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Speak Up

Friday afternoon a bake sale took place at Moncton High School. The sale was as much about awareness as it was about raising money for donation to Youth Quest. Approximately $400 was collected. The event was organized by the S.A.F.E. (Stop Abuse For Everybody) committee at MHS, which is made up of caring students who wish to be pro-active in educating fellow students about what exactly is considered bullying.

They also want potential bullying targets to know that they are not alone and there is a community of peers prepared to listen. For many, the definition of bullying remains physical. These students' parents may recall incidents of swarming or being man-handled. The old cliché of the bully cornering a student in a stairwell to intimidate them out of their lunch money may still exist to some degree, but the real danger these days is the emotional scars left by irresponsible acts.

Nicolas Gallant is a grad year student and co-chairs the committee with Hillary Daigle. Both became sensitive to this issue last year after witnessing tactics utilized by the modern bully.

Gallant decided to take a stand and talks about his motivation.

"There is a new standard of bullying that happens in the workplace and towards seniors (as well as some students). When you see people intentionally being left out and realize it for a type of bullying," Gallant observes, "bullying has evolved toward leaving mental and emotional damage. (Over time) kids lose self-confidence that often leads to depression and sometimes tragic consequences."

co-chair Daigle agrees and adds, "(The modern bully) will mock someone and be judgemental by participating in gossip."

Hurtful gossiping over Internet chat sites has become a favourite tactic of the cyber-bully. She uses the classic example of "somebody who might wear the same (article of clothing) daily" being unfairly judged and targeted.

Everyone can agree that gossiping can lead to a person being rightly or wrongly labelled. The unwanted attention begins as a major distraction that can quickly escalate to the unhealthiest forms of long-term stress.

Daigle explains, "The goal is to build self-confidence to minimize the impact of bullies. We try to classify the difference between what is considered bullying and not. To show students their actions may be more serious then they realize."

Gallant and Daigle both say they have heard comments like "I didn't know that what I was doing was bullying," at school presentations.

This group is passionate about educating students while providing an avenue for "self-realization" so that individuals can monitor their actions responsibly.

Julie Webb teaches French at the school and oversees this committee.

"As a teacher, my goal is to advocate a proactive environment toward bullying," she says. Speaking about this group's efforts, she adds, "I'm very impressed with the very passionate approach of youth helping youth these students convey." Moving forward, Webb states, "This group has the open-mindedness necessary" to remain focused at making a positive contribution to the school that can be duplicated year to year.

***

You might recall reading about the elderberry extract claims in Friday's column. You're not alone as many readers were compelled to get more information on how this berry could help ward off the flu. John Staples is a local pharmacist who also has 40 years experience in the Homeopathy and Herbal Medicine realm. During our discussion on the matter, he voiced his displeasure with a release, referred to in the column, that refers to a document explaining a study that was directed by Andrew Catchpole. Staples contends part of the release gives a "wrong impression" as to the effectiveness of elderberries.

Wanting to set the record straight he explains how, the referred to, "In-vitro research is done in a Laboratory using Petrie dishes. In vivo research happens in human trials."

The latter method is considered standard testing of a product's effectiveness. The pharmacist believes documentation, used to promote health products, without human testing results is incomplete and the hype can be deceiving. Staples also shared knowledge of a recent trial at Harvard University regarding anti-oxidants that "researchers thought would provide positive results for the 'natural supplements' industry.

This was not the case. according to Staples, "the findings were so surprising that a second survey of 33,000 people was done and the results supported the original findings." Even though natural supplements can play a beneficial role in a person's overall well being, he says, "The best source of anti-oxidants remains brilliantly coloured fruits and vegetables."

* Terry Parker's column appears daily. Terry can be heard on the CKO Drive Home Show at 107.3FM weekdays between 4 and 6 p.m. Want to contribute to Terry Parker's People with your questions and comments? Contact Terry at 859-2356 or terryp62@gmail.com.