Multi-Country Heart Health Surveys Find Fewer People Exercise Regularly Now Than Before the COVID-19 Pandemic 

Multi-Country Heart Health Surveys Find Fewer People Exercise Regularly Now
Than Before the COVID-19 Pandemic 

Significant national differences in perceptions of heart disease risk factors also emerge in polls of adults across Canada, India, Mexico and in London 


March 11, 2022, CLEVELAND: Surveys of adults living in the UK, Canada, India and Mexico commissioned by global health system Cleveland Clinic this year have found a decline in the number of people who exercise regularly. In addition, many adults in these countries do not recognize the major role played by modifiable risk factors such as exercise and diet in preventing heart disease, which is increasing on a global scale.  

According to a World Health Organization review of the years 2000 to 2019 inclusive, heart disease remained the leading cause of death at the global level for both decades. Moreover, the number of deaths from heart disease increased by more than 2 million from 2000, to nearly 9 million in 2019, which means heart disease represented 16% of total deaths from all causes. 

“We regularly commission surveys to assess knowledge of heart disease risk factors as well as to investigate relevant lifestyle trends in various countries. This year, with COVID fatigue being an issue, we were keen to determine if the pandemic had made an impact on people’s lifestyles in terms of diet and exercise. According to the results, there has been a concerning overall increase of adults who rarely or never perform moderate to vigorous exercise as opposed to before March 2020, but some countries have been far more affected than others,” said Samir Kapadia, MD, Chairman of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. 

Dr. Kapadia says that Mexico saw the biggest change post-pandemic, with people rarely or never doing moderate to rigorous exercise rising 12 percentage points from 28% to 40% of the population, while India saw the least change with an increase of only 3 percentage points from 30% to 33%. Canada’s increase was 8 percentage points from 40% to 48%, while in London –the site of Cleveland Clinic’s newest hospital opening next month – the increase was 7 percentage points, from 35% to 42%. 

It also appears that recognizing lack of exercise as a risk factor for heart disease did not have an impact on whether respondents chose to exercise, with some countries having high recognition but low exercise rates and vice versa. For example, the number of Canadians and Mexicans who currently rarely or never do moderate to vigorous exercise stands at 48% for Canadians and 40% for Mexicans, but 66% of Canadians and only 51% of Mexicans recognize not exercising enough as a heart disease risk factor (in that they selected it as something which can increase one’s risk of developing heart disease). Similarly, in London, 42% never or rarely exercise, but 72% recognize lack of exercise as an increased risk factor, and in India, which has the lowest number of people who rarely or never exercise at 33%, only 38% recognize this as a risk factor.

The surveys also found that few adults followed the diet that they had identified as most heart healthy, with India demonstrating the highest correlation. 

The Mediterranean diet, which is recommended by the American Heart Foundation and similar organizations, was recognized as being among the top three most heart-healthy diets by 49% of Londoners and 32% of Canadians, but was followed by only 7% of respondents in both cases. Notably, the Mediterranean diet is recognized as among the most heart-healthy diets by only 15% of Mexicans and 11% of Indians. 

In Mexico, a low-carbohydrate diet was most identified as among the most heart healthy, with 45% picking this option but only 24% following this way of eating. Indians were most likely to follow the diet they viewed as heart healthy, with 37% identifying a vegetarian diet including eggs and dairy to be heart-healthy and 35% following this way of eating. 

Indians were also most likely to follow a specific eating plan, with only 29% not following one, compared to the 68% of Londoners, 65% of Canadians and 52% of Mexicans who do not follow any particular diet.

There were also major differences in the four countries in regard to recognizing two key heart risk factors; obesity and smoking. Obesity was recognized as a risk factor by 84% of Londoners, 77% of Canadians, 73% of Mexicans and 43% of Indians. Smoking or vaping was recognized by 78% of Londoners, 74% of Canadians, 54% of Mexicans and 51% of Indians.  

“These results indicate that we don’t only need to make people aware of the best lifestyle options for heart health – we also need to emphasize how much of an impact these changes can make in order to encourage them to implement the healthier habits. It is possible to reverse the current trend of rising heart disease deaths as we believe around 90% of heart disease could be prevented through regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, and not smoking,” Dr. Kapadia commented.

NOTE:  Survey methodology: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The surveys were carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults (aged 18+) in the specific country – or in the case of London, the city - surveyed.  The total sample size for London was 1,024 adults and fieldwork was undertaken between 18-20 January 2022. The total sample size for Canada was 1,017 adults and fieldwork was undertaken from 17- 21 January 2022. The total sample size for India was 1,034 adults with fieldwork was undertaken from 19-28 January 2022. The total sample size for Mexico was 1,041 adults and fieldwork was undertaken from 17-21 January 2022.  

About Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 72,500 employees worldwide are more than 5,050 salaried physicians and researchers, and 17,800 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,500-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 21 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2021, there were 10.2 million total outpatient visits, 304,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 259,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/ClevelandClinic. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.


Editor’s Note: Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request. 

Multi-Country Heart Health Surveys Find Fewer People Exercise Regularly Now Than Before the COVID-19 Pandemic 

Multi-Country Heart Health Surveys Find Fewer People Exercise Regularly Now
Than Before the COVID-19 Pandemic 


Significant national differences in perceptions of heart disease risk factors also emerge in polls of adults across Canada, India, Mexico and in London 


March 11, 2022, CLEVELAND: Surveys of adults living in the UK, Canada, India and Mexico commissioned by global health system Cleveland Clinic this year have found a decline in the number of people who exercise regularly. In addition, many adults in these countries do not recognize the major role played by modifiable risk factors such as exercise and diet in preventing heart disease, which is increasing on a global scale.  

According to a World Health Organization review of the years 2000 to 2019 inclusive, heart disease remained the leading cause of death at the global level for both decades. Moreover, the number of deaths from heart disease increased by more than 2 million from 2000, to nearly 9 million in 2019, which means heart disease represented 16% of total deaths from all causes. 

“We regularly commission surveys to assess knowledge of heart disease risk factors as well as to investigate relevant lifestyle trends in various countries. This year, with COVID fatigue being an issue, we were keen to determine if the pandemic had made an impact on people’s lifestyles in terms of diet and exercise. According to the results, there has been a concerning overall increase of adults who rarely or never perform moderate to vigorous exercise as opposed to before March 2020, but some countries have been far more affected than others,” said Samir Kapadia, MD, Chairman of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. 

Dr. Kapadia says that Mexico saw the biggest change post-pandemic, with people rarely or never doing moderate to rigorous exercise rising 12 percentage points from 28% to 40% of the population, while India saw the least change with an increase of only 3 percentage points from 30% to 33%. Canada’s increase was 8 percentage points from 40% to 48%, while in London –the site of Cleveland Clinic’s newest hospital opening next month – the increase was 7 percentage points, from 35% to 42%. 

It also appears that recognizing lack of exercise as a risk factor for heart disease did not have an impact on whether respondents chose to exercise, with some countries having high recognition but low exercise rates and vice versa. For example, the number of Canadians and Mexicans who currently rarely or never do moderate to vigorous exercise stands at 48% for Canadians and 40% for Mexicans, but 66% of Canadians and only 51% of Mexicans recognize not exercising enough as a heart disease risk factor (in that they selected it as something which can increase one’s risk of developing heart disease). Similarly, in London, 42% never or rarely exercise, but 72% recognize lack of exercise as an increased risk factor, and in India, which has the lowest number of people who rarely or never exercise at 33%, only 38% recognize this as a risk factor.

The surveys also found that few adults followed the diet that they had identified as most heart healthy, with India demonstrating the highest correlation. 

The Mediterranean diet, which is recommended by the American Heart Foundation and similar organizations, was recognized as being among the top three most heart-healthy diets by 49% of Londoners and 32% of Canadians, but was followed by only 7% of respondents in both cases. Notably, the Mediterranean diet is recognized as among the most heart-healthy diets by only 15% of Mexicans and 11% of Indians. 

In Mexico, a low-carbohydrate diet was most identified as among the most heart healthy, with 45% picking this option but only 24% following this way of eating. Indians were most likely to follow the diet they viewed as heart healthy, with 37% identifying a vegetarian diet including eggs and dairy to be heart-healthy and 35% following this way of eating. 

Indians were also most likely to follow a specific eating plan, with only 29% not following one, compared to the 68% of Londoners, 65% of Canadians and 52% of Mexicans who do not follow any particular diet.

There were also major differences in the four countries in regard to recognizing two key heart risk factors; obesity and smoking. Obesity was recognized as a risk factor by 84% of Londoners, 77% of Canadians, 73% of Mexicans and 43% of Indians. Smoking or vaping was recognized by 78% of Londoners, 74% of Canadians, 54% of Mexicans and 51% of Indians.  

“These results indicate that we don’t only need to make people aware of the best lifestyle options for heart health – we also need to emphasize how much of an impact these changes can make in order to encourage them to implement the healthier habits. It is possible to reverse the current trend of rising heart disease deaths as we believe around 90% of heart disease could be prevented through regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, and not smoking,” Dr. Kapadia commented.

NOTE:  Survey methodology: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The surveys were carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults (aged 18+) in the specific country – or in the case of London, the city - surveyed.  The total sample size for London was 1,024 adults and fieldwork was undertaken between 18-20 January 2022. The total sample size for Canada was 1,017 adults and fieldwork was undertaken from 17- 21 January 2022. The total sample size for India was 1,034 adults with fieldwork was undertaken from 19-28 January 2022. The total sample size for Mexico was 1,041 adults and fieldwork was undertaken from 17-21 January 2022.  


- ENDS -

About Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 72,500 employees worldwide are more than 5,050 salaried physicians and researchers, and 17,800 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,500-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 21 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2021, there were 10.2 million total outpatient visits, 304,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 259,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/ClevelandClinic. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.


Editor’s Note: Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request. 


###

New autism research at Brandon University will explore Indigenous approaches


New autism research at Brandon University will explore Indigenous approaches

BU NEWS — February 25, 2022


BRANDON – A new research study at Brandon University will explore Indigenous approaches to autism in education. Dr. Patty Douglas, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, is the academic lead on the project, working in partnership with Leah LaPlante, Vice President of the Manitoba Métis Federation Southwest, and with Gail Cullen, Executive Director of the Brandon Friendship Centre. The research will bring Indigenous autistic people and those who love and care about them together as part of an upcoming video-based collaboration. 

“We need to better understand Indigenous approaches to autism and how these approaches can improve school outcomes, well-being and belonging for Indigenous students, families and communities,” Douglas said. 

Following Douglas’ earlier research and digital storytelling work on autism, LaPlante suggested a need for a similar initiative in southern Manitoba because supports for Métis families with autistic members are limited.

“Opening up about lived experiences that have been hard to deal with and telling your story with the help of Elders is an important part of this study. We are hoping this study will give us the documentation we need to improve autism supports and add a cultural perspective. It is crucial that the well-being of Indigenous people is woven into education and health care systems going forward,” LaPlante said. 

Interviews with Indigenous people with autism and family and other kin, teachers, community leaders and supporters are currently being held ahead of an online digital storytelling workshop to begin March 12, 2022. The workshop will bring together these groups to support participants to create their own videos telling their stories—with the school system, life experiences, strengths and struggles. 

Overall, the project will be guided by the teachings and presence of Elders, knowledge-keepers and Indigenous storytellers and artists, and the team from Douglas’ Re•Storying Autism in Education project. 

“Interviews and videos from the project will serve as important sites of knowledge and a roadmap for change honoring Indigenous worldviews of difference,” she said.

She added that Indigenous perspectives that understand children, including autistic children, as unique and as gifts, are largely absent from mainstream understandings of autism. 

“As well as being crucial to the flourishing of autistic youth, these perspectives expand knowledge and enlarge understandings of autism more generally by centering the perspectives of Indigenous autistic people, family and community leaders,” she said.

This video project is part of a larger focus on decolonizing autism for the Re•Storying Autism project. Last May, Māori family members whose youth are takiwātanga (a word that translates to ‘living in their/our own space and time’ and is used to describe people who have autism), along with other international participants, created digital videos reflecting their own experiences.

“Māori have been subjected to oppression and stereotypical assumptions for a very long time. Similarly, the autistic community experiences the same stigma due to lack of awareness, education and understanding. Māori diagnosed with Autism spectrum are particularly disadvantaged due to the dearth of research and literature that reports on the Māori perspective of Autism spectrum. The Re•Storying Autism project allowed Māori to tell their story in their own unique way,” said Dorothy Taare Smith, one of the facilitators of the Aotearoa workshop.


Although the ways in which history unfolded differ in each country, Aotearoa and Turtle Island (New Zealand and Canada), the impact that colonialism has had on Indigenous people with autism in both countries has parallels. Indigenous students are more likely to be labeled with behaviour disorders, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or schizophrenia rather than autism, and are more often streamed into special education classrooms or subjected to school discipline and exclusion rather than offered cultural support in the classroom.  

“We are looking to see if we will find similar results in Southern Manitoba, and to expand educational practice to include cultural understandings of difference going forward,” Douglas said.


Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca


CONTACT US:


Dr. Patty Douglas

Associate Professor,
Disability Studies & Inclusive Education

204.727.7486
DouglasP@BrandonU.ca

Grant Hamilton

Director, Marketing and Communications

204.571.8542
HamiltonG@BrandonU.ca

To receive any BU publication in an alternate format: Communications@BrandonU.ca

Reminders of Him: A Book Review 

Reminders of Him: A Book Review 

By: Mallory Johnson

Reminders of Him is an emotional adult fiction book by the famous author Colleen Hoover. It is her latest release, and it came out on January 18th, 2022. There is some romance, but I would not call it a romance novel because there are other, more serious aspects to the story. Before I go any further, SPOILER ALERT, also, trigger warnings for death, accidental murder, impaired driving, a car accident, alcohol and drug use, pregnancy, incarceration, grief, mental illness, swearing, sexual content, neglectful parenting/child abuse, suicide attempt and suicidal thoughts, blood and injury detail, abandonment, and kidnapping. The story follows a young woman named Kenna, who has just been released from prison after serving five years for the accidental death of her boyfriend, Scotty. She is on a journey to find her five-year-old daughter, who she gave birth to while in prison. She does not expect to connect with a familiar face in a hometown bar. 

I had high expectations for this book because it was hyped up a lot, and so was the author. It exceeded all my expectations! I went into the story not knowing much about the plot/tropes, which I enjoyed because it was a lot of fun figuring it out and predicting where the story was going. An aspect of the level that I loved (and did not expect) was the commentary on how women are treated in the criminal justice system and how hard it is to adjust to regular life after being released from prison. Kenna discusses how hard it is to find a job with her criminal record and fears running into people that know her in her small town. Reminders of Him is a story about forgiveness, reputation, familial and romantic love, and loss. These are complicated topics to discuss and write about, but Colleen aces it. The story is very emotional as we see Kenna grieving for Scotty and trying to pick her life back up.


I loved that she coped through writing letters to Scotty; I especially loved how they caused a significant turning point near the end of the story. Colleen Hoover has a reputation on TikTok for writing heartbreaking stories, and this book is no exception: I was sobbing reading the last fifty pages! I LOVED the ending - it was beautiful and wrapped the story up in a very satisfying way. After I finished reading, I set the book down and realized that the pigeons on the cover tied into the account! One of my favorite parts of the story is that a character (not named because of significant spoilers) made Kenna a playlist filled with happy songs because sad songs reminded her too much of Scotty - and how the playlist is listed. On the last page! A quote that I love is, “People say you fall in love, but fall is such a sad world when you think about it. Falls are never good. You fall on the ground. You fall behind. You fall to your death. Whoever was the first person to say they fell in love must have already fallen out of it. Otherwise, they’d have called it something much better.” I also loved when the title came into play near the end of the book. 

Overall, I LOVED this book so much. I loved the characters and found them easy to sit and read because of their short chapters. I give it a strong 10/10 and highly recommend it! I am so excited to read more of Colleen Hoover’s work! This is easily already one of my favorites reads so far (and this was only book number seven of the year!)

Bobbies’ Bistro opens in the Knowles-Douglas building

Bobbies’ Bistro opens in the Knowles-Douglas building

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC

Photo Credits: brandonu.ca

Throughout the end of 2019 until this year students would walk by the empty coffee shop. Now, a new bistro has replaced Forbidden Flavours in the Knowles-Douglas building.  Students can expect to see hot coffee, pastries, hot fresh sandwiches and food as being many of the menu options that Bobbies' Bistro will offer. Bobbies Bistro was brought to students by BUSU and it has student-run management. BU Food Services will be providing the fresh house-made meals. 

The menu includes flatbreads, paninis, breakfast sandwiches, and build-your-own options, with an emphasis on getting you delicious, hot food quickly. Students may dine at the Bistro however all pandemic precautions remain in place. Masks must be worn at all times unless actively eating or drinking, furthermore the bistro is open only to fully-vaccinated individuals for any dine-in service. To start, hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, until April.

There is No ‘Normal’ as We knew it

There is No ‘Normal’ as We knew it

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman

A discussion that is becoming quite common lately is talk of going back to normal or creating a new normal or making the world normal again. It may be a cynical point or somewhat pessimistic to state that there is no such thing as going back to normal because that normal no longer exists. 

More than a year ago, the world as we knew it changed. A virus was sweeping across the world. People just saw it as another virus, like the flu or H1N1. Something that made people sick but was rarely if ever even deadly. COVID-19 was just another virus to us. It came into our country and began to seriously harm people infected. In an attempt to curb the most deadly aspect of the virus, our prime minister and provincial premiers imitated quarantine. We were locked down. 

Schools were closed down and teachers, professors and students rushed to create a stable online distance learning to continue classes. Many retail businesses and restaurants closed down, only open to delivery. Some restaurants and other businesses closed permanently. People couldn't go to the park, the winter and summer fairs were cancelled. We thought it would be over soon, maybe a month, maybe six months. We didn't expect it to last more than a year. That was when our normal was completely altered. 

Another winter and summer fair cancelled. Some restaurants opened back up to the public. Some parks reopened. Though with some major restrictions. Schools have improved the online learning system, though many still struggle with the different types of learning. The Quill also had to adjust to this new world state. We would publish a print copy of each issue of the newspaper and distribute them throughout Brandon University campus bit that changed with campus lockdown. It was also a question of safety for the students who distributed. We moved to a completely online platform and it may stay that way for the time being. It would be good to go back to print issues as well as continuing the online aspect of the student newspaper. However the campus lockdown would need to be lifted and students back to being at the school for the distribution to make sense. It could be that the Quill has a new normal as well. It has it's good and bad points but it's a matter of keeping people as safe as possible.

The world has changed. We have changed in the way we have approached certain situations. Some places have decided to completely change how they do things because of the working from home aspect of the pandemic quarantine. The economy has also greatly suffered during the pandemic due to businesses closing, people being laid off due to restrictions, and increase in students fees at universities. It has been something that has made things even more difficult. It has made going back to some sort of normal more difficult because everything has changed so much. That normal is gone forever. Now we just need to readjust our lives and figure out how we turn this chaotic time into something better, heal from it and create a new normal. 

Campus Bookstore

Campus Bookstore

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman

At Brandon University, the campus bookstore is open to in-person shopping for your textbooks. Only a limited number of people are allowed in. Masks and hand-sanitising are required for entry of course. There are a number of employees there to help you find the textbooks you need. Just be sure you have the course number with you so that the books can be found more easily. 

Various school related supplies, and Brandon University brand clothing are available to be bought. 

There is still the option for online shopping of textbooks and certain supplies. You can just enter your course number on the website bkstr.com/brandonustore/home and find the textbooks that way. The order, once in can be picked up in person at the store or other arrangements can be made.

Just be sure to ask for help at the bookstore should you need it. The employees are very kind and helpful. 

Difficulty for Journalism During COVID-19 Restrictions

Difficulty for Journalism During COVID-19 Restrictions

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman

Journalism has always been an interesting subject to be a part of. Even joining the Quill at the university, I had difficulty figuring out what was reportable and readable, but it has become even more difficult to follow now. The pandemic has made events and in-person interviews impossible and while digital media has given us an option to continue reporting, it is not easy. 

Human beings are rather sociable people and isolation during this pandemic makes that difficult to find ways to be sociable even in the technology-based era we are in. The Miriam-Webster dictionary defines sociable as:

1. Liking to be with and talk to other people. 

2. Involving or allowing friendly and pleasant social relations.

With that definition in mind, we also need to look at the definition of journalism. 

  1. a: the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media

b: the public press

c: an academic study concerned with the collection and editing of news or the management of a news medium

  1. a: writing designed for publication in a newspaper or magazine

b: writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation

c: writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest

With the definitions of sociable and journalism being used, it shows how both can be used together to create pieces that are of public interest but right now the only thing that is of public interest to a large number of the public is the current COVID-19 pandemic. It seems to supersede everything else. 

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

(Press Release)

Winnipeg, MB, Wednesday, January 5 – Being diagnosed with dementia raises uncertainty, fears and unknowns. This January, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society wants to remind families that there is a place to turn after diagnosis. The Society is your First Link® to a community of support, knowledge and people who care.

 

“Making a connection to the Alzheimer Society can make a world of difference for families. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, or caring for a family member late in the progression of the disease, we are here for you, every step of the way,” says Erin Crawford, Program Director, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. “Reach out to us, you’ll find yourself linked up with caring friends and professionals in a place where you belong.”

 

The Society is your first link to support, whether you have dementia yourself, or if a family member or friend is affected. The goal of the First Link® program is to make sure that families have the right support and information, from the time of an initial diagnosis and throughout the progression of the disease.

During Awareness Month, people living with dementia will share how support from the Society has helped them cope. For example, when Luc Lemoine was diagnosed with Pick's disease (one of the many types of dementia), he was shocked and afraid; he had no idea what the future would bring. His outlook changed when he started going to a support group for people with dementia at the Alzheimer Society. He was surprised to find happy group members joking around with each other as they talked about how life can still be fulfilling and enjoyable after a diagnosis.

 

With more than 23,000 Manitobans and half a million Canadians living with dementia today, the Alzheimer Society is continuing to enhance its support for people living with dementia to meet their needs early on, and throughout, their journey. “Connect with us to build your community of support. It feels more important now than ever before,” says Crawford.

Follow the Alzheimer Society throughout the month of January to see Luc’s video and to learn why he considers his support group to be a “magic” community of support and knowledge. For this and other stories, visit alzheimer.mb.ca/communitychangeseverything. 

Timeless: A Tribute to Betty White

Timeless: A Tribute to Betty White

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman. 

On the very last day of 2021, the world lost one of its icons, a treasure kept for many decades. Betty White tragically passed away in December 31rst 2021. To make it even more tragic, she died mere weeks from celebrating her 100th birthday. 

Betty White was part of Television history as it happened. Her career began first in radio in 1939. She was also the first women to produce and star in a sitcom life with Elizabeth which ran from 1953 until 1955. It was cancelled after a short, partly because of biases that existed at the time, and the fact that Betty was ahead of her time and an ally to all. She had hired an African American tap dancer to guest star on the show. When there were demands for the show to be cancelled, Betty responded by giving the man more time in front of the camera and told everyone “Deal with it.” After the unfortunate cancellation of her first sitcom, her career did not slow down at all. 

She continued to star in various comedy shows and game shows. She found her first huge role as Sue Ann Nivens on the Mary Tyler Moore Show. A role she held from 1973 until 1977. Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls from 1985 until 1992. She became the oldest person to host Saturday Night Live at the age of 88. Elka Ostrovky on Hot in Cleveland from 2010, until 2015.

Betty White has been part of television for eight decades. She has earned a Guinness World Record for "Longest TV career by an entertainer (female)" in 2014 and in 2018 for her lengthy work in television. She has received eight Emmy Awards in various categories, three American Comedy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was a 1995 Television Hall of Fame inductee, and was an honorary mayor of Hollywood in 1955 as well. 

Betty was a huge supporter of animal welfare, who had always wanted to be a park ranger but do to gender inequality in her younger years, it was not allowed. She also opposed racial injustice, exemplified by her decision to hire Arthur Duncan for her show in her early career on television. A decision that many agreed with, simply because Arthur Duncan is black. Betty White always believed in equal opportunity. Sixty-three years after that decision, he reunited with Betty and thanked her. Betty also supports LGBT+ rights and advocates for education on HIV/AIDS. 

Whilst she had been married three times, her third marriage was on of true love. In 1963, Betty married Allen Ludden, host of Password. They never had children of their own, but Allen had three children from a previous marriage, where he was widowed. Allen Ludden died in 1981 from stomach cancer. She never remarried after that. White never remarried. When asked the reason for this in an interview with Larry King, Betty responded by saying "Once you've had the best, who needs the rest?". When asked by James Lipton on Inside The Actor's Studio that should Heaven exist, what would she like God to say to her when she walked through the Pearly gates, White replied "Come on in Betty. Here's Allen.

Betty White had spent the last two years in near isolation. It is said that she died of natural causes and went while she slept. Her long time agent reported that the last word she spoke before her eternal sleep was ‘Allen.’ 

Betty White has always been a hero of mine and I will miss her deeply. Thank you, Betty. Thank you for being a friend. 

Eco-Friendly Tips for the Holidays

Eco-Friendly Tips for the Holidays

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of the Quill

Photo Credits: Google Images

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year. It is a time of celebrating and spending time with your loved ones. Last holiday season we were not able to gather and celebrate with our loved ones due to the ongoing pandemic. This year will hopefully be different since most Manitobans have been vaccinated. Therefore, we all deserve an amazing Holiday season this year. Unfortunately, Holiday season can also be a time of waste. The good news is that recycling at Holiday season is easy. You can do many things to reduce your impact and still get a lot of joy out of the holidays. Below are some of my tips and tricks for reducing your impact.


Gift Buying

Giving gifts to people you care about is a fun tradition. Unfortunately, the truth is many of us already have everything we need, and if we don’t, we generally go out and buy it. So, when it comes to the Holiday season, the options can be limited. Some families have decided that it is no longer necessary to buy gifts or only buy them for children. This is a great step to take. However, if you can’t bring yourself to give up gifts entirely, here are some great options to reduce waste this Holiday season.


  1. Give Kris Kringle or Secret Santa a go at home. This is where everyone selects a name from a hat and buys a gift for that one person rather than buying a gift for everyone. It means you can focus your efforts and your funds on one person, they get a better-quality gift. Which reduces the chance of them getting a gift they didn’t want.


  1. Why not ask your family what they really want or need? It might just save the item from being discarded after the Holiday season.


  1. Look for gifts that have a low or positive impact. Eco-Friendly gifts like metal straws or plastic-free alternatives can make great presents.


  1. Choose an experience for a gift. Maybe you could even share the experience with them and make a lasting memory.


  1. Make something out of materials that you already have.


Gift Wrapping

We all like shiny things, but did you know what makes gift wrapping, glitter, and tinsel shiny is actually a layer of plastic and metal? This attractive layering makes it pretty much impossible to recycle. One of the best ways to reduce waste during the Holiday season is to choose more eco-friendly alternatives. You can make a real difference just by making some small changes.

Here are our tips for gift wrapping.

  1. Re-use bits of wrapping paper you have lying around from last year. Why not make a patchwork masterpiece out of all the small unusable pieces of wrapping paper.


  1. Avoid shiny and metallic wrapping paper. As mentioned above, this type of wrapping paper is made from a plastic film and has to go to landfill.


  1. If you want to dress it up, use raffia, string, and paper bows. Traditional ribbons and bows are too hard to recycle and go to landfill.


  1. Buy recycled wrapping paper that can be recycled again.


  1. Have you tried fabric wrapping? It’s a lovely idea and can look beautiful. Just be careful not to buy new fabrics for this as textile waste is a bit of an issue. Maybe use some fabric you have around the house, or why not wrap your presents in a tea towel or something that can become part of the present.


  1. Use gift tags made from recycled paper and reuse them as much as you can.


  1. Why not go naked and forget the wrapping paper this year. You can have some fun with it, like hiding the gift in the house somewhere for them to find.

In summary, do your best to reuse what you have from last year, stick to paper, cardboard, and string or get inventive and use other materials around your home or garden. Buy recycled or better still go naked and don’t wrap the present at all!


Packaging

Recycling during the Holiday season includes many different types of materials. Whether it’s the product packaging or the delivery box the item arrived in, it’s important to recycle all of your packaging this Holiday season.  You can reuse your delivery packaging. Fold it up, and keep it stored somewhere. This is especially useful if you plan to send presents to loved ones or sell things online. For the packaging that cannot be reused, here are our recycling tips. 

  1. Cardboard can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin.


  1. Polystyrene packaging will need to be taken to a specialist recycler. To my understanding there are not available in Brandon and will most likely end up in our landfill.


  1. Rigid molded plastic packaging can be recycled in your curbside recycling bin.


  1. Packing peanuts can be recycled at a few locations or may be biodegradable. The best option is to reuse them, then recycle them; otherwise, dispose of them. Check our article for more info.


  1. Plastic bags or other soft plastics like soft plastic packaging can be recycled at your local Co op plastic bag drop off location or at any Brandon thrift store that accept plastic bags.

If you are unsure about how to recycle other materials that I have not mentioned please check out Simply Recycle. Here’s a list of common items that you’ll find around the holidays, and what you should do with them. Taken from Simply Recycle. https://simplyrecycle.ca/holiday-recycling-tips/ 

  • Aluminum foil, Pie Plates and Trays: Garbage.

  • Bows and Ribbon: Reuse if possible, otherwise garbage.

  • Blister packaging: These are hard to open containers you’ll find consumer products in. These are accepted in your blue bin.

  • Cardboard: Recycle in your blue bin. Flatten boxes to save space for other recyclables.

  • Cellophane: Garbage.

  • Holiday season trees and Wreaths (real): Most municipalities run a Holiday season tree recycling program for residents. Contact your municipality for details.

  • Holiday season trees and Wreaths (artificial): Reuse or donate.

  • Decorations: Reuse or donate.

  • Foam packaging (Styrofoam): Garbage.

  • Gift bags (mesh): Reuse

  • Gift bags (cloth): Reuse or donate to a second-hand store.

  • Gift bags (paper): Recycle in your blue bin or reuse.

  • Gift boxes: Recycle in your blue bin or reuse.

  • Gift tags (paper): Recycle in your blue bin.

  • Greeting cards: Recycle in your blue bin.

  • Lights: Reuse or donate.

  • Plastic cards (i.e. Gift cards): Garbage.

  • Plastic cutlery and Plates: Garbage.

  • Tinsel: Garbage.

  • Wrapping paper (from a tree): This is also known as craft paper. Recycle this in your blue bin.

  • Wrapping paper (with dyes, glitter or foil): Reuse if possible, otherwise garbage.

Depression: A Hidden Problem Uncovered

Depression: A Hidden Problem Uncovered

By Zach Roozendaal

 

Well hello everyone. I took a big hiatus, and I’m sure many of you are wondering why I haven’t done any writing in a while. I’m back now, and there’s a few reasons I haven’t been writing much, and the biggest one is why I’m writing this article in the first place. It’s a very late start for me to be writing articles this far into the academic year, as most of my fellow journalists start writing in September or October. But better late than never, though never late is better, and I apologize for the lack of activity.

 

            Before I get into this, for anyone who may feel sensitive towards the subject of depression, trauma or suicide, those things will be mention in this article, so you may not feel comfortable with reading the rest of this article, however there are resources for anyone with mental illness to access that I will mention towards the end of the article that I will leave in bold.

 

            Depression is a mental illness that many people of all different ages suffer from, just like most illnesses. Unfortunately, the signs of it aren’t necessarily as recognizable as other illnesses. Influenza is an illness that many people can recognize and physically see the effect it’s taking on a person. Sweating, chills, nausea, fever, vomiting and runny noses are all signs of that, but depression is far different. There’s no vaccine or shot you can take to prevent it, there’s no cure that necessarily fixes it.

 

            Depression eats away at a person, and robs them of joy from things they may have liked doing at one point. It makes them insecure, and feel like they’re insignificant. It also robs them of their motivation to do even the simplest of things, like shower, cook a meal and go outside. It also causes them to feel more exhausted and less attentive. Depression should not ever be viewed as laziness. A person can want to do things but lack the motivation and have problems overcoming the dozens of mental roadblocks that keep them from doing what they want. It’s important to note that there is a difference between wanting to do something and having the motivation to do it. An example of this is me wanting to write an article and feeling like it’s impossible to do, and that the short walk downstairs to the shower is like walking from one end of Toronto to the other.

 

            In case it hasn’t been obvious by now, I’m writing this article because I’m passionate about this subject and feel it’s extremely important to share this information with you, but also because I like 1 in 5 Canadians suffer from depression. The statistics I’ll be using are mostly from the Health Canada page on the Canadian Government’s website. The link to the page is here if you’re interested in reading it more in depth or looking at related articles.

 

            https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/diseases/mental-health-depression.html

 

            One of the most important things to remember is that depression is an illness, and not just someone who is sad or emotionally weak. Depression is the clinical term used to describe prolonged periods of at least 2 months or more where an individual’s personality has become more negative and where they feel less motivated and also a feeling of hopelessness or worthlessness. If you believe you may be suffering from depression, inform your doctor of it. Even if they’re just a general practitioner, they can give you a referral to someone who is a psychiatric specialist that can help you figure out if you do have it.

 

            Symptoms of depression vary from person to person, and can also be more intense in some cases, especially if there are other issues or illnesses a person may have. These symptoms can also present themselves physically in some cases but can unfortunately be shrugged off by others as laziness or weakness. The symptoms include:

 

• A change in diet or sleep patterns.

• Lack of motivation.

• Seemingly constant fatigue.

• Thoughts of suicide.

• Easily agitated or upset.

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.

• Difficulty focussing.

• Poor hygiene.

• Difficulty leaving certain places, like home or bedroom.

• Having little or no energy.

• Loss of enjoyment in activities that were once enjoyable.

• Crying for seemingly no reason or feeling extreme sadness for no reason.

• Difficulty making decisions.

• Detachment from life and those around you.

• Headaches or upset stomachs that occur frequently.

• Negative thoughts or behaviour.

 

Depression unfortunately isn’t as harmless to one’s physical health as some may think. Depression has been linked to diseases like diabetes or heart disease, and can also lead some to treat their symptoms with substances, such as alcohol or narcotics to temporarily numb the pain, and get them motivated. Obviously, narcotics and alcohol and other addictions can lead to a variety of other problems, especially health related ones. Depression isn’t something that is easily overcome by everyone, it’s not like being sad, it’s far deeper and more complicated than that. A common misconception I’ve heard is that people with depression are using it as an excuse to feel sorry for themselves. That’s not at all the case with most people, and ridiculing them for a lack of motivation can make the problem worse and isolate them further.

 

Something I’ve also heard people around me say before is that “Well everyone has problems, you’re not the only one so quit making excuses because I feel really sad too and have deep problems but I’m doing lots and am accomplishing more.”

 

There are a few problems with saying things like that to someone who has depression. While yes, it is true that everyone has problems, depression isn’t just being really sad, and saying that it’s an excuse just because you know others with depression who are doing lots despite that. Most of those individuals are likely on antidepressants, and have been able to deal with their depression through that. Not everyone has that luxury. Telling someone everyone has problems is basically the same of saying “Suck it up and quit whining and being weak.” I don’t need to tell you that saying that doesn’t help, it actually just invalidates that person’s struggle and comes across as you trivializing their depression.

 

I plan on making a part 2 to this, but knowing I’ve got enough here for the editor to pass out from exhaustion from reading, I’ll leave it here. There are lots of articles I wished to do, and didn’t get to do, and will likely post on a Facebook page that I’m creating that I’m going to call TLA, or The Lost Articles for short.

 

As for the resources you can access, please contact the following:

 

24/7 Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 or go to this website to find the best crisis help within your area: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/looking-for-local-resources-support/

 

You can also contact the Kids Help Phone 24 Hour Support Line for anyone between the ages of 5 to 29 to receive free and anonymous support. Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text 686868 or visit their website for help connecting through Facebook Messenger. https://kidshelpphone.ca/

 

For Indigenous and Metis people, there is also the Hope for Wellness Helpline. You can call 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or visit their online live support chat. https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

 

That’s about it, and apologies to the editor for the lengthy last-minute submission. And now, I’ll leave you all with my final thought:

 

The scars that are invisible to others are often the ones far more painful than any cuts or bruises, but the best way to treat them is through help, love, care and kindness.

 

Take care my friends, and hopefully the other articles I’ve submitted make it through, otherwise, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and stay safe out there and please be careful and spread joy and love this holiday season.

 

Until next time, this is Zach Roozendaal, signing off.