Blog 14 What are some possible strategies for women to use in finding balance in their professional, educational, and personal lives?

I chose this question this week because its a big part of my life right now. I work a full time 36 hour a week job, substitute 3 - 4 days a week, carry 18 hours my last semester, and be mom and wife. I have no idea how women with young children go back to school. My son is a senior in high school and that keeps me very busy. The things that have helped me and my family is organization, planning, precooked dinners, and sharing the household chores. I have a daytimer that keeps me going in the right direction on all days. Make a list everyday and mark things off as they are completed helps me to know everything is done.

Blog 13 Is it a sign of weakness or strength for a woman to admit that she has a problem with druds or alcohol?

Women are strong as oxes. We have jobs outside the home, take care of the laundry and housekeeping, and take care of the childrens needs. I think a lot of us do not want to admit that we are not perfect. It is definietly a strength for a woman to admit she has a problem and to seek treatment. We all tend to worry about everyone else until we hit rock bottom, then we notice we need to help ourselves.

Blog 12 What can be done to reduce the stigma and shame that still surrounds mental illness?

Medical record confidentiality is the first step. A person's records are their business and should not be seen at all unless that person is a threat to someone else or themself. I deal with many children and do not know specific diagnosis, however, the families share the information needed for me to provide and protect the child. Also, education is a vital part of reducing the stigma an shame from mental illness. Most people hear the word, mental illness, and make the decision that the person is dangerous. If people would learn more about different mental illnesses I think there would be much less stigma around mental illness.

Blog 11 If everyone lived "with our future in mind" do you think that we would live different?

In our teenage years we are not thinking about living the right way for our future. These times are probably some of the hardest on our bodies. Drinking and smoking are big things in high school and college. At this age, we chose not to realize the damage these two products do on our body. I think individual who have grown up in a home with a parent who has been ill understands the great reasons to start taking care of themselves when they are young. I definitely think if we changed our behaviors at an early age the drinking and driving, drugs, smoking would not get the opportunity to due such harm to our body.

None of us know what is in store for us in the future. I had no idea that I would face cancer before I was thirty-five years old. However, if we live life better with health and exercise it lowers the risk for major illness. It gives us the opportunity for longevity in our life. Many of us are blessed with longevity in our genes and to enjoy it taking better care of yourself in younger years is a must.