Vaccines are Important!

Vaccine Letters

Parents want to do everything possible to make sure their children are healthy and protected from preventable diseases. Vaccination is the best way to do that.     Vaccination protects children from serious illness and complications of vaccine-preventable diseases which can include amputation of an arm or leg, paralysis of limbs, hearing loss, convulsions, brain damage, and death. Vaccine-preventable diseases, such … Read More

Minimum wage and living wage, what’s the difference?

With all this living wage talk, it is important to point out the differences between minimum wage and living wage. The important thing to remember is that calculating a living wage rate helps answer the question:  “What DOES it cost to live, learn, work and play in our community?” Minimum wage: 1. Ontario is $10.25/hr 2. Legislated and legally binding 3. Determined by provincial government … Read More

What can a living wage buy?

A living wage helps working families make enough money to cover reasonable costs.  It encourages social inclusion and supports healthy child development.  A living wage also helps make sure families are not under severe financial stress. Expenses included in a living wage are based on local costs with input from the community.  These expenses usually include food, clothing and footwear, shelter and utilities … Read More

Let’s Start a Conversation! part 5

Health = Community belonging A community that offers support, respect, & opportunities to particpate helps us all be healthy. Feeling included makes a difference! To learn more, check out this video! Video produced by the Wellesley Institute

Let’s Start a Conversation! part 4

Health = having a vibrant middle class A community is healthier if everyone gets their fair share of money.  This means that in communities where the gap between the rich and poor is smaller, the healthier everyone is. In Canada, however, this gap is growing.  This is causing a shrinking middle class and creating a group of people who work but … Read More

Let’s Start a Conversation! – part 2

Everyone has a story to tell. “I’ve just lost my job.” “There is mould in my apartment.” “I wish I had friends to hang out with.” “I can’t find flexible daycare.” “I sometimes go to school hungry.” Listen and consider the ways in which people’s stories shape their ability to be healthy.   Let’s start a conversation.  Share what you know! … Read More

Let’s Start a Conversation

Health starts, long before illness, in our homes, schools and jobs. The most important things we can do for our health may not be as obvious as we think.  Here is what contributes most to our health: Having options and opportunities A rewarding job with a living wage Food on the table and a place to call home A good … Read More