Women and Assault

You hear on the news almost every night how another woman has been attacked in a dark parking lot or on the way into their own home. Men do not faced the same threats that women face on a daily basis. Luckily there are some things you can do to protect yourself in different situations.

If you are parking in a public parking lot think about what time you will be returning to your car. If you will be returning after dark, make sure and park under a light or in a more public area.

When going to your car always have your car keys in hand and be aware of your surroundings. Many convicted rapists and attackers admit that they target women who are not looking around at their surroundings and are fumbling in their purse for their car keys.

Attackers also look for women who have their hair in a bun or pony tail because it is easy to grab .

These are just a few of the many things that you can do to protect yourself in a parking lot.

Prison vs. Rehab

I believe that people who have drug and alcohol problems that are put into prison are failed by the system. The entire court system says that the purpose of prison is rehabilitation. If a person with a drug problem is sent to prison for a crime, but their addiction is not treated, then they have not been truly rehabilitated. If a person who has a drug problem and is sentenced to a drug rehabilitation facility that has strict rules, then I believe the crime and addiction can be addressed and the individual has the opportunity to rehabilitated with the given resources.

Chronic Illness

I found out several years ago that I have Epstein-Barr Virus. I was diagnosed after three years of unexplained pain in my abdomen. Epstein-Barr Virus is still not viewed by most doctors as a serious condition, but after talking with some specialists, I have realized how important it is to keep under control.

The virus, if not managed, can result in major health issues. I have had to change my diet to lots of vegetables and lean proteins, and absolutely no junk food or alcohol. Some of the changes have been harder than others, but at least I have not been to the hospital for extreme pain in over a year. I truly hope that in the future Epstein-Barr Virus is taken more seriously. Many studies are coming out showing the severity of the virus and that children as young as five years old are being diagnosed.

Hairdressers and Barbers May Be At Increased Cancer Risk

I read the supplemental reading on www.cancer.org. The article talked about barbers and hairdressers having an increased risk of cancer. The chemicals found in some of the hair dyes and other chemicals that are used on hair have been known to cause tumors in laboratory mice. In humans it can cause an increase in the frequency of bladder cancer.

I found the article very interesting. I have not thought about a hairdresser or barbers continuous exposure to hair dye and chemicals. After reading the article I could not help but wonder what type of increased risk do manicurists have in regard to cancer. Am I exposing myself to harmful chemicals every time I have a manicure or put on acrylic nails? Is it dangerous to be exposed to the fumes in a nail salon?

I would love to see a study that proves or disproves whether manicurists have an increased risk of cancer.

Nutrition at the Thompson House

When I was a child mymother always fixed a lot of vegetables and lean meats. She rarely used oil to cook and she never made fried food. We had the same container of salt for ten years and it was still half full. The salt was only for guests. Nothing was off limits, but she only bought healthy food and we really could not afford to go out to eat.

As an adult, I am an avid Food Network watcher. I have not met a vegetable that I do not like if not love. Although I found that I really do enjoy fried food, I eat them in moderation. I also eat salt in my recipes, and salt the pasta water(Rachael Ray says it is the only way to flavor the pasta.).

Overall my perception of my childhood nutrition is wonderful. I can eat at any resteraunt and find several things I will enjoy. I never have to be emberassed when I go to other peoples homes because I do not eat the type of side dishes they prepared.

My mom fixed dinner every night and that is what we ate. I was never forced to clean my plate, but I did have to try a bite of everything.

I believe that this has helped me to maintain a helthy body weight into my adult life. I have had a few ups and downs, but I always know how to get back to the healthy weight. I just call Mom and ask her what is for dinner!

Women and Menopause

I chose to interview my mom about her experience with taking hormone replacement therapy after entering menopause. She did not have an easy journey. My mom began going through menopause at an early age. In fact when she asked her doctor if she might be beginning menopause, he told her she was far to young. After a few more years of dealing with hot flashes ans sever mood swings she went back to our family practice doctor. The doctor put her on hormones and dismissed her by saying "these should work it is the same thing my wife takes" and she was sent on her way. After two weeks she could not stand the way she felt. She told me that "I could not even stand being around myself". Two years later I introduced my mom to my OB/GYN. My doctor was the first person who took my mother's concerns seriously and help her to find the right hormone for her. After three years of taking hormones the doctor was able to ween her off of the prescription and she has been doing well with only mild hot flashes that are few and far between. What I have taken from her experience, is that it important to find a doctor who will listen to your concerns and take them seriously. Have a female doctor doesn't hurt either!

STD's and Morality

Many people seem to be under the impression that only poor, or low class people get an STD. That simply is not the case. Anyone can get an STD. Even having protected sex does not protect a person 100% against transmitting or contracting an STD. Many people who have an STD are completely unaware. Women often do not have any symptoms of an STD.

Women and men of every class and color can contract an STD if they are engaging in intercourse. Even royalty has not been able to escape Sexually Transmitted Diseases. King Henry VIII is thought to have had Syphilis. The deterioration of his major organs, including his brain, is thought to have driven him mad and contributed to the decapitation of several of his wives. It is interesting to think that his inability to produce a male heir because of the STD also influenced the split between the Catholic Church and the Church of England.

Wow, maybe anyone can contract an STD. If the King of England can contract an STD, maybe it is not just the poor and sexually loose people who catch an STD.