“Do not believe that that great love once enjoined upon you… was lost; can you say whether great and good desires did not ripen in you at the time, and resolutions by which you are still living today? I believe that love remains so strong and powerful in your memory because it was your first deep being-alone and the first inward work you did on your life.”

-Rainer Maria Rilke



February 2003

IN MEMORIAM

Once again, we have suffered a tremendous loss. On Saturday morning, February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart over Texas, as it prepared for landing in Florida. Six Americans and one Israeli: Pilots, Scientists, Payload Specialists, Men and Women… adventurers – they were Astronauts – lost to us forever, in one brief moment, like candles in the wind.

We honor their memory and express our heartfelt condolences to their families. We pray, along with the rest of mankind their loved ones will find peace and grace in the Creator and comfort in their memories.

In Our Lives

In 1976, as part of America’s Bicentennial, February was designated Black History Month – a time when we celebrate the contributions and profound impact African Americans have made to the cultural, artistic, and economic life of the United States; whose profound impact is woven into the fabric of our country. It is also the time when we can help each other to understand the great cultural diversity of North America.

Did you know that North America encompasses a heritage of not less than fifteen different cultural groups, steeped in unique traditions brought with them as they immigrated to this land? These are the things that help make us who we are today.

There is a song that was written 103 years ago by the poet and lyricist James Weldon Johnson for a presentation, in celebration of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln. The music was composed by his brother and songwriting partner, J. Rosamond Johnson. Originally performed in Jacksonville, Florida by children, it takes on significant meaning in the world we live in today. The song title is “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”-- its’ first chorus is as follows:

Lift Every Voice and Sing-

“Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won”…

I believe this song is predicated on the survival and sustained growth of a people and a nation and holds significant meaning in these days of uncertainty which we find ourselves in today. Let us embrace the message in the lyrics and one another. Our diversity blesses us to bring something unique and of ourselves to the table.

In this edition, join us as we continue to explore ongoing issues that impact our lifestyles and daily living; learn a tidbit or two about Valentine’s Day and giggle your way through cabin fever with “The Comedy Minute”. All this and more, In Our Lives.

Valentine Facts:

Did you know there might have been as many as eight St. Valentines? Yet, only three are credited in connection with the name of the holiday.

The celebration of Valentine’s Day began as a Roman holiday called Lupercalia, which was a festival to celebrate the coming of Spring and fertility. When Christianity began in Europe it remained a pagan holiday until associated with a St. Valentine: then the name changed.

The third association is one of dubious behavior: On February 14,1929, the gangster, Al Capone murdered seven members of an opposing gang in cold blood. Since that day of infamy, its less affectionate memorial became known as the anniversary of one the bloodiest gangland murders in Chicago—The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Chocolate Drops of Wisdom:

The first chocolate confection was hot chocolate. The Aztecs are said to have discovered it and shared it with the Spaniards, who took it back to Europe and added sweetener. The Emperor Montezuma is rumored to have drunk at least 50 cups of hot chocolate per day! Now that’s a chocoholic!

Scientific studies have revealed that chocolate is rich in minerals including magnesium and iron. It is also full of anti-oxidants that may help prevent cancer and heart disease.

More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day. Richard Cadbury created the first commercial Valentine’s Day Chocolates box.

The Hershey’s Kiss got its name from the machine that shapes the confection. It “puckers” a precise amount of the processed chocolate onto the moving steel conveyor belt then quickly cools it to form the Kiss shape. Approximately 70 million kisses are produced in Hershey’s chocolate factories in Hershey, PA and California, daily.

On the west coast, See’s is a preferred favorite chocolate.

Candy, anyone?

February is Kidney Awareness Month

More than 20 million Americans-one in 9 adults-have chronic kidney disease. More than 20 million others are at increased risk. Kidney disease is one of the costliest illnesses in the U.S. today. Here are ten other facts you may not but definitely should know:

• More than 20 million Americans suffer from diseases of the kidney and urinary tract. More than 90,000 die each year because of these diseases.
  
  
• Approximately 200,000 Americans suffer from chronic kidney failure and need an artificial kidney machine to stay alive.
  
  
• Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney failure and accounts for approximately one-third of new cases of chronic kidney failure in the United States, each year.
  
  
• Uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure is the second leading cause of chronic kidney failure in the United States; it accounts for approximately 30 percent of all cases.
  
  
• More than 27,000 patients are waiting for kidney transplants, but only about 11,000 will receive transplants this year because of a shortage of suitable organ donors.
  
  
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate problems) affect 60 percent of men by age 50 and more than 80 percent of men by age 80.
  
  
• Currently, some one million Americans are treated each year for kidney stones. The majority of these cases occur in people between 20 and 40 years of age. Kidney stones are more common in men, who account for about four out of five cases.
  
  
• Kidney and urinary tract diseases continue to be one of the major causes of work-loss among men and women. Approximately 27 million American out-patients' visits result from kidney and urinary tract problems.
  
  
• Urinary incontinence, the loss of urine control caused by illness, medications or aging, affects about 10 million Americans. Although effective treatments are available, only about 10 percent of those who suffer from urinary incontinence seek medical care for the problem, often because of embarrassment.
  
  
• Of the single kidney transplants performed in 1996, 3,389 were from living donors and 7,710 were from non-living donors. Another 850 kidneys were transplanted in combination with pancreas transplants. In that year alone, 11,949 people with kidney disease were given a “Gift of Life” by receiving an organ transplant.
  
  
• Kidney and Urinary Tract disease remain a major cause of illness and death in the United States. For more comprehensive information about these diseases, contact the National Kidney Foundation at: http://www.kidney.org.

Romantic quotes:

“Claire, you are holding my heart.” Daniel (portrayed by Mel Gibson), the octogenarian Air Force pilot to nurse Claire (portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis) in the film “Forever Young”.

“It is not enough to conquer,
One must know how to seduce.”
-Voltaire

“Too much of a good thing is wonderful!”
-Mae West

"Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories...”
Terri McKay (portrayed by Debra Kerr) to Nickie Ferrante (Cary Grant) in the film “An Affair to Remember”


Romantic Songs:

“My Funny Valentine” (Rodgers and Hart)
“The Very Thought of You” (Ray Noble)
“A Ribbon In the Sky” (Stevie Wonder)
“Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?” (Scott Wiseman)

A Healthy Heart

February is American Heart Month

How healthy is your heart? Do you know the warning signs of heart disease? Are your daily lifestyle practices heart smart?
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense -- the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
  
  
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  
  
• Shortness of breath. This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort.
  
  
• Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help. Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive -- up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. You'll get treated faster in the hospital if you come by ambulance, too.

If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you're the one having symptoms, don't drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.
Know the warning signs and reduce your risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

• Develop and maintain a better lifestyle habits.
• Develop and live by a healthful eating plan: choose the right foods to eat and prepare them in a healthy way.
• Ladies: It’s not just a man’s disease anymore. Heart disease and stroke affects 1 out of 2 women. The good news is that heart disease is preventable… you can learn to live longer and healthier.
• Move it! Whether in a structured exercise program or just part of your daily routine, exercising develops and helps you maintain a healthier heart.
• Identify your cholesterol levels—the good, the bad, and the ugly; then bring them under control.

We wish you a long and fruitful life and with it, a quality with meaning and substance. For more information, contact the American Heart Association at: http://www.americanheart.org

“Enjoy yourself. These are the good old days you’re going to miss in ten years!”

- Unknown

The Comedy Minute

David received a parrot for his birthday. This parrot was fully-grown with a bad attitude and even worse vocabulary. Every other word was an expletive. Those that weren't expletives were, to say the least, rude.

David tried hard to change the bird's attitude and was constantly saying polite words, playing soft music, and anything else that came to mind. Nothing worked. He yelled at the bird and the bird got worse. He shook the bird and the bird got madder and ruder.

Finally, in a moment of desperation, David put the parrot in the freezer. For a few moments he heard the bird squawking, kicking and screaming-- then suddenly, all was quiet.

Frightened that he might have actually hurt the bird, David, quickly opened the freezer door. In an instant, the parrot calmly stepped out onto David's extended arm and said, "I'm sorry that I offended you with my language and actions, kind sir. I ask for your forgiveness."

Astounded at the bird's change in attitude, David was about to ask the bird what changed him when the parrot continued:

"May I ask, sir, what the chicken did?"

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

- Gandhi

Disclaimer: The information presented here are suggestions to help improve the well being of the reader and SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR EVALUATION AND/OR TREATMENT BY YOUR PHYSICIAN OR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. It is not intended to provide or confirm a diagnosis nor is it any claim made as to therapeutic efficacy, as this can vary from person to person. It is based on published scientific studies, personal experience and/or traditional usage. Always read and heed the warnings given on any preparations that are ingested or whose usage is contraindicated while taking prescribed medications. When in doubt… leave it out!



©February 2003 Smooth Notes and News

...In Our Lives.