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Neighbor to Neighbor: Let’s all try to stop rage before it starts


We hear and read so much about road rage, and other rages, that I think we all should try to learn some calming techniques. If you have an appointment someplace, give yourself a break and allow yourself…

By Barbara Morris

Wouldn’t it be nice if rage went out of fashion?

We hear and read so much about road rage, and other rages, that I think we all should try to learn some calming techniques. If you have an appointment someplace, give yourself a break and allow yourself plenty or time to get where you’re going. If you arrive a few minutes early, all the better. Look around a bit. You’ll probably find something interesting enough to add to your conversation that would strike a positive key.

“Positive” seems to be one or the kegs to relaxation. if you do something that promises to be worthwhile, even if it is difficult, you can bask in that accomplishment, whether it is doing some kind or physical activity, or spending time uplifting the spirit with soothing music or contemplation or prayer.

Studies have proven that people who have pets often have fewer bouts with high blood pressure and related illnesses than those who do not have any animal companions. Those who are interested in plants, and have them around, are also likely to be less tense.

Some time ago, I read about children being taken out of school and being bused to demonstrations for “A Day of Rage”. Newspapers carried pictures of threatening gestures and tense faces, and reports were carried that the demonstrators were heard far and wide. Children learn fast and hand things down, one to another. Once out of control, things can get worse and worse – and so it has. Please encourage the children with whom you come in contact, to channel their rage into constructive activity. Students in grades K to 12 are eligible to participate in the fourth annual Flag Day Writing and Art Contest which asks them to tell in words or pictures how they use their time in some positive way. The contest is sponsored by The Cornucopia Society in cooperation with Borough President Claire Shulman and is hosted by the Rosedale Public Library. It is being funded in part by state Senator Malcolm A. Smith and the Citizens Committee for New York City. Applications and rules are available at the Rosedale Library or by calling The Cornucopia Society at 718-341-1395. The deadline for entries is June 1, 2001.

Thinking about health issues can also be stressful – especially when such diseases as cancer can be so devastating. Even if you are not in the medical field, you may care to consider trying to help solve the puzzle Facing the New York Cancer Project, a partnership of New York’s top medical schools, academic health centers, and research institutions, coordinated by an organization called AMDeC (Academic Medicine Development Company). Private foundations, corporations, and the City of New York support the New York Cancer Project. This research study is designed to help medical scientists learn how the environment, diet, physical activity, family health history, and genetics may affect a person’s chances of developing cancer. People between 30 and 69 years of age who live in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut can participate in this 20-year study, which you can leave, any time, if you so choose. if you care to participate, you will be asked about your health history and that of your family, general lifestyle habits (including diet and physical activity). You will be asked to donate a small amount of blood. You will be measured for your height, weight, blood pressure, and waist and hip measurements, Every year or two, you will be mailed a brief questionnaire that asks if there are any changes in your health or lifestyle habits. All information will be kept strictly confidential and you will not be asked to take any pills, injections, or be part of any experiment. For more information about the New York Cancer Project, or to make an appointment to participate, call (toll free) 1-877-NYC-PROJ (1-877-7765). Understand the facts before you decide whether to participate. Ask your doctor about the research staffs of AMDeC members participating as New York Cancer Project Enrollment sites: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center, Maimonides Medical Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York Blood Center, New York Hospital Center of Queens, St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Centers of New York.

Everyone wins when cancer is defeated!