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

th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, A ug us t 23 ,2 01 8 | 6 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the news- paper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca newsroom@theifp.ca IndependentAndFreePress @IFP_11 WHO WE ARE Publisher Kelly Montague Regional General Manager Steve Foreman Regional Director of Media Holly Chriss Regional Managing Editor Catherine O'Hara Regional Manager Digital Content Karen Miceli Distribution Representative Iouliana Polar Classified/Real Estate Kristie Pells Regional Production Manager Manuel Garcia Production Shelli Harrison Halton Media General Manager Vicki Dillane CONTACT US The Independent & Free Press 280 Guelph Street, Unit 77 Georgetown, ON L7G 4B1 Phone: 905-873-0301 Classifieds: 905-234-1016 Fax: 905-873-0398 Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 200 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, con- dense or reject letters. Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail lpolar@miltoncana- dianchampion.com or call 905- 234-1019. OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT THEIFP.CA EDITORIAL There's a scourge on our streets killing innocent people, and despite the headlines recently, especially in Toronto, little is being done to make our streets safer. Politicians talk a good game about getting tough on the problem, yet solutions remain out of reach and more people die. As of July 25, Toronto recorded 30 gun-related homi- cides, but there's a greater evil lurking in the shadows of our towns and cities than illegal guns - fentanyl and carfentanil. Statistics Canada data shows that in the first six months of 2017, there were 1,460 opioid-related deaths in the country. To put things in perspective, the num- ber of people murdered in Canada in 2016 by guns was 223. In Toronto alone, seven peopled died between Aug. 2-13 after ingesting drugs containing fentanyl or carfentanil, and surely more will die before the month is out. And what do our poli- ticians do? Premier Doug Ford pumps $25 million into fighting gun violence and then abruptly his Min- ister of Health places a moratorium on the cre- ation of overdose preven- tion sites. Ontario "will be review- ing the evidence and speak- ing to experts to ensure that any continuation of Supervised Consumption Services and Overdose Pre- vention Sites are going to introduce people into rehabili- tation. Until this review is complete, these sites are requested not to open until further notice," states a memo sent to Ontario doctors on Aug. 10. We may not have the logic skills of a Vulcan, but to us it seems the province has its priorities backwards. Illegal gun crime is no doubt a serious issue worthy of our attention, and while the Premier's money targeted for combatting gun crime is laudable, it behooves the province to tackle the fentanyl and carfentanil problem with the same vigor as illegal gun crime. However, it's easier for politicians to jump on the gun crime soapbox than dealing with a drug problem rooted in organized crime, poverty, addiction, homelessness, China and mental health. Fentanyl and carfentanil have opened an evil door- way across our country and it's time our politicians slammed it shut. If not, we may be on the cusp of a national tragedy akin to the crack epidemic that ravaged the U.S. from 1984 to 1990. OPIOID DEATHS A GREATER THREAT THAN GUNS Fentanyl and carfentanil have opened an evil doorway across our country and it's time our politicians slammed it shut. You can give yourself permission to take care of yourself. To slow down. To take a break. Is this news to you? We often go through our days thinking that we al- ways have to be on the move. That productivity rules. That we are some- how letting someone, even ourselves, down if we aren't doing something and doing it perfectly. But, taking a break and treating yourself well is something. It's time that you use to recharge, re- lax, and get your mind off of whatever is bothering or distracting you. Being kind to yourself means something different to ev- eryone - there is no "one size fits all" - and it may very well be one of the most important and ful- filling things you do all day. 'Me time' The key step to start with that is challenging for many is giving your- self the all-important per- mission. It could be some- thing as simple as decid- ing not to do the dishes af- ter dinner one night and catching up the next day. Or asking your partner to do homework with kids while you read or medi- tate for 15 minutes. Or taking a break from work to walk outside and get re- freshed. Even if it takes baby steps to get there, making small strides to- wards more "me time" can pay off big time in terms of better stress manage- ment and overall well-be- ing. Finding the time vs. making the time One of the most com- mon things we hear is people saying, "I just can't find the time to take a break." But, you will nev- er just find the time for anything. If you want time, you have to make time. Set aside some pre- cious minutes wherever you can. And look at how you are really spending your time - could the half hour you spend mindlessly surfing the web be better used for a relaxing bubble bath or some energizing yoga? Choose whatever helps you feel positive and calm. Come up with some quick go-tos for busy days and plan longer periods of time when you can to do what means most to you. We promise you...it's OK, and important, to do things for yourself. Be- lieve that yourself and you're on the right track. Melanie McGregor is the communications and advancement specialist at the Canadian Mental Health Association Hal- ton Region Branch, which provides mental health/ addictions community support and education. Visit www.halton.cm- ha.ca for more informa- tion and follow @cmha- halton on Twitter for news and updates. MAKING TIME FOR YOU IF YOU WANT TIME, YOU HAVE TO MAKE TIME, WRITES MCGREGOR MELANIE MCGREGOR Column