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Rise and Shine, Canada: Empowering Teens with Better Sleep for Brighter Futures

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I still remember standing in front of a high school auditorium, about to give a reading of my latest novel, and noticing an unsettling sight: half the teenagers were struggling to keep their eyes open. It wasn’t boredom that dulled their faces; it was exhaustion. I’ve seen this across the country—teens dragging themselves through the day, fueled by energy drinks and bleary-eyed determination. And the statistics confirm what’s written all over their tired faces: Canada’s young people are in the middle of a sleep crisis. The good news? By understanding the importance of a good night’s rest, we can unlock even greater success and well-being for our teenage dreamers. Bright Hopes, Tired Eyes: Why Teen Sleep Matters A Quick Snapshot of Teen Sleep in Canada Short Sleepers : Around  26%  of Canadian adolescents aren’t meeting recommended sleep guidelines. Morning Challenges : Approximately  60–70%  feel very sleepy during their first classes. At a time when teens should be ...

Shelter from the Storm: Navigating Homelessness in Thompson's Harsh Embrace

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  Thompson, Manitoba—a place where the northern lights dance across the sky, where boreal forests stretch as far as the eye can see, and where the spirit of community runs deep. Yet, beneath the natural beauty and close-knit neighborhoods lies a stark reality: a growing homelessness crisis that's as biting as the winter wind. A Cold Reality Imagine facing temperatures that plummet to minus 40 degrees Celsius without the comfort of a warm home. For many in Thompson, this isn't just a nightmare scenario—it's their daily existence. Homelessness here isn't merely about lacking a roof over one's head; it's a battle against the elements, a struggle for survival in one of Canada's most unforgiving climates. The Invisible Faces Sharing Space Homelessness in Thompson isn't always visible. It hides in overcrowded apartments where multiple families share a single space. It lurks in the stories of individuals couch-surfing between friend...

The Surge in Domestic Violence Post-Pandemic: How Thompson Crisis Centre Is Here to Help

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A Silent Crisis Amplified The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on our global community, reshaping how we live, work, and interact. Amidst lockdowns and social distancing measures, another crisis quietly escalated behind closed doors: a significant surge in domestic violence. According to Statistics Canada, there was a notable increase in police-reported domestic violence incidents during the pandemic. Factors such as isolation, financial stress, and heightened anxiety created a perfect storm for abusive situations to intensify. Understanding Domestic Violence: Recognizing the Signs Domestic violence transcends physical abuse; it encompasses any behavior used to gain power and control over a partner or family member. Recognizing the signs is the first crucial step toward intervention and support. Forms of Domestic Violence Physical Abuse : Hitting, slapping, shoving, or any form of physical harm. Emotional Abuse : Manipulation, intimidation, or constant criticism that erodes...