(NC)—On the 40th anniversary of the Official Languages Act, host Stuart McLean of CBC Radio's Vinyl Café decided to pay public tribute to the federal legislators of 40 years ago. Remembering the controversy surrounding the Act, and other equally contentious pieces of legislation such as the adoption of a new Canadian flag or the abolition of the death penalty, McLean told his audience: “It was the courage of those Parliaments and the politicians who were in the House at that time that gave me my great respect for the idea of public service and for those who put themselves forward for public service.”

(NC)—The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages (OCOL) offers a variety of resources on its Web site. These resources could be useful for general interest or for teachers in subject areas such as English or French as a first or second language, social studies and history.

(NC)—Canadians can also take pride in knowing that other countries around the world have been inspired by this approach. For example, in the United States, the model is used to teach Spanish and French; in Estonia, Estonian is taught as a second language to Russian speakers; and in Germany, the model is used to teach English.

(NC)—More and more baby boomers are hitting the gym, hiking trails and other fitness venues to increase their active lifestyles, keep physically fit and improving their quality of life. It is becoming increasingly clear that the problems we once associated with aging are actually related to disuse of the body - and the baby boomer generation is becoming wise to this fact.

(NC)—Keep your joints healthy, mobile and pain-free with some basic lifestyle choices. Exercise that does not stress the joints can help reduce toxic stress, improve muscle tone and improve blood flow, all of which contribute to lifelong joint health. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight as excess weight puts pressure on your joints.

(NC)—Can dietary choices prevent the pain and stiffness of arthritis? Research suggests a low protein diet high in complex carbohydrates as a preventive basic. It is also important to get moderate exercise and avoid foods that cause inflammation that is a key component of arthritis risk and other non-optimum health conditions. Use natural joint supportive supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates, MSM, Celadrin, Osteo Joint Ease, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium/magnesium and vitamin D to ensure adequate dietary intake of key nutrients.

(NC)—If you fall within the baby boomer or Gen X groups, you'll count among 9.8 million senior citizens by 2036, according to Statistics Canada. And if you're currently between the ages of 40 and 60, you've started planning for retirement by putting money away in an RSP or pension.

(NC)—This tasty moist stuffing is an easy way to dress up fish fillets. Since fish cooks so quickly the ingredients need to be finely chopped.

(NC)—A moist and flavourful stuffing makes an impressive but simple meat dish. Top with an apple or calvados drizzle if desired. Refrigerate any leftovers as it slices beautifully the next day.

(NC)—Cancer statistics are never pretty. But the good news is research shows that 30 to 35 percent of all cancers can be prevented by eating well, being active and not being overweight. Along with physical activity and not smoking, healthy eating is one of the cornerstones of cancer prevention.

On the spectrum of issues people want to think about, setting up a power of attorney is very low on the list. Although sometimes a difficult subject to think about or discuss, everyone should have a power of attorney.

(NC)—A Canadian space research project is delving into the down-to-earth secrets of the role played by our feet in the way we keep our balance with age.