Blog #14 Sexual Assault

Women are seen as the weaker gender by most people, even women themselves. Women are attacked and assaulted in America more often than men. “Women and girls up to 12 years of age, annually reported about 500,000 rapes and sexual assault, almost 500,000 robberies, and about 3.8 million assaults” (Vision Website, 2007). I have not seen the statistics but I have heard many times that sexual and physical assaults are generally committed by a person the victim knows. Most statistics do not even account for the women and girls who do not report assaults. Some women are afraid they will be judged for reporting. People will think they were asking for it or they are being weak as usual. I believe this is the fear of women and why many assaults go unreported.

Ways to reduce assaults:

• Women should be aware of their surroundings (ex. do not be in a place in which you are unfamiliar, unless accompanied by other people).
• Stay in lit areas
• walk in groups
• lock house and cars, have keys ready to get into both as well
• be prepared wherever you go, have a plan
• carry a cell phone, if possible
• have someone know where you are at all time, in case you are late or missing, they will know where you are
• be weary of strangers

References

www.http://soundvision/info/misc/wvastst.asp 2007

Blog #13 Weakness/ Strength in Women

My personal belief is a women is not weak is she admits to having an alcohol or drug problem. I do however believe that many women who have such problems feel weak and inferior for seeking help or admitting to their problems. I can see women thinking they need to be strong and take care of their families. Maybe because of these fears they may not want to seek the help they desperately need. I know many women personally that have both alcohol and drug problems. From my personal experience I can see it is harder to diagnose women with alcohol or drug problems than in men. They usually hide their problems well until they hit rock bottom.

I believe it takes a great deal of strength for anyone to admit they have trouble with alcohol or drugs. After admitting to the problem you have to then seek help which can prove to be even more difficult. I feel society has put this pressure on women to be stronger now because if not they are as weak as men perceive them to be anyways. One guy told me one time, “You need to be strong, especially if you want the same rights as men!” Can you believe that? I was shocked; needless to say I do not speak to that particular person anymore. I feel betrayed and saddened that this is the world I live in. A world in which a woman, or even a man for that matter, cannot ask for help without feeling like everyone will judge them. Some people are great and are not judgmental, but for the most part people are waiting for you to slip and mess up. Just because women admit they have a problem does not mean they are claiming weakness!

Blog #12 Eating Disorders

Dealing with eating disorders can be a complicated and hard issue to face for anyone. It can prove to be rather difficult in confronting people especially when you yourself do not have an eating disorder. If I suspected friend had an eating disorder I would first remember the problem does not necessarily revolve around food itself. The problem is usually emotional or stress issues caused by various environmental issues. Usually the person has issues with control.

• First off I would learn everything there is to know about eating disorders. Most people know bits and pieces of information but not full details
• I would let the person know I care for them and encourage them to get help
• I would back off if they started to get irritated, but not too far
• I would not tell them they have a problem but encourage them to find out if everything is okay
• I would not blame them or accuse them of anything
• I would make sure to not be judgmental and make the issue private
• I would avoid saying “just eat” or “don’t throw up”
• Support is one of the most important things, they might be angry at first but eventually they will see you are there to help

Blog #11 Living with your Future in mind

I believe that if people lived “with their future in mind”, they would exhibit extremely different habits and behaviors. Most people try and think about what their health future encompasses but it usually is not enough for them to quit their unhealthy behaviors. For instance a person who smokes knows that it is unhealthy and can cause further problems in the future but they still continue to smoke anyways. Another example is a person that is at risk for overweight or obesity. These people will most likely eat unhealthy food including junk food and fast food. Most of their food decisions will be unhealthy choices. They will also almost certainly not work out the proper amount they are supposed to be exercising.

Most men I know are afraid or worried about going to the doctor. Even for the smallest things. My boyfriend does not want to make an appointment even for a cold that he can not get rid of for a month, let alone see a physician for his regular prostate check up. Many men I know are “freaked-out” about getting their prostate checkups when the time comes. It is not always fear of the physician but mostly they are too proud to seek help for problems. I believe that this is why men typically pass away approximately seven years before women.

Even though most people live with their futures in mind they still will not change the harmful habits they have. I believe that if people would actually consider their future and act on it health wise then less people would be seeking medical help for illnesses such as cardiovascular problems, obesity, diabetes, etc.

Blog #10 Preventative Measures

Some preventative measures that I have set in motion for myself are simply. I do not exercise as much as I should but when I do I make sure and work out my cardiovascular system. The best way to work this system out is to use a trend mill, run, walk, jog, etc. These exercises work out the cardiovascular muscles and help to reduce many illnesses. Living a sedentary lifestyle cause a person to have a low physical activity and leads to cardiovascular disease. Being overweight is usually a problem when women do not exercise properly. Overweight and obesity can even cause more issues with cardiovascular disease. Eating properly can also persuade the risk for the disease. Certain fatty foods can eventually cause a build up in the arteries and cause high blood pressure and problems with cholesterol. Smoking cigarettes can also heighten the risk for cardiovascular diseases. One thing that women should be concerned with is their age. It is best to start working on your cardiovascular system as early as possible. As women get older the risk for cardiovascular elevates. Especially for women that have already reached menopause. They should also pay close attention to personal family history as far as genetic cardiovascular troubles. Race also plays an important role. Certain races are at a higher risk. Diabetes, which also is genetic, can influence the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Blog #9 Regular Exercise Schedule

The biggest challenge for my exercise schedule and habits is my daily schedule itself. I realize that this sounds funny but my life, just as many women I know, is very hectic. Not only do I have a full-time student but I work a full time job as well. At my job I coordinate and run a coffee/ice cream bar. For the most part I have a relatively easy job, but it also includes extremely demanding responsibilities. I stress over work just as much as I worry about my school work. I have worked with the same company for 6 years and take my job seriously. I do get some moderate exercise at work which includes, lifting, brisk walking, moving frequently, etc. I usually walk about 3-4 miles just at work in one day. Besides work and school, I have a son and a boyfriend that demand my time as well. I enjoy both dearly and love my social life, but this also includes daily work. I clean, cook and wash for the majority of the time. I do have help from my boyfriend and family, but I usually like to do most of the work myself. I feel that if I do something then I know that it is done the way that I like it to be done (or expect it to be done).

With all that said I find it hard to find the extra time to join a gym or even do small exercises at home. The small amount of time I have, besides cleaning, cooking, doing school work, going to school (I drive 50 minutes there and back), working, washing, social life, etc, I like to spend my free time with my son, boyfriend and family members. I often feel bad about not getting the proper exercise. At the same time I do realize that with a young child and moderate working conditions, I do get enough exercise that makes me happy.

In five years, I feel that things will be completely different. I should by that time have my degree and a 9-5 job. My son will also be older and in school himself. This should free more time for me to schedule in time to join a gym or do my own exercise at home. I am satisfied for the most part with the exercise that I receive today, but also realize that more would benefit me.

Blog #8 Getting Older

My feelings about getting older are not too different from most people I believe. Plenty of people are scared or afraid or aging. That’s not to say all people feel this way. My main concern is not the mental aging so much as the physical aging. Many women and men for that matter, in family seem to develop illnesses/diseases in late adulthood. As a result of these complications they usually live a short life. I suppose I’m worried about the idea of having illnesses when I get older. Even though my old age is quite a ways away, I’m afraid of developing them just as my family members have.

My grandmother (paternal) has lupus, diabetes and kidney failure. Her lupus causes all her joints to swell to the point that she is unable to do every day things. Diabetes makes her need to take insulin and causes her to have to monitor her blood sugar level extremely closely. When she was only 60 her kidneys start to breakdown. She now only has 10% use of kidneys. She has to go to dialysis 3 times a week. It takes a role on her body where she can hardly even stand after each treatment. Recently she was hospitalized because she acquired an infection in her blood. My mother also has lupus and diabetes. Most of the people in my family also struggle with overweight/obesity and high blood pressure.

On the other hand I am excited about aging. Even though I have been forced to age more quickly than normal due to life experiences, I am still young. I think the only way to learn is to live life to its fullest. As you age you learn new things and new experiences that only age can bring you. Now that I have my son, aging would mean that I can see him grow into his own person and develop his own life. I cannot wait to see him, walk, talk, go to school, graduate, get married, etc. That’s the one good thing I can see from aging.

Blog #7 STD Testing

Most people I know are afraid of contracting a STD. One person I know in particular had unsafe sex with a guy from a bar. She met him that night and decided to go home with him. It actually worked out for them in the end, because they started a relationship. However at the beginning she was afraid because not only did she sleep with him that night but she claimed they rushed in so quickly that they did not use a condom. I guess she was not positive that she had a STD based on symptoms but the fact that she was not sure “who” he had been with. I told her about a brochure I read. It stated that for every sexual partner you have you are sleeping with all their past partners and their past partners. Of course, she started stressing over the whole situation. I told her the best thing to do would be to get tested at the doctor’s office. Beyond my belief she was afraid to go to the doctor, stating that she did not want to be judged by the health professionals their. I proceeded to tell her that they may judge but it’s not their job to do so. Reluctantly she visited the office and everything thankfully turned out fine. I find it sad that people are afraid to go to the doctor because of fear of persecution. I hope that someday, somewhere doctor’s offices explain to people that they are not working there to judge people but provided medical and health assistance.

Blog #6 Prenatal Testing

I have different views on the various levels of prenatal testing. For the most part the tests are completely understandable and noninvasive. I feel the mother and father should determine which tests work for them and make them feel the most comfortable. Below I listed some prenatal tests, what they test and may choice in each one.

General testing includes:

• Urine Tests- “A urine test is used to assess bladder or kidney infections, diabetes, dehydration and pre-eclampsia by screening for high levels of sugars, proteins, ketones and bacteria” (American Pregnancy Association-APA, 2007). I was not worried about these tests because they are regularly requested by your doctor.
• Blood Tests- “Blood tests are used to glucose, iron and hemoglobin levels. A blood test is also used to assess whether you are immune to rubella, to see if you have a sexually transmitted disease, or to see if you have a toxoplasmosis infection. Blood tests can also be used to diagnose certain genetic diseases such as familial hypercholesterolemia, cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia, thalassemia, and Tay-Sachs disease” (APA, 2007). I only allowed these tests when it seemed important to me. For instance they do some blood tests that can be unnecessary because of false positives.
• Rh Factor Tests- “As part of your prenatal care, you will have blood tests to find out your blood type. If your blood lacks the Rh antigen, it is called Rh-negative. If it has the antigen, it is called Rh-positive” (APA, 2007). If you are positive then your body will act as though you are allergic to your baby and cause your body to reject the pregnancy. I did not even know that my doctor did this test until I received the bill from my insurance.
• Ultrasounds- “Ultrasounds are diagnostic procedures that detect or aid in the detection of abnormalities and conditions related to pregnancy” (APA, 2007). It would not be uncommon for ultrasounds to be preformed periodically throughout the pregnancy. Ultrasounds were no problem for me because I wanted to see my baby and make sure that his size was good for his term and to determine other abnormalities.

Other Invasive Testing includes:

• Amniocentesis- “Amniocentesis detects chromosome abnormalities, neural tube defects and genetic disorders. Down syndrome or Trisomy 21 is the most common chromosome abnormality. Genetic disorders include disorders like cystic fibrosis. The most common neural tube defect is spina bifida” (APA, 2007). This test is done at the request of the mother. She can refuse the test when it is offered. I denied this test because it can cause problems for the baby and can cause false positives anyways. I also did not want to know about down syndrome or other problems, because it may have caused me to be stressed the rest of the pregnancy.
• Glucose Challenge Screening & Glucose Tolerance Test (NST)- “The test evaluates how your body processes sugar. A high level in your blood may indicate that your body is not processing sugar effectively (positive test)” (APA. 2007). It was explained to me that this test was done to make sure your glucose levels are safe for the baby. Also the baby could contract diabetes if the blood sugar levels in your body were too high.
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)- “Chorionic villus sampling detects chromosome abnormalities (i.e. Down syndrome) and genetic disorders (i.e. cystic fibrosis.). This test is different from amniocentesis in that it does not allow for testing for neural tube defects” (APA, 2007).

Reference:

American Pregnancy Association- Prenatal Testing. (2007). Retrieved February 21, 2007 from http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/index.htm

Blog #5 Interview on Childbearing

The woman that I interviewed is an African American 28 year old. She is currently working on her masters’ and plans to someday get her doctorate as well. She has a nice little job at a hospital as a technician. She is also currently single. The woman explained to me that she is not thinking about children right now because she wants to finish all her school work, find a suitable partner and then start a family.

As the interview went on I expected her to say that she was glad that she had not had any children yet, but this changed course quick. She was telling me about an event that took place at her job. She was doing her everyday work and suddenly felt extremely tired and fatigue. As she stood up to go to the bathroom she realized that she was bleeding excessively from her pelvic area. As you can imagine she was quite alarmed a started for the restroom. The next thing she knew she woke up in the hospital. Her family was there and they started explaining what happened. Without her knowledge she had endometriosis. For those of you who do not know endometriosis is a common cause of infertility and causes tremendous pain in the pelvic area. Normally a woman with this disorder would have pain prior to the infertility but she never experienced the pain. Her family then told her that they had to do an emergency hysterectomy. She was sad and angry that her choice to have children was no longer an option.

I felt bad for this woman. She explained that sometimes she felt it was her own fault because she didn’t take advantage and the opportunity to have children. There wasn’t any way for her to know that this would happen to her. She wishes that she had children now and is not sure about adoption. She wants to be able to have kids from her own flesh and blood. I think every woman should consider the possibility of having children but at the same time understand that bearing a child is not ideal for everyone.

Blog #4 Menarche Experience

I went through my first menstrual cycle when I was in the sixth grade (probably 12 or so). It was a pretty frightening time because my parents were separated at the time. I was living with my dad in my hometown and my mom was living in another town at least 45 minutes away. It does not seem very far but it is when you are a young girl going through huge life changes without your mother. Don’t get me wrong she was a great mother, just not there the day I needed her. My sister, that is 5 years older than me was extremely busy with her own life. I remember that I noticed the change early in the morning and had to wait in my room until my sister got home from her basketball game. I started to cry and told her what was happening. I was not really scared just confused a little. My sister had to be the one that told my dad what was going on. My mom later confessed that she thought there would be more time for her to have “the talk”. So I would not say that it was a positive or negative experience. I do believe that mothers, father, or any other legal guardians should be sure and speak with young girls about this moment in life. You learn very little and inaccurate information from your peers. It can be a scary time for young girls, so we should make it an easier process.

Blog #3 Preventive Practices

When I was younger I was not usually concerned with most of theses practices. I ate whatever I wanted, didn't exercise, didn't wear my seat belt every time, etc. Once I graduated high school I ate fast food at least 2 times a day and drank sodas all the time. Because I was hardly physically active and ate so horrible I gained 46 pounds fast. Once I transferred to Texas Woman's University and enrolled in the Health studies classes I started to change my lifestyle.

1. I eat a lot better than I use to however, I still probably to don't get the required amount of all the food groups. I try harder than in the past though. Since I was pregnant I started to take my prenatal vitamins. Even now I am nursing so I still take the prenatal vitamins.

2.My job is moderate exercise. I have to walk briskly, lift heavy items and products, and move at a fast pace. Other than that I deep clean my apartment at least once a week, sometimes more that that. I try to walk around my apartment complex when I have a chance. Taking care of my newborn is pretty moderate work as well.

3. Sleep is the one thing I lack. Between school, work, and Hayden I have little time to shut my eyes. When I do get sleep it's only a few hours at a time, then I'm awake again. I might get 8 hours of sleep in a day but it's divided into smaller naps. Because of this I never really get a good REM sleep.

4. I used to smoke cigarettes when I was younger, but soon decided that they made me feel worse than when I didn't smoke.

5. I like to drink wine with my dinner and do have drinks at an occasionally outing with friends or family. I admit that I have gotten drunk but this hardly ever happens anymore. No time for drinking and partying! :)

6. Since I am nursing my doctor put me on the "mini pill", which is birth control for breastfeeding mothers. Regular birth control dries up the milk.

7. I am horrible at managing stress. I would mostly characterize myself as a Type A personality. Which basically means that I always stress about everything. I can't seem to help thinking about all my problems at the same time and worrying that everything will go wrong or not work itself out. I think the only way things will get done are by me doing them and making sure they are done my way. This makes for some stressful days.

8. When I met my boyfriend, Steve, I started wearing my seat belt every time I'm in the car. Before it was only every once in a while. But he wouldn't move the car until I buckled up. After a while it started to be habit. I don't drive if I know that I have had too much to drink and encourage others to be the same way.

9. I try to handle problems in a nonviolent method. I have never hit someone in a fight or argument.

10. I have a regular OBGYN, physician, dentist, optometrist, and pediatric doctor for my son.

Blog #2 Healthcare Access: Right or Privilege?

After reading the question, “Do you believe that access to healthcare is a right or a privilege?” I found myself unsure as to which side I was for. The question seems simple to answer and I was sure that I knew the answer right away. After further consideration I decided to first define “right” and “privilege”. According to American Heritage Dictionary, a right is defined as, “That which is just, morally good, legal, proper, or fitting” and privilege as, “a right or advantage gained by birth, social position, effort, or concession.”

I agree that free healthcare access should be a right and a privilege. It should be a right in the sense that you are born with the right to the healthcare access. Children should have the right because they are not asked to born into a certain type of family, so they should be given an opportunity to add to society. However, once they turn 18 they must now attend college or work somewhere in order to continue receiving health benefits. By doing this people would be contributing to society, thus making a better economy and country in my opinion. If you fail to maintain a job or attend school then your healthcare access will be taken away. As for people already over 18, they should maintain a job as well. Of course, there would be certain stipulations, such as if you were born with a handicap, extreme disease or disorder, etc. disabling them from working or attending college. I also would like to keep the Medicare for adults over 65 years of age. I do not think that healthcare should be based on income because not all people have the means to certain jobs. I know that this may seem harsh but I feel everyone should do their part.

Canada has a great program where everyone can receive a healthcare card. I believe that this program has many benefits but also comes with problems. Doctors from Canada end up coming to the states because they make more money and there is longer wait for doctors, MRI’s, Ct scans. Because of these reasons I feel that if everyone has a right to healthcare access in the states that we will soon see the same problems.

References:

Right. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Retrieved January 27, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Right

Privilege. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Retrieved January 27, 2007, from Dictionary.com website:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/privilege

Blog #1: Health Issue concerns for me

Health Issues that concern me include:

• Obesity: As a Hispanic women this is the most important concern of mine, since women in my family battle overweight and obesity. Many women and men have trouble with obesity. According to the CDC over 60 million people are obese. (CDC Website) When I graduated high school I gained almost 50 pounds. I was already a little overweight but this put me at a high risk of having serious health problems. With determination and hard work I lost 63 pounds in a year and a half. Not only has my quality of life improved physically but emotionally I feel like a better person. I feel better about myself and gained loads of confidence on many different levels.
  
• Stress Management: Students already have enough to deal with having deadlines and school work to worry about. I also work full time and just a baby. My time and stress levels are all over the place. I find it hard to have time for myself. Because of this my stress causes many problems. Stress can influence a number of health issues.
  
• Lupus: Both my mother and my grandmother suffer from Lupus. Since this health issue has been linked to genetic factors I am very concerned with this problem.
  

Health issues that concern other women:

1. April Palomino, Age 22 (Caucasian): April is most concerned with the issue of health insurance. She is currently in graduate school and cannot hold a full time job. Since she is married she cannot not be on her parents insurance . In order to have medical insurance she has to pay outrageous monthly payments. The part time job that she has onyl pays for her insurance every month. She is upset that all her money goes to one place, even though it's for a good reason.
2. Catherine Salguero, Age 28 (Hispanic): Catherine's health concerns included obesity and anemia. She is currently overweight and is afraid of becoming obese. She claims that she is constantly stressing over what she is eating, which can cause other health problems. Anemia is a concern of hers because her mother struggles with anemia. Because Catherine is anemic she cannot give blood as frequently as she would like. Furthermore, she is tired through most of the day even thorugh she has had ample sleep the night before. Anemia can cause other issues such as vision problems.
   

References:

Unknown Author. (2006). Overweight and Obesity: Home. Retrieved January 17, 2007, from
CDC Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/index.htm