r -- - - - -' -.-.r -rn- - - -r-, --- --..,.-..--,-- - - - -w -r.. w-,-- g- ----.y--.-- - r---- - Page 10, Whitby Free Press, Wednesctay, April 6.1994 - w - - New arts academy en riches both mmd and body By Eri O'Connor Taking a clase in martial arts inot only abenefit te your bdy btalso a benefit te your nmmd. Y Accordingt David Couch, owner and operator of the new Whitby Academy of Martial Arts, lasses in martial arts ca help im poe self-confidence, self-dis- lcip-ine and self-awareness, and your level of fitness and co- ordination. The academy, which has aeady opened its doors te the Iublic, wiIl hold its grand open- îng on April 9, and although classes have already begun, there are still opportunities te enroil in one of t he many classes available there. I teach your basic karate as well as ju jitsu, tai chi, and a traditional weaponry course cal- led kobudo," aaya Couch. This weaponry course focuses on the use of a staff, sai (three- pronged fork) and, at the more advanced levels, the use of a sword. "But," says Couch, "these classes are only offered-te more experienced students..at least a green belt level is required." Althougli martial arts is tradi- tionally male-dominated Coucli notes that more anc1 more females hav jied his classes. "These clse offer women a form of self-defenoe, and allows them te begin te rely on them- selves, as well as leariiing the physical and mental aspects of the course." Although the academy is just beginnin, Couch has plans te expand the achedule with stu- dent enrolment. As well, lie has plans for his students to compete in tourna- ments with other academies in the Metro Toronto area including Brampton, Richmond Hill and Etobicoke. "So far there has been a really good response to, the academy, as martial arts are sometlhing a lot of people are interested ini.' The ail-day grand opening of the academy, at 114 Dundas St. E. (acroes from Perry House Day Care), will include demonst- rations by students. MORE THAN $12,000 was raised for the Heart and Stroke Foundation in the European Womnen's Health CIub's annual 'Dance for Heart' Wednesday. That's a new record for the three-hour event in which about 70 members participated this year. Photo by Mark Reesor, Whltby Free Pres Beauty is fot ju ssindee An old Japanese proverb says 'Beauty is only one layer.' What this irnplies is that the real beauty of a person lies in his or her personality. But throughout the ages, people have yearned for beautY and have spent tume and money te change their hair colour, have plastic surgery to, nip and tuck excessive fat and even purchase creams, lotions and potions that 'promise'total beauty. Society challenges us every day because it pute such a heavy emphasis on youthfulness by perpetuating the beauty myth -- the crucial importance of possessing a flawleaa appearance. Anybody who deviates from this societally-imposed myth is considered different. But many people face additional challenges. They develop or inherit ain conditions that alter their appearance and set them apart by making them stand out. Not only do they develop a figurative 'thick slkm' te protect themselves against hurniliating questions and curious sMares, but their actual skin changea as well. One condition that more and more Canadians are beconiing increasingly aware of in psoriasis. It's a non-contagious chronic condition in which the layers of 'kIdn don't shed as quickly as does regular ukin. These layera pile up and become thick, red and sometimes itchy. Ini the 1920%, crude cool tar ointments were discovered as a method that helped akin with psoriasis. They were smeared ail over the ê1kin te reduoe the size and severity of the psoriasis plagues. It wasn't until the 19509 that the ' gold standard' treatment was developed, in the form of corticoateroids, more commonly called steriods. Steroids have improved over the years and although their effect was initially positive, it tended to decrease with extended use. As well, a nuniber of aide effects were noticed. Ini the 1990s, another advance occurred in the treatinent of George rsinokas, co-owner of Valentino's in downtown Whitby, was third at the Ontario Cutting, Colour and Styling Champion- Ship9 held recently in Toronto. HNe was one of 70 contestants in the hair styling competition viewed by more than 10,000 styl- ista fromn Ontario and the U.S. Toinokas earned a trophy and $250 for his third-place finish. psoriasis. Dovonex (calcipotriol) is a natural vitainin D derivative. It lias been described as one of the Most ignificant advances in the treatment of niild to' moderate psrai in close te, three deads.And, aince it' aa non-steridal ointment, it has a higli safety profile that doesn't have the aide effects that are asaociated with other treatinents. Clinical studies have shown that it's well-liked by patients, and blends easily inte the idn, leaving no stain or odour. Research to, find safe and new miedications te, treat skin conditions such as psoriasis is constantly ongoing. Hopefully one day doctors will find a cure. If you are currently using a medication and are concerned about possible short- and long term aide effects, or if you have psoriasis or think you do, speak te, your doctor. 'Dance' raises $12.000