Blog #2 Personal Health

Below is a list of 10 questions to RATE YOUR PREVENTIVE PRACTICES from our textbook:

1. Do you eat a healthful diet consisting of the appropriate servings of fruits and vegetables, grains, protein, vitamins, and minerals? Yes and no. I try to incorporate at least one serving of fruits and vegetables everyday. My will power to eat fruits instead of chocolate is weak and something to work on. I think for the most part I eat the recommended amount of protein, grains, vitamins, and minerals. I could improve my diet by making conscious decisions to eat more fruits and vegetables instead of junk foods. One way to do this is to not buy junk food so I would not become tempted.

2. Do you participate in moderate-intensity physical activity at least four days a week? No. Currently I am working my way to 4-5 days of some sort of physical activity like attending classes at the gym, working out at the gym, playing tennis, or walking at the park trail. Usually these activities last from 30 minutes to an hour.

3. Do you get enough sleep so that you do not feel tired throughout the day? Mostly yes. I aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Occasionally I stay up late because I am surfing on the internet or watching a movie/television show.

4. Do you avoid using tobacco products and drugs? YES!!! I don’t smoke or do drugs. But unfortunately I have been around second hand smoke most of my life.

5. If you consume alcohol, do you do so in moderation? Yes. If I were to have a drink, it would usually be one or two drinks maximum.

6. If you are sexually active, do you use condoms or other barrier contraceptives to protect against STDs? Yes. I believe in using protection against STDs.

7. Do you employ methods to reduce stress, find time to socialize with friends and relax, and maintain an overall sense of mental wellness? Yes. I find it relaxing to sit in a quite room reading a great book or to work on a creative project like scrapbooking. I find that a great stress reducer is to talk to my friends or certain family members about any problems. During some stressful events, I like to go walking.

8. Do you practice safe behaviors, such as using seat belts, wearing motorcycle and bicycle helmets, not driving under the influence of alcohol, and not riding with someone under the influence of alcohol? YES! YES! I always wear a seatbelt as a driver or passenger and I make sure that everyone else in the car is strapped down. If I were to drink, I make sure I have a designated driver or take a taxi home.

9. Do you use nonviolent methods of conflict resolution? Yes. I don’t believe that physically or mentally hurting someone is the way to solve a problem. The best way is to first cool down, and then give each other time to talk and listen, and then find a solution or compromise on a solution. Violent methods do not resolve anything. It only brings on resentment, anger, pain, frustration, etc.

10. Do you receive routine preventative care from a healthcare provider? No. I know that I should be getting regular checkups and there are no excuses. I think my fear is to not finding the right doctor or one that really cares about me. I have seen friends and family see different doctors and feel that whatever ache or pains they are having, the doctors will just send them home with band-aid solution and not really getting down to the heart of the problem.