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.