One is remembered for a lifetime of contributions to the world that continue after his death; the other is a disturbing sign from University of Michigan researchers.
Here are our choices for a winner and loser from recent news stories:
Many 15-year-olds are trying to find their place in the world. Three years ago, Laurence Carolin already had found it as he prepared to die following an inoperable brain tumor. He tried to make a difference in the world, targeting extreme global poverty as a cause. Then, with his gift of his organs for scientific research, the teen created a legacy of hope for other people with similar conditions. University of Michigan researchers consider his gift a landmark donation, one that they’re building from as they target brain cancer.
The annual University of Michigan study of students in grades 8-12 shows that fewer younger teens are smoking - but more of the older teens are drinking. And the results on heavy drinking offer still more reason for community concern: 24 percent of the high school seniors surveyed reported binge drinking within the past two weeks in 2012 - an increase of two percent from 2011. The risks associated with adults consuming 5 or more drinks in a sitting are well-documented. They multiply the person drinking is younger. It’s another sign that the U.S. needs to consider what it’s teaching its children about alcohol use and abuse.