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

www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday November 1, 2008 - 13 Engineer builds confidence into Hiker By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Steven Coates is the type of person who sees the glass as being half full. Coates was one of 250 workers who lost their jobs when Polywheels Manufacturing filed for bankruptcy in early July. He had been with the company for three-and-a-half years, serving as engineer manager for the local automotive parts manufacturer. He said he was blindsided when the plant closed. "I was shocked when it happened," he said. "It was sad, because I loved working there and the staff was like family." Left empty-handed, without benefits or a severance package, Coates chose to view the situation as an opportunity to focus on a project that has been dear to him for nearly 20 years. That project is called Hiker, a human-powered vehicle Coates refers to as an adult three-wheeler. "It both forced and allowed me to devote my full time to Hiker," he said. "My lack of time spent on it was really limiting the advancement of this effort, so I see it as an opportunity and I hope it (being laid off) will be a blessing in disguise." The idea behind Hiker originated in the early 1990s, when Coates and his brother, David, discussed the notion of creating a practical and versatile human powered vehicle. The men brought different strengths to the table, as Coates was a mechanical engineer and David was a member of the Canadian Olympic rowing crew. "When David was in Europe, what struck him is how much people use bicycles in their daily life," Coates said. "Bikes were great, but we were discussing adult tricycles and he said he hadn't seen any. So, we started building an adult tricycle." David moved overseas shortly after, but Coates continued to tweak the model. After several hundred thousand dollars worth of materials and time invested into prototypes, Coates found a design that worked last year. Since then, 10 Hikers have been sold. The Hiker weighs about 70 pounds and comes apart for easy transport. Other key features are its tangent lever design, centre-pivot steering, internal three-speed hub, integrated centre console and rear cargo rack. The tangent lever design is one of the Hiker's most unique aspects, according to Coates. "Making your legs go round and round from a seated position is difficult, unless you are very fit," he said. "It can also be very uncomfortable. The tangent design makes it very easy on the knees because you never have to do a complete rotation." Hikers are currently being assembled in Coates' home workshop. He hopes to eventually open a small manufacturing plant and office in the Greater Toronto Area. Coates explained that making Hikers here is important, as he would like to create jobs for people skilled in the manufacturing trades. "It is my goal to manufacture this here in Canada and create high-value jobs here," Coates said. "I want to build a strong engineering compa- LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER TO THE RESCUE: Steven Coates, was the engineer manager for Polywheels Manufacturing in Oakville who has been developing a human powered vehicle, Hiker, for the last 15 years. ny that creates an innovative product. I would also like to hire some of the people who lost their jobs." Coates' family is very supportive of his dream. His son, Andrew, said it is nice to see his dad finally take the time to focus on the Hiker. "I basically grew up with Hiker, so I know how much this project means to my dad," said Andrew, who is the communications director for the Hiker company called The Better Motion Group. "It is a great invention and I know we're going to find a market for it." While his son works on promoting the product, Coates is busy developing accessories for the Hiker, such as a weather enclosure and a small, electric motor that can be used for hills. Coates said he has confidence in his invention and envisions it being attractive to people living in suburbs. "It drives me nuts that I have to get in my car and drive to get milk on a Saturday in gridlock," he said. "And if I want to work out, I have to do that in the morning, then get in my car and run my errands. The Hiker allows me to run errands and get in shape at the same time." Getting rich isn't part of Coates' agenda. Satisfaction lies in knowing he's creating something that can help people get around and get fit. "If I can make a good living with this, that's great, but the real payback would be to see a whole bunch of people using it and enjoying it." The Hiker is available for $1,800 (three-speed) or $2,300 (eight-speed) CDN. For information on Hiker, visit www.bettermotiongroup.com or email hiker@bettermotiongroup.com. Complete Family Eye Care 905-257-2230 360 Dundas St. E. (at Trafalgar - in the Longo's Plaza and next to Turtle Jack's) 481 John Street, Suite 200 Burlington, Ontario, L7R 2K8 www.TheGraceClinic.ca 905.336.9636 Dr. Trent Ujimoto www.visionhealthcentre.ca What is Diabetic Retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that affects people who have diabetes. Diabetic complications can cause damage to the eye's retina, the light sensitive lining at the back of the eye. It is a serious sight-threatening complication of diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is the result of damage to the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they will develop diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include: · Seeing spots or floaters in your field of vision · Blurred vision · Having a dark or empty spot in the center of your vision · Difficulty seeing well at night Diabetic retinopathy can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination with your optometrist. Retinal photography is used to document the current status of the retina. How is diabetic retinopathy treated? Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the stage of the disease and is directed at trying to slow or stop the progression of the disease. In the early stages regular monitoring may be all that is required. If the disease advances then laser treatment is required. Monitoring of your blood sugars, following your doctor's advice on diet and exercise, and regular eye examinations with your optometrist will ensure that you prevent damage from diabetic complications. Please call our office if you have any questions about diabetic retinopathy or your eye health in general. Let us help you protect and enhance your healthy sight for life! Q: What is a tummy tuck? removes all the lower A: A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)the belly button. looseis also abdominal skin which is below This the area where the majority of stretch marks from pregnancy or weight gain are focused and these are also removed. After pregnancy or weight gain the abdominal muscles are stretched from their normal position which gives the lower abdomen the bloated loose look and these are also tightened at the time of surgery. This surgery helps to give you back your tight flat abdomen. 728 Burloak Drive Salima Kassam Registered Chiropodist 905-632-1414 Q: What is liposuction? the targeted removal of A: Liposuction (lipoplasty) iscertain areas of the bodylocalized fat deposits that cause to look disproportionate. These localized fat deposits may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction is often the only way to eliminate them. A heel spur is the result of over stretching a particular muscle on the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia. When this muscle is constantly overstretched (for example, with each step you take), your body develops thickened tissue where the plantar fascia attaches to the bone in your heel. occur over time. These complications child's developing feet are very important to monitor as they that could I have a been diagnosed with - I how I've seems toWhat walk Q: archjusttells Spur.seem isfunnyand see My Q: MyitchildHeelme I should bethatDiabetes.no is treated? doctor his feet and to veryinwards. roll concerned about my feet, why? A: Should I be worried? Diabetes affects over Canadians S ailments, like body ills, A: Many footchildhood and other1.4 millionhave Youryour today. Your doctor's concerns about A: origins stem from the are present at birth. their feet in long term complications Q: What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction? A: A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure which involves the removal of excess lower abdominal skin and the tightening of the abdominal muscles. Liposuction is a very effective way to remove localized areas of fat through small 2-3mm incisions. Liposuction is commonly used to address the "love handles", inner and outer thighs and abdomen. 2008 Diamond Award Best Plastic Surgeon 2008 Diamond Award Best Cosmetic Surgeon 2008 Diamond Award Best Laser Skin Rejuvenation Dr. Douglas Grace Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery · Laser & Non-Surgical Rejuvenation B.Sc. M.D. F.R.C.S.C. have to carrythickened tissue underneath your heel becomes Having include weight of the body for an entire lifetime. could this the irreversible nerve damage, a decrease Normal foot flevery step and canand heel-toe gait pattern firstto painful withdevelopment involves a abe painful withability age in blood ow to your feet even decreased the by 3 step taken inarch morning. Typicallyage 7.spurs develop over and infection. fightnormal the development by heel Problem signs to time or when a for include: keep an eye out new activity (power walking, jogging or running) All this can joint pain while standing, walking or running, · is started. ofbe avoided with the proper management Complaints of diabetes, bow legs, the regular monitoring of including · Treatment of heel spurs involves visiting your Chiropodist for a Knock knees or full lower leg examination, specifically a gait analysis to see if blood sugar levels and ongoing preventative care · the position of on the bottom of shoes,is overstretching/straining Uneven wear of your feet.your foot while walking your lifestyle now Simple changes to · the musclesyour feet. knees or ankles, Chiropodist will Prior injury on the bottom can save to the back, of your foot. Your · evaluate your problems, adviseas bunions, corns or flat feet. and Obvious foot footwear, such you on specific footwear do's The bestyour foot type and for anyone with Diabetes is to dont's for treatment plan may even suggest Custom Made Remember that lack of complaint is not a good sign. The that Foot your Chiropodist for a Diabetic Screening. This visit Orthotics. Custom Made Foot Orthotics are inserts bones ofcorrectly align are so flexible that they can be twisted and growing feet your foot as not to over stretch/strain the screening includes: so Foot Assessment, Education A distorted without bottom ofbeing foot. CustomIfMadehave muscles on the the child your aware of it. you Foot on the Effects of Diabetes on the Feet, Preventative concerns aboutgenerally at least partially covered by Extended your child's feet, contact your chiropodist for a Orthotics are Care Advice and a Footwear Assessment. Health foot evaluation are also tax fitting advice thoroughInsurance Plans and special shoedeductible. for children. To book your Diabetic Screening Appointment call For more information, call to book an appointment today at 905-632-1414 For more information, call to book an appointment today at 905-632-1414 905-632-1414