I admit, I love Diet Pop!  I love the taste.  I don’t drink it thinking that I’m saving calories compared to if I were to drink regular pop.  I often get a lot of feedback from my family, friends and clients about the dangers of diet pop – more specifically about, “aspartame.”  You can say that aspartame is my only “vice”, because I usually eat pretty clean – I don’t drink any alcohol, I don’t smoke, I don’t gamble – I exercise regularly and consider myself pretty responsible and healthy.  So, anytime I see an article about aspartame or diet sodas; I read it and try to get a better understanding of the “risks” and “dangers” of diet soda/aspartame.

An article I recently read – stated that certain research has shown diet soda to cause weight gain, as well as all sorts of health issues, including strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.  I’m here to play “Devils Advocate!’

WEIGHT GAIN – the study was conducted over 10 years and followed 474 diet soda drinkers between the ages of 65 and 74.  The study showed that those who drank diet soda gained 70% more weight in their waist than those who didn’t drink diet soda.  Those who drank two or more diet drinks a day experienced a waist growth that was five times faster than non-diet soda drinkers.  Because of the weight gain – the other health issues appeared like, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

The study found that the ingredient aspartame, an artificial sweetener was the main reason for the weight gain.  The sweetener raises blood sugar levels and increases your risk of diabetes.  The study “speculates” that the artificial sweeteners trigger your appetite but inhibit the cells in your brain that tell you you’re full.  Therefore, your body craves more calories, while your ability to stop and realize what’s happening is diminished.

MY THOUGHTS – O.K. seriously – a study of 65 to 75 year olds?  The study did not mention anything about their overall diet or level of physical activity.  As we age, our metabolism automatically begins to slow down – so without a proper diet and exercise program; weight gain is inevitable.  My brain knows how many calories I need to be eating daily and I know what foods I need to be eating to get those calories – so I don’t think aspartame is going to “trick” my brain into eating more.  It’s called meal planning and food prepping.

RISK OF HEART ATTACK AND STROKE – of course gaining any kind of “bad” weight will increase your risk of stroke or heart attack.  However, there hasn’t been any scientific proof that diet soda is the cause – as there are so many other missing variables (diet and overall lifestyle).  The study actually shows that there was no increase in cardiovascular problems for those who drank regular soda on a daily basis.

MY THOUGHTS – the bottom line is; eat clean, live an active life and everything in moderation.  I think if you’re sitting in front of the TV all day, watching shows and playing video games while eating pizza and diet pop – well then, yeah; you’re going to become an aspartame statistic.  Too much wine is bad for you but it also has health benefits.  Too much chocolate is bad for you, but a certain amount of dark chocolate is actually good for you.  So, drink your diet pop in moderation.  Live healthy!

Jay Raymundo

What Is Arthritis?

Many people start to feel pain and stiffness in their bodies over time. Sometimes their hands or knees or shoulders get sore and are hard to move and may become swollen. These people may have arthritis.  Arthritis may be caused by inflammation of the tissue lining the joints. Some signs of inflammation include redness, heat, pain, and swelling. These problems are telling you that something is wrong.  Joints are places where two bones meet, such as your elbow or knee. Over time, in some types of arthritis but not in all, the joints involved can become severely damaged.  There are different types of arthritis. In some diseases in which arthritis occurs, other organs, such as your eyes, your chest, or your skin, can also be affected. Some people may worry that arthritis means they won’t be able to work or take care of their children and their family. Others think that you just have to accept things like arthritis.  It’s true that arthritis can be painful. But there are things you can do to feel better.

What Are The Types of Arthritis?

There are several types of arthritis. The two most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This condition usually comes with age and most often affects the fingers, knees, and hips. Sometimes osteoarthritis follows an injury to a joint. For example, a young person might hurt his knee badly playing soccer. Or someone might fall or be injured in a car accident. Then, years after the individual’s knee has apparently healed, he might get arthritis in his knee joint.  Rheumatoid arthritis happens when the body’s own defence system doesn’t work properly. It affects joints and bones (often of the hands and feet), and may also affect internal organs and systems. You may feel sick or tired, and you may have a fever.  Another common type of arthritis, gout, is caused by crystals that build up in the joints. It usually affects the big toe, but many other joints may be affected.

Arthritis is seen with many other conditions. These include:

• lupus (LOOP-us), in which the body’s defence system can harm the joints, the heart, the skin, the kidneys, and other organs
• an infection that gets into a joint and destroys the cushion between the bones.

Do I Have Arthritis?

Pain is the way your body tells you that something is wrong. Most types of arthritis cause pain in your joints. You might have trouble moving around. Some kinds of arthritis can affect different parts of your body. So, along with pain in your joints, you may:

• have a fever
• lose weight
• have trouble breathing
• get a rash or itch.

These symptoms may also be signs of other illnesses.

What Can I Do?

Go see a doctor. Many people use herbs or medicines that you can buy without a prescription for pain. You should tell your doctor if you do. Only a doctor can tell if you have arthritis or a related condition and what to do about it. It’s important not to wait.  You’ll need to tell the doctor how you feel and where you hurt. The doctor will examine you and may take x rays (pictures) of your bones or joints. The x rays don’t hurt and aren’t dangerous. You may also have to give a little blood for tests that will help the doctor decide what kind of arthritis you may have.

How Will The Doctor Help?

After the doctor knows what kind of arthritis you have, he or she will talk with you about the best way to treat it. The doctor may give you a prescription for medicine that will help with the pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Health insurance or public assistance may help you pay for the medicine, doctor visits, tests, and x rays.

How Should I Use Arthritis Medicine?

Before you leave the doctor’s office, make sure you ask about the best way to take the medicine the doctor prescribes. For example, you may need to take some medicines with milk, or you may need to eat something just before or after taking them, to make sure they don’t upset your stomach.  You should also ask how often to take the medicine or to put cream on the spots that bother you. Creams might make your skin and joints feel better. Sometimes, though, they can make your skin burn or break out in a rash. If this happens, call the doctor.

What If I Still Hurt?

Sometimes you might still have pain after using your medicine. Here are some things to try:

• Take a warm shower.
• Do some gentle stretching exercises.
• Use an ice pack on the sore area.
• Rest the sore joint.

If you still hurt after using your medicine correctly and doing one or more of these things, call your doctor. Another kind of medicine might work better for you. Some people can also benefit from surgery, such as joint replacement.

You Can Feel Better!

Arthritis can damage your joints, internal organs, and skin. There are things you can do to keep the damage from getting worse. They might also make you feel better:

• Try to keep your weight down. Too much weight can make your knees and hips hurt.
• Exercise. Moving all of your joints will help you. The doctor or nurse can show you how to move more easily. Going for a walk every day will help, too.
• Take your medicines when and how you are supposed to. They can help reduce pain and stiffness.
• Try taking a warm shower in the morning.
• See your doctor regularly.
• Seek information that can help you.

To speak to a health professional, contact your family doctor or speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling: Calgary Health Link at 403-943-LINK (5465) or toll free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).  Mandarin Health Link 403-943-1554, Cantonese Health Link 403-943-1556

Source: “Living with Arthritis, Easy-to-read information for patients and families’, National institute of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases, www.niams.nih.gov

If you want to read any of the previous ‘Road to Healthy Living’ series articles, please go to

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/4248.asp and get health information in your own language.

For some of us life has changed for the better. With warm weather arriving, we can get out and enjoy and focus our lives on the beauty our God has provided for us. My wife and I purchased a brand new bicycle built for two, or tandem, and we have added that to our outdoor fun! With my employer messing around with my job duties, I am now required to sit in a company vehicle for almost 8 hours per day instead of the customary 15-20 km per day I used to walk. I will have to get my exercise on my own time now.

With the warm spring temperatures waking up the trees, flowers and grass from their sleep, it has also stirred the squirrels, stray cats and something new – skunks! For those of us who have lived in Calgary for many years – the skunk problem is something we never had in the past. They are not really a major worry, skunks are like street people. They may stink, but they are really nice. And neither of them is necessarily brainless. Life is packed with pleasant surprises!

Our city parks, trails and green spaces continue to be developed and improved and we thank our Mayor and Councillors for making that a priority. The new Peace Bridge is stunning and makes an awesome subject for night photos. With construction on another pedestrian/cyclist bridge across St. Patrick’s Island to the East Village Riverwalk area, again at $25 million, our City is looking more attractive for the active types.

In closing, I would like to wish my dearly beloved wife Ludy a Happy Birthday! on April 19. We will relax and enjoy that weekend at a mountain retreat and thank our Lord for all he has given us.

Have a great spring!

Steve

It’s been a year since the last time you came, a month before; I was already excited that soon you will be around again. I always look forward every time, because you bring a different aura to me. It brings a kind of annual unique feeling that only few could have this day. Sometimes I’m thinking what would it be like this time when you are here again, will it be happier that last time of the other way around?

A moment that I’m surely most of us wants to have it every day.  We can similarly think it’s a Christmas or any happy times that you always want to come.  I could still remember years past that you never fail me to smile, from simple things to big surprises. I can’t forget when you motivate me to be reunited with my family the last time. It was the happiest for many years. You always give me reason to plan ahead and make sure when it happens, it’s all worth remembering.

I knew you will always come no matter what, whether it’s raining, windy or snowy, you never let me down. Each time you are here it seems to be different, I feel matured to things I do, and I feel I’ve grown. The experience that you let me grasp every moment is like a new discovery of being me.  You bring us joy and delightfulness, your arrival is a turning point of a new chapter. And when you come, everybody that I know was also happy for me. They cheers for me, they share the banquet with me.

It’s like a celebration of happiness; people that know me never forget it. They really find time and way just to keep in touch to me. I feel so valued, and I feel important to them.  I could still recall when my family and friends made some unique token for me, I was so happy at that time, because of you, they remember me. They never forget me, and they were happy for me. But like in other situation there’s always an end, like a closing remarks at the end of the program, a commencement, or simply saying you have to go. Sometimes I don’t want you to say goodbye, I want you be with me more than you are intended to stay, I don’t feel sad, and I don’t feel alone when you are here.  I know that your presence won’t last that much but the memories will always be cherished. I know this is just a temporary feeling but great enough to look forward for your next one.

Thank you for letting me experiences it, thank you for reminding me each year. More than I am, my parents were happy also for they had it 29 years ago. Truly thank you for making my day, because on this day, is MY BIRTHDAY.

The proposed new requirement would mean that applicants wanting to immigrate as Federal Skilled Workers would have their foreign education credentials assessed and verified by designated organizations before they arrive in Canada.

““Our Government is building an immigration system that is focused on economic growth and ensuring that all Canadians, including immigrants, are able to contribute to their maximum capacity,”” said Jason Kenney.  ““By having their foreign education credentials assessed before their arrival to Canada, foreign skilled workers will have a better sense of how their credentials fit into the Canadian labour market and will be able to contribute their full skill set to the economy more quickly. This proposal is part of a broader package of transformational changes that will make Canada’s immigration policies work better for the Canadian economy.””

A pre-arrival assessment would let applicants know how their education credentials compare to Canadian credentials and it will give immigrants a sense of how Canadian employers are likely to value their education. This will also screen out people without proper education levels and is an important step in helping to address the problem of immigrants arriving and not being able to work in their field.

The assessment of international educational credentials would not mean that Federal Skilled Workers would automatically find employment in Canada commensurate with their skills nor would it guarantee that they would become licensed to practice in a regulated occupation. Applicants who intend to work in a regulated profession would likely need to have their qualifications assessed in greater depth for purposes of licensure by a regulatory body specific to their profession and intended province of work.

““Internationally trained workers make an important contribution to Canada’s job market and the economy,”” added Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. ““That’s why our Government is working in partnership to improve foreign credential recognition so that skilled newcomers can put their knowledge and skills to work sooner.””

Minister Kenney also used the occasion to release the 2011 Government of Canada Progress Report on Foreign Credential Recognition, Strengthening Canada’s Economy. The annual report, led by the Foreign Credentials Referral Office, highlights achievements made by Citizenship and Immigration Canada , Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Health Canada to help foreign trained individuals integrate into the Canadian workforce.

Highlights of the report include:
expansion of the Canadian Immigration Integration Program ( CIIP ), which is designed and managed by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges.  CIIP currently offers pre-arrival orientation sessions in up to 25 countries, based on demand;
an innovative assessment and bridging program to help internationally educated nurses meet regulatory requirements for licensure across Canada; and
the launch of the International Qualifications Network Website for stakeholders to share information and best practices in credential assessment.

To read the Government of Canada 2011 Progress Report on Foreign Credential Recognition, Strengthening Canada’s Economy, go to:http://www.credentials.gc.ca/fcro/progress-report2011.asp

““The Federal Skilled Worker Program backlog is a major roadblock to Canada’s ability to respond to rapidly changing labour market needs,”” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. ““Having to process applications that are as many as eight years out of date reduces our ability to focus on new applicants with skills and talents that our economy needs today.””

As announced in Economic Action Plan 2012, Citizenship and Immigration Canada is planning to refund fees and return stale applications from nearly all those applicants who applied under the dated criteria in existence before February 27, 2008.

CIC  is transforming its suite of economic immigration programs to create a just-in-time system that recruits people with the right skills to meet Canada’s labour market needs, fast tracks their immigration, and gets them working in a period of months, not years. Eliminating the longstanding backlog of  FSW  applications will allow the Department to focus resources on facilitating the arrival of skilled immigrants who apply under the current eligibility criteria.

Under proposed legislation,  CIC  will close the files of  FSW  applicants who applied before February 27, 2008, and for whom an immigration officer has not made a decision based on selection criteria by March 29, 2012. This is expected to affect around 280,000 applicants, including their dependants.  CIC  will begin the process of returning the full amount of fees paid to the Department by these affected  FSW  applicants. For those who have passed the selection criteria stage – approximately 20,000 people –  CIC  will continue processing their applications until they are approved for entry into Canada or not.

Over the last decade, the number of  FSW  applications received has greatly exceeded the space available within the Immigration Levels Plan each year, resulting in long processing times and an increasing inventory. Under the 2008 Action Plan for Faster Immigration, CIC  began to limit intake to priority occupations. The Department added caps to the number of new applications in 2010. As a result of these efforts,  CIC  has reduced the pre-2008 backlog by more than 50 percent, and the overall  FSW  inventory by over 25 percent. However, without further action, some  FSW  applicants might have to wait until 2017 for a decision.

““It’s unreasonable to keep applicants waiting for another five years,”” said Minister Kenney. ““It’s also a far cry from the nimble and responsive immigration system Canada needs to remain a destination of choice.”

by: Tatsky Gascon-Delos Reyes

PAALALA SA NAGDAANG  MAHAL NA ARAW MULA SA ATING MGA IGINAGALANG NA SENIORS

JOVITA BARNACHEA – Calgary, AB

“Ang Panahon ng Mahal Na Araw ay panahon ng pagtatanim sa ating mga isipan kung paano nagpakahirap ang Panginoon para sa ating kaligtasan. Kaya ating pagnilaynilayin sa ating sarili kung paano natin magagawa na tayo ay magsisi rin sa ating mga kasalanan at pagpapatawad sa ating kapwa.”

(The Season of Lent/Holy Week is a time for all of us to instill in our minds all the sacrifices and hardships that our Lord Jesus Christ bore for our salvation. Therefore, we must all think about how we can repent for our sins and forgive our fellowmen).

LINDA ROMERO – Calgary, AB

“Ito ay paggunita para sa Panginoong Hesukristo  at sa kanyang mga sakripisyo na idinulot ng kasalanan ng sanlibutan.  Dapat magbago ang pag-uugali ng mga tao patungo sa kabutihang asal para ng sa huling paghuhukom, ay atin ng nailigtas ang ating mga kaluluwa.”

(This is a reminder of Jesus Christ’s sacrifices that was brought about by the sins of the world. It is imperative that people change their attitudes for the better so that in the final judgement, we have saved our souls from eternal damnation).

FLORENTINA DE CASTRO – Calgary, AB

“Ang Mahal Na Araw ay panahon ng taimtimang pagdarasal at pagbalik tanaw sa ating mga kasalanan. paghingi ng tawad, pagbabago, at mabuting pagsisimula para mabigyan ng katuturan ang kamatayn at muling pagkabuhay ng Diyos Anak.”

(Lent is the season of fervent prayer, recollection of our sins, asking for forgiveness, and moving forward positively to bring justification and meaning to Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection).

Filipino artists take center stage in the Philippine Arts Festival on June 23, 2012 at the   University of Albertaʼs Myer Horowitz Theatre.  On its 2nd offering, the festival is a bi-yearly   celebration of the arts, life and the spirit of the Philippines.  It is a multi-disciplinary festival of   theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music, film, literature, visual arts, design and more.

A brainchild of yours truly as Festival Director and choreographer Jojo Lucila as Artistic Director,   the Philippine Arts Festival aims to increase awareness and promote the publicʼs appreciation of   Philippine arts and culture; collaborate with artists and companies by initiating and producing   new work; provide artists of all ages and at all stages of their career with greater exposure,   recognition, networking opportunities and professional development; and to forge unity and   community spirit within the Filipino community.

So what was the impetus for this project?  Living in another country lends a new perspective on   your own culture – things that one tend to take for granted.  I have worked with foreign artists in   the past who have remarked on the incredible talent of the Filipinos, and all the while I thought   that they were merely paying lip service.  Now, far removed from my home country, I realize that   they were simply stating a fact.  And Filipino artists, all over the globe and in various disciplines,   continue to give us pride and honor with their work.

Through this Philippine Arts Festival, we salute our artists and provide them a vehicle to  showcase their talent, works and legacy.  We remember our country and the people who have  shaped our culture through their art and became a voice for society.  We bank on the solidarity  and bayanihan spirit that Filipinos are known for, no matter where in the world they may be.  So  that at least for a couple of hours, in this festival, when we come together as a community and  celebrate the core of our being – we bring the Filipino back home.

This yearʼs festival will headline the Filipino themes of love and romance, the traditional games   of skills, the fiestas (feasts), and the social issue of Filipino migrants.  It will gather about 70   artists from Edmonton, Vancouver and Red Deer.  Featured artists include: Vancouver-based   filmmaker Angelina Cantada, who has proven herself in film festival circuits in the US and   Canada; the long-standing Filipino-Canadian Saranay Association; musical arranger Geris;   the authentic Filipino martial arts Pekiti-Tirsia Kali – Alberta; the much sought after Philippine   Choral; the versatile dancers of The Lucila Project; the Pacific Island Dance Troupe; the folk   dance sector of the Phil. Canadian Association of Red Deer & District; and Pinoy Singing   Sensation young champion Wency Calderon.  Lixmila Serrano of Gala Management and Event   Services joins our team as Executive Producer.

For more information: www.philippineartsfestival.com.

Tax Clinic 2012

by:  Tata “Tatsky” Gascon-Delos Reyes

The workshop recently held at the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) office was one info-session that many Filipino participants considered worth their while.  The Tax Clinic that began in January was a collaborative effort of the Filipino Community Development Program of CIWA with the help of Bridge Foundation for Youth, In-School Settlement Department and Sherissa Celis of Calgary Catholic Immigrant Society (CCIS). This was a commendable initiative to conduct additional aid to all Filipinos regardless of their status in Canada with their income tax preparation. Made available with certain criterions, some of our “kababayans” were given the opportunity to understand and learn the Canadian Tax System which led them to a Do-It-Yourself Tax Preparation. With the endeavor to share the valuable knowledge, the organizers were able to divert some of them to paying high costs of getting their tax returns prepared by Professional Tax Preparers who could charge a hefty amount just to avail such service.

Arnida Guillermo, Rosette Ramos (In-School settlement worker of Bridge Foundation), Sherissa Celis, and Aileen Singh (CIWA), organized this clinic to happen. As most Filipinos are capable of doing their own tax returns (because some of them are degree holders back home), this tax clinic was one great welcoming activity, especially for those who just came to Canada in the year 2011 and as such, are first-time tax filers.

The response to the call for participation was a huge success.  Enthusiasm came from various sectors of the Filipino Community. There were immigrant newcomers, foreign workers, and recently awarded permanent residents who came from either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP). They all have one thing in common… their thirst for knowledge. Altogether, from the 4 sessions conducted at different dates, the participants totaled 114. Special thanks goes to Canada Revenue Agency’s Leora Mazury, who led a team to cover the project.

Overall, the Clinic this year was tremendously successful, relevant, and useful. The elimination of hesitations to do your own tax return was instilled in the hearts and minds of these participants and the organizing committee surely welcomes a repeat performance in the future year/s to come.

by Pastor Nilo Briones of Jesus Word of Life Church

Have you ever wondered why the cross is the central symbol of Christianity?  We see it’s hanged inside the chapel, worn around the neck by some faithfuls,  an integral part of sermons and teachings, which remind us that there is something glorious that happened on a Good Friday through  the pages of history in Jerusalem.  Although  cross-bearers carry shame and guilt before the public eyes, as crucifixion was the slow-paced, agonizing punishment by the Roman authorities in Jesus’ time, we need to uphold the fact that without the cross there is no forgiveness of sins, and eventually there is no salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, who voluntarily offered His life as the ultimate sacrifice for the payment of our sins.    As the Bible says, “without the shedding of the blood, there is no forgiveness of sin” (Hebrews 9:22).

It’s interesting to note the seven final statements of Jesus while dying on the cross.  They bundle up a clear testimony of Jesus’ love, goodness and mercy as he died thinking of others.  His words carry spiritual messages that we need to take heart and meditate upon soberly.  Though not in sequential order, his first word:   “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Here, Jesus (in his humanity) was expressing his feelings being abandoned by the Father) as God placed the burden of sins of the world on him,  and because of that, God had to turn away from Jesus.  His second word:  “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” – words of compassion  thinking of his enemies. His third word: “Today you will be with me in Paradise” – thinking of the salvation of the criminal by his side who humbly acknowledged him. His fourth word:  “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit” - a time when Jesus is willingly giving up his soul into the Father’s hands, indicating that God has accepted his sacrifice.  The fifth word:  “Woman, behold your son”- thinking of his mother to be taken care of by one of his apostles (the beloved John).  The sixth word: “I am thirsty”, which is a fulfillment the Messianic prophecy that “They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst (Psalm 69:21). And the seventh word:  “It is finished” meaning that his suffering was over and the work that his father had given him to do – which was to preach the Gospel to secure the eternal salvation of His people -  was done and  accomplished.

Jesus died as he lived—thinking of others – thinking of you and me!  What happened 2,000 years ago was a turning point in every soul on the face of the earth.  God, in His love, has provided a way out of the curse of sin by offering His Son Jesus to die on the cross to save us and have a relationship with God.  Repent then, turn away from sin, commit your life to Jesus, and be blessed!