5 Days for the Homeless is almost here. The campaign that raised $13,000 for Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) is returning to the U of M for the second time with the same mission: to educate, energize, and fundraise for the cause of homelessness. In March of 2009, four students braved the cold weather and slept outside for 5 nights. It was a difficult but profound experience for each of them, and proved an old adage to be true: nothing that is truly worth knowing can be taught. That being said, few, including the participants themselves, believe that living outside of University Centre for 5 days can in any way parallel the daily experience of Winnipeg’s estimated 10,000 homeless men and women. That’s why this campaign is merely one tiny part of a much broader effort that’s required to combat homelessness and the underlying scourge of poverty.
In many ways, the problem is one of identity. While a disease like cancer may strike indiscriminately without respect to class, gender, or ethnicity, poverty and homelessness tend to be cyclical in that they stay within certain demographic regions. Those who are born poor tend to stay poor, just as those born into middle and upper-income families tend not to become poor. This creates somewhat of a disconnect, an ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality wherein those who live prosperously cannot and do not identify with those who live in poverty. As such, those with a vested interest in improving the situation are least able to, and those with the greatest means are less motivated to do so.
The role of this campaign is to help bridge that gap, and in so doing, the vision becomes a little clearer. This campaign recognizes the value of people: both those whom this event is intended to serve, and those who bring their passion and enthusiasm to alter the current state of affairs. For many charity campaigns, the primary measure of success is the amount of monetary donations collected. Though fundraising is of great importance, 5 Days for the Homeless is not focussed simply on raising money. The strength of this campaign rests on its ability to motivate and inspire people – to create an awareness that sparks active community involvement, not only in the short-term, but on a continuing basis. The hope is that the noble actions of a few students can help instil a charitable ethic, or present an opportunity to nurture one that already exists.
The problem we are facing is one of inaction, and therefore what’s required is a well coordinated and concerted effort. JFK said it best: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” 5 Days for the Homeless is one of many great ways in which you can get involved and become a part of the solution. I believe that solution to be nothing more, and nothing less, than the energy and dedication that’s drawn from human compassion.
Want to volunteer?
Contact us at: 5days.2010@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Are We Over-Medicated?
These days I can’t help but notice an epidemic quietly taking hold of the people of this country, and of this world. There have been a few high profile incidents covered by the media but have soon been forgotten. I want to throw off the silk scarf that is clouding our vision, and expose a dark issue that needs more attention.
Are we as a society over-medicated?
When did it become ok to try to fix, hide, or blanket our raw emotions? It is hard to believe that over the last 100 years human beings have developed the thousands of new diseases and problems that are now being treated and diagnosed. Perhaps we haven’t changed, but our perspective has. For example, these days if someone avoids large crowds, is quiet and chooses not to partake in mass socializing, it is thought to be a social disorder causing serious developmental problems and needing medical treatment straight away.
50 years ago it was called being shy.
Perhaps there is a certain comfort in being “diagnosed”. Rather than dealing with certain qualities that make one unique or different, they can now be rest assured that they have a real problem and it can be fixed. The growing obsession of being fixed is slowly eroding the ability to accept oneself as is. I agree that there are illnesses and problems that need treatment, but I don’t agree that the treatment should always be in the form of pills.
Medication seem to be the new band aid fix in order to avoid solving the root cause of issues. Things like depression, anxiety and mood disorders are often treated with medication so strong, that the side effects are often worse than the initial illness. But of course treating those issues with therapy and counseling take patience and time: both of which we have so very little of these days.
Today society is preoccupied with efficiency, speed and agility. We need things done yesterday, and are always late for something. But this obsession with efficiency has spilled over into our health care system, causing quick fixes for problems that need time, and serious attention. The growing addiction to prescription drugs is becoming more apparent and dangerous as seen by the high profile deaths of Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and most recently Brittany Murphy, suffering cardiac arrest at the young age of 32.
The world might never slow down, as it has become infatuated with achieving, producing, inventing, developing, and perfecting. But the problems we have created are also growing at twice the speed. And unless we slow down, and analyze the effectiveness of how we treat those problems, we only become more vulnerable.
Are we as a society over-medicated?
When did it become ok to try to fix, hide, or blanket our raw emotions? It is hard to believe that over the last 100 years human beings have developed the thousands of new diseases and problems that are now being treated and diagnosed. Perhaps we haven’t changed, but our perspective has. For example, these days if someone avoids large crowds, is quiet and chooses not to partake in mass socializing, it is thought to be a social disorder causing serious developmental problems and needing medical treatment straight away.
50 years ago it was called being shy.
Perhaps there is a certain comfort in being “diagnosed”. Rather than dealing with certain qualities that make one unique or different, they can now be rest assured that they have a real problem and it can be fixed. The growing obsession of being fixed is slowly eroding the ability to accept oneself as is. I agree that there are illnesses and problems that need treatment, but I don’t agree that the treatment should always be in the form of pills.
Medication seem to be the new band aid fix in order to avoid solving the root cause of issues. Things like depression, anxiety and mood disorders are often treated with medication so strong, that the side effects are often worse than the initial illness. But of course treating those issues with therapy and counseling take patience and time: both of which we have so very little of these days.
Today society is preoccupied with efficiency, speed and agility. We need things done yesterday, and are always late for something. But this obsession with efficiency has spilled over into our health care system, causing quick fixes for problems that need time, and serious attention. The growing addiction to prescription drugs is becoming more apparent and dangerous as seen by the high profile deaths of Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and most recently Brittany Murphy, suffering cardiac arrest at the young age of 32.
The world might never slow down, as it has become infatuated with achieving, producing, inventing, developing, and perfecting. But the problems we have created are also growing at twice the speed. And unless we slow down, and analyze the effectiveness of how we treat those problems, we only become more vulnerable.
Event Planning 101
No matter what path in life you choose to follow you are probably going to be in charge of the organization and execution of something. It may be your wedding, a friend's birthday, a loved one's funeral, anything. It is a basic human skill that most people have. This is good for personal social lives, but terrible for the world of professional event planning.
The fact of the matter is, thinking "I did my wedding" or "My parties were always the best in high school," does not translate into success on a grander scale. This belief also causes those "casual-event-planners" to look down on those of us who have done larger ones. To lay it out there: As the numbers increase you don't just have to buy more chips and dip.
I have been involved in planning large fundraising efforts, conferences, banquets, and a number of other events and I wish that I could have documented all the steps necessary. Turns out, though, that it is impossible to record every little thing needed, since there is always something which can be done or improved. The constant need for innovation alone is enough to drive you crazy!
I'm not going to attempt to make a list/timeline of everything needed (probably impossible as things aren't linear), but I will go over a few very important points to consider during every event planning process...
Determine the Purpose
Everything happens for a reason. Events are no exception: None of them happen without a reason. It could be as simple of hosting a dinner for friends whom you haven't seen in a while, but there is still a purpose there. Even if you don't consciously think about the purpose, be assured that there always is one.
Addressing the larger scale purpose is vital. Are you raising awareness for a product? Addressing shareholders? Is it a fund raising effort? Without purpose (and a correct one at that) you will not be able to accomplish the goal(s) of your event, wasting lots of time and potentially lots of money.
A sub-heading of this would be managing expectations. You need to have a budget as well as ensure you are only making promises you can deliver.
Identify the Stakeholders
Like it or not every single event is a business venture, no matter what the size or timeline. Because of this the needs of all interested parties must be taken into consideration. This extends far beyond the attendees.
There could be corporate partners who have paid to be involved with the event and you better make sure that their goals are accomplished as well (this would also fall under setting realistic expectations). There is also the venue, any presenters at the event, etc.
Once they are identified take them into consideration for all decisions. I know it's been said that "You can't be everything to everyone," but as an event planner you must be.
Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate
I can't stress this enough. From the venue, to the marketing costs, to speakers, to centerpieces everything can be negotiated. Do this even if you have a huge budget! If you have lots of cash to work with and you still negotiate it just means you can do more, which is always good. This leads into...
Doing the Extra Things
This is the most vague and hardest part to master. Most every event wants to stick out in people's minds. In order to do that you have to focus on the extras that will make your event "pop". The main things should be done, regardless (having food at a gala dinner), but no one's going to take notice of all that. It's expected. It's everything after the job description which counts.
Notice that I don't say "the little things" like others may/do. They can be small, for sure, but those things often are left unnoticed. Doing a great number of little things is "bringing the event to par". For example people won't notice or comment if their cutlery is perfectly aligned, but they will if it is not. This is an extra you have to take care of, but it's not the "pop" you need.
The extra that I'm talking about is something far more unique. If you're planning a guest lecture for cardiologists, hook up the presenter to a heart rate monitor, project the data, and see when they are nervous during their talk. Give everyone coming to a smaller networking event a key when they come in, and the lock in which it works is their seat. You get the drift.
Don't Sweat Too Hard Night Of
A short-coming of a good number of event planners is that they (myself included) care too much about what other people think. Their value as a human hinges on how the event goes over. Any deviation from the plan is an immense failure. Something I tell all planners that I have managed is that no one knows something didn't go by the plan unless you let them know. Think on your feet, roll with the punches, and even if things aren't 100% be sure to stay as calm as possible. Or at least appear that way.
http://kaparsons.blogspot.com/
The fact of the matter is, thinking "I did my wedding" or "My parties were always the best in high school," does not translate into success on a grander scale. This belief also causes those "casual-event-planners" to look down on those of us who have done larger ones. To lay it out there: As the numbers increase you don't just have to buy more chips and dip.
I have been involved in planning large fundraising efforts, conferences, banquets, and a number of other events and I wish that I could have documented all the steps necessary. Turns out, though, that it is impossible to record every little thing needed, since there is always something which can be done or improved. The constant need for innovation alone is enough to drive you crazy!
I'm not going to attempt to make a list/timeline of everything needed (probably impossible as things aren't linear), but I will go over a few very important points to consider during every event planning process...
Determine the Purpose
Everything happens for a reason. Events are no exception: None of them happen without a reason. It could be as simple of hosting a dinner for friends whom you haven't seen in a while, but there is still a purpose there. Even if you don't consciously think about the purpose, be assured that there always is one.
Addressing the larger scale purpose is vital. Are you raising awareness for a product? Addressing shareholders? Is it a fund raising effort? Without purpose (and a correct one at that) you will not be able to accomplish the goal(s) of your event, wasting lots of time and potentially lots of money.
A sub-heading of this would be managing expectations. You need to have a budget as well as ensure you are only making promises you can deliver.
Identify the Stakeholders
Like it or not every single event is a business venture, no matter what the size or timeline. Because of this the needs of all interested parties must be taken into consideration. This extends far beyond the attendees.
There could be corporate partners who have paid to be involved with the event and you better make sure that their goals are accomplished as well (this would also fall under setting realistic expectations). There is also the venue, any presenters at the event, etc.
Once they are identified take them into consideration for all decisions. I know it's been said that "You can't be everything to everyone," but as an event planner you must be.
Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate
I can't stress this enough. From the venue, to the marketing costs, to speakers, to centerpieces everything can be negotiated. Do this even if you have a huge budget! If you have lots of cash to work with and you still negotiate it just means you can do more, which is always good. This leads into...
Doing the Extra Things
This is the most vague and hardest part to master. Most every event wants to stick out in people's minds. In order to do that you have to focus on the extras that will make your event "pop". The main things should be done, regardless (having food at a gala dinner), but no one's going to take notice of all that. It's expected. It's everything after the job description which counts.
Notice that I don't say "the little things" like others may/do. They can be small, for sure, but those things often are left unnoticed. Doing a great number of little things is "bringing the event to par". For example people won't notice or comment if their cutlery is perfectly aligned, but they will if it is not. This is an extra you have to take care of, but it's not the "pop" you need.
The extra that I'm talking about is something far more unique. If you're planning a guest lecture for cardiologists, hook up the presenter to a heart rate monitor, project the data, and see when they are nervous during their talk. Give everyone coming to a smaller networking event a key when they come in, and the lock in which it works is their seat. You get the drift.
Don't Sweat Too Hard Night Of
A short-coming of a good number of event planners is that they (myself included) care too much about what other people think. Their value as a human hinges on how the event goes over. Any deviation from the plan is an immense failure. Something I tell all planners that I have managed is that no one knows something didn't go by the plan unless you let them know. Think on your feet, roll with the punches, and even if things aren't 100% be sure to stay as calm as possible. Or at least appear that way.
http://kaparsons.blogspot.com/
umWHAT can I do to change the world?
25,000 children die every day from the effects of poverty.
This is equal to the earthquake in Haiti occurring every 4 days; the 2006 Asian tsunami happening every 1.5 weeks, or reliving the death toll of 9/11 every 9 days. We concentrate on these individual tragedies because of their uncommon nature and profound impacts felt around the world, but what about the things we don’t hear about in the news? What about the massive death tolls that accumulate every day, but aren’t covered by any media outlets?
The truth is that child poverty is so rampant that it has ceased to be considered newsworthy. Something as simple as a case of diarrhea may cause infection that leads to death in many impoverished countries around the world. Due to unsanitary water sources, or a total lack of access to water, illnesses that we don’t give a second thought to in North America are ending lives at alarming rates in other parts of the globe.
Even before Haiti was hit with this horribly fatal natural disaster, it was a country already in ruins and stricken by tremendous national poverty. It is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, a mere 800 kilometres away from the Florida coast. “Misery is the entirety of the condition of the people,” says Herault Beauvais, a community leader featured in the documentary, The Road to Fondwa. They lack clean water, nourishment, access to education, and funds to finance their businesses and farms. The main roads in the capital Port-au-Prince are flooded and lined with businesses that rarely make a sale. Mud and waste up to the knees cover the ground. Vendors show up in an attempt to make a living, but “as long as there are no roads, there is no business.”
According to Haitians, because so many countries are trying to help them, they are stuck in a place with no particular direction. Different people are giving them various instructions on how to fix their problems, but these solutions don’t necessarily work for the Haitian people. There is a word in Creole that many Haitians in the countryside use; "konbit". A konbit is the gathering of a group of peasants who put their heads together to find solutions to their problems and then put their hands together to achieve it. This is how the Haitian people work to move forward and alleviate their poverty, in konbit.
This highlights a crucial concept in understanding how development and aid in impoverished countries should be focused. To instil change that is both tangible and sustainable, it must fit with the culture and the mentality of the people who live it. Manouche Douze, a student at the University of Fondwa, says that she appreciates the assistance of foreigners in Haiti, but asks that “rather than giving us a little something every time, show us how to do it ourselves.”
Another example of the Haitians' incredible desire to learn comes from a boy in his early teens. He walks for three hours to school and three hours back to his neighbouring community every day. “I leave my house at 4 a.m., because I should be in school. In school, I can learn something so that I can be of service tomorrow.”
It is this belief in education and growth that affirms the possibility for change. The people of Haiti, and other impoverished countries, don’t choose to live in their present conditions; they desperately seek growth and prosperity. Not only do they want to see change, but they want to be the change. According to Herault, “We hope that one day, we will truly live well.”
-Sarah Bockstael
--------------------
The University of Manitoba World Humanitarian Action Team (umWHAT) is a new student group dedicated to bringing about positive social change through education and action initiatives carried out locally. As an affiliate of Free The Children, our goal is to raise enough money to have a school built in a marginalized community overseas through Free The Children's Adopt-a-Village program, and also to support members in travelling overseas to help build the school. In addition, we aim to educate not only our members, but also the community at large, about the social issues that exist and ways to get involved - how we can "be the change" now, and into the future!
For more information, please don't hesitate to contact Matt Hlynsky at matt.hlynsky@gmail.com
This is equal to the earthquake in Haiti occurring every 4 days; the 2006 Asian tsunami happening every 1.5 weeks, or reliving the death toll of 9/11 every 9 days. We concentrate on these individual tragedies because of their uncommon nature and profound impacts felt around the world, but what about the things we don’t hear about in the news? What about the massive death tolls that accumulate every day, but aren’t covered by any media outlets?
The truth is that child poverty is so rampant that it has ceased to be considered newsworthy. Something as simple as a case of diarrhea may cause infection that leads to death in many impoverished countries around the world. Due to unsanitary water sources, or a total lack of access to water, illnesses that we don’t give a second thought to in North America are ending lives at alarming rates in other parts of the globe.
Even before Haiti was hit with this horribly fatal natural disaster, it was a country already in ruins and stricken by tremendous national poverty. It is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, a mere 800 kilometres away from the Florida coast. “Misery is the entirety of the condition of the people,” says Herault Beauvais, a community leader featured in the documentary, The Road to Fondwa. They lack clean water, nourishment, access to education, and funds to finance their businesses and farms. The main roads in the capital Port-au-Prince are flooded and lined with businesses that rarely make a sale. Mud and waste up to the knees cover the ground. Vendors show up in an attempt to make a living, but “as long as there are no roads, there is no business.”
According to Haitians, because so many countries are trying to help them, they are stuck in a place with no particular direction. Different people are giving them various instructions on how to fix their problems, but these solutions don’t necessarily work for the Haitian people. There is a word in Creole that many Haitians in the countryside use; "konbit". A konbit is the gathering of a group of peasants who put their heads together to find solutions to their problems and then put their hands together to achieve it. This is how the Haitian people work to move forward and alleviate their poverty, in konbit.
This highlights a crucial concept in understanding how development and aid in impoverished countries should be focused. To instil change that is both tangible and sustainable, it must fit with the culture and the mentality of the people who live it. Manouche Douze, a student at the University of Fondwa, says that she appreciates the assistance of foreigners in Haiti, but asks that “rather than giving us a little something every time, show us how to do it ourselves.”
Another example of the Haitians' incredible desire to learn comes from a boy in his early teens. He walks for three hours to school and three hours back to his neighbouring community every day. “I leave my house at 4 a.m., because I should be in school. In school, I can learn something so that I can be of service tomorrow.”
It is this belief in education and growth that affirms the possibility for change. The people of Haiti, and other impoverished countries, don’t choose to live in their present conditions; they desperately seek growth and prosperity. Not only do they want to see change, but they want to be the change. According to Herault, “We hope that one day, we will truly live well.”
-Sarah Bockstael
--------------------
The University of Manitoba World Humanitarian Action Team (umWHAT) is a new student group dedicated to bringing about positive social change through education and action initiatives carried out locally. As an affiliate of Free The Children, our goal is to raise enough money to have a school built in a marginalized community overseas through Free The Children's Adopt-a-Village program, and also to support members in travelling overseas to help build the school. In addition, we aim to educate not only our members, but also the community at large, about the social issues that exist and ways to get involved - how we can "be the change" now, and into the future!
For more information, please don't hesitate to contact Matt Hlynsky at matt.hlynsky@gmail.com
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
UnChartered Territory: My Journey from Chartered Accountant to Entrepreneur
A Candid Interview with Stefano Picone, A Recent University Graduate
Who Found His Way, the Hard Way
What is your name, place of work, and job title?
My name is Stefano Picone, I live in Toronto, and I am the founder of myCAsite.com
Starting at the beginning, where did you do your schooling and what did you major in? Why?
I was born and raised in Calgary. When I graduated from high school, my parents said that I could go to any university other than the University of Calgary (let’s just say I needed some growing up to do). So I decided to go to the University of Toronto because it was the only other major city in Canada where I had family and was familiar with. I began university in September of 2000, which was the height of the Internet boom. There seemed to be so many online business opportunities, so I enrolled in Commerce figuring it would prepare me for action. Of course, the Internet quickly fizzled and I was forced to pursue something a little more pragmatic. So, I went the CA route.
After graduation, were you nervous to work in the "real world?"
I had a very difficult time transitioning from school to work. Although school involves a lot of time and effort, students have a lot of freedom in terms of when they want to study, how they want to take notes, whether to go to class, etc. And I really enjoyed this. When I began full time work, I felt there was too much structure, especially in terms of how things had to be done. Maintaining structure is very important within the CA profession.
Where did you first work and did you switch firms at any point? Why?
I started at Ernst & Young and then went to RSM Richter. The reason I switched to a mid-sized firm was because Big 4 firms are known for having very rigid audit methodologies, and again, I was trying to get away from structure.
What gave you the idea to launch your own website?
I made a lot of mistakes going through the CA process. I was terrible at recruiting, struggled with certain courses, and had a lot of unnecessary difficulties. At the time, I wished I had something like myCAsite.com to help me, so that is why I decided to build the site.
Was there a need in the market for such as website? How will it benefit students?
Virtually every student who has visited the site has said they loved it. Many of them say that the articles and message board are an invaluable resource for recruiting, homework, the UFE, transitioning to work, etc. One thing that students were really amazed with was the interview we did with Al Rosen (http://www.mycasite.com/for_web/pages/articles/interviews/al_rosen.php). Mr. Rosen is a top forensic accountant in Canada, and he deals a lot with the IFRS, which most university accounting students don't know about. In this way, the site tries to educate students on matters outside the classroom as well.
I have also had many profs and members of CA firms say that they were impressed by the site. In September, there were over 2,600 visits and over 1,100 visitors. This shows that there are a lot of people using the site. The goal is to reach 10,000 visits per month.
What were the hardships you faced in starting your own company? Did you have any help?
Starting a business is incredibly difficult because there is no template or guide to follow. I am often overwhelmed by a lack of direction, which is remarkable considering that, as I mentioned, I do not like having structure imposed on me. You also have to sacrifice a lot to start a business. A lot of the people I went to university with who are CAs have comfortable jobs and nice paycheques. They went on vacation this summer and I didn't. They are buying houses and getting married and, financially, I can't afford to do that. But I feel I would be giving up more personally by not pursuing this idea.
Fortunately, I have a lot of support from my parents and my family. They understand that I am an entrepreneurial person and they don't put pressure on me to follow everyone else and get a regular job.
What advice do you have to recent graduates who might be interested in starting their own company?
In order to become an entrepreneur, you have to be willing to embrace failure. If students stop using myCAsite.com tomorrow, and I have the shut down the site, most people will interpret that to mean that I have failed. But I know that I did the right thing by starting the site. So I'm okay with the possibility of the site not succeeding.
Where do you see the company in the future? Do you wish to expand?
Right now, I am completely focused on the short-term. As important as it is consider the future, there are so many possible outcomes. Eventually the goal is to commercialize the site, but at this point, my efforts are dedicated to marketing the site and providing as much value as possible to students.
We thank Stefano for sharing his experience, for more information check out: myCAsite.com
To Inject or Not to Inject The H1N1 Vaccine: Will You Get It?
By definition I am a sickly person. Not to be confused with “sick” (although it’s arguable I’m sure) but rather sickly. A person who suffers from small inconveniences, like strange indeterminable allergies, asthma that only pops up around exam time, and a serious inability to stay warm for very long. Needless to say I don’t go in the computer lab very often.
As a sickly person I have become accustomed to researching vitamins, teas, protein shakes, whey powder, basically all things Pro-Health. Through my experience the natural way to good health has proved much more effective than the prescription way. I find the lists of “possible side effects” and reactions to medication more scary than the problem it’s trying to fix in the first place.
It would seem that through this way of thinking I would be against vaccinations altogether, but I am not. The benefits have been historically proven. Vaccinations have saved countries of people from things such as polio, smallpox, tuberculosis and the mumps. And I have traveled to India enough times to know how important it is to get your shots.
Although, historically, vaccinations have saved many lives, they have been the source of much controversy. Critics argue that the long term effects are still unknown, and others say vaccinations can make you more sick and are unnatural causing the body to react negatively. A vaccination is, essentially, placing the dead cells of a certain agent into the body to encourage the production of antibodies. The body basically builds immunity to the agent by being introduced to the weakened version of it. I find this method risky because the body must build immunity. It must fight a biological war to become stronger, but who is to say we will all win? A vaccine is to be taken when in top physical condition. If you take it while your immune system is compromised, your body may not have the strength to fight it.
In the case of the H1N1 vaccine there are many arguments for and against it, and I would like to present them for debate. H1N1 can affect a wide range of people. The World Health Organization lists children aged 6 months to 5 years, people under 55 with severe chronic or other medical risks, people of aboriginal or metis descent, health care workers and pregnant women as the most at-risk groups. However during the summer outbreak of H1N1 people outside those groups were put in the hospital and some even died. Illustrating that although there are high risk groups, we are all still at risk.
H1N1 is a serious concern because of its volatility; Winnipeg Regional Health Authority states that some people who get H1N1 may experience very mild symptoms and may not even be aware they have it, while others have died within a matter of 24 hours of contracting the virus. When giving advise even experts clash; some experts state that if you begin experiencing flu like symptoms, it is best to stay at home to prevent spreading it. Others say that if you begin feeling symptoms like shortness of breath and high fever, go to the hospital right away and receive the anti-viral Tamiflu. The confusion surrounding H1N1 may explain the increased wait times at local hospital emergencies, up to 6 or 7 hours currently.
Argument #1: H1N1 is no different than the regular flu and the media has caused mass paranoia and fear, therefore I will not get the vaccine.
To be honest, I grappled with this idea myself. As a critical watcher of T.V, I am aware of such things as media bias and hype. Because of this I choose to get my facts from the credible sources, like WHO, WRHA, and Health Canada. The facts from these sources make the truth bitterly clear: H1N1 is not like the regular flu. Young, healthy people are being hospitalized in a matter of hours as H1N1 can begin lung deterioration quickly with little or no warning. The majority of people who get H1N1 will not be hospitalized and have mild symptoms but determining whether you will be part of that majority or not, is nothing more than a guessing game.
Argument #2: The H1N1 vaccine was developed so quickly under such severe time constraints that it can not be safe due to a lack of long term testing, therefore I will not get the vaccine.
Flu vaccines have a long Canadian history, with new vaccines created yearly to match the changes in the influenza virus. For example, in 1976 there was a swine influenza outbreak in which a vaccine was made and distributed. The 2009 outbreak is slightly different mutation and requires a different vaccine however the facts prove that scientists have been testing and studying a similar vaccine for 30 years. Vaccines must change in order to stay effective and relevant. According to healthcanada.com, Health Canada and the Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq approved AREPANRIX, the vaccine against the pandemic H1N1 flu virus on October 21, 2009. Although the vaccine was created in a matter of months from the time H1N1 began spreading, it is not only is it approved by Health Canada, but is approved by the World Health Organization, and has already been distributed worldwide. I would argue that the possible side effects of the vaccine are less worrisome than possible death from the virus.
Argument #3: If I get H1N1, I can just receive the anti-viral Tamiflu which prevents the symptoms from worsening, so the vaccine is not necessary.
This argument I found very convincing. If there is an approved anti-viral on the market, why should the citizens of Canada wait in line for 3 hours and inject themselves with an unfamiliar vaccine in order to prevent the flu with mild symptoms (for the majority) anyway? After doing a bit of digging, and visiting pharmacies around Winnipeg, the answer became very clear: Tamiflu is running out.
After discussing with pharmacists around the city, I soon learned that each province in Canada was only given a certain amount of emergency Tamiflu, and that the amount left in the city, let alone the country, was running out fast. Before even finishing my sentence “Do you carry Tami-” I’d receive a short and simple “No, sorry. Check the pharmacy down the street.” A few times I’d get a dismal “Good luck!” As I walked out. Hospitals are also being very choosy as to who receives the anti-viral, as they are very short supply as well.
With the anti-viral virtually non existent in our city, all signs now point to receiving the vaccine as a precautionary measure.
In Canada, we are lucky enough to have the freedom of choice surrounding our health and well being. We may choose which precautionary measures to take, and which to avoid. As illustrated by this article, choice can also become a burdensome right, one which takes good facts, and good luck. Will you get the H1N1 vaccine? The choice is yours.
I am in Favour of the Tuition Increase, and Here’s Why
anyone has taken a reasonable look around the campus, they will notice that our fair university is near a state of disrepair which can be directly attributed to the lack of funding incurred by a tuition freeze. As a simple example, the Armes Building doesn’t seem to have been changed since the early 50’s, when people sat at perfect right angles, had completely flat features necessitating geometrically flat chairs, and voiced no need for cushions. While some classes in Tier Building have gotten a make over, the others still remind me of a sanatorium, which while an untrue analogy, still explains the faint scent of urine when the humidity rises. Furthermore, any health related facility which can gain the nickname of “Gritty Grotto” brings to mind images of a grimy, poorly maintained excuse for a fitness gym. Also, I believe I see asbestos on the wall, which probably violates some sort of health code.
All this being said, there seems to be a solution which frightens people from suggesting it; funding. These are fixable problems, yet the university has had its hands tied by the lack of funding from tuitions. While my examples might be exaggerations, and meant to appeal to your emotions, MacLean’s Magazine and many other university surveys and polls have consistently rank us near the bottom of the food chain. (Even independent US sources have ranked us 17th out of 20). While I might not work for Stats Canada, I did do well in Stats1000 and 2000, which nearly makes me an expert, and in those courses we discussed a concept called correlation. It seems like those universities with high tuitions and thus high funding, tended to rank higher based on quality of faculty, programs, financing, and student-to-teacher ratio.
Question, has anyone here take a science course lately? As I recall I had a teleprompter/video professor teach me biology and run my chemistry lab. Personally, I lay awake in a cold sweat fearing the day that technology takes over and begins using me as a battery, and this, quite honestly, is the first step. Did anyone else see the new Terminator? I didn’t, but I assume that this is how the war began, and from what I hear, most of us don’t make it. I feel that I should be taught by, say, a human being, who I can interact with, and, dare I say it, ask them a question and have them respond. How, you may ask, can we as students stop the machines from taking over the planet? Pay more in tuition to hire more human teachers. By paying a slight bit more in tuition, we can hire more profs, which will reduce class sizes, allow more interaction to help facilitate better learning, and effectively raise the quality of education provided by this fine university.
Another note I would like to state to any nay-sayer of rising tuition is that just by staying in Manitoba 5 years after your graduation, you are able to make back HALF of your university tuition, therefore still making us the cheapest option available for higher education. So please, could you stop complaining about tuition? Yes, it might cost a bit more now, but Manitoba is ripe with jobs, resistant to the recession, and competitive in salary, which will pay off the slight increase in no time...plus the government will pay you half back. Work in Manitoba for five years, get experience on your resume, and get a huge tax check back, all for a slightly higher price in tuition; I’d say that’s a deal! And we Manitoban’s love our deals.
All this being said, there seems to be a solution which frightens people from suggesting it; funding. These are fixable problems, yet the university has had its hands tied by the lack of funding from tuitions. While my examples might be exaggerations, and meant to appeal to your emotions, MacLean’s Magazine and many other university surveys and polls have consistently rank us near the bottom of the food chain. (Even independent US sources have ranked us 17th out of 20). While I might not work for Stats Canada, I did do well in Stats1000 and 2000, which nearly makes me an expert, and in those courses we discussed a concept called correlation. It seems like those universities with high tuitions and thus high funding, tended to rank higher based on quality of faculty, programs, financing, and student-to-teacher ratio.
Question, has anyone here take a science course lately? As I recall I had a teleprompter/video professor teach me biology and run my chemistry lab. Personally, I lay awake in a cold sweat fearing the day that technology takes over and begins using me as a battery, and this, quite honestly, is the first step. Did anyone else see the new Terminator? I didn’t, but I assume that this is how the war began, and from what I hear, most of us don’t make it. I feel that I should be taught by, say, a human being, who I can interact with, and, dare I say it, ask them a question and have them respond. How, you may ask, can we as students stop the machines from taking over the planet? Pay more in tuition to hire more human teachers. By paying a slight bit more in tuition, we can hire more profs, which will reduce class sizes, allow more interaction to help facilitate better learning, and effectively raise the quality of education provided by this fine university.
Another note I would like to state to any nay-sayer of rising tuition is that just by staying in Manitoba 5 years after your graduation, you are able to make back HALF of your university tuition, therefore still making us the cheapest option available for higher education. So please, could you stop complaining about tuition? Yes, it might cost a bit more now, but Manitoba is ripe with jobs, resistant to the recession, and competitive in salary, which will pay off the slight increase in no time...plus the government will pay you half back. Work in Manitoba for five years, get experience on your resume, and get a huge tax check back, all for a slightly higher price in tuition; I’d say that’s a deal! And we Manitoban’s love our deals.
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