Blog 15: Final Reflection

Thinking back over the course of this semester, my understanding and concern for women's health has expanded. My own self awareness and self worth has been strengthened as a result of the topics presented in this course. I am proud to be able to walk away from this course with a greater respect for global women's health. I can hardly believe that the course is about to end. I have truly enjoyed the subject matter and learning tools utilized this semester.
The course has engaged me in every way possible. I have laughed, cried, clinched my teeth in anger and even vowed to make some personal changes in  my own life. I never expected to discuss half of the topics presented this semester. The topics which evoked the most interest were those of a controversial nature affecting women worldwide. The module which presented the truth surrounding sex trafficking was the most memorable to me. I was shocked to find out how this horrifying lifestyle was being forced on women from different backgrounds (either by coercion or deception). Female genital mutilation was also a difficult subject to discuss. Becoming aware of the brutality inflicted on these victims was overwhelming.
There were several topics discussed this semester in which I would need to write a book to reflect on. The weekly blogs were especially special because they allowed me to connect with my peers and build relationships that may last a lifetime. I am definitely pleased with the way the course unfolded and I would recommend it to anyone with a desire to work with the public in the future.
Martinetta V.

Blog 14: What are some possible strategies for women to use in finding balance in their professional, educational and personal lives?

Finding a balance between personal and professional life obligations can be a very difficult task. There are many factors to consider throughout this process. Many of us fail to determine which of our choices take precedence or priority in our lives. I believe in order to find a balance between these things an individual must access which obligation is most important to them. In our society, it is not uncommon to literally, "want it all"; an education, a fabulous career and a family. Managing these things require great prioritizing and organizational skills. In my experience, life does not always unfold according to plan, but being able to set priorities does limit the amount of stress one experiences. Time management skills also contribute to the success of balancing various life obligations. Daily activities require aggressive time management in order to balance out successfully. It is important for individuals to focus on those activities that are necessary and eliminate those that are not. As women, we sometimes take on more activities than we can handle, which causes lots of stress. It is important that we learn how to balance our time better. It is ok to reduce the stress of time management by saying "no" when additional obligations become to much to handle. It is also ok to ask family for help through certain situations. The love and support of family and friends can make a world of difference in finding a balance between ones professional, educational and personal lives.
Martinetta   

Blog 13: Jail or mandatory rehab for drug addicts

Drug addiction is a serious condition in which many people in our society are affected by. Aside from the uncontrollable cravings and the individual effects these substances have on the human body, drugs cause drastic psychological changes in the lives of the abuser. Often addicts will do any and everything to satisfy a drug/alcohol craving. Lying, stealing and killing all lie within the scope of character for a drug addict. Frequent run-ins with the law become common experiences for most addicts. The question then becomes, Is jail or mandatory drug rehab more appropriate for drug addicts?
Jail provides only a short term solution to what is a very long term problem. Even more so, many convicted criminals confirm that drugs can be obtained in jail just as easily as they could on the outside.The fact that jail is the most common punishment for abusers who commit crimes, and drug rates are still increasing, makes this question easy to answer.
I definitely believe that mandatory rehabilitation is a better alternative than jail for drug addicts. In my opinion, any condition which causes a person to be obsessed with an action or behavior is a mental illness. Addicts suffer from a mental illness that requires aggressive treatment to combat. This treatment should be carried out in specialized facilities with specially trained personnel providing the care. Since addiction is a condition that can be overcome, it is realistic to provide opportunity for recovery in a drug rehabilitation program. This will not only benefit the drug addict but it will also benefit society as it will allow the addict to transition back to a place of wellness and productivity.
Martinetta

Blog12: Mental health

The stigma of mental health disorders cause a great deal of strain on the lives of individuals who suffer from them. Despite the issue of having to live with and manage these conditions, individuals also face the burden of being judged by society based on a biological trait in which they have no control over. Many people associate mental illness, with weakness or negative actions. In our society, violence and danger seems to consume our thoughts when we think of a person with a mental health disorder. This causes victims to be angry, ashamed and self concious. For these reasons, individual's with mental health issues may choose not to seek treatment (MayoClinic, 2009).
In order to reduce the stigma and shame that surrounds mental illness, society must begin to respect those individuals who suffer from these conditions. Instead of teasing and living in fear around these individuals, we must take the time to become educated on their condition. There are many misconceptions about individuals with mental health issues; the key is to become educated and embrace these individuals as productive members of society.

Reference:
MayoClinic. (2009). Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mental-health/MH00076

Blog 11: Living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Chronic illnesses are no doubt a major problem in many parts of the developed and under developed world. Living with a chronic illness is a tough experience for any individual. These conditions are so prevalent that we all know at least one person living with some type of chronic disease.  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and destruction of healthy tissue in the body. The destruction occurs most commonly in the skin, joints and blood (Lupus Foundation of America, 2010). This disease is more common in women than in men.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Debra, a 60 year old, African American female, living with SLE.When asked to describe living with such a debilitating disease, Debra responded, there are definitely some good and bad days living with this condition. She stated, "I was diagnosed with the condition when I was 35 years old, therefore, I've experienced many flare up and remission periods. I asked Debra to describe in detail how she feels during a typical flare up. She described being limited in her ability to perform daily activities. Pain is usually the cause of her limitation. Debra stated, at times she has felt like her skin was on fire due to the inflammation caused by her condition. She is very weak and tired during these periods and it is hard for her to get out of bed. Debra has been taking steroid medication (prednisone) for over 20 years for her illness. She states, this medication is the only thing that gives her the strength she needs to get up and move about. She is admitted into the hospital at least once a year for IV therapy, when she is unable to get proper relief at home. When the disease is in remission, she usually has no trouble enjoying life. I asked Debra, what she does to achieve extended remission periods. She admits, in the past she only relied on medication to help her, but recently she has started eating better and attending water aerobics. Although, initially she was not convinced any change in her behavior would help, she now realizes that she was wrong, because she has not been admitted to the hospital for this condition in the last year.Debra encourages anyone suffering from a chronic condition to do their best to ensure a better quality of life by becoming more active. I agree, it's worth it.

References: 
Lupus Foundation of America. (2010). Understanding lupus. Retrieved from http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_learnunderstanding.aspx?articleid=2232&zoneid=523

Blog 10: How does heart disease manifest differently in women than men?

Many are aware that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women worldwide (Alexander, LaRosa, Bader, Garfield & Alexander, 2010). Despite advances in technology and increasing knowledge, many disparities exist between the manifestation of heart disease amongst women versus men. Research has shown women to be affected with heart disease at later stages than men (Brower, 2002). I believe this may be related to a delayed response to early symptoms. Female symptoms related to heart attacks are frequently different from those of men, which makes the condition difficult to diagnose. Classic symptoms found in men such as chest  pain, shoulder pain and shortness of breath are accompanied by nausea, fatigue and dizziness in women (Medline Plus, 2010). Furthermore, many women may delay going to the doctor in response to certain health stressors due to other familial obligations or lack of knowledge regarding these warning signs.
According to Medline Plus (2010) women admitted for a heart attack die at higher rates than men admitted for the same condition. Women also have higher risk of complications following a heart attack versus men (Brower, 2002). Due to these disparities, it is important for women to understand early warning signs and risk factors associated with heart disease. The key to reducing the overwhelming effects of heart disease on womens health is education. It is never too early to start protecting our hearts by becoming aware of those things that put us at risk the most. I'd like to think that a smarter mind makes a stronger heart.

References:
Alexander, L., LaRosa, J., Bader, H., Garfield, S. & Alexander, W. (2010). New dimensions in womens health, (5th Ed.). Sudbury, MA.: Jones and Bartlett Publishers

Brower, V. (2002). Sex matters. Retrieved on November 5, 2010 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1307609/

Medline Plus. (2010). Heart disease and women. Retrieved on November 2, 2010 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007188.htm

Blog 9: What influence the media has on our bodies

Like it or not the media has a big influence on the way women perceive their bodies. We all notice the way that almost every add on T.V. seems to portray women in a glamorous, but unrealistic manner. I say unrealistic because the women presented in most ads are not portrayed in the image of the average woman. Most of the ads represent women who are size two and under. It is unrealistic for every woman to be viewed as being extremely thin. These types of images tend to make most women and young girls insecure about their bodies. These days getting plastic surgery is like getting a tattoo. So many of us see these unattainable bodies in the media and we think that we have to duplicate them in order to be considered beautiful. Beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes, but it would never be evident if we continue to let the media set the standard for what beauty is. Health educators are presented with the challenges of influencing individual lifestyles through education on a daily basis. They must start by building self esteem programs within the community. Health educators can also advocate against adds that have been technologically altered to portray false images of women. Young girls are affected the most because they do not understand the extend to which these images are changed before being displayed. Women must be taught at early ages to love themselves and to embrace their bodies in order to change the way they perceive themselves in the media.
Although for years the media has negatively influenced women perceptions of their bodies, they have recently made some attempts to change. For example, Tyra Banks has attempted to change the face of beauty by providing opportunities for women of different shapes, sizes and color on her show "America's Next Top Model". Full figured models are more accepted today than they were years ago. I believe the key to changing the standard view of what beauty is, lies in seeing diverse portrayals of it on a regular basis.
Martinetta Victorian 

Blog 8: Societal images of menopause, aging and older women

For many years, our society has viewed the aging process as a negative marker in a female's life. To some, it is seen as the end of a female's youth and beauty all together. Menopause or " the change" is the part of aging that brings forth these disturbing thoughts. According to Alexander, LaRosa, Bader, Garfield & Alexander (2010),in the United States, menopause is a difficult experience for women. Physical and emotional changes have made it hard for women to embrace the experience with open arms. I must admit, previously, when thinking about a menopausal woman, I would imagine a female who was depressed and agitated all the time. These thoughts were mostly due to images portrayed in the media.
In recent years there has been a change in the way the media portrays this process. I have viewed several ads which celebrate the aging process. Many of those ads use celebrities to relate to the public. HRT ads use celebrity spokeswomen who have reached menopausal age to relate to everyday women in society. I believe that this marketing tactic has been beneficial in changing the way society as a whole view this topic. After all, menopause is a natural experience and like child birth it should be welcomed. The key is to provide resources for women to deal with the changes at various levels. Menopause is not the end of a female's life. It is simply one experience within the aging process. There are so many other positive experiences that can be associated with age such as, family,love, strength and wisdom to name a few. I hope that one day our society can move pass the changes in appearance and focus on other positive aspects of aging.
References:
Alexander, L., LaRosa, J., Bader, H., Garfield, S., & Alexander, W. (2010). New dimensions in women's   health (5th ed.). Sunbury, MA.: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Blog 7: Advice to a friend suspecting an STD

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major health concern in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (2008), there are approximately 19 million new cases each year. This trend is affecting women at higher rates than men (CDC, 2008). I believe the first step in reducing the spread of STDs is encouraging testing. If I were approached by a friend or relative who suspected she had a sexually transmitted disease, without hesitation I would immediately advise the individual to get tested. I would be careful not to pass judgement, because obviously, if this person came to me with her problem, she feels a sense of trust amongst the relationship. I would do my best to persuade her to make the rational decision of getting tested and treatment immediately.  It is important for all women who are sexually active to be tested for STDs routinely and even more so when they are having symptoms. I would inform my friend of the risk involved in not being tested, such as, she may spread the disease to other partners, she may not be able to conceive in the future or it may cause cancer if left untreated (Avert, n.d.). Approximately 24,000 women in the U.S. become infertile due to undiagnosed and untreated STDs (CDC,2008). 

Embarrassment can me a major contributor to the decision not to be tested for an STD. If my friend's fear was related to embarassment, I would advise her that everything she discusses with her healthcare provider is confidential and that the provider deals with these health issues all the time. STDs are never a welcomed experience, but it is important to get the proper treatment as soon as possible for best results. The fear of the unknown is natural, but it is better to know than not for a number of reasons. The following link would be helpful for those without a primary care provider, looking for a free local testing center http://yourstdhelp.com/free_clinic_locator.html

References:

Avert. (n.d.). Teens & sexually transmitted diseases. Retrieved on October 13, 2010 from http://www.avert.org/teens-diseases.htm 

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (2008). Sexually transmitted diseases. Data & statistics. Retrieved on October 13, 2010 from http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats08/trends.htm

Blog 6: Top 10 questions during pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting and anxious experience for any newly expecting mother to be. There are many questions that arise about what to expect over the course of the pregnancy. Physical and emotional changes are especially concerning for mothers to be. The following questions are a list of concerns new mothers may pose during the course of a pregnancy.
1. How much weight will I gain?
Weight gain during pregnancy depends on a number of factors including how much you weighed before becoming pregnant. Usually the amount of recommended weight gain for females with a normal pre pregnancy weight is between 25-35 pounds, 28-40 pounds for women underweight and 15-25 pounds for overweight women (Mayo Clinic, 2010).
2. Can I excercise during pregnancy?
Yes, the right type of excercise is encouraged during pregnancy. Yoga, swimming and walking are recommended. High impact excercise such as, jogging, lifting, sit ups, etc. should be avoided during pregnancy (Kids Health, 2010).
3. Can I work during pregnancy?
Yes, it is ok to work during pregnancy as long as you feel capable. Pregnancy may causes challenges in the work environment. It is important to keep safety in mind when performing work related duties (Mayo Clinic, 2010).
4. Can I drink coffee during pregnancy?
It is important to speak with your healthcare provider about this concern since it is unclear of how much caffeine is in one cup of coffee. Usually one cup of coffee a day is ok but caffeine levels vary depending on the company producing the product. Research has shown that excess caffeine can contribute to complications ion pregnancy, including miscarriages (Kids Health, 2010).
5. Are prenatal vitamins necessary during pregnancy?
Yes because they provide supportive nutrients our bodies need to maintain health during pregnancy which we may not consume in our daily diet (Mayo Clinic, 2010).
6. Is sex safe during pregnancy?
Yes, as long as there is no indication of complications during the pregnancy and as long as there is a desire to have sex it is fine. It may become uncomfortable in the later stages of pregnancy (Mayo Clinic, 2010).
7. Is it ok to wear heels during pregnancy?
Yes, as long as you remain comfortable.  Generally heels are ok if worn early in the pregnancy but since our center of gravity changes as pregnancy progressess we may not be able to balance ourselves properly in heels. It is better to be safe but it depends on the individual (Lynch as cited by Baby Center, 2010)
8. Are hot baths safe during pregnancy?
It is ok to take a hot bath during pregnancy, however the water temperature should not exceed the normal body temperature, if it does it can cause the body temperature to increase and cause the baby's oxygen supply to decrease (Guise as cited by  Baby Center, 2010).
9. Is it safe to sleep on my stomach during pregnancy?
Sleeping on the stomach is fine in the early stages of pregnancy because the uterus is still protected by the pubic bone. However, as the pregnancy progresses it will become uncomfortable, not to mention it may compress the vessels leading to the baby's oxygen supply (Lynch as cited by Baby Center, 2010).
10. Is it safe to take tylenol for headaches during pregnancy?
Yes, tylenol is safe as long as you do not exceed the recommended doseage. Excessive amounts can cause liver damage and also birth defects to your baby (Ruggiero, as cited by Baby Center, 2010).

References:
Baby Center. (2010). Pregnancy. Is it safe? Retrieved on October 7, 2010 from http://www.babycenter.com/is-it-safe

Kids Health. (2010). Questions & answers. Pregnancy & infants. Retrieved on October 7, 2010 from http://kidshealth.org/parent/question/

Mayo Clinic. (2010). Pregnancy week by week. Healthy pregnancy. Retrieved on October 7, 2010 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy-weight-gain/PR00111

Blog 5/ Thoughts about having children

When I was a young girl, I can remember wanting to grow up and be just like my mom. For most of my childhood my mother was a single mom who made caring for her seven children her number one priority. She made sure we had everything we needed and that we worried about nothing. Although my mom was and is the best mom ever, there was always a part of me that wished my dad could have resided in the household with us. I believe that if and when two people decide to have kids both parents should be prepared to raise those kids together. Notice I stated "when two people decide to have kids", because it takes two people to produce a child. I have always believed that bringing a new life into the world should be a planned effort. A child may not always have the best, but they should always have the right to be raised by two loving parents.  Maybe it's just me, but I still believe in tradition; meeting someone, falling in love, getting married and then starting a family. I do understand that we do not live in a perfect world and things happen. However, people (both men and women) need to be held accountable for their actions and realize that life is a serious matter and once a new one is brought into the world it deserves to be loved and cared for by both parents responsibly.   
Martinetta Victorian

Blog 4/ Sex education in public schools

Sex education in our public school system is definitely a health topic in which I feel strongly about. While I do believe that the topic of sex should be introduced at home, I also feel that the need to reinforce the topic in other settings (especially school) is just as important. In this day in time it is not enough for parents to just talk to their children about sex and believe that they have covered every angle. The topic is so complex that it requires a well developed program that will be beneficial for teens at  every learning level. Growing up, my mother conformed to a very authoritative parenting style and certain topics, such as sex were not discussed. Even though the subject of sex was taboo in my home, being exposed to the topic in school helped me to develop an understanding of the risk associated with the behavior so that I could make an informed decision  on my own. I believe that the abstinence - plus approach is the best plan when implementing sex education in public schools. The fact is, no matter how well we think we know our teens, at the end of the day they will make their own decisions regarding their sexual behavior. I definitely agree that abstinence is the most effective prevention strategy but other options must be communicated as well if we want to see a decline in teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The media portrays sex as a celebration, it is important that our teens know and understand the real facts about sex and I believe that school is a good place to learn them. 
Martinetta Victorian

Blog 3: Encouraging adolescent healthy behavior

The million dollar question on the minds of many concerned parents is, "How do we encourage healthy behaviors amongst our youth? As a mother of two young children, I face the challenge of trying to address this issue on a daily basis. I am aware that because of the ages of my children I currently have the sole responsibility of making sure that they live healthy lifestyles. I try to provide healthy choices for my children on a daily basis so that eating healthy and being active will become second nature to them as they grow. I believe that if parents start being conscious about encouraging good health behavior at an early age then it will be more effective as time progress. We as parents are the biggest role models for our children. Most of the time children behave the way their parents behave. If we as parents live healthier and practice good health behavior then our children will do the same. The best advice that I can give a parent struggling with this issue is to make it a family initiative. Lets get involved in our children lives and find out what they like and dislike so that healthy behavior can become a way of life and not just another chore.
Martinetta Victorian 

Blog 2/ Is access to healthcare a right or a privilege?

Access to healthcare is a complex issue in which many Americans share different opinions. Depending on how you look at the word privilege, several thoughts come to mind. When I hear the word privilege, I think of an advantage one may have. As for healthcare, unfortunately many people do not share the same advantages. I definitely believe that in this country healthcare is a privilege, not a right, which it should be. Living in a country where dreams do come true, it is hard to believe that millions of people suffer from limited or no access to healthcare. Many vulnerable groups, especially children have to deal with such a devastating reality on a daily basis. It is easy to say that adults should be held accountable for lifestyle choices that has affected their health, but what about the children? Unfortunately, disease does not have an age limit and it affects all people from all socioeconomic states. Even when we follow recommendations provided for maintaining optimal health, sometimes life intervenes and causes certain conditions to develop anyway. There is obviously no quick fix for the state of our healthcare system, but as a future healthcare professional I am very passionate about advocating for access to healthcare to become a right for all who needs it.

Blog# 1/ HS 3133

Over the past few years there has been a continuing buzz in the media surrounding the alarming increase in the rate of childhood obesity. As a mother of two growing young children, this is a health issue that is of great concern to me. Some people may feel that it is the parents responsibility to make sure children are not overweight. I believe that childhood obesity requires collective actions from all members of a childs community, including school officials, teachers, daycare providers, etc.  As a young mother, I must admit there are times when I choose convenient or less expensive meals over healthy ones, but I try to balance that out with an active lifestyle.
I recently spoke with two young women whose health concerns were very different from my own. The first young lady, a 25 year old college graduate stated, "Being a single female I am terrified to date anyone new because of the increased spread of HIV". She expressed how she is at the age where she is ready to meet someone and start a family but the rate of the disease is so overwhelming it limits her choices for companionship.  The second female, a 41 year old high school counselor was concerned about teen pregnancy. She advised, in her line of work she encounters young people who are sexually active on a daily basis. She stated, "it seems as if teen pregnancy has become the thing to do these days". There are so many young girls having unprotected sex and not considering the longterm consequences of their actions. She went on to express how it breaks her heart to know that some young girls strive to become teen moms instead of educated young women.
There are so many health issues that touch different individuals in different ways. I believe we all share similar concerns when it comes to health practices amongst our youth.