LETTER OF THE WEEK

SUICIDE WATCH

Lots of people consider suicide every day. This is not good. Why do people want to commit suicide?

People who attempt suicide seem to have trouble overcoming obstacles in their lives. Some people feel that they cannot conquer troubles that are very bad.

Every religion teaches us not to take our own lives. It is considered a sin.

Parents who care for their children should keep an eye on their kids to make sure that they can go on living.

Phornchart Bunyophakorn,
Nonthaburi

People who commit suicide have given up hope, Phornchart. At the root of the problem is depression. The causes of that depression can vary dramatically - anything from a chemical imbalance to trauma to drugs. This isn't just your run-of-the-mill sad feeling that we all get from time to time. It's depression so crippling that dying seems to be the best alternative to the pain of living for some people. As friends and family members, we need to keep an eye out for the people that we care about and do the best we can to let them know that we love them. Ultimately, though, there really isn't any way to keep somebody from doing something if they're really determined to do. It's sad but true. - Editor

HAPPY HOOPING

Nowadays, exercising with a hula hoop is very popular. People meet every evening at a playground near my house to exercise with these ring-shaped toys.

We compete to see who can keep going the longest. The winner gets a pack of Ora-Fresh water and a round of applause. It's not a big prize, but a healthy gave is a good reward anyway.

I have lost two kilos since I started doing this activity. Playing with the hula-hoop is like dancing, which I enjoy. Not only am I getting slimmer, I'm also stronger than ever.

Wou Zsuhong,
Bangkok

It sounds like you've found a fun way to get in shape and spend time with friends. Hula hoops have been around for a really long time. I even remember playing with them when I was a little kid. Of course, in those days they were made from rusty wagon wheel rims. They weren't as much fun as they are today, but we certainly kept up to date on our tetanus shots. - Editor

GOING DUTCH

My nickname is Dutchmill. I'm 14 years old. I'm in Matayom 3. Now I'm learning with Student Weekly, and I like to read cartoon books. I was the first in my class, but I got bad grades.

Phatcharaporn Tunyatananon,
Bangkok

First of all, what an interesting nickname you have, Dutchmill. I'm glad that you're reading Student Weekly. I hope that you get a lot out of it and start to improve your grades. - Editor

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