Carpe Diem: How to Survive Life in Canada

Immigrants never have it easy when it comes to adjusting to a new environment with a different culture, climate and/or way of living. This holds true also if you are thinking of having a new life in Canada. It will be a challenge, as is any other first endeavors.

With some research and planning, you will be able to turn a seemingly patience-sucking move into a more interesting one. Just take some time to breathe and follow some of the survival tips, which are of great help especially during your first year in the North American country.

DEALING WITH THE CLIMATE

Life in Canada has become synonymous with cold to freezing winters. If you have lived in the cold regions in Europe before the big move, you will never have a problem adjusting the Canadian climate. However, if you are from a country that experiences sunlight almost all throughout the year, snow may become quite overwhelming. That is if you are not prepared. It is a must to invest on warm clothes, including a Canadian winter jacket, sweaters, socks, muffs, gloves, and scarves. Save some money for these types of clothing and buy them once you step in Canada. It isn’t advisable to buy in the country where you’re coming from as winter clothes can take too much of the space in your luggage.

Always dress in layers during winter. Many immigrants have 10 layers of clothing when going to work or doing errands during the winter. Some, who easily get cold, use more than 10.

Do check the weather forecast. Canadian winter can be very fickle. You don’t want to be going out not knowing what will welcome you. Sunny winters in the country could still mean a below 0°C temperature. Also, weather forecasts could inform you if snow would fall sometime during the day.
DEALING WITH BEING UNSETTLED

Almost all immigrants feel homesick the first few months of their stay in a foreign country. This is to be expected especially if you barely know anyone in your community. A great way to battle such nostalgia is to get to know other immigrants in your area. Canada has become a melting pot of people from different countries so there are a lot of immigrants like you who you could bond with.

Check out a community center. This is your chance to get to know not only the immigrants in your neighborhood but the citizens as well. Remember, you also need to have good relations with everyone.

Make a blog about your life in Canada. It would help if you write about your good experiences. This way, the positive is highlighted and the happy feelings could help you think less of the country, family and friends you left behind.
Watch TV, read magazines and newspapers, and watch TV in your native language. This fourth tip might be a little tricky. For some, anything that could remind them of home might make them feel more homesick. For others, it could help them ease the loneliness. Gauge your feelings first before doing this especially if you are home alone and watching a local television show. You might end up balling your eyes out.
DEALING WITH CULTURE SHOCK

Culture shock is most common particularly if your home country has a very different way of life. Thankfully, with Canada, it won’t be a shock but more of little adjustments to their culture. The social setting may leave you a little oblivious but this does not mean that you can cope with Canada’s way of living.
All you need to do is learn how to speak Canadian. Remember, although one of the country’s official language is English, the vocabulary and slang may be a bit different from other English-speaking countries. It will also help to learn the other official language, French.

A new life in Canada is not all bed of roses especially for first time immigrants. However, if you would prepare yourself with this three main concerns of first-time country movers, you will be able to adjust easier.…

Cost of Teeth Whitening Products and Services in Calgary

Teeth whitening in Calgary comes in many forms and costs. If you want better smile with whiter teeth, there are different ways to do so. Most individuals are keen on finding out how much teeth whitening Calgary cost. Do they fit the budget? Are they worth the money? And so on.

If you are looking at products and services that promise whiter teeth, here are some with their price and how effective they are.

Homemade Teeth Whitening
Homemade whiteners cost less than $10. You will have to buy the ingredients you need to make your own concoction. One of the most used mixtures is peroxide and baking soda. Apply it to your teeth with a Q-tip. How efficient are they? Results won’t be visible readily. The truth is, if you want instant results, you will need to apply the mixture on your teeth for hours before you see a reasonable difference. If you are don’t mind minimal results, you could definitely try it at home but don’t keep your hopes too high.

Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Whitening toothpastes and mouthwash normally cost between $5 and $20 per bottle or tube. Many are into the advertisements of these products that they would believe the promises they pose. A lot of products deliver what they promise. They slightly make teeth whiter. However, they end up making your teeth more sensitive. It is a wonder if the companies have done some tests before they put out their products on the market. Toothpastes that whiten your choppers are only recommended by dentists to maintain white teeth. Because of this, they should not be used every day.

Whitening Pens
These tools for whitening teeth cost around $20 to $30. These products are actually worse than homemade whitening pastes. Many are sucked in to the idea that they could help whiten your teeth. However, do not buy the promises of these pens. They do not work at all. They are the worst comes when it comes to dental products. Toothpastes and mouthwash at least help with oral hygiene. Whitening pens don’t do anything at all but rob your hard-earned money.

Bleaching Kiosks
The services in bleaching kiosks are priced from $25 to $200. These are relatively new when it comes to teeth whitening found in Calgary. For people who have some time to spare while wandering around the mall, these kiosks can be a good alternative than to make an appointment with a dentist. The service they usually provide in these kiosks is the paint-on process similar to whitening pens. You can temporarily have white teeth but to what extent? Most of the kiosks are unregulated so the safety of their service is questionable.

Whitening Strips
Whitening strips can be bought for about $20 to $45 per box. Compared to the first few options, whitening strips are viable ways to have better colored choppers. The best way to buy them though is over the counter. Online purchases can be shady and the products may not give you fresher breath. The downside to whitening strips, however, is that they could be hard to apply.

Bleaching Trays
Bleaching trays can be bought in dental clinics. They cost around $150 to $1500. These trays have higher concentrations of peroxide compared to other products. Using them will give you faster results. Compared to whitening strips, bleaching trays are custom-fit so application is easier and can reach even the back area of your teeth. Most use the trays at night while they sleep.

As you have read, teeth whitening costs vary depending on their type. If you are skeptical about all these products, you could always try professional teeth whitening provided for by dentists in Calgary. They cost more but will provide you with the best results.…