Lynne Brick's Fit Tip #37, 2007 — Exercise Your Rights (Part II)

    You have many rights in many ways. Exercise them.     

1. BE AWARE! Domestic violence (sometimes referred to as domestic abuse) occurs when a family member, partner or ex-partner attempts to psychologically or physically dominate another. Domestic violence often refers to violence between spouses, but can also include cohabitants and non-married intimate partners or "intimate partner violence" (IPV).
   
   Facts:
   
   • Domestic violence is the leading cause of serious injury to women more common than rape, muggings and car crashes combined.
   • ONE out of THREE women has, will be or currently in an abusive relationship.
   • Domestic violence occurs every NINE seconds.
     
     
   Be aware of the signs of domestic violence of someone who has been abused:
   • Psychological/ Emotional: Depression, Chronic fatigue, Anxiety, Substance abuse
   • Physical:
     • Scrapes, bruises, cuts to the face, eardrums, neck, arms, abdominal region or parts of the body concealed by clothing.
     • Physical markings such as cigarette burns, bite marks, rope burns, bruises, welts with the outline of a recognizable weapon such as a belt buckle.
     • Defensive posture injuries: These injuries are to the parts of the body used by the woman to fend off an attack. The small finger side of the forearm or the palms when used to block blows to the head and chest. The bottoms of the feet when used to kick away an assailant. The back, legs, buttocks, and back of the head when the woman is crouched on the floor.
     • Not-so-obvious physical signs such as abdominal pain.
       
       
   Hotline information: Baltimore County Hotline: 410-828-6390; Baltimore City Hotlines: 410-889-7884
   
   
2. Be loud and be heard in Annapolis! Marylanders oppose taxing health! Log onto www.HealthClubs.com to communicate with our state's legislators before the special session begins Monday 10/29/07. Maryland's budget deficit is approximately $1.7 billion. The cost of healthcare in Maryland is approximately $1.5 billion. A 6% sales tax will deter people from preventing debilitating diseases. Health clubs help to save people's lives. Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Huckabee incorporated programs to improve the fiscal and physical fitness of their state. Governor O'Malley should follow their foot steps. Remove health clubs from the bill!
   
   

You Go Girl!

Resources:
www.lynnebricks.com
http://www.peoples-law.org/finding/commres/counties/baltocounty.html
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/domestic_violence/page4_em.htm
www.healthclubs.com