Learning Journal Entry #7

From chapter 15 of our textbook I learned that every newborn inherits 23 chromosomes and approximately 20,000 genes from each parent and that inheriting abnormal chromosomes and genes can result in an inherited disease. I learned that genetic information is carried in DNA and that congenital birth defects are observed at birth in about 1 of every 50 newborn babies in the U.S. and that abnormal development of the fetus during pregnancy can be caused by environmental factors, abnormal genes passed on from one or both parents, or a combination of both. I learned that there are three prenatal diagnostic procedures that can determine whether fetal development is normal or whether there is a physical or biological defect which are called ultrasound, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling and that taking some prescription or illegal drugs, drinking alcohol, or becoming infected by viruses during pregnancy can harm the fetus and that if drugs or alcohol are used by a pregnant woman, especially in its early stages, miscarriage may occur or the newborn may suffer growth deficiencies, mental retardation, or other health problems. I also learned that couples who are at higher than average risk for having a genetically handicapped child should undergo genetic counseling before and after pregnancy is established and that modern genetic diagnostic tests can detect genes responsible for hundreds of inherited diseases; however only a few can be successfully treated and that a federal law was also passed in 2008 prohibiting genetic discrimination which sometimes occurred when employers and or health and life insurance companies found out that their employees or clients may have carried genes that predisposed them to diseases and disorders. Lastly, I learned that gene therapy and embryonic stem cell research have the potential to cure many serious diseases while the cloning of animals has become relatively common but unreliable and human cloning has been deemed unjustified for scientific, ethical, and social reasons.

From chapter 20 of our textbook I learned that alternative medicine consists of hundreds of methods for dealing with sickness and disease in ways that are different from conventional medicine including spiritual, mental, nutritional, and physical therapies as well as herbal remedies. Some of these methods include homeopathy, which administers very dilute solutions of substances that are supposed to mimic the symptoms of a sick person and help the body cure itself of the disease. I learned that chiropractors and osteopaths use manipulation of the spine and joints to treat musculoskeletal disorders and other diseases. I also learned that the method of ayurveda and aromatherapy are ancient healing techniques. Acupuncture, another ancient healing technique, is supposed to restore harmony to the functioning of tissues and organs by inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. I also learned that herbal medicine uses mixtures of herbs in the form of pills, powders, teas, and tinctures to help in the healing process but many are considered ineffective and some herbal remedies contain toxic chemicals. Some may even interact with prescription medications making them more or less effective. I also learned that there is scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of biomagnetic therapy in the treatment of disease but many people use it for pain relief and other medical issues. Lastly, Americans spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year on fraudulent health products and treatments in which many fall victim to quackery in which consumers need to be on guard.

From the online article in the class lecture, I learned that alternative medicine is the use of medicinal, general health practices, products, etc. that are not a part of society's conventional medical systems, also referred to as "complementary" medicine. Some examples of alternative medicine include Fad diets, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbology, yoga, probiotics, and new age healing. But the article warns us to take care and do your homework when choosing to use alternative medicine. For example taking certain herbs without knowing how they may interact with other medicines or knowing proper dosages can cause serious problems and going to an unlicensed practitioner for something like acupuncture can result in serious injury. It also states that you should consult with your present health practitioner to discuss the alternative medicines you are considering and to weigh the risks and benefits carefully before trying anything new , always letting your health professional know all of your medical history and present practices.

From the discussions with my fellow classmates, we talked about the pros and the cons regarding what embryonic stem cell research is and its history. We also mentioned Michael J. Fox, actor, victim of Parkinson’s disease, and advocate for stem cell research. We also talked about how the ban in the United States was lifted in March of 2009 and our views regarding its controversy.

Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:

http://usliberals.about.com/od/stemcellresearch/i/StemCell1.htm

http://www.usnews.com/articles/opinion/2009/03/23/embryonic-stem-cell-research-does-too-much-good-to-be-evil-says-janet-rowley.html

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/sections/stem_cell/

http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/history-of-stem-cell-research-faq.htm

http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8lsjfjgAA8

http://www.michaeljfox.org/

http://www.michaeljfox.org/newsEvents_parkinsonsInTheNews_article.cfm?ID=505

In a second discussion, we talked about alternative medicine in which we discussed what it is and how big of an industry it has become in the United States. We also talked about the different methods of alternative medicine and touched on the power of prayer as one of them. We also mentioned that most forms of alternative medicine are safe and effective but there are some that may do more harm than good and that people should be on their guard for scams and charlatans that pry on these sick and vulnerable.

Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/#intro

http://www.gcnm.com/

http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/skepticism/blfaq_altmed_index.htm

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2414866/prayer_an_effective_alternative_medicine.html?cat=68

Lastly, we had a discussion regarding genetic counseling and the pros and cons of genetic testing in which the topic of abortion was brought up in regards to whether we have the right to choose the fate of an unborn child in the case of diseases such as a prognosis of Downs Syndrome. In light of the month of May being Cystic fibrosis awareness month, we also touched on the disease which is also one of the many inherited diseases on the list that can be detected early by genetic testing so a couple planning to start a family can have alternatives. We also discussed the passing of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 passed by President Bush so people can no longer lose their jobs and or health and life insurance based on an apparent or perceived genetic abnormality.

Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/17/AR2005101701311.html

http://victorian.fortunecity.com/wooton/414/genetest.html

http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genetest.shtml

http://www.wpri.com/dpps/wildcard_9/family-talks-life-with-cystic-fibrosis_3800157

http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org/Projects/PastProject.aspx?projectId=1

Vocabulary Words:

Integrative medicine: physicians who combine the practice of scientific Western medicine with alternative medicines that they feel are safe and effective for their patients.

Amniocentesis: a procedure in which amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus and tested to determine whether genetic or anatomical defects exist in the fetus.

From the vocabulary words that I posted I learned:

It is nice to know that many Western doctors recognize many of the methods of alternative medicine for the treatment of their patients and I didn’t realize that when my doctor all these years recommended chicken soup when I had the flu that it was a form of alternative medicine.

My mother had an amniocentesis done when she was pregnant with my little sister and I always wondered how and why it was performed and what it determined.

Participation:

One thing that I learned in this session that I may be able to use in the future is how far the field of genetic testing has affected society as well as the pros, cons, and the controversy that surrounds it.

I feel that everything has gone well for me during this course, what I believe helped me to achieve this success was following directions, thoroughly reading my textbook and online lectures so I received good scores on the quizzes, and actively participating in the discussions with my fellow classmates who did a fantastic job as well with their follow ups to my posts. I also put a lot of thought, effort, and personal reflection into my diet analysis project and my journals and as a result, I also received good grades.

Looking back at my grades for this module, I would give myself good feedback as the layout of the course was easy to follow, the material was very interesting, I learned a lot of information in regards to the health issues in our society today, as well as how I can improve my own health and well being from this course.

Active Link:
I posted an active link that allows the instructor to access my blog account for the module.

Learning Journal Entry #6

From chapter thirteen I learned that cancer refers to many different diseases and that they share the common property of abnormal cell growth. I learned that dietary and environmental factors such as smoking and sunlight cause chemical changes that may initiate a tumor, which is a mass of abnormal cells. I also learned that cigarette smoking is the cause of about one third of all cancers, especially lung cancer. Most cancers are largely preventable and only 5 to 10% of cancers are actually caused by genes that have been inherited. Treatment for cancer includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with the goal of removing or the destruction of as many cancer cells as possible. I also learned that the recovery from cancer all depends on a good attitude, good nutrition, healing mental images, medical treatment and an active immune system and that breast and testicular self examinations are an early means of cancer detection. Dietary deficiencies or excesses are responsible for about one half of all cancers while overexposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer. Lastly, I learned that to significantly reduce your risk of cancer, you must change your lifestyle including a healthier diet, limiting your alcohol consumption, eliminating smoking, and reducing your exposure to sunlight and chemical carcinogens.

From chapter fourteen I learned that damage to the heart is called cardiovascular disease and it is the leading cause of death in the United States. Heredity, gender, and age are major risk factors that cannot be changed but the elimination of tobacco use, controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol, increasing your physical activity, and improving your diet can control cardiovascular disease. Other factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease are obesity, stress, and diabetes. Various surgeries can be performed to repair clogged arteries such as bypass surgery, angioplasty (stenting), and endarterectomy and just one 81mg baby aspirin taken daily may reduce the risk of heart disease for someone at risk. Lastly, I learned that foods such as calcium, soy products, fish oils, coca, and green tea all help to keep the heart healthy.

From the class lecture I learned that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States and that in order to combat it, you must eat a heart healthy diet consisting of eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limiting animal products that are high in fat and cholesterol, such as meat and cheese. I also learned that limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats is the most important step you can take to reduce your blood cholesterol level and lower your risk of coronary artery disease.

From the discussions with my fellow classmates, we talked about how 90% of all lung cancer is caused by smoking. We learned that there are 599 components of a cigarette and why they are so bad for us. We also learned the statistics of smoking, the dangers of second hand smoke, and tips on how to quit smoking.

Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10566.php

http://www.quitsmokingsupport.com/whatsinit.htm

http://www.quitsmokinghub.com/blog/2010/02/2010-smoking-statistics-us-and-worldwide/

http://www.quitguide.com/smoking-facts.html

http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/125/5_suppl/86S.full

http://smoking.ygoy.com/smoking-statistics-general-facts/

In a second discussion, we talked about the risk factors of cancer in which I added the dangers of natural sun exposure and well as tanning beds. I also mentioned safe alternatives to tanning and guidelines for the early detection of skin cancer.

Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5104a1.htm

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-are-some-safe-alternatives-to-tanning-beds.html

www.cancer.org/Healthy/FindCancerEarly/CancerScreeningGuidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.

Lastly, we had a discussion regarding reducing the risks of cardiovascular disease in which I added that many vitamin supplements as well as fish oils, dark chocolate, and green tea have been proven to reduce heart disease.

Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fish-oil/NS_patient-fishoil

http://www.healthandage.com/dark-chocolate-reduces-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease

http://www.opentalkmagazine.com/health-nutrition/disease-cure/3109-reduce-cholesterol-cardiovascular-disease-fight-cancer-with-green-tea.html

Vocabulary Words:

Mesothelioma: is a form of lung cancer caused by asbestos.

I have seen many commercials advertising the hiring of lawyers in regards to Mesothelioma but I never knew that it was caused by industrial workers being exposed to asbestos fibers that got into the lungs and caused them to get a rare form of lung cancer.

Stenting: A simpler, cheaper, and safer alternative procedure to bypass surgery for clogged arteries; this procedure involves inserting a catheter into the arm or leg and threading it up to the point of blockage in either a coronary artery or the carotid artery in the neck. If a blockage is found, a stent is inserted that props the artery open.

My grandfather had this procedure performed, but I never knew the details involved in it. Unfortunately, this procedure was not effective for him and he eventually needed bypass surgery to repair four blocked arteries.

Participation:

I felt that I put the needed time and effort into this module by following instructions and participating in the readings, discussions, and quiz and as a result I received great grades and comments.

The one thing that I learned during this session that I may be able to learn in the future would be all of the valuable information I learned in regards to the prevention of cancer and heart disease.

Active Link:
I posted an active link that allows the instructor to access my blog account for the module.

Learning Journal Entry #5

From chapter 7 of our readings I learned that because machines do most of the work many people end up leading sedentary lives causing a variety of health risks in which the government and social institutions are trying to find ways of helping people increase the physical activity. Physical activity includes any kind of movement and is measured in calories of energy expanded per minutes. Experts say that people should walk for at least 30 minutes and that moderate rather than vigorous amounts of physical activity is sufficient for health. Physical activity has six components including motivation, cardiorespiratory fitness, body strength, endurance, flexibility, and body composition. The guidelines for integrating physical activity into your life include setting goals, developing/carrying out a plan, and a tracking/evaluating your progress. The most common type of sports related injury is exercising a body part or the entire body past it limits and that special precautions should be used when exercising in hot or cold weather.

From chapter 16 of our readings I learned that a drug is a chemical substance capable of producing a change in a person’s physiology. I also learned that whether it is illegal or legal, medical or nonmedical, the use of drugs in the United States is very widespread. Drug use is greatly encouraged thanks in a large part by the extensive advertising of pharmaceutical companies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires extensive testing of a new drug for effectiveness and safety before it is allowed on the market. The most common drugs are stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and caffeine, depressants such as sedatives, hypnotics, and tranquilizers, and opiates, marijuana, hallucinogens, cocaine, and Ecstasy. Drug abuse is the overuse of a drug which most of the time points to the loss of control. People who abuse drugs are sometimes referred to as being physcoactive, which means that they alter their feelings, thoughts, and perceptions. The body builds up a tolerance to a drug which requires the use of more of the drug to achieve its effects.

From the class lectures I learned that there are 10 health mistakes that even smart people occasionally make which include not drinking enough water on a daily basis, having no physical recently, not getting enough sleep, attempting to exercise through pain, not washing their hands during the day, not eating breakfast, not getting enough calcium in their diet, being too busy to relax, not wearing their seat belts, and not knowing the medical history of their relatives.

I also learned many effective weight loss strategies such as: eating white breast meat instead of dark, eating grilled instead of fried fish, limiting your intake of cheese, oil, butter, and cream, when ordering a baked potato have the fixings put on the side, adding extra lettuce, tomatoes, and mustard to a burger or sandwich instead of cheese and mayonnaise, ordering a low-calorie dressing on the side, preparing steamed vegetables without the use of butter or oil, when preparing an omelet using only egg whites and going light on the cheese, having half of your meal boxed to go in advance so you eat less, using a marinara instead of a cream sauce, and substituting a salad for French fries with dressing on the side prior to eating a meal.

From participating in online discussions and replies with my fellow classmates, I learned that a staggering 60% of North American college students lack the recommended amount of physical activity taking into account a very busy academic lifestyle of sitting in lectures, studying, and doing work on the computer. In an age of electronic gadgets, the time that college students do have as part of their leisure is being used to play video games, text messaging, surfing the internet , listening to music, and watching TV instead of budgeting in some type of healthy physically activity. We also talked about the advantages of having an exercise partner to motivate you and the importance of physical activity in relieving the stressors of college.

Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:

http://apha.confex.com/apha/135am/techprogram/paper_159552.htm

http://www.acsm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home_Page&TEMPLATE=CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=7764

http://dailyburn.com/home2

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f02/web1/sfrayne.html

http://www.empoweredforgrowth.com/how-to-stay-motivated-with-an-exercise-buddy/

http://www.howtobefit.com/exercise-to-relax.htm

In our second discussion we talked about how addicted we are to caffeine in the form of our daily coffee and soda and how it affects our health.

Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/asthma-why-caffeine-can-make-it-worse.html

http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/caffeine.htm

http://www.testcountry.org/10-important-caffeine-side-effects-that-people-do-not-think-about.htm

http://waterforlifeusa.com/blog/uncategorized/8-ways-soda-fizzles-your-health/

http://www.chetday.com/softdrinkdangers.htm

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/UCM205286.pdf

Lastly we talked about drug addiction and that there is another form of substance abuse that can be found right in our homes known as inhalants found in the form of such products as nail polish remover, White-out, and whipped cream dispensers. We also learned that they are actually more dangerous than street drugs because they are cheap, can be purchased legally, and are easy to obtain.

Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:

http://helpguide.org/mentaldrug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm

http://www.nida.nih.gov/scienceofaddiction/treatment.html

http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/inhalants.html

http://inhalants.org/

Participation:

As with all the modules that I have completed so far, I feel that I have put the needed time and effort into each one by following instructions and participating in the discussions and as a result I have received great grades and comments through this course. The only problem that I had to overcome during this online course was getting into the habit of spreading my attendance out over the allotted time of each module which I succeeded in doing. From now until the end of the semester I plan on keeping up the good work and completing this course with an “A”.

Vocabulary Words:

Physcoactive: is any substance that alters mood, perception, and other brain functions.

I did not know that that many drugs of abuse alter our thoughts, feelings, and perceptions and that they cause psychological dependence.


Sedentary life: is a pattern of living that lacks physical activity sufficient for good health.

I have learned that we live in a world full of machines and gadgets that do most of the work for us and as a result, we live very sedentary lives and that it is up to us to give our bodies a daily workout to overcome our lack of physical activity in our lives and lead a healthier lifestyle.


Active Link:

I posted an active link that allows the instructor to access my blog account for the module.

Journal Entry for Learning Module #4

From chapter 5 of our readings I learned that the U.S. government and many health organizations have established dietary guidelines to help the public make smart nutritional choices in the battle to prevent heart disease, cancer, and other diseases based on the consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while recommending limiting the consumption of meats, whole-fat dairy products, and fatty and sugary snacks and sweets. The tool that has been established in order to do so is called “MyPyramid” illustrating six basic concepts to assist in a healthier you including: variety, moderation, proportionality, physical activity, gradual improvement, and personalization. I also learned that food is composed of seven components: protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Thirdly, I learned the importance of food safety and hand washing as well as the method in which certain foods are exposed to gamma irradiation in order to destroy microorganisms. Lastly, I learned to limit the use of artificial sweeteners and eating fast foods.

From chapter 6 of our readings I learned that approximately two-thirds of the U.S. population is overweight and at risk for numerous illnesses and that many physiological, psychological, social, and environmental factors contribute to us being overweight. I also learned that there are many healthy ways to lose weight as suggested in the wellness guide on page 148 of our textbook including exercising daily and that counseling, surgery, and medications can help some overweight people to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle but starvation dieting is not one of them. Thirdly, I learned about three ineffective weight loss schemes including body wraps, diet pills, and diet programs offering unrealistic results. Lastly, I learned about three common eating disorders that of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.

From the lectures “Choosing a Nutritious Diet: 20 Ways to Cut 250 Calories” and the “Tips of the Day”, I learned many helpful ways to live a more healthy lifestyle.

From the discussions with my fellow classmates I learned that ingredient and nutritional fact labels required on all manufactured foods provide information regarding the components and their amounts in the foods and beverages that we consume. These ingredient and nutritional fact labels inform the consumer that they may be consuming a variety of additives that alter their texture, flavor, color, and stability. They may also contain preservatives to keep foods from spoiling through the use of sulfites.

Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:

www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/ConsumerInformation/default.htm

www.fda.gov/food/labelingnutrition/consumerinformation/ucm078889.htm

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/videos/CFSAN/HWM/hwmsk02.cfm

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/menu-281528-labeling-california.html

In a second discussion, we talked about body image referring to a person's perception of the aesthetics of their own body and our personal feelings on the subject. We also discussed how the media manipulates young woman into thinking they need to have a perfect “Barbie doll” shape in order to be accepted in society. We also talked about how over concern about body image and weight can have adverse health consequences including the following: depression, poor nutrition, risks associated from cosmetic surgery, cigarette smoking to reduce body weight, fasting, skipping meals, excessive exercise, laxative abuse, and self-induced vomiting and how one out of every four college-aged women uses these unhealthy methods of weight control.

Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_image

www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/companion.asp

http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/women_and_girls/women_beauty.cfm

Lastly, we had a discussion regarding dietary supplements stating our opinions about them and their benefits noting that there are more than 25,000 dietary supplements available on the market in the United States today, that they are composed of one or more of the 40 essential nutrients or nonessential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, herbs, hormones, and nucleic acids, and that about 100 million Americans spend a total of $22 billion each year on them.

Regarding this topic, the following websites were referenced:

article entitled Facts about Vitamins - The Benefits of Multivitamins

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/list-all/

http://riley.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=3&tax_subject=274&topic_id=1323&level3_id=5147#General%20Information

Participation:

I felt that I put the needed time and effort into this module by following instructions and participating in the discussions and as a result I received great grades and comments. I particularly enjoyed this module as it was very informative and my fellow classmates were very involved in some great discussions.

Vocabulary Words:

Phytochemicals: Phytochemicals are the chemicals produced in plants that may contain possible benefits such as cancer prevention, pain relief, and the reduction of heart disease. (See table 5.11 on p. 114 of our textbook in regards to the fruits and vegetables that contain phytochemicals and their possible benefits)

I did not know that different types of fruits and vegetables were cancer and heart disease preventers, much less that phytochemicals were considered to be of a natural chemical composition.

Trans-fatty-acid: Also known as trans-fat, this is an artificial fat manufactured by chemically modifying monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

This topic has been all over the news recently and I am aware that this substance is not healthy for you and that every food label I see lately says no trans-fat but I did not know that it is actually a man-made composition.

Functional food: Functional foods are foods in which additional vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other substances are added to allow the manufacturer to make health claims.

I do not know if I should be glad that the food companies are looking out for my best interest as far as creating functional foods or if it is just another selling ploy in order to get consumers to buy their products and our these foods regulated by the FDA deeming them effective and safe.

Active Link:

I posted an active link that allows the instructor to access my blog account for the module.

Reflection On What I learned In Module 3:

From the class lecture I learned that there are twelve steps to life which include: avoiding the use drugs, alcohol and smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight through a healthy diet and exercise regime, getting 6 to 8 of sleep each night, supplementing your diet with nutritional supplements, getting regular medical checkups/ performing self exams and getting good prenatal care if pregnant, keeping up with immunizations, avoiding excessive sun exposure/ using sun block, and always fastening your seat belt.

From chapter 3 of my readings I found that stress occurs from environmental situations and life events. Stress can also cause or aggravate many physical and emotional problems. When many people are faced with a stressful situation they tend to develop unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drug use, eating disorders, and over working. Stress can be drastically reduced through a number of techniques including: image visualization, meditation, exercise, yoga, and relaxing. The book also included a section devoted to the stressors that college students face including overload, time pressures, and test anxiety.

From chapter 4 of my readings I found that good mental health includes a feeling of vitality, optimism, and well being. It is also present when you experience positive and productive activities such as being in healthy relationships with others and the ability to adapt and cope to change and adversity. Our emotions tell us whether we are satisfied and the level of the satisfaction. Emotional distress can happen when our when these needs are not met. People cope with emotional distress by changing how they interact with the environment, changing the importance of their unmet needs, or by changing their distressing feelings. Positive thoughts and emotions encourage people to engage in healthy behaviors as well as coping with unhealthy ones. Mental illness occurs when there are alterations in thinking, emotions and/or intentional behaviors that produce distress and/or impaired functioning.

From participating in online discussions and replies with my fellow classmates, I posted a discussion question in regards to the meaning of test anxiety, the symptoms, and ways to overcome it; as well as offering my own remedies.

One classmate responded to my post and offered an additional website regarding ways to reduce test anxiety. I particularly liked the section in her website regarding how study environment affects your test performance in which I found I was guilty of a few things mentioned in her website.

I then replied to a classmate in regards to sleeping disorders in which I noted that I do not have any sleep orders just bad habits regarding sleep. In which I found an additional website offering extra tips to help you get a better night’s sleep.
I also replied to a fellow classmate in regards to relieving stress, in which I offered an additional website on the topic and offered my own personal ways of relieving stress.

Additional Information/Links to Resources:

http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/school/test_anxiety.html
http://www.suite101.com/content/how-to-deal-with-test-anxiety-a91341
http://www.stress-helptoday.com/info/Test-Anxiety.html
http://www.stateuniversity.com/blog/permalink/Sleep-Deprivation-A-Common-Occurrence-for-College-Students.html
http://kidshealth.org/teen/centers/stress_center.html

Comment on your Participation:

I felt that I put in the needed time and effort into this module.

Vocabulary:

Stressor: Any physical or psychological situation that produces stress.
Optimism: The thought process of imagining a high probability of attaining a goal.
Pessimism: The thought process of a low probability of attaining a goal.

What I learned from these definitions;
Everyone has some type of stress in their lives, being optimistic versus pessimistic is one of the ways to help you deal with the stressors in your life.


Active Link:

I posted an active link that allows the instructor to access my blog account for the module.

Journal Entry Module #2

Reflection on what I learned in this class:

From my readings and the class lectures, I learned the definition of health and that the leading cause of illnesses and death is due to preventative lifestyle disease and it is up to us to try to achieve a healthy lifestyle in order to increase our lifespan. I also learned that health that depends on the decisions that we make every day and that it is a way of life. There are three models of health medical, environmental, and holistic. Autonomic nervous system helps with the involuntary actions of the internal organs. Such as the heart beat, glands, and the workings of the lungs. Popular methods to help you to reduce stress are meditation, muscle relaxation, mental imagery, hypnosis, religion and/or faith. And the power of humor also has an effect on you, it creates positive feelings, decreases stress and anxiety, and when the mind is relaxed it is open to suggestion.

From participating in online discussions and replies with my fellow classmates, I learned that there are actually ten dimensions of health and wellness versus the six mentioned in our textbook in which I thought financial wellness was an interesting topic.I also learned about the power of the mind and the benefits that positive thinking and humor. I also touched on the leading causes of lifestyle diseases and preventable death.We also discussed stress and the benefits of yoga help relieve it.

Additional Information/Links to Resources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/positive-thinking/SR00009
http://www.cyc-net.org/cyc-online/cycol-0803-humour.html
www.definitionofwellness.com/index.html
1.Social Wellness
2.Occupational Wellness
3.Spiritual Wellness
4.Physical Wellness
5.Intellectual Wellness
6.Emotional Wellness
7.Environmental Wellness
8.Financial Wellness
9.Mental Wellness
10.Medical Wellness
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_preventable_causes_of_death
http://naturalhealthperspective.com/home/civilization.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preventable_death
http://www.yogawiz.com/askquestion/995/whether-yoga-is-necessary-for-college-students.html

Comment on your Participation:

I felt that I put in the needed time and effort into this module, but in the future I will post my two required responses on two separate dates in order to show that I am in attendance.

Vocabulary:

Sympathetic: helps your body to prepare for an abnormal situation. For example having to speak in front of people or having to face a job interview.

Parasympathetic: Is what helps to bring your body back to the normal state after the action sympathetic system. It helps you regain composure and adjust to the situation slowly.

Biofeedback: Helps in reducing involuntary activity and to reduce stress. For example blood pressure and muscle tension.

What I learned from these definitions;
I did not realize that my body has the ability to involuntarily help me adjust to different stressful situations.

Active Link:

I posted an active link that allows the instructor to access my blog account for the module.