What can a woman do to reduce her risk of assault?
There are several things a woman could do to reduce her risk of assault. One way, and what I consider the most important, is to always be aware of the surroundings and the people who are around.
If a woman is alone and going to her car from either the mall or the store, she should ask security to escort out. It might sound silly to have them walk with you in the day, but bad things can happen in the daytime just like at night. She should also have them check inside her car, underneath it, and wait until she's in her car and that it starts. If there is no one to walk out with, then she needs to make sure that her keys are in her hand. There's no telling how many women have been assaulted because they couldn't find their keys fast enough to get in the car and lock the doors. A woman should carry mace or a whistle with her. If some one was trying to hurt her and she couldn't scream, she could at least blow the whistle to get people's attention and more than likely scare off her attacker. She needs to make sure those are easily assesible as well.
Another thing that women can do is take a self defense class. Knowing how to take care of yourself in certain situations can not only reduce your risk or being assaulted, but could save your life or even one of your family members. Men are naturally stronger especially in upper body. If a woman can know how to remain calm and get away, she will survive with little or no injuries. That will also help her self-confidence and make her be more aware of her surroundings. She could pass this knowledge down to her children so they can learn early how important safety is.
Amy Morrow
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Blog 13
I personally believe that it is a sign of strength for a woman to admit she has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Maybe in some cultures or even how a woman is raised, it might be a sign of weakness. I think it would be hard to admit if you had a problem. Women are usually considered the nurturer and the one to also help if some one is hurt or sick. With that stress some women might turn to drugs or alcohol in order to "escape." If that happens, some women or even others might take that as a sign of weakness and it would be hard for her to seek help.
Admitting that one has a problem is the first step to making one stronger is my belief. It takes a great deal of strength to admit not only to yourself, but to others that you have a problem. There should be no shame for admitting to a problem of drugs or alcohol. If a woman does not admit her problem it does not mean she is weak. It could mean she just hasn't found her strenghth.
Amy Morrow
Admitting that one has a problem is the first step to making one stronger is my belief. It takes a great deal of strength to admit not only to yourself, but to others that you have a problem. There should be no shame for admitting to a problem of drugs or alcohol. If a woman does not admit her problem it does not mean she is weak. It could mean she just hasn't found her strenghth.
Amy Morrow
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Blog 12 Mental Illness
Have you ever known some one with a mental illness? How did/does the illness impact his/her life? What have you learned about mental illness just from knowing them?
Currently I know a few people with some type of mental illness. These people are in my family. It has been an adjustment since they are on my husband's side of the family. My husband and his dad have battled with depression. We have finally found a medicine that my husband will take daily and that has helped us in our relationship. One of his other family members has schizophrenia.
The way the depression has impacted my husband has been hard. Before we found a medicine he would take, he would just stay in bed some days or be very moody. We almost divorced over it. There had been changes in jobs for both of us and we were not making as much as before and the bills were piling up. We were behind on our house and close to foreclosure. He had called in sick to work and I told him that when I got home from work that he needed to be gone because I could not take it anymore. He told me that he called in so he could go to the doctor to get "happy pills." Since he has been on this medicine, things have got alot better between us.
The person with the schizophrenia has had a hard life. She is always thinking some one is after her children. She has been on medicines and was doing well. She had her own place and a job she loved. Last year she almost died because she had not been taking her medicines and had a dream some one was hurting her children. When she woke up she said she could see the guy and ran after him. She lives up north and it had snowed alot that night. It was in the middle of the night when she went after the guy. When she did not show up to work the next morning everyone went to look for her. A construction man found her unconscious. She had frostbite and was hypothermia. The doctors said if she would have been there 15 minutes longer she would not have survived. She has recovered physically but not mentally. She is living in a group home within the state hospital. She is back on her medicines and is slowly making progress. It has been a long hard road for all involved.
I have learned how different each illness is and how it effects all involved whether they have the illness or just family members trying to cope with a situation. It takes a lot of patience when dealing with some one when their illness has flared up. It has taught me how fragile life is, and not to take anything or anyone for granted.
Amy Morrow
Currently I know a few people with some type of mental illness. These people are in my family. It has been an adjustment since they are on my husband's side of the family. My husband and his dad have battled with depression. We have finally found a medicine that my husband will take daily and that has helped us in our relationship. One of his other family members has schizophrenia.
The way the depression has impacted my husband has been hard. Before we found a medicine he would take, he would just stay in bed some days or be very moody. We almost divorced over it. There had been changes in jobs for both of us and we were not making as much as before and the bills were piling up. We were behind on our house and close to foreclosure. He had called in sick to work and I told him that when I got home from work that he needed to be gone because I could not take it anymore. He told me that he called in so he could go to the doctor to get "happy pills." Since he has been on this medicine, things have got alot better between us.
The person with the schizophrenia has had a hard life. She is always thinking some one is after her children. She has been on medicines and was doing well. She had her own place and a job she loved. Last year she almost died because she had not been taking her medicines and had a dream some one was hurting her children. When she woke up she said she could see the guy and ran after him. She lives up north and it had snowed alot that night. It was in the middle of the night when she went after the guy. When she did not show up to work the next morning everyone went to look for her. A construction man found her unconscious. She had frostbite and was hypothermia. The doctors said if she would have been there 15 minutes longer she would not have survived. She has recovered physically but not mentally. She is living in a group home within the state hospital. She is back on her medicines and is slowly making progress. It has been a long hard road for all involved.
I have learned how different each illness is and how it effects all involved whether they have the illness or just family members trying to cope with a situation. It takes a lot of patience when dealing with some one when their illness has flared up. It has taught me how fragile life is, and not to take anything or anyone for granted.
Amy Morrow
Friday, April 17, 2009
Blog 11
If everyone lived "with our future in mind," do you think we would live differently? (Different habits, behaviors, etc)
To answer the above question, yes, I believe most people would live differently. I think more people would exercise, have healthy diets, and not smoke cigarettes as much.
People tend to think "that won't happen to me." They think this way for different reasons. Some may think just because a family member smoked for 50 years and did not get lung cancer, they can do the same. It is the samething for some one to believe they can eat foods that are bad for them and not exercise and always have a "normal" check-up at the doctor because that is what happens to a family member. What they don't understand, is that they can still get lung cancer either by second hand smoke or from them smoking. They can smoke for 5 years and wind up with lung cancer. The person who thinks he can eat whatever foods he want and not exercise is shocked when he finds out he has high cholestrol, clogged arteries, or high blood pressure. Some people do not understand that their bodies are different and it's not always about the genes. There are some people that do everything right, but still wind up with an illness or disease.
I do believe if everyone lived "with our future in mind," that there would be more healthy people. People would take the time to go to the doctor for check-ups and if the doctor said to change their diet, they would listen and do what the doctor said. There would be less people smoking and more people exercising. Maybe we should start living our lives by the above quote.
Amy Morrow
To answer the above question, yes, I believe most people would live differently. I think more people would exercise, have healthy diets, and not smoke cigarettes as much.
People tend to think "that won't happen to me." They think this way for different reasons. Some may think just because a family member smoked for 50 years and did not get lung cancer, they can do the same. It is the samething for some one to believe they can eat foods that are bad for them and not exercise and always have a "normal" check-up at the doctor because that is what happens to a family member. What they don't understand, is that they can still get lung cancer either by second hand smoke or from them smoking. They can smoke for 5 years and wind up with lung cancer. The person who thinks he can eat whatever foods he want and not exercise is shocked when he finds out he has high cholestrol, clogged arteries, or high blood pressure. Some people do not understand that their bodies are different and it's not always about the genes. There are some people that do everything right, but still wind up with an illness or disease.
I do believe if everyone lived "with our future in mind," that there would be more healthy people. People would take the time to go to the doctor for check-ups and if the doctor said to change their diet, they would listen and do what the doctor said. There would be less people smoking and more people exercising. Maybe we should start living our lives by the above quote.
Amy Morrow
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Heart Disease
Heart disease runs in my family so I know I am more at risk to get it. My maternal grandmother had a triple bypass when she was in her early 70's. My dad had a heart attack 2 years ago. He had 98% blockage in one artery and 99% in the another. To everyone's surprise the only reason we found out, including my dad, is because he went to the doctor for fatigue. When the EKG was done it showed the heart attack. He had 2 stents placed and is doing good.
Both doctors recommended exercise to keep their hearts healthy and a good diet. My grandmother did some walking and watched what she ate. She lost alot of weight which helped her start stay healthy. My dad is not so much a rule follower. After seeing how much longer my grandmother lived, I try to encourage my dad. I myself need to follow my own advice. Having heart disease run in my family is not my only risk. Being overweight, lack of exercise, and not a healthy diet, increases my risk even more. I do not want to end up like my dad or grandma, so I need to start making changes now.
Amy Morrow
Both doctors recommended exercise to keep their hearts healthy and a good diet. My grandmother did some walking and watched what she ate. She lost alot of weight which helped her start stay healthy. My dad is not so much a rule follower. After seeing how much longer my grandmother lived, I try to encourage my dad. I myself need to follow my own advice. Having heart disease run in my family is not my only risk. Being overweight, lack of exercise, and not a healthy diet, increases my risk even more. I do not want to end up like my dad or grandma, so I need to start making changes now.
Amy Morrow
Friday, April 3, 2009
Blog 9 Biggest Challenge
Let me start with the word challenge. I don't think trying to find time to exercise or have a healthy diet is a challenge as much as it is finding an excuse not to do them. For me, I would never have the time to exercise. I could find time to watch t.v. or play on the computer and now it is doing school work.
As far as a healthy diet goes, it is an excuse as well. It goes from other members of the family may not like vegetables or the meal that is made to eating out while at work. A person can say it is challenging, but to me it is an excuse not to have to do it.
The way I plan on changing this, is by adding time for exercising in my schedule. It is easy for me to make a time line of my day. Like 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. read a chapter in my health book and 11:00 a.m.-noon eat lunch. I will just add in a time for exercising. Eating healthy can be done easily once a habit is made. My plan is to make healthy meals for the week so that it is easy to grab and go. If some one in the family does not like the meal that is prepared, they can make their own food. I'm not going to make things I know they will not eat on purpose, but we all need to try new foods.
Hopefully in five years I will be able to look back and see how this plan has helped me and my family become healthy individuals.
Amy Morrow
As far as a healthy diet goes, it is an excuse as well. It goes from other members of the family may not like vegetables or the meal that is made to eating out while at work. A person can say it is challenging, but to me it is an excuse not to have to do it.
The way I plan on changing this, is by adding time for exercising in my schedule. It is easy for me to make a time line of my day. Like 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. read a chapter in my health book and 11:00 a.m.-noon eat lunch. I will just add in a time for exercising. Eating healthy can be done easily once a habit is made. My plan is to make healthy meals for the week so that it is easy to grab and go. If some one in the family does not like the meal that is prepared, they can make their own food. I'm not going to make things I know they will not eat on purpose, but we all need to try new foods.
Hopefully in five years I will be able to look back and see how this plan has helped me and my family become healthy individuals.
Amy Morrow
Friday, March 27, 2009
Blog 8 Women's Weight
Most women today are unhappy with their weight and bodies. This has alot to do with society's perception of how women should look.
Women believe they should be thin instead of healthy. Models are so thin that you can practically see their bones. They have many people telling them how beautiful they are because they are thin. When young girls and teenage girls see this on t.v. or read it in magazines, they believe they need to be the same size as the models. They begin starving themselves or making themselves vomit in order to lose weight. Some may even use laxatives. Most girls that young do not need to lose weight. Even if a girl is overweight, this is not the way to become healthy.
Girls, teens, and women alike can become anorexic or bulimic. This has happened with celeberties as well. With the way Hollywood is, I think celeberties have added pressure to be thin. They do not want to have that "extra 10 pounds the camera puts on you." Cindi Leive, the editor in chief of Glamour magazine, wrote about the popularity of plastic surgery in Hollywood. She said, " You're hard pressed to find a Hollywood actess who hasn't either had work done or has spent the last six months nibbling on crumbs."
When women are overweight, or think they are not thin, their self-esteem is low. Women need to understand that they need to be a healthy weight and that they have different bone structures from one another. Many women do not know that they can die or damage their organs by being anorexic or bulimic. Some women do not understand that if they are 6 foot tall and weigh 200 pounds, that is right for them. Some may think they need to weigh 130 pounds. Women, I believe, only look at the number on the scales and not how they look. Other women may believe if they are a size 12-14 they are too fat, when they are really at a healthy weight and size.
Girls usually start comparing their bodies and weights to others at an early age. Some as young as 10 according to some psychologists. Some girls may start early because they see their own mother doing the same thing.
One way that might help women become comfortable with their own weight and bodies, is to teach girls when they are young to be comfortable with themselves. Education on how to eat healthy and be healthy by exercising and not necessarly looking at the numbers on the scale or what size clothes they wear.
Cite: Mary Duenwald. The New York Times. June 22, 2003 p1 col 01 (40 col in).
Women believe they should be thin instead of healthy. Models are so thin that you can practically see their bones. They have many people telling them how beautiful they are because they are thin. When young girls and teenage girls see this on t.v. or read it in magazines, they believe they need to be the same size as the models. They begin starving themselves or making themselves vomit in order to lose weight. Some may even use laxatives. Most girls that young do not need to lose weight. Even if a girl is overweight, this is not the way to become healthy.
Girls, teens, and women alike can become anorexic or bulimic. This has happened with celeberties as well. With the way Hollywood is, I think celeberties have added pressure to be thin. They do not want to have that "extra 10 pounds the camera puts on you." Cindi Leive, the editor in chief of Glamour magazine, wrote about the popularity of plastic surgery in Hollywood. She said, " You're hard pressed to find a Hollywood actess who hasn't either had work done or has spent the last six months nibbling on crumbs."
When women are overweight, or think they are not thin, their self-esteem is low. Women need to understand that they need to be a healthy weight and that they have different bone structures from one another. Many women do not know that they can die or damage their organs by being anorexic or bulimic. Some women do not understand that if they are 6 foot tall and weigh 200 pounds, that is right for them. Some may think they need to weigh 130 pounds. Women, I believe, only look at the number on the scales and not how they look. Other women may believe if they are a size 12-14 they are too fat, when they are really at a healthy weight and size.
Girls usually start comparing their bodies and weights to others at an early age. Some as young as 10 according to some psychologists. Some girls may start early because they see their own mother doing the same thing.
One way that might help women become comfortable with their own weight and bodies, is to teach girls when they are young to be comfortable with themselves. Education on how to eat healthy and be healthy by exercising and not necessarly looking at the numbers on the scale or what size clothes they wear.
Cite: Mary Duenwald. The New York Times. June 22, 2003 p1 col 01 (40 col in).
Friday, March 13, 2009
Blog 7 Hormone Replacement Therapy
I'm going to write about my experience with hormone replacement therapy and why I'm on it.
Due to endometrosis, I had to have a total hysterectomy at age 29. My gynecologist and I talked about HRT and the one's he thought I should try. He first wanted to wait until I actually started having symptoms of menopause. The doctor said it would be better if I could hold off as long as possible before starting HRT's because of some risks associated with taking them. A couple of risks include stroke and heart disease. He was concerned because my mother had a stroke and her doctor told her it was impart of her being on HRT's. This made my risk higher for stroke.
When the symptoms started, I went through different HRT medicines to see which one would work for my symptoms. Some worked for a few days, then the hot flashes and night sweats would be back. Sometimes the hot flashes would be worse than before. It took about three months before I found a medicine that would help my symptoms. The one that works is called Vivelle Dot Patch. I've been using it about 8 years. The patch is suppose to be changed twice a week, but the last couple of years, I would only change it once a week. The last few months I have only used the patch once in three months. The hot flashes are not bad and only last a few minutes. I began doing light exercises and that has helped. My husband is concerned with me being on HRT's because of the risks and what happened with my mother. It does not help when the media tells of the "bad" things that can happen while being on HRT' s. Don't get me wrong, I am concerned, but it is a risk I must take so that I can feel better.
Amy Morrow
Due to endometrosis, I had to have a total hysterectomy at age 29. My gynecologist and I talked about HRT and the one's he thought I should try. He first wanted to wait until I actually started having symptoms of menopause. The doctor said it would be better if I could hold off as long as possible before starting HRT's because of some risks associated with taking them. A couple of risks include stroke and heart disease. He was concerned because my mother had a stroke and her doctor told her it was impart of her being on HRT's. This made my risk higher for stroke.
When the symptoms started, I went through different HRT medicines to see which one would work for my symptoms. Some worked for a few days, then the hot flashes and night sweats would be back. Sometimes the hot flashes would be worse than before. It took about three months before I found a medicine that would help my symptoms. The one that works is called Vivelle Dot Patch. I've been using it about 8 years. The patch is suppose to be changed twice a week, but the last couple of years, I would only change it once a week. The last few months I have only used the patch once in three months. The hot flashes are not bad and only last a few minutes. I began doing light exercises and that has helped. My husband is concerned with me being on HRT's because of the risks and what happened with my mother. It does not help when the media tells of the "bad" things that can happen while being on HRT' s. Don't get me wrong, I am concerned, but it is a risk I must take so that I can feel better.
Amy Morrow
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Blog 6 Birthing Center
I interviewed a woman, Cindy, who told me about her experience about giving birth to her 2nd child at a birthing center rather than the hospital like she did with her first child.
With her first child she didn't want an epidural and she said that upset the nurses. Cindy wanted the birth to be natural. When Cindy had contractions she moved around but never screamed. The nurses put an internal monitor on the baby's head. She didn't understand why they did this since she wasn't at high risk for delivery. When she moved during the contractions the monitor would come off and that would upset the nurses because they would have to come back in and put the monitor back on. When it came time to deliver, Cindy said she didn't want an episiotomy if the perinium tore. She wanted a natural tear. The doctor did an episiotomy anyway. He said it was because the baby was so big. The baby weighed 9 lbs 7 oz. Cindy still has nerve damage from the episiotomy.
Cindy didn't want to go through all the same stuff again with her second child. Her and her husband decided to go with a midwife. Cindy had done research and talked with a friend that had used a midwife. The midwife had the same philosophy that childbirth should be natural. So, they used the same midwife that her friend had used.
She said the experience at the birthing center was very calm. They used breathing techniques and massage as pain control. Cindy said when she had pain in her tailbone, the midwife suggested laying over a big exercise ball to relieve the pressure. They also used hot washcloths for pain relief.
Another benefit was she could have her family and friends in the birthing center including her 4 year old daughter. Even though she was upstairs, she had the comfort of knowing she had support with her. If she wanted anyone in the room she had the option.
When it came time for the delivery they paged her husband and student midwives to the room. Her husband actually got to deliver his son and cut the cord. Cindy's mother and friend were at the bottom of the stairs and heard the actual birth and the baby's first cry. Then they had her daughter come to the room to see her brother. Her daughter ran down stairs and announced, "It's a brother!" Cindy was able to hear the cheers from family and friends whereas, if she were in the hospital, that wouldn't have happened.
After everyone met the baby and visited, the midwife took Cindy for a herbal bath. Close to the end of the bath they brought her son to her. They both had a relaxing bath. Her son weighed 8 lbs 8 oz. She said even with her son being a big baby, she healed more quickly after his birth than with her daughter.
Amy Morrow
With her first child she didn't want an epidural and she said that upset the nurses. Cindy wanted the birth to be natural. When Cindy had contractions she moved around but never screamed. The nurses put an internal monitor on the baby's head. She didn't understand why they did this since she wasn't at high risk for delivery. When she moved during the contractions the monitor would come off and that would upset the nurses because they would have to come back in and put the monitor back on. When it came time to deliver, Cindy said she didn't want an episiotomy if the perinium tore. She wanted a natural tear. The doctor did an episiotomy anyway. He said it was because the baby was so big. The baby weighed 9 lbs 7 oz. Cindy still has nerve damage from the episiotomy.
Cindy didn't want to go through all the same stuff again with her second child. Her and her husband decided to go with a midwife. Cindy had done research and talked with a friend that had used a midwife. The midwife had the same philosophy that childbirth should be natural. So, they used the same midwife that her friend had used.
She said the experience at the birthing center was very calm. They used breathing techniques and massage as pain control. Cindy said when she had pain in her tailbone, the midwife suggested laying over a big exercise ball to relieve the pressure. They also used hot washcloths for pain relief.
Another benefit was she could have her family and friends in the birthing center including her 4 year old daughter. Even though she was upstairs, she had the comfort of knowing she had support with her. If she wanted anyone in the room she had the option.
When it came time for the delivery they paged her husband and student midwives to the room. Her husband actually got to deliver his son and cut the cord. Cindy's mother and friend were at the bottom of the stairs and heard the actual birth and the baby's first cry. Then they had her daughter come to the room to see her brother. Her daughter ran down stairs and announced, "It's a brother!" Cindy was able to hear the cheers from family and friends whereas, if she were in the hospital, that wouldn't have happened.
After everyone met the baby and visited, the midwife took Cindy for a herbal bath. Close to the end of the bath they brought her son to her. They both had a relaxing bath. Her son weighed 8 lbs 8 oz. She said even with her son being a big baby, she healed more quickly after his birth than with her daughter.
Amy Morrow
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Blog 5 Miscarriage
After I watched the power point "Little Loss, Big Hurt: Miscarriage," I was expecting to hear about how miscarriage affects the woman and her family. Although the information was good, there was only one slide that mentioned how the woman may feel. In the power point it says that some women may feel guilty, blame themselves, and feel some sort of abandonment. I know this is true. I worked in an OB/GYN office and have seen it firsthand. I've had to take a fetus that was the size of the palm of my hand and put it into a plastic container so that it could be "disposed" of properly. Talking with the mother was heartbreaking. She felt guilty because she had been doing light exercises. This wasn't the reason for the miscarriage and the doctor confirmed that. She couldn't help blaming herself anyway. Also, she was worried about how her husband would react. Would he blame her? Would he leave her? She eventually had a healthy baby boy but did require psychiatric treatment to deal with the miscarriage.
The power point did a good job explaining the medical aspects of miscarriage, but could have devoted more to the psychological aspect.
Amy Morrow
source: Kampschroeder, M Spring 2007
The power point did a good job explaining the medical aspects of miscarriage, but could have devoted more to the psychological aspect.
Amy Morrow
source: Kampschroeder, M Spring 2007
Friday, February 20, 2009
First Menstrual Cycle
When I had my first menstrual cylce, I was 11 years old. I was at home and my best friend Shelly had come over to play. As most girls did, my friend went to the bathroom with me. When I pulled my bottoms down my friend said, "look you hit puberity!" We were both excited because I was the last one of my group of friends to start my period.
My dad was the only parent home at the time and he was asleep because he was working nights. I was afraid to wake him since he had not been asleep very long. Shelly, being excited about the whole thing, went into my parents bedroom and woke him up. She was yelling, "Amy hit puberity, we need money to go to the store!" My dad woke up and asked if I knew what to get at the store. I told him no since we had never talked about periods. Shelly said she knew what to get. My dad started getting dressed when my brother came home. Needless to say, my brother wound up taking Shelly and I to the store.
When my mom got home my brother told my mom what had happened and made it clear he wasn't taking me to the store for those kind of products again. My mom couldn't believe it because she thought I was too young. After the shock wore off, my mom cried because she was happy and my dad just said, "congratulations I guess."
My dad was the only parent home at the time and he was asleep because he was working nights. I was afraid to wake him since he had not been asleep very long. Shelly, being excited about the whole thing, went into my parents bedroom and woke him up. She was yelling, "Amy hit puberity, we need money to go to the store!" My dad woke up and asked if I knew what to get at the store. I told him no since we had never talked about periods. Shelly said she knew what to get. My dad started getting dressed when my brother came home. Needless to say, my brother wound up taking Shelly and I to the store.
When my mom got home my brother told my mom what had happened and made it clear he wasn't taking me to the store for those kind of products again. My mom couldn't believe it because she thought I was too young. After the shock wore off, my mom cried because she was happy and my dad just said, "congratulations I guess."
Friday, February 13, 2009
Blog 3 Self Assesment
After reading the self assesment, I would rate my preventive practices as a 5 on a 1-10 scale with 10 being the worst. There are things that I should do to help improve my health. One of the things I should do is change my eating habits. I have cut down on cokes but still don't drink enough water. I need to cut down on my sugar. I have trouble with my insulin levels at times and I'm sure having sweets does not help. I need to eat more fruits and vegetables. My family doesn't like vegetables, so I rarely eat them. I like vegetables so I need to get in the habit of eating them whether anyone else does or not. There are fruits we all like but for some unknown reason, I just don't buy them very often. I need to start exercising again. I've let that fall way behind and my weight gain has shown it. I need to make a schedule of days and put in time for exercising. Hopefully, that will get me started on the right track.
As far as the preventive practices that I use, I do not smoke or use illegal drugs. I also wear my seatbelt when I'm in the car. As far as health care, I get my blood checked every year and a physical. I've started going to the dentist like I should for routine care. I'm doing better on how I handle stress and that just makes me feel better in general.
Overall, I'm not as bad as I could be, so that makes me feel good as well. I do have a plan to help improve my health and hopefully by the end of the semester, I will be able to say that my health has improved.
Amy
As far as the preventive practices that I use, I do not smoke or use illegal drugs. I also wear my seatbelt when I'm in the car. As far as health care, I get my blood checked every year and a physical. I've started going to the dentist like I should for routine care. I'm doing better on how I handle stress and that just makes me feel better in general.
Overall, I'm not as bad as I could be, so that makes me feel good as well. I do have a plan to help improve my health and hopefully by the end of the semester, I will be able to say that my health has improved.
Amy
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Blog #2
I believe access to health care is a right. People get sick and hurt everyday but not all of them have insurance or can afford to go to the doctor. If our government would allow the citizens to go to a primary doctor of their choice and not have to pay, more people especially women, would probably go for preventable care. The people should be educated about illnesses and how going to a doctor for regular check ups can help catch certain illnesses and diseases early. Take the United Kingdom and how their health care works. Their citizens are allowed a certain level of care. If anything goes beyond the guidelines of the level, they have the option to buy supplemental insurance. America could do something similar. If some one needs supplemental insurance, their cost should be according to their income. Just because some makes less than another person, it should not mean they cannot afford insurance. There are many women who do make much money, so they can't afford to go to a doctor. Some of these women will even die because of this.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Blog #1
One of the health issues that concerns me is hormone replacement therapy. I have had a total hysterectomy and have been on a hormone patch for 9 years. I still get hot flashes and some moodiness even being on the patch. My concern is everything I read about how it can cause you to have a stroke to breast cancer. My mom had a stroke in her 50's and her doctor said it was a combination of the hrt's and her smoking. I've tried to stay off hrt, but the hot flashes and moodiness get extremely bad. So, until I can either wing myself off the patch or they come up with something that doesn't have such side effects, I'm stuck with the patch.
I interviewed a 66 year old white female and her concern for women's health was weight. She is concerned with her weight and said that she felt most women are more concerned than men. She feels she cannot do certain exercisesand that makes her feel like a failure. Not only does she have the stress of being overweight, but she also has low self-esteem because of it. She said that even shopping for clothes makes her uncomfortable because she's worried what the sales people might be thinking.
I talked with a 37 year old white female and she was concerned with osteoporosis. She said she would like to live to be in her 90's but has a fear of getting this disease and being debilitated. Osteoporosis is more common in women due to lack of bone loss. Even though exercising helps retain bone, there is no way of avoiding getting osteoporosis.
My third interview was with a 31 year old hispanic female. Her concern is with the lack of money alot of hispanic women have to go get check-ups. Most hispanic women do not have insurance so they will not seek medical attention when they need to. By the time they do get to the doctor or hospital, then they may have more health problems than if they went when they first starting getting sick.
I believe that if women also feel like they do have to be responsible for their families so they put their own health issues aside in order to make sure their families are taken care of.
I interviewed a 66 year old white female and her concern for women's health was weight. She is concerned with her weight and said that she felt most women are more concerned than men. She feels she cannot do certain exercisesand that makes her feel like a failure. Not only does she have the stress of being overweight, but she also has low self-esteem because of it. She said that even shopping for clothes makes her uncomfortable because she's worried what the sales people might be thinking.
I talked with a 37 year old white female and she was concerned with osteoporosis. She said she would like to live to be in her 90's but has a fear of getting this disease and being debilitated. Osteoporosis is more common in women due to lack of bone loss. Even though exercising helps retain bone, there is no way of avoiding getting osteoporosis.
My third interview was with a 31 year old hispanic female. Her concern is with the lack of money alot of hispanic women have to go get check-ups. Most hispanic women do not have insurance so they will not seek medical attention when they need to. By the time they do get to the doctor or hospital, then they may have more health problems than if they went when they first starting getting sick.
I believe that if women also feel like they do have to be responsible for their families so they put their own health issues aside in order to make sure their families are taken care of.
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