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36 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, November 17, 2011 Ask 83 Mill Street, Suite B, Georgetown, Ontario Professionals the about this NEW special feature can be directed to: Any Questions Amy Sykes 905-873-0301 ext. 237 asykes@the IFP.ca Ask the Professionals DIRECTORY COMPUTERS PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES 905-873-9393 Marta Masley B.Sc.(PT), M.C.P.A. Tel: (905) 877-8668 Fax: (905) 877-4165 Nicholson Network Services Inc. WWW.FORGECOACHINGANDCONSULTING.COM INFO@FORGECOACHINGANDCONSULTING.COM Commun Comm Co uniic icat ati tio ions ions ns and IT solution n providers for sma all to medium sized d b si bu sine ness ne sses ss es. es . Q: A: My 12 year old child has been complaining of back pain ever since school started this fall. I'm wondering if she is carrying her backpack incorrectly? Children that carry backpacks incorrectly, or that carry the wrong type of backpack, may develop bad posture, muscle tension and back pain. This can even progress to an unhealthy back as an adult First of all, make sure that your child is utilizing both shoulder straps, not just one - which seems to be the "fad" lately. The straps should have thicker padding as not to dig into the shoulder muscles and collarbone. Secondly, avoid backpacks that have only one large compartment. This will cause the weight to drop down to the bottom and press into the lower back. This, with the pull on the shoulders, will cause your child to lean back and hyperextend the lower back. Subsequently, a muscle strain will develop. Make sure that your child is not carrying unnecessary items to school. Heavier items should be placed closer to the top of the pack, with lighter items (such as sweaters, etc.) in the bottom. Lighter items can also be placed in the pockets and smaller compartments. A good rule of thumb with respect to how heavy a backpack should be: before puberty, children should not carry more than 10% of their weight, and after puberty they can carry up to 20%. An ideal backpack will also have padding along the spine. Since children spend years taking their backpacks to and from school, it is possible that even young children can develop postural problems, chronic tightness and tension. Rather than treating the problems afterwards, it is best if they can be prevented. Q: A: Why are hobbies so important to your emotional well-being? Call to book a free on-site inspection today. (416) 848-3121 INSURANCE F Have you ever noticed how when you create art, do wood working projects, scrapbook, knit or sew etc, you feel happier? That is because doing things with your hands triggers a pleasure reaction and a feel-good state in your brain. The brain is circuited toward effort driven actions. This means we are wired to create things and in return we feel good. The benefit of making things with your hands is not only to create a product, it truly is psychological and physiological. The focus required to create brings people to reach a state of "Flow". That is, when we lose track of time and purely enjoy the process and the moment. This psychological state combined with the repetitious and rhythmical movements which come from making things or creating are known to be very soothing and relaxing. So the next time you want to manage your stress, get off the couch, turn off your computer, and create something. Manon Dulude is a certified member of OACCPP and a Professional Certified Coach. She can be reached at 905-873-9393. Goalie gear donated The Insurance Brokers of Ontario has provided sets of goalie equipment to 40 Ontario Minor Hockey Association centres and Georgetown was among the chosen organizations to benefit from the IBAO Goaltender Assist Program. Paul C. Armstrong Insurance Brokers was selected as the local "pick-up" location and president Paul Armstrong (top left), a longtime Georgetown Minor Hockey Association sponsor, recently presented GMHA house league goalie clinic director Rick Greene with a set of gear for this season and beyond. Jake Ralph, 6, who tends net for the senior tyke Georgetown South Kumon Centre Penguins, will be among those who share the equipment from week to week. Each kit contains an equipment bag, chest protector, pads, blocker, catcher's glove, stick and other goaltender resources. Photo by Eamonn Maher MEDIATION SEPARATION & DIVORCE MEDIATION REDUCE COST AND CONFLICT ACCREDITED MEDIATORS GEORGETOWN, MISSISSAUGA, ORANGEVILLE FLEXIBLE HOURS AND PAYMENT METHODS 1-866-506-PCCS (7227) 905-567-8858 www.pccs.ca Professional Workplace and Family Services DIVORCE WITH DIGNITY AND KEEP YOUR MONEY IN YOUR POCKET! MORTGAGES FREE Dinner For Two The Cellar Restaurant with your Mortgage. *call today for details SUSAN S. POWELL BARRISTER & SOLICITOR CARRIERS NEEDED Churchill Rd S Roseford Terr ACTON FAMILY LAW 350 RUTHERFORD RD. S. (Plaza 2, Suite 320) on the Corner of Steeles & Rutherford SUSAN S. POWELL GEORGETOWN River Dr Rexway Drive Chipper court Hale Drive Heslop Court Main St South Park Ave Guelph st Baylor Cres Margaret st King st Mountainview rd N Maple Ave Mill st Queen st John st College st 905-450-1850 Barbara Byckowski Investment Advisor, BBA, PFP, CFP 905-455-6677 I have been living with my boyfriend for 4 years. He owns the house we live in and he pays the bills for the house but I pay for the groceries and other expenses. He wants me to move out. Does he have to pay me spousal support (his income is much higher than mine) and can I make a claim against his house? Email: barbara.byckowski@rbc.com Q: Q: A: We go South to Florida every winter. One of our friends mentioned that we need to be careful how much time we spend in the U.S. ­ that there can be tax implications! Can you please tell us more? PROPOSALS BANKRUPTCY CAN BE AVOIDED. CALL US! SERVING FOR 35 YEARS A: You can make a claim against a commonlaw spouse for spousal support if you have lived together for 3 years or longer or if you are the parents of a child and have had a relationship of some permanence. Property claims are different when you live common-law or are married. If you live common-law you do not have a claim against your boyfriend's house, unless you made a substantial and direct contribution to the preservation, maintenance, operation or improvement of the property, which should entitle you to an interest in the house. If you wish to further discuss this situation please contact me to ensure you understand your rights. Many people are surprised to learn that their presence in the US, even if they are only vacationing, can create U.S. tax and reporting obligations on their worldwide income if their U.S. residence status is "U.S. resident alien". In order to determine U.S. residency status, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) applies a test known as the "substantial presence test". This test averages the number of days you were present in the U.S. during the past three-year period, beginning with the current year. Failure to understand the U.S. tax obligations imposed by the IRS can result in unpleasant surprises and costly penalties. For a copy of an article that provides a basic understanding of U.S. residency under U.S. tax laws and potential ways to avoid U.S. tax and reporting obligations associated with being considered a U.S. resident alien, please email me at Barbara.byckowski@rbc.com or call at 905-450-1850 and I will send you a copy of the article. RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member CIPF. Insurance products are offered through RBC DS Financial Services Inc., a subsidiary of RBC Dominion Securities Inc. When providing life insurance products, Investment Advisors are acting as Insurance Representatives of RBC DS Financial Services Inc. ®Registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. RBC Dominion Securities is a registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ©Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. GET A FRESH START Get SOLUTIONS now for: Credit Card Problems · Persistent Bill Collectors · Delinquent Taxes · Loss of Job Wage Garnishments · Foreclosures · Divorce Related Financial Problems 360 Guelph St., Suite 36B, Georgetown BY APPOINTMENT ONLY www.paddonyorke.com NO CHARGE FOR INITIAL CONSULTATION 905-873-2295 GLEN WILLIAMS Tweedle st Mountain St STAGING/ORGANIZING Innovative Solutions Offering Services in Professional Organizing Staging and Redesign Decor Consultations "Living is made easy with the right solutions" Laurie Coish 647-231-9711 www.innovativesolutions4u.ca Laurie@innovativesolutions4u.ca "He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask remains a fool forever" ~Chinese proverb If interested, please call CIRCULATION 905-873-0301