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I found this at abc news. Lester Peterson needed surgery on his heart. He had made plans to have it done. His daughter, Dawn, was a teacher in Texas, and was recovering from a torn achilles tendon, so she was going to come back to Iowa to help her father. Sadly, Dawn never made it to him. A blood clot formed in her injury and traveled to her heart and caused it to stop beating. Doctors finally got her heart to start beating again, but the lack of oxygen to her brain caused it to stop functioning. Her parents began to fill out papers to donate her organs, and suddenly her father had an idea. He wanted to use her heart to help replace his. He said that it was a way that his daughter could still be with him, but his doctor did not want to do it. This kind of surgery would be far more dangerous than just using a standard valve. After he thought about it, the doctor decided that it was an option and they could try it.
I found this to be an incredible story. In my opinion, the loss of a child would be the hardest thing to face in life. It was not any different in this case, other than the fact that this child could help her father live on. I can understand the reason this father wanted to use his daughter's heart instead of the standard valve, even though the risks were high. According to the doctor, he would have to make 4 large incisions instead of 1 small incision. This could cause potential for more leaking. Before this could even get started, the doctor would have to make sure Dawn's valve was the correct size for her father. This can only be confirmed after Lester was already on the operating table. I can see myself wanting the same thing if I were in his shoes. I would feel that something good came out of my daughter's death, just like Lester and his wife stated as they were going through the organ doner process.
I think that it is different how some things work out sometimes. I am sure that the family probably wishes that it could have been different, but you can't look back. You can only look forward.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Shrink to Survive? City Downsizes
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I found this at abc news. Flint, Michigan was once a thriving community when General Motors helped hold a strong work force, but then GM made tens of thousands of job cuts since the automaker industry declined. This put Flint at the population of 115,000 instead of it's 200,000 before. The county treasurer, Dan Kildee, got an idea. There are about 10,000 vacant homes in Flint. More than 84,000 people have left, and they didn't take their houses with them, Kildee stated. He wants to tear down about 6,000 of these homes to get rid of competition, and bring Flint back to a thriving community. In place of the loss of homes, Kildee wants to eventually turn it over to open land or forests that can help later on.
When I first started reading this article, I thought this guy had a great idea. He was trying to help his community get back to where they used to be. He was taking something that had gone wrong and making it right.
This was not Rush Limbaugh's thoughts at all. He thought that downsizing a city was un American. He thought that it was unheard of. He later stated, if they are going to tear down 40% of this city, why not tear down the whole thing. I listen to Rush and agree with a lot of issues, but I would have to disagree with this one. The mayor of Flint, Dayne Walling, says that the downsizing of these homes to match their current population is not an attempt to push people out. He emphasizes new construction homes on larger lots. They would also like to pay people to relocate when money is in the budget. I think that this community is looking at the bigger picture, and is trying to do what is best for their community. I don't think that it should be looked at as un American. They are pushing through what was a bad time, and trying to make it better. It's not like they are tearing down houses that could easily be fixed. They can not be lived in. A lot of them were just the shell of what used to be a home.
Overall, I completely agree with what this community is trying to do. They are trying to rebuild and start new. I am always for someone trying to work with what they have to make it better. If that means tear down old, abandoned houses, then so be it.
I found this at abc news. Flint, Michigan was once a thriving community when General Motors helped hold a strong work force, but then GM made tens of thousands of job cuts since the automaker industry declined. This put Flint at the population of 115,000 instead of it's 200,000 before. The county treasurer, Dan Kildee, got an idea. There are about 10,000 vacant homes in Flint. More than 84,000 people have left, and they didn't take their houses with them, Kildee stated. He wants to tear down about 6,000 of these homes to get rid of competition, and bring Flint back to a thriving community. In place of the loss of homes, Kildee wants to eventually turn it over to open land or forests that can help later on.
When I first started reading this article, I thought this guy had a great idea. He was trying to help his community get back to where they used to be. He was taking something that had gone wrong and making it right.
This was not Rush Limbaugh's thoughts at all. He thought that downsizing a city was un American. He thought that it was unheard of. He later stated, if they are going to tear down 40% of this city, why not tear down the whole thing. I listen to Rush and agree with a lot of issues, but I would have to disagree with this one. The mayor of Flint, Dayne Walling, says that the downsizing of these homes to match their current population is not an attempt to push people out. He emphasizes new construction homes on larger lots. They would also like to pay people to relocate when money is in the budget. I think that this community is looking at the bigger picture, and is trying to do what is best for their community. I don't think that it should be looked at as un American. They are pushing through what was a bad time, and trying to make it better. It's not like they are tearing down houses that could easily be fixed. They can not be lived in. A lot of them were just the shell of what used to be a home.
Overall, I completely agree with what this community is trying to do. They are trying to rebuild and start new. I am always for someone trying to work with what they have to make it better. If that means tear down old, abandoned houses, then so be it.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Hawaii's Budget Cut: No School Fridays
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I found this at abc news. Hawaii has been facing a budget crisis and is trying to fix it by only having school 4 days a week. Instead of cutting some teachers and increasing class sizes, they will be out of school on Fridays. This raises a lot of concern, since Hawaii is ranked one of the lowest on test scores. It also concerns many parents that have to stay home on Fridays now and play teacher. Is this the best way to help Hawaii and its budget crisis?
My first reaction was they are crazy. I think that the students are being cheated just to help save some of the teachers jobs. A child has to have a good education, and shortening the week is not going to help this at all. I think that it will only let them fall even farther behind than they already are.
As stated in the video, the US is already in school a lot less than many other countries at 180 days. Now Hawaii will only be in session for 163 days, compared to Japan that goes to school 243 days. I don't think that the school year needs to be increased any more, but I definitely don't think that it needs to be shortened. One parent stated that they feel there kids are losing out on their education for the sake of the teachers. I think that this will lead them to fall even farther behind. The entire nation is in a crisis, and there are many things that are being done to try to fix it. I just feel that this isn't the best solution for the problem.
I found this at abc news. Hawaii has been facing a budget crisis and is trying to fix it by only having school 4 days a week. Instead of cutting some teachers and increasing class sizes, they will be out of school on Fridays. This raises a lot of concern, since Hawaii is ranked one of the lowest on test scores. It also concerns many parents that have to stay home on Fridays now and play teacher. Is this the best way to help Hawaii and its budget crisis?
My first reaction was they are crazy. I think that the students are being cheated just to help save some of the teachers jobs. A child has to have a good education, and shortening the week is not going to help this at all. I think that it will only let them fall even farther behind than they already are.
As stated in the video, the US is already in school a lot less than many other countries at 180 days. Now Hawaii will only be in session for 163 days, compared to Japan that goes to school 243 days. I don't think that the school year needs to be increased any more, but I definitely don't think that it needs to be shortened. One parent stated that they feel there kids are losing out on their education for the sake of the teachers. I think that this will lead them to fall even farther behind. The entire nation is in a crisis, and there are many things that are being done to try to fix it. I just feel that this isn't the best solution for the problem.
Friday, October 23, 2009
$2 Painting Might be a Picasso
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I found this at abc news. After her neighbor passed away, Parker helped out his relatives by taking some of his belongings, so they wouldn't have to take them back with them. She held a garage sale and sold one of the paintings he had for $2. The lady that bought the painting was about ready to hang it on her wall, when she realized there was writing on the corner of it. It read, Pablo Picasso. She couldn't believe it. She called the FBI because she thought that it might have been stolen, but after investigation they found that it was not on the list. It is now being looked at to confirm if the painting is a fake or not. Parker is overwhelmed, and wonders what would have happened if she would have just kept it.
Can you imagine having a Picasso painting and then selling it for $2? I would be kicking myself all over the place. It still has not been confirmed if the painting is real. As for the lady that now has possession of the painting, she says that if it is a real Picasso painting she will be selling it for sure. Honestly, I don't blame her. She bought it for $2 and might be selling it for plenty more. Ironic things happen all of the time. According to the article, the man that passed away was an art collector. First, his family had the painting, but didn't want to hall it back home. Then, his friendly neighbor offered to help, by holding a garage sale after they left. The painting was then hers. She realized the painting had Picasso's name on it, but the family said that it was probably a fake, so she sold it. Now it's in possession of another person that will be very lucky if it turns out that this is a genuine Picasso painting. It's a little crazy how things turn out sometimes.
I found this at abc news. After her neighbor passed away, Parker helped out his relatives by taking some of his belongings, so they wouldn't have to take them back with them. She held a garage sale and sold one of the paintings he had for $2. The lady that bought the painting was about ready to hang it on her wall, when she realized there was writing on the corner of it. It read, Pablo Picasso. She couldn't believe it. She called the FBI because she thought that it might have been stolen, but after investigation they found that it was not on the list. It is now being looked at to confirm if the painting is a fake or not. Parker is overwhelmed, and wonders what would have happened if she would have just kept it.
Can you imagine having a Picasso painting and then selling it for $2? I would be kicking myself all over the place. It still has not been confirmed if the painting is real. As for the lady that now has possession of the painting, she says that if it is a real Picasso painting she will be selling it for sure. Honestly, I don't blame her. She bought it for $2 and might be selling it for plenty more. Ironic things happen all of the time. According to the article, the man that passed away was an art collector. First, his family had the painting, but didn't want to hall it back home. Then, his friendly neighbor offered to help, by holding a garage sale after they left. The painting was then hers. She realized the painting had Picasso's name on it, but the family said that it was probably a fake, so she sold it. Now it's in possession of another person that will be very lucky if it turns out that this is a genuine Picasso painting. It's a little crazy how things turn out sometimes.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Florida Boy Set On Fire
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I found this at abc news. Michael Brewer, a 15 year old boy, was set on fire by a group of 15 year olds and one 13 year old after they say he owed them $40 for a video game. The group of boys tried stealing a bike from Michael the day before and he reported them to the police. The group of boys were mad that he reported them, so they poured rubbing alcohol on him and lit him with a lighter. Michael is in critical condition with burns that cover over 65% of his body. Doctors say that it is going to be a long recovery. The boys were arrested and are now waiting trial. They are debating on whether or not the 15 year olds should be charged as adults.
I find this to be very disturbing. I can't believe that children would take something like this that far. As the mother stated in the article, we have to get control of our children. They are getting more violent every day.
I think that the boys should be charged as adults. The officer stated that the boys were laughing about what they did when they were being questioned. They showed no remorse. He said that only one boy acted as if he was truly sorry for what he did, and realized that it was wrong. I can't believe that they could be so cruel, and it was over money for a video game.
Michael is going to have a long recovery. He will have to go through major surgeries just to repair his burnt skin, and he will always have the scars that will remind him of what happened that day. Not to mention the kidney and lung failure that could happen in the weeks to come, from his body trying to fight all the damage. My heart goes out to this boy and his family. I wish him the best recovery possible. As for the group of boys that set him on fire, I hope that they get a fair trial that sentences them for what they deserve.
I found this at abc news. Michael Brewer, a 15 year old boy, was set on fire by a group of 15 year olds and one 13 year old after they say he owed them $40 for a video game. The group of boys tried stealing a bike from Michael the day before and he reported them to the police. The group of boys were mad that he reported them, so they poured rubbing alcohol on him and lit him with a lighter. Michael is in critical condition with burns that cover over 65% of his body. Doctors say that it is going to be a long recovery. The boys were arrested and are now waiting trial. They are debating on whether or not the 15 year olds should be charged as adults.
I find this to be very disturbing. I can't believe that children would take something like this that far. As the mother stated in the article, we have to get control of our children. They are getting more violent every day.
I think that the boys should be charged as adults. The officer stated that the boys were laughing about what they did when they were being questioned. They showed no remorse. He said that only one boy acted as if he was truly sorry for what he did, and realized that it was wrong. I can't believe that they could be so cruel, and it was over money for a video game.
Michael is going to have a long recovery. He will have to go through major surgeries just to repair his burnt skin, and he will always have the scars that will remind him of what happened that day. Not to mention the kidney and lung failure that could happen in the weeks to come, from his body trying to fight all the damage. My heart goes out to this boy and his family. I wish him the best recovery possible. As for the group of boys that set him on fire, I hope that they get a fair trial that sentences them for what they deserve.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Boy Hidden In Wall
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I found this at abc news. Ricky Chekevdia was found after been missing for 2 years. A fight between custody battle, which ended in favor of Ricky's father, led Ricky's mother to flee and hide with him at her mother's house. He has been there all along. A tip from a witness said that they were hiding him, so the police went in to search. They found Ricky, with his mother, in a crawl space behind the wall. Ricky's mother and grandmother claim that his father sexually abused Ricky, so they had to hide him. There was no evidence of this. Ricky is in a safe place now, not yet with his father. Child welfare workers are making sure that everything is alright before he can see him again.
My first reaction is how can someone keep a child from being seen for 2 years. After reading the article I found out that there were several secret cutouts and passageways in the house. They say that he didn't live in these, they were just there if they needed to hide him. I also wondered if the claims on the father of sexually abusing him were true. He was never made take a polygraph test, and refuses to take one now. He says there is no need since he was already aquited of the charges. My feelings are who cares. If you didn't do it then prove it. I hate that this boy has had to take on so much at a young age, and I also hope that he ends up in a loving family, which he deserves.
There are so many what ifs in this story, that it is hard to take sides with anybody. The mother was wrong for abducting her son when she found out that the father had custody, but if the accusations are true about his father, I would want my son as far away as possible also. There is also no way that a child should be locked in a house forever. The neighbors say that there was no sign of him being there, so he couldn't had been let outside much, if at all. I also don't agree with the father not taking the polygraph test. I think that it is best for everyone to know the truth. The only person I have to agree with in this story is Ricky. He is a very bright and courageous little boy. I wish him the best of wishes.
I found this at abc news. Ricky Chekevdia was found after been missing for 2 years. A fight between custody battle, which ended in favor of Ricky's father, led Ricky's mother to flee and hide with him at her mother's house. He has been there all along. A tip from a witness said that they were hiding him, so the police went in to search. They found Ricky, with his mother, in a crawl space behind the wall. Ricky's mother and grandmother claim that his father sexually abused Ricky, so they had to hide him. There was no evidence of this. Ricky is in a safe place now, not yet with his father. Child welfare workers are making sure that everything is alright before he can see him again.
My first reaction is how can someone keep a child from being seen for 2 years. After reading the article I found out that there were several secret cutouts and passageways in the house. They say that he didn't live in these, they were just there if they needed to hide him. I also wondered if the claims on the father of sexually abusing him were true. He was never made take a polygraph test, and refuses to take one now. He says there is no need since he was already aquited of the charges. My feelings are who cares. If you didn't do it then prove it. I hate that this boy has had to take on so much at a young age, and I also hope that he ends up in a loving family, which he deserves.
There are so many what ifs in this story, that it is hard to take sides with anybody. The mother was wrong for abducting her son when she found out that the father had custody, but if the accusations are true about his father, I would want my son as far away as possible also. There is also no way that a child should be locked in a house forever. The neighbors say that there was no sign of him being there, so he couldn't had been let outside much, if at all. I also don't agree with the father not taking the polygraph test. I think that it is best for everyone to know the truth. The only person I have to agree with in this story is Ricky. He is a very bright and courageous little boy. I wish him the best of wishes.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
6 Year Old Boy Faces Reform Shool
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I found this at abc news. Zachary Christie, a 6 year old boy was suspended for 45 days and is wanted to go to reform school. He brought a camping tool to school, which had a knife on it, and the school administration deemed him to be in violation of their zero tolerance weapon policy. His parents feel that the action was too harsh. They stated that he was just excited about a new tool his parents bought him for his camping trips with the Cub Scouts, and he wanted to bring it to school to show it off. They think that the rules need to be adjusted for certain ages. Zachary's parents are fighting the board on this ruling.
As much as I feel for these parents, I have to agree with the school on most of the ruling. If a school has a policy, they have to follow through with the actions if a student breaks that policy, or there will always be someone saying that it is not fair that their child got this punishment because he didn't. I do think that the age and the child has to be taken into consideration though. Zachary loved school, and was a great student. It even states in the article that it seemed like the principle did not want to call his mother because he knew that the student meant no harm. I think that the ruling of Zachary having to go to reform school is overboard. I feel that suspension is enough for him to understand what he did was against the rules.
I have a 5 almost 6 year old in kindergarten right now, and I know that if this was me I would be upset at the fact they wanted my child to go to reform school. I could understand their policy for zero tolerance, and that it would be up to the parents partially for not telling the child not to bring stuff like this to school. I always check to see what my daughter is bringing to school is appropriate. I could also see the school adjusting their policy for certain ages of children now that this has happened. There is a big difference in a 6 year old and a 12 year old.
I do feel sorry that this had to happen to a good student and family, but they have to realize that a school has to follow through with their policies. Again, I disagree with the reform school, since this was nothing but a young child bringing what he thought was a cool toy to school. I do agree with having to suspend him for his actions, but look into another way of doing things in the future for certain ages of children. Hopefully this incident gets resolved in a good, clean fashion. Best wishes to everyone involved.
I found this at abc news. Zachary Christie, a 6 year old boy was suspended for 45 days and is wanted to go to reform school. He brought a camping tool to school, which had a knife on it, and the school administration deemed him to be in violation of their zero tolerance weapon policy. His parents feel that the action was too harsh. They stated that he was just excited about a new tool his parents bought him for his camping trips with the Cub Scouts, and he wanted to bring it to school to show it off. They think that the rules need to be adjusted for certain ages. Zachary's parents are fighting the board on this ruling.
As much as I feel for these parents, I have to agree with the school on most of the ruling. If a school has a policy, they have to follow through with the actions if a student breaks that policy, or there will always be someone saying that it is not fair that their child got this punishment because he didn't. I do think that the age and the child has to be taken into consideration though. Zachary loved school, and was a great student. It even states in the article that it seemed like the principle did not want to call his mother because he knew that the student meant no harm. I think that the ruling of Zachary having to go to reform school is overboard. I feel that suspension is enough for him to understand what he did was against the rules.
I have a 5 almost 6 year old in kindergarten right now, and I know that if this was me I would be upset at the fact they wanted my child to go to reform school. I could understand their policy for zero tolerance, and that it would be up to the parents partially for not telling the child not to bring stuff like this to school. I always check to see what my daughter is bringing to school is appropriate. I could also see the school adjusting their policy for certain ages of children now that this has happened. There is a big difference in a 6 year old and a 12 year old.
I do feel sorry that this had to happen to a good student and family, but they have to realize that a school has to follow through with their policies. Again, I disagree with the reform school, since this was nothing but a young child bringing what he thought was a cool toy to school. I do agree with having to suspend him for his actions, but look into another way of doing things in the future for certain ages of children. Hopefully this incident gets resolved in a good, clean fashion. Best wishes to everyone involved.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Blind 7 -Year-Old Boy Sees With His Ears
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I found this story at abc news. Lucas Murray was born without sight. His parents thought that he would never be able to be mobile on his own. They thought he would need a dog or someone with him at all times, but not now. He uses a technique called echolocation. By clicking his tongue on the roof of his mouth, he can listen to the way it echoes off his surroundings and can tell where he is. Sounds crazy, I know, but it is working for him and others that use this technique. Daniel Kish has used this since childhood, and is now teaching it to others like Lucas. Lucas' parents say that he loves to go places now, like the supermarket. He likes to explore on his own.
I found this story completely amazing. I can't imagine what it might be like to not be able to see the world around me. To be able to open up and master this technique is incredible. Lucas will have so many more opportunities in his life because of what he has learned.
Like I explained before, echolocation is the process of clicking your tongue on the roof of your mouth, and listening to the echoes bounce back from the objects surrounding you. But how does it really work? Daniel explains that you have to teach the brain to image using non-visual information. The brains of blind people have the visual cortex just like a person who is not blind, and it can image data from other senses, such as hearing. He explains that some people who have mastered the echolocation technique can listen to their echoes , and sketch an entire scene. I found this amazing. Even though you would think that people would see this as a wonderful thing, some think that it causes a negative distinction. People don't see blindness as normal, so when someone who is blind is clicking their tongue all the time, they think that it would call negative attention to themselves. I would have to disagree. I think that we have come a long way with how we look at people who may have a disability. Sure there is always room for improvement, but it is better. I think that this technique opens many new and improved ways to live for a person with blindness.
I think that this little boy has an incredible story. He was able to overcome his fear of being left alone with no one to help him, and is now going places his family never thought possible. There will be many more opportunities in his future. Good luck and best wishes!
I found this story at abc news. Lucas Murray was born without sight. His parents thought that he would never be able to be mobile on his own. They thought he would need a dog or someone with him at all times, but not now. He uses a technique called echolocation. By clicking his tongue on the roof of his mouth, he can listen to the way it echoes off his surroundings and can tell where he is. Sounds crazy, I know, but it is working for him and others that use this technique. Daniel Kish has used this since childhood, and is now teaching it to others like Lucas. Lucas' parents say that he loves to go places now, like the supermarket. He likes to explore on his own.
I found this story completely amazing. I can't imagine what it might be like to not be able to see the world around me. To be able to open up and master this technique is incredible. Lucas will have so many more opportunities in his life because of what he has learned.
Like I explained before, echolocation is the process of clicking your tongue on the roof of your mouth, and listening to the echoes bounce back from the objects surrounding you. But how does it really work? Daniel explains that you have to teach the brain to image using non-visual information. The brains of blind people have the visual cortex just like a person who is not blind, and it can image data from other senses, such as hearing. He explains that some people who have mastered the echolocation technique can listen to their echoes , and sketch an entire scene. I found this amazing. Even though you would think that people would see this as a wonderful thing, some think that it causes a negative distinction. People don't see blindness as normal, so when someone who is blind is clicking their tongue all the time, they think that it would call negative attention to themselves. I would have to disagree. I think that we have come a long way with how we look at people who may have a disability. Sure there is always room for improvement, but it is better. I think that this technique opens many new and improved ways to live for a person with blindness.
I think that this little boy has an incredible story. He was able to overcome his fear of being left alone with no one to help him, and is now going places his family never thought possible. There will be many more opportunities in his future. Good luck and best wishes!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tragic Medication Errors Result in Accidental Abortions and Premature Birth
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I found this at abc news. Have you ever worried that the medicine that is given to you in the hospital is the wrong thing that could actually hurt you? That is exactly what happened in a hospital in Florida. Two pregnant women were given the wrong prescriptions. It caused the first to lose her unborn twins, and the second to deliver prematurely, which caused severe brain damage to the baby. The accident was described by the hospital as "an unfortunate error that occurred despite the safeguards we have in place." - St. Mary's Medical Center
There are always chances of mistake when it comes to prescriptions. It is in our human nature to make mistakes, but I also believe that it is the duty of the hospital staff to make sure what they are giving the patient is correct. I am a little torn between this argument.
Like I stated earlier, we are always going to make mistakes. It is inevitable. I think that there are a lot of ways that these kind of mistakes can be prevented though. The article stated that most doctor's handwriting is unreadable, which I believe is very true. A lot of medicines sound and are even spelled almost the same. I think that a prescription should be very well written so that it is not mistaken for another. I also believe that a nurse needs to know what the medicine she is giving to her patient is supposed to do. If they don't know, ask. There are never any dumb questions, especially when someones life is in your hands. The medicine given to these two women in the story was specifically used for inducing labor when a miscarriage has occurred. The women were on bed rest so that they could stop labor, not induce it. I think that this was a very unfortunate mistake, and I feel for the families that were involved. I still think that everyone makes mistakes, but when you are in this line of work you have to be extra careful of the mistakes that will come your way. This is just an example of the many cases that happen like this every year. Hopefully there will be more precautions taken to help stop the little mistakes that make a huge impact.
I found this at abc news. Have you ever worried that the medicine that is given to you in the hospital is the wrong thing that could actually hurt you? That is exactly what happened in a hospital in Florida. Two pregnant women were given the wrong prescriptions. It caused the first to lose her unborn twins, and the second to deliver prematurely, which caused severe brain damage to the baby. The accident was described by the hospital as "an unfortunate error that occurred despite the safeguards we have in place." - St. Mary's Medical Center
There are always chances of mistake when it comes to prescriptions. It is in our human nature to make mistakes, but I also believe that it is the duty of the hospital staff to make sure what they are giving the patient is correct. I am a little torn between this argument.
Like I stated earlier, we are always going to make mistakes. It is inevitable. I think that there are a lot of ways that these kind of mistakes can be prevented though. The article stated that most doctor's handwriting is unreadable, which I believe is very true. A lot of medicines sound and are even spelled almost the same. I think that a prescription should be very well written so that it is not mistaken for another. I also believe that a nurse needs to know what the medicine she is giving to her patient is supposed to do. If they don't know, ask. There are never any dumb questions, especially when someones life is in your hands. The medicine given to these two women in the story was specifically used for inducing labor when a miscarriage has occurred. The women were on bed rest so that they could stop labor, not induce it. I think that this was a very unfortunate mistake, and I feel for the families that were involved. I still think that everyone makes mistakes, but when you are in this line of work you have to be extra careful of the mistakes that will come your way. This is just an example of the many cases that happen like this every year. Hopefully there will be more precautions taken to help stop the little mistakes that make a huge impact.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Should We Let The Pandas Die?
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I found this article at abc news. As the article states, pandas are cute and cuddly. One Britain nature host is wondering if we should work so hard at keeping them alive though. He states that their environment is shrinking and that we should spend the millions of dollars that we spend on them some other way.
When I first read this article I couldn't believe what I was reading. Someone actually wants to just let the most rare species of bear die off. His argument about eventually having to make some hard decisions due to our growing society does make some since, but I don't think that I agree with letting this species just die off yet.
As stated in the article, senior curator, Brandie Smith says that the reason their habitat is being taken over is because of us. Now it is up to us to help them. I would have to agree with her. They state that it is expensive to keep pandas going, but they also say that the pandas pay for themselves when it comes to tourists. If this is so, I find it hard to say that we should let them just die off. Again, they are the most rare species of bear. Doesn't that account for something? I think that as of right now it is perfectly fine to keep doing what we are doing. Sure we might have to make some hard decisions later on, but lets do that when the time gets here. Who knows, by then this might not even be an issue. I know I would feel bad if an animal was let go extinct that didn't have to be. Save the Pandas.
I found this article at abc news. As the article states, pandas are cute and cuddly. One Britain nature host is wondering if we should work so hard at keeping them alive though. He states that their environment is shrinking and that we should spend the millions of dollars that we spend on them some other way.
When I first read this article I couldn't believe what I was reading. Someone actually wants to just let the most rare species of bear die off. His argument about eventually having to make some hard decisions due to our growing society does make some since, but I don't think that I agree with letting this species just die off yet.
As stated in the article, senior curator, Brandie Smith says that the reason their habitat is being taken over is because of us. Now it is up to us to help them. I would have to agree with her. They state that it is expensive to keep pandas going, but they also say that the pandas pay for themselves when it comes to tourists. If this is so, I find it hard to say that we should let them just die off. Again, they are the most rare species of bear. Doesn't that account for something? I think that as of right now it is perfectly fine to keep doing what we are doing. Sure we might have to make some hard decisions later on, but lets do that when the time gets here. Who knows, by then this might not even be an issue. I know I would feel bad if an animal was let go extinct that didn't have to be. Save the Pandas.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Kids and Shots
Check it out here
I found this at abc news. If you are a parent, do you dread taking your child to get shots? This article is about a group of kids that were interviewed about going to the doctor for checkups and shots. Dr. Besser wanted to know their view on going to the doctor. Some of the kids' answers were very interesting. Some new a lot about it and others just thought they went to get hurt. The article goes on and explains the dos and donts for parents to do for their children to help out with this process.
Being a parent myself I was very interested in what they had to say. We kind of take for granted that we know why our children need shots, but do they understand. I agree with letting our children talk about what they think of going to the doctor. This could help us make them more comfortable. Lets face it, shots hurt.
Some of the children stated that shots were to make them feel better and so they won't get sick. Others even told about the white blood cells. I think that it is very important that they know why they are getting poked. Later on in the article it tells of some dos that a parent should do for their children before they go to the doctor. Dr. Besser explained that you should tell your child before they go to the doctor. You are preparing them. If you have a toddler don't do it too early. In the waiting room is good enough. That way they don't have too much time to worry about it. He also says that children like to have some control. Let the child choose which arm they want their shot in or pick where they want to sit. It is also nice to give them a hand to squeeze. This could help relieve some pain. It is also good to stay in the room with your child. Even though you might not want to see your child in pain, they are going to be more comfortable with you in there with them. A few of the don'ts that they suggest are do not threaten them. Also don't lie to them. Don't tell them it won't hurt. Dr. Besser says that this will only lose their trust with you. It also states not to equate shots with punishment. This will just make them more afraid.
I think that this article was very helpful for parents. Our children do need to know why they are going to the doctor and that it is not for the doctor to just hurt them. We also need to know how to make them the most comfortable.
I found this at abc news. If you are a parent, do you dread taking your child to get shots? This article is about a group of kids that were interviewed about going to the doctor for checkups and shots. Dr. Besser wanted to know their view on going to the doctor. Some of the kids' answers were very interesting. Some new a lot about it and others just thought they went to get hurt. The article goes on and explains the dos and donts for parents to do for their children to help out with this process.
Being a parent myself I was very interested in what they had to say. We kind of take for granted that we know why our children need shots, but do they understand. I agree with letting our children talk about what they think of going to the doctor. This could help us make them more comfortable. Lets face it, shots hurt.
Some of the children stated that shots were to make them feel better and so they won't get sick. Others even told about the white blood cells. I think that it is very important that they know why they are getting poked. Later on in the article it tells of some dos that a parent should do for their children before they go to the doctor. Dr. Besser explained that you should tell your child before they go to the doctor. You are preparing them. If you have a toddler don't do it too early. In the waiting room is good enough. That way they don't have too much time to worry about it. He also says that children like to have some control. Let the child choose which arm they want their shot in or pick where they want to sit. It is also nice to give them a hand to squeeze. This could help relieve some pain. It is also good to stay in the room with your child. Even though you might not want to see your child in pain, they are going to be more comfortable with you in there with them. A few of the don'ts that they suggest are do not threaten them. Also don't lie to them. Don't tell them it won't hurt. Dr. Besser says that this will only lose their trust with you. It also states not to equate shots with punishment. This will just make them more afraid.
I think that this article was very helpful for parents. Our children do need to know why they are going to the doctor and that it is not for the doctor to just hurt them. We also need to know how to make them the most comfortable.
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