A step towards a healthy life

Substance abuse is a huge concern in all societies.  There are several types of drugs that are abused by individuals and several reasons for substance abuse.  It takes great strength and courage to admit that you have a substance abuse problem.  It means that you have accepted that it is a problem and you cannot overcome by yourself.  Acceptance is a very importance step towards an overcome their addiction. This stage of contemplation is opening the door for positive and supportive feedback (McKenzie, Neiger, & Thackeray, 2009)

Reference

Mckenzie, J., Neiger, B., & Thackeray, R. (2009). Theories and Models Commonly Used for health Promotion. In Planning, Implementing, & Evaluating: Health Promotion Programs (p. 177). : Pearson Benjamin Cummings.

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People tend to be scared or a shame to admit that someone is mentally ill or scared to admit they are in need of mental health care.  This is due to lack of knowledge. In order to reduce the stigma and shame that surround mental illness, we must educate ourselves and educate others. I feel that health care providers, community leaders, and the media need to shed more light on mental health; and options for mental health care that are available to families. Most commercial and news report just show the negative impact of mental health.  

"This friendly duck bearing a bandage on his head symbolizing mental illness is real and treatable and a life preserver around his neck symbolizing every life is worth saving, carries the “Don’t Duck Mental Health®” message to the community" (Mental Health America of South America [MHA], 2010, p. 1). 

Reference

Mental Health America of South Carolina. (2010). Don’t Duck Mental Health . Retrieved from MHA of South Carolina: http://www.mha-sc.org/programs/index.php?id=41&cid=17

Living for the Future

 If everyone lived “with our future in mind,” I think we would live differently.  As we, get older and more experience we tend to focus more on our future and make decisions accordingly.  The saying: if I knew half the things I know now, when I was younger, things would be different or better"  explains this best.  We are to live with our future in mind but sometimes we tend to think we are invincible and we have a lot of time when we are younger.  However, it is never too late for Change and our future is still ahead.  Therefore, we can still make positive changes with

our  future in mind.

Factors that influence change.

Several factors can influence women to adopt a healthier lifestyle.  Oftentimes, women  are influence to change  because of  someone else.  eg.  children, pregnancy, a parent being ill, spouse being ill.  I feel that is  because we spent most of our lives taken care of  everyone but ourselves.

I have a couple factors that really influence my change in behavior and these factors motivate me every day. 

1)      When my child was diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes, I started to look at my overall health and the health of my family.  

2)      Getting older,  (as I turn 21 for the third  time  last year)  I am more aware of the  health  issue  that may  arise  with  age.  

3)      Knowledge:  the knowledge I have acquired within my academic program is the biggest influence.  Knowing where to get information and  tips  to better  health  assist me  to making healthier choices.   Not just knowing to be healthy  but  finding information that  fit my  hectic lifestyle.

Education is the key to the influence of change and having a supportive atmosphere.  Being knowledgeable,being aware of your risk factors and preventative measure will help your health choices.   Women  knowing  where to go  for  tailored  health  tips  will influence the  adoption of a  healthier lifestyle.

keisha