Well Appointed Executive Home In One Of Markham's Most Desirable Communities. Fabulous Finished Basement In-Law Suite Complete With Granite Kitchen Counters And Stainless Steel Appliances. 4 Spacious Bedrooms With New Hardwood Floors. Huge Principal Rooms On Main Floor. Large Premium Lot. Perfect For Large/Extended Families.
FOR SALE $978,000
Rms: 10 + 5
Our lives have increasingly become more digital today. While some may see this as a benefit, others are finding that it can literally be a pain in the eye.
Digital eyestrain is now a common problem. Eye and vision problems are reported in 70 to 75% of computer workers, according to the American Optometric Association.
Headaches, eye pain, redness, watering, double vision and loss of focus are all associated with digital eyestrain.
The good news is there are numerous things you can do to help avoid the condition, including:
Take a break. Take frequent 15 minute breaks and focus your eyes on a distant object across the room. This will give the focusing muscle a chance to relax.
Try palming. This is essentially meditation for the eyes. To do this, you will close your eyes and place the centers of your palms over your eyes. Take deep slow breaths and relax your eye muscles.
This is a wonderful way to rejuvenate your eyes during those long computer projects. Keep your shoulders and neck relaxed. Tension in this area will cause a tension in your eyes. An occasional neck and shoulder massage will also work wonders.
Blink frequently. When doing demanding digital work, your blink rate decreases. A conscious effort should be made to blink lightly every 10 to 15 seconds. This will coat the cornea, or front part of the eye, to nourish your eye with oxygen and nutrients -- and the coating of tears will also sharpen your vision.
Wear computer glasses. Use a pair of computer glasses and work at the proper distance -- 20 to 28 inches, depending on the focal point of the eye. Computer glasses have a different focal point than reading glasses. This will reduce the effort of focusing and putting a strain on your eyes. The extra effort to focus will cause tension in the eye muscles, which in addition to causing eye discomfort can lead to an increase in eye pressure.
Keep your monitor bright. This will reduce the flicker rate of the computer and reduce fatigue. Flickering can lead to eyestrain and headaches. A bright monitor causes the pupil to constrict and a greater range of focus will result. This will reduce the need for your eye to accommodate and enable you to work longer with more comfort.
Reduce blue light at night. A Harvard study revealed that blue light at night negatively reduces melatonin levels, which have a serious adverse health effect. It is associated with an increased incidence of diabetes, obesity and cancer. Reduce computer time at night or wear blue blocking glasses. These will block out the harmful blue spectrum light at night.
Take vitamins and minerals. Considering that the eyes have one of the highest energy requirements in the body, it is important that they get proper amounts of vitamins and minerals. It is important to opt for a vitamin that offers key antioxidants and ingredients that will help improve the health of the eye and reduce eyestrain. Those can include vitamins A, C, and E with a B complex and zinc.
Homeopathy. Speak with a practitioner to find a level of therapy that will work for your individual circumstances. One of the most common homeopathic remedies to treat eyestrain is Ruta Graveolens, a common ornamental plant found in gardens that is used to treat strains of tendons. This remedy can greatly reduce the symptoms of eyestrain during prolonged computer use.
Increase the light. Not having a light on when you are using the computer (or television) can put more of a strain on your eyes. Be sure to have a light on to help reduce the strain.
Check your computer's position. The position of your computer can add to your eyestrain. It is important that it is positioned a good distance away, around 20-28 inches from the eye, and that there are no glares on it. Re-position your computer to provide maximum eye comfort.
Following the tips above can help reduce your chances of getting digital eyestrain. You will feel better and be able to work longer.
|
Eating well is good for your mental as well as your physical health. The brain requires nutrients just like your heart, lungs or muscles do. But which foods are particularly important to keep our grey matter happy?
1. Opt for wholegrains
Like everything else in your body, the brain cannot work without energy. The ability to concentrate and focus comes from the adequate, steady supply of energy - in the form of glucose in our blood to the brain. Achieve this by choosing wholegrains with alow-GI, which release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, keeping you mentally alert throughout the day. Opt for 'brown' cereals, wheatbran, granary bread and brown pasta.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be made by the body and must be obtained through diet. The most effective omega-3 fats occur naturally in oily fish as EPA and DHA. Good sources include linseed (flaxseed) oil, soya bean oil, pumpkin seeds, walnut oil and soya beans. They are good for healthy brain function, the heart, joints and general wellbeing. Oily fish contains EPA and DHA in a ready-made form, which enables the body to use it easily. The main sources of oily fish include salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines, pilchards and kippers. Low DHA levels have been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and memory loss.
Evidence accumulated at Tufts University in the United States suggests that the consumption of blueberries may be effective in improving or delaying short term memory loss. Widely available, so there's no excuse.
There is good evidence to suggest that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, could help protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's.
5. Add vitality with vitamins
Certain B vitamins - B6, B12 and folic acid - are known to reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk of stroke, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. A study of a group of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment found that after two years of intervention with high doses of B6, B12 and folic acid there was significantly less brain shrinkage compared to a subset given placebo treatment.
Vitamin C has long been thought to have the power to increase mental agility. One of the best sources of this vital vitamin are blackcurrants.
Just a handful of pumpkin seeds a day is all you need to get your recommended daily amount of zinc, vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills.
A great source of vitamin K, which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower.
Sage has long had a reputation for improving memory and although most studies focus on sage as an essential oil, it could be worth adding fresh sage to your diet too.
A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiologysuggests that a good intake of vitamin E might help to prevent cognitive decline, particularly in the elderly. Nuts are a great source of vitamin E along with leafy green vegetables, asparagus, olives, seeds, eggs, brown rice and wholegrains.
Although research linking diet and dementia is still in its infancy, there are a few important relationships between nutrients and brain health that are worth exploring. Having a nourishing, well rounded diet gives our brain the best chance of avoiding disease. If your diet is unbalanced for whatever reason, you may want to consider a multivitamin and mineral complex and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to help make up a few of the essentials. If you are considering taking a supplement it is best to discuss this with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.
When Decorating Rooms Make Sure They Connect and Flow From One to Another
When decorating rooms it's important not to think of them as a single entity. Every room should connect to those around it in some way. If they don't you end up with a very choppy looking and disjointed home. Don't worry though, when decorating rooms it's easy to make them connect and flow together.
If you find yourself feeling unusually stressed and unhappy these days, these tips help!
By this time of Winter, most of us have had enough of the ice, snow, and freezing temps — and the funk that the cold, long, dark days tend to put you in. While you can't do anything about the weather, you can brighten your mood and bust happiness-sapping stress with the small changes in this schedule.
7 a.m. Rise and Om
It’s no secret that yoga shatters stress, and now a study in the journal BioPsychoSocial Medicine finds that having a regular practice also eases both the mental and physical symptoms triggered by anxiety, anger, depression, and fatigue. "Yoga calms your central nervous system and increases the flow of energizing oxygen in your body by incorporating deep breathing," says Mark Gerow, a mind-body specialist at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA, and author of the upcoming book Years of Posing: A Yoga Teacher’s Struggle With Addiction and Trauma. Start your morning on a calm note by doing 10 to 15 minutes of yoga poses when you wake.
7:30 a.m. Make an Omelet
Scrambled, fried, poached, or hard-boiled, eggs not only help keep you feeling full until lunch since they’re protein powerhouses, but the yolks also provide vitamin B12. Studies have found an association between low levels of B12 and depressive symptoms, plus yolks aren't bad for your heart, so don't separate them from the whites.
10:30 a.m. Stop Being Such a Slouch
Something as seemingly insignificant as how you carry yourself can impact your emotions. A 2013 study in Brain and Cognition found that people reported feeling more upbeat after performing "happy movements" such as jumping, skipping, or raising their arms overhead, and they said they felt more negative after making "sad movements" including closing their chests and slumping. Other research shows sitting confidently in turn makes you feel more self-assured. Set an alarm on your computer or cell to go off every half hour to remind you to straighten out your spine and roll those shoulders down and back (and maybe even get up and jump around!), and you might start smiling more at the office.
1 p.m. Hit "Reset"
Flip your mind from frazzled to free-spirited by looking at photographs of the Great Barrier Reef or keeping potted plants on your desk. Known as the attention restoration theory, the idea is that exposing yourself to nature helps restore your brain’s ability to focus by giving it a temporary breather. Or get a nature fix for real by going for a brisk walk around the block — exposing yourself to daylight can make you feel happier and more energetic, even if the temps are chilly.
3 p.m. Massage It Out
Research shows that massage can ease pain, slash stress, and improve your mood. For a quick DIY at your desk, take your shoes off and roll the arches of your feet with a tennis ball. A basic hand massage can also be surprisingly effective, or if you desire, dig into your knotted shoulders and neck.
4:30 p.m. Freshen Your Breath
Pop some gum when you hit an afternoon slump to cut stress and boost your work performance. People who chewed a stick not only had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their saliva but also reaped a 67 percent improvement in performance on multitasking exercises (aka your daily life) compared to non-gum chewers in an Australian study. Though researchers aren’t sure exactly why, they suspect the action may boost blood flow in your brain. Other studies suggest chewing gum may diminish anxiety and depression while enhancing alertness and mood.
7 p.m. Serve Seafood
More women than men are hit with the blues, including seasonal affective disorder, but your diet may help keep your outlook bright. Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids may slash depression symptoms by almost 50 percent, according to research in the Journal of Nutrition. Cold-water fish such as char, herring, cod, and salmon are excellent sources, so opt to have them for dinner at least twice a week.
8:30 p.m. Have a Staring Contest
The bonding hormone oxytocin has been linked to feelings of calmness, trust, and reduced stress. And while it tends to be linked to kissing, hugging, and cuddling with the one you love, you may be able to ignite oxytocin simply by holding eye contact. "Studies show that even total strangers who stare into each other's eyes report increased feelings of liking," says Robert Epstein, PhD, senior research psychologist at the American Institute For Behavioral Research and Technology. "Normally that kind of intense looking might be seen as threatening, but if you allow another person to gaze into your eyes, you're lowering your defenses and making yourself vulnerable, which heightens emotional bonding." Try standing or sitting about two feet apart from your man and gaze deeply into each other's eyes. Single? Hang out with friends or stroke your kitten for an oxytocin rush.
10 p.m. Get Lucky
It's a given that sex makes you feel good, and the more you're having, the bigger your grin, according to a University of Colorado Boulder study of more than 15,000 people. Those twisting the sheets at least two to three times a week were 55 percent more likely to report a higher level of happiness than those who hadn't done the deed for a year. Even once a week correlated to 44 percent more glee. But it matters how much sex you think you're getting compared to your peers: those who believed they were getting busy just as often or more frequently than everyone else said they were happier than people who thought they had less sex than the average person. "Having more sex makes us happy, but thinking we are having more sex than other people makes us even happier," lead researcher Tim Wadsworth explained.
In this edition of The Weekender, tropical ice sculptures, an industrial bazaar and three more things to do in Toronto this weekend.
Winter Beer Fest
Drown February blues in copious amounts of craft beer at this Danforth bar’s annual festival, featuring breweries like Junction Craft, Granite Brewery, Flying Monkeys and West Avenue Cider. There will also be snacks from The Blade and Butcher, and tunes from local bands like The Condor Boys. Feb. 21—Feb. 22. Entrance is free, tasting tickets are $1 each. The Only Cafe, 972 Danforth Ave., theonlycafe.com
Men’s Gold Medal Hockey Game
Patriotic hockey fans can cheer on Team Canada bright and early in front of the CBC’s big screen. A pancake breakfast will be served at 7am (but unfortunately not with beer). Feb. 23. Free. Barbara Frum Atrium, CBC Broadcasting Centre, 250 Front St. W., cbc.ca
Artisans of the Metropolis
This “Junction Bazaar” will feature local vendors peddling wares with a vintage, industrial or otherwise unique vibe. Feb. 22. Free. Metropolis Factory, 50 Edwin Ave., metropolisfactory.com
The Motorcycle Show
Two-wheeler enthusiasts can head to Exhibition Place to check out over 400 bikes, ATVs, scooters and the latest motorcycle apparel. Watch live demonstrations, bring your kids to the Yamaha Riding Academy or refuel at The Race Café. Feb. 21–Feb. 23. Admission $17. Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd., torontomotorcycleshow.ca
Icefest
This year, Bloor-Yorkville’s annual winter celebration will feature tropical-themed ice sculptures of palm trees, parrots and sailboats. Pedestrians can admire the ice-carving competition, or, for a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, taste maple syrup toffee. Feb. 22–Feb. 23. Free. Village of Yorkville Park, Cumberland St. and Bellair St., blooryorkville.com
Tim Hortons (TSX:THI) is launching its own loyalty rewards program in response to growing competition in the coffee market.
The company has partnered with CIBC for a Visa credit card that accumulates points redeemable at Tim Hortons stores, part of a broader effort to give its customers more incentives.
Chief operating officer David Clanachan says a loyalty program for coffee drinkers who don't want to use a credit card is also in the works.
"We really like the idea of turning over a new leaf and doing it in this controlled format," he said in a phone interview.
"We see this as a big part of our future and this is kind of our first foray down that path."
Some of Tim Hortons' biggest competitors have made loyalty programs a priority.
McDonald's offers a McCafe sticker card for regular coffee drinkers, while Starbucks has both and app and rewards card that gives free drinks and food to frequent customers.
Tim Hortons has grappled with fewer transactions at its restaurants even as fourth-quarter profits increased marginally to $100.6 million in its latest period from $100.3 million a year earlier.
Revenue grew 10.7 per cent to $898.5 million from $811.6 million, the company said Thursday.
CIBC's (TSX:CM) partnership with Tim Hortons materialized as the Canadian bank searched for new incentive programs for its credit card slate. Last year, the bank lost exclusivity for an Aeroplan-branded credit card after more than 20 years.
The Tim Hortons credit card will be available starting in May.
Residents Asked to Clear Storm Sewer Openings, and Stay Away from Streams and Rivers
MARKHAM, ON – February 20, 2014~ Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has issued a flood outlook due to Environment Canada’s forecast of a weather system that may bring 20 to 50 millimetres of rainfall with possible thunderstorms to Markham and the Greater Toronto Area. Combined with warmer temperatures, which will melt some of the ice and snow accumulation on the ground, the result may be higher than normal water levels and flows. The possibility exists for flooding on roadways and in low-lying areas of our community. This flood outlook is in effect from the evening of Thursday, February 21 through Sunday, February 23, 2014.
The combination of slippery and unstable banks, unsafe ice and extremely cold water temperatures will create very hazardous conditions close to any river, stream or other bodies of water. In addition, water-covered roadways and walkways, along with high winds, may cause unsafe travel conditions for motorists and pedestrians.
The City is in the process of clearing storm grates at main intersections, ditches and inlets in preparation for the expected rainfall. Flood prone areas of the community have been identified and are being monitored on an ongoing basis.
Markham urges residents to stay away from rivers and streams, and exercise extreme caution when walking outdoors or around any body of water. Please alert children under your care of these dangers and supervise their activities.
Residents are asked to help by clearing the storm grates on the streets within their neighbourhoods.
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti: fscarpitti@markham.ca or 905-475-4872
Media inquiries / interview requests: Dennis Flaherty, Director, Corporate Communications & Community Engagement, 905-415-7520, media@markham.ca
Floods are the most frequent natural hazard in Canada and the most costly in terms of property damage. The City Of Markham has experienced numerous significant rainfall events that left parts of the City temporarily flooded.
PREPARING FOR A FLOOD
To reduce the likelihood of flood damage:
If a flood is forecast:
If flooding is imminent:
DURING A FLOOD
AFTER A FLOOD
Re-entering your home:
Re-entering your home (continued):
Ensure building safety:
Water:
To reduce your risk of illness:
Each spot in your home is associated with a different aspect of your life. Here's a beginner's guide to cultivating positive energy in every zone.
Stand inside your home with your back to the front door.* Look forward. The part of your home in the far left corner is the money sector. The far right corner is the relationship zone. Got it? You work the magic by placing certain items in certain zones; some have symbolic power, others a literal connection to the area. The eight-point system is intricate and layered; feng shui expert Catherine Brophy shares her best feng shui tips for making every room in your house feel calm and happy.
Money: Place fresh flowers or a jade plant here. This is also a good spot in which to keep cash or a valuable treasure.
Reputation: The place to display awards, accolades, and good-luck symbols, like four-leaf clovers.
Relationships: Bring in pairs (especially potent are lovebirds, butterflies, and cranes) or an image of two trees intertwined. If your living room is in this area, place a love seat, a pair of pillows, or two matching chairs here.
Children and creativity: Ideal for a bulletin board or a craft or sewing zone. If you don't have kids, use this spot to indulge your inner child with bold wallpaper or chalkboard paint.
Friends and travel: Nice for funny, playful photos, artwork made by pals, or a map that reminds you of a favorite trip (or a journey that you hope to take).
Career: This area should be as well lit as possible. If it falls around your entry, hang a bright pendant or chandelier. Put something here that relates to your passion and/or your job. A scientist might want a quotation from Einstein. If you play music, keep your instrument here.
Knowledge: Create a reading nook or an intimate spot for conversation. If you meditate, this is a great place for it.
Family and health: It's really important to keep this area clean. (You know, if you don't have your health...) And it's the perfect spot for a family-photo wall.