Question: How was the issue of food and weight discussed in your home? Was it ever a control issue or a point of conflict for you? How much influence do you believe your family has onbn the way you feel abut food and your body today?
Growing up in the Deep South (Alabama) in a single parent family with five children, we rarely talked about nutrition. We relied on fruits and vegetables from my grandparent's farm (which we helped to plant and harvest), and rarely did my mother or grandparents talk about health and nutrition. The basic, accepted way of cooking any kind of meat was "fried." The typical Sunday breakfast consisted of eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, homemade bisquits with butter, homemade preserves with tons of sugar, etc. As a result, I was somewhat of a "chubby" child, but never gave much thought to this until I reached adolescence, when most young women begin to think about their body image and begin to compare themselves to their peers.
My near-anorexia experience began at the beginning of my sophomore year in high school. I decided to lose some weight because I saw how popular and happy the cheerleaders and majorettes seemed to be, and I chose the then-popular "grapefruit diet." I was quite successful in losing weight (approximately 25 pounds), but by the time Thanksgiving arrived, I was having fainting episodes and had become severely malnourished, dangerously anemic, and near kidney failure. My mother still tells the story of how I sat down at the table to share Thanksgiving Dinner with the family, and then simply fainted at the table. Back then, in the 1970s, anorexia was a word rarely heard or understood, but, still, eating disorders existed at that time. I do recall my mother encouraging me to eat more, but I was so busy with school and work, and we rarely had family sit-down dinners at that time. She had no idea how to deal with an eating disorder, and I certainly had no idea that my attempts to lose weight would cause physical damage. I recovered well after several months of iron supplements, rest, and good nutrition.
When raising my own children, I always tried to stress the importance of a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Even though they resisted and still wanted to indulge in the popular fast foods, I still insisted they at least try the healthy choices first.
For any parent who notices a change in eating behavior: do not ignore the signs and symptoms of potential eating disorders. Even though anorexia, bulemia and other eating disorders are discussed much more frequently and openly now, versus 30 years ago, many families are unaware that a problem exists until the disorder is very far advanced. This is one reason I believe sharing "family dinner time" is so important.
Carol Martin
cmartin18@twu.edu
Friday, October 30, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Blog #8: Hormone Replacement Therapy, Or Not?
*Interview a woman who has or is going through menopause and has decided to take hormones. Allow her to share with you the reasons she has chosen to take them and how she feels it is beneficial for her health.
Hormone Replacement Therapy, Or Not?
I chose to interview my younger sister, CJ, regarding her decision to begin hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We are close in age, just 11 months apart, but CJ experienced menopause a little sooner than I have, partly due to the fact that she had an ectopic pregnancy approximately 20 years ago and had removal of one tube and ovary. She has been confirmed as menopausal by her physician, and recently began hormone replacement therapy. They discussed the benefits and possible side effects of therapy, and she decided that HRT seemed to be a good choice for her situation.
Her main reason for beginning HRT is because of our very strong family history of osteoporosis. Our grandmother was a strong, vibrant woman until her 70s, but by the time she reached her early 80s she was severely debilitated by osteoporosis and compression fractures in her spine, hips and ankles. Our mother, now in her mid-70s, is very limited in her physical ability due to back pain and osteoarthritis, and CJ, herself, has had considerable bone and joint problems over the past ten years. Her recent bone density studies have shown moderate bone loss. She has no other risk factors that might affect her overall health by taking HRT, i.e. she has no history of smoking, heart disease, blood clots, or breast cancer, and decided to begin HRT because she felt the potential benefits far outweighed the potential risks. She has been on HRT for several months now, and seems happy with the effect so far.
I, too, discussed the options of HRT with my physician, but have opted not to begin therapy at this time. What concerned me the most was the “disclaimer” presented to me with the prescription for medication. The “disclaimer” very clearly stated the potential increased risks for blood clots, stroke, uterine cancer or breast cancer, and I simply felt that the potential risks outweighed potential benefits.
The choice of whether or not to begin HRT is a very personal decision, but it is one that we must all eventually consider.
Carol Martin
Cmartin18@twu.edu
Hormone Replacement Therapy, Or Not?
I chose to interview my younger sister, CJ, regarding her decision to begin hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We are close in age, just 11 months apart, but CJ experienced menopause a little sooner than I have, partly due to the fact that she had an ectopic pregnancy approximately 20 years ago and had removal of one tube and ovary. She has been confirmed as menopausal by her physician, and recently began hormone replacement therapy. They discussed the benefits and possible side effects of therapy, and she decided that HRT seemed to be a good choice for her situation.
Her main reason for beginning HRT is because of our very strong family history of osteoporosis. Our grandmother was a strong, vibrant woman until her 70s, but by the time she reached her early 80s she was severely debilitated by osteoporosis and compression fractures in her spine, hips and ankles. Our mother, now in her mid-70s, is very limited in her physical ability due to back pain and osteoarthritis, and CJ, herself, has had considerable bone and joint problems over the past ten years. Her recent bone density studies have shown moderate bone loss. She has no other risk factors that might affect her overall health by taking HRT, i.e. she has no history of smoking, heart disease, blood clots, or breast cancer, and decided to begin HRT because she felt the potential benefits far outweighed the potential risks. She has been on HRT for several months now, and seems happy with the effect so far.
I, too, discussed the options of HRT with my physician, but have opted not to begin therapy at this time. What concerned me the most was the “disclaimer” presented to me with the prescription for medication. The “disclaimer” very clearly stated the potential increased risks for blood clots, stroke, uterine cancer or breast cancer, and I simply felt that the potential risks outweighed potential benefits.
The choice of whether or not to begin HRT is a very personal decision, but it is one that we must all eventually consider.
Carol Martin
Cmartin18@twu.edu
Friday, October 16, 2009
Blog #7: How to advise a friend or loved one with suspected STD?
What would you tell a friend or loved one who suspected that she might have an STD but was afraid to get tested? Give specific information such as any facts you would give her about this. Support your answers and make sure your responses are at least 100 words.
As I’ve shared with our group before, it seems my family members always come to me when there is a medical issue involved. This was the case a couple of years ago, when a very, very close family member confided in me and shared the fact that she was having some “female problems.”
Embarrassed to talk with me about the particular problems, she simply said that she had noticed some changes in her body and was worried there may be a problem. To give a little history, at that time my family member was a 24-year-old sexually active young woman, and routinely used protective contraception. I encouraged her to see her regular gynecologist for pregnancy testing and evaluation. She was extremely reluctant to do this because she was embarrassed, and did not want to discuss the intimate details with anyone, even her physician. I encouraged her to make the appointment and see her doctor, and reminded her that early diagnosis and treatment is especially important for “female problems”, because of potential pregnancy, infection, or other serious issues.
Unfortunately, although she routinely used protective barrier contraception, she was found to be one of the millions of young women infected with HPV. Because Gardasil ® (HPV vaccine)(WebMd, 2009) was fairly new at time and she was found to be already positive for the virus, this preventive treatment was not an option for her. Nearly two years ago she underwent a colposcopy, (a magnified examination of the vulva, vagina, and cervix, (WebMD, 2009) and a LEEP procedure (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) (WebMD, 2009), to remove abnormal cervical cells.
I am very happy to report that her most recent gynecological examination was completely normal with no evidence of cervical dysplasia. For the first year following the procedure, she saw her physician every three to six months, but has since resumed annual check-ups. Today my family member remains healthy and cancer-free. I am honored that she came to me with her health care concerns and actually listened when I strongly advised her to be evaluated by her gynecologist. Her cervical dysplasia was significant, and if it had not been treated appropriately the disease could have advanced to cervical cancer.
She was fortunate, but her experience clearly demonstrates that even when protective barrier contraception is used, sexually transmitted diseases can still occur.
References:
www.GARDASIL.com - HPV Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/colposcopy-and-cervical-biopsy
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/loop-electrosurgical-excision-procedure-leep-for-abnormal-cervical-cell-changes
Carol Martin
Cmartin18@twu.edu
As I’ve shared with our group before, it seems my family members always come to me when there is a medical issue involved. This was the case a couple of years ago, when a very, very close family member confided in me and shared the fact that she was having some “female problems.”
Embarrassed to talk with me about the particular problems, she simply said that she had noticed some changes in her body and was worried there may be a problem. To give a little history, at that time my family member was a 24-year-old sexually active young woman, and routinely used protective contraception. I encouraged her to see her regular gynecologist for pregnancy testing and evaluation. She was extremely reluctant to do this because she was embarrassed, and did not want to discuss the intimate details with anyone, even her physician. I encouraged her to make the appointment and see her doctor, and reminded her that early diagnosis and treatment is especially important for “female problems”, because of potential pregnancy, infection, or other serious issues.
Unfortunately, although she routinely used protective barrier contraception, she was found to be one of the millions of young women infected with HPV. Because Gardasil ® (HPV vaccine)(WebMd, 2009) was fairly new at time and she was found to be already positive for the virus, this preventive treatment was not an option for her. Nearly two years ago she underwent a colposcopy, (a magnified examination of the vulva, vagina, and cervix, (WebMD, 2009) and a LEEP procedure (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) (WebMD, 2009), to remove abnormal cervical cells.
I am very happy to report that her most recent gynecological examination was completely normal with no evidence of cervical dysplasia. For the first year following the procedure, she saw her physician every three to six months, but has since resumed annual check-ups. Today my family member remains healthy and cancer-free. I am honored that she came to me with her health care concerns and actually listened when I strongly advised her to be evaluated by her gynecologist. Her cervical dysplasia was significant, and if it had not been treated appropriately the disease could have advanced to cervical cancer.
She was fortunate, but her experience clearly demonstrates that even when protective barrier contraception is used, sexually transmitted diseases can still occur.
References:
www.GARDASIL.com - HPV Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/colposcopy-and-cervical-biopsy
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/loop-electrosurgical-excision-procedure-leep-for-abnormal-cervical-cell-changes
Carol Martin
Cmartin18@twu.edu
Friday, October 9, 2009
Blog #6: Alternative to Hospital Birth
*Interview a woman who has chosen an alternative to hospital birth. Some examples may include home birth; underwater birth, or birthing center. Ask her why she chose that method and to describe the overall experience. How does she perceive that this experience was different than the hospital birthing experience?
I chose to interview my niece, Lindsey, regarding her experience with at-home birth. Lindsey gave birth to her first child last year. Her son is nearly one year old now, and is a very happy, healthy baby boy. She and her husband elected to have their firstborn at home with the assistance of a midwife. Lindsey has been very healthy all of her life and has rarely needed medical care other than routine check-ups. She intensely dislikes the hospital setting, so it was a natural choice for her to elect at-home birth instead. Her pregnancy was confirmed by her physician, and then the majority of her prenatal care and follow-up was provided by her midwife. The pregnancy was uncomplicated and progressed well, so they all felt safe in choosing to have the child at home. Another major reason they elected to have the child at home is because they lack health insurance, and felt the expenses of a hospital stay were unwarranted.
All necessary precautions were taken to ensure the childbirth would be safe for both Lindsey and the baby, and she was very happy with the experience. With the birthing assistance of a very qualified midwife, she was able to be in her own home with her husband, mother and father nearby, and they were all able to be part of bringing a wonderful new child into the world. Her labor was not prolonged, and she was able to deliver a 7 lb. baby without difficulty, and with minimal medication. Overall, the experience was very positive for the entire family, and the at-home delivery was much more relaxed and private than it would have been in a hospital setting. Lindsey tells me that if she is blessed to have another child, she will choose at-home delivery again.
Carol Martin
Cmartin18@twu.edu
I chose to interview my niece, Lindsey, regarding her experience with at-home birth. Lindsey gave birth to her first child last year. Her son is nearly one year old now, and is a very happy, healthy baby boy. She and her husband elected to have their firstborn at home with the assistance of a midwife. Lindsey has been very healthy all of her life and has rarely needed medical care other than routine check-ups. She intensely dislikes the hospital setting, so it was a natural choice for her to elect at-home birth instead. Her pregnancy was confirmed by her physician, and then the majority of her prenatal care and follow-up was provided by her midwife. The pregnancy was uncomplicated and progressed well, so they all felt safe in choosing to have the child at home. Another major reason they elected to have the child at home is because they lack health insurance, and felt the expenses of a hospital stay were unwarranted.
All necessary precautions were taken to ensure the childbirth would be safe for both Lindsey and the baby, and she was very happy with the experience. With the birthing assistance of a very qualified midwife, she was able to be in her own home with her husband, mother and father nearby, and they were all able to be part of bringing a wonderful new child into the world. Her labor was not prolonged, and she was able to deliver a 7 lb. baby without difficulty, and with minimal medication. Overall, the experience was very positive for the entire family, and the at-home delivery was much more relaxed and private than it would have been in a hospital setting. Lindsey tells me that if she is blessed to have another child, she will choose at-home delivery again.
Carol Martin
Cmartin18@twu.edu
Friday, October 2, 2009
Blog #5: Childless by Choice
Interview a woman on her decision to have children or be "childless" (may be temporary). Summarize her response and your thoughts regarding your interviewee's response. Note: you may discuss your own thoughts on having children instead of conducting an interview.
I consider myself so very blessed to have had two wonderful children, one daughter and one son, and being a parent has been the most fulfilling part of my life. I grew up in a large, blended family with five children, and was raised to believe that growing up, getting married and having children was simply expected if one was to have a “normal” life.
But I have learned, through friends who have remained childless by choice, that having children doesn’t always fit into certain lifestyles. One such couple, Roger and Jean, were high school sweethearts, married shortly after graduation, and recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They are two of the most “connected” people I have ever known, but I simply cannot imagine these two good friends in the role of parents. They have chosen to remain childless throughout their marriage, but for them this decision hasn’t meant they were “missing” a vital part of their lives; instead, they have had the freedom to do things that were important to them and brought them happiness. They have traveled the world together, lived in faraway places, and experienced events and places many of us have yet to see, and perhaps never will. Some might consider their decision a selfish one, but I certainly don’t see it this way. They are still so obviously happy and “connected”, and my perception is that they simply wouldn’t want to share each other with another person, especially a child. Both are career-oriented, fun-loving people who decided early in their marriage that they would remain childless, and they remain happy with this decision.
I believe the decision to have a child, or not, is one of the most critical ones a woman will make in her lifetime, and she should have a firm idea of what she wants and expects from life before deciding to have a child. If the role of “family” is important, then both potential parents should have realistic expectations of the time, emotional and financial commitment required to raise a child from infancy through college. And if career or “freedom” is more important, then she/they should consider the option to remain childless, by choice.
Carol Martin
Cmartin18@twu.edu
I consider myself so very blessed to have had two wonderful children, one daughter and one son, and being a parent has been the most fulfilling part of my life. I grew up in a large, blended family with five children, and was raised to believe that growing up, getting married and having children was simply expected if one was to have a “normal” life.
But I have learned, through friends who have remained childless by choice, that having children doesn’t always fit into certain lifestyles. One such couple, Roger and Jean, were high school sweethearts, married shortly after graduation, and recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They are two of the most “connected” people I have ever known, but I simply cannot imagine these two good friends in the role of parents. They have chosen to remain childless throughout their marriage, but for them this decision hasn’t meant they were “missing” a vital part of their lives; instead, they have had the freedom to do things that were important to them and brought them happiness. They have traveled the world together, lived in faraway places, and experienced events and places many of us have yet to see, and perhaps never will. Some might consider their decision a selfish one, but I certainly don’t see it this way. They are still so obviously happy and “connected”, and my perception is that they simply wouldn’t want to share each other with another person, especially a child. Both are career-oriented, fun-loving people who decided early in their marriage that they would remain childless, and they remain happy with this decision.
I believe the decision to have a child, or not, is one of the most critical ones a woman will make in her lifetime, and she should have a firm idea of what she wants and expects from life before deciding to have a child. If the role of “family” is important, then both potential parents should have realistic expectations of the time, emotional and financial commitment required to raise a child from infancy through college. And if career or “freedom” is more important, then she/they should consider the option to remain childless, by choice.
Carol Martin
Cmartin18@twu.edu
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
