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Vaughan Baby Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE
Winner of June's Contest
July's Contest
Concerts in the Park
Financial Advice - Ron Kent
Advice from Dr. Amy
Nutrition Advice
Fitness Feature
Feng Shui
Craft Corner
Mmmmommy Recipe
Baby Zodiac: Cancer
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Volume 2 Issue 7 July 2008
HEADER - LAURA ALAIMO
Happy SUNSHINE Everyone! Summer is finally here and in full force! As you cool down in the pool this summer with your little ones, be sure you snap a shot of them in their "bathing suits" as this will be the focus of our contest for July, graciously sponsored by Cakes by Sonia (YUMMMMY!). 
 

Okay Dancing Queens, ABBAMANIA is coming to town (YES!!!). We can't think of a better way to spend a hot summer evening in July than attending the FREE Concerts in the Park hosted by the City of Vaughan. See below for more info.

Thanks for reading! and Happy belated Canada Day! 

Winner of June's Contest

june winner
The winner of June's "Daddy & Baby" photo contest is Anderson and his Daddy, Steve. They can capture more tender moments like this with their fabulous prize from Photographer Laura Magnifico. Anderson has won his Daddy a photo session with Laura, along with 1 - 8X10 and 3 - 5x7's - a total prize value of $150.00!

A very special thanks to Laura for donating this generous gift!

To view more of Laura's work visit her  at www.peekabooportraits.net or call her at
416-832-5831.



 
 
July's Contest
 
 
CAKE - BABY SHOWER Okay everyone! We know this is going to be a delicious contest! For this month's contest we are asking for  photos of your little "cupcake" keeping cool in his/her swimsuit.
 
The lucky winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate from Cakes by Sonia. DELICIOUS!!!
 
 
All submissions must be received by July 25th.
  Only one photo per family, please.  The winner will be announced in the August issue of Vaughan Baby.
 
 
Please submit your photo to:  vaughanbaby@sympatico.ca 
Concerts in the Park
concerts in the parkThe City of Vaughan celebrates its 14th annual series of professional summer concerts presented by TD Canada Trust Music.
 
 
 
 
 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, JULY 8
Dufferin District Park 
Featuring ABBAMANIA, the magic and music of Abba
1441 Clark Avenue W., Thornhill
 

7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, JULY 22
Woodbridge Expansion Area District Park
Featuring Simply the Best, a tribute to Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Donna Summer and Martha Reeves
100 Sunset Ridge, Woodbridge
 

7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, JULY 29
Mackenzie Glen District Park - Featuring Spice, a tribute to the Spice Girls
220 Cranston Park Avenue, Maple
 


For more information about Vaughan's summer concert series, please call at 905-832-8585, ext.8200
 
Financial Advice
 
RON KENT
During the month of July we find ourselves busy with summer activities and plan on that summer vacation. We often overlook the importance of Travel Insurance during our rush to prepare, pack, and get on our way. 
 
The need for Travel Insurance exists if you are leaving Ontario to another province, or out of country.  Check your employment booklet first as you may have coverage under your existing group plan.  If this is not the case then I can be contacted at 416-818-7553 or ask-ron@kent-insurance.ca ask-ron@kent-insurance.ca to discuss your options on Travel Insurance plans.
 
 
Also in July, I will be participating in a seminar series perfect for those planning a marriage, newly married couples, or couples expecting a new addition.  You are welcome to visit the website, www.thisdayforward.ca for more information, and call my assistant Anna directly at 416-818-1434 to book a space for July 15th (Maple)  or July 17th  (Mississauga).  The seminars will take place at Shoeless Joe Restaurants and include a dinner, you are able to meet other couples planning to marry, or are expecting a new addition, and gain valuable information from lawyers, accountants, and financial consultants in an informal setting.  The cost of attending a seminar is $40.00 per couple, or you can purchase your ticket from Kendra at UC Baby Woodbridge for a discount rate of $30.00 per couple.  Seats are limited. Hope to see you there! 

 
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email Ron with your questions.
 
 
Please look for upcoming articles of interest in future newsletters along with some responses to your questions.

 
Advice from Dr. Amy
 
DR AMY
Our Dr. in the house, Amy Robinson offers advice and answers your questions related to topics ranging from conception, prenatal health, natural alternatives for infant or childhood health immune fuction, brain developent, sleep and behavioural issues and more. 
 
If there are any questions or concerns you would like Dr. Amy to address, please email them to us at:  vaughanbaby@sympatico.ca
 

 

Q - I have young children, and try to minimize the man-made chemicals that they are exposed to.  I question the quality of hygienic products available.  More specifically, at this time of year, I wonder what I should look for in a sunscreen as it is repeatedly applied to my children.  Do you have any suggestions?   - Nadia, Richmond Hill                                           
 
Dr. Amy responds:
 
As a mother, I also question whether sunscreen use is as necessary as is toted in the media, and what guidelines to follow to minimize my children's exposure to potentially harmful chemical ingredients, while also protecting them from overexposure to the sun.
 
What I have found is that there are far more benefits to exposing children to the sun with proper protection from shade and clothing, rather than from synthetic chemicals.  I have also found some quality sunscreen products on the market that I use only when we are going to have prolonged sun exposure during the most intense periods of the day.  Unfortunately, most mineral-based, high-quality sunscreens have to be ordered online. (One such product can be found at www.californiababy.com)   I realize this is a different approach than most parents are used to, however there is a great deal of research behind my choices.
 
The fact is that natural sunlight is necessary for good health.  Daily moderate exposure allows the body to produce vitamin D, as well as melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen.  Studies have shown that when people are constantly lathered with sunscreen, or who are underexposed to sunlight, their bodies become "light deficient".  As a result, their bodies do not make the same levels of either vitamin D or melanin, which then accelerates melanoma growth risks.  In fact, studies show that regular, moderate sun exposure can prevent tens of thousands of cancer-related deaths.
 
There is a lot of focus on the harmful effects of sun rays.  Overexposure does cause damage to the skin, suppresses the immune system, accelerates skin aging, and contributes to acinic keratoses, a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma.  However, studies have failed to prove that sunscreen use prevents basal cell cancers and melanoma, the most harmful types of skin cancer. 
 
Studies have shown that there are harmful side-effects to many of the chemicals found in common sunscreens.  Ironically, it has been found that that many of the active ingredients in sunscreens are potentially carcinogenic, most commonly increasing the risk of prostate, testicular, breast and uterine cancers.  The conditions most commonly found in animal studies were related to liver and kidney tumors, and reproductive disorders such as endometriosis, altered menstrual cycles and reproductive cancers.
 
So - What can you do?
 
1 - Gradually expose your children to the sun on a daily basis.  (This includes winter time!) In the spring months, gradually increase daily sun exposure leading into the summer months when exposure is at the highest.
 
2 - Avoid sun exposure between the 11am and 3pm, when the sun rays are most powerful.
 
3 - Adjust sun exposure when around snow and water, as both increase the intensity of the sun.
 
4 - Use clothing, hats, umbrellas and sunglasses for protection.
 
5 - Select sunscreens that have natural, mineral-based ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.  Go to www.cosmeticsdatabase.com to look for quality products and to see how your sunscreen measures up.
 
6 - Add an omega-3 supplement to your family's diet and decrease omega-6 intake (found in corn, soy, safflower and sunflower oils) This is due to research indicating that a the omega 6:3 ratio was the key in preventing skin cancer development.
 
Much of this article was excerpted from the summer 2004 issue of Pathways magazine, of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.  www.icpa4kids.com  www.pathwaystofamilywellness.org
 
 


Nutrition Advice from Anna Pollice
 
ANNA POLLICEEach month, our expert Holistic Nutritionist, Anna Pollice shares with our readers tips on how to utilize whole foods and various philosophies surrounding holistic nutrition to support a healthy lifestyle and healthy body.   Anna is Founder of Nature's Nectar, a practice whose primary focus is prenatal and postnatal health. 
 
If you have any questions for Anna, please send them to:
vaughanbaby@sympatico.ca Your question or concern may be addressed in a future issue. 
 
  
Personalized plans are available for children of all ages.  Contact Anna Pollice at 647-298-4899 or at Vibrant Life Chiropractic at 905-266-0779.
 


Fitness Feature by Andrea Grace
 
image4Andrea Grace, President and Creator of Mommy and Baby Fitness  is our resident "Fitness Guru."  Andrea has a wealth of experience and advice to offer that will keep you motivated and show you how to incorporate a healthy, fit lifestyle for you and your baby!
 
We invite you to forward any of your fitness questions/concerns to
vaughanbaby@sympatico.ca and Andrea will be happy to share her expertise with you.
 
Summertime is HERE !!!! and so is the heat, humidity and smog alerts!  Wondering what to do??? Here are some suggestions:
 
1.  Take your workout indoors to the air conditioned gyms that are always cool! Gyms are always cool to the point of being cold even on the hottest days, so dress your baby in layers.
 
2.  The malls are always cool too! So take your baby with their strollers and do your own indoor mall stroller fitness class! Join up with another Mom you may see in the mall and partner up your workout with her!
 
3. Check out your local community centres that may offer open swim times for some swimming fun.  Or find an aquafitness class for you and your baby to enjoy in a pool together with other Moms as well!! www.MommyandFitness.com offers Aquaplay classes with locations in Thornhill and Woodbridge that include songs, rhymes and water fun for baby as well as a mild water workout for Mom.
 
4.  How about a nice cool Mom and baby yoga class?! Summer is a great time to slow down your hard core workouts and perhaps add a mom and baby yoga program to your day!
 
Need some other Mom motivation? Mommy and Baby Fitness Workout and Play offer a variety of classes including yoga, fitness and aquaplay for moms and babies to enjoy with locations everywhere, all summer long!
 
Remember to drink lots of water on those long hot days and stay as hydrated as possible. 
 
Hope to see you and your baby in our "cool" classes this summer!
 
Andrea Grace
(905) 770-3400
Feng Shui Elements
FENG SHUI LOGO
Tammy of Feng Shui Elements has been practicing Feng Shui for six years. She attained her certification in 2002 from the Feng Shui Institute of Canada. In addition to Feng Shui, she practices holistic living in her daily life via acupuncture, yoga and natural foods.

In the past year she had a baby boy, and more than ever, recognizes the importance of holistic living. She has a passion to help others enhance their lives, through teaching and consulting Feng Shui.

Tammy will be a regular feature so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask her at vaughanbaby@sympatico.ca. She would be glad to answer them!
 
 
For more information, please visit: 
 


Craft Corner - Permanent Sand Sculpture
 
CRAFT - SANDCASTLE
How disappointing it is when summer rain gets in the way of a day spent at the beach building sand castles.  Well, with this craft, you'll be the rainy day hero! Now kids can craft a permanent sand sculpture just by using sand, water and cornstarch.
 
 
What You'll Need:
 
- 3 cups of sand ("play sand" from the hardware store works if you don't have "beach sand")
- 1 1/2 cups of cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- Newspaper
- Old cooking pot
- Large spoon
 
How to make it:
 

- Mix the ingredients together in the pot.
 
- Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly.
When it gets thick, take it off of the stove and let cool.
 
- Once it is cool, use the spoon to turn it out on the newspaper.
 
- Now you can make it into any shape you like, let it dry, and keep your creation forever!
 
 
Tips:
 

- A quick spray of Pam or other lubricating spray helps the sand pop right out of sandcastle molds. A hole poked into the top of the sandcastle mold also seems to help. To make the sandcastles pop out perfectly, the trick seems to be packing the sand mixture into the molds tightly and leaving an air space at the open end of the mold and slamming the mold down hard onto the plate....the extra air helps pop the sand right out.
 
- Once the sand sculpture dries completely, add colour with children's non-toxic paints.  This can be a project saved for the next day, and perhaps done outside so they get some fresh air while doing their craft. 
"Mmmmommy" Recipe
 
 
 
fruit kabobs
For your next trip to the beach, pack these easy to make fruit kabobs into your cooler for something healthy to munch on. Who says that fast food can't be healthy or nutritious? Kids will love to make this easy fruit recipe!

 
What You'll Need

Assorted fruit pieces of your choice (choose from the following):

watermelon, strawberries, grapes, pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew
deli turkey, cubed
cheddar cheese, cubed
bendable drinking straws
wooden skewer


What You Do

Cut fruit into bite-size pieces. Use a wooden skewer to make a hole through the center of each piece of food before layering them onto the straw.

Turn a drinking straw upside down and fold the bendable part of the straw around, creating a handle. Slide a piece of food onto the straw, pushing it to the bottom and onto the hooked part of the straw to secure the handle. Continue layering the meat, cheese and fruit until the straw is full.

Serve chilled alongside fruity cream cheese dip.

For Dip:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 pack Dream Whip Topping, mixed according to package directions
1-2 tsp sugar free drink mix - strawberry or lemon work really well

Mix Dream Whip Topping and chill until needed. Beat cream cheese and drink mix until creamy
and fluffy. Fold in Dream Whip. Refrigerate until ready to eat. 


 

Baby Cancer:  June 21 -July 20
  
baby cancer
These little ones are ruled by the changeable feminine Moon, and have a lifelong attachment to their Moms for good or for bad. Little Crabs deprived of loving mothering will often grown into suspicious, withholding, professionally successful adults who spend most of their lives acquiring and collecting to fill up the void. No matter what their sex, all Cancerians are little mothers and caretakers: they thrive on doing chores and playing house. An emotional Water Sign, mini Cancerians are extremely vulnerable. They love places they can crawl into and hide, just like the crab that withdraws into its protective shell. They have the most sensitive stomachs in the zodiac, so don't insist your baby each something against his will.




We hope you enjoy receiving our newsletter.  We welcome any feedback or inquiries you may have.  Please contact us via e-mail at:  vaughanbaby@sympatico.ca
 
The opinions expressed in sponsor advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or other sponsors.  Vaughan Baby does not assume liability for content.  The material in this e-newsletter is for information purposes only and is in no way intended to supersede professional advice. 
 
Sincerely,
The Vaughan Baby Team
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