2013-05-22T13:40:26-04:00 Dileen Simms http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/author/index.php?author=dileen-simms Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Dileen Simms Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.3116900 2013-04-21T12:25:41-04:00 2013-04-25T15:55:54-04:00

Dileen Simms http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dileen-simms/ Earth Day. We will take part in projects that highlight our particular concerns to improve life on our planet.

I'm all about saving the planet. Growing up in the Caribbean and living off the land as I did, you understand very early on how we -- people, plants, and animals -- are all connected and dependent on each other. My father, a farmer, was a conservationist respecting Mother Nature and the Earth long before it became "a thing."

LOOK: 14 surprising everday choices that are harming the earth (and what you can do about it). Story continues below slideshow:



Jamaica is known as the land of wood and water, so for as long as I can remember that has been my focus -- conserving the trees and reducing water consumption. But when it comes to recycling, there is one thing I've never been able to bring myself to do.

First, though, let me tell you what I have done.

As best as possible, I try to incorporate the 3Rs -- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle -- into my daily routine. I make do, do without, or use it up. I live frugally. In fact, I'm vigilant about reducing and reusing materials and packaging whenever and wherever possible.

Reusing old materials to make new ones isn't a new concept. My mother was always very crafty; I suppose as a working mom with five children, she also found it therapeutic. It was not uncommon for her to repurpose items. She would make cushions out of old fabric, complete with buttons salvaged from old clothing, and she would even make flower beds from freshly painted old car tires. She loved it, we learned it.

So along with my pet projects, I make a point of living conservatively. Of course this is easier in Ontario. Like so many others afforded better access to the myriad of manufacturers who adopt conservation and produce a variety of green options, I'm using my purchasing power to endorse a cleaner planet. It makes perfect sense that we should close the loop and purchase recyclable and recycled products.

I honour my mother and Mother Earth by staying true to my teachings. . .making my purchases count, only buying what I need. Not a difficult decision since I'm living single in Toronto. I'm not saying I don't treat myself or my friends and family, but even then I try to avoid the waste associated with a shopping habit.

Prices do not necessarily reflect quality. It's possible to purchase quality items at a bargain. I believe in purchasing well-made items, but where the opportunity arises -- I've been known to haggle over prices. (I'm conserving my money, too.) If the item lasts longer, it not only saves me money and personal energy, but is easy on global resources.

I don't always buy new, choosing to go second-hand as long as I'm able to maintain quality. Places like thrift stores, swop-meets, yard sales, and consignment shops not only yield good finds, they can be a lot of fun. Some of my most precious and unique finds have been spotted browsing through antique stores.

Supporting the local farming community is another great way to celebrate Earth Day, and it reminds me of home and dad. He would want me to act locally even though we're thinking globally. I try to buy fresh food as often as possible from local producers. I'd encourage you to go to farmers' markets and support the independent sellers. Find someone who sells honey and extra eggs from their own chickens.

Another thing that was common in our family: lending, borrowing, and exchanging. In our extended community it was not a big deal. Eco-friendly lifestyles come in all shapes and sizes and bartering helps to build relationships and strong communities. It was not uncommon to give food in exchange for manual labour or exchange our expertise. Sharing is just another way to extend access to resources for everyone's needs, and I still practice it.

Still for all of that, conserving the trees and reducing water consumption is always on my mind.

Back on the island, windows are almost always open -- unless of course it's raining. In which case, depending of the rain drift, they are left slightly ajar. The smell of the earth during and after the rain is rejuvenating. Here in Toronto, I live in a space where I'm fortunate to have cooling and heating, but this is managed by my landlord. So with limited access to the thermostat there's little effect I can have on conserving energy. But I check the doors and windows for leaks and drafts -- using a stick of incense or a lit candle -- and cover, as best as possible any drafts I find. And report it. I do what I can even though it does not affect my rent. It is after all for the planet.

In the Caribbean, it was second nature to do laundry early in the mornings, any given morning, and hang clothing outdoors. The clothes would be dry before noon. Now, more often than not my clothes are machine washed and dried. And every time I cringe. Now laundry has become more of an effort -- checking for nice weather, or if the clothes are to remain inside when it's cold -- hanging on an inside line device or laying sweaters flat etc., etc.

Reports say that an estimated 50 per cent of all household water is wasted; going down the drain while we wait for it to warm up or it evaporates. I drink tap water whenever possible, and boil and store the same in my refrigerator, rather than using a home filtration system. Nothing wrong with a filtration system but this is my answer to bottled water. I take shorter showers using a low-flow showerhead and turning off the tap when not in use -- like while lathering and brushing teeth. The toilet tank in my home has old juice bottles filled with rocks (to weigh it down) ensuring less water is used to fill the tank and decreasing the amount used to flush.

Yes, I think I'm not doing too bad with celebrating the Earth, even long after Earth day. So I believe that I have earned the right to refuse to do that one thing I can't quite stomach ...using recycled toilet paper.

I know it seems so much better than non-recycled. And it reduces the harvesting of my beloved trees (even though it's from tree farms). But when you consider the processing of the paper, the shipping, and sales -- because it's still a novel product-- it buck my quality purchase rule. Besides, the thought of using recycled toilet paper t is not that enticing.

There is also still work to be done. According to research published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, many recycled paper products -- including toilet paper and paper towels -- are often contaminated with BPA and BPS. As you may know, these have been linked to several diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Heavy I know. So how about cloth toilet paper or "family cloth" you may ask? Not a novel idea; it's an economically and environmentally sound option. We use cloth for so many other sanitary things -- bathing and covering our coughs -- and it's a proven method that works. But it's still not enticing to me.

I understand that it is saves time and energy, it's softer (which is a big concern), and it's healthier and obviously more affordable. You would just be rewashing the cloth with your laundry, but no. It still is not for me.

This year, like last year, recycled toilet paper was put on my list and then taken off... again.

As the world evolves and more and more items are produced from recycled material, I'd like to believe that I will soon become that hard core purist who buys or supports more alternative methods and brands. And maybe, just maybe, toilet paper will be one day be part of it.

But for now, maybe I just tackle what I can stomach -- totally revamping my cleaning products to more sustainable options. I'm sure I can help to reduce the harmful effects these materials have on our water and air, paying tribute to my heritage, my mom, my dad, and the Earth, even if I do still make one exception in the privacy of my own bathroom.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-03-22T13:25:01-04:00 2013-03-22T13:26:27-04:00

Dileen Simms http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dileen-simms/ seven per cent of the planet's renewable water is found in Canada? It's a reassuring fact that Canadians won't go thirsty, at least in this lifetime. But unfortunately the water crisis in other parts of the world still needs desperate attention.

The United Nations', World Water Day marked on March 22 every year since 1993, draws attention to the scary fact that water is a "fragile, finite resource" — and a basic human necessity.

To mark this country's own Canada Water Week, TVO screened the short film “No Woman, No Water" in Toronto.

The documentary follows Ontario filmmakers Alex and Tyler Mifflin as they travelled to Kenya and Tanzania. They teamed up with WaterCan, a Canadian charity, to learn first-hand about the challenges Africa faces, and climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in an effort to raise funds for wells for sustainable clean drinking water.

“The Water Brothers,” hosts of TVO’s eco-adventure series of the same name, were joined by WaterCan's national ambassador and CTV host Ben Mulroney and about 20 volunteers as they visited several sub-saharan and urban communities.

The film mostly features women because the role of securing water often falls to them. But one poignant scene shows the brothers walking through cramped lanes in a large community, navigating through piles of rotting waste and garbage bags. What appears to be sewage runs freely next to playing children. The guide shows the brothers a small area outside a shack that has been covered to provide privacy for a wash area.

"So this would be like someone's bathroom?" asks Alex, as he looks at the approximately five-square-feet area.

“Not would be,” the guide said. “This is a bathroom.”

There is limited running water. Without toilets or sewerage systems, the informal community has become infamous for "flying toilets " — plastic bags that are used for defecating into and then tied and thrown in the air as far away from the thrower's living quarters as possible.

This is the reality of the one million residents who live in Kibera, the largest slum community in Nairobi.

According to the World Health Organization, millions of people, most of them children under the age of five, die worldwide from illnesses such as cholera and typhoid that are contracted from contaminated, disease-ridden water sources; others from lack of basic sanitation and proper hygiene techniques. In Africa, the availability varies from place to place, month by month and even year by year.

In Canada, it’s difficult to imagine life without access to clean running water. Water is essential for life and many Canadian charities are dedicated to providing clean water solutions for communities outside of our borders, raising money and building wells or filtration solutions in other countries.

Giving people in rural communities such as Kenya's access to water not only frees them from having to search for it for two to three hours a day; it enables them to concentrate on education and other economic productivity.

World Water Day is an opportunity to let us reach out to donate to organizations that are dedicated to providing sustainable clean water solutions in developing countries, not just to conserve our own use of abundant water resources for one day.

While this list is not exhaustive, here are six Canadian charities that are dedicated to improving people's lives with water.
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Dileen Simms http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dileen-simms/ women enjoy a relative amount of safety in Canada. But safety is not equality.

International Women's Day was born out of a long-standing movement to enable women to participate equally in society. And what better way to teach children in the ways we want them to grow than through the power of play? When it is structured, something as simple as play can turn into a learning opportunity for growth.

This is what's at the heart of Right To Play, an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children. The program works in the most disadvantaged areas engaging persons with disabilities, children affected by HIV/AIDS, street children, former child combatants and refugees.

Clara Hughes, six-time Olympic medalist (and the only athlete to have multiple medals in both the Summer and Winter Games) and Rosie MacLennan, the lone Canadian gold medalist at the 2012 Summer Olympics, are women who excelled in athletics because of their right to play.

Both ladies are 'Athlete Ambassadors' for the Right To Play program in Canada. They recently spent a few days in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, promoting Level The Field, a part of a national campaign to raise awareness among Canadians about play-based learning at home and abroad.

SEE: Images of Rosie and Clara in Liberia with Right to Play. Story continues below:


The importance of this program is underscored when we remember that not everyone is as privileged as Canadian girls when it comes to play. Each game created by Right To Play is tailored to the region, with a skill or value embedded that is discussed at length at the end. One activity involved statements that fostered conversations about discrimination and stereotypes. In her blog, MacLennan noted a hotly contested debate, “only girls should play with dolls,” with the majority disagreeing with the statement. In Africa, playing with dolls is traditionally female-specific.

But according to Helium.com, there is some value to boys playing with dolls. Since they love babies too, it can become a wonderful teaching opportunity about perceived women's work and the opportunity they might embrace when they become fathers.

MacLennan also referenced the idea that International Women's Day, although not celebrated as extensively in Canada as in other places, is making a huge impact around the world. As people strive for improvement, you can see the power it has on the communities, she noted.

For example, the Right To Play team witnessed games for a soccer tournament in Clara Town, a suburb of Monrovia, featuring all female teams with the final to be played on International Women's Day. They were providing trophies so that "every one of those girls could feel like a champion," Hughes added.

Fortunately, girls playing soccer, or any sport for that matter, are not anomalies in Canada, as it might be in other countries. Indeed we have made advances, but there is still work to be done.

“Definitely Canada has come a long way with equality when it comes to gender equity,” said Hughes, “but look at the amount of women who are in government, the amount of women coaches that there are in Canada. There are very few."

Canada has a wealth of successful, confident and strong women who have the opportunity to connect with girls, whether on the street or are young executives, and inspire them, much in the same way that female athletes benefit from the support at the Olympics.

MacLennan agrees. "Any opportunity you have to empower young girls and engage them in something empowering would be beneficial," she said.

She emphasized that while women in Canada have a lot more opportunities than women in other parts of the world, “just being able to empower them with the choice or the belief that they can do anything" goes a long way in endorsing the spirit of the movement."

“I think we can make Canada a world leader when it comes to equality because we are far from it. We are not as good as we think we are. We need an international women’s week, not just a day," Hughes said.

This year, both athletes plan to commemorate this important day. MacLennan will be speaking — along with a number of other athletes — at the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sports and Physical Activity (CAAWS) event in Ottawa, while Hughes will be marking the day by highlighting women on Facebook who have been an inspiration to her both as a young girl and an adult.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-02-14T09:51:26-05:00 2013-02-14T09:51:31-05:00

Dileen Simms http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dileen-simms/ average Canadian donated $446 to charity. And with so many of us spending an increasing amount of time on our computers and smartphones, it's becoming easier to skip on our physical support and click our way to giving.

As companies recognize the trend toward donating online, NGOs and big organizations are utilizing social networks to make themselves more visible and attract more support. So with savvy research and a few keystrokes, it's becoming easier to find charities that align with our own interests.

"For charities, digital tools and platforms are becoming the key channel to the public to encourage fundraising, action-taking or awareness," Karina Brisby, the head of interactive campaigns for Oxfam, told the Guardian in 2011.

Even though it appears that online giving has surpassed real-life giving as the chosen method, the onus is still on the public to ensure that we are investing our money with the same care as if we were doing it in person.

When The Royal Canadian Mint announced it would stop distributing new pennies this month, a number of initiatives, including Free The Children's We Create Campaign, and Ottawa resident Steve St. Pierre's Twitter account, used social media to begin collecting the six billion or more Canadian pennies still in circulation for charity. And every penny counts (as they used to be able to say).

This week also marked the third Bell Let’s Talk Day. With Canadian cyclist and speed skater Clara Hughes leading millions to end the stigma behind mental illness, the day was a huge success. Canadians' response to the one-day campaign yielded more than 96,000,000 calls, texts, tweets and Facebook shares, with Twitter leading the charge at 1.5M tweets and retweets. And with Bell donating five cents for each of these communications, an additional $4.8M was raised for mental health programs, according to the press release.

National Bank is also giving Canadians the chance to take part in their online “One For Youth” Program, an initiative that costs you even less than a penny, but will see a total of $100,000 donated to eight youth organizations.

The initiative, which launched earlier this year and ends on February 24, ensures that up to $4 will be given to a favourite charity each week, selected from the offering on their Facebook page. You can also follow their progress on Twitter.

Ranging from food security, to medical assistance to confidence, the list, which includes Scouts Canada and the Junior Achievement, covers a wide range of interests as it relates to children's well-being.

Smaller organizations have also found success with their Facebook contacts. The Pakistan Youth Alliance was able to secure volunteers and raise money for flood relief through their campaign.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports that the top 10 major charity gifts donated in the United States totalled $5.1 billion. While it's not clear how much is raised online, social media has found its place in charitable giving, proving that with a little effort, the reach can go far to garner huge support for deserving organizations.

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Dileen Simms http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dileen-simms/ population health study, it looks like Canadian women are following the right guidelines — and by extension, delivering healthy babies.

But a new study in journal Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology by Dr. Joel Ray, a researcher and physician at St. Michael’s Hospital, highlights some interesting facts about babies born in Ontario — specifically, that newborns born to immigrant women are bigger than those born in their mothers’ native countries, but smaller than those of Canadian-born mothers.

“Nearly all infants born to women in their native country have lower birth weights than those born to mothers who had emigrated to Canada,” Dr. Ray said in the hospital’s press release.

Baby boys weighed, on average, 115 grams more, and baby girls were 112 grams more, he added. Dr. Ray’s paper was based on the published birth weight curves recorded between 1980 and 2012 in 21 countries.

Tracking infant birth weight can help predict future outcomes for children. According to the International Journal of Epidemiology, birthweight is "used to explain variations in infant mortality and later morbidity."

Although not certain, Dr. Ray suggested these results could merely be the law of averages, since it's more likely that those who manage to migrate to Canada are leaving a higher monetary bracket and were of a higher social background in their home country.

Still, genetic predispositions, habits and adjusting to a new lifestyle (not walking as much, driving more, eating new and different foods, etc.) does influence the new immigrants' health choices, but does not necessarily make the individual any less or more healthy.

So although the infant may get additional attention from the attending staff when it is smaller, generally speaking a newborn who is lighter or heavier than average is most likely fine. But it is prudent to have a checklist which includes ethnic-specific weight charts. Misdiagnosing babies causes anxiety for the parents, and if nothing else, puts pressure on an already stretched nursing community.

Story continues after slideshow



According to Statistics Canada, the year 2006 reported about 3 million immigrant women living in Canada, accounting for 20 per cent of the total female population. This mirrors the number of total immigrants, and if the trend continues, Canada could have about 11.1 million immigrants by 2031.

Dr. Ray also notes that there were exceptions in the weight results – Swedish and Israeli boys and girls were actually bigger when born in their native countries. And babies of immigrant mothers from East and South Asia are still smaller than babies born to mothers who were themselves born in Canada.

This may be explained by high levels of healthcare and social services in Sweden, and the small number of babies born to Swedish immigrants in Ontario. For Israelis, the explanation may be the higher rate of obesity among women of child-bearing age, or the possibility that Israelis don't systematically gain weight after arriving in Canada as some other immigrant groups do.

Dr. Ray said the newborns' weight differences highlight the need for newborn weight curves designed specifically for immigrants. Neither those designed for Canadian-born women nor women in their native countries accurately reflect the birth weights of children born to most immigrant groups.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-02-07T17:12:11-05:00 2013-02-08T08:04:02-05:00

Dileen Simms http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dileen-simms/ Valentine's Day.

It doesn't help that people tend to withdraw socially, and are often depressed during these cold and dreary winter months anyway. According to Dr John Powell, an associate clinical professor in public health, this winter depression is unfortunately more common in women.

But if you're feeling lonely this Valentine's Day, remember your worth comes from what you are, not who you're with. It's possible that people in relationships are also feeling the blues. Dr. Gail Saltz, a New York-based psychiatrist who specializes in relationships, notes you can feel alone, even in a crowd.

In addition, researchers at the University of Chicago, suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to be lonely. Not very comforting, we know, but whatever the reason, this lethal combination of winter and Valentine's Day can spell disaster for our self-worth.

But we say it's time to cheer up. February is also International Boost Self-Esteem Month (which is likely not a coincidence), so lifting our spirits can therefore be the gift we give ourselves this Valentine’s season.

We can listen to cheesy songs to keep our spirits up, and work on our smile-o-metre, (for when we eventually venture out) with this list provided from Psyblog.

Remember, positive self-esteem builds confidence, so here are 10 more tips from TOPS Club, Inc., a non-profit weight-loss support organization, to get you started.



1. Stop comparing yourself to others. Trying to live up to or exceed someone else’s personal best is a losing game. As the saying goes, “How boring would it be if we were all the same?” Focus on being the best you that you can be.

2. Compliment yourself regularly, either by looking in the mirror and saying something you like about yourself or writing it in a journal. Many times, we’re quick to compliment others on their success but hesitate to do the same for ourselves.

3. Exercise consistently, at least 30 minutes of exercise several times a week, to strengthen muscles and to burn calories. Improve your physical strength, and you may feel a sense of empowerment that can dramatically enhance your self-esteem.

4. Simply smile. The mere act of smiling changes blood flow to the brain and can actually makes you feel happier and relieve tension. A smile sets off chemical and physical reactions within your mind and body, releasing endorphins that boost your mood.

5. Focus on your accomplishments. Forgive yourself for mistakes and focus on the positive by celebrating your victories. Consider writing them down so you can review and reflect when you’re feeling down and need to renew your confidence.

6. Get the support you need to succeed. Join a weight-loss support group, like TOPS, which can help you to stay on track to accomplish your wellness goals. Fellow members will help keep you motivated.

7. Make a list of your positive qualities. Are you generous? Kind? Write down at least ten positive qualities about yourself and return to this list as often as needed to boost your morale.

8. Find something special in each day. Even if it’s in a small way, do something pleasant and rewarding, like catching up on your favorite television show, taking a walk to the park, or indulging in a bubble bath. Or treat yourself to something small that isn’t a food or beverage, like a manicure or a new piece of costume jewelry.

9. Eat better. Pay attention to your food choices and nourish your body. Buy healthier foods and prepare well-balanced meals that will help give you energy and feel like your best self – not sluggish and overstuffed.

10. Explore a passion. Whether it’s a side job, hobby, or as a volunteer, pursuing your passion in even a small way can lead to a sense of purpose and significantly improve your overall happiness and quality of life.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-02-04T13:09:19-05:00 2013-03-14T15:20:32-04:00

Dileen Simms http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dileen-simms/ homelessness is a reality for far too many citizens — and besides being a serious social problem, it's one that affects our healthcare system as well.

Although the Canadian government, through several initiatives, is trying to provide dedicated housing solutions, another program that has come out of the medical world will greatly help the homeless population's chances for success.

Dr. Stephen Hwang, a physician and researcher at St. Michael’s Hospital, has been doing research on the homeless since the mid-1990s, marrying years of interest in the well-being of people who suffer from mental illness with the impact that stable housing can have on their health. And now his work has been rewarded with an appointment as the hospital’s first endowed Chair in Homelessness, Housing and Health.

Thanks in large part to Dr. Hwang's work, the Centre for Research on Inner City Health (CRICH), St. Michael's research facility which focuses on the health consequences of social inequality, has concluded that there is a very strong bond between homelessness and the mortality rate.

“Our research program will address three major themes: improving health care for homeless and vulnerably housed people who have long-term conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain, and mental illness; addressing unmet health needs among people who are homeless, thereby reducing avoidable emergency department visits and hospitalizations; and understanding how to end homelessness through innovative housing and support programs,” Dr. Hwang said in the hospital's press release.

One doesn't need to be living on the streets to be labelled "homeless" — even if there's a roof over your head, the shelter you're in might not be safe, or you may not have rights to stay where you are.

In September of 2012, Stephen Gaetz, director of the Canadian Homelessness Research Network, compiled relevant information from research done across Canada and the United States, and concluded that governments are spending approximately $4.5 billion a year on sustaining the homeless. The research found far too much emphasis put on emergency services, rather than mental health programs and food banks, which could positively impact quality of life. The full report looks at the way North America is addressing care for real cost of homelessness, as well as the full impact on the economy.

Until an actual long-term plan is put in place, the vicious cycle continues. The homeless, by virtue of their living conditions, are stressed, a burden on the health system and more prone to run-ins with the law.

There are even instances where the homeless are encouraged to get off the streets, and must pay fines against their situations.

"A homeless person in Vancouver already gets a minimum $1,000 fine for erecting a tent in public," claims a Mainlander post. "But the new revisions propose extending that punitive logic to all aspects of daily life."

It is for this reason that St. Michael's is to be commended for its bold move — not only drawing connections between homelessness and mortality — but putting a plan in action.

As endowed Chair — a five-year term that started on January 1 — Dr. Hwang will be able to use the sizable donation to make positive inroads into the issue, and hopefully inspire other major institutions to follow this path.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-01-31T09:44:37-05:00 2013-03-14T15:22:06-04:00

Dileen Simms http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dileen-simms/ officially changed its name to BlackBerry, and presented its new smartphone running 'the next-generation platform,' BlackBerry 10, to the world.

So in light of the new developments, we thought it would be a good time to look at 10 things you might not know about blackberries... the fruit. Although the smartphone BlackBerry has received mixed reviews, the fruit has loads of benefits for everyone - iPhone, Android and BB diehards alike.

Story continues after the slideshow


1) Much like spinach, raisins, apples, plums and grapes, blackberries are rich in bioflavonoids and Vitamin C, but other nutritional benefits include a very low sodium count and having only 62 calories to a cup.

2) The dark blue colour ensures blackberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all fruits. Antioxidants, well-known for lowering the risk of a number of cancers, are a huge bonus, but be aware the berries are best consumed in their natural state to get the full benefits.

3) The berries are known by a variety of names, which include brambleberries, bramble, dewberry, thimbleberry and lawers.

4) Consumption of blackberries can help to promote the healthy tightening of tissue, which is a great non-surgical procedure to make skin look younger. Prolonged consumption also helps keeps your brain alert, thereby maintaining clarity of thought and good memory.

5) The high tannin content of blackberries provides a number of benefits to reduce intestinal inflammation, alleviate hemorrhoids and soothe the effects of diarrhea. It is important to incorporate berries in your diet in a variety of ways. Have them as a snack or in your cereal or even as a smoothie.

6) Traditionally, the leaves and barks of the plant have also been consumed. The leaves of blackberries have been used to treat mild inflammation of the gums and sometimes even sore throats.

7) The astringent tannins are effective in oral hygiene when used as a gargle or mouthwash.

8) The leaves can also be used in a refreshing cup of tea or enhanced as a therapeutic drink. Not everyone will like the flavour, so to mask the bitter taste, honey or another form of sweetener may be added.

9) The healthy dose of Vitamin K aids in muscle relaxing, so some women use the berries to alleviate labour pains. As part of a regular diet, the juice can also be used to regulate menstruation as it is very effective in helping blood to clot.

10) And finally, if you have noticed that your blackberry plant has turned orange, destroy it. This is a serious fungal disease that cannot be cured.

In Canada, blackberries are seasonal fruits and the availability of a fresh batch depends on whether you live in the North or the South. But if it's the touchscreen BlackBerry Z10 you have a craving for, that one is apparently available on Feb. 5. ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-01-29T14:05:41-05:00 2013-03-14T15:23:36-04:00

Dileen Simms http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dileen-simms/ Super Bowl the most watched program in television history, and this year's match-up of the Ravens vs. the 49ers promises to bring out (or should we say, shut in?) an equally impressive number of devout fans.

And we almost guarantee that, along with a slew of beverages, the usual snacks — chips, dips, pizza and buffalo wings — will also be making an appearance. After all, the Super Bowl is the second-largest food consumption holiday of the year. So on Feb. 3, whether you're cheering with a few friends or a large group, this week's How To video — a football stadium "snack-down" — promises to score a touchdown your guests will never forget.

Along with the snack items suggested, like guacamole, sausages and cheese, the only special equipment you'll need are things you probably already have on hand, like heavy-duty aluminum foil, a large baking pan and a few pastry tools. Depending on your favourite team, you can also get more creative with the cuisine (lake trout sandwich from Baltimore, anyone?). And of course, there is some leeway when it comes to ingredients, because your guests' palates and preferences are the most important thing to consider.

Super Bowl tends to allow fans and foodies alike to get creative with their dishes — like say, putting together football stadiums made mostly out of out of meat or a 47-Layer Dip that will test even the hardiest of digestive systems. Last but not least, there's always the craziest Super Bowl food concoctions that could be worth an attempt.

LOOK: DietDetective.com's Charles Platkin, PhD, MPH, did some research on which football-based activities will burn off calories consumed during the game.
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Dileen Simms http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dileen-simms/
Todd and his wife Kimberly, the proud parents of two boys, live in Portugal Cove-St. Philip, just outside of St, John’s, Newfoundland. Their younger son, 23-month-old Carter, has battled health issues since birth, and has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and acute hearing impairment.

Following the diagnosis, Todd and his wife became involved with fundraising for local organizations, including Easter Seals NL, Rainbow Riders and the Mazol Shriners — the charities whose support and resources have become invaluable to the family. He tells NTV’s Pam Parsons they also focused on Canadian Hard of Hearing Association.

As Churchill explained to CBC News, their family wanted to feel like they were making some impact.

"As any parent will tell you, It's a very helpless feeling," he said. "You want to do something and this is what my wife and I have decided to do, to throw ourselves into charities associated with his conditions."

And then, it got personal. Todd had previously built a smaller skating rink for recreational purposes, and he thought it was time to make the dream a little larger, complete with advertising space with all revenue heading to the charities. Kimberly also got on board with Carter's Cupcakes, a baked goods company that donates 25 per cent of all proceeds to local children's charities.

With so many people requesting funds for charity, Todd not only wanted to “get donations but also give the company some enticement in terms of advertising.”

Todd designed and built the 95’ x 46’ outdoor ice hockey rink last fall on his 1-1/4 acre lot for use this winter. What started as $200 donations for ads on a board quickly turned into a request for spots for in-ice logos. The Churchills' initial goal of $8,000 has already been surpassed, and to date, they have raised nearly $26,000.

SEE: Images of the Churchills' amazing backyard rink. Story continues below:


Building and maintaining a backyard rink is hard work, but it's a labour of love for Churchill, who admits to knowing little about the charities before Carter’s connection.

“I viewed it as a way to do fundraising in a unique kind of way,” he explained to The Huffington Post Canada.

On Saturday, Jan 19, Churchill held his grand opening, featuring the Muckers Winter Classic, hosted by HMP, playing against The Media All Stars.

Churchill told The Huffington Post that response has been overwhelming. "There have been so many requests that it will be booked for the next 10 years easily,” Churchill said.

And as for Carter's progress, the toddler is making great improvements in his therapy sessions at the local children's hospital in St. John's.

“Every day he surprises us a little,” Churchill said, “Every day he's showing little glimpses of moving in the right direction which is promising for us.”

Although the family look forward to some much-deserved rest in the spring, Carter’s success encourages his parents to continue their focus on fundraising for the remainder of the year.

For more information about Todd’s project and how you can donate, you can visit his website, Reason For The Rink, and follow him on Twitter at @Reason4TheRink.]]>