Virtual Communities..

I personally want to add that there are a few differences between virtual communities and experiences with people in person; some are positive and some are negative. On the negative side in the “virtual” world I believe that people are less affable. Their main concerns seem to be focused on their own personal appearance solely. Sometimes, without wanting to admit, I feel like it’s a joke. Like it’s a fake identity. Sometimes people say things about themselves on these websites that aren’t necessarily true. It is a way for people to release their insecurities in a different way; make themselves feel better about their appearance.Websites like “facebook” and “myspace” are good examples; text messaging/e-mail are good sources for these opinions as well. These websites allow you freely to display of yourself as you wish. These are social networks based on the friends you choose and the pictures and responses or post/comments on other’s pages; sloppy way to build other’s esteem.

On the other hand in some ways these sites may be affective. They allow one to express themselves in ways that they would not in person, or even as simple as shouting a quick hello, without spending the time with the person on the telephone. It’s good while multi-tasking J I know from personal experiences that I have sent e mails or other meaningful pieces of opinion to friends that I would not deliver in person. Thankfully I got the subject on paper right? So, the question that arises in my mind is that. “Is it done this way because it’s easier to be less amiable? Are we avoiding responsibility of some of our feelings towards other people? Is this type of community actually successful? To answer these questions I want to say that all of them are possible, depending on the person. In small form, it is good that we can rely on another form of communication to get our points across, but there is one downfall to that.

On the other hand, we are avoiding confrontation in person, once again resorting to an easier outlet. Sometimes, seeing people’s facial expressions in person help us understand more. We actually learn about people because of how they react to situations. Virtual communities cannot show us those expressions. I don’t really think virtual communities pertain to one’s goals or actions in real life. However, I do think that it effects our opinions on certain people based on how they present themselves online.

My internet life did not begin until my senior year in high school. In fact, I had an e-mail address before that, but never used it. In a way, I was behind the social network. Shorthand since has become more popular. I think it effects people differently. I do not think it effects the human spirit. If I saw a helpless person in need, a child’s cry, or death, I would not react to the situation differently because of my time spent lifelessly on the internet. I do not believe social networking and text messaging defies one’s true spirit; it is not vital to the environment. Think of it simply as part of an activity in today’s society, like watching television.

Women without a stance in Psychology(Feminist Reconstructions)

Prior to the most recent North American's liberation movement, psychology be be best described as "womanless"(Crawford & Marecek, 1989), because women and women's experiences were obmitted from investigation; men were used disproportionately as research objects, with results generalized to women; and gender was not considered a legitimate part in studies that included both women and men. Men's activities were central to the human experience, and women rarely had to access to the means of knowledge production. Bohan (1992) noted that the marginalization of women in psychology is twofold first, women as scholars in the discipline of psychology have been silenced and ignored. Concerns have been neglected throughout psychology's history, including the present.

It should be noted, in relation to Freud's experiences of anti-Semitism, that he was a proponent of a nonracist psychology, although he remained oblivious to class privilege.

Caroyln A. Payton was a part of the American Psychological Association. She took a stand to defend women. She contended that " to view Psychology as a scientific levoid of social implications or responsibilities will not advance to our profession but will lead to demise". She questioned the validity of psychological science in context, and her viewpoint comes from being a leader in the Peace Corps.
She finally advocated representation of women and people in all areas of governance and concluded with these words: "Who must do the impossible things? Those who care"

Thank you Carolyn for making it possible for us women to be acknowledged and have a position in today's society!

A little off topic...

Okay so there's so much suddenly going on in my life all at once!!!Today I don't feel like discussing anything to do with women's health. All I can think about is how much my life is going to change either route I take. You're probably wondering what I'm talking about when I say route.
Well..
I have a decision to make to either move to North Carolina with my family or transfer back to ASU keeping my original plan.The reason why it's such a tough decision is because for once in my life I've got an immediate family, but they all live clear across the United States. I grew up with just my dad and I and have always wanted siblings and the enjoyment of sharing your parents with them...holidays I always thought would be more interesting as well.On the other hand.. if I transfer back to ASU, I get to be around all my old friends again and enjoy all the football games and other events I miss; being surrounded with my familiar environment. My ex boyfriend will also be back from Iraq, and who knows we may end up dating again. There's still some feelings involved. We have stayed in contact through writing. I know I shouldn't set expectations because usually when you do you're disappointed..but, basically having my old life back doesn't sound half bad.So as of now , I'm flip flopping. No idea. I thought I was set on North Carolina..but losing credits for graduation made me apprehensive.
Any other supporting ideas anyone??.......

Digestive Health

Antacids May Help Prevent Gum Disease

Gingivitis, which is inflammation or swelling of the gums, is the mildest and most common form of periodontal disease, or gum disease.Common signs are red irritated gums or bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis sometimes, but not always, worsens into a more severe form of periodontal disease called periodontitis.

Over time, periodontitis can lead to the destruction of gum and bone tissue, which may eventually cause the teeth supported by that periodontal tissue to fall out or have to be pulled.

Dental plaque is home to hundreds of bacteria. In addition to causing tooth decay, some of these bacteria contribute to gum disease. One type in particular, Fusobacterium nucleatum, forces other bacteria in attaching basically to the teeth and penetrating beneath the gum line.
Researchers studied lansoprazole, a compound in benzimidazoles. Benzimidazoles are antacids, used mainly for treating gastroesophageal reflux, reducing stomach acidity and killing the bacteria that causes peptic ulcers.

When oral bacteria are causing damage to the teeth and gums, the environment in the mouth becomes acidic. This acidic environment prompts lansoprazole to become active. Once activated, lansoprazole releases F. nucleatum, preventing both the damage the bacterium causes directly and that of the bacteria it assists. When the oral environment returns to normal, lansoprazole deactivates. Dr Robert Marquis of The University of Rochester states, "It's not unthinkable that one day these compounds might be more broadly used to promote dental health in toothpastes and mouthwashes." :)

So who would have thought those tums in your cabinet may help keep those cavities away?...

...

I am choosing to discuss this topic because my step mom is having a baby! We just found out she's two months pregnant. For the first time in my life I'm going to have a sibling! Wowza!I realize the age difference with the baby and I, but I am really looking forward to watching the little thing grow. Just to think, when I decide to have children..they are going to be very similar in age. They can be bros!

Here are some pieces of information. If you're bored..fire away! True or false:

1. Pregnancy makes your feet get bigger.
2.Morning sickness only happens in the morning.
3.After you have the baby, bunches of your hair fall out.
4.A dark pigmented line running down your belly shows the doctor or where to look for baby as he/she grows inside of you.
5.Only fathers fear the impending loss of freedom (and sleep) and increased responsibility the baby will bring.

ahahah thought it was funny they brought that up by the way.

answers..
1.True as a result of the added pressure and strain of the extra weight of pregnancy. At least that’s this author’s theory. No one seems to want to talk about this one. "It’s a highly confidential conspiracy factor."
2.False. Happens anytime of day!!
3.True-believe it or not. You are likely to lose large amounts of hair shortly after baby is born, due to changing hormones, but it’s not a substantial loss in the long run since you probably weren’t losing as much hair during pregnancy as you usually do.
4.True-The dark line down your navel really does appear, but there is no medical evidence to prove that it’s to help the medical professional find the baby.
(I had no idea) Wierd!
5.False..ahahah

Now moving on to..what is that little thing doing inside the tummy? The curiousity really strikes me.
With the light fluttering and kicking the baby does not move all the time. The baby too has sleep & waking patterns. Whenever you feel there are no fetal movements, they say to lie down quietly in bed for about 15 min & then keep your hand on your tummy & count the number of movements that take place in 30 minutes. If it is more than 10, the baby is quite active & healthy. :)

2 Health Myths And an Interesting Fact About Coffee

The advice: Chug eight glasses of water a day.
Why it's useless:

Peeing every 20 minutes is seriously a waste of time. The real deal: It is good to be well hydrated, but if your urine is clear or close to it, you're probably getting enough fluids. If its neon yellow lol, lighten things up by adding one or two glasses a day. "Once your body adjusts to getting more fluid (and you don't have to run to the can every 10 minutes), add another", says Karen Benzinger, R.D., a dietary consultant in Chicago who specializes in health care. And don't forget that all liquids--including tea, juice, fizzy water--help keep your body sufficiently saturated. :)

The advice: Shut the kitchen down after 7 p.m. to prevent weight gain.
Why it's useless: After a long day at the office and a trip to the gym, you either eat dinner at 9:30 or starve. The real deal: The rule was meant for the nighttime nosher who mindlessly wolfs down a bag of Oreos while watching television. If you get home long after dark, a late dinner is perfectly fine. "A calorie is a calorie, no matter what time you eat it", according to Katie Clark, R.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of family health care nursing at the University of California, San Francisco. But do keep your evening meal light--along the lines of a chicken breast, steamed broccoli, and brown rice. Too much chow will keep you up at night: To break down all that food, your gut has to churn like a cement truck. Eating dinner late at night is not necessarily bad for you.It's all about calorie expendature(If you're exercising and managing calories, you're bueno!)

Coffee and Ulcers
The thinking, until recently, was that excess stomach acid caused ulcers and that coffee would contribute to the stomach acid. Recent studies show that most ulcers are caused by a particular bacteria, nameld Helicobacter pylori . Those ulcers can be cured easily with antibiotics. An important distinction to make is that while coffee or spicy foods for that matter don't cause the ulcers, they may serve to aggravate or expand existing ulcers.

Celebrities Come Together to Fight Heart Disease in Women

It is more common than people think, and it's not the big "C" word. I think people take it more lightly simply because of that. Ironically, it is the number one killer amongst women, more than all the cancers together. Here are some important facts about diagnosis and treatment:
.Risk of heart disease and stroke increases with age, and in the year 2003, over 45 million American women were 50 and older
.More women than MEN die of stroke
.Low blood levels of "good cholesterol" appear to be a stronger predictor of heart disease death in women than in men in the over 65 age group
.High levels of triglycerides (fat) may be a particularly important risk factor in women

You may be wondering, what is heart disease?
Atherosclerosis is an underlying cause and develops over time. It occurs when the arteries that supply the heart or brain with blood, slowly develop a deposit of cells, fat, and chloesterol. If this plaque decides to burst or rupture, you've got a heart attack, possibly a stroke.

Live tobacco free and eat healthy stuff. Exercise at least a couple times a week.Water is a miracle; actually does help realease all the toxins in our little bodies.
That's all the pointers I have for you!

First Lady, Laura Bush, is the national ambassador of a campaign called " Heart Truth". Last month she spoke out on behalf of the U.S National heart, blood, and lung institute. It attempts to draw attention to the female heart, with a star studded campaign and an emphasis on the color red of course. The annual event, draws major attention, as well as sending across a serious message. The show features a catwalk with models and celebrities in a "one of a kind" red dress. Top designers included: Marc Jacobs (one of my personal favorites), Calvin Klein, Badgley Mischka, and Oscar de la Renta . Heidi Klum and other women believed it to be "a great awareness factor."


Interestingly........ Batwoman is back??..

"Batwoman, real name Kathy Kane, will appear in "52" a year long DC Comics publication that began in May, 2006.In her latest incarnation, she is a rich socialite who has a romantic history with another"52" character, ex-police detective Renee Montoya" (unknown 1). You go girl!