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.