Wendy's to test new restaurant concept in Canada

"Wendy's first Canadian concept store features new menu items in an ultra modern setting. The concept store marks a complete redesign of the Wendy's customer experience, indoors and out. (CNW Group/Wendy's International, Inc.)".

ETOBICOKE, Ontario, October 26, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Beginning today, Wendy's customers in Etobicoke, ON will have the opportunity to try new menu items in an ultra modern setting as the company opens one of four new concept stores to be tested in North America. It is the first Canadian concept store for the company. Redhead Roasters proprietary blend coffee and fresh baked goods including oatmeal bars, cookies, muffins and brownies will be tested alongside a new customer ordering process, digital menu boards, new service staff uniforms and redesigned product packaging.

"This is a very different experience from what Wendy's customers are used to," said Ron Baugh, Senior Vice President of Wendy's Restaurants of Canada. "Three years of research and feedback from thousands of people are reflected in this exciting new concept store. The changes are more than cosmetic. We've updated our customer experience indoors and out as well."

The new restaurant concept has been designed to deliver more open space, brighter dining rooms with bigger windows and a variety of seating options from booths to high tops to cozy chairs around a fireplace. The new concept is also equipped with free WiFi. Customers will be able to view baking and prep areas, keeping Wendy's fresh food story front and centre.

Natural colours, brick and wood materials and bold use of the colour red are features of the completely remodeled interior and exterior design. A bright red centre wall celebrates Wendy's heritage with the well-known quote from founder Dave Thomas, "Quality is our recipe". Signage in the new entry way reads, "Welcome to real. Welcome to fresh. Welcome to Wendy's Etobicoke".

Each sign in the new stores will be tailored to their home cities.

The company will evaluate the four concepts based on customer feedback and consumer research. A second Canadian ultra modern location is slated to open in Kingston this December.

All four new Wendy's concepts were designed by Tesser, an award-winning brand strategy and retail design firm based in San Francisco. Other test markets include Virginia Beach, Pittsburgh, Phoenix and Wendy's home town of Dublin, OH.

The first Canadian concept store is located at 1569 The Queensway in Etobicoke, Ontario. The Kingston concept store is scheduled to open in December 2011, and is located at 17 Warne Crescent.

About the Wendy's Company

Wendy's is one of the world's most successful restaurant companies with more than 6,600 restaurants worldwide. More information about The Wendy's Company is available at www.wendys.ca.

Physiotherapists give thumbs up to Nordic pole walking and prescribe it for patients with a variety of conditions

OTTAWA, October 19, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - An increasing number of Canadian physiotherapists are realizing the benefits of Nordic pole walking for their patients, adding a rehabilitation dimension to the already-popular fitness trend.

Nordic pole walking boasts an easy-to-learn technique, with little risk to the body. It helps strengthen core muscles, contributes to weight loss and decreases stress on hips and knees. The versatility of the activity makes it appealing to physiotherapists, who see it as ideal for people with mobility issues, or those living with chronic conditions such as arthritis.

While Nordic walking can be practised almost anywhere, it's important to have the right equipment and instruction. "Don't be tempted to use skiing, hiking or trekking poles, which are designed for totally different purposes," says Cathy McNorgan, a physiotherapist and certified Nordic walking instructor. All Nordic poles have a spike tip at the bottom for walking on variable outdoor terrain, covered by a rubber tip that grips sidewalks and other surfaces, to ensure safe use.

Physiotherapists prescribe this exercise to patients who would most benefit from the unique workout. The fluid and rhythmical pattern of walking can help to improve coordination and movement in people in the early stages of Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, for example.

Researchers have discovered another hidden benefit to Nordic walking, which is that it gives patients a good total body and cardiovascular workout without being exhausting — it's effective and efficient. As a result, Nordic walking has proven to be successful with people who need to lose weight and just be more active generally.

"Many health benefits are directly related to how hard you work," says Gail Dechman, an assistant professor in the school of physiotherapy at Dalhousie University. "If people can elevate their heart rates using the Nordic walking technique without feeling like they're working harder, that's fantastic."

To learn more about incorporating Nordic walking into your rehabilitation, therapy or exercise routine, consult a physiotherapist. Find a physiotherapist near you at www.physiotherapy.ca

Minding Your Manners May Protect Your Health - Study

Largest global behaviour study to date finds certain personality traits affect health outcomes

TORONTO, October 12, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Good manners will likely lead to better health, according to findings from the largest global study of hygiene behaviour to date.

In an effort to better understand health outcomes, such as colds and the flu, the Hygiene Council today announced results from its Lysol HABIT Study (Hygiene: Attitudes, Behaviour, Insight, and Traits), which explored how certain demographics and personality traits influence hygiene practices. Based on 12,000 survey respondents in 12 countries, the study found that the biggest determinant of reported good health with low levels of colds and diarrhea was good manners. The odds of being healthy were almost two-and-a-half times higher among those who reported embarrassment at sneezing or coughing on others.

"Understanding what drives hygiene behaviour is very valuable," says Professor John Oxford, chairman of the Hygiene Council and professor of virology at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. "We want people to recognize that a change in behaviour may lead to overall better hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and surface disinfection. These hygiene habits are the first defence against spreading germs and infectious diseases. Furthermore, the study findings can be used to help health organizations and healthcare professionals target hygiene education to certain individuals."

Canadian women clean up versus men

Among Canadians, the Lysol HABIT Study found that women were more hygienic than men. Women were found to be two times more likely than men to wash their hands regularly, and two-and-a-half times more likely to practice good household hygiene.

Additionally, Canadians with neurotic behaviours were more likely to practice better hygiene habits, and reported fewer incidences of contagious diseases and better overall health.

"The new findings from the study further emphasise how improved hygiene behaviour can effectively stop the spread of germs and protect health," says Dr. Donald Low, microbiologist-in-chief at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. "Although some Canadians tend to the correct practices more easily, practicing good personal and household hygiene is everyone's responsibility and vital in breaking the chain of infection."

Cleanliness helps healthiness

With cold and flu season around the corner, the findings from the Lysol HABIT Study indicate the importance of promoting certain hygiene behaviours to break the chain of infection. Results from the Hygiene Council's 2011 Lysol Bacterial Survival Study show that bacteria can survive on a variety of household surfaces for an extended period of time - for up to two days - if not properly disinfected.

"Regular disinfection of hygiene hotspots is crucial for reducing the spread of bacteria in the home," says Dr. Low.

Food preparation surfaces, such as countertops, and high-traffic zones including door handles, light switches and inside refrigerators, are some germ hotspots in the home. Regular disinfecting of germ hotspots, regardless of visible dirt, will greatly reduce the risk of catching a cold or the flu inside the home. Disinfectants are specifically registered with Health Canada and carry a Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the label.

"We applaud the Hygiene Council in its continued efforts to inform and educate Canadians on how to best protect themselves and their families from the threat of infection," says Erica Di Ruggiero, Chair of the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA). "Practicing good hygiene habits is something we can all do to protect ourselves against cold and flu."

Some more findings from the Lysol HABIT Study

...Among the 12 countries surveyed, Canada had the fourth highest rate of good personal hygiene. Brazil and Germany ranked the highest, and China, Malaysia and South Africa the lowest

...Among the 12 countries surveyed, Canada reported the second highest household hygiene levels. U.K. and Australia tied for the highest rank, and China, Malaysia and Middle East ranked the lowest

...The odds of having good personal and household hygiene increased with age and income

...Hygiene habits vary by profession with homemakers (64.5 per cent) reporting the highest level of personal hygiene and students (44.5 per cent) reporting the worst

...Regular use of antibacterial cleaning products is associated with tidiness, having children, strong household hygiene routines, higher income, education and automatic cleaning

About the Hygiene Council

The Hygiene Council, which was formed in 2006, is an initiative bringing together leading global experts in the field of microbiology, virology, infectious diseases, immunology and public health to formulate realistic and practical recommendations on simple hygiene measures to help the public improve levels of hygiene in the home and community and, in turn, help to prevent the spread of all kinds of infections. In 2011, the Hygiene Council held its annual meeting at the Centers for Disease Control headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. The work of the Hygiene Council is funded through an educational grant from Reckitt Benckiser, the makers of Lysol. For further information, please visit the Hygiene Council website at www.hygienecouncil.com.

About Reckitt Benckiser

Reckitt Benckiser is a leading international consumer products company in the health and personal care, condiment and household categories. The company manufactures and markets world-class products, including: LYSOL®, CLEARASIL®, STREPSILS®, VEET®, FRENCH'S® Mustard and many other consumer-preferred brands. Reckitt Benckiser (Canada) Inc. is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario.

Fire Prevention Week is here

Protect Your Family from Fire is the theme for 2011

TORONTO, October 7, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Fire Prevention Week is October 9 to 15 and this year's theme is Protect Your Family from Fire. Designed to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities from fires, the theme emphasizes the importance of Ontarians taking responsibility for fire safety in their own homes.

Fire departments across the province will host events throughout the week that focus on a variety of fire safety measures to help Ontario families protect themselves from fire, including:

...Preventing cooking fires: The leading cause of residential fires in Ontario is unattended cooking. Prevent these fires by staying in the kitchen when cooking.

...Installing smoke alarms: It's the law in Ontario to have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Fire departments also recommend installing a smoke alarm in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms every month and change the batteries at least once a year or whenever the low-battery warning chirps.

...Developing a home fire escape plan: Occupants can have as little as 60 seconds to escape a fire in their home. Develop and practice a home fire escape plan so that everyone knows what do if a fire occurs.

"Fires can be prevented. Given the limited amount of time you have to escape a fire, Ontarians need to take responsibility for fire safety in their homes. I strongly urge Ontarians to stay in the kitchen while they are cooking, install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas and practise their home fire escape plans. Fire safety is everyone's responsibility." - Ted Wieclawek, Ontario Fire Marshal

LEARN MORE

Each October, Fire Prevention Week enables fire departments across the province to organize a variety of educational fire safety activities within their communities. It also commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 in which an estimated 300 people tragically perished and some 18,000 buildings were destroyed. For more information about activities in your area, contact your local fire department.

Begging Bear Comes Back to Celebrate Arts and Culture

photo credit: fadedgenes via Flickr

GUELPH, Ontario October 1, 2011 University of Guelph Media Release - Among several activities led by the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre (MSAC) to celebrate local arts and culture on Oct. 1, the refurbished Canadiana/Begging Bear sculpture will be unveiled near the bus stop on Gordon Street.

Created by Carl Skelton and originally installed in 1999, the 7½-foot-tall bronze icon underwent repairs at a Georgetown, Ont., foundry after having been toppled over this past spring. The bear will stand on a new, sturdier base.

Begging Bear

“The return of the bear to MSAC is an emotional thing for me personally,” said Aidan Ware, the art centre’s co-ordinator of education and development.

“Like many in Guelph, I’m very attached to the sculpture. The bear has marked many important occasions in people’s lives in the community, and it’s very moving to see how people interact with this artwork. The bear’s hand is outstretched in the same way I hope our community will continue to reach out in a creative and caring capacity.”

Canada’s second annual three-day celebration of arts and culture runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 and will include a variety of activities in and around Guelph. MSAC will host a number of special events Saturday, Oct. 1.

10 a.m. The public is invited to contribute to a tapestry reflecting the spirit of Guelph and its residents. Donate fabric, postcards, letters, posters and other flat personal items to be sewn into the tapestry throughout the day.

2-3 p.m. Guelph residents can join in the “Human Quilt” project to create Guelph’s first community portrait. Bring an item representing your role in the community for a group photograph to be taken by Dean Palmer, one of Guelph’s best-known portrait photographers. All participants will receive a digital copy of the portrait.

7 p.m. Reinstallation of the Begging Bear followed by the opening reception for MSAC’s fall exhibitions.

“This year’s events at MSAC are special because they have a great community focus and interactive component,” Ware said. “It’s exciting to be part of the creative process. Rather than just viewing art, people can get involved in making art and tangibly interact with culture, while building relationships with artists, organizations, family and community.”

Other MSAC events will include a lantern tour of the Sculpture Park and grounds from 10 p.m.

Last year, Guelph joined about 700 communities across the country in the inaugural Culture Days event.

“It’s important to appreciate arts and culture in our everyday lives,” Ware said. “The annual Culture Days celebration helps us to value creativity and to foster a caring environment for our city. I love to organize events for the public that I think people will really enjoy and which will make a difference, creating great memories.”