Bugs and Puppy Dog Tales

Hello again.
Hearing about the H1N1 virus is giving me flashbacks of my college years, specifically my virology class. I remember my teacher explaining what the N and the H stand for, what the numbers indicate. Mostly, I remember seeing a picture of an actual influenza virus, all blurry and elegant. I was in awe. We have developed the technology to create images of something as small as a virus, and that little virus still outsmarts our technology. He's a clever fella. I'm not saying I'm a pro-illness or whatever you'd say, but I do have a respect for virus's and what they can do. They are so simple- really just some proteins and genetic material, be it RNA or DNA. No one can even say if they are really alive. They sure act like it, in my opinion.

And then, there is the vaccine issue. To vaccinate, or not to vaccinate, that is the real question. I consider myself a scientist. I admit I am not educated in the medicinal area. I do not know every specific detail pertaining to this issue, medical or holistic or health or otherwise. However, I do know that vaccinations have helped save lives, including that of my (well, Nicks, actually) dog who had canine parvovirus as a pup. Obviously, it was lack of vaccination that caused her to catch the virus in the first place. (Side note- the parvovirus is actually very pretty).

I've heard so many theories about the new H1N1 virus, from its a hoax to it'll kill us all to its not worse than a regular flu bug. I've reserved making judgements and any kind of comment, mainly because I am not prepared to get into a heated debate with anyone. However, I do have my own opinion. And although I may not get vaccinated myself, I wholeheartedly believe vaccines are effective, and that although there is always a risk associated with them, they are more beneficial than not. The only reason I may not get vaccinated myself is because I am prone to procrastination. I haven't had a vaccine since I was in college- but I would absolutely get it if I was.

My limited science background may be limited (allow myself to introduce myself), but I imagine it is more extensive than some of those who make snap decisions about issues like this and who argue that vaccines are dangerous and all you are doing is injecting yourself with the virus (actually, the virus is rendered noninfectious prior to injection)blah blah. This is only my opinion, and feel free to disagree. I just felt like I've been quiet long enough about the subject, in an attempt to not step on toes. I'd rather my kid get mildly sick after vaccination that severely ill after infection. And really, its not that bad. The pin prick is the worst part for me, and even that is minor. Papercuts hurt worse.

This is What Happens When I don't Know What to Write

I've been staring at this computer screen for about twenty minutes now, and I still don't know what to write. When I started this journal challenge, I loved it. I think that I've tapped the well dry, though. I don't know if its because nothing exciting happens in my life, or at least anything that I'd consider submitting you to. I doubt anyone would want to hear about my wedding dress shopping nightmares.

Thats one thing. I've been having alot of vivid, sometimes disturbing dreams lately. They end up taking events in my life and twisting them brutally. I'm always anxious in my dreams now, and I end up waking up feeling anxious and down. What the hey. Why can't I dream about Vin Diesel or a trip to Hawaii, maybe with Vin Diesel. I'd even take Johnny Depp.

Maybe I'm taking my anxiety from the day into my dreams. Hm. Didn't think of that. But I didn't think I was that anxious. Maybe I handle stress badly? You'd think I would have figured that out by now, though.

I have a headache. Thats all I'm really worried about right now. Well, the only thing that I'm currently worried about that I'm going to think about right now. The rest of it can just be a dull humm of perma-worry, as usual. Perma-worry. That should be a word.

Anorexia Nervosa

In the spirit of Mental Awareness Week, here is my contribution.

Anorexia nervosa is an illness that many have heard about, however few can understand. It is a psychological disorder, characterized by out of control dieting, obsession with weight and weight loss. Individuals suffering from AN normally have a distorted body image and poor self image, which only serves to compound the problem. Methods used by individuals with AN are voluntary starvation, excessive exercise and the use of dietary drugs. The obsession with becoming thinner is actually secondary to the driving fears and need for control over one’s body.

There are multiple components contributing to AN, including neurobiological, psychological and sociological factors. Some researchers believe that this disorder can stem from the demands placed upon individuals by society and family expectations. 90-95% of those affected are female, most often from middle and upper socioeconomic groups. Individuals who are in a position where thinness is more desirable (eg. athletes, models, dancers) are seen to be at higher risk. Despite these identified trends, no definite cause for AN has been determined. If the condition becomes too severe, it can often become fatal.