Tories Fall, Election set for May.

Summary of Article:

After more than five years as the leader of minority government, Prime Minister Stephen Harper finally lost the confidence of the House of Commons last Friday and asked Governor General David Johnston last Saturday morning to dissolve Parliament for a general election.  This is widely expected to be held on May 2.  It is said that no Prime Minister of a minority government in Canada's history went as long as Harper without losing a vote of confidence.   Harper told reporters that the vote disappoints him and will most likely disappoint all Canadians.  He also says that instead of an election, Canadians, in his opinion would have preferred Parliament to have an approved budget.  He called it, "the next phase of Canada's economic action plan", and says that "it is critically important of Canada's economic recovery".  His opponents disagree and believe that it is time for a change.  They said that the government's priorities were not those of Canadians and that Harper was displaying what Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe said was "a repugnant attitude" and an "ideological agenda".  Liberals, Bloquistes, and New Democrats, all 156 of them, voted in favour.  Conservatives and two independant MPs, all 145 of them, voted against.   "Mr. Harper has demonstrated that he and his Conservatives have really no interest in working with other parties.  He made a choice, and that choice was to take us into an election," Layton said.  "And so our goal is to lay out a program that will put families first, as we've always done, and to defeat Conservatives in this upcoming election.

My Opinion of Article:

I think this topic is a big topic and is a case in which we must take seriously.  I agree with both Harper and the Liberals, Bloquistes, and New Democrats at the same time.  First of all, Stephen Harper is right int he fact that Canadians will be disappointed by this action.  I take it that most of them are, including me.  This is because it will most likely take a lot of money for the election.  Is another election really worth using that much money?  On the other hand, I agree with the Liberals, Bloquistes, and New Democrats in the sense  that if it is critically important for Canada's economy, I would like the best to happen.  My opinion is on both sides and I only hope that we make the most and the best happens by using so much money for this election.

Hormone Injection Diet Raises Cautions

Summary of Article:

Hormones such as hCG can be injected as part of a weight-loss plan.  This is a diet fad from the 1970s that claims to help people lose about half a kilogram a day.  This is again attracting a lot of attention and followers, despite the concerns of some doctors.  This diet involves either injecting or ingesting the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotroping, or hCG, in combination with an ultra low-calorie diet.  Proponents say the hormone suppresses the appetite by tricking the body into thinking it is pregnant.  This prompts the body to burn stored fat in places where dieters least want it, such as the upper arms, belly, and thighs.  Dianne Gariepy of Edmonton, has taken hCG drops on and off since October.  She recommends it to anyone who wants to shed unwanted pounds without feeling hungry.  Gariepy currently has diabetes and credits the hormone with helping her to lose weight.  She now only has take a third as much insulin as she used to need.  This regimen combines hCG with a 500-calorie a day diet.  This is the equivalent of two slices of lean turkey on whole wheat bread, one slice of cheese, some lettuce, a little mustard, an apple, and one cup of skim milk.  Gariepy started selling hCG drops on the Internet but was shutdown quickly.  Health Canada shut this down because hCG is suppose to be only available by prescription for use in fertility treatments.  There are said to be risks of using hCG and Dr. Tom Ransom even warns that hCG has no benefit and carries risk. These risks include headaches, depression, acne, hair loss, breast tenderness, and in rare cases, blood clots that can be fatal if they travel to the lungs. "Any doctor who prescribes it for weight loss is either ignorant of weight loss and what hCG does or they're really slimy charlatans who are taking advantage of people's desperateness to lose weight", Ransom said.

My Opinion of Article:

I totally think Gariepy's idea is crazy and is abusing the treatment that we have.  Yes, it does help you lose weight, but at what cost?!  It is definately not worth losing your life for.  I also strongly agree with Dr. Tom Ransom's point of view.  He is 100 percent correct and it is true, people who sell this or promote it are "taking advantage of people's desperateness to lose weight".  If you really want to lose weight, exercise, eat healthy and work for it.  It takes more time, but its a much bigger accomplishment than injecting drugs into you.  It is like using steroids.  If you really want to get strong, go to the gym everyday.  Doctors like Dr. Tom Ransom need to point out to people promoting hCG that this is not the right way to lose weight.  The true way of losing weight is a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise.  Taking the time to exercise is well worth it over losing your life or getting ill.

Mental Health in Workplace Matters More Than You Think

Summary of Article:

When it comes to the pressing priorities of an average entrepreneur, managing the mental health of staff is most likely not one to come to mind.  Concern about whether or not employees are feeling good about their work and their lives likely has to take a backseat to issues related to surviving this tough economy.  This includes improving sales or reducing expenses.  Whether or not small businesses are feeling any pressure to address these issues, the pressure is there on a number of aspects.  "For the first time in Canadian history, employers are confronted with a legal duty to maintain not only a physically safe workplace, but also a psychologically safe work environment." says a report done for the Mental Health Commission of Canada by Dr. Martin Shain of the University of Toronto.  The report, called "Tracking the Perfect Legal Storm, outlines a variety of developments in Canadian courtrooms that indicate the legal system is less tolerant of workplace factors that threaten psychological "safety".  Also, increasingly large fines are being imposed on companies that don't consider the toll their workplace policies may take on employees' mental health.  There are not just legal risks connected to ignoring mental health, but also the risk of lost productivity.

My Opinion of Article:

This topic is something that businesses all around the world should be aware of.  It is amazing how many people are affected by their business's environment and affect them mentally.  Personally, I know of someone who doesn't enjoy going to work because he does not feel it is a psychologically safe work environment.  This not only causes him to lose interest and be less productive in the company, but also destroys the companies reputation.  Ensuring healthy mental health is very important and a good example of this is the company Google.  Google ensures not only ensures healthy mental health, but makes employees feel safe while having fun.  They are listed as the number one workplace to work at and do this by offering leisure facilities and more.  I think in order for companies to improve employee's mental health and to ensure that they are safe, they should look up to Google and aspire to be like them.  Google is a good role model in that aspect and would help companies solve this very important issue.

Women Are Changing the Face of Medicine

Summary of Article:

The number of women in Canadian medical schools have been growing steadily for the past 30 years.  In numbers, this has improved from 14.3% in 1968/1969, to an astonishing 57.7% today.  Although, while women have been responsbile for some significant changes in medicine in recent years, there are still very few women moving into medical executive positions in this country.  Dr. Noni MacDonald, the first woman to be named a dean of medicine in Canada, notes that at the moment that there is only one female dean of medicine among the country's 17 medical schools.  Currently, there is only one female dean, Dr. Catharine Whiteside at the University of Toronto.  "We seriously need to get more women in top positions, the upper management structure needs to be changed" says Macdonald.  "There's too much internal politics that is often not attrictive to women.  Women often just turn away.  I see it very much still as an oldy boys' club".  Dr. Cheryl Rowe, a community psychiatrist in Toronto, also feels this is an area that needs improvement.  "Women are not as well represented in academic positions, in leadership positions within the hospital.  There is recognition that women need to be offered more leadership positions and the Canadian Medical Association has a whole leadership stream of courses that they offer particularly to women".  Women have already bought many of their strengths to the field of medicine, says Macdonald.  These include better work-life balance for doctors, more doctors doing international aid work, the teaching of improved communication skills, and team initiatives.

My Opinion of Article:

I 100 percent agree with all of what Dr. Noni Macdonald and Dr. Cheryl Rowe had to say.  It is true that women have contributed a great deal to the medicine field and they should be recognized and rewarded for their accomplishments.  If you look back in the past, women didn't even have rights or a say in anything.  They weren't even considered human.  Throughout the years society has made great progress and has learned to accept everyone, not matter what gender, race, etc.  I think we need to look back and realize how women have changed our world.  They are just as equal as men and should definately have more top positions for them.  It is shocking that there is only one dean of medicine in Canada out of the 17 medical schools.  This number should be way higher.  Women put the same amount of hard work as men do and shouldn't be treated differently just because of their gender.  I am glad that the percent of  the number of women in medical schools has improved from 14.3% in 1968/1969, to an astonishing 57.7% today, but in order for women to get top positions, we need to remember and show them that they do have rights and do have respect.

Mother Killed by Car Driven by Daughter

Summary of Article:

Police in Surrey, British Columbia are investigating the death of a mother who was killed by her own daughter in a fatal car accident in the driveway of their home.  The 36-year old daughter was returning home in a vehicle and was attempting to park in the garage when the mother was then struck, RCMP Cpl. Drew Grainger said.  "As the vehicle negotiated into the garage, for whatever reason, the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably, striking the driver's mother, who was in the garage, " Granger said.  "She sustained devasting injuries".  The women, who was only 52, was transported to a hospital where she then died.  This terrible incident occured at about 1 p.m PT at a townhome complex in the 12700 block of the 64th Avenue.  Grainger said investigators do not suspect foul play.

My Opinion of Article:

I believe this is a terible incident and is something no daughter or human should have to bear.  Killing someone by accident is always tragic and especially tragic if it is a family member or your own mother.  I have so much sympathy for the daughter and hope she can recover from this horrible incident.  I also give my respects to the mother that had died that day as she was so young at the age of 52.  I know if I had accidently murdered a family member or anyone at all, I would be devasted for life and could not forgive myself.  However, I hope the daughter can and realize accidents happen even horrible ones.  I think she will be more cautious in the future when going into a driveway and never forget this tragic day.

Recycled Packing Raises Health Questions

Summary of Article:

Breakfast cereal manufacturers in Europe are weighing to their packaging after research points to potential harmful health effects from recycled cardboard.  Swiss researches found mineral oils in packaging that is made from recycled newspapers.  These oils, which come rom printing ink, could get into foods such as cereal, pasta and rice, the UK Press Association said Tuesday (March 08, 2011).  Koni Grob, of the government-run Food Safety Laboratory in Zurich, said toxicologists linked the oils to two effects in rats: inflammation of internal organs, and cancer.  "One meal has no real effect on health.  It is a matter of long-term exposure," Grob told the BBC.  He was referring to a Swiss study where researchers tested 119 products purchased at German supermarkets last year.  Products with thicker and more expensive inner lining bags appeared to block oil from contaminating foods.  The same is also true for Aluminum foil, which acts as a barrier. 

My Opinion of Article:

I believe this is something that we need to look out for in the near future.  Foods are getting contaminated for no reason and people could get seriously ill or even die becuase of it.  If we want to enjoy our cereals and pasta, we are going to need to check and make sure the packing is thicker.  This might cost a bit more but if we want to enjoy the food we have, it is well worth it.  Cancer and the inflammation of internal organs is extremely dangerous and getting either shouldn't be because of eating everyday foods.  If you are going to get cancer, it is best to get it from something we have no control of.  As for packing foods, we do have control of this.  This needs to be fixed right away so we can enjoy foods without having to worry about the inflammation of internal organs or cancer.

'National Dialogue' to Tackle Childhood Obesity

Summary of Article:

The federal and provincial health ministers launched a new strategy Monday to curb the rising rates of obesity in children.  This initiative is billed as a "national dialogue" and it seeks to identify ways to promote healthier lifestyles for children.  Federal Health Minister Leona Agulukkaq announced the "Our Health Our Future" project in Toronto.  A new website will serve as an online forum and a report with recommendations that will be presented at a national summit this fall where federal, provincial, and territorial health ministers will decide on future actions.  "We have an alarming trend among our children in the last decade,", Aglukkaq said.  "Too many of them are overweight, too many of them are obese...this has to be reversed". "We need to get to the roots of what causes people to become overweight or obese and then kickstart a program, a long-term movement to change it, " Aglukkaq said.  This project will involve identifying the conditions that contribute to unhealthy weights such as how communities are designed, the availability of foods, the influence of advertising, and how much time youth spend in front of television and computer screens, according to the minister.  The number of children who are overweight or obese has been rising steadily in Canada.  In fact, more than one in four children and youth in Canada are considered overweight or obese and increases in the rates are highest among teenagers.

My Opinion of Article:

This is an extremely important article and I'm extremely happy that health ministers and people such as Aglukkaq are doing something about this issue to raise awarness.  Everyone is aware about obesity and being overweight but I do not think people realize the increasing numbers and the increase in percentage.  As said in the article, one in four children and youth in Canada are considered overweight or obese.  This is 25 percent of all children and youth in Canada!  Obviously we have to do something about this issue and start identifiying the problems fast.  Also mentioned in the article is how much time youth spend in front of television and computer screens.  I believe this is one of the biggest factors when it comes to obesity and people being overweight.  Television and computer screens are entertainment and are good to a certain extent.  Many people, including myself do not spend as much time outside or exercising as much as they should.  This is also very bad because when you watch television or play on the computer, you are more likely to have a snack while doing so.  So not only are you not getting exercise, but also digesting unhealthy foods.  This is not an issue that can be solved in a year, but can be solved if the effort is put in by everybody.  This will always be a challenge as new technology is always being developed causing society to get lazier, but I do however feel we can bring the percentage of obese and overweight people down.

Many Dont' Understand When Not to Call 911: Study

Summary of Article:

An online survey of 150 adults in the U.K found that most people know they should call an ambulance when someone appears to be having a heart attack or other life-threatening medical emergencies but many don't understand when an ambulance is not needed for less urgent situations like going into early stages of labour.  This survey presented 12 common medical scenarios, five that require an ambulance to be called and five that would not.  Almost all participants correctly identified at least three of the five scenarios in which  911 call is needed but, however, one in four did not recognize the need to call for an ambulance in the case of a possible stroke.  The scenarios that required 911 assistance are middle-aged man with pains in his chest, possible acetaminophen overdose, traffic accident victim, Older person slurring his words after not having had any alcohol (possible stroke), and 4-year-old with high temperature and stiff neck (possible meningitis).  When it came to situations when a 911 call is not needed, the respondents didn't do so well.  Most only could pick up two out of the seven scenarios in which there would be no need for an ambulance.  These were the scenarios when no 9-11 call is needed:  Women going into the early stages of labour, man with chronic back pain who has run out of painkillers, Drunk man being sick (but not unconscious), 3-year old with a toy stuck up his nose, an episode of blood in the urine, toddler with a bruise on his head, and knife cut on the palm of the hand that is not bleeding heavily.  Between 5% and 48% would have dialed 911 for these situations.  Authors conclude that more widespread education on when to call for emergency care would be useful and would help cut costs from unnecessary ambulance calls.  It would also ensure that those who do need emergency assistance can get it.

My Opinion of Article:

Although some people may believe this is an issue that is not useful and not important, I believe it is the opposite.  Many people are not aware when to call 9-11 or don’t know when they shouldn’t call 9-11.  Many lives would be saved if people knew when to call 9-11, but because we don’t know when to, many lives are often lost.  I could also say the same about people who do not know when they shouldn’t call 9-11.  As said in the article, tons of people call everyday about situations that could be solved without 9-11 assistance. This is extremely important as people who do need the assistance of 9-11 can get it.  If people do not know when to call 9-11 and when they shouldn’t call 9-11, lives are being thrown away recklessly.  This does not only go for other people, but for me as well.  I am also not 100% sure when to call 9-11 and I feel that a memo or website that shows when to call 9-11 would really help me out.  It is good how these authors are raising the awareness of this problem and it is something that should be discussed with everyone.