#TorontoStrong Vigil, Uniting A Diversity of Support in Toronto

Diversity and multiculturalism shown in Toronto at a vigil for a van attack
Rahman Mohamed

Image result for torontoOn April 23 Toronto, Canada was hit with a tragedy.  It has not been classified as a terrorist attack.  Along Yonge Street 24 people were hit by a man driving on the sidewalk; 10 died.  Victims included locals and foreigners, a tragedy that was felt across borders.  On Sunday, April 29 a vigil was held for victims of the attack.

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You’re Not Alone in Feeling Alone

A spreading health problem: loneliness.
Rahman Mohamed

In the UK Prime Minister Theresa May created the “Minister of Loneliness”.  Studies suggest that loneliness can be as unhealthy as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.  Loneliness can be not being with another person.  For some loneliness is a way of life, working from an apartment and living without a roommate.

Others experience loneliness because of isolation – cut off from other people.  Some who is around or with other people but is separated and feels loneliness.  It can be physical isolation, not having anyone to be with because of where you are.  Even though you’re in a packed office you’re cut off from everyone because you’re in a cubicle.  Because the bathrooms are private the only place you talk to co-workers is at the water fountain or while you’re in line for the bathroom.  When commuting anywhere you’re on public transit and not with someone you know.

Isolation loneliness is also experienced because of exclusion, not with others because they don’t want you with them, aka the high school popularity effect that leaves you alone to suffer loneliness.  Someone who lives in Canada but doesn’t drink and know how to play hockey is left out of the weekly Saturday bar night when people talk about their week, plans, and themselves, not just Nazim Kadri and how he’s playing against Montreal. Continue reading

Carrots, Not Just for Bunnies

Rahman Mohamed
A vegetable available for your teeth, stomach and phone.

carrot1 colourAs the New Year begins New Year’s Resolutions are on the tip of the tongue.  Although their popularity is dipping they are still made.  Commonly known, one of the most popular resolutions when the year is new is losing weight.  It’s also a resolution that’s among the “not-fulfilled” (the broken resolution)

Carrots are among children’s favourite vegetables.  They have a taste, a crunch and a nice colour; in Canada they’re most often orange but they are reported to grow in a variety of colours.  Recently (5 December 2017) Medical News reported a range about carrots.

  • Carrots have antioxidants.  They may be a prevention for cancer
  • They have Vitamin A, help prevent vision loss
  • They contain protein, fibre, Vitamin C, Calcium, iron, potassium, sodium and other minerals and Vitamins

Unknown to many Canadian governments have been working to help Canadians lose weight and learn more about health using an app.  Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play the app is named “Carrot Rewards”. Continue reading