goodlife markham january/february edition 2016

GoodLife M

arkham, R

ichmond H

ill, Stouffville, Thornhill Edition

SERVING MARKHAM, RICHMOND HILL, STOUFFVILLE AND THORNHILL

GOODLIFEMAGAZINE.CA

JA

NU

AR

Y

|

FE

BR

UA

RY

2

01

6 JAN

UA

RY

/ F

EB

RU

AR

Y 2

01

6

SERVING MARKHAM, RICHMOND HILL, STOUFFVILLE AND THORNHILL

~2016

THRIVE

HEALTH &

WELLNESSEXPO GUIDE INSIDE

~

MINDFULNESSMINDFULNESSfrom existing to living

PANTRYPANTRYthe essential

RESOLUTIONSRESOLUTIONSdecorating

Category title

Text starts here do not start higher than thisPhotos stretching across 3 columns can but photos with in columns cannot

Top of ads

2 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

5336 Hwy. 7, Markham905.294.1440

markvillechevrolet.comCHEVROLET • BUICK • GMC

Introducing the all new 2016 Buick Enclave

5336 Hwy. 7, Markham905.294.1440

markvillechevrolet.comCHEVROLET • BUICK • GMC

Introducing the all new 2016 Buick Enclave

9737 Yonge Street(2 Lights South of Major Mackenzie)

905 737-7445www.livinglightingrichmondhill.com

AWIDE SELECTION OF LIGHTING FIXTURESTO FITYOUR STYLE AND BUDGETIndoor Lights | Outdoor Lights | Under Cabinet | Ceiling Fans | Lamps & Shades | Mirrors

The Pave Collectionby Feiss

SALE NOW ON!

Category title


Top of ads


Join us for March Break week andexperience fun-filled beach games,

tropical arts & crafts and the excitingLatin rhythms of the south.

Newmarket905-836-4939

must present this adwhen registering

Newmarket905-836-4939

Aurora905-726-1241

Stouffville905-640-6082

Aurora Stouffville

www.yorkdance.com

Can’t get away forMarch Break?

Let usbring it to you!

Mermaids & Melodies (3-6 yrs) Half Day Camp9:00 AM – 12 Noon OR 1:00 – 4:00 PM FEE $120.00

(Plus HST)Join “Ariel” from The Little Mermaid for dance

classes, creative games and fun crafts.You can sign up for the AM & PM camp& will be supervised at lunch time.

*Extended care is available for an additional fee.

California Dreaming-Full Day Camp (7-12 yrs)9:00 AM – 4:00 PM FEE: $240.00 (plus HST)

You will be introduced to a variety of dance stylesincluding Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet Barre, lyrical and

line-dances incorporating Cha-Cha &Salsa dance steps.

r

bring it to you!

~ home

~ arts

~ food

~ shop

~ travel

Don’t miss outBe a part of theGood Life

magazine

905.943.6100wilsonniblett.com • corvettecanada.ca • camarocanada.ca

10675 Yonge St. Richmond Hill • 905.884.0991 • 1.888.379.8888

The best Vette yet, no matter what your destination

The Source.....Canada’s #1 Corvette Store!

Eastern Canada’s exclusive Callaway Dealer superchargingyour Corvette, Camaro and full size GMC/Chevy trucks.

GoodLife Markham, Richmond Hill, Thornhill and Stouffville is published by Metroland Media, York Region. Statements, opin-

ions and points of view are those of the sources and writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers

or GoodLife magazine.

Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without

written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Submissions are welcome from writers and photographers. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material.

GoodLife115-50 McIntosh Dr., Markham, ON L3R 9T3

905-294-2200

Publisher

Ian Proudfoot

regional general Manager

Shaun Sauve

editor

Lee Ann Waterman

Contributors

Jim Craigmyle • Cathy Hillard • Andrew Hind

Joann MacDonald • Leslee Mason • Christine Morrison

Michael Rao • Fina Scroppo

advertising direCtor

Maureen Christie

advertising Manager

Mara Sepe

advertising sales

Lex Abernethy • Kevin Brouwer • Pam Burgess

Dawn Chaykowsky • Stephanie Cornacchia • Tyler Duncan

Ryan McCluskey • Cathie Orban • Anita Phelps

Mike Sinainos • Judy Starr • Stone Wu

regional direCtor,

ProduCtion and Creative serviCes

Katherine Porcheron

editorial design

Emily Ayranto

direCtor of business adMinistration

Rob Lazurko

direCtor of distribution

Carol Lamb

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 5

wilsonniblett.com • corvettecanada.ca • camarocanada.ca10675 Yonge St. Richmond Hill • 905.884.0991 • 1.888.379.8888

The best Vette yet, no matter what your destination

The Source.....Canada’s #1 Corvette Store!

Eastern Canada’s exclusive Callaway Dealer superchargingyour Corvette, Camaro and full size GMC/Chevy trucks.

Category title


Top of ads


contents

16

Décor ResolutionsThis year, resolve to make your home a beautiful, functional space

Healthy Pantry MealsStock your pantry and use those ingredients to create quick, nutritious dishes

912

1816

24

1616

24

We Like ItPrimping and pampering products with natural, organic and effective ingredients

Rooms Gone RightWhite entryway elegant and welcoming

It’s All WhiteWhite a timeless yet modern choice for interior design

18

9

Thrive: CaregivingTips for avoiding caregiver burnout

Thrive: MindfulnessMoving from existing to living

Portfolio: The FlatlinersLocal realtor, teacher moonlight as pro wrestlers

In the CrowdCIBC Celebration of Hope6638

34

4248

18

Thrive: Meet our SpeakersNutritionist and healthy living expert Rose ReismanAlternative health expert and educator Bryce Wylde

Thrive: Winter SuperfoodsBuild a beautiful, healthful plate

Thrive: SleepTips for getting your best night’s rest

Thrive: Nordic Pole WalkingJumpstart a more active winter lifestyle

contents

181842

38

48

525458

58yorkregion.com/goodlife | 7

52

Category title


Top of ads


TRACYSMITHwriter

A freelance writer, health enthusiast and daughter of a general contractor, Tracy Smith loves writing stories that bring people together in their homes and community (and that have great before-and-after shots). Her work has appeared in national and local publications and she is a regular contributor to GoodLife magazine, covering the Rooms Gone Right column since its inception.

LESLEEMASONwriter

Leslee Mason is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in a number of newspapers and magazines, including the Toronto Star, Today’s Parent and Best Health. A transplanted Torontonian who has called the Newmarket area home for the past 10 years, she says her favourite assignments are typically the ones that have a local focus.

Cont

ribut

ors

Edito

r

[email protected] follow us @goodlifeyork | www.yorkregion.com/goodlife

LEEANNWATERMANEditor

I � rmly believe that a commitment to health and wellness is essential to the good life. My own experiences have shown me that again and again.

For example, I’m writing this following a typically indulgent holiday season with family and friends. Dec. 27, I went for an easy run with my brother—and remarked that my slow pace was the result of a sugar hangover, my term for the cumulative effect of several days of rich food, wine and little sleep.

A few days later, after vegetable-based meals, lots of water, more exercise and a couple nights in my own bed, I’m feeling more energetic, more centred.

With the start of another new year just weeks behind us and our Thrive Health and Wellness Expo set for the last weekend of this month, it seems the right time to focus on our well-being.

In this issue of GoodLife, you’ll � nd a section devoted to this topic. It includes information about the upcoming expo, as well as articles on practising mindfulness to improve your mental and physical health, why a good night’s sleep is essential to well-being and how to incorporate seasonal “superfoods” into your diet.

In keeping with our wellness theme, We Like It features three brands—two based in York Region and the other from Toronto—of natural beauty products from body butter and body polish to deodorant to moisturizers and eye creams. And food writer Fina Scroppo shares her must-haves for a well-stocked pantry and offers three quick, nutritious recipes created from pantry essentials.

This issue also includes an entryway decorated with Benjamin White’s colour of the year, Simply White, and expert advice on how to use white in your own home, plus seven decorating resolutions to help you make your home a beautiful, functional space.

I hope you enjoy this issue. We’ll be back in March. In the meantime, you can � nd us at our new online home at www.yorkregion.com/goodlife.

Lee Ann Waterman

editor’s note

JOANNMACDONALDwriter

A vegan food blogger and nature enthusiast, Joann MacDonald is the proud mother of two children and two beagle-mix rescue dogs. Fuelled by tofu and green tea, she has been writing for as long as she can remember and is a graduate of Western University’s journalism program. Visit her at womaninreallife.com.

FINASCROPPOfood writer

Author of The Healthy Italian cookbook and an award-winning writer and editor, Fino Scroppo’s recipes and cooking prowess have been featured on numerous TV shows, radio programs and in magazines and newspapers across the country. Over the past 20 years, she has enjoyed working with cookbook authors and produced special-interest cooking publications that have featured the works of many celebrity chefs. Visit her at thehealthyitalian.ca.

JIMCRAIGMYLEphotographer

Jim Craigmyle was born in London, England and grew up in Montreal. He had an early start to photography with his interest beginning at the age of 10. He studied photography at Dawson College and Concordia University and began his career in commercial photography in Montreal before relocating to Ontario in 1996. He began his own business in 1993 shooting stock photography. Much of his commercial work is represented by Corbis.

FINASCROPPOfood writer

JIMCRAIGMYLEphotographer

yorkregion.com/goodlife | 9yorkregion.com/goodlife | 9yorkregion.com/goodlife |

Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the things we know nourish our bodies can do the same for our skin and our hair. GoodLife has sourced

some primping and pampering products with natural, organic and effective ingredients.

BY LEE ANN WATERMAN

Au naturel

Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the Coconut, cinnamon, avocado, apricot, lemon, lime, orange. It shouldn’t be surprising to learn the

BY LEE ANN WATERMAN

Au naturelAu naturelAu naturelAu naturelAu naturelAu naturelAu naturelAu naturelAu naturelAu naturelAu naturelAu naturelAu naturel

We Like It

Category title


Top of ads

Launched last fall by Toronto’s Lisa Mattam, Sahajan combines traditional Indian Ayurvedic remedies and organic science in its skin and hair care products. Old world ingredients, including Indian fruit rich in vitamin C, herbs and essential oils like cedar, East Indian sandalwood, cinnamon, gera-nium, bergamot, lavender, lemon, lime and orange, are fused with organic coconut, almond and sesame oils as well as proved modern-use ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Available at sahajan.com and well.ca.

1 Nourish Face Cream Brightens and protects skin from

environmental toxins and stressors with Ayurvedic antioxidant remedies in a rich, hydrating formula |$60

2 Protective Face SerumContains concentrated ingredients to

brighten the look of skin and improve the appearance of fi ne lines | $70

3 Ritual Body Oil Hydrates and restores skin’s natural

glow while also soothing away tension with traditional Ayurvedic massage therapy ingredients | $55

4 Nurture Hair Oil Nourishes, repairs and protects hair

with Ayurvedic essentials used for centuries to restore damaged hair and treat the scalp | $50

5 Restorative Eye Cream Banishes dark circles as it protects,

brightens and restores delicate skin around the eyes with a soothing, effective blend of natural actives and rich oils | $45

Restorative Eye Cream

1 2 3 4 5

Adelphie Natural Skin Care cold-pressed soap, exfoliators, toners and moisturizers are handmade in Newmarket by esthetician Deborah Keogh. Keogh began by making soap for family members, then moved to a stall at the Main Street Farmers Market. Adelphie products are also available at Yoga Source & Therapy Studio in Newmarket and online at adelphie.ca. The skin care products are made from a variety of botanical oils, including coconut, olive, grapeseed, avocado and neem, and essential oils, such as, apricot, perilla, camellia, jojoba, rosehip seed and evening of primrose, that both benefi t the skin and smell wonderful.

1 Avocado Jasmine Moisturizer HA Formulated for mature/dry skin, this thick moisturizer has

avocado oil to reduce age spots and increase collagen production and jasmine to improve elasticity | 60 mL |$32

2 Natural Cold Pressed SoapHandcrafted in small batches using coconut,

olive and grapeseed oils in an ever-changing array of “fl avours” such as lavender oatmeal, mandarin orange, organic rosehip and sweet lemongrass | $6/bar

3 Natural Exfoliating GrainsRegular exfoliation can increase the skin’s

ability to absorb moisture, reduce fi ne lines and diminish acne. Containing rice fl our, rose petals, crushed apricot shells, lavender and geranium, the grains are mixed with water to form a paste.| 125 mL | $15

4 Eye Gel ComplexReduces dark rings and improves fi rmness

and tone, with wild yam root to speed tissue regeneration, guarana to reduce puffi ness and mannetake and shiitake mushrooms to improve skin tightness | 15 mL | $36

5 1-2-3 Glow! cleanser moisturizerAdelphie’s bestseller, this two-in-one is

formulated with rose, camellia and jojoba and suitable for all skin types. Use it to gently cleanse your face, then rinse, dry and reapply to moisturize | 250 mL | $42

1

3

45

2


We Like It


Tel: 905.471.7979 • Fax: 905.471.7991www.jpaccountingtax.com

114 Anderson Avenue, Suite 7CMarkham L6E 1A5

Where your Bookkeepingand Income Taxneeds come first!

Accounting &Tax ServicesInc.

WhereWhereWher your Bookkeepingand Income TaxTaxTneeds come first!first!fir

AccountingAccountingAccountingAccountingAccountingAccounting &TTaxTaxT ServicesInc.Inc.

1 cream DeodorantHot yoga and extreme heat tested, it contains

tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties, essential oils, such as lavender rosemary and peppermint or orange and patchouli, to invigorate your senses and other natural ingredients to eliminate bacteria that causes underarm odour | 60 ml | $10

2 exfoliating Body PolishExfoliates and softens skin with coconut and

sweet almond oils, Arctic mineral salts, organic cane sugar and essential oils. Varieties include Make That Kiss Last (lavender rosemary), Pucker Up (citrus green tea), Kiss That Hottie (bergamot lemon grass) Vanilla Latte Kisses (coffee and vanilla)

| 500 g | $25

3 Fresh Kisses linen sprayScented with lavender, rosemary and cedar

essential oils to freshen your laundry in place of dryer sheets and fabric softener

| 100 ml | $10

4 sweet citrus Kisses Facial scrubFor a youthful glow and healthy looking skin,

apply once or twice per week on face, neck and décolleté. Contains coconut and olive oils, organic cane sugar, lemon oil, juice and zest | 240 ml | $12

5 Kiss Your Body Butter A rich blend of organic shea and cocoa

butters, coconut, almond and castor oils— chosen for their ability to moisturize and soften dry skin—with the addition of essential oils to provide a light scent and therapeutic benefi ts | 240 ml | $15

1

24

clean Kiss organics founder and Vaughan resident Jodie Pappa got her start by making all-natural personal care products in her own kitchen for her own family. Still made in small batches, the line includes products for body, face, hair that are homemade from all natural and consciously sourced therapeutic grade essential oils and raw ingredients. Available at cleankissorganics.com.

53

Category title


Top of ads


rooms gone right|entryway

TheTheTherightwhite

By lee ann WaTeRMan | PHOTOGRAPHy By JIM cRaIGMYle


Cathy D’Aversa’s recently redesigned entryway is testament to how a predominantly white space can be elegant and welcoming.

“Really bright and clean looking,” is how D’Aversa describes her vision for the space, which doesn’t get a lot of light. “I knew I wanted white.”

She brought in designer Jeanne Grier of Stylish Fireplaces & Interiors to help transform the dark, dated room.

The creamy white Grier chose for the wainscot-ing, doors and trim is Benjamin Moore’s Simply White, coincidently the paint company’s colour of the year for 2016. And D’Aversa splurged on wall-paper that offers a modern take on a traditional

pattern in large scale white on white. New lightning—including potlights, a frosted

glass and crystal ceiling fi xture and complementa-ry chandelier above the curved staircase—was also key to updating and brightening the space, says Grier. The rich brown of the hardwood fl oors and the new banister add warmth.

Happily, the existing marble fl oor tiles, a creamy white with veins of brown, work with the new space. D’Aversa also held onto Persian rugs that bring in some colour in muted pinks and blues and a high-gloss round table for the centre of the space.

A few key pieces complete the look. A curvy

mirror and mirrored chest add some practical sparkle. Used to having a full- length mirror in the space, D’Aversa laughs that she can still check her shoes in the refl ective drawers.

D’Aversa commissioned Port Credit artist Chris Masouve to paint two moody landscapes, one for the foyer and a second for the upstairs hall.

The powder room also got a quick update, with new paint, lighting, mirror and fi xtures.

For a cohesive look, the second storey hall re-ceived new wainscoting that is a close match to what was already in place on the main level, new fl ooring and more of that gorgeous wallpaper and Simply White for the walls. »

whiteBy lee ann WaTeRMan | PHOTOGRAPHy By JIM cRaIGMYle

“You could say the tile fl oor is custom,” homeowner Jillian says with a grin. “The original tile that we purchased had a lot of black tiles in the pattern, more than what we wanted. Our contractor painstakingly removed most of the black tiles and replaced them with white. It was a lot of work, but we love how it turned out.”

Category title


Top of ads


rooms gone right|entryway

STyLE GOALBright, modern and welcoming entryway.

SPLURGESThe wallpaper. Homeowner D’Aversa struggled, but made “the right choice” to carry the wallpaper up the stairs to the second fl oor, even though the price tag was steep.

BARGAINSTwo Persian rugs, a round table in the centre of the space, wainscoting and marble tile at the front door were all repurposed in the new space.

SOURCESDesigner: Jeanne Grier, Stylish Fireplaces & InteriorsContractor: Pine Glen DevelopmentsPaint on wainscoting, doors, baseboards:Benjamin Moore Simply White, OC-117Wallpaper: JF Fabrics, through designersLight fi xtures in front hall, stairwell: DainoliteStair railing, pickets: Alpa Stairs and RailingsRunner: Home Design Carpet and RugsMirrored chest and mirror: UttermostPaintings: Chris MasouveSink, toilet: Canaroma Bath & TilePowder room mirror: RenwilWallpaper: JF Fabrics, through designersLight fi xture in powder room: Cobistyle

Alpa Stairs and Railings

Benjamin MooreSimply White OC-117


Stouffville to Airport $75 Markham to Airport $60

AIRPORT EXPRESS LIMOAIRPORT EXPRESS LIMO Providing aSAFE, RELIABLE &PROFESSIONAL

service at a fair price.

Or visit us at:www.airportexpresslimo.net

Call for more info:

416-904-5840

For the home or oFFiceAmazing Coffee l Tea l Services

Delivered right to your door steps

over 200 varieties oF coFFee, tea, hotchocolate, espresso, cappuccino, cider, icedbeverages, brewing machines, accessories

plus many more

6316 Main St., Stouffville • 905-642-1024 • 647-409-3008 • www.coffeeteaexpress.ca

C.T.E..E.high quality

personal vaporizersand eliquids

Including 420friendly products

W h i t c h u r c h -S t o u f f v i l l e

Come Visit Us!

Category title


Top of ads


home|décor

Fresh, clean and modern or bland and bor-ing—white as a colour scheme has its fans and foes. Popular paint brand Benjamin Moore is betting on the appeal of white, naming Simply White (OC-117) its 2016 Colour of the Year. Variations of white make up five of the com-pany’s top 10 best-selling colours, backing up Benjamin Moore’s certainty that white is an es-sential design element.

“I use Simply White all the time,” says deco-rator Anita Ricci of Bright Ideas Interiors. “It’s my go-to trim colour. The colour is perfect because it’s not a brilliant white, so it doesn’t look stark. It also lends itself to a contemporary feel.”

As a colour consultant at Centro Paint & De-cor in Maple, Ricci works exclusively with Ben-jamin Moore products. She says the taupes and beiges of years past have given way to greys. “Simply White works with grey—whether true greys or warmer greys—in a more contempo-rary palette,” she says. “Everybody wants clean, crisp, less colour than more colour right now.”

If you choose white as a wall colour, experts caution that you will need to add colour and texture in accessories and furniture. Think art gallery—expanses of hardwood flooring, white walls and colourful art.

“You need to have some great pieces and texture if you want to use white,” says Lauren Mangotich, an interior decorator with Inside Out Decorating Centre, a Benjamin Moore re-tailer in Stouffville. “It’s a great backdrop if you have some terrific artwork and really great fur-niture. I like to put it with wood, with weath-ered surfaces, just to make it a little more inter-esting and nice to live in.”

Notes Ricci, “If you look in decor magazines, there’s colour. There’s beautiful artwork. There’s beautiful furniture. Everything is done so that the white falls to the back. If you’re painting your walls all white and you don’t accessorize, it ends up looking like you just primed.”

White on the walls has definite benefits. It can make a room appear larger. It lends itself to a classic and clean look. And it works in tradi-

Timelessyet modernDecorating with white

By Joann MacDonalD


tional, transitional and modern interiors. “It’s a beautiful colour for a backdrop,” Ricci says.

“You just have to be careful that you don’t make it look sterile and boring,” Mangotich notes. “You want to see different textures, may-be add an accent wall in a different colour.” Contrast white walls with dark furniture or use a dark countertop in a white kitchen. Use car-peting with a deeper pile and vary finishes so that some are shiny, others are dull.

“When you have a blank canvas and it’s white, the possibilities are endless,” says de-signer and professional stager Jane Conrad of Newmarket-based Home Staging by Jane. “A white canvas is limitless with no influence or restrictions.”

Far from being boring, Conrad says, a white backdrop gives the ultimate freedom to per-sonalize other aspects, from flooring and win-dow coverings to accessories. “I can’t tell you how many clients hastily chose colour only to end up regretting not having thought through their theme,” she says. “With white walls, you will never run into this situation.”

Conrad recommends thinking long and hard about your vision for a room. “

Do your research, and I mean a lot of re-search. Visit showrooms, look at magazines, pay more attention to the houses you frequent. Take a closer look: Are there rooms that stand out to you? Why? Are there spaces you would like to emulate?”

Think about the occupants of your home too. “White can get soiled with curious and adventurous small hands,” Conrad says. Paint with an eggshell finish is washable, however it may reflect imperfections more.

“If you use a premium quality paint, you can use matte,” Mangotich says. “It’s washable and will hide imperfections. The key is more buy-ing the quality than the finish.”

The trend toward lighter, brighter colours may be just the pick-me-up we need, Ricci muses. “I think people are getting away from dark. There’s enough of that in our world. When you come home, you just want every-thing to be calm and classic. You just want to take a breath.”

Category title


Top of ads

7 Decorating resolutions

By leslee Mason

This year, resolve to make your home a beautiful, functional space. These resolutions will help get you started.


home|décor


Too much “stuff” often tops the list of complaints around this time of year. “Looking around the house and seeing stuff in the corners and seeing stuff on tables—it’s stress-ful for people,” says Lindsey Foster von Kalben, designer and owner of FVK Design in Markham. Her advice? Maximize your closet storage space with an organization system that meets your needs. For example, add shelves in a closet where items need to be stacked or extra rods for clothes. “If something is important to you and you need to make space for it in your house, there needs to be a space for it to go away to,” she says.

Of course, storage solutions only work if everyone is able to follow them. “Label your storage areas to allow your family to help you keep organized,” Foster von Kalben says. “Label your baskets, label your storage. Have a shelf in your closet that is ‘Bob’s shoes’ and a shelf in your closet that’s ‘Jane’s shoes’. Then everybody knows where things are supposed to go and it’s easier for everybody to be part of keeping your house beautiful.”

createstorage

Pot lights address a lot of day-to-day lighting needs, but on full brightness, they don’t exactly create a relaxing environment. The solution? Add dimmer switches, suggests Foster von Kalben, who says they’re a cost-effective way to improve the lighting in your house. “It’s about creating an environment that you want to spend time in.”

maximize your

lighting

Category title


Top of ads


In the bedroom, create a good quality bedding base and then accessorize according to the season. For example, in the colder months, place thick faux fur throws at the end of the bed. During warmer seasons, opt for lighter fabrics in pretty colours. “You want to walk into your bedroom and feel like it’s a retreat,” says Walker, who adds that big and beautiful throw pillows can also help create that effect.

The same goes for your bathroom. Della Penna likes to switch up bathroom towels at least twice a year. “Your spring-summer towels would probably be a lighter colour and then, in the winter, you can warm them up with warmer colours,” she says. She does the same with entryway rugs, opting for heavier, more durable versions in the winter and lighter and brighter ones in the spring.

If storage alone doesn’t cut it, it may be time to pare down. When de-cluttering, designer Rose Della Penna likes to take items out of a space. “Everything goes out. All the little décor pieces—your vases, books, lamps—and you only put back what you absolutely love,” says the owner of Della Penna Design in Woodbridge.

Jen Walker, a stager and stylist with Pearl Street Home Staging in Newmarket says that type of approach is especially great if you need a little help re-imagining your space. Take bookshelves, for example. “They don’t have to hold books,” she says. “If you have a collection of something, maybe you want to put that there. Or maybe you change it depending on the season.”

To make it easier, Walker suggests committing your goals to paper. “I find making lists of the to-dos you want to tackle useful to stay on track and motivated. And it’s so satisfying to cross out what you accomplish!”

make room for the things you love

switch up your linens


A Japanese concept, wabi-sabi is about appreciating beauty that is imperfect, impermanent and incomplete, Foster von Kalben says. “When people are finishing their homes, they think they need to do everything at the same time. But wabi-sabi tells us it doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s not going to be there forever and you don’t have to finish it all right now.” Instead, Foster von Kalben suggests letting your space evolve and happen more organically.

Your walls are one of the biggest areas in your home, so it’s no surprise that paint has a big impact on your space. It’s a great way to incorporate some new colours in your space, but is also very manageable, Della Penna says.

For ease, Walker suggests opting for a neutral shade and then adding pops of colour through accessories such as artwork and pillows. “That will completely change the look of your room,” she says.

Della Penna likes to use no more than three complementary colours. “A nice flow is calming,” she explains.Not quite ready to paint? Even smaller projects like patching up walls and touching up paint can make a big impact. The same goes for baseboards. “Kids and pets can

really give baseboards a beating, and we may not even be aware that they look bad,” says Walker, who adds a fresh coat of white paint can do wonders. “It’s amazing the dif-ference it can make,” she says. “All of a sudden, your home looks better cared for and cleaner.”

freshen up your walls

adopt a “wabi-sabi”

outlook

Category title


Top of ads


Northern ComfortWindows and Doors is aproud Canadian Family owned and operated Business.

The products we supplyand install include:•Windows•Doors•Garage Doors• Enclosures• Sunrooms• Siding• Shutters• Railings• Retractable Awnings

Visit our showroom at:16700 Bayview Ave., Newmarket, Ontario

905-853-9400www.northerncomfortwindows.com

Reader’sChoice Awards

winnerin York Region in2013 and 2014

Providing theWindowsandEnclosuresYorkRegionResidentsWant“We treat your home like our own”NorthernComfort is committed to providingsuch a high level of workmanship and servicethat customerswon’t hesitate to recommend thecompany to friends, neighbours and relatives.

Call Today for a Free Home Estimate

15 Jevlan Drive,WoodbridgeOntario L4L 8C2

905-850-4653 Fax: 905-850-8580www.damianijewellers.com


Northern ComfortWindows and Doors is aproud Canadian Family owned and operated Business.

The products we supplyand install include:•Windows•Doors•Garage Doors• Enclosures• Sunrooms• Siding• Shutters• Railings• Retractable Awnings

Visit our showroom at:16700 Bayview Ave., Newmarket, Ontario

905-853-9400www.northerncomfortwindows.com

Reader’sChoice Awards

winnerin York Region in2013 and 2014

Providing theWindowsandEnclosuresYorkRegionResidentsWant“We treat your home like our own”NorthernComfort is committed to providingsuch a high level of workmanship and servicethat customerswon’t hesitate to recommend thecompany to friends, neighbours and relatives.

Call Today for a Free Home Estimate

15 Jevlan Drive,WoodbridgeOntario L4L 8C2

905-850-4653 Fax: 905-850-8580www.damianijewellers.com

Category title


Top of ads

food|healthy pantry meals

By FIna scRoPPoPHOTOGRAPHy By MIcHael Rao

THEESSENTIAL

PANTRYWith a well-stocked, healthy pantry, dishing out a delicious and nutritious meal takes little time


Let me guess, you’re weeks into the

New Year and your resolution to eat

and live a healthier lifestyle has al-

ready taken a backseat along with the gro-

ceries. You’re not alone—in fact, it’s a com-

mon resolution that is broken again and

again before it has time to simmer and set.

You’ve heard it many times: Committing to

a healthier lifestyle is, well, a lifelong com-

mitment. So why do so many of us � nd it

dif� cult to stick to it? Our busy lifestyles

create a host of barriers (or opportunities,

if we’re keeping things positive)—from lack

of time to confusion about the next diet

that comes along to reliance on prepared

convenience meals, we’re stumped on how

we can get into our kitchens and prepare

healthy meals.

The good news is that it’s possible and it

doesn’t take tons of effort to execute. Plan-

ning ahead by knowing your schedule for

the coming week and creating some type of

menu plan around it is a great start. Then

researching for some inspiring and ap-

proachable recipes (hint: here is where you

get the whole family involved) for quick

meal ideas gets you even further ahead.

Come this time of year, when getting to the

grocery store can be like gearing up for an

expedition, I lean on my pantry as the es-

sential resource for cooking healthy meals.

A well-stocked pantry—from whole grains

to beans and legumes to canned � sh to

healthy oils—serves as the foundation

for so many delicious and nutritious dish-

es. Here are some categories and staples

to get you started in building your healthy

pantry.


Category title


Top of ads


FRUITS AND VEGGIESWhen we can’t lean on fresh, canned veg-

gies and dried fruit can add robust fl avours to dishes. Think a dried porcini to infuse fl avour into a broth or a dry-packed sun-dried tomato to season a pizza or dried fi gs on an antipasto board. Go for preserved without added salt or sugar if possible.

Top picks: canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, dried mushrooms, capers or olives in brine, unsweetened fi gs, dates, raisins, apricots.

WHOLE GRAINS/SEEDSThere’s no limit to the diversity and variety

of whole grains and seeds today, and that’s important when you consider the Dietitians of Canada recommends at least 130 grams worth of carbohydrates a day to properly fuel our brains and our bodies. Use grains and seeds in both traditional meals that use them and in dishes where you wouldn’t expect them. Take

rolled oats and pulse them in a food processor in place of bread crumbs; use barley instead of rice for a perfectly creamy risotto that’s lower on the glycemic index; or add cooked quinoa to a Caprese salad for added protein and texture.

Top picks: barley, oats, brown rice, farro, quinoa, millet,

chia, fl axseed, hemp, spelt and whole-grain pastas

BEANS/LEGUMESThese plant-based

proteins are also rich sources of fi bre and iron

that add creaminess to so many dishes. Canned

beans and legumes are easy to incorporate into dishes—just be sure to choose the ones with no added salt. Toss them into salads, stir them into soups and purée them into dips. Among the dried variety, lentils are a favourite. They require no pre-soaking before they’re added to a soup that cooks in less than 25 minutes.

Top picks: chickpeas, cannellini, fava, Ro-mano, kidney beans, red/brown/green lentils

CANNED FISHHere’s a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty

acids, selenium and protein that’s inexpensive and incredibly versatile to add to salads, in pasta sauces, even in frittata baked in muffi n tins. Look for fi sh packed in water and sodium-reduced.

Top picks: tuna (“light” over “white” en-sures you’re selecting smaller species of tuna to limit mercury intake), sardines, mackerel.

NUTSDon’t go nuts on nuts (although that can some-

times be tough) but defi nitely make them a small part of your snacks and meals for their healthy source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Finish off a dip or pasta with chopped nuts, add them to a stuffi ng or fold them into a yogurt-fruit bowl.

Top picks: almonds, pistachios, pecans, wal-nuts, pine nuts (choose natural or dry-roasted).

HEALTHY OILSStudy after study sings the praises of

extra-virgin olive oil and for good reason. Its cholesterol-lowering (the bad variety) proper-ties make it one of the healthiest oils to use in meals. Reserve it for salads and moderate heating.

Top picks: extra-virgin olive oil; grape seed oil (for high heat); coconut oil (for baking or searing), toasted sesame oil (for a robust fl a-vour), walnut oil (for a subtle nutty fi nish)

PANTRY ESSENTIALS

CANNED FISHHere’s a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty

acids, selenium and protein that’s inexpensive and incredibly versatile to add to salads, in pasta sauces, even in frittata baked in muffi n tins. Look for fi sh packed in water and sodium-reduced.

rolled oats and pulse them in a food processor in place of bread crumbs; use barley instead of rice for a perfectly creamy risotto that’s lower on the glycemic index; or add cooked quinoa to a Caprese salad for added protein and texture.

Top picks: barley, oats, brown rice, farro, quinoa, millet,

chia, fl axseed, hemp, spelt and whole-grain pastas

BEANS/LEGUMESThese plant-based

proteins are also rich sources of fi bre and iron

that add creaminess to so many dishes. Canned

beans and legumes are easy to incorporate into dishes—just be sure to choose the ones with no added salt. Toss them into salads, stir them into soups and purée them into dips. Among the dried variety, lentils are a favourite. They require no pre-soaking before they’re added to a soup that cooks in less than


INGREDIENTS

1 can (19 oz/540 mL) no-salt-added chickpeas, gently rinsed and drained

125 mL (1/2 cup) canned no-salt-added whole peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped

60-80 mL (1/4-1/3 cup) water

15 mL (1 tbsp) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano

juice of 1 small lime

1 to 2 cloves garlic, chopped

15 mL (1 tbsp) chopped fresh basil

15 mL (1 tbsp) chopped fresh parsley

5 mL (1 tsp) dried oregano

2 mL (1/2 tsp) Italian herb seasoning

30 mL (2 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil

1 mL (1/4 tsp) sea salt

freshly ground black pepper to taste

pinch crushed red pepper � akes (optional)

toasted pine nuts for garnish

paprika for garnish

METHOD

Place all ingredients except pine nuts and papri-ka into the bowl of a food processer and whirl for about 10 minutes or until smooth. Chill for 1 to 2 hours. To serve, top dip with pine nuts and a dash of paprika and serve with fresh vegetables, whole-grain crostini, crackers or pita wedges.

VARIATION

For a tangier dip, substitute 60 mL (1/4 cup) sun-dried tomatoes for peeled tomatoes.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

PER 60 mL (1/4 cup): 45 calories | 2 g fat (0 g saturated fat) | 152 mg sodium | 5 g carbohydrate | 1 g � bre | 2 g protein

PUT YOUR PANTRY TO USEThese delicious dishes not only lean on pantry essentials, but are also very nutritious, taste great and whip up in less than 25 minutes.

Recipes from The Healthy Italian: Cooking For the Love of Food and Family by Fina Scroppo. Visit thehealthyitalian.ca.

Tuscan Hummus Dip (Puré di ceci Toscana)

saturated fat) | 152 mg sodium | 5 g carbohydrate | 1 g � bre | 2 g protein


Category title


Top of ads


INGREDIENTS

375 g (13 oz) whole wheat or whole-grain farfalle (bowtie) pasta

15 mL (1 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil

1 onion, chopped

500 mL (2 cups) diced red bell peppers (about 1 to 2 peppers)

1 can (28 oz/796 mL) no-salt-added whole peeled tomatoes with liquid, chopped

2 mL (1/2 tsp) sea salt

1 mL (1/4 tsp) granulated sugar

pinch ground nutmeg

pinch freshly ground black pepper

1 can (6 oz/170 g) fl aked light tuna (skipjack preferably) in water, drained

10 mL (2 tsp) capers in brine, rinsed

45-60 mL (3-4 tbsp) crumbled light goat’s cheese

15 mL (1 tbsp) chopped fresh parsley

METHOD

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.In the meantime, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a very large pot or deep non-stick skillet. Add onion and peppers and cook until softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Add tomatoes with liquid, salt, sugar, nutmeg and black pepper; reduce heat to medium and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in tuna and goat’s cheese until well com-bined and heated through. Reserve a couple ladles of pasta water. Drain pasta and toss well with tuna sauce. If pasta is a little dry, add some pasta water as you toss. Sprinkle pasta with parsley and serve immedi-ately.


PER SERVING: 355 calories | 5 g fat (1 g satu-rated fat) | 12 mg cholesterol | 279 mg sodium | 55 g carbohydrate | 8 g fi bre | 19 g protein

Farfalle with Creamy Tuna and Red Pepper Sauce (Farfalle con creama di tonno e peperoni)Makes 6 servings


Quinoa Crepes with Berry Compote (Crespelle con composta di bacche)Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS - Crepes

2 large eggs

250 mL (1 cup) warm water

125 mL (1/2 cup) quinoa fl our (see tip)

½ cup whole-wheat fl our

1 pkg (0.3 oz/8 g) vanillin sugar

pinch ground cinnamon

pinch salt

fresh strawberries and blueberries for garnish

vanilla frozen yogurt (optional)

INGREDIENTS - Berry Compote

500 mL (2 cups) frozen berries (raspberries, strawberries, black berries, blueberries)

30 mL (2 tbsp) freshly squeezed orange juice

5 mL (1 tsp) maple syrup

METHOD

In a large bowl, beat eggs. Whisk in warm water. Set aside.In medium bowl, combine fl ours, vanillin sugar, cinnamon and salt. Whisk dry ingredients into egg mixture until well combined.Lightly coat a medium non-stick skillet with cook-ing spray and heat over medium-low heat. Add a half ladleful of batter and rotate skillet in a cir-cular motion as you pour batter from the centre out to edges of skillet to fully cover the bottom. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, fl ip with spat-ula and cook other side for another 30 seconds or just until no longer sticky to the touch. Repeat with remaining batter, coating skillet with cook-ing spray each time. Prepare compote by placing berry compote ingre-dients into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times until chunky. Serve crepe with compote as a fi lling or a top-ping along with fresh berries. If you’re fi lling crepe with frozen yogurt, let crepe cool down, add a couple of scoops down the centre of crepe and roll as you shape. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Serve with compote and fresh berries.

TIP

To make your own quinoa fl our, use a coffee grinder or mill (a food processor won’t work) to grind the quinoa. Add a small amount (fi lling the grinder’s basket halfway), grind for about 2 min-utes, mixing with a spoon in between grinding.

VARIATION

Use crepes for a healthy breakfast option. Spread crepes with natural peanut butter, almond but-ter or sunfl ower butter and roll. Use fruit puree as a dip. Or use as sandwich wrap, stuffed with shaved meats, low-fat dressing and crisp lettuce or julienned carrots.


PER CREPE: 137 calories | 3 g total fat (1 g satu-rated fat) | 79 mg cholesterol | 32 mg sodium | 23 g carbohydrate | 7 g fi bre | 5 g proteingrinder or mill (a food processor won’t work) to

grind the quinoa. Add a small amount (fi lling the grinder’s basket halfway), grind for about 2 min-utes, mixing with a spoon in between grinding.

crepes with natural peanut butter, almond but-ter or sunfl ower butter and roll. Use fruit puree as a dip. Or use as sandwich wrap, stuffed with shaved meats, low-fat dressing and crisp lettuce or julienned carrots.

rated fat) | 79 mg cholesterol | 32 mg sodium | 23 g carbohydrate | 7 g fi bre | 5 g protein


Category title


Top of ads


VotedMarkham’s Favorite BistroOver all casual Restaurants, Best Chef, Best Patio, and Best Food

Call for reservations or for catering inquiriesJohnnybistromarkham.ca / 905.201.1433

5 Washington Street, one street east of Markham rd. & Hwy #7We are a strong supporter of Markham’s local charity events

In business for over 13 years

Sunday Prime Rib Special$1895

Wednesday Roast Leg of Lamb$1895All the trimmings

Specializing in

CelebrateValentine’s Day

with usFor reServationS call:

905-642-5557

5402 Main Street, Stouffville • www.stakeoutdining.com

DiNiNGGUIDE

• R E S T A U R A N T S

• F O O D

• E N T E R T A I N M E N T


DININGGUIDE

yorkregion.com/goodlife |

To grow or develop vigorously. To fl ourish. To prosper and be

successful.We all want to thrive—and now, more than ever, we are realizing that requires a commitment to our physical, mental and emotional health.With a new year underway—and perhaps your resolve fading on those goals you set on Jan. 1— there is no better time to focus on your well-being. And GoodLife is here to help.

Build a beautiful and healthful plate featuring seasonal “superfoods” recommended by registered holistic nutritionist Emily Kennedy.

Learn why you should and how to practise mindfulness to improve your mental and physical health.

Get an introduction to Nordic pole walking—and fi nd a unique way to boost fi tness and time outdoors this winter.Understand the importance of a good night’s sleep—and get some tips on how to improve your chances of

getting one.

P R E S E N T S

T H E H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S ED I T I O N

thri e

Want to learn more about how to

manage and improve your health?

Join us at our Thrive! Health & Wellness ExpoJan. 30, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Jan. 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites

Features local exhibitors, product samples, demonstrations and speakers, including experts from York University’s faculty of health, alternative health guru Bryce Wilde and nutritionist Rose Reisman

Information: thriveexpo.ca

Category title


Top of ads


SpaHket is about a perfect blend of natural luxury body and skincare products with a fresh, natural andnew feel. Our products are made entirely by hand.

SpaHket products are simple, effective and uncomplicated. Our products are anhydrous (contains nowater) with the exception of our linen and room sprays. Anhydrous makes them fully concentrated, andallows us to formulate our products without preservatives, so that a little goes a long way. We believe lessis more, and more is what you deserve.

Our company is built on values inspired by nature --- natural luxury mean, naturallysimple-simply natural.

We make products designed to soothe, moisturize, hydrate, calm, protect, repair andrejuvenate even the most sensitive, and driest skin. The non-greasy formulas absorbsinto your skin, leaving it soft and smooth. The light scents are relaxing, calming, andenergizing. We also formulate our own custom blend of essential oils to create somesignature scents.

416-832-1916 • www.spahket.com

Treat yourself and the ones you love with our Titanium Pots and Pans hand cast inGermany where quality and superior craftsmanship are supreme.

Titanium is a natural non-stick metal which means our products contain NO PFOA & PTFE, unlike Teflon.Cook with little or no oil, fat or water while your meat and veggies retain maximum nutrients, enzymes and flavour.

Handles, lids and knobs are oven safe up to 500 degrees F! Give your family what they deserve, give them Titanium Exclusive Cookware.

Titanium Exclusive Cookware Inc.290 Nantucket BlvdToronto. ON M1P 2P4

416-292-8151www.titaniumexclusive.com

Now iNRichmond hill

FiRstsession

FRee

289.809.8773orangetheoryfitness.comELGIN MILLS 5-10775 Leslie St. | Richmond Hill, ON L4S 0B2

(Across from Home Depot)*First time visitors and local residents only. Certain restrictions apply. See studio for details. Orangetheory®, OTF® and other Orangetheory marks are registered trademarks of Ultimate Fitness Group, LLC. **Individual results may vary.

we invite you to join us on a journey of...

joy . gratitude . abundance . freedom . truth

we design from a place of co-creation, collaboration and connection.inspired by people, places and nature’s elements, near and far.

each piece is handmade using a selection of semi-precious gemstones, wood, bone,metals and ethnic materials - chosen based on both their beauty as wellas their healing properties and intentions from these elements an

organic and earthy collection is created.

www.purplelotus.ca


Wellness Care Includes:• Advanced Skin Care Therapies &Medi Spa Services

• A full range of Massage & Body Therapies• Treatments for Hands & Feet• Hair Removal & Make up Services• Spa Day Packages and Celebrations

Call: 905-604-7444 Visit us at: www.silverleafdayspa.ca • 4261 Hwy#7 East ~Shoppes of Unionville Plaza~ Unionville, Ontario L3R 9W6

Wellness C e Includes:

Specialty Spa Services for theWellbeing of your

Mind, Body and SpiritMarkham’s PremierDay Spa!Welcome to Silver LeafDay Spa

TORONTO HEARING SERVICES

Toronto Hearing Services are independent hearing clinics that are free tochoose the best hearing products for your needs.

We are 100%Audiologist owned and operated and have built our businesson superior customer satisfaction.Come test your hearing and experiencea no obligation demo today to see and hear how you can improve yourquality of life!

This year improve your quality of life.

HEAR BETTER, FEEL BETTER, LIVE BETTER!

torontohearingservices.com*See clinic for details. Conditions may apply

Up to

$2,400 off*pair of the latest technology

hearing aid instruments.Hurry! Offer expiresFebruary 29, 2016

Free Parking*

Markham StouffvilleHearing Services203-377 Church StreetMarkham, ON L6B 1A1905-471-4327

Providing Superior Health and Balance Through Chiropractic"Chiropractic care is more than just making the pain disappear.

It is about learning, understanding and taking care of your body to improve your quality of life."

We aim to educate our patients about Chiropractic and other natural solutions to common healthproblems in order to motivate you to take a more active and responsible role in restoring and

maintaining your own health as well as the people around you.As a chiropractor, we understand that although our patients may be diagnosed with the same

condition, they respond very differently to treatments.For this reason, we tailor a specific plan of action to meet your needs, goals & unique medical and

physical condition.

UNIONVILLE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

www.unionvillefamilychiropractic.com

Dr Jerome Chan, B.Sc, D.C.132 Main St Unionville 905-940-8188

Your Neighbourhood Health Food Market.TM16655 Yonge Street in Newmarket | 905.898.18442535 Major Mackenzie Dr.Win Vaughan | 905.553.5527

find healthy tips, recipes and more at:

naturesemporium.com

We believe that good health begins on farmsthat grow in partnership with Nature.

That’s why our fresh produce is always organic.

Always Organic.

Category title


Top of ads


PEMF WEllnEss CEnTRENew Rejuvenate Package

Tummy Wrap and Lymphatic Drainage andRejuvenate on the PEMF Mat

Serving 9.5 ph acidic free water with your session

We will customize a package for your specific needsGive the Gift of Health give a

Gift Certificate

9011 leslie street, suite 204, Richmond Hill, On, l4B 3B6

• [email protected](905) 771-7400

$165.00

www.pemfcentre.ca

THISIS

PSYCH OLOGY

[ OPEN YOUR MIND ]

From how we learn to build trust to how vision keeps us balanced, York’s psychology

program is ranked among the best in the world*. Our wide breadth of course

selections and diverse research and experiential education opportunities will

introduce you to new ways of thinking and help you see the endless opportunities

your degree can offer, expected and otherwise. YORKU.CA/OPENYOURMIND

*2015 QS World University Rankings

Psych_AD-ThriveHealth_r5.indd 1 Dec-11-15 12:45 PM

How did healthy eating become your passion? Did you have an “aha” moment?

My entire family was plagued by heart disease, diabetes type 2, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I was slim and a runner, yet ate poorly. I thought I was healthy! I was shocked when my cholesterol became high in my mid-30s. That was my “aha” moment. Changed my ways and never looked back.

What three changes could people make to their diet today to improve their health?1. Don’t skip meals. Eat three meals and two snacks daily so you never get hungry. 2. Eat lean protein, whole grains and � ll your plate with a variety of vegetables. 3. Get moving! Do something physically active every day for at least 30 minutes.

A lack of time is a common reason people give for poor eating habits. What advice or tips could you offer?

True, time is scarce today. Prepping meals for

the week is a great way to have healthy options on hand and ready to go for weeknight dinners. Another timesaver is buying chopped fruits, vegetables and individual take-home meals. Don’t fall back on processed foods, which usu-ally contain large amounts of saturated fats and sodium.

What is your favourite on-the-go meal or snack? I love take out sushi such as fresh � sh sashimi

with a small amount of rice on the side. I also grab salads from the grocery store. Make sure to stay away from the prepared options containing excess oil or mayonnaise and keep salad dress-ings to no more than three tablespoons.

What do you think is the biggest health concern facing Canadians?

Our children are on the path to poor eating. This sets them up for obesity, diabetes type 2 and autoimmune diseases, which we are see-ing happening earlier and earlier. As adults, if we can set the example for our children, we not

only improve our own lifestyles, but we also provide the next generation with the tools to grow up healthy.

What can or should be done about it?Parents must be the role models. It starts

from the day our children enter the world. In addition to parents providing support, our edu-cation system needs to prioritize the health of children. Canada is one of the few countries in the Western world that does not have a national school lunch program. Not only is proper nutri-tion essential for their physical well-being, it is also important for a child’s ability to learn.

Rose ReismanA motivational speaker, columnist, TV personality and author of more than 18 cookbooks, Rose Reisman has been a leading authority on the art of eating and living well for more than two decades. An adjunct professor at York University’s department of health and a board member of York University, Centennial College and George Brown College, Reisman holds � ve university degrees, including an MBA, has won the prestigious Schulich School of Business alumni recognition award for outstanding public contribution and, in 2010, she was recognized as one of the top 100 powerful women in Canada by Women’s Executive Network. Her ultimate goal is to in� uence the younger generation’s eating habits in order to prevent chronic disease. We asked Reisman for her perspectives on eating and living well.

thrive|meet our speakers


THISIS

PSYCH OLOGY

[ OPEN YOUR MIND ]

From how we learn to build trust to how vision keeps us balanced, York’s psychology

program is ranked among the best in the world*. Our wide breadth of course

selections and diverse research and experiential education opportunities will

introduce you to new ways of thinking and help you see the endless opportunities

your degree can offer, expected and otherwise. YORKU.CA/OPENYOURMIND

*2015 QS World University Rankings

Psych_AD-ThriveHealth_r5.indd 1 Dec-11-15 12:45 PM

Category title


Top of ads


COME VISIT US ATCOME COME VISIT US ATBOOTH

#15#15

What do you think is the biggest health concern facing Canadians?

I don’t think there’s one. But if I had to put my � nger on one, I’d suggest that what’s plagu-ing our society most, besides the physical and physiological diseases, it would be stress. It’s the No. 1 North American-wide silent killer. And that underlies a lot of conditions such as heart disease, even cancer

Because of our diets and sedentary lifestyles, we’re stressed, we’re sleepless, we’re overweight and we’re predisposed to heart disease like nev-er before.

Sleep and stress are up-comers as it relates to underlying causes, contributing factors besides diet, we know diet’s horrible. We don’t exercise enough but those aren’t the only contributors to weight gain and insulin resistance—lack of sleep and way too much stress (both physical and mental).

What can or should be done about it?I run an objective practice, leveraging science

and technology and using that to help motivate my patients to stay well or become well.

What toxins are in our environment? Are we healthy enough through our diet? What genes do we carry? What predispositions, physiologi-cal, current, measurable health precepts do I currently have to measure that risk so I can actually do something about it with diet and lifestyle?

I believe that testing one’s self is what we need to be doing because a lot of diseases are silent. You can’t change your genes, but you can mea-sure or test them to determine what your risk factors are and then where you can’t change that necessarily, you can modify their expression.

When you have genetic and functional test-ing, all of that together formulates an individual-ized, personalized plan of action so that you can measurably create differences in your personal health on a daily basis. Once you know what your risks are, then you can get actionable.

If your free-radical levels are � ne, why take extra antioxidants, for example. But if your mus-cle mass, even though you’re thin, is low and your fat tissue is high, then heck you better get into the gym and spend that 45-minutes a day doing weight-bearing exercises.

What are your top three healthy habits?1. Test yourself and then take vitamin D, es-

pecially through the winter months because it is important for so many health issues.

2. Increase your sleep time. But it’s not just the hours you clock on the pillow, it’s the qual-ity of sleep. So � rst tip would be to set your alarm for two different times of the day—� rst to remind you that you should be going to bed in half an hour in order to achieve the seven to eight hours of sleep you should be getting and the other time is to wake up on the other end. Quality of sleep is improved by practising sleep hygiene.

3. I think we all need to be meditating or practising mindfulness, 10 or 15 minutes a day being mindful, just sitting quietly and maybe forecasting the next day ahead and what you might do to manage your stressors in that par-ticular 24-hour timeframe.

Answers have been edited for length.

Bryce Wyldethrive|meet our speakers

Alternative medicine expert, clinician, television host, educator, author and philanthropist Bryce Wylde holds a bachelor of science in biopsychology from York University and a diploma in homeopathic medicine and health sciences from the Ontario College of Homeopathic Medicine. A respected natural health care prac-titioner, he hosts Wylde on Health on CP24, is the health expert for CityLine and Breakfast Television and has appeared on The Dr. Oz Show, Canada AM, The Discovery Channel, W Channel and ABC’s Good Morning America Health. We asked Wylde for his perspectives on healthy living.


Teacher/Trainer/CoachRaw Food ChefDigital IridologyHolistic Skin CareApplied KinesiologyCulinary NutritionistCertified HerbalistVastu - Energy Sciences20 Years ExperienceHydroponic Arts.

Get Answers that Work!

natu

ral

health

F E R N L E A

12827 Leslie St. - Richmond Hill - L4E 1A2 [email protected]

A Natural Healing Sanctuaryon the Oak Ridges Moraine

6 4 7 2 8 6 1 4 3 9 visit - BGangel.com

Live beyond your potential.Our integrative team of practitioners will take the time to

truly listen to your health concerns.

Specializing in:• women and men’s health• brain health• fertility• pediatrics• anti-aging• oncology

Book Your FREE Consultation Today

www.natliving.ca139 Main Street Unionville

Suite 204905-604-2491

• Darkfield microscopy• Food allergy testing• Saliva hormone testing• Oxygen therapy

• Vitamin and mineralinfusion therapy

• B12 injections• Electro-dermal testing

and much more

Comprehensive diagnostics and therapy, including:

ac.parwydobym

YGRENE NIAG THGIEW ESOL

EGNELLAHCYAD09

Category title


Top of ads

BY JOANN MACDONALD

If you fell to temptation during the holiday season and are trying to make up for less-than-perfect food choices, it might help to concentrate on abundance rather than lack. “Focus on the hearty seasonal vegetables that add interest, colour and unique fl avours to your meals,” says Emily Kennedy, a registered holistic nutritionist specializing in waist/waste management and women’s health. “Serve foods that are naturally bright in colour—orange, red and dark green veggies— and eat them fi rst. Colour equals phytonutrients, so build a beautiful plate.” Try these healthy, delicious superfoods.

WINTERSUPERFOODS

Sweet potatoesSweet potatoes, said to be a favourite of Hen-

ry VIII, are packed with vitamin A, potassium and beta-carotene. Forgo the brown sugar and butter and bake your sweet potatoes. Prick with a fork several times and bake at 450 F for 20 to 35 minutes, depending on size.

“Just slit open, scoop out the sweet � esh and plate up!” Kennedy says. “I like to sprinkle with cinnamon for a warming, blood sugar-balanc-ing effect that is comforting in colder weather and brings out the natural sweetness.”

Smart tip: Organic sweet potatoes are sweeter because they are smaller and more concentrated in � avour.

GreensEating your veggies should be a pleasure, not

a pain. “Brightly coloured veggies, particularly

greens (kale, broccoli, spinach) do not need lots of cooking to make them delicious,” Ken-nedy says. “A quick blanch in boiling water or a snappy sauté in garlic and olive oil or coconut oil is all they need.” Try savoury collard greens, a source of calcium and iron, as a hearty accom-paniment to your main.

“For raw greens, the secret is a good dress-ing,” she says. “My new favourite oil for dress-ings is camelina oil for its competitive omega-3 vs. omega-6 content. Shake up apple cider vin-egar, oil and a bit of maple syrup and cinnamon for a delicious sweet and tangy dressing.”

Tumeric“I can’t say enough about turmeric,” Kennedy

says. “Its powerful active ingredient, curcumin, has been pitted against painkillers, anti-depres-sants, heart and diabetes medications and even chemotherapy drugs with impressive results.” Add a small amount of turmeric powder to your beta carotene-loaded sweet potatoes or carrots to make their colour pop and balance out the natural sweetness of these veggies with a bit of aromatic pungency. Add turmeric to rice in place of saffron to bump up the anti-in� amma-tory quotient of your grain. Stir a little turmeric into your mustard for a new, healthier accom-paniment.

“Don’t forget to add some fresh ground black pepper to your turmeric-tinged dish,” Kennedy adds. “Black pepper boosts the activity of cur-curmin in the body.”

Build a beautiful, healthful plate

Tumeric


thrive|superfoods

BeetsBeets are a good source of potassium, dietary

� bre and iron. These highly detoxifying veggies also provide lutein for eye health.

“Have their cheerful hue take centre stage—serve a large platter of roasted veggies including lots of beets, carrots and parsnips,” says Ken-nedy. Does the prospect of red hands turn you off? Bake your beets (with the skin on, wrapped individually in foil) for 60 to 90 minutes, until a fork can be easily inserted in the largest beet. Trim the ends and remove the beet skins under cold water.

Dark chocolate When Christopher Columbus spotted the

cocoa bean in the early 1500s, he had no idea of its potential. Talk about missing out! Besides playing a starring role on Feb. 14 and in our favourite winter beverage, this superfood boasts an abundance of naturally occurring antioxi-dants. Of course, solid chocolate is woefully high in fat. For more potential bene� ts, look for dark chocolate with at least 70 per cent cocoa solids. Eat a small chunk in lieu of rich desserts if you’re craving something sweet.

Red wineIt’s not technically a food, but a glass of red

goes so well with some of our favourite win-ter comfort foods. The polyphenols in red wine may help to protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. Of course, too much al-cohol can harm your body. Restrict yourself to one 150-millilitre (� ve-ounce) glass per day for women, two for men.

“Try only drinking with your main meal, not constantly sipping,” Kennedy says. “And alter-nate between water and booze to counteract the dehydrating effect of alcohol.”

Winter squashWinter squash, native to North America, gifts

us with beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, potas-sium and � bre. Whether you choose butternut, buttercup or acorn, squash contains no fat and is low in calories. Bake for a satisfying side dish or purée it into a soup.

PomegranatesThis ancient Middle Eastern fruit boasts

ruby-coloured � eshy arils that surround small crunchy seeds and contain a sweet-tart juice. Pomegranates provide three different polyphe-nols, a potent form of antioxidants. They are also rich in potassium and provide � bre and vitamin C. Switch your morning OJ for pome-granate juice. Sprinkle pomegranate arils on salads, soups and desserts.

Winter squash BeetsBeets are a good source of potassium, dietary

PomegranatesThis ancient Middle Eastern fruit boasts

RASPBERRY KVASSServe this fermented beverage (which has a slight alcoholic content and a celebratory � zz) to your Valentine.

INGREDIENTS180 mL (3/4 cup) raspberries 7 mL (1/2 tbsp) raw honey2 probiotic capsules, such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bi� dus speciesdistilled, unchlorinated water -5 mL (1 tsp) vanilla extract (optional)

METHODPut the fruit into a large (1 L or 1 qt), very clean mason jar and mash up. Add honey. Break open the capsules and add probiotics. Fill jar with distilled water, leaving about 2-1/2 cm (1 inch) at the top.Put the lid on and place in a warm area, such as on top of your fridge or by a heat vent, away from sunlight. Give it a shake and a taste every day for 2 to 5 days. (Do not drink directly out of the jar when tasting, it introduces the wrong bacte-ria.) It’s done when it still tastes sweet and a little tangy, but not sour. (Discard if sour.)To serve, chill then strain into cocktail glasses. Adding sparkling water is a nice touch.Keeps for 1 week.


Category title


Top of ads


January 30 & 31, 2016Hilton Toronto/Markham SuitesConference Centre & SpaKnowledgeable Speakers, Fun Demosand Lots of Exciting Exhibitors!

Saturday January 30th

Sunday January 31St

9:30 am - 10:15 am10:20 am - 10:50 am11:00 am - 12 noon12 noon - 1:00 pm1:00 pm - 2:00 pm2:00 pm - 3:00 pm3:30 pm - 3:55 pm4:00 pm - 4:30 pm4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

9:30 am - 10:30 am10:45 am - 11:45 am12 noon - 1:00 pm1:00 pm - 1:50 pm2:00 pm - 2:30 pm2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Yoga DemoThinking, moving, aging…all at the same time.Rose’s Practical Approach To Balanced LivingThriving with Dementia at the Dotsa BitoveWellness AcademyThe Healing Power of Perception90 For Life - Healthy Longevity

Dolly YogaLauren Sergio - Associate Professor, Kinesiology & Health ScienceRose ReismanChristine Jonas-Simpson - Nursing ProfessorTamiWillemsJill Hewlett & Dustin Widger

Dance, Fitness and Yoga DemoHow Stress Affects your Daily LifeDebunking Detox: What works, what doesn’tThe Seeing Brain: How the brain compensates for the loss of visionHeal Yourself Heal Your LifeMeasuring Your Health Status: Managing your destinyThe Healthy Aging BrainRest, Re-vitalize & Restore with Amethyst, Infrared & Ionic EnergiesTai Chi Demo

Bollywood FitnessSilver Leaf SpaBryceWyldeJennifer Steeves - Psychology ProfessorBrian GangleBryceWyldeGary Turner - Psychology ProfessorAngela ShimTaishan Tai Chi

For more information: 905-943-6112 • thriveexpo.ca

2nd Annual

THRIVE 2016 SEMINAR SCHEDULE

Help in the HomeDo you need help because a loved one has limited

mobility due to injury, age or because they’ve just beenreleased from hospital?

GEMHealth Care Services proud past recipient of theBusiness Excellence Award:

Professional Services Business of the Year!

Compassionate,Caring,ConsistentCaregivers...always there for you,helping familiesin need.

GEM Health Care Services905.836.6999 • www.gemhealthcare.com

30 Prospect Street, Suite 303Newmarket

Sue Bauer, President and [email protected]

• Personal care • Meal preparation • Housekeeping• Footcare • Companionship • Medication administration


January 30 & 31, 2016Hilton Toronto/Markham SuitesConference Centre & SpaKnowledgeable Speakers, Fun Demosand Lots of Exciting Exhibitors!

Saturday January 30th

Sunday January 31St

9:30 am - 10:15 am10:20 am - 10:50 am11:00 am - 12 noon12 noon - 1:00 pm1:00 pm - 2:00 pm2:00 pm - 3:00 pm3:30 pm - 3:55 pm4:00 pm - 4:30 pm4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

9:30 am - 10:30 am10:45 am - 11:45 am12 noon - 1:00 pm1:00 pm - 1:50 pm2:00 pm - 2:30 pm2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Yoga DemoThinking, moving, aging…all at the same time.Rose’s Practical Approach To Balanced LivingThriving with Dementia at the Dotsa BitoveWellness AcademyThe Healing Power of Perception90 For Life - Healthy Longevity

Dolly YogaLauren Sergio - Associate Professor, Kinesiology & Health ScienceRose ReismanChristine Jonas-Simpson - Nursing ProfessorTamiWillemsJill Hewlett & Dustin Widger

Dance, Fitness and Yoga DemoHow Stress Affects your Daily LifeDebunking Detox: What works, what doesn’tThe Seeing Brain: How the brain compensates for the loss of visionHeal Yourself Heal Your LifeMeasuring Your Health Status: Managing your destinyThe Healthy Aging BrainRest, Re-vitalize & Restore with Amethyst, Infrared & Ionic EnergiesTai Chi Demo

Bollywood FitnessSilver Leaf SpaBryceWyldeJennifer Steeves - Psychology ProfessorBrian GangleBryceWyldeGary Turner - Psychology ProfessorAngela ShimTaishan Tai Chi

For more information: 905-943-6112 • thriveexpo.ca

2nd Annual

THRIVE 2016 SEMINAR SCHEDULE

Help in the HomeDo you need help because a loved one has limited

mobility due to injury, age or because they’ve just beenreleased from hospital?

GEMHealth Care Services proud past recipient of theBusiness Excellence Award:

Professional Services Business of the Year!

Compassionate,Caring,ConsistentCaregivers...always there for you,helping familiesin need.

GEM Health Care Services905.836.6999 • www.gemhealthcare.com

30 Prospect Street, Suite 303Newmarket

Sue Bauer, President and [email protected]

• Personal care • Meal preparation • Housekeeping• Footcare • Companionship • Medication administration

Category title


Top of ads


We’ve all been there at one time or another: Ly-ing in bed, staring at the ceiling or maybe rest-lessly switching positions, taking furtive glances at the clock, the list of things you have to accomplish tomorrow running through your mind. You know you need your sleep, but for some reason you just can’t nod off.

The occasional sleepless night may mean you’re yawning through a meeting or heading to the cof-fee shop mid-afternoon, but regular insomnia can have long-term health effects.

Studies have shown that it can lead to increased blood pressure, impaired control of blood glucose and increased in� ammation and be a contributing factor to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety and depression.

And deep sleep can restore and re-energize body and mind, boosting everything from your mood and memory to productivity and performance to your communication skills and creativity.

“Sleep is your body’s opportunity to repair and restore — so your body is ready for the next day,”

says Georgina-based holistic nutritionist Jenn Pike

For some of us, it’s our physical environment—light, noise or lumpy mattress—that comes in the way of a good night’s sleep. But for many more of us, says Robbin Coedy, managing director of Pascoe Canada, a distributor of homeopathic and phytotherapeutic products, our overactive brains are the cause.

“If you can turn off your mind, your body can relax and that’s the key,” she says.

BY LEE ANN WATERMAN

Your best night’s rest

thrive|sleep


SLEEP TIPSSmall changes to your routine or your environ-ment can improve your chances of a restful night. Robbin Coady, Jenn Pike and fi tness expert Brent Bishop have teamed up to offer these tips:

THE RIGHT ROUTINE• Get up and go to bed at the same every day— even on weekends.• Turn off electronics, including computers, phones and televisions, an hour before bed. • Try an epsom salt bath.• Avoid naps or keep them short.• Meditate daily for at least 15 minutes.• Get regular exercise.• Spend some time outside daily and get at least a few minutes exposure to sunlight.• Manage your stress—meditation and exercise will help.

THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT• Your bedroom should be cool (12-24 C or 54-75 F), dark (use blinds, blackout curtains or an eye mask) and quiet (wear earplugs if necessary). • Open the windows in your bedroom fi ve minutes every day to let fresh air in. • Move electronics out of your bedroom. Even the LED or LCD lights on alarm clocks, tablets and music players can hamper sleep. • The bedroom is for sleep and sex only. If you can’t sleep, go to another room.

KNOW WHEN TO SEEK HELPAnxiety, depression, changing hormone levels, asthma, thyroid disease and other conditions can all impact sleep. See your doctor if you can’t fi nd relief on your own.

1 Melatonin What is it? The hormone melatonin helps con-

trol your sleep and wake cycles.How does it work? Your body naturally

produces melatonin, releasing it into your blood-stream in increasing amounts starting at dusk and tapering off toward the morning. Older adults produce less melatonin and shift workers may � nd their levels of melatonin are not in sync with their schedules

2MagnesiumWhat is it? An essential mineral that helps

the body maintain nerve and muscle function, magnesium is found in foods including dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds and � sh.

How does it work? Magnesium can help calm the nerves and relax muscles, which can help you fall asleep.

3Passion� owerWhat is it? A � owering plant native to the

southern United States, Bermuda and tropical Asia, passion� ower has long been used in tradi-tional medicine for sleep disorders, anxiety and nervousness.

How does it work? It improves sleep by quieting the mind in cases

of insomnia due to mental stress.

3 options for boosting sleepOver-the-counter supplements that may help you get a good night’s rest.

Category title


Top of ads


Live Outside the Box.

Experience the joys ofliving authentically fora balanced, stress freeand energetic life.

TAMI WILLEMS RHNEnergy Healer & Nutritionist

[email protected]

www.bluephoenixhealing.com171 Main Street S.,

Suite 7F, Newmarket ON

A Gentle Hand to Family Wellness

1285 Elgin Mills Rd.E RichMond hill

905 884 0202chiRopRactic

REgistEREd MassagEacupunctuREoRthotics

2

3

4

5

1 Anterior HeadSyndrome

Damaged(Degenerated)Vertebra

Nerve ImpingementSyndrome

Muscular Tension/Spasm

Compressed(Degenerated) Disc

1

2

3

4

5

HOW STRONGIS YOUR

FOUNDATION?

We canhelp!

We are dedicated to raising consciousness. Come by our booth to experience products, services and instruments designed to assist withtransformation, awakening, rejuvenation and raising consciousness through love. Products include; voice analysis, custom meditation CD’s,award winning structured water and Scalar IQubes.During the weekend we will provide you with a chance to experience the energy of an “IQube” or a chance to take home your own set ofPersonal Sound Frequencies. At Clearly Conscious we use a software program developed by Quantum Sound Therapy, to create a unique setof frequencies specifically designed to help harmonize you. Simply by listening to your personal frequencies you can align your energy andlet go of the subconscious blocks that are holding you back from living a life of love, joy and peace.So come by our booth to experience our ”IQube technology” and/or book an appointment to receive your Personalized Frequencies. Formore information see www.clearlyconscious.ca

INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTORSAM CLEMENTINO

www.Naturalpowerzone.caEmail

[email protected]

LISTEDAS A FDACLASS 1MEDICALDEVICE!

A Patented Fusion ofEnergy and Technology

All-Natural, FDA Class 1 Medical Device for Pain Relief


Offering Massage

Therapy, Colon

Hydrotherapy,

Lymphedema

Therapy.

Naturopathic

Medicine,

Acupuncture,

Chiropractic.

Labalaba Wellness Centre103B - 4581 Highway 7,Unionville, L3R 1M6

t: 9053051411www.labalaba.ca

featuring:

JUST GIVE IT 30 DAYS...Begin your journey to becoming LEANER, ENERGIZED &

HEALTHIER!

• Release toxic fat and mental fog• Build lean muscle and achieve personal fitness records

• Sleep better and feel more energized

Don’t Journey Alone! Sign up for this 30-Day Challengewith 2 Friends and receive 50-75% back in ca$h rebates!

For More Info Contact: ANAT AZAR (647) 241-0980

Gluten free non GMo

Do you neeD More enerGyDo you neeD More enerGy• Have trouble sleeping

• Making poor food choices

• Need aches and discomfort relief

• Need weight management and

appetite control

T H e w e b i s www.canadathriveson.le-vel.com

Created by naturopath with organiC

and herbal blends

PremiumResultsPremiumResults

Premium Nutrition with Start thriviNg todayEnroll frEE

Category title


Top of ads


[ THE DAHDALEH INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL HEALTH ]

THIS IS

IMPACT

THIS IS TRANSFORMATION

York University proudly announces the creation of The

Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health, made possible by a

$20 million donation by York alumnus Victor Phillip Dahdaleh.

Driving new ways of thinking for students, academics and

researchers, the Institute will be a leader in addressing emerging

global health challenges. In honour of this transformational gift, York is pleased

to name the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building. YORKU.CA/GLOBALHEALTH

Mo

riya

ma

& T

esh

ima

Arch

itec

ts

York University establishes

THE DAHDALEH INSTITUTE

With the establishment of The Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health, York Uni-

versity researchers and students will play a pivotal role in tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time.

The institute will be a leader and a catalyst in addressing global health issues. It will pro-vide a robust context for students involved in York’s Global Health program, as well as for academics and researchers working in the � eld at the university and around the world.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Dahdaleh shares our vision to build on York’s strength in global health,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, president

and vice-chancellor of York University. “The Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health will serve as a focal point for international dialogue and collaboration in health innovation research and teaching that will have global impact and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, now and in the future.”

The Dahdaleh Institute will re� ect the mul-tidisciplinary nature of global health with in-volvement from faculties across the university, initially focused within the Faculty of Health. This initiative has been made possible by a transformational donation from Victor Phillip Dahdaleh, a U.K.-based Canadian business

leader. Dahdaleh, who graduated from York almost four decades ago, made a recent dona-tion of $20 million, the largest gift ever given by a graduate.

“I am excited and honoured to contribute to York University as it addresses global health and equity challenges through research, so-cial innovation, international collaboration and leadership development, and prepares the next generation of global health leaders,” Dahdaleh said.

The institute’s work will lead to a reframing of the ways in which high- and low-income countries collaborate in the co-creation of so-

sponsored content

FOR GLOBAL HEALTH


[ THE DAHDALEH INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL HEALTH ]

THIS IS

IMPACT

THIS IS TRANSFORMATION

York University proudly announces the creation of The

Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health, made possible by a

$20 million donation by York alumnus Victor Phillip Dahdaleh.

Driving new ways of thinking for students, academics and

researchers, the Institute will be a leader in addressing emerging

global health challenges. In honour of this transformational gift, York is pleased

to name the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building. YORKU.CA/GLOBALHEALTH

Mo

riya

ma

& T

esh

ima

Arch

itec

ts

lutions to global health challenges. A strategic advantage is York University’s focus on equi-ty and its extensive range of global partners and networks linked to the culturally diverse Greater Toronto Area.

These global-local links provide unparal-leled opportunities for collaborative research and knowledge mobilization that address pressing health and social concerns, Dah-daleh’s donation will provide both immedi-ate and permanent funding to establish new faculty positions, research initiatives and proj-ects, scholarships and travel grants for domes-tic and international students.

FOR GLOBAL HEALTH

sponsored content

Category title


Top of ads


For many, the winter months come as a set-back in achieving their health and wellness

goals. Nordic pole walking offers Canadians a unique way to get outside and take their � tness to the next level this winter.

Originating as off-season training for elite cross-country skiers in Finland, Nordic pole walking quickly became popular in Europe. Nordic pole walking is a simple form of exer-cise that involves walking with a pair of custom � tted poles.

Today, more than 20 per cent of Finns and nearly 15 million Germans regularly enjoy pole

walking as part of a healthy lifestyle.Dr. Klaus Schwanbeck, a former coach of

Germany’s national track and � eld team, � rst introduced the sport in Canada nearly 15 years ago.

“The growth has been slow,” says Greg Bel-lamy, president and co-founder of Nordixx Pole Walking Canada, “with the idea initially that people thought the poles were only for those individuals who had balance issues.”

However, the sport has seen a major boost in popularity over the last seven years. “As people are now being more educated on all the ben-

e� ts and begin to realize that Nordic pole walk-ing is a great physical activity for people of all ages and � tness levels, the numbers are starting to increase,” Bellamy continues.

The health bene� ts of Nordic pole walking are numerous and well-documented, including burning 46 per cent more calories than regular walking, increasing cardiovascular training by 22 per cent and helping to reduce blood pres-sure.

Peter Dennis, a certi� ed Nordic pole walk-ing instructor, has seen the bene� ts � rst hand. Dennis began pole walking � ve years ago after

don’t letWINTER

sideline your HEALTH &

WELLNESS GOALS

BY CHRISTINE MORRISON

Nordic pole walking can help jumpstart a more active winter lifestyle

thrive|Nordic pole walking


his wife, Carol-Anne, learned about the sport as part of a seminar series.

“I really noticed the changes in my upper body strength,” he says. “I was still playing hockey at the time and felt much stronger on the puck.”

Grace Ho, a registered manipulative physio-therapist at Cornell Physiotherapy and certi� ed Nordic pole walking instructor, has also seen her patients bene� t from the sport.

“Nordic pole walking engages 90 per cent of all body muscles,” Ho says. “In fact, we some-times joke that if you can pole walk while smil-

ing you are using 92 per cent of your muscles. Walking or running only use about half of your body’s muscles and when cycling, it is even fewer.”

Pole walking promotes good posture, can assist in the recovery process following hip or knee replacement surgery and has been shown to positively impact the health of individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. But even those individu-als who are already physically active can derive signi� cant health bene� ts.

“Nordic pole walking certainly helped me get back into shape after three kids,” Ho says. “You walk faster with poles and with better posture. It puts you in a different frame of mind to chal-lenge yourself versus going for a stroll.”

As with any sport, proper technique is im-portant.

When Nordic pole walking, the arms swing 45 degrees forward and then follow through to extend 45 degrees backward with a little push. Engaging the upper body with the poles helps propel the walker forward and reduces the perceived exertion. The poles have also been shown to biomechanically reduce the impact to hip and knee joints.

Nordic pole walking instructors certi� ed through Nordixx Pole Walking Canada, a com-pany co-founded by Dr. Schwanbeck, offer clin-ics that provide individuals with the opportu-nity to try the sport prior to committing.

“My wife and I felt that there was just too much exercise equipment sitting around un-used,” Dennis says. “So many people invest in sports equipment upfront and then it ends up

not being for them. It is our hope that the free clinics we offer will give individuals a reason-able trial.”

Free Nordic pole walking clinics, like the ones offered by Dennis and Ho, allow you to learn about the sport and gain hands-on experi-ence. Poles are provided by the instructor and custom � t to participants. After a demonstra-tion of the proper form, you will be given tips to � ne tune your technique and have the option of purchasing the poles at the end of the session.

“Nordic pole walking is a great social activity that allows you to enjoy the outdoors,” Dennis says. It can also be done on any type of surface, including pavement, grass and forest trails.

The approaching cooler weather should not dissuade those interested in giving Nordic pole walking a try.

“Poles are terri� c for winter,” Bellamy says. “They provide support for balance, especially when there is snow and some ice. But you also gain other bene� ts such as increased warmth in your upper body and extremities due to the in-crease in muscle activity and blood � ow… and a greater con� dence in your walking.”

Pole walking can also be adapted to suit the winter conditions. For example, some walkers will invest in gripers, such as Yaktrax, that � t over your shoe for added traction. While others choose to utilize their Nordic poles with snow-shoes, allowing them to travel off the beaten path.

“Because of Nordic pole walking, I have learned to enjoy the four distinct seasons we have, simply by getting out there and doing something,” Dennis says.

Nordic pole walking can help jumpstart a more active winter lifestyleFOR MORE INFORMATIONFor information on clinics or to � nd Nordic pole walking groups in your area, visit nordixx.com. Although many clinics are primarily offered during the spring and fall months, some instructors, like Peter Dennis (right), also offer clinics upon re-quest for groups of seven or more. For details, visit peterhdennis.com.


Category title


Top of ads


Nestled in the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites,we invite you to leave your everyday stressesof life at the door and begin your journey to

rejuvenation and well-being.

Our result oriented treatments include:Microdermabrasion

IPL and PhotorejuvenationManicures/Pedicures

MassagesFacials

Body Treatments

8500 Warden Avenue, Markham ON L6G 1A5 I 905-470-8522 I markhamspa.ca

Exclusive OfferReceive $25 off a la carte

services ($100+) at eforea spa

To book, call 905-470-8522.Valid Monday to Thursday.

Cannot be combined with anyother discounts, promotions or offers.Present this coupon to redeem

Code: Thrive2016Expiry: 02/29/16

VR Home Care Inc. is a full service in-home careprovider for seniors and special need persons. Fullytrained and compassionate home care professionals to

care for you or your loved ones needs.

General Home Care ServicesDesigned for people who need moderate home care to live independently,•such as housekeeping, personal grooming, medication reminder etc.

Special Need CareDesigned for the elderly who are housebound, recently discharged from•the hospital, people who are terminally or chronically ill, people withdisabilities, and accident victims.Providing Wound Care, pain management, Mobility training,•IV therapy, Injections and more.

Transport ServicesWe can manage your mobility through fully trained transport service provider.•

Contact us for more information about our home care services.(905)-237-1700 • (888)-647-7006

[email protected] • www.vrhomecare.ca636 Edward Avenue, Unit 10, Richmond Hill

Providing home care 24/7For the expected, unexpected and everything in between.For the expected, unexpected and everything in between.

Fashion TrendzBamboo Pillows and Sheets

Come see us at booth #29!


New ways of Thinking. Endless Opportunities. YORKU.CA/OPENYOURMINDKIN

THIS IS KINESIOLOGY

& HEALTH SCIENCE

[ OPEN YOUR MIND ]

sponsored content

Movement: It’s a reality of our daily lives to which many of us don’t give a second thought. But the relationship between physical activity and our health is a foundational one—and one that is at the core of York University’s Kinesiology and Health Science program.

Known for championing new ways of thinking that drives teaching and research excellence, York has created a program that offers a variety of classes and diverse experiential learning opportunities to ensure stu-dents graduate prepared to make an impact in a wide variety of careers. Unparalleled choice:

York offers one of the largest course offerings in Kinesiology and Health Science in Canada, including more than 50 professionally fo-cused practicum courses. Courses are constantly evolving in response to changes in society about the meaning and impact of physical health.Experiential learning:

The program combines valuable theoretical knowledge with hands-on lab work, tutorials and practical experiences. Students gain valuable experience within the community and are able to make an impact while they are getting their education. Career ready:

A degree in Kinesiology and Health Science leads to rewarding work in many � elds. Our graduates have found employment as registered ki-nesiologists, exercise physiologists, � tness consultants, wellness co-ordi-

York’s Kinesiology and Health Science Program

A LEADER IN CANADA

nators, sports managers and researchers. The program also offers a solid foundation for careers that require postgraduate training and that might see you working as a medical professional, a chiropractor, a nutritionist, a physiotherapist or a pharmacist. In addition, York offers masters and doctoral programs in Kinesiology and Health Science, which are linked to outstanding graduate research in our various on-campus research cen-tres, such as the Muscle Health Research Centre.

Category title


Top of ads


Caring for a loved one who is sick or elderly can be an overwhelming business.

Consumed with the day-to-day needs of the care recipient, caregivers often � nd little time for themselves and put their own welfare at the bot-tom of the to-do list.

According to Statistics Canada, nearly half of all Canadians at some stage of their lives provide care for a relative or friend suffering from chronic illness, disability or age-related needs. And one in 10 of those caregivers spends more than 30 hours a week providing care—effectively a full-time job.

Whether an adult sandwiched between caring for a family as well as an elderly relative or a se-nior looking after a spouse, caregivers can often feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

Government-funded support is there in the shape of the Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) and non-pro� t organizations like Com-munity and Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) that provide much-needed respite and support services, but, ultimately, caregivers are the ones who are most intimately invested in the care of their loved one and, as such, they often feel they are shouldering the burden alone.

Caregiver burnout is a real issue. So how can caregivers make sure it doesn’t happen to them?

Mary Bart, who runs the Internet-based non-pro� t Caregiving Matters and speaks publicly on caregiving issues says that the � rst thing caregivers need to do is tackle their guilt.

“Guilt comes from ourselves, from our families, from society and also from the care recipient,” explains Bart, who cared for her elderly parents for 10 years before they died. Her mother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and her father had can-cer.

She says that caregivers need to recognise that

CAREGIVER, CARE FOR THYSELFHow caregivers can avoid burnout

BY CATHY HILLARD

thrive|caregiving


SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERSCHAT: 1-866-677-9048, chats.on.ca • Caregiving Matters: caregivingmatters.ca

Alzheimer Society: alzheimer.ca • CCAC: healthcareathome.ca

they may be imposing the guilt on themselves by trying to be perfect.

“The way I look at it, I am only one person, I only have two hands, so I ask myself, based on the resources available to me today, did I do my best? There is only so much you can do and when you have a clear conscience, then you have done your best. You have to focus your energies and put your efforts where they are needed the most. You cannot be everywhere at once.

“Most caregivers struggle with guilt, but when you can work out how to handle it, then your world is going to be lot happier,” she says.

Dealing with the uncertainty of someone’s declining health and accessing support services is an overwhelming task and it’s a job that care-givers are not trained for.

Knowing how many questions caregivers can have, Bart decided to start the website in 2008, providing information and support to caregiv-ers 24/7. Podcasts, advice, articles and videos on topics such as power of attorney and elder abuse have so far attracted 15,000 hits a month from people in 62 countries.

Most caregivers can bene� t from some kind of personal support and professional advice. Organizations such as the Alzheimer Society of York Region and CHATS offer one-on-one counselling and support groups to help caregiv-ers cope with demands of the role.

Whether they are caring for someone who has dementia, an illness or just frail, caregivers often � nd support groups give them the oppor-tunity to discuss the issues they face with others going through something similar.

“People help each other,” says Josie Capobi-anco, caregiver education counsellor at CHATS. “They sometimes don’t think they need help, and can be hesitant at � rst, but when they do come it really helps because they realize they are not alone.”

As well as support groups, CHATS runs workshops for caregivers on issues like � nance and navigating the health care system, and have also run two successful Caring for the Caregiver events in the region with more planned for next year.

Many caregivers feel overburdened because they try to do everything themselves. But recog-nizing that they need help, and asking for it, is crucial if caregivers are to avoid burnout.

“One of the biggest things is asking for help, even from other family members or friends,” says Capobianco, who recommends being spe-ci� c with requests.

“People want to help, but they don’t know how, so tell them.”

Bart agrees and says building a team is the way to go.

“It takes a village,” she says. “You cannot be a caregiver forever all by yourself. Say that you need the help of others. Sharing the caregiving is the only way to go through it sustainably.

“Building a team is something which takes conscious effort, but caregivers have to go and � nd those people who can help them out a little bit, even if it’s just giving the caregiver a break for an hour while they have a shower,” she con-tinues. “Even someone who is far away can be part of a support network by making a phone call.”

It is also essential that caregivers learn to say no and not try to take on more than they can handle.

“Once you become a caregiver, there are some things that you have to consciously take off your plate,” Bart says.

Isolation and loneliness can be a real problem for caregivers, especially if there isn’t the money to hire extra help. But carving out some “me time” is critical, Capobianco says.

“Many people have dif� culty stepping back and � nding time for themselves,” she explains, “but by doing something for themselves, they are ultimately helping the person who is ill be-cause if they are refreshed, they can better help the person in need.”

She says many caregivers become sick be-cause they neglect their own health and well-being. So dif� cult as it may seem, getting out for some exercise, eating healthy and getting enough sleep are all important ways in which caregivers should try to take care of themselves and manage stress.

Capobianco says that counselling can help

SELF-PRESERVATION TIPS

• Learn to master guilt. It only creates more stress.• Enlist the help of others in whatever form it may be available.• Do not try and do everything on your own. Build a team.• Learn to say no.• Carve out some time for yourself and keep yourself mentally and physically healthy. Do not let guilt prevent you from doing this.• Embrace change and try to stay positive.• Keep a sense of humour.• Use an agenda to prioritize tasks and try keeping a gratitude journal.

caregivers � nd the best stress reliever for them. “Meditation might work for one person, but not another,” she says, “It’s all about � nding what works for them.”

Keeping a gratitude journal can be a great help, too, she suggests, as can prioritizing du-ties by using an agenda.

For Bart, keeping a sense of humour was what helped her through.

“The things that caregivers have to see and do are sometimes hysterical and so if you can stop and step back from the situation and look at the insanity of it, then it can help you feel good about it,” she says.

Whatever the situation, there are always go-ing to be good days and bad days, Bart says, adding that caregivers can stay positive by knowing that they are adding value to the care recipient’s day.

Caregiving is a rewarding but dif� cult job. And it is a job that will fall to an increasing number of people as the baby-boomer genera-tion ages, people live longer and the number of people with age-related illnesses explodes in the coming years.

But it is a job to be valued, Bart says.“People need to be proud of themselves as

caregivers and know that society values them and � nds them important.”

Category title


Top of ads

existinglivingto

Moving fromthrive|mindfulness



If you’ve ever driven your car through an intersection and then wondered if the light was red, you know how easy it is to get lost in your thoughts. With the mad rush to get to work, get home from work, get dinner on the table, chauffeur children around and complete a multitude of other daily tasks, you might be excused for sometimes failing to live in the present moment.

But that lack of awareness could catch up with you one day. That was the case for East Gwillimbury resident Darlene Nicholson. At 45, she was running a successful foot-care busi-ness and working up to 60 hours a week. The stress led to burnout.

“My life as I knew it fell apart,” she says. “It was only through years of counselling, personal growth workshops and the practices of yoga and meditation that I began to create a more satisfying and joyful life.”

Nicholson discovered Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and his Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). The program incorporates meditation and gentle yoga to reduce stress and promote healing. She acknowledges many people, wom-en in particular, � nd it dif� cult to carve out time for meditation each day.

“Twenty minutes of time in this crazy, busy world is almost impossible, and that’s sad,” she says. “There are so many demands on us and we often put ourselves last. To create a life that has meaning, we need to put ourselves � rst.”

While meditation and yoga are key to MBSR, proponents say mindfulness extends beyond these scheduled opportunities.

“Mindfulness means paying attention in the present moment with compassionate aware-ness and acceptance,” Nicholson explains. “For

“There are so many demands on us and we often put ourselves last.To create a life that has meaning, we need to put ourselves fi rst.”

me, as I often � nd myself rushing through life, mindfulness is a reminder to slow down, be more aware of where I am going, who I am with and what I am doing.”

Cheryl Crosby, a Richmond Hill yoga and meditation teacher, says mindfulness has be-come a way of life for her.

“From the moment I wake up, I try to be more aware of my current circumstances—how I feel, my surroundings and the thoughts that bombard me. From there on, it is making an ef-fort to ‘wake up’ to each moment of my life as it is presented to me, without resistance.”

Students of mindful meditation report ben-e� ts such as coping more effectively with stress, experiencing greater energy and enthusiasm for life, lasting improvements in psychological and physical well-being and a deeper appreciation for self and others. A 2010 Harvard Medical School study suggests that MBSR is associated with increases in grey matter concentration in brain regions involved in learning and memory processes, emotion regulation, self-referential processing and perspective taking.

The University of Calgary’s Dr. Linda Carlson has been studying the effects of mindfulness on psychological and biological functioning in cancer patients since 1997. One of her recent studies shows practising mindfulness may help breast cancer patients better cope with their di-agnoses. Study participants who completed an MBSR program experienced less mood distur-bance and fewer self-reported health symptoms related to stress.

Nicholson says that while she still experi-ences moments of stress in her life, she is now better able to cope.

“I am more comfortable in my own skin and

I feel more content and accepting of life as it is. By practising mindfulness meditation, I have learned to be more present as well as less judg-mental, more patient, more open and curious and able to see things from a new perspective.”

She cautions that mindfulness is not a quick � x—it takes practice and perseverance. But the payoff is worth it, she says. “Through mindful-ness, we can move from a place of just existing to really living.”

BY JOANN MACDONALD

MINDFULNESS FOR BEGINNERS

While the idea of meditation can be frightening for many, mindful meditation teacher Darlene Nicholson says you’re not expected to “quiet” your mind, only to acknowledge your thoughts and not be disturbed by them. “There’s always going to be stress and fl uctuating emotions,” she says. “The goal in mindfulness is to watch, to witness, rather than getting lost in our thoughts.”

Instructor Cheryl Crosby suggests these easy steps for beginners: • As soon as you wake and before you go to sleep, close your eyes and become aware of your breath for a few moments. • Notice what thoughts, sensations, emotions and sounds show up in your awareness. If you get lost in any of those, come back to being aware of the breath. • Even just two minutes in the morning and before you go to sleep can make a difference in your life.

Category title


Top of ads


11We’ll help put you on your feet again!

With Comfort.

Walk Through

Your Life

www.markhampodiatry.com4997 Hwy 7. Unit 5. Markham Mews Plaza

905-470-2440

State of the art custom orthotics

Laser Treatment for fungal nails

Shockwave for Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)

Ultrasound & Magnetic Pulse for injuries

Ingrown and painful toenails

Bunion and hammertoe surgery

Diabetic foot care

State of the art custom orthoticsLaser Treatment for fungal nailsShockwave for Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)Ultrasound & Magnetic Pulse for injuriesIngrown and painful toenailsBunion and hammertoe surgeryDiabetic foot care

Deep Delta state relaxation in 5-10 minutes. For info, visit www.amethysbiomatsource.comBook your BioMat private session now! 50% discount code: “amethyst”. Rental & purchase available.

Natural Soothing Bio-EnergiesFor Body, Mind and Spirit

Far InfraredEnergy

NegativeIons

Amethyst CrystalEnergy

10 Hz SubsonicFrequencies

Stay’n Alivewith

Plant Derived

Presented by

SundayJan 31st

2:30-3:30pm

Jill HewlettWellness Authority & Brain Fitness Expert

& Dustin WidgerCertified Fitness Clinician & Holistic Health Coach

Every function in our body relies on minerals Booth #32

Stay’n Alivewith

Plant Derived

Presented by

SundayJan 31st

2:30-3:30pm




Stay’n Alivewith

Plant Derived

Presented by

SundayJan 31st

2:30-3:30pm




TreaT yourselfwiTh a

Gift Of Healingtoday.

Visit the ICH booth #33and find out how you can heal the harmfulmemories that cause subconscious stress

in your life.

Find out how you can use thishealing modality for your own

well-being, by getting amini-session at booth #33.

www.imagecode.org

Stress causes up 95% of all sickness.


events

1 Sarah Cale: Instants Passing Through the Air I Breathe

January 31 to May 8Toronto-based artist Sarah Cale uses “second-hand” brush strokes to create meticulous and colourful abstract paintings. Her paint is first applied to a plastic surface and, once dried, peeled off and collaged to a canvas or linen sup-port. In this way, Cale stretches the boundaries of her medium as she departs from traditional methods and processes of painting. This project fits within a larger thematic study of the products and processes of mark making from both a historical and contemporary perspective.Information: varleygallery.ca

2 Bboyizm Music Creates Opportunity February 4

Flato Markham TheatreChoreographer Crazy Smooth and his Bboyizm dance company elevate street dance to deliver precise, mastered technique and explosive movement that brings synchronicity and individu-alism together, creating a festive and communi-cative spirit of movement, music and life. Music Creates Opportunity explores themes of perso-nal expression through authentic street dance and pushes the art form to its edges considering the intersection of rhythm, expression and com-munity in the making of music and dance.Information: markhamtheatre.ca

3 The Spirit of Harriet Tubman February 11

Nineteen on the ParkOn a stage with only a trunk of costumes, The Spirit of Harriet Tubman uses Tubman’s own words in telling the story of her life from her earliest experiences as a slave through her work on the underground railroad to her continued commitment to others in her later years.This show is for ages eight and older. Information: 19onthepark.ca

Looking for something fun to do?Check out events on yorkregion.comonline

4 Family Fun Day February 15

Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum Come sample fresh local maple syrup and other treats, enjoy snowshoeing in the park (bring your own or borrow ours!) and check out the activities in the heritage buildings. Information: townofws.ca/museum

5 Jordan Raycroft in Concert February 20

Nineteen on the ParkJuno-nominated singer-songwriter Jordan Ray-croft has captivated audiences of all ages across Canada with his storytelling, foot-stomping melo-dies and intimate performances. Named 2013›s Folk Artist of the Year by the Niagara Music Awards, Raycroft launched his solo career only five years ago. More than 100 shows and two demos later, April 2013 saw the release of his self-titled debut. He has earned two 2013 GMA Canada Covenant Awards nominations including folk/roots album of the year.Information: 19onthepark.ca

6 Snowshoe Stroll February 20 and 21

York Regional Forest, Hollidge TractDiscover the forest on snowshoes. Take a guided adventure and learn how to identify trees in winter. Snowshoes provided. Registration requi-red. Recommended for ages six and up.Information: york.ca/forestevents

7Yamato: Bakuon Legend of the Heartbeat February 27

Flato Markham Theatre Yamato travels all over the world with Japan’s traditional Wadaiko drums, putting its very souls into the unusual instruments whose sound stirs the hearts of people everywhere. Bakuon is “the story of a strong, passionate and continuous beat,” based on the sound of the heartbeat in every one of us. Each beat from the taiko drums in Yamato represents who we are. It is our history, a life’s story of sweat and tears and the endless memories recorded in the sound of every person’s heart.Information: markhamtheatre.ca

8 An Evening with the Trews March 4

Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing ArtsJudging by the boldness of their choices, you’d never guess the Trews are 10 years, five studio albums and thousands of gigs into their highly celebrated career. Clearly, someone forgot to tell them that bands are supposed to become more predictable as the years go by, not less so. With hit singles including, Paranoid Freak, Poor Ol’ Broken Hearted Me and the recent hit Rise in the Wake, the Trews continue to be one of Canada’s most prolific hard rock bands, stub-bornly refusing to ever play it safe. Information: rhcentre.ca

9 Theatre of the Beat’s A Little Fire March 4 and 5

Nineteen on the ParkAithne is a child prodigy who paints direct mes-sages from God. But at age 16, she suddenly stops having visions, much to the exasperation of her fame-loving father. After years of being upheld as a prophet, Aithne must grapple with life without a guiding voice. Now after a tragic mistake lands her behind bars, she meets Roy, a 20-something frat boy who is running from adulthood. As they begin to tell stories, things start falling into place. Information: 19onthepark.ca

10 Forest Predators Walk March 5

York Regional Forest, Hollidge TractLearn about forest predators’ tracks and beha-viours. See birds of prey up close. Registration required. Information: york.ca/forestevents

11 Celtic Nights presents Spirit of Freedom

March 12 Flato Markham TheatreCeltic Nights brings you on a stunning musical journey of emigration, of lives spent searching for a place better than Ireland. It will fill you with laughter, sadness, melancholy, a sense of genuine Irish identity and celebrations. Comme-morate the 100th anniversary of Ireland through this spectacular musical production featuring 16 dancers, singers and musicians live on stage. Information: markhamtheatre.ca

11in your communityto DOTHINGS

Jordan Raycroft

The Trews

Category title


Top of ads

portfolio |The Flatliners



Few people are as ready for a challenge as professional wrestlers Nick Foti and Matt Giunta. Known individually as Asylum and Burns and collectively as the Flatliners, the duo harnessed their strengths as teammates to take on the third season of The Amazing Race Canada, � nishing just shy of � rst place.

Were you to run into Foti or Giunta at their day jobs, it wouldn’t be obvious that they suit up in spandex in their off-hours. Newmarket resident Foti is an elementary school teacher. Giunta, a real estate agent, lives in Stouffville. But the two friends share a desire to keep life exciting.

“I grew up saying, ‘Hey, I want to be a wrestler,’” Giunta says. “And I went for it. I can look back with no regrets. I wanted to be on The Amazing Race Canada and we went for it. Too many times fear stops us from doing things that we want to. You want something, just go for it—it makes for one hell of a story.”

Fear is not an option for these two. “I don’t have many fears—to me, a fear means you will not attempt it,” Foti says. “I have more dislikes. I can hold a snake or eat bugs or climb heights if I have to, but normally I prefer not to.”

A team for over a decade, the two were con� dent they could handle the physical and mental challenges posed by the race. “A lot of times wrestling is a high-impact improv show,” Giunta says. “You have a slight game plan, but you really don’t know what’s next. You need to be able to keep your wits about you and react quickly. The race was similar, you had no idea what was next, but we knew we’d be able to just roll with the punches.”

Accustomed to public performances, the pair nevertheless had to adjust to having a camera in their faces at every moment. “But then you get used to it,” Giunta says. “When the race was � nished, it was odd to not have a camera to turn to and explain how you’re feeling.”

The race has brought them a heightened level of public exposure. As a teacher, Foti says

he struggled to hide his wrestling career for years. “I didn’t want people to get the wrong impression about me. Wrestling has a certain stigma that I am very aware of. Now, because I own it and do my job well, I feel most people respect the fact that I enjoy something a little ‘off the beaten path.’” Giunta says he doesn’t mention his wrestling career to clients, but if they follow The Amazing Race Canada, it makes for “a fun topic of conversation.”

Balancing two jobs isn’t always easy, but Giunta says he has it handled. “My job comes � rst, and wrestling events I know about well in advance and can schedule myself accordingly and make sure my clients and any deals in the works are well taken care of.”

Foti admits balancing teaching with pro wrestling is dif� cult. “I basically don’t have any days off,” he says. “I don’t complain because I choose to do it because I love it. Teaching and wrestling kinda feels like being a superhero in the evening. Ha ha.”

Even superheroes have their kryptonite. For these two, it turned out to be tepees and skis. The most challenging moment of The Amazing Race Canada for Giunta? “The stress of not knowing what we were doing wrong while building a tepee, and having to switch challenges.” For Foti, it was � nding two matching skis in a whole heap of similar skis. “On the � nale, when I was looking for that matching ski and I just could not � nd it, I felt like I was really letting Matt down.”

For all the dif� cult moments, the two seem to remember more that were good. “There were a lot of little moments Matt and I shared that stand out to me,” Foti says. “The most obvious was probably the win in Delhi. It was vindication that all our hard work � nally paid off.”

To come so close to � rst place and not win was dif� cult for two seasoned competitors. “We are incredibly proud of how we ran the race, and the experience was amazing, but it

is painful to be minutes away from all those prizes and winning,” Giunta says.

Both men agree they’d do it all over again. “It was tough and at some points on the race I said to myself that I would never do this again,” Foti says. “Looking back now and seeing how close we were to No. 1, I’d almost have to do it again, if only to prove to ourselves that we can be No. 1.”

With the race behind them, the duo are looking to the future. “We will continue to do what we always do, be pro wrestlers,” Foti says. “The race may have opened a few doors and we are talking to different people about various projects, but, in the meantime, the plan remains the same. Wear spandex and throw ourselves to the ground.”


GOING TO THE MATLocal realtor, teacher moonlight as pro wrestlers

BY JOANN MACDONALD

Category title


Top of ads

culture|Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum

STEP INTO

THE PAST60 | GoodLife • January - February 2016

For much of its history, Whitchurch-Stouffville has been a quiet, rural community of bu-

colic farms, pleasant communities and shaded woods. One might easily mistake the region for the kind of place where not much happened, where time—history, if you will—has stood still until the recent encroachment of suburbia. A few hours spent immersing oneself in the col-lection of the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum in Gormley quickly dispels you of this illusion.

The museum showcases one of York Region’s largest historic collections. Its artifacts, docu-ments and photographs tell the story of more than 200 years of local history. The museum’s mission is to be “a dynamic focal point of com-munity interaction through public program-

ming, heritage conservation, research and edu-cation initiatives in a welcoming, authentic and sustainable way.” Mission accomplished.

Within the main museum is an interactive Discovery Room for kids (the museum holds summer camps for young children), a hall for hosting events, exhibit space that holds rotating exhibits and a brand new permanent exhibit of Stouffville that opened in November. This exhibit traces the history of Whitchurch and Stouffville communities from the time of First Nations to the creation of the Region of York in 1971 and the amalgamation of the two com-munities into Whitchurch-Stouffville.

The museum is home to hundreds of arti-facts tracing the history of the region. There’s

a wedding dress worn by Mary Bogart in her 1852 nuptials, a reminder of an important fam-ily who lent their name to the village of Bogart-town. There’s also a series of four letters written by Henry Wideman to his brother, Philip, while Henry was serving in the American Civil War. As many as 50,000 Canadians served in the con� ict, mostly with the Union armies.

Of course, many more answered the call during the World Wars and the museum has a number of artifacts re� ecting those tragic con� icts—including a set of three 10-carat gold rings given by the Township of Whitchurch to those who served in the Second World War (a fourth ring was sent to the Canadian War Mu-seum). »

BY ANDREW HIND


Category title


Top of ads

culture|Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum

Numerous photographs chronicle the development of Whitchurch-Stouffville over the years. One of the more in-teresting is a black and white image of Daley’s Hall, built in 1885 on the corner of present day Main Street and Market in Stouffville, where Silver Jubilee is located today. Daley’s Hall was a meeting hall and had a skating ring inside. For decades, it was one of the most recognizable buildings in town and a centre of social life, until it was lost in a 1923 blaze.

The grounds, meanwhile, boast a � ne collection of histori-cally relevant buildings that enable guests to step back into time.

“The � rst building in the museum collection was the Bog-arttown Schoolhouse. In fact, the museum was originally housed in just this building until it was moved here to Gorm-ley,” explains Sarah Farrant, interim events co-ordinator. “The school was built in 1857 and is the oldest brick school house in Ontario outside Toronto. If you look carefully, you can still see the initials carved by students in the exterior brick walls and the teacher’s desk inside actually belonged to the school’s � rst teacher, Francis Starr.”

Closed in 1968, the school is all that remains of the once thriving farming village of Bogarttown, located between Les-lie and Woodbine along Mulock in what is now Newmarket.


In 1969, the building was converted into the � rst home of the Whitchurch-Stouffville Muse-um. When Hwy. 404 was built, the school was moved to its present site in Gormley.

Joining the Bogarttown school over the years have been a number of other buildings, creating what Farrant refers to as “our own little pioneer village.”

A circa-1850s log cabin represents a typi-cal � rst home of a pioneer settler-family. The legacy of those who lived within it can be seen in the architecture—the ax marks on the broad-beamed walls made with the calloused hands of an immigrant farmer, the light spot on the walls where stairs lead to the loft-bedroom of little ones and black scorch marks that reveal a past � re. Not far away are a typical 19th cen-tury barn and a unique two-seater outhouse. A second schoolhouse, the Vandorf School, is the only building original to the site. Erected in 1871, it features two separate entrances—one for girls and one for boys. When a new school was opened in Vandorf in 1956, the old school-house was repurposed as an of� ce for the On-tario Provincial Police before it was added to the museum collection in 1979.

The centrepiece of the entire collection is the elegant Brown House, the Victorian home of James Brown, a follower of William Lyon Mackenzie at the Battle of Montgomery’s Tav-ern in 1837 and a prominent � gure in early Stouffville. Not much has changed since the mid-1800s. The house retains its original trim and baseboards, painted a darker colour and

treated with wood graining to make it appear like expensive mahogany, and its unique built-in closets in the upstairs bedrooms—almost unheard of in those days—designed to � t into the eaves of the home to give the upper rooms almost full walls without the usual sloping ceil-ing of a one-and-a-half storey home (important in an era when homes with a full second story were taxed at a higher rate). The house is con-sidered one of the � nest examples of Victorian architecture in the town.

The Brown House played host to a number of important community functions. Brown re-mained active in politics even after the defeat of Mackenzie’s ill-fated rebellion and remained an ardent supporter of the Reform movement (now known as the Liberal Party of Canada). He and his wife, Barbara, hosted numerous political meetings within their home. The Browns also hosted Women’s Institute meetings, gatherings of the Old Boys and Girls Club of York and, in June 1868, the Grand Temperance Celebration was held on the property and included a picnic, a concert by the Sharon Band and a parade that started and ended at the Brown farm.

The most notable event occurred in 1877. James’ son, John Johnston, was a community leader like his father. Due to his expert penman-ship, John was often asked to write important documents, among them drawing up the in-corporation papers for the Village of Stouffville. The document was actually signed right in the dining room of the Brown House, undoubtedly with a proud James Brown looking on.

Remaining in the family until 1965, the home was eventually abandoned and left va-cant. Finally, it was donated to the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum in 1984, where it was painstakingly restored and returned to a mid-19th century appearance.

The museum plays host to a number of spe-cial events over the course of the year. “Our biggest, most popular event is the annual car show held the second Sunday in August. The grounds are � lled with dozens of antique cars and hundreds of visitors,” Farrant says. “We also have a popular Victorian Tea in November, where guests enjoy plum pudding, tea, � nger sandwiches and desserts. My favourite event is our annual Candlelight Christmas. It’s the per-fect way to get in the festive spirit. Everything is lit by candles and lanterns, we have seasonal baking, a choir singing traditional Christmas carols, sleigh rides, visits with Father Christmas for children, a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Experience more than 200 years of history in just a few hours at the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum. You’ll leave not only with a better un-derstanding of the community’s past, but, as a consequence, also a greater appreciation of the present.

JUST THE FACTStownofws.ca/en/explore/museum.asp

14732 Woodbine Ave., GormleyTuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Telephone: 905-727-8954


Category title


Top of ads

Rainbow Elgin Mills has 10 auditoriums with digitalprojection and comfortable seating.

The cinema’s multiple screens showcase mainstreamHollywood, Canadian and foreign films to serve the richand diverse community of Richmond Hill.

All auditoriums have wheelchair access and assistivelistening devices.

Matinees shows are scheduled everyday.

Tuesdays are discounted at $5.

Group rates and two party rooms areavailable for your movie going enjoyment.

Check website for more details & current attractions at:ELGIN MILLS

10909 YONGE ST.CARLTON CINEMA

20 CARLTON ST.MARKET SQUARE80 FRONT ST. E

PROMENADE MALL1PROMENADE CIRCLE

WOODBINE CENTRE500 REXDALE BLVD.

ELGIN MILLS10909 Yonge Street

(off Yorkland St. behind plaza)

ELGIN MILLS

Rainbow Elgin Mills has 10 auditoriums with digitalprojection and comfortable seating.

The cinema’s multiple screens showcase mainstreamHollywood, Canadian and foreign films to serve the richand diverse community of Richmond Hill.

All auditoriums have wheelchair access and assistivelistening devices.

Matinees shows are scheduled everyday.

Tuesdays are discounted at $5.

Group rates and two party rooms areavailable for your movie going enjoyment.

Check website for more details & current attractions at:ELGIN MILLS

10909 YONGE ST.CARLTON CINEMA

20 CARLTON ST.MARKET SQUARE80 FRONT ST. E

PROMENADE MALL1PROMENADE CIRCLE

WOODBINE CENTRE500 REXDALE BLVD.

ELGIN MILLS10909 Yonge Street

(off Yorkland St. behind plaza)

ELGIN MILLS

Category title


Top of ads


Specializing In All DentureServices Including

Implant Dentures & PermanentTeeth In A Day

Call for a FREE, No Obligation

Denture Consultation

905-471-3381

Creating Beautiful Smiles Since 1993NEW PATIENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!

5990 16th Ave., Unit 212, MarkhamIn Plaza at Northwest Corner of 16th Ave.

& Hwy. 48 (Beside Global Pet foods)

Fernando Crupi, Denturistand Associateswww.thetoothshoppe.ca

16th Ave

HW

Y48

in the crowd

27TH ANNUAL CIBC CELEBRATION OF HOPEMarkham Stouffville Hospital Foundation hosted the annual CIBC Celebration of Hope luncheon, Nov. 1, 2015 at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa. The event, which includes lunch, shopping and live entertainment, brings together the community to celebrate, educate and raise awareness about breast cancer, other cancers and the people they affect. Funds raised support the Breast Health Centre and chemotherapy clinic at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Betty Bell, Jean Collins, Ivy Brown, Beverly 1. Thomson of CTV’s Canada AM, MC Erin Davis of 98.1 CHFI, Michael Cooper of 98.1 CHFI, Carol Wildgoose, Rob Whitehead, Deborah Cooper and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Vivian Risi of Royal Le Page – Your Community 2. Realty (seated, second from left) and friends

98.1 CHFI’s Erin Davis is recognized for her 3. dedication to the CIBC Celebration of Hope. This year marked her 25th year as emcee of the event.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham Stouffville 4. Hospital Foundation’s Allan Bell present Michael and Deborah Cooper with the 2015 Hope Award

KELVIN YOUNG, PHOT-O-HOLIC IMAGERYAND EPICFOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY

1

43

2

Hotel, Suites & Conference Centre600 Highway 7 East (at Leslie Street)

Elegant. Sophisticated. Romantic.

Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1B2

Tel: 905-882-3101 / 1-800-668-0101E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.sheratonparkway.com

Sheraton Parkway Toronto North

Where Two Become One


Hotel, Suites & Conference Centre600 Highway 7 East (at Leslie Street)

Elegant. Sophisticated. Romantic.

Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1B2

Tel: 905-882-3101 / 1-800-668-0101E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.sheratonparkway.com

Sheraton Parkway Toronto North

Where Two Become One

Category title


Top of ads


Canada’s LargestHyundai FaCiLity

ProudLy serving tHe CommunitysinCe 1985

goodlife markham january/february edition 2016

Documents