With Spring finally having arrived, it is time to get active.Discard the excuse of bad weather, and throw on some running shoes. A recent study of 190 stduents from Pennsylvania State University showed that those who were more physically active reported being more excited and enthusiastic in general. In other words, being physically active puts you in a better mod.
Another study in Amsterdam studied the effects of exercise on children and teenagers. This study found that students that did more physical activity had better grades in math and memory tests than their less active counterparts. Scientists attributed the changes to the fact that physical activity increases blood flow to the brain.
These studies are just some studies that confirm just how important staying physically fit can be to both your mental health and your mental facilities. There will always be a reason not to exercise. It may be as simple as you feel too tired or you are too busy. Try to move exercise upon your priority list- it will make a real difference in all other aspects of your life. Remember, no one regrets actually going out and exercising!
AGORAPHOBIA - anxiety about being in places or situations where escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or where help might not be available if they exhibit panic symptoms (eg dizziness, diarrhea).
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS - there are many types of anti-depressants; all work by altering the way neuro-transmitters work in our brains. Two types account for over 95% of the antidepressants prescribed. The ‘older’ antidepressants are the tricyclic antidepressants which appear to enhance the brain’s mood messengers in the synaptic junction. More recently, a newer group has been added. These selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin at the nerve endings in the brain, thus increasing the availability of serotonin at brain receptor sites.(Click here for more information)
ANTI-SOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDERS - a persistent pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, including aggression towards people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, or serious violation of rules. It begins in childhood or young adolescents, and continues into adulthood.
ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) - a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning and is more frequent and severe than individuals at comparable levels of development. (Click here for more information)
AUTISM - abnormal or impaired development of social interactions and communication with a very restricted range of interests and activities.
BEHAVIOUR DISORDERS - the most common disruptive behaviour disorders in children include Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
BIOFEEDBACK - a technique that trains people to improve their health by controlling their involuntary bodily processes, such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension and skin temperature. Electrodes attached to the skin measure these processes and display them on a monitor to measure progress, but eventually the individual will be able to achieve success without the monitor or electrodes.
BIPOLAR DISORDER - the essential feature of a bipolar disorder is the occurrence of one or more manic episodes (abnormal and persistent elevated, expansive or irritable mood). This may be accompanied by inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, flight of ideas, distractibility, psycho-motor agitation, etc.
BORDERLINE PERSONALITY - a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, affects and marked impulsivity. Individuals make frantic efforts to avoid both real or imagined separation / abandonment.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT) - this treatment approach is based on the theory that individuals’ emotions are controlled by their views and opinions of the world. For example, depression can result when individuals constantly berate themselves, expect to fail, make inaccurate assessments of what others think of them, feel hopeless and have a negative attitude toward the world and the future. A CBT therapist uses the various techniques of talk therapy and behavioural prescriptions to alleviate the negative thought patterns and beliefs. (Click here for more information)
CODEPENDENCY PERSONALITY DISORDER - a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation, beginning by early adulthood.
CODEPENDENCY IN ADDICTIONS - refers to a style of communicating or relating to others where the individual is so involved with another person’s problems that they lose sight of their own needs and goals.(Click here for more information)
COMPULSIVE HOARDING - the excessive collection of items, along with the inability to discard them, creating cramped living conditions. Some people also collect animals, keeping dozens or hundreds of pets in unsanitary conditions. Compulsive hoarding can be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
CONDUCT DISORDERS - a repetitive and persistent pattern of behaviour that violates the basic rights of others or age-appropriate norms and rules. The behaviours fall into categories: aggressive conduct that causes or threatens physical harm to others or animals; nonaggressive conduct that results in property loss or damage (eg fire-setting); theft or deceitfulness; and serious violation of rules (eg truancy, running away from home).
DELUSION – the distortion or exaggeration of inferential thinking. They are erroneous beliefs that usually involve a misinterpretation of perceptions or experiences. They have a variety of themes including: persecutory, referential (certain environmental cues are directed at the person eg song lyrics), religious, or grandiose.
DEMENTIA – characterized by the development of multiple cognitive deficits (including impairment of memory) resulting from a number of causes.
DEPRESSION – a pervasive feelings of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness and irritability that are disabling, appear to have no end, and are not alleviated by happy events or good news. (Click here for more information)
DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS – disruption in the integration of the functions of consciousness, memory, identity or perception of surroundings.
DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS (DSM) – a widely used classification system of mental disorders for clinical, educational and research use. Prepared by the American Psychiatric Association, the diagnostic categories, criteria and textual descriptions are used for individuals with appropriate clinical training and experience in diagnosis.
EATING DISORDERS – characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviour: ANOREXIA NERVOSA by refusal to maintain a minimum body weight and BULIMIA NERVOSA by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives/diuretics, etc. (Click here for more information)
EMOTIONALLY-FOCUSED THERAPY(EFT) - a short term (8-20 sessions), structured approach to couples therapy formulated in the early 80's by Drs. Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg. EFT is also used with families.
FORENSIC PSYCHIATRISTS - trained to identify and categorize the specific symptoms of mental disorders to evaluate a witness, a victim or a suspect as the court deems appropriate. Forensic psychiatrists focus on determining the precise type of mental disorder that the defendant has and therefore the liability the defendant has for the actual committing of the crime. The evidence gathered by a forensic psychiatrist is often used to enter a plea of “not guilty by reason of insanity.
GENDER IDENTITY DISORDERS – a strong and persistent cross-gender identification (ie the desire to be or insistence that the individual is of the other sex) and persistent discomfort about the individual’s assigned sex causing significant distress.
HALLUCINATIONS – distortions of perception that may occur in any sensory modality (auditory, visual, olfactory, etc). For example, auditory hallucinations are usually experienced as voices distinct from the individual’s own thoughts.
IMPULSE-CONTROL DISORDERS – failure to resist an impulse, drive, or temptation to perform an act that is harmful to the individual or to others. The individual usually feels an increasing sense of arousal or tension before performing the act, and relief, pleasure or gratification immediately following the act. Later, the person may experience regret, self-reproach or guilt.
KLEPTOMANIA – repeated failure to resist impulses to steal items, even though the items are not needed for personal use or monetary value.
MASOCHISM – a condition where sexual gratification depends on suffering, physical pain, deprivation, degradation and humiliation inflicted or imposed on oneself, either as a result of the individual’s own actions or those of others.
MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER (also called Dissociative Identity Disorder) – the presence of two or more distinct identities (personalities) that recurrently take control of the person’s behaviour. This is accompanied by the inability to recall important personal information.
NARRATIVE THERAPY - a narrative therapist helps clients examine, evaluate and change their relationship to a problem by acting as an investigative reporter. The therapist questions might examine how exactly the problem has managed to influence that person's life. This might help restore exceptions to the problem's influences, leading to naming an alternate direction in life.
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD) – intrusive, recurrent, and severe (taking more than 1 hour per day) obsessions (persistent ideas, thoughts, impulses or images) or compulsions (repetitive behaviours or mental acts) that cause distress or significant impairment. The person recognizes that they are excessive or unreasonable.
OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER (ODD) – a recurrent pattern of negative, defiant, disobedient and hostile behavior directed towards authority figures. Behaviours may include on a frequent basis: losing one's temper; arguing with adults; deliberately annoying people; blaming others; and becoming easily annoyed, angry, resentful and spiteful or vindictive.
PANIC ATTACKS – a period of intense fear or discomfort, with sudden onset that typically peaks in less than 10 minutes. It is accompanied by a sense of imminent danger, impending doom and an urge to escape. Common sensations include: shortness of breath, choking, sweating, shaking, pounding heart and nausea. (Click here for more information)
PARANOID IDEATION - a pattern of pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others. Without evidence, the motives of others are interpreted as malicious and others will exploit, harm, or deceive them.
PERSONALITY DISORDERS – an enduring pattern of inner experience and behaviour that markedly deviates from the expectations of the individual’s culture in areas of cognition (ways of perceiving and interpreting self, other people and events), affectivity (range, intensity, and appropriateness of emotional responses), interpersonal functioning and impulse control.
PHOBIA - a marked and persistent fear that is excessive and unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation. Exposure to which invariably provokes an immediate anxiety response. A phobia can severely limit an individual’s normal routine.
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION - onset of symptoms within 4 weeks of delivery of a child; long after the usual baby blues which may occur 3 to 7 days after delivery.
PSYCHOSIS - disturbance that involves at least one of the following: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech (frequent derailment or incoherence) or grossly disorganized or catatonic behaviour.
POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) – development of characteristic symptoms following exposure to a traumatic event including persistent: reexperiencing of the event, avoidance of the stimuli associated with the trauma, numbing of general responsiveness and persistent increased arousal, causing significant distress in important areas of functioning.
RECIPROCAL INHIBITION THERAPY - a method of behaviour therapy based on the inhibition of one response by the occurrence of another response that is mutually incompatible. For example a relaxation response might be conditioned to a stimulus that previously evoked anxiety.
REPRESSION - the unconscious exclusion of painful impulses, desires, or fears from the conscious mind.
SEPARATION ANXIETY DISORDER (SAD) - excessive anxiety concerning separation from the home or those to whom the infant, child or adolescent is attached to beyond what is expected for the individual’s developmental level. It causes significant distress or impairment in social or academic functioning.
SCHIZOPHRENIA - a combination of symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and grossly disorganized or catatonic behaviour accompanied by restrictions in the range and intensity of emotional expression (affective flattening), in the fluency and productivity of thought and speech, and in the initiation of goal-directed behaviour.
SOMATOFORM DISORDERS – presence of involuntary symptoms that suggest a general medical condition but are not fully explained by the medical condition, by the direct effects of a substance or by another mental disorder.
TOURETTE’S DISORDER – multiple motor and one or more vocal tics, occurring many times a day and almost daily, causing marked distress and impairment in functioning. Typically the motor tics involve the head and frequently other body parts. Vocal tics include words, clicks, grunts, yelps, barks and snorts.
Question - I want to go see a counsellor. How do I know the person is qualified and will help me? How do I know the counsellor will be the right one for me?
Answer - (Click here)
The right match is important. Because therapy is a partnership, you need to feel comfortable with the counsellor and feel confident your needs will be met. Feel free to interview the person by telephone or in person before making your choice.
When contacting the counsellor you might ask the following:
Are you licensed/registered in the province? (This means they must adhere to certain ethical and professional standards.)
How many years have you been practicing?
After briefly describing your problem, ask: What experience do you have helping someone in my situation?
What are your specializations? (children, marriage, etc…)
What might I expect during our sessions?
If you are seeing someone outside of your EFAP, make sure you ask the following:
What are your fees?
What types of insurance do you accept?
How do you bill for your services– do you bill my insurance company directly or do I bill for reimbursement?
Question - What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Answer - (Click here)
Psychologists spend over 7 years in training before they receive a doctorate. They must also complete an additional clinical internship in an organized health setting before practicing independently.
Psychiatrists have a medical degree and usually 4 years of residency training in mental health.
Both psychologists and psychiatrists treat people with problems that vary widely from mild anxiety to paranoia. Both can practice psychotherapy. Only psychiatrists as medical doctors, can prescribe medication. Increasingly, those in private practices are focusing more on medication management and not psychotherapy.
Question - I get very down during the winter months and I don't have my regular energy level. I don’t feel like doing anything or going anywhere, and I can’t seem to snap out of it. What should I do?
Answer - (Click here)
You may be one of the people who are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The disorder is more common among women and usually begins in the person's early 20s. SAD is a type of depression that appears to be related to the amount of exposure an individual has to daylight. In Canada, as the days get shorter and the weather colder, we are exposed to less sunlight.
Symptoms of SAD include:
Sadness, anxiety or despair
Irritability & difficulty concentrating
Low energy level
Social withdrawal
Change in appetite & weight
Headaches
Increased sleeping
Visit your physician who will check your symptoms, perform a physical exam and perhaps order blood tests to rule out other medical conditions. Prescribed treatment might include light therapy (exposure to full-spectrum white light), exercise, or a change in diet. Antidepressants may be prescribed in severe cases.
Question - I think I may have a drinking problem. I don’t drink every day, but when I do drink, I drink excessively. I often don’t remember what happened the night before or I feel guilty about my behaviour. What should I do?
Answer - (Click here)
Make an appointment to see your EFAP counsellor, or contact the British Columbia Alcohol and Drug Information & Referral Service. This confidential service is staffed 24 hours a day and is available across the province for those needing help locating alcohol and drug rehab programs. Call 604.660.9382 for the Lower Mainland, or 1.800.663.1441 for anywhere else in BC.
If you are hesitant about taking this step, first visit http://counsellingresource.com/quizzes/alcohol-mast/index.html, where you can download a 22 item (Yes or No) questionnaire, together with scoring instructions. This is the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST), one of the most widely used screening questionnaires for alcohol-related problems.
Take the test; the results may encourage you to seek help.
Question - My Mom has Alzheimer’s. She is getting worse, and last week she didn’t even recognize me. I am having a hard time dealing with this. What should I do?
Answer - (Click here)
Alzheimer’s disease is one of many degenerative brain conditions characterized by progressive memory loss, confusion and cognitive decline. Existing drugs and lifestyle changes only delay the symptoms; there is no cure.
This stage of the disease where your Mother forgets your name or does not recognize you is very upsetting for both of you. At this point, your Mother may be trying to interpret a world that no longer makes sense to her because her brain is not interpreting information correctly. Communication can become more and more challenging. She may have good days and bad days; this can depend on the quality of her sleep, her stress level and other medical conditions. Learning about the disease will help you become prepared and have a realistic expectation of your Mother’s ability to communicate as the disease progresses and abilities are lost.
Having a Mother who has Alzheimer’s is very challenging. It is normal for you to feel a variety of emotions throughout all stages of the disease. It is important that you acknowledge your feelings, care for yourself and seek the practical help and emotional support that you need. The Alzheimer Society in your community, www.alzheimerbc.org, can provide educational resources to help you learn more about the disease; referrals to help you access the practical support; and one-on-one and group support to help cope with the emotional impact of the disease.
Question - Does excessive consumption of sugar-laden candy make kids hyperactive?
Answer - (Click here)
Sugar does not cause hyperactivity in children. A controlled study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in November 1995 confirmed that there is no direct link between the consumption of sugar and children’s behavior. Sugar has become the victim of “guilt by association.”
A parent’s perception can affect the reality of the situation. A study from the August 1994 Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology showed that if a parent believed that there was casual link between sugar and hyperactivity, then they would perceive their child to be affected by sugar if they thought they were consuming a sugary drink.
The second misperception is that people often confuse proximity with causality when it comes to food and behavior Circumstances such a birthdays, parties and celebrations are often the cause of the excitability, however sugar can often take the blame.
Important Reminders:
If a child’s behavior is disrupting the home life, or their school performance is suffering, there could be a more serious problem, and you should consult your doctor for a full medical evaluation.
Tooth decay is a major problem among young people. Sugary foods can linger on your teeth and cause the build up of plaque. It is important for your children to avoid prolonged snacking and to brush their teeth or rinse after every meal.
Candy and other sweets lack nutritional benefits. Ensure that your child eats a well balanced and healthy meal prior to consuming any sweets. Sweets should be a treat and not a meal replacement.
Question - I have heard a lot about mindful meditation for stress relief? What is it and how can I apply it to parenting situations at home?
Answer - (Click here)
Mindful meditation is a phrase that was coined by Jon Kabat-Zinn who leads the field in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). This idea focuses on moment-to-moment awareness to create good health and well-being.
Parenting can be a stressful endeavor with many challenges and stressors. When encountering a situation that elevates your stress level, focus your attention on the present moment or on something as simple as breathing.
In order to succeed with mindfulness become an "impartial observer" of everything that passes before your attention . Allow yourself to acknowledge what is happening but not try to change it. If your mind wanders during this process gently return your focus to the present. Focusing on your breathing is a simple way to do this. Breathing can be our anchor to mindfulness when life is in disarray . Consistent deep and slow breaths will allow calmness to transcend over the mind and alleviate the stressor.
Remember during this process that purposefulness is important. Having “the purpose of staying with our experience, whether that’s the breath, or a particular emotion, or something as simple as eating, means that we are actively shaping the mind”.
Question - Does early marijuana use affect cognitive development?
Answer - (Click here)
According to a UN Drug report, British Columbia has the highest rate at 16.8% in the country of marijuana use among people over the age of 15. Over the past two decades, the rates of use among youth has increased dramatically. A Canadian Community Health Survey found that marijuana use of those Canadians 15 years and older doubled between 1989 and 2002. More youth are experimenting with marijuana at a younger age in our province, and adolescent boys seem most at risk. Marijuana use can have serious implications, especially for young people.
Harvard Medical School scientists and those from the intramural research program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that people who began smoking marijuana before the age of 17 suffered from lasting cognitive deficits. The study involved 122 subjects who were between the ages of 30 and 55, and who had refrained from drug use for at least 28 days. Of those subjects, sixty-nine (57%) had begun using marijuana prior to the age of 17. These individuals who began marijuana use prior to the age of 17 performed significantly worse on verbal functioning and mental flexibility tests relating to verbal IQ and memory. Also they did not have as strong error processing and attention skills as the control group.
It is possible to interpret these results as those individuals who began smoking early had inherently weak cognitive skills prior to using marijuana, or performed poorly scholastically and therefore failed to learn important cognitive skills. However, the most distressing explanation is that early use has a neurotoxic effect on the developing brain. Dr. Francis Jensen, MD speculates that early marijuana use is “somehow modifying the way that part of the brain [the prefrontal cortex, involved in executive function tasks] is developing.” This part of the brain is the last to develop, and therefore puts teenagers at a specific risk level.
A New Zealand study published a meta-analysis based on three Australian cohort studies involving 6,000 participants, and found that there was a link between early marijuana use and educational achievement. Those who began smoking marijuana prior to the age of 15 had the lowest level of academic achievement, whereas those who did not use marijuana before the age of 18 had the highest levels.
It is important to talk to your children at a young age about the serious implications that marijuana use can have on their cognitive functioning and their future. Knowledge is a powerful tool!
Question - How can I manage stressful situations in my life?
Answer - (Click here)
.
As soon as you identify the cause of your stress (major events, long term fears or daily hassles), you can learn how to alleviate it by working on solutions. Ask yourself: What can I do to make a positive change now?
Try not to be too hard on yourself, as stress brings up a lot of negative thoughts and emotions. Taking steps towards dealing with your stress will help take the pressure off.
Talking about your problems with family or friends will help relieve stress through venting. Your support system may also suggest solutions you might not have considered.
Learning different relaxation techniques will help repair the damage stress has on your body and mind. It can be as simple as focusing your attention on the present or on something calming, and increasing your awareness of your body, as in yoga or meditation. Other suggestions include writing, getting outside, gardening and painting.
The techniques for managing stress are different for everyone, so if you are feeling overwhelmed, make an appointment to see your EFAP counsellor.
Why do something? Because stress can have a number of negative effects including:
feelings of guilt, sadness, and irritability,
changes in sleep patterns, weight or appetite,
difficulty making decisions or concentrating, negative thought patterns, a lack of energy or interest, and restlessness,
risk of serious health issues, including mental illness and heart disease,
substance abuse and
biochemical alterations in the body, affecting your immune system and leaving your body more susceptible to disease.
Therefore it is important that you address the cause immediately.
Not sure where your career path is heading? Perhaps you want to make a change. The following links will get you started.
http://www.workbc.ca/ - This site provides a resource guide for the labour market in BC. It has sections for both jobseekers and employers. It also displays market trends and provides BC's most in demand occupations.
http://www.careerjoy.com/ - This site is a career coaching service that provides a free 15 minute career test. It offers services for both employers and job seekers.
http://www.youremploymentservices.ca/career_planning.php - This site is geared towards career planning and exploration. It provides information on being your own boss and contains sections for employees. It has an extensive list of local resources classified by city.
Are you a parent and need some assistance? Whether you are looking for a quality daycare, or information on how to prepare your child for the education system, there is a wealth of resources available to you in BC. This section lists resources for parenting and childcare and provides other information for your family.
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/ or 1.888.338.6622 - A practical site that covers topics regarding government issues and childcare. This site gives information about childcare subsidies, including who is eligible and how to apply. It also acts as a gateway for access to additional resources.
http://www.ccrr.bc.ca/ - BC Child Care Resource & Referral Program offers quality child care referrals, resources and support to all child care providers and families in over 400 communities across British Columbia. It is a gateway website that will give parents or child care providers access to workshops and other resources.
http://www.childcareresource.ca/ - This contains an extensive database of all childcare centres in the Vancouver Coastal region.
http://www.parentsupportbc.ca/ - This site gives information on how to access Parent Support Circles in BC, including a section for grandparents raising children. There are a number of newsletters and articles of interest available to parents and / or caregivers.
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/early_learning/rsl/
- Ready, Set, Learn is a program for familiesand their 3 year olds. It promotes school readiness through events that local schools host that include activities for children, and provide additional resources for parents. An information booklet is also available to prepare your child for school.
http://www.2010legaciesnow.com/leap_bc/ - LeapBC is a program designed to aid in child development through playing, physical activity, healthy eating habits and early literacy. It contains a series of activities and trademarked programs you can download for free. It offers programs from birth to 3 years, and from 3 years to 5 years.
Are you worried about your aging parents? Perhaps you are retired and looking for some guidance on estate-planning? Below are a few links to get you started.
.
http://www.eldercarebc.com - This website addresses elders’ investment and financial issues. It offers a free consultation to ensure an elder is receiving all of the government subsidies that they are entitled to. This site discusses assisted living vs. residential care, and offers a list of resources for healthcare.
.
http://www.myseniorsite.ca/ -This provincial government site discusses health, community, lifestyle, security and finances for those 55 and older. There are also crosswords, funny stories and golf tips. Topics such a legal wellness, estate-planning and grandparenting tips are also covered.
.
http://www.seniorsbc.ca/ or call toll-free 1.800.465.4911 - This is a provincial website that covers topics like Pharmacare, government pensions and discounted travel.
.
http://www.bchousing.org/programs/SAFER or call toll-free 1.800.257.7756 - Provides an introduction to the SAFER (Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters) program and other basic information. To be eligible you must be at least 60 years old, a BC resident for 12 months and pay at least 30% of your monthly income in rent.
http://www.bcceas.ca/ or 1.866.437.1940. This BC Centre for Elder Advocacy & Support website has two sections; one for older adults, and the other for lawyers. It offers free legal advice to older adults and brings to light issues such as elder abuse. Any older adult who feels they have been abused or mistreated can contact the centre for help.
Do you have some financial concerns? Are you unsure of where to go for tax or pension questions? Do you need some mortgage information? The following link addresses a variety of questions regarding your finances.
http://www.nomoredebts.org/ or 1.888.527.8999 - The non-profit Credit Counselling Society runs a debt management program. To determine eligibility, you need to meet with one of their counsellors.This site contains several interactive tools, including calculators and online chats. They also offer workshops, an expense tracker and helpful articles. (Click here for more information)
http://www.iamdebtfree.com/or 1.800.565.4595 - The Consumer Credit Counselling website has a 24 hour Response Guarantee contact form. This independent agency will work with your creditors to arrange for one direct monthly payment to pay off your creditors.
http://www.equifax.com/home/en_ca- This organization supplies each consumer with one free credit report a year, provided the request is made by mail or through the phone.
http://www.bcmortgage.ca/investment_rental_bc.htm or 1.866.666.1476 - This site provides information on mortgage brokers in your area including the current rates, tax guides and supplies an online mortgage calculator.
.
http://www.canadiantaxamnesty.ca/ - Although based in Toronto, this law firm specializes in tax amnesty throughout Canada. It focuses on the Voluntary Disclosure process, whereby a person in default voluntarily admits to owing taxes, and therefore avoids prosecution from the Canada Revenue Agency. It provides a wealth of information for those who have been caught evading taxes.
.
http://www.fightthecra.ca/-This site provides instant access to a tax lawyer as well as access to a free consultation nationwide. It also provides information that focusses on audits and amnesty.
.
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/cpp/cpptoc.shtml- This site gives information about the Canadian Pension Plan, including retirement, disability and survivor benefits, as well as benefits for students aged 18 to 25.
Are you having some legal problems? Do you need a lawyer but don't know how to go about it? The links below will give you some information and help you get started.
.
http://www.lss.bc.ca/or 1.866.577.2525 - The Legal Services Society website provides legal aid, advice and education for low-income residents of BC. They also provide additional resources for all BC residents. This is a great resource if you require a legal aid lawyer or have a family legal issue. Alternately, you can call the Law Line and they can help you over the phone.
.
http://www.accessjustice.ca/ - This is the Access Pro Bono Society of BC website. TheSociety focuses on the legal advice program. It is a non-profit organization with all services offered free of charge. The appointment section allows you to find workshops in your area by topic.
.
http://www.cba.org/BC/Public_Media/dal/default.aspxor 1.800.565.5297 - This site provides legal information, but not legal advice. It includes brochures on visiting a lawyer regarding the drafting of a will, buying a home and issues surrounding separation and divorce. It also contains sectionson wrongful dismissal, youth law, housing and Small Claims court. Services are offered in English, French, Cantonese, Mandarin and Punjabi.
.
http://www.victimlinkbc.ca/or 1.800.563.0808 - This service provides support, information and a 24/7 referral service for victims of crime, and immediate assistance to victims of family and sexual violence.
http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/- This is a service for all British Columbians which provides information and help on topics such as estate-planning, accidents and injuries and pensions and benefits. There are videos that explain the procedure for Small Claims court and a section called How to Solve Problems, which has brochures on a variety of useful topics from living common-law to foreclosure.
Eating right and exercising are an important part of your mental health. With so much information out there, sometimes it is hard to know exactly who to trust. Here are a few links to help you have a healthy lifestyle.
http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian/- This BC Government website gives you the most current information regarding nutrition. Alternatively you can dial 8-1-1 and speak directly to a dietician who will provide you with the latest findings and help answer any of your nutrition questions.
http://www.brandnamefoodlist.ca - Looking to make a change to your eating habits? Curious how certain products stack up to others? This popular website provides all the nutritional information for brand name foods. It's free to sign up and it gives you access to thousands of entries.
.
http://www.actnowbc.ca/ - This government website promotes healthy lifestyles and provides information about nutrition, exercise and smoking cessation. It contains sections for adults, children, seniors and those physically disabled. Short, informative videos are also posted to further your knowledge.
.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/order-commander/index-eng.php - Canada's food guide! This is the classic food guide, but it has been updated and continues to be relevant today. It is a great resource for pregnant women and older adults. This guide explains serving sizes and which food groups are necessary to maintain a healthy diet.
.
http://www.sparkpeople.com/ - This site contains a free online tool for those wanting to live a healthy lifestyle. It includes a calorie counter, customized meal plans, personalized exercise plans, articles, expert answers and much more.
This section contains a variety of evidence-based self-assessment tools that will address some of your concerns on issues such as mental health and nutrition. Click on the links below and follow the instructions:
.
THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE QUIZ
This quiz is presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association to help determine whether you have a healthy work-life balance. It provides some tips and suggestions on how to get on the right track.
The MAST is a confidential test to help determine if you may have an alcohol dependency problem. This revised 22-question version can be done online, and produces quick results. This test specifically focuses on alcohol use.
The DAST is a 20-question test that is very similar to the MAST, only it focuses on drug use. The test results can determine if you have an issue with drugs, and might want to access counselling.
This quiz, produced by the cancer society, looks at your eating and exercise habits to determine how healthy you are. It gives you tips to encourage a healthy lifestyle, and reduce activities that cause health problems, including cancer.
This website allows you to set up a personalized program whereby you can track your weight loss goals, research the nutrional information on a variety of everyday food products, and keep track of your exercise goals. Sign up for a free account.
