Congratulations - Durham College and UOIT

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8 The Chronicle November 6, 2007 By Alistair Lowe Chronicle Staff As the sun begins to set, the wind calms and birdsong fi lls the air as migrating and year round residents call to one another. A ripple on a pond gives away the presence of a Muskrat family, swimming back and forth to their den with fresh vegetation. Out of the corner of your eye you may catch a Great Blue Heron in fl ight, its elongated neck piercing the air as it soars. Baltimore Orioles, their bright orange breasts glowing in the light of the setting sun, weave and dodge through the trees. Glades of trees, cool under their canopies, provide shelter for rabbits, squirrels and hundreds of species of birds. During the winter months the trails and marshes are a perfect place to cross-country ski, skate and snowshoe. Th is idyllic setting may sound like it’s in a remote corner of the world where pavement doesn’t exist. But it’s right here in Oshawa, a mere 10 kilometres from the campus. Located in the southeast corner of the city is the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve, a wetland area that boasts 4.5 miles of walking trails, almost 290 species of birds and many species of reptiles and mammals. General Motors of Canada Limited owns the property and spearheaded the project in 1988 when it included the wetland area in its plans to construct a new corporate headquarters. Th e building, easily recognizable from the 401, was built so it would not interfere with migrating birds, and the lighting system is computer controlled to further limit the impact of humans on the wildlife. “When GM moved here in 1989 we were very careful about our impact on the environment,” said Stew Low, director of public relations for GM. “Th e buildings and surroundings were specifi cally designed in cooperation with local environmental groups to be in harmony with our surroundings. McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve was created to preserve and pro- tect this great wetland and the species in it.” Since the area opened to the public in 1990 it has become a bird watching mecca in southern Ontario. Anne Kerr walks the trails regularly to keep fi t and enjoy the wildlife. “I’m not a bird watcher but it’s hard not to be because they’re everywhere. I especially like the swans,” said the active 70 year old. Families of Mute swans live in the protected waters along the shore of Lake Ontario, raising their families in the summer before heading south to warmer climes. Recently, another exciting development was announced for the area. Already designed, the Great Lakes Wetland Centre will soon be under construction. Th e centre will be an educational facility and tourist attraction. Visitors to the two-storey 18,000 square foot centre will be able to eat at the licensed restaurant, tour 4,000 square feet of display space, or view the marsh and its wildlife from the rooftop viewing area. Th e centre will also cater to schools with educational displays and classroom space. GM donated fi ve acres of land worth about $750,000 for the centre, the City of Oshawa gave $250,000 and $288,000 was donated by the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program. Further fundraising will be needed before construction can begin. “Th e Great Lakes Wetland Centre represents much more than simply a new building,” says the Friends of Th e Second Marsh website. “It is about ensuring a future that values innovation and leadership in the delivery of environmental education.”Th e Friends of Th e Second Marsh are actively raising funds for the new project. Slowly, the sun slips below the horizon at McLaughlin Marsh, bats zigzag through the air hunting insects. Crickets chirp as, off in the distance, the distinct call of a Screech Owl fi lls the air. With an asphalt jungle surrounding it, the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve stands out as a peaceful and beautiful wild space to be enjoyed by all. CAMPUS NEWS Wildlife reserve, scenic escape UOIT growing By Chris Buttonshaw Chronicle Staff UOIT is going to be getting bigger. Preparation for construction has begun for UOIT’s new Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE). Th e centre is being built next to the Nuclear Generating and Engineering Building and will be joined with it as well. Th e ACE building will be a stateof-the-art, internationally competitive complex of aerodynamics and thermodynamics, capable of recreating numerous weather conditions including snow, rain, severe winds, etc. It will cost approximately $60 million to build and will have six fl oors of classrooms, prep-rooms, staff offi ces and a massive wind tunnel that will be able to hold buses, plane wings, and small train carriages. Th e wind tunnel will be open to external transport companies and researchers to use and could lead to a spin-off tech park near the campus for the companies’ and researchers’ pieces. Th ere are other wind tunnels in Ontario, the nearest being in Ottawa and Western University in London. “Our wind tunnel will be superior to those,” UOIT president Ron Bordessa said. “Th e $7 million the schools decided to put into the building added three additional fl oors and will almost double the space available.” Th e university has a large automotive element and presence in its degrees so the ACE building is simply a natural extension of the school. Th e ACE building is scheduled to open at the beginning of the school year in fall 2008. Photos by Alistair Lowe NATURAL BEAUTY: The birds and the bees are just two of the lovely critters inhabiting the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. Above: Swans enjoying the evening sun. Below: Pollen covering stuck to its body, a bee relishes the fl oral buffet. College seeks student leaders to serve as new ambassadors By Alyshia Higgins Chronicle Staff Attention all leaders, Durham College is now looking for ambassadors. Th e college is looking for natural leaders who are Durham College students or graduates with at least a 2.5 GPA. Stephanie Th omson, the oncampus recruitment event offi cer, said the role of the ambassador is a not only important, but helps to develop professional skills. “Ambassadors play a very important role in the recruitment of new students,” she said. “Th ey are the voice of the college, giv- ing campus tours and helping at college events.” According to Th omson, there are currently six active ambassadors. Th e position is voluntary and fl exible, said Th omson. Th ere is a minimum two-hour-a-week commitment. Ambassadors can maintain their position for as long as he or she wishes. “As an ambassador, you can earn valuable credit towards your co-curricular record, such as leadership and participation. It’s also a great way to make contacts within the school.” Besides making new contacts, ambassadors can promote the college to potential students, their parents, high schools, businesses and the community. Th e training process to become an ambassador is simple as well. “I give them a tour, and then they give me a tour. Th en I follow them on a tour with the public,” said Th omson. “We have a general training session with all ambassadors at the beginning of the year and then we have other meetings if they are required.” Th omson said anyone interested in the position can contact her by emailing their resume to stephanie.thomson@ durhamcollege.ca, or by calling 721-3044.
By Allison Bryan Chronicle Staff If needles aren’t your thing, then acupuncture is for you. Acupuncture, widely used in Asia and gaining popularity in North America, is now available on campus. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that treats illness or provides local anesthesia by inserting needles at specifi c sites on the body. “Th e needles are very thin. It is common for patients to not feel them as they are being inserted” says Dr. Kelly McAllister, a chiropractor who also performs acupuncture at the Campus Health Centre. “Th e width of the needles that are used for treatment is between 0.20mm and 0.25mm and the length is between 15 and 40 mm depending on the depth of the area in question. Th ey are very small and fl exible.” Th ere are two diff erent types of acupuncture: traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and medical acupuncture. Medical acupuncture is the form of acupuncture offered on campus. It focuses on biomechanical injuries such as neck pain, headaches, migraines, back pain, shoulder conditions, tennis and golfer’s elbow, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, just to name a few. Patients can have acupuncture to relieve tension, to heal joint problems, to ease a painful headache and much more. McAllister, a professional chiropractor on campus, explains the wide-spread use of acupuncture on campus and in Canada. “It’s becoming more and more popular and a widely accepted form of treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.” McAllister demonstrated the technique of inserting a needle, which is surrounded by a tube, into a wellcleaned area. Not a pinch, not a scar, not a bruise. “Th e tube that surrounds the needle is called the guide tube. It is a clear plastic tube which helps to insert the acupuncture needle smoothly and comfortably,” McAllister said. For McAllister, there is no guess-work when it comes to acupuncture. “You have to have an indepth knowledge of anatomy and physiology for acupuncture to be safe for the patient.” McAllister, who received her undergraduate degree from Brock University, has eight years of postsecondary education. While at Chiropractic College she decided to improve her knowledge base by studying acupuncture because it complimented chiropractic practice. “As a chiropractor you are always searching for better ways to help treat your patients.” Seeing as acupuncture can help such a wide range of conditions there must be side eff ects or risks, right? “Th e most common risks are a tiny spot of blood, a bit of bruising or tenderness. Nausea or lightheadedness is possible, however not common,” McAllister said. Infections are not common either. “Th e risk of infection from acupuncture is very low. Th e needles used for treatment are individually packaged and are pre-sterilized. No needle is every reused,” McAllister said. However, she said if the area is already infected, then steps are normally taken to prevent irritation. “With any type of skin infection, acne, eczema . . . stay clear of the area.” Th ose who are pregnant can expect the highest level of care when having acupuncture and this will not interfere with the pregnancy. McAllister says there are certain key points on a woman’s body which when stimulated can induce labour more quickly. “With pregnancy there are safe acupuncture points but there are also other points which should be avoided.” Th e patient must let the doctor know if she is expecting. Acupuncture for children is benefi cial, McAllister says, CAMPUS NEWS “Acupuncture has been shown to be helpful in treating a variety of conditions in children however I recommend that needles should not be inserted close to growth plates just to be cautious. I don’t want to disrupt the growth pattern.” Traditional Chinese medicine, commonly referred to as TCM, focuses on harmonizing the body, mind and spirit through Yin and Yang forces. Chinese acupuncture and Reiki closely work together. According to Dr. Oz, who is frequently featured on the Oprah Winfrey show, Reiki involves the movement of a healer’s hands over the patient’s body, sometimes without any physical contact with the body. Its purpose is to sense imbalances of energy and to strengthen, correct or redirect the subtle energy fl ow as a means to promote health. Traditional Chinese acupuncture and Reiki are used for psychological and physiological ailments, needs and addictions. Some use Traditional Chinese acupuncture as a way to quit smoking, for hair growth and for many other reasons. In ancient China, acupuncturists would heat the needle with fi re to send a heating sensation through the body for additional The Chronicle November 6, 2007 9 Needles go in, pain comes out By Alyshia Higgins Chronicle Staff Non-student partiers may have to wait their turn before coming to a college pub night. Th e guest policy has recently Photo by Allison Bryan YOU MIGHT FEEL A PINCH: Dr. Kelly McAllister (left) carefully inserts an acupuncture needle, avoiding the tattoo on her colleague’s back. McAllister says she will always try to avoid putting a needle through someone’s tattoo. been changed from three nonstudent guests per Durham, UOIT and Trent student, to one. “Th ere have been some safety concerns brought to our attention by students and staff involving non-students,” said Will Ellis. Ellis, manager of the Student Centre, said this isn’t the fi rst time the guest policy has been changed. “Certainly there have been times where there’s been increased issues,” he said. “Th e most important thing is the safety of students.” Th e policy is in eff ect for pub healing. Traditional Chinese acupuncture is generally performed by an acupuncturist. An acupuncturist focuses and specializes in acupuncture alone. McAllister is not an acupuncturist; she is a chiropractor who also performs medical acupuncture. Nervousness is common when having acupuncture for your fi rst time. To calm a patient down prior to acupuncture, McAllister explains the process so the patient has a fi rm grasp on what will be taking place. “I try to explain it as much as possible before we start so that patients understand and know what to expect. Once we start I try to vocalize every step. Th is helps to relax the patients a lot.” McAllister jokes when being refl ective about a patient who was terrifi ed of acupuncture because of the needles. Yet, the person had a huge tattoo. Speaking of tattoos, one can still have acupuncture done if they have a tattoo. However, as with an epidural, McAllister will work around the tattoo. She refuses to put a needle through the ink. Joanne Roddick has been a fan of acupuncture since she was 35. She is now 44. “I’ve used it to nights and club nights, Wednesday and Th ursday nights. According to Ellis, the college has teamed up with its partners, including security, and feel that the decision to lower the non-student guests was appropriate. “Th ey all agree with what we help with my arthritis. I also have rheumatism, so it works marvelously. I’ll swear by it. It works. It’s some good stuff .” Roddick, an employee at Sears Canada at the Oshawa Centre, wishes her mother, who is 79, would be willing to try acupuncture because she is suff ering with many illnesses. “My mother has never been into medicinal treatment that isn’t from Canada. She was always pretty leery of stuff like that. Besides, she wouldn’t ever spend her money on acupuncture, but when I offer to pay, she refuses because she claims it’s too much money for me to spend on her. She doesn’t realize it’s worth it because it works!” Receiving acupuncture can be both worthwhile and exciting. Th e initial consultation is similar to a general physical. During the initial consultation Dr. McAllister will take a thorough health history as well as perform orthopedic tests to isolate the cause of your pain. She looks at your mobility, your blood pressure and much more. After assessing the patient, the treatment begins with the actual needles. After inserting the tiny needles into the area, the needles are left in for 15 to 20 minutes. “We try and leave them in for approximately 20 minutes,” McAllister said. A myth about acupuncture is that it enhances athletes performances before a big game. Dr. McAllister says, not true! It treats injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. “Athletes can come before or after a game and it won’t enhance their performance like steroids. If they are in pain or are injured, that is another story but it will not ‘enhance’ their performance as some may claim.” Durham College opened its Campus Health Centre in September ’07. Th e Complementary Health Services provides chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy and nutritional counselling with more to come by next year. According to McAllister, the word is out. “A number of staff and students have come in for acupuncture.” An acupuncture treatment costs $30 for students and 80 per cent of this cost is covered by your Student Insurance Plan. Th erefore, students who did not opt out of their insurance plan only have to dig into their pockets for $6 and the rest is taken care of. Th e hours of operation are Monday through Th ursday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Fridays the clinic is opened from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dr. McAllister books appointments for acupuncture every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Pick your friend carefully: you only get one have done here. By reducing the number of non-students, we are maximizing student safety.” Ellis said students can expect the revised policy to remain in effect until December. “We will re-evaluate the situation in December,” he said.
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Page 5 and 6: New garbage site not a big hit Burn
Page 7: By Amy England Chronicle Staff Th e
Page 11 and 12: CAMPUS NEWS Photo by Chelayne Pasco
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Page 29 and 30: ENTERTAINMENT DS Zelda game forms n
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Page 35 and 36: By Dwayne Wynter Chronicle Staff Fo
Page 39 and 40: SPORTS NEWS The Chronicle November

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