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Show THE SAN JUAN RECORD Wednesday, September 26, 2001 Page 12 Do you have tips for coping with tragedy? The recent terrorist attacks on our country have left most Americans with a sense of increased vulnerability. There may be a loss of widely held beliefs such as "I am safe in the world, Tm in charge of what happens to me, Other people are basically good and can be trusted, and so on. When these life assumptions are challenged, making sense of what happened and coping can be difficult. A tragedy or critical incident is an event, or series of events, falling outside the realm of normal human experience in some way. Everyone reacts differently to critical incidents, but some common physical reactions include nausea, gastric distress, fatigue, racing heart, chest pain, strained breathing, trained professionals or from books and tapes. Recognize when you shock symptoms, muscle Cramps, headaches and chills. Emotional reactions may include anxiety, fear, sadness, guilt, denial, numbing, panic, apprehension, disturbed thoughts and anger. Cognitive reactions can include memory problems, poor attention, nightmares, intrusive images, disorientation, poor problem solving and decision making skills, rumination and disturbed sleep. Behavioral symptoms may include withdrawal, restlessness, emotional outbursts, increased alcohol use, avoidance, changes in speech, increased startle reflex, changes in aphyper-alertnes- s, are feeling overly stressed. Try to simplify your life as much as you can. Remember that significant chronic stress can lead to illness, accidents and diminished coping ability. Get regular physical exercise. Exercise helps eliminate cortisol, a toxic stress byproduct, from the body. Check with your physician if you are starting an exercise program, and remember that you will be more likely to stay with an activity you enjoy. Maintain healthy nutrition. Stress sometimes makes us want to load up on foods with high fats and carbohydrates (ice cream, chips, etc.) Firefighters battle flames in the ruins of the World Trade Center. The photograph is by FEMA tographer Andrea Booher, the daughter of IHank and Grace Booher of Monticello. Alpine Eye Clinic, P.C. John G. Petty M.D. Eye Exams Cataract Surgery Laser Surgery LASIK Refractive Surgery FREE LASIK Consultation 2423 East Main W?DF Sod Today - Lawn Tomorrow titysocTTON, & Colorado' Call toll free 2731 North Hastings Rd Green River, UT 84525 970-565-88- 09 dO O Monticello Car Wash Pjls O . O Now Owned And Operated Byo New Equipment And Vacuums COME TRY OUR NEW SOAPS AND HOT WATER! All feel-ing- B images and poignant DoD Cortez, CO Suite 4 petite, blaming others and changes in attitude. Another normal reaction to a critical incident may be no reaction at all. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you are not alone. 7d help cope with tragedy, consider these points: Talk about what troubles you. Find a friend, clergy member, mentor, counselor or therapist with whom you can allow yourself to be open. Expressing your thoughts, and reactions to an understanding, caring person can be helpful. Keep as much of your routine aB possible. We tend to derive comfort from our routines. At times when life already feels disrupted, it is beneficial to keep from disrupting it any further. Limit watching TV and listening to the radio. Though we try to feel more in control by watching TV and listening to the radio to help us know what is going on, the repeated pho- $ O Qulie fcncmAxm FOR MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL F Q mes- sages can increase our feelings of vulnerability and loss. This is especially true for children and youth. Rather than con- media scanning, a more stant . moderate approach is to check the media a few times a day to reassure yourself that you know what is happening. Practice a systematic, drug-fre- e method of relax- ation. Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga and relaxation training can be beneficial during times of stress. They can be easily learned from AitfAbrasiorC&lL'aser HARD WORKER V HONEST NO PERSONAL AGENDA For Questions, Call 435-587-2- 61 Wd pouted adverihemanl Dr. G.O. Miller, DDS Dr. Brian J. Goodwine, DDS FAMILY DENTISTRY AND ORTHODONTICS 435-587-25- 28 2 217 S 100 W Monticello 7 Am - 7 pm Mon - Fri |