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