Blog #15

Over the past several weeks we have learned about several important health topics and how they relate to women. One of the most impactful topics we have discussed has been about hormones and menopause. As a woman, I believe it is important to understand our bodies and how they effect our everyday life. Hormones play a major role in shaping who we are as women. The information I have gained on menopause has also been beneficial. I have many family members entering into this stage of life and the knowledge I have been given allows me the ability to relate and sympathize with them. This knowledge will also help guide me through the years I have ahead and lead me to make the right decisions for my body. Overall, I have learned an enormous amount of information over the past semester. It has been wonderful to be able to interact with my fellow students each week. Even though I have never met any of these individuals, I feel as though I have. I appreciate every one's opinions, encouragement, and advice.

Work Life Balance

From personal experience I can attest to the fact that managing a work life balance is extremely challenging. I have discovered that the higher one climbs up the corporate ladder, the more work there is to be done and much less time to complete it. Through my experience I have found that while maintaining a work life balance it is very important to pick your battles and always take one day at a time. Unfortunately along the way there will be times when you may have to sacrifice time away from your family. Working hard and staying dedicated to your job will usually buy you some time away from work to spend with your family. It is also important to have a strong support system at home to help keep you motivated through the difficult times. A supportive partner can also be helpful while pursuing your education. My husband is always very helpful in distracting our children while I'm hard at work studying. Overall, the best strategy for maintaining a balanced life is to always keep a positive attitude. Don't get me wrong, there are always those days when you just need to let it all out, but try not to make that a habit. A positive attitude will always get you so much further in life.

Strength or Weakness?

It is a sign of personal strength for a woman to admit that she has a problem with alcohol or drugs. Conversely, it is a sign of weakness for a woman not to admit that she has a drug or alcohol problem. For most people it is extremely difficult to admit that you have a problem that cannot be fixed on your own. Often times a lack of courage to ask for help that is to blame for a bad situation turning into a much worse situation. It takes a strong person to admit their weaknesses and ask for assistance. Addictions that are not properly treated usually lead to other addictive behaviors. For example, an alcohol problem can easily turn into an issue with bad relationships. Or an eating disorder could eventually become a drug problem. It is important to seek out the proper care associated with your health issue to avoid prolonged health risks. The quality of your life and the life of your family is in jeopardy. Therefore, asking for help is the first step in reclaiming what is rightfully yours. The opportunity to achieve success in life. Personally, I applaud anyone who has the strength to say enough is enough and take action!

Mental Illness

In order to reduce the stigma and shame that often surrounds mental illness, it is important to educate others. An educated individual will be less likely to ostracise those suffering from mental illness. In turn, this will create a healthier living environment for all parties involved. Without a healthy living environment the progress and well being of someone with a mental illness may be compromised. It is the responsibility of loved ones and educators to provide the necessary education. There are many prominent foundations that educate the public about other types of diseases, however, there aren't many foundations that raise awareness about mental illness. Why should these illnesses be allowed to go unnoticed? The mental illness community seems isolated from other medical conditions. An individual suffering from mental illness deserves every opportunity to be successful, and should never be ashamed of their disability. Therefore, public awareness holds the key so that proper treatment and research can be achieved.

Living with Your Future in Mind

If everyone lived "with our future in mind", I think that we would live differently. How often have you heard someone say : "Boy, if I knew then what I know now things would be different." Unfortunately in life you are not given many opportunities for a redo. Therefore it is of the utmost importance to live your life keeping the future in mind. Living this way is something that can be difficult for most since we tend to get set in our ways later in life. A lifestyle change can be difficult to accomplish. Also, teaching our children by example will not only help to improve your future, but also the future of your children.

Eating and behavioral habits are two ways to live for the future. Adjustments in these two areas alone will greatly improve your future health and quality of life. It will also assist in limiting the chances of chronic illnesses. Eliminating bad habits such as smoking, poor eating, and scarce physical activity are only a few ways to improve your future health. It sounds like an easy fix, but that's not the case. Change is difficult and often scary. Finding a good support system is key. Involving friends and family in your quest for a healthier future can be extremely motivating and life changing.

Academic Institutions and Disease Prevention

Academic institutions can take on a more active role in disease prevention for women by promoting awareness and education. Young adults often share a carefree attitude and feel a since of invincibility. An academic institution has the ability to promote necessary health and wellness information to young adults. Promoting health awareness will assist young women in living healthier and fuller lives. Making healthy choices begins at a young age and is critical in the battle of disease prevention. Academic institutions should encourage their students to form health interests groups that can inform others of the importance of healthy living. From my experience, young adults seem to listen to what their peers have to say versus the advice of a mature adult. Nonetheless, disease prevention is an important aspect of daily living and should begin at an early age in order to make a true difference.

Challenges of a Healthy Diet and Exercise

Many challenges come to mind when I begin to think about maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. The first challenge of maintaining a healthy diet is time. Nowadays time is a precious commodity and not easily managed. In order to consume balanced and nutritious meals time must be spent planning, shopping and preparing those meals. At times it is more convenient to run through a drive-thru window and dinner for four ready in under ten minutes.

Another challenge of healthy eating is the expense related to health food. Personally, I prefer to shop at health food stores. The produce and other foods available are far superior to other types of grocery stores. However, there is also a cost associated with that superiority. The financial hardship that many of us are feeling today greatly limits the amount of healthy choices we are able to buy at the supermarket.

Maintaining a proper exercise routine also shares the same challenges of time and money. Proper time must be set aside to engage in adequate amounts of physical activity. Usually this means waking up extra early in the morning or fighting the crowds after work a the gym. Money comes in to play with gym memberships and workout equipment. Another challenge facing exercise is motivation. Finding the motivation to wake up early or fight the after work gym crowd is hard work in itself. Although mainatining a healthy diet and exercise routine is challenging, the outcome is well worth the effort.