1210212.us16.myftpupload.com Managed WordPress Site

Category: Campus Life

  • Will an apple a day keep the Doctor away?

    Will an apple a day keep the Doctor away?

    How many people have heard the saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away? I think just about all of us have heard that. Is it the vitamin C in the apple that keeps the doctor away? I think that just might make sense.

    Let’s look at why is vitamin C important? Vitamin C is so central in many chemical reactions in the body, that without it, life is simply not possible.

    Vitamin C was first isolated in 1928 by Albert Szent Gyorgi. Since that time, the most widely known and acceptable form of Vitamin C has been ascorbic acid. Humans are one of the few in the animal kingdom that do not produce their own Vitamin C and this has left humans at a distinct disadvantage.

    Mr. Jay Patrick, who is known as a vitamin C expert in the U.S., has completed several studies for the Commitee of  World Health with some interesting results. Mr. Patrick’s research proves that most animals who produce their own vitamin C tend to live at least seven times their period of maturity. In other words a dog matures at two years and lives at least seven times his period of maturity or 14 years. Humans mature at 20 to 25 years, so 7 x 20= 140 years, which if his theory is correct and if we could produce vitamin C in our own bodies we should live to be 140 years old.

    The question now is, what is the actual amount of vitamin C do we require on a daily basis? This has been a matter of debate for quite a while. We’ve all heard stories of early sailors whose journeys had to be cut short ecause of scurvy. Time at sea was limited until the British discovered that scurvy could be avoided by carrying citrus fruits onboard.

    Today we are not too worried about scurvy and extremely interested in improving the duration and quality of life. The question is why has the RDA been set so low for humans? The answer is directly related to the form of Vitamin C with which we are most familiar, ascorbic acid.

    Ascorbic acid is known to drop the body’s pH level to a level of 4-4.5, whereas mineral ascorbates which are mineral salts of ascorbic acids and come in the form of sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate, zinc ascorbate, molybdenum ascorbate, chromium ascorbate and manganese ascorbate change the pH very little. Vitamin C, when taken in ascorbate form, has proven much more bioavailable.

    Vitamin C is also required for the production of collegen, that inercellular glue that skin, lungs, arteries, the digestive tractand all organs in tact. It is a potent anti-oxidant protecting against free radicals, pollution, carcinogens, heavy metals and other toxins. It is strongly anti-viral and mildly anti-bacterial. Energy cannot be made in any cell (brain or muscle) without adequate vitamin C. The adrenal glands have a high concentration of vitamin C essential for stress hormone synthesis.

    So, will an apple a day keep the doctor away? Yes and take a 1000 mg of Vitamin C in the for of the ascorbates described above and take care of your health this season!

    the wellnessdiva.net

  • The Temptation of Student Credit Cards

    The Temptation of Student Credit Cards

    For many young people, the temptation of their first credit card is too much to resist. That is why credit card companies will often set up booths on college and university campuses across Canada to tempt you with free gifts and low interest rates for signing up with them. While credit cards can be an excellent way to build your credit rating, the responsibility that comes with owning one cannot be overlooked.

    When I first entered college, I saw a booth on campus advertising free NHL hockey blankets for signing up. Not only that, but acceptance was virtually guaranteed. For someone fresh out of high school, a credit card makes you feel important and like an adult. Being able to use it whenever you want to buy clothes, electronics, make-up and more is a thrill. The thrill will soon wear off when you realize that you have used up most of your credit limit in only a few months and have no way to pay it off.

    Credit cards should not be taken lightly. While the company may advertise an interest rate of 1.99%, this is often only an introductory offer and the rate will skyrocket to 18% or higher after your first month. This means, on a $100 purchase, you will be paying $18 in interest directly to the credit card company. Over several months of not paying off your balance in full, this quickly adds up. Soon you will owe hundreds of dollars that you didn’t even spend!

    If you do decide to sign up for a credit card, there are several things you can do to reduce the temptation of overspending. The first, and most important, is to make sure you have the funds needed to pay off your balance before you even use your credit card. Paying off your balance in full each month is an excellent way to build a credit rating, as you are showing the bank that you are responsible and have a steady income. The second is to leave your credit card at home and do not carry it with you in your wallet. This tactic helps to eliminate the temptation of overspending and using the card for purchases you do not need.

    Of course, there is always online shopping. Online shopping should only be done when absolutely necessary (for Christmas gifts, for example). It is also advisable to get a credit card with a low credit limit – $1000 should be your absolute maximum. Anything higher and you run the risk of using it frivolously.

    Credit cards can be an excellent tool for building your credit rating and establishing yourself, if used responsibly. If you decide to sign up for a credit card, ensure you take the steps outlined above to reduce overspending and, ultimately, reduce your stress level. After all, who needs extra stress during exams?

  • 5 things to know about first year!

    5 things to know about first year!

    1)   Come prepared:

    Remember that leaving for college or university still means that you’ll be in a school environment.  So make sure to come prepared to learn.  But more than just bringing books, pens and a laptop, come into your new environment prepared to face new and exciting challenges. (more…)

  • The Truth About Buying Textbooks

    The Truth About Buying Textbooks

    Can you really put a price on knowledge? College and universities seem to think so.

    Textbook prices in post-secondary institution are climbing everyday. Ironically students learn to think outside of the box and fight injustices such as unnecessarily high textbook costs. While there are viable reasons for Canadian textbook prices to continue to soar, they conflict with current ethic and socio-cultural teachings that encourage students to take a stand against price inflation.

    A Canadian entering post-secondary education can expect to spend between $100 and $1000 on textbooks per year. Typically, math and science students will garner the highest costs, while arts students are paying the least. Regardless of your program, textbook costs are far too high for the quality and quantity of material being provided.

    While students would be better to purchase books online, courses often have required materials that demand textbooks unavailable by any source outside of the school’s bookstore. By disabling students from purchasing online, colleges and universities are holding a monopoly on textbook orders, guaranteeing themselves revenue.

    Maclean’s magazine recently ran an exposé on the Canadian textbook distribution system that reveals why they are so expensive. Unbeknownst to most, a relatively obscure set of provisions to the Copyright Act (1999) known as “book import regulations” is responsible for raising the cost of textbooks by as much as 15 per cent. Maclean’s explains that it gives exclusive rights to Canadian publishers to monopolize textbook sales to Canadian schools, calling it “a form of cultural protection.”

    The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) placed the estimated cost of protecting these publishers through the Copyright Act at approximately $30 million a year. $30 million of Canadian students’ money!

    Maclean’s notes that this “private tariff” on books involves no accountability for how publishers use the extra funds. “This money is going to, generally speaking, foreign-owned distributors. They’re collecting it, the author doesn’t get it, the Canadian taxpayer doesn’t get it, and it’s coming out of the pockets of our students.” So there’s the dilemma.

    Is it right to support the Copyright Act in its efforts to preserve and protect Canadian writers and publishers? Is it better to purchase our own books from distributors outside of Canada and be more financially stable? Do we even have a choice?

    CASA is lobbying federal government for a change to the provisions, and until those happen there are a few things you can do to lessen the financial strain of buying textbooks.

    Always look for used books first from a bookstore that’s not officially affiliated with your school, that’s where the best deals can be found. Ask around campus for anyone selling old textbooks and advertise when you’d like to sell yours. If you can read assigned literature right off your computer, do it. Don’t purchase something you can access online option. Be vocal about your textbook price opinions, because awareness on the issues surrounding CASA’s efforts and the Copyright Act may cause the way books are distributed to make as much sense as the priceless material found inside them.

  • Say “Yes” to Internships !

    Say “Yes” to Internships !

    4 Reasons why you should say YES to an unpaid internship

    1. It’s Not Free Labour, It’s Experience Labour

    Many people have dejected concepts regarding unpaid internships, some claiming its absurdity in its free labour, and others label it a waste of time. Some even believe that only the privileged can conquer the greatness of an internship experience, but what many don’t know is that an unpaid internship is the best thing you can do to boost your credibility in your profession of field. The experience you devour from an internship is worth much more in the future than a paid job today. Yes, some circumstances call out for some district measures, but if you can accept an unpaid internship today, you will obtain a headstart in the work industry that will set you apart from the rest. So it’s not really free after-all, is it?

    2. Competition in, Stand out

    With the stumpy job turnouts that have left the market flooding in extensive competition, recent graduates are struggling to stand out and get noticed amongst the 100 applicants which in much exertion struggle to land the position of one job opening. Established companies and business owners look for applicants that stick out in a crowded room; and I’m not talking about your fine tailored ensemble, but rather the experience you encompass that will make any CEO want nothing more than to get you on board as part of the company’s team. An unpaid internship will provide you with that exceptional experience that every executive is looking for; and at the same time, allowing you to get a head start in the employment market when you include “intern” on your resume; saving you the hassle of learning the techniques to manipulating others with empty words.

    3. Play it Smart Today, Secure Tomorrow

    When you devote your efforts to an unpaid internship, you are not only investing your time for the summer break, but you are securing your future for tomorrow. Taking on an internship means you have received proper training in the field you are working in and this tiny little thing called experience will land you a job proposal at the end of your internship commitment. Employers love nothing more than to see potential applicants that have committed their hours to unpaid labour.

    4. Connections, Connections, and more Connections

    Did I forget to mention connections? Not only do you receive experience and recognition from an internship, but it also enables you to build a great network for yourself. You increase your networking opportunities, build relations with potential employers, and gain credible reputation. What more can you possibly ask for? Making stable connections in the work force is a great way to expand your job offers since you get to work with people that are interested in the same field as you are, and with common goals aligned, you might be receive that proposal that you have been waiting for all your life.

     

     

  • The Commitment Of One Year Off School

    The Commitment Of One Year Off School

    Taking a year off school between secondary and post secondary school can be a tough decision for any student. If the waiting period is extended past a year there is only a small percentage of people that do go back.

    Taking in a job to pay for school, one can get caught up in the pay and or get comfortable in what job they have (even when it is a dead end or minimum wage position), but it is important to keep track of priorities and not to loose sight of your goals.

    If you loose sight of these you will never know what your potential could of been or can be. A great man once told me that ” You should never get comfortable with the minimum, because if you’re not comfortable with where you are, you’ll always want better” therefore you aim for more.

    Taking time for yourself to regenerate and preparing for the future is very key to build to a stable and prosperous life, but it is just a part… Dedication and hard work are the biggest contributions one can have to get to where they want in life and make their dreams reality.

    The saying you will never know if you don’t try is true. If your dream is more possible with the proper education… Why would you give that chance up?

    To sum up why and what your taking off a year in school for… Work or Relax? If it’s to work you must be financially responsible or you’ll find your self extending and extending the break duration that can lead to no return. When you set your budget save more… It’s always more expensive than you think. Relaxation, play and meditation… Where you build your plan… Are you in the right subject, are you mentally prepared and or are you dedicated to the subject that will be your future? Don’t fall off your routines. Find something you enjoy: sports teams, dance groups, hobbies clubs and writing guilds. It keeps you in routine, so you don’t find it hard to maintain a school routine when you get back into it. finding and keeping focus, dedication and routine helps you grow as the best individual you can become.

    Don’t waste time… Every moment is to cherish.

  • Putting English Literature to Work

    Putting English Literature to Work

    What subject do you like best at school? Which one do you think will be the most useful for your future career? If you want to be an accountant, your mathematics courses will probably help you get into the right training program. For medical professions, your science courses could be the best. How about your English literature courses? Except in a few cases, studies in poetry and fiction don’t lead to any specific job. In that case, why would you study literature in university? There are many reasons why an English degree can be a good career move. The benefits come, not just in the specific topics you study, but in the skills you learn along the way.

    Studies in English literature can help people learn how to read in a new way. When you first learned to read at age five or six, you probably looked just at the most obvious meanings of the words or sentences. Did you ever think of how many meanings words like “run” or “set” can have? What if an entire sentence can mean two or three different things?

    If you study English literature, you’ll learn to see possible hidden meanings behind even the simplest sentences. This skill could be very useful if you become a lawyer or an editor, where the exact meanings of words are important. Understanding words could help you teach English as a second language or to work as an interpreter. You could even become a crossword puzzle maker.

    Besides learning how to read, an English degree will teach you how to write and to speak. Writing a story or an e-mail to a friend can be difficult enough, but how do people learn to tell their ideas to others? If you write a report for your supervisor at work, you’ll need to know how to present your ideas clearly. If you give a presentation about what you’ve done, you’ll need to have practice in organising your ideas and telling others about them.

    Courses in English literature can teach you the power of words. Even if you’re giving a presentation on Shakespeare’s plays or writing a paper on Stephen Leacock’s stories, you’re learning the communication skills that you’ll need later in life. If you learn to express yourself as briefly as possibly, that’s even better. An English degree also teaches students the ability to analyse and compare documents, which could be useful in many different types of work.

    An English degree normally requires reading a variety of stories and poems, from the earliest available writings to the most recent texts. Studying the ancient writings could lead you to a career as a museum curator or librarian. Reading books by authors such as Charles Dickens could teach you about human nature and lead to a career as a social worker or a psychologist. Through literature, you can learn valuable lessons about life.

    An English degree can help in so many ways, no matter what career you choose. Why don’t you consider it when you finish your high school studies?

    Bibliography:

    Korkki, Phyllis. “Graduates’ First Job: Marketing Themselves.” http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/23/jobs/23search.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=english%20degree&st=cse

    McGill Career Planning Service. “What can I do with my studies in ENGLISH (English Literature, Cultural Studies, and in Theatre)?” http://www.mcgill.ca/files/caps/english.pdf.

    Slayter, Mary Ellen. An English Degree Can Translate Into Opportunity http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/18/AR2005061801428.html.

  • The “Bell Curve” Is it ringing on the straight and narrow?

    The “Bell Curve” Is it ringing on the straight and narrow?

    It’s a grading system at many Post Secondary facilities.

    Imagine scoring 70% on an exam and still ending up with an “A” – sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Now, imagine trying your hardest and feeling like you’re doing really well but somehow never managing to score anything above a “C”. This false sense of achievement or defeat may be the reality for students at post-secondary schools that use the “bell curve” grading system.

    This form of grading uses statistics – a graph of the normal bell curve distribution – to determine a student’s grade based on where they fall along the curve relative to everyone else. A number of students will end up with A’s or F’s while the majority will get C’s. But is it fair? Students are graded by being compared to one another, regardless of actual learning.

    “I am not in favour of using the bell curve as a matter of policy. It does not help a student’s progress and does not give them an accurate measure of the extent to which they have met learning outcomes for course material” said Debby Cleveland, Program Head of Human Resource Management at the BCIT School of Business.

    “When you have large numbers of students from a representative sample of the population, you would expect grades to fall naturally into a bell shaped curve. The students at BCIT (and at many other post-secondary institutions) are a select group, and therefore not representative of the general population. It is artificial to make their grades ‘fit the curve’ and not in any way fair” noted Cleveland.

    “I like straight grading better because in a sense [it’s] more fair. If bell curving depended on how smart your graduating class [is] then I don’t think it would be that accurate” Annie Gong, U of Waterloo B.Sc. graduate and current BBA student at BCIT, said.

    Although many post-secondary institutions across Canada do not use the bell curve grading system, those that do may not be using the same grade curving algorithms to compare and calculate final grades. Even if an accurate standard is determined, it must be consistent across faculties and programs in order for it to be fair – especially when students are vying for limited spots in grad school.

    When your grade is dependent on the performance of others, it can lead to a false sense of progress and even underachievement. However, in more difficult or advanced courses it may be the only way to measure results while still meeting the quotas determined by the scores across the country.

    “I would have preferred [straight percent-based grading] in courses I did well in but not so much in courses I didn’t – I guess you can’t have the best of both worlds” said Gong.

    Although the alternative would be to banish the bell curve system all together, the consequences could be detrimental to many reputable universities. In other words, students may not be able to meet the expectations set by these policies and over time GPA’s will suffer and bring down the school’s credibility.

    On the other extreme, some instructors think students will be better off without any form of grades. Pinpointing the student’s strengths and weaknesses with a clear course of maintenance and improvement is a proven way to successfully progress through school, regardless of grades and scores.

    “Advancement comes from getting qualitative feedback about what areas you have mastered and what you still need to learn” states Cleveland.

    NOTE :  Bell Curve comic, provided by www. same-shirt.com, created by Mark Tomczak

  • Energy Drink Dangers

    Energy Drink Dangers

    You know the feeling –it’s the early afternoon and you are feeling tired and sluggish. It’s easy to go to a convenience store and grab a Red Bull for a quick pick-me-up. But did you know that so-called energy drinks can be doing you more harm than good?

    Most energy drinks come with a warning label that you should not consume more than 1 per day. The reason is the high caffeine content, which is responsible for the quick boost you receive immediately after drinking it. While you may feel good for a short period, you will inevitably have a “caffeine crash” as your body gets back to normal. This can lead to headaches, irritability  and decreased focus.

    Recent studies have concluded that some energy drinks contain 4 to 5 times more caffeine than a regular can of soda. For most people, the increase in caffeine will cause unpleasant side-effects such as nausea and diarrhea. However, the larger dangers of consuming too much caffeine run the gamut from heart palpitations, seizures, strokes and even sudden death.

    The best thing you can do is to stay away from these drinks entirely and instead focus on getting more energy by getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. On those days where you simply must have a caffeinated beverage, drink something with a lower caffeine content such as tea.

    Even worse than consuming energy drinks alone is mixing them with alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant while caffeine gives you a short-lived shot of energy. Putting these two chemicals into your body together is playing with fire. It is absolutely imperative that these two beverages never be consumed at the same time, as they have been linked to deaths in teenagers and young adults. Be safe and smart about what you consume!

    On top of the health risks, energy drinks are some of the most expensive drinks on the market. At around $2.50 per can, you could spend almost $75 per month if you drink one per day. Imagine what you could spend that money on instead!

    Go for a walk or run, drink some water and go to bed at a regular time each night. Taking these steps will prevent you from being tempted to purchase an energy drink in the future.

    Remember – treat your body well and it will treat you well in turn!

     

     

  • It’s Time to Study!

    It’s Time to Study!

    Exam time is upon us, and it can be stressful if you feel like you are not adequately prepared. Whether you are writing a final exam in a subject you don’t feel confident in or you’re writing an entrance exam for college or university, there are several ways to study that fit the way you learn best.

    The most important thing you can do is to organize your notes for the subject you are about to study. Going through your notes can help you to mentally prepare for the task at hand, as well as give you a general feel for the amount of studying you will need to do. If you have several exams you need to prepare for at one time, determine how much time you want / need to devote to each subject. Knowing what type of exam you will be taking is also very helpful. For example, will it consist mostly of multiple choice questions or will it be an essay? With multiple choice questions, you will most likely need to focus on remembering facts like dates, names and places. For essays, you will want to ensure you have a more broad understanding of the subject so you can expand on it.

    The next step is to determine what the best method of studying is for you. Some people thrive by making flash cards with facts on them so they can quiz themselves anytime and anywhere. This is also helpful when you have a friend or parent helping you to study, as they can quiz you with relative ease.

    Others find it helpful to explain the subject out loud, as if they are teaching it to someone else themselves. This allows them to cover as much information as possible and is particularly helpful if you are studying for an exam that is in essay form. It is a good idea to write down the main points you want to cover on a piece of paper and then see how many you were able to get during your own explanation.

    Another good way to study is to create a mock exam. Going through your notes, create questions based on the information and see how many you can answer. This will give you a good idea of the information that you have difficulty remembering and need to focus on.

    It is important to have a space where you feel comfortable studying, whether it be your room, at a computer desk or the library. Ensure that you minimize distractions such as television or loud areas (coffeehouses, for example).

    A study group can be helpful if you like to work together with others to ensure you have a good understanding of the subject matter. They are also helpful for you to look at the information from a different perspective, which may assist you in remembering it easier. In the end, you need to find out what works best for you and stick with it.

    Lastly, and perhaps most important of all, ensure you get a good night’s sleep before your exam. It might be tempting to pull an “all-nighter”, but your brain will be sluggish and you’ll be more prone to anxiety about the exam itself. In the end, you should feel confident that you know the information as best as you can.

     

    Good luck and happy studying!