Ignorance is not always bliss... If a loved one or a friend of mine believed she has a STD but she is afraid to get tested--I would encourage her to find out for sure. There are many types of STDs, and along with that, there are many different microorganisms or viruses that can cause them. So, if it were a bacterial STD, a benefit of knowing is that an antibiotic could treat and cure it. If it were viral in nature, there may be a drug that inhibits the progression or symptomology of the infection--another benefit of knowing what is going on.
If she refuses to find out for sure, I would also tell her that she is taking her life into her own hands--she is placing herself at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (painful), infertility, cancer (from HPV) and possibly death. That might be a scare tactic, but it might be what she needs.
It would also be important for her to realize that she is placing her partners' at risk as well. She would need to inform her partners so that they could seek help or treatment. She would also need to be reminded of the importance of protection to decrease her risk of transmitting or becoming infected with a STD.
Hopefully I would be convincing enough to help her overcome her fear or the realization of that fear. There is hope with STDs.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
#6: Should prenatal testing be routine for all women?
No. I do not think that prenatal testing should be routine for all women. I think it should be available to all women if they desire. I am a woman who does not desire to have prenatal testing. This is for many reasons, but it all boils down to the fact that abortion is not a choice for me, no matter the physical or mental capabilities of the child. I will have that child and love it no matter what. To this point, there is no cure for any genetic abnormalities. If there is a physical handicap that can be "fixed," then it will most likely be "fixed" outside of the womb. So, in the end, I have no need to have prenatal testing performed. If I knew there was a problem, I would be upset and worried the rest of my pregnancy. Instead, I can enjoy the pregnancy, and when the child is born be aware that there is always the possibility of problems and be willing to accept whatever child God created for me to raise.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
#5: To be a mom or not
Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a mom. Maybe because my mom and I are so close, how she made it seem so wonderful. She truly loved being a mom. My siblings and I have a good example. So, I had this plan to get married, be a good wife, and then become a mom and be a great mom. I got married at 18, our first year was rocky. We chose not to have children until our second year of marriage, mainly because our marriage would not have been able to withstand it. Then we had our first child when I was 21. It has been a life changing experience. I love my child, and the one on the way. Kamryn, my daughter, is 20 months--loves to be independent, imitate my husband's and my behavior. We still occasionally have sleepless nights; she has a temper and it seems like it flares for days on end at times... But, it is all worth it. We have the honor of raising a child to love and teach to be a responsible member of society, to love God, and love someone else. After this next child is born, I am not sure how many more I want. Maybe one more. We will see. My husband swears that if we do not have a boy, we will keep on making babies! Haha! But, I am not sure that I will agree after the 3rd.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Menarche
I can not remember the actual day my period began. I think I wrote about it in my old diary... and, from what I can remember, it was not a joyous moment for me. My mom and my sister were very detailed (in my mind "gruesome") about menstruation. So, I thought it was disgusting. I also was in ballet, and I danced multiple times a week. I thought that if I was menstruating, I would not be able to dance for fear of everyone knowing. I was so embarrassed by this change from girlhood to womanhood that I kept it a secret from my mom for months. I think I was 12 or 13, but she was beginning to worry that something was wrong. I finally broke down and told her. I refused to buy any feminine products (I could not dare be seen with them in my possession) until I was 16. Now, it is no big deal. I am glad that I do have a period--it is a sign to me of being a woman and a mom.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
#3: Preventive Practices
According to the "Rate Your Preventive Practices," I scored an 8/10.
1. Do I eat a healthy balanced diet: not very well... and not very often. I try to make sure I get enough servings of all the food groups per day, however, with my schedule and the things my family agrees to eat I do not always succeed. I could improve this by introducing more fresh fruits and vegetables to my family; give myself enough time to prepare and cook a meal by planning ahead; or, if my family refuses to increase their consumption of fruits and veggies, then I can prepare enough just for myself. (My husband is not a big veggie lover).
2. I participate in moderate-intensity exercise at least 4 times per week.
3. Do I get enough sleep: no. I frequently feel tired during the day. In order for me to not feel tired, I would have to go to bed at 2100 daily, however, that would eat into my prime homework completing time. I have been actively employing more efficient uses of my time, but, as my mom frequently points out to me, I sometimes bite off more than I can chew comfortably.
4. I have never smoked or used any drugs.
5. I do not consume alcohol... well, I have probably consumed alcohol on fewer occasions than I could count on one hand.
6. I am sexually active in a mutually monogamous relationship. My husband has been my only sexual partner.
7. I employ stress reducing methods. This is essential for me to even make it through a day at work on occasion. I work at a psychiatric hospital which can be very emotionally draining. I work full time, take 10 hours worth of classes, have a 19 month old, a husband, and a baby on the way, and we just moved back to TX but to a part where we have no family. I recently began taking ballet classes again, which I love, once a week. I employ deep breathing exercises. I read my Bible. I pray. I try to distract myself or clear my mind and stop worrying about things out of my control. I try to use my time appropriately. I spend time with my family, remembering they are above my work and school as a priority.
8. I practice safe behaviors.
9. I employ nonviolent methods of conflict resolution. If I am too angry to talk, I remove myself from the situation, employ a stress reducing method, go for a walk, or take a shower. I then come back to the situation to address the problem in a calm and respectful manner. Sometimes I write a letter to the person I am having a conflict with. This helps especially if it is over a very sensitive, emotional subject where I would have difficulty maintaining composure if face to face.
10. I receive routine preventive care from a HCP.
1. Do I eat a healthy balanced diet: not very well... and not very often. I try to make sure I get enough servings of all the food groups per day, however, with my schedule and the things my family agrees to eat I do not always succeed. I could improve this by introducing more fresh fruits and vegetables to my family; give myself enough time to prepare and cook a meal by planning ahead; or, if my family refuses to increase their consumption of fruits and veggies, then I can prepare enough just for myself. (My husband is not a big veggie lover).
2. I participate in moderate-intensity exercise at least 4 times per week.
3. Do I get enough sleep: no. I frequently feel tired during the day. In order for me to not feel tired, I would have to go to bed at 2100 daily, however, that would eat into my prime homework completing time. I have been actively employing more efficient uses of my time, but, as my mom frequently points out to me, I sometimes bite off more than I can chew comfortably.
4. I have never smoked or used any drugs.
5. I do not consume alcohol... well, I have probably consumed alcohol on fewer occasions than I could count on one hand.
6. I am sexually active in a mutually monogamous relationship. My husband has been my only sexual partner.
7. I employ stress reducing methods. This is essential for me to even make it through a day at work on occasion. I work at a psychiatric hospital which can be very emotionally draining. I work full time, take 10 hours worth of classes, have a 19 month old, a husband, and a baby on the way, and we just moved back to TX but to a part where we have no family. I recently began taking ballet classes again, which I love, once a week. I employ deep breathing exercises. I read my Bible. I pray. I try to distract myself or clear my mind and stop worrying about things out of my control. I try to use my time appropriately. I spend time with my family, remembering they are above my work and school as a priority.
8. I practice safe behaviors.
9. I employ nonviolent methods of conflict resolution. If I am too angry to talk, I remove myself from the situation, employ a stress reducing method, go for a walk, or take a shower. I then come back to the situation to address the problem in a calm and respectful manner. Sometimes I write a letter to the person I am having a conflict with. This helps especially if it is over a very sensitive, emotional subject where I would have difficulty maintaining composure if face to face.
10. I receive routine preventive care from a HCP.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
#2 Healthcare: Right v. Privilege
Healthcare as a right or a privilege... this actually is an ethical question to me. Without healthcare people may have a poor quality of life, succumb to diseases, or die. I believe that life is precious and it should be treated as such. So, to me, providing healthcare or making it easy to access is the right thing to do. There is a difference on the right thing to do and a right. That is where I am at a crossroads. It boils down to my fundamental beliefs on how society should be run versus my beliefs in life being treated as precious. It is an inner turmoil. So, which of the beliefs do I believe to be more important?
After pondering this for a while, I came to the conclusion that I believe that life is most important. Therefore, if I am going to treat life as if it were precious, I would have to view everyone's life with the same perspective (since I believe everyone was created equal). If I believe that life is important, then it is not a far stretch to jump to the preservation of life as important. The key to preservation of life is healthcare in all of its forms--preventative, palliative, and active treatment. So, yes, I believe that healthcare is a right.
The sad thing is that this is not always upheld due to our capitalistic society. It is one of the flaws. I especially see this as a RN at a psychiatric hospital. I have interacted with a large number of patients that leave the hospital when they are still at risk for suicidal/homicidal behaviors, or are becoming stabilized but not to the point of functioning well in society--insurance companies, or the lack of insurance (self-pay patients) place a definite end point based more on the almighty dollar than on improvement of their mental health.
To correct this flaw, I wish that people would be charitable, take an active role in their community and the welfare of others, not become socialistic. That would require the internalization of the importance of life (not just your own), compassion, and giving from the heart. Not everyone is willing to make that sacrifice, and not everyone can...
Anyways, just as a side note, I am unsure as to how far healthcare providers or recipients should go to preserve life. When does letting God be God, or "letting nature takes its course," and the acceptance of death as a part of life here on earth factor in? I think it is a very fine line that I have not yet discovered. Personally, I do not need to live on this earth eternally in this failing/imperfect body of mine. Hopefully, I will have discernment and wisdom to do the ethical and morally right thing to do if I ever face a decision that challenges me in that way.
After pondering this for a while, I came to the conclusion that I believe that life is most important. Therefore, if I am going to treat life as if it were precious, I would have to view everyone's life with the same perspective (since I believe everyone was created equal). If I believe that life is important, then it is not a far stretch to jump to the preservation of life as important. The key to preservation of life is healthcare in all of its forms--preventative, palliative, and active treatment. So, yes, I believe that healthcare is a right.
The sad thing is that this is not always upheld due to our capitalistic society. It is one of the flaws. I especially see this as a RN at a psychiatric hospital. I have interacted with a large number of patients that leave the hospital when they are still at risk for suicidal/homicidal behaviors, or are becoming stabilized but not to the point of functioning well in society--insurance companies, or the lack of insurance (self-pay patients) place a definite end point based more on the almighty dollar than on improvement of their mental health.
To correct this flaw, I wish that people would be charitable, take an active role in their community and the welfare of others, not become socialistic. That would require the internalization of the importance of life (not just your own), compassion, and giving from the heart. Not everyone is willing to make that sacrifice, and not everyone can...
Anyways, just as a side note, I am unsure as to how far healthcare providers or recipients should go to preserve life. When does letting God be God, or "letting nature takes its course," and the acceptance of death as a part of life here on earth factor in? I think it is a very fine line that I have not yet discovered. Personally, I do not need to live on this earth eternally in this failing/imperfect body of mine. Hopefully, I will have discernment and wisdom to do the ethical and morally right thing to do if I ever face a decision that challenges me in that way.
Friday, January 19, 2007
#1: Health concerns for women I know...
My issues of greatest concern:
Reproductive health--for 2 reasons. I am a mom, and we are trying for baby #2. My other reason is that I have a history of cervical dysplasia which only flares with pregnancy or birth control pills.
Being physically fit--I take on too many stressful responsibilities at times, and eating healthy and exercising helps me to feel better/relieve stress/look as best I can.
Issues of concern to some of the women I know:
Joann (an older Jewish lady): breast cancer returning. She is a 7 year survivor.
Joann S. (an early 40s African American lady): controlling her weight.
Melany (mid 30s Caucasian lady): possibility of uterine cancer.
Sheryl (mid 60s Caucasian lady): her BP/ controlling HTN. She is post-menopausal.
The similarities:
reproductive health and appearance/weight
The differences:
The people I polled gave issues that were more specific than mine. Sheryl's answer was different from mine and the others, having to do with hypertension, something that affects both genders.
I think our similarities and differences reflect the different stages of life each of us are in and the different difficulties we have had to face, as well as the roles depicted by society for women. A common thread to all women is the physiological aspects of our bodies and the problems we can have associated with our physiology.
Reproductive health--for 2 reasons. I am a mom, and we are trying for baby #2. My other reason is that I have a history of cervical dysplasia which only flares with pregnancy or birth control pills.
Being physically fit--I take on too many stressful responsibilities at times, and eating healthy and exercising helps me to feel better/relieve stress/look as best I can.
Issues of concern to some of the women I know:
Joann (an older Jewish lady): breast cancer returning. She is a 7 year survivor.
Joann S. (an early 40s African American lady): controlling her weight.
Melany (mid 30s Caucasian lady): possibility of uterine cancer.
Sheryl (mid 60s Caucasian lady): her BP/ controlling HTN. She is post-menopausal.
The similarities:
reproductive health and appearance/weight
The differences:
The people I polled gave issues that were more specific than mine. Sheryl's answer was different from mine and the others, having to do with hypertension, something that affects both genders.
I think our similarities and differences reflect the different stages of life each of us are in and the different difficulties we have had to face, as well as the roles depicted by society for women. A common thread to all women is the physiological aspects of our bodies and the problems we can have associated with our physiology.
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