ACCHS Biology & Physics 2017

The use of bionics to enhance the existence of human life raises some interesting questions.  In the case of life altering scenarios that to date, do not have effective solutions, I think its incredible to have options that patents can choose from.  For instance, the bionic pancreas to monitor blood sugar levels and administer appropriate leaves of insulin or glucagon could be a life-changing technology for diabetic individuals who struggle to maintain a steady blood sugar level.  A functional pancreas has a difficult and important job: one that for a non-diabetic is involuntary.  However, the stress of staying balanced without a functional pancreas can be debilitating, especially when one careless mistake could turn fatal.  I also find validity in bionics, when they are used for strength building and recovery after an accident.  The “bionic suit” used with paralysis victims and MS patients could provide a segway from immobility to mobility, partl...

Should vaccination be required? The United States houses a profit driven healthcare system.  This leaves many uneasy about their health and who to entrust with its care.  Vaccinations have become a hot topic in the wake of falsified connections to autism and mysterious measles outbreaks in Southern California.  The decision to vaccinate our children should be a choice, though there may be merit in compulsory vaccination when dealing with spreadable, life altering illnesses like Measles, Pertussis and Polio. If 90% of children within a given population are getting vaccinated then theoretically the community is protected via "herd Immunity."  However, what happens when that percentage drops below 90% as parents start opting out of vaccinating their children for personal reasons? Herd Immunity is threatened and individual decisions start to impact the safety of the community.  Should other states follow California by taking away basic human rights i.e education...

I recently received a message from my sister as she studied for her board exam to become a Family Nurse Practiioner.  It was a picture of one of her practice test questions. "The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) favors all of the following in the management of sympathetic OA of the knee except: a) low-impact aerobic exercises  b) weight loss for those with a BMI >25kg/m2 c) acupuncture d) strengthening exercises Guess which one was correct? My sister followed up with, "Its probably understudied" which is absolutely true in the western world. Despite thousands of years if effective healing, is it possible to test the efficacy of TCM in western terms?  This is a troubling conundrum as clinical trials attempt to streamline participants and conditions to reduce variability whereas in the world of TCM, the diagnosis, treatment plan and healing process varies dramatically from patient to patient.   This topic challenges our inten...