Essay 4: Should Vaccines Be Mandatory for All Children?

Vaccines are one of the most important tools in medicine. They help prevent serious diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough. Even though vaccines are safe and effective, some parents still choose not to vaccinate their children. This can put others at risk, especially babies and people with weak immune systems. So the big question is: Should vaccines be mandatory for all children? This essay argues that vaccines should be required for all children, except for those with medical conditions, because they save lives, protect communities, and stop dangerous diseases from coming back.

Vaccines protect children from diseases that used to kill or hurt thousands of people every year. For example, smallpox was one of the deadliest diseases in history, but it was completely wiped out by 1980 thanks to vaccines. Polio, which caused paralysis in many children, is now very rare because of global vaccination programs.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccines prevent about 4 million deaths every year worldwide. Getting vaccinated means a child is much less likely to get sick, end up in the hospital, or die from a disease that could have been prevented. (CDC)

Vaccines don’t just protect the people who get them—they also protect everyone around them. When enough people in a community are vaccinated, it’s harder for diseases to spread. This is called herd immunity. Herd immunity is especially important for people who can’t get vaccines, like newborn babies or children with certain illnesses. If most kids are vaccinated, these vulnerable people are protected. But if too many parents skip vaccines, diseases can spread fast. In 2019, there was a big measles outbreak in the U.S. because some communities had low vaccination rates. Measles is very contagious and can be deadly, so keeping vaccination levels high is crucial. (CDC)

Some parents don’t vaccinate their kids because of fears that aren’t based on science. One common myth is that vaccines cause autism, but many large, reliable studies have proven that there is no connection between vaccines and autism.Vaccines can cause mild side effects like a sore arm or a low fever, but serious side effects are very rare. The risk of getting a dangerous disease without a vaccine is much greater than the risk of a bad reaction to the shot. 

Many states in the U.S. require children to get certain vaccines before they can go to school. These laws help protect all students and teachers. Some people argue that it should be up to parents to decide, but public health affects everyone—not just individual families. The government already makes rules to protect people, like wearing seatbelts or banning smoking in restaurants. Requiring vaccines is another way to keep people safe. When one family chooses not to vaccinate, it can put an entire classroom or neighborhood at risk.

Not every child can get vaccinated. Some have medical conditions like cancer or immune system problems that make vaccines unsafe. These children rely on others to be vaccinated so they don’t get sick. That’s why vaccine requirements should include medical exemptions, but not personal or religious ones, since those can put others in danger.

When fewer people vaccinate, diseases come back. Disease outbreaks can lead to hospital stays, missed school, and even death. Treating these outbreaks costs a lot of money and time. It’s much cheaper and safer to prevent disease with vaccines than to deal with the damage afterward.

Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect children and the people around them. They save lives, stop diseases from spreading, and help keep communities healthy. While personal freedom is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of public safety. Vaccines should be mandatory for all children unless they have a medical reason not to get them. Making vaccines a requirement will help us build a healthier, safer future for everyone.

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-children/reasons/index.html

Essay 3

  1. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and assists patients with daily activities. These include assisting with mobility, bathing, dressing and feeding those who aren’t able to feed themselves. CNA provide care based on the patient care plan, some patients require more help than others. Other duties include serving meals to patients, making beds and keeping the patients rooms clean. CNA also observes changes in a patient’s health or behavior. CNA are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare facilities. 
  2. Working as a CNA can be both rewarding and challenging. It can be rewarding because not only do they help them with their daily activities, they also help patients maintain their dignity and independence by providing comfort, emotional support, and companionship, creating a positive and caring environment for patients. CNAs are equipped to fulfill their responsibilities and make a positive impact on the lives of patients. As they work helping with their patients everyday they can create bonds with them and get to know them better which helps to give them the best care based on the patients needs and comfort. 
  3. Being a CNA can be challenging. Working as a CNA can be physically challenging, as the job requires strength. CNAs are frequently on their feet, helping patients move around and performing tasks that involve lifting, bending, and repositioning individuals. To avoid injuries, it’s crucial for CNAs to use correct body mechanics and safe lifting practices. Beyond the physical demands, CNAs also encounter emotional stress. They regularly care for patients who are in pain or going through emotional difficulties. CNAs must offer empathetic support while remaining professional, helping patients cope with these tough moments. Most of the time CNAs form personal relationships with their patients and families, which can lead to distress when dealing with end-of-life care or difficult situations. 
  4. Working as a CNA is a good starting point if the person wishes to continue working in the medical field, but the pay can be low compared to other jobs in the medical field. The cna average salary is $41,270 per year in the United States, or $19.84 per hour. The state in which the CNA work, the years of experience working as a CNA,education level, and the type of facility the CNA work in can all make a difference in the pay rate for a CNA. In Massachusetts the average annual salary is $46,130 and the average hourly salary is $22.18.
  5. The role of a Certified Nursing Assistant is both essential and impactful within the healthcare system. CNAs are often spending the most time with patients and providing crucial day-to-day support that directly affects patient comfort and well-being. While the job comes with its share of physical and emotional challenges such as long hours, heavy lifting, and exposure to difficult situations it also offers immense personal rewards. CNAs build strong, meaningful relationships with the people they care for and often become a source of comfort during some of the most vulnerable moments in a patient’s life. Despite the pay, the position provides a solid foundation for those looking to advance in healthcare, offering hands-on experience and opportunities for career growth. Overall, being a CNA requires compassion, resilience, and dedication, but for many, the chance to truly make a difference in someone’s life makes it all worthwhile.

Essay 3 Proposal

A picture of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) doing her job. A CNA job consists of providing compassionate care to a patient, assisting with daily activities like helping with mobility, assistance with personal hygiene, and offering emotional support. 

Questions: 

What are the pros and cons of working as a CNA?

Do they get paid enough for the work they do?

What challenges might the CNA face while providing care to patients with varying needs?

Sources I may use:

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Working as a CNA – Daily Nurse

The Vital Role of CNAs: Responsibilities and Duties of Certified Nursing Assistants – ESHYFT

Article “A Pill to Make Exercise Obsolete” by Nicola Twilley.

Summary:

In the article “A Pill to Make Exercise Obsolete” by Nicola Twilley, the author explores the future of exercise and the interest in creating a pill that could mimic the benefits of physical activity. Twilley talks about how scientists are researching ways to develop pills that can replicate the metabolic effects of exercise, offering an alternative for people who are unable or unwilling to exercise. The article focuses on how researchers are investigating compounds that can activate pathways within the body linked to exercise, such as the protein PGC-1a, which is has to do with energy production and muscle function. The protein is activated during physical activity and is key to the health benefits of exercise.However, The idea of a pill that can replace exercise raises questions about the long-term effects on overall health, it can cause the loss of social interactions that often accompanies exercise. The idea of a pill created to replace exercise can be concerning because it  might encourage sedentary lifestyles and worsening public health issues rather than solving them.While the idea of a pill to replace exercise may sound intriguing, Twilley argues that it is unlikely to fully replace the benefits of physical activity. A pill to replace exercise might affect mental wellbeing and social connection which are important benefits from physical exercise.

Essay:

In the article “A Pill to Make Exercise Obsolete,” Nicola Twilley explores an intriguing and controversial idea,  the development of a pill that could replace exercise and imitate the health benefits of physical exercise. The article includes both positivities and negativities of replacing physical activity with a pharmaceutical alternative.

One of the positivities of the pill to replace exercise is its accessibility. For people with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, or those who are elderly, engaging in regular physical activity can be challenging at times. A pill that mimics the effects of exercise could help these people achieve some of the health benefits of physical activity, such as improved cardiovascular health, better metabolism, and enhanced muscle function. The pill could offer a needed solution for improving health outcomes for these people that might struggle to physically exercise.

Additionally, a pill could provide a convenient solution for those who barely have time for themselves, have limited access to gyms or outdoor spaces, or just lack the motivation needed to exercise. In a society where many people have busy life, the pill could be beneficial for them to be able to achieve the health benefits of exercise. This could be helpful in solving issues like obesity and metabolic diseases, which are closely linked to a sedentary lifestyle.

However, the idea of replacing exercise with a pill comes with a lot of concerns, both on a personal and social level. One of the most negative aspect of the pill is that exercise provides a lot of benefits not only for physical health, but also mental health. Physical activity improves mental health, reduces stress, and improves cognitive function. Exercise can also help with social interactions, especially in places like gyms, fitness classes or team sports. Replacing exercise with a pill may get in the way of these important benefits, which ca cause increased isolation and mental health struggles.

Moreover, the long-term effects of such pills are unknown, and it is unclear whether they could truly replicate all the positive impacts of exercise. The process of exercise involves complex biological processes that contribute to overall well-being, from the release of endorphins to the strengthening of bones and muscles. A pill might not be able to replicate the all the effects of exercise in the same way, which could eventually lead to unexpected health issues. We don’t know what type of medical conditions this pill can cause human beings, we also don’t know if it could be lethal to humans whose bodies are weaker than others. Also, relying on medications as a replacement for exercise could lead to creating a society more dependent on pharmaceuticals than their own physical strength to exercise. There is a risk that individuals might use the pill as an excuse to avoid making necessary changes in their lives, like eating better or engaging in physical activity, this could worsen public health challenges rather than solving them.

To sum up, the idea of a pill that could replace exercise includes both intriguing possibilities and concerning risks. On one hand, such a pill could provide a convenient and accessible solution for people who struggle with physical activity, offering a way to improve their health outcome. On the other hand, replacing exercise with a pill could have sudden consequences for mental health, social well-being, and long-term physical health. Additionally, it could cause isolation and the development of the dependency on pharmaceuticals. Finally, while the development of such a pill might seem to be a good alternative for certain situations, it is unlikely to fully replace all the benefits of exercise, and it is important to carefully consider all of the risks before deciding whether the pill should be used to make exercise obsolete or not.

Memoir

I chose my peace over disappointing love..

We meet in high school junior year, we had history together during 5th period, but we started talking on Instagram. He was the one who sent the first message and from there we got to get to know each other. Then he switched his sit and sat next to me for the rest of the year, sometimes we talked during class, he would walk me to all of my other classes. Then he started to offer to bring me home after school. Little by little I fell in love with him, but the problem was that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be in a relationship because I was scared that I was going to end up getting hurt somehow.. The day he asked me to be his girlfriend, I panicked and didn’t know exactly what to tell him, so I asked him for some time to think about it. I talked to my mom about him. On Valentine’s Day I said yes. I decided to give him a chance. Everything was perfect, he treated me so well, he made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world, and he acted like a gentleman. We even shared the same religion so I thought he was the one for me. We did everything together, he would bring me to school and back home, he would bring me to work, we would hang out every day and whenever we could. And on days I couldn’t see him my day would be ruined because I loved being with him. We would watch movies together and talk to each other about life and every day we would learn something new about each other. We FaceTimed every night and if we argued we wouldn’t go to bed mad at each other. I was so “in love”and naive that I actually thought we were going to last and have a future together. But one day everything changed.. I remember that when we first started talking we had a conversation and I expressed my feelings about why it took me a bit to say yes to being his girlfriend, I was scared of getting hurt in any way possible and he promised me that he wouldn’t hurt me.. We also had a conversation about smoking and drinking, he asked me if I was into that and I said I don’t do none of that and he said the same thing. I told him that if I ever found out that he was involved in anything like that, I would break up with him. One day we were walking to my first class and I got a gut wrenching feeling on my stomach and I felt like I was going to puke, I knew that something was off, but I knew that the problem wasn’t that I was feeling sick, I knew that it had to do with him. I felt like he was hiding something important from me. I felt like that all day so after school I went through his phone and I found out that he was into vaping, he was buying vapes behind my back and I found out on my own about it. He was not honest to me about it, he hid it from me, so I took that to heart and it hurt me because I already had people in my life that are affected by some type of addiction and I didn’t want to have another person in my life that could be affected the same way and I cared about him a lot. I didn’t want him to be involved with that kind of stuff because I didn’t want anything bad to happen to him.  I would say that the day I found out about him being involved with those stuff, was the day that ruined our relationship entirely because it took me a long time to be able to trust him and let him in my life, so founding out that he was into those stuff and the fact that he wasn’t completely honest with me, caused me to feel betrayed, it made me feel like I didn’t actually completely know him because he hid that part of him from me. It also caused me to lose full trust in him and I was so hurt because like I said when we first met it took me a while to be able to fully trust him and let him be part of my life. I told him that the only way I wouldn’t break up with him was if we told his and my parents about the situation and he agreed. I also made him promise me that he would be honest with me if he ever thought about vaping or thought of buying a vape and he promised me he would be completely honest with me about it, but he lied to me about it many times after that day. From there our relationship changed a lot. We argued almost every day and I wasn’t able to fully trust him. I genuinely loved him and cared about him so much, so I kept giving him many chances and tried to trust him every time he promised me that he would be honest with me about it. I remember one of our arguments he told me “So what I vape, I don’t get why it’s such a big deal to you,” those words hurt me a lot because of course it was a big deal to me, I loved him, I cared about him, I cared about his health and the fact that he lied to me about it many times even after he promised me he would be honest with me, made me feel so angry and disappointed. He knew I would never be okay with him vaping, but all I was asking him was to at least be honest to me about it and he constantly lied to me about it. Our relationship got worse. He lied so many times that I had no trust for him and our relationship was draining me. I was slowly losing myself trying to keep us together and trying to make our relationship work. Me not being able to trust him anymore got to the point of me not being sure if he would ever be honest and completely loyal to me. Not only was his vaping addiction tearing our relationship apart, but I also found out that I wasn’t enough for him to respect me. One day I found out he was being disloyal to me with a girl he met during seventh grade. It completely destroyed me. I knew that he was already lying to me about something so there was a possibility of him being disloyal to me as well, but I was so naive that I told myself that he wouldn’t be capable of hurting me that way. I learned the hard way that once someone lies to you about something, they could lie to you about anything. That day even though I loved him so much, I realized that he wasn’t the right person for me and no matter how much you love someone and how much you try to care about them, they wont value that and will end up disappointing you some how. Even though I loved him so much and wanted a future with him, I couldn’t make the mistake of being miserable for the rest of my life and lose myself for him. I had to let him go and it was the most painful yet best decision I’ve ever made in my life because I chose my peace over someone that wasn’t willing to value my love for them or respect me and my boundaries. 

Week 3 Assignment


Memoir summary of “The Day My Mother Lost Her Looks” by Jenelle Boucher.

This memoir is about how her mother appearance changed as the years went by. It also talks about her mother’s life and how no matter what she looked like she was still confident and positive and still cared for everyone else around her.

I found this memoir interesting because of the way this person talks about their mother. I honestly think that this memoir isn’t actually about her looks it’s more about her confidence and how she was with other people. And I believe the meaning of this memoir is that looks don’t matter what matters the person’s personality, the impact they make in your life and the positivity they transmit to other people.

I picked this essay because I found it interesting. I liked the meaning I got out of it. I also liked that it was well written and wasn’t too much to read.

Week 2 Assignment:

My Writer’s Autobiography: