Kelly

2008-02-18T19:47:00.003-08:00

A cyborg is defined as an “organism that has enhanced abilities due to technology” (Wikipedia 1) In other words, humans are cyborgs because we are able to survive better because of the technology offered to us today. I am going to tell the story of why I’m a cyborg due to my dependency on echocardiograms and electrocardiograms.

2008-02-18T19:47:00.001-08:00

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon in Rochester, New York about two weeks before my ninth birthday. My nanny, Shannon, and I decided to go rollerblading around my neighborhood and then take a quick dip in the pool.

2008-02-18T19:46:00.004-08:00

As we were swimming, my mom showed up surprisingly very early. I tried to get her to come swimming, but she sadly informed me that I had a doctor’s appointment and had to get out and dry off immediately.

2008-02-18T19:46:00.003-08:00

As my mom and I were driving to my annual pediatrician check-up, I saw a car that I have wanted ever since. It was the first time I saw the Range Rover in black. My mom laughed at me when I asked if i could get it for 16th birthday. Soon after, we arrived at my doctor's office.

2008-02-18T19:46:00.002-08:00

Once my mom parked the car, she got out, but I did not. I sat in the back seat of the car close to tears. I was scared of being unhealthy or getting a shot.

2008-02-18T19:46:00.001-08:00

My mom promised me that it was just the basic check-up, no shots or extra tests to help relax me. The nurse came in first, weighed me, measured my height, and took my blood pressure.

2008-02-18T19:45:00.002-08:00

Then the doctor came in and started examining me further. While listening to my heartbeat with a stethoscope, my doctor noticed an abnormal heartbeat that she thought could be a heart murmur. However, she did not tell me, she recommended to my mom that I go and see a cardiologist.

2008-02-18T19:45:00.001-08:00

After my mother drove us home, she made an appointment with a cardiologist in order to have an echocardiogram and electrocardiogram done.

2008-02-18T19:44:00.001-08:00

An echocardiogram records the beats of one’s heart using sound waves in order to show a moving picture of one’s heart.

2008-02-18T19:43:00.002-08:00

An electrocardiogram records the beats of one’s heart on a graph.

2008-02-18T19:43:00.001-08:00

A few weeks later, I went in for my appointment with the cardiologist's. The two tests proved that I had a heart murmur.

2008-02-18T19:42:00.002-08:00

While at the hospital and being tested for a heart murmur, I discovered more technology that I never knew existed. In the room alone, there were four computers, a television, and other technological devices I have never seen or heard of before. This goes to show that technology is all around us, and helps a person be the best they can be both mentally and physically.

2008-02-18T19:42:00.001-08:00

Since finding out that I had a heart murmur at the age of nine, I must periodically be tested to check the status of it. My most recent check-up looked as if I am gradually outgrowing it and one day may not have it anymore.

2008-02-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

After studying cyborgs, I have come to the conclusion that everyone is one in some way or another. I have been dependent on technology for the heart since the age of nine. If it weren’t for this technology, I would never have known I have a heart problem and therefore would not have been treated for it. In conclusion, we are all cyborgs, whether we choose to admit to it or not.

2008-02-18T19:02:00.000-08:00

Title: Blog (blood pressure) Address: http://blog.usa.gov/roller/govgab/resource/images/BP_Monitor.jpg

Date: 18 February 2008

Title: CEC Wheels Address: http://www.cecwheels.com/images/medialibrary/range_rover_sport_mit_381_2.gif
Date: 18 February 2008

Title: eBook_rubric Address:http://www.jcu.edu/education/dshutkin/ed186/eBook.htm
Date: 18 February 2008

Title: Executive Retreats Address: http://www.executiveretreats.com.au/images/listings/119_4.jpg
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Title: Get-Recruited Address: http://www.get-recruited.co.uk/images/hi/8ab.jpg
Date: 18 February 2008

Title: Health Savers Address: http://www.healthsavers.info/images/ist2_449711_healthy_heart.jpg
Date: 18 February 2008

Title: Heart Failure (echocardiogram) Address: http://www.heartfailure.org/images/img_movie_echo.gif
Date: 18 February 2008

Title: Jupiter Images Address: http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/74/90/22779074.jpg Date: 18 February 2008

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Title: Resident and Staff (electrocardiogram) Address: http://www.residentandstaff.com/files/ArticleFiles/RSPFeb0522_f1.gif
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Title: Typepad Address: http://crnano.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/06/07/cyborgs.jpg
Date: 18 February 2008

Title: web-books Address:http://www.webbooks.com/elibrary/medicine/Cardiovascular/Images/HeartMurmur.jpg Date: 18 February 2008