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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, O ct ob er 11 ,2 01 8 | 8 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised family of newspapers is comprised f of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the news- paper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca editor@oakvillebeaver.com facebook.com/OakvilleBeavfacebook.com/OakvilleBeavf @OakvilleBeaver WHO WE ARE VP, Regional Publisher Kelly Montague Regional Managing Editor Catherine O'Hara Regional Manager Digital Content Karen Miceli Director of Distribution Charlene Hall Circulation Manager Kim Mossman Director of Production Mark Dills Regional Production Manager Manny Garcia Regional General Manager Steve Foreman Halton Media General Manager Vicki Dillane Regional Director of Media Holly Chriss CONTACT US Oakville Beaver 901 Guelph Line Burlington, ON L7R 3N8 Phone: 289-293-0617 Classifieds: 1-800-263-6480 Digital/Flyer/Retail: 289-293-0624 Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 200 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We for verification purposes. We f reserve the right to edit, con- dense or reject letters. Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail kmossman@metroland.com or call 905-631-6095. OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT INSIDEHALTON.COM EDITORIAL While strides have been made to raise awareness of mental health, there's still unfamiliarity surrounding the subject, especially when it relates to children. This year, the Canada Safety Council is marking 100 years and has chosen to use National School Safety Week (Oct. 17-23) as a way to ensure children (and the entire population) have access to mental health services. They're dispelling four myths in their efforts to raise awareness, including that mental health illnesses aren't real. Mental health covers your psychological and emo- tional well-being, so it affects a person just as much as contracting a cold or breaking your leg. All illnesses vary and can be controlled through medication, but in the case of mental health, often they go undiagnosed or mismanaged, which could cause harm to a person or others. According to the Canadian Mental Health Associa- tion, undiagnosed illnesses can affect a child's perfor- mance at school or make themselves cause danger to themselves. It's the lack of awareness and education on the impact mental health of children can have that's troubling. Another myth is that children will simply grow out of a mental illness, but it can remain with a person for their entire life. A study by the federal government re- vealed 70 per cent of adults who suffer from some form of mental illness showed signs of it as a child or teen. The key here is early diagnosis and getting children on a healthy path. If treatment is done earlier, there's less chance of future harm. It's also untrue that bad parenting can cause a mental health related illness. It shouldn't be seen as a failure and due to the variety of illnesses, it's sometimes easy for parents to miss signs. The safety council notes that often a child's biochemistry and environment are re- sponsible for the development of mental health illnesses, including stressful situations and exposure to harmful substances while an infant. It's important to seek help if parents feel their child might be suffering. Consulting your family doctor, a mental health association or school counsellor are good first steps. When it comes to treatment, it will not make your child's symptoms worse, says the Canada Safety Coun- cil. Many parents don't want their children to be on unnecessary medication, or they see therapy as a waste of time, but each treatment method is tailored to the specific child. Not all will need to take medication, but parents should put some trust in the advice of mental health experts. The topic of mental health in children can be a deli- cate one, but the most important thing for parents to remember is to start having healthy conversations with your children, provide a safe space for them and when in doubt, seek the help of other resources. CHILDREN CRUCIAL PART OF MENTAL HEALTH DISCUSSION On Oct. 23, you can see distant planet Uranus with just a pair of binoculars when it's at opposition. For most of the year, theFor most of the year, theF planet is too distant and too dim to see with your naked eyes or binoculars. During opposition, it's a different story. The planet is closer than at any other time of the year and will ap- pear a little brighter than usual. It can also be seen from sun-up to sunset. Some young people might even see it with their naked eyes. For most of us, we'll need the aid of binocu- lars. Look for it rising in the east in the constellation Ari- es at sunset. It will reach its highest point in the sky just after midnight, as it movesafter midnight, as it movesa southward when it sets in the west at sunrise. west at sunrise. w Here are October star- gazing events, which are listed in the Hamilton Ama- teur Astronomers calendar. Oct. 11: The Moon is above Jupiter low in the southwest at dusk. Oct. 12: Hamilton Ama- teur Astronomers annual general meeting 7:30 p.m, Hamilton Spectator, 44 Frid St. Free admission, door priz- es and everybody welcome. An optional food bank dona- tion of non-perishable goods will be collected and appreci- ated.ated.a Oct. 14: The Moon is close to Saturn in the evening sky. Oct. 17-18: The Moon is close to Mars in the south- ern evening sky. Oct. 21: The Orionid me- teor shower peaks after midnight. Oct. 24: The Full Moon is called the Hunter's Moon. Venus is also behind theVenus is also behind theV Sun, or at inferior conjunc- tion and can't be seen. For more information,For more information,F see the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers website or call 905-627-4323. The club offers a basic astronomy course for members.for members.f Mario Carr, the author of this report, is the club's director of publicity and can be reached at mario- carr@cogeco.ca or on Twit- ter @MarioCCarr. URANUS WILL BE VISIBLE IN OCTOBER WITH JUST BINOCULARS ORIONID METEOR SHOWER ALSO THIS MONTH, WRITES MARIO CARR MARIO CARR Column SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT INSIDEHALTON.COM