Vaccinations being compulsory?

I don't believe vaccinations should be compulsory, though I am a proponent of vaccinations... one should be able to choose what goes into their body (or their child's), how one wants to protect their body, and 'live' with their body. Individuals are capable of making their own decisions, and I would certainly not be for legislation which demanded vaccinations for anyone. Though I would hope most would make educated decisions about that process, and I imagine, most do.

Parents taking active role w/ immunizations

Yes, I do believe parents should take a more active role in designing their children's immunization schedule. However, this takes participation of not only parents but also pediatricians, nurses, and medical professionals who have information and access to the vaccines. There must be mutual agreement to discuss such options, both parties equally involved. And from the point that the professional has provided appropriate education, the parents may move forward and make an educated decision and map out vaccines as they see fit.

Dealing with the global crisis in diet

With a great many resources I would deal with the global crisis in diet by incorporating massive amounts of education into society, including schools, hospitals, homes, and anywhere I could fit it! I prefer to work on the micro-level of social systems, being more ingrained and active versus negotiating with large corporations. But since I have access to so many resources- I would pay people a lot of money to get in there and tell the evil companies how to better products, in order to better health for all.

Carbon offsets

I have hope those who travel abroad for political reasons do take into consideration the massive amounts of carbon emissions and how this affects the environment. These sort of negotiations are important to the extent that they continue education, conversation and exposure about environmental issues. Will it go beyond the discussion and actually change policy? Will the government officials take note and change their travel itineraries? Such questions are difficult to know answers to, but I'm curious to see how things have changed, two years later... (since this was published two years ago).

Laughter IS THE BEST MEDICINE.

I must be honest in saying that I've actually not read this article yet (excuse my absence fellow classmates, I had to prioritize some make-up hours for clinic), but I feel so passionately about laughter and it's value as medicine. Laughter is a medicinal substance. We cannot feel it, or see it, it's not swallowed or taken at the same time each day- but it is most certainly a potent drug. I have actually made a deal with myself: to laugh everyday. I don't care how it happens, I don't plan it or look for it- I just laugh, at myself usually, cause that's always fun. And inevitably, the laughter makes life better. I believe it heals on a cellular level as well, I think it rejuvenates damaged cells, tissue, muscles, aches and pains. The body responds positively to positive behaviors, and laughter is one of those things that goes a long way in healing. It can also provide a much needed distraction when life gets too serious, or mundane. I have laugh triggers as well... if it seems I'm not going to laugh soon enough I recall certain incidences, stories, pictures, memories- anything that made me laugh before, ideally a hysterical event, and I will laugh again. Try it. Laugh everyday and your body will smile back at you, with you...

The new pill and the breast

I have mixed feelings about such findings regarding the new pill and breast cancer. By all means, if there is a drug to reduce the risk of breast cancer- then I tend to be for it, as a woman. However, I'm always hesitant of new drugs and new research. Inevitably at some point there's research that rebuts the initial findings and by that time, people have been taking the particular drug and adverse side effects are a reality. Consequently, I will not be signing up to take the new pill, regardless of it's potential positive effects. Cancer appears to be quite random as disease goes. I could take this pill and never get breast cancer, but do I assume it's because I used this 'preventative pill' or, is it because I've been healthy and it just wasn't 'in the cards' for me? How does a woman know it's the pill or health? Or, if one was to get breast cancer and had been taking this pill, what then? Medical promises can be misleading, and research can be wrong. I prefer other birth control methods, particularly ones that don't mess with my systems.

Reintroducing the American Bison

My analysis of this movement to reintroduce the bison to the Great Plains is on par with the groups, organizations and tribes who are engaging in constant compromise to increase the bison population. It requires a foundation of community and social structures to establish the proper environment and protection of the bison. The 'hands-on' approach and involvement in various groups is a way I would prioritize in this particular process. I do not excel in visionary work, but prefer to dive in, be in the middle of it, and therefore see and feel the changes that need to occur. Each individual has a role in these immense projects and such roles often reflect personality to the extent that there need be the person with a great vision and simultaneously, those who want to get their hands dirty. I'd just want to hang out with the bison... protect and build.

Ecosystems: strong and fragile

I don't think I can explain this any better than the article we read in class about ecosystems. Essentially the ecosystem is an intricate, complex being that requires all the parts and links to make it work. These components depend on each other, whether minute (spider web) or larger (moose). Although one may not make an obvious correlation between the survival of a species, water supply and deforestation, it is well laid out when looking at the puzzle of the ecosystem. Life begets life.

8 pt deep ecology

The eight-point Deep Ecology Platform outlines and incorporate important approaches and understandings to what this movement represents. This is inclusive of human and non-human life on Earth and how to value, believe, and further explore, protect it's diversity and beauty. I'm not altogether familiar with deep ecology, only what we've covered in class is my understanding, however upon reading these eight points I feel it's a movement I support and condone proudly.
The point I particularly connect with his number 7: "The ideological change is mainly that of appreciating life quality (dwelling in situations of inherent worth) rather than adhering to an increasingly higher standard of living. There will be profound awareness of the difference between big and great." As a young person making my way in the world, I'm often swept up in these high standards of living, or desire the high standard. I want a house, the car, the family, the successful practice, to travel freely... fortunately as I get a little older, and a little wiser the awareness of this perception is changing. I find I'm seeking more the appreciation of health, family, friends, and believe the freedom of choice I have is indeed something to acknowledge in the present moment.

Free Willy, Save the Whales

I am quite impressed that an agreement was actually struck which protected the environment. So often I read about the detrimental affects and poor decisions by money-making companies which destroy tropical rainforests, decimate wilderness, pillage land and put animals in danger (and endangered). This, was an uplifting story, to some extent... The whales will still have breeding ground, the local community and owners of the land are being supported financially, and the developers have stepped back as a consequence. It's reminiscent of preventative medicine, but it's "preventative environment".

Can TCM Strengthen Our Immune System?

What a silly question, yes- of course it can! I'd like to stop the blog there, but I suppose that wouldn't be sufficient... so... again, yes. The TCM approach to any illness, whether chronic or acute, always encompasses some method of tonifying the immune system. This is the foundation for 'preventative medicine'. If we can boost immune systems and increase the health and vitality of individuals, then illness is not as widespread or as severe. The treatment includes tonification of a depleted system, yin, yang, body fluid. The energetic balance is the goal and somehow, one way or another, the immune system feels the affects and it's energy system is consequently enhanced.

Western Approaches to HIV/AIDS?

Given that HIV/AIDS has only been in awareness for the past 40 years, I feel that Western medicine has made great strides in understanding the illness. The information gathered has encompassed a cellular and biological understanding that continues to provide researchers, physicians and scientists with more 'ammo' to prevent further infection and treat those infected. It has essentially, done what it does best by utilizing tools and technology that other medical modalities don't have access to (or interest?) in. This enhances treatment and furthers research capabilities, which only paves the way for various healing approaches to come in and treat/prevent from a different standpoint. It has laid a strong foundation for broad spread health and healing with regard to HIV.

Genes shaped by natural selection?

Yes! I believe that we are certainly at the disposal of natural selection (excuse the morbidity). Our cells, organs, and systems are influenced by genetics, environment, pollutants and a whole host of factors. As evolution continues and species die out, new species are developed and found, and I believe, we are subject to this process as well.

TCM approach to cancer?

TCM excels in boosting the immune system, balancing energies and preventative medicine. It treats the body as a whole and addresses manifestation and root of disease. Whereas Western medicine treats the cancer as a disease with the goal of preventing further cellular destruction and illness, TCM will treat symptoms of the disease and side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, pain control, and emotional stress. The core of treatment focuses on boosting immune system for the body to fight the cancer with strength.

How Sophisticated Is Our Understanding of Cancer?

Cancer research is an ongoing process, which provides for an even greater sophisticated understanding of the evolvement and nature of the disease. Given the early intervention and treatment procedures, I believe that scientists and oncologists have an immense understanding of cancer. When breast cancer was diagnosed several decades ago the main surgery was a radical masectomy with removal of lymph nodes. Now, such invasive and radical procedures are used only as needed and preventative approaches are incorporated consistently. The biology of cancer is also well known and understood. From a cellular level, cancer is seen and targeted directly.
The challenge remains in preventing it entirely and further research will be necessary.