Blog 15

I was completely shocked watching the clips about Disney. I always thought that the company was in the forefront about addressing world issues and helping inequality. I had no idea. I was sick. We in the United States have no ideas what is going on globally. My first thought would be that a Disney factory job would be a blessing to a Haitian family.That is where the most vulnerable and the poorest with the least resources are taken the most advantage of. Think of a country with little to none natural resources, everything is imported. That is very costly. In addition to the natural disasters that occur. Has Disney changed and provided a "living wage" for the workers? I think we should make at least some effort to be educated about what we consume and use. What was striking was the  reaction of the workers to what the American wage is and what the garments sold for. I think it is part of being human and contributing to the goodness of other's souls is to help those that cannot help themselves. We must be their  voice.

Blog 14

Wow! I have heard of the Vagina Monologues, but thought it was a "Shock Factor" thing and did not really understand its' premise. I am overwhelmed and saddened by allowing myself to fully embrace violence against women and suffering around the world. Although I have been fully aware mentally, we seem to disconnect amidst the business and busyness of day to day life. However, seeing this caused me to realize the connection to these issues that I have being a woman, having two daughters, and the power and synergy of individuals who have chosen to connect and heal while helping and protecting others. I think these conversations are a way of seizing opportunities for women to speak up and speak out. It was empowering.

Blog 13

• Is it a sign of personal weakness or strength for a woman to admit that she has a problem with alcohol or drugs?   
• I feel it is definitely a sign of personal strength for a woman to admit she has a problem with alcohol or drugs. The root causes and factors than can influence addictions are complex. Women may tend to struggle with guilt from destructive behaviors. This can result in a vicious cycle, digging her deeper into the addiction. When a woman can love herself enough to seek help, an enormous maturity growth and a personal success has occurred. I think women have the opportunity to model behaviors that they would want their husbands, children, friends, and loved ones to also choose. Addiction recovery is a difficult road, but an honest approach to behavior that is harmful to oneself and to others is the first step.

Blog 12

Yes, I have known people very dear to me who have suffered with mental illness. I know that being diagnosed with depression means a lifetime of trying different strategies to lessen symptoms and enjoy life. These have included cognitive therapy, psychiatric counseling, group therapy, mental health facility stays, a myriad of pharmaceuticals, and a constant connection and monitoring of sleep, diet, and exercise. These two ladies affected by depression, I believe resulted from a hereditary element, and triggered by long term influences and short term traumatic instances occurring in childhood. I have become much more open about mental illness, and it really helpsto talk about it. I do not want people to feel "shame" about mental illness. This only adds to feelingsof guilt and hopelessness, because you do not want to feel depressed and cannot "make it stop" with you own will and determination. I know that taking time to educate and understand how thingseffect depression helps you manage it. Mental illness is really hard on friends and families; but if your loved one had cancer or was in a car accident you would do everything in yourpower to help them, understand what they are going through, and seek help. Mental health should be viewed the same way. In my relationships, depression is a disease. Professional help is critical, and the warning signs of suicidal behavior.

Blog 11

• Explore a chronic disease of your choice and how it impacts women in the US. Now try to find information on this same illness from a different ethnic or global perspective and examine how the disease may or may not impact women around the globe. Share this information in your blog and cite our source/s.

     In the United States diabetes is a concern for everyone. In 2007, almost 8% of the population had diabetes. Over 10% of women over 20 had diabetes. With growing obesity and sedentary lifestyle rates starting in childhood, it is a chronic disease we all need to be educated about and fight back by reducing our risks with exercise and a healthy diet. For women, in addition to the risk of Type 2 diabetes, there is the risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy, when she becomes intolerant to glucose. The condition may or may not go away after delivery. Gestational diabetes also increases a woman's risk of developing Type 2 within 5 to 10 years. Diabetes is closely related with heart disease and includes a multitude of symptoms and complications (Alexander, L.L., LaRosa, J.H., Bader, H., Garfield, S., Alexander, W.H.,  2010). Worldwide, rates of women with diabetes are rapidly increasing and presenting a dangerous risk to virtually all women. Diabetes deaths occur in low/middle income countries 80% of the time. Half of these deaths are under 70 years of age and 55% are women (World Health Organization, 2009). The women of the Western Pacific Region  are just an example of those suffering from a high risk of diabetes just as women in the U.S. According to WHO, women in the Western Pacific Region, "Prevalence of overweight in women above 30 years is projected to increase from 31% in 2005 to 44% in 2015, which is likely to increase the prevalence of diabetes and heart disease (WHO, 2009).

References

Alexander, L.L., LaRosa, J.H., Bader, H., Garfield, S., Alexander, W.J.. (2010).

     Jones and Bartlett Publishers: Sudbury, MA.

World Health Organization. (WHO). (2009). Fact Sheet on Women's Health. 

     Western Pacific Region. Retrieved November 12, 2010 from

     http://www.wpro.who.int/media_centre/fact_sheets/fs_20091111.htm

Blog 10

What factors can influence women to adopt healthier lifestyles and engage in preventative behaviors so as to reduce their risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer?




There are several factors that I can think of that influence me to adopt a healthier lifestyle. I think the more you read and have an awareness and understanding of how much you can help your health with your choices makes a big difference. How can we adopt change if we do not know or understand? Also, having a support system and loves on on board will help. Otherwise, you may feel taking the time to exercise or spend more money on healthier food (or saying "not today" to that run through the drive-thru) is in someway "selfish". Women tend to sacrifice a lot for those they love. But we must remember, healthy actions and taking time for ourselves is actually a give we give to them as well. I think including loved ones in exercise and activity is more fun and is also quality time.  I think a woman is very influential in promoting positive behaviors to those around her. 

Blog 9 Correct Post

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Blog 9

• What are the biggest challenges to regular exercise and a healthy diet that you face?  How are these challenges going to change for you over the next five years?

The biggest challenge I am facing right now is time and energy. I know that once I start putting exercise and my health first, I always have more energy and am more effective at accomplishing my goals anyway. It really and truly is just starting, and then feeling (and seeing the results). Over the next five years I will still be juggling raising a family and work, but will have one child in college and one teenager, as well as a grade school child. Super busy, put more freedom in regards to attending a group exercise class. I love Jazzercise, and found I was much more consistent when I attended.  I feel that it is imperative I stick with my exercise plan and continue to eat very healthy, because I am approaching middle-age and need to be diligent in dealing with chronic disease risk factors. I am very excited about the next five years, I am ready to give myself a new challenge and active my goals in this area.

 

Thank you,

Amy Hicks

Blog 9

• What are the biggest challenges to regular exercise and a healthy diet that you face?  How are these challenges going to change for you over the next five years?

The biggest challenge I am facing right now is time and energy. I know that once I start putting exercise and my health first, I always have more energy and am more effective at accomplish my goals anyway. It really and truly is just starting, and then feeling (and seeing the results). Over the next five years I will still be juggling raising a family and work, but will have one child in college and one teenager, as well as a grade schooler. Super busy, put more feedom in regards to attending a group exercise class. I feel that it is imperative I stick with my exercise plan and continue to eat very healthy, because I am approaching middle-age and need to be diligent in dealing with chronic disease risk factors. I am very excited about the next five years, I am ready to give myself a new challenge and acjive my goals in this area.

Blog 8

     I think different aspects of society can do a lot in terms of changing images of menopause, aging, and getting older. I saw a bumper sticker  that said "I'm out of estrogen and I've got a gun". Of course I chuckled a bit because I am going to be dealing with menopause sooner than latter. However, I do not like the idea of being perceived as "hormonally unstable", or an emotional basket case. I think women in there 40's and 50's and beyond should be viewed as more confident, savvy, and "feeling comfortable in their own skin". I think if the media showed older women in more of a positive, attractive, and sensual way, women would connect beauty to the age they are at, instead of "sexy"only applied to a twenty or thirty year old. Also, our culture does not value age in general, so we lose that aspect of respect and admiration for those in a different season of life. In addition, I feel the medical community (the responsibility lies with women also, as they are able) to embrace aging and menopause as a normal course of human life. Of course, remedies and medications may be appropriate for some. In general, the attitude should not be to "fix" because this is a "problem", but rather to enhance quality of life by addressing particular symptoms. Individually, we can communicate honestly and demand respectful care and consideration in regards to these issues.

Thank you,
Amy Hicks

Blog 7

   I would acknowledge their feelings. It would be a very scary and frightening situation. Sometimes we tend to ignore overwhelming problems and hope that they just go away. Of course, if our symptoms seem to improve slightly, we ,may convince ourselves that "it " is gone. On the other hand, without the facts and confirmation of a diagnosis and proper education, it can be even more frightening, hence the fear of the unknown. I would offer my assistance in having my friend visit a health care practitioner, and request all available tests for STD's. I would then offer websites from this course, and even our textbook, as well as other trusted and current resources to read and study all available information. I would offer encouragement and a peaceful attitude towards my friend. Once, or if, a diagnosis is made, then education will be a powerful tool to deal with the issue. Of course, prevention of recurrence would be important, as well as communicating with all sexual partners, if necessary. The situation could help others who are not practicing safe habits or are at risk, and can encourage others to go forward with testing.
Thank you,
Amy Hicks

Blog 6

     I do not think all prenatal testing should be routinely done for all pregnant women.  I personally received screening tests during my three pregnancies, including blood tests and ultrasound tests. I do see the value in pregnant women receiving these because they are non-invasive and can ease a mother's worry in most cases, or offer the chance to receive more advanced diagnostic tests, if she so chooses. However, some women may not want any testing done, for religious, medical, or personal reasons. In addition, there is a change for a false-negative results; therefore bringing unnecessary anxiety, extra expense, and medical risk if further testing is pursued.  I do think, just like all aspects of pregnancy, it is a personal choice that the medical community must respect. My opinion to have initial testing done, might have prompted me for further action, depending on results. I would assume that I would want as much information about possible health problems with my baby; but I do not think you really know what you would decide unless you are actually faced with that situation. I think the technology available now is amazing in utero, whether diagnosing or actually even performing surgery. However, we must leave these options up to the parents, despite the benefits we perceive.
Thank you,
Amy

Blog 5

Honestly, I never really thought about having children when I was growing up. I always knew I wanted to marry, though. What became a turning point for me was when my mother passed away suddenly, my husband and I had been married about two years. This certainly changed the course of my life as I journeyed through this difficult time. My husband and I were able to draw closer from this experience. I began to see myself as a mother, and felt confident in the possibility of this role. I have been blessed with three children, and feel it is truly a calling for me. All women are different, and feelings about motherhood can change as you go through seasons and the ebb and flow of life. I think having a strong, flexible, safe, and nurturing relationship is so important when you think about having a child, or are faced with pregnancy. Of course, circumstances such as financial security, physical and emotional health, and available support and help can effect a mothering experience. I moved to a different state when I was pregnant with my third child, and my other two were ages 5 and 8, and did not know a single person in our new location. Yes,this is challenging and I have missed the "sisterhood" and support that I was unable to receive from other women in my family but have also grown immensely as a person. The experience of having and raising children is a lifelong journey, and has become the core of all facets of my life.

Thank you,
Amy Hicks

Blog 4

     I have three children ages 16, 12, and 6. When my son was in seventh grade, he participated in an abstinence only program. I attended the session for parents who wanted to preview the presentation first.  Although I am completely aware of teenage sexual behavior, I thoroughly support abstinence only education. The program presented facts and visuals of STD’s, interviewed many teenagers about their experiences with sex, explained biological processes of pregnancy, sexual behavior, and transmission of diseases. Importantly, the program was holistic in presenting sexual behavior as an expression of love in a committed and mature relationship, not just as an instinctual act. I feel the program elevated the self-worth and choice making ability of the individual. Resources, tools, teenage thought processes, and techniques to make critical “in the moment “decisions were presented in an engaging way. The truth is, if your only goal is to reduce teenage pregnancy and STD’s, yes abstinence plus , which is really comprehensive sex education , may provide a means to that goal by educating teens in contraceptive use. What about the long lasting emotional and relational effects, even if a pregnancy or STD does not occur? Yes, the numbers can show “success” in terms of avoiding some negative outcomes of teenage sex, but these can also be very real and damaging experiences as one is forming values and expectations for future relationships. The portion of an abstinence plus program that truly promotes abstinence is a very small percentage, and is negated by the focus on contraceptive use. It is reported that on average only 4.7% of abstinence plus page content is devoted to the topic of abstinence and 0% to healthy relationships and marriage (Martin, Rector, Pardue, 2004). Over twenty eight percent of the page content is used to describe and encourage contraceptive use. This computes to six times more content to promote contraceptive use than the goal of promoting abstinence (Martin, Rector, Pardue, 2004). However, I do think everyone should be educated on the biological process, success, and failures of contraception. I feel this should be done thoroughly and factually in a mandated health class, not alongside abstinence education. If you really feel this is the best goal for all teens, you cannot degrade it by assuming it won’t work and then offer abundant contraceptive use information. Alarmingly, abstinence plus programs are essentially encouraging teen sex by not discouraging it and giving a false sense that as  long as it is “safe”, it is a normal and acceptable activity.

                “While comprehensive sex-ed curricula do not overtly encourage teens to engage in sexual activity, they do not really discourage it. The focus is on reducing the risks of STDs and pregnancy among teens. Abstinence is presented as one technique for avoiding immediate risks, but the predominant emphasis is on using contraception, especially condoms. For the most part, teens are not urged to avoid sex per se, but to avoid sex without contraception. As long as the teen feels “comfortable” with the activity, protected teen sex is not criticized, but is presented as commonplace, healthy, and largely unproblematic. The decision to use contraception during sex is almost always presented in a very favorable light, while teen sexual activity itself is rarely questioned or criticized.” (Martin, Rector, Pardue, 2004 )

            One poll showed that 94% of adults and 92% of teenagers feel society has a responsibility to send a strong message to  teens to wait until they are  graduated from high school before engaging in sex (Martin, Rector, Pardue, 2004) Of the nine abstinence plus curriculum  reviewed (942 pages), not one stated this view. Of the same curriculum, only 9 weakly written sentences encouraged teens to wait before they begin sexual activity (Martin, Rector, Pardue, 2004). I and many others feel teenagers in high school are not mature enough to engage in sex. Do you think they are conscientious enough to purchase condoms, store them correctly, have them available and use them (correctly) every single time? Do you think the majority of girls are ready to educate themselves on their monthly cycle, ovulation, and side effects of birth control? Are they ready to monitor their health, and watch for sign of STD’s? Are they completely aware of the effects of alcohol and drugs on contraceptive use and efficacy?  In conclusion, knowing that some teens will not remain abstinent, parents can make the choice to provide contraception for their child or the medical community may provide education and resources as well. I think schools as a whole should not offer abstinent plus education, but teens should have access to help if they choose to have sex despite best efforts to encourage them to choose abstinence. 

References

Martin, S., Rector R., Pardue M.G. (2004). Comprehensive Sex Education vs. Authentic

            Abstinence.  The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved November 22, 2009 from

            http://www.heritage.org/Research/Welfare/upload/67539_1.pdf

Blog #3

 This topic was very timely for me, as I have realized several areas of my health that I need to address. As far as physical safety and the avoidance of dangerous practices, I am consistent with myself and my family. Seat belts, helmets,  the avoidance of alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes, as well safety when driving with others are natural habits for me. I have recently developed a chronic health problem, which has forced me to stay on top of, as well as prompted me to seek preventive care. This whole issue has actually caused me a great deal of stress due to confusion and differing opinions about the diagnosis and source of problems, and undesirable effects of medication. The behaviors I need to change are regular exercise and stress reduction. I do exercise, but not as often as I should. I personally know from experience I need to have some of physical exercise every day. I think I am too busy, but I can no longer keep from attending to my needs. Also, my stress has increased, or at least I have become more aware of it and its negative effects. I try to eat healthy, but need to moderate my portions and continue to be conscience of my eating habits and choices. I think by changing these behaviors, I will dramatically improve my quality of life, be able to handle things that come my way more effectively, and set a good example for my children. I am starting right now by journaling. I bought a notebook and am taking the time to write things down. How I feel, mini-lists of ways to make it a better day, and positive words of affirmation and encouragement. I think this strategy will be beneficial to me because I love to write things down, read over things, put ideas on paper, and make lists.

Amy

HS Blog #2

Hello!
Wow, after reviewing some of the information on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Health Care Research and Quality website, I have some comments to make. Heart disease is now the number one killer of both men and women, yet women are less likely to use low dose aspirin therapy (62% of women and 76% of men), although it is recommended for those with heart disease in almost every case (HHS, AHRQ, n.d.). Also, it seems strange that the U.S. Preventive Task Force does not recommend screening for BRCA1 or BRCA2, which poses risks for breast and ovarian cancer,  unless there is a "specific family risk" (HHS, AHRQ, n.d.). I have two friends with absolutely no family history that have been diagnosed with late stage breast cancer. I was shocked to learn that intimate partner abuse can occur at any age. One study showed that of the women participating age 65 and over, 2% reported some type of abuse in the last year, and 3.5% in the last five. Half of the women were ages 65-74 and the other half over age 75 (HHS, AHRQ, n.d.). I think basic health care is a right. It is a way to provide dignity, care, and value to all people. Because if it offered, available, and affordable for some, then how can one decide or justify who cannot have it? How can a government or individual decide by including some and not all in matters of life and death. I am realizing lifestyle choice is a major factor in the health of Americans, so outcomes are not always favorable. I think the biggest problem right now in healthcare is insurance reform, and stabilizing and standardizing prices so those with any type of health care can afford to use it, including preventative care.
Thank you,
Amy

Reference

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. Priority

     Populations. Women's Health. (n.d.). Retrieved September 8, 2010 from

     http://www.ahrq.gov/research/womenix.htm

HS Blog #1

The most critical health issue for a dear friend, who I will name "D.", is achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. She is in her mid-thirties and has just started her family. With two girls ages 2 and 6 months, she is concerned that she teaches and models great health habits. Mothers desire the energy to keep up with the demands of a busy lifestyle, as well as pass on a legacy of the importance of taking charge of one's health.


I also talked with a female young lady, age 12. I will name her "L." She commented on the stress and busyness of her day to day life. She says she is often tired. She feels that while many of her peers are keeping physically active with extracurricular activities, there is often mental and emotional pressure. I think this is a very important issue that people of all ages need to be aware of. Our society encourages girls growing up entirely too fast. They will need responsible, sensitive, and caring adults to help them with time management, prioritizing or simply saying "NO" to some activities, and ways to keep well emotionally and socially, as well as the signs and symptoms for depression and other mental illness.

These two issues are high on my priority list as well, knowing physical and mental health go hand in hand. I feel I am also affected by the absolute necessity, not an option, to maintain a healthy and safe weight, as well as keep stress levels down.