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Exercise can help with cancer and help prevent it, says panel
An international panel of experts in cancer and rehabilitation has devised new guidelines to help people prevent cancer or recover from it and improve their survival. “In terms of cancer treatment, we know that being active, in theory, has been safe. We’ve done a lot of research there and it’s beneficial,” says Kristin Campbell, associate professor of physical therapy at the University of British Columbia and the Canadian representative on the international panel. Exercise said to reduce fatigue, anxiety, depression “The research suggests that 30 minutes of aerobic activity, three days per week and two days a week of strength training can reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve feelings of anxiety and depression, improve your physical function and improve your overall quality of life.” The panel suggests doctors work out an exercise plan with cancer patients as part of their overall recovery regimen. (iStock) Exercise said to help prevent 7 cancers The panel also found that 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity like brisk walking or running can reduce the risk of getting seven common cancers. They are colon, breast, endometrial, kidney, bladder, esophagus and stomach cancer. A new program has been devised to help health care providers ensure that people living with and beyond cancer are assessed and referred to appropriate exercise and rehabilitation as part of their overall care. The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology was one of the 17 groups on the panel which also included American Cancer Society, German Union for Health Exercise, Exercise and sport Science Australia among others. Prof. Kristin Campbell explains what exercise can help prevent cancer or improve the lives of cancer survivors. (Martin Dee/University of British Columbia)EN_Interview_2-20191018-WIE20
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Do we trust science? McGill professor weighs in
A recent study suggested there was not enough evidence to prove that people should avoid eating red meat and processed meats. This ran contrary to previous studies which have, for years, suggested that consumption of these meats should be reduced to avoid cardiovascular disease. The study caused much controversy particularly when it was revealed that one of the 13 scientists involved had five years earlier conducted a study on sugar which received some funding by an industry with a vested interest. The scientist was criticized for not reporting that in the current study on meat. However the journal publishing the study only requires a scientist report any conflict of interest that occurred within the last three years. Study not 'really meaningful,' says professor “It’s irrelevant, irrelevant when it comes to this paper,” says Prof. Joe Schwarcz, director of the McGill University Office for Science and Society. “What we should be looking at is whether the advice that they (the authors of the study) are now giving, that people … do not need to cut back on their meat consumption because there is just too little evidence that they will reap any benefit... that’s what we need to look at...Unfortunately I don’t think it’s very meaningful.” The safety of eating meat depends on many factors such as portion size, how the meat is prepared and one’s own health conditions. (iStock) Many factors to take into account Schwarcz says weak evidence is not the same as no evidence. This study did not look at portions, how the meat is cooked, how often it is consumed and what is being eaten with it. Nor does it take into account who is eating it and what their medical profile may be. Schwarcz is less concerned by who may have funded a study than he is by which studies may have not been published out of concern for the effect on funders. “That’s why, these days, what I push for is some sort of agency that would require that any study that is undertaken be registered with that agency before the study is started, so that you can’t hide the data and you’d be forced to publish even if it’s contrary to what you would like it to be.” The official Canada Food Guide consists of half fruit and vegetables, one-quarter whole grains and one-quarter various sources of protein. (Government of Canada) Canada Food Guide based on best science, says professor Schwarcz’s view is that the Canada Food Guide has the correct recommendations for what people should eat based on the current science. And that suggests that half a dinner plate should hold vegetables and fruit, one-quarter should hold whole grains and the last quarter should hold a protein that could be meat, fish, beans or lentils, or nuts. He is concerned that conflicting studies may shake people’s confidence in science, as may sensational media reports about them. But he urges people to look at studies and to assess their methods and accuracy. And he adds, people can always turn to his office which is neutral and dedicated to making science accessible to the public. Prof. Joe Schwarcz says scientific studies should be registered before they begin. (YouTube)EN_Interview_2-20191015-WIE20
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Extinction rebellion action in Canada: measured success
On October 7, 2019, Extinction Rebellion activists blocked several bridges in Canada and succeeded in drawing attention to their message that climate change is an emergency already underway. The movement’s name refers to the belief that the world has entered the sixth global mass extinction event. It’s symbol is an hourglass that represents the view that time is running out. The group’s first protest in 2018 rallied 1,500 activists in London, England, and has since spread to more than 60 countries. When compared with the large student marches led by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, actions by Extinction Rebellion tactics are more intense. Three protesters scaled a Montreal bridge on Oct. 8, 2019, forcing police to shut it down during rush hour. (Simon Marc Charron Radio-Canada) Dramatic acts sometimes break the law “Extinction Rebellion engages in non-violent, direct action, where they do dramatic acts. Sometimes they even break the law,” says Patricia Wood, a geography professor at York University and author of Citizenship, Activism and the City. “They are trying to really draw attention and interrupt our daily lives.” They occupy urban space in a way that disrupts commutes, they have glued themselves to government buildings and they sometimes wear colourful costumes and use creative signage.” Some activists, like the one in the background on an Edmonton street, wear colourful costumes to draw attention to their demands. (Amber Bracken/The Canadian Press) Negative reaction can help, says author There has been some negative reaction to the tactics, notably from commuters who argue that sitting in their cars on blocked bridges emits more greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. But Wood says that can further the activists’ goals. “It certainly is annoying and that’s kind of the point, right, is to interrupt and annoy people as a way of really getting their attention around the urgency of this question because, while a lot of people may acknowledge the reality of climate change and the need to do something, there’s...an accurate sense that we’re not doing enough and we’re not doing it quickly enough.” More action coming next week Wood thinks the action has succeeded in drawing more attention to the urgency of climate change in that there has been extensive media coverage and efforts by journalists to delve more deeply into the subject, and politicians have been talking more about it, particularly in Canada’s current election campaign. There will be another week of intense actions by Extinction Rebellion and Wood says she will be interested to see if they grow in size and drama, and whether governments respond. “If governments do not respond to them, I think it’s likely that we could expect to see an escalation in tactics because certainly, the science is on their side. They’re right and the urgency isn’t going away.” Prof. Patricia Wood discusses the tactics of climate activists with Extinction Rebellion. EN_Interview_2-20191011-WIE20
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Eye scan may soon permit early detection of Alzheimer’s
Canadian researchers are testing a new technology that could be widely used for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease which causes problems with memory, thinking and behaviour. Current tests involve PET scans or spinal taps. But a new technology has been developed involving a simple eye exam that could be done during routine eye checkups. “The hyper spectral camera...is able to measure how light is reflected from the back of the eye--the retina,” says Dr. Sharon Cohen, medical director of the Toronto Memory Program. “The pattern of reflection translates into whether we have a signature of Alzheimer’s disease or not. It’s an ingenious biotechnology…(that would make) diagnosis pain free, inexpensive, accessible and scalable to the global population.” Incidence of Alzheimer's increasing worldwide There are over half a million Canadians living with Alzheimer’s now and that increases by 25,000 every year, notes Cohen. Globally, 50 million people have this form of dementia and there are expected to be 150 million by the year 2050. The scan of the eye can detect signs of amyloid, a toxic protein characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. (Cole Burston/RetiSpec) Early diagnosis helps research, helps people While there are no cures for Alzheimer’s, Cohen says it is still vital to have an easy way to diagnose it. “Most cases are either undiagnosed or diagnosed late at the point of crises when families are struggling to cope. So, putting a label on what’s wrong with somebody is not trivial. It allows people to get care, to get information and to join clinical trials that will move forward the treatments of the future. “It also helps research. If we properly identify and identify early who has or is developing the disease then we’re much more likely to hasten the treatment breakthroughs that we so badly need.” Researchers at the Toronto Memory Program are doing validation studies now comparing the results they get with a retinal scan of patients who have had a PET scan or examination of spinal fluid. If the results are the same, they hope to commercialize the eye scanning technique and have it available within one year. Dr. Sharon Cohen explains how the RetiSpec technology works and why it is so important. (Stephanie Cohen)EN_Interview_2-20191008-WIE20
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Art: the amazing Canadian artist you never heard of
Canada has produce a great many world class artists, but which have consistently been overlooked by critics. Only recently have some, such as Tom Thomson and the Group of 7 begun to be recognized internationally for their amazing talent. Still that leaves many who are clearly world class, but relatively unknown outside a few limited Canadian arts experts One such superb talent was that of Peter Clapham Sheppard. A stunning new book chronicles and highlights the life and work of this incredibly talented artist. Tom Smart is the award-winning author of this and several other critical biographies, catalogues and books on Canadian artists.. Having worked in art galleries and museums across the country, he is currently the Director and CEO of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick. ListenEN_Interview_2-20190829-WIE20 This large coffee table style work published by Firefly Books is a celebration of rediscovery of an outstanding Canadian artist. Not only was Sheppard (1882-1965) an amazingly talented painter, but even more surprising that he is so little known is that he played a leading role in the creation of Canada’s national school of art. A close-up portion of the full length portrait entitled "In the Garden" c-1912, oil on canvas. The painting showing his mastery of detailed portrait painting, although he also produced more figurative portraits. A leading commercial illustrator, draughtsman, and lithographer his ability with exacting detail in such work is remarkably contrasted with his ability for interpretation of scenes in his prolific artwork. Unlike many who developed a particular style, Sheppard’s work shows that he could master any style he chose, from portraits, to landscapes, to industrial subjects, oils, pencil, and watercolour. A contemporary of the now world famous Group of 7 who are known for powerful interpretations of Canada’s wilderness and nature, a subject he himself was also drawn to producing his own superb works. However, he was also fascinated with inner cities, run-down old buildings surrounded by the vast skyscrapers thrusting up in the new cities around them. Another example of his mastery of any style he chose, here somewhat in the style of the Group of 7, is "Pines, Windy Day, Georgian Bay" c-1029 oil on board, It is one of several of his nature and wilderness paintings He felt this was a rebirth amidst the destruction of the First World War, but tinged with the nostalgia for the past. He also was captivated by ships and the busy city harbours of Toronto, Montreal and New York, major cities where he produced much of his work, again as a modernist looking toward the future. Yet his work also touches on the lives of the working class. Sheppard was also intrigued by ships and the busy harbours, here showing one of several such themed works, this is "Freighter" 1922 oil on board Incredibly this talented artist ended his life in poverty and has been largely forgotten. Tom Smart hopes this over 200 page book with its multitude of wonderful colour reproductions of Sheppard’s artworks, and a detailed look into his life, will help restore the artist to his rightfully deserved place of recognition. Additional information Vaughan Citizen: D Al-Shibeeb: Nov 16/18: Curator wants Peter Sheppard to be part of Canada’s history Canadian Art: Dec 3/18: Peter Clapham Sheppard and the Group of Seven Artnet: (images of over 200 of Sheppard paintings) pcsheppard.com
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