Blog #5: A devastating event

I chose to read the powerpoint posted by M. Kampschroeder on miscarriage. As a mother of three, I have never experienced such a devastating event, but I have been a part of someones life who has experienced this event on more than one occasion. And let me tell you it was such a horrible time. I wasn't quite sure how to handle it. I didn't know what to say to her or how to be there for her. All I could do was give her a shoulder to cry on. The powerpoint gave me a lot of insight on miscarriages. A very small percentage of pregnancies result in miscarriages. That would put anyone's mind at ease. Unfortunately this wasn't the case for my dear friend. She cried and cried. She would ask questions- why me? Why would God allow this to happen? Everything happens for a reason, what reason is this??? So many questions that I just couldn't answer for her. I felt helpless. After reading the slides, I know this is all a normal reaction to the loss of a fetus. It is okay for people to mourn. At the time I wish I had more knowledge on miscarriages, because I would have known what to say. I would have encouraged her to mourn and not feel guilt. I knew it was nothing she did. My challenge was getting her to realize that. To this day, she is trying to conceive. I pray each and everyday God will bless her with a child. The most important information I got from the slides was that women who experience multiply miscarriages will eventually have a healthy baby. This I hope one day will be what happens to my dear friend.

Blog 4

Sex education is very important to be taught to our adolescents. I think the abstinence plus education program needs to be initiated in all schools. It doesn't make sense not to teach our children all about sex, protection and STD's, they need to know it all. We need to give them the educational tools to make wise decisions and be responsible for those decisions. We are not going to be able to hold our children's hands their whole life. They need to be educated on the facts. Not only do I feel its the schools responsibility to educate, but I also feel it is the parents. Parents need to be able to feel comfortable about discussing sex with their children and if they aren't there are plenty of useful resources out there that parents can reach out too. Unfortunately for me growing up, the only thing that was ever taught to me in the public schools what not to have sex. That's it, nothing else was said about it. I turned to my parents to teach me all about sex. I was thankful that I had parents that felt comfortable discussing this with me. Not only where they there to educate me, they had were there to help me through the most difficult time of my life-getting pregnant at an early age. Not everyone is fortunate to have this in their life, that is why I feel the need for schools to play an important role in teens lives. Teen pregnancy is on the rise. Teens are having sex at younger ages, and STD's are continuing to occur more and more among this population. It is important for our public school systems to help sustain these numbers and teach sex education. I don't know for sure if implementing this education in schools will significantly decrease the numbers, but what I do know is that it will education our teens on the importance of safe sex and could possibly slow down the rates of teen pregnancy. This is what I hope for.

Blog #3

After rating myself on the Self Assessment of preventative practices, I was very impressed on how well I scored. Most of my answers were scored with a yes expect 2. Of course I already knew that my biggest problem is the way I eat. I tend to think that since I work out 4-5 days a week, I can eat anything I want. After reading so many articles about healthy eating habits, and seeing the affects of not eating healthy on your body, I have realized that this is not so. As of Monday I have made it a goal of mine to eat healthy. I plan to increase my protein intake and decrease fatty foods and food with alot of salt. I also know that I need to increase my vegetables and fruit. Currently my intake of veggies and fruit is low. I really don't understand why since I love just about every fruit. I have realized that I need to sent a good example for my children. I need to teach them at a early age the importance of eating healthy and being physically active. Child obesity is continuing to be a world wide problem and the importance of parents getting involved with there children and setting good examples is a key to reducing risks. Currently I work out 4-5 days a week. I am very consistent. I find this time to be a place where I can get away and feel good about myself. Working out is a stress reliever for me. I sleep about 5-6 hours a night, although I would love to sleep 8-9, its just not happening anytime soon. Being a mother of 3 its almost impossible for me to get in bed by 9. I work out in the mornings because that is the only time I can fit it in, therefore my hours of sleep are from about 11-5am. To realive stress I work out, visit with friends, and shop. Shopping is a great stress reliever espeacially if you are shopping for yourself. I would like to get a massage once a month. I think that would also really help me in reducing stress. I do not smoke or drink and as far as safe sex practices go, my husband and I do practice safe sex. Three kids are enough for us!

Blog #2

I believe access to health care is a right not a privilege. Having assess to health care is so important today. I believe every individual should be able to receive adequate care in order to prevent health problems. So many Americans are without health insurance due to it being too costly or not offered through their employer. Even people who have health insurance still can't afford to see physicians or get their medicines due to the cost of co pays and deductibles, which in turn leads to many Americans not seeking care. I have 3 children and to have coverage for me and my children is very costly. It makes me wonder how people make it these days with health insurance premiums being so high. The economy is down right now and at this time it is so crucial to be able to give individuals the right to seek health care. I believe if everyone is given this opportunity we will see less hospitalizations and more people living a healthier life. It is hard to educate individuals on health issues when individuals can't seek health care, because I believe education starts in physician offices by doctors and nurses. It is imperative that all individuals are given this right.