Research indeed has been so beneficial to children and families in the developing countries. I remember vividly the issue of polio, whopping cough, cholera, measles, chickenpox as so tormenting to children some years back. Families were impoverished as many spent so much money in battling these diseases. Malaria in children and adults was a common death factor in Africa, but today, we don't hear so much about malaria killing people because new drugs are being discovered regularly to checkmate the effects on pregnant women, children and families. Thanks to research findings (particularly evidenced-based) that brought about vaccinations for these diseases.
Jonas Salk first discovered a vaccine for polio and then tried it out on people around him- himself, wife, children and friends. It worked when the vaccine produced antigens against polio cells
I will use myself as an example. When I was pregnant for my two kids, I was given anti-malaria drugs as part of my daily medication, in order for me not to get infected with malaria. In recent past most babies were affected by jaundice as result of pregnant women who had malaria. Some babies didn't survive and some are living with the effects till date as grown-ups. Research has changed the face of the story due to the discovery of anti-malaria drugs and vaccinations that are given to pregnant women. Also, as at when I had my two kids, there was a campaign going on about the benefits of breastfeeding. With all the information I had then due to research findings, I decided to do exclusive breastfeeding with my kids, though it was not easy. But I did it with the consciousness of the benefits I and my family would derive as they grow. I remember my daughter didn't have any cough or cold until she was about 9-months-old.
I will always appreciate those that gave, and are giving their time and energy in discovering most of the right information we have today especially in medicine and child healthcare.
Resource
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/ehsnrc/Early%20Head%20Start/multimedia/docs/mothers-milk-content-final.pdf
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Friday, January 17, 2014
My Personal Research Journey
Doing a research course for the first time is still somewhat intimidating. After reading chapters 1 and 2 of our text, it makes me feel a bit fidgety about doing research because I know it is time, energy and money consuming. Nonetheless, I look forward to giving it a trail.
I have chosen to do a research simulation on children's brain development because I always wonder why some children are smarter than others or why some children develop faster than others. The major reason for choosing this topic is because of the disparities in my children's language development. My daughter could communicate well with an adult when she was just 18-months old but my son who is about 28months old presently has just a few words in his vocabulary. I explained to a Paediatrician who says boys are generally slower in language development. Ironically some boys speak faster than girls. Could it be that the problem is from the brain or a 'gender thing' as the paediatrician explained?
Secondly, I have learnt that experiences are stored in the brain, in other words experiences shape and determine the growth of the brain. I know of several adults who were neglected as children but are successful in their chosen walk of life. Could it be that negative challenges like neglect help build resilience or there are exceptional cases to research findings?
As a parent and EC professional, I know it's every parent and teacher's desire to see their children develop well and fast. I aim at using my research findings to be a better teacher and parent by implementing activities that aid brain development.
So far, I have learnt how to verify the quality of resources. This, I see as a major milestone I have achieved because I am depending so much on information gotten from the internet since I might not be able to carry out a first-hand research. I appreciate the knowledge gotten from this week's discussion and application and I am still working on mastering more research terms and procedures. Also, I have knowledge on how to read research articles that would safe my time and make my search easier and faster.
To my classmates, lets keep the ball rolling as I am eager to read about our findings, and more importantly to know the procedures and steps taken to achieve our endpoint. Hope to get help and advice from those who are experienced in research procedures.
I have chosen to do a research simulation on children's brain development because I always wonder why some children are smarter than others or why some children develop faster than others. The major reason for choosing this topic is because of the disparities in my children's language development. My daughter could communicate well with an adult when she was just 18-months old but my son who is about 28months old presently has just a few words in his vocabulary. I explained to a Paediatrician who says boys are generally slower in language development. Ironically some boys speak faster than girls. Could it be that the problem is from the brain or a 'gender thing' as the paediatrician explained?
Secondly, I have learnt that experiences are stored in the brain, in other words experiences shape and determine the growth of the brain. I know of several adults who were neglected as children but are successful in their chosen walk of life. Could it be that negative challenges like neglect help build resilience or there are exceptional cases to research findings?
As a parent and EC professional, I know it's every parent and teacher's desire to see their children develop well and fast. I aim at using my research findings to be a better teacher and parent by implementing activities that aid brain development.
So far, I have learnt how to verify the quality of resources. This, I see as a major milestone I have achieved because I am depending so much on information gotten from the internet since I might not be able to carry out a first-hand research. I appreciate the knowledge gotten from this week's discussion and application and I am still working on mastering more research terms and procedures. Also, I have knowledge on how to read research articles that would safe my time and make my search easier and faster.
To my classmates, lets keep the ball rolling as I am eager to read about our findings, and more importantly to know the procedures and steps taken to achieve our endpoint. Hope to get help and advice from those who are experienced in research procedures.
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