With Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

I certainly agree with many of you that at times the challenges and the frustrations of modern life are overwhelming. Our parents and grandparents had "stress," but it was a word that was rarely used so why is it now such a big deal?

My guess is that there are many answers to this question, but in my own world issues become magnified because of the press of technology. At one point, we could leave the firm, the foundry, the factory, or the office; head for home and not be bludgeoned by e-mails, faxes, and junk mail. There was a clear line between the workplace and home. Today, that line does not exist and many employees are expected to work 24/7 or be on call.

Our parents and grandparents often had the loving support of family, community, and faith systems. Houses of worship were the focal point of many communities. Families had dinners together and Sunday was indeed a sacred day to regenerate and rejuvenate. Today, Sunday for many individuals is just another day to go shopping and work.

So, what we are hearing is the need for self care; the need to recognize that there are many circumstances and situations over which we have no control; and the need to acknowledge and seek out that quiet place for introspection, prayer, and peace. If we do not create that space for ourselves, the world will take it from us. We need to be proactive, we need to be assertive, and we need to seek out positive, constructive, and nurturing relationships to sustain us as our journeys unfold.

Carl Sandburg, a famous American poet, made the comment that time is a precious coin, and we need to determine how we will spend it or others will spend it for us. Thank you, Mr. Sandburg.

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