Birth Control Pills - Not Everything You've Heard Is True

<div style="text-align: justify;">It seems that the same tired old wife's tales surrounding birth control pills are still popular today. These myths have been handed down throughout generations, and nothing can seemingly shake them from the public's consciousness. And while some may carry a small grain of truth, most of them have been completely twisted out of proportion throughout the years.<br /><br />One reason why young women still refuse to take birth control pills is because they're afraid that they'll get fat. They also may be afraid they'll break out in horrible acne, grow facial hair, or increase hip and breast size. None of these fears could be further from the truth. What the pill does do is regulate estrogen, which can initially cause some water retention and bloating (much like symptoms of a menstrual cycle). Switching doses or waiting until the body regulates itself, which may take a few months, will usually solve the problem. Generally, the pill has been known to decrease acne, or it may make no noticeable changes at all, but it would be unusual for it to suddenly cause it. Likewise, it does not produce facial hair or increase breast and hip size, although those areas may swell up slightly.<br /><br />Why then do so many women insist they have experienced some of these side effects? The probable answer is inaccurate cause and relation. The hormones in your body are changing, which may alter your mood temporarily. This alone can cause an increased appetite or added stress, which can cause weight gain or acne. Another reason could be that they begin taking the pill at a young age when the body hasn't stopped fully developing, meaning larger breasts and wider hips. Our bodies are constantly changing in small ways throughout our lifetime, but by changing medications some people become hyperaware of any small differences.</div><a name='more'></a><br />Has anyone ever warned you that taking birth control pills can cause cancer? It seems just about everything today has the potential to kill you or cause some devastating disease, and again the problem usually stem from incorrect cause and effect. Do women taking birth control get cancer? Yes. Is it because of the pill? No. In fact, studies show just the opposite. It is estimated that by regularly taking the pill women are 1/3 less likely to suffer from uterine or ovarian cancer. There has been no conclusive evidence linking the pill with increased rates of breast cancer either. Additionally, using the pill is very unlikely to cause defects in babies once you are ready to conceive as long as you quit taking them in advance.<br /><br />Not all truths about birth control are so rosy. There are possible side effects which commonly include nausea, headaches, mood swings, breast pain, and spotting. Many of these can be controlled by switching products and dosages, or by waiting for a few months until the body adjusts. In some rare cases more severe complications are possible, which is why it is important to consult with a doctor before starting.

Birth Control Pills - Not Everything You've Heard Is True

It seems that the same tired old wife's tales surrounding birth control pills are still popular today. These myths have been handed down...

Read more »

Support Individuals with Disabilities

<div style="text-align: justify;">Support groups help individuals deal with change, personal experience and the grief of everyday emotions. Individuals with disabilities need support therapy in order to learn they are not alone and that the intense feelings they experience are normal. The roles of care givers must be to recognize that individuals with disabilities have the right to exercise the ability to make decisions in every aspect of their lives.<br /><br />However, as in all projects, challenges and obstacles are the norm. Participants may feel uncomfortable with opening up in the group therefore sometimes a staff presence may make the person feel more comfortable. Emotional outbursts, non-compliance, disrespect are all common adjustment factors in support groups. Another adjustment factor is attendance in which a participant may refuse to come to meetings depending on their moods. It is very common that an individual may come to the first meeting then never show up again but it is not anything for the facilitator to become discouraged about. Typically, immediate breakthroughs for any individual may take weeks, months or even a year to confront their issue or find out the approach they were using is wrong. Facilitators must emphasize that support groups are not "cure all" interventions. Like most interventions, effectiveness is measured inside the group and outside in the environment.<br /><br />There are many things a facilitator should expect but in order for the group to be successful, every facet must be consistent. Consistency is a very important part in counseling or behavior therapy techniques. Often times, individuals feel more comfortable with an activity when they are able to look forward to it. There are other things that may be consistent in an individual with disabilities life such as day programming, medical appointments or medication administration. However, support groups are strictly voluntary which can be exciting because it represents a change or a growth in a person's life. It is very important that the support group facilitator remain consistent with the frequency of the meetings to provide positive results.</div><a name='more'></a><br />Whether results are positive or negative, it is also important to keep control of the group. Sometimes when a person comes to a meeting, seminar or conference, they come to hear others talk. Subsequently, when the speaker does not engage the participants, the speaker ends up doing all the talking. To avoid doing all the talking, an easy approach would be to teach rather than listen. Each topic in each meeting should be considered a lesson that you are teaching your individuals. Rather than "teaching by telling", the facilitator can start the topic by asking the group a question, which leads to the topic and discussion. It encourages the individuals to think out the facts or concepts themselves. Another way for the group to learn is through scenarios and role playing. Group activities allow the individuals to review what they learn, focus on key points and identify coping techniques. Another benefit is to have an expert speak to the group to give his/her perspective on a specific topic. Many guest speakers bring different styles which add to significance of the group.<br /><br />The goal of a support group is for the participants to become part of a collective voice. Supports groups should be constructed to be non-judgmental. The group should create a safe environment for members to disclose their problems. By discussing their problems, the individuals become better informed which enables them to make right decisions. Conversely, better decision making reduces anxiety and stress. Supports groups build confidence for coping and participants become more equipped to analyze situations. The groups also improve communication with family members, staff and peers.

Support Individuals with Disabilities

Support groups help individuals deal with change, personal experience and the grief of everyday emotions. Individuals with disabilities need...

Read more »