biggest challenges to regular exercise and a healthy diet

As a mother, and future health educator I am aware of the
benefits of physical activities and proper nutrition.  Once upon
time I would just look at a cake and lose 5lbs.  However, those days are
long gone and those pounds are sticking like carpenter’s glue.
  There are several challenges that impede my progress of consistent
exercise and proper nutrition.  Time is the biggest challenge and stress.  My obstacles feed of each other.  By the time  I  leave  work, pick up the  kids  and  prepare dinner  it is
time  for  homework.  I often get stress out, forget to exercise and then get a piece of cake.  (Ok, 2 slices).

In the future, I plan to practice what I preach...  I need to find the time to consistently work out within my schedule.  I will pass up the bakery isle and   purchase healthier options.  In the future, I see these challenges being less of a hindrance to my goals.  Acknowledge my challenges and taken the realistic steps to change will be beneficial over the next five years.

Menopause

There are several things that can be done to change the image of menopause in our society.  I feel this should start with our doctors and our media.  We spend time acknowledging the changes that will occur with puberty and what to expect during pregnancy.  Young girls are  given pamphlets  about   their  period  and   expecting mothers are  given  cute  little bags  filled  with magazines, coupons, diapers etc., for their new stage  in life.  However,   no one is filling up little bags with educational materials for menopausal women.

The media only report the negative aspect of menopause.  Therefore, many women already have this preconceived filling of doom about menopause.   The Media is filled with images of depression, irritable images of women due to menopause.  We need to see more images of women feeling free and doing things they enjoy more in the later years.

To implement changes with must start discussing menopause with our daughters, spouses and doctors.  Women need to know that they are not alone, their experiences are natural and that helpful information is available.
 This  link had  information on  natural natural ways to alleviate the symptoms http://www.nine.com.au/blog.aspx?blogentryid=614673&showcomments=true

Keisha

STIs

While, some individuals may conduct themselves recklessly, I do not view STIs as consequence of immorality, promiscuous behavior, and low social status.  According to Alexander, LaRosa, Bader, Garfield, & Alexander, (2010) sexually transmitted organisms does not discriminate against class, racial, ethnic or social barriers.

 An individuals  can   be infected with an STIs because of  one  lapse in judgment or  by expecting  their partner to be  faithful.  Many women and children are being infected with sexually transmitted disease due to sexual slavery and sexual assault.  These individuals are no longer in control of their sexual health in these situations.

 Although I am married, I will never think I am above being infected with an STI.  I have to depend on my husband to be faithful and use good judgment.   A friend of mine was infected with a STIs because her husband cheated.  I really felt her pain considering it could have been HIV/AIDS.

Reference

Alexander, L. L., LaRosa, J. H., Bader, H., Garfield, S., & Alexander, W. J. (2010).  Reproductive Tract infections and HIV/AIDS.  In New Dimensions in Women’s Health (pp. 174-203).  Sudbury, Ma: Jones and Bartlett. 

keisha Mck.

Prenatal Care

Prenatal testing should be routine for all pregnant women.  Prenatal care/testing is the first step in providing go start for your child.  Ideally prenatal care should  start before conception but this is  not always the case. Maternal health is extremely important to mother and child.  In order to pregnancy-related complications, mothers should have prenatal care.  Prenatal testing provides tool and expectations for the pregnancy.  Doctors are able to run important examinations, educate mothers on proper nutrition, required vitamins intake, and gathering information about family medical history.  Being a good mother does not have to start after childbirth, it can start with seeking prenatal care/advising.    

The CDC has a free mobile service (Text4baby).  Mothers can subscribe by texting:    To sign up, text BABY, or BEBE for Spanish, to 511411.  

There is no excuse