Teens Drive Better With More Sleep: Study

Summary of Article:

According to a new U.S study, teen drivers who start school earlier in the morning may be prone to more automobile accidents.  Studies suggest that the students may not be so alert, since early school start times may promote sleep loss and daytime sleepiness.  This was published in the Journal of Clincial Sleep Medicine, the study's lead author, Dr. Robert Vorona, said that starting high school laterin the morning might make young drivers more alert because they get more sleep.  The study compared school start times and automobile crash rates for students aged 16 to 18 in Virginia Beach, where high school classes began between 7:20 a.m. and 7:25 a.m., to students at schools in Chesapeake, where classes started between 8:40 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.  There were 65.8 autmobile crashes for every 1,000 teen drivers in Virginia Beach, and 46.6 crashes for every 1,000 teen drivers in Chesapeake.  The comparisons were made in 2008, and were similar to the results in 2007.  "We believe that high schools should take a close look at having later start times to align with circadian rhythms in teens and to allow for longer sleep times, " said Vorona who is an associate professor of internal medicine at Eastern Virgina Medical School.  "Too many teens in this country obtain insufficient sleep.  Increasingly, the literature suggests that this may lead to problematic consequences including mood disoders, academic difficulties and behavioural issues."  Another study in the April edition of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that delaying schools start times by one hour could improve attention levels and performance, and reduce mistakes.  The Israeli study of 14-year old, eighth-grade students found those teens who slept 55 minutes longer each night performed better on tests that require attention.

My Opinion of Article:

I am not suprised by this these studies or this article at all.  Having the right amount of sleep is crucial and can definately affect your studies.  It is best to have a minimum of 8 hours of sleep and if you don't get the proper amount, you will spend more time sleeping than studying or paying attention in class.  In my opinion, it is hard enough to get up at 7:20 rather than being at school at 7:20.  On top of homework the night before, and extra-curricular activities you may have, it is definately an early wake up time that may not always give you your eight hours of sleep.  More importantly, if you don't get your sleep it is harder to stay awake and can result in you not staying awake in the important times, such as driving.  Driving is one of the most crucial times you need all your energy and can result in the loss of other people's lives if you don't pay attention.  If schools that start really early pushed their starting time even an hour later, it could save lives.  For the safety of others, schools need to take it seriously. 

New Mothers At Risk Of Obesity: Study

Summary of Article:

Mothers of young-children may be risking their health by drinking more sugar-sweetened beverages and eating more saturated fat compared with childless women.  The finding comes from researches at the University of Minnesota Medical School who examined the diets, physical activity and body mass index (BMI) of 838 women and 682 men.  The study was published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.  The researchers suggested some explanations for the differences between female participants.  "Mothers may find it easier and less time-consuming to cook more palatable, yet high-fat food for children (e.g. macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets) and to eat more snack foods with children," they write.  "Mothers may also modify their milk consumption habits, including drinking the higher fat milk than their children drink."  The authors say there is little research into the diet and exercise patterns of parents of young children, but it is important to understand because healthy and unhealthy habits can become ingrained and transmitted to children.  Study participants completed a questionnaire about how often they consumed certain foods and how many hours they spent during various physical activities.  They were also asked to provide their height and weight in order for researchers to determine their BMI.  The results were average 2,360 calories a day, compared with 1,992 calories for women of the same age who did not have children.  The mothers also got 10.3 percent of their calories from saturated fat, compared with 9.5 percent for women without children.  The same studies were done with dads, however, it did not show any appreciable differences in the eating habits of fathers compared to men without children.  Most of the saturated fat we eat comes from meat, milk, butter, lard, coconut, palm and palm kernel oils.  Consuming too much of this kind of fat is a risk factor for obesity and cardiovascular disease.  When it came to physical activity, mothers reported an average of 2.36 hours of moderate to vigorous activity a week.  Women without children reported 3.19 hours of such activity.  "Young adults may continue these behaviours into adulthood, putting them at high risk for obesity.  In addition, the modelling of poor dietary intake and physical activity may influence children's health behaviour," the researchers write.


My Opinion of Article:

I believe all these facts make sense and are nowhere out of the ordinary.  It makes complete sense that women who are new mothers are at risk of obesity.  When you first have a kid, your life becomes more rushed and it takes time getting used to.  Most of the time, you won't have time to make a meal that takes a long time to cook and will have to resort to foods that are easier and faster to make such as macaroni and cheese, and ravioli.  Obviously, cooking a 10 minute meal such as macaroni and cheese would be more high in fat than cooking a meal that takes 45 minutes to make is healthier so it makes sense that new mothers would be at more risk of obesity.  However, it does kind of shock me that dads did not have a change as they would eat the same meal as the mother and the children.  This may be because when you get pregnant you gain weight and could be easier to eat fatty foods.  I also believe that it could influence a child's behaviour but if you fix your diet when your kid is well grown, it won't be a problem.

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.