Nuclear workers put lives at risk for safety of others

It’s an example of how humanity, even in the most desperate of situations, still exists in our world today.

As Japan comes to grips with their desperate situation after the earthquake and Tsunami last Friday, fears over a nuclear explosion at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant continue to grow.

Despite the obvious dangers associated with undertaking such a task, a brave group of 180 workers is struggling to get the crisis under control.

The technicians are risking their own lives for the safety of others, dousing nuclear reactors with seawater to cool them.

They are, in every sense of the word, heroes. Their efforts should be rewarded and their bravery commended.

After all, how many others would do the same?

Today, the Ministry of Health Labor and Welfare raised the maximum allowable exposure for nuclear workers to 250 millisieverts from 100 millisieverts, describing the decision as “unavoidable due to the circumstances.”

According to the Toronto Star, “Elevated levels of radiation were detected well outside the 30-kilometre emergency area around the plants. In Ibaraki prefecture, just south of Fukushima, officials said radiation levels were about 300 times normal levels by late morning.”

Although officials continue to say there are few health risks for the general public, the workers are almost constantly being exposed to the dangerous radiation.

John Price, an Australian-based nuclear safety expert, is concerned for the workers.

Price says although they are being regularly rotated in and out of the danger zones, and likely wearing full body suits and breathing through respirators, the dangers are still there.

It is almost certain these workers will be left with life-threatening side-effects due to radiation; If an explosion at the nuclear plant doesn’t kill them first.

The benevolence shown by these workers is perhaps the only silver lining in such a terrible, heart wrenching tragedy. They show that love, compassion and selflessness can reign, even in the most horrid of situations.

May their courage and bravery remind everyone in North America what humanity really means.

Provincial agency denies funding for grieving families

Seeing really is believing, apparently.

According to an article in the Toronto Star, the provincial agency created to compensate crime victims has denied pain and suffering payments to three mothers because they didn’t witness the killing of their children.

Apparently, “just” losing a child to senseless murder isn’t horrific enough.

The article, written by David Bruser, says each mother applied to the provincial Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, and were later denied compensation because board policy states a parent must witness the death, or come upon the crime scene for the province to pay up.

Some may argue they wouldn’t want the money, because it’s “blood money”, but the board is meant to financially help victims of violent crime and their families with psychological trauma and funeral costs.

These expenses can become very costly, especially depending on the amount of counseling  required to move on.

And needless to say, the cost of a funeral in Canada seems to become more and more expensive, adding another burden to an already overwhelming situation.

If there was ever a time for rules to be bent, it’s when a parent loses a child.

Particularly when those rules are ridiculous.

Losing a family member to an illness or an accident is one thing, but to be a victim of homicide is in a league of its own.

Simply put, the board was created to help victims, not make them suffer even more. Therefore, it should do what it says it does: help victims.

The compensation board, which pays a maximum of $25,000 to victims, claims to treat them with “courtesy, compassion and respect” as they seek help with their financial, physical and emotional needs.

Does this treatment sound courteous, compassionate, or respectful?

I think not.

And sadly, the idiocy doesn’t end there.

The Star also reports that, “While the board has denied pain and suffering claims by these mothers, it has routinely paid police officers pain and suffering cash awards after they suffered minor injuries on the job.”

Note the word “minor”.

In one case, a police officer received $10,000 because he could no longer enjoy gardening, visiting flea markets and collecting glass.

Well, that makes a lot of sense.

Is the board therefore saying that gardening, flea markets and glass collecting are more important that psychological counseling and therapy?

It’s so disheartening to know that a provincial agency could be so cruel  to families who are already in so much pain and distress.

The rules make no sense, and lack one of the most important human characteristics, compassion.

Diet fad not worth the risk

If you thought the grapefruit diet was odd, the new hormone injection diet far surpasses the weirdness factor.

The hCG diet involves either injecting or ingesting the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin.

The diet plan claims to help people lose about half a kilogram a day.

According to CBC news, “Proponents say the hormone suppresses the appetite by tricking the body into thinking it is pregnant, which prompts the body to burn stored fat in places where dieters least want it, such as the upper arms, belly and thighs.”

But with every diet fad comes a catch.

The catch with hCG?

Women who chose to go on the hCG diet are required to consume only 500 calories a day. CBC says 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.

Well, that’s one sure way to lose weight.

500 calories? That’s nearly starvation. Don’t the women who go on this “diet” see this?

Aside from the dangers associated with such a low caloric intake, hCG has also been linked to risks of headaches, depression, acne, hair loss, breast tenderness and, in more rare cases, blood clots that can be fatal if they travel to the lungs.

Now that sounds appetizing.

Rather than putting personal health in danger, why not go back to good old weight loss methods that are tried and true?

The key to weight loss is simple. Eat healthy and exercise.

Really, there is no miracle drug that will cure obesity. If it does, it is sure to come with harsher consequences than a few extra pounds.

Is your life worth it?

Female journalists and women’s rights

Earlier this month, CBS News correspondent Lara Logan was recovering in a U.S. hospital after suffering from a sexual attack and beating while reporting on events in Cairo.

According to CBC news, “Logan was in the city’s Tahrir Square on Friday after Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak stepped down when she, her team and their security were surrounded by a dangerous element amidst the celebration.”

CBS described a mob of more than 200 people “whipped into a frenzy.”

According to CBS, Logan was “separated from her crew in the crush of the violent pack”, and suffered “a brutal and sustained sexual assault and beating.”

The brutal assault has left many wondering how many other female reporters suffer at the hands of violence, and don’t report it in an effort to maintain an image of a “tough journalist”.

In an industry that continues to be dominated by males, many female reporters feel the need to act stronger to put themselves on a level playing field with their male colleagues.

If they report such incidents of sexual assaults, their editors may refrain from sending them on similar assignments for fear it could happen again. Which it very well could.

So which is more important, job security or personal safety? Is it more important to act tough in this male-dominated profession, or to make people accountable for their actions?

Sadly, the attack on Logan was one of at least 140 others suffered by reporters covering the unrest in Egypt since it began on Jan. 30, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

It goes without saying that as women, female journalists do put themselves at risk when they are reporting on events like the celebration in Tahrir Square. They are in this particular danger specifically because they are women. For some reason, women’s anatomy seems to say that it’s okay to be mistreated.

Since Logan’s experience in Cairo, there have been comments flying around nearly as terrible as the act itself. Some are saying she deserved it, others are saying it’s her own fault.

One reporter fought back by saying Logan has simply been blamed for WWB-working while blond. Evidently, to the less-than-brilliant people who have chosen to comment on this nightmare, light-haired female reporters deserve to be sexually harassed, beaten and belittled even more than their brunette colleagues.

Those who have ridiculed Logan should be ashamed. It’s a sad example of how at a time when women are supposedly “equal”, that we’re not really equal at all. It’s merely an illusion of how things could, and should, be.

Teens sending the wrong kind of message

Remember the “good old days” when parents only had to be concerned about their teens drinking, doing drugs, partying and skipping classes?

Well these days, parents have a whole new level of worry.

And they have technology to thank.

Sure, sure, technology is great. It can do this, it can do that. It allows us to connect with others at a moments notice, send emails, instant message, take pictures, and apparently, be sexually adventurous.

Yes, you read that right.

These days, some teens, who admittedly are not exercising their best judgment, are no longer sending innocent texts with LOL’s, BRB’s and smiley faces. They are taking nude pictures and forwarding them to boyfriends and girlfriends.

It’s been coined as “sexting”, and it’s a whole new and naughty form of texting.

Sadly, many of these teens don’t seem to understand the harsh consequences their sexually adventurous, or rather, “misadventurous” behavior, can have.

What may be intended for one person has the potential to be seen by hundreds more.

All it takes is one person exacting revenge over a breakup (which, let’s face it, is common for teens to do) or the wrong hands and the wrong eyes to get a hold of a classmates cell phone.

Is it about teens seeking attention? Is it about impulsiveness? Or is it just plain stupidity?

Teenagers have always been accused of being rash, but sexting is dangerous, unnecessary and ridiculous behavior for anyone, let alone someone under the age of 18 and in high school.

According to the Winnipeg Free Press, the average Canadian teen sends a whopping 3, 339 texts a month.

That’s over three thousand chances to get naked for a cell phone, and end up humiliated and embarrassed.

It’s even resulting in deaths. One Ohio teen hanged herself in 2008 after her ex-boyfriend shared nude pictures she had sent to him.

So what are parents to do?

One thing is for certain, they can’t continue to be naïve about their teen’s behavior, and they need to monitor what their child is sending on a regular basis.

Way back when, having a cell phone in high school was considered a privilege, and it should have remained that way.

Sexting, after all, is so not sexy.

A bloody battle

The Canadian Blood Donor agency is finally getting with the times.

It wants to lift the lifetime ban on gay men giving blood, which is a big step for a dated policy that restricts men who have had sex with a man at least once since 1977 as a way to reduce the risk of contracting HIV infections from blood transfusions.

It’s controversial for some, but the technology available these days means the rules should-and can- be relaxed.

According to Lorna Tessier, who spoke with the Toronto Star, “There have been lots of changes in the environment, lots of changes in testing (and) lots of changes on the international front.”

How many lives could be saved if more people could donate, if more people were not placed under ancient restrictions that discriminate, ignore and belittle an entire community from donating?

Yes, the policy is a result of the tainted blood scandal. And now, this recent move has some arguing for safety, and others fighting for equal rights.

Currently, Canadian Blood Services is examining the issue, and according to the Star, “Is preparing to ask its regulator, Health Canada, to consider shortening the amount of time that a gay men must be celibate before giving blood.”

It’s time Canadian Blood services began to focus on an adequate, trustworthy and proven screening process; One that would eliminate the chance of AIDS spreading to those who receive blood transfusions.

There are those who will be undoubtedly opposed to this new proposition by the blood agency, but even doctors are saying the policy is counterproductive and needs to change.

According to CBC news, “At the time the blood ban came into effect, there was a lack of scientific knowledge of the infection, the higher prevalence of HIV among such men, and the lack of a blood test to screen donors for HIV infection.”

Some will argue there are plenty of donors out there who could safely donate, and to just leave well enough alone.

Well, the reality is…there are not plenty out there who are donating.

According to Canadian Blood Services, approximately every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood.

And a recent poll revealed that 52 per cent of Canadians say they, or a family member, have needed blood or blood products for surgery or for medical treatment.

How can we say no to anybody who wants to donate?

Next time there is a blood donor clinic, pay closer attention to the constant calls for help; the innumerable advertisements, posters, and radio ads.

If there really weren’t a shortage, would there be so many pleas for people to roll up their sleeves?

Shame and sports

12-year-old Kayla Watkins just wanted to play hockey.

But after a team-member’s parent drew up an agenda looking to have her ice time restricted, she withdrew from the league because she was so embarrassed.

Kayla should not be embarrassed.

George Atis, the parent who singled Kayla out, should be the embarrassed one.

Kayla didn’t sign up for the Toronto Ice Dogs peewee “A” club team to be humiliated by a team member’s parent. She didn’t sign up to be part of a media frenzy. She didn’t sign up to be belittled, ill treated, and shunned.

Shame on Atis, for forgetting what sports should mean to children.

It shouldn’t be about competition, who is the “best”, and who is the “worst”. It should be about leadership, improving skills, teamwork, and making friends.

No child should ever, ever be made to feel how Kayla felt after accidentally stumbling upon the agenda in her mother’s emails.

Atis, who still believes Kayla’s departure was the best thing for his son’s team is not only making himself look bad, he is setting a bad example for his son, and making other hockey parents-who already have a bad reputation-look even worse.

Although Atis is comfortable defending his position through his blog, saying, “I know people don’t want to hear this but, I’m going to say it anyway: the reason the team is having fun again is because the negative elements have left. It’s that simple,” he refuses to comment to reporters.

Way to go, Atis.

What a way to make that 12-year-old child feel even worse. How could anyone even consider calling a young child a “negative asset”, let alone write it in a blog for the world to see?

According to the Toronto Star, Atis also said Kayla’s play was responsible for the team’s low morale, which resulted in continuous losses.

Interestingly enough, the team isn’t winning any more frequently.

Look’s like Atis’ bid to have Kayla kicked off the team was a success.

Victoria bans tanning beds for minors

Minors in Victoria will not be seeing the light until they are 18, well, at least not the light of tanning beds.

The city recently passed a rule making it illegal for teens to use a tanning bed unless they have a medical reason for doing so.

It’s the first bylaw of its kind anywhere in Canada, and it’s about time.

According to the Toronto Star, those caught violating the bylaw will be fined anywhere from $250 to $2,000. Those who appear to be under 25 are expected to proof of age identification.

Although this is a big first step, it leaves me wondering how long will it take before the entire country is on board. If it took one city as long as it did to jump on the anti-tanning bandwagon, how long will it take for others to recognize the extensive damage tanning beds can cause?

Skin cancer, anyone?

Tanning beds are so dangerous, in fact, that international cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, saying they are as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas.

Sure, many argue that vitamin D is beneficial, and that the dangers are nothing to be worried about. A sun-kissed glow and melanoma are seen as more desirable, apparently.

What proponents of tanning fail to recognize is that most lights used in tanning beds give off mainly ultraviolet radiation. This causes skin and eye cancer, according to the International Agency for Cancer Research.

The ban in Victoria is a big step for those who promote skin-safety and adamant use of sun block, but tanning beds really should be illegal for everyone of every age, period. If it’s not safe for someone under 18, what makes it safe for an adult? It’s like saying it’s okay to get cancer once you hit that magic number.

Until we see the banning of tanning beds in Canada, thousands of people will continue to die as a result of cancer. In fact, one in seven Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer during the course of their lifetimes. Isn’t that enough to make you slap on some sunscreen when you’re outside and avoid the deadly artificial rays from a tanning bed?

Really, there is no such thing as a “safe tan”, and those who think there is only need to do some research-or get diagnosed with skin cancer themselves-to realize they are wrong.

 

Kiddie pageants raising eyebrows

It’s an issue that’s really raising some eyebrows.

Sorry, that’s not funny.

The recent controversy surrounding the TLC show, “Toddlers and Tiaras” has recently ruffled some maternal feathers.

The issue?

As the Globe and Mail reports, a recent broadcast showed one mother having her daughter’s eyebrows waxed.

We’re not talking about teen that wants to impress the star football player. No, we’re talking about a five-year-old baby.

Five. Years. Old.

That should be argument enough for those opposed to the circus that is this TV show, and yet, the ratings continue to pour in.

Why the vast popularity?

Is it because “Toddlers and Tiaras” is like a car accident? It’s so awful, so heart-wrenching, that you can’t help but watch?

To see these children being paraded around at kiddie pageants with make-up, big hair and spray tans seems so wrong, on so many levels.It’s no wonder so many young girls feel pressure to be beautiful, to be skinny, to live up to society’s high standards.

It’s not starting in high school anymore, like the “good old days”. It seems that the pressure to fit the mold is now starting in pre-school.

This is how eating disorders start. This is why so many young girls are depressed, feel ugly, and feel like they don’t live up to what is expected of them.

If they are exposed to this lunacy when they are five, how are they expected to know anything different?

Not only does it perpetuate classic examples of stereotypes, it’s also teaching these young girls to value beauty more than anything.

What happened to valuing childhood?  To ruining white clothes in mud puddles, chasing fireflies and building forts with blankets in a dark basement?

Now it’s beauty pageants, make up and costumes.

It’s a sad reality.

And the reality TV show circuit isn’t helping.

Inmate programs see less government funding

A recent report by CBC news revealed the government is increasing spending on capital items such as new prison cells at double the rate of spending on rehabilitation programs.

According to the report, critics say the discrepancy between capital and program spending can actually make Canadian streets more dangerous. They argue offenders won’t benefit from needed programs, which increases their chance of reoffending.

Does this come as a surpise?

Correctional Investigator Howard Sapers told CBC he is concerned about the government’s goal to be tough on crime, and feels the lack of program spending is a problem that must be fixed.

Sapers says it makes no sense to spend billions of dollars on housing and feeding inmates, and next to nothing on rehabilitation programs.

Above all, reintegration into society must be safe. Just throwing someone into a jail cell and back into their communities once their time is up seems almost pointless. What will they have learned from their mistakes?

What is the point of incarceration if inmates are not learning how to alter their lifestyles and become productive members of society?

Upon release, how many more will reoffend because rehabilitation programs failed to make a change?

Little therapy means they have almost no chance of learning from their mistakes.

The longer amount of time they spend locked behind bars, the longer they have to interact, learn from and compete with other criminals.

They just continue to be a part of the social network of prison.

In the end, rehabilitation programs aren’t all about teaching criminals how to live. They are about giving them hope for a better future. If they aren’t aware of opportunities, if they don’t know what possibilities are out there, why would they be compelled to make a change?

If all they know is a life laden with crime, they aren’t going to know how to change it.

How many of these criminals had issues before they were in jail? How many are dealing with homelessness? With mental illness? With illiteracy? Prisoners need to learn how to deal with these issues before release.

Although many feel those locked up in Canada’s jails should be left to fester in cells with no chance of freedom, the reality is that many will be wandering the streets of our cities and towns once again.

Without rehabilitation programs, how can they be expected to successfully reintegrate into society? How can we feel safe?

What criminals need is leadership and a grain of hope that life can be more than what they have always known.

Ultimately, it’s not about being tough on crime. It’s about seeing the face behind the criminal, and the possibility of hope.