momstown : A Prescription for Mother's Health!
Written by momstown Oakville mama Kelly
This is amazing news to share. Not just because I am the owner of a momstown chapter, but because helping women feel supported and empowered through motherhood is essential. I hope that this information leads more moms to momstown so that they don't just survive but thrive in motherhood.
The University of Waterloo conducted an independent study on momstown and found the following key findings.- momstown is a community builder
- momstown facilitates matchmaking. Mamas need help making friends too.
- momstown provides needed support beyond the 1st baby shower. Second and third time moms are at a greater risk of isolation and postpartum depression.
- momstown provides mental health support
Wow. The first point is not that surprising, but the other three are key in understanding how momstown is more than moms just getting together. momstown's unique blend of online and in person interaction is key to providing the type of support that moms need.
FACT: momstown improves mothers' mental health.
"momstown.ca had a significant impact on the mothers' mental health, thereby suggesting women should receive "a prescription for friendship and fun" when they become mothers. The current research suggests social and community-based treatments for women with post-partum depression."
FACT: moms at risk of postpartum depression need peer to peer support
"20% of the (momstown members) women discussed formal diagnosis of PPD, while many others discussed self-diagnosis and negative emotions throughout the early experiences of motherhood. While a number of the women in the current study sought out professional help, they did not want to medicate nor did they "want to sit in a room with other mothers complaining about PPD." Rather, they recognized the need for peer support from other moms in a similar situation."
Once the study was complete, the researchers admitted to being surprised by what they found. "We did not anticipate the responses being so overwhelmingly positive. Previous research had indicated mothers groups could be sites for negative experiences for mothers, but participants in this study revealed very positive experiences with momstown.ca."
We are working hard to get all this information out to moms everywhere! Thank you to the media who have helped us get the word out about how momstown can help. Stay tuned for more links to media coverage.
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Live Your Best Health 2012!
Submitted by Maritza Robertson
Hi there Momstown readers......I hope you are all in good health. My name is Maritza Robertson, B.A.Sc. and I am a Nutritionist with 22 years of experience. Eight (8) of those years were spent in the hospital industry, including McMaster University Hospital and Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. After going through ill-health for 1 year in 1996, while managing the Dining Room ad Cafeteria at the Homewood Health Centre here in Guelph, I then branched off into my own practice Health Insights Inc.- Lifestyle Planning in 1997, to design lifestyle nutritional programs, to focus more on, preventative lifestyle strategies, and to educate my clients on how to live that healthier lifestyle to promote better health.
The Mayo Clinic states that healthy eating is the gateway to better health. Research shows that while 52% of most individual seek to change their lifestyle habits, only 12%, actually achieve those health goals! As a nutritionist passionate about helping others achieve their health goals after experiencing my own personal health challenges, I designed the services of Health Insights Inc. to build my clients health goals and to support them, to stay focused on those goals that they set for themselves. Through lifestyle coaching, cooking workshops, and designing both personalized and group nutrition programs to make eating well easier, I would truly like to see you accomplish your lifestyle goals, so that you and your family will reap the benefits (weather health or otherwise) of seeing these goals become a successful and consistent part of your life!. Here are a few steps to take you there!
However, research shows that
1- Focus on one (1) goal at a time and set realistic timelines.
2- Break downyour goals into smaller steps so that it does not appear to be too difficult.
3- Accountabilityinto your life. Such as a trusted family member or a friend/mentor.
4- Persistence. Keep working at it and do not give up!.
5- Establish a healthy routine around the changes you are desiring to make
6- Sleep- current research concludes that good sleep patterns helps to balance both mental,
emotional and physical well-being.
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"Investing in Education"
Provided by John Moran
Given the increasing cost of higher learning, parents of young children must plan early on how they are going to finance their children's education. It is estimated that for a child born in 2010, the tuition cost for post-secondary education will exceed $80,000 for a four-year program. If you add housing costs, meals and textbooks, this cost will exceed $125,000 for the same period. Obviously having a plan is necessary.
The Registered Educational Savings Plan (RESP) is utilized by many Canadians to fund future education costs. There are a number of rules relating to these plans and given that there have been many changes over the years, it is beneficial to review the major regulations.
The major rules governing RESPs are as follows:
- Contributions are NOT tax deductible;
- The total lifetime limit is $50,000 per child;
- Each child must be a Canadian resident and have a SIN in order to open an RESP and be eligible for the Canadian Education Savings Grant (CESG);
- Since 2007, each child can accrue $2500 in grant eligible contributions which are eligible for the 20% CESG;
- There is a maximum CESG limit of $7200 per beneficiary;
- RESP beneficiaries can receive $500 CESG per year up to and including age 17; and,
- For individual plans, contributions can be made up to the 21st year of the plan while contributions for family plans must be made before the beneficiary reaches age 22.
There are specific rules for withdrawing RESP funds and these should be reviewed with your financial advisor prior to doing so. It is noteworthy to point out that if a child does not attend a qualifying post-secondary program, the CESG must be repaid to the government and that the income earned on the funds while invested are taxable to the subscriber.
There are many other aspects to the RESP but suffice to say that whether you use this grant-funded program or establish a savings plan of your own , it is imperative to get an early start on funding your children's education as the future cost will be significant.
John Moran, B.A., E.P.C., I.C.I.A
LYON FINANCIAL SERVICES
Our service doesn't cost. It pays. |
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