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.

Getting Old

One of the main things that bothers me most about getting old is the fact that the rate of metabolism gets slower; because, the slower the rate of metabolism, the harder it is to shed unwanted pounds. Another concern that I have about gettiing old is the possibility of getting Alzheimer's disease. I am terrified of the thought of memory loss associated with it.
One of the most satisfying thoughts of aging is the on-set of menopause, and the reality of the dismissal of the dreaded monthly period. Having already gone through menopause is wonderful.
Another great aspect of getting old is being more experienced and wiser regarding decision-making ordeals. The best advantage of all, is being able to retire from work; after, many long, hard years on the job.

STD's In Society

I have always equated STD's with immorality, promiscuous behavior, and low social status, until about a year and half ago. My sister was constantly feeling tired and weak. She went to her physician; and, they drew blood and conducted a series of tests. They told her that she had Hepatitis C. They asked her if she had used drugs or shared needles with anyone, or had surgery in recent years. She stated, "I have never used drugs; but, I did have surgery about two years ago." The physician told her that she had obviously contracted Hepatitis C through the blood that was given to her after her surgery. She lost a lot of blood, and was given four pints. She had to take strong, expensive medication, and take shots twice a day for one year; because, of the hospital staff's negligence in testing the blood, that was given to her. So, after that, I stopped associating STD's with immorality, promiscuous behavior, and low social status. I knew that she has never been that way at all. It is very easy to believe that someone with an STD has been having sex with multiple partners and are lower class individuals, most of the time, it is true, but not in all cases.

Prenatal Testing

Prenatal testing should be done on all pregnant women in order to alleviate, if not eliminate conplicated pregnancies. If there are any embryo abnormalities, the prenatal testing procedure will enable the parents to be aware of the problem before the infant is born, so that they can prepare themselves for caring for the infant properly. In today's society, with advanced technology easily accessible, there is no reason for pregnant women not to receive prenatal testing.

Decisions For Childbirth

I chose question # 2. I inerviewed my daughter, psychologist, Cassaundra Murray of Danville, Kentucky. Her decision to not have children yet is based solely on her career and lifelong goals. She wants to get her psychologist license and establish a private practice before having a child. Cassaundra stated that a professional should reach their potentials first, and then have a child within three to five years afterwards. She will obtain her license in the Fall of 2007, set up her private practice and then focus on having a child within three years afterward. She said that she knows that she doesn't have a long time to wait, because she is now thirty-four years old. But, she must fullfill her lifelong ambition first and foremost.

Sex Education In Schools

Sex education should definitely be taught in schools. Young people should be educated on the dangerous consequences of casual sex. They should be taught to avoid succumming to peer pressure regarding sex. They should practice abstinence before marriage.

Encouraging Healthy Habits

We can encourage adolescents to follow health behaviors by adopting healthy living habits. Adolescents are very impressionable; and they imitate whatever adults do, whether good or bad. We, as adults, should eat healthy foods (lots of fruits and vegetables) and encourage adolescents to do the same. We should also exercise reguarlly, and implement a group exercise program for them to join.