AUTUMN ISSUE 28
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Sugar pie, honey bunch
Keeping an eye on our sugar intake is
important because refined sugars provide
calories but few other nutrients. Your sweet
tooth may be better served by a piece of fresh
fruit, but that doesn’t help if you prefer your tea
with one lump or two.
Although
their
vitamin and mineral
content
isn’t
significantly different
from that of table
sugar, many people
favour the ‘natural’
sweeteners such
as honey, nectars,
molasses or maple
syrup. The purified
extract of the stevia
leaf, also known as
“steviol glycoside,” is
approved as a table-top sweetener and for
use in foods such as candy and gum. Due to its
intense sweetness, a little stevia goes a
long way.
Even with so many alternatives to refined
cane and beet sugar readily available, many of
us turn to other types of ‘artificial’ sugar
substitutes to help satisfy the craving. In
Canada, aspartame is widely used in soft
drinks, yogurt, candy and as a table-top
sweetener. Although aspartame can be safely
consumed by most healthy individuals, it
contains phenylalanine, which is dangerous to
those suffering from a certain genetic disorder.
Sucralose is also widely used in processed
foods and for
home baking. In
fact,
Canada
was the first
country
to
approve its use,
and it has been
used safely for
over 20 years.
Sugar alcohols
(sorbitol,
mannitol,
maltitol, xylitol)
cannot
be
purchased as
table sweeteners, but are used by
manufacturers. They do provide small
amounts of calories which may affect blood
glucose (sugar) levels. Large amounts
(more than 10 grams/day) can cause
digestive problems.
Find out more about the wide range of
alternatives out there. In moderation, both
natural sugar and artificial sweeteners can be
part of your healthy eating plan.
Like one of the family
Now that your “nest”
may be emptying
out,
you might
consider filling that
extra space by
adopting a dog or
cat. By providing an
animal with a loving
home, committed
pet owners may discover a host of benefits
in day-to-day life and over the long term.
Publication copyright © Arbor Memorial Inc. 2013
Physical health: Pet owners tend to have
lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and
better overall heart health than those who
don’t have a pet. In a study of 100 Medicare
patients, even the most highly stressed dog
owner had 21 percent fewer doctors’ visits
than the non-dog owners who took part in
the research.
Mental health: Pets provide unwavering
companionship and a sense of family which
helps relieve stress and prevent depression.
Dealing with
Home Contractors
From a leaky faucet to a full kitchen
renovation, home ownership often
means calling a repair person. Here
are some tips for choosing the right
tradespeople:
Who can you trust? Ask friends,
family and neighbours about their
first-hand experiences. Personal
recommendations are often the best
place to start, but be sure to check
formal references before you hire.
Is your budget realistic? Get three
written estimates which include
detailed, itemized descriptions of all
services and materials required.
Have you done your research? The
best bid is not necessarily the lowest.
A low bidder may neglect key steps
or supply cheap materials that won’t
hold up. Learning a little
about what’s involved in
your home project
can help you make
informed decisions.
Social interaction: Pets are good
conversation starters – it’s easy to talk to
other pet “parents.” Obedience classes, dog
parks and pet stores also provide a great
opportunity to meet new people.
Safety: Pets will often alert you to a
dangerous situation. And just the presence
of an animal in the house can make a pet
owner feel safer and more secure.
Pets can’t replace human relationships, but
they can certainly augment them providing
years of unconditional love and the good
health you need to enjoy those years.
Arbor Memorial Events
Just the Facts
Throughout the year, many Arbor Memorial
locations host special events and seasonal
services in their communities. Participating
can help strengthen family ties and keep loved
one’s memories close forever. Upcoming
holiday season happenings include:
Bananas
Bananas contain vitamin C, potassium,
fibre, and is the only fruit to contain the
amino acid tryptophan plus vitamin B6
Candlelight Memorial Services
During the holiday season, special services
are held to celebrate and remember the lives
of those we loved and cherished. These
uplifting events often feature music and
complimentary refreshments. Take some
time during the often frantic holidays to
honour the memory of your loved ones.
India is the largest producer of this fruit,
accounting for approx. 28% of the world’s
commercial supply
A bunch of bananas is actually called a
“hand” and the bananas are “fingers”
The inside of a banana peel has a number
of properties that make them useful for
polishing leather or silver, and shining the
leaves of houseplants
Tree of Memories
Many of our branches invite you to hang an
ornament on the Tree of Memories in
remembrance of a loved one. Some also offer
ornaments for sale, with the proceeds going
to charity.
thebananapolice.com
No-Sugar Banana Muffins
3 very ripe large bananas, mashed
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup melted butter, cooled
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
tiny pinch of nutmeg
1 cup raisons
chopped nuts (optional)
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda,
baking powder, salt, spice and raisons.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg,
melted butter, bananas and vanilla.
Stir wet ingredients into the flour mixture
until just combined. Don’t over mix. Loosely
fill 12 greased muffin tins.
Gently press finely chopped nuts onto tops
if desired. Bake at 350°F for approx. 15-20
minutes or until tops spring back.
For a sweeter muffin, add 2-3 tablespoons
of honey to the mashed bananas.
adapted from Sweet Poison Forum
Tell a Friend! Do you know someone
who would benefit from getting organized?
Visit ArborMemorial.com and we’ll arrange
for them to receive a helpful Information
Kit, free and without obligation.
Publication copyright © Arbor Memorial Inc. 2013
To find the Arbor Memorial location closest to you, visit
arbormemorial.com/locations
Discover the Power of Planning
It’s a different kind of giving
The holiday season is a time when we are reminded to think more deeply
about the needs of others. We send baskets of food and gifts to local shelters
and put coins in donation boxes at the local mall. For those families that give
gifts, we think about what our loved ones might want and need - things we can
offer wrapped in bows and brightly coloured paper. It’s a heart-felt gesture that
expresses our love and support and makes us feel enriched to provide.
This year, after the festivities are over and the last ornament is finally packed
away, take some time to consider a different kind of gift you can create over the
coming months. By taking care of your final planning expenses today, you will
help alleviate emotional and financial strain from the shoulders of
your spouse or children and fulfil a very real need down the line.
Making the decision to create
Get a FREE
your own pre-planned funeral
Planning
Kit
or cemetery arrangements is a
loving gesture indeed.
Ask us !
Find out more. Book a free,
no-obligation consultation at
your nearest Arbor location.
To find the Arbor location
nearest you, visit:
ArborMemorial.com
or call: 1-888-700-7766