Friday, October 28, 2011

Flexible Workplace Design Key to Success in a Post-Recession World

Mayhew launches new co-branded work-showroom facility designed to drive success
TORONTO — Canadian companies came out of the global recession relatively unscathed, but the continued economic uncertainty has reshaped the way companies do business. The best work comes from an adaptable, innovative and intelligent workplace and Mayhew, armed with 30 years of interior design and work space strategy development and extensive partner research, is creating the spaces for some of Canada’s most successful institutions.

“Good workspace design is paramount to success,” says Marcia Mayhew, President of the family run firm. “Intelligent design helps reduce real estate costs, helps define an organization’s culture, enables improved productivity and creativity, fosters morale and often acts as a perk attracting and engaging talented staff,” she says.

Mayhew is a premier Ontario design and consultancy firm focused on workplace strategy, with a team of over 40 designers, workplace strategists, architects, construction managers, and ergonomists. Their innovative and award-winning designs have physically shaped the way brands like CTV, GlaxoSmithKline and University of Windsor do business. Entering their fourth decade, Mayhew decided to put these new-business strategies to work in their own office space. Launching the newly redesigned and co-branded facility, the Mayhew flagship office brings the research of Steelcase, their exclusive furniture partner, to life in the 80,000 square foot work-showroom atmosphere in Thornhill, Ontario.
“We focus on four key factors when designing any new clients’ space, including our own: Collaboration, Flexibility to accommodate various patterns of work, Space Optimization, and Wellness,” says Steve Cascone, Mayhew’s Vice-President of Consulting Services. “All of these elements are essential to creating an engaged, interconnected workplace,” says Mr. Cascone, “and we’ve put them to work in our own facility."

Collaboration and Flexibility: the Yin and Yang of today’s workplace



Collaboration and teaming have become critical to enabling knowledge creation and ensuring business success. Recent statistics show that individual work represented 40% of all work accomplished in 2000 with an estimated decrease to 20% by 2010. So it is not a surprise that almost 60% of companies say they reconfigure individual space to accommodate team spaces. Moreover, the attitudes and approach to work have shifted considerably in today’s multi-generational workforce.
In Steelcase’s research titled WorkSpace Futures, they discovered some significant differences in attitudes toward work and life across the multi-generational workforce. Baby Boomers for instance have seen a distinct separation between work and life – life is what happens after you leave work, and work can be all consuming sometimes. Generation X, who became a little more disenfranchised from the work world having seen their parents sacrifice for their employers only to see some of them downsized later, sought to achieve a reasonable balance between work and life. Generation Y (a.k.a. Millenials) blurs the lines between work and life so it is difficult to tell where one leaves off and the other begins.

How this translates into workplace management is a shift in mentality: “Companies no longer look to Attract-and-Retain talented staff; the focus now is to Attract-and-Engage talented employees to get the most out of your team while they are with you,” says Ms. Mayhew. “The reality is more than one out of two workers are working for a company for whom they have worked less than 5 years, and employees rank quality of the work environment only second to salary when determining job satisfaction, followed by the flexibility to work outside of the office,” she says.

Optimizing real estate reduces overhead costs
Mayhew allows you to work faster, smarter and more efficiently with solutions that empower employees to do more with less time and less space. When the economic shift began, companies were rocked by their expenses; this meant a shift in office space where floor plans became more dense to save costs. While the economy has not fully recovered, companies are holding on to the do-more-with-less approach.
“Research indicates that companies allocate 15-20% of overhead to workspace, including technology,” says Ms. Mayhew. “That is a very large investment and with the right solutions, businesses are now able to function more productively in an office environment with less overall real estate,” she says.

Mayhew maximizes this investment by adding an exclusive buy-back program. Smartspace workstation configurations come with a 50% buy back within the first three years towards any Mayhew product or service. What this means is that a company that is starting to expand, contract or reshape their business, has the flexibility to invest in the furniture without financial risk should their organizational needs change.

Wellness works

“Happy, healthy employees produce better work and help maximize the staff investment,” says Mr. Cascone. “Cognitive office design that considers natural light and appropriate acoustical solutions contribute to productive work, and addresses the wellness of employees,” he says.

Steve Cascone outlines four key design trends that promote wellness in the workplace:

1. Access to natural light for all staff,
2. Individual climate control,
3. Use of “green” interior construction materials (i.e. high level of recycled content, from local sources, low VOCs, Cradle-to-Cradle, etc.) and,
4. An active work environment is stimulated by smaller, more open individual work settings, and an increase in alternate meeting/collaborative spaces with acoustic control, to encourage movement and creative interactions among employees

Workplaces are taking wellness to new levels by integrating staff wellness weeks that get their teams physically moving, and even integrating new technology like Steelcase’s Walkstation. This wellness-centric technology is an adjustable workspace placed atop a slow moving (0.3-2Mi/h) treadmill to let employees walk comfortably, burn calories, feel healthier and more energized — all while accomplishing the work they would normally do while seated.

About Mayhew
Mayhew has 150 employees and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario with offices in Kitchener, Windsor and Stoney Creek. Synonymous with space and interior design ingenuity, Mayhew is currently designing first-ever Canadian McLaren dealership with ongoing partner Pfaff Automotive, slated to open late-2011. Since 1982, Mayhew has worked on over 22 million square feet of space, successfully moved 300,000 people, and supplied and installed over 100,000 workstations.
For more information or detailed case studies visit http://www.mayhew.ca/
For more information, images or interviews, please contact: Fiona Keeshan e: Fiona@KeeshanPR.com t: 416.479.0734

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

SCARY BERRIES

Recipe and image courtesy of the California Strawberry Commission
These ghastly ghosts will leave you screaming for more!
INGREDIENTS
Fresh strawberries
White chocolate chips for melting
Chocolate chips
Red and yellow food coloring
PREPARATION

Start with fresh, whole California strawberries. Rinse the strawberries, and let dry completely. In a microwave safe mixing bowl, combine white melting chocolate with red and yellow food colouring. In the microwave, heat the chocolate until melted (stopping often to stir).

Dip each strawberry in the now orange chocolate. Set on parchment paper to dry. While berries are drying, put milk chocolate chips in a sealable plastic bag, place in microwave for 30-60 seconds until melted. Cut a tiny hole in the corner of the bag and draw your favorite jack-o-lantern faces on each strawberry.
For ghost strawberries, follow jack-o-lantern directions — but dip strawberries into uncoloured white chocolate and draw spooky ghost faces on each strawberry.

For more information and images, please contact:
Catherine Flint, Harbinger / 416.960.5100 ext.226 / cflint@harbingerideas.com

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

New Vim PowerPro Naturals products

It’s starting to cool off and winter will be here before you know it! As the weather changes and Canadians begin to spend more time inside, our cleaning routines may also change. With a new line of natural based cleaners, Vim PowerPro Naturals is helping Canadian families have an enjoyable hibernation by providing a safe and easy to way to clean their homes.

Almost a third of Moms who use natural-based cleaners use them specifically for cleaning areas/surfaces that their children touch. However, moms are concerned about the price and performance of natural-based cleaners. Vim’s new, natural-based cleaning products will help transform not only your home, but also your view on natural cleaning products.

Vim’s new natural-based lineup includes two new products: Vim Cream Naturals and Vim PowerPro Naturals Bathroom. Vim is so confident that Canadians will love the new products that we are offering a money back guarantee. Other notable features include:

Tougher on soap scum

Priced in-line with traditional Vim cleaners

100% power while being made with naturally-derived ingredients

Vim PowerPro Naturals™ Bathroom cleaner is priced in-line with traditional Vim® cleaners at a suggested retail price of $3.99-$4.99 for a 750 ml bottle.

Vim Cream Naturals™ Multipurpose Cream cleaner is priced in-line with traditional Vim® cream at a suggested retail price of $2.99-$3.49 for a 500 ml bottle.

Monday, October 24, 2011

New Year's Resolutions that work -CANADIAN TIRE offers resources to make your goals reality

Do you find you’re making the same New Year’s Resolutions every year? It could be because the goals you’re setting are unrealistic. Not to worry – all it takes is a well conceived plan and a few tools/resources to help you out along the way.


New Year’s Resolutions generally fall into a few common themes and Canadian Tire has a variety of products/ideas to help you achieve your 2012 goals.

Family


One great way to spend more time with family is to plan a road trip. This could be a weekend jaunt or an excursion across Canada. Either way, make sure your vehicle is safe and organized. Visit a Canadian Tire Service Bay for regular inspections year-round and optimize your space with Rubbermaid’s brand new line of car organization products.


Fitness/Health

Maybe a full-year gym membership was overly ambitious given your busy schedule. Developing an overall better health plan can easily start at home. A few pieces of exercise equipment including the new Livestrong® line of treadmills, ellipticals and bikes can turn any space into a healthy haven. For nutritious meals made easy after a long day, try a kitchen tool that lets you do everything in one go and minimizes clean-up such as the Cuisinart Cook Central 4-in-1 Multi-Cooker.

Finances
Do-it-yourself projects are a great way for Canadians to save money. Whether you’re looking to re-do your closet to maximize space or change up the wall décor in your front entrance, owning the job yourself will help you set and monitor a budget. Multi-purpose tool sets are a great option for accomplishing a lot for little.


Consider a rewards card aligned with your needs. Canadian Tire MasterCards can earn you discounts on gas and help you earn Canadian Tire ‘Money’ rewards.
Getting the most out of life

Getting organized is a great first step to maximizing your time and it all starts with the holiday clean-up. Totes and storage boxes will keep your items safe, dry and easy to find, leaving you more time to celebrate next holiday season.

Shabi's - showcasing Spring 2012



Friday, October 21, 2011

The Jo Hell Band and their guest Sleepy T Wednesday October 26th at the 14 edition of Viree Blues Boreale

A Long-Awaited Returnat the 14th edition of Virée Blues Boréale


Top of the bill at the very beginnings of Virée Blues Boréale, he won the hearts of all the area’s Blues fans at his very first performance. Our next guest, who now lives in Texas, cannot visit us as often as he, and our patrons would want to. Being one of the most requested by Virée Blues Boréale’s audience, he makes sure to show his gratitude on each visit. Now, by popular request, after a three year absence and for the fifth performance at Virée Blues Boréale, The Jo Hell Band and their guest from Texas, Sleepy T.


Discovered in 2005 by Virée Blues Boréale, Jo Hell had been playing his Blues in Montreal’s bars since 1994, since he was 16. Along the years, Jo Hell and his “Red Roosters” have played all the best Blues Festivals and the most reputed bars. Along the way, they grew from 50 to 225 performances a year, then to well over365 a year; Red Roosters’ territory never ceased expanding. In 2001, the group played the prestigious Montreal International Blues Festival for the first time; they were invited again in 2005 and 2008. Having tried their luck in the States with their Blues Brother Sonny Wolf in 2006, they soon got to perform regularly on the stage of , among others, the famous Nuno’s on the 6th, in Austin Texas, before conquering the new audience at the “Red, White and Blues Festival” of Waterloo Park. Since, the group moved there and got to perform 7 nights a week, mostly on 6th avenue. There they had the opportunity to play with Tommy Shannon (Stevie Ray Vaughan’s bassist) at the famous Antone's; they also could talk Blues with Buddy Guy, B.B. King and Chris Layton; They also shared the stage with, among others, the pianist Pinetop Perkins, the guitarist Alan Haynes and the drummer Buddy Miles. Those enriching experiences greatly contributed to bringing the group to a purer, more refined sound while still heavy, wild, worthy of Texas Roadhouses. Now a Power Trio with Jo Hell (guitar and vocals), Steve Hupée (drums) and Franck Courchesne (bass), they let go of the Red Roosters name to become The Jo Hell Band. Another name and another setup for sure but still the staggering technical prowesses, the same raging feeling and a superb sound. On their last visit here, in 2008, they came in the Outaouais to launch our Virée Blues Boréale’s 8th edition. They also went to the Victor Studio in Montréal to record their eponymous album which unfortunately is still unknown to most in the Outaouais. But we predict that it will become a real success here as it did in the U.S.!

So why not join in this Hell of a party which could go on till quite late with The Jo Hell Band and their guests Sleepy T, at October 26 2011's Virée Blues Boréale, at 8h00p.m, at Le Petit Chicago, 50 Promenade du Portage, in the Old Hull sector. For inquiries or interviews, please contact Alexandre Petit at: vireeblues@gmail.com. You will find further information on our guests at: www.myspace.com/johellband . You should also visit our own site which offers you links to all of our guests sites and lots of other very interesting information at: www.vireeblues.ca or on myspace at: www.myspace.com/vireeblues or follow us on our facebook page under “vireebluesboreale”.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

White is the new Black this Season

Set the precedent this season, by breaking with the “no white after labour day” tradition.
This season, celebrate white as the new black, as LG sets to launch its fashion forward phone, the LG Optimus Black in white. Light, fashionable and fun, it’s the perfect accessory to any outfit and will set you apart from the crowd this fall.


Whether capturing the newest trends on the runways this season, or impromptu photo shoots with friends, snap your favourite Fall looks in style with the new white LG Optimus Black.
The super slim phone is light and compact, ideal for the urban on-the-go lifestyle, while the white design is a perfect complement to any handbag or outfit this fall.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

AromaEarth Signs with Allison Dawn PR as Their PR Firm of Record to Launch Cali Blue Fragrance

AromaEarth, Inc. has engaged Allison Dawn PR to launch its debut fragrance, Cali Blue.


“The Cali Blue fragrance is representative of the outdoor, beach and ocean lifestyle. Its clean, fresh fragrance is for men and women who love the natural scent of the ocean air,” states Allison Dawn PR President, Allison Kugel. “In addition, 10% of the profits from the sale of each bottle of Cali Blue will go directly towards building new fresh water wells for people in third world countries who currently do not have access to clean and safe drinking water.”

About Cali Blue
Cali Blue is a unisex fragrance with a crisp and clean California sunshine breeze. The blue hued fragrance is a citrus medley of lemon, orange, mandarin and bergamot in the top note, with a floral bouquet of lily, lavender, rose and a whisper of night blooming jasmine in the middle. Cali Blue has an ambery, vanilla, musky and sage-like base-note.
Meant for his and hers use, Cali Blue is encased in a square 1.7 fl oz. bottle filled with turquoise eau de parfum spray and capped with a silver top; clean and sophisticated. Manufactured and distributed by Aroma Earth, the company’s love of the beach and water transcends the ocean, with a corporate philanthropic mission of bringing clean water wells to people in third world countries.
When you purchase a bottle of Cali Blue, ten percent of the profits from each bottle sold will go directly toward building wells in parts of the world where clean drinking water is not currently available. Aroma Earth has already contributed to the completion of clean water wells in the villages of Bhagdal, Thanda, Ramagundala, Basava, Pur, Bangarde, and Pittalawada in India.

To learn more about Cali Blue, visit: http://www.aromaearth.com/


About Kimberly Brown - owner of AromaEarth & creator of Cali Blue fragrance With a passion for fragrance that goes back more than a decade, Kimberly Brown has been manufacturing fragrant candles for retailers across the United States, and for distributors under private label, since 2001. Expanding her love of creating intoxicating scents, Brown decided to branch out from candles to wearable fragrance.
During an inspiring trip to Malibu, California, Brown fell in love with the lifestyle, atmosphere, and most importantly, the fragrance of California beaches. “I love everything about Malibu,” states Brown, “the sunsets, the ambiance and the lifestyle. I wanted to create a fragrance that would embody a clean beach-y scent.”
Brown began working with a perfumer in 2007 to begin developing Cali Blue. In addition to her passion for fragrance, Brown is determined to continue building fresh water wells for underprivileged people in third world countries, having built six wells in villages throughout India, to date. ###
Contact Information AromaEarth Allison Kugel 516-942-0264 Contact www.aromaearth.com www.allisondawnpr.com

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

KODAK OFFERS FREE PHOTO PRINTS AT SELECT KODAK PICTURE KIOSK LOCATIONS

Kodak Invites Consumers to Print Photos From Their FACEBOOK Account and Their Friend’s Albums at a KODAK Picture Kiosk for Free

 Free KODAK Prints Week, an opportunity for customers to print photos from their FACEBOOK account for free directly from a KODAK Picture Kiosk. With the enhancements to the KODAK Picture Kiosk software, consumers can now easily access and print images from their friends’ FACEBOOK albums (in compliance with FACEBOOK Privacy Rules), in addition to their own albums, to enhance and share their stories. This increased social connectivity enables consumers to create KODAK Photo Books, KODAK Personal Greeting Cards, Calendars and other creative projects, ultimately bringing a new dimension to social image sharing.
“Kodak is dedicated to providing customers unique solutions to help create and share their stories,” said Larry Trevarthen, vice president of worldwide marketing, Retail Systems Solutions, Eastman Kodak Company. “We know there are billions of photos stored on FACEBOOK and there is a strong desire to print those photos. Through our Free Prints Week, we are providing customers an easy and convenient solution to free their FACEBOOK photos at no cost by visiting select KODAK Picture Kiosk locations in Canada.”


To celebrate Free Prints Week, Kodak has partnered with popular Tumblr, My Parents Were Awesome (MPWA) to host a contest, as a way to encourage people to print and share recent photos and those of the past. MPWA was designed as a forum to celebrate family history through photography by inviting users to submit vintage photos of their parents from their youth. Both MPWA and Kodak not only provide consumers unique and convenient ways to expand their social imaging capabilities but also share their memories with photos from the present and the past, where and when they like.


Free Prints Week will run from October 17 through October 23 at select KODAK Picture Kiosks in Canada. By “liking” Kodak on FACEBOOK during this time period and opting in to receive emails from Kodak in the future, FACEBOOK users will be able to download a coupon to print up to twenty (20) free 4x6 instant prints from FACEBOOK at a Kiosk.

About Kodak
As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.
To learn more, visit the newly redesigned http://www.kodak.ca and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.ca/go/followus
# # #
© Kodak 2011. KODAK is a trademark of Eastman Kodak Company.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Introducing BOLLYFIT

Dance Your Way to Better Health on The Brand New ONE!


Shake up your fitness routine with BOLLYFIT you can go for the burn with Bikram and get to the core with Pilates, but the high energy and spirit of a Bollywood musical will add that much-needed cardio boost to your workout.
Not your run-of-the-mill aerobics class, BollyFit allows you to experience the excitement, exoticism and exuberance of traditional Indian dance.
Each of the 26 original 30-minute sessions takes viewers through a sequence designed to slowly introduce Bollywood dance moves, which gradually build in pace and complexity to elevate your heart rate and burn calories. BollyFit also incorporates a muscle-conditioning component to sculpt buns, inner thighs, hips and core for a completely unique total body workout. This easy-to-follow exercise program is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. And best of all, it’s fun.

The creator of BollyFit is Toronto-based Indian classical dancer Reshmi Chetram, who epitomizes the grace and beauty of the leading Bollywood and South Asian stars like Freida Pinto, Aishwarya Rai and Canada’s own Lisa Ray. Reshmi is the principal dancer of the Natya Arts Productions performing troupe and is one of the Kathak and Bollywood choreographers at the Tarana Dance Centre. In 2011, she launched her non-profit organization called the Dance for Life foundation. She holds BollyFit classes throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Executive produced by media pioneer and ZoomerMedia founder Moses Znaimer, BollyFit joins the best lineup of culturally based and alternative exercise programming on television.

BollyFit airs weekdays on The Brand New ONE

6pm ET / 3pm PT starting November 21

6am & 11am ET / 3am & 8am PT starting November 22

Check out behind the scenes: http://www.onebodymindspiritlove.com/videos/bollyfit-behind-the-scenes-1/
The Brand New One, where Body, Mind, Spirit and Love intersect to make A Better You. The Brand New ONE presents the smartest, freshest shows on yoga and meditation, weight loss and fitness, sex and relationships, natural health and nutrition, and alternative medicine. ONE’s experts will inspire viewers with practical ways to achieve their maximum potential and happiness.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Important Facts about Breast Reconstruction

Many women who are facing a mastectomy may not be aware that breast reconstruction is considered part of the overall treatment plan. More awareness of breast reconstruction is needed, and that’s why October 19, 2011 has been designated the first National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day.
“Breast reconstruction is not a luxury. It’s a part of treatment and an option that is readily available and can offer high quality results,” explains Dr. Tim Sproule, TSH Plastic Surgeon.

Dr. Sproule shares the following:
1.More than 10 per cent of women develop breast cancer in North America and other developed countries.

2.Treatment usually involves some type of ablation of the breast, which can be painful, unsightly and psychologically distressing for many women.

3.Sadly, the majority of women do not opt to have breast reconstruction despite effective treatment being readily available.

4.Plastic and reconstructive surgeons have a large number of options to help with reconstruction of the breast post-mastectomy, which can go a long way to restoring unacceptable appearance, confidence and self-esteem for women who have needed to undergo breast cancer treatment.

5.Options include implants of various kinds, sometimes including tissue expansion or utilizing a patient’s own tissues (autogenous reconstruction). The most popular of these involves using the lower abdominal tissue and transferring this to the breast defect. This gives the happy result of also providing a woman with a ‘free’ tummy tuck!

6. The latest advance is to utilize microsurgery techniques to spare more of the abdominal muscle and increase the reliability of the transferred tissues.

“The Scarborough Hospital has a large and sophisticated breast reconstruction program that can provide every type of reconstruction that is presently available anywhere in the world, with the highest level of quality and safety,” Dr. Sproule adds. “A large volume of breast reconstruction procedures is performed at TSH. In fact, TSH has the third most active microvascular breast reconstruction unit in Ontario.”

Join us on Wednesday, October 19 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Scarborough Hospital, General campus Artists’ Walkway where the breast reconstruction group will host a drop-in information session that will include intimate and personal discussions on all aspects of breast reconstruction, including implant choices, pedicled and microvascular flaps, and ancillary procedures such as nipple reconstruction and tattooing. For more information on this TSH event, call 416-439-1718 or email jkhan@plasticos.ca.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Look- Fabulous- Fall Outfit at Nelly.com

When the temperatures drop, it doesn’t mean that you need to hide yourself in big fluffy coats. You can still show your body AND keep yourself warm. How to do that?


You can show us by joining the Nelly.com Style Contest.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Gladiator® GarageWorks-makes the leap from season-to-season easier,

Fall is here again and the seasonal transition calls for the packing away of summer gear and the reappearance of equipment for the colder months to come. To make the leap from season-to-season easier, it’s essential to have organizational tools in place to optimize storage space in the garage.


With some help from Gladiator® GarageWorks organizational products and storage solutions, transform the garage into customized zones that suits every seasonal need easily and efficiently.

HANG IT UP


Make space for your car in the garage by getting all of your equipment off the floor

and onto the wall. Hooks, baskets and shelving is an efficient way to store all of your goods.



GEAR UP

Creating storage space is important accommodate everything from equipment, tools and other

that you want access to year round the Gladiator® GarageWorks Premier GearBox; supporting up to 300lbs, one fixed and two full-width adjustable shelves and locking Tread Plate offer security. (MSRP*: $469.99)

STACK IT UP

The garage can be a perfectly functional room in the home; one that can serve as an area for completing any work, school or pastime project. Introduce a Gladiator® GarageWorks 6 ft. Modular Workbench into your garage to serve as an efficient workspace. (MSRP*: $579.99)

Gladiator® GarageWorks is available at Sears, Lowe’s stores and independent retailers across Canada. Visit www.gladiatorgarageworks.com to learn more about Gladiator® GarageWorks products.

Friday, October 7, 2011

It's Turkey Time !

The "danger zone" is between 40 and 140 F (4 - 60°C) - the temperature range where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly. While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely, but as soon as it begins to thaw, bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to grow again.
Safe Preparation

Bacteria present on raw poultry can contaminate your hands, utensils, and work surfaces as you prepare the turkey. If these areas are not cleaned thoroughly before working with other foods, bacteria from the raw poultry can then be transferred to other foods. After working with raw poultry, always wash your hands, utensils, and work surfaces before they touch other foods.
Safe Stuffing

For optimal safety and uniform doneness, cook the stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole dish. However, if you place stuffing inside the turkey, do so just before cooking, and use a food thermometer. Make sure the center of the stuffing reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165°F (74°C), possibly resulting in foodborne illness.
Safe Cooking
Set the oven temperature no lower than 325°F and be sure the turkey is completely thawed. Place turkey breast-side up on a flat wire rack in a shallow roasting pan 2 to 2-1/2 inches deep. Check the internal temperature at the center of the stuffing and meaty portion of the breast, thigh, and wing joint using a food thermometer. Cooking times will vary. The food thermometer must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) [Health Canada recommends to cook turkey until the temperature of the thickest part of the breast or thigh is at least 85ºC (185ºF)]. Let the turkey stand 20 minutes before removing all stuffing from the cavity and carving the meat.

Following these cooking guidelines can help you prepare a safe holiday dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Experience Much More Munsch at the Canadian Children’s Museum





Gatineau, Quebec, October 6, 2011—Visitors are welcome into the delightful world of renowned Canadian children’s author Robert Munsch this fall at the Canadian Children’s Museum. Much More Munsch is an engaging interactive exhibition presented until April 9.
“For more than 30 years, Robert Munsch has enchanted children with his fantastical stories reflecting the joys and challenges of everyday family life,” said Mark O’Neill, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “Much More Munsch allows visitors to go into Robert Munsch’s home and explore his world through a range of activities that engage all their senses. The exhibition will arouse young people’s curiosity, stimulate their creativity and encourage them to develop their language and reading skills.”

Robert Munsch draws inspiration from real children and true stories to invent his characters and their adventures. The writer uses language, sounds and sketches to compose a story, and that is exactly the experience that Much More Munsch aims to give visitors of all agesexperience that Much More Munsch .

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Parents key to reducing baby’s distress in the doctor’s office, York U study concludes

Non-pharmacological interventions shown to be effective


TORONTO, October 5, 2011 - Parents should cuddle their babies close to soothe them when they have to endure painful medical procedures, a study from York University has found.

“Holding your baby against your chest, giving the baby something to suck, and rocking are effective ways to help babies with the pain they feel from heel pricks and immunizations,” said York University professor Rebecca Pillai Riddell. “This can happen naturally, like when a mother breastfeeds during an immunization procedure. Unfortunately some physicians – for younger infants in particular – give immunizations with the infant lying on a table.”

Pillai Riddell, a professor in the Faculty of Health’s Department of Psychology, heads up the Opportunity for Understanding Childhood Hurt (O.U.C.H.) Lab at York. Her team reviewed the results of more than 70 research studies in which non-pharmacological treatments were used to manage pain experienced by babies during routine procedures. Their systematic review of this primary research was published today as a Cochrane Review.

“Kangaroo care, which is skin-to-skin contact between the baby and the parent’s chest, works best for premature babies, along with a soother and swaddling,” says Pillai Riddell. “The baby is warm and is calmed by the parent’s scent and their heartbeat.”
Full-term newborns also respond to being swaddled tight, rocking/close holding and sucking a pacifier before and after the injection, says Pillai Riddell.
But despite the growing number of infant immunizations every year, much more research is needed on what non-pharmacological strategies work for babies ranging in age from one month to three years. What is clear is that trying to distract a baby with a toy during the needle does not work, and repeated reassurance can make a child anxious, she said. Some of the same techniques used for the tiniest babies may work for this age group, says Pillai Riddell. There is also promising research that suggests older infants may be distracted by a video that is shown to them during the immunization procedure.
In the past, there’s been a myth that babies don’t remember pain, because they can’t talk about it, says Pillai Riddell.
“But words are not how they would process pain. We know now that they remember it with their bodies, so perhaps the next time they get a needle they may start crying and feel fearful even when the doctor simply comes near them,” says Pillai Riddell. “We also suspect that a lot of needle phobia and doctor avoidance later may result from this pain in the first year of life.”
She recommends parents try to avoid rushing just before an appointment, calm themselves before procedures, and respectfully ask the doctor to give the injection while they hold their baby.
“I believe parents do have the ability to reduce the distress their babies feel during painful procedures,” she said. “This is becoming more and more important as the number of vaccines available to protect our children increases. Children often have poke after poke after poke after poke in one appointment, with no pain management.”

Pillai Riddell, a Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) New Investigator in Pain, has been awarded more than $1 million in funding from CIHR and the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation to follow a cohort of children from birth through early childhood, so she will be able to study their experience of pain as they learn to express it with words.. This Canadian cohort (The OUCH Cohort) is the largest in the world examining how caregivers can help infants recover from painful procedures.
An abridged version of her Cochrane Review will appear later this month in the Canadian journal Pain Research & Management.
York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto – Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 55,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 240,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 faculties and 28 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

VIDEO of Rebecca Pillai Riddell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OgCQKOnn-I

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

In honour of NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

In honour of NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Evolution Laser and Rejuvenation Centre supports this cause by selling $5.00 raffle tickets for a-chance-to-
Win a clinic Skin Care Package valued at $300.00

    100 % of the monies collected will be donated to the
               Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Dr. Tim Sproule, MD, FRCSC, cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, has been doing microsurgery for over 20 years at the Scarborough hospital and has participated in many pioneering microsurgical procedures there and around the world.


On October 19th, 2011 - National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day -

The Scarborough Hospital breast reconstruction group will host a drop-in information session that will include intimate and personal discussions on all aspects of breast reconstruction including implant choices, pedicled and microvascular flaps, and ancillary procedures such as nipple reconstruction and tattooing. Surgeons and patients at various stages of reconstruction will be available to answer any questions you may have.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – 25 Years of Progress - For the last 25 years, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has been at the forefront of a nation-wide movement to raise awareness and mobilize action on breast cancer. Today, the Foundation is the leading organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Since 1986, from coast to coast, we have invested over $248 million to fund vital research and community health grants that have led progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Visit www.cbcf.org and join the movement.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Eighth Annual Embrace the Cause Program-Payless Breast Cancer Awareness earring set

Eighth Annual Embrace the Cause Program Features 2011 Limited-Edition Earring Set for Only $3 With 100 Percent of Net Profits from Item Sales to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
TORONTO. ON.,  This October, Payless will inspire shoppers to show their support for breast cancer awareness with this year’s featured accessory item – the 2011 Payless Breast Cancer Awareness earring set benefitting the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, one of the world’s largest breast cancer organizations dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Once again, Payless ShoeSource is proud to offer its Embrace the Cause item in all of its stores beginning today for just $3 – an affordable price that allows more people to get involved and contribute to breast cancer awareness.

“We are excited to continue to show our support for this important cause through our popular breast cancer awareness program,” said LuAnn Via, CEO and president of Payless. “Our Embrace the Cause item priced at $3 allows just about everyone to join in the fight against breast cancer and demonstrates how just a small purchase can help raise millions of dollars to help save lives.”

Payless will donate 100 percent of the net profits (at least $1 per earring set) of the item sales to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, helping to support breast cancer research and community outreach programs. Over the past eight years, the Payless Embrace the Cause program has raised nearly $4 million worldwide dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.