Critical Thinking Exercise
Critical Thinking Exercise
- I think that Clare is denying herself of food so as to lose weight.
- Anorexia and bulimia nervosa would affect the long-term health of a young woman through causing loss of subcutaneous fat, hypothermia, bradycardia, defective menstrual function (amenorrhea), hair loss, and even orthostatic hypotension (Sidiropoulos, 2007). Osteoporosis, not forgetting osteopenia which affect which involve low bone density may also result at a younger age than usual (Sidiropoulos, 2007). As early as in their mid 20s, the patients may also be prone to high chances of having stress fractures. The sufferers may also tend to have shorter statures than usual. Poor development and wasting of body systems due to starvation causes cardiac symptoms of an AN sufferer like bradycardia, arrhythmias, general weakness, and fatigue (Sidiropoulos, 2007). Cardiac muscle growth and development is critical during the growth stage of a young woman since its failure can lead to arrhythmias and heart failure which can ultimately also cause death (Sidiropoulos, 2007). These nutritional conditions can also negatively affect cognition development hence difficulty in communication (Sidiropoulos, 2007). Suicide is also a possibility due the high frequency of suicidal ideation (Sidiropoulos, 2007).
- Bodies overseeing competitive athletics should curb the abuse of drugs or dieting by educating the athletes about the health damaging side effects and symptoms that result from the abuse of these drugs (“Steroid Abuse,” 2004). Athletes should be informed that they can achieve great bodies and success in sports even without using steroids (“Steroid Abuse,” 2004). They should be encouraged to have an appropriate diet, rest, as well as great physical and mental health (“Steroid Abuse,” 2004). The athletes should also be given instances among the many, where athletes have achieved success in sports and had great bodies even without using steroids. After adequate evidence from tests that an athlete is using drugs, penalties given in the law should be applied to discourage the abuse (“Steroid Abuse,” 2004).
- I would know that my daughter has an eating disorder after noticing a reduction in weight, an obsession with body weight, anxiety, avoidance of mealtimes, over-exercising, dry skin, and muscle weakness (Espejo, 2012). I would help the child by talking to her in a caring way without using blame; for instance, by telling her that I am quite worried that she has not been eating. I would listen to what the child has to say. I would also take the girl for nutritional counselling and to support groups.
References
Espejo, R. (2012). Eating disorders. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.
Sidiropoulos, M. (2009). CASE PRESENTATION. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2323541/
Steroid Abuse in Today's Society. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/brochures/steroids/professionals/
