Commun ty Matters Farmington Presbyterian Manor
Why you should stop stressing over stress By Jeanne Dorin for Next Avenue
We’ve all heard the bad news. Stress can lead to a panoply of problems, from depression and fatigue to cancer and heart disease, and perhaps, as recent research suggests, premature death.
August 2015
Margie Hutton
Proving ‘once a teacher, always a teacher’ Whether it was summer break or post-retirement, taking a break from teaching wasn’t on option for Farmington Presbyterian Manor resident Margie Hutton.
The unrelenting onslaught of information about these dangers can itself create more stress, as we worry about our health and longevity on top of woes over jobs, finances, college-age children with limited job prospects and caring for aged parents.
“Once a teacher you’re always a teacher,” said Margie.
But now comes — at last — news that may bring your anxiety level down a notch or two. Despite research documenting the potential dangers of stress, it is not a foregone conclusion that you will get sick or come down with any of the diseases or ailments associated with this problem.
Eager to take her own education to the next level, Margie took time off to get her doctorate in Washington, D.C. “One of my teachers I had when working on my masters convinced me to go further,” said Margie.
According to Sheldon Cohen, a professor of psychology and director of the Laboratory for the Study of Stress, Immunity and Disease at Carnegie Mellon University, we humans actually have quite a bit of resistance and resilience. “Most people who are stressed out can cope with it,” suggests Cohen. STRESS, continued on page 2
After growing up in Texas and graduating with her Margie Hutton master’s degree from Incarnate Word Catholic University, Margie’s teaching career began in San Antonio, where she taught in a primary school for 10 years. “The grade I liked most was second grade. I don’t know why. They were so innocent and eager to learn.”
After graduating with her doctorate, Margie got a teaching job at Jackson State University, where she taught for 29 years until retirement. “Those were the years when all of the schools were to be integrated,” said Margie. “I believe in equality and that students should have civil rights, but I didn’t do rallies or events. I figured my contribution would be education.” And while Margie was busy educating her students, she continued to educate herself during summer breaks by taking trips that would help prepare her for future classes she would be teaching. “Some people think teachers get the whole summer off,” said Margie. “They don’t realize teachers go back to take classes for themselves.” Margie’s summer travels included a trip to Mexico when she was going to teach Latin American history. She went to West Point to get HUTTON, continued on page 2
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How has music been important to you? In an upcoming issue of Community Matters we will be focusing on music and its role in making our lives better. If you’ve got a story about what music has meant to you, contact Marketing Director Heidi Beyer, and your story may be selected for an upcoming Community Matters newsletter. HUTTON, continued from page 1
certified to teach history to the ROTC cadets until the school where she was teaching got a permanent military teacher. She spent one summer school studying in Alaska and another studying a government program at the University of Tucson in Arizona. After retiring from Jackson State at the age of 67, Margie spent several years volunteering for a tutoring program helping children learn to read. Then she read stories to young children at the local library.
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Farmington Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org Jane Hull, executive director Heidi Beyer, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact hbeyer@pmma.org Telephone: 573-756-6768 Fax: 573-756-6014 Address: 500 Cayce St., Farmington, MO 63640-2910 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. FarmingtonPresbyterianManor.org
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Community Matters August 2015
“The gratifying thing was to see the students, regardless of level, grow intellectually. I also enjoyed the rapport I had with them.”
STRESS, continued from page 1
In his research, Cohen has found that the biggest variable for most people in dealing with stress is the availability of social support systems, which provides the means for individuals to deal with stressors. A meaningful chat with a good pal over a cup of coffee can help reduce stress.
“If it’s humor or feeling cozy at home, that’s fine. Joy is essential. Spiritual connections, whether religious or to nature, give people another tool to offload their worries,” she says.
Lavretsky, director of the Late Life Stress and Wellness Research Program at UCLA, says her life “Find something that works for you,” changed after starting yoga, which demonstrated to her the importance says UCLA geriatric psychiatrist of having balance in life. Dr. Helen Lavretsky. Her new book, “Resilience and Aging,” “Don’t worry about how long you documents how a person’s negative will live,” she advises. “Make sure reaction to stress can be offset by you are healthy and enjoy today. enhanced resilience — the ability Don’t worry about the sky falling.” to bounce back from adversity and maintain individual biological and Copyright© 2015 Next Avenue, a division psychological equilibrium. of Twin Cities Public Television Inc.