School - School Age - Family 1 a Free Magazine for Parents and Caregivers CONTENTS

JULY 2017 www.themomandcaregiver.com VOLUME 19 ISSUE 7

Happy Birthday Canada!

Your Place in the Canadian Quilt

Universal Love for Universal Health Care

Summer Meal Planning 101

It's Cottage Time How to Kick the Ticks

Pregnancy - Baby - Toddler - Preschool - School Age - Family www.themomandcaregiver.com 1 A Free Magazine for Parents and Caregivers CONTENTS

EDITORIAL 04 O Canada! 05 EVENTS CALENDAR July PROUD TO BE CANADIAN 06 Universal Love for Universal Health Care 08 AS THEY GROW Being Present THE NEXT STAGE 10 Top Tips to Fight Ticks at the Cottage 12 FRANKLY FATHERHOOD Things People Say BRUSHING UP 13 Keep Your Kids’ Mouths Healthy All Summer 14 BIZ SHOWCASE Elgin County Railway Museum ARE WE THERE YET 15 Under the Boardwalk in Quebec City 16 FOSTERING DREAMS, ADOPTING HOPE No Regrets: A Birth Parent’s Perspective LIFE BALANCE AND HAPPINESS 17 Where does Your Family fit into the Canadian Quilt? 18 PET FRIENDLY Cat Chat: Understanding Your Furry Friend HEALTH MATTERS 19 Become a Better You 21 FOOD FOR THOUGHT Summer Meal Planning 101 WHOLE HEALTH 22 Phyto-What? Age-Fighting Eggplant is Phytonutrient-Packed

On The Cover

What a happy camper! Michael brought lots of If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact us at love to the photo shoot since his mom and aunties 519.652.9226 or at [email protected]. THE MOM & CAREGIVER is published by Anibas Productions Limited, came too. We love those chunky-monkey thighs in Publications Mail, Agreement Number 40834037 PO Box 29118, London, ON N6K 4L9 - his kimono! Big thanks to Little Labels Boutique for www. themomandcaregiver.com our cover kid's cute outfit. THE MOM & CAREGIVER is distributed FREE of charge. Anibas Productions Limited wel- comes unsolicited contributions. Such material,if published, may be edited. Although Anibas Productions Limited cannot pay contributors, recognition will be given to the Photographer One-12 Photography contributor. Anibas Productions Limited reserves the right to refuse any contributions Photostylist Sabina Manji or ads. Anibas Productions Limited cannot accept responsibility, in any way, for dis- Melissa Warkentin satisfaction or damages incurred by advertisers or their clients. Advertising rates and circulation information is available on request. All rights reserved. Copyright 2017 ©

2 July 2017 www.themomandcaregiver.com 3 Sabina Manji - Chief Editor JULY Events 07/2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 June 1-8 London Majors Canada Day Thunderfoot Labatt Park at Harris Park Grand Theatre Happy 150th Birthday Canada!

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 The Jitterbugs Sesquifest Canada 150 Trivia Buying the Moose Bob Dylan July 6-9 Wanna Bee Day Springbank Gardens Budweiser Gardens Game Port Stanley Festival Budweiser Gardens TD Sunfest Clovermead

Editorial LPL, Jalna Theatre

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Laura Gagnon Runa Twilight Tuesday hike July 12-15 July 12-26 July 14-16 July 14-16 O CANADA! Springbank Gardens Aeolian Hall Longwoods Rock the Park Music Dominion Day! The Vimy Flight Home County Music Conservation Area Festival Musical 427 Wing and Art Festival Fanshawe Pioneer Victoria Park “Our hopes are high. Our faith in the people is great. Our courage is strong. And our dreams for this Village beautiful country will never die.”. Pierre Trudeau 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 The Rhythms of Storytime ArtSpace Playgroup July 20-30 Super Stocks, Colombian Gas- Brasil - Brazilian Pop LPL, Central LPL, Masonville LPL, Byron Pride London Trucks, Bone Stocks tronomy Festival feel incredibly privileged to be rais- value the education all children receive feels so much pride in his country at only Springbank Gardens Festival Delaware Speedway Covent Garden Various locations Market Iing my son and publishing a parent- in Canada. And, we feel Canadians are a age 11. ing magazine in this great country of polite and friendly bunch. Canada. My son is growing up in a place But definitely, one of the greatest things 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 where it is encouraged to be who you are We also love the awe-inspiring places about raising a family here is Canada’s July 22-23 Scavenger Hunt Twilight Tuesday Five Alarm Pride Men’s Chorus London Majors Lemon Party – that no matter your skin colour, gen- our country offers. We’ll hear about universal healthcare system. So, many Monster Truck LPL, Central hike Port Stanley Festival London baseball Eldon House Throwdown Longwoods Theatre Aeolian Hall Labatt Park der, sexual orientation or age, you are one such place from Sherri Telenko this of you agree with Dr. Bhayana (find her Delaware Speedway Conservation Area deserving of the same rights and free- month. She takes us to Quebec City to special Canada 150 article on page 6) doms. We practice freedom of speech in an underground museum hiding be- when she celebrates that a CEO and a For More Details and Events Visit our magazine, hearing the opinions and neath a popular riverside boardwalk. homeless person can access the same 30 31 statements of writers from many differ- This historic site was only discovered in quality health care. Imagination Station Storytime Museum London LPL, Central ent walks of life. 2005 – read Sherri’s article on page 15 to find out why. You can visit this national So, this month, Canada, we celebrate Your Online Parenting Resource We reached out to you, our readers, on historic site (and over 200 others) at you! Every singing of “O Canada,” ev- our Facebook page to ask “Why is Can- no cost this summer by ordering a free ery bit of red and white we wear, every ada such an amazing place to raise a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. And what firework we set off, every new citizen we family?” And so many of you shared the better place to visit this Canada Day welcome, is in celebration of 150 years of same sentiments. We’re proud of our than our nation’s capital, Ottawa! My this great nation. We certainly could not July 6-9 July 12-15 July 12-26 diversity and our acceptance of all kinds son, Mikaeel, is so lucky and so excited think of a better place to raise our sons TD Sunfest Rock the Park Music Festival Dominion Day! The Musical of people. We are a peaceful nation. We to be doing just that. I’m thrilled that he and daughters. Happy birthday Canada! Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Publisher/Chief Editor Sabina Manji Sabina Manji, Assistant Editor Melissa Warkentin Chief Editor Copy Editor Melanie Drew KIDS CRAVE ATTENTION Designer A. Brophy Creative 519-652-9226 Photographer One-12 Photography Why not give them a stage? Visit danceextreme.com Call 519-657-DANCE [email protected] Photostyling Sabina Manji and Melissa Warkentin

4 July 2017 www.themomandcaregiver.com 5 A Special Canada 150 Column Proud to be Canadian be to Proud UNIVERSAL LOVE FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE

t’s a joy to celebrate Canada’s 150th year. How healthy are Canadians? Maternal and infant indicators teens or of low socioeconomic status. Reason to celebrate IWhen we take stock of what makes It’s difficult to define how healthy Ca- Many studies look at maternal and We celebrate this momentous occasion us proud to be Canadian, our universal nadians are. Definitions of health might child health as markers of how a health How universal is our system? but we must evaluate what still needs only include whether or not we have cer- care system is doing. The Public Health Services are covered for everyone but there to be done. I’m proudly Canadian and, health care system is always in our top tain diseases. Others might include risk Agency of Canada (PHAC) has a system are gaps. I’m proud that I can get the same I could not imagine working anywhere three list. A health care system where factors, like obesity. Some indicators called the Canadian Perinatal Surveil- access to tests and specialists for anyone. else. Happy birthday, Canada! a CEO and a homeless person have uni- might look at life expectancy and others lance System. It monitors 52 markers However, the social determinants of health versal access to the same care reflects might look at access to cutting edge in- of maternal and child health, like mor- – low income, poor housing, low education that we value equity and diversity. terventions for cancer and rare diseases. tality, alcohol use in pregnancy, rate of and membership in a marginalized group Dr. Bhooma Bhayana is a family physician in We do quite well in many respects with C-sections, illness in early infancy, etc. (homeless, mental health, First Nations) London and the mother of two young men one of the highest life expectancies and Overall, we do quite well but Canadi- – make it difficult for people to get in the and grandmother of one lovely princess! She lowest infant mortality rates compared an first peoples fare poorly in many of door in the first place. continues to find wonder and enjoyment in family to other industrialized countries. these measures as do mothers who are practice despite more than 30 years on the job!

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6 July 2017 www.themomandcaregiver.com 7 Newborn - Baby - Toddler

SAY GOODBYE TO AGING SKIN

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER. KEEP THEM GUESSING. CHEMICAL PEELS • MICRODERMABRASION • LIGHT THERAPY ACNE • ACNE SCAR REVISION • SKIN REJUVENATION SKIN RESURFACING • SKIN TIGHTENING THERAPY VASCULAR LESIONS • PIGMENTED LESIONS BEING PRESENT LASER THERAPY • LASER HAIR REMOVAL BODY CONTOURING • CELLULITE As They Grow As

arents and caregivers are bombarded with so “Being with” our children is the key component in Pmany expectations in raising their children. We creating a healthy attachment. Being with our kids CALL TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION not only have to teach them new skills every day means understanding the uncomfortable emotions 519.438.LUXE(5893) but we’re also expected to have children who be- that underlie tantrums, talking back, acting out and 215 FANSHAWE PARK RD. WEST, LONDON ON N6G 5A9 have well, listen, comply and control their emotions. shutting down. Being with kids in their feelings of [email protected] | LUXEMEDICA.COM When our children are behav- anger, sadness, embarrassment, fear and disappoint- Piglet sidled up to ing in ways that adults find ment lets them know that these feelings are impor- Pooh from behind. difficult to manage, we often tant and, in fact, that they are important and loved "Pooh," he whispered. get frustrated, upset and want no matter what they are feeling. "Yes Piglet? these behaviours to stop. We "Nothing," said Piglet, use positive and negative con- When we stay with our kids, sit with them, soothe taking Pooh's paw. sequences; things like time out them, and comfort them in their distress, they learn "I just wanted to be and loss of privileges. We do how to manage and understand their own emo- sure of you." this in an effort to have suc- tions. In turn, they will develop empathy not only cessful and happy children. for others but for themselves. This kind of empathy A.A. Milne will allow our children to be gentle with themselves Milne, A. A. The House at Pooh Corner. However, research is show- and others in their mistakes and failures. It will help With Decorations by Ernest Shepard. ing that it takes more than them become resilient and experience richer connec- London: Methuen & Co., (1928). teaching skills and using con- tions to others. This will become the foundation for sequences to raise successful their future relationships with friends, partners and kids. Our world is more complicated than this. It’s perhaps their own children one day. So slow down, the safety and security within a child’s attachment get curious about your child’s behaviour and be with relationships that will help them explore the possi- them, no matter what. bilities of life while managing life’s challenges along the way. By Dana Libby, M.S.W., R.S.W. Early Years Team Vanier

8 July 2017 www.themomandcaregiver.com 9 The Wonder Years - Preschool - School Age

Here are some tips to • Search your clothes • Place outdoor protect you and your and body for ticks at clothing through family: least once a day, the dryer cycle for paying special 60 minutes on high • Wear light-coloured attention to areas heat before washing clothing. It makes such as the groin, to kill any ticks that TOP TIPS ticks easier to spot. navel, armpits, scalp may be hard to see. and behind ears and Ticks thrive in wet • Wear closed knees. environments. footwear and socks, TO FIGHT and a long-sleeved • Use a mirror to Talk to your health-

The Next Stage shirt tucked into check the back of care provider or local long pants. Tuck your body or have public health unit and your pants into your someone else check learn more online at TICKS AT THE socks. for you. Don't forget ontario.ca/lyme. to check children in • Use a tick repellent your care for ticks. News Canada that has DEET or COTTAGE Icaridin on clothes • Take a shower as and exposed skin; soon as you can (NC) Summers are for spending long sunny days up north, going be sure to follow after being outdoors for a swim or relaxing on a Muskoka chair. When you're in cottage the manufacturer's to more easily find country, or any other outdoor area, remember that the most ef- directions when and wash off any fective way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. applying. ticks crawling on you.

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10 July 2017 www.themomandcaregiver.com 11 Tips for your Pearly Whites

Frankly Fatherhood Keep Your Kids’ Mouths Healthy All Summer Brushing Up A Man's Point of View Tips for your Pearly Whites

ummer break is here and with that Pack healthy snacks at least floss and use mouthwash if the THINGS PEOPLE SAY Scomes trips to the cottage, camp, It’s easy to let your healthy eating facilities don’t permit a full brushing. and lazy days where schedules go by mantra fall by the wayside when you travel but, with a little preplanning, it’s t’s just another regular afternoon of errands for my son and The best part of these unsuspecting social experiments the wayside. Although it’s OK to play it The important thing is to make dental definitely doable to ensure your family Ime. As we giggle through the grocery store aisles, some comes after they realize our son has two fathers. Many of fast and loose with bedtimes and other hygiene and healthy snacking a priority, people – usually grandma types – will stop by and share a them aren’t sure how to respond and foot-in-mouth syn- routines, your family’s dental health doesn’t overindulge in those high-sugar even in the summer. Summer is also moment with us. I don’t blame them… our 18-month-old’s drome prevails once more. should remain a priority this summer. foods that can lead to tooth decay. If a good time to schedule your family’s baby blue eyes and contagious smile are enchanting! Small Here are some easy tips to help your you’re taking a road trip, pack a cooler next dental appointments, while school talk usually starts off innocently enough but ends with “So, which one of you is MOM?” family stick to a healthy oral hygiene with fruit, nuts, pretzels, popcorn, is out. awkward confusion and a lesson on first impressions and The implication that one of us plays the more traditional routine. string cheese, yogurt, and other low- common assumptions. “mom” role is likely a result of curiosity and not intended as sugar, nutritious foods. offence. I play it up with “Well ME of course! After all, I’m the Pack for a healthy mouth “Oh, it’s YOUR turn today.” one who stays home and breastfeeds!” Whether you’re going for a night, a Take hygiene breaks Despite it being 2017, I guess mom is still the primary errand- When you take the inevitable pit stop week or all summer, pack your oral hy- Dr. Sanjay Agrawal and his team strive to provide runner with kids. I quietly respond with, “It’s ALWAYS my “So, who’s the REAL dad?” giene survival kit, including toothbrush, breaks along the road, take that time compassionate, comprehensive and comfortable turn.” While my mouth says “We both are!” in my head I’m yelling toothpaste, mouthwash and floss. to have everyone brush their teeth, or dental care to all of their patients, especially the kids. “Do you even hear what you’re saying?” “So, is mommy getting a break today?” “Ummm, no… Nico doesn’t have a mommy.” A very upset There is no sense in getting wound up about these precon- lady once caressed my shoulder and began apologizing for ceived notions of parenting. People’s intentions are usually bringing it up. After letting her sweat it out a bit, I explained in the right place and sometimes they surprise me with a that our son has two daddies instead. refreshingly simple nod that makes me feel like I’m doing a good job. “Must be nice to be the one that stays home.” Really? Come witness “nice” at 3 a.m. after a fussy, teeth- At the bookstore the other day, a couple of ladies ap- ing baby on his fifth ear infection this year, who hasn’t slept proached us. I cringed a little half-expecting to correct their much in the last 24 hours, can’t stop screeching his red little upcoming comment when all I heard was: face off in my ear! Oh, and I do work, part-time. “It’s SO nice to see a dad spending time with his kids!” “Need some help?” Once my moody son felt the entire coffee shop needed to Thank you! know how upset he was. A helpful lady approached me in- sisting that the baby needed to be changed and volunteered Frank Emanuele is a proud father of two sons and special education teacher for to help since, “I know how fathers can be.” the local public school board. When not parenting or educating, Frank enjoys cooking, photography, movies and video games.

12 July 2017 www.themomandcaregiver.com 13 Elgin County Railway Museum offers lots of family fun! Biz Showcase Under the Boardwalk in Quebec City Are We There Yet here else can you look inside a real caboose, stand be- Must-See Travel Destinations This Month’s Featured Business... ECRM Wside the giant wheel of a steam engine, or watch history in motion? For more than 25 years, the Elgin County Railway Museum has welcomed rail-fans, young and old, from near and far, to explore their collection of railway artifacts that tell o one knew what treasures Discovered under the boardwalk food preparation part of a castle the story of the area’s railway heritage. Nlurked below the popular Que- was the almost intact basement of that once hosted European digni- Each month we introduce you to a business that The Museum, housed in the former Michigan Central Railroad bec City riverside boardwalk until the Saint-Louis Forts and Chateaux, taries during the city’s beginnings. offers families in London and the surrounding area Locomotive Repair Shop in St. Thomas, Ontario, offers lots of 2005 when renovation crews dis- the original residence of British and services or products you won’t want to miss. family fun! Visitors can take a guided tour of the Railway to covered a secret. Today, that secret French governors between 1620 Stroll through after 11 a.m. or join a Confederation and St. Thomas: The Railway City exhibits fea- is an eerie stone and dirt under- and 1834. Inside were the remains guided tour two hours prior. Three turing vintage railway maps, photographs, objects and memo- ground museum that’s free in 2017 of stone walls, the original kitchen glass domes on the boardwalk give rabilia that tell the story of how and why St. Thomas became with the 150 Parks Canada pass. oven and many artifacts, including people a bird’s eye view of the un- known as the “Railway Capital of Canada.” a complete set of cooking utensils. derground site and let in natural Visitors flood the Dufferin Terrace Now on display are the most inter- light below, mitigating some castle During their tour, they’ll discover and learn about the Mu- boardwalk each year, taking in a esting items including a complete basement creepiness. (www.pc.gc. seum’s impressive collection of railway rolling-stock equip- view of the St. Lawrence River on vase reconstructed from shards ca/en/lhn-nhs/qc/saintlouisforts) ment, including a steam engine, passenger cars, locomotives, one side and the majestic Fairmont found at the dig. Kids like the in-

and cabooses – all in the authentic environment of the former Chateau Frontenac hotel on the teractive iPads revealing images of other. A statue of Samuel de Cham- 1600s living. Sherri Telenko is a freelance writer and locomotive shop. Visitors will also enjoy taking a step back in blogger living in Southern Ontario. time and exploring the History in Motion model railway ex- plain, the city’s founder, looms Sign up for travel and trail riding ideas at hibit, which simulates mid-20th century operations of South- large beside the exit of an actual Today, visitors walk in across a met- www.horsetrotting.net or follow her on twitter @SherriTelenko. ern Ontario railways when steam, diesel, and electric railways archeological dig now open to the al staircase then see remnants of were all operating – always a favourite with kids, and definite- public. stone walls. This basement was the ly worth a visit!

As a non-profit organization, the Museum is also committed to fundraising to continue to restore its century-old heritage property. One of the organization’s largest fundraisers is the Day Out With Thomas – a fun-filled event that provides children of all ages the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas as well as participate in Thomas & Friends™ themed activities. For two back-to-back weekends in July, little engineers and their families are invited to take a 25-minute ride led by their favourite blue engine; meet Sir Topham Hatt™, Controller of the Railway; and enjoy a day of kid-friendly activities including crafts, storytelling, live entertainment, inflat- able bouncers, bubbles, a cool mist tent, temporary tattoos, train play-tables, a petting zoo and more! The Elgin County Railway Museum also offers free admission to all ticket hold- ers during the event.

Elgin County Railway Museum www.ecrm5700.org

225 Wellington Street, St. Thomas, ON 519-637-6284

Day Out With Thomas™© 2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas & Friends™ Based on The Railway Series by The Reverend W. Awdry. © 2017 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas & Friends and Day Out With Thomas are trademarks ELGIN COUNTY RAILWAY MUSEUM FORT GEORGE of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2017 Mattel. All Rights Reserved. ® and ™ designated U.S. trademarks of Mattel, except as noted.

14 July 2017 www.themomandcaregiver.com 15 Fostering Dreams No Regrets: A Birth Parent’s Perspective Where does Your Family fit into Life Balance Adopting Hope with the Children’s Aid Society the Canadian Quilt? Happiness and Fulfillment

’ve heard people talk about birth parents. I’ve heard them say, Jeremy several times a year and receive photos and updates. We I“How could she give her baby up for adoption?” Like it was a self- meet regularly at a local restaurant and I always bring a little gift anada is turning 150. There’s lots of good, bad and ugly to look Storytelling is a great way to mentor, teach and pass on traditions ish decision. for Jeremy and his brother. The best thing is never questioning how Cback on and a future to look forward to. It’s a time to reflect that make our families unique. my child is doing. I know he’s happy. I know he’s thriving and loved. on what living in Canada means to you. It’s a good time to realize I knew I wasn’t in a position to care for my baby. I knew that being I know he and his brother are bonded and will grow up together. what makes Canadians unique and special. As a family, do a collage of your memories and family adventures placed with an adoptive family was in my child’s best interest, not He’ll never think he was unwanted. I can be a part of his life. He can so your kids can see where their roots began. Kids and youth find it mine. have more people who love him. When I look at our history, I focus on how we evolved into a coun- reassuring and fascinating that they too have a movie star family Until minutes before Jeremy was born, I did not know I was preg- Since placing Jeremy for adoption, I have developed a friendship try of freedom and safety. We pride ourselves on our inclusive quilt story. nant. I was in an abusive relationship with a man who would not with his adoptive parents. They are open with Jeremy about his of cultures, universal health care and social safety net. Personally, acknowledge this child as his own and I knew I had to make a de- adoption story and when I wasn’t sure how to refer to myself, I take pride in my children seeing the bigger picture instead of fo- July 1, 2017, is a celebration of you and your loved ones; take the cision for the safety and well-being of my child. I was aware that his adoptive mother said, “You are his Tummy Mummy!” and it cusing solely on their individual needs. For me, living in Canada time to enjoy your accomplishments and those who support your Jeremy’s half paternal sibling was placed with an adoptive family stuck. I can answer questions that the adoptive parents have and, is all I know and I enjoy the diverse cultures, geography and free- life. You’re all precious and deserve to enjoy everything Canada has through the Children’s Aid Society of London & Middlesex. Before in the future, I’ll be able to answer questions Jeremy might have. doms. to offer. Happy Birthday fellow Canadians. Thank you for trusting leaving the hospital I knew Jeremy should be with his brother and He won’t have gaps in information that can create challenges for me with your stories. with the adoptive family who could love and provide for him un- some adoptees. What does Canada mean to you and your family? If we collected conditionally. When the adoptive family agreed to have Jeremy all of our stories, we’d have a book of amazing and unique adven- Emily Beeckmans is educated as a social worker and is a trauma specialist. As a pri- with them and his brother, I felt immediate relief. I knew they I have no regrets about Jeremy’s adoption. He is with his mom vate practitioner, she strives to educate clients and the public about the importance tures. To celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, I challenge you to look would take care of him the way he needed and deserved. and dad. They are his parents. I am his “Tummy Mommy.” I am so of emotional health and well-being. Emily offers you a safe place to dig into your back and forward in your life to open ways to create your future. grateful for what they have given my son. thoughts, feelings and life choices. When Jeremy was first born, part of me considered pretending he did not exist as it might save me from the pain of being apart from him, but I just couldn’t do it. I wanted him to know that I loved Katherine is a proud birth parent who would like to change the stigma given to birth "Storytelling is a great way to mentor, teach and pass him. I felt strongly that, although he needed to be with the adop- parents by the community and reduce the shame and guilt that birth parents sometimes place on themselves. She wants adoptive parents to know they are receiving an on traditions that make our families unique." tive family, I needed to be a part of his life. Jeremy’s adoptive par- angel and, no matter what the arrangement, when they adopt a child, a birth parent ents also felt this way, and agreed to an openness contract. I see is always part of the package.

16 July 2017 www.themomandcaregiver.com 17 Pet Friendly Cat Chat: Understanding Your Furry Friend Become a Better You Beauty and Wellness Making Your House A Home Look and Feel Your Best

elcome to Beauty & Wellness! This to find a tribe of women to relate to ourselves to create a life that looks and Wis where you’ll find tips and tricks, and support each other throughout the feels good from the inside-out. inspiration, and lifestyle enhancements process. to help you look and feel your best from Come back every month to learn how the inside-out. As a mother, wife, writer, The truth is, as soon as we enter the to live more beautifully and confidently cat’s trust is a delicate thing. Anyone published author, beauty and wellness world of motherhood, we automatically with a new-found energy and commit- Awho has ever had a kitty offer her professional, health enthusiast and become secondary. But, the reality is, ment to a sustainable lifestyle that sup- belly for a rub knows just how quickly entrepreneur, I am forever seeking the we need to put ourselves first because ports your well-being. It’s never too late that trust can be broken. In just a few perfect recipe to find balance. we can’t take care of others if we don’t to become a better you, and I’m grateful moments, the cat often changes her take care of ourselves. It’s not selfish, to be a part of this journey with you. mind and bites down hard on the loving As my life expanded with many roles, it’s necessary, and we all deserve to put human’s hand. We wonder what could new faces and new experiences, I our best foot forward and lead a life With love, have possibly caused this speedy change couldn’t help but begin to lose myself of genuine fulfillment and happiness. Lisa Aquilina, of heart. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could in the process, and I soon discovered Whether we do this by implement- Founder of Stilettos and a Stroller better understand cats? Here are a few everyday tasks as we age, you can expect that I wasn’t alone. The world is filled ing healthier habits, making small but things they would say if they could speak the same with a senior kitty. Cats have they may use that extra energy on your with remarkable individuals striving to consistent changes, or by changing our Lisa Aquilina is a beauty and wellness professional our language. an incredible ability to hide their pain, so furniture. Just make sure they have plenty accomplish their goals, and also longing focus from fear to faith, we owe it to who strives to help women take care of themselves you may not notice your friend is strug- of small, cozy spaces for snoozing when and support their well-being. “My sister hogs the bathroom!” gling. Providing them with water on every they’re played out! level of the home and giving them a litter Sharing a bathroom is not just a conflict box with a lower lip (or a cookie sheet for We might not be able to actually have for human siblings; feline friends need elderly cats) are easy ways to help your these conversations with our cats, but their space too! It’s recommended to older friend. we can certainly answer their requests. New Clinic Opening have 1.5 litter boxes for every cat. This Although some kitty behaviour may with the same expert service, you’ve come to expect! means that two kitties should have three “I’m sooooooo bored!” always be a mystery, like the “belly rub places to do their business and, if they hand trap,” we can do our best to build don’t, they may resort to other spots like A happy cat plays hard and naps harder. their trust and be rewarded with loyal a couch or carpet. When a cat explores a box that is difficult (but fierce) furry friends. to get into or a new toy with a challeng- “Would you make grandma do that?” ing feature, he is mentally and physically Dr. I. Wonder is here to answer your questions regarding stimulated. Cats also need to chase and your furry family members. If you have a question, Barbara Bentley, Barbara Taylor & Jennifer Saunders email it to us at [email protected]. Doctors of Audiology AuD., Reg. CASLPO As cats age, they become less agile. Just hunt. Without outlets like toys or laser Our team at Neighbourhood Pet Clinic will tap into like humans may need special help to do pointers to keep them occupied, their collective experience to answer your questions. 1807 Wonderland Rd. North 460 Springbank Drive Suite 102, London N6G 5C2 Suite 108, London N6J 0A8 519.473.5850 519.936.5850

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Ad_3.75x4.75_2016_CMYK.indd 1 2016-11-29 10:06 PM 18 July 2017 www.themomandcaregiver.com 19 FOOD FOR THOUGHT ASK ABOUT Summer Meal Planning 101 OUR KARAOKE PACKAGES chool’s out and summer brings lots of excitement, activi- Sties and, sometimes, a little more chaos! I’m here to help you strategize ways to keep healthy eating on the top of the checklist this summer.

Two words: meal planning For some, meal planning can seem arduous. With a little effort, a plan can help make the healthy choice the easy choice. Some people plan for the whole week, while others, like me, plan a few days at a time. Do what works for you! Use these tips to help you plan:

• Start by jotting down your meal and snack ideas. Look Quick and Easy Overnight Oats in your fridge, freezer and pantry to see what foods you Prep time: 15 minutes already have on hand. • Keep a grocery list and jot down items as you run out. ½ cup oats Add foods you need from your meal plan. ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries or • Monkey-see-monkey-do! Encourage healthy habits by strawberries (or use your favourite berry) involving your kids! Ask them to choose a favourite meal. ⅓ cup plain, fat-free Greek yogurt Try a new food or recipe every now and then. 2 tsp chia seeds • Flip through store flyers for specials and use coupons. ¼ tsp vanilla Get healthy recipe ideas from magazines, cookbooks and Dash cinnamon websites. ¼ cup unsweetened milk (skim, 1% or 2%) or • Consider your family's schedule. A busy week filled with fortified soy beverage sports, camp and other activities could mean planning fast and easy meals or prepping ahead. In a mini Mason jar, mix all ingredients. Pop the lid on and place in fridge. Eat it cold or heat in microwave (remove the Need an idea for a quick and easy breakfast that you can make top first!). Make in batches and you have easy breakfasts for th you and family for the week! How easy is that? Enjoy! The One-Stop beauty spa salon ahead?! This version is inspired by Canada’s 150 Birthday! Jenn Giurgevich is a Registered Dietitian and contract Professor at Brescia University College with a wealth of nutrition knowledge. Over the last 10 years, • Full Hair & Nail services Jenn has paired her love for nutrition and health with her undeniable love for fitness, working as both a personal trainer and a fitness instructor. • Hair & Eyelash extensions • Full waxing • Makeup updos • Facial www.hairgarageandnailspa.ca

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20 July 2017 www.themomandcaregiver.com 21 WHOLE HEALTH Phyto-What? Age-Fighting Eggplant is Phytonutrient-Packed aintaining a busy, activity-packed schedule means In addition to the vitamins and minerals in high-fibre, low- Mgood health is just as important for me as a parent calorie eggplant, there are valuable phytonutrients. But, as it is for my active six-year old. As I get older my priorities you won’t even need to reveal what these chips are made may change, like maybe less cardio and more resistance of, just serve them to your family and they’ll quickly disap- training, so I might get off the toilet by myself when I am pear. 80. Optimal health is my overall goal, so I can keep up with my kids and enjoy life to the fullest for as long as possible. Baked Eggplant Chips with Lime Miso Yogurt Dip Japanese eggplant slices make savoury “chips” when There is no question, aging forces you to pay attention. coated with breadcrumbs and baked crisp and tender. Yes, I’ve secretly acquired a magnifying glass, shopped for Perfect as a light snack or side dish served with a zesty a nose hair trimmer and tried to remember to stretch be- (and addictive!) miso, garlic and lime dipping sauce. fore rolling out of bed. A sign in my gym reads, The worst Serves 4 things in life are also free, a humourous reminder that, much of what my life will be, is largely a consequence of Baked Eggplant Chips my own choices. 1 large egg ½ cup panko breadcrumbs No doubt, effort is required to keep our bodies working ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese properly and prevent encroaching illness. Phytonutrients 3 cups Japanese eggplant, sliced into ⅛-inch can be the key to warding off illness. Plants use phytonu- (3 mm) rounds trients to stay healthy and fight disease, and so can we. Eating more vegetables full of phytonutrients helps the Lime Miso Yogurt Dip body detox, fight inflammation, repair cell damage and 1 cup plain yogurt enhance cell communication, brain power, hormones and 2 tsp red, white or yellow miso blood sugars. 2 tsp fresh lime juice 1 tsp fresh lime zest ½ tsp minced garlic

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Beat egg in a small bowl and set aside. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and place on a flat dish beside the bowl with egg. Dip each eggplant slice into the egg, then the breadcrumb mixture. Place in a single layer on the baking sheet, and continue with remaining eggplant slices. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until crispy and golden. Mix the yogurt, miso, lime juice, zest and garlic in a medium bowl and place in refrigerator until eggplant chips are baked. Serve chips hot along with chilled dipping sauce.

Carolyn Hemming (and co-author, Patricia Green) are the authors of seven bestselling cookbooks in three languages with easy recipes and accessible ingredients. Carolyn is an active mother and businesswoman who lives with her family in London.

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