Community News

A Year of Change – Looking back on 2015 Year End Review

Published

9 years ago

January 2, 2016

BY ALYSSA MAHADEO

With every New Year comes the reflection of change. As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting and wondering where did that whole year go? What have I done? What do I still need to accomplish and what challenges will I face in the coming year? Change isn’t something that we can plan for, but it is something that we are getting better at accepting and through that acceptance we are taking great strides to the future of our world.

For many, the beginning of a New Year is the chance at a fresh start, following positive resolutions to implement in the year to come. Throughout the world there were many news stories that made headlines, filled with both positive and negative events giving everyone something to talk about. It was a big year for Canada, electing a new Prime Minister to run the country, hosting the Pan Am Games this past summer and cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays in this year’s historic season. It was a year of ups and downs, as well as one of learning and implementing change in our views of society.

Looking back on 2015 in general, it’s true that you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’d claim that it’s been a good year for the human race. The bad news has been relentless: war in Syria, a refugee crisis in Turkey and Europe, earthquakes in Nepal, terrorist attacks in Paris, mass shootings in the US, floods in India. The media’s hand in the news reported has created a significant impact on all the citizens around the globe. With the news and top trending topics so easily accessible via the Internet, people have found themselves in a constant stream of bad news, opinions and arguments and debates as to what we should believe and who is right or wrong.

The year was off to a roaring start when Vietnam took a huge stride in leading the world to abolish bans on same-sex marriage. Many other countries in the world followed suit introducing and accepting LBGTQ couples everywhere, including the U.S., legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, including territories. Married same-sex couples can now enjoy the same legal rights and benefits as married heterosexual couples nationwide and will be recognized on official documents such as birth and death certificates.

It is very clear in many events that happened throughout the year, that racism still has an active presence in our society. It is unfortunate to think that after so many years of making progress, it can be undone by a single group of radicals. From campaigns stemmed from brutal and unfortunate killings to women being abused and treated unfairly, there was a lot that went into eradicating and changing the perspective of those affected. The world stood together, fighting for their rights resisting the negativity being flung their way and women had their voices heard above the rest implementing the biggest changes that society has ever seen. Caitlyn Jenner, made her debut as a woman and Viola Davis became the first African-American woman to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. This year women took strides and spoke out against women’s rights, gender equality and social stigmas that women still face today. Although we have come a long way, women still face many challenges, especially women of different races and ethnicities. The women have banded together, sending out inspiring messages for not only their female counterparts, but anyone who has ever felt different and faced difficulties being accepted by society. It’s about all of us accepting one another and the only thing that separates women of colour from anyone else is opportunity, so it is our job to create more in the future.

In Toronto, there was a prominent change in leadership when the country elected Justin Trudeau as the new Prime Minister of Canada. As the son of Canada’s former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, there were many who voted in favor of a younger PM, however there was much speculation on whether or not he was ready to rise to the occasion. With only two months in office under his belt, Trudeau is determined to prove himself to the citizens of his country. Since coming into office, he has been tackling the refugee situation, pledging to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees by next year. He has been looking into ways to balance Canada’s budget, invest in the skills and talents of our young people to build a bigger and better country. The Canadian dollar had a rough year, hitting an eleven year low at 74.9 cents U.S., thereby garnering the attention and woe of deal searching cross-border shoppers across our nation.

It has been an interesting venture into the world of politics with Donald Trump running for the Presidency this year. There have been many controversial actions and words exchanged that have called into question the future of the country. When Americans head to the polls in 2016 it is still unclear who will come out on top. Donald Trump is currently the front-runner in the presidential campaign and it will be an interesting turn of events if he is trumped.

This year terrorism was a very prominent threat faced by the world, linked to the situations and uprisings in the East with ISIS and the war happening in Syria. The world was subjected to a wave of terrorism, facing threats from Isis to shootings and bombings in Paris. Since last year they have been wreaking havoc and growing in numbers, even adding some Trinidadian’s to their ranks. There have been multiple attacks linked to terrorism, however the world has been relentless in their fight against it. When Paris was attacked the entire world came together to show their support ‘Nous somme solidarite avec la France’, lighting up some of the worlds most famous landmarks with the colors of France’s flag standing behind them, praying for peace and unity in the world. It was remarkable to see how the world came together on November 13th, when earthquakes shook the grounds beneath the citizens of Japan and Mexico, bombings were reported in Baghdad and Beirut, and shootings came to light in Paris plunging the city into darkness. In only twenty four hours it was estimated that the world lost 115,200 heartbeats and everyone came together to #prayfortheuniverse.

Toronto was fortunate to host the Pan-American Games this summer, welcoming people and athletes representing their countries from all over the world to the city. It was a huge production for the city and our diverse and multicultural city was more than happy to accommodate. Stadiums and HOV lanes were established across the GTA, offering easy modes of transportation to and from events, without hindering the city’s regular traffic flows.

For all those fans of the 6ix, they had something else to celebrate when baseball season rolled around this year and the Toronto Blue Jays were on fire! For the first time in years they played some spectacular, nail biting, anxiety driven games that kept fans sitting on the edge of their seats. People who had never watched baseball were tuning in to cheer on the boys. This season inspired fans, demonstrating first-hand how anything could happen. They will forever hold in their hearts the infamous bat flip by their hero Jose Bautista, that had Jays fans losing their minds in that highly anticipated triumph of Game five.

2015 was the year that we got a lot closer to global, universal education. In April of this year, Unesco released a report on the status of global education, showing that in the last fifteen years the number of children around the world without access to education has nearly halved, from 100 million to 57 million. This is thanks to an increased appreciation of the benefits of education to the individual and society, increased government provision and increases to mandatory minimum years of schooling. It’s an incredible achievement: it means that we are in a world where nine out of ten children are learning to read and write. The World Bank now says we’re only one generation away from a world where every single person is literate.

People have always demonstrated the innovation of technology today, coming up with cool new gadgets like hoverboards, cars that drive themselves, nano-architecture and other clever ways to make life easier. Not all great breakthroughs are created equal. Some arrive more or less as usable things; others mainly set the stage for innovations that emerge later and we have to estimate when that will be. 2015 was the year that Marty McFly came to when he traveled to the future with the help of Doc. October 21st, 2015 looked nothing like it did in Back to the Future, but we did manage to implement a few cool new devices like self-tying shoes, a unique and a somewhat terrifying version of a hoverboard. Scientists have discovered systematic breakthroughs with liquid water found on Mars, new ways to predict and capture natures beauty and enhance the products that we have, always coming up with new ideas to apply in the world of technology.

Canadians discovered a new way of getting around the city with Uber, a ride sharing transportation service where independent drivers could be hailed to offer a pre-paid taxi service anywhere you need to go in the GTA. This caused much controversy amongst Taxi drivers who were outraged that Uber could be allowed to operate in the city without being regulated under any laws. Uber hasn’t let that stop them, expanding on their service and looking to implement even more ways to help people get around, offering quality customer service and standing their ground.

There was a change in leadership in the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Guyana where David A. Granger was elected as the new President in May of this year and Dr. Keith Christopher Rowley was elected Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, coming into office in September. After the elections in Guyana the Progressive Party unseated the Alliance for Change Party led by the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic Minister Moses Nagamootoo merging them into one. The Caribbean was hit with another bout of the Chikungunya virus and the Swine Flu resurfaced in Trinidad, putting neighboring countries on alert.

In the world of Caribbean entertainment Bunji Garland went mainstream gracing the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine taking Soca music international. Countries in the Caribbean have been working on building up their tourism industries, looking for new ways to bring money into the country and develop their infrastructure.

Finally the legalization of Marijuana has finally reached the top of the list of things to further discuss heading into 2016. It has been almost three years since some of Canada’s neighbors in the south have been able to legally buy and possess Marijuana. Our new Prime Minister has made the legalization of cannabis a part of his campaign promise, hoping to legalize, regulate and restrict access to it. They are hoping to implement this change to make it easier for people who use it for medicinal purposes. The current process of prohibiting marijuana doesn’t work as it does not prevent young people from using it and too many are ending up with criminal records for possessing small amounts of the drug. They are hoping to create and implement new and stronger laws that will be more effective and alleviate some of the expenses from our criminal justice system.

We have come a long way in 2015 and looking towards 2016 the sky’s the limit. Our hopes for the future is that we can continue to come together as a community and stand together supporting each other. A year seems to zip right by and it seems that only yesterday the year began. We wouldn’t have been able to dream up some of the stuff that has happened over the course of a year, so much has changed.

2015 was an eventful year, full of many challenges that will carry over into the year to come. Looking towards 2016 we hope to continue to stand together with our community and the world, creating, enforcing and being the change we wish to see in the world.

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Urban Alliance on Race Relations celebrates and highlights Racial Justice Award recipients

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Paul Junor

BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been almost 40 years since the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of: promoting tolerance, social justice, racial equity and fairness. Since it was formed in 1975, they have celebrated and recognized changemakers in the fight for racial justice in diverse sectors such as: health, labour, government, education, arts, media, environment, and justice.

On Saturday, December 7^th, 2024, there was a great turnout at the 2024 Racial Justice Awards Night held at The Estate Banquet & Event Centre in Scarborough. In attendance were many community supporters, civic officials, long-time racial justice warriors, and individuals from diverse ethnic groups.

UARR is grateful for all the sponsors of the Racial Justice Awards Night Celebration. It notes in its email to its supporters on Tuesday, December 3^rd, 2024, the importance of its sponsors including:

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada, UFCW, Local 175
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353
Unite Here! Local 75
Toronto & York Region Labour Council
Canadian Labour Congress
The Coalitions of Black Trade Union (CBTUL)

“Your sponsorship plays a vital role in shining a light on individuals and organizations driving equity, justice, and change in our communities. This celebration is more than an event, it’s a movement. Thanks to your support, we’re: honoring changemakers, amplifying unheard voices, and funding initiatives that break down systemic barriers.”

The categories and names of the awards and recipients were:

Racial Justice in Arts: Hannia Cheng

She is an artist and cultural worker who co-founded Unit 270, a DIY gallery and multi-purpose grassroots community hub in Chinatown Centre.

Racial Justice in Labour: Vanessa Story

She is the founder of the Black Youth York Region and co-founder of the York Communities for Public Education coalition.

Racial Justice in Education: Shannon Simpson

She is Senior Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto.

Racial Justice in Environment: Dr. Ingrid Waldron

She is a Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global and Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University.

Urban Alliance of Race Relations Agent of Change Award: Kirk Mark

He is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Consultant at KIRK Mark & Associates.

Racial Justice in Media: Amanda Parris

She is an award-winning writer, tv host and producer, and former host of CBC Arts Exhibitionist.

Racial Justice in Health: Camille Orridge

She is former CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN).

Racial Justice in Government: Amira Elghawaby

She is a journalist and human rights advocate who was appointed in January 2023 as Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia.

Racial Justice in Justice: South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALC0)

This legal clinic supports low-income South Asian people in Canada.

The funds raised from the Awards night will be going toward the work of the Diversity Youth Fellowship Program. This innovative and creative program is directly involved in enabling racialized youth to get paid experience working in municipal governments and at various public policy making organizations across Canada.

The performers at the event included: Katheen Zaragosa (a Filipino music performer), Rithika Jeristus & Maya Jeristus (Bharatanatyam dancers) and Yasmin Said (spoken word artist)

UARR is looking forward to its 50^thanniversary celebrations in 2025 and shared five of its strategic priorities for the next 10 years including:

Employment and economic opportunity: The goal is to foster inclusive workspaces and economic opportunities.
Education: The goal is to promote racial equity in education and research.
Communication: The goal is to expand public awareness and reach to amplify our stories.
Community engagement and outreach: The goal is building community capacity and convening towards change.
Truth and reconciliation-relationship building and supporting calls to action. The goal is to strengthen our solidarity and action towards truth and reconciliation.

Community News

What is it about those short videos that keep us captivated? Oh! Yes! Our short attention span

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

TOCaribNews

BY KAHA GEDI

As our attention spans decrease, short form videos are becoming more popular. From TikTok, to YouTube Shorts, to Instagram Reels, these “snack sized” videos have positive qualities alongside the bad. Mainly we want to know what makes them so effective, and why are they becoming the go-to choice for both viewers and marketers? In this article, I will be discussing how these videos have received such popularity worldwide.

First, we need to understand what counts as and what is short-form content. According to blog.hubspot.com, “Short-form videos are videos that are less than 60 seconds long.” However, some marketers and content creators agree that short-form videos can be up to 3 minutes. “They are videos that deliver information in a ‘digestible’ format so that viewers can quickly watch and save content if they’re in a hurry or enjoy it.” Now, I’ll talk about the main reasons why these videos are so popular.

First, our attention spans have gone down exponentially. Dr Gloria Mark has written a book called “Attention Span,” and she says her research indicates people’s attention spans have been shrinking over the last 20 years. According to the same article Dr. Mark said that “Back in 2004, we found the average attention span on any screen to be two and a half minutes on average. Throughout the years, it became shorter. So, around 2012, we found it to be 75 seconds. Then in the last five, six years, we found it to average about 47 seconds.” So, it’s notable that our attention spans started out longer but then decreased over time.

Secondly, these videos have become cheaper and easier to make. Unlike long-form videos, which require extensive: planning, editing, and storytelling, short-form videos are simpler. To the point where they can even be shot on a smartphone. For example, DuoLingo, the app that helps learn new languages, went viral on TikTok a long time ago by posting funny, low-budget videos that resonate with millions. Like a video of a DuoLingo plus being: tossed down the stairs, sitting outside on a rainy day, or being soaked by the shower with the title “When you ignore my notifications.”

Lastly, they provide valuable information in a short amount of time, and they are easily accessible. According to a recent Adobe Survey, two in five Americans use TikTok as a search engine, and nearly one in 10 Gen Zeers are more likely to rely on TikTok than Google as a search engine. This isn’t always reliable for real news because anyone can claim to be an expert, and you wouldn’t know if they’re telling the truth. So, even though they give valuable information in a short time, they can also give misinformation or mislead you.

Short-form videos have changed how we watch and learn things. They fit our short attention spans, are easy to make, and share information quickly. Even though they’re fun and helpful, they can also spread false information or leave out important details. Even with these problems, short-form videos are here to stay, so we should use them in proportion, but also enjoy the benefits.

Community News

Dr. Edward McInnis on the Importance of Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

TOCaribNews

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Preventive care is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing potential health concerns before they escalate into severe conditions. By focusing on proactive measures such as regular screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling, preventive care offers individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve long-term wellness.

Below, Edward McInnis highlights the transformative potential of prevention in reducing healthcare disparities, alleviating systemic challenges, and ensuring that every individual has the tools and access needed to lead a healthier life.

Understanding Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Preventive care in family medicine focuses on proactive measures to maintain health and prevent illness before it occurs. This approach emphasizes regular health evaluations, screenings, and interventions that identify potential issues early, reducing the likelihood of severe complications. Preventive care fosters long-term well-being by addressing risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles while minimizing the burden of chronic diseases.

The philosophy behind preventive care aligns with the idea that staying healthy is more effective and less costly than treating illnesses after they arise. Early detection of conditions such as hypertension or high cholesterol allows patients and physicians to manage these issues effectively, preventing them from escalating into more severe health problems. Beyond individual benefits, this care model contributes to healthier communities by reducing the overall demand for healthcare systems.

Benefits of Preventive Care for Individuals and Communities

Preventive care profoundly impacts individuals and the broader community by addressing potential health concerns before they evolve into severe conditions. Early detection through routine screenings can significantly lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This improves individual health outcomes and reduces the emotional and financial toll of managing advanced diseases.

Communities prioritizing preventive care experience a ripple effect of healthier populations and reduced strain on healthcare resources. When more people engage in regular check-ups and adopt healthier habits, the prevalence of preventable conditions drops, creating a collective benefit. Individuals who invest in their health through preventive measures often enjoy longer, more active lives, positively influencing families, workplaces, and society.

The economic advantages of preventive care are undeniable, as early intervention typically costs far less than treating advanced illnesses. Vaccination programs, such as those targeting seasonal flu or childhood diseases, can drastically curb outbreaks, saving lives and reducing medical expenses. These benefits demonstrate how preventive care is a cornerstone of sustainable and effective healthcare systems.

Core Preventive Services in Family Medicine

Family medicine emphasizes various preventive services designed to address health needs across all stages of life. Regular health screenings, such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, are critical in identifying silent health risks. These assessments provide actionable insights that allow individuals to make timely adjustments to their lifestyles or begin treatment when necessary.

Vaccinations are another cornerstone of preventive care, protecting individuals and communities from infectious diseases. From childhood immunizations to seasonal flu shots, these interventions safeguard personal health and prevent the spread of illnesses within larger populations. Counseling services, including guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress management, empower patients to take an active role in their long-term well-being.

The Role of Family Physicians in Prevention

Family physicians play a pivotal role in fostering preventive care through their ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with patients. These relationships enable them to understand not just medical histories but also lifestyle factors, family dynamics, and social determinants of health. This comprehensive knowledge allows physicians to craft personalized preventive strategies that resonate with each patient’s unique circumstances, ensuring a more practical approach to maintaining health.

Beyond individual care, family physicians act as educators, equipping patients with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Whether discussing the significance of regular screenings or addressing misconceptions about vaccines, their guidance helps patients take ownership of their health.

The continuity of care provided by family physicians also ensures that preventive measures are consistently monitored and adjusted as needed, fostering long-term well-being. Their ability to provide holistic and deeply personalized care sets the foundation for healthier patients and communities.

Challenges in Accessing Preventive Care

Despite its proven benefits, accessing preventive care remains challenging for many individuals and communities. Financial barriers, such as lack of insurance coverage or high out-of-pocket costs, often deter people from seeking preventive services. Additionally, limited awareness about the importance of early detection and health promotion means that some individuals may only prioritize preventive care once a health issue becomes severe.

Geographical disparities also play a significant role in limiting access. Rural and underserved areas frequently face shortages of healthcare providers, making it difficult for residents to receive consistent preventive services. In such regions, innovative approaches like mobile health clinics and telemedicine have emerged as solutions to bridge the gap. Expanding these efforts could help overcome logistical obstacles and ensure that preventive care reaches those most in need.

Cultural factors and mistrust of the healthcare system can further complicate access to preventive services. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes community engagement, culturally sensitive care, and efforts to build trust between healthcare providers and patients. Strengthening health literacy and facilitating dialogue between healthcare institutions and the communities they serve are also critical steps in overcoming these barriers.

Promoting and Advancing Preventive Care

Advancing preventive care depends on raising awareness and fostering a culture that values proactive health management. Educational campaigns, workplace wellness programs, and school-based health initiatives encourage people to adopt preventive practices. These efforts create an environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their well-being, leading to healthier lifestyles and earlier intervention.

The integration of technology is revolutionizing how preventive care is delivered. Wearable devices that track physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns provide individuals with real-time data about their health, prompting timely action when irregularities arise. Similarly, data analytics and predictive tools enable healthcare providers to identify at-risk populations and deliver targeted interventions, improving outcomes on a broader scale.