Blog 15: The most impactful moment this semester

I would have to say the thing that had the most impact on me this semester would be the movie"A closer walk". There is no way a person could watch that movie and not be moved by it. I have read so much about HIV and AIDS, but seeing a documentary really had a profound impact on the way I view people with HIV and AIDS. These people are you or I, someone's mother, father, sister, brother, baby, and so much more. Many of them have no hope of ever getting out of their bad situations either. Atleast here in the U.S., we have much easier access to the drugs that are necessary. It was so horrible to see the way the babies die and harder yet to see kids left abandoned on the streets after their parents died from the disease. It was a hard movie to watch, but nonetheless one that people should watch. Thanks for the opportunity.

Blog 14: Is there a balance?

I can only speak for myself in educational and personal life, which happens to be my work as well. For 9+years, I was a stay at home mom solely. I had completed some of my education, but not all of it. When we moved back to Texas in 2004, I decided that my youngest daughter was old enough for me to go back to college. It was extremely difficult in the beginning finding a balance between science classes that I took one at a time, and my family. Those first two semesters were trying for me as I put a lot of pressure on myself. When I came to TWU, I could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have taken a full load, but try to take some classes online. I try to balance out my life by getting work done in the daytime while the kids and husband are away, and then devote nights to them. This doesn't always work. When it is finals time, I usually have to spend some time at night at the computer. I know when it is all said and done, my family will be glad I have my degree. I think time management is the key. Take advantage of the opportunities you have to do work and family time. I don't know how the dynamics will change if I work after I finish my degree. I will just have to cross that bridge later!

Blog #13 Jail or Treatment

For me, the answer is pretty clear. If jail is needed, then there should be a treatment component to this. Sending people to jail, then letting them out without any change in behavior does absolutely nothing for most people. Why send let them out of jail when we know they are probably be returning soon. I feel that we need to give addicts a chance to change their behaviors. In order to do that, there must be a treatment component for them. There will be some that will be able to stop on their own, but for the most part, people are going to hang around the same crowds and do the same behaviors again.

Blog #12 The stigma and shame of mental illness

The thing that I think of first of all is bringing more awareness to mental illness. When I think of all the commercials I watch, none of them are ever about mental illness. I think there could definitely be more awareness in that area. Media is such a huge outlet for information. The second thing that I think of is in the areas of our schools at all levels. We should all have to take classes related to this subject when we are old enough to really grasp the concept. But, especially in college. I know we can't take classes on every subject out there, but this definitely falls into our line of training. The last thing that I can say is that we all need to be more compassionate not only to those with mental illness, but to the families that deal with them. I'm sure that they feel very alone. This is probably the hardest concept for me to grasp. It is so easy to stay in our own bubble and not associate with them, but we need to!

Blog #11 Living for the future

If everyone lived with the future in mind we would definitely live differently. In the craziness of today, people live for the here and now, and barely think about tomorrow. We would all exercise, eat right, get plenty of sleep, be kind to one another, lower our stress levels, spend plenty of time outdoors getting fresh air, love more and hate less. All of these things and much more can help us in the future. We would all try to get our education so we could put away for the future. We would think about future generations and what we can do now to help them later. For some people, it takes a little longer to pull things together, and some people never do. Even as an adult, it is good to make goals and plans for the future. This helps give direction in our lives. Everyone can do something to help themselves out in the future. I am also speaking to myself when I give all of these examples!!!

Blog #10 Factors affecting healthier lifestyle

Factors that influence women to adopt healthier lifestyles and engage in preventative behaviors so as to reduce their risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer:

*if they have seen a family member go through cancer or CVD
*if they participated in the care of that family member
*if they have taken any courses that talk about the risk factors of CVD and cancer and how to prevent these diseases
*classes that build self efficacy
*classes in physical education
*classes in nutrition
*many times when we see a family member adopting a healthy lifestyle, we will do the same. We like to have someone to buddy up with.

Sometimes we will see one or all of these factors and still not participate in preventative behaviors. I have a sibling that has seen my father go through cancer and still smokes, is overweight, and isn't proactive about leading a more healthy lifestyle. Everyone can do something to make themselves healthier.

Blog #9 My challenges with exercise

I never really had a challenge with exercise growing up or in my 20's. I didn't even have challenges after having children as a stay at home mom. The challenges began when I started back to school. Trying to juggle school work, kids schedules and activities, and family stuff and working in time for a work out is an extreme challenge. I have also had many knee injuries and surgeries after blowing my left knee out. I joined a gym about six months ago and that has helped a lot. I see people in the gym that are very inspiring to me, and it pushes me to go farther. For the past four weeks, we have been sick with just about everything under the sun at my house, and that has put a little damper on my workouts. I see challenges in the future, but I think there are always challenges and time constraints. The secret is to just get moving every day. We don't have to go run a marathon. Just move! As far as our diet goes, my husband has been a diabetic since he was 12, so we try to eat healthy. Our biggest issue is when time is crunched, going and getting fast food. We need to try to get better about that.

Blog #8 Most interesting topic so far

Of all the topics discussed so far this semester, the chapter on healthcare still seems to interest me the most. Our healthcare system is in such a state of crisis, and trying to help people figure out which route of healthcare is best for them is a strong passion of mine. I am particularly interested in helping the aging population with going to doctor visits, and making sure they understand exactly what is going on, making sure questions are answered, and making sure they understand their rights and benefits as a patient. I don't feel that we give our aging population enough help when they really need it. When I started in the Health Studies program, I would have never figured this to be a passion of mine, but through the many classes I have taken, this continues to be front and center for me. Having said that, Chapter 2 stood out to me again!!

Blog #7 Are STD's only for the poor?

I don't think STD's care if you live in a million dollar home, or live in Sub saharan Africa. STD's have no boundaries. If you happen to have intercourse, or in some cases contact with an infected individual, whether you know it or not, you will likely be infected with an STD. It is probably true that more poor people don't have adequate access to the same things that richer people do, but if we can get across abstinence it will atleast help. We also still have the problem of women in certain countries that don't get a choice in their sexual partners, and even when the men are the ones that have contracted the diseases, the women are outcast for that also. Education will be the key in the future of all STD's and especially HIV/AIDS. I don't really know how we will change the views in countries like Africa where it is such a taboo subject. Maybe the harder HIV and AIDS hits theirs and other LDC's like them, the more they will be willing to talk about it. It is so hard to put ourselves in their shoes when we consider all of the modern conveniences we have. I can't even begin to imagine.

Blog # 6 Routine testing

I can't speak for all women, but instead I will give my opinion. I know that when I was pregnant with my son (11 years ago) my views were different than they were when I was pregnant with my daughter (8 years ago). When I was pregnant with my son, I just did everything the doctor asked without asking many questions, and not knowing what the outcome would be of the many tests performed. In particular, I am speaking about the AFP (alpha feto protein) test. This test is done to help determine if the traits for down syndrome are present. It turns out that the test was negative. But, what was I supposed to do if it was positive. The answer to my particular question would have been nothing. That was my baby. With my daughter 3 years later, I chose not to have the test performed because I knew that it wouldn't change the outcome for me. My doctor was not particularly happy about that, but after reading a lot and talking with my friend who was also a doctor, I learned that it was not mandatory. My friend did ask me, "Well, wouldn't you want to know to prepare for the baby if it has down syndrome?" I just simply said no.
Now, this is just my experience, and there are many that would want to know, and maybe some who even might not continue their pregnancy. That is part of a womans' choice. If we were to make people do certain tests, this may be an infringement on their right to choose whether or not they want to know certain things. There are certain things that a woman may want to know, such as a genetic heart defects so that she and her doctor can have an appropriate plan of action. But, in my opinion, these tests should be discussed with the patient by the doctor fully and together with her partner, they can make a decision.

Blog #5 My choice for a family

This is possibly the biggest decision of a woman's life. I know it was for me. My husband and I met when I was 18 and he was 24. We dated until I was 23 when we were married. I always knew that I wanted children. I grew up in a family where we always had a lot of kids around. However, I knew that I didn't want children at a very young age. My sister had gotten pregnant at the age of 15, and proceeded to have four children, three of which were by different fathers. This was a huge eye opener for me. I saw her struggle and knew I didn't want that. My husband and I decided to have children a couple of years into our marriage. I hadn't finished school, but we decided with his job, that I could go back and finish later. That is what I am doing now. Even though it has been difficult at times with my studies, for the most part it hasn't been that difficult for me. I have found that I have to be very organized and get most of my work done during the day. The nights and weekends are devoted to family. My kids are now seeing the value of a college education, and that with perserverance, you can do just about anything. I also want to be an example to them. I want to be able to encourage them to go to college. At the young ages of 8 and 11, they have already picked out their colleges of choice!! I am sure that might change, but atleast they are thinking about it.

Blog #4 Option 2

Boy, this seems sooooo long ago! All I can say is that most of my friends had already started their period before I did. I was in many sports and that postponed the onset by a few years. I was in gymnastics, track, tennis, and swimming. I was 17 years old. It was a good/bad experience for me. I was so used to things the way they were, that when I started it was a huge change for me. My mom had told me about "the big change" way back when I was 11. Little did we know that it would be so long. It allowed me a freedom where that was concerned, but I was always concerned something was wrong with me. Anyway, nothing was wrong and I continued on like normal. Two kids later, I am ready for the good ole period to go away!! I think this might be TMI, but remember, you asked!!
Make it a good day:)
Jenn

Blog #3: Self assessment

Looking over all of the questions, I noticed that when I was younger I probably didn't do a very good job of many of these preventative practices. As a woman now in my mid 30's, I feel that I do a much better job. These things aren't always easy to do, but having the responsibility of being a stay at home mom, a full time student, and a wife, these preventative measures have become very important.
1. My husband has been a Type I diabetic since he was about 12, so we try to eat really well. My son also has ADHD, so I try to monitor the "junk" intake there as well.
2. We joined a health club last year to help with our exercise routine. I have really enjoyed this and haven't gotten tired of it at all. My kids can also use the facilities which promotes their overall health as well.
3. I didn't used to get enough sleep, but I usually cut off all activities by 10 p.m. on the weeknights to make sure I get enough. The whole house is much happier!
4. I have never used tobacco and feel it is very harmful. My father died last year of cancer, and my step father died back in 2001 of a heart attack. Both were smokers. I don't use any type of drug either. Nyquil would be the extent of that!
5. We consume very little alcohol at our house. I don't enjoy the way it makes me feel. Probably one drink a month or so.
6. Sexually speaking, I have been married for about 14 years. We are finished with kids. Enough said.
7. I try to keep stress low, although Spanish has been a source of stress for me lately! Exercise and time alone for dates with my husband helps.
8. We practice safe behaviors like seat belt use, not driving when drinking, etc.
9. We aren't violent in our home. I am a pretty direct person, but I try not to hurt people's feelings on purpose. I like to be happy, and want everyone else to be happy as well.
10. I receive routine care such as: I have already had a colonoscopy because of my father dying of cancer. I receive yearly pap exams, self breast exams, and this year I get to go for the good old mammogram!! Yuck :(

Thanks for reading my blog!
Jenn

Blog #2 Healthcare: Right or privilege?

I believe that healthcare should be a right for anyone. As we have seen in the text, health care coverage is even a problem for Americans who make $75,000 per year, so I can only imagine how difficult it is for people who make less money. My husband is a Type I diabetic and has had the disease for over 20 years. There will come a time when his health care costs will be extremely high. If we didn't have really good insurance, it would financially break us. I can't imagine how people make it who have chronic diseases and no insurance. I kind of think the Universal Healthcare system is not such a bad idea, but in talking to my neighbor, she brought up several good points for both sides of the spectrum:
1) People that need services such as MRI's may have to wait for a couple of months, or come to the states and pay out of pocket.
2) Canadians have immunizations clinics, where they keep up with the immunizations for you. You don't have to pay for yearly check ups.
3) They have a fantastic cancer clinic that doesn't pose a problem or wait period.
4) The wait at the hospital for emergency room visits are about the same.
5) There are no insurance companies in Canada. She really likes this. You go to the doctor, hand them your card and get services. She feels like insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies are just money making schemes in the States. She says in Canada, she never saw a commercial for an insurance company or a new product coming out.
6) Once you reach the age of 18, if you are not employed, you are responsible for paying partially for your healthcare.
7) She says she already prolongs going to the doctor while living in the states because of co-pays.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Blog #1 Health Concerns

The health issues that I am most concerned with are:
1) Healthy eating habits-I am concerned with eating properly because colon cancer is in my family history. There is also a history of heart problems.
2) Exercise-as I stated above, we have a family history that warrants me to exercise and eat healthy. Trying to be active while being a full time student/full time stay at home mom is tough!
3) Health insurance for the middle class worker (hourly wage earner). Many times they cannot afford to be off of work even if they are sick.

Number one and two are concerns for myself and my family. Number three is a general concern I feel everyone should be concerned with because of the state of our health care system.

Lou Nell, age 62, white female
1) Health care and insurance is her #1 main concern. She wants to retire now, but because of her health care coverage, she cannot retire until 65. She also worries about paying for medication after retirement.
2) Being alone-it is hard for an older person to be alone after many years of having a companion. She also worries if something was to happen to her if she is alone, what would she do? She feels being alone for the first time in her life and it being at this age has adversely affected her health.

Kim, age 40, white female
1) Osteoporosis-she is trying to have enough calcium now to try to prevent what she can in the future. She realizes that once you find out you have this, often it is too late to have an impact on the outcome.
2) Stress- she believes trying to manage stress is key. She believes that it is the #1 factor in deteriorating health. By managing stress, she feels one can cut their chances of cancer and heart issues.

I feel Lou Nells #1 concern goes along with my health care concern, but #2 doesn't really apply to me.
Kim's concerns don't exactly match up with mine as far as what I put down, but the healthy eating can certainly help with the prevention of Osteoporosis. Stress is something that I didn't put down, but probably should have.