It is November and with a new month comes a new issue of The Scroll... and with a new issue comes a new National Days Column article. Enjoy, fellow Scrollians!

The word “stress” should ring a bell for all people and, for those in high school, stress is unfortunately more prevalent than it should be. Stress affects students in high school, especially due to the influx of more challenging classes, more homework, higher expectations and the pressure of preparing for success after graduation. According to surveys completed by New York University, 49% of students reported feeling a great deal of stress on a daily basis. Perhaps what is important to know is that we are not alone in dealing with stress. It is something most share in common. However, the question for those dealing with stress is this: How can we recognize stress and what are the ways we can deal with it? 

“Stress can be positive, keeping us alert, motivated and ready to avoid danger,” states Cleveland Clinic, but it is when stress continues without relief or periods of relaxation that it leads to trouble. Cleveland Clinic gives examples of how stress shows up physically. Headaches, shaking, a racing heart, muscle tension, jaw clenching and trouble sleeping are some. Stress, more seriously, can even lead to anxiety and depression, but this does not mean that having stress is unstoppable. 

Stress is a real issue, but real issues have real solutions. Sutter Health gives ways to deal with stress and promote better health mentally, physically and emotionally. Here are some stress relievers that are more targeted toward students in high school:

1. Rebalance

Rebalancing life can look like writing out your schedule in a journal, and perhaps making it a weekly or monthly happening. Doing this helps ease the stress of forgetting something that needs to be done, and it is helpful to be able to see your schedule charted out in front of you. Perhaps, rebalancing in your life will look like taking needed breaks and not over-scheduling, which is common in our culture.

2. Get Regular Exercise

Exercise, such as going on a walk outside, going for a run or a hike, stretching, and even going to the gym, are all ways to let the mind find peace from the craziness of life. The simple action of movement is beneficial to the body, and effective in releasing stress.

3. Eat Well

Eating a well-balanced diet is important for all areas of health, and stress is one of them. When we drink water and eat foods that are nourishing and healthy for the body, stress becomes less likely and the body is better able to fight it.

4. Take Time to Spend on Hobbies

Everyone should be able to think of at least one thing they can consider a hobby. Creating art, writing poetry, mountain biking, running and making music are all examples of hobbies, but there are so many more. It is important to try new things, to find new hobbies, and to practice them. A hobby is something that you enjoy doing and working at, which can give the brain something positive and fun to focus on amidst heavy and stressful schedules.

5. Connect With Supportive People

Finding and connecting with people who are there to support you is significant, especially when battling stress. Sometimes, the best way to work through stress is to talk to someone who supports you and cares about you. This could be a parent, a best friend, a mentor, or a teacher.

6. Sleep Well

       When dealing with stress, getting good sleep can be difficult. Even when schedules get packed full, it is still important for humans to prioritize rest and getting a good amount of sleep.

7. Bond With People You Connect With and Enjoy

Making friends or building stronger relationships can be hard and time-consuming, too, but when dealing with stress, it is extremely vital to have a support system around you. Friends and family members can be a great place to find comfort and support. Find people you enjoy spending time with and prioritize taking a step away from the stresses of life to find solace in people who care for you.

If you are dealing with stress, know that you are not alone. On National Stress Awareness Day, take time to evaluate the areas in your life where stress is present and find ways to implement healthy habits, such as those listed above, to help yourself combat the stresses that high school and life throws at you.

Nov. 2 holds the title of International Day to End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists, but what does this mean? 

The definition of impunity is exemption from punishment, and freedom from the consequences of an action. With this definition, the day is advocating that crimes committed against journalists with no consequence to the person who commits them need to stop. More specifically, the National Day Calendar states, “The day draws attention to the low conviction rates for crimes committed against journalists on a global scale.”

Journalists have been around for a very, very long time. An article by USA Today touches on how the true work of journalism is shadowed by the immense amount of present-day business models, clicks and platforms. They share, “It’s easy to forget about the underlying public service role of the field, the reason the press gets singled out for protection under the First Amendment.” Our U.S. Constitution even directly states protection for our journalists, which makes it unfortunate that so many crimes against them today get easily dismissed. 

The journalist's job is extremely important, and some continuously risk their lives to bring society the truth. Sadly, many journalists get harassed and far worse when bringing stories to light. In Apr. 2014, journalists Anja Niedringhaus and Kathy Gannon were shot during their assignment covering the run-up to Afghanistan’s election. The United Nations expressed that, between 2020 to 2021, 117 journalists were killed on the job, and only 14% of crimes against journalists are considered judicially resolved, which is not very many. Since 1993, 1,600 journalists have been killed for reporting the truth and bringing important stories to the public.

On Nov. 2, take time to remember the journalists who lost their lives reporting the truth, and appreciate the work all journalists do daily to keep society aware of what is happening in the world.

Medical Physics is just as the name implies; it is applying the concepts of regular physics to the medical field for areas such as prevention and diagnosis. 

Medical physicists use knowledge of physics to aid in the research, improvement, and development of medical radiation. Duke University more specifically states, “Medical physics provides the technical foundations of radiology, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety.”  The top components of work for medical physicists include research and development, clinical service, and teaching upcoming medical physicists. They most commonly work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, medical clinics, and private practices. 

The first medical physicist was a woman by the name of Marie Skłodowska-Curie. She was born on Nov. 7, 1867, hence why medical physics is internationally celebrated on this day every year.  Little had she known she would grow to become the founder of using physics in the medical field. The International Atomic Energy Agency wrote an article highlighting Skłodowska-Curie and sharing this: “While studying properties of uranium and thorium, Skłodowska-Curie noticed that these elements produced spontaneous and mysterious rays which interacted with a photographic plate she had nearby.” After discovering the physics of uranium and the radiation waves it emitted, she was able to introduce it into the medical field. In the early 20th century, from Skłodowska-Curie’s discovery, modern radio-oncology medicine began its development. Skłodowska-Curie and her husband won the 1903 Nobel Prize in physics for her outstanding discovery and her application of it into the medical field. Today, medical physics is used immensely in the medicine industry, and has proved an important addition. 

As the winter season is quickly approaching, it is important to get out in nature and enjoy the few spots of sun and good weather Oregon will give us. Lucky for Grants Pass residents, we have a multitude of amazing hiking spots all within a reasonable distance.

Upper and Lower Table Rock are located in Jackson County and are open to the public with no fees. The hikes offer a wide view of the Rogue River, Siskiyous, and Cascades-- as well as an array of endangered flowers best seen in the spring. Upper Table Rock is a 2.8-mile trip, and Lower Table Rock is a 5.4-mile hike to a higher lookout. Both are great hiking opportunities in Southern Oregon.

Cathedral Hills is located in Josephine County and holds ten miles of trails for hikers, horse riders, mountain bikers, and trail runners. The trails are open year-round to the public and are free to use. 

Toketee Falls Trail, located in Douglas County, is a hike passing by the North Umpqua River at points, through old-growth Douglas-fir trees leading to a sight of a two-tiered waterfall. The trail is open year-round and has no fees. 

Rainie Falls is located in Josephine County and follows a section of the wild Rogue River. The trail spans 1.8 miles to a beautiful waterfall. On the way, you may even encounter parts of a 1908 hexagonal suspension bridge, which washed out in 1927, in the vegetation along the sides of the trail. The trail is open for day use year-round.

The National Park Service states, “Hiking with a partner, or even in a group, can improve the strength and health of your relationships” and that “time in the great outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression.” This November, cherish the few days of nice weather we have left and experience nature on a beautiful hike.