May 2006 Newsletter
Doctor Lister
As a professor of surgery in Glasgow, Scotland, Joseph Lister observed the way simple fractures healed without infection while compound fractures frequently became infected and often required amputation. He theorized correctly that air introduced bacteria into wounds whenever the skin was broken.
At the time, the only antiseptic available was carbolic acid. So on August 12, 1865, Lister washed his hands and his surgical instruments in carbolic acid and sprayed the air with an atomizer of carbolic acid. He also sprayed carbolic acid on the open wounds of his patients during surgery.
The death rate following surgery dropped from more than 50% to less than 15%. Infection and gangrene became the exception rather than the rule among Lister’s patients.
When Lister attempted to share his discovery in the Lancet medical journal, however, other physicians used Lister’s poor writing skills to discredit his research. Lister added to the trouble by describing his critics as "pestilential," "sickening," "heart rending," and "undesirable."
Even though his discoveries earned him a special post at King’s College in London, his new surgical staff neglected his orders and refused to supply him with patients. Several "incurable" patients did find their way to King’s College, however, and Lister’s success with these cases eventually quieted the opposition.
Practicing discretion allows a person to secure the benefit of a better idea and avoid unnecessary reaction.
Communicating With Discretion
Today communication is easier and more convenient than ever before. However, one careless e-mail or text message can cause extensive confusion or even violate an organizational policy or law.
Take extra precaution when typing messages, and recognize electronic mail is about as confidential as a postcard. Further, you can easily send a message to the wrong recipient, and a recipient can forward an electronic message with a few keystrokes, even broadcasting it to thousands of addresses.
A good communicator also considers timing. Avoid raising important issues with those who are stressed or distracted. Wait until a more convenient time when you can have more of their attention. Also, remain aware of who is present when you talk. Sometimes it is inappropriate for clients, coworkers, or children to hear what you need to say.
Practice discretion as you communicate clearly and truthfully.
Sticks and Stones
Though many grow up believing "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," words do have a significant impact on people, especially on children.
"Children become the persons we tell them they are," said Dr. Larry Guthrie, original editor of the Character First! Education elementary curriculum. "If we tell children they are lazy, disobedient, or dumb, they tend to live up to that expectation. Instead of criticizing every flaw, parents and teachers should praise their children whenever possible and point young people toward positive qualities."
Children naturally desire their parents’ approval, and when parents fail to express approval, young people often fail to develop positive aspirations. "It is difficult to learn from a parent or teacher who is always critical," says Dr. Guthrie. "One reason students are apathetic is because they feel they can never measure up. No matter how hard they try, they cannot please their parents or teachers."
Children thus turn their need for acceptance elsewhere and begin a cycle of alienation from parents and other authorities.
Dr. Guthrie encourages everyone to look for and recognize good character qualities in young people. "Praising is like watering a tree," he said. "You do not wait for the tree to grow before you water it; you water the tree so that it will grow. Praise your children for the good character they demonstrate, and you will naturally motivate them to grow."
Conway to Host Community Character Conference
Conway City of Character will host a Building Cities of Character Conference this October.
Organizers hope to draw participants from other Communities of Character across South Carolina and from neighboring states.
Conway has prepared for the October conference by conducting Implementation Seminars and Family Seminars at Coastal Carolina University, and more training is scheduled for July.
Individuals from all sectors of the community are invited to the conference, including those involved in local government, private businesses, and non-profit organizations.
Executive Director of Conway City of Character Scott Gallimore said, "I hope that this conference brings character to the forefront of the community and gets as many people involved with the character movement as possible."
On April 4th, the Horry County Council passed a County of Character resolution, becoming the third South Carolina county to give itself that designation.
For more information, e-mail Scott Gallimore at sgallim1@coastal.edu.
