Halton HillsThis Week, Wednésday; July 22,1992, Page 5 OP ED “Op Ed” — old time newspaper term meaning the page opposite the editorial page. This page has traditionally been held open for opinion pieces, letters, and comment from various sources. Family violence Elder abuse must be reco By J.C. Palmer Elder abuse is often a crime which is caused by family member, -friend, staff in a residential home or anyone else on whom an older per- son may rely. The person commit- ting the abuse usually has control or influenge over that person. Elder abuse may consist of spousal abuse — either physical, emotional or sexual assault. It may also include financial abuse by a child or friend, or neglect through abandonment. We all know some elderly person who is being abused. Signs of abuse in the elderly include: depression, fear, anxiety, unexplained physical injuries, poor hygiene, bed sores or over-sedation. If you have a friend who has money or personal items such as jewelry go missing, they are likely being abused. are many reasons for the occurrence of elder abuse. The abuser may have an alcohol or drug problem, a history of anti-social behavior or be mentally unstable. Sometimes the abuser is simply a child who wants his inheritance HELP US HELP OURSELVES ras he is young enough to enjoy sone the victim is dependent upon the abuser for the necessities of life and companionship. The vic- tim may be already isolated from the community at large because of poor health, poor sight or poor hearing. Sometimes the elder abuse is just a continuance of the cycle of violence which began in early adulthood. Often a child may be gnized pea even” with an abusive par- ent rie abuse is seldom reported because the victim is afraid of the consequences. For example, if the abuser is a son or grandchild, the victim may fear the loss of love an support the pela gives. The victim may be dependent upon the abuse for food, shelter, clothing and health care. Most victims fear being institutionalized. ike many other victims, mostly they are ashamed to admit they’ve allowed themselves to be victim- ized. Victims of elder abuse need shel- ter and access to financial resources. Often home support ser- vices are necessary so they do not have to be so dependent on others. Emotional support, counselling and better linkages with the com- munity can help ensure the elderly victim can make the necessary changes to stop the violence against him or her. In an upcoming column I will discuss services which are available to help older adults. Walk this way. By Laurie Burns “Fitness walking” is walking that maintains a fast enough pace for a sufficient duration to pro- duce beneficial cardiovascular and respiratory changes in the body. In other words, you have to walk fast enough and long enough to make it work. Posture is important. Your head should be held in a neutral posi- tion (chin neither too high nor too low); look straight ahead; keep your shoulders back and relaxed; lift your chest and swing your arms comfortably in rhythm with your legs. The actual action of the foot during walking is a heel strike followed by rolling onto the ball of the foot and finishing with a strong push off the toes. Point your feet and knees straight ahead. If you include hills on your walks (after all, this is Halton Hills), you’ll increase the workload and the calories you burn. When going up and down hills, bend your knees slightly to reduce stress to the knee joint. Pace yourself when you walk. Your goal is to walk at a brisk pace (15 minutes per mile or Town’s tax dollar travesty In times of restraint it is hard to understand why the Town of Halton Hills would waste taxpayers money. T estimate $50,000 to $70,000 of our taxes are being spent on Toronto lawyers who are defending the planning department’s decision to allow a 20-lot rural subdivision on the Eighth Line near Ballinafad. Certainly the Town is allowed to render an opinion in favour of this development . Mr. McClure is also within his rights t propose develop- ment on his property. Hickory Falls Ratepayers Group (comprised of The waters on Acton’s Fairy Lake seemed just ducky were swimming off of the polluted south shore of Fairy Lake. to this group captured on film Friday. The ducks Photo by Jamie Harrison Eighth and Ninth Line residents) have an equal right to say they do not want it. What is wrong is to Activity Line For Pete's Sake Peter! someone's ON Me PHONE For you! aN MESSAGE, BU’ comm waxe Me 2! by Roe WELL, THEY HAPPEN So RARELY, | Don't WANT term success and reduce the risk of injury. If you walk at a slow to moder- ate pace, you can use a straight tocks and backs of the legs, as well as the muscles on the front of the lower legs. When you pump your arms when you walk, you will condition them as well. Walking strengthens'your bones, it can help to reduce stress, and energize your body. have tax dollars spent in support of Mr. McClure’s development! It does not matter if you are in favor of this particular proposal or against it, you are bound to agree this is a fravesty, a complete misuse of our public funds. We cannot allow this to happen, this time or ever. There are an éstimated nine days of O.M.B. hearings left which are due to start on August 4. If you do not want your taxes spent this way, call the Town at 873-2600 to join me in voicing your dismay. Sincerely Lois Fraser Santa Claus Parade plans under way Dear Editor Acton Firefighters Association would like to remind everyone that Plans are well underway for their annual Acton Santa Claus Parade. This annual event, hosted by our association is being held on Saturday, November 21, 1992 and the theme this lex is “All Wrapped Up for Christm: Your abil support and co- operation for this and other special events is very much appreciated and we thank you very much. 71 Mountainview N., Unit No. 7 Georget Pinstripping — Body Mouldings AND uch MUCH MORE Bus. (416) 873-9237 IRPORT SERVICE * PARCEL DELIVERY @ @e00e0e0e0e0e0 e080 Sincerely Wm. R. Spielvogel Chairman Acton Santa Claus Parade Committee MIAMI on re. = GLemucen AUTO CLEANING Drag Mart up. He | Specializing in: FAX SERVICE 5 7 e 853-1855 . 100% cott lon n diapers | AUTO TINTING ] TINTING | cai! tor Free Estimates presen co) - 7400 ATTENTION: R. oF: GLENT AN EMMERSON © Pick-up and delivery - fea ens ean ae “Ameren Racing Mag Wheels twice per week - 1234 ° Distilled water available + Exterior Washes & Wax ae & ae Boards ‘© Have your own diapers? e CHECK OUR PRICES! Roll Bars - Grill en We'll do those too! - 9311 . 294 QUEEN ST. 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