Dan and Rachael Polakovic London Ontario Real Estate Professional

With the approval in Canada of H1N1 vaccine and the imminent launch of mass vaccination efforts in the provinces and territories, Canadians may have questions. Here are some answers:

Q: How many shots of H1N1 vaccine will I need?

A: Anyone 10 and older needs only one shot.

Q: How many will my children need?

A: Children six months to nine years need two half-dose shots, given at least 21 days apart. Infants under six months of age cannot be vaccinated.

Q: I don't like needles and I see in the U.S. that people are getting a vaccine that is sprayed up their nostrils. Can I get the nasal spray vaccine in Canada?

A: No. The company that makes that vaccine, MedImmune, only recently applied for a licence to sell their seasonal flu vaccine in Canada. That application is still in the licensure process, so they cannot sell any flu vaccine in this country yet. In any case, Canada is only buying H1N1 vaccine from one supplier, GlaxoSmithKline. GSK's vaccine is injectable.

Q: Will there be enough vaccine for everyone?

A: Canada ordered 50.4 million doses of vaccine, enough to give 75 per cent of the country two doses. The order was placed when it wasn't yet known that one dose would suffice. That order should be more than enough to protect everyone in Canada who wants to be vaccinated.

Q: Can I get the shot right away or do I need to get in line behind people who are at higher risk?

A: In the early days of the rollout, supplies may be limited and authorities will ask in big centres that people identified as "at high risk" come to the front of the line. The federal government expects about four million doses to be in the possession of the provinces and territories by the end of this week, and two to 3.5 million more each week after that.

Q: Who is at high risk?

A: The World Health Organization has recommended health-care workers have priority access to the vaccine. Canada drew up a priority list that includes health-care workers, pregnant women, young children, people living in remote communities and adults with chronic conditions.

Q: I'm hearing a Canadian study says getting a seasonal flu shot could increase my risk of catching swine flu. Is that true?

A: At this point, no one knows. The study hasn't been published and researchers in several other countries haven't seen the same thing when they look at their data. To be on the safe side, most provinces and territories aren't offering seasonal flu shots until after they give pandemic vaccine. Some are making an exception for people 65 and older, who are at high risk from seasonal flu but lower risk of H1N1 infection.

Q: Can I get a seasonal flu shot this year? Can I get it at the same time as I get the H1N1 shot?

A: The timing of seasonal flu shot programs varies by province and territory. But the Public Health Agency of Canada says it's OK to get both at the same time, if they are given in different arms.

Q: I am allergic to eggs. Can I get a flu shot?

A: The vaccine Canada is buying is produced in eggs. People with egg allergies are generally told not to take flu shots. But Canada's chief public health officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones, says the egg residue left in the vaccine after purification is small and that people with egg allergies who want to get an H1N1 shot can do so. He says, though, they should do it in a setting where they'll be cared for if they develop a reaction to the vaccine.

Q: Will I have to pay for an H1N1 shot?

A: No, your tax dollars already have. The federal, provincial and territorial governments are footing the bill for this program.

Canada's Economic Action Plan

Canada's Economic Action Plan's Home Renovation Tax Credit could help you save up to $1350 on home improvements purchased before February 2010.

The Home Renovation Tax Credit is a federal non-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenses for improvements to your house,condo,or cottage exceeding $1000.00 but no more then $10,000.

Be sure to get your contracts in writing, keep your receipts and claim the credit on your 2009 income tax return.

Eligible expenses must be of an enduring nature and integral to your property.

Examples of Eligible expenses:

*Renovating a kitchen, bathroom or basement

* New windows,doors and flooring

* Building an addition, garage, deck, shed or fence

* A new furnace,woodstove,fireplace,water softener or water heater

* A new drivewaypr resurfacing a driveway,re-shingling a roof, or painting a house

* Landscaping - new sod, perrenial shrubs, flowers and trees etc

* Swimming pools (permanent - in ground and above ground)

* Fixtures - blinds, shades, shutters,awnings,lights,fans etc

* Associated costs such as permits, professional services, equipment rentals and incidental expenses

Examples of NON-Eligible expenses:

*Furniture,appliances,tools and audio and visual electronics

* Routine repairs, maintenance and cleaning (eg. furnace cleaning, snow removal,lawn care,pool care, house cleaning)

* Financing Costs

So why not put your tax dollars back into your home?

Brought to you By:

Dan and Rachael Polakovic

Sales Representatives

Realty Executives Elite Ltd Brokerage

London Ontario

www.two-realtors.com

Every year you vow you won't over cook. You won't leave yourself with so many left overs your fridge seems to be busting at the seams. Yet somehow, it always seems to happen. Instead of letting all of the remaining of the fixin's go to waste why not try a few of these receipes and enjoy a week's worth of effortless meals for your family to enjoy! And I guarantee they won't say "OH NO NOT TURKEY AGAIN!!"

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!

Dan and Rachael Polakovic

Realty Executives Elite Ltd Brokerage London Ontario

www.two-realtors.com

Slow Cooker Smoked Turkey and Noodle Soup

Servings: 8 to 10

Ingredients:

Nutritional Info
Per each of 10 servings: about	-
cal	108
pro	10 g
total fat	2 g
sat. fat	1 g
carb	13 g
fibre	2 g
chol	23 mg
sodium	266 mg
% RDI:	-
calcium	3%
iron	10%
vit A	36%
vit C	37%
folate	17%

Suggested Recipes

• Chunky Gazpacho with Grilled Shrimp
• Thai Pork Stir-Fry
• Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Pan Sauce
• Creamy Carrot Soup
• Moroccan Soul Lentil Soup

1 smoked turkey leg (about 1 lb/500 g)
1-1/2 cups (375 mL) each chopped carrots and celery
1 cup (250 mL) sliced mushrooms
1 onion, diced
2 sprigs fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp (2 mL) each dried thyme and pepper
3 cups (750 mL) sodium-reduced chicken stock
1 sweet red pepper, diced
1/2 cup (125 mL) frozen peas
2 cups (500 mL) small pasta, cooked

Preparation:

Remove skin and meat from turkey leg. Reserve bone; discard skin. Cut meat into bite-size pieces; set aside.

In slow cooker, combine carrots, celery, mushrooms, onion, parsley, bay leaf, thyme and pepper. Add turkey bone, stock and 3 cups (750 mL) water. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until vegetables are tender.

Add red pepper, peas and turkey meat. Cover and cook on high until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 15 minutes. Discard bay leaf and parsley. Stir in pasta.

Additional Information

• Tip: If you can find only a large turkey leg, use 2 cups (500 mL) meat for this soup and the rest in pastas, salads or sandwiches

Turkey Con Queso Bake

Chili con queso is typically served as an appetizer with corn chips, tortilla chips or vegetables. By borrowing this idea and combining it with a turkey wrap, a new dish emerges. When assembling the dish, the sauce may seem too generous, but it eventually thickens and provides enough to spoon luxuriously over the rolls.

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

Nutritional Info
Per serving: about	-
cal	463
pro	28 g
total fat	25 g
sat. fat	13 g
carb	32 g
fibre	2 g
chol	87 mg
sodium	813 mg
% RDI:	-
calcium	35%
iron	21%
vit A	22%
vit C	13%
folate	35%

Suggested Recipes

• Whole Barbecued Lemon Tarragon Chicken
• Chunky Gazpacho with Grilled Shrimp
• Thai Pork Stir-Fry
• Pizza Buns
• Greatest Grilled Cheese

3 tbsp (50 mL) butter
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup (50 mL) all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups (375 mL) turkey stock or chicken stock
1 cup (250 mL) milk
3 cups (750 mL) shredded old cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper
Filling:
2 cups (500 mL) diced cooked turkey
2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped green olives
3 green onions, chopped
2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh coriander
1 jalape?epper, seeded and chopped
Eight 7-inch (18 cm) flour tortillas

Preparation:

In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; fry onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes.

Add flour; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Whisk in stock and milk and bring to boil, stirring; reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 2-1/2 cups (625 mL) of the cheese, salt and pepper; set aside.

Filling: In large bowl, combine turkey, tomatoes, olives, onions, coriander and jalape?epper; stir in 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the cheese sauce. Spoon 3/4 cup (175 mL) into greased 13- x 9-inch (3 L) glass baking dish.

Divide remaining filling evenly among centres of each tortilla; roll up loosely. Place, seam side down, on sauce. Spoon remaining sauce over top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.)

Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven until golden and bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Roasted Corn, Turkey and Wild Rice Salad

This colourful, refreshing salad works well as part of a buffet brunch or luncheon menu. As an alternative to wild rice, use cooked brown or red rice. Frozen raspberry concentrate is convenient to have on hand: use any remaining in smoothies, fruit salads or for deglazing pans when saut?g chicken or turkey strips. Serve salad on a bed of arugula or shredded lettuce.

Servings: 6 to 8

Ingredients:

Nutritional Info
Per each of 8 servings: about	-
cal	250
pro	13 g
total fat	12 g
sat. fat	2 g
carb	23 g
fibre	2 g
chol	27 mg
sodium	287 mg
% RDI:	-
calcium	2%
iron	11%
vit A	7%
vit C	47%
folate	20%

Suggested Recipes

• Chunky Gazpacho with Grilled Shrimp
• Thai Pork Stir-Fry
• Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Pan Sauce
• Maple Magic with Cheddar
• Peach Blackberry Cobbler

1 cup (250 mL) wild rice
1-1/2 cups (375 mL) canned or frozen corn kernels
2 tbsp (25 mL) vegetable oil
1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
2 cups (500 mL) cubed cooked turkey
1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped sweet red pepper
1 cup (250 mL) thinly sliced snow peas
Dressing:
1/3 cup (75 mL) frozen raspberry concentrate, thawed
1/4 cup (50 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp (50 mL) lemon juice or rice vinegar
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tsp (5 mL) grainy mustard
1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper

Preparation:

In pot of boiling salted water, cover and cook rice until tender, 40 minutes; drain and fluff with fork. Let cool.

Meanwhile, in bowl, toss together corn, oil, salt and pepper. Spread on parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet; roast in 400°F (200°C) oven until lightly coloured, about 15 minutes. Let cool.

In large bowl, combine roasted corn, turkey, rice and red pepper. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.)

Dressing: In small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together raspberry concentrate, oil, lemon juice, onions, mustard, salt and pepper; pour over salad and toss well. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.) Add snow peas; toss to combine.

Additional Information

• Tip: For a sweeter salad, replace red pepper with dried cranberries

Halloween Safety
There's No Trick To It!

The observance of Halloween, which dates back to Celtic rituals thousands of years ago, has long been associated with images of witches, ghosts, devils and goblins. Over the years, Halloween customs and rituals have changed dramatically. Today, many of the young and young-at-heart take a more light-spirited approach. Glowing skeletons and lighted Jack O' Lanterns decorate homes, while children dressed in all kinds of costumes begin flocking out onto neighborhood streets in search of treats. Make this year's holiday extra safe by following these safety tips on costumes, treats, decorations and more!

Costumes
When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.

Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.

For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.

Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.

Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls.

Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Oversized high heels are not a good idea.

Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing vision.

Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible materials.

Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.

Tips For Parents About Treats
Children should not snack while they're out trick-or-treating. They should wait until they get home and parents have had a chance to inspect the handouts. To help prevent children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they go-don't send them out on an empty stomach.

Tell children not to accept-and, especially, not to eat-anything that isn't commercially wrapped.

When children bring their treats home, discard any homemade candy or baked goods. Parents of young children should also remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.

Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

If juice or cider is served to children at Halloween parties, make sure it is pasteurized or otherwise treated to destroy harmful bacteria. Juice or cider that has not been treated will say so on the label.

Decorations
Keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.

Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters. Indoors, keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other combustibles that could catch fire. Do not leave burning candles unattended.

Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.

Don't overload extension cords.

Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.

Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater. Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.

Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.

Pedestrian Safety
Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child.

Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.

Children should not enter homes unless they are accompanied by an adult.

All children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street.

Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments or furniture present dangers.

Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism. Throwing eggs at a house may seem like fun but they need to know the other side as well-clean up and damages can ruin Halloween. If they are caught vandalizing, make them clean up the mess they've made.

Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

Make sure you set a time that they should be home. Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time.