Sex trade - introduction

***I have been reading and learning a lot about the sex trade industry (including porn, strip clubs and prostitution). I will be posting my thoughts about this as I learn.  Please note that I am LEARNING and although some of the posts in this series might seem upset or judgemental...I understand (and I hope you do too) that it's all part of the learning process and that I'm grappling with the issue....not passing judgement or assuming that I'm an expert***
It is absolutely crazy to me that there is such a silent problem of human trafficking in our modern world.  The craziest part is that most people don't even know about it...well that needs to stop! Here are some confirmed (and disturbing) facts about the sex trade in the United States*:

• At least 100,000 American children are being used for porn or prostitution every year
• Investigative research reveals that pimps commonly sell minor girls for $400.00 on US streets
• 12 is the average age of entry into porn and prostitution, but their ages are often mislabeled
• 1 out of 5 pornographic images is of a child

Earlier this month I attended a silent vigil at Westlake Center to raise awareness of human trafficking. The Washington State Attorney General, Rob McKenna, was there to show his support.  I'm very happy that he is the president-elect of the National Association of Attorneys Generals. His continued dedication and support to the issues of human trafficking and sex workers gives me hope that there might be a change in the future.

It may seem like this problem is far from us, but the closer you look the more disturbing it is that this is taking place in our local schools and street corners. Here are some resources on the subject/issue and ways to get involved in the fight against this ridiculous problem:

Article: Recent police activities
Organization: Seattle Against Slavery
Organization: Shared Hope Inernational
Short clip: Women to go
Upcoming documentary: Sex + Money

*Facts pulled from following this document 

Dear Cornell University and UC Davis.  Please accept me...I promise to be a good grad student...honest.

Perscription: snuggle with your baby

In the United States (or any developed country) you can go into a hospital at any time and see babies under warming lights and incubators.  In developed countries these are a great idea because we have the resources to keep them hygienic.  However, in developing countries the tools and supplies are not available for the proper maintenance of such technologies.  As my boss put it, 'they quickly become dangerous petri dishes for infection'.


The very simple, natural and innovative solution that has been found is called Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC).  This is called a health interventions, but it is simply the mother (or another relative) holding the premature infant skin to skin on the chest.  When this intervention was introduced it was solely to keep the infant warm.  After studying the reaction of the baby more closely it was discovered that the contact did way more than just warm the infant.  The babies heart beats began to regulate, their immune systems were stronger and they were more calm and content.

It's funny to me that we need to be told to do what should come so naturally, just lay down and snuggle with your sweet baby!  There is not strong evidence that the KMC is a better choice than incubators when they are kept clean and germ free.  However, it is definitely a better choice than the very scary petri dishes in the developing world.

If you are interested, here are some more resources to educate yourself about KMC.

Inspiring video:
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/videos/Pages/default.aspx#video=/livingproofproject/Pages/kangaroo-mother-care-malawi.aspx&pager=0&filter=&autostart=true 
How-to guide from WHO: http://www.who.int/making_pregnancy_safer/documents/9241590351/en/
New York Times Article:
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/13/the-human-incubator/?hp
Cochran Review:
http://www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab002771.html
KMC info site:
http://www.kangaroomothercare.com/index.htm

New Month Resolution

Why do we keep all of our goals for the beginning of the year?  This practice reminds me of how home owners frequently procrastinate the updates to their house until are about to put in on the market.  I would like to make changes to myself thorughout the year, rather than wait until I feel crappy about things at the beginning of the year...and then do an overhaul.

My New Month Resolution for February is to start a budget and really keep track of what I spend.  I trully believe that what Dave Ramsey says is true 'if you don't control your money it will control you'.  In the past I succeeded with a budget and I want to do that again. 

Also, in the month of February I am going to explore the Seattle surroundings.  I often get bored and want to go away to some far off place for vacation...why do I do that?  There are so many things right here in Washington that I've never done.  Some things that I want to do but never have are:

• See an Orca Whale, it has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember
• Spend a whole day at the Native American museums on the peninsula, what a fascinating history that we're surrounded with!
• Go to Mnt Rainier
• Go to Mnt Saint Helens
• Ride the Duck, the people are loud and obnoxious and I LOVE IT!
• Use the gift card I have for Jazz Alley
• Use the swing dance lessons that I have on account at Century Ballroom

These might not all get done during the month of February, but I will get them all done eventually!