Commun ty Matters Farmington Presbyterian Manor
Why you should stop stressing over stress By Jeanne Dorin for Next Avenue
We’ve all heard the bad news. Stress can lead to a panoply of problems, from depression and fatigue to cancer and heart disease, and perhaps, as recent research suggests, premature death.
August 2015
Margie Hutton
Proving ‘once a teacher, always a teacher’ Whether it was summer break or post-retirement, taking a break from teaching wasn’t on option for Farmington Presbyterian Manor resident Margie Hutton.
The unrelenting onslaught of information about these dangers can itself create more stress, as we worry about our health and longevity on top of woes over jobs, finances, college-age children with limited job prospects and caring for aged parents.
“Once a teacher you’re always a teacher,” said Margie.
But now comes — at last — news that may bring your anxiety level down a notch or two. Despite research documenting the potential dangers of stress, it is not a foregone conclusion that you will get sick or come down with any of the diseases or ailments associated with this problem.
Eager to take her own education to the next level, Margie took time off to get her doctorate in Washington, D.C. “One of my teachers I had when working on my masters convinced me to go further,” said Margie.
According to Sheldon Cohen, a professor of psychology and director of the Laboratory for the Study of Stress, Immunity and Disease at Carnegie Mellon University, we humans actually have quite a bit of resistance and resilience. “Most people who are stressed out can cope with it,” suggests Cohen. STRESS, continued on page 2
After growing up in Texas and graduating with her Margie Hutton master’s degree from Incarnate Word Catholic University, Margie’s teaching career began in San Antonio, where she taught in a primary school for 10 years. “The grade I liked most was second grade. I don’t know why. They were so innocent and eager to learn.”
After graduating with her doctorate, Margie got a teaching job at Jackson State University, where she taught for 29 years until retirement. “Those were the years when all of the schools were to be integrated,” said Margie. “I believe in equality and that students should have civil rights, but I didn’t do rallies or events. I figured my contribution would be education.” And while Margie was busy educating her students, she continued to educate herself during summer breaks by taking trips that would help prepare her for future classes she would be teaching. “Some people think teachers get the whole summer off,” said Margie. “They don’t realize teachers go back to take classes for themselves.” Margie’s summer travels included a trip to Mexico when she was going to teach Latin American history. She went to West Point to get HUTTON, continued on page 2