Menarche

My first period was an ok experience. There was no fear or shame involved. I was eleven years old. It was the summer before middle school and I was at home with my mother. I was fairly calm. I knew what was happening and I told my mom. My mother was very old fashioned and very catholic. She was really nervous about and seemed somewhat agitated. She handed my some pads and that was that. No explanation on how or how often to use them. A few hours later, I was scolded for not changing my pad often enough. I thought one pad was good for all day. How could I know better, if I was not told? But later, my mom comforted me with hot tea and a heating pad.

Before the event, we never really discussed the mechanics of having a period. Instructions on the proper use and disposal of pad would have been very helpful. I think my mom just assumed I knew what I needed to know. After all, she did consent to my viewing of the menstrual cycle movie that’s played every year in schools.

Two years ago, I consented to the same film for my ten year old. My experience wasn’t traumatizing but it could have been better. I talk to my girls about their bodies. We have read books together and had open discussions about female issues and sex. I think my own daughter's experience was better than mines was. She had the mechanical knowledge I lacked. My daughter was empowered to make basic hygienic decisions about her body.

Healthcare is a Right

 

Healthcare is not a privilege.  The very word privilege suggests inequity. All are equal in accordance to our law. As Americans, I believe that quality healthcare is the right of every individual.  The preservation of the individual is the preservation of the nation.  The preamble of the United States Constitution lists promotion of general welfare as one reason for the establishment of our government.  The greatness of our nation lies within our industry, citizens, and standard of living.  The maintenance of individual health is a crucial necessity to promote industry and uphold the American standard of living. Alexander, LaRosa, Bader, and Garfield (2007) suggest that the dynamics of health, education, and economics are cyclically interrelated.  

I believe that our government must ensure the health of its citizens.  It’s a mandate of government.  We pay taxes.  We support and participate in this government to ensure the perservance of our society, which is based on freedom and prosperity.   There is no prosperity without health and there is no freedom without health. 

The costs of healthcare can be overwhelming.  Many Americans are suffering economic hardships, unnecessary disability and death due to lack of adequate healthcare.  In essence, the future of America is diminishing.  I have always considered our country to be the best in the world, a beacon of freedom and prosperity.  We should set the example for the world not lag behind in health care policy.  Americans deserve access to quality healthcare. 

 

Reference

Alexander, L.L., LaRosa, J. H., Bader, H., & Garfield, S. (2007). New dimensions in women’s health (4^th ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Health Concerns of Modern Women

As a 34-year-old African American woman, my main health concerns are obesity and diabetes.  I have a family history of diabetes.  Many of my relatives have lost limbs.  Over the past ten years, I have gained more than 30 pounds.  When I think about it, it’s almost unbelievable.  I have gained weight with each of my two pregnancies.  But my main concern is my inability to adhere to a healthy dietary plan and fitness regime.  Believe me, I have the tools.  I have taken the classes.  But I lack the motivation. I just don’t have the time or desire to exercise.  Currently, my BMI is on the borderline of overweight.  I am slightly overweight and while I don’t like the way my body has changed, I think I still look “good”.  Maybe that is the problem.  I just don’t want to get to the point where the problem is life threatening.  I want to make the changes before my weight is desperately out of control. 

After interviewing three women, I found that two had the exact same health concerns I do.  The first, a 54-year-old African American women, felt that she was overweight and feared diabetes.  She progressively gained the weight over 35 years and 5 childbirths.  She lacked the skills to make the life changes needed to lose the weight.  Additionally, she frequently fell victim to quackery and fad diets.  The second woman, a 35-year-old White American, also gained a considerable amount of weight progressively over 15 years after having five children.  She stated that in the past all of her energy and concern has gone towards her kids needs.  But now, her weight gain has brought her issues to the far front.  However, this women explained that she could not afford herself the time needed for self care.  She fears that diabetes and obesity are in her near future.  But, the third woman I interviewed was a 70-year-old African American.  Her health concerns were quite different.  Her main concern was edema.  She has suffered with gout and diabetes for many years.  She has little access to medical care due to an out of state move.  Her insurance provides coverage only in her home state, but her frailty dictated the out of state move to live with relatives.  Immobility is her main concern.

As members of a fast paced demanding society, women share the same basic health concerns.  We are overwhelmed by the stresses of work and family responsibilities.   We have little time for ourselves.   Many women don’t have time to cook a healthy meal, so we eat fast food and feed our families’ fast food.  Furthermore, we use food as distress tool.  We use food to soothe our stress and unhappiness or as a reward.  Some women even find exercise to be too time consuming and just not a viable option after an exhausting day.  Ultimately, we women today are aware of the dire consequences of our dietary choices and sedentary lifestyle but we feel powerless to make changes.  Even elderly women are facing issues that initiated from past health neglects that resulted in weight gain and diabetes. Our health concerns are a symptom of the societal ills faced by women today.