Death & Dying: A Season for Grieving

by Jacqueline Jadidian

Springfield, MO— We all know at least one person in our life, possibly ourselves, that has encountered a loved one dying. Death is inevitable and is part of the circle of life. Death affects all of us differently including length of time to mourn and grieve. The grieving process is unique to every individual and is not a one-size fits all. Sometimes we tend to think people should grieve as we would, and if they do not, we can become judgmental and lack empathy.

My family and I lost our beloved grandma in April of 2020 due to Covid. She was one of the first in her senior community to catch it and be sent to a local hospital. Due to the severity of the infection along with pneumonia the hospital staff wanted to put her on side effects. According to the University of Texas MD Anderson Center, even zero-calorie artificial sweeteners may not be healthy. Some studies with laboratory animals have found links between artificial sweeteners and cancer.

The US government allows sugar substitutes like aspartame (NutriSweet and Equal), sucralose (Splenda), saccharin (Sweet and Low), or anything with an “ose,” dextrose, maltose, fructose, sucrose, and lactose. However, many countries do not allow these sugar substances in food or drinks because of health risks.

Some research on long-term, daily use of artificial sweeteners suggests a link to a higher risk of a ventilator, or else she would not survive. We knew my grandma’s wishes, and we declined per her request. Shortly after we stated her end-oflife wishes she left us. The most difficult part of her passing was we could not see her and say our good-byes. She was admitted on a Covid ward, and the hospital would only allow one person at a time to visit a patient, with the requirement of being dressed stroke, heart disease, and death overall, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition, fake sugar can cause migraines, depression, anxiety, weight gain, cardiovascular disease, a risk to pregnant women, diabetes in children, strokes, dementia, and memory loss.

Both sugar and artificial sweeteners are very addictive. However, artificial sweeteners can often make you hungrier, eat more during the day, and develop diabetes, which is ironic since many nutritionist and dieticians ask their patients to use these to replace sugar. If you have to use a sweetener, a sugar substitute like stevia or a mixture of sugar and stevia is a

Continued on page 11 head to toe in protective gear. Not knowing enough about Covid since it was the beginning of a long horrendous journey, we decided as a family not to visit. Not being able to see her one last time we said our good-byes over a phone that a chaplain held to her ear.

Going through the grieving process has helped me have a deeper understanding of others grieving.

Continued on page 11

Sugar

continued from page 10 better option. Berries, plums, and oranges are great sweeteners. Add a smashed banana to oatmeal, or blend frozen fruits into a smoothie. Skip diet soda, energy drinks, sweet teas, and fruit juices. Many foods labeled healthy have sugar, and artificial sugar content is off the charts. Reading labels is vital. There are many conflicting studies and analyses about artificial sweeteners. Use with caution. I always recommend that my clients avoid both sugar and sugar substitutes. The goal is to decrease sugar cravings. It’s hard, but it’s possible with patience and time. Suppose you have health issues from the effects of too much sugar in your diet. Your body can heal as you eliminate sugar. I have helped many lower their A1C, lose weight and become healthier. If you are struggling, I can help you too.

Supermarket Tour Event

Join Love 4 Life Wellness for a supermarket tour Saturday, March 18th, at the HY-Vee on Sunshine at 10:00 am. We will be reading labels and demonstrating healthier food options. Contact me in advance for information regarding the tour at melesha@ love4lifewellness.com or 417-3002796.

Death & Dying

continued from page 10

I learned a few things, and I hope these insights will help others understand.

1. Some people may cry, and cry a lot, while others may not cry and show emotion, at least in public view. People carry their emotions differently, and someone that is visibly less emotional does not mean they don’t feel anything.

2. There is a season for everything, especially grieving. The important part is not to remain in the lows. Seek a therapist or a trusted individual to help you navigate and cope with the loss.

3. There is absolutely no shame in saying you’re not okay. Admitting you’re not okay is strength, and that’s when you can begin to move forward towards healing and serenity.

Billings

continued from page 8 named it after Norval Stafford, the first Black veteran from Springfield to die from his injuries during World War I. Sadly, Myrl Billings did not survive to see the post receive its official charter. On July 10, 1928, the post received its charter. Myrl Billings is buried in Springfield Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. He was only 23 when he gave his life for his country.

Audition Notice for SLT and Mosaic Arts Collective, Moana Jr

Springfield, MO— The Springfield Little Theatre Education Department and Mosaic Arts Collective are excited to present Disney’s Moana, Jr.!!

Placement auditions for performers ages 6-18 will be held Friday, March 3, 2023 at 7:00 PM at The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts for Springfield Little Theatre.

At the auditions, participants will be taught a brief movement combination, a portion of a song from the show, and will be given a short line reading. Placement callbacks will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 starting at 6:00 PM.

Check-out the MOANA, JR. AUDITION WORKSHOP on Thursday, March 2, 2023 and get a jump-start on the competition!

The first company meeting and rehearsal will be held Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Rehearsals will be Sundays – Thursdays from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Not everyone will be called for every rehearsal.

Performances will be presented Friday, April 28, 2023 at 7:00 PM, Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 2:00 PM, Thursday, May 4 at 7:00 PM, Friday, May 5 at 7:00 PM, Saturday, May

6 at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and Sunday, May 7 at 2:00 PM in The Reynolds Auditorium at The Judy. A participation fee/ tuition of $175 helps to meet some of the costs of the project. (Payment plan and full scholarship options availabile upon registration.)

With support from the Community Foundation of The Ozarks we have scholarships available!

Apply Today for the Diversity Internship & Scholarship Program by Central Bank.

Central Bank is pleased to offer a two-year paid diversity Internship/scholarship to assist local high school graduates; or currently enrolled college students with at least two years left in their undergraduate in their pursuit of higher education. In addition to earning $15/hour, the recipient will receive $2,000.00 per semester, totaling $8,000.00.

Must be attending, Missouri State University (Springfield), Evangel, Drury University, OTC (Springfield/Ozark), or other Southwest-Missouri colleges. Included is a paid part-time internship to supplement educational opportunities and income, and to enhance the educational process.

The program is designed to gain awareness with minority students about career opportunities at Central Bank and within the Central Bancompany family so they might be encouraged to seek employment with us once they have obtained their undergraduate degree. Application forms are due by April 21, 2023.

For more information, please contact your school’s counselor, or a member of our HR team at Central Bank 417-841-4426.