Jfk: Overcoming Issues

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If you walk into any library, Barnes and Nobles, or the old, stuck in time looking bookstore on the corner of the street, you’ll find many books that rely on the same factor; Overcoming a difficulty. It is the plot of a novel, the struggle of a memoir, and the solace of inspirational works John F. Kennedy, as any human being, was not an exception to the struggles that many times have to be faced in life. In fact, in JFK’s case, his struggles started at a very early age. From the age of two all the way until the day of his tragic death, his health was always something that haunted him. When young, Jack contracted scarlet fever and remained hospitalized for two months. Although he made a full recovery, the scarlet fever was just the first of many health issues he was yet to face. During his childhood and teenage years, he suffered from countless diseases: appendicitis, whooping cough, asthma, and pneumonia, to name a few. Sickness played a major role on Jack's life, plaguing him throughout college, military service, congress, and the presidency. As an adult, Jack suffered from many remaining health issues, majorly a disorder called Addison's disease, which affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar and sodium. He also had osteoporosis, causing pain so severe that he was unable to perform simple tasks like reaching across a desk or putting on shoes. Nevertheless, Kennedy was perceived by the people as a young, healthy and vigorous president. The reason why? He was strong. A fighter, and because of that, a winner. Examples of this are noticeable during the Bay of Pigs fiasco in 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Kennedy was taking steroids for his Addison's disease, painkillers for his back, antibiotics for infections, and even anti-psychotic drugs. The diseases and drugs had various side effects, from grogginess to depression, but not once did

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