- What was the topic for your presentation at the BCC Health Fair? (We had the topic for food and nutrition)
a. Was it difficult for you to speak to others to relay information?
Answer – It was not difficult for me to speak to other to relay information as the BCC Health Fair was about something that I am passionate about and have my distinctive views on the subject of health, which I relayed at the fair with ease.
b. What surprised you about the fair, in general?
Answer – One of the attendees demonstrated that as per a current research, there existed not much difference amongst conventionally grown food and organic food as far as their nutritional values are concerned. He also suggested that the higher cost organic foods is owing to the farming practices employed. This surprised me as so far I was led to believe that it was the higher nutritional value of organic foods that made them costly.
c. Do you have any suggestions about how to improve the experience of the Health Fair?
Answer – Overall the Health Fair was organized meticulously and the only suggestion I have to offer is that such health fairs should be organized more frequently.
2. Think about what you have learned about drugs, alcohol and substances – their usage and abuse.
a. Why do some people abuse certain substances and not others?
Answer – There are a number of reasons as to why some people abuse certain substances and not others. One of the reasons can be the availability of only certain drugs where the abusers are located. Another reason can be the cost factor. While certain drugs are cheaper, others can be quite costly and depending on the economic condition, abusers are exposed to certain drugs and they continue using it over other costlier options. Another reason can be heavy addiction to certain drugs that coax the abuser into using the same drugs over and over.
b. Briefly explain harm reduction and give an example or two.
Answer – Harm reduction are a set of several public health policies and programmes devised to reduce or mitigate the harmful effects arising out of drug or alcohol abuse (legal as well as illegal) over individuals as well as the society. Examples of harm reduction include Opioid replacement therapy (ORT) where illegal opioids are substituted with long lasting but less ecstatic opioids such as methadone typically taken under medical supervision. Such a technique helps withdrawing individuals to face reduced symptoms and less carving during withdrawal.
c. Explain “risk/benefit” in relation to substance use. Please be specific.
Answer – Risk factors of substance use include lack of parental supervision, substance abuse in the wake of peer pressure, easy availability of drugs as well as poor economic conditions. On the other hand the benefits include self-control, parental care and monitoring, healthy academic competence, strong anti-drugs laws and implementation, as well as a healthy social life.
d. Explain toleranceand give an example or two.
Answer – Tolerance is the natural response of the body to the use of a particular drug. It is however a diminished form of response since the body adapts to the drug if it is continually exposed to the drug. For instance, alcohol consumption over continued and long periods of time leads to larger doses of consumption for producing similar effects on the user.
e. What are some of the dangers of suddenly ceasing use of certain drugs?
Answer – Some of the dangers of suddenly ceasing use of certain drugs include acute anxiety, agitation, insomnia, lack of concentration, fatigue, body aches, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, chills, seizures, depression, increased appetite, etc.
f. Describe the characteristics of a functional alcoholic.
Answer – Functional alcoholics typically are well educated, employed, even in higher positons, are highly active and functional at work, strive for a great career at work, have a stable relationship with partners, are high sociable, appear physically healthy with no symptoms of alcohol abuse, while at the same time they are completely dependent on alcohol. They keep thinking about when to have they next drink, manifest a different personality when drunk, carves for another drink soon after having a previous drink, and display a strong sense of denial about being an alcoholic.
g. Aside from the obvious potential for lung disease and cancer, what other serious side effects are there from smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products? Please list
Answer – Apart from potential for lung disease and cancer, other serious side effects of smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products are increased risk for Coronary heart disease, peptic ulcer, decaying teeth, gum diseases, insomnia, mouth ulcer, gastrointestinal issues, as well as harmful effect on the fetus during pregnancy.
h. What is meant by someone having an “addictive personality”?
Answer – A person is said to be having an “addictive personality” when he displays several characteristics that drive him to become more susceptible to an addiction. Such a personality need not be necessarily be addicted to alcohol or substance abuse, he may be addicted to things such as relationships, food, gambling, exercise (fitness freak), or work (in the form of work holism). Such people are driven more by their personal traits towards a certain addiction than other risk factors.
i. What are the five levels of substance use as we discussed in class? Please briefly explain each one
Answer – The five levels of substance use discussed in class are:
- Experimental use of substance – When substances are used on a trial basis and not for a long time. The use is generally only random and rare.
- Recreational use of substance – When substances are used in parties or get-togethers.
- Circumstantial use of substance – When substances are used to escape or to get through challenging situations.
- Intense use of substance – Increased use of the substance over longer periods of time.
- Compulsive use of substance – When the user becomes addicted to the substance and cannot give up using it.
j. Offer two examples of how the five levels of substance use can be related to substances/behaviors other than drugs and alcohol.
Answer – Experimental use can arise when a person smokes a cigarette just for the sake of trying it and its effects. Recreational use may include smoking cigarettes at parties and social occasions. Circumstantial use of cigarettes can be a result of late work hours and stress when an individual smokes to relax and calm himself. Intense use can result from smoking over longer periods of time, while compulsive use occurs when the individual becomes addicted to smoking.
3. What is the main purpose for executing an Advance Directive for Healthcare including the Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare?
a. What is the difference between the two documents?
Answer – When Advance Directive for Healthcare and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare are used in conjunction, it will ensure that the person receives the care that he desires while using only a durable power of attorney leaves the person at the directive and decision making of the elected representative.
b. Who should execute this document? Did you execute such a document?
Answer – such a document can be executed by someone wanting to direct what actions to be taken to care for their health if the person is no longer able to make decision for himself owing to incapacity or some form of illness. No, I have not executed such a document.
c. Did you pass it on to family members? If so, who, and what did they do with it?
Answer – I have not executed such a document.
d. Please briefly explain what a DNR is and the primary function of HIPAA?
Answer –DNR means do-not-resuscitate. It is an order written down by a doctor, which directs the health care functionaries to not conduct a CPR if the patient is unable to berate or if his heart stops beating. The full form of HIPAA is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Its primary function is to aid customers in managing and maintaining their insurance coverage.
e. What does HIPAA stand for? What is the primary function of HIPAA?
Answer – The full form of HIPAA is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Its primary function is to aid customers in managing and maintaining their insurance coverage.
f. Please explain the hospice philosophy.
Answer – Hospice philosophy affirms life and provides care for people in the final stages of a deadly and incurable disease so as to ease their pain and live a fuller life. It focusses on improving the quality of life that is remaining and cares utmost for it.
g. Have you thought about your own healthcare wishes? Please share with me, briefly, the process you have utilized to think about this very important topic
Answer – My only healthcare wish is that if I do happen to seek healthcare during any stage in my life, I should be able to find quality and affordable healthcare.
4. Think about discussions on HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted diseasesand also use your text if need be
a. What does HIV and AIDS stand for
Answer – HIV –Human Immunodeficiency Virus
AIDS – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
b. Explain the window period of HIV
Answer –The window period of HIV is the duration of time the virus takes after the infection to be diagnosed through HIV diagnosis test. This time frame of the window may depend on the kind of diagnostic test as well as the technique employed to find the virus.
c. What is the life expectancy of the HIVirus outside of the body?
Answer – HIV virus cannot survive for long outside the body and the infection can occur only if fluids in body are exchanged.
d. What factors influence one’s susceptibility of contracting the HIVirus?
Answer – Factors such as unprotected intercourse, HIV infected pregnant woman as well as HIV infected blood transfusion can influence one’s susceptibility of contracting the HIVirus.
e. Please explain the term “opportunistic infection” and give at least one example.
Answer – Infections that benefit from weaker immune systems are known as “opportunistic infections”. For example Tuberculosis is caused by bacterial infection and may be responsible for causing meningitis in the body.
f. Briefly explain the functions of T cells
Answer – The primary role of T cells is to defend the body against infection. Numerous types of T cells exists which attack and eliminate infection causing agents.
g. Briefly define the term viral load.
Viral load is a term used to depict the proportion of HIV in the infected blood.
h. Please offer three ways that one could lower their risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Answer –- Using condoms during intercourse
- Maintaining a steady physical relationship
- Maintaining hygiene before and after the intercourse.
i. Are STDs an issue for you? Why?
Answer – STDs are not an issue for me as I have not happened to not indulge in a physical relationship yet.
5. Some information about food: Yes, you may use your textbook
a. Please discuss the issues regarding labeling of organic ingredients in foods.
Answer –
b. What are “genetically modified foods”?
Answer – Genetically Modified Foods are obtained from organisms whose DNA has been altered in an artificial manner, for instance by introducing the gene of another organism
.
c. Why are additives intentionally added to foods? Give 2 examples, please.’
Answer – Additives are added to food to maintain the freshness of foods for longer times, aid in the processing of food, to provide a coloring effect, texture and thickness, as well as to add nutrients to foods. Examples include addition of nitrates prevent the food from spoiling while salt issued as an additive to preserve pickles as well as meat.
d. Why is the Mediterranean diet lauded as a healthy diet? And a vegetarian diet? Do you have personal food guidelines? If so, what are they? If not, why not.
Answer - Mediterranean diet includes high portions of legumes, nuts, olive oil, fish, fruits and vegetable, which are believed to comprise an ideal diet that will promote a healthy and long life. It contains all the elements required for fulfilling the daily recommended nutrients.
Vegetarian food however lacks meat and hence can be low on protein. Vegetarians need to seek other varied sources of protein, which is not found easily in vegetarian diet.
I do not have personal food guidelines, however, I happen to consume a healthy and sumptuous meal daily and undertake adequate physical activity.
6. We have often talked about changing behaviors – What do you still wish to change and how will you accomplish implementing those changes?
So far I have not come across issues that would lead me to believe that any drastic change in my behavior is required. If I do come across any such issue, I will definitely take the necessary steps to change my behavior.
7. Finally, please tell me what you liked best about the class, what if anything, you might change, and how the class benefited you. (4 sentences)
I loved all the aspects of health and food taught in the class. I fail to see anything that would go toward improving the class. It was nearly perfect. The class benefitted me immensely as I learnt varying aspects of health, what measures to take to maintain a healthy life and how to avoid health-threatening situations and products.
References
"What Is Harm Reduction?" Harm Reduction International. Harm Reduction International, n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2014. <http://www.ihra.net/what-is-harm-reduction>.
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/preventing-drug-abuse-among-children-adolescents/chapter-1-risk-factors-protective-factors/what-are-risk-factors
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/drugs/factors_affecting_response_to_drugs/tolerance_and_resistance_to_drugs.html
http://www.the-alcoholism-guide.org/functional-alcoholism.html
http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/health-effects-tobacco
http://alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction/addictive-personality/
http://www.ehow.com/list_7394300_differences-directives-durable-power-attorney.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000473.htm
http://www.hospiceofsouthernwv.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=24
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002435.htm
