Adolescents at risk of mental health issues

A recent study, led by seven Queen’s faculty members, has identified that Canadian youth aged 11 to 15 have a high risk of mental health problems.

They found that positive relationships, whether with friends or family, are the most important factor in fostering positive mental health in adolescents.

The study was published on the Public Health Agency of Canada website earlier this month.

Through more than 26,000 surveys at 436 schools, the researchers tested students’ emotions and behaviours.

They categorized the answers by age and gender and found a causal relationship between mental health and healthy behaviours in all instances. The study found that the overall proportion of students that feel understood by their parents has increased from previous years.

— Catherine Owsik

Romance in Limestone City

Kingston was named Canada’s most romantic city this year by the online retailer Amazon.ca.

Guelph took second place, followed by Kelowna, B.C. and Oakville, Ont.

The ranking was based on per-capita sales of romance novels, sex and relationship books, romantic-comedy DVDs and Michael Buble CDs since Jan. 1, 2012.

This is the third year that the website compiled a list of the “Top 20 Romantic Cities” in Canada. Last year, Kingston was ranked seventh with Victoria, B.C. topping the list.

— Catherine Owsik