You are on page 1of 102

Magazine

FLIP PAGE DIGITAL READING

S T REE

MAI

FEBRUARY 2011

..COM
COM

Over 12
s
k
o
o
B
e
e
e
Fr
Inside
The Art of

Feng
Shui

in Interior Design

The Six Must-Dos for Truly

Younger Looking Skin


FORGETFULNESS...

It May Not be as Bad


as You Think

50 Things

Your Customer
Wished You Knew

Get noticed.

Click on the button and have your


business rise above the crowd.

Word from the Publisher

Publisher

Main Street Kelowna Magazine is published monthly by Main Street Business Network
and serves the residents and business community of Kelowna, British Columbia.
101 -1865 Dilworth Drive, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9T1. Tel 888 412.1067
info@mainstreetkelowna.com www.mainstreetkelowna.com

linda@mainstreetkelowna.com

Editorial Manager
Augusto Meneses

augusto@mainstreetkelowna.com

chris@mainstreetkelowna.com

luke@mainstreetkelowna.com

Executive Assistant
Ana Marie Banares

Subscriptions
Russel Leo Orais

russel@mainstreetkelowna.com

anamarie@mainstreetkelowna.com

S T REE
T

Production Manager
Chris Pana

Business Development
Luke Vorstermans

MAI

Publication Manager
Linda Ryan

COM
..COM

C O N T

C O N T E N T S

HOME &
FAMILY Feng
MAI

S T REE

The Art of

..COM
COM

Shui

in Interior Design

20
23
Click

TO READ

inside

17
18
18
18

Strategies to Solve Any


Problem

26

Understanding Home
Construction Lending
Reducing Air
Pollution inside Your
Home
A Bakers Guide to
Chocolate

in every issue
13 A Greener View

Top 5 Websites to Debunk

15 3 FREE eBooks

Internet Hoaxes

17 Top 10

Bedroom Designs Ideas

18 Around Home & Yard


33 The Back Page

T E N T S

H
MAI

EALTHY
LIVING The Six Must-Dos

S T REE

for Truly

C O N T E N T S

COM
..COM

Younger
Looking Skin

Click

TO READ

inside

42
42
44

Tips to Help You Correct


Your Eyesight
The Year in Drugs 2010
Hall of Shame
Green Tea Extracts May
Protect You from Oral
Cancer

45

Different Types of
Massage Therapy

52

Eat Out, Eat Well,


Lose Weight

54

How to Cook
Brown Rice

in every issue
37 A Healty Perspective
39 3 FREE eBooks
41 Top 10
57 Health Matters

C O N T E N T S
MAI

S T REE
T

ACTIVE

C O N T

COM
..COM

SENIORS

FORGETFULNESS...

It May Not be as Bad


as You Think

Click

TO READ

inside

65

Best Senior Dating


Websites

66

Graceful Aging Starts


When You Are 45

68

Life Lessons From a


90ish Writer

74
81

The Challenge of
Growing Unusual
Orchids
Old Hollywood
Squares

in every issue

61 Wisdom Comes
with Age
63 3 FREE eBooks
65 Top 10
66 What Matters Most
77 The Back Page

T E N T S
N

C O N T E N T S

S T REE

MAI

business
dynamics
.COM
.COM

50 Things

Your Customer
Wished You Know

91
92
Click

TO READ

inside

85
88
89
89

Reasons Why Expert


Status Is Essential For
Small Businesses
Three Truths about
Technology
Free Sales Letters Can
Lead to a Sales Explosion
Ten Things Said that
Limit Your Success

94

Do you have a Lead


Generation System?
Questions to Ask
Before Buying a
Franchise
Lessons From a Kid
Selling Popcorn

in every issue
81 Foresight
83 3 FREE eBooks
85 Top 10
87 Business Briefs
101 The Last Word

BUSINESS
PO Box 1204
Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4P3
Tel: 250.832.9654
http://www.absolutecontracting.ca/

Acon Coach
1422 Phoenix Ridge Lane
Vernon, BC V1B4A1
Tel: 250.503.0208
http://www.actioncoach.com/
claytonbzdel

Agents in Moon
Royal LePage Kelowna
#1 - 1890 Cooper Road
Kelowna, BC V1Y 8B7
Tel: 250.860.1100
hp://www.agentsinmoon.ca/

Big Brothers and Sisters


Lisa Hobson
Execuve Director
Tel: 250.765.2661
hp://www.bigs.bc.ca

Blinds Plus
1546-A Harvey Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G2
Tel: 250.868.0126
http://www.blindsplus.ca

Breast Cancer Support


1633 Pandosy Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1P6
Tel: 250.762.6381
hp://www.cancer.ca

Calavan Luxury Salon & Spa


#102 510 Bernard Ave.
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6P1
Tel: 250.763.9700
http://www.calavanti.com

CrocTalk

Menzies Graphics Group

4493A Stewart Rd East


Kelowna, BC V1W 4C1
Tel: 250.764.1616
http://www.croctalk.com

325 Bay Avenue


Kelowna, BC V1Y 7S3
Tel: 250.762.3213
hp://www.menziesprinters.com

DaxAir Charters

PETA

102-6197 Airport Way


Kelowna, BC V1V 2S2
Tel: 250.868.6656
http://www.daxaircharter.com

hp://www.peta.org

Pose Events
Kelowna, BC
Tel: 250.767.3345
hp://www.poseevents.com

Designs for You Baskets


P.O.Box 89, Staon Main
Kamloops, BC V2C 5K3
Tel: 877.372.1557
http://www.designedforyoubaskets.ca

Write a Book Now


Steve Manning
2065 Blue Ridge Crescent,
Pickering, ON L1X 2N5
Tel: 905.686.4891
hp://www.writeabooknow.com

Gord Turner Renovaons


3304 Appaloosa Road
Kelowna, BC V1V 2W5
Tel: 250.765.1166
http://www.gtrenovations.com

SweetLife Realty
1 - 415 Commonwealth Road
Kelowna, BC V4V 1P4
Tel: 250.766.4255

Heart to Heart Counselling

http://www.sweetlife.com

#6-1638 Pandosy Street


Kelowna, BC V1Y 1P8
Tel: 250.864.1135
http://www.hearttoheartcounselling.
ca

Trade Exchange Canada


748 Bernard Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6P5
Tel: 250.717.0026
http://www.tectrade.ca

Kelowna CleanPro
2405 Collingwood Rd
Kelowna, BC V1Z 2C3
Tel: 250.826.7896
http://www.kelownacleanpro.com

Vata Health
#71 700 Tranquille Rd.
Kamloops, BC V2B 3H9
Tel: 877.914.VATA(8282)
http://www.vatahealth.com

Kelowna Salvaon Army


Janet Lawrence
Planned Giving Ocer
Kelowna, B.C
Tel: 250.860.2329 ext 29
hp://www.kelowna.salvaonarmy.ca

S T REE
T

MAI

Absolute Contracng

PARTNERS

COM
..COM

HOME &
FAMILY
MAI

S T REE

COM
..COM

The Art of

Feng
Shui

in Interior Design

a greener view

Shift Happens
A sobering look at numbers
This video was first created by Karl Fisch in November of 2007 and there have
been several updates and variations. This version has particularly powerful music
to accompany the graphics.
Many people find the video somewhat unsettling. Through simple data, it
reveals the growth of the worlds population, the exponential growth of information and how these two inexorable forces are changing the world as we know it.
This video, and others with updated information, have been used in thousands
of US and Canadian schools to bring awareness and understanding to the current situation.
If youd like to send this to a friend, click on the Email icon button on the
Navigation Bar.

Donors, Sponsors,
Community Partners and Volunteers
Together we made
Christmas possible
for over 600 families
and 1100 children in
the Okanagan Valley.

kelowna.salvaonarmy.ca

3FREE
eBooks

CLICK ON THE
BOOK COVER TO
DOWNLOAD YOUR
FREE COPY

Be a Stargazer A Guide to Astronomy


All sciences are making an advance, but Astronomy is moving at high
speed. Since the principles of this science were settled by Copernicus,
four hundred years ago, it has never had to beat a retreat. It is rewritten
not to correct material errors, but to incorporate new discoveries.
Astronomy and space science is an ever changing study, and possibly the most exciting of the sciences. It is for one reason that this book
was written, to hopefully interest more people in the exciting study of the
universe around us.

Delicious Italian Dishes


Collected by M.G. Waters
By Richard W. Wetherill

Like Italian? The download this wonderful ebook of over 75 mouthwatering recipes from sauces to soups to the main courses including veal,
lamb, hare, duck, polenta, egg dishes and sweet desserts.

Tower of Babel

By Richard W. Wetherill

Today our world suffers from warped and twisted thinking. That afiction is
caused by hidden distortions of logic. Those distortions are xed, inexible
tools of thought that cause all of our mistakes.
Humanetics exposes the exact nature of those distortions. It shows their
causes, their results, and their remedies. It constitutes a new science of perfective thinking.
This ebook will help you understand Humanetics and guide you to a wonderful life.

Quiet - virtually elimiates


outside noise
Healthier indoor air quality
Strong & safe
High fire resistance
Maintenance free

6400
For Information please call 250-803-6400

www.greenblockicf.ca

Home & Family

Top 10

Strategies to
Solve Any

1. IGNORE IT FOR A WHILE and see if it solves itself. Oftentimes the


problem is larger than we have imagined it to be.
2. DECLARE IT TO BE A CRISIS and invest many resources to solve it.
This approach is what governments and corporations tend to do at
our expense.
3. GIVE THE PROBLEM TO SOMEONE whose job it is to solve it.
There are lots of people selling their expertise as problem solvers. Hire one.
4. IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM first. This step is
often overlooked. Is it really a problem? Can we eliminate it at
its source?
5. THROW MONEY AT IT. The can be a fix however it can
also be a short term solution with long term consequences, i.e. more problems.
6. GET THAT ITS NOT A PROBLEM at all and
treat it like the opportunity that it is! Ah, bring
out the inner entrepreneur and get rich.
7. DO THE OPPOSITE of what youd normally to
do to solve the problem. Many problems are
the result of continuing to do the same things
over and over again and expecting a different
outcome.
8. IDENTIFY THE FIVE STEPS that will solve the
problem. And then act on them.
9. EXTEND YOUR BOUNDARIES immediately
so that this type of problem doesnt happen again. Like the wisdom of keeping your
enemies as your friends or drawing a larger
circle and not isolating the problem from
ourselves.
10. CHANGE YOURSELF and increase your
perspective, so that its no longer a problem. Seems like the simplest solution.

17

Problem

18

Home & Family

Around the Home & Yard

Top 5 Websites
to Debunk

Internet Hoaxes
Has this ever happened to you? Youre busy working on a project when someone excitedly forwards you
one of those stupid urban legend chain mail spams
asking if it is true. Or worse, they simply forward it to
everyone on their list without checking to see if its for
real.
When your co-workers, friends or family turn into
Chicken Little over the latest hoax, scam, rumor, or urban legend that being emailed across the globe, point
them to the sites on this list to ease their minds (and
preempt a rash of chain mail).

Bedroom
Designs Ideas
A bedroom is that room in the house that is enrely a
personal space where you can kick back and relax. However you plan to beaufy it, in the end it needs to be
comforng, relaxing and snug. Whether the interiors need
to be plush and extravagant or simple and basic, it is all up
to the choices of the individual.

Home & Family

Snopes
Who hasnt heard of Snopes? This is the granddaddy
of all fact-checking sites. Some of the worst chain spams
even quote Snopes with an embedded link to give their
email an added level of authenticity. Of course, Snopes
has been known to be wrong and has changed its listings
on several occasions. It has also become commercialized
over the years, but its still a very complete site.

About Urban Legends


This About.com subsite has been hosted for 10 years
by David Emery, and he has done a great job. He is passionate about finding and debunking all those rumors,
myths, pranks, and odd stories. I refer more people to his
site than Snopes because I like the format better. The site
also shows up in more Google searches than the others,
indicating that the content is well linked and used.

19

over. I have been just as annoyed for just as long, but he


did something about it. His site is getting more professional looking all the time. He is also frequently cited by the
media when looking for an authoritative source on these
stupid chain mails.

TruthOrFiction.com
This excellent site, founded by Rich Buhler in 1999,
offers information on eRumors, hoaxes, requests for help,
and other items circulated via email. You can search for
a story, browse through categories such as Food-Drink,
Warnings, and eRumors in the News, view the top 20 stories of the hour, and subscribe to its email alerts (for a very
modest price).

Sophos

In 1999, John Ratliff was annoyed that he kept receiving the same chain spams forwarded to him over and

This antivirus company keeps a small list of hoaxes and


urban legends, but it is not nearly as complete as the sites
at the top of this list. Their focus is more on virus hoaxes
you know, the ones that scream that you will wipe your
hard drive and melt the motherboard if you open the
suspect email.

The bedroom design depends upon who it is being designed


for. A kids bedroom could be childish and cute, but would
change as the child grows up. So no maer whom it needs
to be set up for, bedroom designs need a lile bit of thought
and eort put into it. One idea used is the art of feng shui. It
involves grooming the bedroom by arranging the objects of the
room in a certain way so that it soothes and calms your senses.

Designing a room for a child can be tricky because with


the change in age there also undergoes a change in their
likes and dislikes. A boys bedroom would have more
common ideas that incorporate sports themes and certain
preferred cartoons. Basketball and soccer themes or the
childs favorite cartoon teamed up with his favorite colors
would make up for a good part of the room.

Colors and lights are important to give out the looked out
for resul feeling. Subtle and warm colors like beige, white,
yellow etc are generally best for rooms that are meant for
rest and sleep. Accordingly, the colors and textures of the
bed sheets, pillows, and curtains can all be complemented
with each other. The lights in the room can be so instead of
bright for a more comfortable feel.

For girls the choices are more varied depending on the


colors and designs that they would like. Pink and purple
are more popular teamed up with stripes, owers, stars
and polka dots etc. Disney themed bedding sets usually
work out for both girls and boys.

Break The Chain

20

Home & Family

Around the Home & Yard


To build a home is the
dream of many people. While
it conjures up images of happiness and family life, the whole
process can difficult and emotionally draining. Such a project
is fraught with financial risks;
the most common are delays
and associated cost overrun.
To minimize those risks, it is
important for people to be well
prepared and have a clear plan.
Many people place offers on a
vacant lot and then approach
a lender to arrange financing
with a one or two week window.
This is way too short for most
situations.

Understanding Home
Construction Lending

Financing construction is very


different from getting a mortgage for an existing home. For
a start, lenders typically lend up
to 80% of finished appraised
value without requiring CMHC
insurance. Interest rates are commonly set at prime plus 2%.
With construction financing, your loan may be drawn down
in stages while making interest-only payments until construction is complete. Completion for homeowners means
that the house is 100% complete and has its certificate of
occupancy. Different lenders may have more or less the
same number of funding stages; the following is a common example:

An additional advance may be requested to assist in


purchasing the land.
Additional advances may be requested subject to an
appraisers inspections to maintain sufficient cost to complete.

Drywall, insulation, wiring, and plumbing (approximately


30% of funds)

Lending for construction is usually planned for 6 to


9 months depending on the project and the institution.
At each stage of funds being advanced, an appraisal and
inspection of the property and a lien search is typically
required. The goal here is to ensure that construction is following the plan as stated in the application.

Finishing: exterior and interior (approximately 20% of


funds)

Construction loans are story loans. That means that the


lender has to know the story behind the planned construc-

Lock-up stage: foundation, framing, windows, doors,


roofing, etc (approximately 40 % of funds)

Home & Family

21

Selecting a Custom Home Builder


This is by far the most important task of the new home
construction process. There are four key words for this
task, passion, commitment, integrity, and fit.

Select a builder who truly enjoys the entire process of


planning, coordinating and physically working on-site,
someone who gets excited by new ideas and who has the
ability to translate the customers dreams into reality.

process. The builder must


ensure a clean and safe
work site and clearly
define the tasks for every
trade. It is the builders
responsibility to ensure
the customers vision is
translated into the look
and function exactly as
promised.

Passion

Fit

The builder is fully responsible for making your dream


home a reality. He needs to be available to you 100%
of every day from the beginning of the project through
to completion. Any contractor whos building more than
one house at a time cant be 100% committed to your
dream home.

Above all, the homeowner needs to feel


comfortable with the
builder. After all, there
are as many personalities
as there are people. Trust your instincts with this; first impressions are usually correct. Make your final choice from
a small group of builders capable of delivering passion,
commitment and integrity.

Task

Integrity
Your builder must have the homeowners wants and
needs at the forefront of every task during the building

Source: Brian Roth, Hartley Homes and Consulng Ltd

tion before they're willing to loan you money. To be successful an applicant must provide most lending institutions
with the following:

a copy of all contracts relating to the construction is a must

a complete set of plans

a time table for completion

This article is meant as an overview and specifics will


vary between lenders. In writing the article I searched the
internet for information, and I did not find much. The
reason is simple, each project is specific and each lender
adapts their practice to the local environment.

an appraiser will examine site survey plans, construction


plans, specifications and cost estimates in order to produce
an appraisal on a completed construction basis

Source: Philippe Daigle, White House Mortgage.


www.philippedaigle.com

specification of materials
cost estimate for the proposed building

This list is not exhaustive and will vary between lenders.

Renovating your home?


Your Project. Your Budget. Our Expertise.

Renovations are what we specialize in. Its what


weve been doing for the past two decades.
We provide full services ranging from helping you
develop your plans, guiding you in your selection
choices to keep
within your budget, to generating a comprehensive,
written agreement for your project.
Our experienced Project Manager (also a highly
skilled carpenter) is on-site to assist you through
your project, to its completion.
Over the years, we've built a solid reputation
backed by happy clients and a long list of solid
references that we will condently provide to you. In
fact, our clients are so happy with our work they
want their testimonials on our website.

Why choose us? Because well make


things go smoothly and we wont
disappoint you!

250.469.9379, ext. 1

www.gtrenovations.com

Home & Family

Reducing
Air Pollution
inside Your
Home

hile we may pay attention to air pollution outside, such as car exhausts, chemical sprays and smoke
from fires, our home environments are also prone to becoming toxic zones. Living inside a modern
home, especially those made to be air tight to protect from the harsh Canadian winter, can often harbor pollutants that can affect your health.

There are several indoor air pollutants that are generated within the home, sometimes in excess of ten times the
concentration of outdoor levels. Potenal pollutants include asbestos, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, carbon
dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
Typical sources of asbestos include pipe and duct insulation, shingles, and firewalls. Carbon dioxide sources
include non vented combustion and human respiration. Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide can come from gas
stoves, furnaces, cigarettes, wood burning stoves, fireplaces, and non-vented space heaters. Formaldehyde can be
emitted from newly installed urea-formaldehyde foam insulation or from new manufactured wood products such as
furniture, plywood, particle board, flooring or paneling.
There are ways of measuring indoor air polluon but in many cases they involve expensive equipment and technical expertise. Some private laboratories can pinpoint pollutants, but may charge between $400 and $2000 to do

23

24

Home & Family

such tests. Relatively inexpensive monitors that measure formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide can be installed in your home
and later sent to a lab for analysis. The more air exchanges
there are within the home, the more often indoor pollutants
are diluted with outdoor air to lower pollution concentrations.
The more tightly concentrated a home, the lower its air-change
rate will be.

Attaching a combustion air duct from the outside to the


appliance helps ensure safe combustion and minimizes the use
of heated air inside the home. If the home seems too humid
or has excessive condensation on windows, remove as many
sources of moisture in the house as possible. This may include
firewood stored in the basement, clothes hung inside to dry
and leaking basements.

The modern home,


especially those made
to be air tight to
protect from the harsh
Canadian winter, can
often harbor pollutants
that can affect your
health.

Eliminate Sources of
Indoor Air Pollutants
However, proper distribution of outside air within the home
must also be considered because indoor pollution is generated
in different areas of the home. Eliminate obvious sources of
pollutants, such as all non-vented combustion appliances from
the living space. A yellow flame in your gas furnace may indicate insufficient air supply for combustion, causing an increase
in carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

High levels of carbon dioxide (C02) may indicate that ventilation systems are not delivering enough fresh air. Symptoms
may include stuffy air, drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches.
If this is the case, you may try running several fans at night to
help mix air, leaving bedroom doors open and setting fans to
blow air out into the hall and living areas. If you have a forcedair heating system, set the furnace fan to run continuously at
night. If you dont feel more refreshed in a week or two, try
running the fans, plus leaving a window in each bedroom open
about a quarter of an inch.
If the above measures dont help, consider having a mechanical ventilation system installed by a certified contractor.
To determine if a gas furnace is leaking combustion by-products, hire a qualified professional. If you ever smell leaking gas
in the home, contact your gas utility company immediately
and follow their instructions.

Is your home a health hazard?


In today's air-tight homes indoor air quality is a growing
concern. Most household dust contains mites, molds,
mildew, pollen, and animal dander. Many of these contaminants are circulated through the centrail air systems
in most homes and can aggravate the symptoms of
asthma and allergies.
The Rotobrush system removes the contaminants that
circulate through the air duct system. Then we sanitize
your air ducts with an environmentally safe sanitizer commonly used in hospitals and nursing homes, leaving
behind a fresh scent.

BEFORE

AFTER

The Cleanpro Advantage:


All natural cleaning products
Improves your indoor air quality
Improves your furnace efficiency
Reduces airborne contaminants
Brings relief to allergy sufferers
Dries in about two hours

250-826-7896
2405 Collingwood Rd
Kelowna, BC , V1Z2C3

There are no security risks as all equipment is


portable. No doors are left open to accommodate hoses.
Smaller carbon footprint. No vehicle is left running
outside burning fossil fuels.

www.kelownacleanpro.com

Home & Family

26

A Bakers Guide to

Chocolate
Understanding the
difference in chocolate and
how it is used is essential
to baking.

hats the difference between bittersweet chocolate and


semisweet chocolate? Can I use Dutch cocoa in all my
recipes calling for cocoa? Understanding the difference in chocolate and how they are used is essential
to baking. In this guide, well identify the characteristics of those
chocolates used in baking.

Cocoa
Cocoa is the dry chocolate powder derived from chocolate liquor.
It comes in two types: natural and Dutch process. Dutch processed cocoa is processed with an alkaline. It is slightly darker,
smoother, and more easily dissolved than natural cocoa.
In many recipes, natural cocoa and Dutch cocoa are not
interchangeable. Natural cocoa is slightly acidic and will
therefore chemically react with baking soda to create
carbon dioxide bubbles and some leavening power.
Dutch cocoa is slightly alkaline, will not react with
baking soda, and must rely on baking powder for
leavening.

Chocolate
ingredie
type

Home & Family


Bitter Baking Chocolate
Bitter (unsweetened) baking chocolate is made from pure chocolate liquor. By specification, it must
contain 50 to 58 percent cocoa butter though with inferior products, vegetable oil may he added.
Depending on the producer, milk solids, vanilla, or salt may be added. I have a package in front of me
that contains only chocolate and milk solids. Unsweetened chocolate has a bitter taste and relies on
sweeteners in the recipe to make it palatable.

Sweet Baking Chocolate


Sweet baking chocolatebittersweet, semisweet chocolatehas sugar added. These products
must contain 35 to 50% cocoa butter but may have as little as 15% chocolate liquor. Because unsweetened chocolate has twice the chocolate liquor, we prefer to use unsweetened
chocolate in most of our baking. Bittersweet and semisweet chocolate can be used
interchangeably in recipes though there is a difference in flavor. Often,
bittersweet is a more expensive chocolate and to many, a better, richerflavored chocolate.

e is one in demand
ent used in most
es of baking.

Milk Chocolate
Milk chocolate is made with ten percent chocolate liquor. It
contains a minimum of twelve percent milk solids. Because it has such
a low percentage of chocolate liquor, rarely is it melted and added to
batter or dough.

White Chocolate
White chocolate contains no chocolate liquor but is made with
cocoa butter. Historically, the FDA has not regulated the manufacture of white chocolate so you need to read labels carefully.
If the product was made with vegetable oil instead of cocoa
butter, it will not perform the same as a product with
cocoa butter.

Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips are made with chocolate liquor with only
minimal amounts of cocoa butter. Instead, they are made with
vegetable oil and stabilizers to help them hold their shape. Without
the cocoa butter, chocolate chips have a different taste and mouth
feel. Chocolate chips will have a firmer set in puddings, pie fillings, and
sauces than baking chocolate. Chocolate chips can be purchased in milk
chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate.

27

Home & Family

28

The Art of

Feng Shui

in Interior Design

Feng Shui is a way to


cultivate the energy
ow and tranquility
of a room or homes
natural layout

Home & Family

29

eng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of living, has


come into vogue for homes and offices all
over the world. For those trying to put more
Feng Shui into their personal space, here is a
guide to the many decorations and purchase options following the trends of this Chinese art.
For beginners, Feng Shui is a way to cultivate the
energy flow and tranquility of a room or houses
natural layout. This is done by arranging the furniture and layout of a room, as well as by the careful
selection and positioning of symbolic decorations
and artworks within the room. The entire purpose
is to make the living space more enjoyable and
comfortable for its inhabitants and to increase the
positive energy of the room.
Placement and selection of decorative objects in
the room is a key aspect of Feng Shui, and all objects have a symbolic meaning or character which
can influence the energy and inhabitants of the
room. When choosing a decorative item, you must
be aware of the meaning behind the object and its
possible impact on your life. If you are an energetic
or stressed-out type of person, a symbol of energy
or impact might not be the best choice. Objects in
Feng Shui should remind you of your own goals,
and by their existence and your growing awareness
of them, lead you to fulfill those goals in your life.
Symbols for energy, love, happiness, wealth, and
others abound in Chinese decorations, and you
should become comfortable with those meanings
before making a decorating choice. Each decoration
is also associated with a particular element as well.

Shrine
A small family shrine is one of the centerpieces
of Feng Shui. The family shrine should be a composition of things that are important for you, including photos of loved ones, symbols of your life, and
other reminders of your dreams and aspirations.
Usually set in a small alcove or quiet corner of the
room, the shrine should be periodically rearranged
and kept in order. You can use the shrine to burn
incense, or to leave small offerings of loose change
or rice as well, in a symbolic gesture to the house-

Objects in Feng Shui should


remind you of your goals,
and through your growing
awareness of them, lead
you to fulll your these
goals in your life.

30
hold gods. Usually made from carved
stone, these shrines have a connection
to the earth element.

Small Fountains
The sound of the falling water and
the constant movement is designed
to add tranquility to your living space.
For stressed out people, this can be
an opportunity to reflect on the water
and let your stress flow out of your
body. Fountains come in several varieties, from small constant trickles of
water down a rock face to the periodic
rhythmic tilting of bamboo cups into a
larger pool of water. Clearly, because
of the use of water, these fountains
are symbolic of the element of water.

Candles
Feng Shui candles come in a wide
variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and
meanings. Each color candle is representative of a different goal, including
wealth, love, and success. Candles can
be slightly scented, and their warm
glow is seen to spread energy and life
around the room. Because of the small
flame, candles are associated with the
element of fire.
Wind Chimes
Providing simple music with each
breeze, wind chimes should be placed
near an open door or window to lighten up the room and give it a pleasant
environment. Wind chimes are symbolic of serenity and tranquility and are
also thought to bring luck to whoever
listens to them. Wind chimes can also
incorporate other symbols, of animals
or dragons, opening up a whole variety of meanings and purposes.

Home & Family

A fresh coat of paint is one of the best ways to give a whole


new look to a space. Its relavely inexpensive, easy and unless
the room youre painng has twenty-foot cathedral ceilings,
painng a room is a one-day project. Painng a room can cause
a dramac shi in the way its occupants feel about the space.
If the color is chosen according to principles of feng shui,
that shi can help a person sleep beer, enliven family conversaon around the dinner table, or turn an ordinary bathroom into a peaceful oasis.

The Bedroom
The bedroom should be a relaxing place where you can unwind
and rest. Many people also want their bedrooms to be romanc havens, or places where the enre family can sleep. A common mistake
is to paint walls in their bedroom bright colors to cure problems with
their houses bagua chart--the grid that divides a home into areas
correlated with children, relaonships, helpful people, career, knowledge, family, wealth, fame, and earth. If part of a bedroom is in the
fame secon of the home, for instance, a edgling actress may be
tempted to paint the bedroom red to kick-start her career. She probably wont sleep very well in a red bedroom, though, because red is a
yang color, and sleeping is yin. The actress would be beer served by
placing one red pillow or picture frame in the bedroom, and painng
the walls a more muted color.
Another approach to choosing a bedroom color is to choose a color
that enhances the elements in your natal chart. Some schools of feng
shui assign elements-water, wood, re, earth, and metal-to people.
Somebody with a lot of water in his or her chart may feel more comfortable in a pale blue bedroom, but could easily become stagnant. The
water person could enrich his or her life by adding colors that balance out the
elements, such as green for wood; red or pink for re; orange, yellow, or brown
for earth; and white, sliver, or gold for metal.
Choosing a color for a childs bedroom is a bit more complicated. Parents
want to choose a pale or pastel yin color that enhances the childs elemental
makeup, but parents should remember that a childs bedroom is for playing
as well as sleeping. Too pale a color will drive the child out of the room during
non-resng mes, hurng the development of creave play. Perhaps a colorful
rug or an alcove painted in a brighter, yang shade of the wall color will help create a space where the child can both rest and play.

Home & Family

31

FENG SHUI:

Using the Best Colors for Bedrooms,


Bathrooms and Living Areas
the negave energy of the toilet area by incorporang an
earth color, like yellow or brown.

Living Areas
The rst rule when choosing a wall color for the living areas of a house is that the enre family should feel comfortable with the color. Colors give o vibraons, and dierent
people react dierently to those vibraons. If you, an earth
person, decide without consulng the family to paint the
dining room beige with a bright yellow accent wall, you may
nd that your daughter with a lot of metal in her chart suddenly clams up at dinner me. Shes not being purposefully
obsnate; she cant cope with a room that feels so completely wrong to her.

The Bathroom
Like the bedroom, the bathroom should be a resul place.
For many of us busy people, me spent soaking in the tub is
the most peaceful me of the day. Painng the walls of the
bathroom in a color that makes that me more enjoyable is a
worthwhile endeavor. As you choose a wall color for a bathroom, think about the people who use the bathroom. What
is their elemental makeup? Be sure to choose a color that
enhances their elements. Also, remember that bathing is a yin
acvity, and choose your color accordingly. Finally, minimize

Think carefully about what you use your spaces for. If you
like to entertain in the dining room and living room, but use
the family room for quiet evenings reading by the replace,
remember that when you choose a color scheme. Pares in
room with too many yin colors will fall at and be memorable only for being slow, and youll have diculty concentrang on your book if the colors in your quiet family room
are too yang, or bright. Remember to have balance in both
places, however.
By choosing wall colors according to the principles of feng
shui, youll nd yourself and your family sleeping beer,
enjoying the bath, dining together more oen, and relang
beer to one another.
Resource: Using Feng Shui in Your Deign Projects

We bring pride and long


lasting design to your
home or ofce.
Dave Chickloski, Owner
At Blinds Plus we take great
care to ensure you are completely satis ed
with your new window coverings. Our rst class customer
service begins with our initial consultation. Well make sure you are
aware of all the window covering options available, and help you decide
on the best blinds for your needs within your budget.

ED
E
N DS?
LIN

UP TO

70%
OFF

Venetian Blinds
Vertical Blinds
Wood Blinds
Faux Wood Blinds
Pleated Blinds
Cellular Blinds
Drapery

Roller Shades
Roman Shades
Panel Tracks
Shutters
Screen Doors
Awnings
3M WIndow Films

FREE ESTIAMTES & FREE INSTALLATION

www.blindsplus.ca
Kelowna

Vernon

Pentiction

250-868-0126 250-307-2131 250-486-8282

Home & Family

The Back Page


I am an unabashed dog lover. Ive never met a
dog I didnt enjoy, and some of them have been
among my best friends ever! Heres a collection
of wit and wisdom from the world of our canine
friends. Enjoy!
The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail
instead of his tongue. Anonymous
Dont accept your dogs admiration as conclusive evidence
that you are wonderful. -- Ann Landers
If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go
where they went. --Will Rogers
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy
licking your face. --Ben Williams
A dog is the only thing on earth that
loves you more than he loves himself.
--Josh Billings
The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.
--Andy Rooney
We give dogs time we
can spare, space we
can spare and love we
can spare. In return,
dogs give us their all. Its
the best deal man has ever
made. --M. Acklam
I wonder if other dogs
think poodles are members of a weird religious
cult. --Rita Rudner
A dog teaches a boy
fidelity, perseverance,
and to turn around
three times before lying
down. --Robert Benchley

33

Wit and Wisdom


from

Dogs

Dogs are mens


best friend.
If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain
dogs I have known will go to heaven,
and very, very few persons. --James
Thurber
Ever consider what our dogs
must think of us? I mean,
here we come back from
a grocery store with the
most amazing haul-chicken, pork, half a cow.
They must think were
the greatest hunters on
earth! --Anne Tyler
Women and cats will
do as they please,
and men and dogs
should relax and get
used to the idea. --Robert A. Heinlein
If you pick up a starving dog and
make him prosperous, he will not
bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.
--Mark Twain
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make
our lives whole.--Roger Caras

Join in and get


Main Street Kelowna
delivered to your inbox each month.
ITS FREE ITS LOCAL ITS ECO-FRIENDLY
Join

H
MAI

S T REE

EALTHY
LIVING
.COM
.COM

The Six Must-Dos for Truly

Younger Looking Skin

www.AgentsinMotion.ca
Our Featured Listings
$219,000 MLS #10016791
#306, 2130 Vasile Road, Kelowna

Contemporary. 55+ condo! Everything is at


your doorstep! One of Kelowna's best kept
secrets. Just a short stroll to major shopping,
movie theatre, restaurants, recreation, bus
route, storage area and professional services. Top floor, quiet with mountain view!

Award-winning
Kelowna Realtors,
Jann Harrison and
Leona Wallace are
here to serve you.
Our mission:

$888,168 MLS #10017971


657 Denali Drive, Kelowna

To be highly respected Connection


Specialists who guide and inspire
you through the process of making
your dreams become a reality with
enthusiasm, passion, knowledge,
trustworthiness and integrity.

rity system, built-In vacuum, all appliances,


covered deck and much more!

To build a long-term relationship


through valued service that will
exceed your expectations.

You will fall madly in love with this exquisite executive style home, situated on upscale Denali
Drive in Kelowna. There's nothing missing but ....
YOU! Underground sprinkler, hot tub, secu-

$319,900 MLS #10020161


#103 245 Snowsell Street, Kelowna

Bright, peaceful and quiet! This is townhouse


living at its best at Maxwell Estates. Lots of extras A/C, security system, water filtration and
more. Family oriented, landscaped, public

To enjoy a positive experience


with you that is full of gratitude,
dedication and fun.

transit schools and shopping nearby.

$638,888 MLS# 10019963


1772 Spruceview Court, Kelowna
Looking for your 'forever' house? Located
on a low-traffic cul-de-sac, this wonderful
family home is close to shopping, schools,
and parks. It boasts bright, spacious rooms,
a great-room style kitchen and family room
with gas fireplace, and lots of space for
entertaining with family and friends.
Leona Wallace and Jann Harrison, Royal LePage National Award Recipients for 2009 & 2010

Jann Harrison 250.878.8554 Leona Wallace 250.300.7377


Royal LePage Kelowna, #1 - 1890 Cooper Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8B7

a healthier perspective

200 Years of Global Development


Using a fascinating model of animation, Hans Rosling combined a
staggering amount of data, including over 120,000 numbers, and takes
viewers through a journey of 200 countries over the past 200 years and
how they moved from a poor and sick environment to a rich and healthy
one.

3FREE

CLICK ON THE BOOK COVER TO


CLICK
ONCOPY
THE
DOWNLOAD YOUR
FREE
BOOK COVER TO
DOWNLOAD YOUR
FREE COPY

eBooks

Time Management for Creative People


By Mark McGuinness

Organisation, structure, discipline and habit these often seen as threats


to creativity. Not to mention corporate-sounding phrases such as time management or workow.
We like to think of creativity as a space for untrammeled imagination,
free from all constraints. Yet while freedom, rule-breaking and inspiration
are undoubtedly essential to the creative process, the popular image of
creativity overlooks another aspect: examine the life of any great artist and
you will nd evidence of hard work, discipline and a hard-won knowledge of
the rules and conventions of their medium.

Universal Sense: The Blue Print for Success


By Balasa Prasad

The essence of our existence on this planet is survival the struggle to


lead secure, productive and gratifying lives in a constantly changing and
complex world. In times marked by rising unemployment and cost of living,
a fragile economy and global competition for limited resources, the quest
for survival becomes even more challenging.
It is therefore a breath of fresh air to discover a method of success that
requires only applying specic principles and strategies to ones life-the
principles and strategies of the Universal Sense. This book is a practical
guide designed to help all people navigate lifes challenges.

The Ultimate In Herbal Tea Remedies


There are so many ways that our immune systems can be overwhelmed ... its in our air, our water, our food, our workplace, our stress.
No matter what ails you, this collection of herbal tea blends will provide
comfort and relief. Over 75 blends to choose from.

HEALTHY LIVING

Top 10
1. Move, move, move
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body.
Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or
elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends,
mow the lawn. Think move in small increments of time.

2. Lean, mean, fat-burning machine

41

Essential Tips

To Practice

Y
A
D
Y
EVER

Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other


fatty meats. Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese,
milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and
sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces
should be eaten in limited amounts.

3. Give up just one cigarette, the next one


The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Thought for the day:
Give up just one cigarette, the next one.

4. When seeing red, think pink clouds,


and then oat on them
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms.
Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you
like. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper.

5. Smoke gets in your eyes


If you cant live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid
smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway
fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares.

6. Buckle down and buckle up


Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes.

7. Floss and be your bodys boss


Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity
and teeth flossing. Perhaps its because people who floss tend
to be more health conscious than people who dont?

8. A jug of wine should last a long time


While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a

You are entitled to


live your life the way
you want it.
day can help protect against heart disease, more than that can
cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease.

9. You cant be unhappy when youre


smiling or singing
Theres a definitive connection between living well and
healthful and having a cheerful outlook on life.

10. Choose your parents well


The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But
just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health
doesnt mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you.

42

HEALTHY LIVING

Health Matters
The Year

2010 Hall

Tips to Help You Correct

Your Eyesight

2010 will go down as the year the diet pill Meridia and
pain pill Darvon were withdrawn from the market and the
heart-attack associated diabetes drug Avandia was severely
restricted.
Writing in Counterpunch, Martha Rosenberg lists the drugs
which made the 2010s Hall of Shame.

Yaz and Yasmin


They say the eyes are the mirror of the soul; therefore they
should be taken care of.
This really depends on your type of vision impairment. If
you have some sort of oculomotor issue (having to do with
the muscles of your eye) then yes, vision therapy at an optometrists office can be beneficial. This also depends on your age
and motivation.
However, if you are referring to refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia (cant see at near
over the age of 40) then the answer is no. There are a lot of
myths that exercises can improve refractive errors and it simply
is just that....a myth. If you want to correct refractive error, you
will need glasses, contacts or surgery. Glasses and contacts
would be the best bets.
If you have certain refractive errors, you might be a good
candidate for orthkeratology. Basically, custom made contacts
are worn overnight to reshape your cornea so your vision
improves during the day. This treatment is typically offered at
optometrists office that specializes in contact lenses, specifically RGP (rigid gas permeable) contact lenses.
Make an appointment at an optometrists office to see what
your options are for vision correction.

Soon after Bayer launched the pill Yaz, 18 year olds


started coming down with blood clots, gall bladder disease,
heart attacks and even strokes.

Chantix
After cases of possible psychosis, reports of suicidal behaviors and actual suicides, the government banned pilots,
air-traffic controllers and interstate truck and bus drivers from
takingthis antismoking drug.

Ambien
Law enforcement officials say this sleep drug has increased
traffic accidents from people who drive in a black out.

Tamoxifen
For every case of breast cancer prevented by Tamoxifen,
there is a life-threatening case of blood clots, stroke or endometrial cancer caused by it.

Lipitor and Crestor


All statins can cause muscle breakdown. Crestor is so linked
to the side effect, the FDAs David Graham named it one of the
five most dangerous drugs at a Congressional hearing.

43

HEALTHY LIVING

in Drugs

of Shame

Placebos Work
- Even Without
Deception
It has long been believed that the placebo eect
works only because people believe they are taking a real
drug. But a new study casts doubt on this assumpon.
Placebos may work even when they are administered
without decepon.
Even though placebos contain no acve ingredients,
paents oen respond to them. In fact, many American
physicians perhaps as many as 50 percent secretly
give placebos to their paents.
Since this pracce is ethically quesonable, a group
of researchers decided to explore whether or not the
power of placebos can be used without the secrecy.

Science Daily Repo


rts

Gardasil and Cervarix Vaccines


The Gardasil HPV vaccine doesnt work for all viral strains,
requires a booster and is linked to 56 girls deaths as of September in the U.S. alone.

Singulair and Accolate, leukotriene


receptor antagonists
These leukotriene receptor antagonists never looked safe.
And Singulair, Mercks top selling drug, is now suspected of
producing aggression, hostility, irritability, anxiety, hallucinations and night-terrors in kids.
To see the full list of dangerous drugs, click on the link:
Counterpunch December 24, 2010

... 80 patients su
ffering from irrita
ble bowel
syndrome (IBS) w
ere divided into tw
o groups:
one group, the cont
rols, received no tre
atment,
while the other gr
oup received a regi
m
en
of placebos honestly de
scribed as like su
gar pills.
.. By the end of th
e trial, nearly twic
e as many
patients treated w
ith the placebo repo
rted adequate symptom re
lief ... Also, on othe
r outcome
measures; patient
s taking the placeb
o doubled
their rates of impr
ovement to a degr
ee roughly
equivalent to the ef
fects of the most po
werful
IBS medications.
Resource: http://ar

ticles.mercola.com

44

HEALTHY LIVING

Health Matters
Extracts from green tea may prevent the formation of mouth cancers in people with risk signs of the
disease, according to a new study from Texas. Over 50
percent of participants in the University of Texas M. D.
Anderson Cancer Center study experienced a clinical
response to the green tea extracts. Said lead researcher
Vassiliki Papadimitrakopoulou, MD.:
While still very early, and not definitive proof that
green tea is an effective preventive agent, these results
certainly encourage more study for patients at highest risk for oral cancer. The extracts lack of toxicity is
attractive -- in prevention trials, its very important to
remember that these are otherwise healthy individuals
and we need to ensure that agents studied produce no
harm. We need to further understand if green tea offers
longer-term prevention effects for patients.
Green tea contains between 30 and 40 per cent of
water-extractable polyphenols, while black tea (green
tea that has been oxidized by fermentation) contains
between 3 and 10 per cent. Oolong tea is semi-fermented tea and is somewhere between green and
black tea. Oolong tea is semi-fermented tea and is
somewhere between green and black tea.
The study, a phase II dose-finding trial, followed 41 people with oral leukoplakia, a condition is a sign of oral cancer risk. The participants
were assigned to receive either placebo or green
tea extract at one of three doses, including 500
milligrams per metre squared of body mass
(mg/m2), 750 mg/m2, or 1,000 mg/m2 three
times a day.
Almost 60 percent of people taking the two
highest doses of the green tea extracts had a
clinical response. Just over 36 percent of people
in the lowest extract dose group had a clinical
response, compared to 18 percent in the placebo
group, said the researchers.
Resource: www.nutraingredients.com

Green Tea Extracts


May Protect You from

Oral Cancer

HEALTHY LIVING

Different Types of

Massage Therapy
Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy
for relaxing body muscles completely. Massage has therapeutic benefits for relieving muscle pain and relaxing tight
muscles. There are many types of massages you will find
in a massage parlor.

Types of Massage Therapy


Swedish Body Massage: Swedish massage uses five
specific massage techniques in order to increase blood
circulation in body, release tension and relieve muscle
soreness.

Esalen Massage: It is a holistic form of massage

that promotes both physical and psychological health and


keeps you fit.

Hot Stone Massage: Hot Stone Massage is a

deeply relaxing form of massage that uses hot basalt


stones, a form of volcanic rock in small sizes. The massage
therapist uses different sizes of basalt stones to help the
muscles release tension and relax more deeply.

Deep Tissue Massage: Deep tissue massage

targets the deeper layers of body muscle and connective


tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or
friction techniques across the grain of the muscle for
giving deep relaxation.

Thai Massage: Thai massage aligns the energies

of the body using gentle pressure on specific points that


helps in restoring the body energy.

45

Lipo Laser is a no
and provides a pe

It is not uncommon for a


hips, thighs, neck or arm
amount of fat. When di
you with stubborn are
answer you have been w

Non inv

Safe and

No dow

Measur

You can

102-510 Bernard

Tel: 250.7

on invasive approach to fat reduction and body contouring


ermanent solution for stubborn and unwanted fat.

areas such as the stomach,


ms to hold a disproportionate
ieting and exercise still leave
eas, Lipo Laser may be the
waiting for.

vasive
d painless

wntime

rable results

n only lose

d St. Kelowna, BC

763.9700

www.calavanti.com

48

HEALTHY LIVING

If you want
to have soft,
smooth,
younger
looking
skin, then
read on and
learn what
you can do
to maintain a
younger looking
healthy skin.
Dr. Joseph Mercola

The Six Must Dos for Truly

Younger Looking Skin

HEALTHY LIVING

f you want to have soft, smooth, younger looking skin, then


read on. The following information is just what you need to
get the skin youve always wanted, no matter what your age.

Limit Intense Sun Exposure


Exposing your skin to intense sunlight for an extended
period of time may result in sunburn, which you always want
to avoid. Sunburned skin is
more susceptible to damage and may age more
quickly. During the hottest
hours of the day, typically
this is between 10 a.m.
and 2 p.m., be sure to
limit your sun exposure
by wearing a widebrimmed hat or other
protective clothing,
particularly during the
summer months.
Using sunscreen
is not a good way
to limit your sun
exposure; in fact,
sunscreen is one
of the LAST things
you want to put on your body.
Sunscreen is a toxic chemical that can cause problems in
your system and increase your risk of disease.
Remember that sunlight is not something to be avoided.
You need sunlight in order to stay healthy. The key is to
gradually build up your resistance to the sun by going out
slowly in the beginning of the season, perhaps 10 minutes at a
time to start, and always avoid getting burned.
Avoid Yo-Yo Dieting
A recurrent cycle of gaining and losing weight will cause
your skin to stretch and become less elastic. As you age, this
loose skin will be more prone to sagging and wrinkles simply
by the force of gravity.
However, remaining overweight will also contribute to older
looking skin, as excess fat can accumulate around your chin,
neck and cheeks as you age. Maintaining your ideal weight will
keep your skin firm..

49

Coconut Oil
Using virgin coconut oil as you would any lotion is an ideal
way to rejuvenate skin. Not only does it prevent the formation
of damaging free radicals and protect against them, but also
it can help to keep the skin from developing liver spots and
other blemishes caused by aging and overexposure to sunlight.
Coconut oil keeps the skins connective tissues strong and
supple, which helps to prevent sagging and wrinkles, and in
some cases it might even restore damaged or diseased
skin.
Coconut oil
will not only bring
temporary relief to
the skin, but it will
aid in healing and
repairing, unlike
most lotions. The
coconut oil can help
bring back a youthful
appearance to your
skin by removing the
outer layer of dead
skin cells, making the
skin smoother. The
skin will become more
evenly textured with a
healthy shine. And the
coconut oil will penetrate into
the deeper layers of the
skin and strengthen the underlying tissues.
Naturally, you need to choose a high-quality coconut oil
that is free of chemicals and is not bleached or hydrogenated,
all of which can irritate your skin, if you want to experience
the maximum healing effects. My team and I here researched
coconut oil extensively until we found the ideal source--one
that is certified organic and made from the freshest coconuts.
I now highly recommend and offer you what is clearly the
premier brand of virgin coconut oil, Tropical Traditions.

Relax Your Facial Muscles


If you frown (or smile broadly) often, over time lines will
form where the muscles tend to contract. Try to become aware

50

HEALTHY LIVING

of any tense muscles in your face and make a conscious effort


to relax them.
Similarly, sleeping on your face may cause wrinkles to appear over time because of the continuous pressure and pulling
of your facial skin. Try sleeping on your back or varying
your sleeping positions so that you dont create permanent creases in your skin.

fish due to mercury contamination, the Vital Choice brand of


salmon, which comes from the cold, pristine waters of Alaska,
proved to contain less than .1ppm of mercury and no other
toxins when we had it lab tested. If you choose to eat fish
from another source, please be sure it has been independently lab-tested and found to be safe to eat.
Avoid Cigarette Smoke
Whether you smoke yourself
or are around people who do,
cigarette smoke exposes you
to damaging free radicals that will accelerate
the aging process by
damaging the microcapillaries in the skin.
This limits the skins
ability to absorb
nutrients, which accelerates wrinkling
and aging.

Get Plenty of Omega-3


Omega-3 fatty acids are
essential to healthy skin, but
unfortunately most people
are seriously deficient.
Making sure you get
enough omega-3 in
your diet, by taking
fish oil or cod liver
oil regularly, will
help to keep your
skin looking vibrant,
young and healthy.
Omega-3 fats
help to normalize
skin lipids and prevent dehydration in
the cells. This keeps skin
cells strong and full of
moisture, which can help to
decrease the appearance of
fine lines. Fatty acid deficiency
can manifest in a variety of ways,
but skin problems such
as eczema, thick patches
of skin, and cracked
heels are common. Plus,
omega-3 fats may have
an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to calm
irritated skin, giving you a
clear, smooth complexion.

Antioxidants,
such as those found
in fresh vegetables
and fruit like organic
blueberries, can help to
fight free-radical damage
and will naturally promote
healthy, young-looking skin. A
diet with plenty of vegetables will
also provide plenty of micronutrients
and antioxidants, which
will limit damage from the
sun and accelerate the
skins repair processes.

Sunscreen is a toxic chemical


that can cause problems in
your system and increase
your risk of disease.

Aside from taking


a high-quality fish oil
or krill oil, you can also
indulge in delicious,
omega-3-packed Vital Choice salmon--the only fish Ill now
eat. Although I dont recommend eating most commercial

Resource: Dr. Mercola

is the founder of the


worlds most visited
natural health web
site,Mercola.com. You
can learn the hazardous side eects of OTC
Remedies by geng a
FREE copy of his latest special report The Dangers of Over
the Counter Remedies

Stressed? Anxious? In Conict?


I Can Help.
Life can be challenging. You lie awake at night wondering how to
handle all the pressure. Your emotions swing wildly usually more
down than up. Tears surge at odd times. You feel suffocated by
the heaviness in your chest.
Perhaps theres conict in a relationship with your spouse, your
boss, or someone youre close to. The strife and negative feelings
are draining you.
You know you need help. You cant x things on your own. Getting
help shows your courage to confront your challenges and grow
into a stronger person physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
I provide a safe and condential environment for clients to express
their feelings and emotions so they can regain control of their
lives. Your anxiety will evaporate. Peace will return to your
relationship. Youll once again live life the way you wish it to be.

Heart to Heart Counselling


#6-1638 Pandosy Street
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1P8

Lisa Horvath,

Registered Professional
Counsellor and Psychotherapist.

2424 Apollo Road


West Kelowna, BC V4T 1P6

www.hearttoheartcounselling.ca

Tel: 250.864.1135

52

HEALTHY LIVING

Eat Out, Eat Well,

Lose Weight
When we eat
out, there are
things we can do
that can make
a big difference
in both eating
well and weight
management.

wenty years ago a bagel was three inches in diameter


and had 140 calories. Now the average bagel is more
than twice thataround 350 calories.

Who doesnt like to eat out? For most of us, its not just a
meal, its our lifestyle. Whether thats a night out with dinner
and friends, a quick stop at the local fast food place to pick up
something, or room service during the business trip. The fact is
we are out and abouteating here, there and everywhere.
It can be a challenge to eat right and eat well at the same
time, especially on the go or out. We can choose where to eat,
but sometimes there arent many choices. Or we cant actually
control what is served or on the menu. Meeting friends out
may mean you dont get to choose where to eat.

But there are things we can do each time we eat out that
can make a big difference in both eating well and weight management (or weight loss, depending on your aim).

Portion Size
It isnt just the fast food places that are super-sizing. Many
restaurants serve much more than what are considered normal
portion sizes (based on a 2000 calorie diet). But thats of little

HEALTHY LIVING

help when the plate arrives at the table. And for many of us,
what we see is what we eat.

Calorie Chaos
The number of calories you take in is very important; also
important are the types of calories youre taking in. The nutrients and substances contained in what we eat can help or
hinder our goal to eat well. Many if not most fast food places
now have posted the nutritional values and composition of
their meals.

53

Look and ask for lean, low-fat (or fat-free). Most fast food
restaurants have these options today. Restaurants may not
point out which menu items are lean or low-fat, but the type
of entree (fish, pork loin, a lean sirloin) and how it is cooked
(fried vs. baked or grilled) are usually good indicators. When in
doubt, ask how the item is prepared.
Include good calories and nutrients. Look for whole grains.
Add and include vegetables and fruits, many of which have
good fiber and will help you feel full without a lot of calories

For most of us,


eating out is not
just a meal, its
our lifestyle.

Take a look and make informed choices. Fountain drinks


(those sweetened with sugar, fructose, corn syrup and the like)
have many calories with little nutritive value. Fats provide flavor
and nutritive value, up to a point. Too much fat in the wrong
forms (saturated fat, trans fat) is not good, both in terms of
calories and the negative health issues associated with them.

What You Can Do


Armed with a few good tips and strategies, we can make the
most of eating out and still eat well. While some of the tips are
also important at home, when you are out and eating they can
really help you avoid putting on extra pounds.

(unless the broccoli is slathered with cheese sauce and butter).


Watch the salt and sugars. At a fast food restaurant, take a
look at the sodium content. You might be surprised just what
items are higher in saltsometimes the sodium content is a
result of how an item is prepared. Look for the nutritional labeling and the Daily Value (DV) percentages included (ideally,
DV should be less than 5%). Skip the sugary drinks (including
juice drinks) and go for the diet version. Better yet (nutritionally), go for low-fat milk. The protein in milk helps satiate, or
make you feel full.
Resource: http://www.healthandwellness.com

54

HEALTHY LIVING

How to Cook

Brown Rice
Many people
have trouble
cooking brown
rice but its not
that hard to
do. The truth is
there are many
different ways
to prepare it.

any people have trouble cooking brown rice and having it turn out decently,
since it can be more temperamental than white rice. There are also many different
ways to prepare it.

Heres the most efficient way I found to cook brown rice on a stove. It takes about 35 minutes from when you
start to when youre eating (which is pretty good for brown rice). This method works for both short grain and long
grain brown rice. I prefer long grain. Ive eaten hundreds of batches of brown rice using this method over the past
10 years.

HEALTHY LIVING

Brown rice can be


more temperamental
than white rice.
Steps on How to Cook Brown Rice

55

How to Make a
Tasty Dish from
Leftover Rice

Put brown rice and water together in a pot with a lid. Use the
ratio of 1.5 cups water to 1 cup rice. I normally make 3c rice
with 4.5c water for a single batch.

In a small pot, add 1 teaspoon of oil, and heat it


for about 1 minute on medium heat. I prefer dark
sesame oil because it adds a lot of flavor. Canola
oil works well too.

Set the heat to maximum, and bring the rice/water to a boil


uncovered. Then put the lid on the pot, and reduce the heat
to low/simmer. If your lid has a steam valve, keep it closed. Let
the rice simmer for 20 minutes.

Add some chopped veggies to the pot, and saut


them in the oil for a few minutes. My favorites are
onions, green onions, and bell peppers (any color).

Turn off the heat, and let the rice sit in the covered pot for
another 10 minutes. Its OK if you let the rice sit longer than
10 minutes (20 or 30 minutes is fine too), but dont let it go
any less. I prefer my rice to be slightly chewy, not mushy, so I
usually remove the lid after 10 minutes.

Once the veggies are cooked, scoop in some


of the leftover brown rice. I like to use 2 parts rice
to 1 part veggies. Mix it well with the veggies.

Eat and enjoy. Be careful when you remove the lid, since a
lot of steam may escape when you do.
This works for white rice too.
After the rice is cooked, I normally scoop some into a bowl,
and mix it with a little tamari and 1 2 tablespoons of sesame
seeds. The sesame seeds add a lot of flavor to the rice. Sometimes Ill eat it with steamed veggies and blackened tempeh,
both of which can be prepared while the rice is cooking.
I put the leftover rice in a plastic container in the refrigerator, which keeps well for several days. Since I dont use a
microwave, I usually just eat the leftovers cold. But when Im
not in the mood for cold rice, heres another tasty dish I make
from the leftover rice.
Resource:. www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2007/03/how-to-cookbrown-rice.

Reduce the heat slightly to medium-low, and


cook the rice/veggies for 3 4 minutes until the
rice is hot, stirring about once every minute.
Pour in a little tamari to taste, and mix it with the
rice. Cook for another minute to sear in the flavor.
Turn off the heat. Mix in 1 2 tablespoons
sesame seeds.
Eat and enjoy.
I hope you find these recipes helpful. Brown
rice became a staple of my diet after I studied
macrobiotics during the mid-90s, and I eat it
almost every week. I find it a great food for endurance activities.

56

HEALTHY LIVING

Winter Hours:
Saturday: 10 am 5 pm
Sunday: Noon 5 pm

Open for pre-booked Croc Talks mid-week.


Call today for reservations!

The Back Page


A Lesson from a

Mad Hatter

One of the rst steps to


accomplishing great things
in your life is to cease
dwelling on the negative
things in your past.
One of the first steps to accomplishing great things in your life is to cease dwelling on the negative
things in your past. Carefully assess your present strengths, successes, and achievements. Dwell on those
positive events in your life, and quit limiting your potential by constantly thinking about what you have
done poorly. Alice and the Mad Hatter in Wonderland had a conversation that illustrates this concept:
Alice: Where I come from, people study what they are not good at in order to be able to do what they
are good at.
Mad Hatter: We only go around in circles in Wonderland, but we always end up where we started.
Would you mind explaining yourself?
Alice: Well, grown-ups tell us to find out what we did wrong, and never do it again
Mad Hatter: Thats odd! It seems to me that in order to find out about something, you have to study
it. And when you study it, you should become better at it. Why should you want to become better at
something and then never do it again? But please continue.
Alice: Nobody ever tells us to study the right things we do. Were only supposed to learn from the
wrong things. But we are permitted to study the right things other people do. And sometimes were
even told to copy them.
Mad Hatter: Thats cheating!
Alice: Youre quite right, Mr. Hatter. I do live in a topsy-turvy world. It seems like I have to do something wrong first, in order to learn from what not to do. And then, by not doing what Im not supposed
to do, perhaps Ill be right. But Id rather be right the first time, wouldnt you?

Join in and get


Main Street Kelowna
delivered to your inbox each month.
ITS FREE ITS LOCAL ITS ECO-FRIENDLY
Join

MAI

ACTIVE

S T REE
COM
..COM

SENIORS

FORGETFULNESS...

It May Not be as Bad


as You Think

wisdom comes with age

My Blackberry Is Not Working


Ronnie Corbett and Harry Enfield star in this fruity sketch from The
One Ronnie, written by Dawson Bros.

What can YOU give to help


us feed Kelowna children
and families
this winter?

Kelowna Community

Food Bank

Caring for our community.

Tel: 250.763.7161
Fax: 250.763.9116
info@kcfb.ca

www.kelownafoodbank.ca

3FREE

CLICK ON THE BOOK COVER TO


CLICK
ONCOPY
THE
DOWNLOAD YOUR
FREE
BOOK COVER TO
DOWNLOAD YOUR
FREE COPY

eBooks

Full Time RV Lifestyles


By Bill Revill

It seemed that, despite the interest and attraction in this low-cost, carefree
RVing lifestyle, many people lacked the condence and know-how to take that
initial step. Understandably, for some it seems just a little too daunting.
Perhaps its time to delve a little more deeply into what we have found to be
the most common of these concerns so that, with deeper insight, we might put
them all to rest.
In the following pages is a selection of the sorts of questions we and other
fulltime RVers are frequently asked.

For Seeing Eye Dogs Only


By Robert Swiatek

This is a book about intelligence, or more specically, the lack of it around us


today.We can land a man on the moon but we, the citizens of the country, wind
up reading words on the mirrors of our cars that say, Objects in mirror are
closer than they appear!
People just dont think. They have been given intellects, but from some of
their actions, we have to question when they are going to use them. Individuals
may have a high IQ, but they still say and do things that indicate they may not
be any smarter than a rutabaga. There may be a silver lining, as they need not
worry about ever getting brainwashed! This book will show you many instances
of this type of behavior.

Habitats for Birds


How to Create an Inviting Yard to Attract Birds

Among the fondest and most memorable moments of childhood are the discoveries of songbirds nesting in the backyard. The distinctive, mud-lined nests
of robins and their beautiful blue eggs captivate people of all ages. Likewise,
the nesting activities of house wrens, cardinals, chickadees, and other common
birds can stimulate a lifelong interest in nature.
As you learn to enjoy the beauty of birdlife around your home, you may wish
to improve the habitat in your yard so that more birds will visit your property.
You can attract birds by placing bird feeders, nest boxes, and bird baths in your
yard, and by planting a variety of trees, shrubs, and owers. These can provide
good nesting sites, winter shelter, places to hide from predators and natural
food supplies that are available year-round.

Pose Events is a
licensed travel
agency which
offers a
personalized
service for all of
your travel and
accommodation
needs. Whether
you are planning
your next family
vacation,
corporate travel
booking or a
destination
wedding group,
Pose Events
will meet your
requirements. They
will beat/match
other Internet
prices available!
Contact us today
to book your next
trip.

p. 250.863.3374 e. info@poseevents.com
w. www.poseevents.com
Proud Member of

AS

ctive
eniors

Top 10
Senior Friend Finder

65

Best Senior

Dating Websites

Claims to be the worlds most frequently visited dating site


for seniors with almost 400,000 active users in total.

Age Match
It boasts that it is the best and largest age-gap dating site
in the world and with its large user network and collection of
communication facilities it certainly seems to deliver as a value
for money dating site with an active community.

Senior Match
SeniorMatch is without a doubt one of the most attractive
websites its slick exterior instills a great deal of confidence,
and in many respects this is well deserved.

Prime Singles
One of the most innovative dating sites for seniors although
it does not exclude younger people from joining the site. The
site is unusual as it allows free members to access a great number of the features of the site without payment.

youre looking for and they have a dedicated section


for senior online dating.

Silver Singles

Also part of the large network of sites run by Tangowire, giving the user the confidence which comes
with such a large organization. Users automatically
become members of other Tangowire sites.

As the senior dating arm of the large online dating network


of sites owned by Spark Networks, which also includes one of
Americas largest dating sites, Spark.com.

Dating for Seniors


Part of a wider group of dating sites catering for a wide spectrum of different dating interests. The site is attractive and comes
complete with a standard complement of features including
instant messaging, chat rooms, forums and photo profiles.

Perfect Match Match


A great choice for seniors looking to date online as they
have a huge number of profiles from all ages of people. Its
popularity means youll find plenty of singles in the age range

Senior Date Finder

12 Meet Senior
Offers members the chance to communicate with
potential matches using email and live chat, and also
to use its My Match software to generate a number
of potential matches based on the information.

10 Senior People Meet


Part of the huge Friendfinder network and has many
great features for finding a new partner. They has thousands of profiles to search and their matching system
lets you know when new members join the site.

AS

ctive
eniors

66

Aging and Grand Parenting


Graceful Aging

45

Starts When
You Are
by Joy Stevens and JB Johnson

There are many


benets to aging
than we thought.

hen you were a child, education was stressed as


an essential component of a good life. Education,
and the ensuing career, would dictate much of
what you got from life.

Quality aging requires that you embark on a whole new


path in order to reap all of the rewards from aging that you
are able.
We will all get there but how you fare when you arrive is up
to you.
By the time you are 45 years old, you should be getting a
glimmer of what age has in store for you. Certainly it should
be dawning on you that you will not have enough time to do
everything in life. Therefore, you must do what is important.
And aging gracefully needs to go to the top of your list!
Despite what the media, the cosmetics/fashion industry, the
diet industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and now the cos-

metic surgery medical establishment would have us believe,


there are many benefits to ageing.

What We Gain as We Age


A few of things we gain as we grow older and wiser include:
Women become more active, assertive, and work-oriented.
Men become gentler, more submissive, less interested in
power and more interested in learning about intimacy and
relationships.
Age offers wisdom to many. The husband/wife authoring

AS

ctive
eniors

team, Joan and Erik Erikson wrote, "Lots of old people don't
get wise, but you don't get wise unless you age."
Most lose their fear of death after middle age.
Intellect and curiosity can increase with age.
Sex and intimacy becomes less stressful and more accepting
Grandchildren.
There is less stress and even less dissatisfaction for most
people as they age.
And if you are approaching retirement without the best
retirement income in the world, take heart. There will be more
and better work opportunities for older workers in the future.

67

Quality aging requires that


you embark on a whole new
path in order to reap all
of the rewards from aging
that you are able.

Resource: Joy Stevens and JB Johnson.www.cyberparent.com.

Rules for Graceful Aging


1. Develop and maintain a strong social support network
of family, friends, and colleagues.
2. Develop a personal exercise program combining aerobics and weight work. Hire a personal trainer to get you
started.
3. Take charge of your brain. Make an active commitment
to learning and growth. IF you continue to use your brain
and develop your intellect and IF you remain socially connected and active, you can actually increase your IQ scores
as you age.
4. Take charge of your financial future. Plan, plan, and
plan. If you are single, dont count on getting married to
finance your old age. You are on your own! If you are married, learn what is going on with your finances. If you are
female, statistics say you will spend seven to fifteen years
or more as a widow, depending upon the age difference
between you and your husband.
5. Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Learn to live on fruits,
vegetables, grains, and legumes as much as possible. Plan a
few days a week that include no animal products, not even
dairy.
6. Stay aware of the latest nutritional information.

7. Dont fall for fad diets. When something sounds too


good to be true such as The Atkins Diet, it usually is.
When something sounds too good to be true and
8. Remember that the pharmaceutical industry makes
money from selling drugs. Read, study, and form your
own opinions about taking cholesterol, blood pressure,
estrogen and other old-age medicines. Very few longterm studies are available to show the results of these
medicines. The industry does extensive advertising to the
medical profession pushing these drugs. The industry also
does excellent advertising and good PR work with the public in support of these drugs. Your doctor is not a genius. It
is your responsibility to read, study, and keep up with the
truth for yourself.
9. Practice moderate to no drinking.
10. Drop the cigarettes, no matter what.
11. Remain goal oriented. Regardless of your age, still set
one, five, ten and twenty-year goals. Keep on growing!
12. Dont become more conservative. Age is an attitude.
Conservative is an old, stuffy attitude that allows life to
pass you by and makes you sound old and boring.

68

AS

ctive
eniors

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote an article on the 45


lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column Ive ever
written.
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.


When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
job wont take care of you when you are sick. Your friends
andYour
parents will. Stay in touch.
Pay off your credit cards every month.
You dont have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Cry with someone. Its more healing than crying alone.
Its OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
Be eccentric now. Dont wait for old age to wear purple.
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
Make peace with your past so it wont screw up the present.
Its OK to let your children see you cry.
Dont compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey
is all about.

Life Lesson

90ish W

A compilation
to cheer you up
make yo

If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldnt be in it.


can change in the blink of an eye. But dont worry;
GodEverything
never blinks.
Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
Get rid of anything that isnt useful, beautiful, or joyful.
Whatever doesnt kill you really does make you stronger.
too late to have a happy childhood. But the second
oneItsis never
up to you and no one else.
it comes to going after what you love in life, dont take
noWhen
for an answer.
Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Dont
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

Life isnt tied wit


still a gift. We s
way we want, n

AS

ctive
eniors

ns From a

Over prepare, then go with the flow.


Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
The most important sex organ is the brain.
No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
every so-called disaster with these words, In five years, will
thisFrame
matter?

of life lessons
p and hopefully
our day.

Always choose life.


Forgive everyone everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Dont take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Believe in miracles.
loves you because of who God is, not because of anything
youGod
did or didnt do.

Writer

th a bow; but, its


should live it the
no matter what.

Dont audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.


Life isnt fair, but its still good.
Your children get only one childhood.
All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone elses,
wedIf wegraballours
back.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
The best is yet to come.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
Yield.
Life isnt tied with a bow; but, its still a gift.
Resource: Regina Brett. She is 90 years old and a columnist with The
Plain Dealer, in Cleveland, Ohio.

69

70

AS

ctive
eniors

FORGET FU

N
L

.
.
.
S
S

It May Not
be as Bad
as You
Think

s we grow older and start to forget things, we may joke and utter,
its my Alzheimers kicking in!
But its no joke for someone who
has a loved one with dementia.
Many older people worry about
becoming more forgetful. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimers
disease. In the past, memory loss and
confusion were considered a normal part
of aging. However, scientists now know
that most people remain both alert and
able as they age, although it may take
them longer to remember things.

Most people remain both


alert and able as they age,
although it may take them
longer to remember things.

AS

ctive
eniors

71

A lot of people experience memory


lapses. Some memory problems are serious, and others are not. People who have
serious changes in their memory, personality, and behavior may suffer from a form
of brain disease called dementia. Dementia
seriously affects a persons ability to carry
out daily activities. Alzheimers disease is
one of many types of dementia.
The term dementia describes a group of
symptoms that are caused by changes in
brain function. Dementia symptoms may
include asking the same questions repeatedly; becoming lost in familiar places;
being unable to follow directions; getting
disoriented about time, people, and places;
and neglecting personal safety, hygiene,
and nutrition. People with dementia lose
their abilities at different rates.
Dementia is caused by many conditions.
Some conditions that cause dementia can
be reversed, and others cannot. Further,
many different medical conditions may
cause symptoms that seem like Alzheimers
disease, but are not. Some of these medical conditions may be treatable. Reversible
conditions can be caused by a high fever,
dehydration, vitamin deficiency and poor
nutrition, bad reactions to medicines, problems with the
thyroid gland, or a minor head injury. Medical conditions
like these can be serious and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.
Sometimes older people have emotional problems that
can be mistaken for dementia. Feeling sad, lonely, worried,
or bored may be more common for older people facing
retirement or coping with the death of a spouse, relative, or
friend. Adapting to these changes leaves some people feeling confused or forgetful. Emotional problems can be eased
by supportive friends and family, or by professional help
from a doctor or counselor.
The two most common forms of dementia in older
people are Alzheimers disease and multi-infarct dementia
(sometimes called vascular dementia). These types of dementia are irreversible, which means they cannot be cured.

In Alzheimers disease, nerve cell changes in certain parts


of the brain result in the death of a large number of cells.
Symptoms of Alzheimers disease begin slowly and become
steadily worse. As the disease progresses, symptoms range
from mild forgetfulness to serious impairments in thinking,
judgment, and the ability to perform daily activities. Eventually, patients may need total care.
In multi-infarct dementia, a series of small strokes or
changes in the brains blood supply may result in the death
of brain tissue. The location in the brain where the small
strokes occur determines the seriousness of the problem
and the symptoms that arise. Symptoms that begin suddenly may be a sign of this kind of dementia. People with
multi-infarct dementia are likely to show signs of improvement or remain stable for long periods of time, then
quickly develop new symptoms if more strokes occur. In
many people with multi-infarct dementia, high blood pres-

72

AS

ctive
eniors

sure is to blame. One of the most important reasons for


controlling high blood pressure is to prevent strokes.

People who are worried about memory problems


should see their doctor. If the doctor believes that the
problem is serious, then a thorough physical, neurological, and psychiatric evaluation may be recommended.
A complete medical examination for memory loss may
include gathering information about the persons medical
history, including use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diets, past medical problems, and general
health. Because a correct diagnosis depends on recalling
these details accurately, the doctor also may ask a family
member for information about the person.

Many people with


dementia need no medication for behavioral
problems. But for some
people, doctors may
prescribe medications to
reduce agitation, anxiety,
depression, or sleeping
problems. These troublesome behaviors are
common in people with
dementia. Careful use of
doctor-prescribed drugs
may make some people
with dementia more comfortable and make
caring for them easier.

Tests of blood and urine may be done to help the


doctor find any problems. There are also tests of mental
abilities (tests of memory, problem solving, counting, and
language). A brain CT scan may assist the doctor in ruling
out a curable disorder. A scan also may show signs of normal age-related changes in the brain. It may be necessary
to have another scan at a later date to see if there have
been further changes in the brain.

A healthy diet is important. Although no


special diets or nutritional supplements have
been found to prevent or reverse Alzheimers
disease or multi-infarct dementia, a balanced
diet helps maintain overall good health. In
cases of multi-infarct dementia, improving
the diet may play a role in preventing more
strokes.

Diagnosis

Alzheimers disease and multi-infarct dementia can exist


together, making it hard for the doctor to diagnose either
one specifically. Scientists once thought that multi-infarct
dementia and other types of vascular dementia caused
most cases of irreversible mental impairment. They now
believe that older people with irreversible dementia have
Alzheimers disease.

Treatment
Even if the doctor diagnoses an irreversible form of
dementia, much still can be done to treat the patient and
help the family cope. A person with dementia should be
under a doctors care, and may see a neurologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, internist, or geriatrician. The doctor
can treat the patients physical and behavioral problems
and answer the many questions that the person or family may have.

Sometimes olde
emotional proble
mistaken fo

AS

ctive
eniors

Family members
and friends can assist
people with dementia
in continuing their
daily routines, physical
activities, and social
contacts. People with
dementia should be
kept up-to-date about
the details of their lives,
such as the time of day,
where they live, and
what is happening at
home or in the world.
Memory aids may help in the
day-to-day living of patients in
the earlier stages of dementia.
Some families find that a
big calendar, a list of daily
plans, notes about simple
safety measures, and
written directions

er people have
ems that can be
or dementia.

73

describing how to use common household items are very


useful aids.

Advice for Today


Scientists are working to develop new drugs that someday may slow, reverse, or prevent the damage caused by
Alzheimers disease and multi-infarct dementia. In the
meantime, people who have no dementia symptoms can try
to keep their memory sharp.
Some suggestions include developing interests or hobbies and staying involved in activities that stimulate both
the mind and body. Giving careful attention to physical
fitness and exercise also may go a long way toward keeping
a healthy state of mind. Limiting the use of alcoholic beverages is important, because heavy drinking over time can
cause permanent brain damage.
Many people find it useful to plan tasks; make thingsto-do lists; and use notes, calendars, and other memory
aids. They also may remember things better by mentally
connecting them to other meaningful things, such as a
familiar name, song, or lines from a poem.
Stress, anxiety, or depression can make a person more
forgetful. Forgetfulness caused by these emotions usually is temporary and goes away when the feelings fade.
However, if these feelings last for a long period of
time, getting help from a professional is important.
Treatment may include counseling or medication, or
a combination of both.
Some physical and mental changes occur with
age in healthy people. However, much pain and
suffering can be avoided if older people, their
families, and their doctors recognize dementia as a
disease, not part of normal aging.
Resource: http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/forgetfulness.htm

AS

ctive
eniors

74

The Challenge of Growing

Unusual Orchids
by Jack Swain

illions of people around the globe appreciate and


love the beauty of these magical flowers. Available
in so many different colors, shapes and sizes, orchids
attract everyone with its simple glimpse. Interestingly,
books on this special natural beauty record only its 22,000
varieties. However, in real terms, you may find more in its
places of origin. It is not easy to grow orchids. They require
special care so that they grow beautifully.
There are only two types of orchid, the terrestrial and epiphytes. This article concentrates on the less common type of
terrestrial growing orchids. It isnt practical to attempt to cover
them all in this article however I shall endeavor to cover the
more unusual species.

Terrestrial Type
Disa Uniflora: Origin -- South Africa. This medium sized

plant has thick roots, but no pseudobulbs, and a branchless


stem some 20 inches (50 cm) in height. The flowers appear
on the apex of the stem and usually number 4 to 5 in colors
ranging in various shades of orange. Other available colors are
white, pink, and red. Flowering is in spring and summer.
The Disa species are known to be difficult to grow. The D.
uniflora can be grown in a pot with a medium of peat and
pearlite mix with a helping of sphagnum. The growing period is
very long and regular watering is needed to moisture high.
Eulophia Guineensis: Origin -- Tropical Africa. A medium
to large plant, the oval pseudobulbs sit close together on the
rhizome. The leaves are quite large measuring 10 inch (25cm)
by 3 inches (8 cm) are heavily veined and pointed towards
each end. The stem is around 16 inches (40 cm) high and
holds at least 10 beautiful pink flowers which open in sequence. Flowering is from autumn to winter. Once the pseu-

AS

ctive
eniors

75

Like other types of


owers, orchids are
beautiful and unique
in their own way. They
come in different
sizes, types, shapes,
colors, etc.
dobulbs have developed the plant will need
a resting period of at least one month. They
are easily grown but should be re-potted in
medium pots every year using a bark based
medium with sphagnum added.
Ludisia Discolor: Origin -- India, Indonesia, Indochinese peninsula. This medium to
small terrestrial has no pseudobulbs. The erect
stems are quite substantial in a reddish-brown
color and reach 8 to 10 inch (20-25cm)
in height. The leaves are elliptic and quite
beautiful in a dark reddish-green with light
colored veins. The plant produces many small
white flowers with a yellow lip which only last
around two weeks. Flowering is in winter.
This species is grown usually for its beautiful leaves
rather than the actual flower. Very good results can
be obtained by growing in small to medium pots or
baskets. Potting medium should be bark with added
sphagnum which should always be moist but never
water-logged.
Oeceoclades Maculata: Origin -- Tropical areas of
the Americas and Africa. Quite a mouthful to pronounce, but a very cute small to medium terrestrial.
The oval pseudobulbs are about one inch (2.5 cm)
tall sit close together on the rhizome with a single

leaf at the top. The elliptic shaped leaf is marbled in various tones of green. The erect stems are 12 to 16 inches
in height (30 to 40cm) and can hold a variable number
of small flowers in white to brown or pink. Flowering is in
autumn and can be short lived.
This is an easy growing orchid and should be potted relative to its size. Potting medium should be equal
amounts of bark and sphagnum. Water regularly and reduce
during when there is no plant growth. Re-potting should be
done after the plant as flowered.

The Back Page


Long-time subscriber,
Laurie Larson sent these
to me and they made
me laugh right out loud!
Some are slightly off color
but I didnt think they
were beyond the scope of
TIPS subscribers, so enjoy!
If you remember the
original Hollywood
Squares and its comics,
this may bring tears to
your eyes. These great
questions and answers are
from the days when Hollywood Squares game
show responses were
spontaneous and clever.
Q. Do female frogs croak?
A. Paul Lynde: If you
hold their little heads
under water long enough.

AS

ctive
eniors

77

Q. As you grow older, do


you tend to gesture more,
or less, with your hands
while talking?
A. Rose Marie: You ask
me one more growing old
question Peter, and Ill give
you a gesture youll never
forget.

OLD

Q. Charley, youve just decided to grow strawberries.


Are you going to get any
during the first year?
A. Charley Weaver: Of
course not...Im too busy
growing strawberries.

If you remember the original


Hollywood Squares and its
comics, this may bring
tears to your eyes.

Q. If youre going to
make a parachute jump,
at least how high should
you be?
A. Charley Weaver: Three
days of steady drinking should do it.

Q. True or False: A pea can last as long as 5,000 years.


A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.
Q. Youve been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?
A. Don Knotts: Thats whats been keeping me awake.
Q. According to Cosmo, if you meet a stranger at a party, and
you think he is attractive, is it okay to ask him if hes married?
A. Rose Marie: No... wait until morning.
Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get
older?
A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency.
Q. What are: Do it, I Can Help and I Cant get enough?
A. George Gobel: I dont know, but its coming from the next
apartment.

Q. In bowling, whats a
perfect score?
A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the
pin boy.
Q. During a tornado, are
you safer in the bedroom or
in the closet?
A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately, Peter, Im always safe
in the bedroom.

Q. Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls?


A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.
Q. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with
getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people?
A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army.
Q. When a couple has a baby, who is responsible for its sex?
A. Charley Weaver: Ill lend him the car. The rest is up to him.
Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in
them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions.
What are they?
A. Charley Weaver: His feet.
Q. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should
never do in bed?
A. Paul Lynde: Point...and Laugh

Join in and get


Main Street Kelowna
delivered to your inbox each month.
ITS FREE ITS LOCAL ITS ECO-FRIENDLY
Join

S T REE

MAI

business
dynamics
.COM
.COM

50 Things

Your Customer
Wished You Knew

foresight

The Breakup

3FREE

CLICK ON THE BOOK COVER TO


CLICK
ONCOPY
THE
DOWNLOAD YOUR
FREE
BOOK COVER TO
DOWNLOAD YOUR
FREE COPY

eBooks

10 Design Mistakes That Make Your Business Look Dumb


By Pamela Wilson

This report details how to avoid design land mines, the graphic disasters
that make your business look amateur, disorganized and unprofessional.
Every time you communicate, you have the opportunity to make a good
impression. Marketing materials that are targeted to your audience, easy to understand and attractive will make your business look established, professional
and trustworthy.
Read and see examples of dumb mistakes, and learn the easy Big Brand
x you can apply in each situation.

Timeless Wealth Secrets

These seven extraordinary people - Jim Rohn, Randy Gage, John Reese,
Corey Rudl, James Allen, Lester Levenson and T. Harv Eker - have made outstanding contributions and created millions of dollars.
Believe it or not, you are living in the world of wealth that you may not realize
in the past. This world of wealth is abundant. You did not see it before, because you have been educated NOT to see this world of wealth.
YOU are going to be successful, happy, healthy, and wealthy (may be far
beyond the wildest dream that you can imagine) if you apply to yourself the
secrets we have revealed here beginning today.

Career Satisfaction from Within


By Christopher R. Edgar

This book is designed to help two groups of people. The rst group would like to
change careers or start a business, but has the nagging feeling that for one reason or another, the transition isnt possible. Perhaps these people feel they dont
have the skill or ambition to make the change, that the business theyre interested
in is too competitive, that their families will disapprove or something else.
The second group entered the working world feeling driven and passionate,
but gradually the work became uninspiring and routine. These people dont
necessarily want a transition they understand that even if they changed jobs,
they might end up in the same rut in a few years. They just want to nd a way to
restore some of the passion and drive they had when they started.

Do You Want to See Your Company


Reach Its Full Potential?
Are you...
TIRED OF NOT RUNNING AT FULL CAPACITY?
WORRIED ABOUT EXPENSES EATING INTO YOUR PROFITS?
UNSURE

OF WHERE TO SPEND YOUR MARKETING DOLLARS?

FRUSTRATED
LOOKING

YOURE NOT GETTING FULL VALUE FOR YOUR INVENTORY?

TO BUY GOODS AND SERVICES USING YOUR WHOLESALE COSTS?

IRRITATED

WATCHING COMPETITIORS CLAIM SOME OF YOUR MARKET SHARE?

We help businesses grow by leveraging their capacity


for more business to connect with new clients, SAVE
cash, and gain an edge over their competition.

748 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6P5


Tel: 250.717.0026 Fax: 888.584.8596

www.tectrade.ca

AS

ctive
eniors
business

85

dynamics

Top 10
Reasons Why Expert
Status Is Essential For

SMALL BUSINESSES
When you are known as the go to person in your
industry, it opens many doors effortlessly. Yes,
you need to genuinely know a lot this is
about celebrity with integrity rather than
splash then crash! You also need to
keep learning and keep packaging
your expertise and knowledge in
ways that make you stand out.

3. Your referral business will grow as you are seen as a


trusted resource.
4. Its easier to gain media coverage and
this builds trust with potential clients.

Sounds like a lot of work...


but really, what is the alternative? Being average leads
to average (or worse!) business performance.

6. You can help clients more


productively and insightfully
than competitors.
7. You can gain access to rare
resources and other respected
authorities in your field.

If you arent the go to


person currently, but youd
like to be, here are the top
10 reasons to put time and
energy into building your
expert status:
1. You can market yourself
with authority and establish
your business as an industry
leader.
2. You can make your business highly visible with ease.

5. Speaking at your industry


conference is much more powerful than just attending!

8. By sharing, you can attract


respect while having fun and
being creative!

Smart and successful


small business
owners create
expertise that cannot
be copied!

9. You can convert followers


into raving fans.
10. You can charge more!

88

AS
business

ctive
eniors

dynamics

Business Briefs
Three Truths about

TECHNOLOGY
Not all entrepreneurs are tech savvy. Whats worse, a lot
dont want to be. What follows is a look at the underlying
factorsthree truthsthat provide a framework to help entrepreneurs take charge of the ever-important technology upon
which their businesses depend.

Truth 1: Technology is simpler


than you think.
Entrepreneurs should make it a practice to spend a few minutes each day getting a tech education, not so much to find
the answers as to be able to ask the right questions. You can
get a tech education by being alert to tech trends. Read newspapers and journals, listen to talk shows, attend forums, and
surf the best of the relevant web sites, such as howstuffworks.
com. Occasionally, pick up the manual for the new piece of
equipment you just bought and do more than just flip through
it. These small investments of time every day will enhance your
decision-making process in the technology areaand your
company will benefit.

when problems with a product arise. With technology, ironically, its all about people. Make sure you do your part. Treat the
people you deal with as human beings, not as handy targets
for venting about the problems youve encountered with your
equipment.

Truth 3: Technology is integrated.

In the heat of the entrepreneurial battle, nothing quite


equals a failed computer system or a network collapse to make
even the most resourceful entrepreneur feel utterly alone.
While the number of automated voices on tech company
phone lines and hotlines is increasing, the fact remains that
people are behind technology every step of the way.

Entrepreneurs must always keep the big picture in mind.


In no area is that more apparent than in technology. As your
company grows, you must remember that the list of contacts
on your desktop must be able to make its way to the new
inventory control system and eventually onto the sophisticated
network. In short, you must make sure that the hardware and
software you select when upgrading can work with what you
already have.

When considering software, for example, you can discuss


your needs with designers engaged by the vendors from whom
you might buy. You can nail down information about tech support, such as whether you will have access to a human being

Technology cant be ignored, even in pursuit of the more


visionary aspects of company building. The truth is that you,
the entrepreneur, have a stake in making technology work for
your company.

Truth 2: Technology is about people.

AS

ctive
eniors
business

89

dynamics

Free Sales Letters


Can Lead to a

Sales Explosion

Studying your sales letters is like getting a free sales course


every day. Now Im not saying that every piece of mail you get
will be a great sales tool. Most of what you get will stink...but
you can still learn from it.
Here are some tips of what to look for in a good sales letter.
Start a file and when you discover letters or even postcards
that follow these rules, stuff that baby in the file for later reference and you will on your way to creating a library of swipable
free sales letters.
1) Must have a headline. If your sales letters dont have a
headline that reaches off the paper and grabs the reader by the
throat...you are sunk. Start paying attention to headlines.
2) Must clearly demonstrate how the reader will benefit
from reading it. Its amazing how often sales letters will go
about the company or product and how great it is. Your reader
doesnt care...they always want to know whats in it for me.

You may never call a sales letter junk mail again


You trudge to the mailbox, open it up and out fall a pile of
bills. Of course you also get to flip through the so called junk
mail as it slides off your desk for the trash can right?
If you own a small business and you arent poring over every piece of mail you get then you are making a silly mistake.

1. When I...Uh huh.


2. If I can do x, then Y will result... Big if.
3. It should... Yeah, it should, but WILL IT?
4. I could... Yes, but WILL YOU?

3) Must have a call to action or offer that makes sense. If a


sales letter is well written, you will come to the end hoping to
reach an offer that you cant resist. Without an offer, even an offer to give some more information, you are wasting your time.
You might even sign-up to receive some mail from some of
the biggest direct mail folks just so you can learn from some of
the best sales letter in the business!

Ten Things Said


that Limit Your

SUCCESS

5. If I could just... Nah, its not that easy.

8. If only... If only pigs fly.

6. Its a done deal... It isnt really done until the clients


check has been cashed and the services/goods have been
delivered.

9. If youd just support me... Support yourself.

7. Were very close... Close to what, reality? Dream on.

10. No one understands what I am trying to do... Very


likely. If they did understand, you wouldnt have much to
offer, then, would you?

Minute
Coaching
Session...FREE

Clayton Bzdel CA MBA


Reach me direct at (250) 503-0208
Email: claytonbzdel@actioncoach.com
Website: actioncoach.com/claytonbzdel

AS

ctive
eniors
business

dynamics

91

Business Briefs
For many businesses generating leads is an activity
they do anytime things get a bit quiet. If you want to
run a profitable and growing business, then its time
to systemize your lead generation process so that it
works, even when you are working with your clients.
The average business will need around six different
lead generation strategies to create a leads pipeline
that will deliver consistent results. Many lead generation strategies cost little, they just need consistent
implementation. Thats where a system comes in
handy.

Heres three simple tips


that will get you started:
1. Do you and your staff have a system for asking
for referrals? If you have a sandwich shop then it can
be as simple as giving out two for the price of one
vouchers. If you are a professional services firm your
approach will need to be a little more sophisticated,
such as inviting your client to lunch and encouraging them to bring a business colleague from another
company who may be interested in your services (no
hard sell over lunch though this is all about relationship building!)
2. Do you know exactly what action you want your
prospects to take, in every point of your sales funnel?
Is it easy for your prospects to take the next step?
The easier it is, the more leads youll gain.
3. Are you delivering value at every point in your
sales channel? Do you know what your client really
needs? How can you automate this to ensure the
relationship continues to build?

Do you have a

Lead Generation
System?

92

AS
business

ctive
eniors

dynamics

Questions to Ask
Before Buying
a Franchise
Franchise businesses are booming. Franchises for just about
every conceivable kind of business are being sold in ever
increasing numbers. Some franchises are very good. Others are
very one-sided and some are a rip-off.
Below is a list of questions you should be asking, and get
satisfactory answers to, before investing.
Has your lawyer studied the franchise contract, and do you
both approve it without reservations?
Does the franchise give you an exclusive territory for the
length of the franchise period, or can the franchisor sell a second or third franchise in your territory?
Is this franchisor connected in any way with any other franchise company handling similar products or services?
Under what circumstances can you end the franchise contract, and at what costs to you?
If you sell your franchise, will you be compensated for your
goodwill or will it be lost to you?

relations and advertising program; d) Capital; e) Credit; f)


Merchandising ideas?
If needed, will the franchisor assist you in finding a suitable
location?
Is the franchising firm adequately financed so that it can
carry out its stated plans?
Does the franchisor have experienced management, trained
in-depth?

How many years has the firm offering you the franchise
been in operation?

Has the franchisor investigated you carefully enough to assure itself that you can successfully operate at a profit to both
of you?

Does the company offering you this franchise have a reputation for honesty and fair dealing among its franchisees?

How much equity capital will you need to purchase the franchise and operate it until your income equals your expenses?

Has the franchisor shown you any certified figures indicating


exact net proof of one or more of its members, and have you
personally checked the figures with these people?

If you can afford the entry into this business, statistics are
on your side. Buying a franchise can give you a measure of
security, and in some cases, sure-fire profits. Business surveys
show that fewer than 20% of all new franchised businesses fail.
This is in comparison to a 60 to 80% failure rate for all new
businesses started in this country each year.

Will the franchisor assist you with: a) A management training program; b) An employee training program; c) A public

A Few Things Theyll Say When


They Receive Your Gift Basket...

Our Gift Baskets are personalized to fit the recipient. They reflect
positively on your company, saves you time and money and
makes you look good. And isnt that your goal?
Delivery across Canada 1-877-372-1557
Tel: 250.372.1557
Fax: 250.372.8646
designsforyou@telus.net

www.designsforyoubaskets.ca

94

AS
business

ctive
eniors

dynamics

Lessons

Above the Herd

he youngest group of Boy Scouts, the Beavers, received


a whole new shot of energy in the form of my son
Ben. Inspired last year by the character Russel (from
the Disney movie Up!), Ben decided he wanted to try
scouts. Ben is determined to become the camping master.
Monday night was the very first Beaver meeting. The kids
received order forms for their fundraiser: Popcorn Sale 2010.
The grand prize: A Marshmallow Cross-Bow. Yes folks, it is a
cross-bow that shoots marshmallows.
As soon as my husband got home from work, Ben was
ready to go. Ben has never done anything like this before, so I
thought a little practice would serve him well.

Me: The first thing you do is introduce yourself. Tell them


your name.

Kid Selling
1. Avoid giving too
much or too little info
right off the bat.
Hi, my name is Ben and Im
with Beaver Scouts. Im hoping to raise enough money
so everyone in scouts can go
camping. Would you like to
buy some?

Homeowner: Buy what


sweetie?

Ben: Why do they need to know my name?


Me: It shows them you care about building a relationship
with them. People like to do business with someone they
know.

Ben: Got it. Then do I tell them about the cross-bow?


Me: No. We dont mention the cross-bow because that is a

prize for you, not for them. You tell them where you are from
and what you have to offer them.

Ben: Im selling popcorn for Beaver Scouts so we have money


for all of the families to go camping together.

We did a practice run on our neighbor and then set off. At


our first house, Ben asked me to hang back so it didnt look
like he was with his mom. I could hear his little voice.
There were three major lessons that my Ben learned last
night that all sales people would do well to remember.

Ben: Popcorn!
The first bit of advice I have
for sales people is to clearly and
simply articulate what it is that
you are selling. Too much or too
little information will lose your
sale. The only thing worse than assuming that people know what you
are selling is a convoluted message
with overwhelming information.
It is obvious that if you never
tell people what you have to offer
they wont know what to buy.
Many bury their simple
message beneath a
bunch of information
that the customer
does not need at
first glance. I see too

AS

ctive
eniors
business

dynamics

s From a

g Popcorn
By Kimberly Parker

95

the steam from the water causes pressure to build up. Because
the steam cant seep out the hull will actually burst. When it
reaches 347 degrees. You get the point.
At one of our stops, a woman had more questions about
whether the manufacturing plant was peanut-free. Another
woman had MSG concerns. As the customer raised them, we
then talked about those details. But not everyone cared about
them, so we didnt include it until we were asked.

2. Pay attention and try new things.


many websites that tragically are overloaded
with language and way too much detail for
the consumer to consume on a visit. The
actual nuts and bolts of what is for sale
and why gets lost in the mix.
At what point would you zone
out if Ben had opened his sales pitch
with: I am trying to sell a grain

At our rst
house, Ben asked
me to hang back
so it didnt look
like he was with
his mom.
that was discovered
by Native Americans
thousands of years
ago. It is composed
of a small amount
of water covered
by a starchy hull. It
is then heated until

I stood in awe when at our third or fourth stop, Ben showed the
woman the brochure and decided to point out: The microwave
popcorn package seems to be the best deal for your money.
Where did he learn that? He heard a woman at the previous
stop make that comment. He recognized that she thought it
was a good deal, so perhaps others would think so, too. And
he tried out his new technique. WOW! And he made another
sale. This only works if you truly pay attention to your customers reactions and responses to the words you say.

3. Give the customer time to close the sale.


Homeowner: I dont have any money right here.
Ben: Ok. Thanks anyway. And he began to walk away.
Homeowner: But wait! Let me go upstairs and get my wallet.
Ben stopped listening when he heard her say, I dont have
any money. He would have been gone when she returned,
ready to buy the popcorn. When a customer offers what
sounds like a rejection on the surface, pause a moment give
them some time to complete their thought process. How often
do we process our thoughts out loud? Give your customer
time to think it through and avoid the urge to assume.
I am sure it certainly helped that Ben is an adorable 6-year
old with character oozing from his little grin, but these basic
sales principles are applicable whether what you sell is popcorn, Chevys or marshmallow cross-bows.
Kimberly Parker is an author and partner in Red Giraffe, a
Kelowna-based sales and marketing company.

96

AS
business

ctive
eniors

dynamics

50 Things

Your Customers

Wish You Knew


by Sonia Simone

The better you understand both the


noble and not-so-noble secrets in
your customers consciousness, the
better you can serve them.

AS

ctive
eniors
business

97

dynamics

t doesnt matter what kind of customers you have. I dont care if your customers are kidney donors or Zen
masters or million-dollar contributors to your nonprofit organization. Each one of us has some less-than-loveable characteristics that tend to come to the forefront when we are in the role of customer.

If you knew, really knew, these 50 things about your customers, and acted accordingly, you would gain their
trust and even their love. After all, who doesnt want to be loved despite all our flaws and embarrassing insecurities?
Here are 50 things your customers wish you knew: about them, about how they see you, and about your
relationship:

1. I dont need you to be perfect, but I do


need to know I can rely on you.
2. Telling me what you dont know makes
me trust you.

13. Once youve won my trust and loyalty, the truth is you can screw up once
in awhile and I will forgive you. If I dont
think youre taking me for granted, that is.

3. It means a lot when you take the time


to thank me for my business or a referral.
(And you really need to mean it.)

14. When I refer my friends and you give


them exceptional service that makes me
look and feel smart. I love that.

4. You dont need to do all that much to


be a superhero. Just do exactly what you
say you will do.

15.Why dont you ask me what how you


could change your store to make my shopping experience better?.

5. A friendly voice on the other side of the


phone means more than you can imagine.

16. The wealthier I get, the more I like free


stuff.

6. Your employees treat me about as well


as you treat them.

17. A lot of the time, I secretly feel like a


lost little kid. I dont admit it, but I want to
be taken care of.

7. I dont mind spending the money, as long as I feel Im getting real value.

18. Im lousy at admitting I was wrong, but I respect you when


you do it.

8. My life is really stressful. If you can reduce that stress, you


become immensely valuable to me.

19. I like to get little goodies no one else is getting.

9. I want to tell you what would make this relationship better


for me. Why dont you ever ask me?

20. I dont understand how to use your website, but I wont


admit that because it would make me feel dumb.

10. I dont understand a lot of the messages you send me. Can
you make them clearer?

21. Theres no worse feeling than feeling like I was suckered


into trusting you. If Im screaming at you or one of your employees, that feeling is probably behind it somewhere.

11. My life is very complicated. If you make it easy for me to


just buy a simple all-in-one package that I can use without
learning anything, Ill take it and be grateful.
12. I want to trust you, but its hard for me to trust anyone.

22. Our relationship isnt equal and it never will be.


23. I get crazy jealous if I think you love another customer
more than you love me.

98
24. I dont have any interest in
your excuses. In fact, I usually
dont notice them at all, and if I
do, they annoy me.
25. I find myself endlessly fascinating.
26. I dont like salespeople, but I
really like to buy things.
27. I only like to communicate
over the phone/Web/mail and I
hate when you try to make me
communicate with you over the
mail/phone/Web.

AS
business

ctive
eniors

dynamics

We all have some less-thanloveable characteristics


when we play the role of a
customer but we want to be
loved in spite that.

28. I want to buy your product,


but I need you to help me justify
it to myself.
29. Theres something in my life
Im afraid of losing. If you can
make me feel like youve protected
it for me, my gratitude will be
intense and eternal.
30. Ill give you anything you ask
if you can help me not feel silly.

38. It infuriates me when you


answer the phone while Im talking with you face-to-face. Do I
mean that little to you?
39. Embarrassment scares me
more than death.
40. Im lazier than I would ever
admit.
41. Im more selfish than I
would ever admit.
42. Im more vain than I would
ever admit.
43. Im more insecure than I
would ever admit.
44. Despite all that, I secretly
think Im a better person than
most people. Help me believe
that and well be fast friends.
45. I believe I deserve much
more than Im getting.

31. I want you to do the hard


work for me. Even better if I can
get all the credit.

46. I want to tell you everything


you need to know in order to
sell to me, but Im lazy. Make it
easy enough and I will. (Especially if you flatter me a little.)

32. Id rather do it the convoluted hard way than learn something new.

47. I dont know what I want


most of the time. Can you
figure that out for me?

33. Id love to know something about your product that I


could use to brag at a dinner party.
34. I have the attention span of a goldfish. Go too long without contacting me and Ill simply forget you exist.
35. Money is no object when it comes to my obsessions.
36. What you think youre good at is not what youre good at.
Ask me, and Ill tell you what you do better than anyone else.
37. I like it when I feel like youre talking just to me. (Which
means the cell phone stays in your pocket.)

48. I mostly daydream about making life better for myself, but
Ill take action to keep from losing whats mine.
49. I believe that most of whats wrong in my life is someone
elses fault. Let me keep that cozy illusion and Ill believe anything you say.
50. The bottom line? It really is all about me.
Resource: Sonia Simone is a remarkable communications expert.

www.remarkable-communication.com/author/sonia-simone

AS

ctive
eniors
business

dynamics

99

7 Pillars of Marketing a

Local Business
Online
by Jim Edwards

Online marketing is not optional


anymore and you need every
one of these 7 pillars to succeed,
especially in a local market.

hen I first started writing articles in 1998, the Internet was a giant mystery. Almost 13 years later,
its still a mystery for most! With the emergence
of Twitter, Facebook, Yelp, Google, Linkedin, and
a host of other sites, getting started with online marketing
seems more daunting than ever. Yet, as consumers flock to the
Web daily to research local products and services, visibility for
your business via the Internet literally spells success or failure.
Bottom line: Online marketing is NOT optional anymore and
you need every one of these 7 pillars to succeed, especially in
a local market.

Pillar 1: A Website You Control


You must operate your own website, which enables you
to make basic changes to it yourself, preferably right through
your web browser. Waiting for a webmaster to update text
and pictures does not qualify as a smart use of your time or
money. WordPress, an open-source (free) publishing platform,

makes an excellent choice for managing and organizing virtually any size website.

Pillar 2: Google Maps


Google now stands alone as the 900 lb. Gorilla of the
online search world. However, most dont realize that Google
Maps is the most basic component of local online marketing
with Google. Get all the details at Google.com/places/. This
tool is one of the fastest ways to get found in Google.

Pillar 3: Basic SEO


SEO stands for search engine optimization, which means
making your website relevant when someone searches for
your business name or terms related to what you sell. Building
all the content, information, and text on your site around a
central theme is the No. 1 thing you can do to increase your
chances of ranking well in Google and other search engines.

100

AS
business

ctive
eniors

dynamics

The fortune is
always made
in the repeat
business.

Pillar 4: Make Value-Added Offers

Pillar 6: Local List Building

Most people dont make offers on their websites. Their web


pages look like everyone elses and say basically the same
things. You must make offers on your site that spur people to
action. Offer a discount or faster service. Give an incentive to
come in today. Most important: Make your offers on your site
while giving people a reason to do business with you right now!

Building up a local following that you communicate with using


online tools rates as one of the smartest and most cost-effective
things every local business can do. Whether through email, text,
Twitter or Facebook, communicating with a targeted group and
providing value-added information and offers can bring huge rewards. One coupon with the right offer to the right audience can
turn a ho-hum Thursday into a blockbuster sales day.

Pillar 5: Drive Trafc

Pillar 7: Consistent Follow-Up

You wont make a dime with your website if the right


people dont see it. The fastest way to drive traffic is to buy it,
specifically with the Google AdWords pay-per-click program.
Pay-per-click means you only pay when someone clicks your
sponsored ad on the search engine listings, and Googles
AdWords is the largest pay-per-click advertising network. However, make sure you set up a geo-targeted campaign when
starting out so only people in your local area see your ads.

The biggest online marketing mistake I see people make is


NOT following up with prospects and customers. Use email and
other communication tools to keep in contact with your prospects and customers and give them reasons to do business with
you while providing useful information they want. As a wise man
once said, The fortune is always made in the repeat business.
Resource: www.SmallBusinessMarketingWeekly.com

The Last Word

AS

ctive
eniors
business

101

dynamics

Have you ever compiled a detailed list of your personal


information that Google does know? I just did, and its slightly
startling!
Here are 16 things Google knows about me and how they
acquired the info:
1. My Full Name Its in my Gmail headers and a requirement on various Google signup forms.

Owns my
Identity

2. My Physical Street Address It could easily be pulled


from the various Google Maps search queries Ive performed.
Or from my Google Adsense accounts.
3. My Phone Number Gmail used to require a cell phone
number for signup verification. Its also in my Adsense and
Checkout accounts.
4. When Im Online Since iGoogle is my homepage, I
guess they know every time I open my web browser.
5. My Latest IP Address Based on the previous point, I
guess they know every time my IP address changes too.
6. My Popular Interests My Google Reader and Google
Bookmarks is chock full of my favorite news sources, articles,
blogs, RSS feeds, online stores, etc. Toss in my YouTube habits
for good measure.
7. Every Website I Visit Google is the portal to almost
everything I see online. I also use Google Web History, Google
Toolbar and Page Rank info.
8. My Daily To Do List I usually keep this updated in
Google Notebook.
9. My Schedule Most of my major appointments are entered in Google Calendar.
10. Who I Know Even if they arent reading my email,
they have every entry in my Gmail Contacts, many of whom
are Gmail users as well.
11. What I Say Between Gmail and Google Talk, lets just
say Google has clear documentation of whats on my mind.
12. What Stocks I Own I have some of my stock portfolio
setup in Google Finance because some of the tools are better.

16 Things They
Know About Me
By Anonymous
13. My Bank Account and Routing Number Associated
with my Google Adsense account.
14. Everything About My Blog Google Analycs tracks
the stats for my blog and Google Webmaster Tools hosts my
XML sitemap. So they know what Im publishing, how popular
it is, and whos reading it.
15. What I Look Like As you can see, I have a photo
gallery on my blog. In addition, I use Googles Picasa Web
Albums.
16. Where I Exist Online This one is obvious. Since they
know my full name, email address, online alias, search history,
etc., all they need to do is plug that information into their own
search database and start cross referencing every other site
where I have a visible account.
Now take all the information Google has on me, connect
the dots and analyze it. I bet they could tell you more about
the historical trends in my life than I could. Heres to hoping
that never happens

Video Box

Your next step...


Click on the button

You might also like