The Cadre - 2 February 1999

By ERINFAGAN

The sixth annual UPEI Health Fair was held last week in the Robertson Library, of- fering a wide range of infor- mation concerning student and faculty health issues.

A joint initiative of the nursing and nutrition depart- ments, faculty, and various on and off campus organizations, the creatively planned event attracts large numbers in the hopes of passing on vital infor- mation.

“We work on providing an educational experience, in- formation and awareness in a concise and interesting man- ner,” explained Sheila Dresen, Dean of Nursing and co- ordinator of the fair.

According to Dresen, students often don’t have the Opportunity to attend public lectures and outside events due to the lack of time.

“With this event, stu- dents can [on their way to classes] walk through, stop and look, and take in some good information. This can impact a lot in a good way, giving stu- dents something to take away with them.”

Dresen added that the large committee was “very

appreciative” of the support offered by various organiza- tions and sponsors which have enabled the fair to have sucha strong presentation.

The event offers opportunities for nutrition and nursing stu- dents at various levels in “learn- ing to educate and promote health to people,” according to Melanie Blanchard, president of the nursing society.

“A big part of nursing is teaching health education. . nursing is greatly changing [to that focus].”

First year students are assigned “clients,” or volun- teer subjects, with whom they meet three times before the fair. Their task is to help the clients access health informa- tion onestablished themes, and the final stage of the project as to take the client on a tour of the exhibits.

Third year nursing stu- dents, as part of a Health Teaching course, are involved with planning and presenting exhibits of their own at the fair.

“It offers a natural pro- gression in what your skills are, throughout the program, Blanchard says. “The chal- lenge [for the 3rd year stu- dents] isto make their displays

— ee = se. wee The health fair in the Breezeway offered loads of resources pass i

applicable to the community.”

Julie Smith, one of the 3rd year presenters, explained the value of the experience. “Everything helps you to learn.”

Smith co-presented an exhibit concerning alcohol and students, which was entitled the “Ripple Effect”

“Alcohol does affect everything and everyone, not just one person,” described Smith as she pointed out a video on drinking and driving.

The title also derives from the idea that excessive

UPEI News 3

Working for a healthier UPEI

drinking affects a wide range of physiological systems. One portion of the display included three preserved livers, show- ing the strong difference in appearance between a healthy liver, the “fatty liver” ofa binge drinker, and the cirrhosis liver ofa long-term alcoholic. Smith felt that this element in par- ticular helped students to see physical evidence of the infor- mation they were presenting.

One surprising aspect was that ofa survey conducted of forty subjects within the Breezeway. Results showed

that 15 per cent of those sur- veyed were at high risk for alcoholism, 16.2 per cent of the males had been arrested for drunken behaviour and 69 pe cent of the females polled ad been involved in fights while under the influence. The exhibit also looked at alcohol and risky sexual activity. Other exhibits dealt with other relevant student health topics, suchas STDs.

*Continued on page 4

UPEI hosts speaker on Quebec nationalism

The Canadian studies program at the University of Prince Edward Island is pleased to welcome Dr. Dan- iel Salée - a well-known scholarand public speakeron the issue of Quebec national- ism-tothe campus. Dr. Salée will address “The Many Faces of Quebec Nationalism” ata

iy

by R.Haines

public presentationon Mon- day, February 8, 1999 at 7:00 pm, inRoom 130, Main Build- ing, UPEI.

Salée has conducted research on inter-ethnic rela- tions in Quebec, the definition of citizenship in Canada, the Aboriginal question in Que- becandidentity politics. He is a noted expert in Canadian affairs and the political economy of Canada. Cur- rently, he is a professor and principal at the School of Community and Public Af- fairs, Concordia University.

“Dr. Salée’s visit is a great opportunity for UPEI’s students, faculty and the

“ greatercommunity,” says Dr.

David Morrison, Acting Di- rector of the Canadian Stud- ies Programme. “Quebec na- tionalism is a very topical issue withreal implications for Canadians. We are very

: | pleased to have a speaker of

Dr. Salée’s calibre on our campus.”

Inhis lecture, Salée will discuss how, contrary to what is often thought outside Que- bec and by opponents of Quebec sovereignty, Quebec nationalists do not all share the same opinions and agenda. Asapolitically objective ana- lyst, he is able to present an un-biased account of the mood and actions of both the political leaders and average citizen.

Dr. Salée is a regular contributor on local, national and international electronic and print mediaand is willing to conduct interviews in both English and French. Appear- ance’s include CBC’s Morningside, Home Run, Commentary, CBC- Newsworldand Radio-Cana- da’s RDI, CTV, Independ- ent Satellite News, and Reuter Financial Television.