1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Author: Susan Huebert

  • Career Profile: Medical Appliance Technician

    Career Profile: Medical Appliance Technician

    If you have ever broken an arm or a leg, you probably had to wear a cast for a few weeks. For people who need something more permanent, a medical appliance technician is the person who can help. These technicians work with plastic, metal, and other types of materials to make medical devices such as braces and artificial limbs to help people who need them.

    Sometimes, babies are born without an arm or leg, and sometimes people lose limbs or develop other problems as they grow up. They might lose a hand or arm in an industrial accident or have trouble walking because their feet are no longer working properly. Together with doctors and prosthetists, medical appliance technicians build and repair artificial limbs to help people who are missing different parts. They might also design braces for people with weak legs or arch supports for people with foot problems.

    Medical appliance technicians work with metals, plastics, and all kinds of other materials to make these types of devices. They need to be able to read and understand the instructions that come from doctors and others involved in care of the patient. Taking mathematics courses in high school will help prepare for taking measurements, and English classes are helpful for learning to read complicated instructions.

    A high school diploma with on-the-job training is often enough for this work, although some people might prefer to get an Associates’ degree or a certificate from a university or community college. A certificate generally takes at least a year to complete, while the degree takes two or three years. Some people might also choose to specialize in this field after training in another medical career like nursing.

    Being able to work alone or with people is important in this job. When medical appliance technicians receive instructions from the doctors or prosthetists, they use plaster molds to make braces or other devices out of materials like plastic. Sometimes, they weld, carve, or grind the pieces so that they fit better. Accidents with the welding and grinding equipment can cause injuries, but the job is not especially dangerous.

    Since each patient is a different size, medical appliance technicians need to be careful to get the measurements right. Sometimes, this might involve getting patients to come in several times to fit the part properly and to get the colour right to match the patients’ skin.

    The work of medical appliance technicians takes strength for welding and putting some of the parts together. Sometimes, people in this field have to work long hours to get a job done, although the hours are normally quite regular. Wages for people in this trade begin at about $39,000 and can rise to $80,000 per year or even more. Medical appliance technicians can continue in this job for many years, although arthritis, back problems, and other health issues may cause people to leave for other jobs as they age.

    Artificial limbs and braces are important for many people. If you become a medical appliance technician, you can help them live better lives.

    Bibliography:

    Career Explorer. “What Does a Medical Appliance Technician Do.” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/medical-appliance-technician/

    Career Explorer. “How to Become a Medical Appliance Technician.” https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/medical-appliance-technician/how-to-become/.

    Career Planner. “Medical Appliance Technician.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Medical-Appliance-Technicians.cfm.

    Owl Guru. “Medical Appliance Technicians: Job Description.” https://www.owlguru.com/career/medical-appliance-technicians/job-description/.

    Payscale Canada. “Biomedical Equipment Technician.” https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Biomedical_Equipment_Technician_(BMET)/Salary.

  • The Oil Industry & COVID-19

    The Oil Industry & COVID-19

    The COVID-19 pandemic is a watershed moment in our history. One of its biggest impacts has been and will be on the energy sector. Many have long been questioning the future of oil and gas, as well as the rise of renewables, and COVID-19 could be an accelerator for an energy revolution. But the future of energy is far from clear. There are many economic, political, and environmental factors at play when it comes to the worlds of oil and renewables.

    The onset of the pandemic led to plummeting oil prices and economies forced to a standstill. Numerous jobs are now being done from home remotely, but the Dallas Fed has reported that over 60% of the workforce cannot work remotely. Many people have been laid off, furloughed, and left uncertain about their future. There are many examples of this, including Royal Dutch Shell having to cut refinery activity by up to 40%. Investors have been forced to reassess the risk in financing oil and gas. This could lead to drastic changes in the industry’s future.

    Oil companies and other markets are preparing for a severe economic downturn and reduced activity that may not recover until 2021 or beyond. Companies will be restructuring themselves by closing locations and laying off employees. It is anticipated that the pandemic will help with the transition to green energy. As more workplaces opt to have employees work from home, there will be less demand for gas. Governments will be providing stimulus packages to help these companies recover in the coming years; a lot of these funds could be diverted from oil and towards renewables.

    The transition from oil to renewable energy sources has been occurring for years, albeit at a very slow pace. Nevertheless, the world is far behind the Paris Climate Agreement targets needed to minimize the damage of the climate crisis. COVID-19 could help accelerate progress towards these goals. On one hand, as economies begin to reopen, governments will be providing stimulus packages to help companies remain afloat. A lot of these funds could be diverted away from oil and towards renewables.

    Conversely, oil and gas are still the dominant power sources for vehicles, heating, and other facets of our day-to-day lives. As commuting, flights, and other activities resume, low oil prices may encourage companies to resort to the energy sources they are already familiar with. The clean energy sector is also facing economic struggles, and these organizations have significant costs to set up and maintain wind turbines, solar panels, and more. As the economic recession leads to increased debt, it will be harder to invest in these projects.

    Even with the reduced carbon emissions from the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is still far short of the reductions needed to prevent catastrophe. Drastic changes are needed and the oil industry cannot continue long-term. With the growing awareness of the urgency of renewables, this is the time to invest in green energy and seek out green jobs. Humanity cannot afford otherwise. The COVID-19 pandemic will ultimately pale in comparison to the climate crisis.

    Sources:

    Bakx, Kyle. “COVID-19 wipes out demand for fossil fuels – will they bounce back?” CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/covid-19-oil-gas-energy-transition-1.5552794

    Clemente, Jude. “Why U.S. And Natural Gas Demand Will Rebound From Coronavirus.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/judeclemente/2020/05/17/why-us-oil-and-natural-gas-demand-will-rebound-from-covid-19/#77663156a065

    Lorinc, Jacob. “COVID-19 brought the oil business to its knees. Is it time for investors to turn to clean energy?” The Star. https://www.thestar.com/business/personal_finance/2020/04/27/covid-19-brought-the-oil-business-to-its-knees-is-it-time-for-investors-to-turn-to-clean-energy.html

  • Surviving COVID-19 – Canadian Construction Industry Forges On

    Surviving COVID-19 – Canadian Construction Industry Forges On

    There’s no denying that construction is a major player in Canadian economy, employing more 1.2 million men and women. In addition, it remains to be one of the sectors that can endure amidst economic challenges, as proven back in 2008 when the employment rate decreased in Canada and other parts of the world because of the recession. Even when it took a hit then, falling 5.7%, it carried on and got back on its feet by 2010.

    According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s construction industries—residential, non-residential and engineering, repair and other construction services—accounted for 6.0% of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP), contributing a whopping $73.8 billion. Meanwhile, those who are employed within the sector are among those who are the highest paid in the skilled trades industry, with construction project managers taking the biggest slice of the pie, earning an average of $74,883 per year plus potential for bonus, profit sharing, and commission.

    Recently in Canada, initiatives to building more environment-friendly infrastructure and increase the nation’s readiness against the effects of climate change have been launched and more are likely to come. In addition, the Government of Canada have made known that it intends to build energy retrofits and multi-use path systems throughout the nation. All of these developments make the construction industry an essential component to keep the Canadian economy alive during the pandemic.

    However, the construction field isn’t exactly invincible to the effects of COVID-19. Like any other industry, there have been necessary adjustments put into place to ensure that the workers remain safe and healthy while completing construction projects according to timelines and specifications.

    Delays

    After the novel coronavirus was declared as a pandemic and physical distancing restrictions were set up throughout the country, a large number of employees who work in industries deemed as essential services expressed their concern on how to maintain their health and safety while working onsite. This included construction workers who felt anxious about the possible transmission of the disease since construction sites don’t necessarily provide the option of physical distancing because of the nature of the tasks involved.

    As a result, some construction companies put their work on hold, as the health and safety of their workers are priority. When physical distancing restrictions were gradually being lifted, construction companies resumed operations while ensuring that workers are protected and out of harm’s way of the virus by providing them with the necessary Protective Physical Equipment (PPE).

    Still there was a lull with their operations, and now these companies will have to modify their timelines and specifications to coincide with the delays they have experienced.

    Work hazards

    Of course, the construction industry isn’t exactly a work environment free of hazards and other dangers. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, construction workers suffer accidents three or four times more than workers in any other field.

    Construction workers are exposed to a long list of dangers on a day-to-day basis, including confined space access, working at heights, electrical safety, working in extreme temperatures, using tools and equipment, and others. Now, aside from these given factors, they are not facing yet another danger, which is COVID-19.

    This makes it all the more critical to ensure safety measures are in place while developing and implementing new protective instructions for best practices. In addition, contractors will need to keep themselves up-to-date with COVID-19-related instructions issued by local health authorities.

    There’s no doubt that construction work is physically draining. Now, with the COVID-19 threat, contractors will need to be mindful of the big responsibility of overseeing the implementation of occupational health and safety practices to ensure workers avoid job hazards, injuries, and the virus. From the look of things so far, it seems that they are well-prepared and ready. If they aren’t, people will suffer the repercussions and projects will be even more delayed, or disappear completely. If you decide to work an apprenticeship during the summer in the trades, make sure to consider the health hazards and report any when you seen them.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.spi-s.com/en/blog/ohs-leadership/construction-workers-3-or-4-times-more-accidents

    https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/economic/2020/05/horrendous-april-labor-market-stats-for-u-s-canada

    https://www.mondaq.com/canada/construction-planning/935110/legal-update-covid-19-construction

    https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Project_Manager%2C_Construction/Salary

    https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-402-x/2011000/chap/construction/construction-eng.htm

  • Keeping Things Afloat – How the Trades Industry Is Managing the COVID-19 Crisis

    Keeping Things Afloat – How the Trades Industry Is Managing the COVID-19 Crisis

    Before the world became under siege from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic early this year, the trades industry was showing signs of great promise. Economy watchers and experts were even predicting that there will be a significant shortage for some job titles in five years’ or ten years’ time.

    Now, because of the pandemic, things in the trades industry are a bit different compared to before.  Construction managers and workers continue to be in stable demand, with industry experts even saying that a career within the construction sector is probably the few ones left that are pandemic-proof.  This includes engineers, heavy equipment/machine operators, electricians, engineers, and project managers. However, for other skilled trades, the same thing can’t be said. Let’s take a quick look at the state of the skilled trades industry below.

    Beyond the construction industry

    Skilled trade workers are not only restricted within the construction sector. There are also skilled trades within essential services such as supermarkets and groceries because they require logistics occupations   such as truck drivers, product movers, cargo agents, warehouse workers, as well as administrative and support workers to make sure the operations are running smoothly. Hair dressers are trades people; ask yourself, when is the last time you got a haircut?!

    Express entry

    In Ontario alone, several skilled trades positions are up for grabs because they remain to be in high demand. As a result, the province issued a Notification of Interest (NOI) to 190 qualified individuals in end of April that targeted 14 occupations including: Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters, Ironworkers, Electricians, Electrical power line and cable workers, Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers, Carpenters, Concrete finishers, Roofers, Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews, Heavy duty equip mechanics, Refrigeration and AC mechanics, Machine fitters, Elevator constructors and mechanics, and Crane operators. Candidates were asked to submit Express Entry profiles into the federal pool within the last 12 months preceding the draw date to qualify.

    The province also launched a SkillsatHome initiative to encourage aspiring skilled trade workers and current ones to participate in challenges that they can safely participate from home such as wacky hair challenge and post their work on social media.

    Oil and energy sector

    Canada is abundant in oil and gas resources so it’s not surprising that careers in oil and gas, particularly a career as an oil driller or pipefitter, is in high demand, especially in Alberta and British Columbia. However, there has been a very large slowdown in this sector, but all the same, these provinces will see a shift to infrastructure projects especially in BC, which will provide skilled workers job prospects in more years to come.

    Looking into the future

    There’s a huge potential for the Canadian government to do more within its capacity to ensure the skilled trades industry stay afloat during the pandemic. Industry experts suggest to be more reliant on domestic production and less on the world. It also helps to launch initiatives to encourage more youth to join the skilled trades.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/05/05/opinion/these-10-steps-will-strengthen-canadas-economy-and-climate

    https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/tom-turpin/canadas-labour-market_b_7769932.html?utm_hp_ref=ca-skilled-trades

    https://www.ept.ca/2020/05/skills-ontario-launches-skillsathome-series/

    https://www.cimmigrationnews.com/ontario-conducts-skilled-trades-draw-of-2020-issues-190-nois/

    https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/labour/2020/05/industry-perspectives-op-ed-why-the-construction-trades-are-the-pandemic-proof-career-choice

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canadian-tradespeople-1.5198394

  • Financing Your Future

    Financing Your Future

    By Erin Rebello

    What are your plans after highschool? Some people want to get straight to the workforce and get a job to sustain themselves; others want to explore the free trades and search for paid internships; yet others want to take a gap year. There are also many people who choose to go to college or university to further their education. Getting a degree improves your skills and makes you a more desirable worker, so it really is an investment into your future. However, in this day and age, with the cost of attending college rising rapidly, it can be very expensive to obtain an education. As a result, it’s important to start thinking about how you plan to pay for a higher education. Below are a few questions you should ask yourself when thinking about going back to school:

    1. Will this degree help me in the future? Getting an education is expensive, so you want to make sure that your investment is making a difference. When choosing between the degrees you hope to obtain, let your interest guide you, but also be prudent of how it will impact you financially. If it’s going to help you obtain a higher pay rate once you enter the workforce, then it’s a good idea to work towards it. However, if the industry that you are getting a degree in has a low demand, you might want to reconsider your choices.
    2. How much will this degree cost? This is one of the first and most important questions you need to ask yourself. Some schools have significantly higher tuition rates than others, which can make or break your ability to pay. Another thing you should do is make sure to factor in the costs of meals, books, and additional items. If you plan to live on campus, you should also know that this can raise the total cost of obtaining your degree by thousands of dollars. Although picking a good school matters, it’s important to realize that sometimes the school closer to home is better for your current and future financial stability.
    3. Have my parents saved for my university expenses? After you calculate how much school will cost, the next thing you should do is look into how you plan on paying for it. Sometimes, parents will save for their children’s education through a government supported account known as an RESP, which stands for registered education savings plan. A lot of the time you may not even know that your parents are saving for this, so it’s always good to check it with them. Although an RESP can help with education, most of the time it will only cover a portion, especially if you plan to pursue a Master’s degree or are attending an expensive university.
    4. Should I get a job? Consider the fact that RESPs probably won’t cover all your tuition costs, it’s a good idea to set aside your own savings. If you have time after school and think that you could balance work and high school, then a part-time job might just be for you. There are a variety of jobs from anything from working in retail, to fast food, to secretarial positions, and more. If you think that working part-time during the school year is too much, consider applying for summer positions at camps, parks, museums, and more!
    5. Am I eligible for financial aid? Besides getting a job and receiving RESP money from your parents, there are many other ways to get the financial assistance that you require for university. For one, you should consider applying for assistance through your university. The amount of financial aid you receive from a university depends on many things, including grades, awards, community service, essays, and financial need. You should also apply for scholarships, which are issued by various organizations in your city, province, or even across the whole of Canada. Many smaller scholarships are really easy to win if there are few to no applicants, so remember to apply, apply, apply!
    6. How can OSAP help me? OSAP, also known as the Ontario student assistance program is a government funded initiative to help students in Ontario pay for their post-secondary education. OSAP issues loans and grants to students who need assistance. What’s the difference? You have to pay loans back, but you don’t have to pay grants back. Be sure to check the government website for more details about OSAP and how to apply!

    Although this certainly isn’t a complete list of all the questions you should be asking, hopefully these questions give you an idea to consider when making financial choices about your future. By making educated cho

  • Hiring in the Time of COVID-19

    Hiring in the Time of COVID-19

    Because of the pandemic, job hunting has become even more challenging than ever as the retail, recreation, travel, tourism, and food services industries, which employ a significant number of workers especially during peak season, have taken a direct hit due to physical distancing and non-essential operations restrictions implemented throughout the country. According to Statistics Canada in early May, three million Canadians already have lost their jobs and nearly seven million applying for Canada Emergency Response Benefits (CERB) due to the COVID-19 crisis. The unemployment rate is now pegged at a high 13%.

    However, it’s not all bleak times. There are industries that continue to thrive as they can continue their operations without having to require employees to be on site, such as technology companies like Google and Microsoft and financial corporations like TD Bank and Royal Bank of Canada. In fact, Shopify and Cyclica continue to look for new recruits to expand their workforce. These companies remain to be fully operational while making sure their employees are safe by implementing the work-from-home policy.

    Of course, it comes as a no surprise that IT and banking sectors are hanging in there in the time of the pandemic, but there are numerous industries that continue to be in demand these days and are open to hiring. Let’s take a look at these below.

    Supermarket and Grocery Workers

    With majority of restaurants temporarily closing and only providing takeout or delivery services and a significant number of employees working from home, it’s only expected that people now have more reason to take up cooking and baking, thus supermarket and grocery employees will continue to be in need. To ensure shoppers are following physical distancing rules, companies like Loblaws even hire physical distancing ambassadors to keep everyone safe and well in the stores. Workers for distribution centres like in Walmart also continue to look for qualified employees.

    Community Workers/Social Workers

    Since the vulnerable population is greatly affected by the virus, there is an urgent need for social work services to ensure that they have access to essential services such as shelter and housing and food. With the aging population being at a higher risk to contact COVID-19 more than any other population, they need to adhere to stay-at-home restrictions but would need assistance in buying groceries or picking medicines from pharmacies, and community workers can perform these tasks on their behalf.

    Agriculture Workers

    Now the need for fresh, healthy foods is all the greater, so the agricultural sector is making an all-out effort to keep food security in place throughout the country. In this industry lies a plethora of job options including farmers, harvesters, food manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

    Healthcare workers

    It goes without saying that during this time of a health crisis, healthcare professionals are more in demand than ever, and it’s only expected to intensify due to the aging population’s susceptibility to the virus. Healthcare professionals are said to be the unsung heroes during this catastrophe, as they have been in front and centre of the pandemic, making sure patients are attended to and cared for, while putting their own lives and health at risk.

    The above three are only a few examples of the job market openings that you can try out during this time of the coronavirus pandemic. Whichever you choose, remember your rights as an employee. According to the Canada Labour Code, “employees have the right to refuse to do a job if there is reasonable cause to believe that the job presents a danger to themselves or another employee. Employees must be at work in order to legitimately refuse to work.”

    Check out the Employment and Social Development Canada’s Labour Program website to find out more about these.

    Sources:

    https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/findajob/resources/covid-19

    https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/portfolio/labour.html

    https://www.cicnews.com/2020/05/6-canadian-tech-companies-hiring-amid-coronavirus-0514323.html#gs.6jxtmd

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jobs-covid19-work-unemployment-cerb-1.5518413

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-jobs-april-1.5561001

  • Spring and Summer Scholarships 2020: APPLY NOW!!

    Spring and Summer Scholarships 2020: APPLY NOW!!

    Global Lift Equipment Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: June 15, 2020

    Address: https://usedforklifts.ca/used_inventory/41468/used_hyster_forklifts_inventory_canada.php

     

    Lift Parts Express Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $500

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: June 30, 2020

    Address: https://forkliftpartsillinois.com/forkliftparts.php

     

    AlgaeCal Health Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: June 30, 2020

    Address: https://www.algaecal.com/expert-insights/algaecal-scholarships/

     

    Stuck at Prom Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $10,000

    Awards Available: 10

    Award Deadline: June 8, 2020

    Address: https://www.duckbrand.com/stuck-at-prom

     

    Illustrators of the Future Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $5,000

    Awards Available: 4

    Award Deadline: June 30, 2020

    Address: https://www.writersofthefuture.com/contest-rules-illustrator/

     

    Alberta Education for Life Bursary

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 10

    Award Deadline: July 15, 2020

    Address: https://vadsociety.ca/support/bursaries

     

    Career Enjoyment Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: July 20, 2020

    Address: https://www.careerenjoyment.com/career-coach-scholarship

     

    RMA Scholarship Program

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 5

    Award Deadline: August 31, 2020 (Deadline Estimated)

    Address: https://rmalberta.com/about/awards-recognition/rma-scholarship-program/

     

    Jack Kraft Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 1

    Award Deadline: September 15, 2020

    Address: http://alberta.cpwa.net/PageDetails/18085

     

    Sleeknote Scholarship

    Scholarship Value: $1,000

    Awards Available: 2

    Award Deadline: September 30, 2020

    Address: https://sleeknote.com/scholarship

  • Why We All Matter in the Time of COVID-19 & Beyond

    Why We All Matter in the Time of COVID-19 & Beyond

    The lockdowns, deaths, and economic devastation of COVID-19 can be overwhelming. In the midst of a massive global crisis bringing the world to its knees, it can be difficult to know just what to do next. So many of us feel insignificant. This is especially the case for those struggling with mental and physical disabilities. Yet it is in that same struggle that you and I find purpose. You matter because everyone matters, and in a time when people are asked to keep apart, we can only get through this together.

    Self-compassion is always important, especially for those battling anxiety and depression. It is now more critical than ever. Mental Health Research Canada reported that the number of Canadians with high levels of anxiety quadrupled from 5% to 20% due to the pandemic. Self-reported cases of depression increased from 4% to 10%. You are far from alone. Think of the words you need to hear right now to reassure yourself about your importance. Try placing a hand on your chest in a quiet, comforting place, and taking slow breaths. Practice mindfulness by making yourself very aware of the present moment, and meditate to calm your mind. Your negative thoughts are normal. By addressing them honestly and with self-compassion, you can in turn help others in need.

    Even in the age of social distancing, you have a profound impact on the people around you. Physical and mental conditions do not change that. More and more people are eschewing materialism and excursions that do not always allow those with physical disabilities to partake, in favour of phone calls with friends and visits with family standing two meters apart. In this difficult time, these connections have proved to be invaluable no matter what mental or physical conditions you are facing. Make a call or send a text to the people in your life, who will be happy you checked in. Talk about what you are both experiencing; instead of making COVID-19 the central topic like every news headline, focus on emotions and personal challenges. These are small steps we can all make to help the world during this time.

    Globally, about 15% of all people live with a disability. Many of them have underlying medical conditions increasing their vulnerability to COVID-19. Lack of helpful government policies frequently makes it hard for these people to access the assistance they need. Realizing your importance and reaching out to others during this time helps us act to push for greater inclusion in government response plans. In many condominiums and neighbourhoods, people are volunteering to keep others company and help those in need access medical services. None of this happens with the actions of just one person. Whether you offer emotional support, assist those with disabilities, or receive aid with your physical or mental condition, you are playing a role in the push for greater inclusion and stronger government programs that help us all.

    So many of us struggle with our sense of self-worth. Mental and physical disabilities can make it even harder to feel like you matter. But the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the value of our individual words and actions. From families to those living alone, we all need one another to get through this. Either all of us matter, or none of us do. You must make a conscious effort to choose the former. Recognize your self-worth, reach out to your friends and family, and play your part in building a better world.

    Sources:

    Ferreira, Jennifer. “Valuing people and slowing down: Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.” CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/valuing-people-and-slowing-down-lessons-learned-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-1.4945522

    Kinder, Michelle. “You Matter: Self-Compassion During COVID-19.” Thrive Global. https://thriveglobal.com/stories/you-matter-self-compassion-during-covid-19/

    Root, Rebecca. “How to ensure a disability-inclusive response to COVID-19.” Devex. https://www.devex.com/news/how-to-ensure-a-disability-inclusive-response-to-covid-19-97134

    Slaughter, Graham. “Anxiety and depression have spiked among Canadians: survey.” CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/anxiety-and-depression-have-spiked-among-canadians-survey-1.4919741

  • Start Your COVID-19 Diary NOW!

    Start Your COVID-19 Diary NOW!

    In March, bustling work schedules and social lives came to a halt. We suddenly found ourselves at home day after day with offices, restaurants, and malls all closed. What to do with this frightening, unprecedented downtime? Write about it. This is the perfect time to start a personal diary, or continue a journaling habit that you might have previously stopped. The benefits of doing so extend beyond yourself to your friends, family, and future.

    This is a traumatic time for many. Maintaining a journal can help make sense of the chaos and unpredictability. In turn, this can mean reduced stress and an improved mental and physical state. The Journal of Medical Internet Research published a study in 2018 that found that keeping a journal resulted in lowered stress and anxiety levels within a month. Studies have also found that the habit can improve IQ and sleep, as well as immune functioning for those dealing with various medical conditions. Organizing your thoughts on page or screen can have profound effects on your physical and mental well-being. This is all the more reason to start right away.

    Beyond your own health, a diary can have a positive impact on the people around you. We are getting through this together. Sharing your experiences in a blog, from the good to the bad to the downright awful, can help strengthen the connection with friends and family despite the distance. Your family can work on journals together and read what they feel comfortable sharing. These words can be a simple summary of your day, the news of the week, or a cathartic venting of emotions. Any and all of these things will help build an emotional bond with your family and friends as you struggle and work through this together.

    Your current friends and family may not be the only ones to read your diary. It could also serve as a time capsule for future friends or even your children. The COVID-19 pandemic is a generation-defining event that will likely be in future history books, and your diary would be a primary source from this historical time. With more of us creating first-hand accounts of our daily lives in the time of COVID-19, we are building a great foundation for future people to study and learn from this era. Many minor details, like the news from a particular day to the various struggles involved in going to get groceries or celebrating holidays and birthdays with friends, can easily get lost in time. Diaries ensure that these tidbits do not become forgotten memories.

    No one knows for sure when or if our daily lives to go back to the way they were before March of this year. Start your diary right now. Open a Word document or types some notes on your phone. If you are not sure what to put down, start with “Dear COVID-19 diary” and write whatever comes to mind. You can not only improve your own body and mind during this difficult time, but you can also better connect with friends and family, and have recorded memories to look back on in the decades to come. There is a lot to process from the emotional, societal, and economic fallout of this pandemic. Your thoughts are an important part of that processing. Your words matter.

    Sources:

    Daley, Paul. “We are witnessing a critical time in history. You should keep a diary.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/14/we-are-witnessing-a-critical-time-in-history-you-should-keep-a-diary

    McGinn, Dave. “Journaling can help children make sense of life in the age of coronavirus.” The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-journaling-can-help-children-make-sense-of-life-in-the-age-of/

    Vermes, Jason. ‘We want it all’: Keeping a COVID-19 diary? It could help future historians – and your mental health. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-april-23-2020-1.5542275/we-want-it-all-keeping-a-covid-19-diary-it-could-help-future-historians-and-your-mental-health-1.5542907

  • Simple, Yet Positive Gestures Happening Around the World During the Pandemic

    Simple, Yet Positive Gestures Happening Around the World During the Pandemic

    The coronavirus has been declared a pandemic for quite a while. During this difficult time, simple, positive gestures and acts of kindness could brighten someone’s day. Around the world, people have been making many positive gestures that have been highlighted by the media and shared around the world. Here are 10 stories from around the world during the pandemic:

    1. An elementary school teacher in the United States, Shauna Woods, shared a trick with her students to help them remember to wash their hands more often. For this trick, Woods used a stamp to stamp her students’ hands. The goal was to try to get the stamp on their hands to disappear or fade by the end of the day. If they could do so, they would receive a prize.
    2. In the United Kingdom, a woman named Becky Wass created a postcard and delivered them to her neighbours. The postcard read, “Hello! If you are self-isolating, I can help,” and underneath the message was space for her neighbours to write their contact information as well as if they would like her help with shopping, mail, or a phone call.
    3. The Diamond Princess cruise ship was docked in the port of Yokohama, Japan, due to COVID-19 being spread to over 700 passengers. During that time, the ship’s captain, Captain Gennaro Arma, did his best to keep his passengers entertained with announcements, signs of encouragement, and also with his sense of humour. When it was safe to disembark, Captain Arma, made sure that all of his passengers safely disembarked the ship before he did.
    4. In England, a kind gesture was done for children who were not able to visit their newborn sibling in the hospital due to the restrictions placed in hospitals for the pandemic. A lead neonatal nurse, Rachel Whyte, and her co-workers donated dozens of giant teddy bears to the children.
    5. In Canada, Anastasija and Josh Davis were supposed to get married in front of over 100 guests. After strict rules regarding gatherings were placed, they had to replan their wedding. They decided to get married in the groom’s parents’ living room in front of immediate family and his best man. As they were in their limousine, going to another location to take photos, they noticed their friends on the streets with signs, balloons, streamers, and music playing from their cars to commemorate the wedding with the newlyweds.
    6. Bob Shellard, a 90-year-old man in the United States wanted to go celebrate his 67th wedding anniversary with his 88-year-old wife at her nursing home. Due to the coronavirus restrictions, he could not enter the building to be with his wife. He decided to create a sign and bring balloons to show to his wife from outside her window. The sign read “I’ve loved you 67 years and still do. Happy anniversary.”
    7. In Spain, a group of neighbours on lockdown planned to sing “Happy Birthday” to their 80-year-old neighbour, Charo. They put a birthday cake outside her door and called out for her to open the door. When Charo opened the door and saw the cake, she began to cry as her neighbours sang to her.
    8. In Canada, four Briercrest College and Seminary seniors were on a flight back to Canada from their school’s volleyball tournament. Knowing that the college seniors were not going to have a graduation ceremony, the college’s chaplain, Joelle Epp, and the WestJet flight attendants surprised the students with a ceremony of their own. The ceremony included diplomas and Kit Kats.
    9. In Singapore, a resident, Jennifer Le, saw elderly people waiting in line outside pharmacies to buy face masks. She decided to help out by ordering face masks from Vietnam, have the masks brought to her by a friend, and distributed them in Singapore.
    10. In Spain, Italy, and Israel, quarantined people scheduled times to hold rounds of applause from their balconies and rooftops for healthcare workers treating the ill.

    Resources:

    https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/siblings-babies-visit-hospital-coronavirus-17984117

    https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/16/coronavirus-compassion-the-kindness-postcard-and-other-heartwarming-gestures.html

    https://www.insider.com/coronavirus-help-acts-of-kindness-good-deeds#students-in-columbus-nebraska-made-get-well-soon-cards-for-people-in-isolation-7