Cancer Health Home>>Cancer>>Health news Written by: Cary Castagna, QMI Agency Jul. 13, 2012 Tosca Reno, left, does weights with trainer Rita Catolino, a resident of London, Ont., and certified personal trainer with GoodLife Fitness.(Kelsey-Lynn Corradetti photo) Click here for images of Tosca Reno.

Tosca Reno figures the best way to honour her late husband -- fitness guru and publishing magnate Robert Kennedy -- is to get her butt back in the gym and "re-enter the world of physique competition."

So that's what she's doing.

"I don't know if there's a right and wrong way to grieve," Reno, 53, says in a candid phone interview with Sun Media. "This feels right for me."

The well-known Canadian swimsuit model and New York Times bestselling author let her own health fall by the wayside during her husband's illness earlier this year.

"No one saw that coming," Reno says. "And it accelerated very, very quickly."

The man credited with coining the term "hardcore bodybuilding" suffered a stroke Jan. 29.

"He recovered from that," Reno recalls. "But at that time, we learned there were metastatic tumours in his brain that basically involved his entire brain and it wasn't very long for him."

Kennedy died April 12 at the family home in Caledon Hills, north of Toronto. He was 73.

Reno admits she has yet to come to terms with his death.

Read the original:
Fitness covergirl pledges to kick butt

You've got a hot business idea, a vision and a plan. Unfortunately, there's not a lot you can do without access to some cold, hard cash.

Unless exceptionally lucky, most SME owners will have to secure capital investment at some stage of their business lifecycle. However, gaining the attention of potential investors, and ensuring they trust you enough to close the deal, can often be trickier terrain.

Securing capital investment can often be a slow and frustrating process, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. Most business owners would rather spend this time developing their companies rather than listing fundraising prospects, lining up potentially fruitless pitch meetings and asking for money. Unless you can prove your record of success, securing capital investments often means contacting dozens of prospects. Demonstrate knowledge of the market

There's no denying that relationships are based on trust, and this is doubly important when there's hard-earned cash involved. More often than not, this means taking a personal approach to securing investment and doing whatever it takes to convince prospects that your business is a safe bet. Demonstrating past career wins and a thorough understanding of the market you're attempting to crack is key to securing investor interest.

"When we first rolled up the capital raising sleeves, all we had was our background in footwear and 38 pages outlining Shooii's business model," says Dave Prince, managing director of the e-commerce startup specialising in footwear. "Getting your first investor is always the toughest, but once we secured some investment the doors opened a little more easily."

For Prince, proving to potential investors that he could create enough momentum to drive his business forward was essential to attracting investment.

"Investors want to see forward progression, despite young companies having the odds stacked against them.

" Persevere and take the little wins

Persistence is also an important trait for business owners looking to close a deal. He says that startups should be prepared to spend at least 50 per cent of their time on capital raising if they want to be a success.

"We took the view that most investors would say no the first time around, but rather than take offence, we kept all the contacts on a central list and provided them with a monthly update of our milestones. Highlighting little wins on the way has paid off, ultimately some prospects who initially said no have ended up investing in Shooii." Don't cut corners

Original post:
Getting personal: How to secure investment in your small business

News - Friday, July 13, 2012 Keep on dancing Aerobics instructor Joan Rabin going strong after more than 30 years

by Emily Efland

Rabin, 67, owns the Mountain View franchise of Sorensen's program, where she has been teaching aerobics classes for more than 30 years. Apart from the dance routines and music, Rabin notes one other striking change in aerobics there are more older students enrolling in the classes. Rabin attributes this trend to research on the benefits of exercise in old age, even for people heading into their 80s and 90s.

"People used to get to age 50 and they would drop out; now people are staying longer into their 60s and 70s," she notes.

Yet she does not only teach senior citizens. Rabin offers childcare during her hour-long classes, and says that contributes to the large turnout of young mothers. She describes her childcare as a "little preschool" for the children, who paint, draw, read and socialize while their mothers exercise.

Rabin's students praise her positive attitude and enthusiasm for teaching. One student, Debby Hagenmaier, has been taking Rabin's classes for 25 years.

"What happens is that it really becomes a support group for a lot of people," says Hagenmaier, 62. "There's something contagious about being with Joan, and everyone picks up on that and supports one another. Some people are amazing dancers, but we also have people who have never danced. It doesn't matter what you look like in that class, it's completely free."

Florence BeGole, who began taking classes from Rabin five years ago, uses her childcare services.

"I can go to any exercise class, but I stay with Joan because of her personality," BeGole says. "She does it because she loves it. There's no other instructor who does it with such enthusiasm."

For Rabin, the range of age groups speaks to Sorensen's flexible dance routines. Her class contains 20-year-olds and 70-year-olds, and students exercise at their own pace.

Read the original here:
Keep on dancing

INDIANAPOLIS, July 12, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brightpoint, Inc. ("BrightPoint") (CELL), a global leader in providing device lifecycle services to the wireless and high-tech industries, today announced that it has entered into a logistic services agreement with Fitbit, Inc. ("Fitbit"), the market leader in the rapidly growing category of wireless fitness and health devices.

Under the terms of the agreement, BrightPoint's regional affiliates will provide a variety of critical logistic services in both North America and Europe, including receiving, warehousing, inventory and order management, kitting, transportation management, order fulfillment and reverse logistics for the Fitbit Ultra Wireless Tracker and Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale. BrightPoint's affiliate in Slovakia will also develop a Webshop on Demand solution for the European market and provide certain distribution services under the agreement, enabling consumers to order Fitbit products online and arrange delivery directly to the customer's doorstep.

The Fitbit Ultra helps users improve their fitness by accurately and easily monitoring daily movement, and providing real-time feedback on steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. The tracker also monitors how well and how long users sleep. The data is wirelessly uploaded to their Fitbit account. Whether online or with Fitbit's free Android and iPhone apps, users can monitor their progress on their fitness goals with graphs and charts, log their food and other work-outs, and for additional motivation, earn badges and connect to compete or share with friends and family.

"BrightPoint has an excellent reputation in forward and reverse logistics and they offer our company a great solution for our lean and efficient supply chain," stated Hans Hartmann, Chief Operating Officer at Fitbit. "We look forward to working with BrightPoint, making the availability of our wellness products more efficient through our channels and helping people lead healthier lifestyles."

"We are excited to leverage our more than 20-year history of supply chain expertise, and our physical and technical infrastructure, to support Fitbit and their mission to help people lead healthier lives," stated J. Mark Howell, BrightPoint's President Americas. "This agreement demonstrates BrightPoint's commitment to extending its cross-regional expertise in providing efficient, flexible and scalable device lifecycle services to providers of high-value consumer electronics," added Anurag Gupta, BrightPoint's President Europe, Middle East and Africa.

About Fitbit

Founded in 2008 in San Francisco, CA, Fitbit is the market leader for wireless activity trackers. Fitbit is dedicated to delivering simple, innovative health and fitness products and services that engage people to lead healthier, more active lives by giving them the tools to become more aware, more motivated and more fit every day. Fitbit is funded by the Foundry Group, True Ventures, and SoftTech VC. Fitbit products can be purchased on http://www.fitbit.com or through any one of their many retail partners, like Amazon, Apple, AT&T, Best Buy, Brookstone, Radio Shack, REI, and 24 Hour Fitness. For more information please visit http://www.fitbit.com and connect with them on Facebook or Twitter.

About Brightpoint, Inc.

Brightpoint, Inc. (CELL) is a global leader in providing device lifecycle services to the wireless and high-tech industries. In 2011, BrightPoint handled more than 112 million wireless devices globally. BrightPoint's 5 key service areas -- Plan, Market, Customize, Move, Recover, offer over 110 innovative services, such as distribution channel management, procurement, inventory management, reverse logistics and repair services, software loading, kitting and customized packaging, fulfillment, product customization, eBusiness solutions, and other outsourced services that integrate seamlessly with its customers' IT systems and operations. BrightPoint's effective and efficient platform allows its customers to benefit from rapidly deployed, flexible and cost effective solutions. BrightPoint has more than 4,000 employees, as well as a significant number of temporary staff, and a global footprint covering more than 35 countries, including 13 Latin American countries through its investment in Intcomex, Inc. In 2011, BrightPoint generated revenue of $5.2 billion, from customers in over 75 countries. BrightPoint provides distribution and customized services through over 100,000 points-of-sale and to over 25,000 B2B customers worldwide. Additional information about BrightPoint can be found on its website at http://www.BrightPoint.com, or by calling its toll-free Information and Investor Relations line at 877-IIR-CELL (877-447-2355).

Originally posted here:
BrightPoint Enters Logistic Services Agreement With Fitbit, a Market Leader in Innovative Health and Fitness Devices

Ben Margot / AP

Yoga instructor Alice Van Ness, left, instructs student Melanie Gurunathan Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Lifestretch Yoga in Milpitas, Calif. Van Ness has been fired for her disapproving stink-eye glare at a Facebook employee using a cellphone in class.

By The Associated Press

Looks may not kill, but they can get you fired.

That's what a Northern California yoga instructor found after leading sessions at Facebook Inc.'s Menlo Park campus.

The instructor, Alice Van Ness, said she got fired after she glared at a Facebook employee who texted during a class in June.

"The whole point for most people going to yoga is that it's disconnecting from the outside world," said Van Ness, a 35-year-old San Carlos resident who has taught yoga for six years. "If you are bringing your phone into class, why are you even there?"

Van Ness told the Facebook class to turn their phones off after seeing a female employee with a cellphone out. Later, while demonstrating a difficult pose, she caught the same worker typing on her phone. Van Ness said she stayed silent, but shot the woman a disapproving look. The employee stepped out before returning to the class, Van Ness said.

According to a termination letter from Plus One Health Management that was provided to The Associated Press by Van Ness, she was warned prior to the class that she could not enforce a cellphone ban.

David Milani, a representative of Plus One Health Management, declined to comment specifically on Van Ness' case. But he said company instructors who teach at some companies including Facebook are required to allow fitness members to pick up their phones during class.

Excerpt from:
Yoga, Facebook and cellphone a volatile mix

SASKATOON, July 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Consumer Choice Award is thrilled to announce the 2012 Top Service Providers in the Health & Fitness Sector for the greater Saskatoon area. We would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to all this year's winners; your dedication to superior service has resonated with the people of the city of Saskatoon.

Each year across Canada, Consumer Choice Award gathers opinions, perceptions and expectations through the responses of thousands of consumers and businesses. All winners have gone through a rigorous selection process conducted by a third party research firm to ensure only the most outstanding service providers are the winners within their respective industry. Find the list of Award-Winners below:

About Consumer Choice Award

Consumer Choice Award (CCA) was established in 1987 and is considered the most distinguished award for business excellence in Canada. This is the only organization in North America to recognize business excellence by conducting third party market research of both the consumer & business community with statistical accuracy. The research method determines all the service providers, ultimately selects the top ranked companies, and establishes the winner within each industry.

Consumer Choice Award conducts its market research strictly with Leger Marketing, the leading Canadian-owned market research firm and memberof the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) of Market Researchers.

Consumer Choice Award lives in Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saskatoon, St. John's, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg.

Read more:
2012 Saskatoon Consumer Choice Award Winners: Health & Fitness Sector

Do you feel ready for retirement? How's your 401(k) and/or individual retirement account doing? Has it recovered completely from the 2008 meltdown -- or are you still playing catch-up?

Yesterday, Alicia Munnell, director of Boston College's Center for Retirement Research, examined a recently released government study of household finances and concluded that as of 2010, the retirement account recovery had stalled. She pointed out that since 2007, the number of employees participating in contributory retirement plans has declined. Meanwhile, the number of cash outs, loans and hardship withdrawals has risen.

According to her calculations, the typical household -- husband and wife together -- approaching retirement had only $120,000 in 401(k) and/or IRA holdings in 2010, about the same as in 2007. If they were to take that money and purchase an immediate annuity with it, they'd get only $575 in monthly income at today's interest rates , she says.

Social Security provides an average of 70 percent of income for people 65 and older, according to Munnell's calculations, which are based on the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey. The Social Security Administration reports that as of January 2012, the average Social Security payment for a retired worker was $1,230 per month. If we multiply that by two -- assuming among people retiring today, both halves of most couples qualify for Social Security on their own -- the total household income from Social Security is $2,460 in this mythical family.

If you subtract the 12.2 percent that Social Security holds back to pay for Medicare parts B and D, this couple will be left with $2,165 plus $575 from the annuity for a total of $2,740 to pay the bills each month. Of course, that's before any defined benefit pension payments, savings outside of retirement accounts and part-time work.

Can two people live on $2,740 a month or $32,880 a year? Or is this -- as Munnell implies -- a retirement planning disaster waiting to happen?

It depends on where this couple lives. Here in small-town Michigan, especially if this couple owns their own home free and clear -- they'll be OK. Their tax bills -- property, federal and state -- will be minimal -- no tax on Social Security. As long as they don't own the Taj Mahal or a brand new Cadillac, insurance should be within their budget. And the rest of the costs are controllable. My garden already has a bumper crop of squash and tomatoes.

In other parts of the country, where taxes and the cost of housing are much higher, surviving on this much income could be trickier.

Anyway, I get tired of reading studies like this one, which is focused on an average that is almost meaningless. The only way retirement planning works is if you analyze your own situation and go from there. Get out your calculator and figure it out. Don't be discouraged by somebody else's bad news.

Read more:
Retirement planning is personal

WEST POINT, Pa., July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --There are many choices to consider when it comes to retirement living. Those contemplating a move to a retirement community will find more options available than ever before. Whether researching a retirement community for yourself or a loved one, it's important to ask the right questions, keeping in mind factors such as present and future needs, community location, and financial situation, among other considerations.

Following these tips from ACTS Retirement-Life Communities will put you on the right path toward finding a retirement community that will best meet your needs now and for the long-term.

1. Check the background of the community: Find out who owns and manages the community, as well as the track record of management. Determine whether the community is accredited for meeting high standards in services, operations and finances. Visit http://www.carf.org for a list of accredited communities by state. Review the financial performance of the organization, including any credit ratings the company has received from agencies like Standard & Poor's or Fitch.

2. Consider future health needs: Retirement communities today offer many amenities and services but not all provide medical care, making another move a possibility should health needs change. Continuing care retirement communities are the only type of senior community that offers independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care on a single campus. Some CCRCs even offer specialized programs such as memory care, home health care, and adult day programs as part of their services.

3. Get detailed information about fees: Learn what all fees do and do not include, when fees are subject to increase and under what conditions. Ask about the average fee increase over the past five years. Consider the financial advantages and disadvantages of the contract options the community offers.

4. Meet with residents and tour the community: Arrange an appointment to tour the community, meet with residents and staff, and to sample the food and the service. Notice if the community is clean, well maintained and secure.

5. Use a services and amenities checklist: Get a complete information packet that includes application for admission, fee schedules, floor plans and the resident contract. Compare each community's pricing to amenities, programs and services that are important to you.

6. Ask about recreational and social activities: Find out what kind of social, cultural, educational, spiritual and wellness activities are available. Is there an activities director on staff to plan entertainment, events, and trips? Is transportation available?

7. Consider location and find out if there is a waiting list: Is the community located near family, friends, doctor's office, place of worship, and shopping? Find out if there is a waiting list to move into the community and how it works.

For more tips visit http://www.actsretirement.org/guide to download a free booklet called A Consumer's Guide to Retirement Living. This informative resource explains the range of senior living options that are available, and includes checklists, worksheets and important questions to help you confidently research, evaluate, and compare retirement communities.

Read more here:
7 Tips for Choosing a Retirement Community

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire -07/12/12)- Today, COGECO Inc. (CGO.TO) ("COGECO" or the "Corporation") announced its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2012, ended May 31, 2012, in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").

For the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2012:

"We are satisfied with the favourable results obtained for the third quarter of fiscal 2012. The cable subsidiary continues to grow and most of our performance indicators are on target with our objectives. These solid results demonstrate that with strong cost controls and a dynamic marketing strategy, Cogeco Cable continues to grow in this highly competitive industry," stated Louis Audet, President and Chief Executive Officer of COGECO Inc.

"Overall, we are pleased with the financial results of our radio division's activities. The recent BBM surveys confirm our strong leadership in the Montreal market as well as the good performance of our radio stations across the province. We are pursuing the integration of Metromedia as planned, which will serve to enhance our media offering to advertisers", added Mr. Audet.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to COGECO's future outlook and anticipated events, business, operations, financial performance, financial condition or results and, in some cases, can be identified by terminology such as "may"; "will"; "should"; "expect"; "plan"; "anticipate"; "believe"; "intend"; "estimate"; "predict"; "potential"; "continue"; "foresee", "ensure" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In particular, statements regarding the Corporation's future operating results and economic performance and its objectives and strategies are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions including expected growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities, which COGECO believes are reasonable as of the current date. While management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to the Corporation, they may prove to be incorrect. The Corporation cautions the reader that the economic downturn experienced over the past few years makes forward-looking information and the underlying assumptions subject to greater uncertainty and that, consequently, they may not materialize, or the results may significantly differ from the Corporation's expectations. It is impossible for COGECO to predict with certainty the impact that the current economic uncertainties may have on future results. Forward-looking information is also subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties (described in the "Uncertainties and main risk factors" section of the Corporation's 2011 annual MD&A) that could cause actual results to differ materially from what COGECO currently expects. These factors include technological changes, changes in market and competition, governmental or regulatory developments, general economic conditions, the development of new products and services, the enhancement of existing products and services, and the introduction of competing products having technological or other advantages, many of which are beyond the Corporation's control. Therefore, future events and results may vary significantly from what management currently foresees. The reader should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While management may elect to, the Corporation is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation), and does not undertake to update or alter this information before the next quarter.

As described in note 1 to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2012, Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), which were previously used in preparing the consolidated financial statements, were replaced on the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") on January 1, 2011. The Corporation's condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2012 have therefore been prepared in accordance with IFRS. Comparative figures for 2011 have also been restated.

All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. This report should be read in conjunction with the Corporation's consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 included in the Corporation's 2011 Annual Report. It should also be read in conjunction with the Corporation's condensed interim consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 as well as the information on the adjustments to the fiscal 2011 financial figures upon adoption of IFRS, explained in Note 19 of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine-month periods ended May 31, 2012.

Corporate strategies and objectives

Read the rest here:
Solid Performance Across the Board for COGECO Inc.

Toronto, Ontario Canada (PRWEB) July 12, 2012

Bizandwellnes.com is delighted to announce the first in a series of events dedicated and catering to the businessperson holistically. Anastasia Valentine CEO of Sandbox, an Idea to Launch Company and Samantha Moonsammy, co-founder of STARFISH creative events + inspiration formed an event like no other that encourages business men and women to invest both in their professional development and their overall wellness to increase their productivity and success.

If a business person runs until they are on empty they will never achieve the level of success that awaits them if they choose it. Our approach is to ensure all facets of the business person are addressed including, skills, knowledge, body, and spirit. says Anastasia Valentine co-founder of http://www.Bizandwellness.com. Theres something missing for serious business people who are at their best when they are actively learning and feeling great. Events tend to be either 100% professional development or 100% wellness. It seemed logical for us to combine the two and deliver the best of both worlds to our participants.

Biz and Wellness events are unlike any other professional development opportunities. They include a very selective process to choose speakers who have demonstrated success in their field, a 100% stress free policy, on-site personal concierge for participants, high-end surroundings, luxurious gifts and unparalleled access to network with experts and like-minded business people. We created an event where people can walk away with the tools and best ideas to help them succeed at their job tomorrow, and an experience to treasure for a lifetime says Samantha Moonsammy, events + brand stylist at BizandWellness.com. If you want to be up-to-date on todays most innovative business and wellness practices, then this is one conference you wont want to miss.

We invite you to join us for an incredible event on July 27, 2012 at the Centre for Social Innovation in downtown Toronto. Spend the day with us in a place where amazing business ideas are born and leave with concrete actions reach your business goals and improve your overall well-being.

The delegate gift bags alone exceed the cost of the event not to mention the door prizes, amazing workshops, nutritious food and incredible experience. VIP Front of the line tickets are available for a limited time for only $299 and can be purchased on eventbrite at http://urbanbizandwellness.eventbrite.com/.

About Biz and Wellness

Bizandwellness.com was born out of the philosophy that successful entrepreneurs, business owners, star employees and CXOs must be nurtured holistically through education, inspiration and overall health through activities for the body, mind, spirit and soul to achieve success.Our team delivers professional and personal development seminars, workshops and lessons for the discerning businessperson through day retreats, multi day business accelerators and learning in online, urban, suburban and exotic destinations around the world. Our events attract top talent from the expert speakers to the success-oriented attendees creating a unique experience for all participants. Each event is meticulously planned to cater holistically to the success-oriented businessperson and provides a 100% stress free learning experience.

Visit us at bizandwellness.com | @bizandwellness

For more information or to schedule an interview contact:

Continue reading here:
Biz and Wellness Urban Retreat Comes to Toronto