Are You Stressed Out?

Are You Stressed Out?
AROUND the world, the conflict between work and family life is a major issue. As one source indicates, ‘globalization, new technology, and a high-pressure, 24/7 economy have blurred the traditional line between home and work.’ These changes have created unprecedented wealth. But this success has come at a price. Says one author: “Millions of us are overworked, overscheduled, overwhelmed. We’re just plain stressed out.”
Now add to this the demoralizing effects of the recent economic recession. Workers worldwide, both white collar and blue collar, have lost their jobs and their homes. They probably wish they could be working hard.
Let us consider the scope of these problems:
▶ Among European workers, 6 out of 10 suffer from work stress.
▶ Among U.S. employees, 1 in 3 feels chronically overworked.
▶ More than 2 of every 3 Canadians find it difficult to balance family life with work.
▶ It is estimated that over 600 million workers, or 22 percent of the global workforce, spend more than 48 hours a week at their job.
These statistics reflect an immense human tragedy. Some studies link long and irregular working hours with bad health, strained relationships, poor parenting, separation, and divorce.
What about you? Are you working too hard? Or are you among the millions who are presently unemployed? Do you yearn for a better balance between work and family life? If so, how can you find it?
[Box/Picture on page 3]
THE “SECOND SHIFT”
  “When I come home,” says one woman worker, “I must prepare supper, clean the house, wash clothes, pick up the kids from their daily activities, help with homework, and see that they are bathed and put to bed. By then I’m dead tired.” Millions of the world’s estimated 1.2 billion working women face this daunting “second shift,” as do many men. However, surveys show that men often resist doing domestic work. Women typically bear the brunt of all of this, whether they work outside the home or not.



Cultivate a Balanced View of Work
IN THESE times of severe economic depression, a prime concern is having a regular job that guarantees sufficient income to cover the needs of the family. This is not always easy, especially when thousands of workers are being laid off. If you are one who suddenly becomes unemployed, the challenge is to take vigorous action to find another job.—See the boxes on pages 8 and 9.
Still, there is much more to life than hard work. “Let’s face it,” says Glenn, a family man from Australia. “No one on his or her deathbed says, ‘I wish I had spent more time at work.’” Living a satisfying, meaningful life obviously involves making time for secular work. But for what else? For family, for recreation, and for spiritual needs. How can you care for these important areas of life in a balanced way?
Time for Work, Time for Self
The Bible tells us to work hard to provide for our family. (Ephesians 4:28) However, it also encourages us to ‘eat, drink, and see good for all our hard work.’ (Ecclesiastes 3:13) Indeed, working long hours without proper rest or recreation can rob you of many joys in life. It can also lead to serious health problems.
Chronic overwork has been linked to obesity, alcoholism, heart disease, workplace accidents, drug dependency, anxiety, fatigue, depression, and many other stress-related disorders. Overwork can also be deadly. One report estimates that in Japan about 10,000 people die annually from overwork, as many as die in automobile accidents in that country each year. This phenomenon—labeled karoshi, “death from overwork”—stretches far beyond Japan.
Notice that the Bible wisely counsels: “Better is a handful of rest than a double handful of hard work and striving after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:6) Yes, balance is vital. Do not let your profession become your obsession. Protect your mental, physical, and emotional health by taking time to rest and enjoy the fruits of your labors.
“We should work to live, not live to work,” says Andrew, a married man with three children. Balancing work with rest and leisure will also help you care for the needs of your family. But this is not easy, especially when you have bills to pay.
Balance Work With Family Life
Today many families are overscheduled and underconnected. “Work gets most of my energy and the kids get what’s left,” laments one woman from England. In the United States, 1 in 5 teenagers polled rated “not having enough time with parents” as their top concern. Another U.S. study reports that, on average, dual-income couples talk to each other only 12 minutes a day.
Fed up with the increasing pressure of work, many individuals are reexamining their priorities and making changes. Timothy, a family man with two small children, relates: “I worked overtime, and my wife worked weekends. We hardly saw each other. Finally, we reassessed our life and changed our work situation. Now we are much happier.” Brian, a store manager, says: “With a second child on the way, I went looking for a job that would suit our family. I took a $10,000-a-year pay cut to get better hours, but it was worth it!” Melina gave up secular work when her first daughter was born. “It was hard getting used to one income again,” she recalls. “But my husband and I felt it was better for me to stay home with Emily rather than put her in child care.”
We must recognize, however, that many families have a hard fight just to cover monthly expenses. Some spouses are holding down two jobs just to get by, and in other cases both spouses are working, leaving the children with grandparents or at a child-care center.
You may find additional ways to balance work and family obligations. The key point is this: Do not forsake the joys of family life by placing too much emphasis on work.
Be assured that balancing your work, recreation, and family needs will bring you rich rewards. In our final article, we will consider an even more important ingredient for a simple, balanced life.
[Blurb on page 5]
Do not let your profession become your obsession
[Blurb on page 5]
“Better is a handful of rest than a double handful of hard work and striving after the wind.”—Ecclesiastes 4:6
[Blurb on page 6]
Do not forsake the joys of family life by placing too much emphasis on work
[Box/Picture on page 6]
MONEY OR LEISURE?
  Some 20th-century scholars believed that advancing technology would liberate people from the drudgery of work and usher in “an unprecedented era of leisure.”
  In the early 1930’s, Professor Julian Huxley predicted that in the future no one would have to work more than two days a week. Businessman Walter Gifford declared that technology would give “every man the chance to do what he will . . . , the time to cultivate the art of living [and] enlarge the comforts and satisfactions of mind and spirit.”
  But what about people’s material aspirations? Sociologist Henry Fairchild boasted that factories could “turn out more goods than we know how to dispose of wisely with an average working day . . . of not more than four hours.”
  How accurate were those predictions? Economic growth during the 20th and 21st centuries was truly explosive. Theoretically, this should have reduced the workload significantly. Yet, what has happened? Writes John de Graaf: “[People] have taken all their productivity gains in the form of more money—more stuff, if you will—and none of them in the form of more time. Simply put, we as a society have chosen money over time.”


Can Mealtime Strengthen Your Family Values?
“Life itself is full, not only of charm and warmth and comfort but of sorrow and tears. But whether we are happy or sad, we must be fed. Both happy and sad people can be cheered up by a nice meal.”—Laurie Colwin, American writer.
YEARS ago in Western lands, many homes had a treasured ritual. The whole family gathered around a table, at least once a day, to have a meal. No interruptions were allowed. Nobody watched television, wore earphones, or sent text messages to friends. A peaceful environment provided an opportunity for those present to absorb wisdom, strengthen family bonds, and laugh together over daily happenings while enjoying wholesome food.
For many people today, the family meal may sound like an old-fashioned custom. In many homes family meals are the exception not the rule. Why do families find it so difficult to eat together? Is this traditional custom worth preserving? What benefits could it bring to each family member?
Family Meals—A Disappearing Custom
“The fact that it [the evening meal] has visibly diminished in the course of a single generation . . . is remarkable evidence of how rapidly our social connectedness has been changing,” explains Robert Putnam in the book Bowling Alone. What factors have contributed to this phenomenon? First, the high cost of living has led both husbands and wives to work longer hours. Single parents, whose economic situation is usually more precarious, face an even greater strain on their time. Second, today’s hectic pace of life encourages fast food and hasty meals. Not only adults but also children have many commitments, such as sports and other after-school activities.
Additionally, there are fathers who prefer to arrive home when the toddlers are already asleep because they want to avoid tantrums at supper. Other parents, who do get home in time, choose to give the children supper first and send them to bed so that husband and wife can have a quiet meal together.
Such situations lead families to have separate eating sessions. Notes stuck on the refrigerator replace mealtime conversation. Each member of the family arrives home, warms a precooked dish, and sits in front of a TV set, a computer, or a game console. These social trends may seem irreversible. So is it worthwhile to think seriously about bucking the trend?
Merits of the Tradition
Family meals offer parents a unique chance to care for their children’s emotional well-being. The supper table is “an obvious place for kids to get regular access to parental presence and low-key attention,” explains Miriam Weinstein in her book The Surprising Power of Family Meals. “Family supper may not be a panacea, but it sure looks like a relatively painless fix.”
Eduardo, a middle-aged father from Spain, agrees. “When I lived with my parents, there were 11 people at the table every day,” he recalls. “My father made a great effort to return home to eat with his family at midday. It was a special occasion in every sense. We kept up-to-date with the lives of each family member. Good humor and laughter were often present. Those fond memories convinced me that I should imitate my father’s example.”
Family meals also help children to live a more balanced, healthy life. The U.S. National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that youngsters who eat with their family about five times a week have fewer problems related to anxiety, boredom, or lack of interest, and they get better grades at school.
“I believe that family meals give children emotional stability,” Eduardo adds. “My daughters are not worried about when they will be able to tell us something. Family meals present the perfect opportunity each day. Furthermore, as a father, these occasions help me keep informed of my daughters’ problems.”
Apparently, when families eat together, it can even help them to avoid bad eating habits. The University of Navarre in Spain reports that eating alone increases the risk of suffering from eating disorders. True, those disorders could still develop, but the absence of regular shared meals makes this more likely. “When eating together becomes a routine, children feel cared for. Family meals give them the emotional security of a warm, loving family environment,” explains Esmeralda, a mother of two daughters.
Family meals also offer parents the opportunity to care for their children spiritually. Some 3,500 years ago, God encouraged the Israelites to spend time with their children in order to inculcate spiritual values in their heart. (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7) “By praying together and considering a Bible text, family meals become a spiritual occasion,” says Ángel, a father of two. In view of the many benefits that family meals offer, what have some families done to make them a regular feature of their lives?
Making It Happen
“Organization and willingness are essential,” Esmeralda explains. “You have to adapt the timetable as best you can to accommodate the one who arrives home last.” Maribel, a mother of two, says, “We all have supper together every day, come what may.” Some families use spare time on weekends to prepare ingredients or even whole dishes for suppers during the week.
Viewing family meals as a priority also helps. “I had to adjust my job in order to be home for our family supper, but it was worth the effort,” says Eduardo. “Now I feel more aware of family affairs. Since I have to concentrate for many hours a day when I am at work, it would be inconsiderate for me not to pay the same attention to my family at mealtime.”
What about distractions? “My family eats in a place where there is no television,” says David, a 16-year-old. “We take advantage of the time to tell Mom and Dad about our day, and they often give us good advice.” “Nowadays teenagers don’t talk much to their parents,” David adds. “Even when the whole family is at home, each one eats separately while watching television. They don’t realize what they are missing.” Sandra, aged 17, agrees: “I feel sad when my classmates say, ‘I wonder what my mother will have left in the fridge.’ For me, family meals are not just for nourishment. They give us time to laugh, to talk, and to show affection to one another.”
Family meals can become “a bulwark against the pressures we all face every day,” asserts The Surprising Power of Family Meals. Could they provide an opportunity for your family to draw closer together? If you live a busy life, family meals offer the chance to slow down and talk to your loved ones. The effort will certainly be worth it.
[Box/Picture on page 15]
WHILE SHARING A FAMILY MEAL YOU CAN LEARN TO . . .
Converse. Children can learn to talk and listen respectfully. Conversations enrich their vocabulary and teach them how to express themselves.
Eat healthful meals at regular times.
Display good manners. Learn generosity by sharing food and not insisting on getting the best portion. Also learn to care for the needs of other family members while eating.
Work as a team. Children can cooperate by setting and clearing the table, cleaning up afterward, or serving others. As they grow older, they can also help to prepare the meal.


Four Things You Should Know About Divorce
After assessing the damage, the owners have a choice—either tear down the house or save it.
IS YOUR marriage at a similar juncture? Perhaps your spouse has betrayed your trust or recurring conflicts have sapped the joy from your relationship. If so, you might tell yourself, ‘We’ve fallen out of love’ or ‘We just aren’t meant for each other’ or ‘We didn’t know what we were doing when we got married.’ You could even be thinking, ‘Maybe we should divorce.’
Before making a hasty decision to end your marriage, think. Divorce does not always end life’s anxieties. On the contrary, often it merely exchanges one set of problems for another. In his book The Good Enough Teen, Dr. Brad Sachs warns: “Separating couples fantasize about the perfect divorce—the sudden and permanent passing of gray and stormy conflict, replaced by the cool, comforting breezes of serenity and congeniality. But such a state is just as eternally elusive as is the perfect marriage.” It is important, then, to be fully informed and to approach the question of divorce realistically.
The Bible and Divorce
The Bible does not treat divorce casually. It states that Jehovah God views as treacherous and hateful the frivolous putting away of one’s mate, perhaps with the motive of taking another spouse. (Malachi 2:13-16) Marriage is a permanent bond. (Matthew 19:6) Many marriages that broke up on trivial grounds could have been saved if partners had been more forgiving.—Matthew 18:21, 22.
At the same time, the Bible allows for divorce and remarriage on one ground—sexual relations outside the marriage. (Matthew 19:9) Therefore, if you learn that your mate has been unfaithful, you have the right to terminate the marriage. Others should not impose their views on you, and it is not the purpose of this article to tell you what to do. In the end, you are the one who will live with the consequences; therefore, you are the one who must decide.—Galatians 6:5.
Nevertheless, the Bible states: “The shrewd one considers his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15) Hence, even if you have Scriptural grounds for divorce, you would do well to give serious thought to what that step will entail. (1 Corinthians 6:12) “Some may think that they have to decide quickly,” says David, in Britain. “But having been through a divorce, I can say from experience that time is needed to think things through.”
Let us consider four important issues you need to think about. As we do, please note that none of the divorced individuals quoted say that they made a wrong decision. However, their comments highlight some of the challenges that often arise in the months and even years after ending a marriage.
 1 The Problem of Finances
Daniella, in Italy, was married for 12 years when she found out that her husband had been having an affair with a colleague. “By the time I knew about it,” says Daniella, “the woman was six months pregnant.”
After a period of separation, Daniella decided to get a divorce. “I tried to save my marriage,” she says, “but my husband continued to be unfaithful.” Daniella feels that she made the right choice. Still, she relates: “As soon as we separated, my economic situation became disastrous. Sometimes I didn’t even have an evening meal. I would just drink a glass of milk.”
Maria, in Spain, suffered a similar setback. “My ex-husband doesn’t give us any financial support,” she says, “and I have to work very hard to pay off debts he had. I also had to move from a comfortable house to a small apartment in an unsafe area.”
As these experiences show, the breakup of a marriage often deals a devastating financial blow to women. In fact, a seven-year European study revealed that while the income of men increased by 11 percent after divorce, women’s income decreased by 17 percent. “It’s difficult for some women,” says Mieke Jansen, who headed the study, “because they have to care for the children, find a job as well as deal with the emotional trauma of divorce.” London’s Daily Telegraph noted that according to some attorneys, such factors are “forcing people to think twice about splitting up.”
What might happen: If you divorce, there may be a reduction in your income. You may also have to move. If you retain custody, it may be difficult to support yourself and adequately care for the needs of your children.—1 Timothy 5:8.
 2 Parenting Issues
“My husband’s unfaithfulness came as a terrible shock,” says a woman in Britain named Jane. “Also, I was devastated to think that he actually chose to leave us.” Jane divorced her husband. She still believes that she made the right decision, but she admits: “One challenge I faced was having to be both mom and dad to the children. I had to make all the decisions myself.”
The situation was similar with Graciela, a divorced mother in Spain. “I was given full custody of my 16-year-old son,” she says. “But adolescence is a difficult time, and I was ill-prepared to raise my son alone. I spent days and nights sobbing. I felt like a failure as a mother.”
Those who share custody may face an additional problem—having to negotiate with the ex-spouse on such delicate issues as visitation arrangements, child support, and discipline. Christine, a divorced mother in the United States, says: “Creating a working relationship with your ex is not easy. There are so many emotions involved, and if you’re not careful, you could end up using your child as a tool to try to manipulate the situation.”
What might happen: The custody arrangements set forth in a court of law may not be what you would prefer. If you share custody, your ex-spouse may not be as reasonable as you would like regarding the aforementioned matters of visitation, financial support, and so on.
 3 The Effect of Divorce on You
Mark, from Britain, was betrayed by his wife more than once. “The second time,” he says, “I couldn’t cope with the possibility that it could happen again.” Mark divorced his wife, but he found that his feelings for her lingered. “When people say negative things about her, they think they’re helping; but they’re not,” he says. “Love stays for a long time.”
David, quoted earlier, was similarly devastated when he found out that his wife was involved with another man. “I reacted with total disbelief,” he says. “I truly wanted to spend every day of my life with her and our children.” David chose to divorce, but the breakup has left him with doubts about his future. “I wonder if someone could really love me or whether this might happen again if I remarry,” he says. “My confidence has been shaken.”
If you are divorced, it is only to be expected that you will experience a wide range of emotions. On the one hand, you might still feel love for this person with whom you shared a one-flesh bond. (Genesis 2:24) On the other hand, you might feel resentful over what has occurred. “Even after several years,” says Graciela, quoted earlier, “you feel confused, humiliated, and helpless. Many happy moments from your marriage come to mind, and you think: ‘He used to tell me that he couldn’t live without me. Was he always lying? Why did this happen?’”
What might happen: You may have lingering feelings of anger and resentment over the ways in which your spouse mistreated you. At times, loneliness may be overwhelming.—Proverbs 14:29; 18:1.
 4 The Effect of Divorce on Children
“It was devastating,” says José, a divorced father in Spain. “The worst moment was when I discovered that the other man was my sister’s husband. I just wanted to die.” José found that his two boys—ages two and four—were also affected by their mother’s course. “They could not come to terms with the situation,” he says. “They didn’t understand why their mother was living with their uncle and why I had taken them with me and moved in with my sister and my mother. If I had to go somewhere, they would ask, ‘When are you coming home?’ or they would say, ‘Daddy, don’t leave us!’”
Children are often the forgotten casualties on the divorce battlefield. But what if two parents just do not get along? In such a case, is divorce really “better for the children”? In recent years, that notion has come under attack—especially when marital problems are not extreme. The book The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce states: “Many adults who are trapped in very unhappy marriages would be surprised to learn that their children are relatively content. They don’t care if Mom and Dad sleep in different beds as long as the family is together.”
Admittedly, children are often aware of parental conflicts, and marital tension can take a toll on their young minds and hearts. However, to assume that a divorce will automatically be in their best interests could be a mistake. “The structure that marriage provides appears to help parents maintain the kind of consistent, moderate discipline to which children respond, even when the marriage is less than ideal,” write Linda J. Waite and Maggie Gallagher in their book The Case for Marriage.
What might happen: Divorce could have a devastating effect on your children, especially if you do not encourage them to have a healthy relationship with your ex-spouse.—See the box “Caught in the Middle.”
This article has discussed four factors that you would do well to consider if you are thinking about divorce. As mentioned earlier, if your spouse has been unfaithful, the decision is yours to make. Whichever course you choose, you need to be aware of the consequences. Know what challenges you will face, and be prepared to deal with them.
After considering the matter, you might feel that the better option is to work to improve your marriage. But is that really possible?
[Footnote]
Names in this article have been changed.
[Box on page 6]
“EVERY CHILD’S BIRTHRIGHT”
  “When I was five years old, my father had a brief affair with his secretary, and my parents divorced. As far as taking care of me, they did everything ‘right’ according to the wisdom of the day. They reassured me that while they did not love each other anymore, they still loved me, and after my father departed to his bachelor apartment across town, both continued to care for my material needs.
  “Two years later my mother remarried, and we moved out of the country. After that, I only saw my father every few years. I have seen him just once in the past nine years. He missed most of my growing up, and he does not know my three children—his grandchildren—except through what I’ve shared with him in letters and photos. They have missed knowing their grandfather.
  “As a child of divorce, I grew up without any visible scars. But inside I battled monsters of rage, depression, and insecurity without knowing why. My trust in men was nonexistent. It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s that a mature friend helped me to identify the roots of my hostility and I began to work at letting go of it.
  “My parents’ divorce took away from me every child’s birthright—the feeling of being secure and protected. The world is a cold, scary place, but it seems to me that the family unit is a wall against it, where the child can come to feel nurtured and comforted. Shatter the family unit, and the protective wall crumbles too.”—Diane.
[Box on page 7]
“CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE”
  “My parents divorced when I was 12 years old. In one way, I was relieved. Things got a lot more calm and peaceful around the house; I didn’t have to listen to all that fighting anymore. Still, I had mixed emotions.
  “After the divorce, I wanted to get along with both of my parents, and I tried very hard to stay as neutral as possible. But no matter what I did, I always felt like I was caught in the middle. My dad told me that he thought my mom was going to turn me against him. So I had to reassure him constantly that my mom wasn’t trying to poison my mind. My mom was also very insecure. She said she was afraid that I was listening to negative things my dad told me about her. It got to the point that I didn’t feel like I could talk to either of my parents about what I was going through anymore because I didn’t want to hurt them. So, basically, from the age of 12 on, I kept my feelings about the divorce to myself.”—Sandra.

Protecting Your Family From the Flu
In Jesus’ prophecy concerning the end of the present system of things, he foretold “outbreaks of disease in many places.” (Luke 21:11, The New Testament in Plain English) The flu, or influenza, has proved to be one such disease.
THE flu is caused by a virus, which is a microscopic agent that infiltrates living cells and commandeers their machinery to reproduce more viruses. The flu virus, which attacks the respiratory system, is passed from one person to another primarily in droplets of bodily fluids expelled when the infected person sneezes, coughs, or even talks. A pandemic occurs when an outbreak affects many people over a wide area.
Viruses affect not only humans but also animals and birds. Flu viruses are categorized as types A, B, or C. Type A is the most common cause of influenza. Virus strains are classified mainly according to two proteins found on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).
The biggest concerns regarding flu viruses are that they may reproduce very rapidly with constantly changing variations and that different strains can combine and produce a new strain. If a strain is sufficiently unique, the human immune system may have no defenses against it.
The flu is usually more common during the colder months. Recent research indicates that at cool temperatures the outer membrane of a virus becomes a protective gel that prolongs the survival of the virus in the air but then melts in the higher temperatures of the human respiratory tract, causing infection. Cold air does not cause viral infections, but it can create the setting that helps them to spread.
Measures of Protection
Recognizing the need to be prepared, many governments have action plans already in place. But what can you do? Let’s review three basic protective steps:
Strengthen the body: Make sure that your family gets sufficient sleep and eats foods that will help the body strengthen its defenses. Your diet should emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which supply the amino acids needed to build up the immune system.
Create an environment unfriendly to germs: To the extent possible, keep your counters and tables thoroughly clean daily. Wash cooking and eating utensils after every use, and regularly wash bedclothes. Disinfect things that people touch: doorknobs, telephones, remote controls. Maintain good ventilation, if possible.
Practice good habits of personal cleanliness: Wash your hands diligently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand cleaner. (If practical, carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you.) Try not to share towels with anyone for drying hands or face, not even with other family members.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. If possible, use disposable tissues to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and throw them away immediately. Avoid sharing devices that can readily spread germs, such as telephones. Children need to be thoroughly trained in these practices. Such habits are good all the time but especially so during the flu season.
Show Consideration for Others
It is possible to start infecting others a day before you show any symptoms and up to five days after getting sick. Symptoms are similar to the common cold but much more intense. They include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, and muscle aches. Runny nose and stomach symptoms—such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—are more common in children than in adults. If you have symptoms, stay home if possible and avoid infecting others.
Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Antiviral drugs can be helpful but only if taken soon after the onset of symptoms. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) should not be given to children who have the flu. Seek emergency medical care if you show pneumonialike symptoms, such as trouble breathing, chest pain, or severe persisting headache.
Having the flu can be an unnerving event. Being prepared may help you get through it better. But more than that, you can look forward to the time when, as the Bible promises, “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’”—Isaiah 33:24.
[Box on page 27]
A SEVERE FORM OF FLU
  The flu that was first identified in Mexico in 2009 is of the H1N1 variety, similar to the Spanish flu of 1918, which killed tens of millions. However, it also contains elements found in the viruses that affect pigs and birds.
[Box/Pictures on page 28, 29]
6 WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
 1. Cover that cough
 2. Wash hands
 3. Ventilate your home
 4. Keep it clean
 5. If sick, try to stay home
 6. Avoid personal contact
[Box/Picture on page 29]
WHEN A HEALTH EMERGENCY OCCURS
  First, follow instructions of health officials. Do not panic or overreact. Reinforce the good habits discussed here. If possible, avoid crowds of people. If you are sick, an appropriate face mask may be helpful. Clean your hands frequently. Have about two weeks’ worth of nonperishable food items on hand as well as health and hygiene products in case you cannot get to the store.
  When at work, places of worship, or any place where you are around a lot of people, follow the suggestions provided. Also, try to keep your surroundings well ventilated.
[Picture on page 27]
Magnified view of the H1N1 influenza virus
[Credit Line]
CDC/Cynthia Goldsmith


How to Live on Less
LIVING on less requires careful planning. Jesus emphasized the need for this. He asked: “Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28, 29) Applying that principle, you can “calculate the expense” of living within your means if you create a budget. How does it work? Try this:
When you bring home your earnings, designate specific amounts to be put in separate categories to care for present or future expenses. (See box on page 8.) When your expenses are organized, you can see where your money is going and how much is being spent on nonessentials. That, in turn, will help you to determine where you can cut back.
To develop a budget that works for you, put into practice the following suggestions.
Shop Wisely
When Raúl lost his job, his wife, Bertha, changed her method of shopping. “I looked for discount coupons and grocery store specials that offered two items for the price of one,” she says. Here are some other ideas:
● Plan your weekly menu around what is on sale.
● Buy basic ingredients instead of prepackaged foods, and cook from scratch.
● Stock up on items that are on sale or in season.
● Buy in bulk, but be careful not to overstock items that will eventually spoil.
● Slash clothing costs by purchasing quality used garments at resale stores.
● Travel to areas where prices are known to be lower, if this is cost-effective.
● Cut back on how often you shop.
Put It on Paper
“We had to have a budget,” says Fred, “so I kept a record of what we needed to pay out immediately and what we needed to have on hand for the rest of the month.” Adele, his wife, adds: “I knew exactly how much I could spend when I went to the market. At times when I needed to buy something for the kids or the house, I would look at the budget and think, ‘I can’t afford it, so we’ll have to wait until next month.’ Having a written record was the key!”
Before Buying, Think
Get into the habit of asking yourself: ‘Do I really need this? Is the old item actually worn out, or do I just want something new?’ If you will rarely use an item, would renting one suffice? Or if you anticipate using it frequently, would buying a good used one work just as well?
While some of the above measures may seem insignificant, they can add up! The point is, by establishing a pattern of saving with little things, you will do the same when faced with large expenses.
Be Resourceful
To cut down on nonessentials, get creative. For example, Adele relates: “We had two cars but quickly got rid of one and carpooled. To save on gas, we planned as many errands as possible with each trip. We trimmed down to the essentials.” The following are some other ways you can be resourceful:
● Plant a garden and grow your own vegetables.
● Follow manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, which may prolong the life of your appliances.
● Change out of your good clothing as soon as you come home—a practice that will keep them looking new longer.
Do Not Isolate Yourself!
Many who lose their job become withdrawn and isolate themselves. But not so with Fred! He found empathetic support from his family, including his grown children. “We learned to share a lot with one another, and this drew us closer,” he says. “All of us felt, ‘We’re in this together.’”
Fred also found strength from fellow Christians when he regularly met with them at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “At the end of our Christian meetings, I always felt encouraged,” he says. “Everyone was so kind and considerate. Because of their help and comfort, we realized that we were not alone.”—John 13:35.
Benefits of Faith
Unemployment has generated millions of bitter victims who feel betrayed by their employers. Raúl, mentioned previously, was heartbroken by unexpected job losses twice—once in his homeland of Peru and then in New York City. After being laid off for the second time, Raúl concluded, “In the world today, absolutely nothing is secure.” For months, he had no success in finding employment. What helped him to cope? Raúl stated, “I had developed a close friendship with God and realized that for real security I just needed to trust in him.”
Raúl is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and his study of the Bible helped him to develop strong faith in a caring heavenly Father, who promises: “I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) Conditions were not easy. “We always prayed for our basic necessities, and we learned to be happy with what God provided,” he says. Raúl’s wife, Bertha, adds: “I felt very nervous at times, wondering if Raúl would find a job. But we saw that Jehovah answered our prayers by providing for us each day. In a sense, even though we didn’t have as much as before, our life was much simpler.”
Because Fred is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, his study of the Bible profoundly affected the way he dealt with his situation. “At times, we look for security in a job, a position, or a bank account,” he says. “But I learned that the only security we can have is from Jehovah God alone, and it is our friendship with him that provides the only genuine security.”
[Footnotes]
One study concluded that nearly 60 percent of all items bought by shoppers are unplanned.
For further information on managing money, see our companion magazine, The Watchtower, of August 1, 2009, pages 10-12.
[Blurb on page 9]
“We always prayed for our basic necessities, and we learned to be happy with what God provided”
[Box/Chart on page 8]
How to Develop a Budget
(1) Write down your essential monthly expenses. Keep a record for one full month of all that you spend on food, housing (rent or mortgage), utility bills, car expenses, and the like. For bills that are paid annually, divide by 12 for the monthly amount.
(2) Organize expenses into categories. These include food, housing, automobile and travel costs, and so forth.
(3) Figure out how much of your savings must be applied monthly to each category. With bills paid annually, you must “calculate” how much needs to be put aside each month.
(4) Write down the combined net earnings of all in your household. Subtract deductions such as taxes. Compare this with the expenses.
(5) Set aside monthly the amount needed to satisfy each category. If using cash, a simple way is to mark envelopes for each category. Then periodically place cash in the appropriate envelope needed to cover the designated expense.
Caution: If you use a credit card, do so responsibly! Many a budget plan has been ruined by the temptation to ‘buy now, pay later.’
[Chart]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
                Net Monthly Income
NET MONTHLY WAGES $…………………………          OTHER $…………………………
NET WAGES OF
 OTHERS IN HOME    $…………………………          TOTAL NET INCOME
                                        $…………………………
   Budgeted                               Actual
 Monthly Expenses                      Monthly Expenses
$…………………………         Rent or Mortgage         $…………………………
$…………………………         Insurance/Taxes          $…………………………
$…………………………           Utility Bills          $…………………………
$…………………………            Automotive            $…………………………
$…………………………       Entertainment/Travel       $…………………………
$…………………………               Phone              $…………………………
$…………………………               Food               $…………………………
$…………………………               Other              $…………………………
BUDGETED TOTAL                          ACTUAL TOTAL
$…………………………                                  $…………………………
                Compare Income & Expenses
NET MONTHLY INCOME $…………………………
MINUS−                                  BALANCE
MONTHLY EXPENSES   $…………………………               $…………………………




Young People Ask
Am I Ready to Leave Home?
“I sometimes feel that people are looking down on me because I’m 19 and still living at home, like I won’t be an adult until I live on my own.”—Katie.
“I’m nearly 20, and I hate it that I have very little say about how my life is run. I’ve considered leaving home because I’m tired of my parents’ ignoring my wishes and telling me that they know better.”—Fiona.
LONG before you’re ready to leave home, you may begin to feel a desire for independence. That feeling is normal. After all, God’s original purpose was for youths to grow up and eventually leave their father and mother and establish their own family unit. (Genesis 2:23, 24; Mark 10:7, 8) But does the fact that you crave more freedom mean that it’s time to move out? Possibly. How, though, can you know when you’re truly ready to leave home? Consider three important questions you need to answer. The first is . . .
What Are My Motives?
To help you sort out your motives for wanting to move out, look at the following list. Number in order of importance the reasons why you want to leave.
............ Escape problems at home
............ Gain more freedom
............ Improve my status with my friends
............ Help out a friend who needs a roommate
............ Help with volunteer work in another location
............ Gain experience
............ Ease the financial burden on my parents
............ Other …………………………
The reasons listed above are not necessarily bad. However, your motive for leaving home can have a big influence on how happy you will be once you come out from under your parents’ roof. For example, if you leave just to escape problems at home or to gain more freedom, you are likely in for a shock!
Danielle, who left home for a while when she was 20, learned a lot from the experience. She says: “We all have to live with restrictions of some sort. When you’re on your own, your work schedule or lack of finances will restrict what you can do.” Carmen, who moved overseas for six months, says: “I enjoyed the experience, but I often felt that I had no free time! I had to keep up with the normal housework—cleaning the apartment, fixing things, pulling weeds, washing clothes, scrubbing floors, and so on.”
True, moving out may give you some increased freedom, and it might improve your status with your friends. But you are the one who will have to pay the bills, prepare the food, clean the house, and fill the hours when friends and family aren’t around. So don’t allow others to rush you into a hasty decision. (Proverbs 29:20) Even if you have valid reasons to leave home, you need more than good intentions. You need survival skills—which leads to the second question . . .
Am I Prepared?
Moving out on your own is like hiking in a wilderness. Would you trek into wild country without knowing how to set up a tent, light a fire, cook a meal, or read a map? Not likely! Yet, many young ones move away from home with few of the skills necessary to run a household.
Wise King Solomon said that “the shrewd one considers his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15) To help you consider whether you’re prepared to step out on your own, consider the following headings. Place a • next to the skills you already have and an X next to those you need to work on.
◯ Money management “I’ve never had to make my own payment on anything,” says Serena, 19. “I’m afraid of leaving home and having to budget my money.” How can you learn to manage money?
A Bible proverb says: “A wise person will listen and take in more instruction.” (Proverbs 1:5) So why not ask your parents how much it’s likely to cost each month for one person to cover the rent or mortgage, buy food, and run a car or pay other transportation costs? Then have your parents help you learn how to budget your money and pay the bills. Why is it important to learn to live by a budget? Kevin, 20, says: “Once you get out on your own, there are a lot of surprise expenses. If you’re not careful, you can work yourself to death trying to pay off debts.”
Want a reality check? If you have a job, for a time give your parents the total amount of money it costs each month to cover your food, lodging, and other expenses. If you’re unable or unwilling to pay for your upkeep while at home, you will be poorly prepared to move out on your own.—2 Thessalonians 3:10, 12.
◯ Domestic skills Brian, 17, says that what he fears most about leaving home is having to do his own laundry. How do you know if you’re ready to care for yourself? Aron, 20, offers this suggestion: “Try living for a week as if you were on your own. Eat only food that you prepare for yourself, that you buy for yourself at the store, and that you pay for with money you have. Wear clothes that you wash and iron. Do all your own housecleaning. And try to get where you need to go by yourself, with no one picking you up or dropping you off.” Following that suggestion will do two things for you: It will (1) give you valuable skills and (2) increase your appreciation for the work your parents do.
◯ Social skills Do you get along well with your parents and siblings? If not, you might assume that life will be easier when you move in with a friend. Maybe so. But consider what Eve, 18, says: “Two of my friends moved in together. They were best friends before they shared the apartment, but they just couldn’t live with each other. One was neat, the other messy. One was spiritually-minded, the other not so much. It just didn’t work!”
Erin, 18, wants to leave home. Still, she says: “You can learn a lot about how to get along with people while living at home. You learn how to solve problems and make compromises. I’ve noticed that those who leave home to avoid disagreements with their parents learn to run away from conflicts, not to resolve them.”
◯ Personal spiritual routine Some leave home with the specific intention of escaping their parents’ religious routine. Others fully intend to maintain a good personal program of Bible study and worship but soon drift into bad habits. How can you avoid ‘shipwreck of your faith’?—1 Timothy 1:19.
Don’t just thoughtlessly adopt your parents’ religious beliefs. Jehovah God wants all of us to prove to ourselves the things we believe. (Romans 12:1, 2) So establish a good personal routine of Bible study and worship, and then stick to it. Why not write your spiritual routine on a calendar and see if you can maintain it for a month without your parents having to prod you to do so?
Finally, the third question you need to consider is . . .
Where Am I Headed?
Some who leave home are running away from problems or breaking free from parental authority. Their focus is on what they are leaving, not on where they are going. But that approach is as reasonable as trying to drive with one’s eyes fixed on the rearview mirror. When a driver is focused on what he is moving away from, he’s blind to what is ahead. The lesson? To be successful, don’t just concentrate on moving away from home—have your eyes fixed on a worthwhile goal.
Some young adults among Jehovah’s Witnesses have moved in order to preach in isolated locations within their country or even overseas. Others move to help with the construction of places of worship or to work at a branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Still others feel that they should live by themselves for a time before they get married.
Write here a goal that you would like to achieve by moving away from home. …………………………
It’s possible, in some cases, to stay at home too long and not develop the maturity and skills needed for living on your own. Even so, don’t be in a rush to make a decision. Think it through. “The plans of the diligent one surely make for advantage,” states a Bible proverb, “but everyone that is hasty surely heads for want.” (Proverbs 21:5) Listen to your parents’ advice. (Proverbs 23:22) Pray about the matter. And as you make up your mind, consider the Bible principles just discussed.
The real question is not Am I ready to leave home? but Am I ready to manage my own household? If the answer to that latter question is yes, then it might be time for you to strike out on your own.
More articles from the “Young People Ask” series can be found at the Web site www.watchtower.org/ype
[Footnotes]
Some names in this article have been changed.
In some cultures, it is customary for a child, particularly a daughter, to live at home until married. The Bible does not offer specific counsel on this matter.
TO THINK ABOUT
● Even if your family life is difficult, how can staying at home for a time benefit you?
● While at home, what can you do that will both benefit your family and help you prepare to manage your own household?
[Box/Pictures on page 11]
WHAT YOUR PEERS SAY
  “When your parents give you responsibilities—the kind you would have if you were on your own—then living at home becomes a safe way to learn how to live independently later on.”
  “It’s normal to want independence. But if your motive in moving out is just to get away from rules, all that shows is that you’re not really ready to move out.”
[Pictures]
Sarah
Aron
[Box on page 13]
A NOTE TO PARENTS
  Serena, quoted in the accompanying article, fears leaving home. What is one reason? She says: “Even when I want to buy something with my own money, Dad won’t let me. He says that’s his job. So the idea of having to pay my own bills is scary.” Serena’s father no doubt means well, but do you think that he is helping to prepare his daughter to manage her own household?—Proverbs 31:10, 18, 27.
  Are your children overprotected and thus underprepared to face living on their own? How can you know? Consider the same four skills mentioned in the article, but from a parent’s perspective.
  Money management. Do your older children know how to fill out a tax return or what they need to do to comply with local tax laws? (Romans 13:7) Do they know how to use credit responsibly? (Proverbs 22:7) Can they budget their income and then live within their means? (Luke 14:28-30) Have they felt the pleasure that comes from acquiring an item that they bought with money they earned? Have they experienced the even greater pleasure that comes from giving of their time and resources to help others?—Acts 20:35.
  Domestic skills. Do your daughters and sons know how to cook meals? Have you taught them how to wash and iron clothes? If they drive a car, can your children safely carry out simple maintenance, such as changing a fuse, the oil, or a flat tire?
  Social skills. When your older children have disagreements, do you always act as the referee, imposing the final solution to the problem? Or have you trained your children to negotiate a peaceful solution to the problem and then report back to you?—Matthew 5:23-25.
  Personal spiritual routine. Do you tell your children what they should believe, or do you persuade them? (2 Timothy 3:14, 15) Rather than always answering their religious and moral questions, are you teaching them to develop “thinking ability” and ‘train their perceptive powers to distinguish right and wrong’? (Proverbs 1:4; Hebrews 5:14) Would you want them to follow your pattern of personal Bible study, or would you want them to do something better?
  Without a doubt, training your children in the above areas takes time and considerable effort. But the rewards are well worth it when the bittersweet day comes to hug them good-bye.
[Picture on page 12]
Moving away from home is like hiking in the wilderness—you need to learn survival skills before you start the journey



What Is in a Name?
An Ethiopian woman gives birth to a baby boy. But her joy turns to grief when she sees the child lie motionless. When the grandmother takes the limp little body to bathe it, the boy suddenly begins to move and breathe and cry! The name of the baby’s father means “Miracle,” so the parents combine that name with another Amharic word and call the boy A Miracle Has Been Done.
In Burundi, a young man flees from soldiers who are out to kill him. While hiding in a field, the man vows that if God saves him, he will call his firstborn Manirakiza, meaning “God Is the Savior.” Five years later, grateful to be alive, the man gives his firstborn son that name.
GIVING children names that have a specific meaning may seem unusual to some, but this custom has ancient roots. In fact, the Bible contains hundreds of such names. Understanding the meaning of various individuals’ names will enhance your Bible reading. Consider just some examples.
Meaningful Names in the Hebrew Scriptures
Among the first names recorded in the Bible is that of Seth, meaning “Appointed.” Seth’s mother, Eve, explained why she chose that name, saying: “God has appointed another seed in place of Abel, because Cain killed him.” (Genesis 4:25) Seth’s descendant Lamech named his son Noah, meaning “Rest” or “Consolation.” Lamech said he gave his son that name because “this one will bring us comfort from our work and from the pain of our hands resulting from the ground which Jehovah has cursed.”—Genesis 5:29.
God himself changed the names of certain adults for prophetic purposes. For example, he changed the name of Abram, meaning “Father Is Exalted,” to Abraham, meaning “Father of a Multitude.” True to his name, Abraham did become the father of many nations. (Genesis 17:5, 6) Consider, too, Abraham’s wife, Sarai, possibly meaning “Contentious.” How happy she must have been when God renamed her “Sarah,” meaning “Princess,” alluding to her becoming an ancestress of kings.—Genesis 17:15, 16.
God also personally chose the name of some children. For example, he told Abraham and Sarah to name their son Isaac, meaning “Laughter.” That name would constantly remind this faithful couple of their reaction to the news that they would have a son in their old age. When Isaac grew up to be a faithful servant of God, his name no doubt continued to bring a smile to the faces of Abraham and Sarah as they enjoyed the company of this beloved son.—Genesis 17:17, 19; 18:12, 15; 21:6.
Isaac’s daughter-in-law Rachel gave her last son his name for a very different reason. While on her deathbed, Rachel called the child Ben-oni, meaning “Son of My Mourning.” Her bereaved husband, Jacob, slightly altered the name to Benjamin, meaning “Son of the Right Hand.” This name signified a position not only of favor but also of support.—Genesis 35:16-19; 44:20.
Names were sometimes given or taken in harmony with the physical characteristics of the person. For instance, Isaac and Rebekah had a son who was born with red hair as thick as a wool garment, so they named him Esau. Why? In Hebrew that name means “Hairy.” (Genesis 25:25) As noted in the book of Ruth, Naomi had two sons. One was named Mahlon, meaning “Sickly, Invalid,” and the other Chilion, meaning “Frailty.” Whether these names were given at birth or later is not stated, but they seem to be fitting, given the early demise of these two young men.—Ruth 1:5.
Another common practice was that of changing or adjusting names. On returning to Bethlehem, destitute after losing her husband and sons, Naomi no longer wanted to be called by that name, meaning “My Pleasantness.” Instead, she insisted: “Do not call me Naomi. Call me Mara [meaning “Bitter”], for the Almighty has made it very bitter for me.”—Ruth 1:20, 21.
Yet another custom was to name a child in honor of a significant event. The prophet Haggai’s name, for example, means “Born on a Festival.”
Significant Names in the Christian Era
Jesus’ name has great prophetic significance. Before his birth, his parents were divinely instructed: “You must call his name Jesus,” the name meaning “Jehovah Is Salvation.” The reason? “He will save his people from their sins,” said the angel who spoke to Joseph. (Matthew 1:21) After Jesus was anointed with holy spirit at his baptism, his name was combined with the Hebrew designation “Messiah.” In Greek, this same title is rendered “Christ.” Both expressions mean “the Anointed One.”—Matthew 2:4.
Jesus himself chose descriptive names for some of his disciples. For instance, he gave Simon the Semitic name Cephas, meaning “Rock.” Cephas became better known by the Greek rendering of this name, which is translated “Peter.” (John 1:42) Jesus called the zealous brothers James and John “Boanerges,” meaning “Sons of Thunder.”—Mark 3:16, 17.
Jesus’ disciples continued the practice of giving appropriate surnames. One example is that of the disciple Joseph, whom the apostles named Barnabas, meaning “Son of Comfort.” Barnabas lived up to his name, bringing both physical and spiritual comfort to many.—Acts 4:34-37; 9:27; 15:25, 26.
The Importance of Your Name
We have no control over the name given to us at birth. However, we alone determine the reputation that we acquire. (Proverbs 20:11) Why not ask yourself: ‘If Jesus or the apostles had the opportunity, what name would they choose for me? What would be an appropriate name to describe my dominant quality or my reputation?’
This question deserves serious thought. Why? “A name is to be chosen rather than abundant riches,” wrote wise King Solomon. (Proverbs 22:1) Certainly, if we gain a good name, or reputation, in the community, we have a valuable asset. More important, though, if we make a good name with God, we will acquire a lasting treasure. How so? God promises that he will write in his “book of remembrance” the names of those who fear him, and he will grant them the prospect of everlasting life.—Malachi 3:16; Revelation 3:5; 20:12-15.
[Footnote]
Many of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Africa have names that are connected with the titles of Witness conventions and assemblies held when they were born.
[Blurb on page 15]
What would be an appropriate name to describe my reputation?
[Box/Picture on page 14]
Who Was Immanuel?
  Some names of individuals in the Bible were prophetic and describe the work the person would do. For example, the prophet Isaiah was inspired to write: “Look! The maiden herself will actually become pregnant, and she is giving birth to a son, and she will certainly call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) This name means “With Us Is God.” Some Bible commentators have tried to link the first fulfillment of this prophecy with one of the Israelite kings or one of Isaiah’s sons. However, the Gospel writer Matthew showed that Isaiah’s prophecy was completely fulfilled in Jesus.—Matthew 1:22, 23.
  Some have claimed that by applying the name Immanuel to Jesus, the Bible teaches that Jesus is God. However, by this logic the young man Elihu, who comforted and corrected Job, was also God. Why? His name means “My God Is He.”
  Jesus never claimed to be God. (John 14:28; Philippians 2:5, 6) But he did reflect his Father’s personality perfectly, and he fulfilled all of God’s promises regarding the Messiah. (John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 1:20) The name Immanuel well describes Jesus’ role as the Messianic Seed, a descendant of David, the one who proves that God is with those who worship Him.
[Picture]
IMMANUEL “With Us Is God”
[Box/Picture on page 15]
The Most Significant Name
  The personal name of God appears some 7,000 times throughout the Bible. This name, as represented by the four Hebrew characters יהוה, is most commonly rendered “Jehovah” in English. What is the significance of that name? When Moses asked about God’s name, Jehovah replied: “I Will Become whatsoever I please.” (Exodus 3:14, The Emphasised Bible, by J. B. Rotherham) God’s personal name, therefore, is a guarantee that he will become whatever is needed in order to fulfill his purposes. (Isaiah 55:8-11) When God makes a promise, we can confidently build our lives around it. Why? Because his name is Jehovah.
[Picture on page 13]
ABRAHAM “Father of a Multitude”
[Picture on page 13]
SARAH “Princess”


Helping Children With Learning Disabilities
BY AWAKE! WRITER IN MEXICO
Steven has difficulty reading. Every time he knows that he will be asked to read aloud in class, he develops a stomachache.
Despite her teacher’s urgings, Maria has problems writing legibly. It takes her hours to complete her homework.
Noah reads the same school assignments repeatedly. Still, he forgets the material and struggles with his grades.
STEVEN, Maria, and Noah suffer from learning disabilities, the most common of which involve reading disabilities. Dyslexics, for example, often confuse letters that have a similar appearance. Other learning disabilities are dysgraphia (a disorder that affects handwriting) and dyscalculia (difficulty with math skills). Yet, most of those with learning disabilities have average or above-average intelligence.
Symptoms of learning disabilities include delayed language skills, trouble rhyming words, habitual mispronunciation, persistent baby talk, difficulty in learning letters and numbers, inability to sound out letters in simple words, confusion involving words that sound alike, and difficulty following instructions.
Helping Your Child to Cope
What can you do if your child seems to have a learning disability? First, have his hearing and vision tested to rule out those causes. Then obtain a medical evaluation. If your child is learning-disabled, he will need your emotional support. Remember, a learning disability is not related to a child’s intelligence.
Take advantage of any special program your child’s school might have, such as tutoring. Enlist his teacher’s cooperation. Perhaps your child could be allowed to sit at the front of the classroom and have more time to complete his assignments. His teacher could give him both written and oral instructions and let him take exams orally. As learning-disabled children are often forgetful and disorganized, a second set of textbooks could be provided for use at home. A computer with a spell-checker could be made available for use in class or for homework.
Have short daily reading sessions. It is best for a dyslexic child to read aloud so that you, the parent, have an opportunity to offer feedback and correction. First read aloud yourself, having your child follow along. Next, read the same text aloud together. Then have your child read it by himself. Have him use a ruler under each line as he reads, and a highlighter on difficult words. This exercise may take only 15 minutes a day.
Math skills can be taught in practical ways, such as when measuring quantities in recipes, using a ruler in carpentry, or going shopping. Graph paper and diagrams may be of help in doing math problems. For handwriting difficulties, try wide-ruled paper and thick pencils. Magnetic letters arranged on a metallic surface may help your child to spell.
There are also useful strategies for dealing with ADHD. Before speaking to a child with an attention disorder, make eye contact. Provide a quiet area for homework, and allow your child to take frequent breaks. Channel his hyperactivity by assigning chores that involve being active, such as walking the dog.
Success Is Possible
Build on your child’s strengths, encouraging any ability or talent that he may have. Praise and reward any accomplishment, however small. Break projects down into smaller, more manageable tasks so that he can experience the pride of succeeding. Use pictures or diagrams of the steps he must take in order to complete a project.
In the end, mastering basic reading, writing, and math skills is important for a youth. Be assured that given the proper motivation and assistance, your child can learn—he may just do it differently from others and take a little longer.
[Footnotes]
Learning disabilities are often accompanied by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and an inability to concentrate. See Awake! of February 22, 1997, pages 5-10.
The masculine gender is used in this article because boys are three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with dyslexia and hyperactivity.
[Box on page 11]
A LEARNING DISABILITY BECOMES AN ASSET
  “When I looked at words on a page, they were merely a jumbled mess of squiggly lines. They may just as well have been in a foreign language. Words did not mean anything to me until someone else read them aloud. Teachers thought I was lazy or disrespectful or that I was not trying or not listening to lessons. Nothing could have been further from the truth. I was listening and trying very hard, but I was just not able to grasp the concept of reading and writing. Other subjects, such as math, were not difficult for me. As a child, I quickly learned to focus on things like sports, trade skills, art, and anything that involved using my hands, as long as it was not related to reading and writing.
  “Later on, I chose to work with my hands, so I became a tradesman. This has led to the privilege of working on five international construction projects of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Because more effort is needed for me to read, I tend to be able to remember much of what I have read. As a student of the Bible, I have found this to be very helpful, particularly in my Christian ministry. So, instead of viewing this disability as a weakness, I view it as an asset.”—Peter, a dyslexic who is a full-time minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
[Picture on page 10]
Children can be very adept at taking “picture notes” while listening attentively



Childhood Obesity—What Can Be Done?
OBESITY among children has reached epidemic proportions in many countries. The World Health Organization says that worldwide an estimated 22 million children under the age of five are overweight.
A national survey in Spain revealed that 1 out of every 3 children is either overweight or obese. In just ten years (1985-1995), childhood obesity tripled in Australia. In the last three decades, obesity in children aged 6 to 11 has more than tripled in the United States.
Childhood obesity is also extending to developing countries. According to the International Obesity Task Force, in some parts of Africa, more children are affected by obesity than by malnutrition. In 2007, Mexico occupied second place in the world, behind the United States, for childhood obesity. It is said that in Mexico City alone, 70 percent of the children and adolescents are either overweight or obese. Pediatric surgeon Dr. Francisco González warns that this may be “the first generation to die before their parents from the complications of obesity.”
What are the complications? Three are diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. These are health problems formerly considered characteristic mostly of adults. According to the U.S. Institute of Medicine, 30 percent of the boys and 40 percent of the girls born in the United States in the year 2000 have a lifetime risk of being diagnosed with obesity-related type 2 diabetes.
Surveys show an alarming trend among children. Climbing rates of obesity are leading to climbing rates of high blood pressure. “Unless this upward trend in high blood pressure is reversed, we could be facing an explosion of new cardiovascular disease cases in young adults and adults,” warns Dr. Rebecca Din-Dzietham of the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.
Contributing Factors
What is behind this global epidemic of childhood obesity? While genetics can be a predisposing factor, the alarming increase in obesity in recent decades appears to indicate that genes are not the only cause. Stephen O’Rahilly, professor of clinical biochemistry and medicine at Cambridge University in England, declares: “Nothing genetic explains the rise in obesity. We can’t change our genes over 30 years.”
Commenting on the causes, the Mayo Clinic, in the United States, says: “Although there are some genetic and hormonal causes of childhood obesity, most excess weight is caused by kids eating too much and exercising too little.” Two examples illustrate the changing trend in eating habits today.
First, as working parents have less time and energy to prepare meals, fast food has increasingly become the norm. Fast-food restaurants have sprung up all over the world. One study reported that nearly a third of all children in the United States aged 4 to 19 eat fast food every day. Such foods are typically high in sugar and fats and are offered in temptingly large sizes.
Second, soft drinks have replaced milk and water as the beverage of choice. For example, Mexicans spend more each year on soft drinks, particularly colas, than on the ten most basic foods put together. According to the book Overcoming Childhood Obesity, just one 20-ounce [600 ml] soft drink a day can result in a gain of 25 pounds in a year!
As to the lack of physical activity, a study carried out by the University of Glasgow in Scotland found that the average three-year-old engages in “moderate to vigorous activity” for only 20 minutes a day. Commenting on that study, Dr. James Hill, professor of pediatrics and medicine at the University of Colorado, said: “The increasingly sedentary nature of U.K. [United Kingdom] children is not unique and is being seen in most countries around the world.”
What Is the Solution?
Nutritionists do not recommend putting children on a restrictive diet, as this may compromise their growth and health. Rather, the Mayo Clinic states: “One of the best strategies to combat excess weight in your children is to improve the diet and exercise levels of your entire family.”—See the accompanying box.
Make healthful habits a family commitment. If you do, they will become a way of life for your children, carrying over into adulthood.
[Box/Picture on page 28]
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
 1 Buy and serve more fruits and vegetables than convenience foods.
 2 Limit soft drinks, sweetened beverages, and high-fat sugary snack foods. Instead, offer water or low-fat milk and healthful snacks.
 3 Use cooking methods that are lower in fat, such as baking, broiling, and steaming, instead of frying.
 4 Serve smaller portions.
 5 Avoid using food as a reward or as a bribe.
 6 Do not allow children to skip breakfast. Skipping it may lead to overeating later.
 7 Sit at the table to eat. Eating in front of a TV or a computer screen promotes consumption and lessens awareness of feeling full.
 8 Encourage physical activity, such as bike riding, playing ball, and jumping rope.
 9 Limit time spent on watching television, using the computer, and playing video games.
10 Plan active family outings, such as visiting the zoo, going swimming, or playing in the park.
11 Assign active chores to your children.
12 Set the example in healthful eating and exercise.
[Credit Line]
Sources: The National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic


Give Your Children a Good Start in Life
BY AWAKE! WRITER IN CANADA
▪ “Television can be a wonderful learning tool,” says a report in The New York Times. However, “sitting passively in front of the tube for hours is taking its toll on the bodies and minds of children,” robbing them of opportunities that can foster creativity, learning, and social interaction.
After studying the viewing habits of 2,500 children, researchers at Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A., “found that the more TV watched by toddlers aged one to three, the greater their risk of attention problems at age seven,” says the newspaper. Such children were increasingly aggressive and impatient and had a decreased attention span. According to educational psychologist Dr. Jane M. Healy, “many parents of children diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder found the difficulty markedly improved after they took away television viewing privileges.”
What can parents do to reduce the time their children spend watching television? The report offered the following suggestions: Set limits on when and how long your child can watch television each day. Avoid using the television as a babysitter. Instead, involve your child in doing household chores as much as possible. Select the shows your child can watch, and turn off the television when the chosen shows are over. Whenever possible, watch the selected programs with your child and talk about what you see. Finally, limit your own television viewing.
Nurturing creativity and social skills in children takes time, determination, and self-discipline. The positive results are worth the effort. This is attested to in an ancient proverb that says: “Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) An integral part of such training involves instructing children in proper moral values.
Jehovah’s Witnesses successfully use their book Learn From the Great Teacher to instill lessons of acceptable behavior in their children. Indeed, good communication and loving attention by parents during a child’s early years are sure to reap lasting rewards. What can be more satisfying than for parents to see their offspring grow into respected and responsible adults?
C8CB9RAHV3PD

Hepatitis B-A silent Killer

HEALTH
Hepatitis B—A Silent Killer
“I was 27 years old, recently married, and I looked and felt healthy. I was holding down a high-pressure job while caring for many responsibilities in the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I was unaware that hepatitis B had begun to destroy my liver.”—Dukk Yun.
THE liver filters poisons from the blood and performs at least 500 other important functions. That is why hepatitis—inflammation of the liver—can devastate a person’s health. Hepatitis may result from excessive alcohol consumption or exposure to toxins. Most often, though, viruses are the culprit. Scientists have identified five such viruses and believe that there are at least three more.—See the box below.
Just one of the five—hepatitis B virus (HBV)—kills at least 600,000 people a year, comparable to the toll taken by malaria. More than two billion people—nearly a third of the world’s population—have been infected with HBV, and most recovered within months. For about 350 million, however, the disease became chronic. For the rest of their lives, whether they have symptoms or not, they will have the potential to infect others.
Proper medical care, started early, can help some with chronic HBV to ward off serious liver damage. But most are unaware that they have been infected, as only a specific blood test can detect HBV. Even routine liver function tests may come back normal. Thus, HBV can be a silent killer, striking without warning. Obvious symptoms may not appear until decades after infection. By then, either cirrhosis or cancer of the liver may have developed. These diseases take the life of 1 in 4 HBV carriers.
“How Did I Get HBV?”
“My symptoms first occurred at age 30,” says Dukk Yun. “I had diarrhea, so I went to a doctor of Western medicine, but he treated only the symptoms. I then saw a traditional Asian doctor, who gave me medicine for my intestines and stomach. Neither doctor checked for hepatitis. Because the diarrhea persisted, I returned to the Western doctor. He gently tapped the right side of my abdomen, which caused me pain. A blood test confirmed his suspicion—I was carrying the hepatitis B virus. I was shocked! I had never had a blood transfusion, nor had I been sexually promiscuous.”
After Dukk Yun learned that he had HBV, his wife, parents, and siblings had their blood tested, and all had antibodies to HBV. In their case, however, their immune systems had cleared the virus from their bodies. Had Dukk Yun acquired HBV from one of them? Had they all been exposed to a common source? No one can be sure. Indeed, in about 35 percent of cases, the cause remains a mystery. What is known, though, is that hepatitis B is not hereditary and is virtually never acquired through casual contact or the sharing of food. Rather, HBV is spread when blood or other body fluids, such as semen, vaginal secretions, or saliva from an infected person, enter another’s bloodstream through broken skin or mucous membranes.
Transfusions of contaminated blood continue to infect many, especially in countries where screening for HBV is limited or nonexistent. HBV is 100 times more infectious than HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Even a tiny amount of infected blood, such as may be found on a razor, can pass on HBV, and a dried bloodstain can remain infectious for a week or more.
The Need for Understanding
“When my company learned I had HBV, they put me in a small office away from most of my colleagues,” recalls Dukk Yun. Such treatment is not uncommon and may spring from a misunderstanding of how the virus spreads. Even otherwise well-informed people may confuse hepatitis B with hepatitis A, which is highly contagious but less life threatening. Further, since HBV can be transmitted sexually, even morally upright sufferers are sometimes viewed with suspicion.
Misunderstandings and suspicion can create serious problems. For example, in many places people needlessly ostracize HBV carriers, young and old. Neighbors do not allow their children to play with them, schools do not admit them, and employers avoid hiring them. Fear of discrimination, in turn, keeps people from getting tested for HBV or revealing that they have the disease. Some even risk their own future health and that of family members rather than disclose the truth. Thus, the deadly cycle of the disease can continue for generations.
The Need for Rest
“Although my doctor prescribed complete rest, after two months I returned to work,” relates Dukk Yun. “Blood tests and CT scans showed no sign of cirrhosis, so I thought I was fine.” Three years later, his company transferred Dukk Yun to a big city, where his life became more stressful. With bills to pay and a family to support, he kept working.
Within months, the virus count in Dukk Yun’s blood shot up and he began to feel exhausted. “I had to quit my job,” he said, “and I now regret that I worked so hard. If I had slowed down sooner, I might not have become so sick, further damaging my liver.” Dukk Yun learned a vital lesson. From then on, he cut back his work and his expenses. Moreover, his whole family cooperated, his wife even taking on a small job to help make ends meet.
Living With Hepatitis B
Dukk Yun’s health stabilized, but his liver increasingly resisted the blood flowing through it, elevating his blood pressure. After 11 years, a vein in his esophagus burst and blood gushed from his throat, sending him to the hospital for a week. Four years later, he experienced mental confusion. Ammonia had built up in his brain because his liver could no longer filter it all out. Medical treatment, however, corrected the problem in a few days.
Dukk Yun is now 54. If his condition worsens, his options are limited. Antiviral treatments cannot clear the virus entirely and may have serious side effects. The last option is a liver transplant, but the waiting list is longer than the donor list. “I’m a ticking time bomb,” says Dukk Yun. “But it does no good to brood about it. I still have life, a place to sleep, and a fine family. In fact, in some ways, my condition has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I have more time to spend with my family and more time to study the Bible. This calms my fear of untimely death and helps me to look forward to life without illness.”
Thanks in part to Dukk Yun’s positive outlook, his family enjoys a happy life and he, his wife, and their three children all share in the full-time Christian ministry.
[Footnotes]
The disease is considered chronic if the immune system has not eliminated the virus within six months.
Awake! does not endorse any particular form of medical treatment.
Blood from an infected person should be cleaned up promptly and thoroughly using protective gloves and a freshly made solution of 1 part household bleach to 10 parts water.
Concerning the Biblical hope of a time when sickness will cease, see Revelation 21:3, 4 and the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?
[Blurb on page 13]
Early medical care can help ward off damage
[Blurb on page 14]
Fear of discrimination keeps many from getting tested or revealing that they have HBV
[Box on page 12, 13]
WHAT TYPE OF HEPATITIS IS IT?
  Five viruses are known to cause hepatitis, the three most common being designated A, B, and C. Other viruses are also suspected. The symptoms of all forms of hepatitis can be flulike and may or may not include jaundice. Many people, particularly children, have no symptoms. With hepatitis B and hepatitis C, the liver may already be severely damaged by the time symptoms appear.
HEPATITIS A VIRUS (HAV)
  HAV is present in the feces of an infected person. The virus can survive in salt or fresh water and in ice cubes. A person can come in contact with HAV by
● Eating uncooked seafood from water contaminated with human waste or ingesting contaminated water
● Having close physical contact with an infected person or sharing food, drink, or eating utensils with him
● Not washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet or changing an infected baby or before preparing food
  HAV causes acute but usually not chronic illness. In almost all cases, the body clears itself of the virus within weeks or months. There is no specific standard treatment besides rest and adequate nutrition. Alcohol, as well as drugs that burden the liver, such as acetaminophen, should be avoided until a doctor determines that the liver is completely healed. A person who has had HAV will probably not get it again but can get other types of hepatitis. Vaccination can prevent hepatitis A.
HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV)
  HBV is present in the blood, semen, and vaginal fluids of infected people. The virus spreads when these fluids enter the body of someone who is not immune. The virus can be transmitted by
● Birth (from an infected mother to her baby)
● Medical, dental, tattooing, or body-piercing instruments that have not been properly sterilized
● Shared hypodermic needles, razors, nail files or clippers, toothbrushes, or anything else that can transfer even a tiny amount of blood through any break in the skin
● Sexual activity
  Health authorities believe that HBV is not spread by insects, or by coughing, holding hands, hugging, kissing on the cheek, breast-feeding, or sharing food, drink, chopsticks, or other eating utensils. Most adults recover from acute HBV and will then be immune to it. Small children are at high risk of developing chronic infection. Untreated, chronic hepatitis B can lead to liver failure and death. Vaccination can prevent hepatitis B.
HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV)
  HCV is transmitted in much the same way as HBV but most commonly by the injection of drugs with contaminated needles. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
[Footnote]
The World Health Organization provides further information on hepatitis in several languages at www.who.int.
[Box on page 14]
BREAKING THE HBV CYCLE
  Although HBV affects people worldwide, about 78 percent of those with chronic hepatitis B live in Asia and the Pacific islands. In much of that region, 1 person in 10 is a carrier. Most sufferers there acquire the virus at birth from their mother or early in childhood from contact with the infected blood of other children. An effective vaccine for newborns and others who are at risk is helping to break this cycle. Where vaccination has been implemented, prevalence of the disease has plummeted.
[Footnote]
Hepatitis vaccine may be prepared from blood fractions. Concerned readers are invited to consider “Questions From Readers” in the June 15, 2000, issue of The Watchtower and the October 1, 1994, issue. Information can also be found on page 215 of the book “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love,” published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
[Picture on page 15]
Dukk Yun with his wife and three children
[Picture Credit Line on page 12]
© Sebastian Kaulitzki/Alamy



Kidney Stones—Treating an Ancient Malady
LIKELY you have heard of someone who has suffered with kidney stones. In the United States, some 300,000 kidney stone sufferers are admitted to hospitals each year. The pain can be excruciating, comparable to childbirth.
Some think of kidney stones as a relatively recent health problem, possibly having something to do with modern diet or life-style. Actually, though, stones in the urinary tract have plagued mankind for centuries. They have even been found in Egyptian mummies thousands of years old.
The stones develop when minerals in the urine clump together and grow, instead of being diluted and passed out of the body. They assume various shapes and are composed of many substances. Clinical Symposia says: “In the United States, approximately 75% of all [kidney] stones are composed primarily of calcium oxalate, and an additional 5% are composed of pure calcium phosphate.”
Prevalence and Causes
According to one report, about 10 percent of men and 5 percent of women in North America will develop a kidney stone in their lifetime. And the recurrence rate is high. One in 5 persons who have a kidney stone will develop another stone within five years.
Why some people get kidney stones and others do not has perplexed doctors for many years. The formation of stones may occur for many reasons. These include disorders of the body’s metabolism, infection, inherited disorders, chronic dehydration, and diet.
About 80 percent of kidney stones are eliminated spontaneously during urination. In order to help pass them, patients are encouraged to drink large volumes of water. Although such stones are relatively small, often barely visible, the pain may be great. If blockage of the urinary tract occurs or a stone is too large to pass (they may become as big as a golf ball), medical treatment is needed to preserve the health of the patient.
New Treatments
Until about 1980, major surgery was required to remove kidney stones that would not pass by themselves. In order to reach the stone stuck in the kidney or in the urinary tract, a painful incision, some 12 inches long [30 cm], was made in the flank. The operation was usually followed by a two-week recovery period in a hospital and approximately two months of recuperation at home. But “with recent technological advances,” the medical textbook Conn’s Current Therapy (1989) notes, “the need for open surgical removal is rare.”
Now, difficult stones may be removed by a technique that uses only minimal surgery. Another technique more commonly used today, called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), requires no surgery at all. Citing these new medical innovations, Conn’s Current Therapy says that major surgery “is probably responsible today for removal of only 1 per cent of all [kidney stones].”
A Minimal-Surgery Technique
A technique that employs only minimal surgery is sometimes called percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy. “Percutaneous” means “via the skin,” and “lithotripsy” literally means “crushing.” The only surgery required is a half-inch [1 cm] incision in the flank. Through this opening a cystoscopelike instrument called a nephroscope is inserted. The interior of the kidney and the offending stone may be seen through the scope.
If the stone is too large to extract through the nephroscope, an ultrasonic probe is passed through a channel in the scope and thus into the kidney. Then, to fragment the stone or stones, the hollow probe is connected to an ultrasound generator that causes the probe to vibrate at approximately 23,000 to 25,000 times a second. The ultrasonic waves make the probe act like a jackhammer, shattering all but the hardest stones it contacts.
Continuous suction through the probe literally vacuums the interior of the kidney, thus ridding it of small stone fragments. The fragmenting and suctioning process continues until careful inspection reveals that all stone debris has been removed through the probe.
At times, however, there are still stone fragments that refuse to budge. In that case, the doctor can insert through the nephroscope a thin tube that has a tiny forceps device attached to it. The doctor can then open the forceps, grab the stone, and pull it out.
As percutaneous surgery developed, many methods were tried. A few years ago, Urologic Clinics of North America said: “New methods of percutaneous stone removal seem to appear with each month’s new issues of the medical journals.” The probability of success of the procedure, the journal observed, “varies with the size and position of the stone.” But the most important factor, the journal explained, is “the skill and experience of the operator.”
Even though sufficient power is generated to smash the stones, the procedure is relatively safe. “Hemorrhage has not been a significant problem,” says Clinical Symposia. One report does say, however, that there has been major bleeding in about 4 percent of patients.
Advantages of this procedure include minimal discomfort and a shortened recovery period. In most cases only five or six days are spent in the hospital, with some patients going home after just three days. This advantage is especially significant to wage earners, who may be ready to return to work as soon as they leave the hospital.
Treatment Without Surgery
A remarkable new treatment introduced in Munich, Germany, in 1980, is called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. It employs high-energy shock waves to fragment stones without making any incisions whatsoever.
The patient is lowered into a stainless-steel tank that is half filled with warm water. He is carefully positioned so that the kidney being treated is at the focal point of shock waves generated by an underwater spark discharge. The waves easily pass through the soft human tissue and reach the stone without losing any of their energy. They continue to bombard the stone until it disintegrates. Most patients then pass the stone debris with ease.
By 1990, ESWL was being used in about 80 percent of all stone removals. The Australian Family Physician reported last year that since the introduction of this technique, “over 3 million patients worldwide have been treated on more than 1100 machines, using a variety of shock-wave generators to disintegrate kidney stones.”
Although ESWL produces some trauma to the kidney area, the Australian Family Physician explains: “It rarely damages adjacent organs such as spleen, liver, pancreas and bowel. The short term trauma effect is easily tolerated with minimal harm to the patients and most patients complain only of mild [muscle and skeletal pain] in the abdominal wall and some slight [blood in the urine] for 24 to 48 hours after therapy.” Even children have been treated successfully. This Australian journal concluded: “After 10 years of evaluation ESWL seems to be an extremely safe treatment.”
Indeed, the treatment is so effective that last year’s Conn’s Current Therapy explained: “(ESWL) has allowed symptomatic stones to be removed so easily and with such minimal morbidity that patients and physicians have become less rigorous in the medical management of urinary stone disease.”
Yet, kidney stones are a painful malady that you surely do not want. What can you do to prevent them?
Prevention
Since kidney stones often recur, if you have had one, you will wisely heed the admonition to drink plenty of water. A urinary output of more than two quarts [2 L] per day is recommended, and that means drinking a lot of water!
In addition, it is wise to adjust your diet. Doctors suggest limiting your consumption of red meat, salt, and foods high in oxalate, which are believed to help form stones. These foods include nuts, chocolate, black pepper, and leafy green vegetables, such as spinach. Doctors also once recommended reducing calcium intake, but recent research indicates instead that an increase of dietary calcium tends to decrease the tendency to form stones.
Yet, in spite of your taking all precautions, if you should have another kidney stone, it may be somewhat comforting to know that there are improved methods for treating them.
[Picture on page 21]
Nonsurgical treatment of kidney stones using a machine called a lithotripter
[Credit Line]
S.I.U./Science Source/PR
[Picture Credit Line on page 20]
Leonardo On The Human Body/Dover Publications, Inc.


Kidney Stones—Ancient Affliction Still with Us
KIDNEY stones are one of the most ancient afflictions of humankind. Testifying to that fact are mummies and Indian graves of great antiquity. Not only that, but if you have had a bout with kidney stones you know that it can be one of the most painful of all human afflictions.
Ordinarily the pain is caused as a result of the stone’s having lodged in the ureter. This causes excruciating pain in the back or flank and it spreads across the lower part of the body and down to the groin and inner thigh. According to statistics, one percent of all Europeans, Asiatics and Americans are “stone carriers.” In the United States some 200,000 persons are annually hospitalized because of kidney stones.
If you are among those afflicted, most likely you are under forty years of age. And if you have had an attack, then there are four chances out of five that you will not have another. This is especially so if your attack did not require an operation.
In medical terminology, kidney stones come under the heading of “urinary calculi.” The stones may be almost microscopic in size, so-called “sand,” or large enough to fill a whole kidney, and they may be in any part of the urinary system. They are composed of many substances and assume various shapes. In the main there are three kinds of stones, apparently caused by three differing chemical conditions, the most common being the calcium oxalate stones. What initiates the building up of most types of the stones is not known, but certain elements in the urine collect around a nucleus and in time a stone develops.
Their Causes
Just what causes a person to have kidney stones? A specialist speaking at an international symposium on kidney stones said regarding calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate stones, that their “genesis . . . is poorly understood” and their “management quite unsatisfactory.”
However, at the same symposium another speaker stated that the formation of kidney stones was a process involving many factors. Among these factors, he said, were minerals, anatomical, functional, endocrinological disorders and metabolic disturbances (such as overactivity of the parathyroid glands), and those of a bacteriological nature.
And there is considerable evidence that genetic factors are a contributing cause. Thus patients who have the cystine type of kidney stones have been told by certain specialists that it “is not a disease in the ordinary sense. It is a permanent state of affairs due to your having inherited something from both your mother and your father, through no fault of theirs.”
It is also recognized that living conditions have a bearing on the formation of kidney stones. They are far more prevalent in hot and humid areas than in temperate zones. Thus in the southwestern part of the United States the ratio of kidney-stone carriers to population is almost twice that prevailing in the northern areas of the country. A sedentary occupation also seems to favor the formation of kidney stones.
The same can be said of a “higher” standard of living. Thus, among the white population in South Africa, kidney stones are far more frequent than among the native Bantu Africans. This difference may be largely owing to different eating habits. In fact, it is becoming apparent that diet has an important bearing on the formation of kidney stones. For one thing, there has been shown to be a relationship between kidney stones and eating freely of highly seasoned foods, such as Worcestershire sauce (which contains volatile oils and strong spices). Curry is likewise implicated. Thus Fijians whose diet is bland are practically free of kidney stones, whereas natives from India, living on the same island but eating freely of curry, have a high incidence of kidney stones.
Even consuming much carbohydrate-rich food and beverages, such as those containing a lot of sugar, has been shown to have a bearing on the formation of kidney stones. The same is true of eating many dairy products.
What You Can Do
The very consideration of the causes suggests what you can do and what you cannot do as to preventing recurrence of kidney stones. Obviously you can do nothing about the genetic factor itself, but you can compensate for it.
It appears that people in hot and humid climates who do not drink sufficient water to compensate for their profuse sweating are more likely to have kidney stones than those living in moderate climates. So one of the simplest and most effective preventatives is for you to drink a lot of water. In fact, when suffering from a kidney stone attack, the first thing to do is to drink plenty of water. That, together with rest and the use of pain killers, will often bring relief. But in extreme cases, when a ureter becomes blocked by a stone, surgery may be necessary.
If yours is a sedentary occupation, make it a point to get more exercise. In fact, for this reason even patients confined to their beds are urged to move around in bed and not to lie in just one position.
If you tend to form the calcium type of kidney stones, the course of prudence would be to eat sparingly of dairy products such as milk and cheese. And since overindulgence in highly seasoned foods is known to cause kidney stones, use such condiments sparingly.
Among other things being used by specialists to prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones—the most common kind—is oral magnesium oxide therapy with or without supplemental Vitamin B6. Reports in medical journals tell of physicians having striking success in preventing the recurrence of stones by one or the other of such methods, over a period of years. Of course, all such treatments should be under the direction of a physician fully familiar with that kind of therapy. The same is true of preventing recurrence of certain kidney stones by the use of phosphate salts and antibiotics.
But the simplest and most widely and most strongly urged remedy is for you to drink plenty of water. Physicians have obtained remarkable results by having their patients drink a pint of water every four hours and even breaking their sleep to do so. In fact, that is particularly important, as it seems that kidney stones form especially during the night. Making use of such remedies can do much to keep you from having a second attack.




all articles are from the watchtower bible and tract society of Jehovahs Witnesses
study with them to learn more!