Mental Illness

It is easy for people to label a mentally disabled individual without knowing his or her underlying issue. Unfortunately, many mental illnesses have a stigma of negative attitudes following them. These stigmas can lead to discrimination, misconception, and embarrassment for those suffering from a mental illness and the ones who care for them.

It is important to talk about a mental illness instead of remaining closed off about the issue. People have tried to avoid these issues by not discussing them when discussing them can educate and clear up misconceptions.

I have seen the devastation that a mental illness can bring on a family. I knew a couple who had a son that suffered from schizophrenia. When he got older they became unable to adequately care for him. They were eventually forced to put him in a metal health facility which provided hourly surveillance and care for his condition. Very sad.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness that really interests me. Over 3 million people in the United States suffer from manic depression, or bipolar disorder. This chronic illness is in the category of mood disorders resulting in severe mood and behavioral changes which can last for weeks or even months.
There are many people who do not consider bipolar disorder a chronic illness. I strongly disagree. I have grown up with a parent with this mood disorder and had a past boyfriend that I suspected of having it. It not only affects the individual who has it but those around them. Bipolar disorder has actually been discovered worldwide. The World Health Organization states taht it makes up for about 1.2 percent of the worldwide population (http://www.worldhelathorg/bipolar.org)
Fortunately, with proper treatment bipolar disorder can be managed. There are a variety of medications and mood stabilizers on the market. Bipolar disorder does not always have to be treated with medication, treatment and counseling are also available.

Cardiovascular Disease

I think family medical history is a great factor which can influence women to adopt healthier lifestyles and preventative behaviors to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important to find out if you have any family medical history of heart disease to prevent and avoid potential problems. Even though you can not change your family history you can make lifestyle changes to avoid many of the risk factors leading to cardiovascular disease.
It is crucial that women do not smoke! Smoking is a major risk factor leading to many health problems, especially heart disease. Second hand smoke can be harmful as well. I live in College Station, Texas and am very happy that the restaurants and bars have banned smoking indoors!

Healthy Lifestyle

One of the biggest challenges to maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise that I face is my irregular schedule. I am constantly on the go either to work or school. I do not have a set time for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Irregular eating patterns and skipping meals can be unhealthy and lead to weight gain.
Assignment 9 offered helpful information to living and maintaining a healthier life style. The Siteman Cancer Center website offered personal advice on disease risk prevention and tips to living a healthier life. I became aware that I need to decrease the unhealthy, unsaturated fats out of my diet and replace them with “good fats” such as; avocadoes and nuts. Take out food contains an abundance of unsaturated fats. After receiving my results from the disease risk assessment, my goal is to cook more meals and eat healthier!
These challenges are going to change for me in the next five years. I think exercise is very important in maintaining your health as you age. It improves bone density in women and reduces the risk of fractured or broken bones. Exercise also makes your feel better emotionally. It raises self esteem and reduces anxiety and depression. Osteoporosis is also a concern to me as I age. It is important that I take a multi vitamin on a daily basis to reduce my risk of osteoporosis. These health tips have helped me realize that it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle now which will benefit me as I get older.