Current Newsletter
Mikey Network Update
Heathwood Homes and The Heron Group of Companies have always given back to the community generously, and in 2003 founded The Mikey Network. The organization is named after Mike Salem, a former Partner and Senior Vice President for Heathwood Homes and The Heron Group, who died of sudden cardiac arrest on a golf course in 2002. With the help of community partners, The Mikey Network promotes heart-healthy living and places public-access defibrillators called Mikeys in high-risk locations. As the Network's community partners grow, so do the number of public-access defibrillators called MIKEYs we place.
Hugh Heron Celtic Ceilidh
On February 6, 2008, nearly 900 real estate professionals, politicians and celebrities gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of Hugh Heron, a principal and partner in The Heron Group of Companies and president of Heathwood Homes. To honour his Scottish roots, the event was themed as a Celtic "Ceilidh" - a traditional Highlands-style gathering. The Toronto Fire Services Pipes and Drums and the Toronto Emergency Medical Services Honour Guard escorted Hugh. Proceeds from ticket sales were donated to The Mikey Network.
Halton High School Program
Through a partnership among Halton Region, the Halton Catholic District School Board, the Halton District School Board, and The Mikey Network, by the end of the current school year, each of the seven Catholic and 17 Public high schools in Halton Region will have a MIKEY in place.
MIKEYs Help Every Age Group
In 2006, Alex collapsed while playing hockey and died. Through the Alex Corrance Memorial Fund and fundraising by Beyond the Next Level, a MIKEY was installed at Joshua's Creek Arena in Oakville in his memory.
The Greening of Tea
We hear a lot these days about the health benefits of green tea, and many nutrition-conscious people are sipping this soothing liquid. Green tea is made from the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis, a perennial evergreen shrub that originated in Asia 5,000 years ago. Like certain forms of chocolate, green tea contains antioxidants called polyphenols that destroy damaging free radicals.
Although green tea has been touted in the media as a panacea for everything from fertility problems to coronary artery disease, research is still ongoing as to the exact nature of this drink's effects. According to The Dietitians of Canada (www.dietitians.ca), there is enough "practice-based evidence in nutrition" to warrant its moderate use. The association also suggests that well-designed clinical trials are needed before recommendations can be made in the areas of heart attack and atherosclerosis prevention. Health Canada recommends that a health care provider be consulted prior to using green tea if you have a liver disorder, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Green tea contains caffeine, which is mostly released during the first infusion. A good practice is to discard the first cup you make with a tea bag, then reuse the bag and drink the second cup. You can also purchase decaffeinated green tea. And as with most everything, the fresher, the better.
By Registered Dietitian Marsha Rosen.
Green Tea Dip & Spread
- 3 green tea bags
- 1 cup reduced-fat cream cheese or reduced-fat ricotta
- 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh chives or basil leaves
Steep tea in 1 cup of hot water, not quite boiling, for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove bags and cool tea to room temperature. Place cheese and herbs into a blender and mix. With the blender running, add small amounts of tea until the mixture reaches spreadable consistency. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
To serve, bring to room temperature and pair with crackers, use in a wrap, or as a dip for vegetables. Yields just over 1 cup of delicious dip.
Recipe adapted from the American Institute for Cancer Research.
