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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1986-10-29, Page 344 Pa • e 18A Times -Advocate, October 29, 1986 TALKING HEART — Iry Armstrong (left) and Herb Turkheim, directors of the Huron Branch of the On- tario Heart and Stroke Foundation, talk with guest speaker cardiologist Dr. Ramsay Gunton (centre) at an appreciation night hosted by the chapter. Schools face greater responsibility Not easy beingteenager It's not easy to befit teenager in the generation has reached middle age. fenders and stresses the words 1980s. The world today is encounter- The generation of teenagers who were "supervision, discipline and control." ing unprecedented technological ad- born in the following decade now look The act, she says places great em- vances, changes in the moral struc- back on the 1960s youth movement as phasis on the rights of youth, but not Lure of society and upheavals in the part of their learning experience. on the needs. family unit. Ms. Telford noted, "Today you're "We're leaving a lot of kids at risk, dealing with a generation of kids that kids that we could do so much for. have watched the previous generation and the self -expectations that those teenagers could not meet. Today kids realize the limitations and they have an awareness of the future and where their generation is going. They are aware of possible limits of their own future." For instance, today's youth realize that they will face the financial responsibilities of looking after the aged Baby Boom generation. Gone are the days of looking at the world through rose colored glasses as the youth generation did In the 1960s. As a teenager of that era; Ms. Telford remembered, "When I was a kid my biggest responsibility was not to put a dent in my parents' car. The biggest limitation I was aware of was not being able to stay up past my parents' bedtime at night." Laws surrounding youth actions have also drastically changed in the past decade. In 1982 federal govern- ment brought the Young Offenders Act into play, replacing the 1908 Juvenile Delinquents Act. The YOA was designed to make young offenders more accountable for their actions, as well as to meet the special needs and rights of young peo- ple. It was heralded as one of the most significant pieces of social policy legislation to be passed in recent years. Ms. Telford noted, "It was touted internationally as being a very pro- gressive piece of legislation." Yet, Ms. Telford believes that the YOA has not adequately served its purposes or the needs of youth. "The legislation is loaded with con- tradictions. This new ruling will take some time to clarify and develop to come into full force impact." The YOA legislation says that young people should be held more responsible for their behavior, but in the same sentence it reads "...but not always as accountable as adults since they are not yet fully mature. The act, Ms. Telford says, takes the emphasis away from offering guidance and counselling to young of - "The world that children are living in today is a very different one than we lived in 20 years ago," says Anne Telford. Ms. Telford, family violence co- ordinator of the Ministry of Com- munity and Social Services in London led a seminar called Redefinitions of Adolescence at the professional development day held for Huron County secondary school teachers in Clinton on October 24. The workshop looked at The Young Offenders' Act ( YOA ) and how this government legislation has placed a new demand on teachers to respond to the needs of . teenagers. The seminar also focused on the whether the needs of young people are essen- tially different from those of years ago. Ms. Telford believes that the needs of youth have changed significantly over the past 20 years. Today's youth face pressures and concerns that were never considered by previous generations of teenagers. Today young people face increased pressure to be an individual, to seek information, to explore. They are bombarded with a continual flow of information from advanced media services. With that comes an increas- ed awareness of social problems and political unrest on a global scale. "The kids today are living with an awareness of problems that we were very much protected from," Ms. Telford suggested. Today's teenagers know about nuclear holocaust, about sexual abuse, about violence and these issues among others are an integral'part of their lives. "Very young children have opinions and thoughts on these subjects and they tend to be quite outraged about them," Ms. Telford said. In contrast, the youth of the previous generations were protected from things that were unpleasant or frightening. The Baby Boom years, from 1951-1966 saw more than 6.5 million births. Today the largest part of that Instead of placing priorities on counselling and treatment for young offenders, Ms. Telford noted, "The court doesn't have the power to order any treatment under the Young Of- fenders' Act." She explained that while a judge can order special counselling for a young offender, he must have the con- sent of the youth. She cited an exam- ple of a youth who appeared in court, consented to treatment at the London Psychiatric Hospital, then after atten- ding a few sessions, refused further counselling. He wasp returned to court but the judge could not order the con- tinuation of treatment. The judge could only suggest that counselling be . continued. Youth rights appear to hold more weight under the new legislation. Such was the case in a trial in Woodstock. A child confessed to his mother that he had committed sexual assaults. The mother took the case to the courts, but it was thrown out on a technicality because she had not in- formed him of his rights at the time the charge was laid. The YOA clearly states, '""young people have a right to the least in- terference with theirfreedom that is compatible with the prbteetiotl of society, their own needs and their families' interests; they have a right to be informed of their rights and freedoms." The rights of youth may be met under the YOA, but, Ms. Telford stresses, "it seems more difficult for a child to get treatment." She said that some youth who shoplift, steal or commit other crimes are often acting out their emotional problems. This, again goes back to basic difficulties that young people have today in coping with the demands and pressures of their world. "Children don't always know what's best for them. Psychiatric help can provide caring people who have a serise of what's best for them. It con - concerns me that a child is given that much responsibility to decide what READY FOR THE RUSH -- Rummage sale conveners for the South Huron Hospital Auxiliary rest in com- fortable chairs which were sold at the auction, Thursday. From the left getting ready for the onslaught of customers are from the left Audrey Bentley, Ruth Dietrich, Laurie Shapton and Ferne Dougall.T-A photo Pooley Branch No. 16 Comrades of the R.E. ion, Ex - 7 o{ the Royal Canadthe C tdets will make eter, assisted by their annual DRIVEb robe pOPP0. e Thursday Meet All donations vvillde held Nov 9th. really appreciated. Service and para Church 15 a.m.ion Nall l p.m•�'. Legion Nall 111th at Leg Chairman Banquet Nov.Poppy Comrade Greg prof at f 1 t Heart Foundation volunteers told of new research institute Heart and Stroke Foundation can- vassers were given an exciting glimp- se into the future direction of reeearch by cardiologist Dr. Ramsay Gunton, guest speaker at the Huron County chapter's annual appreciation dinner held in Huronview on October 22. Dr. Gunton, who is now based at London's University Hospital (which he helped plan) was part of the team responsible for the evolution of the John P. Robarts Research Institute from acknowledged need to bricks and mortar reality. Gunton explained that the recently completed London facility acts both literally and figuratively as a bridge between the laboratory scientists in the UWO Health Sciences complex and the clinicians at University Hospital. In a brief history of the RRI, Gun- ton said research at University Hospital was so successful the allot- ted space was filled soon after the hospital opened in 1972. Senior staff felt the facilities for neurology and neurosurgery should be expanded. The death of John Roberts prompted a decision to ask the province to con- sider an additional research institu- tion as a fitting memorial to the former premier. A $10,000,000 grant from Ontario and a later federal contribution of $4,000,000 paid for the actual building, which opened in September. The Heart Foundation has committee $1,000,000 to the RRI from southwestern Ontario over the next five years, in addition to money already designated for other research project. The RRI will concentrate on research into coronary heart disease, strokes, circulation and aging, im- munology, and organ transplantation. Scientisists will pursue the discovery that some people have a predisposi- tion to cholesterol build-up in the blood. The study of platelets and clot formation is another avenue to be ex- plored. Investigation will continue on work with brain aneurysms which has already brought fame to University Hospital. Patients with ventricular fibrillation will be assessed at RRI. Using heart valves made of beef or ,pork tissue rather than plastic to ameliorate red blood cell damage and infection will be a biophysics project. Gunton showed graphs depicting the progressive decline in coronary disease and strokes since the epidemic proportions of the fifties and sixties. From 1972 to 1982, incidents of coronary disease decreased 27 per- cent, and strokes were down a dramatic 40 percent. Gunton conclude by saying "the work researchers are doing is having impact of reducing death from heart disease and strokes." Kathy Thomson from the Huron County Health Unit accepted cer- tificates of appreciation for herself and partner Deb Campbell, a lecturer at CCAT, who had prepared and presented the Culinary Hearts pro- gram. Joan Van den Broeck, coor- dinator of the Huron County chapter of the Heart and Stoke Foundation, noted in her remarks that the suc- cessful pilot project first tested in Ex- eter was accepted for use in Ontario, and the Canadian Heart Foundation is considering its implementation across Canada. The equally successful Heart to Heart, a mutual support program for heart attack victims and their families, was also launched first in Exeter. "Exeter is a wonderful proving ground. There is so much communi- ty support we have no trouble getting good people to make things work", Van den Broeck said later. Shirley Gilbert from the Health Unit was given a certificate for her work in promoting public awareness of heart health. The 1986-87 executive consists of : president Stan Connelly, Goderich; vice-president, Marion Zinn, Lucknow; past president Bruce Shaw, Exeter; treasurer Jean treatment is best for them. It can be overwhelming." Ms. Telford stressed that education and the school system has a vital role to play in the protection and security of young people today. "The family Structure is changing and more responsibility is falling on the teachers' shoulders," she said. She further noted that more young people are living independently out- side of the family unit and the school system may be one of the only stable forces in their lives and teachers the only adult guidance that is readily available. "The school can represent a place of safety for kids today. School is con- sistent and there is security in being with the same people everyday." How are teachers and the. school system coping with this increased responsibility? There is a new push on life skills and lifestyle education with courses that deal in family violence and new services for young people who come from separated families. "The new legislation has made some service gaps, therefore more counselling needs are turning up in the school," Ms. Telford noted. She said that teachers may not fee qualified to deal with these situations, and resources may not be available to help young people. She stressed that the teaching profession can work to help make changes in the Young Offenders' Act. She noted that the public as a whole has a voice in the way that the YOA is implemented and thecourts can set new precedents. To the teachers she stressed, "You are a strong, organized group. If you can identify the needs of your students and make a noise about it, you may get some help." Hildebrand, Seaforth; secretary Deborah Karcz-Howes, Ashfield; campaign chairman E. Bryon Goldsmith, Goderich; education chairman Nancy Larone, Seaforth; in memoriam chairman Iry Armstrong, Exeter; jump rope chairman Don Young, Auburn; heart to heart chair- man Gord Baxter; Wingham; human resources chairman Nancy Wise, Clinton; public relations, Marg McLeod, Turnberry; assistant treasurer Coyle Coleman, Seaforth and medical advisor Dr. Harry Cieslar. Directors at large are Colin Campbell, Wingham; Herb Turkheim, Zurich and Niall Straw and Tom Humphreys, both of Exeter. Fashion show to assist HP Epilepsy Unit November is Epilepsy Month and again this year the awareness is hoped to be brought to the public. Over 400,000 Canadians are affected by epilepsy m one form or another. Most important, epilepsy is not a disease as man has believed for cen- turies; rather, epilepsy is a symptom of a disorder of the brain caused by an overactivity of the brain at any given time. The type of seizures are determin- ed by the area of the brain affected and the symptoms shown. They are primarily broken down into four groups -- grand mal, petit mal, psychomotor, and focal. They range from momentary lapse of attention to convulsions. What most people are unaware of is that anyone can have the misfor- tune of being a epileptic at any time. A sudden blow to the head, leaving a scar on the brain is just one example of how one can be affected. Rarely is it inherited. Thanks to modern medication, epileptics can and do lead normal lives. In fact, studies have shown that epileptics take less time off work than that of the general work force. Very rarely are physical injuries obtained during a seizure. The pro- blem lies with mental insecurities that the epileptic faces due to poor at- titudes and sometimes rejection from the public. Public education is vitally needed to assist victims in hopes of erasing all negative attitudes towards epilepsy. Huron -Perth Epilepsy .Unit is located in Clinton. Unfortunately, due to inflation money must be raised to keep the local unit open. A fashion show at the Benmiller Inn is to be held November 5 to assist in keeping the local centre open. In the afternoon, ladies and children's clothing will be modelled with refreshments available. Men and ladies clothing will be shown in the evening. Many of the models consist of people with epilepsy and their families. as their contribution towards the centre. Tickets are still available. Call 482-5527 or me at 523-4497. Your atten- dance would be much appreciated. For more information on epilepsy contact: Epilepsy Ontario Huron -Perth -Bruce Chapter P.O. Box 1058 52 Huron St., Clinton, Ont. NOM ILO or Marj Vere (519) 482-5527 1-800-265-5509 AILS ItV - Multicul uralism Canada has pro- vide • a grant of $1,800 to the Laotian Community of Exeter, Huron Park and Vanastra. Above, Huron -Bruce MP Murray Cardiff presents the cheque to Somsay Chansamone and Chanthavy Chantharath. The money will be used for English language courses and preparing for Canadian Citizenship. T -A photo .\ YMCA LOOKING GOOD FEELING GREAT TAKE AN ENERGY BUILDING FITNESS CLASS WITH ANNE McDOUGALL GET TRIM FOR THOSE CHRISTMAS GET TOGETHERS BE FIT! BE SHAPELY! Join your friends and neighbours for the fun of on overall fitness progrom done to upbeat music. Improve your: Flexibility Muscle Tone Muscular Endurance Cardiovascular System Classes consist of worm up. flexibility. muscular endurance. aerobics and cool down with on odded componel to learn about lifestyle and its importance. COED�� WHERE: Sf. Petrick, School In Lucan 4' WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00 - 1:00 p.m. Nov. 4 - Dec. 4. 1986 � tI •T grr FEE: 818.00 for 5 weeks r REGISTER AT FIRST CLASS TRY US ... YOU'LL LIKE US Ild tatir. %M. teen.lhiwle tit Hallowe'en Madness Thursday, Oct. 30 Spooky Low Prices Super Spezia s 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. only All Canadian Made Decorative Wall Plaques Ideal to take or send overseas as Christmas gifts. 20" off All Childrens Books off 2O% our reg. prices fr Main Street Exeter 235-2202 •