RJA #2b: Nutrition and the Female Body

1. Nutrition and the Female Body and Aging - I have selected this topic because I have noticed a great deal of changes in the female body (my own) as a woman ages. Each stage in the life of a woman seems to bring unique changes, and it is often perplexing to try to keep up with the changes (as they come crashing into a woman's life both physically and mentally). I am seeking to find ways to address the less-than-positive changes "gracefully" and healthfully. First, I will address some of the more common changes that occur in the "middle aged" woman and review some of the most commonly prescribed remedies for the discomforts and maladies that affect a woman. Second, I may review some of the stereotypical views of these changes that occur in a woman's life, and how that impacts a woman's thoughts and feelings about herself. Lastly, I will research and discuss the controversy in some of the methods used in bringing "relief" designed for the negative effects of aging for a woman.

2. Things that I already know:

• I am a middle-aged woman, and am experiencing some effects of the aging process
  
• I have previously done some (general) research regarding the health of women for my daughters and for myself
  
• I am somewhat familiar with nutrition - a little more than "basic" knowledge
  

3. Things I don't know and want to know more about: I would like to have a more comprehensive understanding of the chemical and physiological aspects that change in a woman's body - rather than stumbling over them and thinking: What the heck is happening now! I would like to research more in the area of nutrition and health in the following areas:

• vitamins and supplements
• the effects of natural and whole food products
• The effects of processed foods (possibly)
  
• Holistic effects of physical activity - including special breathing and stretching activities
• A realistic opinion of a healthy woman's body (opposed to the mainstream media's models)

Additionally, I would like to be more educated on some of the "remedies" available (particularly where female hormones are involved), and evaluate the documented results - both positive and negative. It is important to begin to understand what is truly inevitable (each year increases a person's age), and what can actually be changed or improved upon (relief from adverse affects of aging, improving one's health through nutrition, etc.)

RJA #2a: Research Topic

Nutrition and the female aging body - Physiology and Sociology. Preservation of a healthy body by use of breathing techniques and stretching to maintain good health. Dealing with broken, compromised body parts
Wind, solar and nuclear energy - pros and cons of each in contrast to the use of coal
U.S.'s food supply - different segments and consideration of food being safe or hazardous
Diet and Exercise and the emphasis on the human body

RJA #1: Areas of Academic Interest

Sally's Area of Academic Interest:

• I would REALLY like to write something about the National Annual PCMA conference that I just attended in Dallas over a week ago and submit it to the professional magazine for PCMA called "Convene" - from a first time attender and from the perspective of a student attending a professional conference. (PCMA = Professional Convention Management Association)
  
• Starting up a business in the Hospitality Industry - B&B/Wedding Venue specific
• Wine Study - International Sommelier Guild (Study and travel)
• Starting a small online/craft fair candy and confections business - very interested in this
  
• Hospitality and Charity - how to combine the two in a business plan
• Limited classes and instructors for Hospitality students - we need more!
• Concern for science requirements and the teaching that evolution is only truth - is this theory, philosophy or religion - or a lack thereof?
• Concern about individuals receiving excessive financial aid (scholarships) while others go without any funding during application process - should there be a limit? Up to the tuition costs and books (for scholarship monies)? Or, should this cover cost of living as well?