REZ DOGS A NATIONAL PROBLEM
A Cree Woman's Call to Action on Animal Welfare
Save Rez Dogs is an Indigenous-based, grassroots initiative started in 2016. The founder, Leah Arcand, from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, began to use the hashtag #SaveRezDogs while working and teaching a land based program in Thunderchild First Nation.
Save Rez Dogs provides resources and information for communities who are dealing with the overpopulation of dogs on reservations, and the subsequent issues that this can cause. The organization is sounding a call to action for communities to gather resources and develop their own dog management plan, as every community's needs will be unique.
Leah shares that this began when she was teaching a land-based program for grade 7 and grade 8 girls at Thunderchild first nation. She began to feed and care for the friendly neighborhood dogs that would hang around the school. Leah Arcand joined SaultOnline to talk more about the initiative.
“Using the land-based program, I was integrating our relationships with the dogs to my girls and role modeling and reframing the stereotypes that we hear every day about, that dogs are pests and all this sort of stuff. I think we've kind of forgotten about how we should be treating animals.”
“I started getting donations, so I started feeding more dogs, and using the hashtag #SaveRezDogs on my social media. I was using my personal Facebook to share stories or situations about these dogs, and that’s when the momentum started for me. I started to become known as 'the dog person' in the community.”
Leah proposes 5 calls to action that all communities should consider:
“We can't wait for the Chief and Council to do something. Even if they do, in most cases that I have witnessed, they authorize to shoot dogs after a community post is up.” Leah continues to state the importance of being a good role model. “It's not right for kids as young as 7 to say that their community shoots dogs.”
Save Rez Dogs has even captured the attention of Buffy Sainte-Marie, showing her support through a Facebook comment and donation.
New Collar Collective is an Ontario-based rescue initiative that has teamed up with Save Rez Dogs to host a webinar happening tonight. Leah will be talking about how Indigenous animal welfare is in crisis, and how colonialism is at the root of these issues. This is to support and empower Indigenous communities and help save the rez dogs and other animals in the process through education and action.
Save Rez Dogs offers information and resources available to communities who are dealing with overpopulation and neglect of rez dogs.
Join the conversation and see how action can be taken in your local community.
Josie Fiegehen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaultOnline.com
Saturday, May 01, 2021
ALBERTA
GYPSD will not pilot complete draft curriculum
Teachers within Grande Yellowhead Public School Division (GYPSD) that wish to pilot an aspect of the curriculum can do so with the support of their school and parent community.
“A teacher that may want to pilot a portion of curriculum would need to have the support of the community and the principal to do that, that the will of the community is taken into consideration and as is the community of the school is taken into consideration,” clarified Hinton trustee, Ellen Aust, at the board meeting on April 21.
If a teacher desired to pilot an aspect of the curriculum, they would have to work through the principal, who would work through the central office with the parents and school council, explained Carolyn Lewis, GYPSD superintendent.
“If the community, the parents, were not in agreement with that, then obviously the teacher would not be piloting the curriculum,” Lewis said.
She explained that there are some teachers who have publicly stated they are in support of the curriculum, and the division respects all its employees’ opinions.
“GYPSD is about dialogue, it’s about respect, it’s about coming into a conversation with many different perspectives and respecting all of them,” Lewis said.
A central-office curriculum working group will continue to review the entire draft Alberta K-6 curriculum during the 2021-2022 school year on behalf of GYPSD.
Lewis said the decision to review via the working group pays respect to all parents, students, teachers, and support staff.
Aust voiced her appreciation for the feedback she received before the board made its decision, which came from scientist specialists to early educators to indigenous people who didn’t see themselves reflected in the curriculum.
Trustee Shirley Caputo, also from Hinton, noticed this curriculum drew some attention throughout the community, with many people claiming it is a lot to expect of children.
Caputo trusts that with the experience and expertise of the working group, input will be shared with Alberta Education on behalf of GYPSD.
Jasper trustee, Dale Karpluk added that concerns with the draft include a shift to knowledge from critical thinking, age appropriateness, focus on European history, focus on Christian and monotheistic religions, a lack of indigenous representation, inaccurate outcomes, and Canadian and local knowledge being replaced by American knowledge.
Aust asked if additional staff would have an opportunity to join the working group as there has been renewed interest with the release of the draft.
Carra Aschenmeier, GYPSD’s managing director of learning services, explained that teachers will have an opportunity to share their input but won’t be at the table for every single working group meeting.
“Our curriculum working group will certainly devise a way for our teachers who wish to provide input to definitely do that,” Aschenmeier said. “Collectively we are certainly better experts than in smaller groups.”
The working group has been in place for nearly three years and is made up of teachers and central staff.
“On our curriculum working group we have teachers from kindergarten, elementary, middle school, we also have Indigenous representation and a French immersion teacher,” said Aschenmeier.
Over the next school year, the curriculum working group, which meets multiple times during the school year, will unpack the draft documents page by page, explained Dr. Kelly Harding, GYPSD assistant superintendent.
They will carefully consider each outcome through their lens as learning leaders, subject-area experts, and with their knowledge of students’ abilities at each development stage, she said.
“They will then share that comprehensive review with Alberta Education. Given the expertise and experience of the curriculum working group, no classroom piloting with students is required,” Harding said.
Minister of Education, Adriana LaGrange communicated that she is seeking Albertans’ input on the draft curriculum and identified that School Divisions have flexible options for how they provide feedback.
Aschenmeier and superintendent Lewis both acknowledged the hard work being done by teachers during the pandemic and said the working group allows GYPSD to provide feedback without asking every teacher and school to pilot.
“Board, I know how much you care about our teachers, as do I, and so we thought this action proposal would respect and care for our teachers but still keep us at the table with government. It is really important to be at the table, whether you agree with something or not. You can’t have a say if you’re not at the table and we don’t want GYPSD to be shut out of the government conversations,” Lewis said during the meeting.
Aschenmeier noted that the board would never put staff in jeopardy, but she would have voted to pilot the draft in “regular times.”
She explained that it is important for GYPSD to be heard and provide valuable feedback.
Trustees encourage parents, teachers, and subject matter experts to continue providing feedback on the draft curriculum throughout the next school year.
The Evergreen Catholic Separate School Division (ECSSD) decided not to pilot the draft curriculum in the upcoming school year, mainly due to the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To read through the draft curriculum and provide feedback, go to alberta.ca/curriculum.
Masha Scheele, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hinton Voice
Teachers within Grande Yellowhead Public School Division (GYPSD) that wish to pilot an aspect of the curriculum can do so with the support of their school and parent community.
“A teacher that may want to pilot a portion of curriculum would need to have the support of the community and the principal to do that, that the will of the community is taken into consideration and as is the community of the school is taken into consideration,” clarified Hinton trustee, Ellen Aust, at the board meeting on April 21.
If a teacher desired to pilot an aspect of the curriculum, they would have to work through the principal, who would work through the central office with the parents and school council, explained Carolyn Lewis, GYPSD superintendent.
“If the community, the parents, were not in agreement with that, then obviously the teacher would not be piloting the curriculum,” Lewis said.
She explained that there are some teachers who have publicly stated they are in support of the curriculum, and the division respects all its employees’ opinions.
“GYPSD is about dialogue, it’s about respect, it’s about coming into a conversation with many different perspectives and respecting all of them,” Lewis said.
A central-office curriculum working group will continue to review the entire draft Alberta K-6 curriculum during the 2021-2022 school year on behalf of GYPSD.
Lewis said the decision to review via the working group pays respect to all parents, students, teachers, and support staff.
Aust voiced her appreciation for the feedback she received before the board made its decision, which came from scientist specialists to early educators to indigenous people who didn’t see themselves reflected in the curriculum.
Trustee Shirley Caputo, also from Hinton, noticed this curriculum drew some attention throughout the community, with many people claiming it is a lot to expect of children.
Caputo trusts that with the experience and expertise of the working group, input will be shared with Alberta Education on behalf of GYPSD.
Jasper trustee, Dale Karpluk added that concerns with the draft include a shift to knowledge from critical thinking, age appropriateness, focus on European history, focus on Christian and monotheistic religions, a lack of indigenous representation, inaccurate outcomes, and Canadian and local knowledge being replaced by American knowledge.
Aust asked if additional staff would have an opportunity to join the working group as there has been renewed interest with the release of the draft.
Carra Aschenmeier, GYPSD’s managing director of learning services, explained that teachers will have an opportunity to share their input but won’t be at the table for every single working group meeting.
“Our curriculum working group will certainly devise a way for our teachers who wish to provide input to definitely do that,” Aschenmeier said. “Collectively we are certainly better experts than in smaller groups.”
The working group has been in place for nearly three years and is made up of teachers and central staff.
“On our curriculum working group we have teachers from kindergarten, elementary, middle school, we also have Indigenous representation and a French immersion teacher,” said Aschenmeier.
Over the next school year, the curriculum working group, which meets multiple times during the school year, will unpack the draft documents page by page, explained Dr. Kelly Harding, GYPSD assistant superintendent.
They will carefully consider each outcome through their lens as learning leaders, subject-area experts, and with their knowledge of students’ abilities at each development stage, she said.
“They will then share that comprehensive review with Alberta Education. Given the expertise and experience of the curriculum working group, no classroom piloting with students is required,” Harding said.
Minister of Education, Adriana LaGrange communicated that she is seeking Albertans’ input on the draft curriculum and identified that School Divisions have flexible options for how they provide feedback.
Aschenmeier and superintendent Lewis both acknowledged the hard work being done by teachers during the pandemic and said the working group allows GYPSD to provide feedback without asking every teacher and school to pilot.
“Board, I know how much you care about our teachers, as do I, and so we thought this action proposal would respect and care for our teachers but still keep us at the table with government. It is really important to be at the table, whether you agree with something or not. You can’t have a say if you’re not at the table and we don’t want GYPSD to be shut out of the government conversations,” Lewis said during the meeting.
Aschenmeier noted that the board would never put staff in jeopardy, but she would have voted to pilot the draft in “regular times.”
She explained that it is important for GYPSD to be heard and provide valuable feedback.
Trustees encourage parents, teachers, and subject matter experts to continue providing feedback on the draft curriculum throughout the next school year.
The Evergreen Catholic Separate School Division (ECSSD) decided not to pilot the draft curriculum in the upcoming school year, mainly due to the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To read through the draft curriculum and provide feedback, go to alberta.ca/curriculum.
Masha Scheele, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Hinton Voice
AUSTERITY STUPIDITY
Edmonton terminates helicopter program to control mosquitoes, could see 40 per cent population increase
Edmonton terminates helicopter program to control mosquitoes, could see 40 per cent population increase
© David Bloom City of Edmonton pest management coordinator Mike Jenkins said Thursday the city is eliminating its aerial spray program to control mosquitoes, which could lead to a 40 per cent population increase.
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The City of Edmonton is terminating its helicopter program to combat mosquitoes, which could lead to a 40 per cent population increase in outlying areas of the city.
Mike Jenkins, the city’s pest control coordinator, said the elimination of the aerial spray program was passed by council during fall budget discussions as a way to save about $1 million a year.
Video player from: YouTube (Privacy Policy, Terms)
The City of Edmonton is terminating its helicopter program to combat mosquitoes, which could lead to a 40 per cent population increase in outlying areas of the city.
Mike Jenkins, the city’s pest control coordinator, said the elimination of the aerial spray program was passed by council during fall budget discussions as a way to save about $1 million a year.
Although it may lead to an increase of mosquitoes by about 40 per cent in a typical season, Jenkins said this increase will be in dense forest areas on the outskirts of the city.
To offset the elimination of the aerial program, Jenkins said the city is adding more resources and traps to control ground and ditch habitats. Helicopters were used to spray about 80 per cent of the habitat in the city with a larvicide product that would prevent mosquito populations from hatching.
“We’re still treating most of the habitat that is close into the city with higher proximity to residential areas,” Jenkins told reporters Thursday morning. “So although we do expect to see an increase in mosquito numbers because of the loss of the aerial program, we do think that we will still be able to meet our goals in reducing the mosquito population and still have an effective mosquito control program going forward.”
Despite changes to the control program, Jenkins said the city is anticipating mosquito levels to be lower this year than the average due to mostly dry conditions. Crews have been out on city parkland since April 12 to control the mosquito population and Jenkins said the spring season isn’t expected to be bad. After that, it all depends on the amount of precipitation.
“We anticipate the mosquito numbers will be lower this year as we are coming out of a very dry winter. Our spring so far has been very dry and at times cool. However, conditions can change very quickly as we move through the season. It takes just one decent amount of precipitation to deliver enough moisture for dormant mosquito eggs to hatch,” Jenkins said. “Many of our spring species are those really aggressive daytime biters. Right now there’s very little moisture on the ground and very little habitat for those mosquitoes, so we’re not expecting many of those.”
Residents can also do their part to reduce mosquitoes near their homes by eliminating areas with low-lying amounts of water that mosquitoes can breed in such as bird baths, old tires or barrels. One of the best tools is to have an oscillating fan going in the backyard, Jenkins said. Mosquitoes don’t like landing in windy conditions, especially changing windy conditions so a fan could prompt them to move on.
Standing bodies of water in residential areas should be reported to 311 to eliminate potential development sites for mosquito larvae. There are more than 30 types of mosquitoes in Edmonton.
To offset the elimination of the aerial program, Jenkins said the city is adding more resources and traps to control ground and ditch habitats. Helicopters were used to spray about 80 per cent of the habitat in the city with a larvicide product that would prevent mosquito populations from hatching.
“We’re still treating most of the habitat that is close into the city with higher proximity to residential areas,” Jenkins told reporters Thursday morning. “So although we do expect to see an increase in mosquito numbers because of the loss of the aerial program, we do think that we will still be able to meet our goals in reducing the mosquito population and still have an effective mosquito control program going forward.”
Despite changes to the control program, Jenkins said the city is anticipating mosquito levels to be lower this year than the average due to mostly dry conditions. Crews have been out on city parkland since April 12 to control the mosquito population and Jenkins said the spring season isn’t expected to be bad. After that, it all depends on the amount of precipitation.
“We anticipate the mosquito numbers will be lower this year as we are coming out of a very dry winter. Our spring so far has been very dry and at times cool. However, conditions can change very quickly as we move through the season. It takes just one decent amount of precipitation to deliver enough moisture for dormant mosquito eggs to hatch,” Jenkins said. “Many of our spring species are those really aggressive daytime biters. Right now there’s very little moisture on the ground and very little habitat for those mosquitoes, so we’re not expecting many of those.”
Residents can also do their part to reduce mosquitoes near their homes by eliminating areas with low-lying amounts of water that mosquitoes can breed in such as bird baths, old tires or barrels. One of the best tools is to have an oscillating fan going in the backyard, Jenkins said. Mosquitoes don’t like landing in windy conditions, especially changing windy conditions so a fan could prompt them to move on.
Standing bodies of water in residential areas should be reported to 311 to eliminate potential development sites for mosquito larvae. There are more than 30 types of mosquitoes in Edmonton.
Female-Led Initiative Raises $1M for Game Designed to Teach Girls How to Code
As the tech sector continues to grow, the number of women in STEM-related fields continues to decrease. According to Girls Who Code, 37% of computer scientists in the '90s were women, but today, women only make up 24% of all computer scientists.
© YouTube Screenshot Erase All Kittens
Research shows that this disparity starts when girls are still in school. Due to a variety of reasons — including lack of exposure, lack of interest, etc.—fewer girls study computer science while still in junior and senior high. As a result, fewer girls choose to study computer science at the university level, and from there, even fewer secure careers in the field.
The female founders behind Erase All Kittens (EAK) understand the importance of exposing girls to coding when young, which is why they've created a "Mario-style" web-based game with the aim of teaching girls how to code.
As first reported by TechCrunch, EAK has reached 160,000 players in over 100 countries. And now, EAK has raised $1 million in seed funding to take the game to new heights.
Excited to announce that we've raised $1M to build and launch the new version of Erase All Kittens - thanks for the writeup @mikebutcher! @TechCrunch https://t.co/FoCMdJUZns #startup #impactinvesting #edtech— Erase All Kittens (@EraseAllKittens) April 29, 2021
EAK told TechCrunch that 55% of the game's players are girls, 95% of whom want to learn more about coding after playing the game. This is largely because EAK is designed differently than the educational tools that most young girls and boys are used to.
The founders of EAK explained to TechCrunch that because most coding education tools for children are designed by men, those tools appeal more to young boys. According to EAK, these male-designed tools tend to teach "repetitive coding, in a very rigid, instructional way." As a result, most young girls display a general lack of interest in coding, which leads to the disparity seen in STEM-related careers.
In a blog post, EAK described it this way: "To better diversify coding for girls and beyond, coding needs to be perceived as less of a 'maths-like subject, and more as a language that develops other practical skills, like problem-solving and creativity. Coding is a fun challenge that breaks larger problems into small manageable tasks, relying on logic, imagination and communication to come up with innovative solutions."
Research conducted by Girls Who Code and Accenture supports this claim that simple exposure to coding isn't enough to fix the current gender disparity. Campaigns, educational tools, etc. must appeal to girls, or else the disparity could only worsen.
Thankfully, with two women at the helm, EAK was designed with girls in mind.
In her interview with TechCrunch, Dee Saigal, Co-Founder, CEO and Creative Director of Erase All Kittens shared: "We're designing a coding game that girls genuinely love — one that places a huge emphasis on creativity. Girls can see instant results as they code, there are different ways to progress through the game and learning is seamlessly blended with storytelling."
Right now, the game is free to play; however, TechCrunch reports that a newly designed version will launch in July, and will teach kids HTMS, CSS and JavaScript skills. And yes, the founders want educators to use the game as a tool to get all kids, especially girls, interested in coding at a young age.
Reports TechCrunch: "The new game will be sold to schools and parents, globally. EAK will also be carrying out a one-for-one scheme, where for every school account purchased, one will be donated to underserved schools via partnerships with tech companies, educational organizations and NGOs."
To not only diversify the industry but also address the shortage of skilled tech workers entering the workforce, changes must be made at the bottom of the pipeline. By focusing on not only exposing young girls to coding programs but capturing and retaining their interest, the tech industry will very likely see an increase in skilled applicants and cutting-edge ideas.
Newsweek has reached out to Dee Saigal for comment.
Research shows that this disparity starts when girls are still in school. Due to a variety of reasons — including lack of exposure, lack of interest, etc.—fewer girls study computer science while still in junior and senior high. As a result, fewer girls choose to study computer science at the university level, and from there, even fewer secure careers in the field.
The female founders behind Erase All Kittens (EAK) understand the importance of exposing girls to coding when young, which is why they've created a "Mario-style" web-based game with the aim of teaching girls how to code.
As first reported by TechCrunch, EAK has reached 160,000 players in over 100 countries. And now, EAK has raised $1 million in seed funding to take the game to new heights.
Excited to announce that we've raised $1M to build and launch the new version of Erase All Kittens - thanks for the writeup @mikebutcher! @TechCrunch https://t.co/FoCMdJUZns #startup #impactinvesting #edtech— Erase All Kittens (@EraseAllKittens) April 29, 2021
EAK told TechCrunch that 55% of the game's players are girls, 95% of whom want to learn more about coding after playing the game. This is largely because EAK is designed differently than the educational tools that most young girls and boys are used to.
The founders of EAK explained to TechCrunch that because most coding education tools for children are designed by men, those tools appeal more to young boys. According to EAK, these male-designed tools tend to teach "repetitive coding, in a very rigid, instructional way." As a result, most young girls display a general lack of interest in coding, which leads to the disparity seen in STEM-related careers.
In a blog post, EAK described it this way: "To better diversify coding for girls and beyond, coding needs to be perceived as less of a 'maths-like subject, and more as a language that develops other practical skills, like problem-solving and creativity. Coding is a fun challenge that breaks larger problems into small manageable tasks, relying on logic, imagination and communication to come up with innovative solutions."
Research conducted by Girls Who Code and Accenture supports this claim that simple exposure to coding isn't enough to fix the current gender disparity. Campaigns, educational tools, etc. must appeal to girls, or else the disparity could only worsen.
Thankfully, with two women at the helm, EAK was designed with girls in mind.
In her interview with TechCrunch, Dee Saigal, Co-Founder, CEO and Creative Director of Erase All Kittens shared: "We're designing a coding game that girls genuinely love — one that places a huge emphasis on creativity. Girls can see instant results as they code, there are different ways to progress through the game and learning is seamlessly blended with storytelling."
Right now, the game is free to play; however, TechCrunch reports that a newly designed version will launch in July, and will teach kids HTMS, CSS and JavaScript skills. And yes, the founders want educators to use the game as a tool to get all kids, especially girls, interested in coding at a young age.
Reports TechCrunch: "The new game will be sold to schools and parents, globally. EAK will also be carrying out a one-for-one scheme, where for every school account purchased, one will be donated to underserved schools via partnerships with tech companies, educational organizations and NGOs."
To not only diversify the industry but also address the shortage of skilled tech workers entering the workforce, changes must be made at the bottom of the pipeline. By focusing on not only exposing young girls to coding programs but capturing and retaining their interest, the tech industry will very likely see an increase in skilled applicants and cutting-edge ideas.
Newsweek has reached out to Dee Saigal for comment.
For Rosa Reveals The Ugly History Of Forced Sterilizations
Cristina Escobar
“We’re still here,” Kathryn Boyd-Batstone, the filmmaker behind For Rosa, tells Refinery29, referencing our nation’s lack of progress when it comes to reproductive justice. Premiering May 1 on HBO, the short film follows the story of one Latina and her decision to become part of the Madrigal 10, a group of mothers who filed a class-action lawsuit against L.A. County-USC Medical Center in the 1970s, helping to define informed consent and stop the hospital’s eugenics-informed practice of forced sterilizations of women of color.
© Provided by Refinery29
Although For Rosa takes place some 50 years ago, forced sterilization is hardly a thing of the past. Last year, it was reported that ICE was performing mass hysterectomies on migrant women at one of its Georgia detention centers. The year before, Indigenous women in Canada joined together to sue the country’s national health system, citing documented cases of sterilization occurring up until as recently as 2018. In California, 1,400 women, most of them Black, were forcibly sterilized in prisons between 1997 and 2014. Puerto Rico is still dealing with the legacy of mass sterilizations and the continued disparities around reproductive justice.
Whether forced sterilizations are happening in California, Canada, the Czech Republic, or China, they represent a kind of genocide, a way to kill a people quietly while pretending to offer patients medical care.
For Rosa brings this heartbreaking reality to life. The film takes us back to what happened in Los Angeles when doctors performed tubal litigations on Latinas, specifically mothers undergoing emergency C-sections, targeting them because of their vulnerability and the fact that they were already getting surgery. Sometimes doctors performed these sterilizations without the patient’s knowledge or consent or after coercing women with tactics like withholding pain medication until the mothers-to-be gave their permission for the procedure. According to Boyd-Batstone, the hospital in question in the 1978 Madrigal v. Quilligan case had gotten a “$2 billion grant to help with family-planning and ‘help’ with the rates of Black and brown families in the area.” They did it using English-only forms and nurses with limited Spanish proficiency, pretending that was enough for women many of whom were in active labor to give informed consent. This was during a time in American history when fears of “welfare queens” taking too many resources, Latinas and other women of color having too many babies, and low-income women of color generally taking advantage of the system abounded among many white people.
Although For Rosa takes place some 50 years ago, forced sterilization is hardly a thing of the past. Last year, it was reported that ICE was performing mass hysterectomies on migrant women at one of its Georgia detention centers. The year before, Indigenous women in Canada joined together to sue the country’s national health system, citing documented cases of sterilization occurring up until as recently as 2018. In California, 1,400 women, most of them Black, were forcibly sterilized in prisons between 1997 and 2014. Puerto Rico is still dealing with the legacy of mass sterilizations and the continued disparities around reproductive justice.
Whether forced sterilizations are happening in California, Canada, the Czech Republic, or China, they represent a kind of genocide, a way to kill a people quietly while pretending to offer patients medical care.
For Rosa brings this heartbreaking reality to life. The film takes us back to what happened in Los Angeles when doctors performed tubal litigations on Latinas, specifically mothers undergoing emergency C-sections, targeting them because of their vulnerability and the fact that they were already getting surgery. Sometimes doctors performed these sterilizations without the patient’s knowledge or consent or after coercing women with tactics like withholding pain medication until the mothers-to-be gave their permission for the procedure. According to Boyd-Batstone, the hospital in question in the 1978 Madrigal v. Quilligan case had gotten a “$2 billion grant to help with family-planning and ‘help’ with the rates of Black and brown families in the area.” They did it using English-only forms and nurses with limited Spanish proficiency, pretending that was enough for women many of whom were in active labor to give informed consent. This was during a time in American history when fears of “welfare queens” taking too many resources, Latinas and other women of color having too many babies, and low-income women of color generally taking advantage of the system abounded among many white people.
© Provided by Refinery29
While the judge ruled in favor of the doctors, the Madrigal 10 helped to change laws and practices. The California Department of Health revised its sterilization guidelines, and the California State Legislature repealed the state’s sterilization law. This was only possible thanks to the efforts put forth by these courageous women. These 10 Latinas, who’d been sterilized without their consent, risked stigma, shame, and violence to come forward and testify. Their young, Latina attorney Antonia Hernández didn’t let age or lack of resources stop her from taking on this complicated, important case. “She was 26 when she started the case, having just graduated from UCLA, working her first job at the legal aid office,” says Boyd-Batstone. “They weren’t really giving her funding, and she had the conviction to go up against the court system and defend [and organize] these women who are all older than her and have children.”
For Rosa focuses on the women’s decision to take action, despite the risks involved. The film’s heroine Eva, played by Melinna Bobadilla, is a young mother who’s looking forward to having a second kid and feels the pressure to live up to her community’s expectations to have a big family. The filmmakers also paid attention to the discrimination faced by Black and brown women, portraying how women with darker skin and more Afro- or Indigenous features were targeted. Boyd-Batstone, a white woman, says she and Bobadilla had “a lot of discussion” about racism. Bobadilla shared her personal experiences as a Xicana in Hollywood. It was important to both of them that For Rosa was not another “story centered around trauma [and] disparity,” says Boyd-Batstone. Instead, it’s a humanizing look at one woman’s strength and impact: “It doesn’t matter what your opinions on reproductive justice or racism [are]. You can connect with [Eva],” adds the filmmaker.
While the judge ruled in favor of the doctors, the Madrigal 10 helped to change laws and practices. The California Department of Health revised its sterilization guidelines, and the California State Legislature repealed the state’s sterilization law. This was only possible thanks to the efforts put forth by these courageous women. These 10 Latinas, who’d been sterilized without their consent, risked stigma, shame, and violence to come forward and testify. Their young, Latina attorney Antonia Hernández didn’t let age or lack of resources stop her from taking on this complicated, important case. “She was 26 when she started the case, having just graduated from UCLA, working her first job at the legal aid office,” says Boyd-Batstone. “They weren’t really giving her funding, and she had the conviction to go up against the court system and defend [and organize] these women who are all older than her and have children.”
For Rosa focuses on the women’s decision to take action, despite the risks involved. The film’s heroine Eva, played by Melinna Bobadilla, is a young mother who’s looking forward to having a second kid and feels the pressure to live up to her community’s expectations to have a big family. The filmmakers also paid attention to the discrimination faced by Black and brown women, portraying how women with darker skin and more Afro- or Indigenous features were targeted. Boyd-Batstone, a white woman, says she and Bobadilla had “a lot of discussion” about racism. Bobadilla shared her personal experiences as a Xicana in Hollywood. It was important to both of them that For Rosa was not another “story centered around trauma [and] disparity,” says Boyd-Batstone. Instead, it’s a humanizing look at one woman’s strength and impact: “It doesn’t matter what your opinions on reproductive justice or racism [are]. You can connect with [Eva],” adds the filmmaker.
© Provided by Refinery29
This empathy is key to creating change. At the time, the Madrigal 10 was supported by a mass movement with rallies and protests, featuring Black and brown women on the posters, and magazine articles with titles like “Chicanos for Welfare.” Latinos were coming together to organize at a time in which society was criminalizing them. Together with a few whistleblowers at the hospital, this cross-racial group of plaintiffs, their attorney, activists, and organizers were able to make real change. They didn’t eradicate white fears about changing demographics or even win their court case, but they did make California change its system to better protect the rights of women of color.
For Rosa ends before the court case begins, but Boyd-Batstone reveals she is working on a feature-length film to bring the story of the Madrigal 10 to even more people. As forced sterilizations continue and women’s sexual and reproductive health remains in jeopardy, we need to share these narratives of how individuals and communities came together and made real change. If we forget the history of the Madrigal 10, it’s at our own peril.
Speaking about her granddaughter, one of the real-life Madrigal 10 women Consuelo Hermosillo told NPR, “I want her to have liberty in doing what she wants, going to school wherever she wants, [deciding] how many kids she wants.” It’s a simple wish, and one we are still failing to achieve for far too many women of color.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodnes
This empathy is key to creating change. At the time, the Madrigal 10 was supported by a mass movement with rallies and protests, featuring Black and brown women on the posters, and magazine articles with titles like “Chicanos for Welfare.” Latinos were coming together to organize at a time in which society was criminalizing them. Together with a few whistleblowers at the hospital, this cross-racial group of plaintiffs, their attorney, activists, and organizers were able to make real change. They didn’t eradicate white fears about changing demographics or even win their court case, but they did make California change its system to better protect the rights of women of color.
For Rosa ends before the court case begins, but Boyd-Batstone reveals she is working on a feature-length film to bring the story of the Madrigal 10 to even more people. As forced sterilizations continue and women’s sexual and reproductive health remains in jeopardy, we need to share these narratives of how individuals and communities came together and made real change. If we forget the history of the Madrigal 10, it’s at our own peril.
Speaking about her granddaughter, one of the real-life Madrigal 10 women Consuelo Hermosillo told NPR, “I want her to have liberty in doing what she wants, going to school wherever she wants, [deciding] how many kids she wants.” It’s a simple wish, and one we are still failing to achieve for far too many women of color.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodnes
Cape Breton Mi'kmaq community angered at alleged government seizure of lobster traps
ST. PETER'S, N.S. — A Mi'kmaq First Nation in Cape Breton says federal fisheries officers seized 37 lobster traps that were set today by an Indigenous harvester.
© Provided by The Canadian Press
The Potlotek First Nation, located about 75 kilometres south of Sydney, N.S., issued a news release indicating the community had authorized the traps as part of its livelihood fishery.
Indigenous fishers in Nova Scotia say a 1999 Supreme Court of Canada decision affirming the Mi'kmaq treaty right to fish for a "moderate livelihood'' lets them fish when and where they want. That decision was later clarified by the court, however, which said Ottawa could regulate the treaty right for conservation and other limited purposes.
Earlier this year, federal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan had said if bands haven't negotiated agreements with Ottawa and received federal licences for moderate livelihood fisheries, then the government would enforce regulations.
Chief Gerald Toney, fisheries lead for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, says in the release the harvester was operating under the community's plan and was doing so within a federal commercial season.
The Fisheries Department wasn't immediately available for comment today.
Chief Wilbert Marshall of Potlotek First Nation says the seizure is a failure of the federal government to uphold treaty rights and called the actions of fisheries officers "shameful and unlawful."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2021.
The Canadian Press
The Potlotek First Nation, located about 75 kilometres south of Sydney, N.S., issued a news release indicating the community had authorized the traps as part of its livelihood fishery.
Indigenous fishers in Nova Scotia say a 1999 Supreme Court of Canada decision affirming the Mi'kmaq treaty right to fish for a "moderate livelihood'' lets them fish when and where they want. That decision was later clarified by the court, however, which said Ottawa could regulate the treaty right for conservation and other limited purposes.
Earlier this year, federal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan had said if bands haven't negotiated agreements with Ottawa and received federal licences for moderate livelihood fisheries, then the government would enforce regulations.
Chief Gerald Toney, fisheries lead for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, says in the release the harvester was operating under the community's plan and was doing so within a federal commercial season.
The Fisheries Department wasn't immediately available for comment today.
Chief Wilbert Marshall of Potlotek First Nation says the seizure is a failure of the federal government to uphold treaty rights and called the actions of fisheries officers "shameful and unlawful."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2021.
The Canadian Press
Sikh advocacy group says India blocked Canadian website to fund COVID-19 patients
OTTAWA — A Sikh advocacy group says the government of India has blocked a Canadian website that aims to raise funds for COVID-19 patients abroad.
© Provided by The Canadian Press
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a lawyer for Sikhs For Justice, said it launched a website Tuesday to connect patients in four Indian states with donations to buy liquid oxygen.
"Economically poor and economically downtrodden Indians do not have enough money to buy oxygen for their families and for the patients," Pannun said.
Oxygen cylinders have seen drastic markups amid a supply shortage as the pandemic ravages the country.
"A $2 cylinder, they are selling it at $30, a 1,500 per cent increase, even though the dead bodies are piling up," he said.
A screenshot provided by the group, which has chapters in Toronto, New York City and London, shows a computer unable to connect with the server of the new site, OxygenFund.org.
Pannun said only the Indian government has the authority to bar access to the web page, which he says received more than 60 applicants in the first 24 hours followed by thousands of WhatsApp calls since the site went off-line in India.
India's government did not respond to requests for comment Friday.
With the web page unavailable there, the organization has been swamped with WhatsApp calls over the last few days, largely from the states of Maharashtra and West Bengal.
"We have thousands of missed calls. Thousands. It's ringing non-stop," Pannun said, noting Sikhs For Justice has four people working "around the clock" to answer queries.
The group launched another site Thursday, Oxygen4Punjab.org, which was blocked again within hours, he said.
Anshuman Gaur, India's deputy high commissioner to Canada, says his government has labelled Sikhs For Justice a terrorist group, but could not comment on whether the state blocked its site.
"They are banned," he said in a phone interview.
The international organization, which advocates for an independent Sikh state and promotes humanitarian aid, was labelled "unlawful" in 2019 by the Indian government led by the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.
Last year, the government posted a short list of Sikh organizations and individuals it deems to be "terrorists." The list included Pannun, who has dismissed the designation as a reaction to his peaceful advocacy for an independent Sikh state.
Sunmeet Kaur, a registered nurse and community volunteer in the Greater Toronto Area, said the downed website could cost lives.
"Time is of the essence here … People are unfortunately dropping dead because they don't have access to basic things like oxygen," she said.
"Donors are ready and waiting, but we don't have anywhere to send this to right now."
The donations were not intended for a particular group, she added, but for anyone needing help in one of four pandemic-battered states: Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Sikhs make up a large portion of Punjab's population, but a small fraction of that of other states.
"It's just wherever it’s needed. You can see the situation is very dire," Kaur said.
"People are posting videos of burning bodies on the sidewalks, because there's really long lineups for the funeral, cremation and burial grounds."
Some Canadians are wiring funds to family in India directly.
"In Punjab it's much easier, because lots of people have family back home. They're used to sending money over and helping out where they can. But we don't know people in Maharashtra or West Bengal or UP," said Kaur.
"It's a matter of life and death."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2021.
Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a lawyer for Sikhs For Justice, said it launched a website Tuesday to connect patients in four Indian states with donations to buy liquid oxygen.
"Economically poor and economically downtrodden Indians do not have enough money to buy oxygen for their families and for the patients," Pannun said.
Oxygen cylinders have seen drastic markups amid a supply shortage as the pandemic ravages the country.
"A $2 cylinder, they are selling it at $30, a 1,500 per cent increase, even though the dead bodies are piling up," he said.
A screenshot provided by the group, which has chapters in Toronto, New York City and London, shows a computer unable to connect with the server of the new site, OxygenFund.org.
Pannun said only the Indian government has the authority to bar access to the web page, which he says received more than 60 applicants in the first 24 hours followed by thousands of WhatsApp calls since the site went off-line in India.
India's government did not respond to requests for comment Friday.
With the web page unavailable there, the organization has been swamped with WhatsApp calls over the last few days, largely from the states of Maharashtra and West Bengal.
"We have thousands of missed calls. Thousands. It's ringing non-stop," Pannun said, noting Sikhs For Justice has four people working "around the clock" to answer queries.
The group launched another site Thursday, Oxygen4Punjab.org, which was blocked again within hours, he said.
Anshuman Gaur, India's deputy high commissioner to Canada, says his government has labelled Sikhs For Justice a terrorist group, but could not comment on whether the state blocked its site.
"They are banned," he said in a phone interview.
The international organization, which advocates for an independent Sikh state and promotes humanitarian aid, was labelled "unlawful" in 2019 by the Indian government led by the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.
Last year, the government posted a short list of Sikh organizations and individuals it deems to be "terrorists." The list included Pannun, who has dismissed the designation as a reaction to his peaceful advocacy for an independent Sikh state.
Sunmeet Kaur, a registered nurse and community volunteer in the Greater Toronto Area, said the downed website could cost lives.
"Time is of the essence here … People are unfortunately dropping dead because they don't have access to basic things like oxygen," she said.
"Donors are ready and waiting, but we don't have anywhere to send this to right now."
The donations were not intended for a particular group, she added, but for anyone needing help in one of four pandemic-battered states: Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Sikhs make up a large portion of Punjab's population, but a small fraction of that of other states.
"It's just wherever it’s needed. You can see the situation is very dire," Kaur said.
"People are posting videos of burning bodies on the sidewalks, because there's really long lineups for the funeral, cremation and burial grounds."
Some Canadians are wiring funds to family in India directly.
"In Punjab it's much easier, because lots of people have family back home. They're used to sending money over and helping out where they can. But we don't know people in Maharashtra or West Bengal or UP," said Kaur.
"It's a matter of life and death."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2021.
Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press
FOSSIL FISH
Hold on! 240-pound fish, age 100, caught in Detroit River
© Provided by The Canadian Press
DETROIT — Now that's a whopper — a very old whopper!
A 240-pound (108.8 kilograms) sturgeon that could be more than 100 years old was caught last week in the Detroit River by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The "real life river monster" was nearly 7 feet (2.1 metres) long, the agency said Friday on Facebook, where the photo was shared more than 24,000 times by late afternoon.
“Based on its girth and size, it is assumed to be a female and that she has been roaming our waters over 100 years. She was quickly released back into the river” after being weighed and measured, the Fish and Wildlife Service said.
The typical lifespan is 55 years for a male sturgeon and 70 to 100 years for females, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
This fish was caught on April 22 near Grosse Ile, south of Detroit, while a three-person crew was conducting an annual sturgeon study. Frozen round goby, a tasty snack for a sturgeon, was used as bait on a long line that was deep in the river.
It took about six minutes to get the fish into the boat with a net.
“I felt the fish thumping on the line. As it got closer, it just got bigger and bigger,” said Jason Fischer, who was with fellow biologists Paige Wigren and Jennifer Johnson.
Wigren recalled thinking, “Yep, this is going to be a real good fish story.”
“She was tired out and didn't fight us very much,” Wigren said. “Imagine everything that fish has lived through and seen.”
Lake sturgeon are listed as a threatened species in Michigan. Anglers can keep one a year, but only if the fish is a certain size and is caught in a few state waters. All sturgeon caught in the Detroit River must be released.
DETROIT — Now that's a whopper — a very old whopper!
A 240-pound (108.8 kilograms) sturgeon that could be more than 100 years old was caught last week in the Detroit River by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The "real life river monster" was nearly 7 feet (2.1 metres) long, the agency said Friday on Facebook, where the photo was shared more than 24,000 times by late afternoon.
“Based on its girth and size, it is assumed to be a female and that she has been roaming our waters over 100 years. She was quickly released back into the river” after being weighed and measured, the Fish and Wildlife Service said.
The typical lifespan is 55 years for a male sturgeon and 70 to 100 years for females, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
This fish was caught on April 22 near Grosse Ile, south of Detroit, while a three-person crew was conducting an annual sturgeon study. Frozen round goby, a tasty snack for a sturgeon, was used as bait on a long line that was deep in the river.
It took about six minutes to get the fish into the boat with a net.
“I felt the fish thumping on the line. As it got closer, it just got bigger and bigger,” said Jason Fischer, who was with fellow biologists Paige Wigren and Jennifer Johnson.
Wigren recalled thinking, “Yep, this is going to be a real good fish story.”
“She was tired out and didn't fight us very much,” Wigren said. “Imagine everything that fish has lived through and seen.”
Lake sturgeon are listed as a threatened species in Michigan. Anglers can keep one a year, but only if the fish is a certain size and is caught in a few state waters. All sturgeon caught in the Detroit River must be released.
IN CANADA ALL FRESH WATER STURGEON ARE CAPTURE
AND RELEASE.
Canada's most beautiful, deadly spider calls the Okanagan Valley home
Jaclyn Whittal
The itsy, bitsy spider sat down on my garden hose.
This was not just any spider. My husband ran inside to tell me that we have a black widow in our garage. We are still fairly new to the Okanagan Valley in the B.C. Interior, so I was skeptical.
Could it actually be? Read below to find out what we saw.
THE LOOK, THE SHAPE, THE COLOUR
Meet the Latrodectus hesperus, the scientific name for the western black widow spider. Everything I read previously about the black widow is that it has a distinct sheen to them. A glossy, black outer coat like an arachnid leather jacket of sorts. This one had this look.
Another unique attribute to the black widow is the shape. It has an hourglass-like body with the head proportionally smaller than the rear end. The big differentiator from other spiders is a red marking on their belly. This little (not so little) spider had this shape, too. Finally, the size checked out correctly, measuring approximately at 3-4 cm with long, black legs, this image is straight out of a Stephen King novel I know.
I’m confident that we have a black widow here, but there was one distinct marking that we couldn’t see. We did not flip him/her upside down to see if it had a clear, red marking on its belly. I was too anxious to bring it away from my property and move it to the bush.
OKANAGAN VALLEY HOME TO MANY, EVEN MORE THIS YEAR DUE TO COVID
The Okanagan Valley is home to the western black widow spider, different from its southern cousin found in the Deep South, and the northern black widow found in parts of Eastern Canada. COVID-19 has had an impact on us all, even the spider populations.
The western black widow in the valley is said to be more present these days. Why? Not as many people squishing them as normal because a lack of people/tourists the past year means it didn't have to battle it out with them. The truth is, they are really quite harmless, I learned.
This spider I saw in my garage was confirmed by PhD candidate Andreas Fischer with Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. Fischer told me that "it's the only spider in Canada that can harm us to the point that we should go to the hospital and seek medical attention. But they don't like to bite."
Most of the black widow spiders in B.C. really look for hot and humid conditions. The Okanagan valley certainly gets hot in the summer. Andreas said that they seek out moisture sources and are often found lingering near garden hoses, like in my case, or on irrigation systems, as well as dark corners or closets indoors when they like to come inside during the fall season. Yikes! Turn the lights on!
WHAT TO DO IF YOU COME ACROSS ONE, AND WHAT ABOUT PETS?
If you are lucky (or unlucky) enough to come across one of these venomous spiders, it is best you do not confront or agitate them. After all, she did just lose her husband...see what I did there? Female black widows have potent venom containing a neurotoxin that can be harmful to pets and humans. Though they are truly not out to get us. They are shy and timid and if left alone, they will not bite. It is best to stay calm says Andreas, let them crawl off you. Do not panic or squeeze the spider or they may bit you.
Some known symptoms from this venom include pain, nausea, goosebumps and localized sweating. The venom is exuded from the spider's fangs and injected into the enemy, and you should see a doctor immediately if you have been bit. Most of the time though they do not bite, but females may be tempted to bite to protect their eggs.
"Death is very unlikely based on a black widow bite, but I would definitely recommend that you stay calm, and then seek medical attention," advises Andreas.
Jaclyn Whittal
29/4/2021
The itsy, bitsy spider sat down on my garden hose.
This was not just any spider. My husband ran inside to tell me that we have a black widow in our garage. We are still fairly new to the Okanagan Valley in the B.C. Interior, so I was skeptical.
Could it actually be? Read below to find out what we saw.
THE LOOK, THE SHAPE, THE COLOUR
Meet the Latrodectus hesperus, the scientific name for the western black widow spider. Everything I read previously about the black widow is that it has a distinct sheen to them. A glossy, black outer coat like an arachnid leather jacket of sorts. This one had this look.
Another unique attribute to the black widow is the shape. It has an hourglass-like body with the head proportionally smaller than the rear end. The big differentiator from other spiders is a red marking on their belly. This little (not so little) spider had this shape, too. Finally, the size checked out correctly, measuring approximately at 3-4 cm with long, black legs, this image is straight out of a Stephen King novel I know.
I’m confident that we have a black widow here, but there was one distinct marking that we couldn’t see. We did not flip him/her upside down to see if it had a clear, red marking on its belly. I was too anxious to bring it away from my property and move it to the bush.
© Provided by The Weather Network
OKANAGAN VALLEY HOME TO MANY, EVEN MORE THIS YEAR DUE TO COVID
The Okanagan Valley is home to the western black widow spider, different from its southern cousin found in the Deep South, and the northern black widow found in parts of Eastern Canada. COVID-19 has had an impact on us all, even the spider populations.
The western black widow in the valley is said to be more present these days. Why? Not as many people squishing them as normal because a lack of people/tourists the past year means it didn't have to battle it out with them. The truth is, they are really quite harmless, I learned.
This spider I saw in my garage was confirmed by PhD candidate Andreas Fischer with Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. Fischer told me that "it's the only spider in Canada that can harm us to the point that we should go to the hospital and seek medical attention. But they don't like to bite."
Most of the black widow spiders in B.C. really look for hot and humid conditions. The Okanagan valley certainly gets hot in the summer. Andreas said that they seek out moisture sources and are often found lingering near garden hoses, like in my case, or on irrigation systems, as well as dark corners or closets indoors when they like to come inside during the fall season. Yikes! Turn the lights on!
WHAT TO DO IF YOU COME ACROSS ONE, AND WHAT ABOUT PETS?
If you are lucky (or unlucky) enough to come across one of these venomous spiders, it is best you do not confront or agitate them. After all, she did just lose her husband...see what I did there? Female black widows have potent venom containing a neurotoxin that can be harmful to pets and humans. Though they are truly not out to get us. They are shy and timid and if left alone, they will not bite. It is best to stay calm says Andreas, let them crawl off you. Do not panic or squeeze the spider or they may bit you.
Some known symptoms from this venom include pain, nausea, goosebumps and localized sweating. The venom is exuded from the spider's fangs and injected into the enemy, and you should see a doctor immediately if you have been bit. Most of the time though they do not bite, but females may be tempted to bite to protect their eggs.
"Death is very unlikely based on a black widow bite, but I would definitely recommend that you stay calm, and then seek medical attention," advises Andreas.
© Provided by The Weather Network
Pets can be severely impacted by black widow spider bites. They may show signs of severe muscle pain, cramping, tremors, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Much like humans, they are given antivenom medications. If you suspect your dog or cat was bitten by a black widow spider, call your veterinarian immediately.
Thumbnail courtesy of Andreas Fischer.
Embedded content: https://players.brightcove.net/1942203455001/B1CSR9sVf_default/index.html?videoId=6250912547001
Pets can be severely impacted by black widow spider bites. They may show signs of severe muscle pain, cramping, tremors, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Much like humans, they are given antivenom medications. If you suspect your dog or cat was bitten by a black widow spider, call your veterinarian immediately.
Thumbnail courtesy of Andreas Fischer.
Embedded content: https://players.brightcove.net/1942203455001/B1CSR9sVf_default/index.html?videoId=6250912547001
Antibacterial Soap vs. Regular Soap: Which Should You Be Using?
Meghan Jones, RD.com
Antibacterial vs. regular soap
Antibacterial soap is not any more beneficial at destroying COVID-19 than regular hand soap. Why and what's the difference between the two in the first place?
Antibacterial soap "contains extra chemicals designed to kill or inhibit the replication of bacteria," explains Kasey Nichols, NMD, the medical contributor for RAVEReviews.org. That sounds good, but it turns out that all those chemicals don't actually provide any extra power when it comes to fighting viruses. "Antibacterial soaps target bacteria, and coronavirus is a virus. So an antibacterial soap is unnecessary," says Morton Tavel, MD, clinical professor emeritus of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Even when not just dealing with the coronavirus, antibacterial soap isn't any more beneficial than regular soap. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to find any evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than any other type of soap. Regular soap gets the job done—even when that "job" is killing the novel coronavirus.
How does soap kill the virus?
You might still be skeptical. After all, this virus is so nefarious that it's easy to doubt that just plain soap could negate it. Well, fortunately, it can!
Technically, "soap is not designed to kill germs on contact, but rather to wash germs away," explains Dr. Tavel. Essentially, soap does what water can't—it breaks down the fatty membrane that viruses have around them, causing the whole virus to break down. That membrane repels plain water similarly to the way oil does. Introduce soap and its ingredients, called surfactants, which attracts the contents of the membrane, causing it to break down. "The surfactants in soap lift up and break apart dirt and microbes from your skin, and the friction of rubbing your hands together helps remove the particles so they get washed down the drain," Dr. Tavel explains.
This process takes time, which is why it's so important to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Pair regular soap with the thorough washing of your hands, and viruses are removed from your hands and washed away—no fancy chemicals needed. (Discover the 15 diseases you can prevent just by washing your hands.)
Is antibacterial soap dangerous?
Well, the jury's still out on that subject. But the FDA has definitely found a couple of valid causes for concern when it comes to using antibacterial soap. One of the most common antibacterial agents is triclosan, which has been shown in some animal trials to alter hormone function. Its effects have undergone investigation from both the FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
That's not all. "There has also been concern surrounding whether or not antibacterial soap chemicals are causing bacteria to become more resistant to these chemicals and other antibacterial drugs," Dr. Nichols explains. Basically, the very bacteria that these soaps are supposed to kill might instead be evolving to become stronger and fight them.
Unless you're someone who already buys antibacterial soap, you don't have to worry about these concerns—because antibacterial soap isn't more helpful against the virus anyway! So stick to regular liquid and bar soaps. And, of course, make sure you're taking the most important step to prevent the virus: properly washing your hands. Wash for 20 seconds, making sure to scrub everywhere, including the backs of your hands and between your fingers.
.Next, we find out the difference between bar soap vs. liquid soap.
The post Antibacterial Soap vs. Regular Soap: Which Should You Be Using? appeared first on Reader's Digest
Gallery: 7 Harmful Beauty Product Ingredients That You Should Swap Out (Reader's Digest Canada)
7/7SLIDES © Brett Walther
PETROLATUM
Petrolatum or petroleum jelly is often used in moisturizers, lip balms and hair products because it acts as a moisture barrier and creates a sheen. The David Suzuki Foundation lists petrolatum as one of its "Dirty Dozen" harmful ingredients to avoid, as it can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which the European Union lists as a carcinogen. Nevertheless, the use of PAHs are not currently restricted by Health Canada.
If you want to skip petrolatum just to be on the safe side, try organic coconut oil or shea butter to moisturize your skin.
If you're feeling overwhelmed when it comes to "greening" your beauty routine, begin the transition slowly. "Start with the products you use most often and then eventually replace those items that you only use every once in a while," recommends Newell.
Meghan Jones, RD.com
© Photo: NickyLloyd/Getty Images
Antibacterial vs. regular soap
Antibacterial soap is not any more beneficial at destroying COVID-19 than regular hand soap. Why and what's the difference between the two in the first place?
Antibacterial soap "contains extra chemicals designed to kill or inhibit the replication of bacteria," explains Kasey Nichols, NMD, the medical contributor for RAVEReviews.org. That sounds good, but it turns out that all those chemicals don't actually provide any extra power when it comes to fighting viruses. "Antibacterial soaps target bacteria, and coronavirus is a virus. So an antibacterial soap is unnecessary," says Morton Tavel, MD, clinical professor emeritus of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Even when not just dealing with the coronavirus, antibacterial soap isn't any more beneficial than regular soap. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to find any evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than any other type of soap. Regular soap gets the job done—even when that "job" is killing the novel coronavirus.
How does soap kill the virus?
You might still be skeptical. After all, this virus is so nefarious that it's easy to doubt that just plain soap could negate it. Well, fortunately, it can!
Technically, "soap is not designed to kill germs on contact, but rather to wash germs away," explains Dr. Tavel. Essentially, soap does what water can't—it breaks down the fatty membrane that viruses have around them, causing the whole virus to break down. That membrane repels plain water similarly to the way oil does. Introduce soap and its ingredients, called surfactants, which attracts the contents of the membrane, causing it to break down. "The surfactants in soap lift up and break apart dirt and microbes from your skin, and the friction of rubbing your hands together helps remove the particles so they get washed down the drain," Dr. Tavel explains.
This process takes time, which is why it's so important to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Pair regular soap with the thorough washing of your hands, and viruses are removed from your hands and washed away—no fancy chemicals needed. (Discover the 15 diseases you can prevent just by washing your hands.)
Is antibacterial soap dangerous?
Well, the jury's still out on that subject. But the FDA has definitely found a couple of valid causes for concern when it comes to using antibacterial soap. One of the most common antibacterial agents is triclosan, which has been shown in some animal trials to alter hormone function. Its effects have undergone investigation from both the FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
That's not all. "There has also been concern surrounding whether or not antibacterial soap chemicals are causing bacteria to become more resistant to these chemicals and other antibacterial drugs," Dr. Nichols explains. Basically, the very bacteria that these soaps are supposed to kill might instead be evolving to become stronger and fight them.
Unless you're someone who already buys antibacterial soap, you don't have to worry about these concerns—because antibacterial soap isn't more helpful against the virus anyway! So stick to regular liquid and bar soaps. And, of course, make sure you're taking the most important step to prevent the virus: properly washing your hands. Wash for 20 seconds, making sure to scrub everywhere, including the backs of your hands and between your fingers.
.Next, we find out the difference between bar soap vs. liquid soap.
The post Antibacterial Soap vs. Regular Soap: Which Should You Be Using? appeared first on Reader's Digest
Gallery: 7 Harmful Beauty Product Ingredients That You Should Swap Out (Reader's Digest Canada)
1/7 SLIDES © Photo: ShutterStock
FRAGRANCE
"If you only change one thing in your beauty routine, the ingredient you should avoid is fragrance," says Lindsay Coulter, the David Suzuki Foundation's resident green living expert. Labelled as "parfum" on Canadian beauty product labels, fragrance isn't just in colognes or perfumes; in fact, it's added to everything from body wash to shampoo to face creams. Even unscented products can contain fragrance compounds that act as masking agents. "It shows up as one word [on the ingredients label], but it can be a concoction of hundreds of different ingredients," Coulter explains. According to research published by the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, these anonymous chemical compounds can trigger allergies and asthma, cause hormone disruption, and in many cases, are harmful to fish and other wildlife after they get washed down the drain.
Not ready to give up smelling pretty? There are still plenty of green alternatives, says Jen Newell, a Toronto-based naturopath. "I recommend that people opt for products with essential oils or other natural scents," Newell says.
2/7 SLIDES © Photo: ShutterStock
PARABENS
Parabens are preservatives that can be found in everything from makeup to moisturizers to fragrances. Problem is, numerous studies have shown that these chemicals—which are easily absorbed through the skin—have the potential to interfere with hormone function and have been linked with breast cancer. How do you rid your beauty routine of this particularly harmful ingredient? Keep an eye out for products that are labelled "paraben-free," and study the ingredient list carefully, as these pesky preservatives can be listed in different ways, including "methylparaben" or "propylparaben
3/7 SLIDES © Photo: ShutterStock
TRICLOSAN
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that can be found in antibacterial soaps, body washes, hand sanitizers, toothpaste and mouthwash. The issue with triclosan, Coulter says, is that it kills all bacteria—good and bad. Although this ingredient is not yet regulated in Canada, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States banned its use in September 2016 on the grounds that it could pose health risks, including bacterial resistance and hormonal effects. The good news? It's easy to steer clear of this harmful ingredient, as triclosan is listed on product labels
4/7 SLIDES © Brett Walther
SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS, sometimes also known as SLES) is a chemical additive that makes super-foamy bubbles and suds. It's often listed as a main ingredient in soap, shampoo, face wash and dish soaps, says Coulter. The reason that SLS should be avoided is that it can be contaminated with ethylene oxide, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer lists as a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical). Check your soaps for this ingredient before purchasing and don't fret if the SLS-free product you try doesn't produce a rich lather like your old shampoo or body wash. A lack of suds doesn't mean it's not doing it's job, says Coulter; it simply means you're skipping out on a harmful chemical.
5/7 SLIDES © Photo: ShutterStock
PHTHALATES
Phthalates are commonly found in fragrance compounds and may be labelled simply as "parfum" on product packaging, says Newell. Research suggests they can disrupt hormones during critical periods of human development (such as a baby's development in utero) and they've also been associated with male infertility.
If you're having trouble identifying which products might contain harmful ingredients such as phthalates, Newell recommends downloading the Think Dirty App to your smartphone. It allows you to scan the bar codes of the products in your daily beauty regimen, and then assesses their degree of safety.
6/7 SLIDES © Photo: ShutterStock
OXYBENZONE
Oxybenzone is the active ingredient in many popular sunscreens, but Newell recommends avoiding it when possible—and for good reason. According to a study published in the International Journal of Andrology, oxybenzone has been linked to skin reactions and it may even disrupt hormones. There have also been studies indicating that when oxybenzone is exposed to sunlight it can form free radicals that cause skin cell damage. This doesn't mean you should skip sunscreen altogether, of course. It's easy to avoid this chemical if you stick with mineral-based zinc or titanium oxide sunscreens.
7/7SLIDES © Brett Walther
PETROLATUM
Petrolatum or petroleum jelly is often used in moisturizers, lip balms and hair products because it acts as a moisture barrier and creates a sheen. The David Suzuki Foundation lists petrolatum as one of its "Dirty Dozen" harmful ingredients to avoid, as it can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which the European Union lists as a carcinogen. Nevertheless, the use of PAHs are not currently restricted by Health Canada.
If you want to skip petrolatum just to be on the safe side, try organic coconut oil or shea butter to moisturize your skin.
If you're feeling overwhelmed when it comes to "greening" your beauty routine, begin the transition slowly. "Start with the products you use most often and then eventually replace those items that you only use every once in a while," recommends Newell.
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