Leisure News

Older Canadians less aware of food risks

2013-03-28T20:43:00.004-07:00

(NC)—Most people have some knowledge about simple food safety practices; however, adults aged 60 and over may not realize they are more susceptible to developing complications relating to foodborne illness.

As we age, it becomes harder for our immune system to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. Older adults produce less of the stomach acid that kills harmful bacteria, which makes it easier for them to get sick. Sensory loss (sight, smell and taste) and chronic diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease also increase the risk of complications for people in this age group.

While most people who become ill from eating contaminated food recover completely, serious long-term health problems such as kidney failure and anemia are more common in older adults.

This is why it is so important for adults aged 60 and over, and those who prepare food for older adults, to be smart when it comes to food safety.

Health Canada's guide Safe Food Handling for Adults Aged 60 and Over offers these tips:

• Avoid high-risk foods such as raw seafood, non-dried deli meats and unpasteurized products. A list of foods to avoid and safer alternatives is available at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/foodsafety

• Clean your hands after handling raw meat, using the bathroom, petting animals or changing diapers. Wash all kitchen surfaces, cutting boards and reusable grocery bags frequently with warm soapy water.

• Prevent cross-contamination by separating raw meat, poultry and fish from ready-to-eat foods in your grocery cart, grocery bags and at home in the refrigerator.

• Cook meat, poultry and fish to a safe internal temperature. Get into the habit of using a digital food thermometer to check.

• Chill leftovers within two hours to stop bacteria in the food from multiplying to unsafe levels.

• Don't try to judge the safety of food by its smell or taste. If in doubt, throw it out!

Adults aged 60 and over are one of four groups identified by Health Canada as being at greater risk for foodborne illness. The other three groups are children aged five and under, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system.

More information to help older adults reduce their risk of foodborne illness is available on the website. You can also download or order a copy of Safe Food Handling for Adults Aged 60 and Over from the website, or by calling toll-free, 1-800-O-Canada.

Are you at risk for foodborne illness but don't know it?

2013-03-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

(NC)—According to a Health Canada survey, you could be at higher risk for severe foodborne illness and not even know it.

Experts at Health Canada have identified four groups of people whose age, health status and other factors put them at an increased risk of serious complications from foodborne illness: children aged five and under, adults aged 60 and over, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

If you or a member of your family fall into one of the four groups listed above, talk to your primary care provider about your increased risk and ways to stay healthy.

And remember, anybody can get sick from improperly cooked or handled food. Following the four basic principles of safe food handling is still the best way to protect yourself and your family from foodborne illness:

• Cook: Be sure to cook food to a safe internal temperature. Check this by using a digital food thermometer.

• Clean: Wash your hands and surfaces often with warm, soapy water.

• Chill: Refrigerate food and leftovers promptly at 4°C or below.

• Separate: Always separate your raw foods, such as meat and eggs, from cooked foods and vegetables.

Relevant information and support targeted to each of the four at-risk groups is available at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/foodsafety, as well as general tips on food safety. Be sure to check out the downloadable brochures and interactive guides for safe food handling at home and at the grocery store.

All of the guides found on the website are also available by calling toll-free, 1-800-O-Canada.

Summer reading clubs can help improve literacy levels

2009-08-25T15:52:00.001-07:00

(NC)—It's no secret that without practice, learned skills get rusty. Researchers have found that students generally score lower on standardized tests at the end of the summer than they do at the beginning. What better way to help your kids take the mystery out of reading by enrolling them in a summer reading club like the one organized jointly by TD Bank Financial Group, Library and Archives Canada and the Toronto Public Library?

This year's theme, Crack the case with Agent 009, is a fun way to keep children of all ages engaged in reading throughout the summer months. With more than 250,000 reading kits being distributed this year that consist of an activity booklet, poster, and collectible stickers, it's no surprise that the love of reading will be alive this summer in libraries across Canada.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider enrolling your child in a summer reading club:

Maintaining Performance: Reading just six books during the summer has the potential to keep a struggling reader from regressing. Parents should be mindful of their child's reading level when choosing books. Libraries often run summer reading programs that provide guidance, such as the award-winning TD Summer Reading Club, in which nearly two million books are read by children each summer.

Improving Performance: Summer reading can help improve literacy levels, giving children the opportunity to return to school with advanced reading skills. The majority of reading club participants, librarians, and parents believe summer reading programs result in improved reading performance.

Increased Knowledge Base: Reading naturally expands your knowledge of a variety of different topics. Whether it's a book, newspaper or magazine, reading can help you discover new facts about the world around you.

Learning Confidence: It makes sense that a child with good reading skills will have higher confidence to continue with reading activities, both at school and at home. Participation in group reading clubs not only improves reading confidence, it can increase a child's social confidence as a result of enjoying interaction with others.

For more information on the TD Summer Reading Club please visit www.td-club-td.ca.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Green tips for camping

2009-08-04T12:49:00.001-07:00

(NC)—Before you head out to one of Canada's beautiful parks for that much anticipated camping trip, consider the following tips that will enhance your camping experience and care for the environment.

Remember that you're going to enjoy nature and that means caring for the environment, so that others can have the same experience after you've left.

We all know the cardinal rule “Leave the area just as you found it,” but here some other tips to keep in mind on your camping trip:

1. Use reusable dishes: Do not use styrofoam and plastic picnic dishes and flatware. Washing dishes can be a chore, but it will reduce the amount of garbage you produce onsite.

2. Sort your garbage: Bringing different waste bags to separate food scraps and other garbage from paper waste can be helpful. When sorted, recycled fibre paper napkins like those from White Swan, can multitask to help you start a campfire later.

3. Repackage food: Remove all food packaging and repack it in reusable containers. Don't bring individual packed food items, and clean up all food scraps while camping. Food left out will attract unwanted wildlife.

4. Meal time: When eating, be sure to use White Swan napkins to help keep mess to a minimum. Made from 100 per cent recycled paper and created using environmentally sustainable manufacturing process, they have less of an impact on the environment.

5. Bathroom Etiquette: Bring and use one-ply products like White Swan bathroom tissue because it's made from 100 per cent recycled fibre, and breaks down faster.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Get the most out of every drop of fuel

2009-07-13T13:11:00.001-07:00

(NC)—These days, it seems like everyone is tightening their wallet, and drivers everywhere are looking to get the most out of every tank of gasoline. While some people use alternate modes of transportation, many need their cars on a daily basis. For those in the driver's seat, there are simple ways to increase fuel efficiency and save at the pump.

“With the cost of vehicle ownership and car care growing every year, we all want to be more fuel efficient,” says Jens Mueller-Belau, Fuels Portfolio and Category Manager North America, Shell Retail. “Using money-saving driving techniques and car care tips are an easy way to help get the most out of every gasoline purchase.”

Following are ten Shell “Fuelstretch” tips designed to help drivers save money.

1. Drive smoothly: Avoid heavy acceleration or heavy braking. Speeding, rapid acceleration and heavy braking can use as much as 33% more fuel than sensible driving.*

2. Service your car regularly: A well-tuned engine alone can improve fuel economy by up to 4%*, so follow your car manufacturer's recommendation for servicing, and change your oil as required. It's also important to keep your entire vehicle well maintained. A poorly maintained vehicle can increase fuel consumption by up to 50%*. Even replacing dirty spark plugs can improve fuel consumption by 5%*, so you should read the vehicle owner's manual thoroughly to familiarize yourself with its mechanical maintenance requirements.

3. Make sure tires are not over or under-inflated: Proper air pressure cutsdown on fuel used while driving. A tire that is under-inflated by just two psi (14 kPa) can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as two percent and reduce the tire's life by about 6,500 kilometres.*

4. Use the correct grade of oil in your engine: Following your manufacturer's motor oil recommendation can improve fuel efficiency by one to two percent. Look for motor oil that says “energy conserving” on the label.

5. Choose a high-quality gasoline: Top automakers say thatcarbon deposits can build up on critical engine parts, which can decrease the power, performance and fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen introduced a TOP TIER detergent standard to raise the bar on fuel quality beyond minimum requirements and to help drivers avoid lower quality gasolines. All Shell gasolines meet TOP TIER standards and are designed to stop gunky build-up on critical engine parts, which helps cars to perform at their best.

6. Use cruise control on major roads and in free-flowing traffic: Maintaining a constant speed can improvegasoline mileage.

7. Avoid idling: When you idle, it wastes gasoline, and you are getting exactly 0 km/litre.

8. Avoid higher speeds: The faster you go the more wind resistance you'll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume just to maintain speed. In general, increasing your speed from 100 km/h to 120 km/h will increase fuel consumption by about 20 percent.

9. Plan your outings to avoid separate trips: Combine your errands into one outing to avoid short separate trips. This planning helps avoid unnecessary cold starts and keeps your car's engine running warmly and more efficiently.

10. Get rewards for your fuel purchases: From May 4 to July 12, 2009, Shell customers will receive ten times bonus AIR MILES rewards with a minimum $30.00 purchase of Shell V-Power gasoline or Shell V-Power diesel, and five times bonus reward miles with a minimum $30.00 purchase of Shell bronze, Shell silver gasoline or Shell diesel. AIR MILES collectors can redeem their reward miles for great rewards.

Whether running errands around town or commuting to work, these money-saving driving techniques can help you get the most out of every drop of fuel. More information is available online at www.shell.ca/fuelstretch.

*Estimates for fuel savings from sensible driving are based on studies and literature reviews performed by Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc., Washington, DC., Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency Auto$mart Thinking program and Transport Canada Media Room.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Use sweatproof sunscreen this summer when playing outdoor sports

2009-06-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

(NC)—There is nothing quite as invigorating as a run through the park or a game of touch football in the dog days of summer when the sun is hot and the air is warm and inviting.

As you sweat it out this summer, keep in mind that your skin can take a beating under the hot summer sun, especially when you exercise. In fact, the more you sweat, the more your skin temporarily loses its natural ability to protect itself from both burning UVB rays and aging UVA rays. Even if you wear a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen, sweat and humidity can cause sunscreen weardown, putting you at risk.

Here are some tips for finding a durable sport sunscreen this summer:

• Look for sunscreens that are made specifically for sports; ones that provide exceptional, long-lasting sport sun protection that keeps skin well protected during play
• Look for very sweat-resistant and very water-resistant products, indicators of increased sunscreen durability
• Look for ultra lightweight, non-comedogenic lotions that won't clog pores or cause breakouts or run into eyes to cause stinging
• Look for a sport sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) that provides broad-spectrum protection and apply generously. Most adults do not follow sunscreen application instructions, achieving only 10-25% of the expected SPF. For optimal protection, it is important to apply sunscreen generously, using approximately 2 full tablespoons to cover the entire body. Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45 and Sunscreen Sprays SPF 45 and 60, contains innovative stabilizing Helioplex technology, which delivers strong and long-lasting protection against both burning UVB and aging UVA rays. These products also contain a matrixed waterproof technology comprised of large molecules that create an invisible, yet breathable, shield on the skin to help keep sunscreen in place during physical activity

While no sunscreen is clinically proven to minimize or prevent skin cancer, dermatologists have long recognized that exposure to UVA and UVB rays can promote the risk of skin cancer.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Looking for that extra edge in the sport you love? Try seeing your best

2009-06-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Images of summertime are usually cast in a light of hot, lazy, relaxing days by the pool, but for sports lovers that boost of vitamin D has them dreaming about baseball, yachting, golfing, swimming, soccer and anything else that calls for action under the sun. No matter what the sport, vision drives performance. So to excel during competition and have that extra edge, make sure your eyesight is in top shape.

Photochromic lenses are great for outdoor sports where you move frequently from bright sunlight to shade during the course of a game, as well as on days when it's partly sunny, partly cloudy. Even if you have perfect vision, the right pair of photochromic lenses may help you see better than your rivals.

Photochromic lenses, such as Transitions lenses, enhance contrast and eliminate glare, reducing eye strain whether you are on the green or in the ballpark. They also block 100 per cent of exposure to the sun's harmful Ultra Violet (UV) rays, and can help prevent irreversible, long-term eye damage such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Sports enthusiasts can feel confident that they are also helping to protect the health and wellness of their eyes for the future.

“Understanding that connection from overall vision to sports performance is key to ensuring you are at the top of your game,” says Dr. Trevor Miranda, optometrist. “Proper eye care, which includes regular routine eye examinations and lens selection are absolutely critical to living a healthy, active lifestyle. Tell your eye care professional which sports you enjoy and discuss the best lenses for your particular sport.”

When it comes to achieving your personal best in sports, remember that great eyesight is a key factor in athletic performance. You might want to put photochromic lenses at the top of your list when you shop for gear and gadgets to enhance your game.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Build the ultimate outdoor retreat

2009-06-01T09:20:00.001-07:00

(NC)—When renovating a home, people often forget one of the most important components: the outdoor space. If done right, your yard can become more than an extension of your home - it can be your very own private escape! An outdoor space needs to be designed and decorated with the same care and attention as a kitchen or bedroom. From choosing the right furniture, to adding the right decorative compliments, here are a few key considerations to keep in mind when creating an outdoor retreat.

Why sit when you can lounge?

Do you want to use your space to host parties, relax in a zen-inspired garden, or give your children a space where they can play? How you plan on using the space will determine what type of furniture you need. And with outdoor furniture, you can be a little more creative: chairs can be replaced with recliners, swings, loungers or even hammocks. Decorative accents are also essential: throw a few colourful pillows on your outdoor furniture or put an area rug under your outdoor patio set. As long as fashion meets function, almost anything goes.

Be wary of the weather

While you don't have to worry about rain resistant finishes on your living room couch, the same cannot be said for your patio furnishings. It is important to keep the climate in mind when choosing your outdoor furniture. For example, if you live in a windy area, select heavier furniture as lighter plastic chairs are likely to turn up on your neighbour's lawn! If you experience heavy, regular rainfall, try to stay away from materials like rod iron that are more likely to rust. And to lengthen the life of your outdoor pieces, make sure to store your patio furniture when weather isn't in your favour.

Sneak it away

The days of hiding outdoor pillows in a boring and old plastic bin are long gone. If you build storage needs into your outdoor design, your weather sensitive pieces – such as pillows and tablecloths – will have a home all season long. And today you don't even have to worry about finding the perfect match as many outdoor furniture sets include beautiful deck boxes that help pull the look of your outdoor space together.

Set the mood

Like any room in your house lighting is key and when it comes to the outdoors, solar powered lights are a great option. Solar lights are environmentally friendly – which is great news for the green-minded consumer who's looking to save on their energy bills. Installation is also easy as there is no wiring or plugs to worry about! And with so many styles to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect one to brighten up your own outdoor space.

With the right tools and tips, setting up a fun and functional outdoor space doesn't need to be an overwhelming project. For more tips on how to create the ultimate outdoor retreat, visit www.homedepot.ca.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Grilling 101

2009-05-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

(NC) A few barbecue basics will stand you in good stead for safe, great meals every time. For more detailed information on cleaning and maintenance visit Broil King Gas Grills online at www.broilkingbbq.com.

- To keep cast iron cooking grids in top shape it is best to leave them a bit dirty. After you are finished cooking, turn your burners off and give the grids a quick brush down while they are still hot. Food residue will come off easier when grills are hot and you will leave behind the grease and oils that keep your grills seasoned. When you use the barbecue the next time, just give the grills another brushing before putting on the food.

- To prevent food from sticking, always prep your grill. Using a cloth, rub it with oil. Heat the barbecue as hot as possible, then turn it down to the temperature you want to cook at.

- Keep the lid down. Lifting the lid allows heat to escape from the barbecue, increasing total cooking time. A closed lid also reduces the chance of flare-ups. Open only when turning foods or checking for doneness.

- A tomato or sugar based sauce should be reserved until the last 10 ñ 15 minutes of cooking, as the sugar has a tendency to caramelize or burn if subjected to high heat for a prolonged period of time.

- Before using bamboo skewers for your kebab and satays, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent the wood from burning.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Home security checklist for cottage goers

2009-05-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

How to protect your home away from home

(NC)—When you're going away on your annual cottage vacation you want to rest – and rest easy too. You want peace of mind that your home is as safe as it can be from burglary or other damage.

According to Patrice De Luca, V.P. of Marketing and Business Development for Reliance Protectron Security Services, there are several key steps you should take to ensure peace of mind when away from home. The following Reliance Protectron home safety checklist can help you plan important safety measures before your departure:

Did you suspend your newspaper and mail delivery; or have a neighbor collect them for you?Does the house look lived-in?
That means having someone park their car in your driveway if you're taking yours. You can even ask a neighbor to put a bag of garbage at your curb on garbage day.

Did you set your lights on timers, in various rooms?
With some timers, the lights go on and off at different times each day, which means a burglar can't pick up on a pattern. Motion sensor lights outside can also deter a burglar. Consider installing them in front and back.

Did you ensure that all your doors and windows are locked and secure?
Don't forget about the garage. Place a bar or stick of wood in the lower track of sliding doors or windows, to be extra safe.

Did you turn off the water-main and unplug the major appliances as an added precaution?Did you inform a neighbor when you're leaving and returning, and ask them to keep an eye out for anything suspicious?
Leave them a phone number where you can be reached, and a spare set of your keys in case of an emergency.

Did you consider a home security system?
A home security system is a very effective deterrent. When looking for their targets, thieves usually select an unoccupied home with the easiest access. Why not make it difficult for them. A home protected by a home security system is three times less susceptible to a break in than one without a system. Home security system decals and yard signs are also an effective deterrent. Make sure your home security system includes a loud inside house siren, detectors at all exterior doors, and motion sensors in the master bedroom and main living areas.

De Luca says the latest technology in home security systems can now allow to monitor your home from a distance by wireless transmission (SkyGARD) if you have a cell phone as a primary line for example or simply for added protection. The home security system is linked to our ULC interlinked remote monitoring centres that protects your home 24 hours a day against burglars, fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and floods by supervising the temperature, electrical system and point of entries of your home.

“We can even configure the system to alert you by e-mail of the duration of comings and goings in your home with TeleGARD (cleaning staff, neighbors, family)” De Luca added. For more information on protecting your home while you're away visit www.protectron.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Top motorcycle insurance tips

2009-05-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

New rider? Take a motorcycle training course

If you're new to riding, then take an approved rider training course. Not only will you be a better rider for it, but you could be eligible for a discount that will lower your motorcycle insurance premium.

Ride carefully

It likely comes as no surprise that multiple tickets and accidents will increase how much you pay in motorcycle insurance coverage. With a bad record, you can find yourself paying much higher insurance premiums over the years.

Equip your bike with an anti-theft device

There are a wide range of anti-theft devices designed specifically for motorcycles, and some insurance companies will offer you a discount if you have an approved one installed on your bike.

Ride a bike that costs less to insure

The type of bike you choose will affect your motorcycle insurance rate. For example, avoid motorcycles that are attractive to thieves because a bike known to be a target will likely cost more to insure.

Ask about discounts

While the availability of discounts will vary depending on your insurer, where you live and whether you meet the eligibility requirements, asking about them could save you significant money. Common discounts include the multi-vehicle discount (for those with more than one motorcycle), the multi-line discount (for those who want to insure their auto or home), and the discount for belonging to a recognized motorcycle club or association.

Increase your deductibles

Insurance was really meant to cover you for damages you could never afford on your own. So keeping in mind the value of your bike, raise them as high as you can afford knowing that the deductible is how much you'll have to cover if you need to submit a claim.

Cancelling your motorcycle policy at the end of the riding season will not save you money

Motorcycle insurance, in Canada, is seasonal and the premiums are seasonally adjusted. If you cancel the insurance for the winter you will not get any premium refunded.

Shop around for insurance before buying to save money

Motorcycle insurance rates vary across insurers so don't assume the first quote you get is the best quote you'll get. At sites like www.kanetix.ca, you can easily get quotes online when you're ready to shop for your motorcycle insurance.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Is the annual auto tune up fact, or fiction?

2009-05-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

(NC)—It used to be one of the standard pieces of auto maintenance advice given to young drivers: a car needs to be taken in for a tune-up once every year.

As time has gone on however, vehicle technology has improved and standard maintenance schedules have changed, leaving many drivers uncertain about what exactly a tune-up now entails, and whether their car even needs one at all.

“The old rules no longer apply,” said Megan Currie, Honeywell Consumer Products Group group marketing manager. “Some vehicles need a tune-up every two years or 48,000 kilometers, while some new vehicles can go as long as 161,000 kilometers before needing one. It's important to check your owner's manual for your vehicle's standard maintenance schedule and take it in for routine care.”

When the term “tune-up” was first coined, it literally referred to the practice of tuning an engine's ignition timing. In modern vehicles, this is handled by computer, and the term is now used to refer to a single vehicle service that typically involves installing new spark plugs, fuel and air filters and ignition wires along with a quick test of the computer.

“Be sure that if you don't plan to do the job yourself, you take your vehicle to a qualified shop,” Curry explains. “They'll be able to explain exactly what needs to be done.”

Either way, it's smart to get educated on what type of plug you can have installed since not all spark plugs are created equal and many are made with different metal types. The most advanced spark plugs are made with iridium and platinum and feature what is called finewire technology. These plugs are a fantastic choice since the finewire centrewire in a premium plug, like the Autolite XP Xtreme Performance plug, lowers the voltage required from the coil to make the spark jump. When a plug fouls, buildup on the ceramic insulator provides an alternate path for the energy to ground to the shell (the plug's outer layer). So if the plug is a finewire, the plug will need more buildup to actually “foul” because energy will always take the path of least resistance. That means these plugs are more durable, last longer and provide a faster, more efficient burn.

Even if your car isn't scheduled for a tune-up in the near term, switching out worn spark plugs can help achieve better performance and better fuel efficiency.

Want to learn how to do the job yourself? The Autolite brand website has a great “how to” area that provides step-by-step video tutorials on changing spark plugs, installing a wire set, flushing and filling your cooling system and more. You can also download these videos to your iPod so the videos can be available to you in the palm of your hand.

Check out autolite.com and click on “car care” for more information.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Centennial of Flight is inspiring career dreams

2009-04-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

(NC)—This summer as thousands of Canadians gather at air shows across the country, our Air Force pilots, engineers, and technicians will not be shy to tell you that “there really is no life like it”.

Watch for kiosks and displays while at the air shows, and at scores of other annual events, where you may also get an opportunity to tour a CF-18 fighter jet cockpit. Mark on your calendar, for starters, the Halifax International Tattoo, the Calgary Stampede, and the Bagotville Air Show. The kiosk presentations are set up for career information and for a chance to talk directly to the military personnel who are also looking for the best and the brightest.

Among those who will be participating at select air shows this summer is former CF-18 fighter pilot and astronaut Chris Hadfield, scheduled to fly a fully refurbished Cold War fighter jet, named "Hawk One" after the Golden Hawks, Canada's aerial demonstration team formed in 1959 to mark the 50th anniversary of flight.

"It will be fun,” he said, “to meet young Canadians across the country to tell them about Canada's role in the history of aviation, about the opportunities today, and about some of the amazing things that are coming in the near future.”

For Centennial of Flight information and celebrations visit www.airforce.canadiancentennialofflight.ca.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Get optimal performance on the greens

2009-04-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

(NC)—April showers brought May flowers and the green on the great golf courses across Canada. Golfers wait all winter long to get out on the green to work on their swing and perfect their putt. Both avid and novice golfers are always looking for that extra edge for better performance in their game. But did you ever think that eye health may be hindering a perfect score?

The eyes are just as vulnerable to harmful ultra violet (UV) rays as is the skin. Invisible UV rays and visible glare are present every day, year-round, on cloudy days, in bright light, and everything in between. In fact, 92 per cent of Canadians are aware that prolonged exposure to UV radiation causes skin cancer, but only nine per cent of Canadians know that prolonged sun exposure can also cause damage to the eyes and the sensitive skin around the eyes. Surprisingly, according to a recent survey, only 18 per cent of respondents wear eyewear with UV protection even when they plan to be out in the sun for long periods of time. Exposure to UV rays can cause damage to your eyes that leads to eye conditions, eye diseases and diminished sight.

PGA professional golfer Ian Leggatt has partnered with Transitions Optical to help encourage golfers and spectators to learn about eye health and protection for the future. “My eyes are vital to the success that I have had in my career – the smallest extra margin of clarity can give me an advantage over a competitor,” says Leggatt. “It is of the utmost importance that I protect my eyes. Photochromic lenses work perfectly by reducing glare and improving contrast by blocking 100 per cent of UV rays.”

Enthusiasts – professional and amateurs alike – benefit from optimal sight and because of outdoor lighting conditions, which often times change during the course of a round of golf, Transitions lenses can actually help enhance the quality of a golfers' vision while playing.

More information and tips about healthy sight can be found online at www.transitions.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com

A golf lesson is an investment in your game

2009-03-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

By Mark Dottori

(NC)—Ask any golfer – you can learn the game, but you will never perfect it. However, you can work to improve your performance on the course by fitting yourself with appropriate golf equipment, scheduling time to practice, and taking lessons from a Canadian PGA Professional.

“No matter what level of golfer you are, everyone needs some help with their game,” says Gary Bernard, the Canadian PGA's Director of Education. “Even PGA Tour golfers are constantly having their game evaluated.”

Lessons are important not only to ensure golfers don't lapse into bad habits with their swing, but also because teaching methods are constantly evolving and improving as are the tools to aid instructors in the teaching process. Video and launch monitors now allow instructors to fine tune athlete performance like never before, complementing traditional teaching methods.

Last year, the Canadian PGA and Callaway Golf Canada partnered to create a promotion with participating pro shops that awarded golfers with a complimentary 30-minute lesson with a Canadian PGA professional with the purchase of a Callaway Golf driver or set of irons. This partnership continues for the 2009 golf season, and is valid for club purchases made between May 1st and July 31st.

“We wanted to introduce golfers purchasing new equipment to the benefits of having Canadian PGA instruction – particularly those who might not otherwise encounter it – while at the same time offering a tune-up or extra time to golfers who already take lessons,” added Bernard.

Information on the Canadian PGA and the Callaway Golf Lesson program can be found at www.mycallaway.ca or www.cpga.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Boating safety tips from Transport Canada

2009-03-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

(NC)—On average, 150 people die on Canadian waterways every year in boating accidents. Many of those deaths are preventable. You never know what could happen while you're out on the water. Keeping this fact in mind, Transport Canada reminds boaters to:

• Always wear a lifejacket and make sure your vessel is equipped with enough Canadian-approved lifejackets for each of your guests.

• Have proof of competency on board at all times.

• Take a boating safety course.

• Know the rules of the road.

• Carry the required safety equipment for your vessel such as paddles, bailer, flashlight, buoyant line, anchor etc.

• Keep clear of swimmers, divers and other vessels.

• Navigate your boat on the correct side of the buoy.

• Wear proper clothing and check the weather forecast before setting out.

Whether you're a boater, diver, angler, hunter or water sports enthusiast, there are rules and information you should know before heading out on the water. For the latest information on how to stay safe on Canadian waters, visit www.boatingsafety.gc.ca.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Canada, protecting its Arctic waters

2009-03-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Shipping in the Canadian Arctic may increase in coming decades due to reduced ice conditions and renewed interest in the region's natural resources. That's why the Canadian government is enhancing the environmental protection and shipping safety of our waterways.

Transport Canada works in partnership with Environment Canada, and the Canadian Coast Guard and the National Defense to ensure vessels operating in and passing through the Arctic Archipelago comply with Canada's laws, including rules governing international shipping through domestic waterways. This partnership ensures vessels continue to operate in the Arctic safely and with respect for the environment.

Transport Canada's major contribution to the government's efforts in the Arctic is expanding its National Aerial Surveillance Program to operate in the North. Part of the program's goals is to deter would-be-polluters, provide emergency response to those in distress, and acquire security-related information. To help achieve these goals, Transport Canada works closely with its partners. The department provides aircraft with state-of-the-art sensors that patrol our oceans to detect ships and pollution. With the help of Environment Canada, the program includes a satellite surveillance system to direct aircraft to areas of interest.

Combined, these measures represent one of the most effective maritime surveillance systems to safeguard our waters and protect life at sea – and they're about to get tougher! The Health of the Oceans initiative announced in 2007 calls for more flying hours and enhanced surveillance missions.

All of these measures are being taken to enhance the safety and environmental protection of our waterways.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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The cold, hard facts about surviving in cold water

2009-03-02T12:58:00.001-08:00

(NC)—Did you know that cold water takes heat from our body twenty-five times faster than air? When you are in water, your body's ability to exchange heat with the environment reaches its highest level. This is why cold water is so dangerous.

Even if you are in top shape and are able to swim through the roughest waters, you can still die from cold-water shock.

Knowing how cold water affects our body and how to reduce its effects is critical. One way to increase your chances of survival is to wear a lifejacket. A lifejacket will keep you afloat as you try to gain control of your breathing.

Some lifejackets are even designed with thermal protection to reduce the risk of cold water shock. Next time you head out on the water, be aware of the dangers and wear a lifejacket – it could save your life. You can find out more at www.boatingsafety.gc.ca.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Canadian recreational boaters must have proof of competency

2009-02-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

(NC)—Deadline to Obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card: September 2009

After September 15, 2009, anyone operating a motorized pleasure craft must carry a proof of competency on board.

The Pleasure Craft Operator Cardis probably the most easily identifiable proof of competency. Other acceptable forms include: proof of boating safety training prior to April 1, 1999 or a completed Rental Boat Safety Checklist.

Transport Canada's requirement for recreational boaters to carry a proof of competency is being phased in over a ten-year period. When do you need a proof of competency?

• Now, anyone born after April 1, 1983.

• Now, anyone operating a motorized pleasure craft less than 4 metres (including personal watercraft).

• By September 15, 2009, all operators of motorized pleasure craft must obtain proof of competency, regardless of their age or length of their vessel.

If you haven't already obtained your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, Transport Canada recommends taking a boating safety course from an accredited course provider and passing a test at the end of the course. A course, while not mandatory, is a small investment that has a big payoff: it will help you to be more aware of boating safety practices, prevention measures, and practical strategies to reduce risks.

Remember that boating safety is a life long commitment. For tips on staying safe on the water, or to find out more about how to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, please visit www.boatingsafety.gc.ca.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Playa del Carmen – Former fishing village now unique tourist attraction

2009-02-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

(NC)—As the fastest growing city in Latin America, Playa del Carmen has transformed from a small fishing village into an eclectic, cosmopolitan ever-changing tourist destination.

Located on the Caribbean Sea in the heart of Mexico's Mayan Riviera, this beach town has grown tremendously in popularity during the last decade due to its central location and nearby attractions which makes it the perfect destination for a Caribbean vacation.

Originally a small fishing town, tourism to Playa del Carmen began with the passenger ferry service to Cozumel, an island across the Cozumel Channel and world famous scuba diving destination. Over time visitors realized while passing through that it was a nice place to relax away from the crowds of Cancun but with the same quality beaches and turquoise waters.

Today Playa del Carmen, or "Playa" as it's known to the locals, is the center of the Riviera Maya concept. Playa is now a stop for several cruise ships which dock to allow their vacationers to take advantage of its shopping and quality restaurants on its world renowned “Quinta Avenida”, or Fifth Avenue.

The center of all tourist activity in Playa del Carmen, Fifth Avenue is a pedestrian walkway located just one block inland from the beach which is lined with boutique hotels, shops, bars, and restaurants. Here you will discover real Mexican hospitality combined with authentic Italian restaurants, British Pubs, German Biergartens and hip cosmopolitan lounges.

The famous energetic nightlife of Playa del Carmen captivates and enchants all comers. The streets, clubs and bars are always alive with all types of music and entertainment. It's a carnival-like atmosphere where you can find mariachi bands, belly dancers, stilt walkers, live Cuban music, reggae, hip-hop, lounge, rock, and blues all adding to the eclectic bohemian ambiance found in Playa del Carmen.

Playa's central location makes it convenient to visit all the sights and adventures the region has to offer. The Mexican themed "eco-archaeological park" Xcaret, the Tulum ruins and Cancun are all less than an hour away.
Where to stay?
A growing number of high quality hotels of all sizes are popping up in Playa. Many of these have been built within the last few years and offer nicely appointed rooms in all price ranges.

For example, world renowned Real Resorts offer choices that range from the 4 star Real Playa del Carmen, a traditional Mexican style hotel in the heart of lively Playa, to the 5 star Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen Resort and Spa with its regal architecture and warm family hospitality, right through to the upscale, modern Mexican architecture of THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen featuring the most luxurious amenities and facilities and the spectacular SPAzul spa.

These hotels offer travelers the balance of beautiful beachfront locations and the close proximity to world-class shopping in Playa and nearby tourist attractions. More information on Playa del Carmen vacations is available at www.RealResorts.com

Source: www.newscanada.com
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South Carolina a hot spot for beach trip bargains

2009-02-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

(NC)—COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina continues to be a hot spot for beach trip bargains. With almost 200 miles of coastline, the Palmetto State offers diversity for families and couples and parties of all shapes and sizes to take in the sun and fun year-round, with winter months an especially good time for great deals.

The best place to start the search for great deals for sun and surf is at www.DiscoverSouthCarolina.com, the state's official tourism site. Check out the Hot Deals link there for the latest deals from the coast. Other good places to surf the Net for deals are at Myrtle Beach's official tourism site at www.visitmybeach.com and Hilton Head Island's at www.hiltonhead.org. Same thing with that most charming and historic of southern destinations, Charleston, at www.charlestoncvb.com.

Myrtle Beach, of course, includes a wide range of bright lights and stage shows, inexpensive to high-end oceanfront hotels and thousands of places to eat, not to mention golf courses galore, from national championship links to more than 50 fun and elaborate miniature golf layouts.

Examples of high-end values at particularly good off-season prices include the new Island Vista (www.islandvista.com) and newly re-done Kingston Plantation. (www.kingstonplantation.com)

Charleston is an historical treasure but also the center of an area that includes a range of public and private beaches such as the county-owned beaches at Folly Beach (a particularly fun and funky place) and Beachwalker County Park right outside the gates of upscale Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms also is a private resort that markets high-end stays at family-friendly prices (www.wilddunes.com).

On Hilton Head, a deliberately low-key, leafy retreat, check out deals at Palmetto Dunes (www.palmettodunes.com), for example, and off the island in the historic, laid-back Beaufort area, check out Fripp Island (www.frippislandresort.com), a family-friendly, self-contained island with a wide range of dining, condo and beachfront home, pool, golf and other offerings.

Of special appeal to moderate budgets are South Carolina's state parks. There are four on the coast: Myrtle Beach, which has campsites, apartments, cabins and a fishing pier; Huntington Beach, with campsites, a jetty and the unique Atalaya castle; Edisto Beach, with campsites oceanfront and in the maritime forest, cabins on a marsh, and miles of trail; and Hunting Island, adjacent to Fripp Island, with its cabins, camping, trails, maritime forest, fishing pier and historic lighthouse, the only one of its kind in South Carolina.

Reservations at all these parks can be made online at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com, which is the place to go for checking out the frequently updated Hot Deals link.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Airline makes flight to Myrtle Beach a bit more direct

2009-01-26T15:26:00.000-08:00

(NC)—MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Sixty miles of sunny beach with more than 100 golf courses, 80,000 hotel and condo rooms and 1,600 restaurants is now even easier to get to for Canadian snowbirds.

Direct Air (www.visitdirectair.com) has added direct flights to Myrtle Beach International Airport from Niagara Falls and Plattsburgh, N.Y., increasing air access from two of Canada's largest metropolitan areas – Montreal and Toronto – to South Carolina's Grand Strand.

“The airport out of Niagara Falls made the whole trip so much easier. There have been no hassles with luggage and connections and airports,” Toronto-area resident Dan Mullally said on a recent trip. “A quick drive to Niagara Falls and you are in Myrtle Beach in two hours, and that makes all the difference in the world.”

There now are seven commercial airlines offering flights to Myrtle Beach from 16 other American cities, too.

Winter golf has long been a major attraction here, for financial and aesthetic reasons alike.

“The quality of the 100-plus golf courses in Myrtle Beach combined with the great value that they present to golfers are two of the principal reasons that Canadians visit us year after year,” said Bill Golden, president of Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday (www.golfholiday.com).

“And when you compare the average daily high temperatures in Canada in February and March to the 60- and 70-degree days we enjoy along the Grand Strand in those months, it's perhaps no surprise that we're such a popular destination for Canadians every year,” he said.

Just to make sure they know they're welcome, each March for more than 40 years, the Grand Strand celebrates Can-Am Week, a series of events intended as an extra bit of southern hospitality to the annual influx of visitors from up north.

Not that there's any shortage of things to do. Joining the beach shops, restaurants and other traditional downtown favourites such as the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum is a number of major developments spreading out from the original central city.

They include Broadway at the Beach, anchored by the Hard Rock Café and Ripley's Aquarium, Barefoot Landing and its Alabama Theatre, Fantasy Harbour and much more.

The range of shopping choices also has grown sharply in the past few years. For instance, Colonial Mall now boasts a 100,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. There are more than 300 outlet center stores and the Coastal Grand, South Carolina's largest mall, has 1.5 million square feet under one roof.

The old Myrtle Beach Air Force base property also has a new look with the recent opening of Market Common, an upscale living/shopping/dining development.

More information on Myrtle Beach is available at www.visitmybeach.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com
Visit our website at: www.thenewsleader.ca

Kiawah's Ocean Course to host 2012 PGA, but no need to wait

2009-01-19T08:59:00.000-08:00

(NC)—KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – Two decades after it burst onto the international golf scene as the host of the Ryder Cup, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is preparing to again be the world capital of golf.

The famed layout along the ocean south of Charleston will be the host of the 2012 PGA Championship. Of course, visitors don't have to wait until then to see the layout that hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup. The course is open year round to the public and is always in tournament condition.

“Because of Pete Dye's outstanding design, there will be a limited amount of work that will need to be done to get the course ready for the tournament,” said Brian Gerard, director of golf at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

“Plus, it is our policy to keep the course in tournament condition at all times,” he said.

Hospitality packages for the tournament are expected to go on sale in early 2010 by the PGA, but visitors in the meantime can check out the Ocean Course and all the surroundings of the luxurious resort island year-round.

The Ocean Course, recently named America's toughest golf course by Golf Digest magazine, is one of a family of high-end golf courses on Kiawah Island, a pristine, 10-mile barrier island about 20 miles outside of Charleston. The resort also features a world-class tennis facility, beach house and condo rentals and The Sanctuary, a super luxurious hotel and spa.

More information is available at www.kiawahresort.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Get an adult vacation – even with the kids

2009-01-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

By Jane Stokes
(NC)—Not everyone gets a break on a family vacation. Parents, especially moms, still have to care for their newborns, supervise their toddlers, watch their school age rascals, and keep at least one eye on the activities of their teens and 'tweens. The only way a parent can actually rest and rejuvenate is to choose a resort that does all this supervising for you.

“We say, start with www.clubmed.ca,” says Christine Dicaire, spokesperson for the vacation company. “For example, at the totally refurbished, Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, even infants from four months old enjoy programs with fully trained professionals. It's a new facility we call, Baby Club Med.

“This utterly doting service for babies gives parents any amount of freedom they seek. Or, if you have 2- and 3-year-olds, the Petit Club Med engages them in a full array of age-specific activities, and the Mini Club Med does the same for children aged 4 to 10.”

Teens and tweens are fully supervised too in Club Med Passworld, the coolest 'club' of them all.

“So parents beware,” Dicaire continued, “when you consider your teen's excitement over unlimited sports, and watersports, plus the excursions, hiking, picnics, movies-on-the-beach – and the one-of-a-kind specialty programs like film-making, acting, singing and other performance arts – don't be too surprised if you never see them again!”

And you?

Indeed, for all adults, Club Med is legendary for its barefoot mixing and mingling – and for its upscale entertainment, recreation, sports instruction, menu choice, and especially for its late night fun. Spend your days sipping pina coladas under swaying palms on Punta Cana's bleach-white beach. Or, simply disappear for hours on end. The new Spa here features an infinity pool, a Zen lounge, and it has eight treatment rooms, including a secluded one for a couple's massage.
Oversize Suites
And if by chance you are a family that requires a lot of space, ask to be accommodated in a Family Suite. These 775 square-foot, oceanfront bungalows feature two bedrooms, premium amenities and services, access to an exclusive infinity pool, and a 95 square-foot deck.

Says Christine Dicaire: “You may think your family needs a lot of space, but the excitement of sharing your own private place on the beach, actually promotes togetherness.”

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Enhance your mounted TV with snap-on accessories

2009-01-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

By Cynthia Brooks
(NC)—TV wall mounts offer a modern solution for displaying flat-screen televisions that goes beyond simply setting it on a piece of furniture.

Tilting and full-motion mounts enable flexibility for the user to adjust the viewing angle. Depending on the type of mount being used, many mounts can tilt up and down, swivel from side to side, pan across the room and extend, sometimes up to a foot or more from the wall. Their low-profile design is also appealing to many consumers because it further accentuates an already thin TV.

Mount manufacturer Sanus Systems is now offering even more options for flat-screen owners who mount their TVs with a number of new add-on accessories that easily snap onto the mount and remain hidden behind the display.

What Sanus is marketing as “Click Fit” technology on its Vision Mount models LT25 and LL22 wall mounts allows accessories such as surge suppressors, electrical outlet covers and HDMI inputs to be positioned directly behind the TV. The products attach onto a special channel that is extruded into the mount's wall plate. No tools are required for installation, and the accessories snap off easily if the user wants to remove them later.

“Consumers often want to safeguard their TVs from power surges and lightning strikes, especially those who spend a good deal of money on a new flat screen,” says Ryan Hagberg from Sanus. “A surge suppressor is a common add-on component but it can be difficult to find a place to put it when the TV is hanging on a wall. With the Click Fit feature, a suppressor can be placed discretely behind the TV so you never see it.”

HDMI, or high-definition multimedia interface, cables are another popular option for users who want to integrate high definition with a single audio/video cable versus multiple cables. With Click Fit and the open wall-plate design of the Sanus mounts, HDMI inputs and power outlets can be wired directly behind the TV, so consumers don't have to worry about routing cables through the wall.

Sanus products, including the LT25 and LL22 mounts and other accessories, are available at audio/video stores and consumer electronics retailers. More information is available online at www.sanus.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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