14 — Sunday, March 28, 1999 — North Shore News Get in touch with your species “Health is net a condition of matter, but of mind” SO said Mary Baker Eddy in her 1908 publi- cation Science and Health, and even though what she stated might appear obvious, you'd never know it based on the knowledge the aver- age person has about physiology. My wife Debbie is a suc- cessful and talented physician who specializes in the area of sports medicine. She recently commented that after com- pleting her Grade 12 biology she was more aware of the anacomy of a feral pig than of her own species. It seems that much of the education we receive whilst going through grade school focused on just about every- thing but our own bodies and how they work. Given that fact it’ 's hardly surprising, many people are uneasy when it comes to understanding the critical value of health, fimess and the role these issues can play in their overall happiness. Otherwise intelligent and reasonably educated Canadians are more able to conjugate verbs than identity the major bones in the leg. Many univer- sity graduates would be far more comfortable discussing prime numbers or the prevail- Ing weather patterns in Tierra dei‘Fuego than discussing the _ key components of physical fir- ness: “Try this quick quiz to sce - how you stack up on the sub- ject of physical knowledge: 1) The solcus is :{a) a new kind of natural healing and energy system for the home; (b) a Spanish musician; or (c) a muscle in the lower Ieg. 2) The humerus is: (a) a funny anecdote; (b) a method of cheerin, ople up; or (c) a key bone i A the arm. 3) Tendons are: (a) a lean- ing towards a particular task or subject; (b) tissue for attaching muscle to bone; or (c) nine dons plus onc. While the questions are tonguc-in-cheek, it is still true that we are by and large turn- ing out a mass of young adults who are physical illiterates. Of course there are school sports and various clubs offer- ing specialized training, bur the vast majority of these avenues are open anly to chil- dren with a level of skill and they represent a small percent- age of these referred to as “our country’s future.” Indeed, one of the main reasons the fitness industry is so successful in North America is because large numbers of adults did not have an oppor- tunity to gain the knowledge necessary to allow them to develop and maintain their own physical health. Asa result they trot off to fitness clubs and rec centres and shell out for someone to teach them about their own bodies. Up to two thirds of the adult population will suffer from back problems at some point in their lives. The vast majonty of these debiliating injuries could be avoided if we only took the time to better understand the mechanical structure of our unique make- up and how best to prepare and keep it functional, If you feel as thick as hwo short planks when it comes to discussing, the practical applica- tion of phiysical wellness and aren’t sure if aerobic develop- ment is something to do with overall fitness or the manutac- turing ofa tasty chocolate bar then do something about it. And if you think it’s too late for yourself (it never is, by the way) then for heaven’s sake make sure you help your children explore the opportu- nity. It could be one of the most valuable gifts you give them. A closing thought: “You are free to act the moment you do not look outside your- self for someone to solve your problems.” Drive-through design debated WEST Vancouver has fots to beef about when it comes to Park Royal’s new McDonald’s restaurant. Council recently received a report from the district’s Advisory Design Panel recom- mending rejection of the ham- burger chain’s proposed south mall outlet. The panel recommended that the McDonald’s crew rerun to the drawing board to e-think no less than 12 sepa- rate design elements. The hit list included: relo- On April 1, 1999, anew territory wiil be born. Nunavut. - Government of Canada Gouvernement du Canada cation of the loading bay, automobile access to the drive-through, pedestrian cir- culation and entry, pedestrian paths from the bus stops,” removal of “dormer” signage, and removal of the trademark “M” from the entry trellis. Overall, the panel wants McDonald’s to more closely mimic the design of its nearest western neighbour, the Keg. - “The panel appreciates McDonald’s commitment towards 2 community image,” read the report. “However, ... the design as presented docs not reflect the context, scale and character of West Vancouver.” On Feb. 15, McDonald’s announced its intention to build a free-standing pad restaurant at Park Royal south. The press release went on to say that the site was “already approved for development” by both the shopping centre (which leases the land) and the Squamish First Nation (who owns the land). — Catherine Barr SPRING ACTING PROGRAMS FOR KIDS & TEENS MARCH 29" - JUNE 12™ Programs in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey and the North Shore. For Registration call 877-0678 | PERSONAL INJURY Free Initial Consultation Douglas W. 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The new Government of Nunavut will reflect this in a partnership that incorporates the best of traditional Inuit values and contemporary systems. . ‘Canada — built through cooperation, an evolving democracy and a “tradition of peace — continues to grow with the birth of this new and - unique territory, Nunavut.