Embracing Menopause

I believe that it is important for women to have a positive outlook on menopause and embrace the post menopausal years of their lives. Today’s society focuses very little on accepting aging and has looked upon menopause as a negative experience for many years. I disagree, menopause should be approached as a positive experience in a women’s life. Some non-Western cultures believe that a woman improves as she ages. The North American Menopause Society reports that half of postmenopausal women are happier and more fulfilled than in earlier years (Alexander p. 289).
My mother also believes that women get better with age. They have more wisdom and become more accepting of themselves. It is important for society to accept aging, menopause, and older women. Youth and beautiful appearances do not last forever!
Menopause does not have to slow women down. There are many therapies available to control the symptoms of menopause. It is also significant for women in society to voice their thoughts and concerns on menopause, in doing this fear and embarrassment can be avoided as well as associated myths concerning menopause.

Getting Tested

I would strongly encourage any friend or loved one to get tested if suspicious of an STD. It is extremely important to get tested, not only for the individuals’ health but the health of others as well. Choosing to make an informed decision about ones’ sexual health can prevent and reduce future health risk factors associated with STDs.

STD tests are especially important for women. Women are at a higher vulnerability to contracting an STD than men. Gynecology appointments and Pap smears annually are very important and recommended for women ages 18 years and older.
Human Papillomavirus is a rapidly growing STD and a serious health concern affecting women. Certain strains of the HPV infection can lead to cervical cancer and even death in women. Pap smears can detect early cell changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer.

I think it is ignorant to suspect an STD and not get tested out of fear of the unknown, especially if you have sexual contact with another individual! Getting tested may affect a current or future relationship. Communication with your partner is also important when considering getting tested. I would encourage anyone that feeling ashamed and fearful is a normal feeling and they are not alone. The sooner they get tested the sooner they can make a decision about their overall health and well being. It is important to practice safe sex and essential that women get a pap smear once a year. It may be uncomfortable, but deal with it! It involves your health, prevents the spread of STDs, and can save your life!

Blog 6- Prenatal Testing

I believe that prenatal testing should be routine and performed for all pregnant women. It is not only important for the mothers health, but also that the unborn baby is healthy during the developmental stages. Prenatal testing can help identify health problems that could endanger the development and health of the baby.
Factors such as age, family medical history, and ethnicity should be considered when considering testing. It is especially important that pregnant women over the age of 35 years old receive prenatal tests because they are at an increased risk of having a child with a chromosomal disease such as Down syndrome. Inherited disorders such as sickle cell anemia, which is common in the African American population, should also be considered.
I also think it is important that women are educated and prepared if they receive positive results from a prenatal test. There are a lot of decisions to be made when considering and deciding the results of prenatal testing.
I believe that it is important that parents become educated about every aspect of pregnancy, from the beginning to the end!!