Blog 15: End of the Semester Reflections

This semester I have learned a lot about women's health issues. Two of the most significant topics to me that we covered were: assault and HIV/AIDS issues. The HIV/AIDS is a world wide women's issue that needs to be addressed by everyone. People are dying of from this epidemic with no resources for medical treatment. Learning about women all across the globe who suffer with this disease was one of the most touching topics because all women are at risk. It doesn't matter if you live in the United States or Africa. Becoming more aware of the impact HIV has on women is crucial.

Another issue that was very informing to me was about domestic violence and the different types of abuse that women are exposed to. In our society it has almost become the norm for us to hear on the news or other media channels about a women experiencing some type of abuse. From rape to domestic violence, women are subjected to a lot of violence. So now we have to take preventative measures to insure that we are safer. Trying to choose the correct partner is also a hard task nowadays.

Overall this class has provided me with a better insight on women's issues. As a women, this knowledge with come in handy because now I am aware of different health related issues that affect our gender the most. Cardiovascular disease, assault, and other issues that affect women can all be prevented if we apply the knowledge that we have learned in this class. I've enjoyed reading everyone's blogs and I hope everyone has a safe summer!

Blog 14: Reducing Risk of Assault

I think there are many ways a woman can reduce her risk of assault. For me personally, I take several precautions when I am alone. I always have my keys out when I am walking to my car. I take them out before I leave my house or a store. Another step I take is to check underneath my car before I get in it and peak inside to make sure that there is no one in the backseat, especially at night when I'm parked in a parking lot. When at home, I make sure that the doors and windows are locked before I go to bed.

Some other measures that women can take to protect themselves are to take a self defense class to know how to defend their self in case someone tries to attack them. Another way is to have an alarm system on their home that may prevent an intruder from coming inside a woman's home. Carrying pepper spray or a stun gun is also an option for those who are comfortable with doing so. Traveling in groups is another way to protect yourself at night and staying in well lit areas also reduces the risk of attack. Asking an employee of a store or a coworker to escort you to your car is also a way to reduce the risk of assault.

A women must be aware of her surroundings to protect herself against attack. Taking some preventative measures is the best idea. It is a crazy world that we live in and we as women must protect ourselves against assault.

Blog 13: Drug Abuse

I think that it is a sign of strength for a woman to admit that she has a drug or alcohol problem. It takes a lot for a person say that they do have an issue and that they need help. One of the biggest accomplishments for a women with a habit is to seek help from a counselor or enter into a rehab program. For a person to put aside their pride and try to better themselves is a huge sign of strength. Drugs and alcohol abuse damages thousands of peoples' lives each year, and for a women to try and break that cycle; it is monumental. When a person enters into a rehabilitatory program, it shows progress and that the person has a want to change. This is a huge step in the right direction, and they should be commended for trying to get their life back on track. Family and friends should be supportive and keep hope in their hearts for the person who is struggling with an alcohol or drug problem.

Blog 12: Mental Illness

I think that several things can be done to create awareness about mental illnesses and reduce the stigma. If people are educated about different mental diseases, then they may have a more open mind about the effects of the illness. People are afraid of what is unknown to them and if they are aware that just because you may have a mental illness, it doesn't mean that they are any different than other people. Many times people are not knowledgeable about a mental illness unless a family member or someone close to them has an illness. Creating awareness of the treatments for mental illness is key for people to get an understanding of why the diseases occur and that some are even treatable.

Blog 11: Aging Healthy

What am I doing to make sure that I am aging healthfully? Right now I am focusing on correcting my eating and exercise habits. Instead of going on a diet, I am trying to focus my changing my food intake as a lifestyle change. So that I will continue eating the right things ten years from now and not fall off in a few months. I am trying to drink a lot more water instead of sodas and juices. Also I am trying to incorporate more exercise into my lifestyle. I want to make physical activity an important factor in my daily routine, but my goal is three days a week no excuses. What can I do better? Well right now controlling my portions and how much I eat is what I am trying to change currently. I know that it is going to be a hard road ahead to incorporate healthy eating and exercise into my lifestyle, but the benefits will definitely be worth it.

Blog 10: Disease Prevention

Academic institutions can take a more active role in disease prevention by creating awareness and educating young women. Some universities could create different kinds of interactive programs that inform women about certain diseases that they may not know about. Many women do not know about heart disease and how it affects thousands of women each year. Offering certain tests like mammograms or cholesterol tests may help women have access to some type of preventative care. Educating women is also an important factor for academic institutions to have a part in prevention. Passing out pamphlets or creating fliers with information pertaining to certain types of diseases will help women become aware of these diseases. As long as the information is out there and women are able to access it, either from the Student Health Services or online, academic institutions can take an active role in disease prevention.

Blog 9: Exercise and Diet Challenges

A major challenge that I face about regular exercise and a healthy diet is time. I am a full-time student, working, and trying to stay involved with school, as well as juggling the relationships in my life. So it is hard to find the energy and motivation to go the gym four times a week like I should. My days are usual very busy and even though I schedule in time to go to the gym on some days, it is hard to find that motivation to get up and go. When I have a big test coming up, exercise is usually the first thing that I erase or skip. I am a Nutrition major so I know all of the education about eating healthy but it is so hard to put that knowledge to use when I have a limited amount of time to prepare healthy meals. Even making healthy choices about food is hard when there are so many food choices out there that are not healthy. Discipline is going to be my biggest challenge over the next five years to keeping a healthy diet and exercise. I have to keep myself motivated to making better decisions about my health. And that is going to be hard!