Women’s Health
-What were significant or important things you learned about women’s health that you did not know before? Name at least 3 and explain why. One of the important things I’ve learned in Women’s Health is located in Chapter 3, called “Developing a Healthy Lifestyle”. I learned about the life expectancy of women in the United States and all over the world. I was not aware that life expectancy in the U.S. is 80 years old. Honestly, I thought it was younger than that. Next, I learned the leading causes of death for U.S. females. I know cancer (breast especially) is one leading cause. I was not aware that heart disease is the actual leading cause. Lastly, I learned the overall health for women. I learned how to keep my body healthy and make myself a better, more energetic me. I would have to say, however; my favorite chapter this semester was definitely chapter 3. There are plenty of things I learned about women’s health that I was unaware of before. I learned more about women’s grief in losing someone close. I learned more about depression and how it truly affects a woman. Most importantly I learned how to manage my stress. I have had major problems when dealing with stress. After reading chapter 5 “Managing the Stress of Life,” I learned how to deal with my stress in a more positive way. Now my stress never gets the best of me! Also, I have learned a lot more about healthy relationships. There were times where my husband and I would fight over something little or stupid and we wouldn’t talk for hours. After reading chapter 6, we have not had a fight over those things since. I have learned how to talk to my spouse whenever I have an issue and he has learned to help me through situations even if they seem easy to him.
-How has the course improved your understanding of the importance of the role Advocacy as it relates to women’s health issues? The course has improved my understanding by a lot. I have learned more about women and situations they go through and how they deal with different problems. I have learned that women pretty much go through the same things and if I am ever in doubt or need something, I know I can look to another woman in my family for advice. I have learned a lot after taking this course and plan to put the information to good use once I am done. Women’s health is very important. I have learned so much new information on how to keep myself healthy and stay that way.
-Following your volunteerism project do you intend to continue investigating or working with the agency? If yes, how so and if not, what are the reasons?
Yes, I plan on doing the walks for breast cancer awareness. I plan on researching and finding as much information on the subject as I possibly can. Women need to be aware of breast cancer because anyone, any age can get it. Breast cancer is a major problem in the world today we have lost plenty of women due to the disease. The more aware we are of breast cancer and its effects, the better we can be to overcome it and be rid of it forever. I will keep reading and learning about breast cancer, as I intend to help those who need help and support to get through it. It is important to have yourself checked for breast cancer when you go to the doctor. You can even do your own breast exam at home. Be one with your breasts so when something does not feel right, you will know when to get yourself checked.
-How do you plan to encourage others to serve as educators and advocates for Women’s Health? I plan to encourage others by telling them the information I have learned about women’s health. I plan to encourage them by explaining to them the importance of women’s health. Women go through the same things as each other we must lean on each other for guidance and help one another through tough times. It is important that we stick together. Hopefully after I tell them of all the new information I have learned on women’s health, they will be excited to learn all they can on how to keep themselves healthy and help other women in their families keep themselves healthy.