Black Ice
‘Black ice’ sounds like the name of a Marvel super-villain circa 1975, but it’s real – and dangerous. The term refers to very thin layers of invisible ice that form when dew and condensation freeze in a sudden temperature drop. Black ice is not only hard to detect, but it is also more slippery than other types of ice as it constantly melts and re-freezes without any tread.
Stay off the roads at all costs – automobiles lose all control when they hit a patch of black ice (or snow, or slush… it might be a good idea to avoid roads as much as you can throughout the winter). Keep your eyes out for glossy, wet-looking pavement; that’s the best way to spot black ice in the day. Buy a pair of large winter boots with good traction and be extra weary at night.

Frost Bite
Frost bite is the destruction of skin and tissue due to prolonged exposure to low temperatures. Though less common in Toronto than some colder regions of Canada, Toronto paramedics and hospitals still see quite a few cases of frost bite each year, some of which end in the removal of skin or tissue. Extremeities, such as fingers, are particularly prone.
Wear warm gloves and hats whenever you go outside. (Surprisingly high-quality gloves can be found at Dollarama.) If you’re out in the cold for an extended period of time, pop into a heated building every half-hour or so to raise your body temperature. And remember: a hat is not a hat unless it covers your ears.

Seasonal Affective Disorder
Though not recognized in DSM-IV as its own condition, SAD is now widely regarded as a real, common mental disorder with symptoms similar to depression but limited to certain parts of the year. As our winter is about about half the year, Torontonians affected by this season find it very difficult to deal.
A number of treatments have been tried for SAD, with varying degrees of success. Adding extra lighting to a room and increasing the intake of Vitamin D have been shown to be effective. If it gets unbearable, it may be worth scheduling an appointment with CAPS and, if you have any thoughts of suicide or harming anyone else, you should call the Gerstein Centre‘s 24-hour crisis line at 416-929-5200.

OMWHO aims to simulate General Assembly committee sessions held by the World Health Organization to promote debate and discussions around current global health topics. Additionally, the Conference features keynote speeches and panel by preeminent field leaders, as well as opportunities to network with delegates from across the province and beyond.

If you are interested in knowing how decisions in the WHO are made, learning about the hot topics in the current global health arena, or networking with other university students with similar passions, OMWHO is the event for you! Awards will be given to the top three delegates; all delegates will receive a participation certificate.

Register today at www.omwho.org and get your updates at @omwho.

NEW!
OMWHO is now able to offer the first part of the Conference to the public to include a panel and documentary film.

The panel, focusing on issues related to access to medicines, includes:
Aria Ahmad (graduate student at the University of Toronto)
Richard Elliott (Executive Director at the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network)
Jonathan Smith (epidemiologist and documentary film director of They Go To Die

After the panel we will be showing the first portion of Jonathan’s documentary, which focuses on human rights concerns in the South African mining industry, following four former mineworkers who were sent home after contracting drug-resistant tuberculosis with no prospect of treatment or care.

Please join us!
Friday, November 11 at 2:30-5pm
Music Room, Hart House, University of Toronto
Space limited. Price: $5.00
RSVP to omwho@utihp.ca

1. Take a deep breath. When you find yourself in a stressful situation, remember to breathe. Reflect and think clearly and critically. There is always a reason why stress was triggered in the first place. What is the cause of this stress? How can you deal with the current problem, and what can be done differently next time to avoid it?
2. Eat healthy. Pigging out on junk food is no way to deal with stress and, on the flip side, starving is not the solution either. Aim to have three healthy and balanced meals each day. Healthy food will help enhance neuron activity in the brain and will aid in activities such as studying.
3. Stay active. Take a yoga class, work out at the gym, brush up on your Taekwondo, or do whatever something else that’s more your cup of tea. Not only is exercise a key component of body fitness, it also helps reduce stress.
4. Organize your time. Stress often arises unnecessarily due to a lack of effective time management skills. The solution? Start a to-do list and make sure to assign deadlines for tasks. Keep your list updated. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen is a book available at Kelly Library and at other libraries on campus. As the title suggests, the content of this book will assist in the achievement of stress-free performance through analysis of numerous personal organizational strategies such as goal reassessments and how to stay focused when a challenging situation arises.
5. Take advantage of the University of Toronto’s services. Stress can be overwhelming, but the good news is that help is just around the corner. The U of T Office of Student Life offers a number of  on-campus resources to help you succeed, which include Accessibility Services, the Career Centre, Counselling and Psychological Services, and more. Check out www.studentlife.utoronto.ca to learn more about the Office of Student Life and its departments. For academic success services, the Academic Resource Centre offers workshops that will help develop academic skills. Workshops topics include time management, dealing with procrastination, exam preparation and writing, stress management, and so forth. Keep an eye out for these activities and check out other services at the Academic Resource Centre by visiting www.asc.utoronto.ca.

These five strategies will help you deal with and prevent stress. However, while these strategies look good on paper, in practice, stress management can be a challenge. Work on it and you’ll soon find yourself experiencing less and less stress. When stressful situations do arise, the main thing to remember to stay cool and, if necessary, to seek the necessary help.

Have a great, stress-free academic year!

The U of T Chapter of Students for Medicare (UTSFM) is a student group that works in collaboration with the Ontario Health Coalition to advocate for Medicare (Canada’s national health insurance program) and educate the public about what is currently happening to the health care system in Canada*.  We believe that health care is an extremely important topic of which all Canadians should be well-informed. We believe that health care is a right and that the Canadian government needs to do it’s best to ensure that acceptable health care is accessible to all Canadians.  We are concerned with ongoing issues regarding Medicare including, but not limited to, privatization, cuts in services, and lowering taxes. We run events and fundraisers, as well as distribute newsletters, aimed at spreading the word.

This school year, UTSFM will continue to attempt to spread the word about Medicare. Sometime this year, we hope to organize a public debate with MPs from the Conservative, Liberal, and New Democratic parties; unfortunately, this event had to be postponed last year due to the election.

As a new group, we hope to involve more students and get more members. We welcome anyone who is interested in what we do to come to our meetings, events, and fundraisers.  Educating the U of T community is a huge task and we need your help!

If you are interested in learning more or joining us, check out our Facebook page or send us an email.

*To learn more about the development of Medicare, click here. To learn more about the current debates surrounding Medicare, click here.

This may seem hard to believe, considering the extreme density of the downtown core.  Ironically though, it is the suburbs which we should avoid.

The mid-20th century boom of the suburbs in the GTA was supposed to be a Renaissance in urban development and infrastructure. However, another Toronto Star article indicates that the typical infrastructure of the suburbs is what causes high levels of CO2 emissions. The greatest amount of the emissions in the GTA comes from the town of Whitby at 13.02 tonnes per year. Where do they place the blame? Distance from the sidewalk. Apparently, living in a house that is set well back from the sidewalk makes one more inclined to ride around in a large, gas-guzzling SUV. But is it worth risking our environmental well being to get to and from soccer practice, the corner store, or even through the long lineups at McDonald’s (which consequently makes us fat) by driving a gas-guzzler?

So why should we be living in the city? The answer is actually quite clear. Public transportation is much better in the city and the sidewalks are closer to retail buildings and housing. Getting around is just easier. No one has much need for a car, except for Mayor Ford, who continues to pick fights with the ‘evil streetcars’. But that brings me to my next point. Not everyone can afford public transportation in the city; $3 a ride adds up.

Much to the pleasure of many, the bicycle has made a miraculous comeback. Everyone is using bikes. Children, adults, professors, students, hipsters… just about everyone scurries to one of the many bicycle shops in the GTA to get the latest one speed, skinny tire, weave-basket-carrying bicycle. Biking is no doubt the best way to get around the city, especially with the numerous picture-esque tree-lined streets and bike paths (another enemy of our beloved mayor). Even many of our adored professors at U of T, including Professor Brym (Department of Sociology) take their bikes wherever they go. It is almost impossible  to avoid cyclists on the St. George campus, especially the ones that we almost run into while jaywalking across St. George Street to get to Sid Smith.

Recently, downtown Toronto was introduced to the BIXI bike system. This system allows anyone to go to the one of 80 BIXI stations and pay the small fee of $5 per day ($40 per month, or $95 per year) to use a bike and go their merry way.

However, there are some downsides to the program.  You still have to find a station, pay a security deposit with a credit card, and there is no discounted rate for students. Despite these obstacles though, there are still many stations on campus for students to use.

In this day and age,  I truly believe that our generation has the power to make an environmental change. We don’t have to make the same mistakes our parents did, driving around in gas-guzzlers.  Instead, we should make sure to utilize the numerous ways of being environmentally  conscientious so that the next generations can enjoy the earth too. As the centre of research for our ‘true north, strong and free’, the students of U of T should join together in a revolution against irresponsible automobile use with the same enthusiasm as Louis XIV and Napoleon – on our bikes, ready to take on CO2 emissions (and succeed).

A screenshot from Young People F*cking.

We all know that U of T’s a good place to go if you want to learn things like History and Math, but what about the IMPORTANT things? … like Biology, if you get my drift.

Have you gotten bored with your routine sex life? Do you find yourself wondering ‘how the heck does anybody use that as a sex toy?!’ whenever you see a cucumber?

Don’t deny it.

Well, it’s a good thing for you that Sexual Awareness Week just so happens to be this week! From March 7th – March 10th, U of T’s Sexual Education Centre (SEC) is going to be hosting a series of fun, informative (and sexy!) events.

Set yourself as ‘attending’ on Facebook!

Here’s a quick breakdown of all of the events:

When: Monday, March 7th, 7-9PM
What: Porn and Cookies
Description: Watch porn and eat delicious baked goods. You probably would have spent the night alone in your dorm room doing this anyway, so why not head over to Sussex and have other people to keep you company?
Where: The SEC Office (21 Sussex Ave., Sixth Floor)
For More Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=155504657839785

When: Tuesday, March 8th,  8PM-1AM
What: SEC Does Fat Tuesday
Description: We all know the REAL reason people celebrate Mardi Gras. Now, WHO’S GONNA BRING THE BEADS?! Compete in the Sex Ed Showdown, stock up on safer sex supplies, and win some cool prizes. Also, it’s Toonie Tuesday, so make sure you’re there before 9.
Where: Einstein Cafe & Pub (229 College St.)
For More Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158232917565482

When: Wednesday, March 9th,  7-9PM
What: Re:lationships
Description: Relationships: fun, scary, good, bad… but, most of all, CONFUSING. What makes a good relationship? Whether you have no partner, one partner, or more than one partner, this workshop will teach you all about good, healthy relationships and answer any questions you may have.
Where: Sidney Smith, Room 1086
For More Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=204788889536635

When: Thursday, March 10th,  4-7PM
What: (S)express Yourself
Description: There will be an interactive art exhibit, dramatic readings of erotic fanfics (Harry and Snape, anyone?) and some DIY projects. Oh yeah, and, for those of you who are hungry for more lovin’, there will be pizza. Pizza will never cheat on/leave you.
Where: The SEC Office (21 Sussex Ave., Sixth Floor)
For More Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=156990367692814

When: Thursday, March 10th,  7-9PM
What: Kink It Up a Notch
Description: Feet. BBW. Furries. Explore your wild side at some of the fetish booths that are going to be set up and check out the live BDSM demonstrations. Don’t forget to take your leather and whip out, because you’re allowed (and encouraged) to dress up for this event!
Where: The SEC Office (21 Sussex Ave., Sixth Floor)
For More Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=190626187643666

Remember, you can stop by the SEC office anytime to pick up free condoms and get some information about safe sex – play all you want, but make sure you stay safe.

May your week be fun, freaky, and informative!

blogUT is teaming up with the lovely folks at High Park Nutrition to give away a gift basket full of wellness goodies! The basket will include $60-75 worth of cool (organic) things like shampoos, teas, vitamins and toothpastes.

To win this basket, all you have to do is comment on this post, answering the following question:

What tips do you have for other students about staying healthy?

Comments will be accepted up until 11:59pm on Wednesday, March 9th and we’ll be announcing the winning commenter’s  name on Thursday, March 10th. Please note that only those with a utoronto email will be entered into the draw.

Good luck to everyone, and we look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Special thanks to George and Noula for their generous donation.

City Hall

The experience of living in Toronto is not complete until you’ve skated at least once at Nathan Phillips Square. The lights at City Hall turn on at 6:00PM and it’s absolutely beautiful. I suggest going during a weekday and non-peak hours because the rink can get pretty crowded. As in really, really crowded. Skates can be rented for $10 for 2 hours. You will need a piece of government issued I.D. (such as a driver’s license) so that the skate rentals can ensure that you will return their skates.

Harbourfront Centre

The Natrel Pond at Harbourfront turns into an ice skating rink in the winter. There are skate rentals and adult rentals are $7. A driver’s licence, credit card, passport, birth certificate or citizenship card is required to rent skates and/or helmets.

Toronto Parks

If there’s a park nearby with an outdoor rink, you can skate there for most of the winter! The downside is that there probably aren’t any skate rentals and they’re open for specific hours for free skating (other time is set aside for hockey) but these rinks tend to be less crowded. For their hours of operation, search for your local park at the Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation site.

Evergreen Brick Works

The final renovations for Evergreen Brickworks have been completed and the winter has come, so they have opened their skating trail. This is probably one of the newest outdoor rinks in the city and it sounds absolutely fantastic. There are no skate rentals but the rink is extremely environmentally friendly: heat from the refrigeration system warms the Café building next door! Isn’t that cool!? Click here for hours of operation and more information.

Varsity Arena

Varsity Arena on campus (you might have written an exam here before) is an Olympic-sized rink that will be open to the public once term restarts on January 3rd and it will remain open until April 8th. The rink is open for recreational skating in the times listed here.

Happy skating!

When I woke up on the first day of March, the sun was aggravatingly bright and then it hit me: the Olympics were over. I recalled hazily the train wreck of giant beavers and mounties with Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan singing songs I liked when I was an angsty pre-teen and shuddered as I tried to bury that image in the graveyard of forgetfulness. True, the Olympics and the figure skating that I so eagerly awaited was gone, but I could still enjoy my pretty red Vancouver 2010 mittens as I rolled snow into a ball and threw it at my darling friend and fellow blogUT writer, Julia. Speaking of Olympic attire, here are a few fashion highlights and splats of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.

Mixed Feelings – Team Canada Sweaters

On one hand, these sweaters are rather endearing with its maple leaf and moose but on the other hand, its grey-ish colour scheme and volume makes me feel like someone who will wake up, put on a lumberjack shirt (under this sweater), take out my trusty snowshoes and trek five miles uphill both ways so I could go… I dunno, check my rabbit traps. The rest of the team Canada gear was simple and sporty (I do hate the checked sewing on the black coats though) but this piece, though unique, might be a bit out of place in a world where wearing giant wool sweaters in public is synonymous with crazy cat person.

Thumbs Up – Team Russia Jackets

Platinum medals and quads aside, the Russians sported these really lovely jackets with these wing-like patterns on the shoulders. I prefer the red-on-white version of the jacket than the white-on-red just because it’s more simplistic and I would totally buy one (even if I’m not really cheering for any Russian athlete) – if the thing didn’t cost $1199 and no, that’s not in rubles but Canadian dollars. Still, I’ve got to mention that my favourite piece of Russian wear are these scarves from 2006 Olympics in Torino.

Thumbs Down – Wearing Dark Underwear in a Transparent-ish Suit

Dear Miho Takagi,

We don’t want to see your g-string while you race or practice. It isn’t going to make your time any faster. Or at least it shouldn’t. Not to mention you’re just 15.

Award – Best Figure Skating Costume

This couple won the best dressed award in Ailsa’s article on figure skating outfits and a gold medal and I will give them another award for best dressed again for Tessa’s new dress, which is GORGEOUS. Tessa has gone through at least 3 or 4 dresses for their free dance this season but this one is the best. Simple, elegant and very complimentary to their program. I hope she wears it to the World Championships in 2 weeks in Torino.

Award – Worst Figure Skating Costume

And… it’s a tie! The Worst Figure Skating Costume Award goes to Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin for their culturally insensitive costumes (and program) which stereotype aboriginal people and Tatiana Volosozhar and Stanislav Morozov with these really disturbing blue, shiny, spandex costumes… designed by Olympic pairs bronze medallist Aliona Savchenko. I’m not sure whether I should make an acerbic comment on Aliona’s taste or Volosozhar/Morozov’s decision to even put these monstrosities on. Then again, if you think I complain too much, just wait until the Olympic coverage starts leaking on youtube – David Pelletier would not shut up about the hideousness of those blue… things despite their lovely lifts, and really high twists and throw jumps.

Love – Just Pure Love

I think at the beginning, there was some sort of issue about the Norwegian curling team’s pants but I’ve loved them since the first time I laid eyes on them. Awesome pattern, simple colours and paired with a not so distracting top – I approve. The fact that some of these guys are cute is also a total bonus.

Special Mention – A Crown of Roses

I am rather cross at the moment with Canada’s little figure skating golden boy, Patrick Chan, for calling Johnny Weir out for being improper for wearing a crown of roses from a fan. Chan, you’re just jealous that Johnny can pull the roses off and you can’t. Not to mention he seriously should’ve been ranked higher than you.

To end this article, I will say that rather than taking my fashion policing too seriously, just remember Johnny’s favourite quote: “To thy own self be true.”

Pictures from the Daylife Photo bank, here, here, here, here and here.

photo from blogTO.com

What can I possibly say that could even remotely capture the feeling that was the 2010 Olympic games? For seventeen days, this entire nation, the entire world, was glued to their TVs reveling in all the competition and the excitement. For seventeen days, Canada demonstrated to the world its incredible hospitality, the amazing talent of its athletes, and the absolute spirit of this great nation. For seventeen days, it was as if all the citizens of Canada were as one. We celebrated together when Bilodeau won that first gold on Canadian soil.  We mourned with Joannie Rochette after hearing about her loss and cheered her on as she courageously took the ice. We drank with Jon Montgomery as he marched the streets of Vancouver. Our hearts went a flutter watching the heavenly Virtue and Moir. We randomly burst into song, belting out our national anthem night after night. We rejoiced and wept together every time our athletes won (or lost). We groaned and moaned collectively when Parise scored that wretched goal in the last few seconds of last night’s game. And of course, we screamed, drank, celebrated and paraded down the streets together when Sid the Kid won us that glorious hockey gold! It has been riveting. Electrifying. Straight-up magical. Never before have I ever felt so proud to be Canadian and I can’t even count the number of times I’ve gotten misty eyed because of all this pride welling up inside of me! With a total of 14 gold medals, not only have our athletes set a personal best for our nation, they’ve set a record that the entire world has yet to beat! It’s been an amazing ride and regardless of whether you were watching the games from Vancouver, the local pub, or just your own living room, the feeling of euphoria has been undeniable and unstoppable.

And so, if I may indulge myself for one last time (everyone shout it with me now)…CA-NA-DA! CA-NA-DA! CA-NA-DA!

photo from blogTO.com