Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

July 4, 2013 -- Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 9,061 sales through the TorontoMLS system in June 2013 - down by less than one per cent compared to June 2012. Over the same period, new listings were down by a greater rate than sales, suggesting market conditions became tighter.

"The sales picture in the GTA improved markedly in the second quarter of 2013. While the number of transactions was still down compared to 2012, rates of decline were substantially improved compared to the first quarter," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Dianne Usher.

"As a growing number of homebuyers, many of whom put their purchase on hold due to stricter lending guidelines, now reactivate their search, the expectation is for renewed growth in home sales in the second half of 2013," added Ms. Usher
The average selling price in June was up by 4.7 per cent year-over-year to $531,374. In line with the 2013 norm, June price growth was driven by the single-detached and semi-detached market segments, particularly in the City of Toronto. Over the same time period, average condominium apartment selling prices remained in line with 2012 levels.

"The short supply of low-rise home types in many parts of the GTA relative to the number of households looking to buy continued to prompt strong upward pressure on selling prices of singles and semis," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "We have also seen enough buyers in the better-supplied condo apartment market to provide support for selling prices at current levels.”

Fatigue can signal anemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism or hepatitis C. But once your doctor rules out major medical causes of fatigue, it’s time to consider hidden ones.

“We look for the less obvious roots of fatigue — that’s our job,” says Tanya Edwards, MD, Medical Director of Cleveland Clinic's Center for Integrative Medicine.

Hidden causes include:

1. A junk food diet

Diets that are high in trans fats, saturated fats, processed foods and added sugarscan sap your energy. Dr. Edwards recommends switching to a diet high in good sources of protein — mainly fish, nuts, seeds and beans — with eight to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Watch out for grains, though. These complex carbs affect insulin. “Insulin is the storage hormone that makes us heavier. The heavier we are, the higher our blood sugar becomes, and the more insulin resistance (prediabetes) we develop,” she says.

2. Lost nutrients

Today’s industrial farming practices rob the soil of key fatigue-fighting minerals, says Dr. Edwards, who recommends taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Supplements contain minerals rarely found in food, such as:

• Selenium, important for thyroid function and metabolism
• Iodine, present in the iodized salt that many people with heart disease and high blood pressure avoid. “Low iodine states can result in fatigue,” she says.

3. Not enough omega-3

Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids — but most of us don’t eat enough. “I recommend about 1,000 mg of an omega-3 supplement,” says Dr. Edwards. “My preference is fish oil because it is the long-chain form that our body needs.”

4. Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D gives us energy. Low levels of this vitamin can cause low energy and depression. “Vitamin D and omega-3 are necessary for every single cell in the body — including brain cells — to work properly,” says Dr. Edwards. If blood tests reveal low vitamin D levels, she recommends supplements.

5. Low magnesium

We are born with a finite amount of magnesium — also needed for energy production — in our bones and muscles. The vast majority of Americans get less than half the required amount of this mineral from their diet.

“Magnesium is still leaching out of our bones and muscles in our 40s and 50s,” says Dr. Edwards. She recommends magnesium replacement for those with symptoms of a total body deficit: insomnia, fatigue, constipation, muscle cramps and pain, joint pain, anxiety and elevated blood pressure.

6. Poor sleep

When it comes to sleep difficulties, “we’ve got the perfect storm happening in our 40s and 50s,” says Dr. Edwards. Reasons for lost sleep include increased work responsibilities, living with teens, aging parents and falling magnesium levels.

For women, menopause and perimenopause are also factors. Falling levels of progesterone (a female hormone that helps with sleep) and hot flashes can cause insomnia. A change in caffeine metabolism doesn’t help.

“Women who have had two cups of coffee a day since age 20 suddenly can’t metabolize it as fast at age 50,” says Dr. Edwards. Caffeine can take eight to 10 instead of five hours to clear the system. For these women, she recommends scaling back to one cup of coffee before 10 a.m.

7. A sedentary life

Ironically, not getting enough exercise can make you feel tired, says Dr. Edwards. Regular exercise will boost your energy as well as your mood and fitness level.

If healthy changes in diet, sleep and exercise don’t improve fatigue after a couple of months, she often recommends:

• B complex vitamins — these help our bodies make energy, especially in times of stress
• Coenzyme Q10 — this cofactor, which helps enzymes produce energy in our cells, is often blocked by statins (common heart disease drugs)

In addition, “acupuncture can be huge for fatigue, sleep, pain and hot flashes,” says Dr. Edwards. 

During play and activities a child may need to reach for an item that requires them to cross their midline. Crossing the midline may involve the arm or leg crossing their body from one side to the other, such as reaching with the right hand for an item on the left side. This is a diagonal pattern of movement and not a linear pattern. Individuals who do not cross their midline tend to reach with the hand that is on the same side as the object and then transfer it to the hand that will use it or they may turn at their waist, avoiding crossing their midline. When observing the latter, it initially appears to look as if the child is crossing, but upon closer observation, you can see that the arm does not draw a diagonal line.For example, when performing paper pencil activities, you may sometimes notice that the child may pick up the pencil with their left hand, but transfer it to the right hand as soon as the hand is at midline. They then continue with the activity on the right side of the paper.

Crossing the midline is important for smooth coordinated two-handed movements. The brain is “talking” to both sides of the body and understanding each and coordinating their actions to work together, and not as “individual” entities. When both sides of our body “understand” and are “aware” of each other, they can perform a vastly increased number of complex motor movements, especially ones in which one hand is performing one action differently from the other.

This child is using one hand to hold the object while the other performs a different motor movement

We perform multiple two-handed activities every day. In some activities one hand is acting as the stabilizer (such as holding the paper still while cutting/writing, or holding a container) while the other hand is performing an action (using the crayon/ scissors, or unscrewing ajar lid). Other times our hands may be performing the same motor movements (using 2 hands to hold a cloth while wiping the table or pushing a broom). In motor actions where each side is performing a different motor movement pattern, coordination and orchestrated planning in required for one’s brain to enable an individual to perform such actions. An example is playing “itsy bitsy spider going up the water spout” where each hand is rotating opposite of each other, or dressing a doll. If each side worked in isolation of each other, or the communication and understanding that there are two sides is interrupted, motor actions appear awkward and uncoordinated, and in some cases very difficult to execute.

Children with these issues tend to become, and rightfully so, frustrated, and avoid such activities. They may vocalize they can’t do the activity and push it away, or just not participate.

There many ways in which you can help facilitate crossing the midline. You may play a modified version of hot potato in which you pass the “potato” using both hands, but instead of turning at your waist you cross your arm in front of your body, or you may only pass with your right hand to the person on your left, again not turning at your waist.

A Technique to Learn Crossing the Midline

You can also sit across from one another and sing songs (such as the camp fire or “patty cake” type songs) where each person reaches across, clapping hands with the same hand as the other person (your right hand to their right hand, then left hand to left hand). I also like to use some of the activities from Brain Gym. Brain Gym was developed by educator and reading specialist Paul E. Dennison and his wife, Gail E. Dennison. The theory behind the activities is to assist with developing better coordination between the individual’s eyes, ears, hands and whole body. They designed 26 different activities and you can find more information in your library, bookstore or using the internet.

You may also gently “block” the opposite hand, therefore preventing transferring of the object to the other hand. You can also guide a child using hand over hand assist through crossing their midline. Sometimes I find using quick, large movements works well. If I am playing with a child in a painting activity or using dot markers, I will have the child use both hands to hold the thick-handled paint brush or dot marker with my hands on top of theirs. I will use large movements, lifting the arms up, over and down crossing over their midline while making their splash/dot art. This can also be done while making hand print pictures or gluing on pieces of paper to make a collage.

Another activity may be setting up a train/car track using a horizontal figure eight path. With the child sitting facing the center of the track, have them use one hand (or both hands) to move the train/car around the track. Not only do these activities help the arms cross the midline, but they also help develop better eye scanning and scanning outside their shoulder range.

Average prices for a single detached home in these high-end areas are up a whopping 12.7 per cent from last year.

“At the end of the day, the Toronto real estate market continues to be healthy. This health is expected to continue,” Gurinder Sandhu, executive vice-president, regional director, Remax Ontario-Atlantic Canada, said in an interview.

The Remax report uses January to June data from the Toronto Real Estate Board to compare sales activity in 35 districts across the Greater Toronto Area to the year-earlier period.

The kitchen is known as the heart of the home, the comforting place where family and friends gather together. In the practice of feng shui, this description comes as no surprise as the kitchen is often viewed as the place of health and prosperity within the home. Taking a few feng shui measures may make all the difference in keeping your kitchen functional and the chi flowing.

• Keep it clean - A shining clean kitchen is a space that is filled with good energy from top to bottom. Keep the clutter out and surfaces wiped down. Do not forget to wipe down windows and other surfaces often overlooked.
  
  
• Keep it clear - Along with keeping the surfaces clean, it is important to keep the closed spaces clear. Take the time to go through the cabinets and drawers and organize the mess. Do not panic! The junk drawer can stay- simply go through it and make it easier to assess. Drawer dividers are ideal for keeping cooking tools handy and banishing the clutter.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Keep it colorful - Earth and fire colors are ideal in the large kitchen as long as kept in balance with one another. Too much of one or the other can create the wrong energy. Smaller spaces tend to lean toward monochromatic light colors. High gloss paints are ideal as matte paints are dull and do not reflect energy. In the end, remember that personal preference plays just as large a role – if a recommended color makes you uncomfortable then it really is not helping the chi at all. Essential colors do not have to fill the walls. Trim and decorative accents add the perfect amount without overwhelming you or the space.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Keep it fresh - Fresh flowers and produce displayed for guests keep the positive energy tangible and the kitchen vibrant. Some fruits, such as oranges for luck, are symbolic and can be used to your advantage in different situations.
  
  
• Keep it working - If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the stove is the heart of the kitchen. A broken or malfunctioning stove can be a sign of financial distress and should be dealt with sooner rather than later. An unused stove can mean unused resources. Even if minimally, make efforts to use the stove and each burner regularly to keep opportunity flowing. Plumbing issues should never be ignored, as it is a drain of resources.
  
  
  
  
  
• Keep it in place - Stoves and sinks should not be placed opposite one another as water and fire create tension. Stoves should not be placed opposite doorways or under windows due to the lack of support and easy drain of energy. Knives and blades should not be openly displayed, but rather stored in a drawer or butcher block. Bulky items should not be stored overhead, or at least not over places where you rest or work consistently. Water should not be left on the stove as it weakens the fire element. Lastly, a crystal placed in a window can catch sunlight and cast it over the rest of the space.
  
  

These are just a few of some basic feng shui applications in your home’s kitchen. It is not important to incorporate all these details into your kitchen; functionality is your first priority. Evaluate the space regularly and put into practice whatever feels right at the time.

Now in 25th year, the Beaches International Jazz Festival succeeds by appealing to a broad (though local) audience.

A-one and a-two.

Elsewhere, however, the old musical equation of big names equaling big ticket sales doesn’t add up the way it once did. “It’s because there are not many heroes left,” King says. Name-driven big-ticket festivals such as the recent TD Toronto Jazz Festival “have to make compensations for that.”

Include these thermogenic foods in your diet to lose weight faster. Warming foods like garlic,  apple cider vinegar, mustard, cayenne, cinnamon, ginger, and chillis  have natural fat-burning properties because they increase your metabolism and continue to burn off energy long after you’ve eaten. They are perfect companions to your weight loss plan.

Cinnamon has the ability to reduce blood sugar and increase insulin levels; cayenne pepper is known to normalize blood pressure and body temperature, and increases blood circulation; ginger also stimulates circulations which helps to detoxify your body; and garlic’s key wonder property is a compound called allicin.

Eat warming foods: Add chillis and cayenne pepper to your stir-fries, soups, pastas and meat dishes. Sprinkle cinnamon on your breakfast cereal, yogurt or in your coffee or hot chocolate. Use ginger in stir-fries, salad dressings, juices and teas. Garlic is a key ingredient in many dishes but try to include more raw garlic in your salads and stir-fries. You can also take garlic supplements. Vinegar can be used in salad dressings.

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants, aids digestion and regulates blood sugar and body temperature. Drink a few cups a day, five is believed to be the magic number, to stimulate fat loss. Green tea also contains theanine which is know for its ability to reduce stress and to improve the mood.

Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein and essential amino acids and the pleasure comes at a fewer calories than toast. Contrary to previous belief, the research shows that eggs do not have a negative impact on cholesterol as long as you consume moderately. One egg contains around 60 calories and just 5 grams of fat, and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat. It’s been proven that having a protein rich breakfast, such as eggs, keeps you full for longer and curbs the cravings.

Eat eggs:  Try hard-boiled or poached eggs with a piece of wholegrain toast, or make an omelette with one full egg and  two egg whites for extra protein. Add flavours and texture with red peppers, onion, mushrooms, spinach, ham and feta cheese.  Sprinkle with cayenne pepper and serve with chilli salsa on the side.

Olive oil

Olive oil contains mostly monounsaturated fatty acids which lower bad cholesterol without affecting good cholesterol in the body.  This promotes healthy heart and helps to prevent inflammation. It’s full of antioxidants believed to have protective effects against certain cancers. Olive oil is also a good source of vitamin E, carotenoids, and polyphenolic compounds.

Eat olive oil: It’s the most versatile oil and can be used in cooking, salads, and drizzled to finish the dishes. Go for the greener oil, the extra-virgin variety, as it contains more antioxidants.  Make fresh pesto with basil or sun-dried tomatoes, or whip up a bowl of Spanish Gazpacho soup.

Almonds

Almonds are full of monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E which help to cut cholesterol. They’re also a great source of fiber and protein, and contain more nutrients than other nuts.

Eat almonds: Have a handful of almonds as a snack or add them to a cup of yogurt with some strawberries and blueberries for a delicious breakfast. You can  add almonds to salads and pesto, and use it as an alternative to peanut butter.

Green Beans With Toasted Almonds by Rachel Ray

Dark Chocolate

Cocoa is high in fiber which prevents fat absorption in the body. It contains antioxidants (epicatechins), vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C, E) and minerals (calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese and potassium) which all help to burn fat. It also contains compounds that have the potential to protect against cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. And don’t forget that chocolate contains some mood enhancing chemicals.

Eat dark chocolate: Pick dark chocolate with high % of cocoa – 65% and higher. Enjoy a couple of squares after dinner or melt and drizzle over fresh strawberries.

Avocados

Avocados are the superheros of the fruit world.  Due to its high fat content, avocados have a bad rap but not all fats are the same and some are in fact good for the health and can help to shed the kilos. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in avocados contain omega-3, 6, 9 essential fatty acids, which have been proven to boost your metabolism and smash cholesterol. Avocado is also said to be rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients.

Eat Avocado:  Have a few slices of avocado with your breakfast eggs or spread on toast and sprinkled with a little salt & lemon juice. Prepare a delicious guacamole with red chilli, lime juice, fresh coriander, garlic and salt. Add slices of avocado to your salads, sandwiches and wraps.

Natural Yogurt

Yogurt should be a part of your weight loss game because it is low in calories and high in calcium, vitamins and proteins. It can normalise your blood sugar levels which will control your cravings and prevent overeating.  Good bacteria in the yogurt contributes to colon health and helps to decrease yeast infections. It can also boost your immunity.

Eat yogurt: Pick natural, sugar free yogurt with live cultures or probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium. Enjoy it for breakfast with stewed rhubarb and nuts or in a fruit salad. Mix with spices and herbs to create wonderful salad dressing, dips, and marinades.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is extremely versatile and is a great alternative to heavy carbs and starchy  vegetables. Because it lacks starch and contains lots of vitamin C and folate, cauliflower is perfect for weight loss.   It also contains high amounts of vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids, which help decrease inflammation.

Eat cauliflower: Perfect in stir-fries and curries, roasted in the oven with balsamic and olive oil, tossed in salads, mixed into fritters and veggie burgers, or prepared as a soup.

Grapefruit

The grapefruit diet seems as retro as the Deviled Eggs but there is some good research backing up it’s fat fighting properties. Eating half a grapefruit before a meal can actually help people drop weight. It also has cancer-fighting benefits through compounds like liminoids and lycopene. Red grapefruit is especially useful as it has been shown to help lower triglycerides. Not sold yet? Grapefruit has only 30 calories and is very low in sugar, about 6 grams of sugar per 100 gram serving.

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Unite your indoor and outdoor rooms with a consistent color palette, for cohesion and a polished look.

Originality and creativity are having a moment: eclectic, colorful spaces are all the rage. But though many are over matchy-matchy furniture and one-size-fits-all paint colors, some consistency throughout the home isn't a bad thing. Done right, color coordinating leads to better flow and a polished, cohesive interior design.