Children..Vaccines..Autism...you decide.

Interesting article i read on WIRED.com that talks a little about the issue of Vaccines and Childhood disease that are now popping up again..i thought it was a nice article.

Read it and leave me some feedback/personal experiences
Thanks :)

Here is the link.

A Question About Twins

So, today my mom asks me how exactly do twins happen? She had an idea, but a conversation with a friend left her pretty confused.

The explanation started off on a good foot Identical twins are fertilized by 1 egg and 1 sperm but them breaks into 2 embryos. Fraternal twins are 2 separate eggs and 2 sperm that are both fertilized at the same time. But then my mom asked me about what would happen if two sperm fertilized 1 egg, and then I had to think. I don't think I have ever thought about that, but putting my medical knowledge into work i told her that, maybe there is a possibility that it would happen because when the first sperm attached, it would already be fertilized thus, no other attachment of sperm would occur, or would actually do anything to change the structure?

So, I told my mom that I would investigate that. So onto google I went, and when I found some information on BBC Health* I was pretty proud of myself, because I wasn't far from the fact. This type of conception is called Semi Identical twins. Only 1% of this type of conception actually occurs, the others don't survive.

*This is the article I found from BBC Health which explains the information.

Myths About Contraception

I read this interesting article on BBC Health News I thought I should share with all about you about contraception myths. It amazes me sometimes that even though we have so much information at the tips of our fingers, information may be misleading, misunderstood, or just simply not used at all. This is the direct link to the article provided below:

Contraception myths 'widespread' By Sudeep Chand Health reporter, BBC News The pill A UK survey has revealed that myths about contraception may be widespread. One in five women said they had heard of kitchen items, including bread, cling film and even chicken skin, being used as alternative barrier methods. Others had heard food items such as kebabs, Coca-cola or crisps could be used as oral contraceptives. The survey questioned 1,000 women aged 18 to 50 and was carried out by market research company Opinion Health, sponsored by Bayer Schering Pharma. MYTHS THAT STILL EXIST Chicken skin and cling film as barrier methods Kebabs, crisps and chocolate as oral contraceptives The pill as protection against HIV Source: Bayer Schering Pharma Contraceptive myths have been around for thousands of years. Ancient methods have varied from crocodile dung and honey before sex, to sea sponges and beeswax after. Perhaps the most intoxicating was alcohol made from stewed beaver's testicles. However, it seems that a variety of unsafe and unproven methods might still exist in modern Britain. Dr Annie Evans, Women's Health Specialist at the Bristol Sexual Health Centre, said: "It is not surprising, given that Britain continues to have the highest unintended pregnancy rate in Europe." Alarming Other myths surround the use of oral contraceptive pills. One in 10 of the women questioned believed that it always takes a number of years to regain fertility after discontinuation of the pill. Others believed that the pill could protect them against HIV. Professor Steve Field, Chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, commented: "This is alarming but not surprising. "I've had complications with patients over the years that have concerned me. "The more we can put appropriate information to the public about the availability of different methods of contraception, about their advantages and disadvantages, the better. "It is important that access to advice is made as easily as possible for all ages."

A Dose of Reality

1 week away from the final we have already submitted our Registration information...the feeling is surreal..i'm scheduled for Nursing III for the Fall. Only problem is i'm still in this class trying to be hopeful of what the final exam will hold for me!

Now, its time for me to start my studying again and pray for the best! Best of luck to those who deserve it and who work hard to get to where they are today, never give up hope, you can make it. Even if it's not when you wanted or how you wanted it. Things always happen for a reason, so just take it day by day!

- A caring friend!

Nearing the end of summer

The end of summer is quickly approaching and I'm sad to say i haven't had much time to enjoy it! In a week i will be completing this medical surgical class (for better or worse) and i just cant wait for a break already.

Its been 3 months since i last posted so a lot has been going on. In May i started my med surg/clinical summer class which feels like its never ending and filled with lots of drama! The month started out well except for the lack of organizational skills on the part of the administration in the nursing program at school. But, after 3 frustrating weeks we were back on track and starting our clinicals (which i was excited about).

June, what can i say i mostly remember it raining 28 out of 30 days in that month. Luckily it was sunny and bright for my birthday :) I was lucky enough to have a great supervisor and co-workers who like me (for the most part I'm sure lol) and they surprised me with a yummy chocolate cake at the end of a long work day! That was sweet of them and I'm so very appreciative :) Casey and I had fun at the Museum of Natural History, it was interesting, although i have to say i was slightly disappointed, i thought it was going to much better. Before the month was over I got to hang out with one of my great friends who i don't get to see often, for her graduation party, we all had a good time! Oh yeah and i nursing test in between all of that..ugh!

July. I finally had a day off that i could enjoy (instead of going to school) so for 4th of July i headed to the beach! Later that night Casey and I headed to Hoboken to watch the lovely fireworks and might i add..it was perfect weather :) Had another nursing test, not fun! So my brother left the country for a month allowing me to have a little more peace and quite for a month ( that always helps when you have a million things to do). Another nursing test which i did pretty well on.. thanks Chichi for actually being a teacher and being fair! Then i sent my mother off for her vacation to Brazil, man am i jealous. I'm the only one stuck here while everyone in my house is out enjoying life lol it ok tho, you will see, my time will come :) Plus, I get to have my love stay with me for at least 3 weeks :) (he's been such a help, from cooking for me to washing my laundry, I'm so lucky I'm going to be marrying him soon, i just hope it wont change :) Ohhh we also went to the Pride parade in the NYC and i had a blast :)

August. Spent a weekend in Rhode Island and Mass. for our yearly visit (it was way too short this time tho) and it was pretty relaxing. Got to do my bike riding in Newport which i love and took some lovely pictures. :) Then back to work and school again. Made some deliciously scrumptious mouth watering Red Velvet cupcakes..Mmmm Now the countdown begins Only 1 more week for this class. we'll see what the rest of the month will unfold :)

Thank you to my favorite people :) my love, Cristy and Jenny thanks for sharing a fun evening with me, and we will see eachother more as the wedding planning progresses :) i <3 you guys!

Something to Smile About!

Whenever I'm feeling sad, angry, frustrated or pissed, I log on to *this* site.
I Smile every time :)

Changes in nursing

So I'm sure many of you have been hearing about rumors within the Nursing profession about LPNs being phased out. Take a look around and you will see that hasn't been the case, although i have to admit it has become more difficult to find employment in places like Hospitals. So the latest thing i have been hearing about is this "BSN in 10." I suggest you Google it and see what information you can find because I'm almost positive that it varies from state to state. What i do know, is that NJ is looking at this issue very closely. This site has some FAQs. This site might also be a good option.

You see, i think this is a good idea for us. The further you advance in your education the better. The BSN programs do offer more in depth and specialized topics that you might otherwise have. More specific pre-requisites that will be useful when expanding your career in a different direction. For example, as an Associates or Diploma RN you might not need to have Organic Chemistry where as a BSN program you would most likely have taken that course. This class may be useful to a person who wishes to pursue a career in lets say, maybe research?

Then there is the side that brings concern. We already have a nursing shortage, which doesn't seem so obvious here in NJ, can u imagine how many people might opt out of either following a nursing career or might change careers altogether because the option for returning to school is not a choice for them. I'm sure there's other related concerns but those are the ones that stick out for me. I'm interested in hearing your opinions, feelings, ideas, or frustrations.

Enjoy your day, i feel like a nap after a long day of Foleys and IVs :)