Our focus in March and April on continuing education reminds us that learning should be a lifelong endeavor. As we celebrate Earth Day this April, it is easy to find links to Education SDG4 and the environment, especially in global citizenship, which we will explore in May and June. Just...
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals characterized by a chain of carbon atoms that are bonded to fluorine atoms through a process called fluorination.1 PFAS are a class of thousands of chemicals known or suspected to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals. According to the Endocrine Society and the International...
AWC Antwerp often receives emails from women expressing their appreciation for the heart-shaped pillows that they receive after breast cancer surgery. But very rarely from men! The email below reminded me, once again, that breast cancer knows no boundaries, and indeed occurs in men as well.
Dear women’s club,
This is a story about my black eye.
Actually, it’s a story about how people reacted to my black eye.
No, that’s not right either.
This is a story about our cultural norms, women and violence, and unexamined assumptions. It is also the kind of story that wants to end with answers and advice,
Some argue that “human trafficking” and “human slavery” are two different things. Academics aside, if you consider that in both cases the person loses their freedom, is subject to abuse and does not get paid, they are close enough to being the same thing. Both result in victims.
The UN definition for human trafficking includes...
*as gleaned from several urban nature walks taken during the summer of 2023 in and around Paris. This is presented here only as a general introduction to the subject.
WHO: Know which plant species it is you see.
Which characteristics are you relying on to identify the...
During the 2024 FAWCO Interim Meeting in Porto, Portugal, I enjoyed a tour of the Douro Valley. I learned that Portugal is the fourth largest grape-producing country in the world and the ninth largest wine producer. I was dazzled by the natural beauty and wine culture in the valley.
The decision has been made to relocate, and a perfect new home has been found. But suddenly, there is the realization that your new home will be...
“I think you have myasthenia gravis. There is a blood test you need to get upstairs at LabCorp.”
Off I went to get my blood drawn, unable to see well enough to drive, and with the hospital just a few blocks down the street anyway, I walked home. I Googled “What is myasthenia gravis?”
