Blog 15 Interesting or Impactful Aspects

The most interesting and impactful aspects of this course have been learning about various women's diseases, such as mental disorders and their effects on women's lives, nutrition, exercise, and eating disorders and their effect on the lives of so many women in the world. There is no way that I would have learned all of these things, if I hadn't taken this course. Studying the food pyramid and learning about the proper foods to eat has an a tremendous impact on my ability to implement an effective diet and exercise regiment and to remain faithful to it. Even though, I took this course as an elective, I am so grateful to have obtained the extensive knowledge and insight into so many important, vital aspects of life in general.

Blog 14 Reducing The Risk Of Assault

I chose option # 1---What can a woman do to reduce her risk of assault? One of the key safety precautions that a woman can take to reduce the risk of assault is to avoid going places alone, such as malls, bars, sporting events and numerous other places. Sex offenders prey on females traveling alone. She can also avoid picking up hitchhikers. A countless number of women have lost their lives, picking up strangers. A woman can also park her car in well-lighted areas with security cameras to reduce the risk of assault. Another extremely important rule to follow is to always have her keys in her hand upon approaching her vehicle. They can be used as a weapon to ward off the attacker. A long time ago, people used to believe that if a woman dressed conservatively, instead of provacatively, that it would reduce the risk of assault. That turned out to be a myth. No matter what type of clothing a woman wears, if a predator encounters her traveling alone, especially in secluded places, he will assault her.

Blog 13 Problem with Alcohol or Drugs

It is definitely a sign of strength for a woman to admit that she has a problem with alcohol or drugs. It takes a considerable amount of courage for a woman to admit that she could be addicted to controlled substances. At first, it might be difficult to admit, because to admit that she has a problem, to some women, is a sign of weakness. The first step to recovery is to admit that she has a problem and solicit the aid of family, friends, and a drug/alcohol treatment facility to overcome the addiction. Once she enters the treatment program, she should continue, until it is complete. Once she completes the drug/alcohol program, she can remain drug-free by distancing herself from environments that contain the substances.

Blog # 12 Shame and Stigma of Mental Illness

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mental illness, there is no reason to be ashamed. Millions of people suffer from some type of mental illness. You should get the appropriate treatment for it. Don't let the fear or anticipation of being stigmatized prevent you from seeking treatment for your illness. Surround yourself with supportive people; because, stigma can lead to social isolation. It is very important to stay in touch with family and friends, who are understanding. Isolation can make you feel even worse. Make your expectations known. People may not know how to support you, even if they want to help. Offer specific suggestions and remind people of appropriate language. Share your experiences with others. Speaking at events can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and also educate the public aboout mental illness. Until you gain confidence, you may want to start at small events, such as talks at a support group or a local chapter of a national advocacy group.
In conclusion, you should join a support group. Some local and national groups have programs to watch for and correct archaic stereotypes, misinformation and disrespectful portrayals with mental illness. That will alleviate or eliminate the shame and stigma associated with the illness.

Blog # 11

I chose option # 1. I have started eating more fruits and vegetables, instead of fried fatty foods and deserts. I have also started exercising more, using the Leslie Sansone, walk away the pounds video tapes that I have. There is is series of three videos. The first one is one-mile, the second one is two-miles, and the third one is three-miles. I have began using the one-mile video first; and, I will gradually work my way up to the two-mile and then the three-mile, consulting with my physician all the way; because, I have heart problems. I have stopped eating late at night, past 6 p.m. That was a terrible habit, that I had developed; because, the body is less-active, late at night. One of the main things that I can do better is to join an exercise group, such as Curves, so that I will have others to exercise with, in order to receive the maximum amount of motivation, that I need to continue, to reach my goal. I have also enlisted the aid of my daughter, who is a clinical psychologist, in preparing a variety of healthy foods, by supplying me with various recipes, that she has, so that I will not get bored, by eating the same foods.

Factors Contributing To Healthy Choices

Some of the most important factors that contribute to making healthy decisions in life are the desire to live longer for yourself, as well as your family, and to serve as a role model for people with unhealthy eating habits. The best ways to avoid cardiovascular disease and cancer are to eat healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, avoid smoking and get yearly physical examinations. It will encourage them to do the same thing. Seeing others die of cardiovascular disease and cancer, especially at an early age, from smoking and eating foods that are high in cholesterol should definitely motivate you to seriously take care of your body.

Challenges to Regular Exercise and Diet

Some of the biggest challenges that I face to regular exercise and a healthy diet are maintaining the motivation to continue them, once I have started, avoiding deserts, bread, and the practice of eating late at night, after I get home from work. Each time that I've started a diet, after the first week, I get bored with it, and find a million and one excuses to discontinue the exercise and diet program. One of the last biggest challenges, that I face, is being able to proportion my foods in moderation. I love good food; and, I love to eat.
Over the next five years, I plan to join an exercise group, such as Curves, so that I will have other people to motivate me. I also plan to avoid eating deserts made with sugar and other fatty foods. One of the main things that I plan to do is to stop eating late at night and to alleviate eating after 6 P.M. , as suggested by the dietician that I used to visit.