Author: Courrier Laval News
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…
In 1945, Alexander Fleming received a Nobel Prize for his part in the discovery of penicillin. In his acceptance speech, he gave a warning: he had seen how in his laboratory, incorrect dosing, or use of these medications, can lead to the microbes developing a resistance to it. Almost 80 years later, Fleming’s warning rings to be true, as antimicrobial-resistant infections are becoming more frequent and increasingly difficult to treat. Antimicrobial medications have revolutionized both veterinary practice and human medicine since their introduction over 75 years ago. When used as prescribed by a medical professional, antimicrobials – including antibacterial, antifungals…
Every time you go online or use an app, you’re making choices about who to do business with. While those choices may not be top-of-mind, not all businesses make your privacy a priority. As more companies ask for personal information, it can be confusing to know when it makes sense to fill something out and when to say no. Before sharing anything personal, get a better idea of how a company might treat you and your personal information, and check for these three things: Trust. If a company values its relationship with you, their privacy policy should be easy to…
Returning home from a trip to face long lines at customs can feel like a real drag. Here are a few ideas that may help speed up the process. Stay organized Avoid wasting time or holding up the line at customs checkpoints by knowing exactly where you placed your travel documents while you were on the move. You’ll need to show your passport or Permanent Resident card at customs. A small bag, sometimes called a belt bag or fanny pack, worn across your chest can be a convenient way to keep these items protected and within close reach. A purse,…
If the rising cost of food has you thinking about growing some of your own vegetables this year, you are not alone. And a backyard vegetable garden comes with a number of benefits: Eating fruits and vegetables is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. Growing some vegetables at home can help make eating healthy easier. Gardening boosts physical activity. Gardening is a natural stress reliever. Home gardeners, like farmers, sometimes have to manage threats from insects, weeds and diseases. Here are a few tips for warding off unwanted pests in your vegetable garden. Tips…
A survey of Canadians participating in the gig economy shows that a staggering 95 per cent do not feel confident that they are filing their taxes properly – and they may be missing out on claiming all applicable expenses and benefits. “There are a multitude of benefits and credits available to self-employed and freelance workers,” said Yannick Lemay, tax expert at H&R Block Canada. “One of the biggest things my clients ask me is what expenses they’re able to claim, and the short answer is a lot!” Here are some of the best refund-maximizing tips he shares with self-employed clients:…
Elevate your avocado game with this easy-to-follow ricotta-topped toast recipe, featuring zesty caramelized avocados and fresh figs. The perfect balance of sweet and savoury to start the day off just right or keep you energized after lunch. Fig and Ricotta Avotoast Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients 2 avocados from Mexico, peeled, pitted and quartered 1 cup (250 ml) ricotta ¼ cup (60 ml) honey 4 fresh figs, halved Zest and juice of 1 orange Fresh rosemary sprigs, to taste Sea salt 4 thick slices of toasted country bread or other, to taste Preparation In a…
Most of us habitually recycle junk mail, empty cans and other common household items that go into the blue bin. But there are several other items that are recyclable if you know where to take them. Recolour your world You should never pour leftover paint down the drain or into the sewer. Instead, many paint and building supply retailers have programs through which you can drop off cans with leftover bits of old paint to be recycled. Caffeine boost If you use a machine with coffee pods, many manufacturers offer mail-in or drop-off options to recycle the single-use containers. If…