The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Whitby Free Press, Wednesday, May 12, 1993, Page 15 Protect your eyes from sun's UV radiation Children, aduits and seniors are urged te, protect their vision frein the damaging effects eof the sun's ult.raviolet (UV-B) radiation when they are outside in dnylight heurs during the summer months. Protection should include wearing sunglasses with as much UJV blockage as possible -- preferably 100 per cent -- and wearing a wide-brimmed hat that shades the eyes from the sun. "There are absolutely ne benefits te exposing your eyes and vision systein te UV radiation, but there are many potential hazards," says Dr. Mira Acs, president eof the Ontario Association of Optometriets. "Every part cf the eye, including the eyelids, Ions, cornea and retina înay suifer both immediate and long-terni damage from prolonged exposure te sunlight." While more Canadians are recognizing the dangers of exposing their skcin to ultraviolet radiation froin the sun, a recent Environrnent; Canada study shows that fewer than one in five Canadians are aware of potential damage to their eyes frorn UV radiation. "Children and teens under age 18 may be at risk because, generally, they spend more Urne outdoors than most aduits. We urge parents te ensure their children wear protective eyewear or wide-brimmed hats when they are outside ini the sun. Hopefu11y, children and youths wlget into the habit of protection their eyes -- a habit that will help them ail their lives," says Acs. Potential danmage te the eyes and vision systeni frm UV radiation includes sunburn, premature aging of the skin and risk of <snowbindnessd (Photo- keratisis); and brunescent cataracts on the eye's lens. "Eight per cent of what we leara cornes frorn our vision -- it's our most important; sense. "Se when you venture out into the sun this summer, remember that it is just as important to protect your eyes as it is to protect your slcin," says Acs. Landscaping for conservation FROM PAGE 14 but save a lot cf money over the years. Landscaping for energy con- servation is aise becoming a popular way cf cutting household energy costs, while niaking properties more beautiful. Most projects cf this nature are guided by professionals. One cf the biggest ceurrent trends in horticulture is called zero-scaping. This involves planning gardens that require ne pruning, watering or ether special care once they're in place -- a boon te environmental protection and a big help for people who have limited Urne te spend looking after plants. Shoppers looking for ways te stretch their gardening dollar are reniinded that cheaper plants niay net be the best deal. Plants that are priced very low niay not be in goed shape," says Gurevsky. ilPerennials that c me with a guarantee -- most arýq valid for two years frorn date ûi* purchase -can save the consumer monoy." Anyone who is uncertain about a nursery's reputation may wish te contact Landscape Ontario, a herticultural organization with nuembers including garden centres, landscape contracters, growers, planners and spray cemparues. The organization, which works with goveramont on such issues as pesticide controls and plant importation, offers advico te consumors thrcugh a series cf brochures available at rnost major gardon centres. Many association members have completed an aýpprenticeship in horticulture. The prograrn, offered at several comniunity colleges in Ontario, combines lassroomn instruction with practical experience throughout a two-year course cf study. Landscape Ontario aIse offers te help consumera resolve U disputes with members. The office niay be reached by calling (416) 629-1184. Another group cf horticulture professionals, landscape archi- tects, generally deal with more cornplicated projects, such as parks, zoos and municipal buildings. However, some of these highly-trained specialists enjoy residential work and the Ontario Association cf Landscape Architects will previde a directory or member firins, free ef charge, by calling (416) 443-1785. Regardless eof the acadernic qualifications cf the professional yeu may cheese fer your preject, you must inake four basic decisions. 1. De you wish te, hire someene for design only? 2. Would you prefer a nursery or expert te, provide beth plants and planning services? 3. Hcw actively involved with the project do you want te become? Some people want te complete a large garden quickly and cheose te have a landscape contracter do aIl the work. Most prefer te tackle a series cf smallor projects themselves and finish theni ever a peried cf tume. This saves meney and gives a sense of accomplishinent.1 4. Once you've decided on an appreach and have a list cf potential suppliers, narrow it down by looking nt samples cf their work. Grewing gardons sirnilar te your own project are your best guide te choosing horticultural experts whose work yeu'll enjoy fer many years te, cerne. EARLY BIRD TUNE-UP $ 4995+ Taxes Your authorized Lawn-Boy Dealer GUARANTEED REPAIRS We seil the best and service the restl 837-0653 PICKERING MARINE 1644 Bayly St, Plckerlng -I enawodR. LANDSCAPE RETAINING WALLS INS TA LLA TION & SA LES Interlocking FT. Stone f rom WWwhesr v Red Rom. 5825 THICKSON RD. N. TutnRd. C -11-OsHwA 65m5- 4749