Page 4 EXPRESS March 10, 1999 PUBLISHER'S COMMENT EXPRESS A tree-mendous idea? PHONE: (250) 354-3910 EDITORIAL 354-1I 18FAX 352-5075 554 WARD STREET, NELSON, B.C. VIL IS9 Two old trees in front of the Court House were taken requests for trees to be removed because they're E-MAlL: express@netidea.com down by the City of Nelson last week. There was no blocking the sun from a resident's garden or some OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. public explanation and many people felt hurt.. I called other reason not covered by the first part. In that the City and spoke to Bob case, it's a city council decision and neighbors within Hemp initiatives Adams, the man in charge of, among other things, tree a 200 foot radius must be notified of the request. This whole tree thing got me thinking. We call our- removal. He explained it was selves a heritage community because of all our old make good sense done on the recommendation of the city horticulturist buildings, but we're also a heritage community because of our trees. Some trees in Nelson were plant- Almost a year to the day of putting regula- because there was damage at ed because they were needed for beautification and tions in place to permit the commercial culti- the base of the trees that was shade, some were planted to commemorate lives or causing tip dieback. In short, special events. Since we designate our buildings as vation of industrial hemp, the federal govern- the trees were dying a slow having heritage value on a case-by-case basis, I think ment last week finally acknowledged there death. we should do the same with our heritage trees. just might be some justification for the medici- • The City of Nelson has a Compiling an "inventory" of Nelson's special trees nal administration of marijuana. two-part policy about trees would be a worthwhile volunteer project. in Its jurisdiction.' One part NELSON BECKER The two old trees in front of the Court House were Now prospective growers in the West deals with trees tbat are in cut down for good reason, but I think it could have Kootenay are lining up to find out how they trouble: dead, dying, dangerous, diseased, interfering been done differently. When a significant tree has to can best take advantage of what could tum out with utility lines, etc. An assesment is made by the city be removed, folks should be told why -- and invited to to be a major agricultural and economic bene- horticulturist and, whenever practical, neighbors are come out for one last farewell. Slices of the tree could notified prior to the tree being removed. In the case of be saved and made into tables, with a label citing the fit for the entire region. the Court House trees, business neighbors were noti- species, age and signifcance of the tree. Since industrial hemp can be used to make fied. What do you think? Write or e-mail me if you know everything from paper to textiles, rope, plas- The second part of the City's policy deals with something special about any tree in our communities. tics and fuel, commercial cultivation has a tremendous potential for creating jobs in agri- culture, industry, research and retail. Hemp GUEST COMMENTARY farming was officially banned in Canada in 1938 because, like marijuana, hemp is derived from cannabis and contains small quantities of Vegetarianism has many faces the same psychoactive ingredient, known as By Julie Tanguay Gordon, RD ing alcohol. Such differences make it all the more diffi- delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol -- or THC for If the word "vegetarian" makes you think of tofu, car- cult to discern a single cause for observed evidence of rots and bean sprouts, think again. improved health among vegetarians. The lowered inci- short. According to the National Intstitute of Nutrition (NIN) dence of breast cancer among Seventh-day Adventist According to Ottawa's regulations, industrial in Ottawa, self-proclaimed "vegetarians" now encompass vegetarian women, for example, cannot be disassociated hemp must have not more than 0.3 percent a variety of eating patterns, ranging from strict plant from other significant factors. Compared to other THC, which means the active ingredient will eaters to meat nibblers. The changing meaning of the women, they tend to be younger at their first pregnancy, term as well as potential health benefits and risks associ- conceive more children, enter menopause at an earlier be below the level expected to induce a psy- ated with the lifestyle are the focus of the Institute's lat- age and have lower body weights. All of these factors, choactive effect. Some wags have dubbed it est edition of Rapport, a quarterly newsletter. not merely their diets, are linked to a decreased risk of the "Ross Rebagliati Rule" in reference to the Surveys indicate that very few self-designated vegetari- breast cancer. B.C. snowbarder who had his 1998 Olympic ans are strict plant eaters. Among the 1,956 participants Indeed, most health benefits associated with vegetarian- in NIN's 1997 Tracking Nutrition Trends survey, the ism have not been linked to any single dietary or lifestyle gold medal stripped and then returned after proportion describing themselves as vegetarian was 4%. factor. Still, some benefits are most certainly diet related. testing positive for a microscopic amount of Of this group, 90% claimed to drink milk and over 70% The high fibre content of many vegetarian diets certainly pot in his system. reported eating eggs, fish or seafood. More surprising protects against constipation and diverticular disease. All things considered, the guidelines for still are the 20% who claimed to eat red meat! Other research concerning vegetarianism's health bene- So what gives? According to NIN president Suzanne fits is less conclusive. The lowered incidence of lung hemp cultivation and the government's Hendricks, it's all about choices. cancer among vegetarians, for instance, most likely stems enlightened new attitude regarding the medici- "Health-conscious Canadians are choosing more meat- from the lower incidence of smoking among this group. nal administration of marijuana can only be less meals because they perceive them as yet another Without careful planning, vegetarian diets may be nutri- viewed as positive developments. While nutritious option to add to their mixed diets," says tionally compromised. The fact than many vegetarians Hendricks. "This can be great if it leads to greater con- claim to be more flexible in their food choices does not falling far short of outright legalization of suption of meat alternatives, such as legumes. Some necessarily mean that their diet is of a better qualjty. cannabis, they are initiatives aimed at comfort- trendy vegetarians, however, may fail to put the right Indeed, a recent study undertaken in Southern Ontario ing the sick, stimulating economic growth and emphasis on a proper balance of plant foods and dairy found a high prevelance of inadequate protein, calcium, creating jobs. Those are pretty good objectives products." iron and zinc intakes among young vegetarian women in You don't have to restrict yourself to plant products to the 14-19 age group. Given that a large percentage of to aim at, by any government's standard. reap the benefits of vegetarianism: an increasing number these young women consumed inadequate amounts of of researchers believe it is not so much the absence of energy, it should hardly be surpirsing that so many could Great ambassadors animal products as the abundance of plant food on the plate that is important. not meet their nutrient requirements. With consumers being faced with ever more food choic- A hearty congratulations to the six West A vegetarian diet has been linked to a reduction in the es and bombarded with conflicting messages from the Kootenay athletes who represented our region incidence of a many chronic diseases, yet the strength of latest diet books, it's easy to understand why many feel so well at the recent Canada Winter Games in findings varies. Evidence demonstrating lower mortality lost in the nutrition maze. rates and reduction of chronic diseases such as constipa- "What many young vegetarians and others want is per- Newfoundland. tion and obesity is "strong" while data indicating a sonal guidance that will cater to their taste, needs and Hockey players Jaclyn Haines (Rossland), reduced risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, beliefs," asserts Hendricks. "Seeking professional help in Desirae Clark (Salmo), Trevor Johnson (Trail), adult-onset diabetes and gallstones are considered only diet planning should be on a par with a regular dental crosscountry skiers George Grey and Jesse "good." check up." Fraser (both of Rossland) and Nelson fencer Gauging the health benefits of vegetarianism is compli- cated by the fact that the lifestyle of many vegetarians Julie Tanguay Gordon is a Registered Dietician a tht Lee Maddix did us all proud -- and their suc- differs considerably from that of the general population. eh National Institute of Nutrition in Ottawa. The pri- cess is a tribute to all the parents and coaches They tend to be more active, maintain a healthy weight vate, non-profll InstiJute was founded in 1983 to foster who helped them along the way. Well done! and abstain from smoking, using illegal drugs and drink- nutrition education and research in Canada. 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