EDMONTON — Love is in the air. Cupid helped us identify some University of Alberta experts who can weigh in on all things romance – like relationship advice, chocolate, and how to protect your heart.
Relationships take work. Family scientist Adam Galovan has tips to strengthen our romantic unions, including practicing mindfulness, putting ‘we’ before ‘me’, cutting out the ‘technoference’, and yes – going to bed angry, contrary to advice given to many couples in the past.
Of course, not everyone is in a relationship on Valentine’s Day. For those feeling lonely at this time of year, psychiatry expert Andrew Greenshaw has tips to foster a positive outlook and self care.
Everyone has a favourite love song. So why do we love love songs? Brian Fauteux with the U of A’s Department of Music can discuss why they’re so popular and so very relatable.
The Beatles song goes “Money can’t buy me love”, but it sure can buy ‘love’ items like chocolates, flowers, and jewelry. According to a new survey, nearly half of Canadians celebrate Valentine’s Day; of those, about 48 per cent will spend $50 or more on the holiday. Heather Thomson from the School of Business can share the retail impact of Valentine’s Day.
Speaking of chocolate (yum…), it’s a multi-billion dollar industry with Valentine's Day being the top selling holiday. Certified food scientist Wendy Wismer explains why we melt so much for the sweet treat and the possible health benefits that come with it.
What about the biggest symbol of Valentine’s Day: the heart? In time for Wear Red Canada Day on February 13, nursing professor Colleen Norris calls heart disease the ‘canary in the coal mine’ of women’s health – an early indicator of overarching health issues. It is often underdiagnosed and undertreated because women and clinicians are often unfamiliar with the differences between women’s and men’s hearts.
Meanwhile, regular exercise is key to maintaining a strong heart, especially as we age. Members of the U of A’s Cardiovascular Research Institute can speak about the importance of exercise across adulthood and into senior life.
Event: Valentine’s Day with Feminism: Billy-Ray Belcourt, “Decolonization is a Queer Desire” February 14, 3:30 - 4:50 p.m., Central Academic Building, Room 239
U of A alumni Billy-Ray Belcourt analyzes the negative effect in poetic depictions of queer Indigenous sex and sexuality and whether decolonization is a ‘queer desire’. Belcourt is an assistant professor and Canada Research Chair of Queer Indigenous Cultural Production at UBC. Please note: Media are invited to attend but are asked not to take video or audio recordings during the presentation.
To speak with any of these scholars, please contact U of A communication associates:
Sarah Vernon: svernon@ualberta.ca Debra Clark: debra.clark@ualberta.ca