Author: Courrier Laval News
As camping continues to boom in Canada, Parks Canada has released a reservation system designed to allow more people to camp than ever before by aiming to address website failures and limit the number of campsites individuals can reserve. But, did it actually work? User reviews have been mixed, and spots in Canada’s most popular parks still sold out within moments this year. But even if would-be campers missed the boat on national and provincial park campsites, they aren’t entirely out of luck. Canada has a wealth of privately-owned campgrounds that may have last-minute availability. Private campground ownership ranges from…
Firing up the barbeque is synonymous with summer. While warm weather brings much to look forward to, it’s also a reminder to brush up on grilling safety measures. Eighty per cent of Canadian households own a grill or smoker, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association so, it’s important to take safety precautions. Check out these four grilling safety tips before putting on your apron. Grill outside and away from structures. Position the grill well away from anything that can catch fire – like siding, deck railings and overhanging branches. Always make sure it’s set on an even surface in…
While it might not be the first item on your packing list, safety while travelling is just as important as it is at home. Whether heading to the beach or a cool mountain retreat, simple precautions can help you enjoy your vacation from check-in to check-out. One consideration that may slip through the cracks for many travellers is the threat of carbon monoxide. Commonly known as CO, it is an odourless, invisible and poisonous gas. CO can be emitted by fuel-burning appliances such as water heaters, stoves, furnaces and more, and it can only be detected by a CO alarm.…
As you get older, you may have wondered why you’ve seemed to get sick with colds or other viruses more often, taken longer to recover, or suffered complications to existing health conditions. From childhood, our immune system matures, and we build up immunity to help protect us from many common viruses. This resilience built in youth gradually declines until around age 50, when the risk of infection and more serious complications starts to be more noticeable. As a result of our naturally weakening immune systems, older adults are more likely to face severe symptoms and potential hospitalization from infections that…
With fewer tools at your disposal than typically found in your kitchen, camping invites you to be more creative when you cook. It’s easy to fall into the routine of making the same simple recipes for your whole camping trip, so why not pull out your camping stove and elevate the traditional s’mores to a treat everyone will remember for years to come? You can even try this recipe at home in your own kitchen – it’s a great activity to involve the whole family. S’mores French Toast Sandwiches Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients 1 French bread…
Canadians have certain rights when it comes to dealing with banks, and opening a bank account is one of them. You can open a bank account at any federally regulated bank even if you don’t have a job or don’t have money to put in the account right away. The bank must, however, be able to confirm your identity through proper identification. If you’re not a Canadian citizen, you may still be able to open a bank account with the proper identification. But banks do have the right to refuse to open an account in certain situations. For example, if…
With car theft on the rise across the country, many owners are looking for solutions to help keep their vehicles safe. While many auto thefts are out of the owner’s control, upgrading your car with additional security measures may provide peace of mind. Here are some ways to curb theft and protect your vehicle this summer. Install a steering wheel lock: Steering wheel locks are one of the best ways to deter someone from potentially stealing your car. With dozens of affordable options on the market, curbing auto theft has never been easier. Be sure to do your research to find…
Here are tips to help you make the most of summer without breaking the bank during this time of high costs and high interest rates: Make a summer budget Prepare a budget in advance for the activities you want to do over the summer. That way you can set limits on your spending, identify ways to reduce costs and focus on what you really want – and what you can really afford – to do. A free online tool to help you start is the budget planner from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. The smartphone-friendly tool is designed to…
Life is richer when shared with people you care about and whose company you enjoy, whether it’s attending a birthday party or going for a leisurely stroll together. Many of us living with chronic conditions – such as arthritis, diabetes or a lung condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – may struggle with these moments because of worries about losing independence, the ability to participate in activities or feeling socially isolated as our condition progresses. For when times feel tough, here are some reminders to help you get through: Keep communication open Speaking openly can lift a weight off…
Everyone in your life can benefit from you taking care of your mind and body. Whether you’re young, old or in between, there are plenty of things you can do to lower your risk for many illnesses for both you and your loved ones and everyone in your community. Here are some tips for you and your whole family to follow: Practice healthy habits. The building blocks of good health include getting enough sleep every day, fuelling your body with a balanced diet and exercising regularly. It’s easy to get off track sometimes, but by incorporating small changes into your…