Blog 8 Societal images of menopause

The societal image of menopause is a reflection of the information and hard facts that are available to society regarding menopause. It is human nature to be weary or negative towards things we do not know much about. Thank goodness for the researchers and medical professional who take the time and effort to uncover the unknown.
It is common to see t.v. commercials advertising drugs for women in menopause. However, the advertisements often leave out medical facts pertaining to menopause. The ads main purpose is to sell the drug not educate.
There are many resources for information regarding menopause. For example, National Institute on Aging (NIA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and The North American Menopause Society (NAMS). These websites are great resources for information but the general public does not seek out this information unless they have a specific interest.
A possible aide in educating the public on menopause is for the FDA to require the drug companies that sell and advertise drugs for menopause to include in their advertising medical facts and the most recent research findings pertaining to menopause.
The more accurate information the general public receives regarding menopause the better the opportunity to increase awareness and improve perception.

Blog 7

I definitely don't think STDs equate to immorality, promiscuous behavior or low social class. STDs could fall along the lines of irresponsible but we all have been guilty of doing something irresponsible at least once in our life. It just may not always have to do with sex. A person could be in a monogamous relationship and their partner cheat with someone who had a STD. There are many different scenarios of how someone could contract a STD. It is my opinion that ignorance of STDs contribute to the transmission of the diseases and stereotyping people with a STD. It is absurd to think only poor people get STDs when people in every social class have intercourse. Everyone who has intercourse can be at risk of getting a STD. Married couples who begin the relationship without a STD are only at risk if one of the partners are unfaithful.
Also, many people contract and spread STDs without even knowing it. They may not be sleeping with more than one person at a time but their relationships could be shorted lived and move on to another person shortly thereafter.
Education is key in prevention. Providing facts to people of all ages would aid in better choices regarding sex.

Blog 6

I personally think it is perfectly fine for a woman to decide she does not want to have children or would rather wait until she has reached a certain level in her career. I have a few friends in their 30's who do not have children yet and they are not in a hurry because they have goals they want to accomplish prior to the commitment of children. Also, I have a couple of girlfriends that do not want children at all. One of the girls is married and her husband feels the same about not having children. The other girl is not married but she does not think she will change her mind even if she does eventually marry. Having children is a major responsibility and a life time commitment. If a woman does not want to make that commitment then she shouldn't be forced into a situation that would make her and possibly the child unhappy.
Family members are notorious for putting pressure on the woman to reproduce. Woman have to be strong and stand their ground in order to not be overwhelmed by pressure.
When I was in my mid twenties I was content with the idea that I may never have kids. I was the oldest of a very large family and I was not in any hurry to care for another child. I had an unplanned pregnancy at age 27 and I am very grateful for my little girl but I had some very difficult times, financially and mentally. Waiting or not having children is being responsible for yourself by not getting in a situation that you are not yet prepared.