Is it a sign of personal weakness or strength for a woman to admit that she has a problem with alcohol or drugs?

I believe it is strength for woman to admit she had a  problem with alcohol or drugs.  Most woman are stronger when it comes to control and admitting to issues they may have had.  I personally used to smoke cigarettes and marijuana in my younger days and although I consumed a lot, I never believe I had a problem.  However, after I re-evaluate my history, I believe I did have a problem, just didn't know I did at the time.  My control or quitting came when I got pregnant with my first child at 19, it was a wake up call to change my life.  Although I was pretty young when I got pregnant, I still thank God for my daughter everyday, because I do not know where I would be today if she was born.  The reason I give my daughter the credit is due to her changing me from a young immature girl to a changed wiser woman.  I had responsibilities and it was mine to take care of. Alcohol has never been an issue for me since I do not drink, but smoking was always my key when I was depressed, angry or simply sad and so I had to find other avenues to release these stresses.  I have not smoked marijuana since, however, for many years and went back and fourth with smoking but happy to report that I no longer smoke cigarettes and it has been such a beautiful release of such an ugly habit.

Dana Anderson

What can be done to reduce the stigma and shame that still surround mental illness?

Stigma and shame can all be reduced by how we portray it with our own families and friends.  Fear is contagious and when people fear the unknown, they tend to react in ways that are not expected or choose to speak badly about it because they don't know any better.  I believe it is important that as a society we should advocate for the illness and really educate people all over.  We should also part blame the media and what they portray in movies, shows and news because most of the general public watch TV or know someone that does and will report a mental illness story as a joke or undermine the reality about the illness.  Mental illness is not viewed as a "regular human illness", it is however looked at in a derogatory way because it is more visible to others.  We do not walk around with a sign saying, I have cancer, heart disease, or lupus but mental disease is visible, we can see it, hear it or feel it.  It hurts to know that we still live in a society that views illness in such a way but again it is all due to lack of knowledge and lack of education through our school systems and media.  I hope as health educators we can start making a difference in reducing stigmas and shame when it comes to human health.

Dana Anderson

If everyone lived "with our future in mind", do you think that we would live differently? (different habits, behaviors, etc)

I believe our intentions is always to live better and healthier than our parents and their parents did.  Most of us try to instill in our children minds the good and trying to do better than how we lived.  Either way, we can never predict the future because life has a way of throwing us a few curve balls here and there.  We can only hope for the best and live life to the fullest and assume everyday is our last.  A better lifestyle is always in mind if the mind is fully ready to handle the responsibilities it takes to do so.  It takes courage, dedication and faith to follow our goals.   Difference is a change, and it is a challenge for some to change or stick through a process of change.  Health seems to be a factor for many when it comes to change because of the habits that make us feel good or taste good.  Although I come from an array of chronic diseases in my family, I still find myself choosing to continue in the lifestyle that I was raised even when I know the consequences.  I cannot control my past but I can with my future and so"with my future in mind" I will choose to make better choices.

Dana Anderson

Is heart disease common in your family? What are some of the environmental, physical, cultural, socioeconomical, and educational factors that impact the prevalence of this disease?

Heart disease in my family is very prevalent and has been passed down from generation to generation.  Most of it is hereditary and other part is due to the nature of the foods we eat. If anyone has watched "My big fat Greek Wedding" that is my family.  Everyday and everywhere and every celebration involves food.  I mean we are talking about meat, meat and more meat with rice, yogurt, other side dishes, and alot of bread!!  We can really eat especially when family and visitors stop by.  For that reason, my Grandmother suffered from high cholesterol along with heart disease for years prior to her death.  With medication and proper diet, my grandmother lived to 86, pretty long life for such a devastating disease.  Now my mother and father suffer from the same issues with my mother suffering from high cholesterol (LDL) and high blood pressure.  My father has had 4 surgeries so far to place stents in just due to the blockage that keeps reoccurring over and in other places.  As you can see I do not have much to look forward to.  Not only do I have to worry about heart disease but also diabetes since both of my grandfathers had it. !!!  Back then people just enjoyed life and the culture with no worries but now things have changed.  My family has noticed the importance of exercise, diet and just maintaining good health.  I personally seem to be the only overweight member in my family, my other siblings are healthy and fit.  My mother constantly preaches to me about my weight and that I need to do whatever it takes to get healthy but it is difficult in this culture we live in especially in Texas where food is everywhere and with being a full time worker and full time student there is no opportunity to eat well all the time.  But I will vow to make a change soon because I do not want to end up depending on medications and living in poor health, so  I will be taking action with the new year...... wish me luck!

Dana Anderson