The first issue of Brock Health

A new magazine launched this year is helping Brock students stay up to date on current health research.

Brock Health, a project of Community Health Sciences students, gives students a forum to publish their ideas and theories about medicine and health. The first edition of the glossy magazine, released in March 2010, tackled subjects like trans fats, nanomagnets, prescription drug abuse and motivation for exercising.

It gives students an outlet to express themselves, and also a unique way of learning, said Shahla Ahmad, Brock Health editor and fourth-year Community Health Sciences student.

“The educational experience in university should not just be about attending class and writing exams,” she said. “We believe the greater educational experience comes from bringing about initiatives like this.”

The 24-page magazine stemmed from one of Ahmad’s Community Health Sciences courses called Issues in Health Policy, taught by associate professor Kelli-an Lawrance. Ahmad approached classmates about helping her, and formed a core team of six: Vicky Horner, Brenth Gilliard, Singha Chathanatham, Kresimir Mijaljevic, Yumna Ahmed and Ahmad.

The goal is to publish one issue per semester, or more if funds and volunteers are available. They also hope to launch a website.

“We are hoping that this magazine lasts for many years to come, and at the end of the day, that students benefit from it,” she said.

Copies are available in the office of Jackie Robb, Community Health Sciences undergraduate program co-ordinator, at STH 322.