As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me.
Mother Teresa, the Saint of Calcutta, visited Peoria, Illinois in 1960, emphasizing the importance of being helpful rather than successful. Her teachings, encapsulated in “No Greater Love,” reflect her commitment to serving the poor and embody the essence of love, generosity, and faith in God as a Christian. Enjoy the photos from her memorial.
I’m glad you found this post about Mother Teresa. I’d love for you to visit an updated version at this link. Enjoy the photos I took during my visit to this magnificent church in Peoria Illinois.
Mother Teresa visited Peoria Illinois in 1960 to speak before a Catholic women’s group. She told them,
God has not called us to be successful, but to be helpful.”
Mother Teresa
The saint, Mother Teresa, lived her life committed to the purpose she felt called to do- take care of the poor, sick, and suffering people in India.
“No Greater Loveis the essential wisdom of Mother Teresa — the most accessible, intimate, and inspiring book of her teachings. Thematically arranged to present her revolutionary vision of Christianity in its graceful simplicity, the book features her thoughts on love, generosity, forgiveness, prayer, service, and what it means to be a Christian. A passionate testament to deep hope and abiding faith in God, No Greater Love celebrates the life and work of one of the world’s most revered spiritual teachers.”
(This is an affiliate link provided for your convenience and to allow this blog to earn a commission from sales at no extra cost to you. )
Exploring the HEART of Health
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Measles, or rubeola, is a viral infection characterized by a spreading rash, cough, and inflamed eyes. While largely controlled since the vaccine’s introduction in 1963, recent outbreaks reflect setbacks in disease management. Serious complications can occur. Vaccination remains crucial for prevention. Consult healthcare professionals before dismissing vaccines.
updated February 28, 2025
for information about the current measles outbreak in the United States, use this link
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. This was thanks to a very high percentage of people receiving the safe and effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In recent years, however:
Global measles activity is increasing, meaning more chances of an unvaccinated person infected with measles abroad returning to the United States.
What is measles?
The rash of measles, also known as rubeola, starts on the head and spreads to the trunk (chest and upper back) , arms, and legs over a few days .
It was one of the “usual childhood diseases” that most of us over 55 years old contracted as children, prior to the use of the vaccine. It is caused by a virus in the Paramyxoviridae family and spreads by person to person contact.
The other “childhood diseases” were
Rubella, or German measles
Chicken pox, or varicella
Roseola
Fifth Disease, or erythema infectiosum
These all cause a rash, called an exanthem.
Mumps was also a common childhood disease but does not usually cause a rash.
Symptoms of measles include cough, nasal drainage, reddened, inflamed eyes, and a rash , pictured .
This photograph depicts the torso of a child who had been infected with the Morbillivirus known as measles, or rubeola, and was displaying the characteristic rash associated with this viral infection.CDC/ Dr. Philip Nader;This image is in the public domain
Preventing measles and other exanthem
After the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963 the number of reported cases was reduced by 99%. In 2000 measles was declared no longer endemic (occurring routinely) in the United States. Thus public health officials consider an outbreak a major setback in the control of infectious disease.
Measles vaccine is usually administered as a “3 in 1” vaccine- the MMR, which has been vilified as a possible cause of autism, although that has been thoroughly discredited.
The other two letters in the mix stand for mumps and rubella (also known as German measles) both of which are also caused by viruses and for which no treatment exists.
No vaccine exists for roseola or Fifth Disease, but we have an effective vaccine for chickenpox.
MEASLES OUTBREAK 2025
KFF Health news offered this report about measles cases in New Mexico.
“NMDOH reported Thursday that an unvaccinated adult tested positive for measles and died, but the cause of death is still under investigation. This follows the Feb. 26 death of a Texas child, the first U.S. death from the disease in a decade.
The ongoing outbreak started in Gaines County, Texas, just across the state line from Lea County. Cases in Texas continue to rise, with health officials there reporting just under 200 cases, mostly in unvaccinated children.
As reported nationally, recent comments made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continued to downplay the role of vaccinations and instead touted nutrition and the role of Vitamin A. Vitamin A can be used in treatment, but it does not prevent measles, according to the CDC.“
My family receives vaccines, including the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, and I believe any potential risk is worth the benefit. I urge you to think carefully and talk to a trusted physician before you decide to forgo vaccination for yourself and especially for your children.
I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.
Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.
I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 