Oct 12
2010

Seniors’ Care and Our Grandchildren

by Eric Foster, MLA
Vernon-Monashee
www.ericfostermla.bc.ca

Seniors make up a large part of who we are as a province and we want to give them the best supports possible. At the same time, we want to ensure we are creating a bright future for our grandchildren.

Times certainly have changed and will continue to do so. In 20 years, our province’s seniors’ population will more than double from 676,000 to more that 1.3 million. That’s 23% of our population. How do we plan today to ensure we are able to keep pace with this substantial growth?

This year alone, the provincial government expects to spend more than $2.44 billion on home and community care for seniors. In less than 10 years, we’ve built more than 6,327 new residential care beds, assisted living and supportive housing units, including 13,780 renovations. We’ve also made great strides to ensure those who require care are able to get it faster. In 2001, an individual would have waited a year for residential care and today wait times are less than 90 days.

In addition to ensuring our seniors are properly cared for in their later years, we’ve established ActNow community parks in 18 communities, designed to help seniors stay mobile, physically active and healthy.

To help alleviate any financial pressures seniors may face as they continue to live in their own homes, we’ve taken several measures. We have increased the Home Owner Grant and doubled the rent subsidy program for low income seniors.

In the Vernon-Monashee area, there has been a significant investment in supportive seniors’ housing. Through federal and provincial government cooperation , we are seeing the construction of Monashee Place, a 16-unit modular housing development for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities. The Province has also built 14 new units in Lumby on Glencaird Street. Similarly, through Independent Living BC, Vernon has seen 38 assisted living units at Creekside Landing, a newly renovated campus of care for seniors. These beautiful new homes will allow seniors to stay in their familiar communities, close to their families and friends who are their life support units.

It’s incredibly important to our seniors’ health and well-being to keep them close to their friends and family. That’s why the Province has continued to build on our $180 million investment in the Vernon Jubliee Hospital. Improvements include a new emergency department and operating rooms, new intensive care unit, new acute care beds and a new maternity and pediatrics ward. All of these new facilities will keep families together during times of care and decrease the number of patients who will need to travel to other hospitals for treatment and reduce unnecessary stress.

All of these projects, whether it is the new patient care tower at Vernon Jubilee Hospital or new housing for seniors, have significant implications for our grandchildren’s generation. By investing in our local infrastructure, we are creating jobs for young people in our community. They do not have the need to pack up and leave our towns, when they can easily find good paying supportive jobs right here at home.

Our grandchildren’s schools are vibrant community hubs, which is why the Province has invested more than $55 million on the replacements of both Vernon Secondary School and Coldstream Elementary School. Every student deserves to learn in a safe and engaging facility to ensure they are getting the most out of their educational experience.

We are putting particular emphasis on our early learners in order to ensure the next generation gets the best start possible. In the Vernon School District alone, we’ve opened four StrongStart centres in Harwood Elementary, Alexis Park Elementary, Okanagan Landing Elementary and Mission Hill Elementary. This early learning program provides school-based early learning services for adults and their young children, from birth to age five, at no cost to families. Children have access to high-quality learning environments and benefit from social interactions, while the adults who accompany them learn new ways to support learning, both at the program and at home.

For a child’s next learning step, by September of next year, full-day kindergarten will be available to five-year-olds across the province. Research shows that a high quality kindergarten program has long-term benefits for children’s academic and social skills and helps them to succeed in school and in life. Full day kindergarten is another step towards building a strong foundation for lifelong learning, in a nurturing, play-based environment.

The Province will continue to prioritize investments in senior’s housing and in-home supports because they deserve as many options as possible to help them live independent and fulfilling lives. A large part of a senior’s fulfilled life is ensuring their grandchildren are well cared for. We will continue to ensure B.C.’s economic climate continues to keep families together.

For more information contact:
Mr. Eric Foster, MLA
Vernon-Monashee
3209 31st Avenue
Vernon, BC V1T 2H2
Tel: (250) 503-3600
www.ericfostermla.bc.ca.
Eric Foster is the elected represenative of the BC Legislature for the Vernon-Monashee constituency. The views expressed are those of the author and are provided as a general source of information only. Comments or questions –eric.foster.mla@leg.bc.ca, call (250) 503-3600 or visit www.ericfostermla.bc.ca

Posted in Better Health, Education, Family Matters, North Okanagan Shuswap | No Comments »

Sep 17
2010

What is a Kinesiologist?

by Majorie Lauzon B.Sc. Phys. Ed. (Kines)
Minda Chittenden B.Sc.(Kines) MA(Gero)
Natalie Lussin B. Kin.
Meridian Rehabilitation Consulting Inc.

If you have ever come across the word Kinesiology and are unsure of what it means, don’t worry, you are not alone. Kinesiology is the study of human movement; Kinesiologists are specialists in this field.

How we help.

As three practising Kinesiologists here in Vernon, we often have people ask us what is it that we do; we offer a wide variety of assessments and services that assist with injury prevention, rehabilitation, general health management, and athletic training.

Our Knowledge Base.

Within Canada, the term Kinesiologist refers to someone who has completed a 4 year university degree in kinesiology and has an extensive understanding of human structure and function in relation to health and movement. Kinesiologists have a scientific background of physics, biology and statistics; they take a holistic approach to health while studying the human body from a physiological, sociological, and behavioural point of view. Kinesiologists take many courses such as physiology, anatomy, sport injuries, cardiac rehabilitation, human growth and development, nutrition, psychology, biomechanics, and psychomotor behaviour.

How our knowledge is applied.

Kinesiologists apply their knowledge to different fields: Health and Safety, Ergonomics, Fitness, Physical and Vocational Rehabilitation (preparation for returning to work), just to name a few. A Kinesiologist may be just the person you are looking for to design your individualized exercise program, evaluate your work space design or help you recover from an injury. Keep in mind, when you hire a Kinesiologist you have a highly qualified professional working for you.

For more information about kinesiology in Canada, go to the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance (www.cka.ca) and/or the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists ( www.bcak.bc.ca ) .
Meridian Rehabilitation Consulting Inc. is a locally owned and operated clinic in Vernon, BC providing Occupational Therapy and Kinesiology. The views expressed are those of the authors and are provided as a general source of information only and should not be considered to be a solicitation to buy or sell services. Comments or questions –info@meridianrehab.ca , call (250) 542-3089 or visit www.meridianrehab.ca

Posted in Better Health, North Okanagan Shuswap | No Comments »

Sep 10
2010

Staying Healthy and Well: Understanding Health Psychology

by Julian Benedict, BA Hons., MA (Candidate)
Coordinator, Seniors Program, SFU

To what extent is health influenced by psychological and social factors, and what role does optimism and a positive outlook play in maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

These are just some of the questions being posed by researchers in the field of Health Psychology.

Mind & Body – Understand the Relationship

Humans have indeed pondered the relationship between the mind and body for thousands of years, however it is only recently that the discussion has evolved into a formal discipline, explains Health Psychologist Dr. Georgia Pomaki. Pomaki conducts research in this area, and also teaches courses regularly, across the Metro Vancovuer region, on the psychological dimensions of health.

Dr. Pomaki feels people need to reexamine the way they think about illness, specifically the conventional view that physical and mental health are separate from one another. “Many people have tended to view health and disease from a purely medical perspective, but we are increasingly seeing evidence that physical, mental and social well-being are also factors in positive and negative health outcomes,” she explains.

Think about these questions. Why do married men live longer than single men? Why do women generally live longer than men (despite higher rates of illness and disability)? Why is it that people in developing countries – like Costa Rica – enjoy the same life expectancy rates as developed countries, despite spending far less on health care services? Is it that the common factor of social relationship plays a positive role in the promotion of good health for these groups?

Key Factors: Outllook, Stress, and Where We Live

Positive Outlook. Pomaki believes that maintaining a positive outlook is essential. “Pessimists are more likely to engage in health-damaging behaviours, and tend to have less success in relationships – factors that can influence one’s health. However, those who regularly experience happiness, joy, excitement, enthusiasm, and contentment, tend to experience greater longevity, fewer diseases, and other symptoms of pain,” she contends. And among other experts in this field, it is felt this may have something to do with how these behaviours influence the immune and cardiovascular systems.

Lowering Stress. A healthy abundance of optimism, moreover, is also linked with a person’s ability to shield themselves from the negative health impacts of stress. Admittedly, stress is part of our everyday lives, but ensuring you don’t experience too much stress on a daily basis is essential to staying healthy. Research on this question provides a powerful incentive for us all to ‘de-stress’ regularly.

According to one Duke University research study, for example, 107 patients who entered into a stress management program saw a 74% reduction in cardiac arrests.

Our Communities. Researchers are also becoming more aware of how a person’s surroundings can influence his or her health. For advocates like Dr. Pomaki, public policymakers have a role in promoting vitality – especially when it comes to older adults.

For example, in BC the current policy is increasingly focused on helping older adults stay mobile, physically active, and healthy, through age-friendly community initiatives across the province, says BC’s Minister for Healthy Living and Sport, Ida Chong. “Last year”, she says, “the province invested $1.8 million focusing on building better, more accessible neighbourhoods for older adults though the construction of ActNow BC Seniors’ Community Parks in 18 different communities. These parks provide a place for seniors and everyone else to connect socially and interact on many levels.”

You can learn more about Dr. Pomaki’s views and tap into discussions on all the latest research by contacting the SFU Seniors Program. Dr. Pomaki has designed a 6-week course entitled Beyond Mind and Body: Exploring Health Psychology.
Julian Benedict is a Coordinator of the Seniors Program at Simon Fraser University (Harbour City Centre campus). The Seniors Program offers intellectually stimulating courses, free forum events, and outreach programs for adults 55 or better at the Harbour Centre campus in downtown Vancouver. The views expressed are those of the author, Julian Benedict, and are provided as a general source of information only and should not be considered to be a solicitation to buy or sell services. Comments or questions – Julian Benedict (778) 782-5212, email the SFU Seniors Program seniors@sfu.ca or visit www.sfu.ca/seniors/

Posted in Better Health, Education, Vancouver West | No Comments »

Jul 26
2010

Burglar Courtesy Will Cost You!

by Frank Fourchalk
Home Security Consultant, Syndicated Columnist

Do you know whom you are letting into your apartment building?

If you don’t, I hope your insurance is paid up because it might just cost you and the other owners a deductible!

Relying on burglar courtesy is one of the easiest ways for an intruder to enter a building. If you’re one of those people who can’t allow a door to close in a strangers face, you better be ready to ask a few questions.

Questions like, “Who are you? or Who are you here to see?” If you’re not prepared to screen the person you’re letting into the building, then don’t let them in! This not only applies to residents but to legitimate visitors as well.

Being a do-gooder defeats the purpose of locks and puts the building at risk of a possible break-in. Remember that not all burglars wear a mask and black gloves. In most cases, they look like average people and can be well dressed.

Burglars have an uncanny way of slithering through the front door with an unsuspecting owner or visitor. You have a moral obligation to make sure that these sneaky thieves do not enter under any circumstances without first contacting the person they are there to see.

I’m sure that “aiding in a burglary”, is not something you want on your resume. Although unknowingly that’s exactly what you may be doing when you allow an unidentified person into the building.

Locks are meant to keep the “Bad Guys” out, so don’t reverse the process by letting courteousness overtake you and create another statistic. The most effective security must incorporate everybody’s effort. Like the domino effect, if one domino isn’t cooperating, it spoils it for the rest.

Post Signs – ALL VISITORS MUST BE SCREENED

One way to help eliminate this serious problem is to post signs at the building’s front door area. These signs should warn apartment owners and their guests not to let anybody into the building under any circumstances. All visitors and guests must ring the person they came to see on the enterphone panel. It is then up to the owner to screen their visitor before buzzing them into the building.

Beware of the

  • Lurking Intruder. This burglar often appears out of thin air just when you are about to enter the building, knowing full well that most people will let him or her in with no questions asked. Capitalizing on the weak is a common trait of these low life thieves. If you experience this type of intruder, notify as many people in the building as possible to check out the situation.

  • The Helping Hand. This type of crook, capitalizes on being a nice guy. This courteous person usually appears at the door just as you are struggling with an armful of parcels or groceries. He or she is quick to hold the door open for you, gaining your confidence, respect and of course free entry into the building.

  • The Fake Look Up. This burglar pretends to look somebody’s name up on the enterphone just as you enter through the front door. Once the door is open, the thief quickly grabs it and makes his or her entrance.

  • Enterphone Smooth Talker. This person rings somebody randomly on the enterphone and persuades them to buzz the door open. This burglar wears many hats, he might be a building repair man, the postman, the courier, the pizza man, or even the police.A good rule of thumb is when in doubt who’s at the front door,always come down and check.
This report specifically written by Frank Fourchalk and is presented as a general source of information only, and is not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell services. Frank Fourchalk is a recognized security expert with over 17 years experience. He has a security column running in over 15 newspapers from Vancouver BC to Pretoria, South Africa. His columns continue to grow and he has recently signed on with the New York Post. For more information on home security, visit his website at yourhomesecurity.ca

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Jul 16
2010

Sunglasses 101

By admin

“There are many situations here in the Okanagan where the use of sunglasses will enhance comfort and provide eye health benefits as well.”

by Dr. Joel Casey, Optometrist
Kelowna Laser Vision

One of the many great things our patients tell us after laser vision correction is how nice it is to be able to wear non-prescription sunglasses. Some people even have multiple pairs so they can choose which ones match certain fashions or sports. A greatly expanded array of choices are offered in non-prescription sunglasses. Some of the key considerations are:

UV protection – Sunglasses should block 99 to100 percent of both UVA and UVB light. A “UV 400” label indicates that 100 percent of UVA and UVB light are blocked. The price of the sunglasses does not necessarily indicate how much UV light is blocked. Even inexpensive sunglasses can provide good UV protection.

Lens color – Lens color is a personal preference. Color does not affect ability to block UV light. “My personal favorite sunglass lens is brown polarized,” says Dr. Joel Casey. “The brown color seems to enhance contrast and make green colors more vibrant. Polarized lenses decrease reflections from horizontal surfaces such as water, roads, and snow.”

Lens transmission - This refers to how much visible light passes through a lens. A dark lens has lower transmission. Like lens color, this also does not correlate with the amount of UV light blocked. Degree of lens transmission is a personal choice based upon comfort and the type of conditions in which the sunglasses will be used. Sunglasses used when walking on a glacier should be darker than those worn for fashion.

Specialty lenses - Polarized lenses decrease transmission of light reflected from flat surfaces and are a favorite for fishing to make it easier to see into water. They are also great for driving to cut glare from roads and dashboards. Photochromic lenses are triggered by UV light to turn lighter or darker depending on the level of UV light conditions. Gradient tints are darker at the top of the lens and lighter at the bottom. Mirrored lenses decrease transmission by reflecting light from the surface of the lens.

Lens materials – Sunglasses lenses can be made from either glass, or CR-39 or polycarbonate plastic. Traditionally, glass lenses have the best optics and are the most scratch resistant but suffer from being heavy and may shatter upon impact. They are most often found in fashion styles. Polycarbonate lenses are a better choice for sports sunglasses as they are the lightest, most impact resistant and can be manufactured with a greater curvature or wrap but they are more prone to distortion and scratching. CR-39 plastic lenses are the most commonly used lenses as they are the most economical.

Frame Styles – There is a huge array of frame styles to match every fashion taste and sports specific function. Non-prescription sunglass lenses can be made with greater curvature allowing frame styles to also have more curvature or “wrap”. This gives greater protection from UV light coming in from around the sunglasses.

Cost – The price of sunglasses does not relate to how well they block UV light. Even an inexpensive pair of sunglasses can protect eyes from UV light as well as a high priced brand name style. Price influences the optical quality of the lens with higher priced lenses usually having less distortions, hard coats to prevent scratching, and anti-reflective coatings to decrease glare from light reflected off lens surfaces. In addition, price is usually evident in the quality of the frame.

Overexposure to UV light from the sun can create problems for your eyes. Sun damage can cause conditions such as photokeratitis (sunburn to the cornea), cataracts (clouding of the inner lens of the eye), pterygium or pinguecula (yellowish tissue deposits on the white of the eye next to the cornea), macular degeneration (deterioration of the central vision area of the retina), and even skin cancer on the eyelids.

“There are many situations here in the Okanagan where the use of sunglasses will enhance comfort and provide eye health benefits as well,” said Dr. Joel Casey. “Information suggests that protecting the eye and surrounding tissue from UV light exposure is extremely important. The choices for non-prescription sunglasses make using them convenient, economical and most important . . . fun!”

This report specifically written by Dr. Joel Casey and is presented as a general source of information only, and is not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell services. Dr. Casey is a registered Optometrist who works with team from the Kelowna Laser Vision Inc. group who are celebrating over 16 years of helping B.C. residents attain their goal of visual freedom. He is located in Kelowna, BC. Comments or questions – Dr. Joel Casey can be reached Toll Free: 1-866-951-5665 (LOOK) or by email eyes@kelownalaservision.com or by visiting www.kelownalaservision

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Jun 28
2010

Exercise is Key

By admin

EXERCISE KEY FOR HEALTHY AGING
It’s Never Too Late To Start!

by Paul Girard, PT
Nurse Next Door Heath Care Services

What Our Elderly Want

It’s interesting to ponder what our society’s elderly want.  Many authors and articles will purport to know this.  One tends to reach the same conclusion Dr. John Sloan came up with when treating what he termed the ‘fragile elderly.’   In his fantastic book, A Bitter Pill, Dr. Sloan reflected on a career of dealing with very elderly and sick clients.  He came up with the amazing answer to what these patients want:  “A lot of different things.”  He wasn’t trying to be facetious; he was telling the truth.  Dr. Sloan’s findings generalize to the entire population of almost any segment of society: What Canadian seniors want is a lot of different things.  The better question, perhaps, is how are our elderly citizens going to achieve all the different things they value in life?  How are our elderly going to get what they want?

Demographics Meets Revenues

The elderly in our society are at a crossroads in history.  Their numbers are growing and the writing is on the wall when we look at what kind of future government resources will be available to help.  The demographic tidal wave has arrived.  Clearly, in order to achieve their goals and get what they want, our elderly citizens are going to have to rely less on government resources.  One way or another, elderly citizens will be financing more of their needs on their own.  Logically, it will be in an elderly person’s best interest to minimize their expenditures on items unrelated to their personal goals.  One such item is health care.  Paramount to avoiding costs of poor health will be maintaining good health.  Whatever it is that seniors want, they are much more likely to achieve it by staying healthy and at home.

The Secret To Our Elderly Improving Their Odds

So, what is the latest on staying healthy and at home?   Plain and simple:  regular physical activity.  This translates to better overall health and improved ability to function independently and safely at home as we age.  And, there is good news for those individuals who have not been physically active or have lived a relatively sedentary lifestyle – it is never too late to start.  Health related improvements have been shown in elderly individuals who did not begin to exercise regularly until late in life.  In fact, the late starters did better than those individuals who were active only in younger years and then stopped exercising completely.  The key is that it has to be regular exercise, not that once a month walk around the mall with your best friend in search of that really great bargain!  The benefits of exercise for older adults are well understood:  lowered blood pressure, better controlled diabetes, improved cholesterol profile, improved strength and bone density, better balance and decreased fall risk.  Importantly, it has been shown that regular exercise can also improve cognitive functioning – with improvements seen in areas of the brain that perform “executive functions” or tasks related to planning, decision making and working memory.  This is worth repeating, since epidemic dementia is foreseen with the growing elderly population: regular exercise benefits brain function.

Now comes the hard part – getting started and sticking with it.  Human nature being what it is, there will be many excuses or perceived barriers regarding regular exercise.  Truth be told – all barriers can be overcome one way or another.  First and foremost it is important to be honest.  If you have led a sedentary lifestyle, or are returning to exercise after a long period of inactivity, start gradually and set realistic goals.  Walking one block to the corner store to buy the newspaper 3 times a week might be a good start for someone, whereas another individual may start at walking community trails 20 minutes a day 4 or 5 times a week.  Since it is accessible to everyone, walking is a good start.   Some suggestions for getting walking regularly include scoping out the local mall before the shops open, attending a local community centre, or joining the many walking groups that spring up in communities all over the province.  It is a great way to exercise and socialize, while at the same time improving endurance, strength and bone density.

The sky is the limit with regard to the kinds of exercise available to individuals.  Finding something that is enjoyable will ensure that it is performed regularly.  Look in the local newspaper for listings of local exercise classes or activities that are appealing.  Local seniors’ centres hold exercise classes from yoga to line dancing to lawn bowling and everything in between.  Seniors’ apartments and living facilities often have activity and group exercise classes.  There are all kinds of DVDs available at the library for chair exercise or other exercise classes that can be followed along at home.  Begin with a friend, family member or spouse.  It’s easier to stick to a program when you have support.  The bottom line is that regular exercise is essential for healthy aging, plain and simple.  It’s everyone’s responsibility to reduce the strain on our healthcare system.  Selfishly, when you reduce your reliance on our government healthcare system, you’ll likely be spending your time doing and getting what you want!  Do yourself a favour – start today.

Tips for beginning and sticking with a regular exercise program:

  • Be honest with regard to your present level of fitness – consult with a physiotherapist to get a better idea of a good starting program.
  • Start slowly and progress gradually
  • Set goals, but keep them realistic to ensure success.
  • Exercise with a friend, family member or spouse to ensure compliance.
  • Keep it fun – find activities that you enjoy so it isn’t a chore.
  • Look in the community for local walking groups, exercise classes or activities to keep costs down.
  • Pick a time that works with your routine.  If you haven’t been an early bird for 70 years, you probably are not going to like a 6:00 am yoga class
  • Remember the extra benefits – keeping in shape with regular exercise allows gives you a much better chance of getting what you to get what you want out of life – whatever that may be!
This report specifically written by Paul Girard and is presented as a general source of information only, and is not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell services. Paul is a registered physiotherapist with extensive experience in both the Canadian and US healthcare systems. With his wife, Carmen, he is a franchise partner with Nurse Next Door Home Health Care Services in the south Okanagan. Comments or questions – Paul Girard and/or Carmen Eberle can be reached at (250) 488-8586 or by email penticton@nursenextdoor.com or by visiting www.NurseNextDoor.com

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Jun 21
2010

Make Your Retirement Savings Last
by Steve Wahrer, Investment Advisor
Canaccord Wealth Management

Phil and Marion, both 75, retired ten years ago with $300,000 in savings: $100,000 in non-registered savings and $200,000 in RRSP savings. Ten years later they have less than $100,000 total left, and, as Phil puts it, “We’re quickly running out of money and options”.

Ten years ago their advisor suggested they invest the money in a portfolio of balanced mutual funds and convert their RRSP to a RIF (Retirement Income Fund) right away to supplement their CPP and OAS pensions. The balanced funds have not kept up with the amount they were withdrawing so they ended up encroaching on their capital and depleting it over the past 10 years.

What should they have done?

  1. Drawn on the Non-Registered Savings of $100,000 first.
    This would allow the RRSP’s to continue to grow tax free 6 more years until age 71. Even if they encroached on the capital this would have minimized their total tax bill for the 7 years as they would not be drawing money from the RRSP where every dollar withdrawn is fully taxable.
  2. Held the taxable investments in the RRSP and held tax-preferred investments outside of the RRSP.
    Rather than buying a Balanced Fund which has both equities and bonds mixed together, they should have separated the equity and income portions into separate investments. An Income Fund should have been purchased for the RRSP account to shelter it from tax. Since capital gains are taxed at half the rate of interest on bonds, the equity portion of their portfolio should have been purchased for the non-registered savings.
  3. Sought out the very best money managers available.
    Most people just buy a balanced fund or dividend fund out of convenience or name-brand recognition and hope for the best. Rather, they should have sought advice that would direct them towards the very best managers available in different asset classes and maximize their returns.

What’s the lesson?

You need a good strategy with good advice to reduce or defer as long as possible the amount of tax on your retirement income. You also need to make sound investments by hiring the best managers (Canada has some of the best in the world).
  • Hold Off Withdrawing Your RRSP Until Age 71 – Let it grow, let it grow, let it grow! Tax-free!
  • Maximize Your Tax Savings – Interest from bonds is fully taxable as income so income investments should be in your RRSP. Fifty percent of capital gains are tax free and so equity investments should be held outside of your RRSP
  • Maximize Your Returns – Invest in the best money manager in a given asset class, regardless of brand. Ask your advisor who the best managers are.

Do these things and you should be able to make your retirement savings last!

This report specifically written and published by Canaccord Wealth Management and is presented as a general source of information only, and is not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific investments, nor is it intended to provide legal advice. Clients should discuss their situation with their Consultant for advice based on their specific circumstances. Comments or questions –Steve Wahrer can be reached at (604) 557-1621 or by email steve.wahrer@canaccord.com

Posted in Retirement Income, Retirement Planning | No Comments »

Jun 21
2010

If you’re in the 60+ years, a vaccine may help protect you from Shingles.
submitted by Sarah Curtiss
Travel Medicine & Vaccination Centre

Shingles is a disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you have ever had chickenpox, this virus is quietly hiding out in the roots of your nerves and can re-activate causing a painful, sometimes excruciating, skin rash. This is known as Shingles “Herpes-Zoster”

Who is at risk?

Approximately 95% of Canadians have had Chickenpox and are therefore at risk of Shingles. Nearly one in three people will develop Shingles in their lifetime and the risk increases as we get older. Two thirds of people who get Shingles are over the age of 60. Many others will have the virus resurface due to low immune systems. This can occur due to illness, use of drugs that suppress the body’s immune system, HIV, Cancer or radiation treatments.

What are the symptoms and complications of Shingles?

When the virus becomes active again, you may get symptoms such as a rash, upset stomach, headache, fever and chills. The pain that is associated with the rash has been described as burning, throbbing, stabbing or shooting pains. The rash produces painful, fluid filled blisters usually on one side of the body or face. The rash can last several weeks and the pain will lessen as the rash heals. For some patients however Shingles can cause severe pain for months and even years after the rash has healed. This is called “Postherpetic neuralgia” (PHN). For people with PHN even a breeze or the touch of clothing can cause severe pain. Other complications of Shingles can include scarring, skin infections, a decrease or loss of hearing, eye infections that may result in blindness and muscle paralysis. In rare cases shingles can even result in death.

How can it be treated?

If you develop any symptoms your doctor can verify the disease and administer an Antiviral drug that will work best if started within three days of developing the rash.

Can it be prevented?

Until recently there was no prevention for Shingles, now there is a vaccine that has been developed called “Zostavax”. This is the first and only vaccine indicated to help prevent Shingles in individuals sixty years or older. The vaccine is a live weakened virus vaccine. Possible side effects from this vaccine include redness, pain, swelling, itching and warmth at injection site, headaches and possible fever. At this time, with limited information, the vaccine will protect against Shingles for 4 years.

Where can I get the vaccine?

Your doctor can prescribe the vaccine for you. Due to the storage specifications the vaccine is not stocked by many pharmacies. Visit or contact your local pharmacist or a Travel Medicine and Vaccination Clinic for more information.

Remember … it’s important to always talk to your doctor to see if a vaccine is right for you.

This report was submitted by Sarah Curtiss, Marketing Associate of Travel Medicine & Vacanations Centre (Burnaby, BC). It is presented as a general source of information only, and is not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific services, nor is it intended to provide medical advice. Travel Medicine and Vaccination Centres is a private medical organization that specializes in providing vaccinations. Clients are encouraged to discuss their health concerns with their own physicians and and seek advice based on their specific circumstances. Comments or questions – Sarah Curtiss can be reached at (604) 678-1391 or by email scurtiss@tmvc.com

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Jun 8
2010

Putting Some Aside For Your Grandchild(ren).
by Brett Millard, CFP
Thom & Associates Financial Planners Inc.

I’m often approached by new parents with a recurring question:

“Our child’s grandparents would like to start putting some money away on their behalf. What is the best way for them to do this?”

There are several investment vehicles this money can go into and each one can have an enormously positive impact on the child’s financial future. When started right from birth, these various investments have many years to grow and can often substantially or even completely cover future expenses that will arise.

The R.E.S.P. Gift

The first expense which we often recommend setting up an investment for, is the child’s post-secondary education. Registered Education Savings Plans grow surprisingly quickly due to the benefits of their tax advantaged status and the government grants that add a 20% bonus to your deposits. If you were to put as little as $25 per month into an RESP when your grandchild is born, they would have $13,000 set aside for their education by the time they reach 17 years of age. Depending on the education path that is chosen, a $100 per month contribution could fully fund a grandchild’s entire university education!

The Universal Life Gift

A second gift grandparents can provide is the creation and funding of a Universal Life policy for a child. This type of policy can be set up as early as 30 days after the child is born and has a couple of key benefits. It will provide the grandchild with very inexpensive insurance that can be transferred to their own name as an adult, regardless of future health condition and insurability. Additionally, with even a very small monthly contribution, the policy will grow to a very large value. A $25 per month investment into a $35, 000 face value UL policy would be fully paid up after 20 years. With no further investments in the child’s lifetime, the policy would have a face value of at least $160,000 at retirement as well as a $90,000 cash value at that time!

The Tax Free Savings Account Gift

The third option for a grandchild’s gift has been recently improved with the Canadian government’s creation of the Tax Free Savings Accounts. A straight cash savings accountcould be used in the child’s early adult stage of life to pay off remaining school costs, go on to graduate school or even put a down payment on their first home. Investing $25 per month into a TFSA would provide approximately $17,000 in this type of account at age 25, all of which can be accessed tax free!

It all adds up!

With the above three investment vehicles, these gifts can substantially improve a child’s financial future and give them an enormous head start in life. If each of a newborn child’s four grandparents were to contribute $25 / month into each of these three types of accounts, the child’s education would be completely paid for, they would have their retirement well funded and would have $68,000 set aside to purchase their first home!!

If it’s within the budget, wouldn’t we all like to have this kind of a head start in life?

This report was specifically written and submitted by Brett Millard, CFP of Thom & Associates Financial Planners Inc., Investia Financial Services (Kelowna, BC). It is presented as a general source of information only, and is not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific investments, nor is it intended to provide legal advice. Clients should discuss their situation with a certified consultant and seek advice based on their specific circumstances. Comments or questions – Brett Millard can be reached at (250) 863-6505 or by email brett@thomandassociates.com

Posted in Estate Planning, Family Matters | No Comments »

Apr 26
2010

Having “the talk” with your parents!
by Michael Danchuk, CFP & Richard Nash, CFP
Investors Group Inc.

Do you remember when your parents sat you down to have “the talk”? At that time, it was the last thing you wanted to hear and likely included some anxious moments and uncomfortable feelings.

Well, it could be time to think about another “talk” but, not with your kids – with your parents.

Many of us are reluctant to discuss health and finances with our parents until a crisis occurs. A sudden health issue can reduce estate planning options, as well as increase costs. That’s why discussions and preplanning are so crucial. “The talk” can be a difficult and emotional conversation to have. However, the benefits of knowing your parents’ wishes can be extraordinary.

Having “the talk”

If your parents’ health allows it, they should be involved in making decisions about their living arrangements, level of care and estate plans. Your role is that of supporter and information gatherer. Here are some tips that can make having “the talk” easier and assist you in finding answers to your questions and theirs:

  • Timing is everything–have your conversation well before a crisis occurs.
  • Consider that your parents may also be waiting for an opportunity to have a discussion about their future with you, and you are providing a welcome opening.
  • Use ice-breaking strategies such as offering to help with their estate planning or seeking their help with your retirement planning.
  • Keep in mind that your parents want and need to maintain their independence and dignity.
  • Listen, and try to understand their fears and anxieties.
  • Make sure that the conversation focuses on your parents’ health and well being and your love and concern for them.

What to discuss

Once you feel comfortable approaching your parents about having “the talk”, it is important to know what to discuss. Here are some tips on what to talk about:

  • Income – what are your parents’ sources of income, and do any conditions apply? For example, do they know how their monthly income will change when one of them passes on?
  • Investments– have your parents designated beneficiaries for their registered investments and insurance policies? If so, who are they?
  • Expenses – what are your parents’ expenses and will their income along with any government aid) be sufficient to cover projected home or personal care costs that may escalate with age?
  • Insurance – what types of insurance coverage do your parents have? Are there any holes that may need to be filled to protect the value of their estate?
  • Wills– do your parents have up-to date wills? Without a will, unnecessary taxes may be payable upon their death, there is an increased potential for contentious litigation, and the very real possibility that their wishes won’t be taken into account.
  • Executor – have your parents designated a personal representative (sometimes called an executor, or liquidator in Quebec) in their wills? This person (or trust company) is responsible for winding up their affairs and distributing assets and bequests in accordance with their wills.
  • Enduring Power of Attorney – have your parents given someone the power to make financial decisions on their behalf if either or both of them become incapacitated?
  • Living Will – (sometimes called a health directive and not valid in all provinces) have your parents provided explicit directions about the personal and medical care they desire should they become incapacitated? Have they appointed someone to make these decisions on their behalf? Have they considered a successor?

Have them show you where everything is

Be sure you know the location of your parents’ wills and other legal papers, as well as the location and content of their bank accounts and safety deposit boxes.

There are many financial and estate planning strategies available to your parents as they age. We can help sort out the details and ease the awkwardness of “the talk”, by bringing an outside perspective to your discussion.

And, while you’re at it, take a look at your own situation. If you’d like help creating a plan to cover any of the possible turns in your own life, call us.

This report specifically written and published by Investors Group is presented as a general source of information only, and is not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific investments, nor is it intended to provide legal advice. Prospective investors should review the annual report, simplified prospectus, and annual information form of any fund carefully before making an investment decision. Clients should discuss their situation with their Consultant for advice based on their specific circumstances. Commissions, trailing commissions, manage-ment fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. ™Trademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. “Having ‘the talk” ©2008 Investors Group Inc. Comments or questions – Michael Dunchuck and/or Richard Nash can be reached at (604) 270-7700 or by email richard.nash@investorsgroup.com

Posted in Family Matters, Financial Services, Retirement Planning | No Comments »

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