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4 years ago

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

There is something happening in our world, and this cannot be denied. As I write to you today community, I do so with apprehension. Since the lockdown in March 2020, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper has been interviewing, and discussing the coronavirus, but not in the way mainstream media has.

It has been well documented that the mainstream media use tactics to play on the emotions of the reader or viewer. This is done to create higher ratings, and to keep individuals (like you and I), pinned to our seats, anticipating what is going to happen next. A primary tool of mainstream media is the use of fear as motivation.

Fear is a primal instinct that has served men throughout the evolutionary process. Our memories are born in fear. What keeps these memories fresh is the adrenaline rush that occurs during an experience, and it is forever etched in our brains. Think about it. Will you ever forget your Covid-19 experience?  Why not? Nothing makes us more uncomfortable than fear.

Science shows that fear invokes the flight or fight system, and our first reaction is often to flee back to what is comfortable. If we don’t know the way back to our comfort zone, we are likely to follow whoever shows us a path. In the case of the coronavirus, many of us don’t know what it is going to take to get back to our normal. So what we do is latch on to what is being fed to us by people that we think are looking out for our best interest. This sets up an interesting dynamic that leaves the community with no choice but to make decisions that they believe are most helpful to them. This is what gives mainstream media its power.

I have spoken about the censorship that is happening to Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, and our sister station TCN TV Network (myTCNTV). Our coverage has gone against the mainstream media grain, and because of this, we have joined a growing group of individuals globally, who are denied the freedom to speak out freely against a global experience that has left people scratching their heads.

We are not special in any case; my research shows that this is something that is happening to other brave souls who are doing their best to educate the masses. One case is with two doctors: Dr Dan Erickson, and Dr Artin Massihi. They are doctors from California who argue that the mortality rate of the coronavirus is similar to the common flu. Their claim is that the numbers do not indicate the need for the lockdown measures that we have experienced around the world. Instantly they were hit with criticism and attempts to debunk their claims. Their YouTube video that went over precise details, and was viewed about a million times was removed.

Africa has also had muzzles put in place. There have been at least 10 doctors, and six journalists arrested since the virus first hit Egypt in February. Other health workers say they have been warned by administration to keep quiet or face punishment. It became serious for one foreign correspondent who had to flee the country because they feared arrest.

Citizen journalists and critics in China have been censored or arrested after sharing information about the outbreak. Some have disappeared or are under heavy surveillance.

Informed debate is exactly what we need to make wise decisions for our families, and ourselves but unfortunately, informed debate is exactly what certain social media platforms, and the global governments don’t want. They want unquestioned obedience, and to implement that obedience they are cracking down on free expression. This is why I was excited when I received an email from a woman who goes by the name of Seven.

“One of your followers just sent me your recent excellent news article with Dr Buttar. I applaud you for being on the side of humanity and truth. Never has it been more important. The world is screaming out for it. As Dr Buttar explained in your recent news feature, censorship of the truth has become dangerous. That’s why it’s so critical that publications such as yours help those of us who are informed to get the real news out.”  Seven Starseed

My interview with Seven was both educational, and powerful. I would definitely recommend you taking some time to watch our discussion, as she reviews some of the most controversial topics that have surfaced during this pandemic. Naturally she has been censored, so this interview is a chance to dig deep into the cognitive dissonance you might be experiencing, and naturally, do your research.

Seven is a creative innovator. She is a talented musician, radio broadcaster, and spokesperson for the truth. She has worked in the entertainment industry for 30 years, and she happens to be the person behind the original concept of a long catalogue of TV programs including: Strictly Come Dancing and You Are What You Eat. In 2003, she became a targeted victim of intellectual property theft. In 2006, Seven won her trail in the case “Seven v Gossage & Nine Others. In 2008, this case was illegally closed down and a cover up ensued. She remains relentless in her pursuit of justice for the people, and when talking with her, you can feel her frustration and passion.

“For too long, we have allowed a cycle of panic and neglect when it comes to pandemics: we ramp up efforts when there is a serious threat, then quickly forget about them when the threat subsides. It is well past the time to act.” Global Preparedness Monitoring Board, September 2019

Seven and I discussed quite a bit in our interview, that by the end of it, I was mentally exhausted. Most definitely the topic that stuck out to me was the fact that global leaders seem to have known about the virus before it became a pandemic.

At the end of our discussion, Seven provided me with a document called, “A World at Risk” (September, 2019).
https://apps.who.int/gpmb/assets/annual_report/GPMB_annualreport_2019.pdf

What I discovered in this document was disturbing. On page 15, it talks about the fact that there was a chance of a global pandemic growing. They highlight that scientific and technological developments provided new tools that advanced public health, but they also allowed for disease-causing microorganisms to be engineered or recreated in laboratories. It sounds similar to what has been said about the coronavirus.

The report goes on to talk about the fact that the world is not prepared for a fast-moving, deadly respiratory pathogen pandemic. They forecasted that if a contagion occurred, millions of people could perish. In addition, they reported that the pandemic would cause: pain, destabilize national security and seriously impact the global economy and trade (Page 15). Interesting! It sounds like exactly what is happening right now, and this was written in September 2019, long before the outbreak became global news.

There is a section in the report called “Advanced Preparedness.” In this section they talk about the recognized shared threat of a global health catastrophe.

“Political bodies, such as the G7, G20 (24), G77 and several regional intergovernmental organizations such as the African Union (25) have adopted political commitments for action on various aspects of health and health emergencies, including funding and linkages to health systems strengthening and universal health coverage.” (Page 19)

If the governmental bodies were prepared in advance for the virus, why when the outbreak occurred, did governments all over the world act so surprised?

SPOILER ALERT! I don’t want to ruin this, and share too much on my experience with Seven, so I will end with another key idea that was exposed. The report speaks about progress indicators provided that should be completed by September 2020. One of these indicators was that The United Nations (including WHO) must conduct at least two system-wide training simulation exercises, including one for covering the deliberate release of a lethal respiratory pathogen.

I want readers to know that this is information retracted from official government documents, and they are not made up. If you do your research, the answers that you seek are out there. Take the time to watch this, do your research, and prepare for what is to come.

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We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

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2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Steve Hartwell

    October 19, 2020 at 10:56 am

    “prepare for what is to come”

    1/what IS to come ? 2/ how do we prepare ?

    Reply

  2. Ilona Sargeant

    October 25, 2020 at 8:03 pm

    Who even asked for 5G? Not us the people…

    Reply

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Community News

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

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20 hours ago

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December 19, 2024

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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 7th, 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 3rd, 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 50th anniversary 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.

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Community News

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

Published

20 hours ago

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December 19, 2024

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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.

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

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1 day ago

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December 19, 2024

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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.

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