Community News
Are You Struggling with CRA Debt?

LCTaylor Licensed Insolvency Trustees

All debt is stressful, but most people would agree that owing money to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is a frightening prospect. CRA debt is never ignored or written off. Collection attempts by CRA are often aggressive and can even include wage garnishment and liens on your home.

If you are struggling with back taxes, don’t panic. There are resources in place that can help you get caught up on your taxes. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with CRA debt.

Request a payment plan.

While CRA will not negotiate with you on back taxes, they will work with you to split the amount you owe into more manageable payments. Contact CRA and ask them if you can go on a payment plan. This will allow you to pay the full amount back over a certain period of time.

There are a few drawbacks to a payment plan. Until the balance is paid off, it will accrue interest. Depending on how much you owe, this can be very expensive. Also, if you default on your payment plan, the CRA will begin collection attempts. This can include wage garnishment or a lien on your home.

Consult with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.

Let’s say you discuss a payment plan with the CRA, but the payments are too expensive. Or, you’ve recently lost your job and cannot afford to make any payments. If this is the case, you may need to visit a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.

One option to discuss with the Trustee is a Consumer Proposal. This allows you to settle your debts for less than you owe. The Trustee will work with the CRA and your other creditors to negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Then, you’ll make a payment you can afford to the Trustee. This kind of settlement has advantages over one that you could arrange yourself. When you file a formal Consumer Proposal through a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, the proposal is binding on your creditors, and they are prevented from pursuing any further collection practices.

If a payment plan or Consumer Proposal fail, Bankruptcy is another option. Because tax debt is an unsecured debt, it is included in debts to be discharged in a bankruptcy. Depending on your circumstances, a Bankruptcy is sometimes a better option than a Consumer Proposal, because it may cost less and be completed sooner. A Trustee will help you decide the best option for your situation.

Both a Consumer Proposal and Bankruptcy stop collection activity from your creditors.

Above all—act quickly.

When it comes to CRA debt, it’s important to act quickly. Although it’s easy to ignore a notice or call from CRA, especially if you don’t have the money to pay your taxes, it’s the worst thing you can do. CRA will sometimes work with you, but only if you communicate with them.

CRA debt can be stressful, but it can be manageable if you follow these guidelines.

L.C. Taylor
www.lctaylor.com

Why You Need Kombucha!

Kombucha is a living health drink made by fermenting tea and sugar with the Kombucha culture. The result can taste like something between sparkling apple cider and champagne, depending on what kind of tea you use. Known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the Chinese and originating in the Far East around 2,000 years ago, Kombucha is a beverage with tremendous health benefits. It can efficiently act in health preservation and recovery due to four main properties: detoxification, anti-oxidation, energizing potencies, and promotion of boosting immunity. Seven main health benefits of Kombucha include: Detoxification by counteracting liver cell toxicity, aids in digestion by counteracting free radicals that create mayhem in the digestive system., Kombucha also increases energy, boosts immune health, helps heal and prevent joint damage, and reduces the risk of cancer as a result of the glucaric acid. In addition to this Kombucha also helps with weight loss by improving metabolism and limiting fat accumulation.

Nutrition Plus Organic Market

www.nutritionplus.com

Senior Safety Checklist

Are all throw rugs and scatter mats secured in place to keep them from slipping? Yes_ No_
Do you have a first aid kit and know where it is? Yes_ No_
Do the steps of your stairs have a non-skid surface? Yes_ No_
Are there solid handrails on both sides of the stairway? Yes_ No_
Do you remove your reading glasses when using the stairs? Yes_ No_
Are heavy items on lower shelves or in bottom cupboards? Yes_ No_
Do you use a ladder or a stable step stool (with a safety rail) for reaching high places? Yes_ No_
Are all chemicals, such as bleach, cleaners and paint thinners, clearly identified? Yes_ No_
Are flammable materials stored as indicated by the directions on the label and away from sources of heat and flame? Yes_ No_
Do you keep night lights or other sources of light on in case you get up in the middle of the night? Yes_ No_

Life Assure

www.lifeassure.com

Differentiating Between IBS and IBD

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) are common today and are often viewed as the same thing. They are not. IBD is a broad term referring to chronic inflammation of the bowels, mostly linked to Crohn’s and Colitis. IBS is not classified as a true disease, it’s known instead as a ‘functional disorder’, which means they don’t know what is causing the symptoms and test results generally come back normal. IBS is usually characterized by a combination of abdominal pain, cramps, constipation and diarrhea. IBD can cause the same symptoms as IBS as well as; eye discomfort, extreme fatigue, joint pain and rectal bleeding. Both can cause urgent bowel movements. There are natural therapies including reflexology and acupuncture that can help keep symptoms under control.

Trenna Reid, Discover Reflexology

www.discoverreflexology.ca

Exercise During Pregnancy

There once was a time when many pregnant women were put on bed rest, but there is more and more evidence supporting exercises during pregnancy. Even those who haven’t been active prior to pregnancy are encouraged to gradually increase their physical activity, especially during the second trimester. According to the American Counsel of Sports Medicine, benefits of exercise far outweigh risks. Benefits include decreased chances of developing gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, decreased lower back pain and better weight control. Guidelines for exercise intensity use the ‘talk test’, whatever activity you’re performing; you should still be able to carry on a conversation without being excessively short of breath. It’s recommended to exercise 15-30 minutes/day 3-5 days per week. Types of exercise include lower impact activities that don’t involve contact or high risk of falls. Your physiotherapist can show you different exercise modifications to keep workouts safe yet effective throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Susanne Robson, BMR(PT) Prairie Trail Physiotherapy

www.prairietrailphysio.ca

Managing Multiple Medications

When taking medications more than twice a day, the likelihood of forgetting increases. For this reason, it is preferable to use convenience packing / bubble packs to serve as a reminder. This type of packaging can help to space your medications appropriately. Prescription medications can interact with each other, sometimes causing adverse side effects. However, over the counter products such as vitamins or herbal products can also interact with prescription medications – this can potentially change the effectiveness of the drug and cause harm. If you are on prescription drugs, it’s important to have a discussion with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over the counter products. A pharmacist can also conduct a full medication review with all your prescription and over the counter products and advise you on safe use. If you are on a complex medication regime, a pharmacist is able to help you monitor the effects of your medication.

Ray Hogue, Care At Home Pharmacy
www.careathomepharmacy.ca

Clean Eating: Oven Roasted Chickpeas

Oven-roasted chickpeas are about as simple as it gets — toss with olive oil, your favourite spices, roast and eat! They are nutritious and a great source of protein and fiber!
This recipe makes approx. 2 cups of snacking goodness!

Ingredients:

2 15-oz cans organic chickpeas
2 TBSP olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
2-4 tsp spices or finely chopped fresh herbs, like chili powder, curry powder, or smoked paprika.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Rinse chickpeas thoroughly, then pat dry with a clean towel. They should feel dry to the touch. Toss chickpeas with olive oil and salt: Spread them out in an even layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Stir to make sure the chickpeas are evenly coated. Roast for 20-30 minutes, shaking the pan every 10 minutes. The chickpeas are done when golden and crispy. Toss with the spices and serve warm!

Eilsa Pitamber
www.elisanutrition.com

Book Club: Making a Good Brain Great

by Daniel Amen, MD

When our brains work right, we work right. But the brain is easily injured. A bump on the head, sleep deprivation and poor nutrition can all have long-term consequences leading to problems with attention, mood and even dementia. Dr. Amen shares his exciting insights into protecting, repairing and maintaining our brains with good nutrition, supplements and special exercises. A great read!

Dr. Anke Zimmermann ND,
www.drzimmermann.org

Top 5 Ways Oregano Oil Can Help You

1. Defence Against Harmful Organisms. Oregano oil is known as nature’s most potent defender against unwanted invaders.

2. Strong Antioxidant. Antioxidants fight free radicals and oxidation — the process by which your cells age and wear out. Oregano oil contains high levels of antioxidants to help fight damaging free radicals.

3. Supports Good Health. Taking oregano oil is no guarantee that you’ll never get sick, but when you want to avoid what’s going around, oregano oil can be an extra line of defense and provide support against common, seasonal ailments.

4. Digestive System Support. Oregano oil supports digestion by stimulating the flow of bile to your digestive organs. This can help you get more nutrition out of your food and enjoy a more consistent system.

5. Excellent Nutrition. As an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, copper, and niacin, oregano oil can be helpful in helping you meet your nutritional requirements.

Bowen Therapy

Bowen therapy works to alleviate acute and chronic skeletal muscle injury or disorders and nervous system disruptions. Tom Bowen, an Australian who developed this technique in the 1950’s, asserted that everything in the body is interrelated so damage at one site restricts the function of the entire system. Furthermore, the body is self-healing; however, injuries or disruptions can limit this healing response. It is this healing response that Bowen therapy works toward activating, with the goal of allowing the body to heal itself. Studies have shown that in addition to restoring muscle and nervous system integrity, Bowen treatments can shift the central nervous system from the sympathetic (flight and fight) response to the parasympathetic (rest and restoration) response. As a result, it can positively affect physiological functions such as circulation, arterial pressure and heart rate, digestion, sleep, lymphatic circulation, and the endocrine system.

Julia Rempel, PhD (Immunology), Certified Bowen Therapist
www.sagewaterhealth.com

Ester-C® Vitamin Review 

Ester-C® is a unique, patented form of calcium ascorbate, which is made when ascorbic acid (regular vitamin C) is buffered with calcium using a water-based process. Ester-C® is the only form of vitamin C that has been proven to last up to 24 hours in the white blood cells of the immune system. It is less acidic and easier on the stomach than ascorbic acid. Enhanced with quercetin, a powerful bioflavonoid and antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties, Ester-C® has a clinically-proven, higher bioavailability and retention rate than other forms of vitamin C. Formulated with citrus-free ingredients for people wishing to avoid citrus. Suitable for vegans and are high-potency tablets for people wishing to supply their needs with fewer pills. Each tablet contains: Medicinal ingredients: Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate*)…1,000 mg. Calcium (calcium ascorbate*)…125 mg *from Ester-C® brand calcium ascorbate. Contains no dairy, citrus, wheat, gluten, soy or preservatives.

Nutrition Plus
www.nutritionplus.com