For Your Journal: Writing Prompt

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Karna Converse is a freelance writer who's written everything from technical documentation and price proposals to newsletter articles, devotionals, personal profiles and essays. Her essays have been published in a variety of regional and national publications, including The Christian Science Monitor, Notre Dame Magazine, the Cup of Comfort and Chicken Soup anthologies, Our Iowa, and on Iowa Public Radio. She lives in Storm Lake, Iowa with her husband and their three children.




In addition to the Contributions listed below, Karna posts a weekly writing prompt to Literary Mama's blog. Type "For Your Journal" in our Search box for a complete list.

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Posted in Writing by Karna Converse on February 28, 2012
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And who knows? Maybe you'll discover a character for your next short story or a theme for a narrative essay. Or maybe you'll use the idea to create a special holiday card or photo album for someone in your family. However you decide to use your journal entry, I know you'll enjoy re-reading it months--and years--down the road.
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I was a bit offended when my friend asked if I'd had my 11-year old daughter vaccinated for the HPV virus.

You gotta be kidding, I thought. Do I really need to think about cervical cancer now? She's NOT going to be sexually active for a long long long time.

A conversation with my OB-GYN supported my cautionary view. The vaccine had just hit the market (2006) and she suggested waiting until a few more studies had been completed. Four years later, she felt the vaccine was safe and that studies had proven the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer. Since that time, I've had conversations with our family doctors about vaccinations for Hepatitis A, meningitis, and influenza. The pros, the cons, and the consequences of going without.

Are your child's immunizations up to date? Check these newly updated schedules from the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Centers for Disease Control to make sure:
Ages 0-6
Ages 7-18
Catchup

Journal Entry: Describe a conversation you've had with your child's doctor. What criteria did you use to decide whether or not to use a new medication, test, or vaccination?

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