The main topic for chapter six was addiction and drug abuse. Below I will be talking about some of the things that I found most intriguing throughout the chapter. The topics I will be covering are addictive behaviors, marijuana, and drug misuse and abuse in the United States. 

According to text “In the United States, more than 5 million people meet the criteria for having a gambling addiction; many others are directly or indirectly affected by the gambling behavior of friends or relatives (Donatelle,2019.p137).” I am surprised that only 5 million meet the criteria. For the last few months I have been to the new casino called Encore and have seen the impact gambling has on people. I remember individuals aggressively hitting the machine when they lose some money, continuously adding money in when they lose, being wired to the machine and not aware of their surroundings. These observations made me realize how easily someone can become an addict to gambling. If I wasn’t for my loved ones to talk some sense into me I was on the verge of becoming an addict. The second time I went to Encore for my birthday I profited almost $50. Because of this life changing experience five days later I went back on my own at 2AM in the morning determined to win some more money. Instead of profiting $50 on russian roulette I lost a total of $300 that night. While playing the game I was very excited when I made a small profit and started to increase my bets. Looking back at the whole experience I can see how lucrative the casino can be. 

The use of marijuana has been a hot topic during election season. We hear some politicians make promises to legalize marijuana nationwide. Although I do not smoke, I am in favor of legalizing marijuana. There are a lot of benefits that come with the legalization of this drug. For example, according to the text, “legalizing marijuana would result in more effective law enforcement and criminal justice, since police officers would have more time and money to pursue criminal for other, more serious crimes (Donatelle,2019.p.143).” These outdated drug laws have created such a nuisance in the minority community. Minorities are constantly getting targeted and prosecuted for having a small amount of weed on them. This results in them spending years fighting for their freedom. Like the text stated, legalizing marijuana will give officers the opportunity to resources on serious crimes that are being done. 

“Illegal drug use in the United States costs about $193 billion per year. This estimate includes $11 billion in the cost of health care, $120 billion in loss of productivity, and $61 billion in cost of criminal investigation, prosecution, incarceration, and other associated criminal justice costs (Donatelle,2019.p.149).” This statistics proves to us that addressing drug misuse should be a top priority. Working at an emergency department, I get the see first hand the impact these drugs have on people; especially the opioid crisis that is plaguing our community. I really like the idea of the needle drop boxes that were put in place last year. Throughout the state I believe we should have more programs that help victims recover. Instead of building more expensive housing complexes, there should be more rehabilitation centers. Less arrest and more helping helping others regain life back.

Lastly, in the text it talks about how the use of technology can be considered an addiction. With my health aspects being improving my hours of sleep, I realize that the use of technology was one of the main elements of why I wasn’t sleeping adequately. The last couple of weeks I haven’t been sleeping with my phone next to me. I thought it was going to be hard at first but not it is starting to become a routine for me. For the most part, last week I did not really think about checking my phone while I was in bed. I fall asleep immediately and wake up refreshed, renewed, and ready to take on my day. 

Below is a picture of me and my friends celebrating my 25 birthday at the casino:

Hello My Fellow Classmates,

Chapter five of our textbooks focused on reproductive choices. To be completely honest reproductive choices is not my area of expertise, so therefore I learned a lot about this particular topic. Below I will talk about three things that I found interesting in chapter five and how they relate to my health aspect. 

Prior to reading this chapter the barrier method for sexual intercouse that I was most familiar with was the female and male condom. It was really intriguing to learn about the other method that can be used to prevent the spread of an STI and getting pregnant. The barrier methods that the book talked about were called suppositories, jellies and cream, contraceptive sponge, the diaphragm, and the cervical cap.  I was really impressed on how the contraceptive sponge worked. According to the textbook after the contraceptive sponge becomes moistened, “ it is then folded and inserted into the vagina, where it fits over the cervix and creates a barrier against sperm” (Donatelle,2019, p.103). Surprisingly, this method has a 91 percent perfect use. I was not expecting it to be effective and have a high success rate. I thought the sponge would have maneuvered around during penetration.         

“There can be up to half a million sperm in the drop of fluid at the tip of the penis before ejacualtion” (Donatelle,2019, p.116). To be completely honest, being sexually active  I was never aware of the magnitude of pre-cum. In my opinion, sexual education classes should shed a light on withdrawal during sex. There is a misconception that if you remove your penis before ejaculation, the female companion will less likely get pregnant. I know a lot of males around my age who have this mentality. I will definitely enlighten them about the consequences of withdrawal the next time I see them. 

“47 percent of Americans describe themselves as pro-choice, while 46 percent described themselves has pro-life” (Donatelle,2019, p.120). Our country is divided in regards to this topic. I try my best to understand both sides of the argument. Not until recently I find myself leaning towards pro-choice.  Working at an emergency department, I unfortunately take care of a lot of rape victims. From kids to grown adults. My interaction with these individual are the reason why I have become pro-choice. In my opinion, the person carrying should be the only person who gets to decide what to do with their body.  I am truly happy it is legal in all 50 states and hopefully one day there can be more resources for those who are involved.  

Update: Unfortunately, this week’s topic does not correspond with my health aspect. Furthermore, I am sleeping more by not charging my phone next to me. Last week I realized that I am losing two hours of sleep because I am on my phone. I try to refrain myself from using technology when I am lying down. I have increased my sleeping activity to an hour. I am feeling rejuvenated because of this. Till next time folks.       

Hello everyone, the topic for chapter four is relationship and sexuality. The section that I found most intriguing was the one that talked about relationships and social media. We live in a society where social media plays a significant role in our daily lives. We feel as if we are disconnected with the world if we don’t check or update our timeline on a consistent basis. Although social media can be beneficial, it can also be toxic and detrimental in our relationship with others. The textbook states that “at their best, social media can bring people closer together; at their worst, social media can be used to intentionally or unintentionally to embarrass, damage reputations or worse (page 82)” I strongly agree with the statement above. So many relationships have been ruined due to our social media interaction. Dating in today’s society is extremely hard because we are in a competition with others and we wear our insecurities on our sleeves. Over the last few years I have been in numerous relationships. I always find myself explaining  what transpired on social media to my significant other. In some ways this can be draining because the lack of trust is shown. To prove my loyalty, I have to give out my password and wait for my significant other to evaluate my claims. She would check my dms, messages, and likes to validate what I have been saying. These types of behaviours can be toxic and stressful for both parties. Since these behaviors are the new norm in our society, I feel like I have to accept it to a certain degree. Because of the new norms, I was under the impression that divorce rate would increase because of the resources that we have in today’s society. I was surprised to learn through our textbook that “studies suggest that divorce rate for new marriage is only 30 percent and that it has been declining since the early 1980s (page 81).” I thought the number would be greater because of the society that we live in. 

Furthermore, I wanted to share some key points that I found interesting about online dating in our textbook. Since a lot of my college friends are dating online, I thought these key points would be beneficial.

• Recognize that constant electronic updates throughout the day can leave little to share when you are together. Save some information for face-to-face talks.
• Respect your partner’s privacy. Logging onto his or her e-mail or social media account to look at private messages is a breach of trust.
• Do not break up with someone via text, e-mail, tweet, Facebook, or chat. People deserve the respect of a more personal break up.

• Be aware that your partner might not be as comfortable with posting information to social media as you are. Be mindful, and ask permission, before posting any pictures of you as a couple or information about your activities or whereabouts.

Health Aspect Update: This week I have been challenging myself to stay away from my phone ( mostly social media ) before going to bed. I would like to see if I can gain more hours of sleep. What I have been doing is not charging my phone next to me. Although some days it can be tempting, I find myself falling asleep faster. To my surprise it has been working. I challenge everyone who is reading this to do the same thing. Till next time folks!     

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Chapter three was about stress and the ways we can deal with it in our daily lives. Since my health aspect is about gaining more hours of sleep, I was intrigued by the section that talked about stress and sleeping problems. Did you know that “ In a recent survey by the American College Health Association, only 11.8 percent of students reported getting enough sleep to feel rested in the morning six or more days in the week. Sixty-three percent of students say that they feel tired, dragged out, or sleepy during the day three to seven days each week (Donatelle, 2019, p.59).” Personally for me I do not find these numbers too appalling. Most college students have to balance school, studying, work, and having a social life. Achieving these elements will take away from an adequate number of your daily sleeping hours. The less sleep we earn, the more stressful we get. Sleeping plays a pivotal role in our stress management and mental health. In the text it talks about how stress can cause or contribute to our sleeping problems. Personally for me I agree with this particular statement. For example, the night before a big exam my stressed level is at a all time high. I tend to only focus on the exam not caring if I gain any sleep or not. To reduce my stress so I can focus on the material, I find myself listening to classical piano music. Ladies and gentleman I would have to say that this tactic really works. Not only am I less stressed out about my school work, I am able to transition to a peaceful night of sleep.

In the textbook, it gives us recommendations on ways we can improve our stress management and our sleeping patterns. I would like to share it with you guys because I found it very beneficial for me. 

1. Let there be light (I like room completely dark) 
2. Stay active (I try to go to the gym 3x a week)
3. Create a sleep “cave” (I struggle with this due to technology)  
4. Condition yourself into a better sleep 
5. Avoid foods and drink that keeps you awake ( my eating habit is all over the place) 
6. Don’t drink large amount of liquid before bed  
7. Don’t toss and turn 
8. Don’t nap in the late afternoon or evening 
9. Don’t read, study, watch TV, use your laptop, talk on the phone, eat, or smoke in bed (beside the smoking, I do all of these activities in bed)
10. Don’t take sleeping pills 

Update: This week I have slept for more than 8 hours everyday. I go back to work next week and I know I won’t be getting the same amount of hours. I plan to cut some of my hours at work so that I can improve my sleeping. Also, I need to learn how to shut down all of my technology when it is time to sleep. 

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Upon many things, chapter two introduces us to our psychological health. According to our textbook, psychological health “ is the sum of how we think, feel, relate, and exist in our day-to-day lives. Our thoughts, perceptions, emotions, motivations, interpersonal relationships, and behaviors are the product of a combination of our experiences and the skills we have developed to meet life’s challenges.” In chapter two, the section that I found most intriguing is the strategies for cultivating spiritual health and mindfulness. In this particular section, it talks about prayer and how people use it express their concern for others, to seek forgiveness, and also to renew their hope and purpose. Being a longtime Christian I am an avid believer in the power of  prayer. While going through trials and tribulations, I usually kneel down and pray to the man above. I believe that any success that has occured in my life is due to my Lord and Savior. This is my coping mechanism. As long as I consistently pray, I believe that I can endure anything that life throws at me. When I think about the power of prayer, I think about the time that the doctor told my little cousin that she would not live to see another year. She is now a 3 years old health little angel.The amount of prayers that occurred around that time period was absolutely amazing. Without prayer I would not be graduating in May. If I had to share the times when prayer worked for me, I would be typing all day and all night. In the textbook it states that “ research has shown that spiritual practices can improve the ability to cope and decrease stress among cancer.” I can consent to this finding. I know a couple of family members who have been diagnosed with cancer, without their faith and prayers to uplift them, they would have a hard time dealing with this gruesome disease. By the grace of God they are still here with me. The power of prayer is true because I am a walking testimony.

In regards to how my health aspect corresponds with prayer, I can say that prayer has helped me sleep better during the night. Whatever the situation is I pray before I fall asleep. I sleep better knowing that I have communicated with my Lord. 

Weekly Update: My health aspect is to increase my hours of sleep. I usually sleep on average 4 hours everyday. This week I have slept more than 8 hours (round of applause) ! I have to be honest with you guys. I have cheated on how I have  improved my health aspect. I am currently on a two week vacation on all of my three jobs. That is the reason why I can sleep for more than 8 hours. Till next time!

Below are pictures of me headed to church to pray:

Hello Everyone! My name is Kerby Mompoint. This semester will be my final semester here at Bridgewater State University. If everything works in favor I will be graduating with a Psychology degree in May. I have an inspiration of becoming a Clinical Psychologist in the near future. I have a passion for helping others.

This semester I have elected to improve my sleeping habits for my health aspects. On a daily basis I get around 4 hours of sleep. I want to increase my sleeping habit to 6 to 8 hours. Currently, I am a full a time student taking six classes and also I work 70 plus hours on the weekly basis. Because of the free time that I have is very limited. I found myself constantly jeopardizing a good night sleep. That is main reason why want to improve on my sleeping habits.

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Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.

— Oscar Wilde.

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