The Castlegar Sun Wednesday, January 29, 1992 Perm Special 20% OFF CALL TODAY! 365-5841 OFFER EXPIRES FEB. 29/92 CHRISTIAN BOOK SUPPLY Store Wide Sale SALE DATES Jan. 28 - Feb. 15 942 Eldorado St. 368-3012 ‘SELECTED *Reg. book price. Matching fabric not ncloded. Sigre books only Examining the he ANS 1OVOS SUN CORRESPONDENT Could your job be slowly killing you? That's the concern now faced by millions of office workers whose jobs require almost constant exposure to video display terminals (VDTs), or computer monitors. The potential danger lies with the electromagnetic, fields (EMFs) generated by VDTs, and, like the great cholesterol during their first trimester, A series ‘by Paul Brodeur ing in the New Yorker in 1989 used data from recent studies on the biological effects of EMFs at the cellular level to conclude a definite link between cancep,in humans and EMFs emitted from power lines, radar, microwaves, and VDTs. Yet, all too often, such sweep- ing summaries of complex sci- entific data by the press and public breed inaccuracies and debate, both the 1 and the scientific studies they're based on are far from unani- mous. A study by the Kaiser Perma- nente Medical Group in Oak- land, California in 1988 found a doubling of miscarriages among women who worked at a VDT for more than 20 hours a week c y. Dr.Joseph Nearing, Chief Occupational Health and Safety Officer for WCB, says other research has proven the Kaiser study's conclusion false. “So far there are no studies, including the Kaiser, that can prove a link between EMFs and health dangers or pregnancy risks,” says Nearing. As support Dr. Nearing cites a March 1991 article in the highly regarded New England Journal of Medicine, which reached the same conclusions, as did a 1989 University of Calgary study by Bryant and Love. The Canadian Birthdays + Parties & more Did You Know That... Conservative esti- mates suggest that one in ten Canadian women living with a man suffers physical abuse in their rela- tionships. Castlegar Women's Association 365-2104 cal Association's position is, to quote: “there is over- whelming evidence that VDTs emit no x-rays and that the emission of non-ionizing radia- tion is well below even the most restrictive standards. The CMA therefore believes that there .is no reason for any person.to be concerned about radiation health effects from VDTs”. The only concessions to VDT- related health concerns by the CMA or WCB are: potential eye strain, general fatigue, muscu- loskeletal and other stress- induced complaints associatéd with long hours spent working in a fixed position. Modification of the workplace environment, including adequate lighting, chairs with adjustable height and lumbar support, proper BREAKFAST - Ham muffin and LUNCH homemade hashbrowns. oo salad croissan homemade fries. your choice . 2 a 39 1004 Columbia Avenue - Aher x AT ATED ce § Phone 365-8155 Also A: je at Color Your World alth me » ‘of Vis crete evidence on whether or not the risks are real. angle of monitor view and body positioning, are recommended means of reducing physical Strain While scientists deplore what they call Brodeur's ‘extremism’, they applaud the galvanizing of public concern, prompting atten- tion by U.S. legislators, who are calling for more funding of EMF research. The U.S. Congress has begun prodding federal agencies concerned with health and safety to take a hard- er look at EMFs and has appro- priated $600,000 for a 1992 Is there a risk in using video display terminals? Scientists are still searching for con- ‘Arthur Joyce Photo appear to be no such initiatives from the political or scientific community in Canada. As Guy Tarr of Nelson’s Fast- Tek Computer puts it, “the jury’s still out on whether or not the health hazards are real- the sci- study by the National Academy of Sciences. At present there entific ity are holding their cards close to their chest.” Freedom of choice goes both ways Comments concerning Autoplan premiums SUBMITTED Editorial pages across BC ICBC operates on a break-even basis and sells Autoplan at “cost” have fe d many lately concerning increases in Autoplan premiums, with some writers questioning the viability of public auto insurance in BC. One group, the Fraser Insti- tute, maintains that BC motorists are being denied free- dom of choice and that no pub- lic system can operate more efficiently than the private sec- tor. This was the argument in 1988-when Ontario- : vate insurers lobbied to have ICBC scrapped and auto insur- ance turned over to them, implying (but not proving) that premiums would be lower. In fact, there is strong evidence these companies would have to charge us more. The average private insurer needs 30 per cent of its income for administration costs. ICBC only 13 per cent. Private companies build a profit into their premiums. All ii invest funds set aside to pay claims. Private insurers use this income for many purposes. ICBC uses it to offset operating expenses. Every dollar earned is a dollar motorists don't have to pay in P i ICBC’s income lowered the average 1990 Autoplan policy by $153. Higher cost, a profit motive and no commitment to use investment income to cover might all be reasons why some private companies have announced some “double digit” increases of their own over the past few years. Then there's the “freedom of choice” issue. BC motorists must purchase basic insurance coverage from ICBC, which guarantees all vehicles have $200,000 in third party coverage. They can then buy optional coverage (extra third party, collision or compre- hensive) from ICBC or any pri- vate insurer willing to sell them. But the private companies also have freedom of choice. If you don’t meet their criterja by virtue of your age, sex, marital Status, type of work or type of vehicle or area of residence, they won't sell you insurance. In some provinces, motorists with clean driving and claims records have been relegated to “bad risk” pools. Faced with premiums in the thousands of dollars, many drive uninsured. In BC, as long as you have a valid driver's license, [CBC will sell you all the coverage you need. All other factors being equal, a good driving record means lower premiums. Having been given the choice, most BC motorist by ICBC’s optional coverage because the price is lower. The Fraser Institute’s argument does not stand up. STEERING YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. Trying to find the right car at the right price? Well look no further. The Sun Classifieds is bumper to bumper with quality new and used cars. Sporty or traditional. Large or small. You'll find the model you want. At your price! Also - don't pass up our trucks for sale - you never know! Wednesday, January 29, 1992 The Castlegar Sun Page 5B Castlegar prepares for Variety Club Telethon Funds raised will be directed to Kootenay Columbia Childcare Society | It's been called the “Show of Hearts” and this year it features one of the entertainment indus- try's biggest stars! Grammy Award-winning composer, per- former, producer and arranger David Foster will be one of the headline performers of the 1992 Variety Club Telethon coming up February 15 and 16 on BCTV. The Kootenay Columb centre. Approximately $40,000 from this will be used for equip- ment in the new centre such as cribs, strollers, appliances and shelving. Katrina Conroy, adminis- trator for the Kootenay Columbia Childcare Society, says that $100,000 more will be needed in order for construction to resume. Childcare Society will be one of several organizations to benefit from this year’s provincial annual Variety Club Telethon. The Variety Club will match dollar for dollar any amount of money the community can raise between now and the time of the telethon. All money raised for the KCCCS by the Variety club will be directed towards the Castlegar Children’s Centre, which is cur- rently at a construction standstill due to a severe lack in funding. So far, approxi ty $265,000 ‘It's exciting and ol that the club Is willing to assist us again.' — KATRINE CONROY Administrator KCCCS “We are behind in con- struction due to the lack of funds. But the society can not borrow the money. We must remain fiscally has been spent on construction of the building, which will be located next to the Hobbit Hill children’s Art Jones, president of the Variety Club of B.C., says the Children’s Centre project in Castlegar is the perfect opportuni- ty for the Variety club to continue helping children with and without special needs. “The whole project fits the mandate of the Variety club. This will give us the opportunity to do something wonderful in the Kootenays. lt certainly is a well- defined need,” Jones said. When told the news that the Variety club was going to assist in raising money for the centre, Con- roy says she was overwhelmed. “The Variety Club has already supported us in the past, donating to us $109,000. It's exciting and overwhelming that the club is willing to assist us again,” said Conroy. If Castlegar can raise $25,000, the Variety Club's match would bring the total up to a whopping $50,000. “It's going to take a lot of peo- ple to get involved in this. But the community support is there,” Conroy said. The 22-hour telethon is already being planned for by one Castlegar business—the Hi Arrow Hotel, which attempts to raise money every year for the provincial telethon. “T think it’s that peo- directed to the Variety club. On February 15, Brewskies pub is planning a Murder-Mys- tery event. This live action theatre ple realize that his year the mon- ey will be coming right back to Castlegar,” said Jean Sullivan book keeper and front desk clerk for the Hi Arrow. Evan Shaw, one of the Hi Arrow’s co-owners, says the club is planning a series of events the pub- lic can enjoy, and at the same time, ive to the Variety club telethon. “We're doing many different things this year to help raise mon- ey for the Variety club. It's cru- cial that people realize Castlegar will benefit from this directly.” On February 9, an auction will take place in Brewskies pub, cour- tesy of Russell Auction. Items up for bids include various books, food, lumber and other items. “We'd like to raise close to $5,000 with the auction,” Sulli- van said. During the auction, a percent- age of all liquor sales will be ludes a bang with a per- centage of all proceeds from the detachment, CKQR, Hi Arrow and the Castlegar Sun, is scheduled to_ take place February 10. Called * “Doing Time for Charity”, the event will give some lucky indi- viduals around Castlegar the chance to be “locked up” for a fee. : ‘It's crucial that peo- $35ficket and liquor donated to the Variety club. Shaw has also stated male dancers will be performing February 8 and that starting Jan- uary 23, a $2 covercharge will be in effect from Thursday-Saturday. Once again, all proceeds from the show and the covercharge will be directed to the Variety club. Another major event, which involves the Castlegar RCMP All p will be given to the : Variety club. ' “We're pretty excited about this event. The whole commumnity can ; get involved. Anyone can lock up : their boss, or their spouse, or their * mother-in-law,” said Shaw..“We:: believe this is going to raise a lot’: of money for the Variety club, which in turn will be doubled over to the Kootenay Columbia Childcare Society.” of children under three with or.- without special needs. The new: - centre will also see a Teen Parent- ing program started, which would offer a clothing exchange, nutrition. courses and a general support ser- vice for young and single mothers alike. SAFEWAY Is We bring it all together ¥ “Come on Castlegar” LET’S ALL SUPPORT THE ni nei 619 Columbia Ave., Castlegar 365-6011 « Kootenay Savings Credit Union and tenay Savings In: /) K Where You Belong Services Ltd. TRAIL - FRUITVALE + CASTLEGAR - SALMO + KASLO - SOUTH SLOCAN - NAKUSP » NEW DENVER » WANETA PLAZA 1241 3rd St. Castlegar, BC PHARMASAVE ‘In The Heart Of Downtown Castlegar’ 365-7813 WHERE SUPER HEROS ARE MADE... 1006 3rd Street Castlegar, B.C. 365-0029 MATCH PA, Where Our Kids Are The Stars Queen Elizabeth Theatre Castlegar’s Goal ‘10,00 DONT MISS THESE WORTHWI Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 10 Feb. 15 'HILE FUNDRAISING EVENTS FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE HI ARROW HOTEL 365-2700 CARL’S PLAZA DRUGS Castleaird Plaza 365-7269 XA Kootenay Child Care Society CASTLEGAR MOHAWK 1415 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar 365-7811 Shelley & staff are Lar! to support the Variety Club as a fundraiser for the CASTLEGAR 601 - 18th Street 365-7232 CASTLEGAR SAVINGS CREDIT UNION “Your Community Financial Centre” Te SLOCAN PARK Highway 6 226-7212 COLUMBIA AUTO SERVICE 365-5422 RNEL DISTRIBUTORS LTD. Industrial, Institutional & Janitorial Supplies 4400 Minto Rd., Castlegar 365-3111 Variety Club DISTINCTIVE QUALITY CLOTHING: .o), You can depend on William’s professionals, a van line with a difference The Sun Classifieds — bringing all the choices home to you. for the small and less smail (with US—not U.S.) “For the benefit of us all” CANADA'S BEST PANT & WALLPAPER VALLE de assem WILLIAMS MOVING & STORAGE LTD. 365-3328 2337 - 6th Ave., Castlegar ‘62 Years of Quality Serivce’ tenet * 410 Stanley St., Nelson Hours: Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. -6 p-m. ime Phone 352-9411 (= =| Sate effective Jenvary 8 to February 4, 1992. G onies , 365-8151 Downtown Castlegar Phone & fax (604) 365-8289 2173 Columbia Ave., Castlegar, B.C. VIN 2W9 iy ~ * “es Karen & Terry Hughes FAX: Call collect 365-3328