Blog Entry #10: Write an opinion paragraph: “What did I learn in this course?”

 

What did I learn in this course?

 

      In the Composition I course, I practiced my writing skills quite a bit. First, it was a challenge for me to start writing articles because I am not used to doing it, however, as the course progressed, I acquired the ability to write and structure my ideas better. The use of outlines was essential to ensure that each paragraph and essay followed a logical, ordered, and coherent structure. Second, I learned to use connectors in writing, as well as the use of simple, compound, and complex sentences, in order to keep the vocabulary of the writing at an advanced level. Third, I learned quite a bit of vocabulary, since the fact of reading and writing allowed me to learn new words that are now part of my vocabulary. In general, the course allowed me to practice my writing skills, learn the structure of paragraphs and essays, and expand my vocabulary.

Blog Entry #9: Write an expository essay on Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

 

 Complementary and Alternative Medicine

     Complementary and alternative medicine includes a wide variety of therapies and practices that are different from conventional medicine but focused on the same objective, which is to heal or treat diseases. Many people use it as a complement to the medications they use in their treatments or as an alternative. Its principles are based on the fact of treating people in a comprehensive way, that is, it goes beyond treating only specific symptoms. This is a topic that is important to address due to the boom it has had in recent years. Therefore, in this essay we are going to address what is meant by complementary and alternative medicine, the paradigm shift it has generated and its application in daily life.

   According to Nogales-Gaete (2004, p. 4), complementary and alternative medicine is understood as “the set of diverse systems, practices and medical and health care products that are not currently considered part of conventional medicine.” That is, it does not focus only on specific symptoms, but rather seeks to improve people's health in a comprehensive manner and enhance their general well-being. Examples of these practices include acupuncture, magnet therapy, yoga, meditation, herbal therapy, energy healing, among others. The above has implied a paradigm shift reflecting an evolution in society regarding the use of natural and holistic methods. Astin, Harkness and Ernst (n.d) point out that more and more studies of various types including randomized trials that evaluate the effectiveness of such complex aspects as the power of prayer, distant breath and healing touch. The above has confirmed in turn that there is no single method to treat diseases. Today, complementary and alternative medicine has made it possible to combine the best practices of both branches of medicine and offer a more personalized treatment for patients.

    Complementary and alternative medicine represents a new method of healing in the modern world. However, it is necessary to know its scope, limitations, the paradigm shift it implies and how it is applied in daily life. Many of these practices lack scientific support, therefore, it is necessary to evaluate their safety and effectiveness. Despite the above, these practices combined with conventional medicine can offer patients more options for their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Therefore, I consider it a good option and when it comes to improving our health we can take advantage of the benefits that both medical worlds offer us.

References:

Nogales-Gaete, J. (2004). Medicina alternativa y complementaria. Revista Chilena De Neuro-psiquiatríA, 42(4). https://doi.org/10.4067/s0717-92272004000400001

The Efficacy of “distant healing”: A systematic review of randomized trials. (n.d.). Astin JA, Harkness E, Ernst E., 132: 903-910.

Blog Entry #8: Read the given story and talk about the benefits and challenges writers face every day.

Benefits and challenges writers face every day

     Dedicating oneself to writing represents benefits and challenges for writers who must do it on a daily basis. On the one hand, writing is beneficial because it is a way in which writers can express their ideas, communicate information, encourage writing, tell stories and create connections with readers. In addition, writing is a skill that allows the development of other skills, such as increasing critical thinking, serving as a therapeutic tool to channel emotions and improving attention and decision making. On the other hand, there are the challenges that writers face, such as mental block, insecurity about whether what is written is good and interesting for readers. Despite the benefits and challenges, the important thing is to remember that everything is a balance and when new habits are acquired, one must be perseverant and maintain discipline, remembering that every effort is always worth it.

Blog Entry #7: Look for a piece of national or international news and write a comment on it.

 

        It is an urgent reality for everyone around the world. According to the news, experts believe that the effects of climate change directly impact the availability of drinking water, so there is a direct impact, which in turn leads to social and environmental consequences, making it necessary to act. First, it is important to highlight the direct impact caused by climate change, since this is reflected in prolonged droughts that reduce the amount of drinking water, on the other hand, there is the melting of glaciers that also affect water resources around the world. Second, there are the direct social and environmental consequences of climate change, because water scarcity can affect health, agriculture, industry, biodiversity and without leaving aside the loss of rivers and lakes. Finally, a call is made to act, experts recommend implementing strategies for conservation and sustainable management of water, as well as adapting to climate change that includes efficient use of water and education about its importance. In conclusion, the global water crisis cannot be ignored. There is currently a direct impact of climate change on the world's water resources, which in turn leads to social and environmental consequences, making it necessary to take action to preserve this vital resource for us and future generations.

Blog Entry #6: Read the article “Causes and Effects of Global Warming” and write a comment on it.

 

Global Warming: Causes, Effects and Solutions

 

          Global warming is a reality that we are experiencing today, this represent a danger to all of us who live on planet Earth, so solutions are needed to mitigate its effects and find ecological balance. Below, the three main causes are detailed with their effects and solutions suggested by the article. The first cause is fossil fuel sources and greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, this causes an increase in global temperatures so the use of these fuels must be reduced, and cleaner energy sources must be adopted. The second cause is deforestation and alteration of weather patterns, which implies a decrease in the earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), whose direct effect is that there are very high levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. For this reason, it is necessary to protect and restore forests. Finally, there is ecological disturbance, which translates into extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and storms, among others. Generating a loss of habitats that affects biodiversity, it is for this reason that adaptation to changes that allow mitigating the effects is suggested. In conclusion, to mitigate the effects of global warming, fossil fuel sources and greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced through cleaner energy, forests must be protected and restored, and sustainable measures must be adopted to protect our planet.

  

Blog Entry #5: Look for a piece of national or international news and write a comment on it.

The first Costa Rican woman to reach Everest, the highest peak in the world.

      Ligia Madrigal's feat of conquering the summit of Mount Everest represents a representative, significant and important event for Costa Rica. First, because being the first woman to reach the highest peak in the world, she becomes an icon of empowerment for all women in Costa Rica, since with her achievement she inspires many other women to achieve their dreams and continue breaking all the barriers associated with gender. Second, it is the incentive for tourism, since with her feat she has captured international attention and this could be used to promote Costa Rica as a tourism and adventure destination, which offers its visitors green landscapes and impressive mountains. Finally, there is national pride for the great achievement attained at the sporting level, Costa Rica can now say that there was a Costa Rican woman who reached the summit of Everest, defying extreme conditions, leaving high the courage, talent and determination of Costa Ricans, which strengthens our identity as Ticos. To sum up, female empowerment, the promotion of tourism and sporting achievement are three important aspects resulting from Ligia Madrigal's feat.

 

Blog Entry #4: Write a narrative paragraph. “My Favorite Summer Vacation”

My Favorite Summer Vacation

        My favorite summer vacations were the ones I took to Guanacaste when I was little. My grandmother created a tradition of gathering the whole family at her house during the holidays. Currently, this tradition was lost because my grandmother passed away, however, these holidays were my favorites and significant for different reasons. First, family time, because the whole family lives in different parts of the country and during the year we do not see each other, so during these summer dates I had the opportunity to see my grandparents, uncles and cousins, in one place and at the same time. Second, Guanacaste has a hot climate but ideal for different walks and family activities, so we take advantage of it to visit beaches, do outdoor activities and take adventure tours. Lastly, the traditional food of Guanacaste definitely made these summer vacations my favorites because my grandmother always had tortillas, rosquillas, tanelas, purple corn atol and the famous chicheme prepared for us to drink. As a sum up, sharing with family, taking walks together and enjoying traditional Guanacaste foods was what I enjoyed most about these summer vacations and that is why they were my favorites.