http://www.lite959.com

One of the perks of being a girl is to have great hair. Our mother’s fuss with it for us when we are little, then we fuss with it when we are older. We spend hundreds at the hair salon to try to make it perfect. But imagine losing your hair. And not just when you are older. Vanessa McWilliams, founder and owner of Confident Curls, knows all to well about this.

Her story starts at 9 when she was diagnosed with Alopecia. It’s a medical condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body, usually from the scalp. And by the time Vanessa was 11 she had lost all but a little of her hair. I can’t imagine what she went though at that age to have such a huge loss. To most, it’s just not comprehensible.

Throughout her tween years she wore wigs that were too old, and too heavy for her small frame. It wasn’t until she was in her late teens where she took it upon herself to find the right wig. Not only did the wig fit, but so did the idea. She knew, based on her own personal experiences, she had to help other women and children. As Vanessa says, “Discreetness without embarrassment, a comfortable atmosphere, and getting properly fitted with your ‘Dream-Do’ by another wig wearing woman, is the ultimate ‘personal’ shopping experience!” That’s how Confident Curls was born.

The one thing I’ve seen through Vanessa is her passion. And I’ve always said that in life we should always do what comes natural and what we know. And Vanessa is doing just that! All at the same time helping other to put smiles on their faces! Thank you Vanessa for sharing your gift from the heart.

For more on Confident Curls, visit http://www.confidentcurls.ca/ Here you can find out more about her great products, more about Vanessa and how you can donate.

Confident Curls on Facebook
Confident Curls on Twitter
Bonus Code CURLS

When I moved to Calgary almost 17 years ago now, my first impression of this city was; it’s a big city but a small community. Meaning, this city is SO giving. And 17 years later, that hasn’t changed. It’s only gotten bigger and better! And better at giving to those who need it the most.

Most recently, I was introduced to a program called Role Mothers. It’s a program designed to celebrate and encourage women; just like you; busy, active moms; who find the time to give back to the communities in which they live. All the while teaching their children the importance of giving along the way.

Being a “Role Mother” is as simple as identifying an opportunity, giving back to our community and sharing your story. Weather it’s a small gesture or a massive undertaking, your ideas may inspire other mothers to become “Role Mothers”.

On their Facebook page, other “Role Mothers” are sharing their stories on how they give back in their families. Talk about inspiring. Being a mom myself, and not always having the time to just breathe, let alone volunteer, this organization has given me the push to get out there and help. AND to instill the importance of giving back to my two boys. Even if it’s just donating gifts at Christmas for Toy Mountain , or baking extra food for Made by Momma. But it doesn’t stop there! The volunteer options are endless for us in this city. You just need to find the right one that fits your family and your life! Thank you Role Mothers for reaching out and helping us to give back to our beautiful city and the wonderful people we live with.

You can find Role Mothers online at www.rolemothers.ca and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RoleMothers Take a look and start giving back today.

Bonus Code : GIVING (expires Tuesday Nov.8.2011 at midnight)

Living life by seeing the Brighter side isn’t easy. To the average person, we can make it a choice. But not everyone can make that choice. I’m talking about Mental Illness. Not long ago there was a Mental Illness campaign that tried to get the word out about who Mental Illness affects. It was a commercial that showed a drawing board with a pointer. On the drawing board was a picture of Earth. The message was, Mental Illness can affect anyone, but you can’t always see it. It’s not a condition you can see. It’s not a condition you can put a cast on to fix. It’s not a condition you choose to be in either.

<Just talk to Lee Horbachewski. She’s a suicide survivor, who lives with depression. And now Lee is taking a stand to help reduce the stigma and build awareness for Mental Illness and Suicide Prevention. Her Going Blue 4 U campaign is passionate about raising $40,000 to be donated to local charitable organizations that provide resources and support for Mental Illness. In Calgary, the funds will support the Distress Centre. The entire team will all dye their hair blue if they reach their goal. There are 10 days left for the Going Blue 4 U awareness campaign putting a colorful spin on “The Blues”.

Mental Illness impacts nearly 6 million Canadians, which is 20% of our population. Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among Canadians aged 15-24 and 16% of all deaths for the age group 25-44.

“Together we have the Power to Change and Reduce the Stigma that surrounds Mental Illness and suicide. The only way we will is by more and more people talking about it without judgment and fear.”

Lee Horbachewski has a vision: “To Empower You to Shine Bright & Steady, to be Aware, Accept and take Action by living life authentically and realizing you are never alone.” Truth that you CAN live on The Brighter Side. It’s not always easy, and you may need a helping hand along the way!

Hold Lee’s hand, and please help her with her vision. To donate to the Going Blue 4 U campaign, go to www.goingblue4u.ca

Follow on Twitter: @GoingBlue4U_CA #GB4U and Lee @SimpLee_Serene

Website: http://simpleeserene.com/

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleeserene1, or https://www.facebook.com/GoingBlue4U

If you require immediate assistance call 9-1-1 or call a 24 Hour Crisis line http://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
In Calgary you can contact the 24 Hour Crisis Line provided by the Distress Centre 403.266.HELP (4357) www.distresscentre.com

Not long ago, it took me 3 weeks to get my son an appointment to see a doctor. 3 weeks?! I was shocked. They told me that I can come to the walk in clinic instead. Walk in clinics should be for those who don’t have a doctor, not because I need someone to check my son’s itchy skin! Besides, I don’t have up to 4 hours to wait at a walk in clinic with my 4 year old. Plus I’d have to bring my 2 year old at the same time. And I just don’t have 4 extra hours in the day. So what did I do? I booked the appointment and then self diagnosed my son and went to the pharmacy to pick up some cream. 3 weeks later, I saw my doctor who prescribed the same thing I diagnosed him as having!

From that experience, I went to find a new doctor. Where the new doctor assured me that I won’t have to wait 3 weeks to book in my son… OR 6 months to get a physical. It wasn’t easy finding the doctor. After searching online and making a million or so calls, I actually found one through word of mouth.

It’s SO frustrating, especially those who are sick, to get in to just see a doctor. So now what? I went to our sister station 660 News to see if anyone there knew anything about what’s going on with our medical world. I came across my colleague Craig Lester. Craig informed me that he’s been working on a 5 part series that talks about just this. I will post his series here so you can follow along. Some VERY interesting information in it!

“the problem with the shortage starts with the number of family doctors being trained in the country.” Read the story here!

It’s that time of year again, and Alberta Health Services wants you to get your annual flu shot. For a list of flu shot locations go to www.albertahealthservices.ca/influenza.asp. Yes, I will get my flu shot. With two small children in the house – one that goes to preschool – we have a high risk of getting sick. I believe being proactive is the best medicine! But, when it comes to the common cold, I know I have to do more than just get a flu shot.

There’s nothing more frustrating than suffering from a common cold. Who has time to be sick? A runny, stuffy nose makes me feel miserable, along with coughing, sneezing and aches and pains. As a mom, I DEFINITELY don’t have time to be sick. Moms CAN’T get sick! If I get sick, nothing gets done! And, surprisingly, no one eats right. I certainly can’t take any time off work. My absence affects everyone. There’s a mad scramble to find someone to fill in. So I say it’s better to NOT get sick.

I try to avoid the common cold at all costs, mostly with excessive hand washing. I even use my sweater sleeve to open doors. I’d wear a mask…if I wouldn’t be laughed at. So instead, I take Cold FX. I’m a firm believer in it. My husband, on the other hand, thinks Cold FX only prolongs a cold. Still, I take Cold FX at the first sign of a sore throat.

I called the makers of Cold FX, and asked them how Cold FX actually works. Can the ginseng in Cold FX really relieve symptoms of cold and flu? I spoke to Michael McDougall, Senior Manager of Media Relations with Afexa Life Sciences. Here’s how he explained Cold FX to me. Essentially, Cold FX is an extract of ginseng in capsule form. So why get it in a pill? How about tea or on your own? McDougall told me grinding up a ginseng root and eating it will produce some of the effects, but Cold FX contains only the active ginseng ingredient to boost your immune system with immune enhancing compounds. Cold FX enhances your immune system when it’s fighting off an infection. It also turns up your immune system’s “alarm bells,” so your body is ready to respond to an attack.

McDougall says the best way to take Cold FX is on a daily basis…especially during cold and flu season from September until March or April.

Who takes Cold FX? Lead athletes, singers and media personalities are all clients of Cold FX. Being sick just isn’t worth their time.

Who shouldn’t take Cold FX? Clinical trials are being considered for people with autoimmune disorders and people taking blood thinners, but have not been done yet. If you have either, please consult a docoter before. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should consult your physician as well. Pediatric studies and trials for children are ongoing.

Cold FX is an all natural product, and so far, it’s worked for me. It’s even reduced the frequency and duration of my colds. Do I think it’s a cure for the common cold? No. Do I think it makes me feel better? Yes. I have things to do and children to parent! Having an option to feel better, makes me feel better!

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to meet one of the most inspirational people in my life. She has touched my heart and my soul. Her name is Lee Horbachewski. She has been fighting depression for more than six years and in honor of Mental Health Awareness week, she will be dying her hair blue this November to help raise funds and awareness for mental illness and suicide prevention.

Its part of the Going Blue 4 U campaign. The Mental Health Association is an organization that’s near and dear to my heart. And it was through my own brother who I lost, due to mental health issues, that I learned to understand the pain that no one else can see.

As today is National Depression Screening Day. – I encourage you to be a part of Lee’s journey. To help out with the Going Blue 4 U campaign, and help them raise funds, click here!

BONUS CODE: Blue

The Common Cold

As we approach Cold and Flu season, parents are already frantically washing their kid’s hands. We yell at them to NOT touch ANYTHING in the public washrooms. It’s like a plague, and we just want to stay away from any sort of sickness.

Not only do we feel sorry for our little ones when they catch cold, or worse stomach flu, but we also have to worry about ourselves. First off, if we get sick, how are we to care for our loved ones? And secondly, if we get sick, how are we ever going to take time off of work?!

The Calgary Health Region gives out pamphlets year round to help us under stand the Common Cold.
1.) What is a cold?
The cold is an illness caused by a virus. There are over 100 different cold viruses. Colds can occur any time of the year.

2.) How is a cold spread?
A cold can be spread when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes tiny drops into the air or onto objects. People who breathe in or are in direct contact with these drops (example: by touching their nose or eyes with contaminated hands) can get the disease.

This is why we try to teach children to cough or sneeze into their elbows!

3.) How long does a cold last?
A cold usually lasts about 7 to 10 days. It can be spread to other people one day before, and up to 5 days after symptoms appear.

4.) How is a cold treated?
Antibiotics DO NOT help a cold, because it is caused by a virus, not bacteria. There is no specific treatment for a cold, but to ease symptoms you can eat healthy foods and drink lots of water, juice and warm liquids, rest, gargle with salt water to help throat pain, take pain or fever medicine as needed (ASA products such as Aspirin are not recommended for children) and use a cool-mist vaporizer.

5.) When do you go see a doctor for a cold?
When you have a fever for more than 2 days. See below for a guide on *Normal temperatures.
If a child is under 3 months who has a fever.
If there is pain on one or both ears (small children may tug on their ears when they have pain)
If you have trouble breathing or pain in your chest.
If you have a very painful and red throat

6.) How can a cold be prevented?
Wash your hands
Keep your hands away from your nose and eyes
Don’t share drinks, cups, spoon or forks with a person who is sick
Maintain a healthy and active lifestyle

For more information call the Health Link 403-943-LINK (5465), 1-866-408-LINK or Communicable Disease Control at 403-944-7075

This is actual information taken from The Calgary Health Region pamphlet given to me from the Alberta’s Children’s Hospital. (This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional.

*Temperature Guide for children:
From the Calgary Health Region
Fever is one way your child’s body fights an infection. The most common illness in children is infection from a virus. There are thousands of different viruses. Fever can also be caused by an infection with bacteria. Fever itself will not harm your child. How high the fever is does NOT tell you how serious your child’s illness is. How your child acts is a better sign. Normal temperatures* in children are:
• Rectal: 36.6 – 38.0 °C (97.9 – 100.4 °F)
• Mouth: 35.5 – 37.5 °C (95.9 – 99.5 °F)
• Underarm: 34.7 – 37.3 °C (94.5 – 99.1 °F)
• Infants under 60 days: 36.3 – 37.3 °C (97.3 – 99.1 °F)
• Ear: 35.8 – 38.0 °C (96.4 – 100.4 °F) (not recommended in infants)
*Canadian Pediatric Society

A baby less than 3 months old with a fever needs to be seen by a doctor.

Calgary Heath Region Link – Caring for a Child With a Fever
Calgary Health Region Link – The Common Cold Alberta

Health Services Link – http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/
Bonus Code: Cold

Last Friday, just before my vacation was up, we decided to take the kids to Heritage Park for the day. I’ve concluded that, yes, I’ve been spoiled. I’ve had the opportunity to visit the park in the past with Media invitations. Mind you, when I’ve gone in the past, I never took the time to get on the rides. (I’m a chicken when it comes to rides).

This last visit was different as I just went with my family. My two boys and my husband. I was surprised at the cost! Wowzers! I should have looked online first to see what I was getting into. Heritage Park is a ton of fun for the whole family, but I recommend getting the seasons pass if you think you’ll go more than twice. After purchasing an individual ticket for the train ride, we decided that we needed to upgrade to the whole day bracelet. But they wouldn’t give us the discount for the train ride towards the bracelet, saying that is would screw up their system. Oi! So if you head out, get the bracelet first… so you don’t damage your wallet!

There IS a lot of fun for the whole family… and yes I even went on the Farris Wheel… (not telling my son I wanted to puke…) The Carousel was also a winner. I could handle that more than the wheel! Plus the animals were fun to watch!

But buyers beware; check the cost before you go!!! Here’s a link to their pricing page Heritage Park.

Bouns Code: PARK

It was a quick decision, but my husband and I decided to go camping this past weekend. We went down to the Crowsnest to fish at Lost Creek and Carbondale River. This area suffered a fire in 2003, but mother nature always has a way to make itself beautiful. Crowsnest Fire.

And proof that I was there… a picture of my boots!

The perfect way to wrap up a day of hiking, fishing and photography!

BONUS CODE: FISH

Calgary is launching an advertising blitz complete with a song that says “We are not all cowboys.”
The city is trying to change its reputation and attract workers as it faces a looming labour shortage.
The campaign uses the slogan — “Calgary. Be Part of the Energy.”

I’ll be honest when I moved to Calgary 16 years ago from Vancouver, I was totally prepared to wear cowboy boots thinking that it was a cowboy town. Not to paint the beautiful Cowboys and Cowgirls we DO have in a bad light… but Calgary is only “Cowboys” during Stampede! The pride and love this city has is truly unbelievable. I said it early on when I moved here that Calgary IS unique with a Cowboy taste but the whole bottle is what counts and in my mind Calgary is full of Energy. It’s a big city but a small community that looks after each other! Why wouldn’t you want to move here!!

I LOVE THIS CITY!

Bonus Code: Cowboy