Dealing With Pain: Article Review/Summary

                The article I read is about working through the pain of training. Michael Stott uses quotes from trained professionals and former swimmers to back up his facts. This article states the difference between soreness from training and pain due to more serious injuries. Everyone who was interviewed for this article says that they would always tell themselves to push through the soreness because that is what makes you better. However, if the pain is sharp, burning, or anything of the like, it could be something more serious. Also, if the pain lasts for more than 4 weeks, a doctor should be contacted. They describe beating the discomfort as “physical vs. mental limitations.” They all said that pushing through the mental stuff is what makes a swimmer great. They also say that if the swimmer feels like it may be something more serious, they should ice the location and see a professional if it gets worse. Basically, this article focused on deciphering between pain from training and pain from an injury that needs to be corrected. Michael Stott says the quickest way to recovery is using rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Finally, this article tells of a “Return-to-Swim Program” that allows swimmers to swim while rehabbing from an injury, which could be a good thing to mention in my final project!

Citation: Stott, Michael J. "Dealing With Pain." Swimming World 50.3 (2009): 32. Middle Search Plus. Web. 29 Mar. 2012.

Press Release

In August of 2011, Margaret Schofield, Hall County student, started on an adventure that confirmed her dreams of becoming a Nurse Anesthetist. Margaret took advantage of the Hall County Honors Mentorship which allows students to explore their field of interest. While mentoring at the Gainesville Surgery Center, Margaret has been able to sit in on surgeries ranging from dental restoration to cataracts. This experience will carry her into her future nursing programs. Having this experience in high school will allow her to have a leg up on her competition and also allow for her to get used to the job of a Nurse Anesthetist.

Also while mentoring at the center, Margaret has been able to file folders of hundreds of patients. These folders allow her to look at an operation note and also pictures of knee arthroscopies and even colonoscopies. These surgeries are surgeries that she may have to see when she is working as a Nurse. During one of the surgeries she saw, the young girl have a reaction to the anesthesia. This mishap allowed Margaret to see how you are supposed to react in this situation. Everyone in the room stayed calm and let the girl’s body relax before continuing with the administration of the anesthesia.  

Margaret is so happy she decided to join the Mentorship Program. She has put a lot of time and hard work into her experience, but it was worth it. She will be forever grateful to Kathy Mellette for providing this opportunity to her. She is so excited to go to college and start her path to being a Nurse Anesthetist. Without this experience, she may not have been as sure of her future. She believes that she has met people who will always be there for her and always willing to recommend her for varying positions. Margaret is so happy she had this experience at the Gainesville Surgery Center where “our primary focus is providing our patients and families with superior quality ambulatory surgical services in a warm, friendly and caring environment."

Be A Provocateur

Name someone you consider a provocateur (may be in history, current or someone you know personally). Please share why you consider this person to be a provocateur. Do they display resilience and/or courage? How?

My dad is the first person who comes to mind when I think of a provocateur. When change is happening, he is the best person to lean on because he can always keep his cool. He has also invented a couple of inventions, so he is constantly thinking about the next big thing that the world needs. My dad also recently just started his own company, and while it was getting started, he never told us that he was scared or wanted to quit. He handled the uncertainty with grace and his company has now received some really big deals with big name companies. I don't know very many people who would be able to handle the stress of starting a company, so my dad's courage is inspirational! When my dad sees something new such as an invention or a billboard, the first thing he notices is how to make it better. If he's not a provocateur, I don't know what is!

What can you do (develop or improve) to increase your chances of becoming a  provocateur?

I think I could learn a lot by observing my dad. However, I also think a positive outlook and concern for others is a big part of being a provocateur. It seems like to be a provocateur you have to look out for changes that will be for the greater good. To become one, I need to learn to open my mind to change and ideas. I also need to learn to voice up my ideas when they come to me instead of just pushing them aside.