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EDITOR'S PICK

Meals made easy

by Tamara McKee

Parents make their own choices for their kids when it comes to nutrition but here are some new options, exclusive to Sobey's, IGA and Pricechopper stores, which are sure to put a smile on their faces.
These days many kids' foods are laced with high glucose fructose (corn syrup). High sugar and high sodium are linked to many childhood diseases.

These are three favourites:

1. Breekie Bites - Whole wheat, cinnamon mini waffles
2. Alpha Bites - Alphabet mashed potato letters
3. Fruit Pic Mix - Dried fruit mix in raisin, berry, apple

It's nice to read the ingredient list and not see any artificial flavours, chemicals or preservatives.

Disney and Sobey's have combined forces to make meals easier and healthier for kids. The new Compliments Junior line includes more than 100 new products, of which 75 per cent bear the Health Check symbol. As with anything, check the ingredients.

posted 10.12.07

Special Coats for the Disabled Help Us See "beyond the chair"

By Amanda Walsh

Watching children make snow angels with arms and legs outstretched like tiny stars, it is difficult to imagine the challenge of dressing a disabled child to enjoy a winter's day from a distance in their wheelchair.

It was not something that seamstress Denise Julian, co-founder of Kutaways, considered often. However, when a long-time friend and occupational therapist asked her to help design a jacket for a little boy in a wheelchair, Ms. Julian began to consider it more and more. "I suddenly saw how difficult it was for people in wheelchairs to get out when the weather was cold. A lot of parents with disabled children are unable to manage with heavy winter coats which are frustrating and time-consuming to put on."

With the guidance of the occupational therapist, she created an effective design to accommodate the needs of the boy and his wheelchair. She wanted the boy to be comfortable and warm and to feel dignified in his outfit. She made the coat in polar fleece and gave the boy a choice of printed fabrics so that he felt more like the other kids.

The cleverness of the design demonstrates how much thought she had put into the jacket. "The design tailored the coat to be shorter at the back to eliminate the bulkiness of wearing the coat while sitting," she explains. "The jacket has a removable 'extension' that helps keep the legs warm, but that also can be easily removed with a zipper if it is not needed."

Denise took it to the next level by considering how the coat could be put on more easily by parents and care-givers. "The coat goes on much like a poncho. Once pulled over the child's head, the coat is easily zipped up on the sides and under the arms. This way the parent does not struggle to get the child's arms into the sleeves."

When Denise went to the school to personally fit the boy with his new coat, she explained all the unique features to his parents. The boy was severely disabled, so much so that he was unable to speak without the assistance of an apparatus. Denise was touched when the boy hit the speaking apparatus on his tray and said, "I like my coat!" Denise decided that she wanted to find a way to bring these coats to as many people as she could!

Denise began to see the possibilities of bringing the design to other families with the encouragement of her cousin and now partner, Jennifer Gallienne. Together they formed Kutaways, tackling the world of the internet and for the past five-years they have been supplying coats to children and adults around the world. "In our journey we have met so many people of strength," says Denise. "Mattie Stepanek, a disabled child and author of 'Heart Songs' appeared on Oprah and inspired us both so much we arranged to have a coat made for him." "Mattie has since past away," says Jennifer. "But my daughter and I still read his book and find his strength an inspiration to us both."

Giving away these unique coats is something Kutaways does annually, with the assistance of Rotary Clubs and other charitable organizations. Each Christmas, Kutaways selects a family to whom they present a jacket. "We are so pleased to be able to help children who may be restricted to the indoors. Our coats help them get outside and enjoy life," they say. "We're helping people see beyond the chair."

To nominate a Christmas coat recipient, please email jennifer@kutaways.com, with the nominee's name and the reason for the nomination.

posted 10.12.07