DAYSPRING INTERNATIONAL DEAR FEBRUARY 2025

ACADEMY

FINDING LIFE'S GREATEST

TREASURES THROUGH
READING

WEEK 3
 SHORT STORY

Mangoes for Lydia

A letter arrived from Lydia’s mother after six months. She was apologising for her daughter’s lack
of gratitude. How could she run away, really, after all we had done for her? She reassured my
father that Lydia had been well taken care of for her rudeness, she was sure not to repeat such
despicable mischief again. Finally, as usual, she also asked for money from us which my father
readily sent. The cleansing had been done. The future was up for grabs, but strangely enough it
didn’t look promising.

I am telling you all this because we just buried Lydia a few days ago after a long illness. Her two
sons chose to remain in the village: their mother had left them a house and enough money to pay
for their secondary school fees. Lydia didn’t want to leave them in a state of dependence, of utter
helplessness. I insisted that her two sons come with me. I live in a huge house and I can send them
to private schools. They refused my generous offer. They prefer to stay in the village. This is
where they were born and who said the village was a bad place?

My sister and I cried so much at Lydia’s funeral and her sons had to prop us up. Mourners forgot
who were the real bereaved family, I am ashamed we made such a ruckus and a fool of ourselves.
We were surprised by Lydia’s sons’ strength and poise; we were surprised by their wise nature
despite their loss. They looked so comfortable in their skin, any one could tell they didn’t need
anyone, they didn’t need us, they didn’t need me.

I would have liked to tell you that Lydia had triumphed over us in many ways. I would have liked
to tell you a different story of how Lydia became a doctor or a lawyer, beating all odds after she
had left our family. None of that happened. Stories like that are mostly found in books. We are
talking about real life here; we are talking about real lives.

I wished I had gone to see her when she was ill. I wish we had talked about what happened during
those Christmas holidays when everything changed, yes, even in our own family. I will spare you
the details.

I wish I had gone back to the village and taken Lydia with her family to the lake. I imagine her
stepping into the cool water, walking farther and farther, taming the waves and finally steeping her
full body into such magnificence, splashing and squealing with childish delight, letting the deep
blue waters of Lake Malawi envelop her into their warm and nurturing embrace.

By Thandi Ngwira Gatignol

2
 September 2021

National Institutes of Health • Department of Health and Human Services • newsinhealth.nih.gov

Inside News: 3 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) 4 Alcohol Misuse Treatment 4 Burn Care 4 Eating Disorders

The Power of Peers

Who Influences Your Health?
Do birds of a feather really others. Or they may be
flock together? The science more sensitive to social
says yes. People do tend signals, like the tone of
to choose friends who are someone’s voice or their
similar to them. You also body language.
become more like your Dr. Mary Heitzeg’s team
friends over time. And that at the University of Michi-
can influence your health. gan is doing research to
Many behaviors spread better understand how a
socially. Examples include person’s biology and reac-
how much you exercise, tions to social situations
how much alcohol you affect whether they develop
drink, whether you smoke, substance use or mental
and what foods you eat. health problems later in life.
Scientists are still trying Using brain scans, the
to untangle why that is. team is looking at how
Studies have found that teens’ brains respond to be-
activity in certain brain ing socially included or ex-
areas changes when other people pleasure. It’s activated by things we cluded. They’re also looking at how
are around. That can affect what you enjoy, like eating good food. It’s also the brain’s reward system responds
choose to do. activated by social rewards, like to different situations.
But this work also suggests that getting a compliment. Heitzeg’s team is part of a large 10-
you can harness the power of social And teens are just learning to year effort, called the ABCD Study,
relationships to gain healthier navigate the social world. Under- to understand the factors that influ-
habits—and motivate others to do standing other people’s values and ence teens’ health and risk behavior
the same. being influenced by them are impor- in the long term. Factors can include
tant parts of socializing. Being influ- families, friends, schools, neighbor-
Social Influence • “People care enced on things like clothing choices hoods, and communities.
about what others think across all and musical taste can help teens “Adolescence is such a risky
different age groups—and that influ- learn to fit in and make friends. But period,” says Heitzeg. “That’s when
ences how much they value different taking part in risky behaviors, like sexual initiation happens, initiation
ideas and behaviors,” says Dr. Emily drinking alcohol or smoking, can and escalation of substance use hap-
Falk at the University of Pennsylva- lead to health or legal consequences. pens, as well as other types of risky
nia. She studies how social networks “Research shows that even just and delinquent behaviors, like risky
affect decision making. This is having another peer around can driving.”
called social, or peer, influence. change the reward response in continued on page 2
Teens are especially responsive the brain and also the risk-taking
to peer influence. That’s because tendencies of teenagers,” says
their brains undergo changes that Falk. Her team studies how peers
make them highly attuned to social affect teens’ driving behaviors and
@
situations. At the same time, the
reward system in the teen brain
smoking decisions.
Some people seem to be more Subscribe
becomes extra sensitive. easily influenced than others, ih.gov
The reward system is a brain too. They may be more sensitive newsinhealth.n
circuit that causes feelings of to feeling included or excluded by
 2 newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/09

continued from page 1

But it’s also a time that peer influ- Friendships you feel you want to
ence can help teens thrive if it gets let go of may be low quality. They Wise Choices
them more involved with their com- might be fraught with conflict, Fostering Positive
munity or helps them learn behav- criticism, and aggression. For youth, Friendships
iors to get along with others, like low quality friendships are linked
how to cooperate or be empathetic. to poor academic performance and Parents can help guide their kids
behavioral issues. toward healthier friendships. Here
Peer Quality, Not Quantity • High quality friendships provide are ways to help:
Positive and negative peer influences understanding, support, and l Stay involved. Talk with your
can affect more than just your validation of your self-worth. These children about their lives and
behavior. They can also change the types of friendships are more stable activities. Knowing what goes
way you feel. and are more satisfying. on can help you better guide
Studies show that, in general, Spending time with friends can them toward positive, healthy
the more friends you have and the be especially helpful for people with experiences.
more time you spend with them, the anxiety or depression. However, l Keep an eye on social groups.
happier you are. Friends give you Schwartz-Mette’s studies have Though children may identify
people to share your feelings with, to shown that depression can also be with a certain peer group for a
get new perspectives from, or to just worsened by certain friendship period of time, they often move
do fun activities with. qualities. One is called co- from group to group. Try to steer
But it’s the quality of those rumination. them toward peers who support
friendships—not quantity—that “Co-rumination is basically them in healthy ways.
really makes the difference. Quality when people get together and talk l Encourage kids to do healthy
of friendships has been linked to excessively about everything that’s activities when they’re with
higher life satisfaction and better going wrong and how bad they feel,” friends. For example, going for a
mental health. she explains. “With that person, they walk or hike, playing recreational
“We’ve all experienced letting a feel understood, validated, and that sports, or volunteering.
friendship go because it didn’t feel this person is emotionally close to
l Provide ways for kids to take
great,” says Dr. Rebecca Schwartz- them. But they get more depressed
healthy social risks. For example,
Mette of the University of Maine. because they’re focusing their
find opportunities for teens to
Her lab studies how peer relation- attention on negative things.” get involved with their commu-
ships affect the emotional develop- Research suggests that it may help nity and meet new people with
ment of children and teens. to refocus such friendships. Talk different perspectives. Or to meet
about both positive and negative someone who can teach them
things in your day. Look for healthy about a topic of interest.
NIH News in Health activities to get out and do together,
ISSN 2375-6993 (Print) ISSN 1556-3898 (Online) like going for a walk. Encourage each l Share examples from your own
other to keep up healthy habits like life. Explain how you’ve found
Editor Harrison Wein, Ph.D.
physical activity, healthy eating, and ways to meet new people and
Managing Editor Tianna Hicklin, Ph.D.
what activities you enjoy doing
Graphics Alan Defibaugh (illustrations), getting a good night’s sleep.
with others. Model the behaviors
Bryan Ewsichek (design) “Noticing that our behavior is you’d like to see.
Contributors Erin Bryant, Tianna Hicklin, and influenced by other people, we can
Sharon Reynolds be intentional and try to focus on l Create a sense of belonging and
Use our articles and illustrations in your own the people who are doing the things acceptance. Kids can learn about
publication. Our material is not copyrighted. we want to get into ourselves,” Falk healthy relationships from their
Please acknowledge NIH News in Health as the
explains. “Sharing your healthy family experiences.
source and send us a copy.
habits with other people could make
newsinhealth.nih.gov a real difference to somebody else.”
And to yourself. Choices box for tips). But everyone
Parents can help guide their can benefit from high quality
NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
kids toward more positive social friendships that help you nurture
experiences, too (see the Wise healthy habits. n
Office of Communications & Public Liaison
Building 31, Room 5B52
Bethesda, MD 20892-2094
email: [email protected]
Web For more about peer influence,
see “Links” in the online article:
phone: 301-451-8224 Links newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/09/power-peers
 3 newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/09

Recognizing RSV
More Than the Common Cold
COVID-19 measures lessened how provider right away. A blood
often we get sick from many other test can show if you have
viruses. But one common virus has RSV or another virus with
been on the rise this year. It’s called similar symptoms.
respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. For mild cases, over-
RSV is usually more common in the-counter fever or pain
the fall, winter, and spring. But this relievers may help reduce
year, infections have surged over the symptoms. But people with
summer. This is likely because of the more serious cases may need
lifting of COVID-19 precautions, like treatment in a hospital.
masking and social distancing, says RSV spreads easily
Dr. Barney Graham, a physician who between people. It can travel
studies viruses at NIH. in droplets from a cough
Almost everyone catches RSV or sneeze. It can also stay
before the age of 2. It’s one of the on surfaces like doorknobs
most common causes of illness in and tables. That means you
children. But unlike many other can catch it if you touch an
viruses that infect the lungs, you can infected surface and then
catch RSV over and over again. touch your face.
“RSV has a number of ways of Most people who get mild
evading the immune system,” says RSV feel better in a week or two. But
Graham. “So people are re-infected people can still spread it even after
with RSV on average every three to they stop showing symptoms. Wise Choices
10 years.” NIH researchers have been Protect Against
RSV infects the cells that line your working for decades to develop RSV Germs
lungs and breathing passages. Many vaccines. Recently, scientists have l Avoid close contact with people
symptoms mimic the common cold, been able to take detailed pictures of who have cold-like symptoms.
like a runny nose, loss of appetite, proteins on the virus’s outer surface.
and coughing or wheezing. This allowed them to create a l Wash your hands often with soap
Symptoms usually stay mild in vaccine that better targets the virus. and water for at least 20 seconds.
older children and adults. But some In early research, “this vaccine Use alcohol-based hand gel if
you’re unable to wash them.
people are at risk of more serious has turned out to be radically better
Be sure it contains at least 60%
disease. These include infants, older than any tried before,” Graham says.
alcohol.
adults, and people with a weakened Researchers hope that a vaccine will
immune system. soon be available for at-risk groups. l Clean and disinfect surfaces that
Some people develop pneumonia Such a shot may be able to protect are frequently touched, like door-
or inflammation in the lungs from newborns by vaccinating their knobs, toys, and mobile devices.
RSV. Watch for symptoms that get mothers before birth, he adds. l Avoid touching your face with
worse over time or trouble breathing An RSV vaccine could do much unwashed hands.
or drinking fluids. People with these more than prevent infection, says l Cover your coughs and sneezes
symptoms should see a health care Graham. Kids who get severe RSV with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve,
as infants have a higher risk of other not your hands.
lung problems, like asthma. So, a
vaccine might prevent some cases of l Stay home when you’re sick.
Definitions future lung issues as well.
Until there’s a vaccine, good
Immune System hygiene is the best way to avoid See the Wise Choices box for tips on
The body’s defense against germs and getting RSV and other viruses. staying healthy. n
microscopic threats.
Inflammation
Heat, swelling, and redness caused by the Web For more about RSV
see “Links” in the online article:
body’s protective response to injury or
infection. Links newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/09/recognizing-rsv
 4 NInewsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/09
H News i n Healt h

Health Capsules For links to more information, please visit our website
and see these stories online.

Few Receive Medications for Alcohol Problems

About 14 million adults in the U.S. to problem drinking. treatment services. It also appeared
have alcohol use disorder (AUD). Researchers analyzed data those with more severe AUD were
There are effective treatments. But from nearly 43,000 adults who more likely to take medications.
a recent study found that they are participated in a national survey on Medications can be an important
rarely used. drug use and health. The study found tool for overcoming problem drink-
People with AUD often aren’t able that about 5.6% of U.S. adults had ing. “We need to find a way to make
to control their drinking. It can AUD in 2019. these medications a more routine
affect their health, relationships, Treatment rates were low. Only part of clinical care,” says NIDA
and job. Treatments can help. These 7.3% of people with the disorder Deputy Director Dr. Wilson Comp-
include talk therapy and FDA- received any form of treatment. And ton, senior author of the study.
approved medications. only 1.6% of the people with AUD “Far too few people with AUD
Three drugs have been approved were treated with medications. receive treatment of any type, in-
to treat AUD. These help people with Those taking AUD medications cluding medications,” says NIAAA
AUD overcome alcohol cravings. were more likely to live in a city, Deputy Director Dr. Patricia A. Pow-
They can also help prevent a return which tend to have more alcohol use ell, who co-authored the study. n

Learn About Burn Care

Burns are skin or tissue damage, They may leave a scar. Third-degree Minor burns can often be treated
usually caused by heat. Burns often burns damage or destroy the entire at home. First, clean the area with
happen in the home. Some are caused thickness of the skin. They require cool water and dry. Then cover with
by fire. They can also be caused by hot skin grafts—natural or artificial skin sterile gauze or a non-adhesive
liquid, steam, and certain chemicals. to cover and protect the body while it bandage. Avoid breaking blisters
Burns are defined by how deep heals. because this can cause infection. Call
they are and how large an area they It’s important to seek medical your doctor if the burn has not healed
cover. First degree burns are the care quickly for deep or large burns. after several weeks or shows signs of
least serious. They affect only the Serious burns require professional infection. These include increased
thin top layer of skin. A sunburn is a medical care. Some can even be life- pain, swelling, and redness.
common example. They usually heal threatening. But research advances For more information on burns
on their own within a week. Second- over the past few decades have and burn research, visit www.nigms.
degree burns damage the layer of increased the chances of survival for nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/
skin below the outer layer as well. people with severe burns. Pages/burns.aspx. n

Featured Website
Eating Disorders
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders
Eating disorders are serious and They affect all types of people. It’s
can be fatal. Obsessions with important to seek treatment early.
food, body weight, and shape may Learn more about the signs and
be signs of an eating disorder. treatments for eating disorders.

How to get NIH News in Health

Subscribe online. Get it in print.
Visit newsinhealth.nih.gov Contact us (see page two) to get print
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 POEMS

GO TELL JESUS

Go Tell Him
Go tell Jesus Tell Jesus
that his messengers have come but have that that little peace I enjoyed
forgotten all His words Ask Him if He said before His messengers arrived
Men are all equal or has been disturbed
Men are un -equal? and I cannot sleep and dream
Who did He say God is? until it is restored
A bearded old boogy
sitting far up in the skies watching and not Tell Him
caring? Tell Jesus
there is chaos in my house
Go My sons have left their heads and hearts My
Go ask Jesus daughters their hearts and heads They are
whether He really said screaming shrieking
we cannot reach our God burning each other's Souls
if we do not pass through Him Tell Him to
tell you all because
the fate of my ancestors His messengers have come
Who lived and died before but have forgotten His words
He the Christ was born May it please Him come again
Will all of them be That we may see the truth
Damned? That the truth may make us see
That peace is not a piece of bread in wine
Go
Go ask Jesus Go
why He did not tour the world Go tell Jesus
to spread the word of death His messengers have come
but gave it to a chosen few But have forgotten His Words of Life"
and in parables they can't explain
by Kofi Anyidoho "Earth Child"

THE END