Learning Journal 6 Trudy Christman

What I have learned from Module 6 Chapters 13 and 14:

1.
Discussion Forums:

Regarding cardiovascular diseases, I learned that due to pervasive disease, the US has had extremely high death rates in the past. However, due to public awareness, people have come to understand the seriousness of the disease and are willing to take action to decrease their risks.

Adopting a healthy diet and exercising on a regular basis as well as not smoking are the prime ways to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. A good website for research is: www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml (Ctrl + Click)

I also learned from the discussion section that your diet could be a cancer risk. For example, research shows that "stomach cancer is common in Japan but uncommon among white Americans in Hawaii. Excessive consumption of smoked and pickled foods may contribute to the higher rates of stomach cancer in Japan." Moreover, "our ancestors foraged for their food. They collected and ate seeds, roots, fruits, and vegetables and rarely ate meat. Thus the diet we consume toady is filled with excess sugar, salt, fat, and meat." And, “today we are asking our bodies to do something they are not designed to do.” Furthermore, “when we consume to much of these toxic products, and not enough of what our bodies need, it's no wonder so many healthy problems such as cancer arise.”

Regarding congestive heart failure, I learned what can be caused by CHF according to the MedicineNet website: http://www.medicinenet.com/congestive_heart_failure/article.htm :
1. Diseases that weaken the heart muscle
2. Diseases that cause stiffening of the heart muscles
3. Diseases that increase oxygen demand by the body tissue beyond the capability of the heart to deliver.


Readings:
1. As noted in our text on page 322, “… public awareness of the risk factors in cardiovascular disease has been a major contributor to the overall decline.”  We can further improve awareness by changing our lifestyles and setting an example for family and friends. 
2. According to table 13.5 of our text on page 314, Dietary Recommendations to Help Prevent Cancer.  It notes that:  “About 50% of all cancers are thought to derive from nutritional deficiencies.”  The table lists several substances/food, describes the effect on cancer risk, and gives recommendations.
3. According to Table 14.1 Categories of Cardiovascular Disease found on page 322 of our text, congestive heart failure “occurs when the heart is unable to pump all the blood that is returned to it.”



Online Lessons: I learned that cancer and cardiovascular disease can be prevented by following lifestyle guidelines:
1. Limit intake of unhealthy fats and cholesterol
2. Choose low-fat protein sources
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables
4. Select whole grains
5. Practice moderation and balance



2. Comment on participation:
I continue to be happy with my discussion grades. As you can see, I put a great deal of effort in this part of the module. My participation helps me to reflect and plan questions and answers. As to, my quiz grades, I followed my plan to take the quiz within 2 days of completing the text readings. Additionally, I completed the quiz in a relaxed, unhurried setting and kept in mind that – I would like to improve to at least a grade of “A”. I am also very pleased with my blogging abilities and that I completed the assignment in total.
On the other hand, I am very disappointed in my Critical Review grade. I was in hurrying and trying to catch up at work and in class. It was also very hard for me to focus after the death of my partner and his funeral.



3. Vocabulary:
- Cancer susceptibility gene: gene responsible for familial breast cancer and genes that cause susceptibility to colon cancer; increases the risk of a person developing cancer in his or her lifetime. Increases my awareness that it does not cause cancer directly.
- Xenoestrogens: environmental chemicals that mimic the effects of natural estrogen; may cause cancer. Although, I have heard this term, I now know what it means.
- Ischemia: an insufficient supply of blood to the heart. This describes a term that I have heard many times and now I have an accurate sense of what it means.
- Sinoatrial node: the region of the heart that produces an electrical signal that causes the heart to contract. Although, I was aware that the heart beats in response to an electrical signal, I now know the medical term.