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The Responsi- bility of Christians
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Health
I am a nursing student, so if you have any health related questions, feel free to ask. If I don't know the answer, I will try to find out from one of my many knowledgable and experienced teachers. Send your questions to ProlifeStudents@yahoo.com. Is there a link between abortion and breast cancer? Yes! In fact, out of 17 statistically significant studies performed so far, 16 have been conclusive in finding up to a 50% increase in the risk of breast cancer after having an abortion. When a woman becomes pregnant, her breasts start to get ready for lactation. This means that hormones are released, and the cells essentially "mutate" into cells that can lactate. By having an abortion, the hormones are disrupted and the breast cells are left in an unstable state of growth, half-way between the old type of non-lactating cells and the new type that can lactate. These poorly differentiated cells are even more unstable than regular breast cells, and thus are more susceptible to the mutations associated with cancer. You can find more information about this topic at www.AbortionBreastCancer.org which is an international women's association which hopes to warn women of the risks, as abortion clinics do not include this as one of the risks. What should I carry in my vehicle for first aid? One of the most common injuries you will come across in your vehicle is a fractured bone. To help in that situation, carry an Ace bandage or two as well as something to splint the break. Umbrellas, ice scrapers, books, tire tools, and boards make great splints. For some breaks, such as ankle fractures or injuries, a pillow can be wrapped around the break to splint it. However, you should never try to put a break in alignment because this can cause more damage than good. The break should be splinted in the position in which it is found until a hospital or ambulance can be reached. Other things to consider carrying in your vehicle are general first aid supplies such as can be found in a first aid kit and a blanket. How much water should a person drink each day? Unless you have a disorder such as Diabetes Insipidus (need more water) or some types of kidney disease (water is restricted considerably), you should drink at least 1500 ml a day, or 48 ounces. Drinking at least this amount, along with voiding regularly, is your best defense of kidney failure. And it helps protect against bladder and urinary tract infections as well! "Should I get the flu shot?" Yes! Although there is a temporary paralyzing disease that is related to the flu shot, this disease is also related to the flu. So you can get it anyway, even if you don't get the shot. I had never received the flu shot until last week. I was nervous about the reports of feeling "down" for a bit after the shot, but the worst part was the anticipation of a classmate of mine practicing giving intramuscular injections (it was her first time) on me. She did a great job, I did not feel lousy, and I am reassured that I will probably not catch the flu this season. However, since the flu changes each year, I can still catch a previous year's flu strain. So I decided to start stocking up on flu immunity this year. The shot is inexpensive (a LOT less expensive than catching the flu), and definitely a great idea for people with weak immune systems and those over 55 years of age. |