CONTENTS 5 7
Early experience in community health sets career course for Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosana Pellizari Nigerian villagers poo-poo open defecation Pat Newson
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Natural medicine provides relief for menopausal symptoms Dr. Dana Marshall N.D.
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Raw Cacao Fudgesicle Recipe
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Moving Pictures™ Terri Catlin
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Parents’ choices colour journey with autism Jennifer Krumins
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Shawna finds voice, healing
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California Avocado and Chicken Salad
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Miranda embraces TS journey Miranda Zeppieri
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Farah finds independence in Canada, new life Promo Video
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www.Discovering-Women.com Design / Photography: MB Graphics & Events Managing Editor / Writer: Linda Doran Viscardis Publisher: Miryam Buchahim Editorial: linda@discovering-women.com Advertising Inquiries: miryam@discovering-women.com Text: 705-768-1035 Office: 705-243-0636 459 George St. N., Suite 210 Peterborough, ON
Contributors: Dr. Rosana Pellizzari (on the cover) Pat Newson Jennifer Krumins Miranda Zeppieri Shawna Farah Zafarzadeh Dr. Dana Marshall N.D. Terri Catlin
Discovering Women Magazine and its logotype is a registered name. The publication is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced by any means without permission of the publisher. Discovering Women Magazine is produced and distributed four times a year. Subscriptions: Telephone 705-243-0636 Four issues for $15 plus taxes. Canada only. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or visual material. Story submissions, letters to the editor, press releases and promotional material in whole or in part or in any medium may be used, reproduced, published, stored or archived without compensation of any sort. This does not apply to materials, pitches, photography and illustrations submitted in accordance with known industry practices. Discovering Women Magazine will not be held liable for opinions expressed by authors. or damages or losses however sustained as a result of any information, opinions or products within its pages or its Website.
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Welcome to the pages of Discovering Women. We are very pleased that you are taking a few minutes to peruse the pages of the Summer 2013 edition. The theme of this issue is Health—In All Its Forms. We touch on only a few areas of interest— because there are just so many topics to cover, we hope to pursue this subject again in future issues. Some Discovering Women readers may know of my keen interest in health. I have been on a journey towards improved health for over two decades. I have learned that good health for some may mean that, physically, they are feeling well. For me, optimal health involves all aspects of one’s life—we often are reminded of the need to balance our mind, body and spirit. I feel good when my mind is calm and able to focus on the many things in my life for which I am grateful; when my body is able to do what I want it to do, when I want to do it; and, when I am in close contact with God. When things are a bit out of sync, I might feel a little unwell. Many people take their health for granted—they might never think of their health, until one day it is suddenly an issue. Some make conscious decisions every day that support a healthy lifestyle. Many people think only of their own health and that of their close family and friends.
We are very grateful to these women for opening up to us, and for the intimacy of their sharing. Their stories leave me wanting to know more about them. We hope you feel the same way. So, put your feet up and allow yourself a few uninterrupted minutes to enter into the lives of the women whose stories are told in this issue. We are learning from our readers, so, as always, we encourage your input and feedback. Linda Viscardis Managing Editor / Writer
www.Discovering-Women.com
To Our Readers, from the Editorial Team
Linda Viscardis Managing Editor / Writer
For some, their own health is of importance, yes, but they might also be very concerned about the health of their entire community. In the following pages you will read about women, who fall, for the most part, into this latter category. I hope that, like me, you will find their stories inspiring. Miryam Buchahim Publisher / Art Director
Our website is a totally new concept, ready for iPad TM and Smartphones
We invite you to submit your nominations and story ideas by email to: linda@discovering-women.com Visit www.discovering-women.com to nominate a woman whose story must be told–click on Nominate an Amazing Woman. Submit photos and events to: miryam@discovering-women.com For advertising and design, email: mbgraphicsevents@yahoo.com 705-243-0636 4
Issue #5 | www.Discovering-Women.com | 2013
Early experience in community health sets career course for Medical Officer of Health
District Health Unit, located in Stratford, Ontario. However, Rosana’s journey to the office of the Medical Officer of Health did not start there. It began years ago when, fresh from high school, she travelled to India. There, up in the Himalayas, she gave two years of her life as a volunteer in a community health centre. The experience was life transforming. “I was involved in maternal health programs, T.B. treatment, literacy and nutrition programs, village dairy and housing cooperatives, as well as women’s handicraft cooperatives,” she says. “I lived and breathed the link between the social determinants of health and health outcomes.” That experience in rural India obviously made a huge impact on the direction Rosana’s career would take. Originally destined for a straight science degree before achieving her ultimate goal of a medical degree, she changed direction and focused instead on the social sciences. “I did community organizing in First Nations communities in Northern Ontario before I did my medical training,” says Rosana. “This really set my course for a population health perspective, with a focus on root causes.” Rosana’s international and domestic experience may have charted the course, but it was her experience in family medicine in Toronto and Hamilton that really put the wind in her sails.
Photo by: MB Graphics & Events Make up: Faces by 2 Hairstyle: Burgandy’s In the photo Dr. Rosana Pellizzari. Medical Officer of Health
T
he work that Dr. Rosana Pellizzari is currently doing as Medical Officer of Health appears to have naturally followed many years of preparation. Every position she has taken, both volunteer and paid, since secondary school, has helped to put her on the course to her current position at the Peterborough County-City Health Unit, a position she has held since coming to Peterborough in 2008. Rosana brought with her a great deal of experience, coming from Toronto Public Health, where she held the position of Associate Medical Officer of Health and Director of Planning, as well as having served as the Medical Officer of Health for the Perth
“My 15 years as a family doctor, working with disadvantaged populations such as immigrants, refugees, and families in lower socio-economic situations, gave me a good grounding and led to my desire to work within public health,” she says. It has not always been easy, or glamorous, working in public health. As a mother, Rosana faced the challenges that many working moms face. Although challenging, the experience drew her to people in a way that only a shared experience can. Being a mother only served to attune her to the needs of women and families.
Smoke-free multi-unit dwellings the next frontier...19 2013 | www.Discovering-Women.com | Issue #5
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Emergency .................................................................................................................911 Police (non-emergency) ................................................................................................705-876-1122 Hospital ................................................................................................705-743-2121 Activity Haven Seniors’Centre ................................................................................................705-876-1670 Alcoholics Anonymous ................................................................................................705-745-6111 Bereaved Families of Ontario - Peterborough ................................................................................................705-743-7233 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough ................................................................................................705-743-6100 Canadian Mental Health Association ............................................................................................1-866-990-9956 Children’s Aid Society ................................................................................................705-743-9751 City of Peterborough Municiple Police Victim Services Unit ................................................................................................705-743-8922 Community Care ................................................................................................705-742-7067 Community Counselling Resource Centre ................................................................................................705-743-6976 Community Living Peterborough ................................................................................................705-743-2411 Community Race Relations Committee ................................................................................................705-742-9658 Elizabeth Frye Society of Peterborough ................................................................................................705-749-6809 Family Counselling Service and Volunteer Information ................................................................................................705-742-4258 Five Counties Children’s Centre ................................................................................................705-748-2221 Good Neighbours Care Centre ................................................................................................705-742-9800 Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation Business Advisory Centre....................................................................705-743-0777 Hospice Peterborough ............................................................................................... 705-742-4042 Kawartha Community Midwives ................................................................................................705-745-7640 Kawartha Food Share ................................................................................................705-745-5377 Kawartha Participation Projects ................................................................................................705-745-4122 Kinark Child and Family Services ................................................................................................705-742-3803 Labour Ready Inc ................................................................................................705-760-9111 Legal Aid Ontario ................................................................................................705-743-5430 Literacy Ontario Central South ................................................................................................705-749-0675 Mapleridge Seniors Recreation Centre ................................................................................................705-742-1481 Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabe-Kwewag ................................................................................................705-741-0900 Ontario Disability Support Program ................................................................................................705-742-9292 Ontario Early Years Centre - 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Issue #5 | www.Discovering-Women.com | 2013
Nigerian villagers poo-poo open defecation turn situate themselves in the midst of their people. Our dog-and-pony-show is a welcomed source of entertainment. Song and dance kick off proceedings, drawing more to the circle. Spontaneous musical outbursts continue to burst from the crowds and our facilitators over the next couple of hours—religious odes and cultural anthems sung in traditional tongue (think Paul Simon’s Graceland). We introduce ourselves. “Me, I be Patricia.”
In Photo: Pat Newson
EDITOR’S NOTE What follows is the first submission of what we hope will be a regular column that documents the work of our Nigerian correspondent, Pat Newson, who is working for a humanitarian aid organization. Written in a journal format, she brings a unique perspective to this piece, which takes me right into the remote village she is visiting. I suddenly feel very grateful for the services we take for granted here in Canada.
Today’s community visit proves successful: mission triggering accomplished—no more open defecation in this village. Some 250 men, women and children from a remote rural settlement gather beneath the shade of fruit-bearing mango trees. His Royal Highness the Village Chief takes his place plum in the midst of his Elders council, who in themselves in the midst of
I’m the only oyibo (white person) in a small entourage representing the local government of Bekwarra in the State of Cross River, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and, Concern Universal—the Executing Agency behind Nigeria’s newly launched Global Sanitation Fund project. This is the project’s debut outing. We daren’t tell our audience the purpose of our visit. Talking about defecation is considered impolite. In many local languages there isn’t even a direct translation for the word. We need to use creative ingenuity. It’s easiest to say we’re here to learn— to learn about their village, their farms and families, and life. Upon permission from His Royal Highness, facilitators round up the children and move to another area for their own triggering exercise. And so it begins. It’s fascinating to watch the villagers create a map of their settlement—something they’ve never conceived before. They’re timid at first, but excitement and enthusiasm build as they jostle to identify the location of their family compounds, their churches, roads and forests, their school and stream—using sticks and leaves and stones and coloured bits of paper on the ground beneath the trees. More than a couple of them say they have toilet amenities, but their
see Sawdust marks the spot...page 17
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Natural medicine provides relief for menopausal symptoms Dr.Dana Marshall Photo by: MB Graphics & Events
a reduction in symptoms. Other herbs can also be included in a formula to treat imbalances, depending on the symptoms a woman is experiencing.
The transition into menopause is a result of
changing hormones, most specifically a decline in the production of estrogen and progesterone. Not all women experience symptoms of menopause; however, for the ones that do, natural medicine can provide relief to a wide range of menopausal symptoms and minimize discomfort during a woman’s aging years. Symptoms commonly associated with menopause: •hot flushes, night sweats •changes in libido •fatigue and decrease in energy •irregular and/or heavy periods •weight gain •sleep disturbances •vaginal dryness •anxiety, nervousness, irritability Menopause is the ending and natural transition of a woman’s reproductive life cycle. Why not treat and support the body naturally as well? Consider the following ideas: •Acupuncture and Chinese Traditional Medicine: Acupuncture and Chinese formulas have been used for hundreds of years to successfully treat symptoms and imbalances associated with menopause. •Botanical Medicine: Herbs such as Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) and Cimicifuga racemosa (Black cohosh) are very effective in helping the body to regulate hormone balance, thereby causing 88 Issue #5 | www.Discovering-Women.com | 2013
•Nutrition: Avoid excess caffeine, alcohol, processed foods and sugar, and include 1-2 TBSP ground flax and pumpkin seeds daily in your diet. Address any hidden food sensitivities, limit dairy and ensure you are consuming at least 40 grams of protein daily (most of this coming from vegetarian sources), and find time to detoxify the liver and bowels. •Lifestyle and Mindfulness: Restore balance—exercise daily, practice meditation, calm the nervous system, find positive ways to cope with stress and make time for fresh air each day. Embrace this next chapter of your life with open arms! •Consider Additional Testing: Sometimes the natural decline of hormones becomes more imbalanced than one would expect. Women can consider salivary testing to measure estrogen and progesterone levels along with cortisol, DHEA and other hormones that can contribute to the symptoms mentioned above. Addressing adrenal and thyroid function is also very important when looking to restoring balance. Menopause is a natural transition in life. It can be associated with many uncomfortable symptoms and increased susceptibility to new health concerns (hormonally linked cancers, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease). Take charge of your health—ask a Naturopathic Doctor how they can help you make the change gracefully and comfortably by feeling your best at all stages of life. Dana Marshall BHSc (hons), N.D. Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Visit our Consult the Doctors Facebook™ page. Dr. Susan Joyce and Dr. Dana Marshall, Doctors of Naturopathy, answer our readers’ health-related questions every Tuesday evening, from 8:00 to 9:00 ET. Although they will not necessarily be able to answer each person’s questions in detail, they will answer in a way that will be of relevance to our broad reading audience. Dr. Joyce and Dr. Marshall may be contacted directly at Healthy Foundation Naturopathic Clinic, located at 219 Sherbrooke Street in Peterborough (second floor). For information, call 705-243-5163 or email info@healthyfoundations. ca.
Scan with your smartphone to visit Consult the Doctors Facebook™ page
Raw Cacao Fudgesicle Just like a chocolate popsicle! Even if you’re not on a raw food diet, this is a great healthy, sugar-free summer dessert. Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups raw almond milk (see instructions below) 1/4 cup raw almond butter 1/4 cup raw cacao powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 to 4 TBSP raw light agave nectar Preparation: Blend all of the ingredients together on high speed until the mixture is uniform. Adjust the flavour if necessary. Pour into a Popsicle tray and freeze for at least 3 to 4 hours or until the fudgsicles are frozen solid. It’s usually best to either let them thaw for 5 minutes or carefully run the tray under hot water until the pops loosen enough to pull them out without breaking them. YIELD: 6 servings NUTRITION per serving (approximate): 142 Calories; Total Fat 8 g; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 1 mg; Potassium 0 mg; Total Carbs 14 g (1 g Dietary Fibre; 12 g Sugar); Protein 3 g; Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 3%; Iron 0%
Raw Almond Milk Ingredients: 1 cup raw almonds Water for soaking nuts 3 additional cups of filtered water 2 raw dates (optional) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) Preparation: Soak the almonds in water overnight, or for at least 6 hours. Drain the water from the almonds and discard. Blend the 3 cups of water, almonds and dates until well blended and almost smooth. Strain the blended almond mixture using cheesecloth or
other strainer. Homemade raw almond milk will keep well in the refrigerator for three or four days. YIELD: 3 cups of almond milk NUTRITION per cup (approximate): 255 Calories; Total Fat 19 g; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 0 mg; Potassium 27 mg; Total Carbs 12 g (4 g Dietary Fibre; 5 g Sugars); Protein 11 g; Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 12%; Iron 8%
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Issue #5 | www.Discovering-Women.com | 2013
MOVING PICTURES ™ #1 The Lives of Others Moving Pictures™ is a series of movie reviews based on their emotional impact and what we can learn from them. I know the thought of subtitles can be a major strike against watching a movie, no matter how great you’ve heard it is. It almost seems like it’s going to be too much work. But my experience has been that, if the movie is good, the subtitles disappear and you’re swept away by the story. Against the monochrome and often bleak background of East Berlin in 1984, we meet three people whose lives and fate become inextricably intertwined. Wiesler is a member of the ever-watchful Stasi—the East German Secret Police. Georg is a famous and loyal Socialist playwright, and Christa, his girlfriend and muse, an actress and “great artist” of the East German stage. On the orders of a corrupt senior government official who has fallen for the glamorous actress, Wiesler is assigned the task of finding an act of state disloyalty on the part of her boyfriend. As Wiesler monitors their actions and conversations, he undergoes a transformation. Wiesler has blind faith in his beliefs, his country and his place in all of it. He follows orders unfailingly—until he allows the lives of Georg and Christa to open his heart, his eyes and his mind. What moves me about Wiesler is his willingness to question that which he holds as unquestionably true. What do we hold as “true” that keeps us from seeing from another’s perspective? What limits do we put on our thinking that disallow compassion and ultimately love of our fellow human beings? Wiesler, Georg and Christa are all put to a test of character. Those who possess the courage to stand for what they believe in will face great risk. But the cost of succumbing to weakness is even greater. What I am reminded of in this winner of the 2006 Best Foreign Language Academy Award is this: Being true to oneself isn’t always easy, but it’s not nearly as difficult as the alternative. The Lives of Others is available on Netflix™. Terri Catlin is an actor, writer and director. www.terricatlin.com/writer
In photo: Terri Catlin 2013 | www.Discovering-Women.com | Issue #5
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In Photo:Jennifer Krumins
Parents’ choices colour journey with autism – Krumins
Having a child diagnosed with autism can be either a blessing or a burden; which it is has nothing to do with the diagnosis and everything to do with the parent’s chosen attitude, according to Jennifer Krumins, teacher, author, and parent. Jennifer, a 22-year teaching veteran, has devoted the last decade to special education, with a speciality in autism. But it’s not her years of teaching, or her Masters of Education in psychology, that uniquely qualify her to provide encouragement to parents whose children live with the effects of autism. It’s not even the fact that she has a business called Autism Aspirations, or that she has written four books on the subject. It’s the fact that she is the parent of 17-year-old Kieren, who lives with autism. And, it’s what she has chosen to do with her experience as a parent and the knowledge she has gained over the last 17 years that will encourage other parents like her. “It’s the attitude we choose,” says Jennifer. “We can’t choose the events of our child’s birth, or the diagnosis. But we can choose how to respond.” 12
The choices parents make will colour the journey with autism, according to Jennifer. Viewing the diagnosis as a burden is bound to cast a dark shadow on not only the parent’s life, but the child’s as well. For example, parents can choose to “fight” for what their children need, or they can choose to “advocate,” Jennifer says.
Use the word “advocate” instead of “fight” “’Fight’ is such a negative word; it holds a lot of power,” she says. “Let’s use ‘advocate’ instead. With ‘advocacy,’ we choose a posture of working as a team, building bridges, finding common ground.” By focusing efforts on building up, rather than tearing down, parents become role models for their children, and for other parents too, says Jennifer. “We model how to respond to life’s hardships,” she says. “We model hope and perseverance and acceptance. We choose to work with the future in mind–setting goals and working together to achieve them.” Jennifer Krumins is the author of Been There. Done That. Finally Getting it Right: A Guide to Educational Planning for Students with Autism; One Step at a Time: ABA and Autism in the Classroom; Practical Strategies for Implementing Applied Behaviour Analysis for Students with Autism; Autism and the Grandparent Connection: Practical Ways to Understand Your Grandchild with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Une étape à la
Issue #5 | www.Discovering-Women.com | 2013
fois: ACA et autisme en classe; and Stratégies pratiques pour implanter l’Analyse Comportementale Appliquée pour élèves autistes, available online at amazon.ca. Jennifer lives in Peterborough with her husband of 22 years, Ivars. Together they have three children, aged 19, 17, and 11. Jennifer would be happy to connect with Discovering Women readers. She may be contacted at: krumins@autismaspirations.com
Tips
•Choose a person-centred
focus: focus on the person rather than on the diagnosis. •Choose to partner: find common ground with teachers, agency staff and others who wish to support you. •Choose to be a resource: develop a working document that outlines the strategies tried, which ones have worked, and which ones have not. •Choose empowerment: meet your child where he’s at, build in the supports he needs, and then push him to the next level. •Choose high expectations: expect great things from the professionals supporting you and your child, from your child, and from yourself. •Choose a positive attitude: you can choose to be bitter, or you can choose to grow.
Shawna finds voice, healing
S
hawna’s legacy will be measured by the number of voices rising to confidently declare, “I am happy; I am healthy.” She is helping others to rise above their circumstances by finding their voices, just as she’s done. Diagnosed six years ago with mental illness, Shawna is committed to wellness not just for herself, her husband, and their two children, but also for others who, like her, live with mental health issues. Today, Shawna finds healing by speaking up about mental illness. And, through her involvement with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s LYNX Early Psychosis Intervention program, she’s helping others to find their voices, and healing, too. “I give credit to the program,” says Shawna. “I’m living proof it works.” For Shawna, the journey began when, at age 14, she became the victim of sexual abuse. As other teens were preparing for the excitement of high school, she was dealing with a secret so big it would impact her life forever.
“I was an average teen,” says Shawna. “But then things happened. I had to hide what was happening to me. I ran away from home, living house to house, then back home again. I got into drugs and drinking. I changed from being confident and active to piercing myself, changing my appearance–signs I now recognize as progression towards a traumatic break with reality.” For five more years, the abuse continued, until Shawna reached what some might call the breaking point. Shawna says it was the beginning of her journey towards health.
“People just need to speak up. Healing starts there.” “I’d since met a great guy; we were about to have our second child,” Shawna begins. “I was planning our wedding, and the trauma I’d been hiding came to the surface.”
she was hospitalized and eventually diagnosed with post-partum depression, bi-polar disorder and anxiety from the effects of trauma. But by speaking up, Shawna had been able to get the help she needed. The support enabled her to take her life back. “I stopped a very long history of horrible dysfunction,” says Shawna. “Our boys are happy, confident children. I’m confident they will be happy, healthy adults. It’s the best payoff I could ever hope for. And it was all so much easier than I imagined it would be.” She this
had made recovery into “big thing,” she says.
“But all I had to do was to give myself a voice. People need to understand that they just need to speak up. Tell someone they’re having trouble. Healing starts there.” For more information about CMHA’s LYNX Early Psychosis Intervention Program, call toll free, 1-866-990-9956, or visit www.lynxtracks.ca.
Somehow, she found the confidence to tell her family about the abuse. This had a massive impact on her –she heard voices, had irrational thoughts. After trying to kill herself, In photo Kathleen Wild
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California Avocado and Chicken Salad Dark, leafy greens help to naturally and gently detoxify the liver. They can also help restore balance by removing bad estrogens that build up in the body. Want an extra boost? Consider sprinkling ground flax seeds onto this salad as well! Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 TBSP peeled and crushed fresh ginger root 2 TSP EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) 4 TBSP freshly squeezed lime juice 3 TBSP freshly chopped cilantro Sea salt and pepper to taste 6 cups fresh greens (arugula, spinach, dandelions, etc.) 1 avocado, peeled and sliced 2 peaches, peeled and sliced 2 TBSP chopped red onion Directions: •Preheat the oven to 350°F. •Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken, and bake until cooked through but still moist (30-40 minutes). •Remove from the oven, and, when cool enough to handle, cut into bite-sized chunks. (Chicken can be cooked a day in advance.) •Combine ginger, olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and salt and pepper in a salad bowl and mix well. Add the greens and toss with the dressing.
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Photo by: MB Graphics & Events In photo: Heather Wasson
•Divide the greens among four plates, and arrange the avocado, peaches and chicken on the four plates. Sprinkle with the onion and serve. YIELD: 4 servings NUTRITION Information per serving: Calories 410 Carbohydrates 42g Protein 31 g Fat 13.1 g Fibre 8 g From THE HORMONE DIET, by Dr. Natasha Turner Random House Canada, 2009
Peterborough Musicfest – Walk off the Earth Jul 17, 2013 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Del Crary Park, George Street, Peterborough ptbomusicfest.ca 705-755-1111 Women Empowering Women Network Dinner July 24, 2013 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Ricky’s All Day Grill 898 Monaghan Road, Peterborough, (Call to RSVP) discovering-women.com 705-243-0636 La Hacienda Feria Events: “Oaxaca” July 30, 2013 - Sept 7, 2013 190 Hunter St W, Peterborough lahaciendamexico.com 705-742-1559 Women Empowering Women Network Dinner Aug 20, 2013 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Marty Moo’s 2205 Keene Rd. Peterborough (Call to RSVP) discovering-women.com 705-243-0636 Buckhorn Fine Art Festival Aug 17, 2013 - Aug 18, 2013 1801 Lakehurst Rd., Buckhorn buckhornfineart.com 705-657-1918
Pioneer Corn Roast Sep 01, 2013 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM Lang Pioneer Village, 104 Lang Road, Keene langpioneervillage.ca 705-295-6694 Artsweek Peterborough 2013 Sep 06, 2013 - Sep 13, 2013 Various locations around the Peterborough downtown artsweekptbo.com 705-772-9634
Clash of the Titans Oct 01, 2013 - Oct 11, 2013 9:30 PM - 11:30 PM 2254 County Road 507, Trent Lakes buckhornobservatory.com 705-657-2544 Spooky Halloween 2013 Oct 18, 2013 - Oct 19, 2013 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Lang Pioneer Village, 104 Lang Road, Keene langpioneervillage.ca 705-295-6694
ZimArt Rice Lake Gallery Experience Hope Mill Oct 19, 2013 - Oct 20, 2013 Sep 10, 2013 - Sep 10, 2013 855 Second Line, Bailieboro, Ontario 3414 Hope Mill Road, Lang zimart.ca 705-939-6144 hopemill.ca |705-745-5791 Issue #1|www.PeterboroughWomenMagazine.com |2012 La Hacienda Feria Events: “Independence day Sept 15, 2013 - Sept 16, 2013 190 Hunter St W, Peterborough lahaciendamexico.com 705-742-1559 Women Empowering Women Network Dinner Sept 25, 2013 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Shish-Kabob Hut 220 King St, Peterborough (Call to RSVP) discovering-women.com 705-243-0636
Women Empowering Women Network Dinner Oct 22, 2013 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Captain George’s 91 George St N, Peterborough (Call to RSVP) discovering-women.com 705-243-0636 La Hacienda Feria Events: “Day of the Death” Oct 29, 2013 - Nov 05, 2013 190 Hunter St W, Peterborough lahaciendamexico.com 705-742-1559
2013 | www.Discovering-Women.com | Issue #5
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For 24 of her 29 years, Miranda Zeppieri has been consciously living with a disorder she inherited at birth. But it’s not the “living with” that sets her apart. It’s her attitude. When Miranda was five years old, she and her younger brother were blessed with new siblings–twins. At six weeks of age, the youngest twin, Michael began having seizures. This led the family into a barrage of tests, which found that Michael’s seizures were caused by a genetic disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TS). The tests revealed that Miranda also had TS. “Symptoms of TS vary from person to person,” says Miranda. “Michael and I both have TS, but the disorder manifests differently. He has two types of seizures; I have two different types. He has some learning challenges; I have learning challenges, too, but am more independent. We both have non-malignant tumours on all major organs, as well as angiofibromas on our faces.” Tuberous Sclerosis has had a huge presence in Miranda’s life. There were the many stays at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, and challenges at school. But the angiofibromas made the biggest impact, affecting how others looked at her. Often judged unfairly, Miranda has had to endure many unkind reactions to her appearance. “I was bullied, and I’ve heard some pretty hurtful things,” says Miranda. “But, I learned pretty early on that TS is a journey. I could live a ‘woe is me’ life, or I could choose to embrace the journey.” Miranda has chosen well. Today, when Miranda gets the inevitable inquisitive stare or rude comment, she takes the opportunity to sharpen her advocacy skills. “I’m very strong now,” she says. “I take the opportunity to educate people about TS.”
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In Photo: Miranda Zeppieri Photo by: MB Graphics & Events
Miranda embraces TS journey
Miranda’s strength not only helps as she educates the public at large, but is helping as she continues to pursue her passion for educating children with special needs. “I started working towards my Early Childhood Education diploma in 2003,” says Miranda. “I’m so close. Soon I’ll be working full-time in a field I’m passionate about. I’ll be able to relate to my students with special needs in a very special way. And I’ll be able to inspire their parents to believe that anything is possible.” Miranda would love to share more of her journey with Discovering Women® readers. You may contact her on Facebook™, at www.facebook.com/mirandazeppieri. For more information about Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, visit: www.tscanada.ca.
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Sawdust marks the spot neighbours scoff. We eventually discern of the thirty-some compounds, two have latrines. A woman standing on the sidelines is invited into the centre of the circle. She’s asked to describe a typical day in her life. Through a series of questions and answers the facilitator makes sure she includes going toilet in her scenario. “Thank you, sister. Everyone, let’s give her applause!” Another is invited to the circle centre.
grabbing handfuls of sawdust to mark their defecation spots on the village map. A facilitator continues, “Let me ask us, when it rains, where does all this shit go?” “It washes into the stream,” someone offers. “Into the stream, enh-henh? And how do we use this stream?” “We use it for drinking.” Silence—pause—embarrassed laughter. Someone suggests timidly, “We drink our shit?” “We drink our shit, no be so! Let us all give ourselves applause!” Faces fall in disgust and shame. Applause is feeble.
“Where is your house?” She points it out. Usually avoided in formal speech, but needed for its base simplicity, the facilitator asks pointedly, “And where do you shit?” She blanches.
“Why should we clap for drinking our own shit?!” Another few things lead to one very heated discussion around latrines. Donor dependency syndrome seeps into the conversation. “It is too expensive!” “We cannot take on this cost!” “What will you do for us?” “What will our government do for us?”
The Village Chairman, an assertive gent, hollers out in her defence, “We all shit in the bushes. That is what we do here. We go in the bushes.” One thing leads to another and the group is in a repeat frenzied clamour,
Taking exception to this blatant buck-passing, an elder rises from his seat. “It is a personal matter. You must do for yourself.”
Facilitators applaud in concurrence. As if on cue, the children’s group comes marching back into the fold singing a catchy, repetitive tune they’ve only just made up in their dialect—“Abre nyabung kri bu fere,” loosely translated: “We will not shit in the bush again.” These bright-eyed youngsters, many barefoot, most in worn tattered clothes, present suggestions to their Chief. Mothers listen with pride. Fathers nod in solemn agreement. The children reach into the hearts and souls of those who can make a difference. Triggering is a success. “We must find a way of doing it much properly,” says one elder. Action plans are formulated. The Chief decrees dig and bury measures start immediately, to be followed over the next month by the construction of simple pit latrines at every single family compound. And so it seems a new open-defe cation-free community is officially in the works. One down— hundreds of thousands to go.
Sidebar: It’s raining heavily this
evening. I can’t help but wonder what the villagers will do tomorrow when it comes time to fetch their drinking water from the stream. A graduate of Ryerson’s Journalism
program and longtime business communications consultant, Patricia Bell Newson is currently in Nigeria developing the outreach capacity of an international award winning humanitarian aid organization. Concern Universal is the Executing Agency of the Global Sanitation Fund programme in Nigeria. When she’s not travelling, Pat calls a lake just outside of Peterborough “home.” Follow her blog at:
http://pnewson57.blogspot.ca/
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Smoke-free multi-unit dwellings the next frontier – Dr. Pellizzari “In my career as a family physician, I became a strong advocate for women, children and seniors,” says Rosana. “My advocacy reflects my own experience as a female physician— sort of the mama bear response.” Being a working mom had its trials, but it is the nature of public health that presents real day-to-day challenges to Rosana. Public health is very complex, with very long horizons, she says. “We’re talking about improving people’s health, and the health of the community 20 to 30 years down the road,” she says. “It’s not as sexy as a quick fix.” And it is often challenging to get political buy-in for prevention, which may explain why only four per cent of health care spending goes to public health. “It is very different from clinical practice, where you get dayto-day input from people,” says Rosana. “That feedback is missing from public health. I am working to prevent health issues many years down the road. I may never even know that I’ve made a difference.” However, Rosana does not let the lack of instant gratification deter her. She finds joy in working with the many people and organizations that partner with her toward a stronger, healthier community. “The most amazing thing is the fantastic people I get to work with,” Rosana says. “When H1N1 hit in 2009, I was struck by the caliber of people—the staff of the Health Unit; the diversity of the people; the multiple professions that work together; their amazing skill sets. Our staff members are seen as leaders in our community; a lot of our staff members are unsung heroes. And I feel privileged to work with our amazing community partners—school boards, health care providers, agencies, politicians, activists. We can’t do it alone. We need to work in partnership.” One issue that will require the commitment of strong partnerships, and that is near and dear to Rosana’s heart, is the impact of second-hand smoke. Having been exposed to smoke years ago when she worked in banquet halls, she now has a chron-
ic cough and is allergic to tobacco smoke. Her “fight” to make restaurants and bars smoke-free was “huge.” Now, her focus is on the impact on people who live in multi-unit dwellings. “This is the next frontier of this battle,” says Rosana. “Cigarette smoke is creeping in through ventilation systems, cracks in doors and from patios, balconies and windows. It affects not only smokers, but others, too. Tobacco is the only legal substance that will kill half of its users. Landlords can bring in anti-smoking policies by engaging smokers as part of the solution.” Rosana says that she and the Peterborough County-City Health Unit are happy to work with landlords—to share resources, and the successes of other communities—and with the people who smoke. “We need to be compassionate about smokers, involve smokers–bring in smoke-free multi-dwelling units gradually,” she says. “And we’ll need the help of the community. Women need to speak up and speak out with loud voices. They need to speak up on behalf of themselves and their family members. I am only one voice, but if landlords hear from tenants, and tenants’ mothers speak up, they’ll have to listen. I believe we will get to the new norm where people go out to get fresh air and exercise. I am confident we can make it happen.” Dr. Rosana Pellizzari continues to practise as a physician in the Health Unit’s Sexual Health Clinic, and participates in a number of committees, including: Chair, Community Food Network (part of Peterborough’s Poverty Reduction Strategy; Member, Provincial Maternal Newborn Advisory Committee; and, Member, Social and Sexual Health Committee, Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Canada. “I feel fortunate to be working in Peterborough. It’s everything I could ever want: urban, rural; two First Nations as partners; issues related to air quality, food security, water quality, health hazards; and I still do face-to-face clinical work with people who use our clinics. The work is intellectually stimulating; my days are unpredictable and very gratifying. Peterborough is a wonderful community to live and work in.”
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Blogging is easy, accessible - Just write what Farah finds independence in Canada, new life you know, stay focused In 1995, the Taliban captured the city had nothing–only my children,” of Herat, located in western Afghanisays Farah. “I couldn’t speak a stan at the gateway to Iran. At that word. The officer of immigration moment, for more than want 350,000to startwas areally Why life would anyone blog?tough. It was a shock people changed. Previously a costo be in Toronto. I was thinking, According one country, self-described do- will go to school.’” mopolitan areatoof the wom- proud ‘Myaunt, children it-yourself crafter and poverty activist, web logs, en were no longer able to work or commonly knowntheashome. blogs,Withallow communities of move freely outside Now, 18 years later, Farah speaks people to share ideas on topics of shared interest. out teachers, schools closed, leavproudly of her grown children, ing“Blogs childrenprovide without an education. who have tobecome well-adjusted, a wonderful opportunity successful adults. And aldiscuss what you are working on happy, and thinking Forabout,” Farah says Zafarzadeh, who wanted though Laura Vanderherberg, whose own she bloggives her daughter and only the best for her children— focuses on family, crafting and social justice issues. two sons all the credit for becomthen aged 11, 9 and 6—it was time ing who they are today, she modnew intoHerat, blogging, Laura isestly grateful to Still leave fairly her home and her admitsto that what she did in have been introduced to the pastime by a friend. country. With her father’s help, she 1995 was a remarkable gift to them. and her children escaped to Iran, “She helped me a 100 lot when I got started,” says Laura. a distance of over kilometres. “The most amazing thing I have “She taught me it was okay to ask a friend for help, and, doneaasfocus.” a woman is I am indepenonce I got started, that I should give my blog “We had to walk miles and miles and dent,” says Farah. “I would be demiles,” “We had in Afghanistan. Here I am Just says as Farah. important, as nothing. your focus, pendent is disciplinNoing passport. No visa. You keep walkabletoto Laura. stand on my own feet. I got yourself to stay on topic, according ing until you know you are in Iran.” to know myself. It was put in my “Find up to three topic areas by making brain a longthat list Iofcan’t do anything, but things youtheknow about, that younow might want that is not true. I am Once across border, it wasand a matI know write father about, finding then and choose three,” ter to of Farah’s pay- your a top risk taker. I never knew this.” Laura. only ingsays someone to get“Write the family to theon those topics.” airport and aboard a plan to Canada. Farah credits her new-found indeOnce you have decided what you will write about, it’s for her ability, now, to help just a matter of opening a blog accountpendence and getting Finally, leaving her father benot only her children but others as started. hind, Farah and her children well. As a well-established, successwere a flight ful barriers businesstoowner in Peterborough, “I’veonobserved that to thereToronto. are very few getting started,” says Laura. “Blogs are Farah accessible to new Canadians to foladvises “When we anyone landed because in Toronto, I low-lowortheir virtually of such no-cost dreams, take a risk–just as resources as BloggerTM and WordPressTM. And, if you can type, you can blog.”
Laura Vanderherberg lives in Peterborough. She invites the readers of Discovering Women to visit her blog at www.lauraannv.blogspot.ca, and to contact her by email (laura.vanderherberg@gmail.com), if they would like to discuss how to get their own blog started.
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she did in leaving a war-torn country to give her children a better life. “If you have something in your mind, do not hesitate; try it,” says Farah. “There is always someone there to help. If you go to them with open arms, they will help.” Farah lives in Peterborough with her daughter, Hania, who attends Trent University in the Nursing program. Her eldest son, Mahdie, is married with one child and is a chartered accountant. Her other son, Mustafa, is a financial advisor.
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