulpit that has looked down on prime ministers, governors general, ambassadors and royalty, as well as ordinary people from every walk of life. Presently, St. Andrew’s pews are filled by members from over thirtytwo nationalities. Its impressive music ministry includes a 25-member choir with four paid soloists, under the leadership of Music Director Tom Annand, who is himself rated one of the top concert organists in Canada, playing harpsichord and organ in the National Art Centre Orchestra. This is the church that Rev. Dimock, with a background far removed from the ministry (she has degrees in biology and a PhD in Neurological Sciences), finds herself. Mary Cook talked to Rev. Dimock about the journey that took her from her Scottish homeland as an infant to one of the most historic churches in Canada, the first ordained woman to fill its pulpit, following only thirteen ordained male ministers before her in the church’s 187-year history. Y@H: You had a life before the ministry. Many would say a life very different from your life now. Why did you make the transition from being a scientist to a life in the church? KD: I enjoy both science and theology, and for me, one of the things the two hold in common is a sense of wonder and awe as they look at the world and the life that fills it. Both scientists and people of faith look at the world, wonder about the things they cannot see, and ask “what is happening here?” For me that is the place they come together. The transition from one to the other took place in my life gradually and over time. I had not grown up attending church myself. As a teenager and young adult I had occasionally been invited to friends’ churches and youth groups and while I felt a tug and curiosity towards God, church often felt like a very foreign place, hard to navigate and fit in. In the end it think it is because I married a man who was raised a good Presbyterian and who, when we had children, felt it important to begin attending church regularly. I like to say I began attending Sunday school in my thirties! The church we attended at the time, St Andrew’s in Guelph, had a couple of wonderful women ministers in those days, women who sat with me, answered my questions and really walked with me as I discovered faith and life in a new way. I found a place for myself in the church that fit better than anything else I had done before, and it was when nurtured in that congregation that I first experienced the sense that I was called to ministry. It felt very right and natural at the time. Y@H: When you accepted the call to preach at St. Andrew’s in Ottawa, you were well established in a church in West Toronto, what made you decide to make the move here? KD: I have always enjoyed visiting Ottawa. The first time I entered St Andrew’s, Ottawa was in the summer about five years ago. My daughter and I were sharing a four-day vacation here. I was a ministry student at the time, the doors to the church were wide open and a very welcoming woman greeted us, showed us around and both of us enjoyed the time. While my daughter was entranced with the story of the baby princess who was baptized here during the war, I fell in love with the interior architecture of the sanctuary. The way the pulpit was positioned in the centre, with pews arranged around it in such a way that even in its largeness it felt more intimate than many other churches I had been in. I could imagine that sitting there in worship, people would see not just the back of the heads in front of them, but also each other’s faces. It was a great first impression and in the years that followed, my ears would prick up whenever I heard the church mentioned. I learned what a wonderful ministry it has, making a difference in its outreach both locally and abroad and when I heard, about a year ago, that St Andrew’s was vacant and looking for a new minister, I remembered it well and wondered if it could be for me. Y@H: Do you see any correlation between the world of science and a world in the church? KD: Yes for sure. For starters, the separation between faith and science is only a few hundred years old. For many centuries they conversed together and I think we are likely coming into an era where the divide that people sometimes see between them might very well be closing. Practically speaking, many members of the church work in fields that are part of or informed by the world of science. The scientific and secular world view, for the most part, provides the lens through which we look at the world and plays a large part in how we engage it. Engagement and dialogue with the secular and scientific world we live in are, in my view, just as important for the church as interfaith and ecumenical dialogue. Science and faith bring different perspectives to the table but they can and do journey together and learn from each other. Y@H: Does it fill you with awe to know that when you are in that pulpit, high above your congregation, that in the past sermons were delivered to the Prime Minister of Canada, MacKenzie King a member of the congregation, or Stanford Fleming, who developed the time zones across the world, or Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, whose infant daughter was christened in the very font you will be using at St. Andrew, or did you have any idea when you accepted the call that the pews once held some of the most noteworthy people in Canada? KD: Yes! And the pews at St Andrew’s continue to hold some of the most interesting people I have ever met. Coming together from over 32 different nations, they are a diverse, faithful and interesting group who have lived all over the world and have an active engagement in issues and concerns of the world today. This is what makes it exciting, that it isn’t just a church with a lot of history, it’s a church that is moving into the future as well. Y@H: You were very involved with an organization called Scientists in School in Guelph. What was that organization’s mandate, and how did you fit into its program? Continued on page 12 Your Alternative to a Retirement Home Jean & Tracey Martel Senior Home Care Management • Transportation, Shopping, Companionship • Home Maintenance & Repairs, In/Out • Security, Personal & Home, Present or Absent • Meals, Pets, Cleaning, Supervision 24/7 • Estate Sales, Moving and Relocation • Negotiating with Contractors 148 Waterfern Way, Orleans, ON K4A 0T4 Tel: 613.424.7233 | Cell: 613.883.0567 jean@abovealldignity.com tracey@abovealldignity.com www.abovealldignity.com Photo: Hugh Dimock Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock is the first female minister at historic St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Live alone without being lonely Imagine a bungalow home designed just for you and 2 other ladies. Enjoy your own personally furnished bedroom but enjoy the company of others in the fully furnished and barrier free common areas... kitchen, laundry, dining and living rooms. Includes: Phone, cable, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Netflix movies plus a beginner friendly, large touch screen computer. Outside boasts of a huge front and backyard with waist high gardens, BBQ, deck and more! NO MAINTENANCE. We clear the snow, cut the lawn and repair anything to make you happy, safe and comfortable. ALL FOR JUST $1,975 monthly TRIAL STAYS from $70 per night Other services available: Meal plans, transportation with driver, event co-ordinator, personal care and nursing 24 hours daily. ONLY 3 UNITS AVAILABLE. Why not call Phoebe services today to arrange a free tour. Free tour, pick up and drop off. Call Marilynne Off: 613.422.6757 Cell: 613.250.8016 youngatheartnewspaper.ca May 2015 7 Y@Hactiveadventure Adelaide: Down Under dreaming in a welcoming capital Katharine and Banrock Station Ranger Tim Field birdwatching and looking at Australian pelicans. By Katharine Fletcher South Australia’s capital Adelaide resembles Ottawa, with a friendly, multicultural ambiance. This university town and fifth-largest Aussie city, has an attractive mix of heritage and contemporary architecture matched by a stunning linear park framing the River Torrens. Residents are friendly, there’s a galaxy of ethnically diverse restaurants (including Jamie Oliver’s popular Jamie Italian), plus both the renowned Riverland and Coonawarra wine regions are an easy day-drive away. What to see and do? We offer these suggestions. Adelaide is bicycle-friendly, with twenty locations offering free bikes. One, Urbanest, is downtown, a fiveminute stroll from inexpensive Adelaide Paringa Motel, and across from the railway station. Biking Torrens River Linear Park The Torrens bisects Adelaide and the paved linear park frames it, giving cyclists, walkers and joggers a taste of country. As we cycled, scarlet rosellas – a colourful parrot – squawked as they flew about in eucalyptus trees, while black swans and Australian pelicans glided about on the river. Our goal was Henley Beach overlooking the Great Australian Bight (Southern Ocean). Lunch of fresh seafood at Henley Beach Hotel prepped us for our return – a round trip of 30 easy, flat kilometres. Do it: the beach is mesmerizing, the parklands so pretty. Photos: Eric Fletcher Linear park destination: arriving at Henley Beach at the River Torrens estuary. South Australia Museum and Art Gallery of South Australia Founded in 1856, the museum has an internationally respected collection of Australian Aboriginal art and artefacts which shouldn’t be missed. Original peoples of Australia arrived some 40,000 years ago, a fact which reveals they lived here during the era of megafauna. This term relates to extinct, gigantic animals such as the Procoptodon, a giant kangaroo. Happily, the museum also houses a permanent collection of megafauna. Because many Aboriginal legends feature stories of megafauna (immense wombats, emus and others) it’s intriguing to realize that such “legends” are founded on fact, which gives these peoples’ traditional stories fascinating relevance. Adjacent, find the Art Gallery, another must to get an overview of Aboriginal through to contemporary Australian art. Beyond the fringe: Riverland and Coonawarra Regions An easy 2.5 hour drive east of Adelaide find the Riverland – so-called because the region borders the Murray River, a watershed irrigating Australia’s “food basket.” Here we visited Banrock Station winery. Not only are its rich velvety reds like Shiraz fabulous, this vineyard’s commitment to environmental management of the land is exemplary. We took three hours to wander its 8km wetland to experience how the company is regenerating native flora and fauna via a system of controlled floods and droughts which mimic nature’s cycle of long ago. Taste the wine, have a meal after your walk – and take binoculars as there are birds and ’roos galore. Coonawarra wine producing region is four hours south, along the Limestone Coast. It boasts many wineries such as Rymill Estates, founded by John Riddoch in the late 1890s – the region’s first vineyard. Compare the Riverland and Coonawarra wines: which do you prefer? And, en route here, visit Naracoorte Caves – where fossils and cave tours inform you of the megafauna era. Truly, there’s much to do in Adelaide and Australia – we’re just returned from our fourth adventure and it won’t be our last visit Down Under. Go... and perhaps like us, you’ll find a “second home.” More information: • Visit Australia: australia.com/en-ca • Adelaide, Riverland, Coonawarra: southaustralia.com • Aussie Travel, The Downunder Experts 613-288-1399, 1-800-265-5424 www.aussietravel.ca Katharine and Eric Fletcher are freelance writers and photographers. See more stories, books at katharinefletcher.com Adelaide Botanic Garden and Adelaide Zoo Next day we cycled inland, along the linear park to Adelaide Botanic Garden and Zoo, where we parked our bikes at the ubiquitous bike stands. The botanic garden is an oasis where native plants such as myrtle and eucalyptus trees, blossoming Banksia shrubs and kangaroo flowers entrance tourists. Take a picnic and join locals enjoying their urban sanctuary. The Zoo houses Australia’s iconic critters including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and koalas, along with birds such as the rare black and scarlet-cheeked palm cockatoo. 8 youngatheartnewspaper.ca May 2015 Photo: Katharine Fletcher Cycling the linear park along River Torrens in downtown Adelaide. Photo: Eric Fletcher Katharine strolling Banrock Station’s boardwalk over one of the lagoons. Y@Hcoverstory Celebrate spring with the Canadian Tulip Festival By Jayne Rooney The Canadian Tulip Festival has heralded the arrival of spring in the capital since 1953. This year’s celebration runs from May 8 to 18, and along with the stunning displays of over one million tulips blooming along the tulip route, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of free events and activities taking place throughout the region. The idea of a Canadian Tulip Festival was first presented to the Ottawa Board of Trade by world-renowned photographer Malak Karsh, as a celebration of spring as well as to commemorate the gift of tulips by Princess Juliana of the Netherlands. Ottawa’s official flower was first presented to the people of Canada in thanks for providing a safe haven to members of the Dutch royal family from 1940 to 1945, during the German Occupation of the Netherlands. To this day, the tulip remains a symbolic sign of friendship between the two counties. In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian troops, The Canadian Tulip Festival will unveil and dedicate two sculptures this month: The Princess sculpture and the Liberation tulip sculpture. The larger-than-life bronze Princess sculpture depicts Princess Juliana with her infant daughter Margriet in a tulip setting, and was designed by artist Laura BrownBreetvelt. The foyer of Shaw Convention Centre will be the home of the sculpture, along with an audio-visual presentation which will animate the story of the Tulip Legacy. “A Tulip Legacy Sculpture at the Shaw Convention Centre would certainly serve as a great symbol and excellent tribute to the strong bonds of friendship between our two countries,” H.E. Cees Kole, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Canada is quoted as saying on the Tulip Festival website. “I very much look forward to its unveiling in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of my country by Canadian troops.” Tulip displays The NCC is responsible for designing, planting and maintaining the annual tulip displays in various locations, with the most spectacular and extensive gardens being at Commissioners Park on the banks of Dows Lake. Here, 300,000 tulips in 60 different varieties are grown in 30 beds and designs. Prime photo spots are marked by signs in the park. Downtown sites include: Major’s Hill Park at the intersection of St. Patrick Street and Mackenzie Avenue; Malak’s Bed located at the Museum of Civilization; Jacques-Cartier Park, on the shore of the Ottawa River; and Montcalm-Taché Park at the intersection of Montcalm Street and Alexandre-Taché Boulevard. Tulip Shuttle The Tulip Shuttle will ferry visitors between the main tulip beds through the Ottawa downtown core with over a dozen stops along the Tulip Route, conveniently spaced within each of the participating neighbourhoods. For more information and a complete list of events, times and shuttle stops, visit www.tulipfestival.ca Sydney Opera House Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand Australia South Pacific Islands TM St Regis Hotel Bora Bora Photo: Billie MacDonald Call and speak with Lise Knowles, a certified Aussie Specialist and Downunder Expert with more than 20 years of knowledge and experience in planning and booking unique and unforgettable, stress free vacations to suit any time frame, budget and lifestyle. Whether you prefer a fully escorted coach tour, independent fly-drive holiday, camping trip or cruise, Lise will arrange every last detail. She can, also, provide you with comprehensive travel insurance for your peace of mind. Call today to make an appointment to meet with Lise to book your dream holiday to Australia, New Zealand or the South Pacific Islands! Suite 308 – 383 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa (Opposite Parkdale Market) 613-288-1399 1-800-265-5424 TICO #50021053 Visit our website www.aussietravel.ca youngatheartnewspaper.ca May 2015 9 Y@Hfinance By Bud McGinnis The first submission in this ABCs of Fraud series was published in June, 2002. The current column is number 156, and concludes 13 full years of involvement and will be my last. I thank each of you who has read what I’ve written; without readers there is little incentive to write. I do hope that what was written over those years has been of interest and has helped maintain awareness of con men in our society. They continue to circulate among us with the objective of separating us from our wealth. The first article noted that the program was developed in Toronto in 1996, and in 2002 was launched in Ottawa by the Rotary Club of West Ottawa with the full support of the Ottawa Police Service. It also outlined a fraud prevalent at the time and still a common problem today. A passerby identified a serious problem with the roof of a house and stopped to notify the owner of its severity. Failure to act immediately would be disastrous, but help was at hand. He just happened to have a crew in the neighbourhood and could do the necessary repairs at a good price. So whether then, 2002, or now, 2015, that type of fast-talking con man is on hand to take advantage of honest seniors. Thirteen years is not a long period in history but the view differs depending on the observer. But let’s briefly consider those years during which I’ve written ABCs of Fraud articles. Have there been changes? The answer is a resounding “Yes,” and they have been significant. First, the internet has become imbedded in our society. Moreover, a much larger proportion of the seniors cohort is computer literate than was true in 2002. Accordingly, more A look back of us are subject to losses via this electronic highway. Whether it be the loss of personal information via an email “phishing” expedition, or a purchase made and paid for online but never received, more seniors are targets for these crooks. Secondly, back in 2002, we were subject to credit card fraud but the technique then was much more cumbersome. An ATM had to be “doctored’ in advance. One scheme involved a plastic “Lebanese loop” that had to be installed in the slot to physically capture the card. Then a fraudster needed to stand close to the ATM user to see and record the Personal Identification Number (PIN) as it was keyed in. When the card didn’t work he would sympathize with the victim, saying he had had a similar experience earlier, but it worked the second time he keyed in the PIN. Of course, that didn’t help either, but did give the fraudster a second look at the PIN. It was then recommended that the victim contact the office for help. The card and card number were now readily available when the “loop” was removed from the ATM by the fraudster. There were other ingenious techniques employed as well. Small cameras were installed over the keyboard to capture the digits as they were keyed in. And the integrity of the ATM itself was altered on occasion to capture the information on the card. Now all of that is out of date. Most cell phones have a built-in camera and it’s a simple process to capture both card number and PIN by using the phone as a movie camera. In 2002, credit/debit cards used a magnetic stripe to store the required information. Cards today have electronic chips imbedded in them which provide a much greater level of security than did the magnetic stripe. It is still necessary to protect your PIN as it is your electronic signature. That, and your credit card/debit card number opens your account to the thief. For convenience, we also have cards with radio frequency chips that allow us to just “tap and Canada’s Highest GIC Rates! Heritage Group Financial is your onestop shop for the best GIC, RRSP and RRIF rates in Canada. Whether you’re an experienced investor or you’re just starting to plan for your future, we’ll make sure you get the best return on your investment – guaranteed. For excellent rates and outstanding service, contact us today – and find out exactly how easy it is to reach your goals. 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year GIC RRSP RRIF 2.05 2.08 2.21 1.92 2.02 2.15 1.92 2.02 2.04 2.29 2.35 2.25 2.35 2.10 2.26 Rates subject to change. Call us for an exact quote. Rates are quoted on minimum deposits by company. 30-59 Days 1.15% 1 Yr. Cashable 1.30% Rates subject to change. Heritage Group Financial 666 Kirkwood Avenue, Suite 100 (Carling at Queensway) 613-722-9999 • 1-888-722-1515 www.heritagefinancial.ca 10 youngatheartnewspaper.ca May 2015 go,” no PIN and no signature required. Unfortunately, the personal information on these cards can be captured by a passerby with an appropriate reader without the cards ever being removed from pocket or purse. It’s important, therefore, to secure such cards by enclosing them in an envelope with a metallic lining. Continued on page 13 Are you saving enough for retirement? (NC) Most Canadians do not know how much money they’ll need to save to maintain their desired standard of living in retirement. Fortunately, there are resources online that will help you work that out and make concrete plans to achieve it. How much money you will need depends on several factors, including when you plan to retire, your goals for your retirement years, your spending before and after retirement, debt and inflation. A man aged 65 today can expect to live to 84, and a woman to 87. It’s important to take this time span into account when making retirement plans. Most people will spend less when retired than when working. Whether you still have debt, downsize your home, move to another community, travel or save for your grandchildren’s education are just a few of the factors that affect spending levels after retirement. Traveling or living in another country after retirement can affect spending, as well as taxation and your health and pension benefits. Health emergencies and other unexpected events can also have major impacts. While many of us find it difficult to think about the idea that we may need long-term care when we get older, it’s essential to plan for that possibility because it can be very costly. You also need to estimate your income in retirement. Most Canadians will receive income from a variety of pension plans. These include government pensions, employer pensions and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs). Personal savings and investments are also important parts of retirement plans. In addition, many Canadians choose to work and earn income after retiring. This can affect pensions, other benefits and taxes. A good place to start assessing what you’ll need is on the website of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada: itpaystoknow.gc.ca. See the header: Planning Your Retirement. The Living in Retirement section guides readers through: budgeting; benefits and discounts available to retired people; options for travel, work and housing; protecting against financial abuse and fraud; loss of independence; and other aspects of retirement. Once you have figured out your goals, plans and contingencies, you can use the Financial Goal CalGus’s Kitchen & Bath See culator to work out Back how much money Page you’ll need to save for Specials or invest. BLOWOUT SALE Y@Hathome By Randy Ray L Urban living at Les Terrasses Gabrielle es Terrasses Gabrielle’s unbeatable lifestyle and prime location next to the Rideau River are catching the attention of members of Ottawa’s 55+ community who are seeking hassle-free urban living without the complications of home ownership. The eight-storey luxury apartment building at 411 North River Road offers one- and two-bedroom residences ranging in size from 700 to 1,200 square feet. The top floor has 11 penthouses. Rents start at $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and penthouses start at about $3,000 per month. “Our tenants enjoy everything this exclusive downtown Ottawa apartment rental has to offer,’’ says Les Terrasses Gabrielle’s property manager Jason Ely. “They appreciate relaxing in their spacious, well-appointed homes and they know if they want to stay active and healthy, this is the place to be.” The 117-unit building is located about three kilometres east of downtown in one of the city’s premier neighbourhoods, where luxurious accommodation meshes nicely with the best in city living, including dining, shopping, music, tennis, theatre and the area’s natural beauty only steps away. By day, residents enjoy shopping in Beechwood Village, a summer festival in Strathcona Park, or cycling the network of bike paths that begin right outside their front doors. By night, they dine at award-winning restaurants in the Byward Market, attend the theatre or ballet at the National Arts Centre, or take an evening stroll beside the Rideau River. At Les Terrasses Gabrielle a memorable day or night is at residents’ doorsteps no matter what season, says Ely, who notes that the apartment development takes its inspiration from the elegant park districts of the world’s leading cities. The four-and-a-half-year-old building is operated by Globe General Agencies, a Winnipeg-based integrated investment and real estate management company with 5,500 residential units in Canada. Les Terrasses Gabrielle was added to the family-owned company’s portfolio in the fall of 2010 as its first Ontario property. Globe General Agencies has a solid reputation as a tenant-oriented company that provides accommodations in some of the finest buildings in Canada. Its buildings, Les Terrasses Gabrielle included, are cared for by on-site staff; all common areas have security monitoring and emergency service is available 24 hours a day. “An on-site management office means we are always easily available to address your needs and you will be able to meet your building management service representatives face to face,’’ says Ely, adding that the company is a member of the Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario. In July 2012, the building received certification from the Certified Rental Building (CRB) program, a gold standard for building management and maintenance, adopted in recent years by the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO), an industry association of landlords and property managers. “It’s a program that we had to be audited by J.D. Power and Associates to become a member of,” said Ely. “That means that we are an excellent building to rent from.” CRB certification covers 36 standards of management and customer service, including responding to tenant inquiries within two business days, providing emergency contact numbers, protecting tenants’ personal information and training building staff in safety and human rights. Residents at Les Terrasses Gabrielle compare life in the building to living in a high-end downtown hotel close to all amenities, including supermarkets, parks, walking paths and retail outlets, and where car ownership is not mandatory because of the many nearby public transit connections. The elegant lobby sets the tone of sophistication from the moment residents enter the building. A richly appointed adjoining lounge with a warm and welcoming fireplace provides the perfect place to meet and greet guests. Two beautifully selected elevator cabins in a rich maple finish ferry tenants to their homes. Hallways are tastefully decorated in bright pastel tones at each residential level. The main entrance vestibule door access is controlled with the use of a security key issued individually for each tenant to provide access to the building’s common area. Residences feature open-concept floor plans with interior features that include nine-foot glazed ceilings, custom blinds and panoramic windows that offer some suites an exceptional view of the Rideau River and Riverain Park. Kitchens feature granite countertops, under-mount sinks, birch cabinetry and ceramic tile kitchen backsplashes. Floors are solid ash hardwood and entrances are outfitted with ceramic tile. Bedroom floors are nylon plush carpet and each has built-in furniture closets. Bathrooms feature a Calypso bath with an arched shower enclosure. All units have six appliances, including a stainless steel stove and refrigerator and an energy efficient dishwasher, plus a stacked washer and dryer in the in-suite laundries. All residences have individual central heat and air conditioning controls. Walls between units are six-inch thick concrete to provide the ultimate in soundproofing. Housekeeping service is available for an extra fee that can be tailored to meet residents’ needs and budget. Fitness buffs enjoy the building’s indoor salt-water swimming pool on the first floor where poolside wicker chairs allow them to relax at their leisure. There is a spacious exercise room with top-of-the-line Life Fitness equipment next to the pool. Residents have access to a professional trainer who will provide a free fitness orientation and design a custom program to help them reach their fitness goals. A dedicated room provides space for bicycle storage. All residents have access to a large exterior terrace on the eighth floor penthouse level where there are lounge chairs and patio furniture and a splendid view of the river. A gas barbecue is located on the terrace for outdoor cooking. The elevators service the 8th floor and it’s three steps to the patio. Underground parking is available and there is a bicycle room and optional locker space on the garage levels. On the technical side, electrical service is individually metered for lights and appliances, heat, air conditioning and hot water are included in the rent; the building is equipped with cable TV, CAT-5 cable for the telephone system and high speed Internet. A smoke and fire detection system protects the entire building and there is a sprinkler system on the garage levels. The building has many green features including Energy Star rated appliances, compact fluorescent lighting throughout and a residential wasterecycling program. The building is designed with limited handicapped accessibility. For more information about Les Terrasses Gabrielle and Globe General Agencies, please contact Jason Ely at jason@globegeneral.ca or call (613) 741-4411 or visit: www.terracesgabrielle.com and www.globegeneral.ca youngatheartnewspaper.ca May 2015 11 Connecting With continued from page 7 KD: Scientists in School began, maybe thirty years ago now, as a project of the Toronto chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women. I was part of the Guelph group and one of the women I knew there, who was also a young mom at the time, encouraged a group of us to approach Scientists in the School and pioneer it in the schools in our city. We offered half-day science workshops and were remarkably successful, in large part, because we tailored them to the elementary school science curriculum which had recently been reworked in Ontario. Teachers were looking for programs that could help them teach. Part of its original mandate was having women with a background in science being role models for young children. I particularly loved the approach and the way we worked to help children understand what might be rather abstract scientific concepts, with hands on, concrete activities. There was an emphasis in our programming on encouraging children to look at the world and wonder, and to communicate what they saw and discovered. Many of these continue to be values for me today, and I bring them with me into the pulpit and other areas of my work in the church. Y@H: St. Andrew’s in Ottawa serves many people outside the church with a heavy emphasis on immigrants and the homeless, are there other interests you feel the church could become involved in that would further expand its role as a giving church community. KD: One of the things that attracted me to the ministry at St Andrew’s, is its care for God’s world and God’s people both here in Ottawa and beyond. I am still new Never be Lonely When CMHC did a national survey, it found that 84% of Canadian seniors prefer to age in existing communities. The problem is not many existing homes are really visitable ones – barrier-free, 0-step with grab bars, extra light, roll-in showers, properly selected furniture – places that are safe to age-in-place. Multi-generational living That’s why Matthew Maxsom and his group, Phoebe Services, stepped up. “We bought our first bungalow in Nepean and transformed it into a ‘multi-generational’ living space – elders can live on the main level with younger folks living in their own lower-level apartment with separate entrance.” Phoebe Services model no 1 The idea is not new. NBC aired a sitcom in the 1980s called the “Golden Girls”. The show featured four ladies sharing a house in Miami. The series finale aired in May 1992 when more than 27 million viewers saw one of the leading ladies exit saying, “You’ll always be my sisters, always.” Another member of the Phoebe Services Advertorial team, Patrick Trahan says, “In addition to being a fun, shared home, residents get a backyard, private room, storage space – utilities, large screen TV and Netflix are also included. We have an excursion service, event coordinator, meal plan, plus nursing staff who are on-call 24/7.” Phoebe Services live together Co-living dates back to Denmark in 1964. They defined co-housing as a way to create a home environment that inspires and empowers its residents to be active creators and participants in the world around them. Phoebe Services never worry “Phoebe Services takes care of everything – house cleaning, snow removal, grass cutting, maintenance, insurance – you name it, we do it. We even have students who will come in and teach residents – that keeps them active, sharp and part of the greater community at large. Our home is centrally located and we are about 1/3 less expensive than traditional retirement residences,” Mr Maxsom adds proudly. Only 3 rooms available. For more information and to take advantage of this limited opportunity, please contact Ms Marilynne Ball, Century 21 Explorer Realty Inc salesperson, REALTOR, office: 613.422.6757 cell: 613.250.8016 fax 613.422.2877 marilynne98@gmail.com 12 youngatheartnewspaper.ca May 2015 to St Andrew’s and Ottawa so we are still talking about future direction, but I do believe that in the future the growing churches are the ones that are more missional, getting to know and understand the culture in which they find themselves and serving the needs they find there. Y@H: For many who are not involved with the church, they may not know that yours is not simply just a Sunday job, but there are many demands on your time just about every day of the week. For instance, there is mid-week Communion, do you have to prioritize to fit everything in, and how do you decide what is the most important? KD: Careful planning! Prioritizing! And yet there is only so much I can plan for. I have learned to leave room in my calendar for whatever crisis or unanticipated need is going to arise. Funerals and hospital crises are always a first priority. Worship as well. There’s no getting away from the fact that Sunday is always coming! That said, I don’t work in isolation and so most of what I do is done in collaboration. St Andrew’s has a lot of strong leaders within the church, it’s a good team that works well together. Y@H: As a minister, you are called upon many times to comfort those who are facing death-threatening illness, and even the death of loved ones. How do you prepare yourself for these situations? KD: Prayer. And then I go in listening and being present. My dad was a doctor, and when I was little he sometimes took us on rounds so I grew up quite comfortable in hospitals and have grown even more so as I spend time in ministry. Some of the most holy times in my ministry have been bedside. These are sacred times, both for those who are ill and dying Looking for a REALTOR who specializes in helping Boomers, Seniors and their families? Sales Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Direct: 613-853-5807 Office: 613-733-3434 steve@stevesicard.ca www.stevesicard.ca Ask how I help CARP members! Not intended to solicit clients currently under contract. and for their families. It is one of the strange privileges of ministry to be there for those times. Y@H: In preparing your Sunday sermon, how do you arrive at your theme? KD: The sermon texts and greater themes are usually chosen well in advance and I usually think of my sermons in terms of series. Paying attention to what is happening in the world and the church and discerning how God might be speaking to that is part of finding the theme. I find it differs though week by week. Y@H: When you first came to St. Andrew’s were you prepared for the diverse membership, and the very importance of the church in Ottawa’s history? KD:It’s a big part of why I came. One of the things I loved about this church is the way it has been part of Ottawa’s history. Always alive and present to the community it is part of, the church has grown alongside the city and country and ministered in a real and relevant way for 187 years now. When the church first began it was largely home to many Scottish immigrants who were settling there as the city began. Today it is home to people from around the world. 187 years ago the minister was always a man and almost always a man with a scots accent. I love it that today I share the pulpit with another woman. I preach three Sundays in four and Huda Kandalaft who is our Christian Development Director who was born and raised in Syria preaches the other Sunday. As the first women to occupy this pulpit, it is not just a privilege, it is fun and exciting to be working together with her and the rest of the congregation. I think we are going to be bringing out the best in each other as the years go by. How awesome it is that St Andrew’s is still as alive and present to the world as it has been through its history. A great place to be and it is truly a privilege to minister with this congregation. Y@Hhealthyliving Canada’s silent epidemic By The Ottawa Heart Institute Ever heard of heart failure? Is it a heart attack? Or maybe a new way of referring to heart disease? Heart failure is Canada’s most prevalent and most costly chronic disease, with hospital care alone costing close to $10 billion annually. Every five minutes someone with heart failure in Canada dies, and it is estimated that more than 600,000 Canadians currently suffer from it. Yet, health professionals often fail to diagnose and treat it, and most of us don’t even know it exists. Heart failure occurs when the heart is damaged or overworked so that it is not able to pump blood as well as it should. It can result in the enlargement of the heart, thickening of the ventricle walls, and fluid build-up in the lungs and other parts of the body. Heart failure is often the result of damage following a heart attack, but can also be caused by conditions such as high blood pressure, congenital heart defects and diabetes. So far there is no cure. “Heart failure is a silent epidemic. It is very important that patients, physicians and the Canadian health system all prepare to face this together,” says Dr. Peter Liu, Chief Scientific Officer and Vice-President of Research at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Of those diagnosed with heart failure today, one in four will die within the year. Annual deaths from heart failure in Canada exceed those from breast, prostate and colon cancer combined. As many as 20% of hospitalized heart failure patients are re-admitted within three months, and those returning home usually suffer poor quality of life and can be a major burden on caregivers. Initial symptoms can be quite subtle. People might get more tired or short-winded, feelings often attributed to aging or just being out of shape. But, in fact, these are precisely the symptoms associated with heart failure. Patients are typically unaware that they are suffering from it until very late in the disease process. Then, over a short period ABCs of Fraud continued from page 10 In 2002, frauds and scams were initiated by phone, by mail, and by personal contact. Frauds and scams included skimming credit/debit cards, telemarketing opportunities, Ponzi schemes, 1-900 phone numbers, work-at-home deals, the Nigerian 419 scam, and foreign lotteries, among others. These same opportunities exist today. Indeed, while I was preparing this text, two offers employing 2002 technology were reported locally. One consisted of a phone call from a well-known hotel chain offering special deals in return for personal and financial information. The second report concerned a long-term of time, fluid fills up in the lungs, patients feel like they are drowning, and it is only by rushing to the emergency department that the condition gets diagnosed. Heart failure is the only cardiovascular diagnosis that is continuing to rise in Canada today. One of the factors is the aging population; the other is that we are getting much better at treating other forms of heart disease. “It’s a paradox – we are winning the cardiovascular disease battle in many places, but losing poorly on the heart failure front,” added Dr. Liu. There have been a number of recent advances in the treatment of heart failure. These include new medications that can decrease the chance of death and hospitalization, and devices such as specialized pacemakers that can help patients with enlarged hearts. There are also state-of-the-art systems for monitoring patients and their care at home. However, treatment remains challenging and complex. Heart transplant and artificial hearts are available to fewer than one in a thousand patients with heart failure. And for those patients with heart failure and small stiff hearts, there is currently no effective treatment. “One of the biggest obstacles to successful treatment remains the lack of patient and physician awareness,” said Dr. Lisa Mielniczuk, a cardiologist and the Director of the Heart Failure Program at the Ottawa Heart Institute. “Physicians need to recognize how common heart failure is and diagnose it earlier, because unless a patient recognizes they have the condition, the outcome will be very dismal.” Changes in lifestyle such as weight loss and physical activity can help alleviate symptoms and improve prognosis; in particular, fluid restrictions and a low-salt diet are essential. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is developing improved practice guidelines for physicians, identifying new ways to make early diagnosis easier, and developing new treatments. For more information about the University of Ottawa Heart Institute visit www.ottawaheart.ca financial advisor who was taking money from his clients, seniors who trusted him. Sadly many others, primarily centered around the internet, have been added to the list of 2015. Again, while I was preparing this column, I received an email, supposedly from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), wanting to transfer $529.21 to my account. As we know CRA does not deal with taxpayers by email. Among other notable schemes are loans, credit-fixers, and purchases that were paid for but never received; the list goes on and on. It seems here too that the old saying remains true, “Plus ca change, c’est plus ca meme choses!” Good luck to every one of you. Remember, you are your own first line of defense as you attempt to avoid victimization. Please start with the view, “If it sounds too good to be true it probably is!” Finally, The ABCs of Fraud committee is always happy to arrange free presentations for groups interested in learning more about scams and frauds; just call 613-564-5555 and leave a message. A Rotarian will call back to get details and make arrangements. The presenters are all volunteers, members of Rotary Clubs in Ottawa, and whenever possible a police officer is present to discuss current happenings and answer questions. Unsightly Nails? Before After Because you have tried everything else! Pierre Dupont, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Registered Chiropodist | Foot Specialist | 613.595.9700 youngatheartnewspaper.ca May 2015 13 Check your spots By Ottawa Public Health Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada. Most cases are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. There is no such thing as a safe tan. A tan is actually a sign of skin damage. Even one sunburn as a child increases the risk of skin cancer later in life. In 2014, an estimated 81,300 cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in Canada. That’s more than breast, lung and prostate cancers combined. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and can spread to other parts of the body. Studies have shown that when skin cancer is detected and treated early, the chances of successful treatment are better. In fact, checking your skin regularly and receiving treatment in the early stages can lead to a 90 per cent cure rate. Most people are good at detecting melanoma on themselves or a family member. Look for a: • change in shape, colour, size or surface of a mole or birthmark; • new growth – a nodule or patch that grows larger, with a crust that is red or scaly; • sore that does not heal; • patch that bleeds, oozes, swells, itches or becomes red and bumpy. Ask someone to check those hard-to-see places on your back, behind the neck, ears and legs. If you are still not sure about what you should be looking for, or if you have questions, ask your health care provider. Everyone is at risk, but some people more than others. The risk is higher for people who: • are exposed to UV radiation from the sun or from artificial UV light such as tanning beds or sun lamps; • have fair or freckled skin, blue eyes, and light-coloured or reddish hair; • burn rather than tan; • have lots of moles; • work, play or exercise in the sun for long periods of time; • had several blistering sunburns as a child; • have a personal or family history of skin cancer; • have certain medical conditions; • take medications that increase sensitivity to the sun’s rays. This summer, stay protected while walking, gardening and being active outside: • Know your daily UV index forecast in your area; consult your local radio and TV stations; check on-line for the UV Index forecast in your area; when UV Index is three or higher, protect yourself accordingly. • Cover up – wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face, ears and neck; wear tightly woven, loose fitting, full-length shirts and pants; wear sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection and ensure they wrap around your face. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays can result in eye damage such as cataracts and skin cancer around the eyes. • Seek shade – limit your time in the sun between 11 am and 4 pm; do outdoor activities under a tree or parasol, or in the shade of a building. • Use sunscreen – choose a sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher; choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays; apply sunscreen generously 20 minutes before going out in the sun; re-apply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming, drying off or sweating. Enjoy the skin you’re in – no tan required. June 1-7 is Sun Awareness Week. For more information on sun safety, please visit www.ottawa.ca/en/health_safety/living/outdoor/sun_safety/index.html For more information about how to protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation, please visit www.ottawa.ca/ health or call 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). Hypertension Canada urges Canadians to “know your numbers” National Survey reveals many Canadians are unaware of links between high blood pressure and dementia and other serious conditions Long known as a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, a recent national survey indicates that two-thirds of Canadians are unaware that high blood pressure, or hypertension, may also be linked to dementia. Despite the long list of potential complications, the survey also found that 49 per cent of Canadians say they are doing nothing to control their blood pressure. Leading to World Hypertension Day on May 17, Hypertension Canada encourages Canadians to take an easy first step and get their blood pressure checked. “Many Canadians tend not to realize that hypertension has no symptoms, so that they are doing nothing about it is 14 youngatheartnewspaper.ca May 2015 concerning, but not surprising,” says Dr. Ernesto Schiffrin, president of Hypertension Canada. “It is called the ‘Silent Killer’ for this reason. Even if you have hypertension, you generally feel well, so blood pressure measurement is essential for detection.” High blood pressure is one of several conditions known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, that also increase the risk of developing vascular dementia. “With hypertension, the pressure in your blood vessels remains elevated, causing damage over time throughout your vascular system,” Dr. Schiffrin explains. “High blood pressure is a risk factor for many diseases, and it is controllable.” A top risk factor for death and lost years of healthy life, over 90% of Canadians will develop hypertension in their lifetimes. Hypertension affects 7.5 million Canadians and of those, 17% don’t even know they have it, while 35% do not have their blood pressure under control. Both prevention and control strategies include getting enough exercise and ensuring a diet rich in vegetables and low in sodium. With such motivation, what’s behind the lack of action? “Respondents cited a number of barriers, like finding time for exercise, eating a healthy diet with limited time to cook and not knowing enough about hypertension,” says Angelique Berg, CEO. “The best first step is blood pressure measurement.” Blood pressure kiosks are widely available in pharmacies across the country, and are proving in studies to be more accurate than measurements taken in physician offices. Hypertension Canada’s 2015 recommendations for the prevention and treatment of hypertension now include an out-of-office blood pressure reading to establish a firm diagnosis. “All Canadians should check their blood pressure annually, and more often if they have hypertension,” says Dr. Schiffrin. “World Hypertension Day serves as a reminder to check your blood pressure and is an easy first step in disease prevention.” Hypertension Canada is the nation’s publisher of the clinical recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. A registered charity, Hypertension Canada is solely dedicated to the prevention and control of hypertension and its complications. For more information, please visit www.hypertension.ca/whd2015. Because You Have Tried Everything! 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