Sparkling coloured gems have been used in jewelry for thousands of years 

When most people think of coloured gemstones, they think of birth stones.  With the amazing variety of gems, who chose those twelve to be special?  Most scholars agree that this tradition dates back to the “Breastplate of Aaron”, a religious garment inlaid with twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, the signs of the zodiac, and the months of the year.  Continue Reading

When we purchase insurance it is always with the hope that it won’t have to be used.  However, when something goes wrong with our home, there are five key steps that must be taken to help make the claim process go smoothly. Continue Reading

In my last article I talked about health as a “state of complete physical, social, and mental well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”  This is the definition of health as defined by the World Health Organization.  I also emphasized looking at health as a continuum. 

In this article I would like to expand that definition of health, and perhaps break out some different components.

If we look at achieving Optimal Health/Optimal Fitness, we can combine that into the expression of our “Wellness.”  Wellness can be simply defined as “the expression of health over a period of time.”  With that, there are many spokes on our Wellness Wheel that we need to pay attention to.

Essentially, there are 7 components that makeup the expression of our wellness:

1. Physical Health:   Is your body health or sick?  What are you doing about it?
2. Financial Health:   Do you live within your means, or this always a source of stress?
3. Family Health:    Is your family a source of support to you?
4. Social Health:       Are your friends a source of support to you?
5. Career Health:  Do you like your job?  Is your job rewarding to you?
6. Spiritual Health: Are you connected with something bigger?
7. Mental Health:  Are you rewarded with new ideas or seek out to expand your mind?

The Health Wellness Wheel

Our choices in each of these components can impact the expression of our health, be it good choices or bad choices.  The choices we make build up in us over time.  If there was no harm in eating pizza every day, or drinking a case of beer every day, or sitting on the couch all day, then we would all be doing it. 

 But, we know that making these choices will probably kill us over time.  So what’s keeping you from the good choices?  Who can help me make those good choices?  These are questions to reflect on.

One thing I know, that in terms of physical health, what I do as a chiropractor is a good choice.  By assessing and treating the causes of the physical interference in the body, my care as a chiropractor helps to restore your body’s ability to express health.  In my opinion, that’s a good lifestyle choice that can build up in you over time.

In subsequent articles, we’ll explore the way the body builds up that physical interference, and what you can do about it to give yourself the best possible chance to be well over time.  

 Dr. Stefan Bell, BSc, DC
Dr. Bell is a chiropractor who operates Family First Chiropractic and Wellness in Calgary.
www.familyfirstchirocalgary.com

When applying for a mortgage, you will be asked for detailed personal information.  Along with this information, your mortgage broker or potential lender will check your credit score.  What is a credit score and why does it matter?  Continue Reading

By Dr. Stefan Bell, D.C. 

Wrong!  Well, not quite that dramatic, but there is some truth to it.  As a new contributor to the Calgary Beacon, I thought I would start off on doing what I can to redefine “Health.”  Continue Reading

Ronda Bertram in her kitchen with a finished chocolate-covered spoon 

Looking for a quick and easy gift for Valentines Day, one with a homemade touch that has love  written all over it?  Ronda Bertam says a unique present for your honey would be a chocolate-covered spoon.  They take only 20 minutes to make with common ingredients and they make great coffee and tea sweetners. 

Continue Reading

When we purchase insurance it is always with the hope that it won’t have to be used.  However, when something goes wrong with our home, there are five key steps that must be taken to help make the claim process go smoothly. Continue Reading

Spolumbos has diners lining up for the famous Italian deli sandwiches

When visitors to Calgary ask for a favorite eatery, a frequent answer is Spolumbos, the busy Inglewood deli founded by former Stampeders Tony Spoletini, Mike Palumbo and Tom Spoletini.  Located on historic 9th Avenue S.E., Spolumbo’s has been serving scruptious Italian sandwiches and sausage for almost 20 years.  The owners refer to their business as family, and if you’re lucky, as The Beacon was, you just might get to meet Aurora, Tony’s mother and creator of the famous Mama’s Meatloaf sandwhich, who still puts in a regular shift preparing her signature dish. Continue Reading

With the housing crisis of the past year, CMHC, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has been mentioned frequently in the news.  For many of us with mortgages, we know that CMHC was involved in the process and that we had to pay them money.  While we may begrudge these funds as we are struggling to purchase our first home, or rebuild our lives after financial tragedy, according to Randy McCombs of Pro Link Mortgages, “they serve a purpose and it is to get Canadians into homes.”

CMHC was established as a government-owned corporation in 1946 in response to the housing shortage after WW II.  Since that time, their mandate has not changed: “to enhance Canada’s housing finance options, assist Canadians who cannot afford housing in the private market, improve building standards and housing construction, and provide policymakers with the information and analysis they need to sustain a vibrant housing market in Canada”.*

Mr. McCombs explains that CMHC insurance is required on any property where the down-payment is between 0 and 20%.  It insures the risk for the bank so that they are protected should repayment become an issue.   This allows many individuals to get into the housing market that would not otherwise be approved by lenders. 

Once a CMHC policy has been put on a mortgage, the insurance stays in place regardless of the equity, unless the home is being refinanced.   If you are still in need of the policy, it is possible to carry it forward and only pay a top-up premium on additional funds.  This is often missed by mortgage brokers and bankers, and buyers unnecessarily repay CMHC premiums says Mr. McCombs. 

CMHC may be an added step in the process, but according to Mr. McCombs, “they form a very important part of purchasing homes in Canada”.

Randy McCombs, AMP
Mortage Agent
(403) 509-1009 x. 2
rmccombs@shaw.ca
www.allcanadianmortgage.com
* Information courtesy of http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/about/index.cfm

RANDY McCOMBS, PRO-LINK MORTGAGES
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Business owners should review their commercial insurance policy

You have a well thought out business plan, your marketing and advertising is professionally done and in circulation, your website is attracting traffic, your inventory or service is ready and your doors are open; have you taken the time to protect your investment?   According to David Waldren of Braeside Insurance, many business owners are not only unsure of what insurance they have but are also unaware of what coverage they should have.  Continue Reading