EMMANUEL CURRENT
Volume 7 No. l ' February 14, 1989
Founder's Spirit Lives On By Melissa Hall Staff Writer
Sr. Helen Madeleine Ingraham, SND, versity in England. founder of Emmanuel College, died on Jan A funeral service for Sr. Helen was held uary 24, 1989. Sr. Helen opened Emmanuel, at the Emmanuel College Chapel on January the first Catholic women's college in New n, at 10 a.m. The service was a celebration England, in 1919, with an entering enrollment of Sr. Helen's inspiring and dedicated life to of 26 students. She then acted as Dean of the both Emmanuel College and the Catholic college until 1950. Sr. Helen's purpose in Faith. But beyond all of her accomplishments, founding Emmanuel was to provide women Sr. Helen was celebrated for the love and care with a liberal arts education integrated with that she shared with those who knew her. Catholic principles. Her dedication to Em Anastasia Kirby Lundquist, Emmanuel grad manuel, which means "God with us," en uate of the class of 1935, and cousin of Sr. abled the college to become a strong, lasting Helen, seemed to summarize the spirit of the institution and since its founding, 70 years service when, in the concluding rite, she said: ago, Emmanuel has given over 11,000 women " ... beyond all she [Sr. Helen] has done, she the opportunity to earn a ct>llege degree. should be remembered for the wonderful in In addition to providing Emmanuel's solid timacy and love she shared with everyone who foundation, Sr. Helen was committed to many knew her." And Bernard Cardinal Law, cele other educational endeavors. Among her ac brant of the service, best expressed the complishments, Sr. Helen helped to found a gratitude of the Emmanuel community when college in Okayama, Japan after retiring from he said, before over 175 students, faculty and Emmanuel. She also taught secondary school administration members and Sisters of Notre for eleven years at Notre Dame Academies Dame, "Sr. Helen's integrity oflife, integri in Lowell, Roxbury and Boston. Sr. Helen ty of education and dedication to the Catholic translated books about the Catholic Faith as Faith will continue to teach us by the exam well. Among the translations is a book about ple of the beauty of her life." ~St. Julie Billiart: In the light of the Trinity: Sr. Helen Madeleine Ingraham, SND The Spirit of Blessed Julie Billiart, Foundress At the conclusion of the service, Cardinal of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namure, by Law shared a story about the last visit he had Francois Sharmot, SJ. made to Sr. Helen four years ago, in Ipswich, Sr. Helen was born in Framingham, Mass where she spent her years in retirement. Sr. achusetts. on November 29, 1887. She Helen was sick at the time and the Cardinal Colleges Are Taking Big Steps attended Framingham public schools until asked her if there was anything that she entering Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury. wanted him to do for her. Sr. Helen replied, to Butt Smoking Off Campus In 1905, at the age of 18, Sr. Helen entered "I want you to watch over Emmanuel Col I the Sisters of Notre Dame, making first vows lege when I'm gone." Sr. Helen Madeleine by Michael O'KeefJe in 1908. She received her Baccalaureate may have passed away, but the college she left College~ess Service degree at Trinity College, in Washington, behind is strongly grounded in the liberal arts . D.C., and then her masters at Emmanuel. Sr. commitment to education that she began over It's getting harder to be a cigarette smoker of this year, it will forbid smoking everywhere Helen also did graduate work at Oxford Uni- 70 years ago. on American campuses. except certain dorm rooms. A number of schools have announced even "It's too strict of a rule. I have a smoking tougher smoking restrictions in recent weeks. habit and I don't feel like standing out in the From Big,Bend Community College in Wash rain or snow [to smoke]," said Penn State ington state to the East Coast, campuses that senior Mary Helen Moran. began limiting student smoking as long as a Stanford University in 1988 banned smok decade ago have taken the last big step this ing even at outdoor events. A Victim of Ignorance school year: "Some colleges have been setting the pace," "Smoking is pretty much banned now" at said Dr. John Longest, the former Mississippi '. By Renee Chandonnet Big Bend, spokesman Doug Sly reported of State University student health center direc Staff Writer new rules implemented January 1. tor and American College Health Associa In 1976, Penn State UniverSity was,one of tion (ACHA) official who has led efforts to the first U.S. campuses to ban smoking from The gay community at Emmanuel College the past couple of years tJ)at I really under its laboratories and classrooms. On April 1 Conti"ued on page 3 has been somewhat ignored for the obvious stood where the Catholic Church was com reasons of our religious affiliation and non ing from, and today ... even though I've been acceptance of homosexuality in society. The brought up Catholic I go against a lot of the college community seems to deny the pres Catholic views. Emmanuel being Catholic did ence of what some say to be a rather large not have much to do with my choice [of a col Ice Skating Returns gay community, and this is easily achieved lege], it was more of an academic decision, because of the lack of vocalism from this sec and I prefer a smaller school. to the Public Gardens tor of the student body. However, there are Do you find that students at Emmanuel are members of that group who feel that the les unwilling to accept you because they know By Julie Fiore bian students at Emmanuel should "come that you are gay? Staff Writer out" and advocate awareness on the campus. I think Emmanuel has a great homophobia Jennifer, a senior science major is one such problem, the large majority are [homopho student. Jennifer feels that the "homophobia" bic]. Of course the curiosity level is high, The driving force of former B.C. hockey weekday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on inherent in the college society branches from which is normal, and many people are will star and South Boston 'resident Paul Barrett, . weekends from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mainten a combination of the conservative back ing to ask questions and learn. There are coupled with an improved financial base, led ance crews check and water the ice daily to grounds of the many Catholic students at Em open-minded 'people, which I like to call to the reemergence of the free public ice maintain thickness and safety. During spreads manuel College coupled with a lack ofknow mature people, but there are people who are skating in the Boston Public Gardens. Near of unseasonably warm weather the city will ledge of the subject of homosexuality. Don scared to approach the situation maturely. ly ten years after a sagging economy forced not allow skating for fear 9f the ice's instabili ning a cycling cap and her ever-present smile, These.are the people who tend to put labels the city to curtail the expense of maintaining ty. The ice conditions can be checked by call Jennifer describes life in the gay community on people who are different, and that's where the two ponds, the tradition has been rein ing 725-4006. When the conditions are good, of a small, Catholic, women's college. you haye to value a friend enough to see past stated. Many Boston area inhabitants, includ skates can be rented at the pond for about $8 lOu were brought up in the Catholic faith as her label and know the person underneath it. ing Mayor Ray Flynn, felt the loss of a great a day. The skating area is always monitored many Emmanuel students. Did this inhibit Have you ever found people to stop being tradition and worked with Paul Barrett on the by skating guards and ihstructors are present your decision to "come out" as a lesbian, at friendly towards you because of your program. On the first Saturday of the new to provide free·lessons for novices. Music is least at first? sexuality? year, 1989, the old tradition returned with a played throughout the skating hours. Organ I belonged to c.Y.O. groups, taught C.C. D., Yes. I have lost friends because of my sex gala ice capade celebration. Many local per izors of the program hope to continue the was an altar girl, but when I came out, I had ual preference. They hear the word "lesbian" sonalities joined over 2,000 skaters and spec skating late into March, weather providing, never really thought about the Catholic and they automatically think that I think oJ tators on the snowy seventh of January to . and encourage all to partake in this once in Church's view on homosexuality, and it real them sexually. On my floor there isa fresh- rediscover the New England tradition. terrupted winter tradition. ly didn't playa role. I don't think that until Continued on page 3 The ponds are available for skating every Editorials
A New Breeze is Blowing in Whose Window? by Anne Tysen Staff Writer
After spending eight years as Vice Presi when the future seems thick as fog. You see dent waiting in the wings for thcr Gipper's and wait, hoping the mist will lift and reveal grand departure, George Herbert Walker the right path. But this is a time when the Bush became president on January 20, 1989. future seems a door you can walk right Bush's inaugural address seemed optimistic, through into a room called tomorrow." progressive and even assertive-so unchar During this warm spiel, I thought of those acteristic of the pragmatic, bland speeches whose futures may not be so bright. Consider Bush usually delivers. Yes, the President has the young couple who cannot possibly afford access to the most talented and shrewd speech to buy a house. Consider the homeless woman writers working. Maybe it was merely the gid struggling to feed and shelter her children. diness of the day elevating Bush. Yet he spoke Consider the farmer buckling under debt. with clarity and confidence as he addressed Consider the man who prays that nothing hap the nation. pens to him since he has no health insurance. relative prosperity now existing in the coun safety .. . .We will tum to the only resource we "I come before you and assume the presi These people need governmental support try. President Bush must now recognize that have that in times of need grows-the good dency at a moment rich with promise. We live not merely through money pumped into social the Reagan years were not universally pro ness and courage of the American people." in a peaceful prosperous time. But we can service agencies, but through a commitment sperous. Bush touched upon this knowledge A new breeze can only be felt if the social make it better-for a new breeze is blowing by officials to make decisions that create op on Inauguration day. "We will make the hard blinders worn by Reagan and his administra and a world refreshed by freedom seems portunity within everyone's reach. Reagan's choices, looking at what we have, perhaps tion are cast away by Bush in favor of a reborn." A bit later, the rhetoric still flow laissez-faire attitude with business may have allocating it differently-making our deci "kinder and g~ntler" vision. ing, Bush commented, "There are times driven up economic indicators, yet it is a sions based on honest need and prudent
Just Like You and Me By Mary Juskiewicz Contributing Writer
" How can you live bn that floor when she munity that wishes the entire world would ac what if they start making assumptions? and "aren't you more likely to get AIDS by is gay? What if she looks at you or what if cept homosexuality, but more importantly For a group of people that appear to be so hanging out ' with your gay friends?" you are both in the bathroom at the same time they "wish the Emmanuel community would afraid of homosexuals they certainly have how can you take a shower?" This is not an come out of their shell and just listen and try many questions. Since I am not gay there are People are always afraid of learning unusual topic of conversation among the to learn about what they have to say." Unfor many times when I am used as an informa something new. Since they do not know what women of Emmanuel College. Emmanuel is tunately there are not too many people out tion booth and I do not mind in the least. Peo homosexuality is about they should not con a college that prides itself on building strong ther~ w~o want to learn. Instead of getting ple have ~aid, " ifI ask your friend she might demn it, but unfortunately they will continue bonds among women while "shaping the fu mad the community continues to live their think I am gay and like 'her." This is fur from because their own fear is inhibiting them from ture and celebrating the past." It is very dif own lives. true, but at least people are asking questions. learning-which is too bad because people ficult to shape anyone's future if those peo My best friend is a lesbian. Every day she Some questions which are frequently asked are missing out on knowing some wonderful ple refuse to open their minds to today.'s socie is constantly reminded, by some of the are, "how can you tell when someone is gay?" individuals who are just· like you and me. ty. In opening their minds they should open • women at this school, that she is somehow \ them to learning about everything from drug different than them. The sad part is that she abuse to homophobia. People are afraid to is not any different. They look at her in disgust learn anything new and homosexuality is new and think how gross she is. But, that is how Sound Off to many people. In learning people would just many homophobics think. To them a homo '\ '\. have to listen to what others have to say. So, sexual relationship is based on sex. They are I;>' they could be comfortable around someone unaware, and when some choose tp learn they Editor's Note~ SOUND OFF is a new column number is 2Z7; my phone number is 739-4154. who is gay and not have to worry when some are very surprised that their relationship is in the EmriranuerCurrent which allows any I have an answering machine so give a call one says: "she must be gay since she is hang just like heterosexuals except the person they member of the college community to voice anytime. The simple act of writing one letter ing around with her." And maybe the next love is of the same sex. her opinion on an issue of her choice. Sub on behalf of a prisoner of conscience can time they are going to scream "dyke" they Seeing my best friend and I together all the missions must be typed, coherent, and in cease torture and/or cause a government of will think first. time people automatically assume we are good taste. The Current welcomes feedback ficial to reconsider the government's abuse Homophobia is the fear of homosexuals. lovers. Surprise to all of you I am straight. regarding SOUND OFF. Address all artictles of power. Your letter can help bring this about. How can one person fear another? No one And I do not care what people think, why to The Current, Box 11, 400 The Fenway, is willing to accept a new idea right away, 'but should I? People who think ailything obvious- ' Boston, 'MA 02115. homosexuals are not new ideas. They are peo ly do not know me and the people who do ple and people are people no matter what col do not think anything of it. Those o{you who by EIH St.
A Victi~ of Ignorance. Question' of the'.Week Continued from page I person who discovered I was a lesbian and It would be nice, and' I think we need one, . By Collee~ Sullivan was scared to use the bathroom when I did. but I don't see it happening in the near future. Staff Writer A lot of people assume things, which is I think a lot of lesbians are in the Feminist sad ... like everyone thinks that my best Union in the hope that one day they can What is your pet peeve? ' friend and I are lovers because I am gay. They branch off on their own. But you need strong assume she's gay, they assume all of my people, to work as a team, and many are too Mary Weidenfeller: Lynne Capizzano: friends are gay. Over time you learn to deal quiet about [their sexuality] to ever do some with it, but a lot of people who were friends thing as vocal as forming or joining an "When you try to sneeze and you "People that mess up the of mine in.the past found it easier to stop be alliance. just can't." bathroom," ing seen with me than to get alienated by Marie Zeoli: Stacy Darragh: everyone else. This spring you will be receivin~ a B. S. in two· fields ofdistinction, which is a rare feat and 'The security here." . "I love all t~e people in the world At school, have professors ever discriminated a great accomplishment. Do you feel that you but I find it hard to have the same against ~ou because of.your sexuality'? Jules Barbour: will be discriminated against in thejob market attitude while driving . .. I enter after graduation? what I call a 'concrete war.' ," . - "Unmatc~ed clothing. ". No, I don't think so, because teachers are , usually more mature and willing to accept Marybeth Katis: Yes, definitellJ. It's happened in the recent Katie Player: . students who are different.· They know me, past at an area ~ospital where I was perfect "Pretentious people." , . "Unreliable people." Jennifer, for me and they probably understand for a job and did not get it. I did fine in the me and accept me !is any other student. Colleen Durkin: Monica Sullivan: telephone interview and the person said that they're really very interested, and I was the "Reporters from the Current." "Nerdy guys. " . ,1: Do you think, wo,?"en on this campus would r-. be less likely.to be vocal about their sexuali perfect candidate for the job. But after the in . ,lenny Cruz: Julie D~gostino : ty th " . " Smoking \- , .. / Continued from page I "Colleges are employers, and as employers ing-more again. . ) students protested a new non-smoking policy combat smoking on campuses for 'several they have a responsibiltty to their employees Some 10.1 % of this year's freshmen; up in the Student Union coffee shop by lighting decades. and students to ensure a healthy workplace," from 8. 9 % of last year's first-year collegians, up, but there have ,been few other similar The drumbeat of new'restrictions has been Pinney added, citing the '1986 Surgeon smoke cig¥ettes, ~e annual American Coun protests. constant. General's report that said second--hand smoke cil on Education - University of California "Some feel it's an infringement of their per Colorado's Metropolitan State College's can lead to cancers and heart disease for at Los Angel~s ,survey of 300,000 students ..sonal rights," said Hetrick, but there's been bookstore stopped selling cigarettes in nonsmokers, too. found in mid~Janu!iry. • iittle organized.protest at Penn, State. November, while Georgia State University Some feel colleges are not educating "The key question is how do we get to these Steve Cronan of the Denver-based People banned such sales in 1986. Scores of other students enough, however. ' , " teenagersT'. a ~rustrated Longest said of the for Smoker:s Rights, formed to combat smok schools, including the universities of Texas, "We must continue to do better in helping survey re!!ults. "There's so much more re ing restrictions, said he "gets calls from kids Illinois, Nebraska and North Dakota, and present smokers give up the habit and do sounding proof that smoking causes cancers, all the time" complaining about the rules. Tulane, Mankato ~tate, and Southwest much better in encou,raging yqung people not emphysema and heart disease than we had 10 "But the action.portion of smokers' rights Missouri State universities also have IDStart," Longest wrote in the-ACHXs policy years ago." doesn't seem to be that important to them. restricted campus smoking: paper on smoking, which calls·for tight limits "Teens experiment," Pinney said, "and Most smokers are easy-going or apathetic. It School officials cite health concerns as the on campus tobacco use and substantially in ,they'll stop and stirt again. It's not until their' takes an atomic bomb to move them. My reason. creased educational efforts.- late teens and early twenti~s that they really·· guess is that's even. more prevalent among "We have practical, even moral reasons to Better-educated people, the"' u.s. Public ., form 'a habit. One year does not a trend make. young people. Most of our members are in restrict-smoking;' explained William Hetrick, Health Service found in a report released in , But this is it '~ignal that we haven't made as . their 40s, 50s and 60s." . director of Penn State's human ser-vices late 1988, respond better to anti-smoking ef mudi progress as we thought." " There's been no backlash from students;' department. . forts than less-educated citizens, the propor The increase in freshmen smoking, Pinney said Longest. "If anyt4i,ng, students are tell "Colleges need to recognize young people tion of college graduates who smoked de" said, indicates that colleges may have to get ing their professors not to smoke." are at a volatile point in.their development creased from 28 % in 1974 10 18 % in 1985. even tougher on smokers, since-efforts to keep ''A few smokers are indignant, but most of habits," said John M . Pinney, executive For people without a college degree, the . students away from tobacco earlier in their take it in stride," said Big Bend's Sly. "You " director of·Harvard's Institute for the Study decrease-from 36 % in 1974 to 34 % iri 1985 lives apparently have not worked well. see little groups of smokers now hanging . of Sr,noking Beha~ior and Policy. "Colle~es -was much more modest. ., . ~ Student smokers generally haven't resisted around outside. You might ,hear people get . can mfluence their young people by lettmg . But ~wen among the' new campus bans, the latest round of restrictions very forcefully. more upset the cQlder it gets." them ' know . smoking is not a<;ceptable." there are signs college students m~y , be smok~ In 1988, University of Calif()rnia at Davis 25Coff with coupon. Valid any day after 2 p.m. ' ~ .71ti BOStON INSTITUTE fOR MaMaMia's Fenway Sandwich Shop Stars Ocean PSY~HOTHERAPY 190 Brookline Ave. CHINESE , (Kenfuore Square) SEAFOOD RESTAURANT ' Now serving: Breakfast, pizzas, subs, pasta, needs participants for research on . salads, pita pockets 'llnd Greek specialties. small work groups. Time; 1 lj2 -_-L_ ~~'" hours. Pay: $12.50 + chance on OPEN: bonus; public transportation reim '7 a.m.-3 a.m. CANTONESE and bursed. To schedule appointment,. 7 days a week MANDARIN CUISINES leave message: WE DELIVER: Open 1l:30-midnight 269-8720 5 p.m.-2 a.m. TAKEOUT AND DELIVERY · CALL 536-1456 · A.~ross' from Sears Building near Fen~y & Kenmore Square .--" 70-72 Kilmarnock St. Tel. 236-0384 . ,~. , ':1 . Boston 236-0161 ETC .. ~ Review: Torch Song Trilogy Athletic !\ttic STUDENT &YOUTH By l\Jelissa Hall By Dierdre Lee AIRFARES Staff Writer Staff Writer Torch Song Trilogy, a film produced by sities that have the potential to seperate and While many of us spent our 'Christmas Ronald K. Fierstein and Howard Gottfried, alienate them from the mainstream of society. breaks here in the New England area, the Em 'S,P'RING/ portrays approximately ten years of the life manuel College Saints basketball team tra The other main storyline in the film is Ar of a homosexual living in Brooklyn, New veled to California for a three game tourna- , 'G, nold's relationship with his lover, Alan, SUMNI)I,:R York. Harvey Fierstein, who wrote the ment with some of the division three power- ' played Matthew Broderick. Arnold meets screenplay based on his play, stars as Arnold, by houses on 'the west coast. As a member of Alan after losing Brian, play by Brian Ker RATES a gay man searching for acceptance and re the ECAC conference, Emmanuel faced some win, a former lover who can not admit to BOOK THEM NOW! spect from both a family and society who stiff competition on the recent road trip. himself that he is gay. Alan comes into Ar regard homosexuality' as a disease to either Although the team finished the series at 0-3 nold's life at a point when Arnold has almost ROUNDTRIPS be ridiculed, oppressed or sympathized with.:. Assistant Coach Maureen McCormack felt, convinced himself that finding a lasting rela The movie is ideal for all audiences-homo "we learned a lot about ourselves from the FROM BOSTON tionship is hopeless. Finally, Arnold finds a sexuals and heterosexuals - because it trip .' ~ Emmanuel now has a record of 7-7 go PARIS from $470 man that truly loves him. Although Alan and reveals the personal battle that , every ing into the last nine games of the season. Arnold go through a period of ambiguity, still RIO from $760 homosexual and lesbian must confront liv Since the team is a member of the indepen skeptical of each other's faithfulness; afraid ing in American society. dent league it is vital for their play-off hopes FRANKFURT __from $~t (f 'totrust after they have both been hurt so often Arnold's relationship with his mother, to finish the season above .500. The ECAC ' ,HONG KONG __' from $799 in the past, they fmally ,decide to commit played by Anne Bancroft, shows an impor determines play-offbearths by comparing the' themselves to each other. Their contented SYDNEY ____ from $1170 'tant aspect of the homosexuals' struggle to records of the competing schools to each bliss lasts only a short time, however, because from be understood and respected by his/her fami other and inviting the school with the best TOKYO $758 Alan is beaten to death by gay-bashers in an ly. The evolution of Arnold's struggle begins SAN JUAN ___ from $245 alley outside his apartment. Alan's death in with his mother's resistance in accepting that the movie is not an unheard of tragedy in this her soil js gay. For years she continues to hppe FROM NEW YORK society. Fierstein effectively portrays the that Arnold will meet a woman, fall in love ' violence that gays are confronted with by ,LONDON __, __ from $380 and have 'children. Meanwhile, Arnold is a homophobic individuals taught to hate and MADRID _~ __ from $470 female iinpersonaior, making his living do ridicule homosexuals for no other reason than ing whit he, l~kes t>est-dressing up in OSLO from $410 their sexual preference. One needs only to "women's" clothes and performing as a read gay/lesbian newspapers (you won't find • FARES FROM MOST U.S. CITIES "drag-queen" in a west-side club. After Ar records to com~ in the play-offs. The team • DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE much coverage of violence against gays in nold's father dies unexpe<;tedly, h,is mother has recently been' sparked by the return of • EQUALLY LOW ONE WAY FARES regular paPers), to see the constant oppres goes through a PfoceSS of finally realizipg that three injured players for the first time this ' • MULTI-STOP/ROUND THE WORLD sion homosexuals must confront. her son.is not going to change. All of his life, season. The ladies have a tough road ahead FARES AVAILABLE • EURAIL PASSES AVAILABLE Arnold has only wanted his'parents to realize Torch Song also delves into issues of: adop of them including a very important game with . • TOURS-USSR, CHINA, EUROPE how much he respects their marriage; there , tion for homosexuals who want to be parents, Salem State who has a record of 13-2 and Pine • CALL FOR FREE is notping he wants more than to have a last ~nage homosexuality, and the struggle to ac Manor College; which is aDivision II school INFORMATION BOOKLET ing, monogamous relationship; a need that cept one's own homosexuality. The film arid can offer sports scholarships to their is often never fulfilled for homosexuals as covers many aspects of the gay individual's players. Since Emmanuel in a Division III THE STUDENT TRAVEL NETWORK they try to confront and Overcome the oppres personal struggle to find respect in American school it is npt allowed to give out scholar sion and alienation Dutuoon them by socie society. Whether one is gay, lesbian or ships to their players. 273 Newbury SI. 1208'Massachusens ty. By ~e end ofthe film, although she never straight, Fierstein's film is a learning ex As the ba~ketball season slowly winds to , BostDn, Ave:, 65 Si/j accepts AriioIO's lifestyle, his mother finally perience as well as a hopeful and empower a close, the softball. season will open in 'a few MA 02116 Cambridge STA TRAVEL understands that her son's love for another ing story of one person's search to find hap weeks. Softball starts on the twenty-first of MA 02138 . man is just as real, with all of it's pain and piness and acceptance. Although Torch Song February with the first home game on March intensity, as her's is for her husband. The has been in the theaters for nearly two 29 against Curry CoJlege. So far the softball message being conveyed is that people can months, you can still catch it at Harvard team has a sixteen game schedule with the never stop trying to communicate about diver- Square and the Nickelodean. Don't miss it! conference tourney beginning on April 23. Putting PMS in its Place By Anne Tysen Staff Writer Karen sat at her desk trying to read her ence just one or two of these symptoms while causes dizziness, faintness, and fatigue. Ethical Considerations of PMS \ . philosophy text. She kept losing her place. others experience several. Physical symptoms Th~ last possible cause is vitamin deficien Victorian physicians believed that wome'n When she found it again and reached for her include headaches, swelljng, te'nder breasts, cy, particularly B6 (pyridoxine). should have been locked up when they had highlighter, the book fell of the edge of the ' clumsiness, acne, and in some cases, spon Pyridoxine is necessary for normal func their periods since they might go "berserk." desk onto the floor. Karen got up, feeling fat taneous bruising. Psychological symptoms in tioning of the hypothalamus in the central ner Such crude biases continue 'in our century. f;, and on the verge oftears, flung herselfon her clude tension, irritability, fatigue, depression, vous system. Exaggerations and age-old stereotypes are ~ ' bed and screamed into a pillow. Her room decreased motivation, and food cravings. The Treatment of PMS partly to blame. Certainly, crimlnal cases bas- . mate looked up from her typewriter, amused, level of severity of symptoms varies from Since there is no diagnostic laboratory test ing their defense on temporary insanity due declared, "PMS strikes again!:' woman to woman just as her menstrual cycle for PMS, its presence and level of severity to PMS are alarming since they threaten to Premenstrual Syndro!De (PMS) enjoys a is unique to her alone. Dr. Ronald Norris who must be approximated and dealt with accord ,undermine women's ability to perfortn. prominent place in our popular ' culture. operates a private clinic in Massachusetts ingly. Diuretics, painkillers, doses of Feminist author Ethel Sloane writes r rhat , Boyfriends and husbands joke about its ter finds that 85 % of women experience PMS vitamins, tranquilizers, oral contraceptives there is something in a woman's'physr,9togy , rors. Maybe women are the worst culprits as at some point in their lives. It's important to and placebo, and acupuncture have all been that allows for diminished responsi6iM~4n " we laugh and joke about the "monthly mon note that most women can function with PMS used to treat PMS.'Self-help techniques have • a murder charge is a chilling notioti'.~eO . : ' ster," Discovered nearly midway in this cen without significant disruption of their lives. also helped to cope with PMS. These In 'Brooklyn, New York in 1982, Shirley , tury in 1931 by Dr. Robert Frank, nearly Causes of PMS measures are recommended first while other Santos, charged with beating her four year everyone now knows the term PMS, and its The medical community have not agreed methods can be used if PMS; symptoms old daughter, tried to use PMS as a defense. major symptoms. Thanks to ever-diligent talk on the causes of PMS. Many theories exist, persist. That case,- however, was settled out of court. shows and numerous magazine articles, PMS the most probable and credible being hor- ' In her text Biology of Women author Ethel Yet PMS is a legal defense in England and serves as not only a household name, but also monal imbalance, water retention, low olood' Sloane recommends keeping a daily diary of France. transcends the traditional societal reluctance sugar, or vitamin deficienCy. symptoms and behavior for at least two com , Such extremes need not be considered typ to discuss such a personal issue. The hormonal imbalance ,theory is sup plete cycles. This record will help pinpoint ical behavior. Isolated cases ~ violence by While on one level the public is now aware ported by Dr. Katharina Dalton, whose work symptoms which occur before menstruation women with PMS should.4P\leep wpmen , of PMS as a real disorder, the flood of infor on PMS has been influential since the 1950s. and disappear at menstruation. For example, from positions of responsibility; PMS is a , mation presented often provides the most ex A deficiency of progesterone often appears if you have headaches throughout the month very real condition which should be deait with treme and controversial circumstances., Not in women with PMS. · Similarly, increased then they are probably the result of everyday through education and treatment. every woman suffers from PMS. Certainly, ! levels of estrogen have been noted in some ' stress. Author Gilda Berger recommends .------"""------, not every women with PMS will run her boy- ( with the disorder. Generally speaking, a relation exercises. Exercise is always helpful , friend down in a premenstrual rage. Unfor disruption or imbalance in the normal levels for stress reduction. If your major symptoms NEXT tunately, these instances become stereotypical of progesterone and estrogen in relation to are water retention and bloating, then you can examples of the condition. The first step in each other can bring about PMS. cut down on salt. If your major symptoms CURRENT putting PMS in its proper place as a medical The water retension theory asserts that ex are faintness, fatigue, shakiness (low blood condition is understanding the symptoms, its tra amciuntsof sodium in estrogen binds water sugar) you can cut down on sweets and in DEADLINE varying degrees of severity and its methods in the body, this causing edema and potential crease protein in your diet. And if irritabili- of treatment. subsequent irritability. ty and tension are your major symptoms, then Symptoms of PMS Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia could ex you can cut down on caffeine. PMS includes both physical and psycholo plain PMS to some degree since the body In more severe cases of PMS hormone in FEBRUARY 24 gical symptoms which occur one to 14 days needs a greater level of blood sugar between jections administered by physicians can be before menstruation. Some women experi- ovulation and meItstruation. Hypoglycemia • used with success.