Day 1: 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 1: 10 Facts about myself

1. I don't like to chew bubblegum
2. I like to smile
3. I would rather snuggle on the couch with my man and watch a movie then go out
4. I am usually optimistic. But when I am not I need attention
5. I feel proud when I give blood
6. My favorite color is purple, the vibrant one
7. I would like to get a small tattoo one day
8. My favorite fruit is apples... and cheese must go with it... or else apples are lame
9. I dont like it when people talk on the phone at dinner. Why do you feel you need to take that phone call? We are chatting and eating and its rude...
10. I love my man and his little girl more than anyone could ever imagine

30 day photo challenge

I saw this on Facebook and was wondering if I can stick to it. It will also be a great way for me to get ideas for my scrapbook! Here I go!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

Day 04 - A picture of your night

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most ****** up things with

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

Day 19 - A picture and a letter

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change

Day 25 - A picture of your day

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Day 31 - A picture of yourself

Why does it happen?

Something very sad happened today...
My father has been out of the picture since I was 8 years old. I have 2 sisters, one older one younger. My father cheated on my mother multiple times, and the moment they got divorced he produced 3 more baby girls with another woman in Africa (who was young enough to be my sister). He moved that family over to the island and started cheating on that wife with another. He then had his first son who is 2 years old living in Africa (this wife is probably around my age). The oldest of the second batch is 12 now. She sent an email to my father today saying how disapointed she is with him and how much he has hurt her, she goes on saying how immature he is. This breaks my heart because I sent the same message to him at the same age. This sucks! This man has 4 failed marriages and 3 sets of children! He is an OLD MAN 61... and yet he is still reproducing!
I wish that he could wake up one day and realize what he has done. It might be too late for me, but there are other kids out there that need a father...

Why should DH promote oral health as a population perspective?

Well... here is my essay as promised. I might still adjust a couple things but you get the general idea. We all can make a difference. Today I was on the bus coming home, and some sweet lady asked me what I was doing (working on cue cards) and that lead to dental hygiene, which lead to the Social Determinants of Health. She did not realize the scope of dental hygiene and has has a new outlook on the profession. Just wait. She will tell at least 3 people-her husband and a couple friends which in turn tell people... I hope.

Dental hygienists currently focus on providing oral health care within clinical settings that are sustaining substantial oral health inequalities. Statistics show that if British Columbia continues with the individualistic behavioural approach the inequalities gap will remain unchanged. (1) Initially when the dental hygiene profession started, the focus was on promoting preventative oral health to the population as a whole; specifically towards children. Dental hygienists need to return to their social justice roots to focus on oral health promotion towards a population perspective, rather than looking at individual care to minimize the equity gap.

There are two main perspectives to promote oral health, individualistic behavioural point of view and population point of view. The individualistic perspective affirms that “change was viewed as being mainly under the control of the individual and changes in knowledge and attitudes were thought to be primary influences on lifestyle choices.” (2, p405) It is now known that this individualistic approach is not “effective in achieving sustainable oral health improvements across the population.” (1, p1) Currently, the majority of dental hygienists are working in the clinical setting providing upper and middle class education while unable to provide for the needs of lower class society. “The individual (method) fails to make a comprehensive and ecological view of the broader socio-enviromental factors, since many of the socio-economic constraints are beyond the control of individuals, intervention is needed at the community level.” (3, p354) The Center for Disease Control director, James Mason mentioned, “it is my observation that, up until now, most of the behavior changes we have promoted have involved the better-educated, upper-, and middle-class segments of our society, not just that portion which is favorably predisposed.” (2, p405)

The second perspective is the population perspective where it mainly focuses on the “importance of social, environmental and political determinants of health.” (4, p35) This is where the over population of dental hygienists will flourish because they have the absolute newest knowledge of oral health prevention. British Columbia does have excellent health outcomes, however, they are not distributed equally. (5) WHO discovered and developed 12 underlying social determinants of oral health that mirror general health; social status, weak social networks, housing and early childhood experiences are the main areas that are needing the most attention within Canada, specifically British Columbia. (6-5) Underlying these four determinants of health is stress which is proven to make individuals more vulnerable to illness and chronic diseases. (7) The purpose of supporting the population perspective would minimize the inequalities of health and decrease the equity gap once all the underlying social determinants of oral health have been addressed. There is a significant amount of literature globally proving that lower socioeconomic groups have lower oral health, mortality and a higher morbidity than groups that have higher socioeconomic statues. (1,8) “This phenomenon does not only affect the lowest income groups; If you divide society into income divisions, each higher division has better health outcomes.” (5) People at the top of the social scale have a high quality of life, then as you follow the social scale downwards oral health follows the gradient and becomes worse. (1) A study was done in Brittan where they compared toddlers age 1-4 years in a low social class to toddlers in a high social class. There were 40% of toddlers in the low social class had experienced tooth decay, where the high social class only 16% of toddlers experienced tooth decay. (3)

The book, College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia states, dental hygienists “uphold the principle that the public should have fair and equitable access to dental hygiene care.” (9) Dental hygienists are currently promoting oral health at the lowest end at chair side in a clinical setting. There is currently an abundance of dental hygienists within British Columbia that should be maximizing their services that they provide such as; preventative fissure sealants, mouth guards, tobacco cessation, and education about water fluoridation, prenatal education, elderly care, cancer screening and so much more. It is here and now that we need to have national initiatives and involve communities in their preventative oral care in settings such as a workplace, schools, and wider community. (6)

There have been many improvements in health inequalities during the past century in Canada, however, substantial inequalities still remain. (2) Resolving the inequalities are within reach now that the causation is known. The whole community, including the government, needs to work together to achieve and diminish the equity gap as well as oral health inequalities across the province.

Role Model

Just had another amazing weekend! It was my work Christmas party on Saturday. I missed them soo much! It has been 3 months since I have last seen them... It was like seeing my family for the first time again. While I was working I spent way more time with them than I did with my own family! Unless sleeping counts... Everyone looked so good! Especially my fav, Heather. She goes to hot yoga every day and is 51 years old. She has had 4 children! Holly hot mama batman! She is also one of my role models. She is strong and caring.
... I do not want to down scale my own mama. She is the absolute best. She raised 3 girls all on her own, and still bought her own house and is incredibly active! She can roof, dress like a princess, golf and ski like nobodies business! I am so proud to be here!

Holidays

Its another Friday! Woo hoo!
This weekend we are decorating our home for the very first time! My lovely mommy gave us all her Christmas decorations that she has saved up over the years and has transfered the tradition over to my family and I. Oh I will take pictures, you just wait :) No tree this weekend though. Gav and I decided our little girl has waaaay too many toys. So we are going to go through them together (with Naima) and pick out ones she doesn't play with anymore and give them to children that are in need. This is going to be such a great learning experience instead of just me going through them and picking. I believe it is so important to give. There are an unbelievable amount of children living in very low income homes that cannot justify buying their children even used toys. Its breaks my heart, knowing that a simple thing like blocks, can help build a child's brain, dexterity and understanding. It could even help them get a job one day because they have that skill.
I have been designated the happiest and most positive person in the class via one of my instructors. It feels good I think, I never thought of myself being THAT positive... I'm going to start kicking negative people in the bums. There is nothing good that can come out of being negative.
I was thinking about the most difficult thing about being in Vancouver away from my home and family is not getting physical touch. Oh my goodness I miss it! I NEED hugs. It kinda even depresses me sometimes. My aunt that I am living with is not very touchy, and I cant go around hugging my classmates. I accidentally hugged one of my instructors though the other day. She hugged me back. It was that sideways hug where its just super friendly. It made me happy! :D
Have a great weekend everyone!

Tie blanket

Ooo I got a great idea!!!
Dontcha' wanna know what it is?!

I am going to make my little girl a tie blanket for Christmas! Horray! Princess' are her favorite right now... So a solid pink for one side, and a princess for the other.
Now I just have to figure out what I will be making/getting my man. Hum?

Dentists vs Dental Hygienists

I went to an optional lecture today, and it was all about the dental hygiene profession and where they are trying to take it. If you didn't know, we have this 365 day rule where if you haven't seen a dentist in the last 365 days then you cannot see a dental hygienist. Interesting, considering we (dental hygienists) are the ones who make up the treatment plans and are going to school for only 1 year less than dentists and we are focusing all our attention on preventative care. We also cannot give local anesthetic to our patients without a dentist in the office. Again. We are fully trained to administer it. Weird rules!?
Dental hygienists spend 4 years going to school to get a degree. One year is science/math courses, the other 3 years is dental related focusing on full nerves and blood vessels of the head and neck and preventative dentistry.
Where dentists spend 7 years at school. They first need a 3 years of science/math courses before they can apply to dental school. So dentists are only practicing dentistry for 4 years. That is only 1 more year than dental hygienists! Interesting... Dentists main focus is restorative dentistry.
Why is the college of dental surgeons making decisions for a completely different profession? Common!

Weird rules?! All over Canada, DH are able to do soo many more duties then we are in BC. Common' Gov. Get with the program! We have way too many people under served and are in need of dental care. We can be the solution!
Ha! I feel better :)

Brrr

This is supposed to be the coldest winter since 1980's. Ridiculous! Lol I love winter but standing outside waiting for the bus for 20 min is sooo cold!
This winter, I wear:
2 pairs of tights
3 shirts
1 sweater
2 pairs of socks
winter boots
winter jacket
toque
gloves

Brrrr

Winter time

Oooo, its officially winter! I went back to the island this last weekend to finish up some renos, and it snowed sooo much!!! My little girl and I made a family of snowmen and had a big snowball fight... Our little pup got hit a couple times... poor pup. What a great weekend!

Baby names

No I am not preggers...
I am only 3 months into my course and have 2 years left... But I have that darn baby itch!
My man loves Zachary, Zack for short. I kinda do too... but my mommy and younger sister hate it...
So on to the next names...
Girls:
Sophia
Addison
Jade
Sienna

Boys:
Dashton

Kayden
Riley
Ashton
Dakota

This is much harder than I thought...
Oooo I can't wait to be preggers :P Only 20 more months of school!!! Then I have to work for at least 6 months to get maternity leave. Humm, maybe when I graduate I'll change my mind and want to work for a couple years.
Our little girl keeps asking if she is going to have a baby sister or brother. I want both!

Ok, Ready? Dashton Colin Vickery and Sophia Katherine Vickery

On a side note... I can't wait to change my last name!

Ok, enough baby talk... time to study!

Happy weekend

Horray its home day!
This week flew by!
We got our new conventional oven and stove for the downstairs sweet, now we just have to google how to attach the electrical to the outlet... I will not be surprised if someone gets shocked! Its my mans Christmas party today and also a goodbye party. The entire company shut down! There were over 100 staff including managers... But don't worry. My man planned for this. He is starting a company with his cousin. Together they are going to take over the internet! lol I believe they will anyways! I am soo proud of them! I am going to have a work at home man for a few months until they save enough to open an office. (its ok by me, cuz I'm not home anyways... until Christmas holidays)
I am studying at the apartment this morning. There are people coming in and out to fix our bathroom and under the sink in the kitchen. We had a flood in our cupboards, and over top the bathtub it was leaking... ick! I will NEVER live in an apartment again the moment I'm done school! I am pretty sure there is mold in the walls... Oh a students life...

Is Christmas here yet?

I booked a date for another couple and my man and I. We are heading to the super fun train ride with Christmas lights everywhere in Stanley park in Dec. I haven't been for years, and my man has never been! He also has never been on a skytrain (not that its really that exciting... but he has never done it). Yay for double dates. It has been a while since we have done something like that :) Oh, I will for sure take pictures and post them!
Now that Halloween is over, its time to start thinking about Christmas! My family is trying to save on money this year (thankgoodness, cuz I haven't got it) so we are all drawing a name out of a hat :) We each purchase one present within a certain limit for that person we drew out of the hat. I got my younger sisters boyfriend... What do you get a 18 year old boy within a $25 limit? The answer is a million things! I cant wait... this is going to be great :P
This year is our first Christmas in our house. Everyone of my close family members and their partners are coming including my mans daughter! It will be one to remember! We generally wake up around 7am, run into the living room, look at the cookies and milk and yell Santa was here! I'm 22... It will be the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!
My most favorite Christmas tradition is cutting down the tree. All my family goes out together usually in 2/3 vehicles and we pick out one tree for our home and one for my moms. My mom always brings hot chocolate, marshmallows, hotdogs (with all the fixings), and bailys. We sing carols around the fire and spend the whole time laughing! Oh I can't wait! How fun!

Enough procrastination... back to my essay...

Dental hygiene

Word of the day: Registered Dental Hygienist -

Registered dental hygienists are important members of the oral health care team. They provide a process of care involving professional treatment and advice to help prevent periodontal (gum) disease and dental cavities, as well as ways to support total wellness.

• Assess patient needs; develop a dental hygiene diagnosis; plan and implement dental hygiene services; and evaluate the outcomes of care provided.
• Educate individuals and groups in the care of teeth and gums, and the development of healthy lifestyles.
• Evaluate research, information and techniques so that clients receive the best care.
• Administer programs and clinical practice to promote quality cost effective services.
• Help people get information about the health and dental care available in their community.

Registered Dental Hygienists also work as members of multidisciplinary health teams in residential care facilities, hospital settings, public health units and community care centers. Client care is coordinated in conjunction with other health services such as those provided by dietitians, speech language therapists, physiotherapists, nurses and social workers.

Now you officially know what I do! We do more than clean teeth :P

Wedding gowns

I was checking out wedding dresses... I am a girl aren't I? And I remembered "Say yes to the dress" Its a silly TV show that I have become addicted to. They have the most beautiful dresses on there!
http://www.kleinfeldkollection.com/gown-search.cfm

Now I must say, I don't want a huge wedding. I want my close family and only my best friends to be there. People that I have talked to within the last 6 months. They are the people I want at my wedding!
I also cannot justify the very expensive cost! Some of these brides spend EASILY $50,000. That is crazy! I want to spend $5,000... drop a zero goof balls!
I still cannot help but oogle the Kleinfeld collection.

Home

I tiled for the first time last week! It was just me and my man attempting it. Thanx to Google, it was a piece of cake! We make the best team... my man and I... My man did the grouting for the tiles and is finishing mudding and sanding the walls. Sat I'll be home to paint so my tenants can move in! Horray! Income again for the downstairs. Sweet :) We have lived there for almost a whole year... Time sure flys! Sheesh!
School is going great too! I can officially probe on people, and I am practicing my debriding (scaling teeth) on my peers but I think next week I am going to attempt my assessment task for it. We will see how I do next week :)
Oh. by the way, I am going to start using dental terminology that I want people to remember. If your reading my writings because your bored, you might as well get a little education from it right?
Word of the day: Debride-to clean calculus aka tartar (I think its called calculus because it's incredibly hard to remove...) off teeth... I guess thats 2 words. Learn the term calculus! Who started calling it tartar anyways?!?
Only 2 more sleeps before its home time.
Ok, back to my essay writing...

Dream

I had a dream a couple weeks ago...

My man and I were on our regular walk with our puppy. There was snow all over the ground and soft flakes drifting from the sky. We both had toques, mittens, scarfs, and winter jackets on. We were laughing and chatting, when he stopped to tie his shoe. He didn't get back up. He stayed on one knee and told me how much he loved me and wanted to prove this to the world. The ring was BEAUTIFUL! It was incredibly simple, caught me off guard, and romantic. All the things a girl could ever ask for! I wonder....

Environmental influences

Well my second research assignment is almost done. Its all about how important it is for dental hygienists to promote oral hygiene towards a population perspective vs following the individualistic behavioral approach. I never realized how important the social determinants of health are to our communities! Looking from a population perspective, it shows that people aren't completely accountable for their decisions. someone who grew up in a wealthy home with positive people around them have a significantly higher chance of not only becoming successful, but also living healthier life than one who grew up in a poor environment. There are studies done to prove this!
I am living in Vancouver right now part time. All of it is soo beautiful, except one road... Hastings street. They have so many homeless people living around that area it breaks my heart, not at first I mind you, I thought "well, that sucks for them, but they made the choice." This is not 100% true! I was fortunate enough to have a loving mother that supported everything I have ever done, and guided me back if I started running off a positive path. There are quite a few people out there with parents that constantly told their children they are dumb, and will not mount to anything. These are the now adults with low self esteem issues which believe it or not makes up their social economic status, health records, and social networks. Sure some people can get out of a rut, and find help, but being in that situation... it is harder to find help than you think... The programs out here are not the best unfortunately.
Check out: http://mainsite.lemongrassmedia.net/pop-health-the-new-agenda/
Its all about the social determinants of health Vancouver specifically.

Oh, by the way, there are some homeless out there that choose to live on the street. That is fine too! There are also con artists out there. I was watching the news the other day and in some areas people dress up as pan handlers and make more money begging than working an average paying job. Interesting...

I'll post my essay when I'm finished.

Just the beginning

Here goes nothing.
I thought it would be a good idea to start gathering ideas for things I'm interested in. Things that I have found on the web or am learning during school (dental hygiene) and share my personal thoughts with whomever!

I will be posting thrifty ideas, my mans latest projects, interesting things I learn as I grow, oh and also home renos. (there will be many)

Well, its my third month in living away from home; I would love to say it isn't hard... I miss being with my man and snuggling my pup, but it will all be worth it in the end! Only 20 more months! (and 3 more sleeps until the weekend) :) It has been a long haul. I have had support for the last 3 years (this is my fourth) of school, working part-time. Both my man and I set goals, a five year plan. I wanted a house by the age of 22, to be graduated by 23 as a dental hygienist, and have my first baby by 24. Well I hit one of them... I bought my house after my 21st birthday, I will be graduated just before my 24th birthday and we are planning on babies a year after I graduate!

There will be nothing negative here... hopefully. The power of positive thinking/writing and smiling goes a long way!!!

Woo! My first post! I feel L33T! ;)