OTC/Prescripton & Treating Drug Dependence-Chapters 15 & 18

This module hit close to home for me. After reading about Anti heartburn medications and doing some research into them, it made me more aware of what I have been going through for over 15 years. At first, it was just heartburn. That has now turned into GERD. I have switched primary physicians and my first question when I saw him this past week was about my GERD and the medications I have been on. To my surprise, he had told me that if my medication keeps the heartburn away, there would be no reason for me to have a scope done or that I should be worried about esophageal cancer. Whew! I will be staying on top of it though and keeping an eye on my symptoms.

I also learned a bit more about the misuse of antibiotics and the harm it can do. Researching it for a response to another student, I became aware of "superbugs". You are always told by a doctor that antibiotics won't work for such and such sickness. Now I have a better understanding as to why they say this. Those little "buggers" are pretty scary! This webpage is a great reference for learning a bit more about superbugs. http://floridamedicalmalpracticelaws.com/statistics-on-superbug-antibiotic-resistant-infections/

One thing I will be referring to in the future is the Herbal Options chart listed on page 446 in our text. Medications can be great for some things, but I think I may be willing to give good old natural ingredients a try in the future. My children are still on the younger side. If I can keep some medications out of their systems for a while, that would be a good thing to me.

This class has been very informational for me. I enjoyed the subject matter and the way the class was broken down. I feel that we were given ample amount of time to complete the modules. What really impressed me was the feedback from the instructor. With being an online class, you could easily feel like you are just a number and never hear anything about your performance. I appreciated getting an email or a reply to one of my posts from the instructor. I knew she was really reading what I had posted and gave me very helpful hints. I would recommend this class to anyone who may be interested in taking it.

The most difficult thing about this class, for me, was remembering to get my butt online and take a look around and read up on posts. I kept my book out on top of my laptop so every time I walked by it was a reminder that I needed to find some time to get my work done.

It is amazing at how fast the semester flew by. I look forward to graduation on May 10th and I will be able to look back on my experience here with very fond memories! Thank you for everything!!

Stimulants, Marijuana & Athletes and Drugs - Chapter 10-13

    This module was very informative for me. When researching my response to one of the other students, I was surprised to find out about caffeine addiction and the possibility of overdose. Finding the chart that I had posted will be a great reference tool for me to use in the future for myself and my children to watch our caffeine intake. Here it is again: http://www.caffeineinformer.com/the-caffeine-database

    I also learned about a program called The Adolescent Training and Learning to Avoid Steroids Program (ATLAS). I have a young son that may be interested in sports when he gets older. I would not personally make my son aware of steroid use, unless he asked me. I would then explain what they are and what the dangers could be. I am on both sides of the fence with this. If my son has never been introduced to steroids, I would not want a program like this to put the idea in his head. Yet, if he does learn about them and is not willing to discuss it with myself or his father, I would want a program like this available to teach him how to avoid them and alternatives to using steroids. Here is a little background on what the program entails: http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/departments/clinical-departments/medicine/divisions/hpsm/research/atlas.cfm

    I think I have done fairly well during this module. I always look at our seminar discussions as a way to educate the other students and myself. I think I may go a bit overboard though. The past two modules, I have not had any students respond to my question. I think I may be putting too much into my post that they may not want to read. Considering all of my posts and responses have received a 5, I must be doing something right! I don't think for the last module I will change anything. I am proud of my work and the depth to which I explain myself. 

    I know in my last blog post I had mentioned that I am an older student and I feel that has played a part in my success in this class. Even though I have a husband and three children I need to look after as well as my other classes and clinical, I make sure to carve out time for this class. I am investing in myself and my future and I will not do it halfheartedly. I think of it as this...if I am going to take time away from my family to do something for myself, it better darn well be worth it. I would also hope that I am setting an example for my children to show them it's never too late to go after what you want and whatever you choose to do, give it everything you have. I am really looking forward to graduation and having my family there to cheer me on. It has been a long two years but it has been well worth it. I am proud of what I have done and I think all students should pride themselves on wanting to better themselves.