HEALTHY LIVING Overstressed kids can find their mind-body connection in yoga By MARIE GOLDWATER youth and teens says, "overstimulated kids nowadays We no doubt live have a lot more in a world where stress on them childhood is fast dithan we ever minishing, and kids did, and they are over-stressed, need an outlet to and over-stimulated. deal with that, Stress on kids has inor they're just gocreased to the point that ing to carry that The Psychology Foundation stress and anxiof Canada has created Kids ety into adultHave Stress Too! - a program hood, which is developed to raise awareness unfortunate." and promote methods of Bain dealing with it. says, "this While adults turn to yoga isn't just for to for its ability to limit and stress. Yoga reduce stress, promote profoundly weight loss, and allow for a impacts evmore developed mind-body ery part of connection among other your bethings, could one argue ing, so it that it would do the same helps for youth? with Sheri Bain of Lead with conLight, a yoga instructor censpecializing in yoga for tration, gives kids a positive outlook, teaches them to be calm, and also helps mould them into active, physical beings, which carries through their lives." Sandra Whalen, 8, says, "I use to have trouble sleeping, now I know breathing exercises that help me get to sleep faster!" Melinda Spring has seen her teen with special needs benefit from yoga as well, saying, "you can really see a difference in her moods and energy, and it's great. I feel good about bringing her and having her take part in a physical activity she enjoys and that does so many great things for her physically as well as emotionally." If kids are truly a reflection of their parents, they surely lead stressful lives, and will benefit from an alternative like yoga all the more. Submitted by Sheri Bain, Lead with Light 416-895-8382, littleyogi@hotmail.com From left, Lisa Booth, Margaret Malicki and Shanna MacPherson practise chest compressions during the free St. John Ambulance CPR clinic held at Georgetown Market Place during November -- CPR month. St. John Ambulance believes every family should make learning CPR a part of their "stay healthy" plan. Photo by Jon Borgstrom 29 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, December 9, 2010 St. John Ambulance issues caution when snow shoveling St. John Ambulance of Halton Hills remind people to be cautious when shoveling snow. Research has linked snow shoveling in extreme cold to an increase in hospitalizations or deaths due to heart attack. St. John Ambulance has some helpful tips: · Don't be proud: If you have a preexisting heart condition, ask for help. · Learn CPR: If you're concerned about someone in your household or neighbourhood, consider training in CPR. For every minute a person goes without CPR, their chances of survival decreases by upwards of 10%. Call you local St. John Ambulance at 905-469-9325 to register or visit www.sja.ca. Ask The Professionals Mountainview Residence owned and operated by the Summer family Win a coupon for 50% off a Happy Ad with every question submitted For the Professionals by January 9th, 2011. features@independentfreepress.com or call 905-877-0301 ext. 237 SUSAN S. POWELL BARRISTER & SOLICITOR & WellnesCenter Inc. 324 Guelph St., Georgetown Halton Gate Plaza JENNI VENERUZ Georgetown Medical Centre 1A Princess Anne Drive 905-702-7891 905-873-8729 (continued) Julia Fountain, BSc, ND Even if you had a stroke in the past a neuro physiotherapist can still help you. They will perform a thorough assessment on your first visit to determine what needs to be worked on in therapy. They will help you establish goals to work towards. Research has shown that maintaining cardiovascular fitness is very important in the stroke population. A physiotherapist can help you develop a fitness program that is safe for you. A Neurological Physiotherapist has advanced training in the treatment of people with neurological disorders such as stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. In Focus Physiotherapy Inc. is pleases to offer this service to Halton residents. Call or ask your doctor for more information. Q: A: I had a stroke 2 years ago. Can a physiotherapist still help me? www.healthspan.ca jfountain@healthspan.ca Hair Loss in Women: Getting to the root of the problem Stress: Severe or prolonged physical or emotional stress pushes large numbers of growing hairs into a resting phase. It may take 2-3 months after the stressful event for the hair to fall out. The hair typically grows back when the emotional or physical stress is resolved, although this can take 6-9 months. Autoimmune: For some people, intense stress may trigger a type of hair loss called alopecia areata. The immune system activates and white blood cells attack the hair follicle. Within weeks the affected hair falls out. The hair loss usually starts as a small round patch but may eventually spread to the whole scalp. The hair generally grows back, but the cycle may repeat itself. This autoimmune condition is diagnosed by a dermatologist. Medications: Some medications can contribute to hair loss such as the birth control pill, progestin-secreting IUD, beta blockers, NSAIDs (including ibuprofen), calcium channel blockers and some antidepressants. Infections: Ringworm or fungal infections may infect the scalp and hair will fall out. Once infections are treated the hair will grow back. Hair Care: Some hair care products and hair styling techniques are harsh on the scalp. In particular, avoid products containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a sudsing agent that can be irritating to the scalp and hair follicles. Genetics: women with female-pattern baldness won't appear to have a receeding hairline, a bald spot or a bald head. Instead, they'll have more diffuse hair loss evenly over the head. These women may be genetically more sensitive to the effects of DHT. The best way to treat hair loss is to get to the root of the problem. Many factors can contribute to hair loss, some are easily corrected, others take time and persistence and yet others will continue to elude us. 222 Mountainview Rd. N. Georgetown, ON L7G 3R2 Bus: (905) 877-1800 Fax: (905) 873-9083 www.mountainviewresidence.com FAMILY LAW Christoph Summer Owner/Administrator 350 RUTHERFORD RD. S. (Plaza 2, Suite 320) on the Corner of Steeles & Rutherford SUSAN S. POWELL 905-455-6677 Dear Parents: Christmas is an important time for children. The best gift you can give your children is happy, warm and loving memories of Christmas. Arguments, yelling and swearing usually lead to unhappiness and tears for your children. Put aside your differences with your spouse over the holidays. Make the Christmas memories for your children joyful ones. Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. I am planning to move into a retirement home. How do I know what I can afford? Q: A: Affordability is a major concern for many. Keep in mind that the cost of retirement homes usually includes all meals, utilities and many services. You will no longer have to pay for hydro, heating costs, groceries, services such as meals on wheels, and help in the home and yard. Municipal taxes on your home will no longer be part of your budget and there will probably be a difference in your house insurance. The first step, therefore, is to calculate all available resources. If you live in your own home, get the expert advice of a professional to appraise its value. (If you have lived in your home for any length of time, you may be very pleasantly surprised.) The next step is to determine a monthly budget and if needed, enlist the help of family members or a professional such as your bank/financial advisor. There are many residences from which to choose with many options available. Your may be very pleasantly surprised at what you can afford.