Reflection: Weeks 13-15 & Overall Course

Junk Project - Door Turned Cork/Memory Board

Weeks 13-15

I can't believe the semester is over!  As I said in the last reflection, the time really has flown by.  Over the last couple weeks, our main focus was on finishing up our advocacy projects and our junk projects.  Advocacy was a totally new concept to me when we started this class.  Sure, I knew about it, but I did not really do that much of it.  After completing our advocacy projects, I see just how important it is to actively promote the profession and any issues you are passionate about.

Don't Hate, Advocate!

My advocacy project was about cleaner alternative fuels and our nation's air quality.  After doing my research, it was clear that our air quality is the culprit of many health concerns nationally.  It was fun to read everyone's letters and to write my own.  It made me feel a lot better having the guidance on how to write a political representative.  My favorite part of the advocacy project was definitely the online learning activities.  What a great way to learn about a topic!  I enjoyed completing this activities and learned some great facts along the way.

Whatchya Gonna Do With All That JUNK?!?

Finally, I want to discuss my FAVORITE activity of the semester which was junking!  It was great to see everyone's creativity shine in the show and tell on Monday.  It was fun to create usable art with my cork board and know that I was recycling a door that literally one step away from being thrown out.  Crazy.  In sticking with the junk theme, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit the local Goodwill and see what they are all about.  It was so great to hear that there are still people trying to do good in this world that is so obsessed with making economic gains.

SO, what are you going to do with all your junk?

Overall Course Reflection

As a few of our classmates said in class on Monday, what didn't we learn in this class?  Blogging alone could have been a course for me.  I really grew in this class and was able to fine tune some skills that I already had but also learn a bunch of brand new skills.  I enjoyed the Read 'n' Seeds because they allowed us all to read about topics that interested us and then practice educating others about it.  It was great to follow everyone's books.  

We covered various other topics including junking, advocacy, SMART goals, documentaries, and more.  Another favorite of mine was seeing everyone's Share & Voices.  It was great to have creative reign on those posts and show topics that interested us most.  We definitely ended with my favorite which was junking projects.  As stated above, I LOVED doing this project.  It was great to learn from all of you over the course of the semester.  Good luck in all you do!

Eye Opener: Online Learning Activities

This week, we had to create online learning activities about our advocacy topics.  Here are my answers to my group members' posts:

Eco-Quest with Emily:  Uncovering the Facts about Cancer

Instructions:

1. First visit the WebMD webpage related to cancer and find 3 facts about cancer that interest you or that you never knew.
2. Next, visit the American Cancer Society Cancer causes webpage and read about the different known causes of cancer. Be able to list 3.
3. Once you feel you know what the causes/ risk factors are for cancer, go to this webpage fromPreventcancer.org and read about things you can do to reduce your risk for cancer.
4. Report 3 common causes of cancer and describe 3 of the ways you think you could best protect YOURSELF against cancer. If you already meet all the criteria, discuss changes you think are the most helpful in general.

3 Facts About Cancer

1. Male breast cancer is just as serious as female breast cancer and breast cancer does not have symptoms in the early stages.  
2. There is not one known specific cause of colorectal cancer and about 25% of adults in the U.S. will have at least one colorectal polyp by age 50.  
3. People who have cancer may experience depression, anxiety, loss of sleep, or more disruptive symptoms that need to be monitored and can be treated.  

3 Causes of Cancer/How to Protect Myself

1. Tobacco Use - don't smoke/quit smoking
2. Sun and UV Exposure - wear sunscreen/limit sun exposure
3. Genetics - Get regular screenings, especially if cancer runs in your family

The most important changes for me would be to get regular suggested screenings and to avoid the tanning salon (even though I love it).  Being more aware of these risk factors is a great way to get started.  

Blue Skies for Mary:  Health Insurance for All

Instructions:

The instructions were to watch a video, visit a couple web sites, and play an interactive game.  Once we completed that, we were instructed to share two things we learned.  

1. I learned about how health insurance works and how it reduces the cost for health coverage of the individual.  The video put everything simply and was easy for me to understand.  
2. I did not know that this would allow for children to stay on their parents policy until age 26!  I knew it was longer but I did not know it was that long.  I like the pros and cons site a lot because it presented the info in a way that was easy to follow.  

Out and About with Alicia:  Emergency Contraception 101

Instructions:

After reading 10 Common Myths, Misunderstandings, and big Ol' Lies About Emergency Contraception, please list 3 myths and why they are false.  Next, do some research and find & list 3 places you could go to obtain emergency contraception in Duluth, MN.

3 Myths about Emergency Contraception and why they are False:

1. Emergency contraception is the same as abortion:  EC actually prevents pregnancy and will not work after a certain period of time.  If the pregnancy has already taken place, EC is ineffective.  EC prevents the egg from being released, therefore it is not considered abortion.
2. It's hazardous to my health:  EC is less hazardous than unprotected sex, abortions, or even child birth.  It does not have estrogen in it.  While it may disrupt your cycle temporarily, it is not bad for your health.  
3. I can just go get it for my girlfriend:  If you are under the age of 17, you cannot get it without a prescription and therefore you could not obtain it for your girlfriend.  However, if you are over the age of 17, you could buy it for her.  

3 places to obtain EC in Duluth, MN:

1. Planned Parenthood
2. UMD Health Services
3. Local Pharmacies (Walgreens)

Molly's Rico Eco:  BPA is a "No-Way" in Baby Formula

Instructions:After looking into the websites listed below, I want you to decided if you think chemicals should be more or less regulated specifically relating to baby formula . Post a short reflection on it.

Wow!  After reading those articles, it is my opinion that we definitely need to monitor baby formula and what industries are putting into it.  It saddens me to think that we are harming today's newborns, tomorrow's youth, and tomorrow's leaders with all of these hazardous chemicals.  It is clear that the FDA needs to monitor this more closely in order to prevent unnecessary infant illness and death.  

Heidi's Health Environment:  Childhood Obesity

Instructions:

Click on Childhood obesity quiz below and it will transfer you to the website.
Childhood Obesity Quiz
Then click on Start Quiz.
After you are done with the quiz record your score and report back about what you learned.

I scored a 90% on this quiz.  I got the fruit juice question wrong!  I knew most of the answers and thought the quiz presented great information.  This quiz would be especially useful as an educational tool for parents.  I learned that you can't be too rigid with your kids' diet and that it is perfectly okay for them to enjoy some sweet treats once in awhile.  

Lovin' Nature with Brier:  Smoking Fact Find

Instructions:

1) Review the links below.
2) Find 5 things that you didn't know before watching the video or things that really effected you.
3) Post the 5 things you learned. Can you think of any personal reasons why you have chosen not to smoke too? For example, parents would be disappointed, dont want to smell bad, ect. Please provide one reason why you have chosen not to smoke or have quit because of (if you feel comfortable sharing)

5 Things I didn't know/that effected me:

1. The secondhand smoke video really effected me.  Seeing those little kids talking about smoking really strikes a cord.  
2. I learned that second hand smoke is just like smoking yourself.  If you smoke around your kids, it's as if they are smoking too.  
3. I also learned that each cigarette causes damage.  So, even people who smoke casually are still going to see the negative effects of smoking.  
4. The video clip of the aorta was very powerful.  I can't believe how much damage smoking really does! It is good to show the internal effects that people may not always think about because they can't see them.  
5. Annually, Minnesota pays $3 billion in health care costs because of smoking and the tobacco industry spends $196 million to market their products annually in Minnesota.  This is very disturbing to me and I can't wait to see the day that this is severely decreased.  

I have never really had the desire to smoke and I have some very close friends who are battling the addiction in their lives.  I see the struggles that they go through and have always made a decision not to smoke.  

Great activities everyone!  These activities were all educational and enjoyable.  

Advocacy Project: Air Quality Crossword Puzzle

Air Quality Crossword Puzzle

Purpose:  To inform others of the health risks associated with toxic emissions in the air and show some of the efforts being made to monitor or control Minnesota's air quality.

Background Info/Resources:  

The following are links to articles or websites that pertain to air quality issues both locally and nationally.  You will find the answers to the crossword within the articles.  Besides the answers, the articles also provide some data related to our air quality, as well as ways in which you personally can reduce your impact.

"Diesel Exhaust in Minnesota" MPCA
"Health Effects of Motor Vehicle Pollution"
"Air Quality Index"
U.S. Department of Energy

Read the articles and then click here to view the Air Quality Crossword Puzzle.

Have fun and good luck!

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5: Final Weekly Review & Overall Project Reflection

My SMART goal remained the same this past week.  It was:  I will drink one bottled beverage per week.

This week, I achieved my goal!  (oooah oooah)

I had overall success this week as I reached my goal.  The only bottled beverage I had was a bottle of water after participating in my first ever 5K!  I realized after that I could've brought my own water bottle to this event, but it slipped my mind.  Still, that was my only bottled beverage for the week.  I was even hesitant to take it because I knew that I had to limit myself.  I am still faced with the challenge of wanting more flavor than just water, but I recently went out and bought some crystal light packets to mix in.  Thanks to my blog group members for all of your wonderful suggestions!  This really helped me to avoid the bottled beverages as I was able to make my own lemonade and my own fruit punch.

I felt great about reaching my goal, but I feel there is still room to improve.  Even as I write this I am proud of myself because I used to drink so many bottled beverages without even thinking about it.  I am hoping to reduce my consumption to ZERO bottled beverages in the near future.  It feels awesome to know I am making a difference.  I am also improving my own health because in avoiding bottled beverages, I am drinking less pop and juice the contains tons of sugar.  It is great to reap the benefits.

This week, I learned that if you set your mind to it, you can do it.  I made a conscious effort to reduce my consumption and spread the word to those around me.  I thought that my friends might think I was weird, but they almost looked up to me like I was a trend setter or something like that.  How great?  I suppose this counts as mini-advocacy?!?  Well, anyways, I learned the power of change and how much of an impact one person can really make.

Next week, I am going to make my goal:  I will drink ZERO bottled beverages per week.  This will make it more challenging but I think this is realistic for me and is a change I can make throughout the rest of my life.  Wish me luck!

Review

My original SMART goal was:  I will ride the bus to and from school 3 days per week.  I ended up eventually meeting this goal, and continue to meet it.  That is the main reason for me to switch my goal to:  I will drink one bottled beverage per week (zero now).  Both of these goals were challenging but realistic for my life.  

The main thing that helped me be successful overall was reading what my group members were going through.  Regardless of anyone's goal, we all had struggles and tips to help each other improve.  It was great to have my own support group to go through the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change with!  For my bus goal, it was helpful to carry the bus route schedule with me so that I wouldn't miss the bus.  As far as bottled beverages go, my biggest success came when I purchased the crystal light packets to mix in.  Water can taste boring to me, so I often fall into the trap of bottled beverages.  This is something that I will have to continue to work at.  

I benefited from this project in multiple ways.  For the bus goal, I ended up "going green" while seeing the personal benefits.  I saved TONS of gas money, did not have to start my car, did not have to scrape my car, and I did not have to worry about finding a parking spot (which we all know is a chore).  It was great to have a little extra change each week and know that I was reducing my carbon footprint at the same time. My second goal also benefited me.  I was able to drink more water and less pop which is just better for my body.  Both of these goals benefited me in that, it gave me something to be proud of and a challenge to overcome.  These goals weren't always easy, but man did it feel good to say I did it!  

Others benefited from this too in the short and long term.  Short term, I ended up teaching people about ways they can make a positive impact.  In the long term, I ended up reducing my carbon footprint and the number of planets it would take to sustain the earth if everyone lived like me.  In some way everyone benefits, whether it is now, or fifty years from now.  Making these changes part of my life beyond this class will be the true test of its full benefits.  

I will most definitely continue this behavior because it has been enjoyable to me and it is good for our planet.  I intend to continue educating generations before me who are reluctant to change.  It will be great to see where my family and friends are at this time next year.  

My best advice would be to find that support system, whether it is a group of people, a sibling, a pet, or a parent, find SOMEONE who supports you.  In order to go into behavior change, you can't just snap your fingers and make it happen, it takes dedication and work, but it is achievable.  My last tidbit of advice would be don't get down on yourself if you don't succeed at first.  Understand that you are human and that you have flaws (as do we all).  Acknowledge the minor setback but look towards the future.  Use setbacks as motivation for the next week.

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain.

Advocacy Project: Letter and Fact Sheet

December 6, 2010

Amy Klobuchar

U.S. Senate

302 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

VOTE YES ON S. 1408: NEW ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION TO GIVE AMERICANS SOLUTIONS

Dear Senator Klobuchar,

I urge you to vote yes on Bill S. 1408 and support tax credits for alternative fuels, alternative fuel motor vehicles, and other solutions to reduce harmful auto emissions.  In supporting this bill, you will help increase the amount of citizens in the state of Minnesota who are able to breathe clean air, and you will support those companies who are working towards these efforts as well.  Using cleaner-burning alternative fuels will reduce the amount of toxins in the air and increase the overall air quality of our state and our nation. 

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), as of 1999, 52% of air toxins in Minnesota came from mobile sources such as cars, trucks and off-road vehicles.  The MPCA also asserts that while efforts have increased to reduce these toxins, the number of sources that emit them has been rapidly growing over that past eleven years.  These emissions are linked to many health risks including asthma, lung disease, heart disease, and cancer to name a few.  As a citizen of St. Louis County, I believe that by increasing the use of cleaner alternative fuels we can decrease the prevalence of these major health risks in our community.  This will reduce the amount of citizens suffering from these diseases and increase our overall health. 

 Opponents of this bill might say that the economic costs of this issue would outweigh the benefits.  However, they are only looking at the short term costs of cleaner alternative fuels.  Sure, at first it will cost money to implement change, but once the change is made, the benefits will exponentially outweigh the costs.  With increased use of cleaner alternative fuels, air quality will improve, individual and community health will improve, and the amount of people dying from these diseases will decrease.  Economically, it makes more sense to implement this bill and look at the long term benefits. 

We appreciate you taking the time to read this letter and work towards creating a healthier Minnesota.  Voting “yes” to S. 1408 will be the best decision for our county, state, and our country.  If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at 888-888-8888 or ilovecleanairmn@cleanmn.com.

Kristen

Kristen

Facts About Air Pollution and 

Cleaner Alternative Fuels

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency:

• Air toxics are linked to causing cancer and other health risks when exposed to high enough levels.
• Of the air toxics in Minnesota, 52% come from mobile sources such as personal vehicles.  
• Inhaling toxic air increases the risks for birth defects over the long term.  

Who is exposed?

• Although high traffic areas are considered "hot spots" for toxic air, exposure in any amount is dangerous.
• People who live in high traffic areas are at a greater risk to develop health problems.  
• At risk populations such as children, people with asthma or lung disease, and elderly people are at an ever greater risk for developing lung problems if exposed in any amount.  

Cleaner Alternative Fuels:

• Cleaner alternative fuels have lower emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates.
• These fuels reduce:
• Carbon monoxide emissions by 90-97%
• Carbon dioxide emissions by 25%
• Nitrogen oxide emissions by 35-60%
• Cleaner alternative fuels also greatly reduce carcinogenic toxins.  

Improvements are being made:

• Air Quality Index Reports are done to measure the amount of air pollutants.  
• Cleaner alternative fuels are becoming more mainstream.  
• More studies are in progress regarding health effects due to air pollution.

For more information, contact the Minnesota Department of Health: 

651-201-5000 Phone

888-345-0823 Toll-free

651-201-5797 TTY

For outdoor air quality:

651-201-4899

health.risk@state.mn.us

Sources:

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Health Effects of Motor Vehicle Pollution

Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center

Minnesota Department of Health

Share & Voice: Pharming Parties

Today I just heard of these things called "Pharming Parties."  Apparently I am behind the ball because I have never heard of them before.  I thought I'd share a video about them.

Pharming Parties are becoming more and more popular among teens.  These parties are when a bunch of people go into their parent's medicine cabinets and grab whatever pills they can get their hands on.  Then, all of the people put the pills in a bag/bowl/dish/whatever, and ingest them to get high.

THIS SCARES ME.  I think it is important to stay on top of these issues and I wonder if many parents know about this.  We can't keep our kids in bubbles, but maybe we should rethink who can get into the medicine cabinets!

Reflection: Weeks 9-12

Where HAS the Time Gone?

I feel like it was only last week when we were all standing in a circle out at Bagley running around like a bunch of crazy people!  I can't believe the semester is almost over (I am excited though).  For only having class once a week, it is amazing all of the topics we have covered and explored on our own.  We started learning about advocacy and really focusing on our Healthy People 2010 objective and THOMAS Bill and are now becoming experts on our topics.

Advocacy and Why it Matters...a lot

When we first started talking about advocacy and our elected officials, I thought, "GREAAAT.  I don't pay attention to politics at all.  Why do I care about my governor?  And how does this pertain to health?"  Well, now I realize that paying attention to politics is an essential part of health education and that they are the people in power who can put health policy into place.  I am beginning to understand that by advocating for health, we can get a lot accomplished.  I am looking forward to seeing how everyone's letters turn out.

Photo Essay

One of my favorite assignments we've done thus far was definitely the Photo Essay.  It was great that we got to present these to the entire class because everyone had something different to share.  I was impressed with the creativity of our classmates!  My photo essay was about hidden treasures that I found in my grandpa's basement.  Man, did I have a blast doing the assignment.  It was such a great trip down memory lane.

A final activity that I want to highlight is the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change project.  I LOVED picking a SMART Goal and implementing it in my life.  I changed my goal last week and I am working towards meeting it this week.

Bittersweet I'd Say

I am learning to love our environment more and more everyday and I can see SO many people on our campus making an effort to reduce their footprint.  I am excited to continue learning and advocating even after this class is done.  Only a few more weeks people!  Bittersweet.