March 2, 2010
TAC 2009 Campaign TV ad...Don't Drink and Drive @ 2:06 PM
January 19, 2010
WE SEE YOU HAITI @ 1:54 PM
On Tuesday, January 12, a devastating earthquake hit Haiti, just 15km from the capital. Reaching a magnitude of 7.0, this is the worst earthquake Haiti has experienced in 200 years. While the death toll is still unclear, hundreds of thousands are feared to be dead. Another three million are affected as schools, homes and hospitals have collapsed.
Haiti is one of the world’s poorest countries, meaning that vital services like electricity and water are now almost completely inaccessible in the wake of the destruction. At this moment, the people of Haiti need our support more than ever.
With the help of social networks such as Twitter the echoes of all those affected by this disaster, whether it be because they had family there or simply felt a sense of obligation to help and answer the cries of despair of our Haitian brothers and sisters, so it started. The wheels went into motion to put together a fundraising event that will gather some of Toronto's best DJs.
L’Union Fait La Force - WE SEE YOU HAITI
Fundraiser to benefit those affected by the Earthquakes in Haiti Thursday January 28th at Wet Bar - 106 Peter Street
Featuring DJ's - Dr. Jay, Agile, P-Plus, Grouch, Lil Jaz, Dopey, DJ Riccachet & DJ Therap, Paul E. Lopes, Son of Soul and Dj Bunitall
Hosted By: Arcee and dscratch
Donation of $10 or more.
All proceeds going to the Red Cross International Fund earmarked for Haiti.
There will also be a silent auction, all proceeds are also going to the Red Cross International Fund earmarked for Haiti.
A special thank you to the sponsors who have donated items for the silent auction: Adidas, Fila, Athlete's World, Livestock, HMV, Virgin Mobile, Playstation, Marc Ecko Watches, Delta Hotels, Offshoot Communications, Chiggy's Hair Salon, RS by Sheckler, Crooks and Castle, La Coste, Alice Fazoolis, New Era, La Coupe Hair products, Substance Group, The Grant Brothers MMA & Boxing Gym, Vernissage Jewellery, The Tourism Board of Saint Lucia and Universal Music Canada.
Labels: awareness, events, fundraising, Haiti, human rights
January 14, 2010
Understanding Low Libido in Women @ 12:51 AM
Science has long paid a great deal of attention to the dire predicament of men losing their sex drive or their capacity to perform sexually. However, with taboos increasingly becoming irrelevant, greater focus is finally being invested in understanding women's sexual health. What has come to light in the past few decades are two things: First, low libido is more common in women than their male counterparts. And second, the reason for this is because the female libido is far more complicated than the male libido. Unlike in males, waning libidos in females are more difficult to diagnose. This is because of their ambiguous signals and because
female sex drive is influenced by both physical and emotional factors.
The official name assigned to distressingly low libidos is Hypoactive Sexual Desire (HSD), and it invites much debate regarding females. Partially, this is because, unlike men, female sexual responses are not necessarily projected in physical forms. Whereas lack of arousal or sexual dysfunctions in men interfere with sexual performance (such impotence or premature ejaculation), females with low libidos are still capable of doing "it", even if physical signs of arousal, such as erect nipples or increased blood flow to the genitalia, lessen. But a dampened libido is rarely assumed by women to signify permanence. After all, attempting to quantify what constitutes a low sex drive is impossible as even a healthy drive fluctuates by the influence of external and internal factors.
Physiologically speaking, there are many processes that women’s bodies endure that males don't. This explains, at least partially, the differences between their overall sex drives, as well as why women's libidos are more likely to fluctuate more greatly than their more randy counterparts. Hormonal changes are one example. During menopause, estrogen levels drop affecting both the health of vaginal tissue as well as overall interest in sex due to a coinciding drop in testosterone. Also, pregnancy and post-childbirth are accompanied by hormonal changes. Compound that with the exhaustion and situational changes of those times, and sexual libido often suffers.
Similar to men, there are physical causes that can influence the sex drive in women. Illness or medical diseases impact libidos, particularly cancers that contribute to infertility which affects the psyche and physical desires of women.
Anything that affects the physical health of females, such as poor eating habits, lack of sleep, obesity, anorexia, and lack of physical exercise share a correlation with decreased sexual drive. As is the case for low libido in men, medication, alcohol, and drugs all manipulate the proper functions of the body and hamper the sexual appetites.
But the problems do not have to be physical to be real. Many psychologists accuse the psychosexual of having the greatest influence on the libido of women.
Among the psychological influences on low libido include depression, stress, relationship issues, and low self-esteem over body image. Psychosexual theory asserts that the female libido can be profoundly impacted by the past, such as a history of sexual abuse during childhood. Worse yet, the psychological can begin to influence the biological as anxieties towards sex are believed to be a key cause to vaginismus which causes the vagina to become tense by the involuntary contraction of surrounding muscles during intercourse.
The low libido in women is often understated because it is viewed as fluctuating and inconsistent, unlike males. To a degree, that is true. But it is rarely dealt with properly. More often, it is not discussed at all.
Exactly like males though, the key remedy is a balance between the physical and the mental. For women, the emotional health is as essential to sexual health as physical health.
Labels: awareness, libido, relationships, sex, women's health
October 29, 2009
Depression in Women @ 5:20 PM
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Depression is not "one size fits all," particularly when it comes to the genders. Not only are women more prone to depression than men, but the causes of female depression and even the pattern of symptoms are often different.Many factors contribute to the unique picture of depression in women-from reproductive hormones to social pressures to the female response to stress. Learning about these factors can help you minimize your risk of depression and treat it more.
Understanding depression in women
If you’re feeling sad, guilty, tired, and just generally “down in the dumps,” you may be suffering from major depression.
According to the Nathional Mental Health Association:
- Approximately 12 million women in the United States experience clinical depression each year.
- About one in every eight women can expect to develop clinical depression during their lifetime.
Signs and symptoms of depression in women
The symptoms of depression in women are the same as those for major depression. Common complaints include: Depressed mood Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy:
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts or recurrent thoughts of death
- Sleep disturbance (sleeping more or sleeping less)
- Appetite and weight changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of energy and fatigue
Differences between male and female depression
Although the signs and symptoms of depression are the same for both men and women, women tend to experience certain symptoms more often than men. For example, seasonal affective disorder—depression in the winter months due to lower levels of sunlight—is more common in women. Also, women are more likely to experience the symptoms of atypical depression.
In atypical depression, rather than sleeping less, eating less, and losing weight, the opposite is seen: sleeping excessively, eating more (especially carbohydrates), and gaining weight. Feelings of guilt associated with depression are also more prevalent and pronounced in women. Women also have a higher incidence of thyroid problems. Since hypothyroidism can cause depression, this medical problem should always be ruled out by a physician in women who are depressed.
On a personal note
I have gone through teen depression, post partum depression and have lived in what I would qualify as major depression for the past few years of my life. I have been called a drama queen, a baby, a whiner, bitter, angry, a bitch, etc. I have been told while dealing with post partum in a very messy relationship that I was using my daughter (2nd baby) as a crutch. While dealing with depression hearing all of the criticism and hurtful words being directed towards you or even an annoyed look is the equivalentof being kicked in the ribs while you have you face in the dirt. Not cool. Depression is something that I've been dealing with for so many years and have gone untreated for it as I refuse to become dependant of nay chemical drug, medicinal or not. I've seen what it has done to my mother and it has been anything but pleasent. Before my way of dealing with all of these intense emotions I was feeling as a youth I used to write alot. Alot of poetry, all very angry and depressive poems. That was my own support system for myself as I have parents that grew up in an era and a country where the term "depression" was not heard or known of. I went from a rebellious phase in my teen years where my relationship with my parents was anything but desirable and from that I went into a relationship with the father of my kids which looking at it now, being a more seasoned woman, I can say has been disastrous. But here we are, seperated, but insistent on trying to keep it together. I know its probably doing me more harm then good and perhaps that day will come where I can just let go but until then it just seems like I'm in a sink hole and am just watching myself sink bit by bit. It is my hope that in writing here on this blog a little lightbulb will suddenly go on that will allow me to gain control of my life in a way I never have. A way that will let me grow as a mother, a career woman, a student, a human being.
Labels: awareness, rant, reflection, women's health
October 23, 2009
Past the End of your Nose @ 4:36 PM
When was the last time you took in a landscape? I mean a REAL landscape? Everywhere we look all we see are buildings, people rushing and cars, buses, trucks, etc. zooming by us. People don't even look each other in the face anymore (unless its to screwface someone). We are so unaware of how beautiful this wonderful is, so unaware that we dont care or even think about how we're destroying it. The whole idea of being Eco friendly has just become yet another marketing agenda and another platform for political debate. It does not matter what your political stand, or religious beliefs are. Point of the matter is that we have ONE Earth, one HOME to leave behind to our children and our children's children. Let's look past the end of our noses, past the mad dashes to get from one place to the next and take in the beauty that is there...do you see it? Look a little further...here, let me show you:
We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. ~ Native American Proverb
Labels: awareness, photos, reflection
September 24, 2009
Man Kumari's Story @ 5:07 PM
"They used to call me crazy."
And indeed she looked the part, when Man Kumari first arrived at Tansen Hospital in Nepal five years ago. As Manumit, the hospital's Director of Social Services describes it, her hair was matted and the sari she was wearing was filthy. Man Kumari refused to speak to anyone and her face was gaunt and thin from not eating. Even more worrisome was the fact that she was not permitting her one and a half year old son,, Santosh, to eat. Snatching food out of his hands, she would throw it out of his reach telling him that it was "poison". Man Kumari was severely depressed and not without reason.
She was the wife of a "Sarke" (or cobbler), a caste despised in Hindu society because of its work with cow hide. As her husband's income was not adequate to support his family, he went to India in search of work. While he was in India, Man Kumari became pregnant by another man. When her husband returned and found out, he threw her out of his home. The village of Pokhara Thok added its scorn and rejection to his barring her from the village. Man Kumari had little option but to beg for food wherever she could find it. And her life became even more difficult to her when Santosh wasborn.
The scenes of Man Kumari's first few injections for her depression are vividly recalled by Manumit. Permission from the Chief District Officer had to be obtained to administer her medication, as she would not willingly receive it. She screamed and struggled with hospital staff for more than half an hour before finally submitting. At the time of the next injetion there was another fifteen minute disturbance. Hospital staff were ready and waiting for her on the third occasion, but Man Kumari surprised them all by willingly baring her arm for her injection.
Man Kumari's treatment has been long-term and her steady recovery an encouragement to all of the staff who deal with her. "Ican do it," she says, as she works to prepare gauze pads in the Central Supply of the hospital. "They used to call me crazy." Her smile and her words reveal the confidence she has regained.
"She is a good worker and helpful," her supervisor says, with an obvious appreciation fo rher work. He goes on to share that Man Kumari has been pressing him for two more hours of work per day, which would enable her to cover the cost of food for her and Santosh, as well as contributing towards his school fees. "She is quite happy." The words her supervisor uses to describe Man Kumari, point to the inner healing and restoration that has taken place because of the care and compassion shown to her at Tansen Hospital. Treatment of the mentally ill is an integral part of the services of Tansen Hospital.
Labels: awareness, human rights
"I'll die. I'll die soon."
Janaka Devi (68) lived in the small village of Butar in eastern Nepal. She lived alone with her husband Kabil Man (75), now that their family of 3 boys and 4 girls had grown up. Kabil Man began to notice his wife's lack of appetite. She complained of pain in her abdomen; and there was some obvious swelling visible there as well. As was the custom of those in her village they first went to consult the local "dhami" (shaman). He took Janaka Devi's wrist to feel her pulse and he chanted. Then he "blew" on her and used his special knowledge of wild herbs to create a paste to rub on her stomach. Janaka Devi and Kabil Man did just as they were told and went to the temple to sacrifice a chicken. But all this seemed to do little good. And the swelling and discomfort in her abdomen kept increasing.
Her family and friends urged Janka Devi to go to the hospital in Rajbiraj. It was difficult for her even to go in and out of the house when she needed to, andthe hospital in Rajbiraj was 7 days away. The thought of such a long journey seemed daunting to Janaka. "No," she said, "I will not go that far." The next closest hospital was UMN's (United Mission to Nepal) hospital in Okhaldhunga, but that was 5 long days walk away. And where would they get the money they needed for the journey, when they could barely afford to feed themselves? Despite her not eating very much Janaka Devi was gaining weight and she looked more like pregnant woman each day.
Soon they were left with little choice. Janaka Devi and Kamil Man decided that they would go to the "mission hospital" in Okhaldhunga. Some men from their village had offered to help carry Janaka Devi and they wanted Rs. 800 ($16) for their work. Janaka Devi and Kamil Man estimated that they would require at least another Rs. 1200 ($24) to pay for the food and Janka's treatment. They scraped and borrowed and begged from family and friends until they had what they thought they needed, and they set out on the road that followed the Kosi River. The journey ahead was a long and difficult one for a couple of their age and they arrived at Okhaldhunga weary and exhausted.
To the doctors at Okhaldhunga Hospital, Janak Devi looked like a woman whose pregnancy was long overdue. Her uterus was prolapsed; and she complained of being incontinent for 2 years. An ultra-scan revealed a mass in her abdomen, extending from her pelvis to her chest, which the doctors knew would need surgical removal. But when they informed Janaka Devi of the cost that would be involved Rs. 1200 ($24) for the operation and another Rs. 5000 ($102) for the hospitalization, she cried because she knew that she did not have the money. "I'll die. I'll die soon," she sobbed as she went to prepare to return to her village. Kabil was frightened and did not want her to have the operation.
Seeing that her need was a genuine one, the staff of the hospital decided that Janaka Devi could be assisted financially by the Medical Assistance Fund, and they convinced her to stay on and have the operation. A very large ovarian cyst weighing 11kg (nearly 1/4 of her body weight) was successfully removed from her abdomen. Janaka Devi left a happy woman after a 20 day stay in Okhaldhunga Hospital, not to die but to be able to spend many more days enjoying her grandchildren.
Janaka Devi and Kabil Man after the surgery at Okhaldhunga Hospital
Labels: awareness, human rights
September 23, 2009
Jyoti's Story @ 2:41 PM
"It is safe to say that this baby would probably not have made it."
It was the morning after the delivery in the maternity ward at UMN's (United Mission to Nepal) Tansen Hospital in Palpa District of western Nepal. Jyoti sat upright in bed, her new baby girl nursing at her breast. Contentment was written all over her face. Her husband stood quietly by her side, as five year old Ganesh stole a look at his sister. The pedeatrician making rounds looked over her chart and examined the baby. She asked Jyoti how the baby had been feeding. Pleased with the mother's report and the results of her examination she turned aside to say, "It is safe to say that this baby would probably not have made it had Jyoti not come to the hospital."
After Ganesh there had been a miscarriage. And then came more disappointment when a still-born was delivered breech at home in the small mountain village of Sekadanda. Jyoti was afraid that the same thing would happen again, and she was not going to take any chances with this baby! At the first signs of labor she gathered her few belongings together for the journey to the hospital. She managed the 15 minute walk up the mountain to the road without much difficulty. But after 2 hours in the back seat of the bus that wound its way over the bumpy mountain road to Tansen, she was tired, sore and more than ready for the hospital bed to which she was admitted.
The ultra-sound revealed that the baby was presenting breech which the doctor's examination confirmed. Preparations were then made so that when it came time for Jyoti to deliver, they were ready for her. The delivery proceeded without any complications. Later the same day she was able to return home to Sekadanda with her new daughter.
But Jyoti's story might not have had this happy ending. Women like Jyoti are often left alone with the cattle in the stable when it is time to give birth in Nepal, as they are considered unclean and untouchable at the time. The instrument used to cut the cord is often the same sickle used to cut grass for the cattle. These circumstances are less then ideal even for a normal delivery!
Lowering the high infant mortality rate of 102 per 1000 live births continues to be a primary focus of health efforts in the country of Nepal. During the last year there were 168 complicated deliveries out of a total of 549 deliveries at Tansen Hospital. Diagnostic ultra-sound is being used with increasing effectiveness in cases such as Jyoti's. Close cooperation exists between the hospital and the Palpa Community Health Project, which has made extensive use of the "family folder" in its activities. Pregnancies are tracked carefully through Maternal Child Health activities, and pregnant mothers who are considered to be at risk are referred to the hospital for further follow-up. An annual household survey which has been conducted for the last eight years indicates a significant decline in the infant and child mortality rates within the project area to less than 30 per 1000 live births.
For those desperately poor people, who like Jyoti cannot afford medical care, UMN provides financial assistance. Jyoti's husband was asked to pay 150 Rupees ($3) as he owns no land and has work only when it is available. What they did not know was that the true cost of the care provided was 300 Rupees ($6), the difference being made up by the Medical Assistance Fund. Each year UMN seeks to help the sick and needy like Jyoti who are unable to cover the cost of their treatment.
Jyoti holding her beautiful baby girl
Labels: awareness, human rights
