Best Wishes Everyone!

Congratulations to the graduating class of Spring 2012!

If you aren't graduating well than it's summer and your time will come. I wanted my last post on this bog to be mainly personal. I will not reference to any outside sources or credible authors just me, myself and I.

I came to CSUMB in Fall of 2008 almost fours years ago! I was originally suppose to be part of the graduating class of Spring 2012 but unfortunately things didn't work out the way I wanted. I had a plan and we all know when plans don't go accordingly, we have to come up with a plan b. As a child many of us remember that infamous question, "Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?" There were numerous times I was asked this question and by multiple people. One thing is for sure my answer was always was the same, "I want to be a teacher!" That was always my answer ever since I was around five years-old.

In high school, I continue pursuing this goal and declared myself as a Liberal Studies major for all the colleges I applied to. Once I got to to college things changed. I took a few Liberal Studies and it was great. The professors were great, always kind and friendly but I felt I wasn't being challenged. I felt something was missing. I began questioning myself, questioning my passion. Why did I really want to become a teacher? Teachers are great don't get me wrong but I felt I had potential to do other great things instead. I wanted to become a teacher because they were there when I needed them the most. Some of the most influential people in my life have been teachers and I felt I could be a role model to students just like some teacher were mine. I've always been a humanitarian at heart and decided to look into social work my second year of college. I learned more about the Collaborative Health and Human Services major and it just seemed like a great matched for me. I really wanted to do more then just teach I wanted to serve my community in a way not many people can. Social workers just like teachers are underpaid, I feel they do so much and aren't rewarded financially as much as other professions, yet the reward they get from knowing they made a difference in someone's life is sufficient.

I ended up changing my major by the end of my second year in college. I decided to do a dual concentration in social work and community health to be more diverse and along with that I began considering a minor. That's where this class comes into place. I'm taking this course to fulfill one of the outcomes for the Pre-Law minor. When I was an Intern at Monterey County Department of Social & Employment Services at the Court Unit I did a lot of networking. One of the attorney's offered me an internship but at the time I just didn't have enough time to agree to it. He was a family attorney, and that made me discover the potential to combine the social services field with the law.

I am so thankful to have decided to add this minor. All my HCOM professors have really taught me some great stuff! My HCOM peers have been kind and welcoming of me as CHHS major. I am only a semester away from graduating! I would just like to wish everyone to have a great summer! We all deserve some peace and whatever the future hold for you, I truly wish you the best of luck!

You Can't Always Trust Men in Uniform

When you hear the word, "police", what comes to mind? Someone pulling you over giving you a ticket because you broke the law, donuts and coffee, a law abiding citizen who is more or less a hero in disguise? To be honest, I have never been a fond of police officers but that's just because of my previous experience with them, or better said lack of of experience with them. It seemed to me they were never around when I needed them earlier in life, instead they came around well as an inconvenience to my life. I came across this article from Los Angeles' Times that truly touched me, "Video portrays violent death of Kelly Thomas" by Richard Winton. Finding this article may add to my bias about my feeling towards cops, yet the evidence presented are facts followed by my feelings on those facts about an incident that took place almost a year ago in Fullerton, California. I warn you in advance that the videos I have included a link to are violently graphic.

A mentally ill homeless man named Kelly Thomas was brutally beaten to death by two police officers, Michael Ramos and Joseph Wolfe. The two men are being charged, Ramos with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, and Wolfe with involuntary manslaughter and excessive force in connection with the July 5 2011 beating of Thomas, who died five days later. The defense attorneys where claiming, to portray Thomas' medical treatment as the reason for Thomas' death rather than the officers' actions. I was appalled by this argument. Its unbelievable that even with evidence through witnesses and videos of the excessive use of force on Thomas, the officers are not taking accountability for their actions instead they blame the medical team. It's unfortunate that behavior from police officers like these cause such distrust for police officers among our communities.

I will follow up with this case and see what the outcome of the two officers are. If the jury isn't touched by  Thomas father stating, "The hardest part of the video and audio "is the sounds of my son calling out," or by the numerous evidence provided in court thanks to today's technology everywhere, I 'm not sure what will convince the jury to allow the defendants to pay the consequences. While watching the videos I did not see an uncooperative man trying to cause harm to the police officers or anyone else for that matter. I saw a young man calling for help. It was evident to me this man needed psychological help. How do you feel about this case? Do you think police officers are unethical due to their power? I can see the connection to today's class topic in reference to "control" and "power" from higher authorities for our own safety but just like I shared in class, I think sometimes people manipulate the situation and take advantage when they can. When someone's life is taken it is no loger a question of whether it was ethical for police officers to react the way they  did, instead it is a matter of the criminal law.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is one of the oldest expressions around.  But does an apple really keep you away from the doctor? Are apples the solution to all our health problems? Will an apple a day keep the doctor away? by Amy Hunter is an article that I came across one of my favorite TV networks, TLC that answer all of these questions! To be honest I'm not sure how credible Ms. Hunter is which is why I would recommend you do some additionally research but the second part of my post is based on facts from the CDC.

According to Hunter, "The first printed mention of this saying can be found in the February 1866 issue of the publication "Notes and Queries." The publication printed the proverb like this: "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the doctor from earning his bread". Since then some truth has been proven to the saying. An apple serves for multiple purposes to you body that really can help. Such health benefits include, "acts as a toothbrush, cleaning teeth and killing bacteria in the mouth, which may reduce the risk of tooth decay. They're also low in calorie density, one of the trademarks of a healthy food. When a food is low in calorie density you can eat good size portions of the food for relatively few calories. In addition, apples are affordable and readily available" (Hunter, para. 3). Below is a summary of key health benefits provided by the apple.

• Pectin -- lowers both blood pressure and glucose levels, LDL, or "bad" cholesterol in the body. Pectin, like other forms of fiber, helps maintain the health of the digestive system. A
• Boron -- A nutrient found in abundance in apples, boron supports strong bones and a healthy brain.
• Quercetin -- A flavonoid, this nutrient shows promise for reducing the risk of various cancers, including cancers in the lungs and breast.
• Vitamin C -- Vitamin C boosts immunity, which helps maintain overall health.
• Phytonutrients -- Apples are rich in a variety of phytonutrients, including vitamins A and E and beta carotene. These compounds fight damage from free radicals and can have a profound affect on health, including reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and asthma.

The article further discusses how apples are great but there is more to keeping a healthy body then just dieting which made me think about the importance of regularly going to the doctor for check ups even if you are one of those who likes to eat an apple a day. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, shares a little about  National Women's Health Week, May 13-19, 2012, which is "an annual observance to encourage women to make their health a priority and take simple steps for a safer and healthier life". With that I'd like to take a detour from the apple a day to taking more action like getting annual checkups.

I am not the best role model for what I am preaching but I know that taking about my physically health is as equally as important as taking care of my mental health. As a women, I would like to share the importance of getting check ups for problems that are more prone to women. Breast cancer is the first that comes to mine and well as cervical cancer. This link from Planned Parenthood is very informative and I would recommend for women who would like to inform themselves more on the issue. I have learned that an apple a day is a good start to keep the doctor away but I have also learned that we need to see our doctors once in a while to detect any life threatening health problems!

National Foster Care Month

I came across this National Foster Care Month short article through the U.S Department of Health and Human Service (USDHHS). I wanted to bring this topic up because, well I just think more people should be informed about it. As an aspiring social worker, my thoughts on this may be somewhat bias, but personally going "through the system" also brings more of a personal perspective to this issue.

According to the U.S Department of Health & Human Services, "National Foster Care Month is a time to renew our commitment to ensuring a bright future for the more than 400,000 children and youth in foster care and celebrate all those who make a meaningful difference in their lives. This year's focus, Achieving Well-Being With Children and Youth in Care, provides resources to support child welfare professionals as they seek to build well-being postpermanency; with transitioning youth; through support in sibling connections; through support in school & community; and through trauma-informed child welfare systems." To fulfill this purpose, USDHHS encourages the following:

•     Access resources about achieving well-being with children and youth in care
•     Gain perspective and be inspired by Real-Life Stories
•     Spread the word with our widgets, sample emails, and social media messages

This is a topic that is dear and near to my heart which is why I would like to share with you this video of someone sharing their story. You may note that in this case this individual had a successful intervention from the foster care system, yet the website also shares some stories of people who have struggled with the system. I have seen this happen as an intern for social services. Learning about this makes me consider in the future adopting a child. I had a rough childhood and if I had the resources and my partner would share the same thoughts on this, adoption would be something to consider. Even if I don't adopt, I would like to somewhat contribute to helping youth in foster care. There are flaws to the system such as, providing enough resources and support when a foster child becomes an adult, assessing the competence of foster parents, and separation between siblings.

For example, unfortunately by the time the children become legal adults and turn 18 or 21 they are on their own. Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago states, "The transition to adulthood has become a more ambiguous and complex period for all youth, yet it may be particularly difficult for youth aging out of the child welfare system. Whereas many youth move gradually toward independent adulthood, foster youth “aging out” of care lose the support of the child welfare system when they reach a particular age of majority, during a period when they may be particularly at risk for engagement in crime". I feel that the child welfare is taking a step in the right direction by doing research to access the effectiveness of the current foster care system.

Are you Sleep-Deprived?

Sleep is one of my favorite things to do but I don't get much sleep as I would like. The article, many US workers sleep-deprived: CDC Transportation workers among those getting the least shuteye, researchers say by Stephen Reinberg explores the dangerous of lack of sleep among many Americans.

According to the The National Sleep Foundation, it recommends that adults sleep between seven to nine hours a night. Unfortunately about 44 percent of night shift workers get too little sleep, compared to about 29 percent of people working the day shift. Also, certain industries seem to lack more sleep. The study states that nearly 70 percent of those working night shifts in transportation and warehousing are sleep-deprived.

"Working nights and sleeping during the day, in particular, disrupts the natural sleep cycle, called circadian rhythm, Luckhaupt said.Workers who don't get enough sleep are more likely to get injured on the job and make mistakes that could injure them and their co-workers, according to the report. Over time, insufficient sleep can also affect overall health, resulting in cardiovascular problems, obesity, diabetes and depression" (Reinberg, S.)

When I read this, I thought about my father who is a former truck driver. I always knew he had a tough job but nver to this extent. I can definitely see the correlation of certain jobs and lack of sleep such as  truckers. It is so important they get enough sleep because they have to drive for so many hours throughout the day. I can see where if someone does not get enough sleep, they can easily get into an accident while driving. When I was younger I asked my dad about his sleep habit because of work and he had explained to me that sleep was important for his job which is why he had a bed in the truck and was required to log his nuumber of hours of sleep for work regulations.

Research and studies like these consequences for lack of sleep. I think it's important to jeep this in mind when we are working so hard, especuially as college studnts. Nevertheless, I undestand how hard it can be to actually get seven to nine hours of sleep on a daily basis. I care about my sleep that I have sacrificed most of my social life while at school because there isn't simply enough hours in a day to get everything done.

Facebook's Influence on Healthy Relationships

Research has been done that shows the relationship status found on Facebook determines how happy relationships are among young couples. The true meaning of Facebook's in a relationship was an article I recently read in LA times by Shari Roan. It really caught my attention being that I am currently in a relationship and I felt that there are others who could relate to it. The study was conducted through the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking. A total of 58 heterosexual mostly college couples who had been dating for an average of 19 months. The survey showed how partners declared similar relationship status through Facebook.

"The study showed that partners tended to be similar in how they used social media and the importance they placed on it. In 45 of the 58 couples, both partners reported being in a relationship on Facebook. And in 31 of the couples, both male and female partners showed their dating partner in the profile picture. Men were somewhat more likely to include their girlfriend in their profile photos than vice versa" (Shari Roan, 2012).

What the study also found was that there was a gender difference between  how females and males felt about the importance of indicating, "in a relationship". It turns out that females thought it was more important for males to indicate they were in a relationship in comparison to males not thinking it was as important for their female partners to indicate they were in a relationship. I have to say I'm not too surprise. I think females have higher expectations when it comes to having public portrayals of their relationship status and men definitely don't need as much validation about being in a relationship.

Personally, I would like to have an equal relationship status with my partner because to me that validates the seriousness and commitment of our relationship in the sense that we are both in the same page as to where we stand in our relationship. Social networks may not seem as important to some and I would agree that it shouldn't be the only thing that defines your relationship. This is important to grasp though, when you have "Facebook friends" who happen to be your family members and close friends and co-workers you respect, and you don't make your relationship public it can make your significant other question why hide the relationship? Nevertheless, I think the main things is about being confident and secure with the relationship you have. At the end of the day, a Facebook relationship status shouldn't affect your relationship.

Denim Day!

So you ask yourseld Denim Day? Isn't every day a great day to wear jeans? Well there is more to Denim Day. On Wednesday April 25, 2012 I opened  my county email I have as part of being an intern at the Monterey District Attorney's Office, Victims of Crime Unit. I looked though my mail and I come across "Denim Day" subject title. Little did I know the special day it was. I learned that Denim Day is a national day dedicated to victims of sexual assault. According to the Denim Day website, "It is a rape prevention education campaign, where we ask community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion statement and on this day wear jeans as a visible means of protest against misconceptions that surround sexual assault". I was entrigued by the origin of Denim Day through a story the email had attached.

An 18-year old girl is picked up by her married 45-year old driving instructor for her very first lesson. He takes her to an isolated road, pulls her out of the car, wrestles her out of one leg of her jeans and forcefully rapes her. Threatened with death if she tells anyone, he makes her drive the car home. Later that night she tells her parents, and they help and support her to press charges. The perpetrator gets arrested and is prosecuted. He is convicted of rape and sentenced to jail.

He appeals the sentence. The case makes it’s all the way to the Italian Supreme Court. Within a matter of days the case against the driving instructor is overturned, dismissed, and the perpetrator released. In a statement by the Chief Judge, he argued, “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape but consensual sex.”

Enraged by the verdict, within a matter of hours the women in the Italian Parliament launched into immediate action and protested by wearing jeans to work. This call to action motivated and emboldened the California Senate and Assembly to do the same, which in turn spread to Patricia Giggans, Executive Director of Peace Over Violence, and Denim Day in LA was born. The first Denim Day in LA was in April 1999, and has continued every year since. (Denim Day Usa, History n.d).

After reading I was so upset with the Italian Supreme Court's decison. I asked myself, how could someone in that position with so much education and power be able to conclude that the victim was not really a victim. I was beyond upset, I was quite infuriated! The thought that using a women's ability to express herself thorugh her clothing could be use against her in a court of law. Applying this to what we have learned in this class, I believe that protesting silently by wearing jeans on a designated day can help many become aware of the dangerous of sexual assault and how to take action. How do you feel about Denim Day? Did the origin of the day convey any kind of emotion? I am curious to know how men feel about this topic.

For more information such as statistic of sexual assault you may visit the Denim Day website. If I had known about this earlier, I would have totally brought this to your attention sooner but there is always next year to wear your favorute pair of jeans!

Invisible Pain of Infertility

Becoming a mother may be one of the greatest gift a woman can have. At least for myself, I feel that motherhood is the only way to create such an emotional and truly loving connection with another human being. For women and some men  who feel like myself about having a child, hearing you are biologically unable to do this can be tragic and devastating news.

The article, The Invisible Pain of Fertility, by Norin Dwokin-McDaniel brings up the topic of women who face infertility. The article addresses females' feelings about shame and secrecy behind infertility. With so many older women celebrities recently getting pregnant, regular women wonder why they can't get pregnant. The article further goes stating, "By age 40, a woman has only a 5 percent chance of conceiving during each cycle. "Regardless of how well you take care of yourself, ovaries age at a constant rate, and there's nothing you can do to halt it. That clock ticks on," says Robert Gustofson, M.D., medical director of the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine in Denver. "By 45, the chance of having a child with your own eggs is 1 percent." (Dwokin-McDaniel, 2012, par.2).

To better understand this issue I did some side research. First of all it is important to understand what infertility is. According to The U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women's Health, "Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after one year of trying (or six months if a woman is 35 or older). Women who can get pregnant but are unable to stay pregnant may also be infertile" (2009). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states it is a common problem, with about 10 percent of women (6.1 million) in the United States ages 15-44 have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. 

Both women and men may be infertile but for different reasons. Women and men who are infertile have the opportunity to get pregnant by taking better health care and seeking a doctor for irregularities. There are solutions available for men and women who suffer from infertility. Some can be simple while others may require surgery. Nevertheless, there is hope for those who suffer from infertility. 

Minority Health

The CDC is Celebrating Minority Health Month. This year motto's is: Health Equity Can't Wait. Act Now in Your Community! Both the CDC in collaboration with the HHS are making an effort to reach health equity among minorities. The CDC has referenced work from "HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities".

The 45 page document, "Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities" illustrates and action plan toeliminate the health disparities among minorities. As a minority I am very thanful for this. I believe health should be universal and accessible to every human being. I think that it is important to acknowledge the differences among different races in order to address certain health problems. For example as a Mexican-American woman I am at much higher risk for numerous health problems such as diabetes and high cholestreol. Culture is a very influential factor that coontributes to many minorities health problems and should also be considered.

According to The World Health Organization (WHO), it defines these "social determinants of health" as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age that can contribute to or detract from the health of individuals and communities (2012). Also, "Individuals, families and communities that have systematically experienced social and economic disadvantage face greater obstacles to optimal health. Characteristics such as race or ethnicity, religion, SES, gender, age, mental health, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, geographic location, or other characteristics historically linked to exclusion or discrimination are known to influence health status' (HHS, 2012, p.2). This statement makes me try to correlate perhaps a relationship between the roles of the minorities we have study and this class ans see how they are affected not just cocially through politic but how it affects tehir health.

Overall, I feel that being aware of the health disparities faced among minorities is a great start to provide and advocate for equal  as well as equitable health care opportunity.

Stop Bullying!

Policies and Laws

Bullying is perhaps something that we are all familiar with. Some of us may have been bullied in the past, others may have been the bullies and some have been bystanders, nevertheless, it is likely you know someone who has been a victim of bullying. In recent years a new type of bullying has emerged known as cyber bullying.

States have taken action and established laws and policies in order to help diminish the bullying. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services 2012, "Through laws (in their state education codes and elsewhere) and model policies (that provide guidance to districts and schools), each state addresses bullying differently".

In the state of California, both laws and policies have been implemented to address the issue of bullying. This article provides a breakdown of all the states' regulations for bullying. I am thankful that finally bullying is being addressed by the law.

Spring Break!

March 19-23=Spring Break, for us CSUMB students, staff and faculty!  Many like myself are looking forward to this date. Some can't wait to go back home and visit family, some have an exciting vacation trip, and some simply want some time to themselves away from school. This post is particularly addressed for those who will be traveling during spring break. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted on their website this very helpful article, Stay Healthy and Safe on Spring Break about measurements to take in order to enjoy and have a healthy and safe spring break.

If you are traveling abroad consider the following tips and use them as a checklist and resource for planning your trip!

• Vaccination before vacation
• Travel health insurance.
• Active vacations. 
• You are what you eat.
• Is it worth the risk?
• Travel wise.
• Politics, politics.

It is recommended by the CDC that you do some research and anticipate whether you need certain vaccinations deemed to be necessary by the country abroad. If this of interest they provided a link to travel clinic. It also points out that some insurance may not cover you abroad so emergency insurance may be needed. If you are going on an active vacation that may deal with extreme activities, be as careful and cautious. Training and proper equipment is recommended for extreme activities. I would say the best part about traveling abroad is the food! With this said, again the CDC suggest being cautious to avoid illness or other diseases. The article specifically states, "In developing countries, eat only food that has been fully cooked and served hot. Avoid eating fresh vegetables and fruits, unless you can peel them yourself". The "is it worth risk" tip, refers to making wise decisions about your behavior. I think this was listed with a particular audience in mind, for teenagers and college students. The article list examples such as, having unprotected sex and the risks, getting tattoos and piercings abroad, and drinking and driving. They state, "The phrase "what happens on spring break stays on spring break" can imply that it is okay—even expected—to engage in risky behaviors that you would not normally consider in your daily life, but you should take your healthy behaviors on vacation with you". Last but not least the article reminds us to travel wisely and remember basic things such as putting on sunscreen and being cautious of our surroundings, with that being said, taking politics into consideration. Politics? I asked myself that same question but in some countries the current politics of that country can put you at risk which is why the CDC referenced, "The US Department of State website, www.travel.state.gov to help travelers gauge the political climate of unstable countries".

Keep these tips in mind and I hope you enjoy your break wherever it may be at!

Technology in Health & Human Services

Technology is everywhere, wouldn't you agree? The U.S Department of Health and Human Services takes into consideration the new age we live in. The majority of American citizens have access to a cell phone, at least that's what it seems like. This very short article, "HHS selects challenge for Facebook app" released by the HHS Press Office informs us about the winners for a very special challenge sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The Facebook Lifeline Application Challenge "called on software application developers to design new Facebook applications that could enhance individual and community resilience by establishing social connections in advance of an emergency" (HHS, 2012).

The use of the app would serve as easy access to millions of Americans on important reminders and notes in regards to their health and well being. For example, it would help people communicate in case on a national disaster. The first place winners' from Brown University app gives you the option to print out emergency preparedness card, it contains credible information from reliable sources and provides a news feed of friends and family in case of an emergency. The second place winners JAMAJIC 360 received $5,000 for second place, and TrueTeamEffort received $1,000 for third place, while 1st place winners, Lifeline won $10,000.

Here is what a rsaid Nicole Lurie, M.D., HHS assistant secretary for preparedness and response and a rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service had to say about the app:

“We’re really excited about the potential of the lifeline app to help people not only to reach out to friends and family for the kinds of assistance they may need in an emergency, but also to help improve their personal health and preparedness. Having people you can depend on for help is especially important during a disaster, so we want to encourage everyone to identify those people in advance. Since so many people use Facebook to connect with one another, it seemed like a natural way to help people to identify their lifelines.” (2012)

I have to agree and say that this was a genius way of making this type of information to many Americans like myself who are users of Facebook. Cal State Monterey Bay, also has started a very similar initiative, "The “Ideas of March,” a 54-hour Android Development Camp and Competition, which is open to college students, software engineers and programming professionals from the tri-county area who are interested in producing mobile apps. This event is sponsored by the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development at CSU Monterey Bay, the Monterey County Business Council and the university’s School of Information Technology and Communication Design, supported by organizations in the Monterey Bay area and Silicon Valley. Registration deadline is March 1st and I would highly recommend this to anyone who's savvy in this field.

At this time, I do not own a smart phone to download apps but when I do, I will have to say this will be in my top to download. I feel that apps are being used for many valuable things like protection not just for entertainment.

Healthy Valentine's Day

In honor of Valentine's Day, I'm inspired to write about this article I came across from the CDC, "Here's to a Healthy Valentine". This is a short article provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention sharing a few tips and ideas to keep healthy choices as you plan for Valentines.

Regardless of whether you spend your Valentine's day with a friend, your family or significant other, you should do your best to spent a happy and healthy day. The first tip the CDC provides, is the idea of having a heart healthy meal with lots of fruits and vegetables. For Valentine's Day, my boyfriend and I had Sushi. I would say this was a healthy choice for us because we typically go out for Mexican. The second tip was to planned a physical activity. I will admit though, that instead we sat down and watch t.v. Normally I'm a very active woman which is why I decided Valentine's day was a rest day. The third tip was to give an alternative to candy. I'm a chocolate lover but instead I just got flowers, so I guess I followed the two out of three tips from the CDC.

Living a healthy lifestyle can be challenging for some of us, especially around the holidays. I did my best to try to follow the advice provided by this article. I'm curious to know how you spent your Valentine's Day? Was it healthier than mine, if so how?

Here is a link if you would like to send health-e card. 

Helping, Fixing, or Serving?

As a collaborative health and human services major, I have a passion for serving my community. I read this article by Rachel Naomi Ramen about two years ago that changed my perspective on my career. The article is called Helping, Serving, or Fixing, it helps differentiate between the three words that are commonly misused in the health and human service field.

Overall the focus of this article is to describe that helping, serving and fixing are three different ways of viewing life. According to Ramen, "When we help, we see life as weak. When we fix, we see life as broken but when we serve we see life as a whole. Fixing and helping may be the work of the ego, and service the work of the soul". This is a very powerful statement because although many like myself say we enjoy helping others, we don't realize that this statement makes us feel superior. When we fix things, we are saying we know what the right answer is but the truth of the matter is, it is not up to us to fix other people's problem. As a a health and human professional we should give people the tools so that they may advocate for themselves and be there for them when they ask us to be there.

A great quote she shares is, "Fixing and helping create a distance between people, but we cannot serve at a distance. We can only serve that to which we are profoundly connected". The idea of distance is relevant to the fact that through fixing and helping we feed our ego. We want to help people because we feel we are superior to the ones in need and we want to fix because we know the answers. When we differentiate with one another we create a gap, we create a distance. Being distant will never solve any  problems because we never address the real problem without a trustful an equal relationship. When we can finally put ourselves at the same level as others we can create a bond and build connection with one another. This will help facilitate the process of meeting our needs.

The challenges to helping and and fixing is that we usually address the surface problem immediately. Most social service employees for example are familiar with the term "burn out", It refers to the process of feeling defeated with what you do, physically, mentally and emotionally. After trying so hard to save the world, you come to realize that you are only one person and there is only so much you can do. Burnouts are more common with people who want to fix and help everyone. The benefits to serving is that you don't burnout so soon because you realize you are just a human being like the person you are trying to help.

Rachel later in the article shares two different stories about how serving has really been a life changing experience to many not just health and human service professionals. I have to say that when I read this article at first, I found it difficult to believe that the idea of "helping" wasn't always good but as I have gained more experience in the health and human service field I am more familiar with her beliefs. Serving creates a balance between helping and fixing, it's a win-win.

This is just a Test!

This is just a test!
Here is the link to HCOM403-01 website.
I will also add images as a test of the required textbooks!

ISBN: 0520223705

ISBN: 9780393327458