Orphan #8 by Kim van Alkemade
In 1919, four-year-old Rachel Rabinowitz is placed in the Hebrew Infant Home where Dr. Mildred Solomon is conducting medical research on the children. Dr. Solomon subjects Rachel to an experimental course of X-ray treatments that establish the doctor’s reputation while risking the little girl’s health. Now it’s 1954 and Rachel is a nurse in the hospice wing of the Old Hebrews Home when elderly Dr. Solomon becomes her patient. Realizing the power she holds over the helpless doctor, Rachel embarks on a dangerous experiment of her own design. Before the night shift ends, Rachel will be forced to choose between forgiveness and revenge.
Inspired by true events, Orphan #8 is a powerful novel about the human capacity to harm – and to love.

Reviews
Orphan #8 is a very interesting story that is hard to read at times knowing that it is loosely based on the author’s family history. It’s the story of a girl growing up in an orphanage in the U.S. in the 20’s. Story goes back and forth between her childhood and her as an adult. I enjoyed this book a lot, especially the history behind it. – Review by Carolynn

Loosely based on historical events, Orphan #8 tells the story of Rachel, a woman who has faced considerable hardships in her life. Told in 2 time lines, we learn along with Rachel that she was subjected to cruel medical experiments as a child. As she unravels the truth about her past, will she choose revenge or mercy, and are those the same thing?
Overall, I thought the book was pretty engaging. I read it over a couple days. However, the plot twists were somewhat predictable and the novel feels unresolved at the end.  – Review by Melissa

Captivating story based on factual events and places and is full of ethical issues. From the time Rachel is put in an orphanage at 4 years old to the nurse she becomes as an adult, she endures so much that it is a credit to her strength and fortitude. Going through medical experiments as a child by a doctor and then coming full circle where she holds the fate of the aged doctor in her own hands. She also has to deal with a moral dilemma regarding her feelings and ‘unnatural’ relationship with her protector from the home. An easy read, especially interesting because of the historical references. – Review by Janice

Book of the Month
Every month we will be featuring a new book to be showcased in our Book of the Month. Staff members and friends will be reading the book and posting their reviews. We’d love to hear what you thought of these books as well. Post your comments and let us know.

Orphan #8 is available at London Drugs along with many other great titles and is on sale for the month of January.

The winter solstice is behind us, the days are again lengthening, and we find ourselves beginning the project of a new year. Just about everywhere you look you’ll find optimistic and helpful suggestions for how to make 2017 your best year yet–often by creating a ‘new you’ for the new year.

Perhaps, though, novelty has its limits. “Everything old is new again,” runs the old adage. “There is nothing new under the sun.”

Well, we may not be able to turn back time, but we can draw inspiration from it. As Matthew McConaughey observed, “Sometimes, you gotta go back to actually move forward.”

In that spirit, we offer four ways you can make 2017 your best year yet—not by glancing anxiously at the future, but by calmly examining the past.

In other words, the answer just may be introducing an old you for the new year.

YOUR OLD BODY

We’re willing to place two bets right now:

1. There definitely was a year you were in the best shape of your life.
2. You probably weren’t aware it at the time. (Beauty and strength are peaks best viewed from a distance.)

Without guilt, cast your mind back to that time now. Something got you to that state of fitness—what was it? A regimen of weights or stretching? A sport or outdoor activity? Hiking or swimming, jogging or cycling, yoga, Tai Chi, or [fill in the blank]?

No one’s expecting you in 2017 to beat a path directly back to your physical prime. But perhaps you can rediscover the habits that supported it. Your body—a machine that grows stronger in response to stress—is the most amazing piece of technology you’ll ever own.

YOUR OLD MIND

Perhaps you remember an afternoon of absorption in…that book—yes, that one. A Penguin classic, wasn’t it? One of the slimmer volumes, dogeared and spine-broken, its pages marked with highlighter and scribbled notes in the margins?

Heady days, weren’t they? A time of excitement and possibility, a time when the world had yet to assert itself as a series of routines, when you were freer to find yourself in it, and recognize yourself when you did. This is the old mindset that’s worth cultivating in the new year.

It might be the act of pulling a dusty favourite from the shelf, or getting around to one of the novels you always intended to, whether the masterwork of E. Annie Proulx (misplaced yours? We’ve got you covered) or Marcel Proust (better found in a library).

YOUR OLD HOME

Family is perhaps a touchy subject so soon after the holidays, whether the discomfort is born of feast or famine. But if, as the Girl Scouts say, we must make new friends (because they’re silver) and keep the old (gold), how precious a metal is family?

Rubber loses its elasticity over time. People do, too. (Luckily, for humans, the process is reversible.) In the spirit of moving forward by going back, call to mind a time from the less complicated past, and make 2017 the year you make an open-hearted entreaty to a loved one grown distant.

YOUR OLD WORK

For many of us, small irritations can erode what satisfaction we take from our work. The dreariness of meetings, perhaps a too-stern boss, coworkers who nick your lunch from the fridge—the classic death of a thousand paper cuts.

Irritation is seductive, because it plays to a feeling of having been unfairly treated. To be irritated is to believe we’re being deprived of something we deserve.

But it’s a destructive instinct, argues Seth Godin, and one of the least useful human emotional responses. “People in true distress are never irritated,” he says. “Someone who is hungry or drowning or fleeing doesn’t become irritated.”

No—she faces her challenges directly and with energy. Make 2017 the year you do the same (again). And happy new year!

The holidays are a time steeped in nostalgia, with memories of Christmases past around every corner. And even though you may have made gingerbread houses, strung lights and sung carols for as long as you can remember, you can always make room for a few new fun traditions to share with your family and friends this year. Here are a few ideas, from our family to yours.

Capture the Magic – And Keep Capturing It

You may already take a holiday picture with the special people in your life. This year, consider taking it up a notch by taking the photo in a location you can return to year after year. Or if you really want to have a laugh, try wearing the same outfits each year (no matter how small they get). Imagine how entertaining it will be to review the timeline of photos when they’re printed out and displayed as the years go on.

The Christmas Pickle

Add some healthy competition to your Christmas morning by hiding a decoration in the shape of a pickle somewhere on your tree. The first person to find it wins a special present — and you get a good laugh guessing who will see it first. Legend has it (or is it a myth?) that this custom was started in Germany when Moms and Dads would save the pickle as the last ornament to be hung on the tree. You may stumble on a pickle ornament, but if not, get creative and make one for yourself with construction paper and ribbon!

A Fresh and Clean New Year

The folks in Jamaica prefer to spruce up the house over the holidays instead of tackling cleaning in the spring. Consider it: you can take advantage of having all your family in one place and get to work creating a sparkling clean canvas for the year to come. Remember: any task can become fun for the family when the Christmas tunes are cranked and the treats are tasty.

The Gift of Giving

A great idea for a stocking stuffer: a donation to a charity of the recipient’s choice. This could be an especially wonderful tradition to start with the little ones, as it’ll give you a chance to discuss the idea of charity, while they get to take the time to think about what causes interest them. It’s also a simple way to explore what the holiday spirit is all about – giving to those in need without the expectation of anything in return.

Throw a Party

If the holidays are all about spending time with the ones you love, why not get them all in one place for a night of merriment? Invite your friends and family to bring along their favourite Christmas dish, while you provide the warm setting. Spend the evening sharing stories, laughs and ideas, and you just may find inspiration for your Christmas list of traditions for years to come.

Winter home maintenance tasks are sometimes neglected, partly because – understandably – many Canadians prefer to bundle up during the winter weather and await the spring.

But as tempting as such behaviour is, doing so can create safety hazards, cause lasting damage to your home, and potentially even void your home insurance.

Responsible homeowners know home maintenance is required all year-round. Here, we’ve included a few hopefully helpful reminders on winter home care.

1. Clear & Salt Your Driveway (Don’t Forget The Walk)

Let’s start with an obvious one: you must clear your driveway and sidewalk, then coat both with enough salt or de-icer to keep them from becoming slippery.

We say it’s obvious – but you wouldn’t know it by looking at all the white walkways out there, especially in areas less prone to heavy snow. But a slippery driveway or sidewalk is a hazard to you, your friends and family, and even strangers. So this one is truly a must.

If shovelling is difficult for you, consider buying an ergonomic or improved snow shovel, upgrading to a snow blower, shovelling during (not only after) heavy snowfalls, or using the classic Canadian technique of hiring the neighbour’s kid (or a reputable local business) to keep your walkways clear.

2. Protect Your Home’s Foundation

Many of us spend more time thinking about interior decoration and yard maintenance than the very structure our homes rest on: the foundation.

Our indifference can cause trouble because foundations are not as solid as we like to believe. They can be damaged by the elements, especially during winter. The main threat is melting snow and ice that seeps into, alongside, or under the foundation. As it re-freezes, the water expands, creating immense pressure that can crack even the thickest cement.

To prevent this, as well as get ahead of spring flooding issues, walk often around your home to ensure snow and ice are not collecting alongside it. If you see any, shovel it away.

Bonus Tip: In the spring, look for pooling water near the foundation. That’s where it’s most threatened and where drainage should be improved.

3. Repair All Your Stairs & Handrails

Remember the rickety handrail, the loose stair, the step without traction? Yes, that one. Last summer it was not as big a deal, though still a concern. But in the winter, it can mean the difference between catching yourself mid-slip or bumping your way down to the landing.

Those aren’t tough options to choose between, and neither is the decision about whether to fix and weather-proof your steps. Just do it. Your tailbone, or someone else’s, will thank you later.

A good place to start is by laying traction tape on all your stairs to give boots extra grip. Other repairs may require more work, but most can largely be done with simple tools like a hammer, nails, a circular saw, screws, and a drill. If in doubt, give a handyman a ring.

Of course, you’ll also want to keep all stairs and steps free of snow and ice.

4. De-Ice The Gutters

The rows of glistening icicles dangling from your home’s gutters are beautiful to look at. But they’re also a sure sign you’re developing an ice dam that could prevent water from flowing through the downspout.

Don’t let ice dams cause flooding, a damaged gutter system, or even injuries from falling ice. Instead, stay on top of the situation. Luckily, there are two main ways to deal with ice dams.

The first and easiest way is by installing de-icing wires in your gutters that can be used as needed to melt away ice dams as they develop. If winter has already started, it may be too late to install the wires.

In this case, the main approach is to chip the ice away by hand. Just be sure your ladder is secure and strongly consider having a spotter present to help you.

5. Monitor Your Heating System

During summer in Canada, an air conditioner is nice. But a heater in winter? That’s a necessity. Depending on the heating system you have, there is plenty to consider.

One of the first is ensuring all exterior vents are flowing freely and do not become clogged with snow or ice. Otherwise, the added pressure could damage your entire HVAC system. Also, always leave your heat on and set to at least 12 degrees, especially if you leave for a trip. Otherwise, your indoor pipes can freeze!

Beyond that, an annual check of your heating system and any necessary maintenance or cleaning must be done during winter, if not sooner. This may include having your chimney swept or changing your furnace filter.

These tips are intended to provide a nudge toward protecting your property and everyone in or around it this winter. But you can never be 100% risk-free.

That’s what home and life insurance are for. At London Drugs, we carry both. Talk to one of our insurance experts any time in-store or visit them online today.

Stay safe and enjoy our amazing winters, Canada.

Whether you only have a few items left on your list, or you’ve yet to buy a single gift, here are four shopping tips to keep you sane (and even help you save!) as you wrap-up your holiday shopping this year.

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The Christmas season is the most wonderful time of year, but it can also be jolly stressful. Here are 10 ways to give stress the cold shoulder over the holidays.

1. Get moving (even a little bit)

Good news! According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America a 10-minute walk is just as good as 45 minutes of aerobic activity at combatting stress and worry. Don your snow boots and mittens and enjoy a brisk view of your neighbourhood Christmas lights.

2. Celebrate cold weather

Try a new sport that helps you honour (rather than endure) peaceful, snow-drifted winter. Snow-shoeing burns 45% more calories than running on a treadmill, and is charmingly quiet compared to wilder downhill sports. Most Western Canadian cities and mountain towns have rentals and workshops. The Calgary Ski Club offers loads of group trips to Kananaskis, Canmore and Banff, if you don’t want to go it alone.

3. Shake it up

If you’re more indoors-y, try an exercise class that challenges the mind as well as major muscle groups. Tap-dancing calls on stamina as well as those little neurons responsible for keeping a beat, wherever they are. Here are nine unique workouts in Edmonton, Alberta, from trampolining to surfing. Look for equivalents in your nearest town.

4. Breathe deeply

Breathing comes naturally, it’s true–but it’s deep, conscious breathing that truly does your body and mind good. And thankfully, it’s simple. When you don’t get the Christmas cookies baked or the cards mailed, just stop and breathe. Or, try a routine: set a timer for five minutes per session to start. Just stop what you’re doing, pay attention to your breath, inhale and exhale deeply, and before you know it you’ll be relaxed and worry-free.

5. Let the sun shine in

The downside of living so close to Santa’s workshop is lack of winter sunlight. Many of us commute in the dark or stay indoors to avoid frigid temperatures. The Canadian Mental Health Association recommends taking a noon-hour walk and trimming tree branches near windows that may be blocking your light. Why not take those tips many steps further – right into the woods to chop your own Christmas tree! You’ll be exercising, soaking up vitamin D and proving that you are not a Christmas Grinch, after all. Check this website for a list of U-Cut tree farms in BC.

6. Laugh it off

Watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Or Christmas with the Kranks. Or whatever holiday comedy turns your crank. Research shows that laughter reduces stress hormones in the bloodstream, thus allowing more immunity-boosters, such as T and B cells, to make short work of viruses. Belly laughs also strengthen your diaphragm, heart, larynx, back and stomach muscles – no wonder you feel exhausted after a good giggle. Studies also show that laughter provides a safe release for intense pent-up emotions, such as fear or anger. So forgo the after dinner chats with bickering siblings and turn on the laugh tracks instead.

7. Treat yourself

Retail therapy – buying a little something new when you’re blue – sometimes does make you feel better. Running out of money does not. Another pair of ill-fitting jeans: also, not. Some suggest buying a new lipstick is a better solution, because makeup is generally cheaper, and you get that flash of happiness every time you look in the mirror. “The daily pick-me-up you’ll get from it will be more satisfying than clothes or accessories, which you’ll only wear every once in a while,” says Prevention magazine.

8. Drive, inhale, exhale

If you tend to lose your cool on the road, you might benefit from this Mindful Holiday Driving exercise. Instead of swearing at every red light, think: “Another chance to practice my breathing!” Sounds corny, but re-framing common triggers as opportunities is like positivity weight-training for your brain. Breathe slowly in and slowly out for as long as the delay lasts, noticing sensations in your body, emotions and destructive thoughts. Notice what you can’t control – poor weather or inconsiderate drivers – and focus on breathing instead.

9. Give thanks

Were you brought up to believe that Christmas cards have to be homemade and include a long family memoir about your year? So much pressure. No wonder some of us never even get started. The idea for Gratitude cards might work for you instead. Whether you make or buy the cards, personalization can come from writing one short but specific message of thanks. Just zero-in on family members’ good points, rather than their annoying habits. It’s a bit like that cocktail party trick for getting through small talk: focus on the other person and they’ll remember the conversation fondly.

10. Make your own gifts

We’ve all been there: overwhelmed with gift planning. How to choose – and afford – a great gift for spouses, kids, immediate family and in-laws? Try the old trick of just giving one gift, to the person whose name you’ve drawn from a hat, but–and here’s the twist–make it yourself. Indeed, not all of us are natural “makers” so it’s a real creativity challenge, often with hilarious results. Think: spicy pickled beans one year. Learn to knit and make a toque. Or scarves. Try a yoga-mat bag. Or hang printed photos from spray-painted tree branches to make your mom a “family tree.” You and your family will likely far more enjoy bumbling through your secret projects in the garage to grumbling through the mall.

These are some of the tricks that have worked for our extended London Drugs family. But if you still feel like cancelling Christmas and hiding under the duvet ‘til January, we say: do it. It’s your wonderful life, after all.

Care packages are the perfect remedy for those who are feeling homesick this holiday season. Whether they’re overseas on a business trip, across the country studying for exams, or even just next door fighting the flu, everyone will be grateful for a little thoughtful delivery. Perk up a loved one’s day by making them a care package for every occasion.

Keys to a great care package

You don’t have to blow the budget to assemble the perfect care package. Make sure to keep these tips in mind before you begin:

1. Look for decorative bins and multipurpose storage boxes to contain your gifts. Not only will they keep everything safe and neatly packed, but they can also be reused.
2. Wrap your items in tissue paper for added cushioning, and invest in some bubble wrap if you’ve included any breakables.
3. If you’re planning to send food, make sure to double check with your postal outlet for any restrictions. If anything has the ability to melt or burst, this is where the bubble wrap comes in handy.
4. Don’t go overboard – keep it small. This will make it cheaper to ship, and easier for the recipient to bring home.
5. Take your package to the post office and have it weighed to ensure that there are no shipping complications. If you’re on a deadline, have the parcel expedited.
6. Have fun! Surprise your loved one with inside joke items, heartfelt notes and anything you think will put a smile on their face.

Make it a treat

Most people are excited whenever they receive snail mail that isn’t a bill. Make it extra special for them this season, and include something that they may not have time to pamper themselves with on a day-to-day basis.

• At-home spa package – Include: slippers, book, chocolate, face mask, mani-pedi set, adult colouring book.
• Man-cave package – Include: slippers, book, jerky, massager, headphones, peanuts.

Make it tasty

If someone is missing home and unable to get their hands on certain food products where they are, make sure to include their favourite snack or holiday treat for a little taste of home.

• Holiday homesick package – Include: maple candies, candy canes, marshmallows, hot chocolate, biscuits.
• Comfort food package – Include: chips, chocolate, macaroni and cheese, coffee, dried fruit.

Make it helpful

Everyone needs an emergency kit during flu and exam season. Make yours functional and fun by including necessary distractions along with the essential cold fighters.

• Final exam package – Include: notebook, pens, instant lattes, energy snacks, instant noodles, computer game.
• Get well package – Include: soup, tea and thermos set, tissue packs, lozenges, DVD series, wipes.  

Make it personal

Make your care package unique to whoever is receiving it. Include family photos, handwritten cards and anything else that reminds them of home.

• Nostalgia package – Include: home team memorabilia, board game, personalized mug, tea, favourite magazine, childhood movie, popcorn.