It's unbelieveable to think that we only have three more days left here in Rome! I can still remember vividly the first time we got off the plane. Looking back it is overwhelming how much we have visited and learned about in a mere eight weeks. It literally makes my stomach turn knowing I have to figure out a way to pack all my luggage while keeping them underweight and making sure nothing breaks. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED...
Probably the most important thing that happened last week was getting to be a part of the Papal Audience in front of his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. So so so so cool, espicially for not being Catholic. Not only were we in his presence, but we were only 50 feet away from him, sitting in the second and third rows with our "red tickets". (BIG thanks to Danilo for that one, such a great experience) I can honestly say I had goose bumps before he came out and took an enourmous amout of pictures. People travel all over the world to get blessed by him, and I am proud to say I am one of those people.
We also visited Nettuo and went to an American Cemetary for soilders who fought overseas in Italy. Being able to give respect to those who served overseas and never came home was very moving. It makes me proud to be from a country where men and women are willing to risk their lives for the freedom of others. While in Nettuno we had class on the beach....no it wasn't warm. Although it was beautiful it was freezing and I found myself making my scarf into a babushka by the end of the hour discussion.
While the week winded down, the excietement was not over. Friday morning Sydney, Rachel, Amy and I left for London. A case where history repeats iself was present in my day. Thursday night I made the terrible mistake of staying up and doing silly shenanigans unitl about 1:30 but had mindset to shower and pack and be up by 4am to leave for the airport. FAIL. I fell asleep and woke up at 3:25 with an empty suitcase and no shower :(
Friday and Saturday in London made up for any mishap that happened to occur prior. I LOVE LONDON! Deciding to go there the last free weekend was one of the best decisions I've made since I've been here. More than ever I want to travel more and esp. visit London and stay longer.
As we finished this week, we also finished The Talented Mr. Ripley. I can say it was quite an easy read for two reasons. One, because everywhere he talked about and experienced in the book, we have been while in our time here. It was so easy to relate and connect the readings to our own experience. Reason number 'due' is becasue he is a twisted man and the plot line is too good to put it down. The details used in the book to describe Venice stood out vividly for me. "He liked the fact that Venice had no cars. It made the city human. The streets were like veins, he thought, and the people were the blood, circulating everywhere..........pigeons everywhere." After spending a weekend in Venice and making this analogy it makes so much sense and makes me appreciate the trip even more than I already did.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday...and dun dun dun, we leave Friday morning. Such a bittersweet feeling, but I know I am taking so much out of this and am beyond excited to share everything with my family and friends ...and cat when I return to the states. May our Walsh Family stay close, and cherish the memories we had together. The next step from here is... REUNIONS AT THE MUSTAFAGA'S! Woot, consider this my RSVP.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
SOC490: Week Six
As we begin to finish our health care book and wrap up our class discussions I'm reflecting back on the last six weeks and how much I have learned. I really didn't know as much as I thought about our health care system, let alone Italy's; It's astonishing how far we have come.
Last Wednesday, to prepare the data for our final, we were asked to go out into a market and interview 10 Italians about their health care system. Not only does this tie into our Soc490 class, but also a test of how much Italian we have actually learned. Ippolita, our Italian professor, helped us come up with a little dialogue and how properly (and the easiest way) to start a conversation. Due to the downpour on Wednesday, we went to an inside market instead of outside. When we arrived at the market it was nervracking at first, but it became a little easier once we figured out a University was beside the market. Many if not most of the students spoke some English, and they didn't mind at all filling out our surveys. The hardest part was truly finding people who were actually Italian. The first guy I spoke entirely in Italian to, started filling out my survey with no hesitation but waited until the last question to tell me (in Enlgish) that he was from India.
It was intersting to see how honest people where, whether it be correcting spelling mistakes and yelling in our faces, or being simple and blunt about Italy's health care system. I remember one girl in particular, she was one of the students and she spoke some English. After she finished the survey, she asked me what I was studying. To keep it simple I just said, "Health Care." She bluntly laughed in my face and told me Italy was not the place to come...needless to say she does not like the current system and gave everything an average to low rating. Looking back, I am glad interviewing random people was part of the class. At times it was frusterating because some people were so rude, but some make great stories. There is one guy I still laugh out loud just thinking about. A little back story... When we were in Italian class learning the greeting dialogue, Ippolita did not understand why we were asking the gender because she thought it was a clear thing that is known by looking at someone. Amy, a fellow student, argued this by saying this is not true in all cases, however Ippolita was still in disbelief. I approached one man at the market and he willingly started to fill out my survey. As it was clear he was a man, he started to cirlce "femenilie". In my head I was thinking, "THIS IS WHY WE ASK!" and started laughing to myself, confused. The second question on the survey asked for one's age, as he read this he turned to me, touched my arm and asked for my age. I looked at him dumbfounded and said, "No, I need YOUR age, this is YOUR survey." He laughed and replied, "NO, it's YOUR survey...I need YOUR age." After arguing who's survey it actually was and him trying to interview me on my own survey I laughed and gave up.
After reviewing all the data it's interesting to see the differences between the age groups and how different individuals feel about the current Italian system.
Another point that was brought up in our class was whether "spiritual healing" is true. I think it depends on how religious one is, but I think it does make a difference. Although I think one cannot be healed or cured of cancer without medical help and treatment, praying and asking for help from God is also important. Praying and keeping a healthy spiritual mind is a part of completing a balance of "health" and keeping a healthy mind. I once heard it said that, "God loves to give you more than you can handle"...otherwise people wouldn't be on dependant on him as they need to be, therefore being spiritually in tact is important.
Last Wednesday, to prepare the data for our final, we were asked to go out into a market and interview 10 Italians about their health care system. Not only does this tie into our Soc490 class, but also a test of how much Italian we have actually learned. Ippolita, our Italian professor, helped us come up with a little dialogue and how properly (and the easiest way) to start a conversation. Due to the downpour on Wednesday, we went to an inside market instead of outside. When we arrived at the market it was nervracking at first, but it became a little easier once we figured out a University was beside the market. Many if not most of the students spoke some English, and they didn't mind at all filling out our surveys. The hardest part was truly finding people who were actually Italian. The first guy I spoke entirely in Italian to, started filling out my survey with no hesitation but waited until the last question to tell me (in Enlgish) that he was from India.
It was intersting to see how honest people where, whether it be correcting spelling mistakes and yelling in our faces, or being simple and blunt about Italy's health care system. I remember one girl in particular, she was one of the students and she spoke some English. After she finished the survey, she asked me what I was studying. To keep it simple I just said, "Health Care." She bluntly laughed in my face and told me Italy was not the place to come...needless to say she does not like the current system and gave everything an average to low rating. Looking back, I am glad interviewing random people was part of the class. At times it was frusterating because some people were so rude, but some make great stories. There is one guy I still laugh out loud just thinking about. A little back story... When we were in Italian class learning the greeting dialogue, Ippolita did not understand why we were asking the gender because she thought it was a clear thing that is known by looking at someone. Amy, a fellow student, argued this by saying this is not true in all cases, however Ippolita was still in disbelief. I approached one man at the market and he willingly started to fill out my survey. As it was clear he was a man, he started to cirlce "femenilie". In my head I was thinking, "THIS IS WHY WE ASK!" and started laughing to myself, confused. The second question on the survey asked for one's age, as he read this he turned to me, touched my arm and asked for my age. I looked at him dumbfounded and said, "No, I need YOUR age, this is YOUR survey." He laughed and replied, "NO, it's YOUR survey...I need YOUR age." After arguing who's survey it actually was and him trying to interview me on my own survey I laughed and gave up.
After reviewing all the data it's interesting to see the differences between the age groups and how different individuals feel about the current Italian system.
Another point that was brought up in our class was whether "spiritual healing" is true. I think it depends on how religious one is, but I think it does make a difference. Although I think one cannot be healed or cured of cancer without medical help and treatment, praying and asking for help from God is also important. Praying and keeping a healthy spiritual mind is a part of completing a balance of "health" and keeping a healthy mind. I once heard it said that, "God loves to give you more than you can handle"...otherwise people wouldn't be on dependant on him as they need to be, therefore being spiritually in tact is important.
Monday, December 3, 2012
GL350: Week Six
Ahh, only 10 days left! I'm afraid to even blink due to the little time we have here. This past week was filled with interesting and a once in a lifetime experience.
At the beginning of the week we went on a student led tour by Brandon and Katie M. of St. Peter's. This was not the first time I had been inside the basicalla since we've been in Rome, but it still amazes me. Of the many places in Italy, it is one in particular I wish my family could visit. Every time i talk to him on the phone he asked, "Have you met the Pope yet?".... not quite Dad. But honestly, just seeing pictures does no justice to how amazing St. Peter's actually is.
To add to the excitement, we revisited the Vatican later in the week to take a tour of the excavations beneath the basicalla, and the tomb of St. Peter. We had to go through security and went in as small groups. It was a really big deal, because only 100 people a day get to visit this site. Not only did we go below the church, but we climbed the infamous dome. We had the choice of either taking the elevator for the first couple hundred steps or walking the old fashioned way. Of course a large majority of us accepted it as a challenge and took the stairs. Half way up, the bottom of my right shoe detached and was flopping lifelessly....therefore I was basically marching up the steps in order to not face plant. After climbing over 500 stairs we reached the top and were able to go outside onto a balcony. The view was beautiful and well worth the steps. (...needless to say we took the elevator down)
Another tour we took was of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. When we got to the museum we were all given "secret agent" one ear-piece headsets, or at least that's what I pretended they were. We took a guided tour, but I found myself lost and group-less numerous times. I was too caught up in taking pictures of everything and admiring the art as the little flag that had 16 on it passed. The guide definitely saved the best for last, The Sistine Chapel. I have to say I pictured it in my head much bigger but it was still amazing. I wish they had pillows on the floor so we could've just laid there all day and stared at the ceiling. It is one thing I defiantly will never forget.
Friday morning the entire group set off for Naples, where our final destination was Sorrento, and Pompeii for one day. This weekend by far went by the fastest. Friday there were some transportation issues with the train strikes, but this did not dull the mood. When we got to the hotel Friday afternoon, my "weekend roommate" Sydney and I found out we were also in a suite with Amy and Danielle. Yes. It poured the entire weekend, and this is no exaggeration. Saturday we took a train to Pompeii to visit the city that was destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius years ago. It was extremely interesting and a lot larger than I expected. Due to the rain (I mean downpour storm) we only got to see the main points.
On the train ride home, I started reading the new book that was assigned, The Talented Mr. Ripley. I was procrastinating until really started reading and soon realized how good the book is. Needless to say I've only been reading for two days and I'm already almost done with the book. The great thing about the book aside from the story line are the details. I love being able to read and directly correlate something from the book to my experience here. I have so many highlighted quotes, but I'll refer to ones towards the beginning of the book, because some people have yet to get to the good part...(*cough* Brandon). An example of one of the details was when Tom was boarding the bus for the first time. "There were no seats, and they were wedged between a skinny, sweating man who smelled and a couple of old peasant women who smelled worse." This could not describe out first experience on bus 64 any better. Hot, smelly, and crowded.
I can't wait to finish reading the rest of the book, and finish out these last two weeks with a bang.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
SOC409: Week Five
Do we have control over our own health? This question was proposed in class this week and it became clear this question is harder than it seems to answer. I believe that to some extent we do have control over our health. There will always be such factors that we cannot control that always be present: genetics, bacteria and viruses, environmental catastrophies, and accidents. Although these will always be present, there is no reason to just give in and be "victimized",we are only given one body and it's time to start making sure it's health is a higher priority. I feel too many people use these uncontrolable factors as a scapegoat to why they have bad health, because is much easier to blame someone/somebody else.
As Michelle Obama stated in an article she wrote for Women's Health in 2012, "The truth is, being a healthy woman isn't about getting on a scale or measuring your waistline- and we can't afford to think that way." We need to focus on more than just our pant size, what we are putting into our bodies and how we are treating them is crucial. Life is too precious to sit back and feel as though we have no impact on the outcome of our health. I feel we are given certain tasks that we DO have control over. Excercising, diet, physical checkups, and preventative screenings. All of these are crucial to our health outcome, living a healthy lifestyle sets a positive example for others to follow. Although Michelle Obama's article is geared towards women, she serves as a great example for men as well. "So, here's the bottom line for us...No more excuses. Today, we're more empowered than ever before to take control of our lives and our health."
Another question that arose concerns the people who already and/or will continue to abuse the health care system if it is successfully changed to and open-ended system. Robert Helms argues that, "The open-ended payments that are a common feature of private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, are a primary source of out-of-control costs in health care. Open-ended payments encourage wasteful spending rather than rewarding a careful consideration of quality,value, cost, and benefit." He makes a valid point. If people are already abusing the system, how will that change if health care becomes free? It won't, it will become worse. People will take advantage of the system, simply because it is available free of cost. While he agrees that there needs to be major emphasis on new knowledge and technology, prevention, and lifestyle changes, he also states, "These are obviously good ideas that would lead to improvement, but people must have an incentive to do these things before any real progress will be made."
Contrary, Malcolm Gladwell feels that the "Moral hazard" is blown out of proportion. While many people will properly be using the new health care sytem to their advantage, it is because in the end it will save us money, therefore not being wasteful. "...when it comes to health care, many of the things we do only because we have insurance- like getting our moles checked, or getting our teeth cleaned regularly, or getting a mammogram or engaging in other routine preventative care- are anything but wasteful and inefficient." Behaviors and acts like this will help save money. Going to the doctor to get a mole checked is much less expensive than treating a mole that became cancerous. While Helms believes that people will over abuse the system, Gladwell makes a valid point. Most of the people in the United States who are uninsured, are uninsured by choice. Therefore when health care becomes available people are not just going to run to the hospital. Uwe Reinhardt, a Princeton economist, argues, "You always hear that the demand for health care is unlimited. This is just not true. People who are very well insured, who are very rich, do you see them check into the hospital because it's free? Do people really like going to the doctor? Do they check into the hospital instead of playing golf?"
Overall i feel that there will always be those who abuse the system, however, I do not feel these numbers are going to dramatically increase if health care become a universal system. Universal health care will help people take more control of their lives, because more preventative care will be offered and more people will be able to set a positive example for others.
As Michelle Obama stated in an article she wrote for Women's Health in 2012, "The truth is, being a healthy woman isn't about getting on a scale or measuring your waistline- and we can't afford to think that way." We need to focus on more than just our pant size, what we are putting into our bodies and how we are treating them is crucial. Life is too precious to sit back and feel as though we have no impact on the outcome of our health. I feel we are given certain tasks that we DO have control over. Excercising, diet, physical checkups, and preventative screenings. All of these are crucial to our health outcome, living a healthy lifestyle sets a positive example for others to follow. Although Michelle Obama's article is geared towards women, she serves as a great example for men as well. "So, here's the bottom line for us...No more excuses. Today, we're more empowered than ever before to take control of our lives and our health."
Another question that arose concerns the people who already and/or will continue to abuse the health care system if it is successfully changed to and open-ended system. Robert Helms argues that, "The open-ended payments that are a common feature of private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, are a primary source of out-of-control costs in health care. Open-ended payments encourage wasteful spending rather than rewarding a careful consideration of quality,value, cost, and benefit." He makes a valid point. If people are already abusing the system, how will that change if health care becomes free? It won't, it will become worse. People will take advantage of the system, simply because it is available free of cost. While he agrees that there needs to be major emphasis on new knowledge and technology, prevention, and lifestyle changes, he also states, "These are obviously good ideas that would lead to improvement, but people must have an incentive to do these things before any real progress will be made."
Contrary, Malcolm Gladwell feels that the "Moral hazard" is blown out of proportion. While many people will properly be using the new health care sytem to their advantage, it is because in the end it will save us money, therefore not being wasteful. "...when it comes to health care, many of the things we do only because we have insurance- like getting our moles checked, or getting our teeth cleaned regularly, or getting a mammogram or engaging in other routine preventative care- are anything but wasteful and inefficient." Behaviors and acts like this will help save money. Going to the doctor to get a mole checked is much less expensive than treating a mole that became cancerous. While Helms believes that people will over abuse the system, Gladwell makes a valid point. Most of the people in the United States who are uninsured, are uninsured by choice. Therefore when health care becomes available people are not just going to run to the hospital. Uwe Reinhardt, a Princeton economist, argues, "You always hear that the demand for health care is unlimited. This is just not true. People who are very well insured, who are very rich, do you see them check into the hospital because it's free? Do people really like going to the doctor? Do they check into the hospital instead of playing golf?"
Overall i feel that there will always be those who abuse the system, however, I do not feel these numbers are going to dramatically increase if health care become a universal system. Universal health care will help people take more control of their lives, because more preventative care will be offered and more people will be able to set a positive example for others.
Monday, November 26, 2012
GL350: Week Five
After this week I have a new appreciation for the meaning of "home". While I am excited to return to the U.S. my heart is breaking knowing we leave in three weeks. I was reminded this weekend that I not only have a "home" in Ohio but in Spain and Italy as well.
This past weekend, I returned to Spain for the second time to spend more time with Leire and her family. This year was the first time I have ever met her family and friends since I first met her two years ago. From the very moment I arrived I felt like I was at home. The warmth and hospitality her parents offered was more than appreciated. Even though her dad barely speaks English and her mom speaks some, I feel like I connected with them both. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet them both. While standing at the airport, I was reminding myself and reassuring Leire that I wasn't going to cry, because it wasn't a goodbye. (I have high expectations now that I've seen her two times in less than three weeks.) Something that will stick with me forever is while hugging me she told me, "This will always be your home, too." For only meeting her parents twice and staying at their house two times, I feel as if I've known them my whole life. Amorebieta-Exanto, Spain is home.
Thursday we carried out the American tradition and celebrated Thanksgiving. Thousands of miles of way or not, we are still American. While at an English mass on Thursday morning, it really struck me how truly American we are. I know during the week whether it be by dress or food we sometimes try hard to fit in with the Italians. Who are we kidding? Seriously. I'm pretty sure the only one who can pull it off is Dave. I am loud, express my emotions, eat peanut butter, love ice and take pictures of everything. I can't hide the fact that I am American, nor am I ashamed. At the end of the mass on Thursday, The Ambassador for the U.S. in Italy read the proclamation given by President Obama, and we sang "America the Beautiful". Correct me if I'm wrong, but everyone was belting out this tune...well at least I was. Talk about pride.
When we are in class discussing the differences between the U.S. and Europe whether it be healthcare or culture, it is now clear why we judge Italy so much. Nothing really compares to America. I will be the first to say that it is hard to conform to another society. I came here with an open mind and try to still keep one while keeping the complaining to a minimun; but I have to catch myselves at times. Taking a step back and realizing the differences makes me makes me appreciate where I come from. The food, the culture, the American way of life. I love every bit of it. I now understand how Barzini states in The Italians how Italians will always come back to Italy and they are drawn here, I feel that statement applies to Americans as well. America will always be home.
In these past four weeks, I have learned more than I would have ever expected. I don't want to think about leaving, and it literally brings tears to my eyes knowing that in three weeks we will be boarding a plane headed home. No more pizza, no more gelato, no more trains; back to snowy Ohio. While I am excited to reunite with my family, friends, and beloved pets I don't want to leave. Just as in Spain, it is amazing how acclamated I have become with Rome and Italy in so little time. Italy will always be a part of me, and I will take everything I have learned with me. "Rome Home" will always be home.
Three beautiful places I can call "Home". I would consider myself pretty lucky.
This past weekend, I returned to Spain for the second time to spend more time with Leire and her family. This year was the first time I have ever met her family and friends since I first met her two years ago. From the very moment I arrived I felt like I was at home. The warmth and hospitality her parents offered was more than appreciated. Even though her dad barely speaks English and her mom speaks some, I feel like I connected with them both. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet them both. While standing at the airport, I was reminding myself and reassuring Leire that I wasn't going to cry, because it wasn't a goodbye. (I have high expectations now that I've seen her two times in less than three weeks.) Something that will stick with me forever is while hugging me she told me, "This will always be your home, too." For only meeting her parents twice and staying at their house two times, I feel as if I've known them my whole life. Amorebieta-Exanto, Spain is home.
Thursday we carried out the American tradition and celebrated Thanksgiving. Thousands of miles of way or not, we are still American. While at an English mass on Thursday morning, it really struck me how truly American we are. I know during the week whether it be by dress or food we sometimes try hard to fit in with the Italians. Who are we kidding? Seriously. I'm pretty sure the only one who can pull it off is Dave. I am loud, express my emotions, eat peanut butter, love ice and take pictures of everything. I can't hide the fact that I am American, nor am I ashamed. At the end of the mass on Thursday, The Ambassador for the U.S. in Italy read the proclamation given by President Obama, and we sang "America the Beautiful". Correct me if I'm wrong, but everyone was belting out this tune...well at least I was. Talk about pride.
When we are in class discussing the differences between the U.S. and Europe whether it be healthcare or culture, it is now clear why we judge Italy so much. Nothing really compares to America. I will be the first to say that it is hard to conform to another society. I came here with an open mind and try to still keep one while keeping the complaining to a minimun; but I have to catch myselves at times. Taking a step back and realizing the differences makes me makes me appreciate where I come from. The food, the culture, the American way of life. I love every bit of it. I now understand how Barzini states in The Italians how Italians will always come back to Italy and they are drawn here, I feel that statement applies to Americans as well. America will always be home.
In these past four weeks, I have learned more than I would have ever expected. I don't want to think about leaving, and it literally brings tears to my eyes knowing that in three weeks we will be boarding a plane headed home. No more pizza, no more gelato, no more trains; back to snowy Ohio. While I am excited to reunite with my family, friends, and beloved pets I don't want to leave. Just as in Spain, it is amazing how acclamated I have become with Rome and Italy in so little time. Italy will always be a part of me, and I will take everything I have learned with me. "Rome Home" will always be home.
Three beautiful places I can call "Home". I would consider myself pretty lucky.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
SOC409: Week Four
Continuing on the topic of "Universal Health Care" a question was brought up. Professor asked us to answer the following, "What can we take from the Roman approach to improve our health?" We have officially been citizens of Italy for five weeks now, and it it clear they have a completely different lifestyle. Aside from the aspect of universal health care that the country of Italy provides to all of it's citizens, I find it interesting to look at their personal lifestlye choices.
Food and transportation are two huge choices that pop up in my mind. Food is such a major part of everyday life and very important to the Italian culture; however, you don't see many obese people walking around the streets of Rome. Besides the gelato and the numerous delicious pastry shops that are at every corner, Italians eat healthier overall than Americans. The only fast food resturants are McDonald's, Burger King, and the two Subways that are in Rome. Even though they are considered fast food, the menus are healthier. I recently went to one of the Subway's and it was clear it is somewhat healthier. There were not as many options. No fatty Ranch dressing or the other 20 dressings American Subways offer; just oil, vinegar, and light mayonaise. These places are so abundent in America, and so many people rely on them for food. The slower paced lifestyle in Italy makes it easier as well, people are not as rushed and only have time for "fast food". If you really want great food, you have to take the time to sit down and eat it. Italy doesn't offer and glorify cheap, unhealthy food like America does.
Not only food, but transportation as well. After being here five weeks, I can count on one hand how many large cars and SUV's I've seen. No one drives that here (besides Sandro). Public transportation, mopeds, smart cars, and most importantly walking are what make up "Italian transportation". I can't even name one person that I personally know that drives a smart car. People rely so heavily on big cars and SUV's in America. Taking the cause and effect look shows that because we are so reliant on cars, the effect is that we have more pollution. The air quality we intake also influces our health. On a downside, however, the thousands of people who smoke in public makes up for the lack of pollution from the cars.
I don't want to sit here and bash American lifestyles, because not everyone lives like this back home. I actually feel I eat healthier at home. I have more access to more choices, and eat more organic and healthy food. Not being able to read the labels here as definatly affected my "healthy lifestyle". Yes, we walk everywhere but how much gelato is too much? Although American's are known to be more overweight and unhealthy in large numbers, not everything about our health care system is bad.
As John C. Goodman argues, "...the American health care system has plenty of problems. But it is not inferior to other developed countries' systems-". I completely agree. People travel from all over the world, including Italy to go to the Cleveland Clinic. They are ahead in prevenative care and technology. We have access to more technology and To say that American's have a failing health care system would be inaccurate. Health and money are two different things. More statistics should be looked at besides life expectancy and mortality rate to decide whether a country is "healthy". What about cancer surviving rates and treatments? The numbers in America are much higher than in other countries. The choices that one makes directly correlates to their health. It is hard to compare the two, because the factors going in are completely different. Looking at Italians, they appear healthier overall but this does not mean American's are inferior.
Taking a break from the health care conversations we visited two museums this week. The National History Museum of the Medical Arts and the Museum of the Mind. Both were extremely interesting, and not just because I am a nursing major. The National History Museum of the Medical Arts gave us an insight to how students just like us were learning hundreds of years ago. The wax models, fetus' and tools used back then were so interesting to look at and learn about. It makes me realize why I want to be a nurse so bad. Looking at how they used to treat things (without anestethics) and comparing them to today is amazing. the progress in technology and education is amazing. The Museum of the Mind was also just as intersting. It was cool to do some of the hands on things and watch videos from real patients and nurses. Overall it is sad that most of the people in these instituions had nothing wrong with them. The one man got in a fight and was brought to the facility and later "diagnosed" with a mental illness. It's sad to see these people that had nothing wrong with them actually go crazy because of the prisoned lifestyle they were forced into.
Overall this past week was extremely intersting learning about the history of Italian health care, and comparing it to our past system and current system.
Food and transportation are two huge choices that pop up in my mind. Food is such a major part of everyday life and very important to the Italian culture; however, you don't see many obese people walking around the streets of Rome. Besides the gelato and the numerous delicious pastry shops that are at every corner, Italians eat healthier overall than Americans. The only fast food resturants are McDonald's, Burger King, and the two Subways that are in Rome. Even though they are considered fast food, the menus are healthier. I recently went to one of the Subway's and it was clear it is somewhat healthier. There were not as many options. No fatty Ranch dressing or the other 20 dressings American Subways offer; just oil, vinegar, and light mayonaise. These places are so abundent in America, and so many people rely on them for food. The slower paced lifestyle in Italy makes it easier as well, people are not as rushed and only have time for "fast food". If you really want great food, you have to take the time to sit down and eat it. Italy doesn't offer and glorify cheap, unhealthy food like America does.
Not only food, but transportation as well. After being here five weeks, I can count on one hand how many large cars and SUV's I've seen. No one drives that here (besides Sandro). Public transportation, mopeds, smart cars, and most importantly walking are what make up "Italian transportation". I can't even name one person that I personally know that drives a smart car. People rely so heavily on big cars and SUV's in America. Taking the cause and effect look shows that because we are so reliant on cars, the effect is that we have more pollution. The air quality we intake also influces our health. On a downside, however, the thousands of people who smoke in public makes up for the lack of pollution from the cars.
I don't want to sit here and bash American lifestyles, because not everyone lives like this back home. I actually feel I eat healthier at home. I have more access to more choices, and eat more organic and healthy food. Not being able to read the labels here as definatly affected my "healthy lifestyle". Yes, we walk everywhere but how much gelato is too much? Although American's are known to be more overweight and unhealthy in large numbers, not everything about our health care system is bad.
As John C. Goodman argues, "...the American health care system has plenty of problems. But it is not inferior to other developed countries' systems-". I completely agree. People travel from all over the world, including Italy to go to the Cleveland Clinic. They are ahead in prevenative care and technology. We have access to more technology and To say that American's have a failing health care system would be inaccurate. Health and money are two different things. More statistics should be looked at besides life expectancy and mortality rate to decide whether a country is "healthy". What about cancer surviving rates and treatments? The numbers in America are much higher than in other countries. The choices that one makes directly correlates to their health. It is hard to compare the two, because the factors going in are completely different. Looking at Italians, they appear healthier overall but this does not mean American's are inferior.
Taking a break from the health care conversations we visited two museums this week. The National History Museum of the Medical Arts and the Museum of the Mind. Both were extremely interesting, and not just because I am a nursing major. The National History Museum of the Medical Arts gave us an insight to how students just like us were learning hundreds of years ago. The wax models, fetus' and tools used back then were so interesting to look at and learn about. It makes me realize why I want to be a nurse so bad. Looking at how they used to treat things (without anestethics) and comparing them to today is amazing. the progress in technology and education is amazing. The Museum of the Mind was also just as intersting. It was cool to do some of the hands on things and watch videos from real patients and nurses. Overall it is sad that most of the people in these instituions had nothing wrong with them. The one man got in a fight and was brought to the facility and later "diagnosed" with a mental illness. It's sad to see these people that had nothing wrong with them actually go crazy because of the prisoned lifestyle they were forced into.
Overall this past week was extremely intersting learning about the history of Italian health care, and comparing it to our past system and current system.
Monday, November 19, 2012
GL350: Week Four
No, no, no! I don't want to believe that we only have less than a month left. It's honestly crazy to think we're already on to week five. Week four was so amazing and full of so many great things.
We started the week off with a tour of Aventine Hill by Amy and Danielle. Tuesday, Rachel and I finally got to present our tour to the group. We hopped on bus 64, (which is a student favorite) and led a tour of Piazza Navonna, and Piazza Rotonda, which also included the Pantheon and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. In The Smiles of Rome, Muriel Spark talks about her stay in Rome. She states, "Wherever I live I am in the writer's condition: Work is pleasure and pleasure is work. I find Rome a good place to work." We don't necessarily have jobs, but we have class in the city. I personally find it much more enjoyable having class on the steps of churches and ancient ruins. Aside from having class and discussing our readings in the city, putting together our walking tours have also been pleasurable. Rachel and I got lost in the process, but ended up finding so many wonderful surprises out of it.
After sweating to finish our Soc490 mid-term papers by Thursday, and studying for our Italian mid-term we set off for Florence Friday morning. We finally got to take the fast train, yay! Our first day in Florence was 99% shopping. I spent way too much money, end of story. Saturday we all went to The Uffizi, and the Academy. Both were breathtaking. The Uffizi, which is a GIANT art muesuem is filled with hundreds of famous artists. I found myself standing and gawking at some of the paintings, which I have been learning abut since 7th grade art. To say this place is huge would be an understatement. I was lost on the fourth floor for the whole first hour wandering by myself until I found Rachel and we quickely went through the other floors. After going through this mueseum, we ventured down the road to the Academy. The Academy is where The Statue of David by Michaelangelo is permenatly located. There was zero hesitant to pay the ten euros to get in, because just seeing that statue was totally worth it. I can't even begin to describe how awesome it was, my mom really didn't understand when I called her and told her that I had met a celebrity...he basically is. Florence is so pretty, and it three days was definatly not enough time.
One quote from Muriel Spark that I also found relatable in not only Rome but Florence as well is, "The ordinary Romans and therefore life among them, although it may be exasperating at times, is never boring." This is entirely true with Romans, but also the residents of Florence. As a group I felt this was one of the most fun we have had together. Not only with each other, but with the other people from the city. Friday and Saturday night proved this to be correct.
This upcoming week is Thanksgiving, and I'll be traveling back to Spain to visit Leire again before I leave Italy. Here's to the rest of a great week!
We started the week off with a tour of Aventine Hill by Amy and Danielle. Tuesday, Rachel and I finally got to present our tour to the group. We hopped on bus 64, (which is a student favorite) and led a tour of Piazza Navonna, and Piazza Rotonda, which also included the Pantheon and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. In The Smiles of Rome, Muriel Spark talks about her stay in Rome. She states, "Wherever I live I am in the writer's condition: Work is pleasure and pleasure is work. I find Rome a good place to work." We don't necessarily have jobs, but we have class in the city. I personally find it much more enjoyable having class on the steps of churches and ancient ruins. Aside from having class and discussing our readings in the city, putting together our walking tours have also been pleasurable. Rachel and I got lost in the process, but ended up finding so many wonderful surprises out of it.
After sweating to finish our Soc490 mid-term papers by Thursday, and studying for our Italian mid-term we set off for Florence Friday morning. We finally got to take the fast train, yay! Our first day in Florence was 99% shopping. I spent way too much money, end of story. Saturday we all went to The Uffizi, and the Academy. Both were breathtaking. The Uffizi, which is a GIANT art muesuem is filled with hundreds of famous artists. I found myself standing and gawking at some of the paintings, which I have been learning abut since 7th grade art. To say this place is huge would be an understatement. I was lost on the fourth floor for the whole first hour wandering by myself until I found Rachel and we quickely went through the other floors. After going through this mueseum, we ventured down the road to the Academy. The Academy is where The Statue of David by Michaelangelo is permenatly located. There was zero hesitant to pay the ten euros to get in, because just seeing that statue was totally worth it. I can't even begin to describe how awesome it was, my mom really didn't understand when I called her and told her that I had met a celebrity...he basically is. Florence is so pretty, and it three days was definatly not enough time.
One quote from Muriel Spark that I also found relatable in not only Rome but Florence as well is, "The ordinary Romans and therefore life among them, although it may be exasperating at times, is never boring." This is entirely true with Romans, but also the residents of Florence. As a group I felt this was one of the most fun we have had together. Not only with each other, but with the other people from the city. Friday and Saturday night proved this to be correct.
This upcoming week is Thanksgiving, and I'll be traveling back to Spain to visit Leire again before I leave Italy. Here's to the rest of a great week!
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