The Woverine Wake-Up Week 69
Christmas Edition 12-21-22
Winter Weather Walking
Winter precipitation can bring an increased risk for slips and falls on the ice and snow. Expert recommends simple steps to minimize fall risk. Avoid boots or shoes with smooth soles or heels. Walking along the grassy edge of snow- or ice-covered sidewalks or driveways provides better traction. Use hand railings when walking on steps. If you are walking on icy or snowy surfaces, keep your hands out of your coat pockets. If you fall backwards, quickly tuck your head forward, chin to chest. Try to extend your arms away from your body and "slap" the ground with your palms and forearms. This maneuver will help prevent your head, wrists and elbows from hitting the ground.
-Leatta McKeon
Melting snow contains a toxic cocktail of pollutants
Researchers in Montreal have found that urban snow accumulates a toxic cocktail from car emissions. Pollutants are in turn unleashed into the environment as the weather warms up. Researchers at McGill University and École de technologie supérieure made the discovery.Snow absorbs certain organic pollutants that are known to be toxic and carcinogenic, a new study has found. The study was done by researchers at McGill University and École de technologie supérieure in France. Hundreds of thousands of premature deaths are caused by mild air pollution in North America.They found that exhaust is affected differently by the cold and snow depending on the type of fuel injection in the engine. The scientists analyzed how snow takes up pollutants from car emissions by exposing it to engine exhaust in frozen glass spheres.Some compounds, including more toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, may volatilize back into the air, while others accumulate in the snow and are released with melt water. Further studies and monitoring could help identify the most harmful pollutants, which ones should be targeted for reduction in gasoline formulations.
-Carson Ososki
Groin and hips of hockey players examined in five-second test
The test involves assessing pain in the groin area on a scale from 0 to 10, which is divided into three levels. At the green pain level, continuing is not a problem and its 0-2 pain level. If it's yellow, it may be best to wait which is also a 3-5 pain level and if it's red, that's a warning signal. The aim is to detect problems before they get more severe. In hockey, groin problems are common but in many cases they progress unnoticed.The five second squeeze test is an easy way to conduct an initial check without any instruments or tools. A correlation between a high pain level and impaired hip strength was found.
-Oliver McKeon
Ethiopia Christmas Traditions
The Christmas celebration in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is called Ganna or Genna. Most people go to Church on Christmas day. Many people take part in a special Advent fast during the 43 days before Christmas. During this time, traditionally only one vegan meal is eaten each day. It's a vegan meal because during the fast, foods including meat, dairy, eggs and wine aren't eaten. They then go to the second circle to stand during the service. The men and boys are separated from the women and girls. Around the time of Ganna, the men and boys play a game that is also called ganna. It's played with a curved stick and a round wooden ball, a bit like hockey.Twelve days after Ganna, on 19th January, Ethiopians start the three day celebration of Timkat. It celebrates the baptism of Jesus. Musical instruments are played during the Timkat procession.
-Leatta McKeon
Russian Holiday Tradition
-Jacob
Christmas Traditions Around the World: Sweden
The Yule Goat has been a Swedish Christmas symbol dating back to ancient pagan festivals. However, in 1966, the tradition got a whole new life after someone came up with the idea to make a giant straw goat, now referred to as the Gävle Goat. According to the official website, the goat is more than 42 feet high, 23 feet wide, and weighs 3.6 tons. Each year, the massive goat is constructed in the same spot. Fans can even watch a livestream from the first Sunday of Advent until after the New Year when it's taken down. On Christmas Eve, or Julafton, Swedes celebrating Christmas attend church services. They return home to a traditional family dinner,r including a buffet dinner (smörgåsbord) with ham, pork, or fish, and a variety of sweets. After the festive Christmas Eve dinner, someone dresses up as Tomte.
-Oliver McKeon
The Wolverine's Eye- photos courtesy of Leslie Jones
Christmas Day in Nigeria
In Nigeria the most important day of the Christmas period. Christmas Day in Nigeria is a day of colourful activities, with every family member expected to play their part to make it a success.The day before Christmas, families usually have prayers at home, as they give thanks for the many family members who have travelled from far and wide to celebrate together. These prayers are held close to midnight so that families can stay awake to wish each other a Merry Christmas.The first order of the day, for a lot of families, is the Christmas church service. This is not just a time for prayers and thanksgiving, it is a time to indulge in a little vanity. People wear their newest clothes.
-Carson Ososki