Youth Digest 2017

Winter 20174 6 5

IN THIS ISSUE youth DIGEST winter 20173 Letter from Youth Editor 4 Introduction to a healthier life starts now 6 Health Tips for a Better Lifestyle5 The Importance of Professional Networking A Quick Guide to Making Relevant and Lasting Connections 6 Has the Internet Transformed us? Online Has Come Full Circle to Offline8 The Benefits of Volunteerism Pursue Your Passions, Experience Gratitude, Do Good! 10 Toxicity in Your Toothpastes Do they Protect Your Teeth or Poison You?youth DIGEST ‘My mentor from Youthhood to Adulthood’ 2

LETTER FROM YOUTH EDITORDear Reader, It is with great excitement that I present to you the firstissue of Youth Digest with me in the position of Youth Editor! Irecognize my great privilege and fortune in having this platformto positively influence youth around Canada and look forwardto providing you value in this issue and future issues to come. It is apparent that these days younger generations re-quire sources of knowledge that are beneficial to their develop-ment and can help them make important decisions as they mature into adults. How-ever, despite technology making information more available than ever before, it hasonly become harder to filter valuable sources of information from distracting or ill-informed ones. Concurrently the amount of time available to youth has decreased, withyounger people being occupied by school, work, and extracurricular activities. There-fore, an educational tool aimed directly at uniting youth and bringing light to youthproblems would serve an important (although often ignored) niche. From speaking to the chief editor Tyrrel Ignatius, I understand that Youth Digestwas created in order to fill this lack of youth-oriented content. This magazine has al-ways aimed to be a gathering place where youth from all backgrounds can come to-gether to raise issues relevant to them whilst also sharing in valuable experiences andlearning from each other. As a fellow youth myself, I recognize that sometimes even with all the resourcescurrently available to us it can still be difficult to find answers to questions and solu-tions to problems. Reader, I encourage you to submit brief articles discussing issues orideas with the knowledge that others will definitely benefit from your experience. Weat Youth Digest recognize the value in highlighting these experiences and giving them aplatform to be heard. I hope you find this issue’s content is engaging and valuable, as I have.Best regards,Lyubomyr BolonnyyYouth Editor3 ‘My mentor from Youthhood to Adulthood’ Winter 2017

Introduction to a healthier life starts nowBecoming fit and healthy is what everyone does to thrive, including teenagers.Teens want to be healthy just as everyone else does, yet how can they modify their lifestyle tobe more active? Here are some useful tips to your first step into a healthier life.1. Mark where you stand nowAssess your current activity level to create a baseline. This will be useful in helping you createyour goals and will also serve as a reference to your progression.2. Set SMART goalsBy SMART I mean Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time framed goals.For instance, “getting fitter” is not a SMART goal, but “being able to walk/run 1km in 2 weekstime without rest” is a SMART goal.3. Build up your fitness level slowlySmall steps such as walking/running 10min and adding 1 min everyday have shown to elimi-nate the overwhelming feeling most teens experience, especially beginners.4. Enjoy your successesShort term goals and small steps will contribute to little attainable successes, which in turnwill build your self confidence and encourage you to make exercising part of your life.5. Be a role modelRoutinely do some pushups or crunches between classes or in the first 10 min of lunch break.A quick worthy exercise will be an active soothing between classes, which will leave you morefocused and fresher.6. Make your workout enjoyableTake a friend who has the same interest and go hiking or camping. Also, you can check out anyclasses that interest you at your local YMCA.Remember: building up fitness and/or developing a healthy lifestyle is not a race. It takes timeand effort to achieve such a great goal. Don’t rush yourself and enjoy the process!Please, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me via publication.Article written by:Ismail—B.Sc. of Physical Therapy, Certified Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructoryouth DIGEST ‘My mentor from Youthhood to Adulthood’ 4

The importance of Professional NetworkingOne of the most important strategies used to make professional contacts is attending educa-tional networking events. Below are some tips on how to successfully navigate this process.FIGURING OUT WHICH EVENTS TO ATTENDThis is very important, given the limited time one has left whilst juggling work and school day to day. How-ever, as a student you need to be successful in your daily life and also make connections. So how can you pickthe right networking event which will be most useful to you?Simply put, you must select the major in school or topic of interest (education, business, etc.) and thenattend events focused primarily or solely on this topic. For example, if you are an IT student then it is betterto attend events related exclusively to IT rather than Finance or Medicine. GETTING INVITED TO NETWORKING EVENTSBased on your academic and professional interests, you must make sure that you have registered with re-lated organizations and student clubs, either by becoming a member or by signing up to get their newslettersand invitations. Try to get referrals from others to such events and follow different media where advertise-ments will be posted regarding future events.MAKING CONNECTIONS AT THE EVENTFirst of all, make sure you are dressed well for the occasion. Also ensure you are showing positive bodylanguage by having a friendly attitude and smile. Have your contact information (business cards if necessary)prepared.While the event is going on, make sure that you are moving fast enough (depending on the number of atten-dees) to make as many contacts and connections as possible.Make sure that while giving your business card or contact information you are collecting the same from oth-ers, so that you may later follow up with them. FOLLOW UP STRATEGIESAfter the event, make a plan to follow up with the contacts you have made. First, separate the material youcollected at the event, into two groups, labeled as Hot and Cold Prospects. If someone had shown great inter-est in what you have to offer (your educational background, skills, talents), make a note on the card given toyou when you make the connection. These types of contacts would be labeled as Hot Prospects while all theothers you would label as Cold Prospects.Follow up with the Hot Prospects first, by first sending them an e-mail and later following with a call inquiringabout a possible future meeting. Afterwards, you can follow up with your Cold Prospects.You may not find immediate success in following up with contacts, therefore keep all contacts from the eventin a database and try to regularly communicate with as many of them as you can.Article written by:Tyrrel Ignatius – Chartered Marketer, Youth Mentor, Business Marketing GuruIf you would like to add more to this topic or if you need more information please feelfree to communicate with us at Youth Digest. Email [email protected] ‘My mentor from Youthhood to Adulthood’ Winter 2017

Has the Internet Transformed us?We know that the Internet has changed our lives and the way we do business, but it has nowbrought its own set of issues and challenges. While it has gone through many incarnations andwe all know its usefulness and ubiquitousness, the Internet has really transformed us!It took fifty years for the Radio to reach an audience of 50 million while it took only four yearsfor the Internet to reach that milestone. Since then the growth has been exponential: it hasbeen estimated that by the end of 2014, we will have 3 billion users of the Internet. The worldpopulation is estimated to be over 7.25 billion, which means that 40% of the world populationis using the Internet. It is projected that by 2016, there will be 10 billion mobile internet con-nected devices.The Internet has transformed the way we conduct research, communicate, do business, makepurchases, read books, listen to the radio, and publish newspapers and books. It has impactedindividuals as well as organisations, from businesses to governments; this impact on the societyand its growth could not have been predicted.Some of the Internet transformations: The internet has also challenged brick and mor- A passive media “Read only” to tar or traditional businesses:  Mail delivered by Post office replaced by email “Communicate and Interact” and text messages Desktop to mobile devices  Faxing replaced by email and social media at- Dialup service to fibre 24/7 connection tachments Publishing to Collaboration and Crowd-  Brick and mortar shops by the likes of Amazon and Alibaba sourcing  Photo films by Digital images Private network to Social Network  Publisher to Print on demand. Information gathering to information sharing Single source to consolidations Reserve Bank currency of a country to Virtual currencyNo doubt the Internet has transformed us, and it is here to stay. The question is, at what cost?Let us reflect on some of its social issues and challenges:1. Is there a difference between a good guy and bad guy on the Net?2. Has Internet made us more Dumb or Smarter?3. Has Social Media made us more Social or Isolated?4. Is the social media phenomenon an instrument of liberation or one of control?5. Is the social media (or Web 2.0) teaching us to be together while being apart?6. Is the social media producing self-Promoting, competitive corporate citizens?7. Has the Internet age made us lazy or more productive?youth DIGEST ‘My mentor from Youthhood to Adulthood’ 6

I will argue, just like many past phenomena, the Internet in many ways is reverting to the at-titudes and behaviour of pre-Internet days. When World Wide Web took off, all businessesand organisations wanted to have an online presence (to ride the bandwagon), with no ex-pectations. We were convinced to put our portfolio and catalogues online. When we startedselling online, it was such a success that new companies were set up only for the onlinebusiness. Consumers did visit the brick and mortar shops, but also made their purchasesonline. Nowadays consumers are spoiled by the instant gratification from being able to buyimmediately or at least touch and feel the product before the purchase. Companies aretherefore setting up show rooms or delivery stores for the online purchasers to go to.As a matter of fact, some companies are providing more than the products they sell:they have set-up stores with cafés, event rooms and informal mingling with staff. Microsoftstores, Apple stores and ING cafés are some good examples.So, are we coming back full circle?About the AuthorMax Haroon, a social entrepreneur and an author is a retired IT and e-Marketing Specialist.He is the founder of the Society of Internet Professionals (www.sipgroup.org) and Life Trans-formation Institute (www.Life-Transformation-Institute.org). He has been involved in the In-formation Technology (IT) industry in various sectors, including the Internet and IT Trainingfor over 35 years. He evangelizes leveraging the Internet and is a notablespeaker at conferences and symposiums. He has hosted many social andeducational events including workshops and conferences since 1985. Hehas authored numerous publications on various topics using print andonline media. Webfolio: http://www.maxharoon.org/ email:[email protected] Haroon is willing to give this presentation including the milestonesof the Internet to groups and organisations.Contact: Max Haroon, President, Tel: (416) 891-4937 ([email protected])About the Society of Internet Professionals (SIP)The Society of Internet Professionals (SIP) is a not-for-profit, membership based organizationrepresenting the interest of Internet professionals. SIP was founded by Max Haroon in 1997with a mandate to create standards of the Internet professionals. Our mission is to upholdprofessional standards of internet professionals. SIP has spearheaded many ini-tiatives and programs, such as workshops, networking events, Internet jobboard, newsletters, members' directory, the Professional Code of Ethics, theInternet job competencies. Visit our resource-intensive website.Details: http://www.sipgroup.org7 ‘My mentor from Youthhood to Adulthood’ Winter 2017

The Benefits of Volunteerism Emily VanBerkum (Sacramental Coordinator) and Leanna Cappiello (Community Coordinator) are both employees at St Basil’s Parish in the University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto. They will share their insight and experience with the benefits of volunteerism. 1—DISCOVERING YOUR PASSIONS AND GIFTS Leanna Cappiello Everyone has something they are good at. But where to start figuring it out? It can be an overwhelming task to navigate what excites us, where our special talents lie, and how to build them up. I suggest seeking out what others are doing to get started. Have you checked your home parish bulletin? The local newspaper? Are some of your friends looking to raise awareness or funds on something they are passionate about? Once you get attached to an initiative, you might notice that the people who are volunteer- ing with you will also be on a journey of self-discovery. Being around them will give you a chance to discover their driving forces, hear sto- ries of trial and error, and journey with them! Aligning myself with a social justice initiative in university really helped me form my identity and learn from my peers and mentors in an active way. 2—LEARNING TO LIVE WITH GRATITUDE Emily VanBerkum “Thank you” is one of the greatest phrases we can say to one another and receive in return. When I volunteer in my parish’s community outreach pro- gram, my heart is overcome by thankfulness. I have been blessed with many things in my life: a warm bed, clothes on my back, food in my belly, a roof over my head, a loving family, and the oppor- tunity for a great education. Not everyone is as fortunate. However, when I serve others in the bagged lunch program, I am reminded of how this service calls me to live with gratitude in a very special way. I am not only serving our patrons, but the patrons teach me to always put things in per- spective, to be grateful for what I have and to ex- press this gratefulness to others.youth DIGEST ‘My mentor from Youthhood to Adulthood’ 8

3—CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMON GOOD Leanna Cappiello & Emily VanBerkum We both have been involved in differ- ent organizations that pertain to dif- ferent needs of the community. It can be overwhelming to pick a direction when there seems to be so many needs in the community. Remember that “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do little things with great love.” Blessed Mother Teresa speaks with great hu- mility when she has done God’s work in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and welcoming the stranger. So if you ever feel small in a big world, remind yourself that you have a valuable gift to offer, as long as it is given with love, it will be life-giving.Try getting involved in a cause that interests you, that allows you to become a wit-ness to Christ in the world today. We bet that you’ll meet like-minded people alsocalled to service and that those fellow volunteers will inspire you. Seeing the goodin others and using that as a force to change the world around you is an incrediblething!Volunteering allows you to see the world in a different way. It’s not just about youand what you can do for an organization, committee, or team. The people in needof your service will reveal something to you about what it means to be truly grate-ful for our many blessings! Ultimately, focusing on the many things that we’regrateful for will allow us to place our challenges and hardships in perspective - alife lesson best cultivated through volunteerism.9 ‘My mentor from Youthhood to Adulthood’ Winter 2017

Toxicity in Your ToothpastesAccording to the non-profit organization Environmental Working Group, the average newbornbaby has 287 known toxins in his or her umbilical cord blood. If a newborn is exposed to thatmany toxins, imagine how many you have been exposed to in your lifetime.The cosmetics industry in North America is big business with over $35-40 billion, they are tak-ing care of their shareholders and not you, the consumers of the products.This article will describe the health hazards of many toxic ingredients used in the Toothpastes,what you can do about it and how to read labels.Effects of Toxic Ingredients The FDA (Federal DrugAll ingredients have some adverse effect; in general, toxic Administration) in theingredients have one or more of the following adverse effects: USA also lists most of the Possible carcinogen (agent causing cancer) Ingredients as a possible Ability to degenerate cell membrane carcinogens and some of Mutagenic: Alter genetic information in cells (undesirable mu- them are not even regis- tered with FDA. tation may also occur in later generations) Damage the immune system Some are endocrine and hormone disruptors. Produce an unwanted effect when the chemical has reached a sufficient concentration at a certain part of the body Allergies Breast cancer and birth defects Fragrance is also linked to allergies, immune system toxicity, headaches and dizziness Ingestion of some toxic Ingredients can be fatalOne in eight ingredients used in Body Care products are industrial chemicals, including car-cinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors.—David Suzuki FoundationSome Toxic IngredientsAll body care products, including toothpastes, consist of far more inactive (inert) Ingredientsthan active Ingredients. Inactive ingredients are used to preserve, colour, sweeten, foam,bind, moisturise fragrance, propellant, and solvent in the products. Active Ingredients are theperformance agents, doing what the product is intended to do. The inactive Ingredients areless than 1% of the total weight of the product in most of the products.In order to simply, I will only focus on where are they used and will not discuss individual ad-verse effects.youth DIGEST 10‘My mentor from Youthhood to Adulthood’

Seven Top Toxic Ingredients1. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)It is a detergent, humectant, emulsifier and foaming agent. SLS is also found in toothpastes,car wash soap, engine degreasers, garage floor cleaners, shampoos, and shaving foams. In myopinion this is the most dangerous ingredient.2. Triclosan & TriclocarbanIt is an antimicrobial, very toxic to the aquatic environment. It is used in products such as liq-uid hand soaps, toothpaste, deodorants, processed food, dish soap, detergent, floor wash,disinfecting sprays, glass cleaners, mouthwash, laundry soaps, lotions, moisturizers, children'stoys and cleaning supplies.3. Sodium Fluoride aka FluorideIt is derived from hydrofluoric, made by reacting sulphuric acid with fluorspar, an ore rich cal-cium fluoride, a hazardous chemical. Used in all commercially available toothpastes. Did youknow that fluoride is the main ingredient in rat poison? Despite fluoride being prescribed bydentists (propagated by their dental associations) for over 50 years, the US Food and Drug Ad-ministration (FDA) have never approved any fluoride product designed for ingestion as safe oreffective, since fluoride is a cumulative poison. Federal Cancer Institute in a 1991 study statedthat the fluoride has been shown NOT to reduce cavities. Scientists are linking it to dentalfluorosis, arthritis, allergic reactions and about ten thousand preventable deaths every yearfrom cancer (from fluoride and ambiguous carcinogens).4. Coal tar hair dyes and other ingredients (including Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, andPhenylenediamine), FD & C Blue No. 1 & 2Coal tar, a by-product of coal processing Europe has banned many of these ingredients in hairdyes. While FDA sanctions coal tar in specialty products such as dandruff and psoriasis sham-poos, the long-term safety of these products has not been demonstrated.Look for p-phenylenediamine hair dyes and in other products colours listed as \"CI\" followedby five digits (In the U.S. colour name may also be listed e.g. \"FD&C Blue No. 1\" or \"Blue 1\").5. Hydrated SilicaIt is an abrasive and Polisher Ingredients in the Toothpastes but it can damage tooth enameland alter the alkaline / acidic balance of the mouth, gums and tongue.6. Sodium SaccharinA sweetener used to improve the taste. It can cause mutagenic, toxic or adverse reactions.Tests on rats in the 1980's developed bladder cancer.7. Glycols: Propylene Glycol (PPG), Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)It is an inactive Ingredients used as a surfactant, emulsifier and moisturiser.11 ‘My mentor from Youthhood to Adulthood’ Winter 2017

Reading Labels1. Cosmetics manufacturers are not required to disclose the presence of nanoparticles inproducts.2. Fragrances are trade secrets; Cosmetics manufacturers are not required to disclose them.3. In Canada, there is no labeling law so manufacturers can deceive the consumer.In the U.S., the law provides for mandatory labeling of ingredients, but only chemists under-stand their purpose and dermatologists their problems.Solutions-Use fewer, simpler products. Don’t trust claims like “dermatologist-tested,” “natural,” or“organic.” Read the ingredient label instead.-There is no reason, why we cannot substitute natural ingredients like NEEM, essential oils,baking soda in toothpastes and other body care products. You will all these toxic ingredientsand natural ingredients described in the chapter 3 of my book, 7 Steps to Dental Health andChapter 2 describe how to make your own toothpaste.-Do not forget the brushing technique and dental hygiene routine is equally important astoothpaste.The author is willing to give this presentation to a group.Contact Max Haroon at 416-891-4937Preview the presentation on the Youtube.com at http://tinyurl.com/maxharoon3 Details of various toxic Ingredients are provided in the Chapter 3 of my book 7 Steps to Dental Health: A Holistic Guide to a Healthy Mouth and Body http://7stepsdentalhealth.com. The book also contains links to various Body Care Guides and Less Toxic Products, which you can download. A list- ing of organisations dealing with safe-products is also included. Max Haroon: author, educator and event planner is a retired IT and e- Marketing specialist, who always has been interested in holistic health and alternative medicine. He is the founder of the Society of Internet Professionals, www.sipgroup.org, the Life Transformation Institute www.Life-Transformation-Institute.org and Inspirational Book Club in- spirationalbookclub.org. Max has authored seven books in the Life Learning Series, in conjunc- tion with subject matter experts. He has architected many websites and digital publications. Review his publications and postings at www.maxharoon.orgyouth DIGEST 12‘My mentor from Youthhood to Adulthood’

13 ‘My mentor from Youthhood to Adulthood’ Winter 2017