Module #4

In this module we looked at chapters 4, 5, and 6 in regards to physical fitness, health, and weight and body image. I learned about things like saturated and unsaturated fats, proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients needed for the body. I learned in our textbook on page 88 that the proper amount of calories is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight and eating more or less can help you gain or loose weight when needed.
I related to chapter 4, Nutrition and You, the most because i take health very seriously. Eating the right foods and getting the proper amount of exercise is important to leading a healthy life. By reading these 3 chapters and participating in the discussions i learned more about GMO's and their effects on crops, the health of people who consume GMO's and the economy as well.
Things i could change in my diet to lead a healthier lifestyle is to stop eating cereal late at night before bed. Just by listening to my body i know that eating cereal before bed is not a good idea. I learned on page 81 of our textbook that adult women must drink at least 9 cups of water a day. I definitely drink much less than this and should alter my lifestyle so i drink the more water daily.

So far in this semester i think i have improved my discussions but i need to work on my quiz grades. I definitely must study harder before taking a quiz. I understand why i got my grades. My discussion grade has improved in this module from what it was in the previous two, that is how i know my participation in discussions have improved.

Module #3

This module took us through an outlook on drugs, alcohol, and smoking and the negative affects they have on the body. In chapter 7 it talked about addiction and how it is "a chronic, progressive disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry characterized by uncontrolled craving for a substance or behavior despite both negative consequences and diminished or loss of pleasure associated with the activity". This means that one can be addicted to technology and even compulsively spending money, not just a drug or caffeine. Chapter 8 talked about smoking and drinking and the many many negative affects it has on the body. Alcohol use is a  big problem for college students, as well as the abuse of prescription drugs, most likely due to high stress and anxiety associated with school work. Smoking is a huge issue hear in the United States and i'm sure in many other places as well. According to our textbook, 57 million Americans age 12-25 are smokers. This is a real issue because cigarettes are highly addictive and can cause life long illnesses like cancer, emphysema, and cardiovascular problems. Why more people do not quite smoking is beyond me because it kills you but can be completely prevented.

I feel like i did out the needed time into this module to understand the material, but not enough time to apply it into my discussions, responses, and quiz. Next module i will apply what i know fully in hopes to get better grades.

Words i didnt know:
sidestream smoke- smoke emanating from the burning end of a cigarette or pipe.
mainstream smoke- smoke exhaled from the lungs of smokers
leukoplakia- white spots on the mucous membranes in the mouth that may be cancerous.

module 2

The first three chapters of our book give general information about sicknesses, the general health of our nation, psychological health problems, stress and anxiety, and things related to those topics. I learned that suicide is the main cause of death in 15-25 year old people. I would say that this is due to high school and college and the stresses that come with it. The thought of having to make decisions that will affect the rest of your life puts a lot of pressure on someone who was just recently a child. The book describes stress as being a major cause in health problems, especially mental health disorders. Mental health disorders affect about half of the United States population, and are serious health problems, although many people do not consider them real issues. These three chapters have gotten me to reflect on myself and my own health. It has made me realize that its okay to not be okay. It is common that people are struggling and that i am not the only one.

To answer questions based on the lectures i would say some general things i can do to stay healthy are eat natural foods (preferably organic) and stay away from processed foods. I can exercise more and drink lots of water.

I like to meditate in order to quite my mind. Maybe sit and look at the trees and other plants, listen to some calming music and do yoga. I also like to have mental images to relax and think of better things.

I cope with the struggles of being a college student by taking everything as they come. Homework assignment to homework assignment, day to day. I also do yoga in order to relax and distress.