When Ken died in February 2021, we had an outpouring of messages from readers, with many telling us how much his columns meant to them. In light of that, we thought we would go back through our files and re-publish some of them. Ken would be flattered by the kind words readers expressed. We miss him as a friend and...
Not easy picking Canada’s team
The hardest aspect of choosing the players for Canada’s team in the 4 Nations Faceoff tournament in February is not necessarily who will make the team, it’s the angst involved in leaving some truly great players off the roster. As an example, Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon are slamdunk selections. Should veteran Sidney Crosby be a sentimental pick? Or should...
New hope for treating pancreatic cancer
One of the major breakthroughs announced in 2023 was a small study that used a novel approach to treating pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is expected to be the third leading cause of cancer death in 2024. It is estimated that 7,100 Canadians will be diagnosed and 6,100 will die from it. The most common type of cancer in the pancreas...
Stomach health
Stomach health issues are becoming more common with symptoms such as bloating, inflammation, reflux or constipation affecting many people and affecting their quality life. To heal your stomach, you have to start with an anti-inflammatory diet; it’s important to change your lifestyle and avoid stress. Probiotics and in some cases digestive aids like betaine and enzymes are helpful to digest...
Being a Grandparent is WAY More Fun When You’re Fit
The holidays are a great opportunity for “quality time” between grandparents and grandkids. And that includes physical activity. In fact, all year long, people over 50 say that being strong for their grandchildren is their number one reason for staying fit – or for wanting to get fit in the first place. Being an active grandparent requires physical ability –...
Fasting provides healthy weight loss
As 2024 comes to a close, grave existential questions loom. Is the doomsday clock ticking louder? Have we harmed our planetary home beyond repair? Is the global economy headed for collapse, or will a reckless war end all things? These are some of the debates that friends and families will have when they gather in groups around the dinner table....
Best books for Christmas
CHER — THE MEMOIR, PART ONE BY CHER The extraordinary life of Cher can be told by only one person . . . Cher herself. After more than 70 years of fighting to live her life on her own terms, Cher finally reveals her true story in intimate detail, in a two part memoir. Her remarkable career is unique and...
‘Forcing’ bulbs provides winter colour
One way to ensure that your winter on the prairies is more enjoyable is to pot up a selection of spring bulbs to be enjoyed inside while the temperatures drop dismally outside. This is an annual autumn chore for me that is truly worth all the effort it entails, especially when I did not get all the spring flowering bulbs...
Christmas Movie List
1. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE – 1946; 2H 10M – PG An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Stars: James Stewart; Donna Reed; Lionel Barrymore 2. DIE HARD – 1988; 2H 12M – R A New York City police officer tries...
Top Reasons Why You Should Shop Local
STIMULATING THE LOCAL BUSINESS ECONOMY When you make a purchase from a local business, that business owner will often make purchases locally. A locally owned business will typically purchase goods and services from other local businesses. In the case of chain stores, the management typically purchase product centrally, in a faraway city or country. Many of the outside business-related services...