By Maria Depenweiller, P.H.Ec. It was likely that Christopher Columbus was the first European explorer who brought cacao beans to Europe, but it was not until the conquest of the Aztec empire by Cortez that cacao and chocolate gained popularity in Europe. Spaniards at that time had the monopoly on quite a number of goods imported from the New World, including chocolate. By the end of the 16th century drinking chocolate became a fashionable drink among the Spanish aristocracy.
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By Mary Carver, P.H.Ec
Teachers and students waited a long time for it, but finally on June 6, 2013, the Ontario Ministry of Education released new and revised Family Studies Curriculum. Revision to the area of study began in 2007. No reason was given for the extended delay, although the Ministry does say that the review process was guided by research and consultations on new approaches specific to the discipline. Once known as Home Economics, Family Studies (FS) courses today are part of the Social Sciences and Humanities Curriculum. Of the 31 new or revised Social Sciences and Humanities courses, 20 of them are in Family Studies which is most encouraging to the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA). The Social Sciences and Humanities Curriculum, Grades 9-12, 2013 (Revised) is available on the Ontario Ministry of Education website - click here. By Joyce Parslow, P.H.Ec. Canadian beef is world-class in quality and availability. Beef is raised in each and every province. Cattle feed on grass and forage for the most part with a blend of grains such as barley, wheat or corn mixed-in as they reach maturity. Breeds and feeds give Canadian beef the flavour and tenderness you expect in a great steak. Making the Grade: Canadian beef bought in-store is federally or provincially inspected for safety – no compromises. The best in beef is given an 'A' GRADE quality designation. Just as in hockey, look for Canada AAA as the top in the league, followed by double A (AA) and then single A. Shopping Simplified: Canadian steaks are sorted into three basic cooking categories. Package labels identify the cut and the recommended cooking method (e.g. Top Sirloin grilling steak, Flank marinating steak). By Mary V. Carver, P.H.Ec
As a Professional Home Economist, I support the need for mandatory Family Studies courses in Ontario elementary and high schools. Current Ontario Family Studies (FS) education morphed from curriculum once known as Home Economics. Lessons are well-designed to nurture individual and family development through food, nutrition, parenting, financial literacy, fashion, and consumer education courses. Such deeply empowering lessons help students to become strong, healthy, independent contributing members of society. Students who receive credits in FS are better prepared to leave home, manage personal finances, eat nutritionally (and economically) and in time make wise consumer choices for their own families. As a parent and former teacher, I wonder if we have become so focused on getting students ready for college or university, that we forget to prepare them for life. Most people agree that everyone needs basic household management, cooking skills and nutrition knowledge – the core values of ‘Home Economics,’ why then, is the subject not given higher priority? By: Michelle J. Kwan, BFA, BASc Candidate
While the increased use of technology in the workplace may have significantly boosted office efficiency, it has inadvertently decreased national physical activity levels. According to the 2007-2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) completed by Statistics Canada, only 15% of Canadians meet the physical activity guidelines. Based on results of the fitness tests, ‘Canadian adults face health risks due to suboptimal fitness levels’, the study concluded. Sadly, it appears that the majority of Canadians spend most of their waking hours in sedentary pursuits. Research suggests that the combination of zero physical activity and high screen time results in the greatest negative impact on health and quality of life. A sedentary lifestyle, which includes sitting, using a computer, and/or watching television for much of the day with little or no vigorous exercise is associated with increased risk of premature death, hypertension, coronary heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Thank you to Ontariofresh.ca for sharing their post 10 Reasons to Buy Local.
By: Madeline Ritchie, Program Assistant 1) Locally grown food tastes and looks better. There is no comparing tomatoes that ripened on the vine two days before with tomatoes that ripened in a truck a week earlier. 2) Local food is often better for you. The shorter the time between the farm and your table, the less likely it is that nutrients will be lost from fresh food. 3) Local food supports local families and neighbouring businesses. The agri-food sector is a huge economic driver in the province and supporting those who play into this sector helps keep our whole economy strong. By Mary Carver, P.H.Ec. Michelle J. Kwan - a 4th year Nutrition and Food Ryerson student has won 1st place in the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) media release competition for the second year in a row. The award was presented at the OHEA conference on March 23rd. Kwan’s 2013 article Physical Activity in a Tech Savvy Workplace will be distributed nationally, in early May. Using data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, 2007-2009 completed by Stats Canada (in partnership with Heath Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada), Michelle emphasizes why it is imperative for Canadians to become more physically active. Kwan offers tips for those whose jobs keep them desk-bound. Michelle will graduate from Ryerson’s Nutrition and Food program this year. Already holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University, Michelle has been an outstanding student on the Ryerson campus. She served as Communications Director for the Nutrition Course Union, as Communications & Social Media Coordinator for Critical Dietetics and as a former Leader for Nutrition Health Promotion outreach teams. The former Miss Universe Canada delegate and fitness enthusiast is passionate about nutrition and good health and continues to share credible health information on Twitter @NutritionArtist. Watch for the name Michelle J. Kwan in ‘by lines’ for years to come. Access Michelle’s 2012 wining release, The Power of 8, Sleep for Health and Wellness here. OHEA congratulates Michelle and all students that entered the competition and encourages them to continue to share their knowledge. Ontario Home Economics Association © 2013 By Maria Depenweiller, P.H.Ec. Here is something to ponder the next time you are sorting out your laundry, one of probably the most unappreciated household chores. Ancient Roman Laundry As we know, almost everything new is well forgotten old. This is particularly true in the case of ancient Roman laundry. With their well developed urban systems Romans were the first to offer public laundry services. Fullones, the clothes washers, were in charge of washing and cleaning the garments of the Roman citizens. As the Romans generally wore clothes made out of wool (there was no cotton in ancient Rome) they needed frequent washing in the hot climate of Italy. The way in which this was done has been described by Pliny and other writers, but is most clearly explained by some paintings which have been found on the walls of a fullonica (laundry service) at Pompeii. By Erin MacGregor, P.H.Ec., RD
Canadians are embracing vegetarian restaurants, buying meat-free cookbooks and consuming an increasing number of vegetable-centric meals at home. It appears that Meatless Mondays are official. Much of this recent popularity stems from a growing body of research which indicates that a vegetarian lifestyle can significantly reduce one’s risk of developing chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Nevertheless, improved health is not the only reason people enlist a more plant based diet. Some choose flora over fauna for ethical reasons. Others relish the opportunity to reduce their ecological footprint by adopting more environmentally sustainable eating habits. This year's Ontario Home Economics Association Conference was a huge success! The speakers, the venue, the food, the exhibitors, the conference committee, the emcee, the raffle prizes, the silent auction, and the delegate bags were all phenomenal. We are grateful to our sponsors who made this memorable day possible and would like to take the opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude. OHEA is very thankful for the overwhelming support of our sponsors, who were not only instrumental in the success of the conference, but who were paramount in helping us spread awareness and understanding of the incredible and diverse profession of Home Economics. You can view our full list of sponsors here... |
The Ontario Home Economics Association, a self-regulating body of professional Home Economists, promotes high professional standards among its members so that they may assist families and individuals to achieve and maintain a desirable quality of life. Categories
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