What I don't understand is this view towards menopause that it is a disease. To me, that goes hand in hand with a view of pregnancy and childbirth that has been medicalized beyond recognition in many cases. These are natural life events that have occured for as long as there have been women (or so we guess). Even the bible refers to Abraham's wife, Sarah, being beyond childbearing. So what on earth did women do before there was HRT???
I understand that there are many factors involved today that haven't always been present. Our exposure to cancer causing agents has increased dramatically over the years, our diets are lacking- even those who eat well cant replace the microbes that are essential for our digestive systems that have been stripped from our soil. We dont exercise enough or eat enough green leafys to get that calcium. Our air quality has declined horrifyingly over the recent years as well.
All that said, I get why perhaps there are problems now that weren't always such an issue. However, again I wonder what did women do before there was HRT? I am a good 18-20 years away from full blown menopause myself and I realize that my opinions may change when I am confronted with my own symptoms. As for now, I feel that certainly there must be treatments and lifestyle adjustments that can be applied to go through this change naturally and gracefully. From my perspective, this is a beautiful time of life. My children will be grown, I will be established as a woman despite whatever challenges come between now and then. I will hopefully be growing old with my husband and family, and I will be well finished with my periods.
It seems to me that HRT should be reserved for those women who go through the change prematurely due to hysterectomies. For those who do have a condition which must be treated medically. The rest of us should be offered other kinds of support from our health care providers. Care that embraces the change as a natural part of life and a beautiful progression of ageing. Yes, we should look into natural remedies and helps for symptoms as we adjust, but are we unwilling to suffer a bit to grow old? or are we so adverse to any difficulty that we run for potentially harmful medical interferance at the first sign of change? Doesn't that seem odd to anyone else?
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Blog #7
Many people equate STD's with immorality, promiscuous behavior and low social status. While I am hesitant to say so, I agree with this statement in part. Immorality has become a word that is without an absolute definition. Those who are religious (not just Christian, but Mormon, Muslim, Jewish, and others) define immorality by the tenants of their religion. Those without these guidelines make their own definitions of what is moral behavior. The phrase promiscuous behavior has rather loose definitions as well. Low social status is the only topic mentioned above that has rather definite parameters.
If one believes that immorality and promiscuity are defined by having sex outside of marriage or having multiple partners close together or even having "serial relationships" or one after another, I have to agree that this type of behavior greatly increases the chances of contracting an STD. It is clear that if both partners are monogamous (hopefully this is the case within marriage) there is no chance of contracting an STD.
However, as we have seen in our readings, and in the movie (A Closer Walk) there are many cases across the globe that women who are faithful to their husband are suffering from STDs due to extra marital sex on the part of their husbands. This brings hesitation to the belief that only the "promiscuous" will contract an STD.
As pertaining to the low social status: it stands to reason that there is a higher probability for those to contract STDs for a couple of reasons. First, lower economic status often goes hand in hand with lower education, leading to more risky behavior. Those who suffer from this status are more likely to be those trapped into the sex industry, leading to more exposure.
However, this is not the only demographic plagued with STDs. Teenagers are having sex at younger and younger ages. These kids lack education and an awareness that today's decisions can effect tomorrow. These kids are not protected by economic status.
I would add to this that parental involvement is vital to protecting kids of any social status from this situation. Ideally, education begins in the home with a healthy view of sexuality and understanding about the possibilities of contracting an STD.
Unfortunately, many parents are loathe to discuss this with their kids, leaving the responsibility to the schools and peers. I believe the schools have been forced into this position because parents have failed at preparing their children. While this education is vital and can prevent many kids from making poor decisions, it can never take the place of this education in the home from parents who love each other and their kids. Unfortunately, we don't live in an ideal world.
If one believes that immorality and promiscuity are defined by having sex outside of marriage or having multiple partners close together or even having "serial relationships" or one after another, I have to agree that this type of behavior greatly increases the chances of contracting an STD. It is clear that if both partners are monogamous (hopefully this is the case within marriage) there is no chance of contracting an STD.
However, as we have seen in our readings, and in the movie (A Closer Walk) there are many cases across the globe that women who are faithful to their husband are suffering from STDs due to extra marital sex on the part of their husbands. This brings hesitation to the belief that only the "promiscuous" will contract an STD.
As pertaining to the low social status: it stands to reason that there is a higher probability for those to contract STDs for a couple of reasons. First, lower economic status often goes hand in hand with lower education, leading to more risky behavior. Those who suffer from this status are more likely to be those trapped into the sex industry, leading to more exposure.
However, this is not the only demographic plagued with STDs. Teenagers are having sex at younger and younger ages. These kids lack education and an awareness that today's decisions can effect tomorrow. These kids are not protected by economic status.
I would add to this that parental involvement is vital to protecting kids of any social status from this situation. Ideally, education begins in the home with a healthy view of sexuality and understanding about the possibilities of contracting an STD.
Unfortunately, many parents are loathe to discuss this with their kids, leaving the responsibility to the schools and peers. I believe the schools have been forced into this position because parents have failed at preparing their children. While this education is vital and can prevent many kids from making poor decisions, it can never take the place of this education in the home from parents who love each other and their kids. Unfortunately, we don't live in an ideal world.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
prenatal testing
Should prenatal testing be routine for all pregnant women?
I was supprised to see my views on this blog question presented in one of our supplemental required readings. The Bad Baby Blues by Lisa Blumberg is a well worded response.
I have a serious problem with the practice of leading women towards prenatal testing when they may have no specific reason to do so. Ms. Blumberg made a clear argument that I agree with wholeheartedly. This kind of thing is a precursor to a euthanasia mindset. I would take her view further and say that if we as a society begin to routinely test for disabilities and councel mothers towards termination, what makes us different in heart from Hitler?
Yes, we can claim that our intention is to prevent suffering, but what of those with disabilities who have led full lives? What of those who cannot support themselves but everyone around them praises them for their kindness and gentleness of heart? I have several friends who have children with disabilities or learning differences. The testimony they give of how these kids have added to their families and challenged them to grow as individuals is astounding and flies in the face of those arguments for avoiding suffering. Where do we draw the line?
I do not have a personal problem with testing that is not invasive for the purpose of determining correctable issues like Rh factor problems. Some problems can be detected and corrected pre-birth. I have seen (on tv of course) a surgery where the tiny infant was removed from the womb, surgery was performed to correct a major problem from which the child would have otherwise died, and the child was placed back inside the womb to finish gestation. Wow.
I agree with the article where it specified specific reasons for testing. This option should be avaliable to women who feel it necessary. Their decisions are their own, though I do not agree with termination, they could at the very least prepare themselves for what is to come.
I suppose my personal stance is that preventative, non invasive tests should be routine but optional. Invasive testing should always be optional even where the family has a history of certain problems. These choices are not for doctors or society to make.
I fear this technology taken to its fullest potential. While many advances have their benefits, the way we take the advances can get ugly. Anybody ever seen the movie, Gattaca?
I was supprised to see my views on this blog question presented in one of our supplemental required readings. The Bad Baby Blues by Lisa Blumberg is a well worded response.
I have a serious problem with the practice of leading women towards prenatal testing when they may have no specific reason to do so. Ms. Blumberg made a clear argument that I agree with wholeheartedly. This kind of thing is a precursor to a euthanasia mindset. I would take her view further and say that if we as a society begin to routinely test for disabilities and councel mothers towards termination, what makes us different in heart from Hitler?
Yes, we can claim that our intention is to prevent suffering, but what of those with disabilities who have led full lives? What of those who cannot support themselves but everyone around them praises them for their kindness and gentleness of heart? I have several friends who have children with disabilities or learning differences. The testimony they give of how these kids have added to their families and challenged them to grow as individuals is astounding and flies in the face of those arguments for avoiding suffering. Where do we draw the line?
I do not have a personal problem with testing that is not invasive for the purpose of determining correctable issues like Rh factor problems. Some problems can be detected and corrected pre-birth. I have seen (on tv of course) a surgery where the tiny infant was removed from the womb, surgery was performed to correct a major problem from which the child would have otherwise died, and the child was placed back inside the womb to finish gestation. Wow.
I agree with the article where it specified specific reasons for testing. This option should be avaliable to women who feel it necessary. Their decisions are their own, though I do not agree with termination, they could at the very least prepare themselves for what is to come.
I suppose my personal stance is that preventative, non invasive tests should be routine but optional. Invasive testing should always be optional even where the family has a history of certain problems. These choices are not for doctors or society to make.
I fear this technology taken to its fullest potential. While many advances have their benefits, the way we take the advances can get ugly. Anybody ever seen the movie, Gattaca?
Friday, February 16, 2007
contraception
I was going to do a handout on Natural Family Planning for Assignment 4 but some family situations came up this week and seriously delayed my homework process. But here's some personal info anyway.
My husband and I use Natural Family Planning and condoms during the fertile time. I just wanted to add some info that some may not be aware of. This method is presented in the book as Fertility Awareness methods. Calendar method, basal body temperature, and cervical mucos method. In Natural Family Planning, these three are combined along with additional information regarding cervical positioning and it's reflection on fertility. The methods listed by themselves are more likely to fail. HOWEVER, when you combine all of the methods, which Natural Family Planning does, you have a very low failure rate.
We have practiced this method for 9 years. YES! we do have 3 children. But having planned for 4 we are actually right on track. I agree that this method of birth control is not for everyone. In general, those who use this method are those couples who are more open to unplanned pregnancies. Advance planning and self control is involved which isn't very popular.
In our case, with our first one, we knew we were in the "danger zone". With our second one, we threw caution to the wind. With our third, we had a condom failure. With all the other months of our marriage that we weren't pregnant or in breastfeeding amenorrhea we have sucessfully postponed pregnancy. Our children are 22 months and 35 months apart. We certainly were not "pumping them out uncontrollably". After we reach capacity, we plan for my husband to have a vasectomy.
The charting of information and checking the fertility signals really becomes second nature after a short time. I have the benefit of knowing why I cramp in the middle of the month (with ovulation) I know why my hormones are crazy before my period, I know my body well and the reasons it does what it does. While this method is not for everyone and definately not for protecting against STI's, I believe all women should understand their bodies in this way.
My husband and I use Natural Family Planning and condoms during the fertile time. I just wanted to add some info that some may not be aware of. This method is presented in the book as Fertility Awareness methods. Calendar method, basal body temperature, and cervical mucos method. In Natural Family Planning, these three are combined along with additional information regarding cervical positioning and it's reflection on fertility. The methods listed by themselves are more likely to fail. HOWEVER, when you combine all of the methods, which Natural Family Planning does, you have a very low failure rate.
We have practiced this method for 9 years. YES! we do have 3 children. But having planned for 4 we are actually right on track. I agree that this method of birth control is not for everyone. In general, those who use this method are those couples who are more open to unplanned pregnancies. Advance planning and self control is involved which isn't very popular.
In our case, with our first one, we knew we were in the "danger zone". With our second one, we threw caution to the wind. With our third, we had a condom failure. With all the other months of our marriage that we weren't pregnant or in breastfeeding amenorrhea we have sucessfully postponed pregnancy. Our children are 22 months and 35 months apart. We certainly were not "pumping them out uncontrollably". After we reach capacity, we plan for my husband to have a vasectomy.
The charting of information and checking the fertility signals really becomes second nature after a short time. I have the benefit of knowing why I cramp in the middle of the month (with ovulation) I know why my hormones are crazy before my period, I know my body well and the reasons it does what it does. While this method is not for everyone and definately not for protecting against STI's, I believe all women should understand their bodies in this way.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
blog #4
I remember menarche for me being a generally positive experience.
There was the horror at starting my period while at church camp in Florida. We stayed in a hotel on the beach with daily free time in the hotel pool and in the ocean. I was glad that my mom was there as a camp counsellor. She reacted with calm and encouragement that made it less horrible for me. I was also rooming with a dear friend who helped me figure out tampons.
The horror was not shame related but more in relation to the unknown and lack of experience. I knew enough to know that it would happen, but since my mom had a hysterectomy shortly after I was born, I had no memory of seeing her deal with menses or really talking about it much.
I remember my mom telling me that I was becoming a woman and I remember her support and love. I had forgotten this... thanks for the opportunity to remember.
There was the horror at starting my period while at church camp in Florida. We stayed in a hotel on the beach with daily free time in the hotel pool and in the ocean. I was glad that my mom was there as a camp counsellor. She reacted with calm and encouragement that made it less horrible for me. I was also rooming with a dear friend who helped me figure out tampons.
The horror was not shame related but more in relation to the unknown and lack of experience. I knew enough to know that it would happen, but since my mom had a hysterectomy shortly after I was born, I had no memory of seeing her deal with menses or really talking about it much.
I remember my mom telling me that I was becoming a woman and I remember her support and love. I had forgotten this... thanks for the opportunity to remember.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
rate my health
Rate my health. I scored 6 out of 10 yes, and one "mostly".
The mostly was the diet area. My family's diet is notoriously lacking in vegetables. We take multi-vitamins and eat lots of fresh fruit. The veggies we consume are mostly frozen corn or broccoli and canned green beans. My ideal would be to have salads and fresh veggies daily. It's been an easy habit to loose and it's proving more difficult to re-establish than I thought. I was just shy of a vegetarian when I met my "meat and potatoes" husband. Though I've had significant influence on him, I'm afraid he's won out on the meat. I did get him drinking water which is something his mother never did. HA!
I believe that for the most part I'm on the right track health wise. I could definitely improve in the areas of diet, sleep, and more consistent exercise. With three kids it's very difficult to maintain in all of those areas, and it's all the more important that I do, for their sake!
The mostly was the diet area. My family's diet is notoriously lacking in vegetables. We take multi-vitamins and eat lots of fresh fruit. The veggies we consume are mostly frozen corn or broccoli and canned green beans. My ideal would be to have salads and fresh veggies daily. It's been an easy habit to loose and it's proving more difficult to re-establish than I thought. I was just shy of a vegetarian when I met my "meat and potatoes" husband. Though I've had significant influence on him, I'm afraid he's won out on the meat. I did get him drinking water which is something his mother never did. HA!
I believe that for the most part I'm on the right track health wise. I could definitely improve in the areas of diet, sleep, and more consistent exercise. With three kids it's very difficult to maintain in all of those areas, and it's all the more important that I do, for their sake!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Do I believe access to health care is a right or a privilege?
Wow. This is such a deep question for me. Being uninsured myself, but receiving coverage for my kids through the government, I have mixed feelings. I feel so thankful for the insurance for my kids. I don't feel that this is something I deserve.
In our country, health care is such a mess, costs are so high, and so many are benefiting from the health hardships of others (ie. insurance, doctors, pharmaceutical companies). Perhaps it is because of this climate that I feel it is a privilege for my kids to be covered. On the other hand, also because of this climate, and knowing that other countries handle health care so differently, I feel that it COULD be a right. Perhaps it SHOULD be a right.
I was disturbed by the timeline in our book that in the 1940's there was a national health plan proposed by Truman and that the House subcommittee called it a Communist plot. Interestingly, the AMA also denounced it... those who certainly benefit from capitalized medicine.
Perhaps there is a streak of communist in me too. But maybe the company there isn't all that bad. The goal is for all to be cared for and none left cold.
So how do we accomplish this in a capitalistic society? Where opportunity exsists for all but there are such definate class divisions and disparities of coverage between them. I'm so glad the decision doesn't fall on my shoulders. It is seriously complex.
Wow. This is such a deep question for me. Being uninsured myself, but receiving coverage for my kids through the government, I have mixed feelings. I feel so thankful for the insurance for my kids. I don't feel that this is something I deserve.
In our country, health care is such a mess, costs are so high, and so many are benefiting from the health hardships of others (ie. insurance, doctors, pharmaceutical companies). Perhaps it is because of this climate that I feel it is a privilege for my kids to be covered. On the other hand, also because of this climate, and knowing that other countries handle health care so differently, I feel that it COULD be a right. Perhaps it SHOULD be a right.
I was disturbed by the timeline in our book that in the 1940's there was a national health plan proposed by Truman and that the House subcommittee called it a Communist plot. Interestingly, the AMA also denounced it... those who certainly benefit from capitalized medicine.
Perhaps there is a streak of communist in me too. But maybe the company there isn't all that bad. The goal is for all to be cared for and none left cold.
So how do we accomplish this in a capitalistic society? Where opportunity exsists for all but there are such definate class divisions and disparities of coverage between them. I'm so glad the decision doesn't fall on my shoulders. It is seriously complex.
Monday, January 15, 2007
blog #1
What health issues am I most concerned with and why?
I must respond with more than one issue. There are global problems that sicken me and give perspective on the relative smallness of some of the issues I face personally. However, due to the readings I came to realize more clearly that my issues are not mine alone.
I am concerned for the women of the world who are being raped and have no recourse to get help. Upon sharing some of the supplemental readings with my husband he told me of a situation in Iran involving a young girl who killed her attempted rapist. The attack occurred a year ago and in the summer she was sentenced to death. Just this last week sometime a court dropped the death sentence in light of the self defense. This was a great victory for the women of Iran.
My health related issues personally are as a result of being reasonably well acquainted with the DHHS and WIC programs. My husband and I are both students and work part time. We also have a strong conviction about keeping our children at home with us. This decision, as well as our status as students, limits our earning potential. Therefore, for the time being we qualify for such services as WIC (women, infants, children-provides some groceries as well as health check ups for the kids), Medicaid (provides medical insurance for the kids), and most recently, food stamps.
My primary feeling about these programs is great thankfulness. However, I have seen some problems that could potentially prevent some from getting services.
First, there is a great amount of paperwork involved in gaining and maintaining the benefits. Every three months or so I have to renew one or the other. Initially, the requirements are overwhelming. For someone with less education this could potentially deter them from even applying. This problem is compounded with the difficulty in contacting persons who could help. The office is frequently understaffed leaving many waiting for hours just to talk to someone. Unfortunately, things are currently set up requiring a wait just to turn in completed paperwork. The idea of a long wait in a crowded office with small children who aren't allowed to have snacks or drinks (no food or drink are allowed in the office) is daunting.
Recently I tried to call to get a question answered and after mindlessly allowing the phone to ring for 4 and a half minutes, someone answered. I discovered that I needed to pick up my food stamp card in the office instead of having it mailed. I was not informed of this requirement in any of the correspondence I received. This arrangement further taxes the office and delays the receipt of much needed funds I have waited for 6 weeks to get. Still, this was a short inconvenience compared with a friend of mine who waited on a dead silent hold for 2 hours just to change her address.
Secondly, I have been greatly disappointed with the doctors and clinics who provide services for medicaid patients. One was particularly bad. The office smelled of cigarettes, there was no soap in the bathroom, no toys for the kids, and the doctor completely disregarded my concerns about medicines prescribed and even our family medical history. I felt like a non-person. Problems I have experienced at other clinics include dirty floors and toys and disinterested staff. At a visit to an emergency room I was treated with outright disdain by a receptionist when she discovered my financial situation.
There are good doctors but they are rarely available to take new patients. Having been on medicaid for 4 years, I have only in the past 6 months found a great doctor who would take all three of my kids. I finally began to get regular checkups for the kids because of this doctor. Thankfully, I have extremely healthy children who have rarely needed medical care, but there are many whose children are not so healthy.
I can assume that there are other moms out there who avoid going to the doctor because of the environment they are confronted with at the open clinics. Potentially, this avoidance could leave their children open to escalating illnesses or the missing of significant problems. I don't find fault with the moms here, but with the glaring lack in the clinics and doctors.
A dear friend of mine had her third child while her husband was finishing school and they were on medicaid. This child turned out to be a special needs child. The battle she fought to get proper diagnosis and treatment for her child extended well past what it would have through conventional insurance. She and I had/have the benefit of knowing these circumstances are temporary. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be trapped into this kind of treatment long term.
Not only do recipients have to overcome the large quantities of repetitive paperwork and long lines to receive benefits, once they get them they face below-par medical services, and poor treatment by office staff. Then they are confronted with stores and other consumers. In my experience, there are some stores in which WIC customers are not seen in the best light.
My cousin worked for a chain that included in their training a commentary on these customers. They were told that WIC customers were low income idiots (not in so many words) just trying to get something free. Incidentally, she told me this after I recounted a humiliating experience in which I was treated poorly by a cashier at one of the stores in this chain.
In conversations with Walmart cashiers (I have always been treated with respect there) I have heard recounting of other consumers' audible comments towards young mothers utilizing WIC and food stamps.
The problem of perception is one that cannot be fixed with programs and benefits. There will always be those who have never needed help in this way. Some of those feel it is necessary to demean those who are in need. I am certain that they cannot know what it is like. For their sake, I hope they never need the help of these services...but they make difficult situations much more difficult for us who do require the help. I hope that what I have learned during this season of our lives will never leave me.
The problem of access could be addressed. A better organized office, more online resources, a specifically appointed translator and paperwork helper are all things that could be added to improve the current setup. Even a phone service that played music and reassurances that your phone call will be answered is an annoying bonus that I've realized actually means something. It means you are a person and they don't expect you to wait endlessly for what might be a waste of time because there is no one there. I honestly don't know how my friend waited for 2 hours without a sound. An automated system over the phone could answer questions and free up valuable staff time. There are many little things that could improve this system and recognize the individual value of those who are in need.
While my/our issues on the home front pale in comparison with what is going on globally, I have to admit to some shortsightedness in myself. What effects me directly is drastically easier to confront. The tragedy of violence towards women across the world is easy to ignore when I'm absorbed in jumping my own hurdles. I am ashamed to admit this on one level, and I am very open to being sensitized to the life threatening "issues" ("issues" does not do this horror justice) of my fellow women elsewhere in the world.
I must respond with more than one issue. There are global problems that sicken me and give perspective on the relative smallness of some of the issues I face personally. However, due to the readings I came to realize more clearly that my issues are not mine alone.
I am concerned for the women of the world who are being raped and have no recourse to get help. Upon sharing some of the supplemental readings with my husband he told me of a situation in Iran involving a young girl who killed her attempted rapist. The attack occurred a year ago and in the summer she was sentenced to death. Just this last week sometime a court dropped the death sentence in light of the self defense. This was a great victory for the women of Iran.
My health related issues personally are as a result of being reasonably well acquainted with the DHHS and WIC programs. My husband and I are both students and work part time. We also have a strong conviction about keeping our children at home with us. This decision, as well as our status as students, limits our earning potential. Therefore, for the time being we qualify for such services as WIC (women, infants, children-provides some groceries as well as health check ups for the kids), Medicaid (provides medical insurance for the kids), and most recently, food stamps.
My primary feeling about these programs is great thankfulness. However, I have seen some problems that could potentially prevent some from getting services.
First, there is a great amount of paperwork involved in gaining and maintaining the benefits. Every three months or so I have to renew one or the other. Initially, the requirements are overwhelming. For someone with less education this could potentially deter them from even applying. This problem is compounded with the difficulty in contacting persons who could help. The office is frequently understaffed leaving many waiting for hours just to talk to someone. Unfortunately, things are currently set up requiring a wait just to turn in completed paperwork. The idea of a long wait in a crowded office with small children who aren't allowed to have snacks or drinks (no food or drink are allowed in the office) is daunting.
Recently I tried to call to get a question answered and after mindlessly allowing the phone to ring for 4 and a half minutes, someone answered. I discovered that I needed to pick up my food stamp card in the office instead of having it mailed. I was not informed of this requirement in any of the correspondence I received. This arrangement further taxes the office and delays the receipt of much needed funds I have waited for 6 weeks to get. Still, this was a short inconvenience compared with a friend of mine who waited on a dead silent hold for 2 hours just to change her address.
Secondly, I have been greatly disappointed with the doctors and clinics who provide services for medicaid patients. One was particularly bad. The office smelled of cigarettes, there was no soap in the bathroom, no toys for the kids, and the doctor completely disregarded my concerns about medicines prescribed and even our family medical history. I felt like a non-person. Problems I have experienced at other clinics include dirty floors and toys and disinterested staff. At a visit to an emergency room I was treated with outright disdain by a receptionist when she discovered my financial situation.
There are good doctors but they are rarely available to take new patients. Having been on medicaid for 4 years, I have only in the past 6 months found a great doctor who would take all three of my kids. I finally began to get regular checkups for the kids because of this doctor. Thankfully, I have extremely healthy children who have rarely needed medical care, but there are many whose children are not so healthy.
I can assume that there are other moms out there who avoid going to the doctor because of the environment they are confronted with at the open clinics. Potentially, this avoidance could leave their children open to escalating illnesses or the missing of significant problems. I don't find fault with the moms here, but with the glaring lack in the clinics and doctors.
A dear friend of mine had her third child while her husband was finishing school and they were on medicaid. This child turned out to be a special needs child. The battle she fought to get proper diagnosis and treatment for her child extended well past what it would have through conventional insurance. She and I had/have the benefit of knowing these circumstances are temporary. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be trapped into this kind of treatment long term.
Not only do recipients have to overcome the large quantities of repetitive paperwork and long lines to receive benefits, once they get them they face below-par medical services, and poor treatment by office staff. Then they are confronted with stores and other consumers. In my experience, there are some stores in which WIC customers are not seen in the best light.
My cousin worked for a chain that included in their training a commentary on these customers. They were told that WIC customers were low income idiots (not in so many words) just trying to get something free. Incidentally, she told me this after I recounted a humiliating experience in which I was treated poorly by a cashier at one of the stores in this chain.
In conversations with Walmart cashiers (I have always been treated with respect there) I have heard recounting of other consumers' audible comments towards young mothers utilizing WIC and food stamps.
The problem of perception is one that cannot be fixed with programs and benefits. There will always be those who have never needed help in this way. Some of those feel it is necessary to demean those who are in need. I am certain that they cannot know what it is like. For their sake, I hope they never need the help of these services...but they make difficult situations much more difficult for us who do require the help. I hope that what I have learned during this season of our lives will never leave me.
The problem of access could be addressed. A better organized office, more online resources, a specifically appointed translator and paperwork helper are all things that could be added to improve the current setup. Even a phone service that played music and reassurances that your phone call will be answered is an annoying bonus that I've realized actually means something. It means you are a person and they don't expect you to wait endlessly for what might be a waste of time because there is no one there. I honestly don't know how my friend waited for 2 hours without a sound. An automated system over the phone could answer questions and free up valuable staff time. There are many little things that could improve this system and recognize the individual value of those who are in need.
While my/our issues on the home front pale in comparison with what is going on globally, I have to admit to some shortsightedness in myself. What effects me directly is drastically easier to confront. The tragedy of violence towards women across the world is easy to ignore when I'm absorbed in jumping my own hurdles. I am ashamed to admit this on one level, and I am very open to being sensitized to the life threatening "issues" ("issues" does not do this horror justice) of my fellow women elsewhere in the world.
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