Journal Entry #4

Husband and wife researchers Stephen and Rachel Kaplan developed the well-established attention-restoration theory. This theory states individuals who have more exposure to nature report more positive emotions and less anger compared to people with less exposure. In a nine year study they conducted they found that people who participated in their wilderness program experienced sense of peace and an ability to think more clearly. In Louv’s article he explains how children with ADHD benefit from beaches, forests, dunes, and rivers.  He goes on to say how nature engaged and soothe them. Dutch researchers explain how people who live close to a park or wooded area experience less anxiety and depression. These studies reveal that nature maybe a useful therapy for ADHD. Nature can be used to medicate individuals with similar disorders instead of the high cost medications. According to The American Journal of Psychiatry (2005) cost for children with ADHD where more than double compared to children without ADHD.  This is a perfect example why we should care for our environment because they are natural remedies for human kind.  In Flannery’s article he depicts how the coral reefs are being destroyed by pollution.  The consequence of ozone layer damage has caused global warming. The climate change-induced damage on the reefs is depleting the colorful natural architectural structures. Reefs provide homes for many species. Species like dolphins, whales, algae, and fish either live or visit the reefs. These species are detrimental for human kind. Nature is the world’s best science and medicine and we must find creative ways not to harm it and maintain it for our own benefits.

ECHO FIELD TRIP #3

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.

 ~George Washington Carver

My eight year old son, Joel joined me on the ECHO field trip on May 25, 2012. I thought it would be a good idea for him to learn  about God and ourselves through nature. ECHO is a Christian organization that has helped 180 countries by equipping the poor with agricultural resources and skill to reduce hunger . Our tour guide did an excellent job in educating us on how people can use what they have to sustain themselves.  For example the man-made fish and duck pond . As we walked about a corner we saw a duck enclosure over a pond.  Our guide explained how the duck's manure stimulated the growth of algae, providing food for the tilapia fish. In addition, the duck's eggs and meat provide protein for people. I also thought the "wash hand station" was a clever idea. There was a hanging detergent bottle filled with water  connected to a pedal; where when you stepped on the pedal   water poured out of the bottle.  A bar of soap was also attached to the device.  The idea was to encourage frequent hand washing to prevent diarrhea and other illnesses.

I love nice landscaping especially at home but, after this field trip I will be looking for creative ways of placing plants together that complement each other.

 At the end of the day my son said to me, " Mom I had the best day ever with you today".  In addition of having a great time with mom he learned how God created the earth to sustain its self.

ECHO FIELD TRIP PICTURES #2

Journal Entry #1

Since, the beginning of time the earth was created to self-regulate. For example, microorganisms have created the planet's environment which is crucial to life. In Shiva's (2011) article she goes on to explain how photosynthetic cyanobacteria produces oxygen, which without it  life would be nonexistent. With the progression of human kind the earth has slowly but surely deteriorated due to the use of pesticides, bio hazardous chemicals and other by- products of human development. The erosion of the earth has caused mutation in genes, disability, and diseases in humans and animals. According to Shiva (2011) progress comes with it setbacks. The introduction of fossil fuels, synthetic drug, agrichemicals has been beneficial to people, but harmful to the earth. It has created climate changes and the synthetic drug have sometimes fatal side effects. To begin the healing of the earth we need human dedication, which entails government and private resources, education, and the indomitable human spirit. Goodall (2011) points out that mankind is making a consorted effort by the following examples: The listing of the short-nosed sturgeon on the endangered list in 1972 led to the cleaning of the Hudson River. Now the short-nosed sturgeon population has increased by 400 percent. Another example is a village where Goodall visited. Women there demonstrated a cooking stove that did not need much firewood. The women got their wood from fast growing trees instead of hacking away at the stumps of old trees that once grew on the hillside. The once bare hillside is now covered with trees that grew twenty to thirty feet tall, in merely five years. These are some examples of how mankind can restore the earth's integrity through knowledge, resources, and indomitable spirit.   

About Me

I come from a Mexican origin and I am the 5th child of 6 children. I was raised in Immokalee and attended Edison State College. In 2007, I received my A.S in Dental Hygiene. I have been working at Ave Maria Dentistry for three years where I proudly work with Dr Caitlin McLaughlin Raiger. I love my profession and hope to instill this passion to my 8 year old son Joel.  In my free time I love spending time with my family. We spend most of our time at home  working on the house, yard, or in the garage working  on a project. I also enjoy fellowshipping at church where I am the President of the Women's Department and Secretary of the church.