Tobacco

In the United States, I believe it is the right of the people to choose whether or not they want to purchase items such as tobacco. However, I do believe it is the U.S. government's job to protect it's people. This brings up a conflict: which is more important, people's individual rights, or the government's job to protect the people? The issue is quite a gray area and involves a lot of opinions; which is why we are discussing this issue on the blog today.

In Pennsylvania, you must be 18 years of age or older to purchase tobacco products. This is because, at 18, people are legally called an adult. People 18 years old can make decisions for themselves, like choosing whether or not they want to but tobacco products. The reason why purchasing tobacco is such a big issue is because of tobacco's health problems. 

On each box of cigarettes, there is a Surgeon General's Warning printed on it.  The warnings range from warnings of possible diseases like Ling Cancer, Heart Disease, and Emphysema, to pregnancy defect warnings.  There are so many health problems associated with tobacco use.  If it was eliminated from our stores, we could eliminate gum disease and mouth cancer associated with smokeless tobacco, and lung cancer and heart disease associated with cigars and cigarettes.  We would also be saving fetuses too! 

Remember, smoking tobacco not only negatively effects the person smoking it, but the people around them too.  Every year in the U.S., 50,000 people die from exposure to secondhand smoke.  People who are exposed to tobacco smokers are at risk for the same diseases as the one's who actually smoke. 

It is obvious that if tobacco was made illegal, bad things could happen to our economy. If people stopped buying tobacco, tobacco farmers would lose their jobs, as well as employees at tobacco-product companies and stores that sell their products. Less money would be going to hospitals, yet insurance companies would be making more dough. People would put less money toward their health and more money into goods and services. 

If we could eliminate tobacco, the government would not have to worry about Surgeon General Warnings on tobacco products.  I think a load of pressure would be taken off the government's back if they took action.  Tobacco users would be outraged, but I don't think they have a good case to back themselves up.  I'm sure Tobacco users are quite aware of what they are getting themselves into anyway.  Of course, this means that the police will have to crack down on crimes involving illegal tobacco use or dealing.  Either way, the government will have problems.

Personally, I think it's time for tobacco to be made illegal in this country.  Pennsylvania has already made cigarette use in public places illegal, which makes restaurants more enjoyable.  I know there are bad sides to this decision, but as a non-tobacco user, I would be much happier in a tobacco-free environment.  Wouldn't you?

Backup sources:

American Lung Association

Surgeon General Warnings 

Effects on Farmers
Economy and Healthcare   (look at  "How does tobacco use affect the economy?")

"Too Young to be a Dad"

After watching "Too Young to be a Dad" I viewed a very good way to handle a situation such as the one in this movie.  Though some people may choose adoption, taking responsibility for one's actions is a very modest way of handling a teen pregnancy.  I also thought it was interesting that this movie took the perspective of the father, rather than the mother's perspective, like in the movie "Juno."  I finally saw a movie that showed the guy making decisions and taking responsibility, rather than the girl.  

Here are my answers to the questions:

• Honestly, I believe guys feel pressure from friends to have sex.  On a personal note, I have gotten a lot of pressure from my peers about this topic.  Teens expect couples that have been together for an extended period of time to have had sex, or expect that they are going to have sex.  It's tough to endure the embarrassment when you say "no" to your peers when they've asked you if you have had sex.  Teens make it seem as if it's normal, as if everyone is doing it.  But in reality, most of it is all talk.
  
• I think girls feel pressure to have sex from peers and their boyfriends.  Since I'm not a girl, I can't give you my point of view, so I'm not going to assume anything.  However, I am interested to see what girls have posted.
  
• In either case, boy or girl, teens are pressured by the media to have sex.  Whether it's an ad in a magazine, a TV show, or a song on the radio, sex is EVERYWHERE.  The first thing I think of when sex and the media come to mind is Grey's Anatomy.  It seems to me that people are having sex all the time on that show.  Shows like this give teens the "green light;" they make sex seem common.
• Obviously, drugs/alcohol and sex don't mix.  If drugs and/or alcohol are involved in a situation where sex is a temptation, one's normal decision-making skills are impaired.  One becomes more relaxed, thus, more vulnerable to sex.  Often times, girls who are drunk are taken advantage of, and end up having unwanted or unplanned sex.
• The GREAT decision-making model is the best method to use when confronted with an opportunity to have sex.  This method allows one to view all of the possible choices and consequences.  Once acted upon, one evaluates his/her decision.  I prefer this method over the Feeling/Acting=Deciding method, because the latter allows fate to decide, rather than thinking it over and making a confident decision.  I personally use the GREAT decision-making model, whether I know it or not.  I weigh all of my options, and choose the one I think is best.

Legalize Drugs?

The battle against drug abusers has been fought long and hard.  I personally believe that legalizing drugs would just open the door wide open to drug abusers across America.  "An estimated 20 percent of people in the United States have used prescription drugs for non medical reasons."  Why such a high percentage?  Doctors are making more prescriptions than ever before.  There are even online pharmacies that allow patients to receive prescription drugs without a prescription.  

Why are these drugs abused?  Prescription drugs seem safer to abusers than street drugs.  Why?  Because these drugs are used by everyday people.  With that frame of mind, it is no wonder that prescription drug abuse is ranked second among the nation's most prevalent illegal drug problem, behind marijuana.

The three categories of drugs most commonly abused are as follows:

1. Opioids
2. Central Nervous System (CSN) Depressants 
3. Stimulants

Narcotics, or pain killers, are an especially risky drug when it comes to addiction.  People in severe pain need painkillers to relieve themselves from the aching they are experiencing.  The problem with patients with pain is that they may overdose on their pain-killing prescription, and may eventually become addicted.  

If prescription drug abuse is the second most prevalent illegal drug problem, why wouldn't we regulate them?  In my opinion, I believe the system we have now, in which doctors prescribe drugs to their patients, is the best way to distribute these drugs.  Prescription drug abuse is on the rise, and if we don't keep regulating them, the situation could get out of hand.  Perhaps there should be more regulations! 

Medline Plus   

ONDCP

Environmental Pharmaceutical Pollution

Before this blog, I was not aware of "pharmaceutical pollution," and as I research, I am finding out that the world wasn't either - and for the most part still isn't.  According to SixWise.com, pharmaceutical pollution has been under the radar for awhile until the 21st century.  One expert said, "Until 2003 there have been virtually no scientific studies examining this issue in the United States."  This fact concerned me.    

Pharmaceutical pollution is pollution from medical drugs that are released through excreted waste (human or animal waste).  When one takes a drug, experts say "90 percent may be excreted back into the environment, unchanged."  "U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) found that most waterways contain at least some antibiotics, steroids, synthetic hormones or other common drugs. Out of 139 streams in 30 states, they found:

• About 80 percent contained trace amounts of contaminants

• Half the streams contained seven or more chemical compounds

• One-third of the streams contained 10 or more compounds

• One water sample contained 38 chemicals"

With all of these pollutants entering our waterways, I became increasingly concerned, until I found out what I know now. 

Little is known about the result of these drugs interacting with the environment, but it is known that developing fetuses are greatly affected by drugs. If just the smallest amount of prescription drugs enter our drinking water, the fetus could develop birth defects, and according to studies, many tap water supplies are unintentionally dosed. Also, serotonin found in antdepressants could cause some fish to spawn, disrupting breeding patterns.

According to a 2006 study in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, "35 percent of patients have rinsed medications down the sink and 54 percent have flushed them down the toilet."  Though nobody can help going to the bathroom after taking a prescription drug, we can all stop doing the things we can help with.  So stop throwing your drugs in the garbage, down the toilet, and down the drain!  If I had extra drugs, I would contact my local pharmacist and ask what to do.

http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/06/02/16/pharmaceutical-pollution-what-it-is-and-how-pharmaceutical-pollution-threatens-your-health.htm

http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/archives/2008/2008-Mar-27/local-programs-offer-solutions-for-pharmaceutical-pollution/1/@@index

Industrialized Farming: What's happened to America?!

Industrialized farming to the average consumer may seem like a good thing.  All of your fruits and vegetables look and taste the same, meats of the same kind are consistent, all of the fresh foods look perfect and are of the same size and color.  But what about what happens before crops hit the shelves?  Well, according to my research, industrialized farming seems to have quite a few negative aspects to it.

The way farming is looked at today is, "how many animals can be crammed into the smallest space for the least cost and greatest profit?"  By the sound of it, the word "crammed" doesn't sound like it should be followed by the word "clean".  Such ways of farming have contributed to waste leaking into waterways, lakes, groundwater, soils and airways.  The leaking of waste has contributed to environmental problems.  Waste seeps into the ground and into waterways that get to crops that overgrow and suffocate aquatic animal life.  All of that waste in such a confined area also contributes to disease in animals, which may eventually make it to your refrigerator.  Speaking of disease, it is said that many illnesses not considered as food-related may be due to the overdose of antibiotics that chickens receive in factory farms.  

Farm equipment is also linked to environmental problems, with transportation equipment emitting greenhouse gasses.  Tractors and trucks aren't the only source of air pollution.  Livestock machinery is accountable for 18% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, more than that from transportation vehicles.  

But what about the farmers?!  Farmers on these "factory farms" experience the greatest effects, primarily due to the equipment they use.  The noise resulting from farming equipment (chain saws, harvesters, tractors, etc) is responsible for hearing loss, and elevations in blood pressure, heart rates, and respiratory rates among farmers.  Tractors in particular are the leading cause of farm-related fatalities, in which farmers are crushed under the huge machine due to "tractor rollover" incidents.  One of my sources said, "Industrialized farming is also directly implicated in farm-related diseases and illnesses such as respiratory problems which have resulted from the emergence of confined livestock production technologies."  That makes sense, because farmers are exposed to these machines all the time in confined areas.

As you can see, industrialized farming gets pretty bad, and I'm only giving you a brief overview!  One way to fix some of the problems is to get the FDA to regulate the crops being sold to consumers.  I know that they are now, but I think industrial farms need to be inspected regularly to insure consumers are receiving the safest products.  I also thing the EPA needs to crack down on the emissions from farm equipment, and the waste that is leaked.  Finally, I think farms need to be regulated so farmers stay safe from dangerous equipment, air pollutants, and noise pollution.  I do enjoy my fresh-looking, vibrant-colored foods, but I wish the farms that made them would be regulated more strictly.

Some shocking facts:

• Data from one study indicates farmers are disabled by lung disease more often than any other occupational group. 

• Eggs from factory farm chickens contaminated with salmonella caused 2,000 hospitalizations and 60 deaths in the year 2000.

• E.P.A. estimates that almost half the wells and surface streams in the US are contaminated by agricultural pollutants.

• The National Safety Council's (NSC) annual survey of occupations reveals that for the past 20 years agriculture has been second only to mining in the annual number of work-related fatalities.
  

Soy - Good or Bad?

Soy is indeed a good source of nutrition, especially for the sake of keeping a heart-healthy diet.  Just 25 grams of soy per day may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering your cholesterol.  Most soy foods are also low in saturated and trans fats, another reason why soy is good for your heart.  Recent research suggests that soy may also lower risk of prostate, colon and breast cancers as well as osteoporosis and other bone health problems, and alleviate hot flashes associated with menopause.

Consumers purchase soy because of the protein it provides.  You may have heard of people having soy burgers or soy milk.  Soy has what is called a "complete" protein file, which means, like animal proteins, it has all of the amino acids humans need in their diets except it doesn't have the fat that comes along with eating meat.  Vegetarians eat soy foods because the soy protein replaces the animal proteins that non-vegetarians intake.

Though soy definitely has a major positive effect on one's health, there is still some concern about consuming soy protein.  One concern is soy's effect on the thyroid gland.  Some research has shown that soy may have a negative effect on the thyroid gland, but further research and more evidence is needed to prove this.  Phytoestrogens, the cause of thyroid problems, are found in soy-based infant formulas, another source of apprehension.  Another concern is soy allergies.  People with a soy allergy can suffer everything from hives and diarrhea to breathing difficulties upon eating this food.  With all of this unease, anti-soy activists think soy is not as good as it is cracked up to be.  Keep in mind that all of these claims have not yet been proven completely true.

I personally think soy is great for your health.  Through my research, I found no clear evidence of negative side effects to health.  So to all of you vegans and vegetarians out there, keep doing what you do!  Soy is good for your heart and is chalk full of many other nutrients to keep your body healthy!  

Conflict Resolution

Here's a 7 step process for resolving conflicts that I find quite effective.  I found it online, but I find myself doing these same steps when I need to resolve a conflict with someone.

1. Remain calm. Be still and say nothing. Let the storm run its course. Often times the angry person wants to provoke you. Arguing is ineffective because it raises barriers. 

2. Let the other person do the talking. He or she will soon grow tired of it. Sometimes that’s all they want. To be heard. To feel important. Everyone wants to feel important. Some people just express it in ways that are counterproductive.

3. Genuinely consider the other person’s point of view. Imagine yourself in his shoes. Never say “you’re wrong.” In fact, try hard to look for areas of agreement and build on them.

4. There’s power in the words “Yes, yes, I see exactly what you’re saying. You mean…….” This shows the other person you hear him/her. That’s all they usually want — to be validated. By agreeing with them, you gradually break down the other person’s anger.

5. If the situation turns verbally abusive, put a stop to it. Firmly but calmly state: “You’re very angry right now and you’re saying things you don’t mean (give them the benefit of the doubt). I’m going to excuse myself. We can talk again after you calm down.” Then leave the room or ask them to leave.

6. If you are wrong, quickly admit it and take responsibility. You could say, “You’re absolutely right, it is my fault and here is what I’ll do to fix it.” Even if you’re NOT wrong, at least give them the benefit of the doubt, “I may be wrong, let’s look at the facts together.” It’s hard to argue with that!

7. Use the power of visualization. If you’re dealing with someone you interact with on a daily basis (like a boss or co-worker), try to imagine that person as a loving spiritual being. I did this with a boss I had at a Wall Street bank several years ago. He was an absolute tyrant and gave everyone a hard time. In retrospect, he was clearly unhappy and insecure.

Like I said earlier, I really like this method.  It is a very peaceful method that helps you resolve disputes fast.  When I'm playing any game, especially in gym class, I get too competitive.  I often say things I don't mean, so I use this method to apologize and work things out with a person I had a quarrel with.

 The only step I don't like is step 5.  Telling someone that they are angry may ignite more anger in that person, and could cause the conflict to last longer.  From personal experience, I hate it when people tell me I need to settle down when I'm angry.  It just makes me angrier!  Overall though, this method is really useful for me, and I hope other people will use this method too.  

Decision-Making Models

The first decision making model I found was called "The 7 Step Decision Making Model".  It's purpose is to help people make a career choice or decide what to do with a job offer.

• 
  
• 7 Step Decision Making Model: 
• 
  
• Identify the decision to be made - exactly what are you trying to decide?

• Know yourself - what are your strengths, weaknesses, skills, values and interests

• Identify options - list the various choices so far
• Gather information and data - about each alternative
• Evaluate options that will solve the problem, pros, cons and risks of each alternative
• Select the best option- may be necessary to loop back and gather more info
• Develop a plan of action - and implement it!

Another model is called the SWOT analysis.  It's purpose is to analyze these aspects of a company or organization: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.  This model helps companies decide weather they are ready to take on an opportunity that presents itself.  If their strengths are greater than their weaknesses, or if the opportunity is greater than the threats, then the company should take advantage of the opportunity.

I like the Seven Step Decision Making Model for deciding on careers, but for everyday decisions that must be made, I would have to say the GREAT decision making model is the best way to go.  GREAT stands for:

Give thought to the problem

Review your choices

Evaluate the consequences of each choice

Asses & choose the best choice

Think it over afterward

I like this model over the other two models because it incorporates a model that I use every so often, Pros & Cons, but goes further by suggesting to talk it over with a parent and thinking over your decision after it has been implemented.  Not only can this model be used on a personal level, but can be used for other decisions as well.  However, for choosing a career, I would prefer to use the Seven Step Model because it requires research, a very important aspect to deciding a career. 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

You may not be aware of it, but evryone has some level of OCD. OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, ranges from alligning a picture frame perfectly on a desk, to washing your hands every time you touch something. OCD is "an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions)." Some common symptoms of OCD are handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning.

One good example of OCD is organizing M&Ms into a pattern. I know some people who used to do this as a kid, and I did it too. I would open my M&M's and put them in a pattern, or organize them by color. Then I would eat them until there was the same amount of each color. Finally, I would eat them in order of my least-favorite to favorite color. Weird, right? People with OCD see the scattered M&Ms as a problem, and in order to "fix" the problem, they feel they need to perform a proceedure similar to the one previously explained. Sometimes, the disorder can get so out-of-hand that they can't function without doing their "rituals". The "rituals" only provide temporary relief before the person feels they need to do it again to relieve their anxiety.

The best way to get rid of OCD perminently is to not give in to your anxiety. Depending on the severity of the disorder, you may need to see a psyciatrist. The important thing to keep in mind is that you have control over your OCD. Medication should only be used as a last-resort.  OCD will never go away, but if you feel the symptoms reoccurring, resist the temptation by not carrying out the "ritual" that seems to be bothering you.  It's tough at first, but once you recognize your OCD, it becomes much easier.