19 | Wednesday, December 4, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Ask the Professionals The Maids Home Services Q: What steps can I take when cleaning to ensure my home stays clear of unwanted houseguests like mice, bugs and other pests? M.Sc.S., Au.D, Reg CASLPO Doctor of Audiology Annick Ménard aren't exactly curling up in A: They front of the fire, but while you're busy locking down your home for the winter, creepy-crawly "housepests" could be moving in. Mice and bugs move into our homes because they want a warm place to stay and food to eat. But we can do many things in our homes to deter them from entering and causing costly damage. Here are some cleaning tips to help put up the "No Vacancy" sign for unwanted pests looking for room at your inn: ·To eliminate possible nesting sites for termites, mice and other rodents, elevate hay, woodpiles and garbage cans outside your home. ·Don't store woolen items like sweaters and blankets on open shelves. Store them in sealed plastic/rubber containers or in cedar chests. ·Display books in enclosed bookcases - cockroaches and silverfish find them tasty! ·Don't keep boxes under your bed or paper bags under sinks. Cockroaches like to feed on the paper and the boxes offer hiding spaces for all kinds of insects. ·Remove plants, shrubbery and wood chips from direct contact with the foundation of your home. Moist vegetation offers hydration and wood chips offer a food source for home parasites - like termites. ·Store leftover food in tightly closed containers, wipe away all crumbs and don't leave dirty dishes sitting in the sink overnight. Q: A: Why won't my new hearing aids eliminate unwanted background noise? Hearing instruments, no matter how sophisticated, cannot do what the human brain does; selectively cancel out noise that you perceive as undesirable. Better understanding with amplification in noisy environments will vary due to the type and degree of hearing loss, style and technology of hearing devices, accuracy of the instrument fitting, and most importantly, your ability and patience as you relearn to hear with amplified sound. Although there is no cure, some options may at least lessen problems with background noise: · two hearing aids, rather than just one; · hearing aids with a directional microphone; · communication strategies. What are some of the benefits of Medical Compression Stockings? Compression Stockings are designed to provide support to the legs and veins, minimize swelling and improve circulation. Some of the symptoms that you may experience with decreased circulation include: · Heavy, tired, aching legs · Swollen legs and/or ankles · Dull or sharp pain in the calf · Small varicose veins and spider veins Using Compression Therapy Graduated compression stockings and socks will help minimize some of these symptoms. If you notice one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, we recommend that you consult with your primary care provider and ask about graduated compression stockings and socks. COMPRESSION STOCKINGS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT LEON PHARMACY! Call us for more Details! Robert Nashat, Pharm.D, CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator) 905-845-2811 340 Kerr Street, Oakville Free Delivery & 15% Senior Discount Oakville's Professional Services Provider of the Year Nominee and Platinum Award Winner ( Voted Best Independent Pharmacy in Oakville) Leon Pharmacy www.leonpharmacy.ca Established 2006 | 1200 Speers Road Unit 10 Oakville L6L 2X4 905.845.9923 | pat@maidshomeservices.com | www.themaids.com 289.837.1137 2387 Trafalgar Road, Oakville www.pureaudiology.ca 728 Burloak Drive Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist 905-632-1414 MR. JOHN DE BOER Principal KING'S CHRISTIAN COLLEGIATE child seems to walk funny - I see no arch and his Q: My feet seem to roll inwards. Should I be worried? Many foot ailments, like other body ills, have their origins in childhood and are present at birth. Your child's developing feet are very important to monitor as they have to carry the weight of the body for an entire lifetime. Normal foot development involves a heel-toe gait pattern by age3 and normal arch development by age 7. Problem signs to keep an eye out for include: · Complaints of joint pain while standing, walking or running, · Knock knees or bow legs, · Uneven wear on the bottom of shoes, · Prior injury to the back, knees or ankles, · Obvious foot problems, such as bunions, corns or flat feet. Remember that lack of complaint is not a good sign. The bones of growing feet are so flexible that they can be twisted and distorted without the child being aware of it. If you have concerns about your child's feet, contact your chiropodist for a thorough foot evaluation and special shoe fitting advice for children. Call to schedule your appointment today at 905-632-1414. A: Q: I remember some great teachers from my high school days and I want the best for my children. What are the qualities I should look for in my kids' teachers who, to be honest, spend more time with them during the week than I do? A: Most schools ensure their teachers meet the minimum requirements to teach: they have been trained and are certified to teach. Effective schools take it many steps further. Professional Development: Ensure the teachers where your child attends are engaged in on-going learning of their own. Does the school support and plan for teacher learning? Are teachers, even well-seasoned ones, encouraged and equipped to develop their teaching skills? Subject Expertise: Teachers who are experts in their subjects bring more to the classroom than mere expertise they bring passion and experience, and tend to encourage curiosity and commitment in their students. Classroom Presence: Strong teachers are good leaders they establish a positive learning culture in the classroom and are able to address differing needs, learning styles and aptitudes. Visit any school you are considering during classroom hours so you can see a few classes in action. Look for student work that demonstrates quality assignments being done in the course. Are teachers enjoying themselves as they teach and interact with students? Are a variety of teaching methods being used? Are the students attentive? Are classrooms stimulating, yet orderly? Teachers who are knowledgeable and passionate subject specialists - and who love working with students, and do it well - are bound to encourage your child towards success. Find out how you can get this spot in 2014 Call 905-845-3824 528 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. Oakville ON L6M 4K6 905-257-5464 · ext. 508 www.kingschristian.ca