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12 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday July 29, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Relax, revive and enjoy a stress-free summer Summer is when it all happens: camping trips, farmers' markets, community festivals and hiking with the family. For many people the longer days and increased activity can be exhausting and stressful. To keep the summer season on the right foot, Longo's and Kashi have teamed up to provide some advice from an expert yoga therapist and a registered dietitian to help keep your days stress-free and full of energy. "The word yoga means union of body, mind and spirit," says Gia Mowat, registered yoga therapist. "To avoid stress and build up your energy, try the following exercises each morning before you get started on your busy day. They only take five minutes and you will thank yourself for the rest of the day." Become aware of your breathing ­ an important part of Yoga is simply being present and aware of your body. Begin lying down on your back. Place one hand on your ribcage and another on your abdomen. Breathe in slowly and then breathe out slowly. Become aware of the movement of your chest. Try to breathe deeply enough so that you also feel both your ribcage and abdomen expand. Repeat this exercise five to 10 times. Rise and shine ­ stand in an upright position with your feet together and your arms at your side. With your palms facing outwards slowly raise your arms in an arc until they are above your head ­ palms facing each other. Inhale fully as you raise your arms, ensuring your shoulders are relaxed and away from the ears. Hold the position for a few seconds then turn your palms away from each other and slowly start to lower your arms while exhaling. Try to synchronize your inhale and exhale to match the upward and downward arc. Repeat five times. "The benefits of yoga are numerous," says Mowat. "The synchronization of stretching and breathing employed during yoga practice helps to loosen tight muscles and thus reduce stress. Yoga also helps to lengthen and align muscle fibres increasing mobility, flexibility and strength." A healthy diet and regular physical activity are important parts of a healthy lifestyle. While a few simple yoga techniques can help reduce your stress, it is important to properly fuel your body for a summer full of activity. "Starting the day with breakfast is a smart and healthy approach to taking care of yourself," says Sandra Saville, Longo's registered dietitian. "Breakfast provides fuel for the brain and body to help face the challenges of the day. Breakfast also provides essential nutrients that are important for healthy growth and development. People who skip breakfast may not make up for the nutrients they miss later in the day." A healthy, easy-to-prepare breakfast includes a serving of Kashi cereal, a glass of milk and a piece of fruit. All Kashi cereals are made with seven whole grains including buckwheat, triticale, rye, hard red winter wheat, long grain brown rice, oats and barley. Whole grains include the germ, endosperm and bran of the grain kernel and provide protein, carbohydrates, fibre, phytonutrients, B vitamins, vitamin E and minerals. These nutrients can help promote good health. Kashi cereals are natural, without synthetic preservatives, artificial sweeteners, artificial colours or flavours. Taking time to improve your overall health doesn't have to be complicated. Start each morning by taking a few minutes to observe your breathing and fuel your body with a nutritious breakfast. For relaxation and nutrition tips see www.achieveinnerkashiness.com or www.longos.com. VON Halton adds Tele-Touch to its services VON Halton (Victorian Order of Nurses) has added Tele-Touch to its repertoire of charitable volunteer services. Tele-Touch is a telephone reassurance service where specially trained volunteers provide regular telephone calls to seniors and individuals with disabilities, who live alone, on a daily or prearranged schedule to offer friendly telephone conversation, security and reassurance. "Tele-Touch complements our existing volunteer visiting services, which reach out to socially isolated seniors and individuals with physical limitations," says Anne King, Manager, VON Halton Volunteer Services. "It will allow us to expand our reach and respond more effectively to the increasing need for these services to better serve our community." Clients can refer themselves or be referred by family members, physicians, and other community agencies. Tele-Touch has been in existence for over 30 years providing this essential service. VON Halton Tele-Touch services are made possible through the support of the United Way, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and VON Halton fundraising efforts. To refer someone, or if you're interested in volunteering, please call VON Halton at 905-827-8800, ext. 2090, 1800-387-7127 or e-mail VolServices@vonhalton.ca. THINKING OF ABORTION? Consider the Alternatives Stuffy nose, headache, children have allergies? When did you last clean your mattress? Your mattress is the perfect environment for millions of dust mites - a major allergic trigger. Any mattress over 6 months old should have a mattress health check. To book your free 10 minute no obligation mattress health check call Chris (905) 464-3891 or go to: (905) 825-1216 Tuesday & Thursday Wednesday Friday 11:00am - 5:00pm 11:00am - 7:30pm 11:00am - 2:00pm SleepClean.com A fresh, clean bed will improve your sleep whether or not you have allergies. HOPEDALE MALL, SUITE 204 www.birthright.org Hotline 24 Hour Service 1-800-550-4900 Dr. Jenna Davis Family Chiropractor/ Acupuncturist Impr ove your Quality of Life with Better Hearing Alliance Chiropody (Foot Care) Clinic Member of Alliance Healthcare Professionals Inc. Alliance Healthcare Professionals Dr. Jenna Davis "Providing quality foot care to meet all your foot health needs" CALL US TODAY! For a limited time with hearing aid pur chase YOUR NO CHARGE SER VICE PACKAGE OFFER INCLUDES: PACKAGE 905.845.2291 Specializes in: · Pediatrics · ADD/ADHD · Pre and Postnatal Care · Headaches/Migraines · Naturally T urning Breech Babies · Fertility Issues · Hearing Test · Hearing Aid Recommendations · Computerized Hearing Aid Programming and Verification · Office Service Under Manufacturer's Warranty · No Trial Fees - 60 Day Trial Satisfaction Guaranteed or a Full Refund Wellness care for the entire family! Please check our website for upcoming events and workshops! SALIMA KASSAM REG. CHIROPODIST AMERICAN EXPRESS EXPRE Specializing in: · Foot/Arch Pain · General/Diabetic Care · Permanent Ingrown Toenail Removal · Custom Made Foot Orthotics P SINCE 1995 627 LYONS LANE, SUITE 203, OAKVILLE 905-339-1397 Andrew Audia Hearing Instrument Specialist Thank you Oakville for the Best Chiropractor nomination! 232 South Service Rd. E, Oakville, ON L6J 2X5 www.alliancehealthcare.ca Marshall Chasin Audiologist Also offering: All major brands of hearing aids. Repairs to most makes and models. Assessment and Verification of your existing hearing aids. CALL 905-845-2291 232 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD E. OAKVILLE