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University of King’s College School of Journalism February 5 — 11, 2010







‘Perfect storm’ of

risk factors looms

for heart health

Heart and Stroke Foundation says Maritimers’ lifestyles leading

to heart disease — even young adults at considerable risk

James Whitehead Health Science Centre, says Eastern Canada

jbwhitehead@gmail.com carries some of the highest risk in the country

for cardiovascular disease.

Chris Handforth is one of the captains of the “We have the highest rates of obesity,

University of King’s College rugby team and he highest rates of inactivity,” he said.

is at risk for heart disease. Giacomantonio says the original Scottish

“Personally (heart disease) is something and Irish settlers had a genetic predisposition

that I am very aware of,” he said. to cardiovascular disease but they didn’t see as

“I try to stay active because I know that my many effects because of their lifestyle.

family is predisposed to have larger people in “Physical activity was high, obesity was low

it.” and what you ate was a survival to do the work

The 22-year-old history and biology student you needed to do,” he said.

says he is also involved in martial arts and He says over the years, industrialization and

tries to eat right. advanced technology changed the lifestyle of

The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s annual Maritimers leaving a legacy of heart disease.

heart health report card gave 20- to 30-year-old According to the foundation’s report card,

Canadians a failing grade in heart health. only 38.4 per cent of Nova Scotians now are

“We have a lot of people in the province at a healthy weight and only 47.6 per cent are

who are at risk for heart disease,” says Elaine getting enough exercise.

Shelton, director of health promotion for the “Soon enough, we will see more and more

foundation. people presenting with heart disease and

Handforth says he didn’t know about the stroke,” said Shelton.

report but can see its relevance. The foundation’s report card warns there is

“You’d think that we’d be the fittest people a “perfect storm” of risk factors looming on the

but ... let’s be honest, a lot of university horizon.

students just don’t eat well.” “Our three bad systems are aging popula-

Handforth’s family is not the only one with tion, living longer with the disease, and youth

a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular getting more risk factors,” said Giacomantonio.

KATHLEEN HUNTER disease risk factors.

The Italian Stallion teases the crowd at last weekend’s Everything Nick Giacomantonio, a cardiologist at QEII See ‘Changing lifestyles’ page 2 >>

to do with Sex Show. Check out the photo essay on pages 8 — 9.





This week’s focus – Body, Mind & Spirit, pages 1 - 9









Dance away the pounds with Zumba classes >> p. 7 Little works of art raising money for mental health >> p. 5 Stressed? Find out how some people cope >> p. 3

2 foCus: Body, mind & sPirit February 5 – 11, 2010





It’s up to all of us to shape a healthier future

editorial more asthma and more cancer than the national average. the lackadaisical lifestyle I’ve lived.

Nova Scotians also smoke and drink to excess more than the Yes, I know soft drinks are not the healthiest choice, but I

rest of the country, while they exercise less and eat fewer fruits drink them anyway and I can’t explain why. As a generation we

Peter Clarke and vegetables each day. just fill our bodies with this kind of stuff.

peter.clarke@dal.ca That can be backed up by the Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. It’s time to reexamine this on societal level.

continually showing record profits. It’s almost needless to say This week, The Commoner looks into some of the finer points

that Nova Scotia also has a lower life expectancy than the rest of living healthy such as limiting stress, keeping a healthy heart

of the country. and living more actively.

A couple of weeks ago, CBC’s The National ran a segment Lots of health organizations have perked up and are actively

The word is out that Nova Scotia is the most overweight telling young Canadians that they are now just as at risk for trying to make Nova Scotians healthier.

province in the country. heart disease and problems as their baby boomer parents. But ultimately it’s up to individuals to do what they can to

Shockingly enough, the bad news doesn’t end there. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is calling it the “perfect shape up.

According to Statistics Canada, more than 20 per cent of storm” of heart problems Eating healthy can be expensive so if you can’t afford to fill

Nova Scotians suffer from high blood pressure compared to the As I take a swig of my non-diet cola, I realize that it may be your pantry with healthiest stuff then you should at least try to

national average of 16.4 per cent. time that we changed our habits a little. I mean, my parents’ get out and be active.

They also have more pain, more arthritis, more diabetes, generation likely has a longer life expectancy than me due to Go for a walk, jog or shovel your driveway.









Changing lifestyles

From Page 1 >>



He says it’s vital we focus on reducing common risk factors

that drive cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, high

cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, inactivity and smoking.

“Recognize it and admit to it and then, you’re well on the way

to changing it,” he said.

Giacomantonio also said that while most of the risk factors

are preventable, the only way reverse the trend is to change our

society’s lifestyle.

Shelton says that is what this report is all about.

“What we are looking for is the funding and implementation

(from the government) of the heart health strategy and action

plan,” she said.

“That plan was released almost a year ago and it’s just kind

of sitting on a shelf because there’s no funding attached to it.”

The plan outlines several policies designed to help make

healthy choices easier.

In the meantime, both Shelton and Giacomantonio are urging

Canadians to exercise more and choose healthier foods.

Handforth says he is trying his best but it is difficult.

“I try to eat healthy but it’s hard, it’s not cheap to do that,”

he said.

“Some of us don’t have a lot of money.”

JAMES WHITEHEAD



Chris Handforth (far right) plays rugby and tries to eat right to avoid heart disease.







halifax Commoner Clarification

Volume 12 #9

In “Long distance mourning: the future of the funeral

business” appearing in our January 29 - February 4

The Halifax Commoner is published ten edition, we referred to Dale Moses as a programmer and

times a year — five weeks in October/ Issue Editor technician for the Worker’s Compensation Board of Nova

November and five weeks in January/ Peter Clarke Scotia. He no longer holds the position of programmer.

February. Assignment Editor

It is written, edited and designed by Kristy Hutter

students in the Newspaper Workshop at Photo Editors

School of Journalism, University of King’s Casey Dorrell | Kathleen Hunter CHECK US OUT ONLINE

College, Halifax, N.S., B3H 2A1.

Faculty Advisors & Instructors

Dean Jobb TWITTER @HALIFAXCOMMONER

HTTP://THECOMMONER.

P: (902) 422-1271 (ext. 143) Reporting, writing, editing

F: (902) 423-3357 Kate Ross

E: thecommoner@ukings.ns.ca Production/Design

Michael Creagen

Photos

KINGSJOURNALISM.COM

layout Pages 1, 2: monika WarzeCha

February 5 – 11, 2010 Body, mind & sPirit 3

Stress levels on rise for young Canadians

StatsCan reports one in four women consider themselves extremely stressed — a higher number than men

mark teo can lead to high blood pressure,

mark.teo@dal.ca heightened cholesterol levels and

heart disease.

Like plenty of sleep-deprived, cof- Chiasson’s not alone. According

fee-fuelled undergrads, fourth-year to a 2009 Statistics Canada report,

Dalhousie University political sci- nearly one quarter of women

ence student Sophie Chiasson is no between the ages of 20 and 34 con-

stranger to stress. sider themselves extremely stressed

But when she broke out into a rash on a daily basis. By comparison, 20

on her legs last week – something per cent of men considered them-

she’d never experienced before – she selves equally stressed.

knew something was wrong. In Canada, those numbers are

“I had just gotten home from being rising. The Canadian Mental Health

at the library all day,” she recounted. Association, a non-profit mental

“I was late with the next chapter for health organization, says the

my thesis and behind on preparing number of Canadians reporting

for the Model U.N.” stress has risen 30 per cent between

2008 and 2009.

For students like Chiasson, there







“

are plenty of contributing factors.

Stress isn’t just related Day says a combination of financial

to life circumstances, but worries, roommate stresses, aca-

how people think about their demic deadlines and family and per-

sonal problems can be worrisome.

life circumstances .... Some

And along with her daily responsi-

people are stressed because bilities, Chiasson also holds herself

they think ‘I should be doing up to high personal standards.

better.’ “I psych myself out,” she said.

Dr. Victor Day “Normally, it’s in my head, some-

Director of Counseling times I build things up to be worse

services, Dalhousie

than they are.”

Day says that even successful stu-

It didn’t help that she had to travel dents – with active social lives, good

to Montreal last weekend for her grades and no financial burdens –

Model United Nations duties, com- can feel stressed.

pressing her schedule. “Stress isn’t just related to life cir- MARK TEO

The 21-year-old said she’s never cumstances, but how people think Dalhousie student Sophie Chiasson broke out into a rash last week — a by-product of stress.

experienced a physical – or such an about their life circumstances,”

“intense” – reaction to stress before. said Day. “Some people are stressed

Dr. Victor Day, director of counsel- because they think ‘I should be short-term solution for tense minds. techniques are helpful, they don’t completing tasks and assignments

ing services at Dalhousie, says it’s doing better.’ Canada’s Public Health Agency address the immediate factors that – and refining organizational

not uncommon to have a physical “Worrisome thoughts can dis- recommends eating a balanced diet cause stress. techniques are solutions to solving

reaction to stress. rupt concentration,” he continued. filled with grain, fruit and vegeta- “Distraction and avoidance don’t anxiety.

“It’s related to all physical prob- “That can affect relationships with bles and a full night’s sleep as stress work very well,” he said, adding that For Chiasson, self-awareness –

lems humans have – all the major other people and when students are mitigators. some can turn to more destructive and being realistic with her goals –

and minor diseases,” he said. “It’s stressed, they may be less produc- Others turn to physical activi- habits – like excessive drinking – as is part of her plan.

bad for all your body’s systems.” tive academically.” ties, such as yoga or mindfulness escapism. “I try to stay calm and realize what

Day says sleeplessness, head- Day says stress reduction and meditation, an exercise Day Stress management, on the other I can and can’t do, what I can and

aches and indigestion are the most stress management are two ways describes a “way to quiet your hand, is the most effective way to can’t accomplish,” she said.

common side-effects of stress. The people can cope with anxiety. mind.” solve anxiety problems. Solving

long-term effects of chronic stress Stress reduction techniques are a While he acknowledges that these stressful situations directly – like









unews.ca

Covering DAL, SMU, MSVU, NSCAD, KING’s, AST and NSCC









Page layout: JessiCa ilse

4 Body, mind & sPirit February 5 – 11, 2010







Winter weather hinders fitness in N.S.

No simple solutions seen for rising obesity rates

kristy hutter federal and municipal governments, moving now, but it should make

kristyhutter@gmail.com communities, businesses in the physical activity a goal for the

private sector, and non-governmen- long-term, he said.

As the cold weather begins to tal organizations. “It’s an uphill battle, for sure. But

settle in, so does sluggishness. “We need to work with the you have to engage young people

Halifax Regional Municipality whole range of partners we have, early so that you build the love for

spokesperson Dustin O’Leary said and implement evidence-based physical activity from the begin-

the winter season is tough – people solutions,” said Strang. ning.”

tend to be less active because they The Halifax Regional School Board







“

would rather stay indoors. is also doing its part to coach its

“Sledding, snowshoeing, skiing students to live healthier lives.

It’s an uphill battle,

and, of course, there is always Schools within HRM are

shoveling,” said O’Leary, the city’s

for sure. But you have to currently trying to follow the food

promotions and research coordina- engage young people early and nutrition policy – a program

tor. “There is no shortage of things to so that you build the love established three years ago by which

do, it’s just a matter of getting moti- for physical activity from the every student must have access to

vated to do it.” beginning. healthy food options at school – and

This lack of motivation reflects a most recently, Halifax high schools

Statistics Canada report released last Dustin O’Leary have made a physical education

week. It indicates that Canadians Halifax Regional Municipality credit a requirement to graduate.

have become far too heavy for their “Schools are supposed to

height over the past 25 to 30 years, Although many private businesses have been implementing all the

reflecting a trend occurring in both offer extra-curricular programs, directives to get their kids

developed and developing countries Halifax Regional Municipality healthy,” said Diana Dibblee, the

around the world. provides additional opportunities school board’s health promotions

Now the Nova Scotia govern- for residents to be physically active, facilitator. “For example, in the first

ment is encouraging organizations especially where communities may six months (of the policy), schools

province-wide to help fight this be lacking variety. took out all their fat fryers, got rid of

problem. O’Leary said the department of all the pop.”

“Part of our message is that we recreational services acts as a “gap But Strang said unhealthy lifestyle

need to go far beyond just telling filler” – if a service is not offered pri- is a problem that has accumulated

people they need to be more active vately within a community, it is the over the past few decades and will

and that they need to eat better,” municipal government’s job to pro- be difficult to reverse.

said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s vide those services. “Regardless of weight, we should

chief public health officer. Nova Scotia Recreation and the be working with all Canadians and

“The solutions are far more Department of Health Promotion Nova Scotians to ensure that they

complex than that and they and Protection initiated a campaign can be physically active in their daily

range from how we develop our for staying healthy in the wintry lives and are able to eat a healthy

communities.” weather called Take the Roof off diet on a daily basis.”

The report also indicated that Winter – a website filled with tips on He said current societal norms

adults have higher body mass staying physically active during the are preventing this – for example,

index numbers – a measure of an cold months. It has been running for car culture. He said people feel the

individual’s weight in relation to three years. need to drive everywhere when

his or her height – than ever before “The goal is to give people municipalities should be promoting

and that children have become opportunities to be physically active different ways of getting around the

increasingly sedentary, thus height- and perhaps opportunities that city.

ening the ever-growing chances of wouldn’t be available if we weren’t “These are both very complex

developing childhood obesity. there in their community,” O’Leary problems that have gotten to the KRISTY HUTTER

Strang said the way to implement said. point where they’re at over a number Halifax university student Christina Turner walks to the grocery store instead

the solutions for this health dilemma Not only should Nova Scotia of decades,” he said. “So there are no of driving a car. More Nova Scotians should rethink their use of cars, said Dr.

is by working closely with the Recreation try to get people easy, short fixes here.” Robert Strang.









Statistics Canada figures unflattering to Canadians

• According to Statistics Canada, in 2004 23.1 per cent of Canadians aged 18 or older — an estimated 5.5 million adults — had a body mass index of 30 or more,

indicating that they were obese

• Another 8.6 million, or 36.1 per cent, were overweight

• The percentage of 25- to 34-year-olds who were obese has more than doubled, rising from 8.5 per cent in 1978/79 to 20.5 per cent

• The average BMI of adults rose from 25.1 in 1978/79 to 27.

• In Nova Scotia, 63.2 per cent of people are overweight or obese, compared to 51.1 per cent for all of Canada

• 38.3 per cent of Nova Scotians are overweight, while 24.8 per cent are obese







Page layout: Jonathan Charlton

February 5 – 11, 2010 Body, mind & sPirit 5

tWits and tWeets: getting fitter on tWitter



James Whitehead

jbwhitehead@gmail.com







Finding time to do your own research on health and medical issues

can be a chore, but following healthy tweeters lets other people do the

work while you reap the benefits. Canadians are unhealthier than ever,

but if you look at the numbers, we’re more concerned about what time

@ParisHilton is going to bed.

Here are a few healthy tweeters for your consideration, in 140

characters or less.





Name: Dr. Mehmet Oz

Twitter name: @DrOz

Followers: 116,929 since May 7, 2009

Re-tweetable tweet: Love the taste of salt? If everyone had just 1/2

tsp less per day, we’d prevent up to *99,000* heart attacks each

year.

Oprah loves him. He’s got his own show. Lots of good medical and

healthy-living tweets. You have questions, @DrOz has answers.





MONIKA WARZECHA Name: Tara Parker-Pope

The Canadian Mental Health Association’s Barb MacDuff displays a contribution to the Mosaic for Mental Health. Twitter name: @nytimeswell





Mosaic: Mental health masterpieces

Followers: 4,491 since Oct. 27, 2008

Re-tweetable tweet: Play, Then Eat: Shift May Bring Gains at School

http://bit.ly/8IXAcv

Her tweets are short and ... well, short. She writes some good ar-

monika WarzeCha are passionate about that area of anyone who wanted to contribute,” ticles and then tweets a link to them. Efficiently unexciting.

mon.warzecha@gmail.com health or our organization,” she says. McNeil says.

One in five Canadians will experi- “We have people who are fairly

Greg Brumwell doesn’t have to wait ence a mental illness in their lifetime. well-known artists contributing and

around for inspiration. He says the This 2002 Health Canada statistic people who are just doing it for the Name: Health Habits

act of painting inspires him enough. has even sparked a website run by first time.” Twitter name: @HealthHabits

“I don’t really have anything in Dalhousie University’s Department The tiles sell for $25 a piece and the Followers: 10,250 since March 11, 2009

mind before I start,” Brumwell says. of Psychiatry, oneinfive.ca. exhibit, and they help keep the event Re-tweetable tweet: Nintendo Wii ‘Walk It Out’ helps beat childhood

“It always comes out abstract – that’s The website points out that almost “accessible financially,” Cadham #obesity - Is this what we’ve come to? Human beings are de-volving

the most free form it can take.” 200,000 Nova Scotians will experi- says. A lean, mean tweeter machine. With fat trimming workouts and for all

A Dartmouth-based artist, ence a mental illness, though less “Even people who are on a ages and sizes, @HealthHabits is a fitness dictionary with biceps.

Brumwell has been contributing to than five per cent of the health care restricted budget at least have an

the Mosaic for Mental Health for its budget in Nova Scotia goes towards opportunity to purchase a piece of

past three exhibits. the treatment of mental health art.”

Since 1999, the Canadian Mental issues. In recent years, the exhibit Name: Jackie

Health Association’s Halifax- Mosaic for Mental Health acts as a has also included less-expensive Twitter name: @girlwithnoname

Dartmouth branch’s annual exhibit fundraiser for the Halifax-Dartmouth alternatives to the tiles, including Followers: 46,418 since May 1, 2008

and sale at the Craig Gallery at branch and also helps raise aware- $5 posters of the mosaic of contribu- Re-tweetable tweet: dinner: some lean pepper crusted roastbeef

Alderney Landing has displayed a ness about mental illness. tions and $3 cards with images from and a HUGE kale & brocolli & sesame dressing salad. holy yum.

broad range of work. Though the 2010 show doesn’t the tiles. Conversational and motivating, @girlwithnoname is like having

The Mosaic for Mental Health is happen until Oct. 14, the branch Last year, the suggested theme for your own personal trainer in your pocket. Healthy recipe and blog

made up of painted tiles contributed accepts submissions all year round the pieces was “sharing the spirit,” links, too.

by professional artists, students and and already has tiles available for while this year, the branch has

amateurs, some of whom have expe- pick-up at its Agricola Street office. decided to focus on the theme of

rienced mental health issues person- Kim Farmer, the coordinator of the hope. Name: Zuzana Light

ally. Craig Gallery, says response keeps Artists are not obliged to follow Twitter name: @BodyRockTv

An increasingly popular exhibit, growing every year. the theme, and Cadham says they Followers: 2,608 since Feb. 5, 2009

the annual show and sale provides a “People are actually lining up out- always get a range of pieces. Re-tweetable tweet: What to call today’s workout video ... hmm ... I

space for people interested in art and side the gallery before it opens,” she Brumwell thinks the Mosaic helps think that the sexy monkey is back ...

people interested in mental health to says. create awareness of mental health A constant stream of workout video links. Who needs a gym mem-

meet. When the exhibit first began, issues and can act as a “catalyst or bership? And you’ll always know when @BodyRockTv gets new

The artists use six-inch-by-six-inch 75 people donated more than 170 icebreaker” for people who might Lululemon pants.

masonite boards or tiles as a base panels. Last year, about 800 tiles have difficulty discussing mental

and can work in any medium: paint- were contributed to the show, which health issues.

ing, drawing, textiles, photography, helped raise $20,000 for the branch. “If people still aren’t ready to talk Name: Project Swole

collage or prints. Gerard McNeil, who helped curate about it, they can at least look at Twitter name: @projectswole

Though the mosaic is made up the first exhibit, thinks the tiles are these images,” he says. Followers: 4,673 since Apr. 7, 2008

of many diverse elements, Bev behind the exhibit’s longevity. He “Some (tiles) come out depressing Re-tweetable tweet: Werewolf Training 2: A Weightlifting Routine to

Cadham, the co-manager of the calls it an egalitarian program and and sad-looking, some come angry Gain Strength Project Swole http://bit.ly/5G04fa

Halifax-Dartmouth branch, thinks process. and frustrated. So if people are still @projectswole builds websites and muscles. Following tweets

the artists all have something in “It wasn’t just open to people who unwilling to talk about these issues could lead to being able to bench-press the whole Internet ...

common. have experienced mental health they can at least look at the pieces

“All of the artists that contribute issues or illness – it was open to and talk about it through art.”

Page layout: mark teo

6 Body, mind & sPirit February 5 – 11, 2010





Student finds fame for weightloss fight

Guest appearance on Rachael Ray culmination of road to fit lifestyle

JessiCa ilse books, mostly for meals ready in less Arsenault was on a plane to New

js541806@dal.ca than 30 minutes. York City.

Arsenault was drawn to the Arsenault flew down on Dec. 7,

One day last fall, Halifax student way Ray presents her cooking and was in New York for four days.

Shari Arsenault was surfing televi- methods. She stayed at the same hotel as

sion chef and talk-show host Rachael “She made it more of a hobby and another guest on the Rachael Ray

Ray’s website. less of a chore … I see it as a good Show, a plastic surgeon named Dr.

She read a prompt for an upcoming thing to do instead of something I Tony Youn, who would be talking

show, “Have you lost a significant have to do.” about red-carpet secrets.

amount of weight using Rachael’s Arsenault bought her first Rachael

recipes?” and wrote a reply. Ray cookbook, and has received





“

Two weeks later, Arsenault was others as gifts. Ray updates reci-

in New York City, filming for the pes and posts them to her website, I’ve lost 95 pounds

Rachael Ray Show. another source for meal ideas. because Rachael makes

Arsenault, 22, is studying human Arsenault started losing weight in cooking fun.

resource management at the April 2008, by combining Ray’s reci- Shari Arsenault

Nova Scotia Community College – pes, counting calories, and buying a NSCC Student

Waterfront Campus. She completed treadmill. She went online to find the

her undergrad degree at Mount Saint healthy calorie intake for someone

Vincent University, with a bachelor her age and height, and made sure to Just before Arsenault stepped onto

of science in biology. eat only that amount each day. the set, a back-story of her weight

Sitting in the common-area of the In July, Arsenault finished her struggle played for the audience.

college campus, snow-squalls just 15-month weight-loss regime; losing The tape, shot four days before, fea-

outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, 95 pounds, and going from a size 18 tured pictures of Arsenault before

Arsenault reminisces about her to a size 2. She’s been the same size the weight-loss, when she weighed

weight-loss struggle. ever since. 210 pounds at her heaviest.

“I was a bigger child,” says “The difference with this one was When Arsenault stepped out from

Arsenault, “but you wouldn’t call me that I saw it as a lifestyle change.” behind a blown-up before image,

overweight until junior high.” Cue the Rachael Ray Show. Ray’s jaw dropped; then she envel-

Arsenault tried dieting in high Arsenault sent an email to the pro- oped Arsenault in a bear hug.

school, with little success, by cut- ducers after reading through the “To meet someone that inspired

ting out fat and eating Lean Cuisine upcoming shows. you to do something like that,”

frozen dinners. “I wrote a paragraph that said, Arsenault trails off, looking for

“(The weight) wouldn’t stay off ‘I’ve lost 95 pounds because Rachael the right words. “She’s really

because, once you’re on a diet, as makes cooking fun,’” says Arsenault. friendly.”

soon as you’re done, you’re like, Two days later, her cellphone rang in Arsenault’s segment lasted only JESSICA ILSE

‘Okay, done the diet,’ and you’re class – with a New York area code – seven minutes, but in that time, the Arsenault credits Ray’s diet-centric recipes for helping her get fit and healthy.

back to food.” from producers of the show. two talked about her weight-loss,

Then, two years ago, Arsenault The producers told her that they’d cooking with fresh ingredients, and And as for teenagers trying to need to be eating instead of all the

discovered Ray’s television show. read her email and wanted before- cooking as a way to be healthy. be healthier, Arsenault says being garbage and deep-fried stuff – it

Ray hosts a daytime talk-show and-after pictures. She sent the Arsenault says her family is proud mindful of food intake is important. may be a fast way to get food, but it’s

aimed at women’s lifestyle, as well pictures, and got another phone of her, and now she cooks for them “Follow Canada’s food guide not good for you.”

as three cooking shows on the Food call asking for more pictures. After because they’re starting to eat because, as cheesy as that sounds, “If you see it as a lifestyle change

Network. She’s the author of 17 cook- completing a few phone interviews, healthier, too. it really does break down what you instead of a diet, you can do it.”









Street Level

Cabin fever have you bouncing

off the walls? We hit the streets to

find out how Haligonians address

their seasonal stress.

Snowboarding, skiing – that kind A lot of reading and cooking. I walk.

of stuff. You can’t relax in the

How do you decompress during winter.

the winter? Sally Peters

Nursing Student at St. FX

Arthur Kidston

Geologist

Stanley Van Dyke

Retired Archaeologist









Page layout: mike gorman

February 5 – 11, 2010 Body, mind & sPirit 7

‘Exercise in disguise’ heats up Halifax

VinCenzo raVina “It was a more intense workout than I

vravina@gmail.com expected but it was as much fun as I expected.”

Oake says she’ll be attending classes at least

Eighteen women in a community centre flail once a week.

around, mime riding motorcyles and pretend Melissa Bennett has been going to Manning’s

to play bongo drums, dancing it out. classes for three weeks. She says the first class

The instructor, Johneen Manning, shouts out was tough.

directions such as, “Shake those bums.” “Learning the steps the first time was very

After the class is over, one woman comments difficult but (Manning) just says, ‘Keep moving,

to another, “We lived through it.” keep your energy going and you’ll do fine.’ And

This was the scene last Sunday at the Zumba the second class, it was like a refresher and you

class at the North Woodside Community Centre just catch on right away.”

in Dartmouth. Bennett says Zumba isn’t like other exercise

Manning says Zumba is a Latin dance- programs.

inspired cardiovascular fitness class. “It’s really high energy and I really like to

“It’s a fun workout. They call it exercise in dance, so it’s a fun way to dance with a bunch

disguise.” of people three nights a week.”

She has been a Zumba instructor since Manning says she gets these reactions a lot.

November, and she says her class sizes are “I had a student actually before class come

growing steadily. up to me and she said it was a life-changing

“I’m feeling like this room might not do it in class for her, because she hates to exercise

a couple weeks,” she says. “Every class I have and she hates to sweat but she loves this class

new people but I also have people coming because it doesn’t feel like exercise.”

back.” Still, Manning says a person can burn

Zumba classes are offered at Nubodys, the between 500 and 1,000 calories in a class.

YMCA, the Mount Fitness Centre at Mount She says she has yet to have a man come to

Saint Vincent University, and at the Tower at a class.

Saint Mary’s University.

The official Zumba Fitness website says that





“

Zumba has been taught in Colombia since the

mid-’90s, but hadn’t really taken off interna- Keep moving, keep your energy

tionally until recent years. going and you’ll do fine.

Now, Zumba Fitness has sold millions of Johneen Manning

DVDs and the website says five million people Dance Instructor

around the world attend Zumba classes each

week.

Manning teaches three classes a week – two

at the North Woodside Community Centre and “A lot of the time aerobics classes tend to be

one at DANSpace in downtown Halifax. dominated by women,” she says. “Men are wel-

Cherly Oake went to her first Zumba class come to attend. In fact, somebody said at the

last Sunday. She says she hasn’t had much last class, if men were smart, they would come

time to exercise since the birth of her daughter out to more.

nine years ago. “Single men, if they were trying to meet

“Now she’s old enough that I can start doing women, they’d come to Zumba and every other

some things.” fitness class they could find because the odds

A friend told her Zumba was a fun way to are pretty good.” VINCENZO RAVINA

exercise, so she dropped into Manning’s class. Instructor Johneen Manning’s Zumba classes are a great way to dance the pounds away.









I don’t really relax at all. I like to take pictures, actually – Go south. I read books and sometimes I go Probably read, and I also go

that usually helps – and I just like to the spa. snowshoeing

to stay inside.

Kyle Nicholson Sydney Mackay Erich Feldbauer Khaldoun Halasa Emma Squires

Dal Dance teacher and Stars of Citadel High School Student Retired Construction Worker Engineer Psychology student at SMU

Tomorrow Dance Academy









Page layout: mike gorman

8 Body, mind & sPirit February 5





Strippers, body paint, fishnets — oh my!

The Everything to do with Sex Show returns to Halifax

Photo essay by Casey Dorrell and Kathleen Hunter









“Ha

own









Showgoers paid $5 to paint in a flower in support of breast cancer research.



The









James Courchene, a Halifax contractor, failed to defend his title as pole-dancing champion.



Page layout: kathleen hunter & Casey dorrell

– 11, 2010 Body, mind & sPirit 9









alifax has been pretty conservative so far, but we’ll see what happens tonight,” says Peter Labelle,

ner of Creative Body Casting, which produces metal casts of different shapes and sizes.



ARKAngel, a body painter, displays her talent in the exhibition area on Saturday.









Assassin’s burlesque performance was one of the highlights of the weekend.









Show manager Mikey Singer says the sex show is not just about pornography.





Page layout: Casey dorrell & kathleen hunter

10 neWs February 5 – 11, 2010





Beloved rodent makes annual appearance

mike gorman Centre before the big reveal outside, Groundhog Day. It has no purpose

mc286834@dal.ca Raoul, dressed not-too-warmly in other than the celebration of life.”

ceremonial tartan and kilt, revealed Newly elected to the riding, this

Forget the mild days of January, that though he’d rather see an early was Burrill’s first Groundhog Day

and don’t even think about pulling start to spring, ceremony.

out the shorts and tees yet; there’s “(Sam)’s the prognosticator, not “We always had a groundhog

six more weeks of winter yet for Nova me, I just go by his judgment,” party at home. We love Groundhog

Scotians. For the dozens gathered around Day, but I didn’t know this many

That was the word from the groundhog pen at Shubenacadie people came here,” he exclaimed,

Shubenacadie Sam, Nova Scotia’s Provincial Wildlife Park, shiver- then laughed. “It’s beautiful!”

famous groundhog, Tuesday morn- ing in the double-digit-below-zero Michelle Smith of Shubenacadie

ing, as he emerged from hibernation temperature, Sam’s decision did not brought her two pre-school daugh-

just long enough to decide it was a come as a surprise. ters with her. MIKE GORMAN

bad idea. While the audience of young chil- “I love to keep them involved in A park worker motions toward Shubenacadie Sam outside his burrow.

“Shubenacadie Sam’s prediction dren, parents and teachers looked the extra activities in the commu-

is official, this rodent’s news can be on, the freshly awoken groundhog nity, and show them how fun it can Sam’s prediction, but also World through the centre’s exhibits.

beneficial,” pontificated East Hants quickly ducked under the cover of be,” she said. Wetlands Day. According to a press release from

town crier Bob Raoul. a crop of short spruce trees, escap- She has been bringing them, Face painting and crafts were the Department of Natural Resources,

“This Feb. 2, 2010, his prophecy is ing not only the cold, but the early starting with her oldest, Cassandra, available for the younger set, while which maintains the provincial park

noted, and now we know this means morning trumpeting of a bagpipe, a for the last five years. Though, she Tony Kelly and other members of and cares for Shubenacadie Sam,

spring-time may soon rather be phalanx of assembled press and, of joked, “I can’t remember it to be this Clean Nova Scotia stood by to answer the tradition of relying on a ground-

slow. When he bares in his den, not course, his shadow. cold.” any questions about the wetlands. hog for seasonal predictions can

making a stir, it seems it is time, to Local New Democrat MLA Gary While the ceremony lasted only a “We’re going to talk about climate be traced back to German settlers

embrace the winter.” Burrill was ecstatic, despite the early few minutes in the open wind, the change and climate change effects and the Candlemas ceremony, who

Camped inside the warm hour and biting chill. wildlife park organized a full day of on wetlands,” he said, preparing to used a hedgehog for much the same

Greenwing Legacy Interpretive “It’s beautiful. I believe in activities to commemorate not only lead a few elementary school classes purpose.







Commuters get a little taste of Nova Scotia’s finest

Jonathan Charlton industry isn’t facing any challenges,

jonathan.charlton@dal.ca said Stephen VanMeekeren, owner

of Wink Apples, a farming and pack-

It’s not every day that commut- ing operation near Kentville.

ers at the Alderney ferry terminal There’s lots of competition from

in Dartmouth are greeted by a both cheap apples shipped from countries

cheerful, giant red apple and pro- with low labour costs, such as Chile

vincial Minister of Agriculture John and China.

MacDonell, giving away apples to He added that there could be food

anybody who wants one. safety issues with those apples –

That’s what happened Monday pesticide use, for example, may not

morning. Some commuters passed be as heavily regulated as it is in

on the opportunity, but many took Nova Scotia.

advantage of the free fruit. February is one of the best months

At times there were dozens of for sales because there isn’t as much

people munching on McIntoshes fresh, local competition on store

and mingling with the minister, fruit shelves, he said. But he added it’s

growers and giant red apple, named JONATHAN CHARLTON been hard to keep people’s attention

Dandee. Agriculture Minister John MacDonell and Dandee Apple handed out apples to commuters on Monday morning. on apples.

They were there to kick off Apple February is also a great month for

Month, a campaign the provincial ers really pay attention,” MacDonell government is calling An IncrEDIBLE The apple industry is one of the quality, he said, because producers

government hopes will increase said. February. During the month 24 com- strongest agricultural industries in are opening up controlled-atmo-

awareness of locally grown apples. According the the Department of munities will be putting on break- the province, said MacDonell. It con- sphere warehouses that store some

It may seem odd to schedule Apple Agriculture, Nova Scotia apples take fasts and dinners that use as much tributes about $50 million to Nova of the province’s highest-quality

Month in the middle of winter, up between 50 per cent and 60 per local produce as possible. Scotia’s economy annually. That’s apples.

but there’s a good reason, said cent of retail shelf space in the prov- roughly 250 million apples. Those warehouses have tightly







“

MacDonell. ince. There are about 70 growers who controlled oxygen and carbon diox-

Traditionally, the government The campaign may already be I think it’s something make more than $10,000 per year ide levels that slow the ripening pro-

does a lot of promotion of local pro- making a difference. Bob Green, in the province, said Dela Erith cess.

that we can toil at for

duce during the harvest season. It one commuter who took an apple, is of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers VanMeekeren said he enjoys the

12 months of the year, Association. According to Statistics

wanted to continue this during the originally from Charlottetown and year-round activity involved in run-

winter, he said, adding that apples now works with the Department of

practically, and you really Canada, apple farms generated rev- ning an apple farm.

store well through the winter. Energy. see the fruit of your labour in enues of about $12.1 million in 2008. “We’re starting to prune our trees

He noted that provincial trade Apple Month was new to him, and he the fall. That’s less than blueberry farms right now. It’s a year round event, it’s

agreements make it hard to set local said the giveaway at the terminal made Stephen VanMeekeren ($26.6 million) but more than potato not like you’re in and out in a month

quotas in supermarkets – only the him more aware of local produce. Apple Grower farms ($5.4 million). or two, like vegetables or strawber-

wine industry has legislated quotas “I like to try to buy more local, if MacDonell added that the industry ries or something like that. I think

about including local grapes. possible … just to support local busi- The program will promote dif- is becoming more profitable, as it has it’s something that we can toil at for

So this program is meant to build nesses, obviously. Put money back ferent kinds of Nova Scotia food, replaced older varieties with newer, 12 months of the year, practically,

grassroots support instead. into our own economy.” including meat, dairy, fruits, veg- more popular ones like Honey Crisp. and you really see the fruit of your

“If the consumer drives this, retail- Apple Month is part of what the etables and drinks. That’s not all to say that the apple labour in the fall.”

Page layout: Peter Clarke

February 5 – 11, 2010 neWs 11

Forum deals with daunting budget deficit

mike gorman office of Premier Darrell Dexter, said services came together and used

mc286834@dal.ca she thinks more has to be done to their community stakeholders, I

keep up with the larger provinces by think the savings can be found.”

The province is asking Nova offering enticements and rewards, After 45 minutes of discussion, the

Scotians what they think should be like living bonuses, to skilled groups were asked to quickly present

done to deal with a projected $1.4 bil- labourers and professionals. their answers to the finance minister

lion deficit. Sitting opposite Doman, retiree and to each other. Some ideas, such

More than 100 concerned Norman Henley said he thinks cut- as increased “sin taxes” on alco-

Haligonians, including educators ting the number of representatives hol and tobacco and a timeline that

and local business owners, gathered and constituency offices could help would see the problem finalized by

at the Dartmouth North Community clear up not only the budget prob- the end of the current government’s

Centre Monday to brainstorm lems, but also redundancies in the mandate, were met with room-wide

ideas and possible solutions to the political system. His suggestion is to support.

province’s fiscal woes. halve the current number of repre- The groups were far from reaching

“Nova Scotia has a pretty simple sentatives in the Legislature. a consensus, although most were in

financial problem; we’re spending “We don’t need fifty two,” he said. agreement that a slight raise to the

more money than we’re taking in,” MIKE GORMAN He said that between working 13 per cent HST should be imple-

began Minister of Finance Graham Bev Doman, left, says that the province should offer incentives for businesses. costs, office costs and benefits, mented.

Steele. reducing the number of positions Ideas for saving the provincial

“In order to get back balance, it’s providing services such as health who had been gathered around more in the Legislature could save the economy will be collected and pub-

important that we find a path that is care, education and transporta- than a dozen long tables, seated in province in the short and long-term, lished online at www.gov.ns.ca/

most acceptable to the people of the tion, the more interest they have to groups of fives and sixes. although this would require a major finance/backtobalance, along with

province.” pay back. The cost of offering these “Most of the work today is going shift in work load for the representa- the contributions from thousands of

The NDP government expects a bonds, and the interest from paying to be done by you, talking to your tives and their departments. other Nova Scotians attending the

$1.4 billion deficit by 2013 if nothing those back, continues to pile up. neighbours and your community Wendy Fraser said she agrees that 24 similar community discussions

is done to greatly reduce spending or According to Steele, the defi- members on ways that you think we redundancies are a problem, but across the province, and gathered

increase provincial revenue, Steele cit is on course to become the should get back to balance.” that it’s the doubling up on available from feedback on their website.

said in his presentation. fourth-largest expense in the provin- Bev Doman said she believes the services that is weighing down the After Dartmouth, Steele will visits

The province is running a $12.3 cial budget. province should offer more incen- province. Kentville and Wolfville on Feb. 8,

billion debt, at a deficit of $600 mil- “This is not going to be the kind tives for commerce and youth. Fraser, a housing development followed by further consultations in

lion. That is expect to increase to of session that you may have seen “Business has to want to come to manager, said she thinks commu- Lower Sackville and down the south

$700 million in 2010-2011, and jump before where I stand up front and Nova Scotia, so you have to have the nities should be partnered with the shore by the end of the month.

to $1.1 billion by 2011-2012. give a speech to you, and then a tax breaks, the tax credits, the tax province more often to provide better The results of this public consulta-

As Nova Scotia is forced to borrow series of people stand at a micro- system, the incentives that will drive service at a lower cost. tion will be made public when Steele

more money from the market – phone giving speeches back to me,” business to this province.” “Realistically, there’s a lot of presents the provincial budget in the

through bond sales – to continue Steele explained to the audience Doman, who works in the MLA duplication government, so if those spring.







Nova Scotia schools look to clamp down on class-cutters

Peter Clarke almost half of students in the sample expectations on the student, or a pre- said Smith. said Ken Johnston, a retired English

peter.clarke@dal.ca were absent from one class 10 per disposition to not liking education,” He is cautious because he said he teacher and vice-principal from

cent of the time without being for- said Smith. He also pointed out that feels that each case is different and Pictou.

Educators in Nova Scotia are look- mally excused. students’ home life often comes into should be approached thoroughly. He said he believes the school

ing to get a message out to students: It estimated that more than seven play when dealing with absenteeism “There’s an onus on everybody to boards should be playing a more

come to class. per cent missed double that amount At Halifax West, there are a number track student attendance,” he said, active role in the schools by enforc-

“There are lots and lots of reasons of time. of solutions in place to address the explaining that it must come from ing consequences for absenteeism

in 2010 why students don’t go to Work on the report began last May lack of attendance. parents, teachers, administrators and try to address the problems in a

class,” said Wade Smith, a vice prin- and was chaired by former deputy Smith explained that student meet- and the students themselves preventative way to keep students at

cipal at Halifax West High School. minister Howard Windsor along ings and student-parent meetings are He said that for students who miss school.

The Department of Education is with members of the Nova Scotia used as interventions. that kind of time, they know they are Johnston said he thinks that teach-

looking to find those reasons and Teacher’s Union, school boards and Automated phone messages are likely to not receive credit. ers have an important role to play in

mend the problem. other educational bodies. also sent to the parents for every “We want to push ahead with keeping students in class.

Last Wednesday, it released a “We have concluded that a bal- class that a student misses. student information systems,” said “Demonstrate humour and com-

report on student absenteeism and anced strategy is needed to address To try to aid schools in reversing Peter McLaughlin of the Department passion in the classroom,” he said.

ways to create a more positive class- the issue of attendance and student this trend, 13 major recommenda- of Education but he warned that it He said if teachers can show students

room experience. engagement,” said Windsor in a tions are outlined in the absenteeism will take a few years and would be their human side more often, it will

The report, titled Promoting press release. He concluded that the report. expensive. keep young people more engaged.

Student Engagement, has been pre- strategy should include supports Some of the most striking include Student information systems have The Department of Education will

sented to Marilyn More, the minister for students and their parents and amending the Education Act. been on the table for some time and not be acting on the report immedi-

of education. also enforced consequences for not It would make school attendance are also mentioned in the report. ately.

It contains a summary of the 2007 attending class. up to Grade 12, or until a person is The idea is that the schools would “We’re looking at all of the recom-

and 2008 principals report, which “It’s probably the number one issue 18, mandatory in order to receive a collect data on their students, track- mendations now,” said McLaughlin.

used a sample of 10 high schools in in most high schools,” said Smith. credit. ing grades, attendance records and He said the minister of education

Nova Scotia, representing about 20 He explained that the reasons for For example, if a student missed behaviour. This information would will be taking public input on the rec-

per cent of the total student popula- students missing class time varies so 20 per cent of class time, that student be available to parents and all teach- ommendations until March 12 after

tion. It produced discouraging fig- much from case to case that it is hard would not be able to pass. ers. which time she may implement some

ures. to get a lock on it. “You have to be careful when “I think the schools and the edu- of the recommendations to address

The data collected suggested that “It could be due to academic you make things too cut and dry,” cators have become a little soft,” absenteeism.

Page layout: mark teo

12 musiC / sPorts February 5 – 11, 2010





By Divine Right brings Mutant Message

mark teo from a point of view of discovery. A

mark.teo@dal.ca lot of the intent is experimental.”

And if the trio, rounded out by

Thanks to memorable times at drummer David Joseph and guitar-

legendary local venues such as ist Michael Milosh, is rusty, it’s not

Ginger’s Tavern and The Khyber, evident. Mutant Message, all chunky

Jose Contreras – the guitarist/lead power chord riffage, psychedelic

singer for Toronto psych-pop institu- wandering and bubbly pop, is the

tion By Divine Right – will always act’s most cohesive – and quite hon-

have a tender spot for Halifax. estly, memorable – effort in a decade.

“It was always cool showing up in Contreras says he spent the five-

Halifax realizing there was a com- year hiatus performing circus acts

munity that cared about us,” he said. and international espionage – he’s

joking, we think – but he says that

he’s taking the next year to focus





“

strictly on music.

We won’t have Feist How to be a Creature, a five-song

sitting in, but I’ll rip my heart E.P., is slated for release soon, along

open and pour everything. with material from My Divine Light,

Jose Contreras MARK TEO Contreras’ solo project.

By Divine Right By Divine Right with The Grass and Janes Party will be at the Seahorse Tavern, on Friday, Feb. 5. As for Friday, Contreras says the

band will be mixture of material

“Toronto didn’t care for a full eight playing Friday night at the Seahorse Scene) and Maritime expat Brian said. “So many cool bands were rec- from its six-album career.

years. Toronto couldn’t care unless Tavern. Borcherdt (Holy Fuck) didn’t hurt, ognized in Halifax first.” That’s good news for the disap-

someone else told them to.” While Contreras credits the city’s either. Provincial praise aside, the band pointed hecklers who repeatedly

Contreras estimates he’s played “incredible music scene” for sup- Reached by the phone prior to a is touring in support of Mutant requested the band’s most popular

here 10 times – listing shows with porting him during his lean years, gig in Montreal, Contreras is ponder- Message, the trio’s first album in single, “5 Dollars,” when they played

Wintersleep and local legends Burnt it didn’t take long for the rest of the ing his love handles, donair sauce a half decade. Released on Hand last year’s Halifax Pop Explosion. He

Black among his favourites – and nation to catch on. Bless This Mess, ingredients and Halifax’s keen eye Drawn Dracula, Borcherdt’s record promises they’ll play old favourites

he rattles off local venues past and released in 1999, secured the group for music talent. label, Contreras describes the album with gusto.

present with the poise of a lifetime a place in the Cancon canon; having “The Halifax Pop Explosion revo- as “’60s art pop.” “We won’t have Feist sitting in,” he

Agricola street-dweller. star-studded alumni in Leslie Feist, lutionized music festivals in Canada. “It’s spontaneous, melodic, noisy said. “But I’ll rip my heart open and

And he’ll be back here this week, Brendan Canning (Broken Social It wasn’t Toronto, it was Halifax,” he and cute,” he said. “It was made pour everything.”









Tigers dominate Mounties in women’s hockey

Jonathan Charlton reach before the third period was work and a little luck.

jonathan.charlton@dal.ca five minutes old. Mount Allison’s “We finally got some finish, I

Darla Frizzell took a five-minute think. Tonight was a good night for

Jocelyn LeBlanc scored five times major penalty and a game miscon- us because we had Jocelyn LeBlanc

and added two assists Sunday as the duct for cross-checking. LeBlanc back, which is great, she scored five

Dalhousie Tigers crushed the visit- scored twice on the ensuing power goals, she’s got great finish. You

ing Mount Allison Mounties 8-1 in play to make the score 6-1. know, we’ve been working hard

women’s hockey. From that point the Mount Allison trying to get those breaks and it just

LeBlanc became second in the players were like deer in headlights, seemed like every bounce went our

league in scoring with 13 goals and unable to prevent Dalhousie enter- way tonight. It was great to see.”

26 points. She set a season record in ing their zone at will and losing one- This was the first full game

goals and points scored in one game. on-one battles all over the ice. LeBlanc played since being diag-

The Tigers also set a record with most Overall Dalhousie went three-for- nosed with mononucleosis just

points among all players, with 22. six on the power play. Mount Allison before Christmas – it was also the

Dalhousie improved its record went zero-for-five. first game in weeks Dalhousie could

to 9-8, good for fourth place in the A bodycheck by Mount Allison’s field a full team.

seven-team Atlantic University Sport Lauren Oickle on Lyndsey LeBlanc Jordan said the team has had as

conference, while Mount Allison fell (no relation to Jocelyn) shocked the many as eight players out of the

to a last place 1-17. More than 100 JONATHAN CHARLTON crowd into silence later in the third lineup with ailments such as pneu-

people came to watch the game – Dal goalie Ashley Boutilier keeps an eye on the Mounties’ attack last Sunday period. Oickle pinned LeBlanc’s monia, broken wrists, knee injuries,

the cold, drafty Dalhousie Memorial head into the boards on the play, ankle sprains and concussions.

Arena was about two-thirds full. unguarded Allison Dean took a pass But Mount Allison lost momentum and LeBlanc lay on the ice for a few LeBlanc credited her five goals

The Tigers pressed hard early, and on the doorstep of the Dalhousie when Jenna Briggs took a hooking moments before being helped off. in part to her linemates finding her

LeBlanc was rewarded with her first net and beat goaltender Ashley penalty five-and-a-half minutes in. She was still being examined after with passes.

goal of the game just past the seven- Boutilier. During the power play, Boutilier fired the game, but coach Lesley Jordan “The puck was following me the

minute mark. The first period belonged to a long stretch pass from Dalhousie’s said she didn’t appear to be seriously whole game. A game like that is fun

She came off the side-boards in Dalhousie, though, as they went to end to Kaitlyn McNutt at the Mount hurt. to play, because it seems wherever

Mount Allison’s end, evading the dressing room up 2-1 and having out Allison blueline. Jordan said after the game that you go the puck is with you, so it

defence and putting in her own shot Mount Allison 16-6. McNutt sent LeBlanc on a break- her team’s dominance surprised makes it easy.”

rebound past a sprawling Meghan The Mounties came back hard away, and she buried a backhand her, as Mount Allison had led them This kind of personal performance

Corley-Byrn. early in the second period, keeping shot under Corley-Byrn for her third 2-1 at one point in a previous game. doesn’t happen often, she said.

Mount Allison evened the the play in the Dalhousie end and goal. She said the win was due in part to “Maybe once a season, if you’re

score four minutes later, when an coming within inches of scoring. Dalhousie put the game out of Jocelyn LeBlanc, but also to hard lucky.”

Page layout: Peter Clarke

February 5 – 11, 2010 Comment 13

Pick the right toothbrush — you need gums

the Curio Brushing your teeth after each their teeth to get them clean,”

CaBinet meal and flossing before sleep will Macarone says, “but they end up

help keep your mouth healthy and brushing really aggressively and

happy. We all know that. they scrub their enamel off and

VinCenzo raVina But what do you brush with? then they scrub their gums off.”

vravina@gmail.com There are electric brushes, manual Which is not good, you see,

brushes and the vibrating Pulsar because you need gums.

Dana Macarone says the first brush. Is an electric brush better But back to the Pulsar. What a

patient she ever saw had a condition than a manual brush? What tooth- useless toothbrush. It doesn’t have

called “white hairy tongue.” pastes will get our teeth whitest? a spinning head or anything! It just

What’s that? Macarone was kind enough to let shakes around and feels weird.

“Exactly like it sounds. It’s a me call her, long distance, to ask. Hilary Boudreau, a dental hygiene

white, furry coating on the tongue.” Macarone says a lot of people say student at Dalhousie University,

Oh. that the electric toothbrushes make says the only benefit of a Pulsar is

Macarone is a dental hygienist, their head hurt. that people might be encouraged to

and she says after dealing with She says there have been studies brush more, or for longer periods of

white hairy tongue, she felt she that show that electric brushes do time, if their brush is shaking like a

could deal with anything. help reduce plaque. terrified Irish wolfhound.

“When people come in with their “But if you’re using a manual Or, if someone has arthritis, a

mouth full of disgusting plaque and toothbrush the right way and using Pulsar might make brushing less

food debris, it’s more (than) just the right technique, you can still do difficult.

annoying. Like, ‘Brush your teeth, a good job.” When it comes to the paste on VINCENZO RAVINA

dude.’ I’m not really grossed out by The Canadian Dental Association your toothbrush, don’t expect whit- Brushing and flossing keeps your mouth healthy and happy.

it, it’s just annoying. I can handle a says you should be brushing your ening toothpastes to get your teeth

mouth full of blood, no problem.” teeth with a soft-bristled brush, whiter. makes them any healthier. So, you don’t really need the

She works at two offices – one in making gentle, circular motions. Macarone says, “A toothpaste “I have no idea when it started, fancy electric brushes or the

New York and one in New Jersey. Pay extra attention to the gum line advertising itself as whitening, it because even in the '90s and the expensive toothpastes. You just

No Halifax-based dental hygien- and your back teeth. usually means that it has an agent early 2000s, I think, if you watched need proper brushing technique

ists returned my calls, so I had to Macarone says one of the most in it that’s abrasive to polish off movies and TV, people still had and to floss more regularly.

look beyond our borders and put the common mistakes people make surface stains, but it doesn’t natural shades of teeth. And then And for the sake of your hygienist,

call out for hygienists on Twitter. with their dental hygiene routine is actually lighten the colour of your suddenly people just became brush before going in for a cleaning.

Why didn’t I just give up? Because brushing too hard. teeth.” obsessed with white teeth to a

dental hygiene is important. “People think they have to scrub But it isn’t like having white teeth creepy extent.”









Stolen laptop prompts Commoner reporter to investigate

Laptop theft is more common than you think — Halifax break-ins happen several times a day

tsk, tsk, teCh ered her laptop (and both of our tion in Georgia. record your laptop’s serial number thievery a blessing in disguise. Take

chargers) missing, I stopped deny- Halifax Regional Police spokes- and even mark it up in any way that my roommate, for example. She is

ing it – we had been robbed. person Brian Palmeter said student may make it uniquely identifiable, ecstatic with her new MacBook Pro.

kristy hutter The police officer who came to houses are the main targets of these or else there is no way of telling it After all, her five-year-old Dell beast

kristyhutter@gmail.com investigate told me break-ins result- crimes. He said daylight robberies is yours. was stolen along with my 2 year-old

ing in stolen laptops happen several may go unnoticed because most Most of the time, they are not MacBook. Yes, it is unfortunate that

times a day. people are at work or school during recovered. He said they usually her pictures and music are being

Combine an expensive, easily the day and, even if an onlooker don’t end up in pawnshops and emptied into the unknown black

transportable gadget with an were to see a young person crawling are typically sold on eBay. He said hole of computer “recycle bins”





“

unlocked bay window on the first through a student house’s window, computer thieves don’t have to (probably at this very moment), but

floor and you get a thief’s dream. Whether it be the it may just look like he or she was worry about the laptop’s resale she needed a new one anyway.

Laptops are a growing commodity Canadian flag in the window locked out. value so they take anything they Perhaps it was the term

among Halifax robbers, and many for curtains or the beer “It’s not difficult to determine can get. “violated” that really got me think-

of those who suffer at the hands of bottles on the porch, they which houses are student houses,” “They will go for as low as a hun- ing about being robbed. A stranger

these thieves are students. are traditionally student he said. “Whether it be the Canadian dred bucks because whatever they entered our home through the only

Take the most recent victim of houses, so in a lot of cases, flag in the window for curtains or sell it for is pure profit.” window we forgot to lock that day,

this heinous crime: me, a University they are easier marks. the beer bottles on the porch, they The most personalized item lifted my laptop, maybe even taking

of King’s College student living two Brian Palmeter are traditionally student houses. debt-ridden students own is a moment to admire pictures of my

blocks away from campus with too Spokesperson So in a lot of cases, they are easier snatched and sold for $100 and they friends and family that adorn my

small a bank account to replace the Halifax Regional Police marks.” are then obligated to scrounge up a dresser on his or her way out, and

most expensive thing she owns. So what happens to a laptop after grand, or more, to buy a new one. left me broke (more so than before)

After a hard day in The Commoner it has been taken from its rightful There should be an “I’ve been and memory-less.

newsroom, I came home to find an He said criminals typically wipe owner? robbed” discount at PCPC, the So please, fellow students living

empty space where the keeper of all the hard drive clean and then sell If the police recover a stolen Dalhousie University campus in this city, lock your windows and

schoolwork, photos, and music sat a it on the Internet. So I didn’t have laptop, they take it in and process it computer store – robbery being back up your data because some

mere six hours before. to worry about my initial reaction as evidence for the crime. They may a common reason for new laptop day, it could all be gone.

Of course, theft was initially out – that some mean man was scour- not even be able to give it back to its purchases, according to one And fool the thieves – buy some

of the question, but when I searched ing pictures of my latest escapades lawful owner. salesperson. real curtains.

my roommate’s room and discov- downtown, or my last beach vaca- Palmeter said it is important to Some may consider laptop



Page layout: JessiCa ilse

14 Commentary February 5 – 11, 2010





Can’t stop watching the meat parade this Oscar season

Precious, Inglourious Basterds and envy and laugh at the rich and innovative, tear-jerking, emotion-

aCademy notes Up in the Air. The other five – The famous, according to a Newsweek grabbing, just all together better

Blind Side, District 9, An Education, article. This may be true, as most than the typical run-of-the-mill

A Serious Man and Up – weren’t as of the post-Oscar night news high- movies.”

JessiCa ilse anticipated. lights the best- and worst-dressed St. Louis has reason to be happy

js541806@dal.ca Up is the second animated film – stars, the highlights and lowlights this Oscar season – one of her

after Beauty and the Beast – to be of the ceremony, and whether a par- favourite actresses, Meryl Streep,

nominated for best picture. It’s also ticular star made a blunder. was nominated.

The glitz, the glam, and the what- nominated for best animated film. But on the other hand, some view- This is Streep’s 16th nomination,

are-you-wearing can only mean one But why do we feel compelled to ers watch the Oscars for more than an Oscar record.

thing: it’s awards season. watch the Oscars? making quips about the actors and “She could get an Oscar nod for

For those who love movies, it’s Patrick Enright, an American actresses (even if they sometimes reading the phone book,” St. Louis

like Christmas all over again. writer and contributor to MSNBC do it to each other – Ben Stiller lam- says.

But this year’s Oscar nomina- and Newsweek, wrote a blog post pooning Joaquin Phoenix last year, As for me, I’ve been hooked on

tions are like the presents you’ve for Newsweek’s Pop Vox Blog titled, anyone?). the Oscars since Grade 8, when

snooped through a few days before “Why I Hate the Oscars (But Can’t Chasity St. Louis, an Acadia Halle Berry blubbered through her

the big day: there aren’t many sur- Stop Watching).” University student, has watched the acceptance speech.

prises. In the post he writes, “Ultimately, Oscars every year since Grade 9. But I can’t really explain why I sweeper from 1975.

Lead role nominations include: we’re tuning in not to get a glimpse “That’s how I know what movies I love the Oscars. This year I’m putting my money

Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side; of actors and artists we truly would like to, or in any case, should Sure, it’s probably a meat parade, on Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges –

Meryl Streep as Julia Child in Julie & admire, but to gawk at and mock watch,” she says. but I’m excited to hear the speeches, and I’d bet my tuition that Mo’nique

Julia; George Clooney for Up in the what George C. Scott once memora- Before the ceremony, she makes to see the dresses and to find out will walk home with the statue for

Air; Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart and bly referred to as ‘a goddamn meat sure she watches as many of the the best-of-the-best each year in best supporting actress.

Mo’nique for Precious. parade.’” Oscar-nominated movies and per- movies. I am a staunch Titanic fan, and

The main buzz about the Oscar Scott won an Oscar in 1970 for his formances as she can. The Oscars has definitely helped even though Avatar is a front-run-

nominations this year was for the lead role in Patton and refused to “I’m interested in the Oscars to expose me to movies I prob- ner, my loyalties will not be tested

best picture nominees, a category accept it because of the competitive because I want to know the best of ably wouldn’t watch otherwise, as James Cameron and Avatar battle

of five since the 1944 ceremony that aspect of the awards – and probably the best in the film world. I get sick especially older movies like It for their nine Oscar nods.

now holds ten nominees. because he didn’t want a float in the of watching the typical chick-flick Happened One Night, which swept Titanic was nominated for 14

Five of the slots went to obvious “meat parade.” movies and want to watch movies the Oscars in 1934 or One Flew Over awards and won 11, in case you

choices – Avatar, The Hurt Locker, We, the non-rich and non-famous, that are more interesting, original, the Cuckoo’s Nest, another Oscar- were wondering.









I h8 teh wai ppl rite: Lamenting the decline of the language

the stiCkler Internet on language. But Bennett says that the effect of Another fault listed is one I cor-

The linguist writes that he’s not the Internet on language is gener- rect daily: “irregardless”. Sorry

concerned with the state of lan- ally positive. folks, but I believe the word you’re

kathleen hunter guage. “Crystal’s not talking about gram- looking for is “regardless.” (And

k.hunter@dal.ca “I do not see the Internet being matical correctness,” she explains. did you notice how I used “you’re”

the death of languages, but the “He’s talking about expansion and to replace “you are”? Look at me,

reverse,” he argues, saying the variety and its use, and I would def- applying first-grade principles.)

I once saw a girl with a tattoo that, Internet promotes a remarkable initely agree with that.” While there is no proof that these

upon seeing it, hurt me physically. growth in the variety and creativity All right, I will concede that the errors are due to the use of the

It said, “Your my angel.” And me? of language. Internet does allow for creativity in Internet, I can’t help but wonder if

I died a little inside. To my surprise, this is a common language. And sure, it provides a it isn’t enabling the public to per-

The your versus you’re debacle is view. public forum that previously did not petuate errors exponentially, allow-

one that has concerned me for years. “The general linguistic consen- exist, where people can read, learn ing people to live in some sort of

I frequently quote Friends’ beloved sus is that languages evolve, and and discuss. ignorant language bliss, never to

Ross Geller’s profound exclamation since languages are tools for com- It’s educational, and education is be corrected on their blasphemous

(“Y-o-u-APOSTROPHE-r-e means munication, their evolving can’t never a bad thing. mistakes.

‘you are.’ Y-o-u-r means ‘YOUR’!”) be wrong,” says Amanda Noiles, a In the spirit of its educational Because I guarantee you, not

and drive my friends and family fourth-year linguistics student at purposes, I used my language rival, everyone is using Google to search

insane with my obsessive dislike of entrance exam that tests language Dalhousie University. the Internet, to search for common for ways to save the English lan-

anyone who can’t make the distinc- skills. “Therefore, the effect of the errors in English usage. To my guage.

tion between the two. I wasn’t surprised. Internet wouldn’t really be consid- delighted horror (if there is such a According to the English

But it doesn’t stop there. Based on my Facebook news- ered a ‘decline’ from a linguistic thing), Washington State University Language Guide website, English

Its and it’s. Where and wear. Here feed, I’d say more than a third of my standpoint.” hosts a page listing more than 1500 is the medium for more than 80 per

and hear. Their, there and they’re. Internet-dwelling friends could not OK, but what about from an common errors, detailing why cent of the information stored on

Time and time again, people get pass such an exam. English perspective? they’re wrong and how to correct the world’s computers. Shouldn’t

it wrong and I don’t know why. Not I’m not just talking about typos “I think it’s kind of a double- them. we make sure it’s stored with gram-

only is it an insult to their elemen- but poor usage in general. edged sword,” says Lyn Bennett, Apparently someone in the world mar intact?

tary school teachers, it’s an insult to Whether it’s deliberate or just assistant professor in the English writes “laundry mat” instead of Until the Oxford English Dictionary

the English language. ignorance, one thing seems clear to department at Dalhousie. “Laundromat.” People are also fond adds Facebook and Twitter to its

This week, The Canadian Press me: the Internet has taken a toll on “I think there’s a lot of careless- of “ATM machine” and “LCD dis- repertoire and accepts all of the

reported that students at Waterloo our language. ness and a lack of accuracy in the play,” which fit in with a local pet errors that come with it, I will keep

University are failing basic English In his book Language and the kind of writing that gets done that peeve of mine—“FYP program”—as on annoying my friends and family

at an alarming rate. Internet, David Crystal, one of the is setting kind of a new standard for if they just can’t comprehend that with my own form of education.

Almost a third of those admitted world’s foremost authorities on lan- what constitutes written communi- the acronym actually stands for And, yes, I will continue to rant

to the university cannot pass an guage, examined the effect of the cation.” something. about your versus you’re.

Page layout: VinCenzo raVina

February 5 – 11, 2010 arts & Culture 15

Battle of the dads: Wahlberg vs. Gibson

Our reviewer sees the latest murder mysteries to hit the big screen. The common theme: men avenging daughters’ deaths

Pete’s PiCks And, after working with someone father, played by Mark Wahlberg tractors and the United States gov- caught up in the reasons why.

like Jackson, you can expect to see (The Departed, Perfect Storm). She ernment. With the exception of Jedburgh,

her again. has to balance her desire for revenge It would be interesting to see what the supporting cast is weak. Nobody

Peter Clarke The way her spirit world is por- with her love for her family. scenes were cut from this movie. seems emotional about anything;

peter.clarke@dal.ca trayed is imaginative. It goes from The most impressive thing about For a loving father, Craven does not the result is cheesy dialogue and

childish to hauntingly dark and this movie is how it flows. Every seem overly emotional about his meaningless cop-talk.

Murder mysteries have been a back again. Almost every aspect scene builds on the one before it. daughter’s death. Almost immedi-

genre in all mediums of fiction for of the world has some kind of sig- There are no loose ends and every- ately, he’s on the trail of a conspir-

ages. This week, I looked at a couple

of murder mysteries about vengeful

fathers who want to solve the mys-

nificance to the characters and their

lives.

thing happens for a reason. This

is highlighted by two suspenseful

scenes involving the killer and the

acy when he learns he was not the

intended target of the shooting.

The conspirators hire a spy, “ Instead of trying to

find the person who killed

his daughter, Gibson’s



“

teries of their daughters’ deaths. way the movie ties up the story. Jedburgh, played by Ray Winston

The Lovely Bones is adapted Although The Lovely Bones is (Beowulf, Indiana Jones & the character is more caught up

The Lovely Bones in the reasons why.

from the novel of the same name. It sappy at times, it is not a sappy Kingdom of the Crystal Skull). His

tells the story of a teenage

is hard to fit in any specific genre; movie. It is deeply philosophical, job is to stop Craven from finding

it isn’t quite a thriller, nor is it a

girl, Susie Salmon, who is spiritual and often eerie. It’s not out too much, but he sympathizes On the other hand, Gibson’s still

drama. But it is good.

murdered by a local creep. a must-see but it’s the kind of film with his plight. He gives some valu- got it. He’s no William Wallace,

Director Peter Jackson (Lord of whose imagery sticks with you for a able information and dies a hero in but he can pull off the cop with a

the Rings, King Kong) is an excellent while. the end. grudge as good as he good in his

storyteller, and in The Lovely Bones One particularly cool scene The Edge of Darkness marks the An extra ten minutes or so of Lethal Weapon days. He’s in a few

he tells the story of a teenage girl, involved a fleet of glass bottle return of Mel Gibson (Mad Max, explanation would have helped this really good action scenes with him

Susie Salmon, who is murdered by a ships crashing on a rocky coast as Braveheart) to the silver screen. It is movie as it has pacing problems. that can leave you grinning.

local creep. Instead of passing on to Salmon’s father is smashing his a remake of a mini-series from 1985. You don’t really get a grasp for what Edge of Darkness is a good action

the afterlife, she stays behind, still ship-in-a-bottle-collection in the The story: Boston detective kind of person Gibson is playing. thriller and is probably worth the

attached to her family and a boy she world of the living. Thomas Craven’s daughter is shot in He goes through most of the movie price of admission to see Gibson

loves. Ronan’s character must get clo- front of him and, as he investigates not really sure what’s going on and play a cop again. But if that doesn’t

The girl is played by Saoirse sure before she passes on. She the murder himself, he unravels a instead of trying to find the person do it for you, save this one for a

Ronan, in her first major film role. is able to communicate with her conspiracy involving defence con- who killed his daughter, he is more rental.







CD Reviews: Troubadours and twee-pop troublemakers

hear here Frank Turner – Poetry of the Deed Bouncing Souls – Ghosts on the Boardwalk

kkk kkk

mark teo Punks will listen to Ghosts on the Boardwalk for the same

Humble London troubador Frank Turner might never

reason Fox refuses to ax The Simpsons: out of old-fashioned,

mark.teo@dal.ca

admit it, but he has become the voice of a generation.

A poignant, and often hilarious, storyteller, Turner’s the Confucian respect for their elders.

Los Campesinos – Romance is Boring

perfect symbol for twenty-something malaise. Adopting the But unlike plenty of their pension-punk counterparts – I’m

kkk1/2 (out of 5) attitude of the funemployed, he’s not worried about shrinking looking at you, DOA – the Bouncing Souls, who recently lef

career options and a swelling beer gut; he’s just here for the their long-time home at Epitaph records, can still produce a

If you’ve ever suffered through stretch marks, ill-fitting decent record.

good times.

retainers or gym class volleyball, you’ll surely identify with They’ve built a 20-year career on carefree odes to baristas

Unlike his previous efforts – which largely relied on

Romance is Boring. and BMX bikes and here, it’s business as usual. And although

Turner and six strings – he’s recruited a backing band for

Indeed, barely-legal U.K. collective Los Campesinos Ghosts opens with a tongue-in-cheek reference to U.K. punk

Poetry of the Deed. The results are hit-or-miss; although it’s a

are experiencing growing pains. Their excellent 2007 debut legends The Exploited – “sex and violence has lost its charm”

definite infusion of folk-punk energy, there’s a certain amount

demonstrated a whimsical twee-pop group bent on the pursuit – the Souls are as vital to the genre as ever.

of intimacy that’s missing here.

of good times. A year later, We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed In fact, Ghosts may be the New Jersey foursome’s speediest,

Like the entirety of his catalogue, Turner’s passionate,

had the group exploring the darker sides of bubblegum, and most upbeat album since 1999’s Hopeless Romantic.

self-aware lyrics are central to the album. “Dan’s Song” is a

with Romance, their lumpy coming of age continues. “We All Sing Along” might be the most self-aware song

prototypical Turner buddy-song. Facing the decidedly grown-

They’re still most comfortable with amped-up shout-a- they’ve ever written – it’s an ode to the genre itself, recalling

up issues of work, family and life, Turner elects to enjoy beer

longs like “Plan A,” in which singer Garrett Campesinos, the thrill of hearing Black Flag for the first time.

in the park with his friends. A wise choice, indeed.

swaggering like a young Pete Shelley, demands “more post- “When You’re Young” is an anti-aging anthem – it’s reassur-

“The Road” is Turner’s travel anthem; it’s about D.C. dive

coital, less post-rock.” ing to know the Souls choose circle pits over replacement hips.

bars and sleeping on couches. “Sons of Liberty” has Turner

But Mid-tempo slugfests “In Media Res” and “The Sea is “Mental Bits” might be the album’s most surprising track

doing his best Billy Bragg impression; obliquely dropping the

a Good Place” are equivalent to high school sex ed: awkward, – pairing syncopated guitar with a buzzy harmonica, it’s the

dates of the Peasants’ Revolt and the Russian Revolutions of

but a necessary formative experience. “Plan A” is a complete Souls’ equivalent of a down-south porch jam.

’05 and ’17, it’s a one-size-fits-all song for armchair

stunner – pairing squealing, discordant verses with a soar- At the quarter-century

revolutionaries.

ing, unforgettable chorus, mark of their career, the

While not the finest

it’s the U.K.’s answer to Bouncing Souls have

recording of his catalogue

Nirvana’s “Radio Friendly become punk’s equivalent

– that distinction goes

Unit Shifter.” of venerable former Toronto

to 2008’s Love, Ire and

Romance isn’t the most Maple Leafs grinder Garry

Song – his latest proves

cohesive album of their Valk: never flashy, frequent-

he hasn’t lost his sharp

career, but they’ve got plenty ly functional and always

tongue or keen observa-

of time to actualize their likeable.

tional abilities.

potential.

Until then, Los Campesinos

still sound like Welsh art-

school dropouts cranked on

Fanta.



Page layout: kristy hutter

February 5 – 11, 2010 the BaCk Page 16

Happy tails a cure for the blues, studies show

Therapy dogs proven to reduce

stress, bring cheer to the elderly

monika WarzeCha One of the facilities Grant and Roc

mon.warzecha@gmail.com visit, Northwood, began bringing in

dogs for visits six years ago under

St. Bernards may be known for the guidance of veterinarian Dr.

saving struggling travelers in the Ross Ainslie.

Alps, but they can also help people The benefits of coming into con-

here in Halifax. tact with animals have become the

Roc, a 17-month-old St. Bernard, grounds for research by a number of

works as a therapy dog for doctors and scientists.

Therapeutic Paws of Canada.







“

Mark Grant, the publicity direc-

tor for the Halifax Kennel Club, and When you walk in,

his dog Roc alternate between visit- the instant smile on the

ing seniors’ residences Northwood

residents face is absolutely

Manor and The Berkeley in Bedford

on Monday evenings.

amazing.

“A lot of these people put into Jaime Wolfe

St. John’s Ambulance

these long-term nursing homes and Therpy Dog Program

facilities – they don’t see anybody.

We’re their lifeline with the outside

world, if you will,” Grant says. Researchers at the Department of

The health and social benefits Medicine at the University of New

associated with being around York at Buffalo published a study

pooches have moved organizations in the 2001 Journal of the American

to help bring dogs to those that could Heart Association. The study says

benefit from their contact. the social support associated with

Grant was first asked to volunteer pet ownership lowers a person’s

by Therapeutic Paws of roughly blood pressure response to mental

five years ago because of the sweet stress.

nature of his former St. Bernard, But the benefits of animal contact

Hercules. also have a social dimension.

Grant also helps evaluate volun- Darlene Rogers, the director of

teer teams for Therapeutic Paws, resident programs and services at

a volunteer-based program where Northwood, says the visits are “thor-

therapy dog and cats and their han- oughly enjoyed” by the residents.

dlers visit retirement homes, nursing The dogs brighten their days and

homes and hospitals. give them something to talk about.

“It’s also a nice conversation







“

starter – often the dog will become

secondary to the conversation hap-

A lot of these people put

pening between the dog-handler

into these long-term nursing and the resident.”

homes and facilities – they Jaime Wolfe, the program coordi-

don’t see anybody. We’re nator for St. John’s Ambulance ther-

their lifeline with the outside apy dog program in Nova Scotia and

world, if you will. Prince Edward Island, agrees.

Mark Grant “When you walk in, the instant

Halifax Kennel Club smile on the resident’s face is abso-

lutely amazing,” she says. “They

immediately start talking about the MONIKA WARZECHA

The organization conducts back- dogs that they used to own or dogs Kathleen Hipwell demonstrates why her furry pal Phi makes such a good therapy dog.

ground checks on the human-half that they used to see all the time.”

of the team and makes sure the Volunteers visit hospitals and Ambulance program does a record And there could be scientific basis found that patients who spent as

dogs are healthy, easy-going and group homes, though the majority check on volunteers and requires the for the positive social effects dogs little as half an hour a week with

obedient. of the facilities they visit are seniors’ dogs to be friendly, easy-going and can have on people. therapy dogs were significantly less

Grant says they also put the dog residences. up to date on their shots. In a 2002 study in the Journal lonely after only six weeks, com-

and volunteer through a number of St. John Ambulance’s therapy dog Therapy dogs come in different of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, pared to a control group.

tests to simulate the environment of program has been running for about shapes and sizes, ranging from researchers from the Veterans To Grant, the enjoyment people get

the seniors’ home. ten years and Wolfe says the volun- hulking St. Bernards like Roc, to the Administration Medical Centre in out of programs such as Therapeutic

“Someone drops a bedpan – how teer teams visit roughly 120 differ- diminutive Phi, a dachshund that St. Louis and the St. Louis University Paws is evident by how much the

would your dog react? If he started ent facilities across Nova Scotia and started out as a therapy dog for St. School of Medicine used the UCLA residents look forward to visits from

barking, could you quickly get Prince Edward Island, with about 30 John’s Ambulance program. Loneliness Scale to study patients him and his dog.

your dog back under control? How in the Halifax area. “He likes attention,” says Phi’s before and after visits from therapy “If we’re not on time, they’re call-

would your dog react to someone on Much like the Therapeutic Paws owner Kathleen Hipwell. “He makes dogs. ing my cellphone,” he says with a

crutches or in a wheelchair?” screening process, the St. John’s everybody happy.” Using that scientific scale, they laugh.

Page layout: James Whitehead