Journal Response

This is an excerpt from a journal response to the following prompt:
What do you think was meant by this statement "The way you think, the way you behave, the way you eat, can influence your life by 30 to 50 years." ~Deepak Chopra.


by Devonte M.

If you eat healthily, then you will live for 30 to 50 years more than expected. Your life span will increase by 30 to 50 years. However, if you don't eat healthily, then your life span will decrease by 30 to 50 years. The way you eat is influenced by the way you think. If you have a contaminated mindset, then you will fall into the temptation of bad eating. If the way you behave is out of line, then you will eat more than what your body can physically contain. Therefore, this will cause your life to go down the drain at a faster rate. If you don't maintain a healthy mind or behavior, then it will be hard for you to maintain a healthy body. If you don't maintain a healthy body, then you won't be able to maintain a healthy spirit. Everything is connected in life and in the universe. If one thing goes wrong, then everything else will go wrong with it. If you're not mentally training yourself to live healthily and positively, then you will self-destruct. So, keep your wellness up.

Greasy Foods, NOT COOL! (original poem)

by Daveon D.

Greasy foods are not cool
They'll make you full
I promise you

But are these foods good for you ?
You'll become obese
That's promised to you
Stomach disease's
That's promised too
Are you ready to take this unhealthy move ?
Losing the weight will be hard to do
Do you know what these foods can do too you ?
Obesity, Diabetes, Salmonella
They're all true
They'll hurt you
But eating healthy can help and protect you 
From processed foods 
With the expiration dates overdue
I'll give you a  food choice
Between produce and noodles
Now you tell me
Which one you will do?

Dear Love (original poem)

By Kyra M.

Oh Dear love,
You once were sent from above,
the center of my life.
I once wanted to be your wife,
but the things you say and do cut like a knife.
Never ever would I imagine this would be so hard,
instead of in person that's why I have left this card.

Dear love,
the center of my life.
You belittle me and control the way I think.
And sometimes your attitude really stinks.
My therapist says your making me go downhill.
She says I should express the way I feel.
But I know you don't want to hear it,
You would say I'm throwing a fit.

Dear love,
the receiver of this card.
Emotionally I'm drained.
Mentally I'm strained.
And you really don't care.
When you yell at me people stare.
I'm sick.
You make me sick.

Dear love,
Who once was from above.
You have changed for the worst.
Every and anything I say makes you burst,
with anger.
I feel like I don't know you, you're like a stranger.
It feels like you're yards away,
although you're by me each and everyday.
I don't want to do this anymore.
That final blow really hit me in the core.
Don't act like you don't remember,
that cold night in November.
One, two, three,
Yeah you hit me,
Four, Five, Six,
Each one felt like a brick.
Seven, eight, nine,
I cried but to you all I did is whine.
I know it's now May,
And you were so convinced I would stay.
But that night is all I think about each and everyday.
Yeah I know that wasn't the only time,
But that one night plays constantly on rewind.
You scare me.
That's why I hope you can see,
That we can not be.
Don't call me, don't try to change my mind.
Don't worry about me, I will be fine.
Just know love,
I don't hate you.
And I hope you don't hate me too.
I remember the good things we used to do.
But I don't want to be with you.

Dear Steve,
I had to leave.

This poem is a persona poem about a woman in an abusive relationship. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, whether it is physical, emotional or mental; please click here.

An 'Out of this World' Experience

Photo from http://dreamstudies.org/2011/02/24
/binaural-beats-for-lucid-dreaming-is-it-just-pseudoscience/

You’re lying on the cold floor, you open your eyes and all you see is darkness. There is a bright set of terrifying eyes staring right at you. Once you adjust, you notice; he’s coming towards you, but you can’t seem to move. You try to scream, but nothing comes out. Panicking at an extreme trying to get away from this creature. Crawling away, you fall. Fast. AAAAAAHHHHHH. Wait--you’re in your bed. Opening your eyes and realize you’re sweating. Taking a sigh of relief since what just seemed to happen was only a dream.

Dreams seem to be a topic of health that may never be fully understood. From the subjects of our dreams to why we seem not to fully remember them all are some things that most people wonder about. The first and most important question of most about dreams are: why do we have dreams? There are many theories as to what function dreams serve us, ranging from believing that "dreams serve as a means for cleansing and release" (Dreammoods) to "dreams serve positive functions like giving insights to neglected thoughts." (Bulkeley, 109). Because of the fact that dreams provide us with an outlet to explore our minds out of consciousness, it allows us to release emotions that we might not allow ourselves to express during the day. "Research has shown that people who were prevented from entering the dream state and woken up before they can dream were more easily irritated, jittery, and performed far below average." (Dreammoods) Thus, expressing our emotions during the dreaming stage of sleep actually allows for a better performance throughout the day. 

The second main question that most have about dreams is: what do they mean? Dreams, after all, are "phenomena that offer a means to explore mental structures and processes that are inaccessible to normal waking awareness. (Bulkeley, 2). Often times, the subjects of our dreams are very symbolic. Since the brain is still conscious, it tends to go back and visualize things that may be constantly in the back of the mind. All dream subjects are personalized to the dreamer, so there can be no definite meaning to all dreams. 

Even to this day, there still remains things about our human body that go unknown. While there are many theories about dreaming, the concept seems to always be changing. If there is a certain need to find the meaning behind your dream, it will lie in the thoughts and personal experiences of the dreamer, you. Maybe your dreams are trying to send you a message. Think of a deeper meaning within yourself and you will find the answer.

To learn more about dreaming, please watch this video:

Works Cited

Bulkeley, Kelly. An Introduction to the Psychology of Dreaming. Westport, CT: Praeger, 1997. Print.        
Vigo, Michael. "Analyzing Your Daydrams." Dream Moods. 2001. http://www.dreammoods.com/ dreaminformation/dreamtypes/daydreams.htm (29 Jul 2014)

 

WHAT DO YOU EVEN KNOW ABOUT CANCER?!

How many people in your family have died from cancer? None? With the high rates of cancer among women, you may be the first. Did you know cancers are the second leading causes of death in America? According to Center for Disease Control (CDC), every year approximately 250,000 women die of cancer in the United States. It’s about time someone informs America about the signs of common cancers in women. The three most common cancers in women are breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.

photo by:
"Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide forWomen."
 National Cancer Institute

Breast cancer is the number one cancer in women. Don't think that if no one in your family has gotten breast cancer you can't ever get it in a million years. Nevertheless, mammograms are not always 100% correct when searching for this cancer. In breast cancer, there are many indicators that you can check for such as: lumps or hard knots within the breast, swelling or warming of the breast, strange size or shape of the breast, dimpling or puckering of the skin, itchy or scaly sore or rash on the nipple, pulling in of the nipple, random nipple discharge, and pains that do not go away. Of course, women shouldn’t think that once they have these symptoms they automatically have breast cancer. This is merely a warning of what to look out for. But if women do have these symptoms they should immediately go to a doctor. If you do not find a doctor once these symptoms occur, you may regret it in the long run.



photo By:
"can a Chest X-ray or Echo Detect Lung Cancer?"
HealthTap

Coughing a great deal can mean trouble for your lungs. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Do you ever cough so much so badly, it hurts and your lungs do not feel right, and you cough up this nasty ball of snot or phlegm? that's bronchitis. Recurring bronchitis can be a sign of lung cancer and can also be a symptom. Signs of lung cancer are coughing, pain in the chest, shoulders, or back that are unrelated to pain from coughing, shortness of breath, changes in the voice or being hoarse, harsh sounds with each breath (stridor), pneumonia, and coughing up blood. However, just because you have bronchitis does not mean you have lung cancer. If you are afraid that you may have lung cancer, seek a doctor for help and don’t jump to conclusions.

photo by:
"Colorectal Survival." TNM Stage

Colorectal is the third most common cancer in women. Colorectal cancer is cancer that is in your colon, the final portion of the tube that connects your mouth to your anus. Do you ever look at your poop? Well you should start looking at it. Common signs of colorectal cancer are changes in bowel movements, including persistent constipation or diarrhea, a feeling of not being able to empty the bowel completely, an urgency to move the bowels, rectal cramping, or rectal bleeding; dark patches of blood in or on stool; or long, thin, "pencil stools"; abdominal discomfort or bloating. Unexplained fatigue; loss of appetite, and/or weight loss; pelvic pain, which would occur in later stages. But of course, a bloody stool can also just be a hemorrhoid. If women feel they have had these symptoms for a long period of time they should seek a doctor immediately for a check-up.

According to the CDC for every 100,000 women, 118.7 women will develop breast cancer, 52.4 will develop lung cancer, and 35.4 will develop colorectal cancer. That is 206.5 women for every 100,000 women . What makes you think that you will not be apart of those 206 people? Anything is possible, and life doesn't always go your way. If you feel like you may have cancer due to any of these signs, see a doctor immediately. Your health is the most important thing and it revolves around your whole life. As what Albert Schweitzer once said, "Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory".

For more information about common cancers in women visit: http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/womenshealth/cancer-facts-for-women

Works cited

"Learn about the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer." Susan G. Komen®. Charity Navigator, BBB, n.d. Web. 16 July 2014.http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/data/women.htm

"Cancer Among Women." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Oct. 2013. Web. 13 July 2014.

"Mayo Mammography Health Study." Questions Being Addressed. MMHS, n.d. Web. 16 July 2014.

"Lung Cancer 101 | Lungcancer.org." Lung Cancer 101 | Lungcancer.org. Cancer Care, n.d. Web. 15 July 2014.

Cornwall, Deborah J. Things I Wish I'd Known: Cancer Caregivers Speak out. Sarasota, FL: Bardolf, 2012. Print

Chiropractors are not quacks

by Gabe Pujol

What you will see on my blog today is the benefits and just the gist of one of the many sensational health science careers. The reason why I bring topic up is because I can see myself doing this type of work. If you don't know the study of chiropractor, chiropractor is based on the medical system theory that disease and disorders are caused by the misalignment of bones especially the spine. When I was younger I always wanted to do something I liked to do. I like cracking different parts of my body to make me feel better however, I did not know that something like that can be a job. I love cracking others bones but I have not used any chiropractor techniques based on me not having enough experience.



Earlier above I said that I did not use any chiropractor techniques, you might be saying "what kind of techniques." There are many techniques in aligning the spine and neck and fixing other issues however, if not used properly serious injury may be a result. These include and not limited to tissue laser therapy. Tissue laser therapy is when they use their lasers, (yes this sounds science fiction but its real) to reduce the inflammation in your tissue which will reduce the swelling in peoples backs so they get instant relief. Another great technique used by a chiropractor is called cervical adjustments. This type of technique is used to help the pain and soreness of the neck by applying a controlled but sudden force to a joint, pushing it farther then what it usually goes to. This is intended to move joints that usually have a hard time moving and help soot scarred tissue from things like whiplash and other trauma injuries. There is also a technique that you might have heard before and it’s called acupuncture. People might not know this but acupuncture is a form of chiropractor. Acupuncture is the form of old medicine where needles are inserted into different pressure points to help the flow of energy through different meridians in the body. Another way to say that is using needles in certain areas to help with nerves that might get you to tense up. Acupunctures also use heat so muscle tissue begins to relax in certain areas and much more.



Now that you know the procedure of chiropractor let’s get to the fun stuff, the benefits of chiropractic use. Chiropractor has been proven to help a lot in our daily lives. The use of a chiropractor has been proven to help with diabetes, "Yeah diabetes." According to Dr. B.J Hardwick chiropractor helps the nervous system that affects your pancreas which leads to helping your blood sugar lower. For a better explanation visit    http://www.hardickchiropractic.com/index.php/patient-resources/articles-2/hypoglycemia-natural-solutions-for-low-blood-sugar.html for more information. You don't need to have high blood sugar to go to the chiropractor, chiropractor has also been used to help with posture of the back which will prevent you from the widely known problem for old people, and hunch backs. It helps with preventing hunch backs because it straightens the back which will most likely stay that way later. The benefits of chiropractor has been even used for sports players like tennis players. Tennis players can go to chiropractor for a commonly known injury called tennis elbow. Tennis elbow can be fixed with the use of chiropractor. Not only chiropractor can help with the pain from sports it can make you better at them. there has been a study on chiropractor by LA Times has been shown to help runners by improving their reaction times (http://www.latimes.com/style/ara-8084430512-20140612-adstory.html.) when you have a better reaction time you can obviously use that to your advantage in sports . For basketball better decisions on whether to shoot pass or dribble. For soccer you will have an easier time passing to teammates and kicking the ball into the goal. This was not proven yet but there is even speculation that chiropractor can help prevent you from getting the common cold. I guess chiropractor has been said to help with fighting common cold cells and boosting your immune system.



You might wonder and many people do wonder what makes a chiropractor different from any other doctor. If you live in the U.S you usually go to western medicine doctors. The difference between chiropractor and modern western medicine is that chiropractors rarely use medication for their patients it is as natural as it gets. Another difference between the two is that chiropractor is derived from old oriental medicine that was used much longer than the modern western medicine techniques, it has been documented that chiropractor has been around for over 2000 years. Not to be biased because both procedures are good for their own reason however, chiropractor has been recognized as one of the safest treatments ever. Chiropractor is obviously more hands on where western medicine just prescribe you something to fix your problem. Western medicine has a higher risk of having side effects since some western medicine doesn't sit well with some people. Since people still need to take medication for their problems they use trial and error to finally get what they want.  Chiropractor on the other hand has been recognized to help instantaneously and help even more lately. Chiropractor might be a good procedure for many things it is not a miracle medicine, meaning that don't try to use chiropractor to solve everything if it is mental go see a western medicine doctor and if you’re not seeing results that you want please go to western medicine to be safe.



Chiropractor is being used more than ever. If you experience any of the following that I listed above maybe it’s time for a change of action and you should start seeing a chiropractor. Many people have seen benefits of chiropractor and you should to.  Chiropractor helps with reducing muscle spasms, reducing recovery time, speculated but might be true which is enhancing the immune system, increases nutrient flow and much more. Chiropractor might be new to you but for people in the east it is as older as some people’s whole generation. In this case going back to old roots and not being all about efficiency and technology is good for a change.

1. 

The Effects of an Abortion

by Jonathan Minter

One day I was sitting and I was thinking about how can women go around the option of abortions. I did a little research and I found out the effects of what an abortion can do to a women planning on having an abortion. I also researched ways that the can not go through with an abortion.

According to Webster's dictionary the meaning of an abortion: any of various surgical methods for terminating a pregnancy, especially during the first six months.  While in research I wanted to know what can happen to a woman if she does decide to have an abortion. I also wanted to know could it affect future children if the women wanted one. There are many effects on a woman’s body, but the most popular three were:

• Heavy or persistent bleeding
• Scarring of the uterine lining
• Damage to other organs

If you do experience any of these symptoms, go see a doctor. Also if you physically tired or stressed then you should consult with a doctor that has observed the way you are recovering from an abortion and how long will it take you to get back on your feet.

The effects on women may vary to that specific female. It more than likely will depend on the age, health, and weight. Many of the effects of an abortion will not begin immediately it can start a few weeks after the actual abortion. http://americanpregnancy.org/unplannedpregnancy/abortionemotionaleffects.html

When I did my research I was looking for ways that women and men can be protected while having sex  and if pregnancy happens then abortions can be prevented.

• Condoms & Birth Control

• Abstinence
• Adoption

There are many ways to not have an abortion at all. You get help from a medical professional to figure out other ways than going down the abortion path. All information given to your doctor is confidential so don't be scared to say what you feel and how to go about it. There are lots of pros and cons to having an abortion physically and mentally. It could potentially lead to a miscarriage on the next child and it could be hard to have another child because of the damage that the previous abortion.

FUN FACTS:

• 4 out of 10 unintended pregnancies end in abortion.
• For women who choose abortion, 52% are under 25.
• Black women are 4 times more likely to have an abortion than a white women.
• Majority of women who choose abortions have already given birth.
• 1 in 3 of all women in the U.S. will have an abortion by the time they are 45.

http://afterabortion.org/2011/abortion-risks-a-list-of-major-psychological-complications-related-to-abortion/

This chart shows the number of women who checked into a medical clinic after they had an abortion compared to the women who decided to deliver the baby.

Sources:

http://afterabortion.org/2011/abortion-risks-a-list-of-major-psychological-complications-related-to-abortion

http://americanpregnancy.org/unplannedpregnancy/abortionemotionaleffects.html

http://www.nationalrighttolifenews.org/news/2013/08/how-abortion-hurts-women/#.U9fLqvRDt8E

The funny but serious parody of unhealthy eating

Take another bite of that juicy burger, rising blood sugar. Grease running down your face and neck, oh boy cant forget that mayo on it. Sauce biggest boss I've done seen thus far, eating big meats then some ice cream, big scooper more bacon under god. I'm getting obese from the very start. I eat snacks I eat snacks that's all these people screaming that I eat snacks. Ya I have those reeses now those reeses were stolen left all to melt now my stomach is swollen. Brenda's having my baby no more milk on my cookies I have to dip them in gravy. Dying young, cant see my grand babies but my daughter knows that I love em how can something so little turn my life into ruble.

Jalen's Bio

J God’S Bio

Hi :-), my name is Jalen. I’m 14 years

old. I am a freshmen at King College prep high school. I recently graduated from Robert A. Black magnet school. I am in the Health Science Explorers in After School Matters. I’m a regular child, I play basketball and football but I love to play video games like Call of Duty, GTA5, and 2K. My favorite TV show is the Boondock and my favorite movies are all of the Transformers movies. I listen to Rap and hip-hop music. I am a shoe fanatic, I know everything about shoes. One day I want to own one pair of all 23 Jordan’s. I got a long way to go but anything is possible. My mom always wanted me to stay active during the summer so she decided to put me in this program. I didn’t want to at first but now I like it and i hope to enjoy the rest of the program. Bye

    

     Top Ten Video of NBA Dunks

    

 

The Not-So-Amazing Life of Ciara

Hello! My name is Ciara, I’m 14-years old, 5’3, and attend Kenwood Academy  High School as a freshman. Like the majority of the people in this world, I have brown hair and brown eyes. My favorite color is orange. My favorite foods consist of hot crunchy curls, pizza, ice cream, and cupcakes. On rare occasions, or with friends, I am talkative, loud, funny, and weird. But for now, I can be seen as shy, quiet, and very soft spoken.  My favorite tv shows include Regular Show, Adventure Time, Keenan and Kel, Full House, and my most favorite of all The Amazing World of Gumball. My favorite movies are The Notebook, Dirty Dancing, Hairspray, and most recently The Fault In Our Star. My favorite music artists are Drake, Childish Gambino, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Jhene Aiko, Ariana Grande, and lots of old soul music since that’s what my parents listen to in the car. My favorite subjects in school are Math, Science, and English in that order. I hope to learn a lot from this program. I wish to get a head start learning about health for my Human Body Systems course at school. I am at Health Science Explorers because I have a passion for science and learning about living and nonliving things under a different light. Science may not be my top favorite class at school, but I do love it a lot.

KD Dave

What’s Up, my name is Daveon. I’m 14 years old. I'm about 5’10 and I'm going to Simeon Career Academy. I listen to a lot of hip-hop and rap music. I’m committed to being a better basketball player, I’m Ball-a-holic. I have a PlayStation 3 and I play Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Grand Theft Auto 5. I love to eat, my favorite foods are taco’s, chicken, and all Chinese foods. I love horror movies , like “The Conjuring’’ and “World War Z.” My favorite subject is reading and I am the second oldest child, and the cutest child out of 4, for-real. 

This summer my mother decided that I should get a summer job doing Health Science Explorers with After School Matters. I believe if I participate more and be open-minded about the information I’m receiving, I will and can be more knowledgeable about Health Science. Also, If I become committed I can increase my work ethic in science and other subjects dealing with science.

Talk To You Later.

Listen to one of my favorite songs by Yo Gotti.
                                Yo Gotti Music Video                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Gonzo's Bio

This is me!

Hi, my name is Gonzalo Higuero. I recently graduated from Kenwood Academy and I am moving on to Lincoln Park High. I am from a city in Northern Spain called Valladolid. Spain is a great place, not only do you get good (and sometimes free) tapas but you have much to do. I enjoy several things, one of which is sports. The truth is, I'm not spectacular at any one sport but I'm able to do all sports relatively well. Once I set in gear for a certain sport I perfect my game. My gear has been set to basketball, about a year ago,
 and I'm getting better and better.

I really want to go to either Stanford or Yale during my college years and later move on to law school. I want to go there because of the name and the knowledge that goes along with it. I would like to be a buisness lawyer because it seems like an interesting field since it has to do with wealth.
 
After School Matters' Health Science Explorers is a great program because it opens minds about how long science extends. There are so many fields to it not just the cliche people looking for a cure to some random disease. I have learned so much already and I would like to share my knowledge through this blog.

Raudel "Rudy" Rojas

My name is Raudel Rojas and I was born in Chicago, IL in the year 1997. Ever since I was little I  had a great and big family. When I was born I had two older brothers and now , in the year 2014, I have three younger brothers and my mom is currently pregnant! I'm currently in high school attending Lane Tech College Prep and I'm going to be a senior. This summer I once again joined the After School Matters Program so that I could, as last year, expand my horizons and like many others in this program, have a great experience learning about this world and my surroundings. 

Some key facts about me is that I love to play soccer as you can see from the picture to the left. This is a picture from the time I played with my high school and was put into an online newspaper! Another thing is that I loveeeee Mexican food with all my heart, especially Enchiladas Verdes! My favorite color is blue and I really enjoy watching Netflix and going out on dates with my girlfriend. 

When I grow up I hope to be a professional soccer player so I can accomplish one of my life long dreams which is to travel the world! Some of my favorite bands include Foo Fighters, Nirvana, My Chemical Romance, and many others. Something important to know about me is that before every soccer game I watch two videos. One of them is about being a goalkeeper and the other is one of my most mood changing songs that pumps me up for a game. 

   Inspirational Soccer Video & Music Video by Foo Fighters

Some Things About Melanie ♡

Hi, my name is Melanie and I am going into my senior year at Ogden International High School. I am very interested in pursuing science in college. I have always been interested in biology and anatomy. After high school, I wish to go to UIUC and major in some type of science, since I am still quite undecisive. Apart from school, I really love cheerleading. I have been a cheerleader since I was six years old and I hope to continue in college as well. 

I love to spend time by myself. Although I love to be with friends, sometimes it's nice to focus on yourself. I love being on tumblr and finding new music to listen to. Currently, a few of my favorite bands are The Strokes, Two Door Cinema Club, and Vampire Weekend, although this seems to change every few weeks. My all time favorite singer is Ed Sheeran. He is, in my opinion, the most majestic creature with the most amazing voice. I am always dreaming of someday meeting him since he is my idol. Some other things that I love to do are writing and reading. I love to write and read other people's poetry, I think it's a very relaxing thing to do.

This program is a very great oppurtunity for teens. It is very informative and helps us in learning more about health sciences. Having experiences like these helps a lot in deciding what to study in college and explore different career paths. I personally love this program, it is a lot of fun and getting to meet new people is always a good thing. :)

All Moi!

Hi, my name is Reanna, and I am 16 years of age, and I attend Muchin College Prep. This upcoming year, I will be a junior, and that scares me. I don't have an exact college that I want to attend, but I have a few: Illinois State University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, Northwestern University, University of Florida, and I would like to find a college in California. I am a very active person, but I can be very shy. I would say that I am an introvert because I keep to myself, and I do not go up to people and just start talking. Something special about myself would be me being a flexible person. My favorite sport would have to be cheerleading. I have been a cheerleader since I was seven, and it is something I really enjoy. Some adjectives that would describe me are athletic, shy, talkative at times, very picky, and creative. One word that most people describe me as is picky. I don't like the normal things others like. I would say that I am different from others, and I would like to live an extraordinary life. Two of my favorite subject would be science and English. I love English because I feel the way one speaks shows character, and I just find the way of speaking interesting and easy. On the other hand, science is something that really sticks out to me because I want to be a cardiothoracic or general surgeon. I want to be a doctor because I love to help others and learning about the human body is something that I want to peruse. Something that brought me into this program is it deals with science and health which is what my career will deal with, and I will also be able to expand my knowledge on science.