3.1 Rogerian Draft

Courtney Roome

Rogerian Argument
Professor Eleanor Henderson

                                   

18 is the beginning of Adulthood

Underage drinking is one of, if not the most popular threat to freshman college students. Inexperience, negligence, and/or peer pressure are the reasons that underage drinking is a growing problem on college campuses.  Whenever discussed, this problem is frowned upon. People place the blame on the college authority, the fraternities or sororities, or even the local police when an underage student dies or suffers severe injuries from binge drinking.

I understand there are many health issues from underage drinking such as underdevelopment of the brain, future alcoholism or abuse, and serious injuries due to irresponsibility.   ­­There are also other serious issues that affect others such as sexual and verbal abuse, harassment, unplanned pregnancy, rape, and drunk driving.  Over 1700 college students die every year from alcohol-related injuries, and 599,000 are unintentionally injured while under the influence of alcohol (Hingson).  Alcohol often leads to unwise decisions as well.  More than 696,000 students under the influence of alcohol are involved in physical assaults, and over 97,000 are victims of alcohol-related sexual abuse or date-rape (Hingson).  Among those who do actively choose to have sex while under the influence, many do not use protection and regret it the next day, and over 100,000 students report having been too drunk to even remember whether or not they actually gave consent (Hingson). 

The only honest way to face this uncontrollably escalating issue is to come to terms with reality. The reality is that no matter what, these underage students will find ways to drink; they will continue to binge drink until it is not as rebellious anymore. As soon as a college freshman enters the new world of living alone and making his/her own rules, drinking enters the mind. In this situation, these young adults have been forbidden to take a sip of alcohol all of their lives. The feeling of independence and temptation takes over their better judgment, which then leads to the serious injuries due to binge drinking. Author Carla T. Main discussed this effect in her article “Underage Drinking and the Drinking Age”. Main analyzes the brewing problem and possible solutions that will decrease the dangers of underage drinking.

Hence, by lowering the drinking age, youth consumption would come out in the open and binge drinking would be largely reduced or even eliminated. The second salutary effect of lowering the drinking age, the Initiative argues, would be educational: Colleges would be allowed to have open, frank discussions about responsible drinking. In other words, institutions of higher education could teach young people how to drink responsibly (Main 1).

Carla T. Main supports that by lowering the drinking age, the temptation within young adults would decrease and the students should also be able to receive educational facts by professors concerning drinking responsibly.

Unfortunately, if parents or more importantly the government realized that binge drinking exists because of the young population wanting to rebel against their authority figures, a solution to this problem would be obvious. Lowering the drinking age to 18 years of age instead of 21 will give more responsibility to the teenage population and instill the mindset of adulthood earlier.  As this problem draws more attention and danger, many believe that setting stricter disciplinary action will help, when in reality it just makes it worse. In the article, “Effects of Raising the Drinking Age to 21 years in New York State on Self-Reported Consumption by College Students”, authors William H. George, Leif C. Crowe, David Abwender, and Jeremy B. Skinner address the issue of underage drinking on college campuses and agree that raising the age did not change the amount of alcohol consumed, but only where the students did the act of consumption. This article highlights the fact that after the change, students were forced to binge drink in places such as their cars. The only thing that the government had a positive impact on was endangering the students by enhancing their chances of drinking and driving (George et. al.1).  

The young population in Europe has different social expectancies of one another. It is not normal to binge drink or get drunk on a regular basis. In the article “Alcohol in Europe – Public Health Perspective: Report Summary”, authors Peter Anderson and Ben Baumberg discuss the social norms in European countries for teenagers. According to surveys performed in these countries young adults say that on average, they only participate in getting drunk (4 drinks on a single occasion) about five times a year. However, this same audience admits to binge-drinking (5 or more drinks on a single occasion) approximately 17 times in one year (Anderson et.al. 485). This data compared to America’s young population is much different. College Students in America normally participate in binge-drinking every Friday and Saturday night and even some nights during the week, every week of the school year. This large difference between the two cultures is the temptation to rebel against authority in the American children and the larger amount of responsibility placed upon the European children. Since, the young adults of Europe are trusted with drinking responsibly and do not have to hide it. They do not have the drive to binge-drink because they consume a safe amount of alcohol when they socialize.           

            The beginning of one’s college career is one of the most traumatic transitions he/she faces. This issue of underage drinking is complicated to stop because so many young adults go through this life changing experience each year. It is difficult to avoid trouble for each new college student with problems that exist such as violations, health risks, and even with the law. This issue is very important and effects many people. Underage drinking directly influences the student and indirectly influences the parents, relatives, and friends of the student. The government must consider these ulterior reasons for changing the drinking age. They will see a new perspective on the problem and contemplate altering the law for the benefit of who it affects the most, college students.

Works Cited:

George, William H., et al. “Effects of Raising the Drinking Age to 21 Years in New York State on Self-Reported Consumption by College Students.” Web. 25 Apr. 2011.

Anderson, Peter, and Ben Baumberg. Alcohol in Europe – Public Health Perspective: Report summary. Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy; Dec2006, Vol. 13 Issue 6, p483-488. Web. 13 Apr. 2011

Hingson, Ralph, et al., “Magnitude of Alcohol-Related Mortality and Morbidity among U.S.

College Students Ages 18-24: Changes from 1998 to 2001.” Annual Review of Public Health. 26 (2005): 259-279. 

Main, Carla T. “Underage Drinking and The Drinking Age.” General OneFile. Gale, 2011. Web. 13 Apr. 2011.

4.2 Reflection

I think that this paper was one of the more difficult ones to write just because it has so much personal connection.  It really took me a while to sit there and remember my families past bad history and the significant events that I remembered.  I developed an argument more around having care givers be aware of all mental health symptoms and knowing early intervention techniques rather than education prevention.

Essay 4.2 Final

Courtney Roome

Narrative Argument Final Paper

Professor Eleanor Henderson


Eating Disorders- You Can't Just Flush It Goodbye 

It all happened after the flush of a toilet.  My parents rushed to the bathroom door and stirred up a whole lot of commotion for my sister, Ashley, to come out.  This was one vacation to Florida I would never forget.  

My dad escorted me down the hallway and into the kitchen, further away from the bathroom so he could talk to me in private.  I sat down as my eyes slowly gazed around the kitchen as I took a 360-degree glimpse of the ocean mural painted to perfection on my grandparent’s walls.  My dad asked me if I knew what had been going on with Ashley.  I was confused, and quiet, as I gently replied, “No…” My dad described to me that Ashley had a mental illness with her body and eating habits. 

I was 10 years old and Ashley, 13.  At my young age I had already learned the basics of eating disorders and what their characteristics are, however I never thought it would happen to my sister, I did not understand. 

I knew that there are a few types of eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa, and I also knew that the symptoms involve extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors involving weight and food, which I had already experienced Ashley possess.  I remember witnessing Ashley not touch her food at the dinner table, always complain and make an excuse about not eating something, and pretty much struggle with this internal problem that none of my family seemed to understand.

Eating disorders -- such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder -- include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues.  Eating disorders are serious emotional and physical problems that can have life-threatening consequences for females and males (NEDA, 1).  I am bringing up this issue to raise awareness to the public of the prevalence and seriousness of young men and women suffering with this disorder.  

In America, about 10 million American women and 1 million American men suffer with this illness.  According to the non-profit organization, National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25 (ANAD).  Since this is such a serious and prominent condition with young teens and adults, our society needs to be more aware of the associated illnesses that relate with eating disorders, tips and considerations of how to interact with these individuals, and education on appropriate early interventions. 

In our childhood and adolescent years, Ashley and I had many ups and downs.  It took Ashley a few years to be able to reach out to me and speak to me about her illness and well-being.  I would hear the piercing screams and fights between Ashley and my parents and would run to lock myself in my room.  I hated what this was doing to my family.  I felt so alone and angry at times, not having a best friend sister to turn to, and not being able to help the situation at all.

“The only reason why I didn’t kill myself, was because of you,” she told me.  Being a young teenager, I had no idea how to respond to her openness besides the tears that streamed down my face.  I love my Ashley more than anything and to hear those words project from her mouth made my heart sink lower than the Titanic in 1912.  This was the start to her opening up to me about her illness and how it has affected her in every way she can possibly imagine. 

The scariest thing is that I always think about is that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any disorder in young women.  The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate associated with all causes of death for females 15-24 years old. (Patrick, 1073).  One reason for this high death rate is because individuals are not receiving the proper care they need and are not receiving it at an early enough time.  Proper screenings of patient and assessing individualized treatment plans are key when planning for successful recovery!

Many people with eating disorders have other associated illnesses as well such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse.  Ashley obtained all of these illnesses, and was constantly battling her mind and body day in and day out.  She had a hard time presenting her emotions, and most of the time could only portray them negatively –- she would have outbursts that consisted of slamming doors, screaming, cursing, and physical violence.  I was afraid of her when she was in this state of mind and tried to avoid her at all ends, however it was during those moments when I feel like she needed me the most.  For people that have a friend or a family member suffering with an eating disorder they should be mindful and openhearted to this serious condition and treat the individual with as much nurturing care as possible. 

Since anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa young teens, parents, schoolteachers, and guidance counselors should all be aware of the symptoms of eating disorders and how to talk with someone undergoing the symptoms.  Some considerations to keep in mind are to listen to the individual, use positive and encouraging language, do not place blame or guilt upon the individual, ask their goals and motives, and seek a plan of action together.

It took Ashley over a decade to get through some successful treatments and therapies.  She started out in her young teenage years at our hospital, the Princeton Medical Center, where she spent a few months in forced rehabilitation.  After speaking with Ashley about her therapies she explained that most hospitals have a poor philosophy of treatment.  Ashley stated that the hospital had too much of a medical approach that being it was not person-centered, and only looked at the fixing the disability.  For an example, she went through force feedings in a locked down, highly controlled and planned environment.  After her few months of treatment in the hospital, I saw no positive changes.  I knew that she needed something better and more person-centered to effectively help her cope with all of her issues. 

When an individual is seeking treatment for an eating disorder they should be in a more relaxed environment pertaining to their interests, abilities, and functions.  After many more years of therapy Ashley found a wonderful program called Mirasol located in Tuscan, Arizona.  Mirasol’s treatment philosophy seeks to treat the person as a whole-- mind, body and spirit.  Some of these therapies include acupuncture, organic and holistic, Chinese medicine, adventure therapy, energy therapy, and expressive arts therapy.  When Ashley came back from this rehabilitation, I could see a new light in her eyes.  Even though the whole recovery treatment is a long process, I could tell that she had a different head on her shoulders and was now taking the right steps on the road of recovery. 

Throughout all the treatment programs, we had lost a lot of money.  Many insurance companies do not cover for expenses related to certain mental illnesses that THEY consider to be “biologically based.”  The estimated treatment of an eating disorder in the US ranges from $500 per day to $2,000 per day.  The average cost for a month of inpatient treatment is $30,000 (Mirasol).  I remember hearing my parents bicker about this all the time, saying that Ashley needs to go to therapy however we cannot afford it.  It is a sad, and unfortunate issue that many families face while trying to receive the proper medical care for their sick loved ones.   

Even after all these years, Ashley still suffers from internal struggles that only she knows how to handle.  My family and I are still very supportive with her, and always try to bring out the best in her.  Parents and role models to children need to be aware of these serious health conditions that affect our young population.  With knowledge about these disorders care-givers can then identify individuals at early ages with eating disorders, help them set up a proper individualized treatment plan, and lead them in a hopeful and successful direction.  Eating disorders are a part of a mental illness that not only affects the individual’s state of well-being but the families, and friends as well.  Family and friends must be supportive and kind-hearted when interacting with people of this mental condition.  There are also many good therapeutic treatments out there, however one must look to find the most positive and effective treatment plan catered to their individuality and severity of the disorder, in hopes of a successful and influential recovery. 

Works Cited:

"Alternative Eating Disorder Treatment." Mirasol. Mirasol, 2010. Web. 8 May 2011. 

"Eating Disorder Statistics." National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. 

     ANAD, 2011. Web. 7 May 2011. 

NEDA. "What is an Eating Disorder? Some Basic Facts." National Eating Disorders Association. N.p.,

     2005. Web. 6 May 2011.

Sullivan, Patrick F. "1073." The American Journal of Psychiatry . 7th ed. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 May 2011. 

4.1 Narrative Essay Edited

Courtney Roome

Narrative Essay

Education is Prevention

Did you know that about 8 million Americans today have an eating disorder?  Living a healthy lifestyle is a big issue our society faces today.  Many Americans are not getting the proper education to be knowledgeable about the many diseases, and illnesses out there, as well as preventative techniques to avoid them.  Eating disorders are an example of one very serious condition that must be helped and treated otherwise death could result.  Eating disorders -- such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder -- include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues.  Eating disorders are serious emotional and physical problems that can have life-threatening consequences for females and males (NEDA, 2005).

I am bringing up this issue of eating disorders to raise awareness to the public of and advocating for more effective health promotion and preventative care education in young children.  We need more health promotion and exercise activism in kids at a younger age to eventually stop their unhealthy habits, lifestyles, and thoughts! 42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner (NEDA, 2005).  We need to work on raising children with proper education and care to live a healthy life mentally and physically.  95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25 (ANAD, 2011).  I personally did know many young teenagers that had an eating disorder, my sister included. 

When I was younger, about 10, I noticed my family start to have more problems and fight on a regular basis.  I noticed frequent mood swings with my sister, Ashley, and bickering of my parents, and even more so when it involved food.  That spring, I went on a vacation with my family to Florida where I first began to understand the rise of our family problems. 

It all happened after the flush of a toilet.  My parent’s were banging on the bathroom door, yelling for Ashley to come out.  My dad escorted me down the hall into the kitchen, a little further away from the bathroom so he could talk to me in private. 

“Ashley is sick,” he told me.  I remember thinking, “Sick? How? What kind of sickness?” 

My dad described to me that my sister had an illness of her body and mind, and that it is something very complicated and sometimes hard for others to understand.  At my young age, I did already know the basics about eating disorders, however not enough to have a full understanding of how and why it grew on my sister.  My dad told me not to worry and that everything was going to be okay.  But was it?  My vacation and life had changed drastically. 

Growing up in our childhood and adolescent years, Ashley and I had many ups and downs, however we always had each other’s backs no matter what.  It took Ashley a while to reach out to me and really speak to me about what is going on in her life and body.  It hurt my family and I to see what she was going through and not be able to help her or understand why.  Ashley struggled a lot with her illness; she was also suffering from depression, and anxiety.  Almost 50% of people with eating disorders meet the criteria for depression (ANAD, 2011).  Not only was my sister depressed; she was angry.  Ashley had trouble explaining her emotions so most of the time she would have outbursts, almost tantrums at times that consisted of slamming doors, screaming, cursing, and potentially physical violence.  At times I was scared of her, not sure how to approach her or even talk to her- and this continued for me until I researched more about the disorder and the contributing factors and understood more about what she was going through.

Ashley left home for a while too to seek treatment; sometimes weeks and sometimes months at rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and other care units.  We lost a lot of money going through all the expenses trying to make sure my sister was mentally stable and had a clear head on her shoulders.  It was actually ridiculous the amount of money we spent, as well as the amount of money that our insurance company would not cover, especially in dire time.  The estimated treatment of an eating disorder in the US ranges from $500 per day to $2,000 per day.  The average cost for a month of inpatient treatment is $30,000 (Mirasol, 2010). 

It took Ashley over 8 years to get through some successful treatment and therapies.  To this day, she is still having inner struggles that only she knows how to handle.  Her illness and instability took a huge part out our family throughout the years.  We went through MANY rough times and difficulties that we are still working through.  Eating disorders are serious illnesses that can hurt not only the individual but families as well. There are many good therapeutic treatments out there for people living with eating disorders however it takes many years till full recovery, if that.  There should also be more preventative education on eating disorders for young girls and boys to make sure they are aware of the severity of the disorders and how it affects you and your loved ones. 

References:

ANAD. "General Information." National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. ANAD, 2011. Web. 19 Apr. 2011. <http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/ general-information/>. 

ANAD. "Eating Disorder Statistics ." National Association Of Anorexia Nervosa And Associated Disorders. N.p., 2011. Web. 23 Apr. 2011. <http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/>.

Mirasol. "Eating Disorder Recovery Centers." Mirasol. N.p., 2010. Web. 18 Apr. 2011.

<http://www.mirasol.net/eating-disorders/information.php>.

NEDA. National Eating Disorders Association. N.p., 2011. Web. 19 Apr. 2011. 

     <http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/ 

     general-information.php#terms-definitions>. 

NEDA. " Dieting and The Drive for Thinnes." National Eating Disorders Association . N.p., 2005. Web. 23 Apr. 2011. <http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/uploads/file/Statistics%20%20Updated%20Feb%2010,%202008%20B.pdf>. 

NEDA. "What is an Eating Disorder?" National Eating Disorders Association. National Eating Disorders Association , 2005. Web. 24 Apr. 2011. <http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/nedaDir/files/documents/handouts/WhatIsEd.pdf>. 

4.1 Narrative Essay

Courtney Roome

Narrative Essay

Did you know that about 8 million Americans today have an eating disorder?  Did you also know that Americans spend over $40 billion on dieting and diet-related products each year (Smolak, 1996)? Eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle is a big issue our society faces today.  Many people are not getting the proper education to be knowledgeable about the many diseases, and illnesses, as well as preventative techniques to avoid them.  Eating disorders are an example of one very serious condition that must be helped and treated otherwise death is at hands.

I am bringing up this issue to raise awareness to the public and advocating for more effective preventative health care education while children are young.  We need more health promotion and exercise activism in kids at a younger age to eventually stop their unhealthy habits, lifestyles, and thoughts!

When I was younger, about in 5^th I noticed my family start to have more problems and fight on a regular basis.  For most of it, I was kept in the dark, unaware about what is going on and why people were acting the way they were.  That spring, I went away on a vacation with my family to Florida where I first began to understand the rise of our family problems. 

It all happened after the flush of a toilet.  My parent’s were banging on the bathroom door, yelling for my sister to come out.  My dad escorted me into the kitchen, a little further away from the bathroom so he could talk to me in private. 

“Ashley is sick,” he told me.  I remember thinking, “Sick? How? What kind of sickness?”

My dad described to me that my sister had an illness of her body and mind, and that it is something very complicated and sometimes hard for others to understand.  At my young age, I did already know the basics about eating disorders, however not enough to have a full understanding of how and why it grew on my sister. 

Growing up in our childhood and adolescent years, Ashley and I had many ups and downs, however we always had each other’s backs no matter what.   It took Ashley a while to reach out to me and really speak to me about what is going on in her life and body.  It hurt my family and I to see what she was going through and not be able to help her or understand why. 

Ashley left home for a while too to seek treatment; sometimes weeks and sometimes months at rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and other care units.  We lost a lot of money going through all the expenses trying to make sure my sister was mentally stable and had a clear head on her shoulders.  It was actually ridiculous the amount of money we spent, as well as the amount of money that our insurance company would not cover, especially in dire time.  The estimated treatment of an eating disorder in the US ranges from $500 per day to $2,000 per day.  The average cost for a month of inpatient treatment is $30,000 (Mirasol, 2010).

It took Ashley over 8 years to get through some successful treatment and therapies.  To this day, she is still having inner struggles that only she knows how to handle.  Her illness and instability took a huge part out our family throughout the years.  We went through MANY rough times and difficulties that we are still working through.  Eating disorders are serious illnesses that can hurt not only the individual but families as well. There are many good therapeutic treatments out there for people living with eating disorders however it takes many years till full recovery, if that.  There should also be more preventative education on eating disorders for young girls and boys to make sure they are aware of the severity of the disorders and how it affects you and your loved ones. 

References:

ANAD. "General Information." National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. 

     ANAD, 2011. Web. 19 Apr. 2011. <http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/ 

     general-information/>. 

Mirasol. "Eating Disorder Recovery Centers." Mirasol. N.p., 2010. Web. 18 Apr. 2011.

<http://www.mirasol.net/eating-disorders/information.php>.

NEDA. National Eating Disorders Association. N.p., 2011. Web. 19 Apr. 2011. 

     <http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/ 

     general-information.php#terms-definitions>. 

Pre writing 4.0

The climax of my narrative-

Specific example: when ashley's eating disorder started to tear apart my family. Specific fight or something that led to  a deeper understanding of how eating disorders affect not only the individual but family and friends as well.  Resources- Eating disorders should be helped sooner than later because if not can ruin families and individuals- very serious

Pre-writing 4.0

This is the pre-writing for my narrative argument.

I will be sharing my story of my sister and her eating disorder and how it came into and affected my life- and will give resources on the statistics and information about eating disorders.

Toilet flush froms guest room and my parents are banging on the door. I have no idea why everyone is so upset right now but I can tell that it is not good.  I was only probably 7 and did not understand much about health disorders or diseases that affect young women.
 Insert statistic- eating disorders make up for ____ population. __ girls and __ boys.