Blog #6/ Question 1- Thoughts on Having Children

I am currently not married but have high hopes to get married one day. I don’t want to get married or have children until; I have at least received my master’s degree in psychology. I will not receive my master’s degree for another three years. I want to wait to have children because; I want to be financially secure to raise my children. I have thought about having two children, but with the cost of education, childcare, health care, and after school activities; I don’t think I could raise two children the way I would want them to be raised, unless my husband really has an outstanding job. I believe something would go lacking somewhere with two highly, educated, successful individuals trying to raise their children.
A child needs to be given love, attention, and the feeling of being wanted. I don’t want my child to feel like he or she is a burden to me or prevented me from reaching my goals. To be able to give birth to a child, see a child explore their environment, and grow is a blessing. I am very strong with my faith. I would want to continue the Orthodox Jewish traditions of raising my child, as I have been raised. I want my child to always carry on the family traditions because, he or she can continue passing on his or hers inherited genes to be courageous, independent, educated, financially secure, and successful. I want my child to be able to visit third world countries and volunteer assistance to those who are not as fortunate as my child. I want my child to be appreciative for all of his or hers blessings brought to him or her as their mother is appreciative of her blessings. A woman that can give birth to a child or raise a child is the greatest blessing with the greatest achievement of being a woman.

Blog 5 Question # 1 In what ways could someones culture, beliefs and practices influence contraceptive decision making?

Influences of Contraceptives

Contraceptives are determined by what fits the person’s needs. There are so many different types of contraceptives to choose. A person should consider their health and what fits their religious orientation, if they believe in religion. A person should think about what they believe can work for them and how well the contraceptive method fits into their lifestyles. A person may want to consider if a prescription is needed or if the contraceptive can be purchased without a prescription. A person needs to consider if he or she is married. The decisions about contraceptives are sometimes determined by who is the head of the household.
In many cultures, the man makes the decisions as to what types of contraceptives can be used. Socioeconomics may not allow contraceptives to be used in relationships. Several Asian cultures place limits as to how many children a couple may have. In our country, American’s can have as many children as they desire. Contraceptives should not be forced on anyone. Everyone should have a choice as to what types of contraceptive methods they want to use and if they want to use a contraceptive.

Blog 4 Menarche-Question#2

Blog 4 Question#2 Menarche
My first menstrual cycle was a negative for me. My period started when I was at home riding my skateboard. I thought I had cut myself. I went into the house and asked my mother for a band aid. My mother told me that the blood was not due to a cut but due to my period. She explained to me what a period is about. My family members were happy for me; because having my period meant that they would not have to babysit me much longer. My period meant that I was growing up and not a baby anymore. To me, a period meant I couldn’t swim or participate in sports because; I was wearing a sanitary napkin. I was always thinking about changing my napkin. I lived in fear constantly worried that someone could see my napkin through my clothes. I hated going to school when I was on my period. I always felt blotted and heavy during my period. Now, manufactures make slim tampons, so I can swim during my period and don’t have to worry if someone can see anything. I am more confident during my menstrual cycle. I can do whatever I want and not feel ashamed.

Blog 3 Preventive Practices

I would rate myself a seven on my preventive practices which is about average. Some of the ways that I can improve my health are by getting at least six to eight hours of sleep each night, increasing physical exercise and drinking less wine with my dinner. I have already implemented a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. I also avoid using tobacco products, drugs and do not have friends who use tobacco products or have anything to do with an illegal substance.
Adults can encourage adolescents to follow healthy behaviors by setting and showing examples for them. The examples can be by showing adolescents with other adolescents going to church, reading The Bible, teaching teenage Bible study and placing adolescents on youth comities. Adults can also encourage adolescents to limit time being spent watching television.
My idea for reaching adolescents through the media is to show other adolescents that don’t listen to their parent’s, don’t go to church, don’t practice positive actions, and show what negative behaviors have on their future. The media can show adolescents in prisons, and sleeping on an abandoned park bench without a coat during the winter months while being homeless. I believe the media would get adolescents attention and have an influence on what they choose to do with their lives.
Parents need to enforce the rules of the house and have better standards for their children. Health care providers need to lower insurance premiums and health educators need to communicate better with adolescents. As a whole, society needs to realize that the time of adolescence is a very important part of life. Everyone has to experience and learn from their mistakes in order to live a healthy, fruitful life.