Hello Everyone!
This week I want to discuss the reasons why I think prenatal testing should be routine for all pregnant women. I never really gave much thought to this issue before I became employed at Children's Medical Center in Dallas. Every working day at Childrens I see children that are suffering from some devastating condition or disease that has completly overwhelmed a young mother and (if she's lucky) father).
For example, I work alot with Cystic Fibrosis and Sickle Cell Anemia children. Both of these diseases occur when both parents carry the defected gene and each parent passes on the gene to their unborn child. Without making this post extremely long and full of medical jargon, just let me say that if you have ever witnessed what these children have to endure and their families as well, you would want every mother tested as well! These children and families suffer through incredible heartache, physical pain, emotional and financial hardships on a day to day basis. They spend every single day of their lives doing treatments that only prolong their terminal illness but yet doesn't really provide quality to their lives.
I am not saying that the mother should abort if it is discovered that she is carrying a child that will be born with a severe or terminal illness but rather that the parents will have the opportunity to make an early and informed decision as to what lies ahead for them and their unborn child should they decide to continue with the pregnancy.
In the case of Tay-Sachs disease, this disease can be identified through a simple blood test. Spina Bifida and Downs can be identified through Alpha-fetoprotein screening, in Sickle Cell and CF the parents can be tested to see if they are carriers. All of these test are simple test and exams that could save enormous emotional hardship, pain, and financial distress.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
To have or not to have...?
Hello Everyone!
I just wanted to share with you all a little about my feelings on having or not having children. I am a 43 year old "childless" woman and I am perfectly okay with that. I come from a very large family, my mother reared 12 children of her own and her mother reared 14! I was always surrounded by babies and young children growing up and even now throughout my adult years as well.
I can't count the number of times someone has asked me if I "have children"? Of course, when I answer no, I always get a look of disbelief or of pity. Then I feel like I have to explain why I don't have kids and I am often made to feel guilty as if something's wrong with me or why in the world wouldn't I want to experience having a child??
I never had any desire to have children. I have never wanted to be one of those women that their lives exist entirely for their children. All their conversations begin and end with their children as the main subject. I don't mean to sound like that's a bad thing but rather to convey that has never been my longing.
Nor do I mean to sound selfish either. I have served people all of my life. After high school I immediately served in the US Army for seven years and I now am employed as a Respiratory Therapist at Childrens Medical Center in Dallas where I am constantly caring for babies and young children. People often tell me "I can't believe you don't have children, you are so good with them." I always smile and say "well maybe that's because I get to go home without them at the end of the day"!
Another thing that brothers me is when people say "who is going to take care of you when you are old"? I don't believe that having a child will guarantee that they will take care of you when that time comes. Working in the medical field makes me more sure of that every day. There are so many lonely elderly people out there that never get a visit or call from their children. Proof of that can be seen in every nursing home throughout our country.
So, for me the decision not to have children is a perfect fit and I am glad that I know that. I see way to many people that do have children that shouldn't be allowed a pet let alone a child! Working in a Childrens Hospital has somewhat made me cynical I guess but I always knew that having children was not in the cards for me. I am perfectly happy spending time with my nieces and nephews and my babies at the hospital and that fulfills me. I do take my hat off to every loving and caring parent out there....there is no harder job in the world!!!
I just wanted to share with you all a little about my feelings on having or not having children. I am a 43 year old "childless" woman and I am perfectly okay with that. I come from a very large family, my mother reared 12 children of her own and her mother reared 14! I was always surrounded by babies and young children growing up and even now throughout my adult years as well.
I can't count the number of times someone has asked me if I "have children"? Of course, when I answer no, I always get a look of disbelief or of pity. Then I feel like I have to explain why I don't have kids and I am often made to feel guilty as if something's wrong with me or why in the world wouldn't I want to experience having a child??
I never had any desire to have children. I have never wanted to be one of those women that their lives exist entirely for their children. All their conversations begin and end with their children as the main subject. I don't mean to sound like that's a bad thing but rather to convey that has never been my longing.
Nor do I mean to sound selfish either. I have served people all of my life. After high school I immediately served in the US Army for seven years and I now am employed as a Respiratory Therapist at Childrens Medical Center in Dallas where I am constantly caring for babies and young children. People often tell me "I can't believe you don't have children, you are so good with them." I always smile and say "well maybe that's because I get to go home without them at the end of the day"!
Another thing that brothers me is when people say "who is going to take care of you when you are old"? I don't believe that having a child will guarantee that they will take care of you when that time comes. Working in the medical field makes me more sure of that every day. There are so many lonely elderly people out there that never get a visit or call from their children. Proof of that can be seen in every nursing home throughout our country.
So, for me the decision not to have children is a perfect fit and I am glad that I know that. I see way to many people that do have children that shouldn't be allowed a pet let alone a child! Working in a Childrens Hospital has somewhat made me cynical I guess but I always knew that having children was not in the cards for me. I am perfectly happy spending time with my nieces and nephews and my babies at the hospital and that fulfills me. I do take my hat off to every loving and caring parent out there....there is no harder job in the world!!!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Blog Topic # 4 Sex Education
Hello everyone!
Lets talk about sex...education that is!!! I am of opinion that we should be teaching more and better sex education not only in our schools but also within our communities as well. Although I do personally believe that teaching and practicing abstinence would be the best thing before marriage, I know that the reality of that is very unlikely with the majority of teenagers today.
I don't mean to sound pessimistic but in a recent project in my community health class on epi data for Dallas County, the Natality percent for adolescent mothers under the age of 18 was 5.4% county compared to 5% state wide. Even more astonishing to me was that fact that unmarried mothers accounted for 44.4% county versus 36% state!
In addition to that data, I also found out that there were 182 cases of Gonorrhea and 372 reported cases of chlamydia per 100,000 population in Dallas County. Those are only the reported cases and only a couple examples of the communicable diseases listed on the Selected Health Facts 2004, Dallas County provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
It is true that today this is still a "hot button" issue and there is much controversy surrounding this topic due to our differing religous beliefs in our society but in countries like Africa where HIV/AIDS is widespread the government has established AIDS education programs in partnership with the World Health Organization and other international organizations to help control this epidemic.
I know much of the controversy comes from religious viewpoints but I do not see why reasonable minded people can not come to a compromise and teach both abstinence first but yet empower our young people with the knowledge to know how to prevent the spread of STD's and unwanted pregnancies and where they can turn to for help if they find themseves in a situation. What do you guys think?
Lets talk about sex...education that is!!! I am of opinion that we should be teaching more and better sex education not only in our schools but also within our communities as well. Although I do personally believe that teaching and practicing abstinence would be the best thing before marriage, I know that the reality of that is very unlikely with the majority of teenagers today.
I don't mean to sound pessimistic but in a recent project in my community health class on epi data for Dallas County, the Natality percent for adolescent mothers under the age of 18 was 5.4% county compared to 5% state wide. Even more astonishing to me was that fact that unmarried mothers accounted for 44.4% county versus 36% state!
In addition to that data, I also found out that there were 182 cases of Gonorrhea and 372 reported cases of chlamydia per 100,000 population in Dallas County. Those are only the reported cases and only a couple examples of the communicable diseases listed on the Selected Health Facts 2004, Dallas County provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
It is true that today this is still a "hot button" issue and there is much controversy surrounding this topic due to our differing religous beliefs in our society but in countries like Africa where HIV/AIDS is widespread the government has established AIDS education programs in partnership with the World Health Organization and other international organizations to help control this epidemic.
I know much of the controversy comes from religious viewpoints but I do not see why reasonable minded people can not come to a compromise and teach both abstinence first but yet empower our young people with the knowledge to know how to prevent the spread of STD's and unwanted pregnancies and where they can turn to for help if they find themseves in a situation. What do you guys think?
Monday, September 8, 2008
Preventive Practices
Hello again everyone!
This week I would like to talk to you all a little bit about the preventive health practices that I currently implement. But first let me tell you a little about my own personal state of health. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 27 and I am currently 43 years of age. Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes and is usually the type that is inherited.
Many of my relatives have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Both of my parents had or have diabetes. My father past away in 2004 from Heart disease and complictions of this chronic illness. I have 7 brothers and four sisters and 3 of them have been diagnosed with diabetes as well.
As far as my own state of health I have been able to manage this illness fairly well through out the years and so far, knock on wood, do not suffer from any complications. Some of the preventive practices I use consist of taking daily insulin injections, carbohydrate counting and trying to eat a diet that consist mostly of complex carbs which are slower to raise your glucose levels.
I also walk almost on a daily basis, I refrain from drugs, tobacco, and only drink alcohol on occassion. I get routine check ups with my family doctor in addition to scheduling regular screening for mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopies, and any other exams or labs as needed to make sure my health care team and I are staying ahead of the game.
There are still improvements I would like to see take place such as getting more sleep, learning to meditate, and just generally slowing down and controlling my stress levels. Overall, I believe I would rate my preventive practices at about an 8 out of 10 so there is still always room for improvement.
I do believe we as women must take control over our own health and demand service as we feel medically necessary. I have never liked having a healthcare worker tell me that an exam was not due or I didn't fit the criteria or was not at risk.. especially when that "little voice" inside me told me that I should request it..that something's just not right. We need to take the lead and be our own advocates for better health care!
This week I would like to talk to you all a little bit about the preventive health practices that I currently implement. But first let me tell you a little about my own personal state of health. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 27 and I am currently 43 years of age. Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes and is usually the type that is inherited.
Many of my relatives have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Both of my parents had or have diabetes. My father past away in 2004 from Heart disease and complictions of this chronic illness. I have 7 brothers and four sisters and 3 of them have been diagnosed with diabetes as well.
As far as my own state of health I have been able to manage this illness fairly well through out the years and so far, knock on wood, do not suffer from any complications. Some of the preventive practices I use consist of taking daily insulin injections, carbohydrate counting and trying to eat a diet that consist mostly of complex carbs which are slower to raise your glucose levels.
I also walk almost on a daily basis, I refrain from drugs, tobacco, and only drink alcohol on occassion. I get routine check ups with my family doctor in addition to scheduling regular screening for mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopies, and any other exams or labs as needed to make sure my health care team and I are staying ahead of the game.
There are still improvements I would like to see take place such as getting more sleep, learning to meditate, and just generally slowing down and controlling my stress levels. Overall, I believe I would rate my preventive practices at about an 8 out of 10 so there is still always room for improvement.
I do believe we as women must take control over our own health and demand service as we feel medically necessary. I have never liked having a healthcare worker tell me that an exam was not due or I didn't fit the criteria or was not at risk.. especially when that "little voice" inside me told me that I should request it..that something's just not right. We need to take the lead and be our own advocates for better health care!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Health Care...a right or a privilege?
Hello again!
Today I wanted to share some of my viewpoints with you about access to health care here in the United States. More specifically, about whether health care is a right or a privilege?
Personally, I feel everyone should have access to basic health care to include such things as annual physicals, immunizations, and other potentially life saving diagnostic procedures. We live in one of the richest countries in the world and yet millions of our people suffer needlessly because they are underinsured or uninsured.
Some politicians would like us to believe that we can't fund Universal Health Care plan yet millions of our tax dollars are spent on special interest projects and other pork barrel funding that could otherwise be spent on our health care.
But let me say also as consumers of health care, I don't think we can place all the blame on the government. We all need to make sure we are doing our part in controlling the cost of the health care we receive. I work in a large non-profit hospital and I see on a daily basis the waste that occurs. It seems like no one is concerned at all about monitoring or controlling the cost of these services we provide. One of the biggest waste is the ordering of unneccessary labs, medicine, and other test we run for patients that have government funded insurance coverage.
So, that brings me back to the question, "is health care a right or a privilege"? Well, I am kind of stuck there on how to answer that question. I guess it's not really a "right" as it was never written into the Bill of Rights or the Constitution or any other document of law to my knowledge yet something deep down inside tells me that every human being should be afforded basic health care. It just seems like the "right" thing to do.
In today's economic environment the top concerns are job security, wages, and health care. A family struck by a devasting illness or injury could easily become homeless without proper healthcare insurance. With the insurance companies continuing to substantially increase their rates, many employers today are placing much more of the financial burden upon their employee's.
Consequently, many employees will lose their coverage, have to pay more for it or have inferior coverage. When it comes to paying the rent, placing food on the table or purchasing health insurance most people will cut the insurance and hope for the best. In this new upcoming political season, let's hope that both sides of our government can work to find a reasonable cost effective solution for all of our citizens!
Today I wanted to share some of my viewpoints with you about access to health care here in the United States. More specifically, about whether health care is a right or a privilege?
Personally, I feel everyone should have access to basic health care to include such things as annual physicals, immunizations, and other potentially life saving diagnostic procedures. We live in one of the richest countries in the world and yet millions of our people suffer needlessly because they are underinsured or uninsured.
Some politicians would like us to believe that we can't fund Universal Health Care plan yet millions of our tax dollars are spent on special interest projects and other pork barrel funding that could otherwise be spent on our health care.
But let me say also as consumers of health care, I don't think we can place all the blame on the government. We all need to make sure we are doing our part in controlling the cost of the health care we receive. I work in a large non-profit hospital and I see on a daily basis the waste that occurs. It seems like no one is concerned at all about monitoring or controlling the cost of these services we provide. One of the biggest waste is the ordering of unneccessary labs, medicine, and other test we run for patients that have government funded insurance coverage.
So, that brings me back to the question, "is health care a right or a privilege"? Well, I am kind of stuck there on how to answer that question. I guess it's not really a "right" as it was never written into the Bill of Rights or the Constitution or any other document of law to my knowledge yet something deep down inside tells me that every human being should be afforded basic health care. It just seems like the "right" thing to do.
In today's economic environment the top concerns are job security, wages, and health care. A family struck by a devasting illness or injury could easily become homeless without proper healthcare insurance. With the insurance companies continuing to substantially increase their rates, many employers today are placing much more of the financial burden upon their employee's.
Consequently, many employees will lose their coverage, have to pay more for it or have inferior coverage. When it comes to paying the rent, placing food on the table or purchasing health insurance most people will cut the insurance and hope for the best. In this new upcoming political season, let's hope that both sides of our government can work to find a reasonable cost effective solution for all of our citizens!
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