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Grassroots ~ July 19th - August 1st, 2011
Views on Vision
Critically Speaking
By Dr. Charles A. Boulet 'Hormone-sparing Light' In the July 4th, 2011 edition of the New York Times, Laura Beils’ article "In Eyes, a Clock Calibrated by Wavelengths of Light" describes a fascinating series of research studies involving how we respond to exposure to artificial light and how it affects our hormonal rhythms. We humans are designed to live diurnally, that is work in the daytime and rest at night. Yet more and more, our environment is increasingly cast in light that is predominantly blue, as in daylight, and for longer hours. Artificial light, from computers to headlights to environmentally friendly room lighting is trending towards light that energizes and excites our senses. What we expect, and perhaps need, at night is warm light - long wavelength rays to calm us, prepare us for rest and allow melatonin to be produced. Long wavelengths - yellow, orange and red (and the invisible infrared) - are the warm colours that we also associate with fire and heat. We only foolishly expect our bodies to 'naturally adapt' to the increased exposure to excitatory electromagnetic radiation (blue light). Our physiology requires a minimum amount of rest and quiet for proper long-term optimal functioning. At a minimum, extended overexcitation through daylight and artificial light sources can easily be seen
to contribute to some mild learning disabilities (memory and executive function) and fatigue-related attention deficits. On the other end of the spectrum, people with severe lightrelated hormonal imbalances can exhibit extreme health and emotional problems. The idea of 'hormonesparing light' is a concept that will soon see greater interest in the retail markets. We can expect to see domestic and industrial lighting that is more custom tailored to the needs of the inhabitants and to the purpose of the space. This is commonly practiced now to some degree industrial and academic lighting tends to be lighted in blue to activate our sympathetic nervous responses and elevate our metabolism, while domestic spaces are bathed in warmer tones to relax us and prepare us for sleep. Future developments will see home and office automation that will balance not only intensity or level of illumination, but also the hue and saturation to promote different states of physiological 'tuning', such as for productivity, waking up, studying, exercising or having a long hot soak in the tub. Of course, this will all be controlled manually or automatically through your favourite portable device. Parents of children with learning problems are encouraged to consider reducing lighting in the evenings and to restrict exposure to electronic
devices. Video games, for example, are not only highly energizing mentally, they require extended exposure to additional blue wavelengths that the body simply does not need and is illequipped to deal with in excess. If all the chores are done and homework is accounted for, there is little need for more than 60 minutes of dedicated video gaming time in an evening. It is ultimately more important for the distracted child to learn to be quiet and still than to become more adept at something almost always completely devoid of benefit. We are only beginning to wake up to the importance of our visual world. Knowing how we are affected by visual input allows us to control the stress it imposes upon us and to use its effects to our benefit. Parents can implement some simple elements in their home lives to lessen problems of distraction, and poor concentration and memory, all stemming from poor sleeping habits. www.LearningManageme nt.ca to learn more about learning and reading difficulties.
Dr. Boulet is a former teacher and now operates Diamond Valley Vision Care in Black Diamond where he continues to work with children with learning difficulties. Call 403-933-5552. www.dvvc.ca and www.LearningManagement.ca.
The George Traditional House in Okotoks is a great place to catch the UFC fight, hockey game, or shoot a game of pool. They're not shy about mixing a round of Monoxides (1 part Jameson Irish Whiskey with 2 parts Red Bull) and the food is impressive. We really rolled the dice by ordering a steamed mussels special; seafood on the prairies, in a pub, on special. I was half expecting a red tide special, but they were flavoured with wine, butter, garlic and tasted great. The chef who handpicked these saucy, fresh mollusks definitely knew what to keep and what to throw away. Well Done!
Prepare your child for KINDERGARTEN
3 & 4 Year-Old Preschool Programs
Register NOW for September 2011 Enrollment
Now offering DROP-IN
Ted Morton, candidate for PC Party leadership, announced his Tuition Tax Credit Program on July 6th offering a creative, forward-looking plan to make post-secondary education more affordable, to foster development of Alberta's human resource capital and to help with our province's growing labour shortage. As a former university professor, Morton understands the value of postsecondary education to
Okotoks Driver’s Education classroom: July 25th, 26th, 27th 10:00am - 5:00pm at Lakeview Inn
AM Drop-In (6-11:30am) $27 PM Drop-In (11:30-6pm) $32 Full Day Drop-In $49
• Class 5 Driver’s Ed. • Class 1, 3 & Air brakes • Brush up courses
118 Main Street, Turner Valley T0L 2A0 Tel: 403-933-3391 Fax: 403-933-3361
Locally owned & operated since 1987 Not affiliated with any other driving school
childrensplacechildcare@telus.net
shows - but don't ensure a capable serving staff. It's difficult to care that you're in the nicest pub in town when the service is slower than an underwater tai chi class. Frequent, friendly service is where The George truly stands apart. It's definitely worth bringing the crew to The George for a meal and a Monoxide any day of the week. Plus, the pub is host to occasional events which can be found on their w e b s i t e a t www.thegeorgetraditional house.com. For more Recipes, Food News and Restaurant Reviews, visit the DISCUSSIONS page at www.facebook.com/LexM onoxide.
Ted Morton releases his Tuition Tax Credit Program
WE’RE WE’RESTEERING STEERINGYOU... YOU... IN INTHE THE RIGHT DIRECTION! DIRECTION! High River Driver’s Education classroom at our shop: August 19th 6:00pm - 9:00pm, August 20th and 21st 9:00am - 5:00pm
The menu encompasses Irish and local pub fare in addition to a well-rounded array of beer, wine and spirits. Furnished pubstyle with dark wood and brass, The George offers plenty of seating in a clean, casual atmosphere, wheelchair access and a nice, sunny patio. Their Happy Hour runs 4 to 7pm, Monday to Friday and Saturday night features specials on entrees and house brand hi-balls. I've patronized Donegal, The Joyce, Limericks and the rest of “Calgary's Best Pubs” and they all share a common theme: plenty of hotties in plaid skirts roaring around and none of them carrying drinks. The owners spend millions on décor – and it
young people and to our province as a whole. This policy "isn't just good for our children. It's good for Alberta. Increasing postsecondary participation building a more educated workforce - will foster innovation and diversification that strengthen Alberta's economy," he said. "It will also provide another tool to address our province's labour shortage issues," he added. The plan will provide a refund of tuition paid by
Alberta students if they complete their program of study and then remain in Alberta and work for the next seven years. The tuition will be paid back in the form of nonrefundable tax-credits and capped at a maximum value of $20,000. Mr. Morton's Tuition Tax Credit Program is an integral part of his platform that will enhance our competitiveness and strengthen the Alberta Advantage.
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High River Driving School 403-652-1262 Okotoks Driving School 403-369-2656
DON’T MISS OUT... everything you need to “SEND ‘EM BACK!!!” Office: 403-933-4283 or 403-938-2469 · Fax: 403-938-2473 Email: gazette@telus.net · Website: www.gatewaygazette.ca