According to Weenolsen (1988) loss can be characterized as anything that destroys some aspect of life or self.According to Worden (2002) grief can be characterized as the experience of someone who has lost an important relationship or even an attachment to another person.These concepts can be directly related to the loss of a parent.Losing a parent can be extraordinarily difficult due to the loss of support and characteristics which identify the position and role of a parent as being very special (Despelder & Strickland, 2005).The grieving processes can mean different changes for those within different roles.Older adults who lose their parents do not process or grieve as a child who has lost their parent.I feel that both of these specific roles and experiences are of greatest importance.Issues of culture also maintain consistent changes across societies in how one works through or expresses the loss of their loved ones.Support for children and adults is a very important part of the grieving process and should be connected to characteristics of who children and adults are within their roles and how they respond to such loss.Due to modern technology only about 4 % of children experience the loss of a parent before the age of 18 yrs (Archer, 1999).In comparison, in the late 1700's to early 1800's many children were without parents, making life much more difficult for children (Fox & Quitt, 1980).One cannot discuss the loss of a parent to a child without discussing segments of attachment and other developmental theory.Attachment according to Davies (2004) is a special emotional relationship between two people.According to Archer (1999), Bowlby indicated that children are able to grieve and mourn when attachment processes become solidified around the age of six months to one year of age (Archer, 1999; Worden, 2002).According to Weenolsen (1988) reactions related to grief and mourning begin within the early stages of infancy and learning when the child begins to understand their control over the environment, slowly gaining differentiation and losing their dependency.The mourning of this loss in dependency through the child's ability to gain control over their environment does manifest crying and seeking out behaviors that train the child to respond in this manner to gain access to their care giver (Weenolson, 1988).This instinctive response will be further utilized during future separations and loss (Weenolsen, 1988).Rando (1988) also claims that infants mourn when their nurturance is withdrawn and the mother (primarily) must assist in re-establishing the nurturing connection, thus reducing separation.These theoretical positions seem to be consistent with Attachment Theory in that it is the separation that initiates reactions.Furthermore, one could not understand or comprehend separation if one did not realize their own ability in controlling environmental circumstances in order to meet ones needs.It seems apparent that regarding reaction or understanding the meaning of death by children one would require sufficient cognitive ability.The loss of a parent and the response is also due to what Bowlby characterizes as the loss of the child's "safe haven" or "secure base" to explore the world (Davies, 2004).One could hypothesize that this disruption of security would effect a child's exploration during toddler development, and at times hinder needed environmental interactions.According to Archer (1999) reactions by children during the mourning process due to the loss of a parent include; pining, preoccupation, yearning, seeking or calling.According to Littlewood (1992), Bowlby clarified that this reaction to loss as instinctive; and the seeking of the lost object (the parent) although fruitless, it is performed anyway.Although many reactions due to many types of circumstances are chosen by children as a response to emotional distress; these responses are considered specific to the loss of a parent (Archer, 1999).Furthermore, many of the emotional disturbances can bring with them depressive and anxious symptomatology; as well as sleep disturbances (Archer, 1999).Children age 2 to 5 yrs.Of age seem to ask many questions regarding the parental loss (Rando, 1988) They may display regressive behaviors, obsession over questions and circumstances, and may display anxiety and anger toward the deceased (Rando, 1988).There may also lay feelings of guilt and responsibility for the loss of the parental figure (Despelder & Strickland, 2005).Some of these reactions were clearly represented in my four year old son Jonathan who lost his grandmother this past year; he seemed to obsess over the funeral and what he had witnessed.Ages 8 to 12 yrs.May feel helpless and experience reawakened feelings of childlessness (Rando, 1988).Children at this age may seek to repress such feelings, putting them at risk for complicated grief reactions (Rando, 1988).This would be consistent with Eric Erickson's stages of psycho-social development in regards to the stage of "industry vs.Inferiority." According to Longress (2000) and Anderson, Carter & Lowe (1999) there is a push for the child to become "industrious" and confident during this stage of development.It seems clear that admitting ones childish and helpless feelings would be difficult during this period.According to Worden (2002) when a death of a parent occurs in childhood or adolescents the child may not mourn effectively and this may create problems with depression and inabilities to maintain close relationships with others (p.159).According to Rando (1988) depression, denial and anger are feelings that seek to counter act the helplessness, dependency and powerlessness that adolescents are feeling.This response seems consistent when examining Erickson's psycho-social stages (Berger, 2001; Longress, 2000; Anderson et.Al., 1999).During adolescents there is a pursuit to find ones "identity", and the parent is a role modeling figure who can assist with guiding and encouraging this process (Berger, 2001; Longress, 2000; Anderson et.Al., 1999).It is understandable how an adolescent may feel powerless, helpless, dependent, and even angry due to the death of their parental figure.In regards to meaning, Fiorini & Mullen ( Article ) clarify that it is very important to characterize the meanings of grief and loss through a developmental lens.According to Worden (2002), Murry Bowen clarified that one must understand the role and position of the dying parent within the family system, and the level of adaptive abilities of family members during and after the loss of a parent.I feel, as a social worker it is important with this information to better understand what this systemic loss means to the developing child within the family system.To many children the loss of a parent means a loss of stability, security, nurturing, and affection (Despelder & Strickland, 2005).According to Worden (2002) there are needed cognitive processes and concepts that must be developed before grief can be fully understood by children.The factors are as follows;.1.Understanding time; and what forever means.2.Transformation process.3.Irreversibility concept.4.Causation.5.Concrete Operations.According to Worden (2002).Figure 1.1.According to Archer (2002) children before the age of 5yrs.Believe that death is reversible.Many young children up to this point maintain a figurative representation within their minds of the lost parent and do not completely understand the permanency of the circumstance until cognitive maturation takes place (Despelder & Strickland, 2005; Rando, 1988).This would validate findings by Piaget in regards to object permanence and development of the cognitive processes of children (Berger, 2001).According to Archer (2002), Speece and Brent indicated that children from the age of 5 to 7yrs.Of age begin to understand the irreversibility of death.Furthermore, according to Archer (2002) children less than 7 to 8 yrs.Of age however, represented a lack of understanding regarding the word "death." This is consistent with Piaget according to Archer (2002) and Berger (2001), that in order to understand such a concept as death and irreversibility, ones conceptual thought must be sufficiently developed.Up to the age of 9 yrs.Of age however, most children attribute the death of their parent to outside forces, such as God and other (Carey, 1985).According to Rando (1988) although children 8 to 12 yrs.Of age may have a more clear perception of what death is and understand the irreversibility of the process, they may also refuse to accept it.Adolescent understanding and meaning regarding the death of a parent can be characterized as one of frightening shock and in-depth spiritual examinations.The adolescent is capable of these processes due to what Piaget termed the Formal Operating Stage of development (Longress, 2000; Berger, 2001).A questioning of spirituality and ones mortality can also be associated with Erickson's stages of development in regards to adolescents finding and understanding their social and human identities within this stage (Longress, 2000; Berger, 2001; Anderson et.Al., 1999).According to Littlewood (1992) it was indicated by studies from Anderson (1949), Bunch (1971) and Birtchnell (1975) that adults who lose parents react with tendencies to.Have increases regarding..1.Suicide ideation.2.Rates of suicide.3.Rates of clinical depression.According to Littlewood (1992).Figure 1.2.Reactions and feelings related to the loss of a parent as an adult differ according to ones age (Rando, 1988).Adults in their twenties and thirties continue to view their parents as significant support structures, and losing them my feel as if one has been robbed.Feelings of childishness and regression is common and should not be repressed or ignored (Rando, 1988).One may find themselves utilizing their attachments to others such as children, friends, etc.In order to work through the grieving process (Rando, 1988).According to Rando (1988) it should be understood that the emotional nature of the relationship between the adult and parent will effect how the adult works through the grieving process.With this information one could hypothesize that the more an adult is undifferentiated in their identity in regards to the emotional parental relationship; the more difficulty they will have with separation (McGoldrick, 1998).This also would be consistent with Attachment Theory and the reactions associated with separation in regards to utilizing other constructed attachments in the absence of the parental primary (Davies, 2004).According to Littlewood (1992) a study by Sanders (1980) regarding grieving scales indicated that parents who lose their parents reacted high in two areas..1.Increased death anxiety.2.Loss of control.According to Littlewood (1992).Figure 1.3.According to Littlewood (1992) the increased anxiety is the result of the adult child feeling as if the are next in the generational line to experience death.The loss of control represents the loss of an important and unique relationship between the adult child and parent that sustained significant support features for the child (Littlewood, 1992; Despelder, 2005).From a gender prospective, it is believed according to Porter & Stone (1995) woman seem to indicate greater problems within the realm of relationships after a significant loss; men report greater work related problems through out the grieving process.The meaning of losing our parents can different for many adults depending on the importance of the adult child / parent relationship (Rando, 1988).The parent has been the most significant and most influential force within the lives of their children; to lose this special relationship, is to lose a great deal in regards to support, the past and childhood connections, and an interpretation of circumstances within the world (Rando, 1988).These changes according to Rando (1988) & Despelder (2005) may place an adult in the position and process of no longer viewing themselves as a child; thus called the "developmental push." According to Despelder (2005), Rando (1988) & Littlewood (1992), the loss of the mother is usually more severe for adults than the loss of a father.This information is based on two primary factors..1.The mother is usually the most nurturing.2.The mother is usually the last parent to experience death.Despelder (2005), Rando (1988) & Littlewood (1992) Figure 1.4.Losing a parent within adulthood also means "not having a home" to go back to which can leave a person feeling alone and frightened (Rando, 1988).It seems clear that the death of a parent and its meaning can be commonly stated as a process that will force the adult child to redefine themselves, their roles, and expectations for their lives and the lives of their family of procreation.According to Irish, Lundquist and Nelsen (1993) how cultures react and define meaning of death and loss of a parent varies.When examining the behaviors and perceptional meanings of death in various societies of the world, differences are evident between collectivistic / naturalistic cultures and individualistic / modernized cultures (Kalish, 1977).One primary difference that can be identified is the blame and reasons for ones death across cultures.Within modern societies death can be attributed to internal body failures due to poor nutrition and health maintenance (Kalish, 1977).Within our modernized society we may blame the person or parent for creating internal processes that led to their own deaths; like smoking, poor eating habits, etc.(Kalish, 1977).Within other cultures, especially isolated societies external agents would be to blame for the death of a parent, such as evil spirits or magic (Kalish, 1977).Other grief differences across cultures include examples of muted grief, excessive grief, somatization, and excessive grief (Irish et.Al., 1993).According to Irish et.Al., (1993) in Bali if one does not remain emotionally calm and mute their grief process after the death of a parent or any loved one, sorcery and magic may place a person vulnerable to harm.Irish et.Al., (1993) indicates Wikan's (1988) investigation of Egyptian culture expressed excessive grief through constant suffering and bereavement over an extended period of time.According to Oltjenbruns (1998) a study comparing scores upon the Grief Experience Inventory between Mexican students and Anglo students expressed that Mexican student's results expressed much higher somatization scores, thus indicating that Mexican culture seems to express greater amounts of somatization due to loss.Violent grief and rage seem to be expressed across most cultures; the initiation of this rage or violence seems to be connected to external circumstances; such as other cultures or other people who caused the death of a loved one (Irish et.Al., 1993; Kalish, 1977; Archer, 1999).According to Rando (1977) if children do not resolve their grief; complications can develop, such as; psychosomatic illness, psychological disturbances, adjustment disorders and behavior issues (p.1999).One strategy according to Rando (1977) is for a therapist to facilitate the withdrawal of attachment from the deceased and make attempts to redirect the emotional energies in another primary figure in the child's life.This process of course would include identifying primary support structures that assist in sustaining the child's emotional, psychological, and social well being (Littlewood, 1992).Support structures could be identified as either formal or informal processes (Littlewood, 1992).It seems to be important to utilize professional support to assist a child as well as family before, during and after the death of a significant loved one, such as a parent (Littlewood, 1992).During these processes it would also be useful according to Littlewood (1992) to utilize informal supports; such as family members and others to assist with reducing psychological and emotional distress within the child or adults.It would seem that a therapist would be obligated to assess the roles, expectations and culture of the family and children before initiating any informal or formal interventions.According to Rando (1977) children may at times act as if they are playing death games or acting out the funeral activities; however this is their way of coping and taking a break from their grief.Because children also have difficulty expressing their feelings, thoughts, and memories of the lost parent, it is important that a therapist assist with facilitating emotional expression (Rando, 1977; Despelder, 2005).Ways of gaining a child's attention and assisting them with expressing this emotion is to utilize book readings by authors who have written stories that relate to childhood grief (Despelder, 2005).Other strategies a therapist could utilize is art therapy and support group interventions to express emotional and psychological processes (Despelder, 2005).Processes and supports for adults who have lost their parents and others are important processes that will assist adults through the grieving process.When assisting adults in coping with the loss of their parent it is important to understand that there are gender differences in coping with loss (Archer, 1999).According to Archer (1999) women tend to utilize greater emotional expression and emotional components to cope with the loss of a parent.Men it is believed, utilize problem solving strategies throughout their grieving process (Archer, 1999).According to Gallagher, Lovett, Hanley-Dunn, & Thompson (1989) woman seem to utilize cognitive process in order to work through the grieving process, where as men were indicated as utilizing "keeping busy" types of activities.One could hypothesize that a therapist would have to develop therapeutic interventions that would utilize these innate way's of coping according to one's layered identity, such as with gender.With this knowledge, Worden (2002) clarifies that a counselor should primarily seek goals that facilitate acknowledging the reality of the loss, to help the person with expressed and latent affect, to assist with problems related to readjustment and to assist the person with remembering the deceased while feeling good about moving on within their own lives (p.52).In concluding, one must understand that with the loss of a parent, the roles and expectations of those left behind will have dramatic effect upon them and the ways in which a social workers must intervene.It becomes apparent that through out the grieving process for children or adults primary considerations must be applied.Gaining better understandings of child and adult reactions and meanings of parental loss, examining the information through a cultural and gender perspective and utilizing coping and support processes to assist the bereaved is of great importance.________________________________________________________.References.Anderson, R.E.Carter, I., & Lowe, G.R., (1999).Human Behavior in the Social.Environment; A Social Systems Approach.5th ed.New York. Aldine De Gruyter Inc.Archer, J.(1999).The Nature of Grief; The Evolution and Psychology of Reactions to.Loss.New York. Routledge.Berger (2001).The Developing Person Through the Life Span.New York,. Worth.Publishers.Carey, S.(1985).Conceptual Change in Childhood.Cambridge, MA. MIT Press.Davies, D.(2004).Child Development; A Practitioners Guide.2nd Edition.New York..Guilford Press.Despelder, L.A.& Strickland, A.L.(2005) The Last Dance; Encountering Death and Dying.7th Edition.New York. McGraw-Hill.Fox, V.C., & Quitt, M.H.(1980).Loving, Parenting, and Dying. the Family Circle in.England and America, Past and Present.New York. Psychohistory Press.Gallagher, D., Lovett, S., Hanley-Dunn, P.And Thompson, L.W.(1989).Use of.Select coping strategies during late-life spousal bereavement.In D.A.Lund (ed.),.Older Bereaved Spouses. Research with Practical Implications (pp.111- 121).New York. Hemisphere.Irish, D.P., Lundquist, K.F., & Nelsen, V.J.(1993).Ethnic Variations in Dying,.Death, and Grief; Diversity in Universality.Philadelphia. Taylor & Francis.Kalish, R.A.(1977).Death and Dying; Views from Many Cultures.New York. Bay.Wood Publishing Company.Littlewood, J.(1992).Aspects of Grief; Bereavement in Adult Life.New York..Routledge.Longress, J.E.(2000).Human Behavior in the Social Environment.3rd Edition.New.York. Peacock Inc.McGoldrick, M.(1998).Re-Visioning Family Therapy; Race, Culture, and Gender in Clinical Practice, New York.NY. Guilford Press.Oltjenbruns, K.A., (1998).Ethnicity and the Grief Response. Mexican American vs.Anglo American College Students.Journal of Death Studies, 22 (2), 141-155.Porter, L.S.& Stone, A.A.(1995).Are there really gender differences in coping? A.Reconsideration of previous data and results from a daily study.Journal of Social.And Clinical Psychology, 14, 184-202.Rando, T.A.(1988).Grieving; How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies.Canada. Lexington Books.Weenolsen, P.(1988).Transcendence of Loss over the Life Span.New York. Book.Crafters.Worden, J.W.(2002).Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy.3rd Edition.New York..Springer Publishing Company.
The U.S.Department of Labor's recent estimate reveals the country would be in need of a million registered nurses in the next 5-6 years.Now, if you are a graduate in any discipline and looking for employment, you are probably at the right place at the right time.The new accelerated nursing program is designed with people like you in mind.This program offers you the chance to qualify as a registered nurse at a quick pace and start earning.So if you enjoy being of service to others, yet do not have the time to spend 3-4 years for further study, then you should apply for this program.Just read up on the accelerated nursing program requirements listed below and gear up for the program.What is the Accelerated Baccalaureate and Master's Degrees in Nursing?The fast-track or accelerated baccalaureate program in nursing can be completed in 11 to 18 months.On completion of your study you become a registered nurse (RN).The accelerated master's degree in nursing takes about three years to complete.Both the programs are intensive, completing programmatic objectives in a short time; the learning process in the accelerated programs builds extensively on your previous education experience.The program provides you with equal hours of clinical exposure as you would in a traditional nursing course.These courses are held in 43 states across the US, in the District of Columbia and Guam.At present there are nearly 270 accelerated baccalaureate programs and more than 70 fast-track master's programs available in America.You must be a graduate or possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline to be eligible to apply for the baccalaureate program.What Are the Accelerated Nursing Program Requirements?To be eligible you must have a minimum of a 3.0 in your Grade Point Average (GPA).Since these intensive programs are full time with no breaks for sessions you will be encouraged not to work during the study.Your application process will also require you to go through a very thorough prescreening process where your capabilities and skills will be judged.The College of Nursing runs the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ACC BSN) for 16 months during each fall and spring on its South Carolina campus.The basic requirements for admission are -.A 3.0 in GPA on a 4.0 scale.A 'C' grade in the prerequisite courses.You must have passed in 3 out of 4 science courses - human anatomy, physiology, microbiology and elective science.3 references.A 100-word essay.A resume.Volunteer or work experience in a healthcare facility is an added qualification.Prerequisites for Graduate Applicants.If you are a graduate you must have gone through the following courses by the time you complete your studies at the College of Nursing.These are..Life span human growth and development.Human anatomy.Human physiology.Microbiology.Statistics.Science elective.Prerequisites for under graduates are..English composition/literature.Lifespan human growth and development.Human anatomy.Human physiology.Microbiology.Statistics.Science elective.Social science and humanities electives.General electives.The application deadlines in the College of Nursing are as follows..January 15 for regular admissions and November 15 for priority admissions for fall semesters;.September 15 for regular admissions and August 15 for priority admissions for spring semesters.What Scholarships Are Given in this Program?Scholarships or financial aid for students in the accelerated nursing program is still not wide-spread.Some of the nurse employers who are doing their bit are the Carondelet Health Network, Tenet Healthcare, and North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Duke University Health System,University of Missouri Health Care and some others.
To reinforce this fact, and as a motivated person you already know, you already have it in you. the most powerful means to achieve anything you want in life.This is true for every individual as well.Imagine what it would be like, if you discover, or learn how to unleash that unlimited power. your own mind, and apply this power in similar ways as the most successful individuals do.Now keep an open mind and keep reading.Your health, wealth, professional success, and all personal achievements you may get in life are directly linked to the primary dominant attitude you feel about yourself.Current controlled studies found that people with a positive attitude about aging, by and large live an average of 7.5 years longer than those with negative attitudes.But, there is even more.Optimistic attitudes toward aging seemed to favorably influence not just longevity but also the course of achieving a successful life.Positive feelings about life in general are the influential factors most commonly found in all high achieving individuals that reach success in anything in life, including health, wealth, family, and personal relationships.Individuals with positive attitudes come into view healthier, happier than even those that seek medical means and drugs in dealing with health issues, like seeking to reduce their high cholesterol levels, or control their high blood pressure.Positive optimistic feelings even seem more beneficial to their health than smoking cessation and exercise.Do You Know Why We Age?Unconsciously during the early periods of life, we accept some negative concepts about aging.We agree to these negative beliefs without questioning their validity.And when we grow older, these negative stereotypes become even more relevant.Now, we know that these negative views may actually have a real negative impact in how long we live, and affect the quality of our remaining life.Currently we know with conviction that in the past, at the beginning of civilization, when lifespan was shorter, our genes did not develop enough or more of what was needed at that specific period.There was no need to develop ways to keep us going through a longer lifespan.The cave man reached optimum physical fitness at 30, but was most likely dead at 40.There was no need to build the human body for a longer lifespan.Life then was brutal and truly short.Despite all breakthroughs in medical science, the existing facts consider that biologically speaking, today we're still living with bodies that were intended and planned for the Stone Age and not for life in the 21st century.Body, Mind and Soul.A healthy person must develop in body, mind, and soul to reach a full significant life.We know that the purpose of life is development.Everything that is alive has an unrestricted, unlimited, absolute right to reach all the development and success it is capable to achieve. the use of all the tools that may be necessary to accomplish the full physical, mental and spiritual development."Every person naturally wants to become all that they are capable of becoming.This desire to realize innate possibilities is inborn.We can not help wanting to be all we can be.Success in life is becoming what you want to be".W.Wattles.I don't know what stage in life you are now.Maybe you already reached your goals and success, or still searching for it, or ready to become a success now.From all we know at this time, the way to achieve success in life, in health, or wealth, is not a matter of age; people become successful at any age.It is not a matter of education either; the world is full of educated people, but only a few real successful.It is not a matter of race or color, sex, nationality or language, or vocation either.All these observations are the fundamental message that the most prominent world motivational, self improvement, psychology speakers, mentors and authors, are determined to get across to everyone willing to listen.That the only real difference between a successful individual and the rest is that the successful person's mind either naturally or because of training, learned to do things in a certain way.You already know, or have heard that, your mind - or plainly the way you use it- is the most powerful tool you already got to achieve anything you want in life.However, since everyone has a mind, you may ask, why doesn't everybody use it to create the life they dream about? Why do most people use this unlimited universal mental power against themselves, instead of for themselves?That is the million dollar question that the successful individual seems to have discovered.You are encouraged and free to find out how you can also get everything you want, if you really desire to be successful.No matter what stage in life you are.
In 1954, Torrance, California family counsellor Dorothy Law Nolte dashed off a poem in order to meet a deadline for her weekly newspaper column.Called "Children Learn What They Live," its nineteen lines went on to be translated into thirty-five languages.It was distributed to millions of new parents by a baby products company.And in 2005, Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan said he was raising his three-year-old daughter according to its positive verses.What Dr.Nolte was expressing in her simple way over half a century ago is simply this. parenting styles affect development.Positive parenting styles affect development positively, and negative parenting styles affect development negatively.Positive parenting styles are those which not only notice, but acknowledge and praise the good behaviors in children.Children who receive this sort of affirmation develop confidence, high self-esteem, and an eagerness to engage in more of the behavior which will pay off in more praise.Negative parenting styles affect development in just the opposite way.Negative parents jump on all the mistakes which children cannot avoid making, correcting them harshly and even humiliating the children.Even worse, a negative parenting style simply takes for granted what a child does right or well, and never offers praise of encouragement because good behavior is simply expected.Parenting styles affect development for either good or bad, and parents need to know that a conscious decision in favor of a positive parenting style is not only an option, but a responsibility.While many people have children without having made the conscious decision to do, loving those children and to remaining in touch with the idea that parenting styles effect the development of those children are choices they can make each and every day.Children are terrific observers, and one of the benefits of knowing that parenting style affect development is in realizing that children mirror what they observe.A child who experiences positive reinforcement from his or her parents will learn to be supportive and encouraging of others.In a world where no one ever feels valued enough, raising children who truly appreciate the efforts of those around them is a high calling indeed.On the other hand, negative parenting styles affect development by controlling through intimidation and ridicule.While they may, in the short term, achieve the obedience that a parent desires, in the long term they will teach the child to fear authority and to bully others.And they only work for as long as the parent can physically intimidate the child.New parents would do very well to reflect on how their own parent's parenting styles affected their development and to honestly assess what they wish had been done differently.Being aware that they may put to much weight on their own upbringing as a guide to raising their children is a tremendous first in avoiding a parenting style which will have a negative effect on their affect their children's development.Parenting styles affect development; children learn what they live; and the simple poem of five decades ago is as true today as it was when it emerged from Dorothy Law Nolte's typewriter.
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A best-selling text unparalleled in its approach to teaching human development, Berk’s Development Through the Lifespan is relied upon in classrooms worldwide for its clear, engaging writing style, exceptional cross-cultural focus, rich examples, and long-standing commitment to presenting the most up-to-date scholarship while also offering students research-based, practical applications that they can relate to their personal and professional lives.
Little girls will always welcome play with the ultimate classic children's toy, a doll or collection of dolls.With a vast array of dolls, ranging in size from handheld to more of an infant-sized offering along with accompanying accessory product lines, parents and gift-givers alike will welcome the presence of a doll in their child's life.Playing with dolls fosters imaginary play, allows a bridge between mainstream culture and the imagination, encourages creativity in dressing up and will provide a little girl with their own confidant.Dolls truly represent the ultimate classical girls' toy.One of the biggest challenges in raising a little girl is fostering imaginary play.Classical toys, with their no frills nature, are the best way to encourage this important developmental milestone.With vast collections of interactive toys available for purchase, childcare providers should endeavour to present frequent access to classical toys.A doll is a perfect vehicle for parents to accomplish this goal.Dolls typically become an extension of a little girl's person; expect to witness role play with the new best friend, nurturing behaviour, dress-up, secret sharing and most moments - both waking and sleeping shared between confidants.As little girls age they will often read to their dolls.These activities all promote and encourage developmental milestones absent in most trendy mainstream toys.One of the best gifts a caregiver can provide a child is the freedom to develop a strong sense of imagination which will ultimately foster creativity.Dolls can also serve as a crossover toy from pop culture to imagination.With many dolls modelled after current television personalities or book characters, little girls will quickly embrace their newfound friend(s) with a sense of long-ago forged friendships.Bridging mainstream culture with classical play can encourage educational development through reading, interaction and discussion.A doll often represents a common bond shared between two friends, each having their own endearing qualities to their respective owner.Dress-up and tea parties are a timeless long-standing sweet tradition between little girls and their dolls.The innocent child-play between a girl and her doll will continuously evolve as a young child ages.Initially, the fun of dressing the doll will come with the challenges and frustrations of manipulating buttons, snaps and fasteners.On occasion, the doll's owner will seek out adult assistance to complete the desired task.With maturity and development, a girl will begin to dress her doll on her own and unique outfit combinations will begin to evolve.Countless articles of clothing will be added to the doll's wardrobe over its lifespan which will help a little girl frequently reinvent her toy's appearance.As long as there have been little girls, dolls have been a mainstay fun classic toy and source of comfort.While dolls have evolved over time, from simple classic babies and girls to replicated television and book characters, they all still hold the same allure to their young owners.A doll will quickly endear itself as a little girl's best friend.Countless secrets will be shared and parents typically welcome the openness that a little girl will share on behalf of her doll.In an increasingly stressed society, many parents, guardians and gift-givers are returning to an era of classical toys.For little girls, dolls represent the ultimate classical gift.As probably one of the longest standing historical toy traditions, dolls represent the perfect gift and staple in any little girl's toy box.
The world of construction and development jobs, there are certain equipments and tools that should never be absent.These important equipments and tools are always needed in the operations of the tasks.In other words, development and construction will never be complete if these equipments and tools are absent.One of the most important equipments in the construction industry is the excavator bucket.There are many different attachments that can be installed in an excavator.One of these is the excavator mud bucket.An excavator mud bucket is used in digging up the grounds especially in muddy surfaces.This can effectively create holes that will be needed in creating foundation for establishments like buildings and homes.It can also be used when digging for swimming pool areas.With this type of machine, a construction company will never have to use several people mainly for digging.What a company needs is someone who knows how to operate such machines.Before, construction and development companies would need to hire so many people just to complete a certain task.But with the existence of these machines, companies will save more from hiring several people.However, one will have to buy machines like these.There are certain attachments that are not able to dig through muddy and soft grounds.This is why the excavator mud bucket is a very important machine.The mud bucket will be able to gather heavy and wet grounds and soil.This attachment is very sturdy as wet grounds could be heavier than dry soil.But aside from digging through wet grounds, the excavator mud bucket can also dig through soft grounds.It is just important that this is not used in solid and hardened grounds or it will easily get damaged.This machine provides so much functionality and usefulness.The construction company will not have to have all attachments at once since this type of attachment can also work on other tasks.It is also important to obtain an excavator mud bucket that is in high quality.With its frequent and hard tasks, it is prone to wear and tear.If the development company has obtained its equipments in low quality, there is a big possibility that they will have to replace their equipments more often resulting to more expenses.With the case of excavator mud buckets, it will be used very much often.The quality should dictate its lifespan.It is important to get them in good condition and quality.There are certain brands that are not too expensive but are designed to last a long time.The company does not have to spend big amounts just to get the best quality of equipments.The most important part in running development and construction companies is that they know where to get those high quality equipments and tools.As with using a mud bucket, its uses are not limited to excavating muddy grounds alone.It can still be used in many other uses.As long it can go beneath the grounds, and then it can be used for excavating.If you will be using it very often, you need to be sure that you will have a replacement ready.No matter how good the quality of equipment is, it will still be prone to damages.It is better to be prepared than to pre-empt operations because there are no equipments ready to use.
For a lot of people, the mere mention of the word 'worm' will conjure an image of a small, squirming creature that gives them the creeps.This image is made even worse when you consider the fact that the Tobacco Budworm is a species that is not actually a worm, it is in fact a moth, with wings! Now, a lot of you will want to know more ways of avoiding the creature, but the fact is that these are rather fascinating insects that will wow you if you learn a little more about them!The tobacco budworm is a species which is native to the eastern and southwestern United States, but has been found in other regions of the country as well.In some cases, these insects have even been found as far north as Canada and as far south as Guatemala! Why is this an incredible feat, you ask? Because as adults, the wingspan of these moths comes in at only 28 millimeters, which means that the adult itself is much smaller than this size - for an insect this tiny, it is a task of mammoth endurance to make it from its point of origin to such faraway places.This little moth has a high affinity for feeding on the buds of tobacco leaves in the larval stage, which rightfully earns it its name as well.The adult moth will lay her eggs on the leaves of plants that belong to the tobacco species, and when the eggs hatch they immediately make their way through the leaves and towards the bud of the plant, feeding on it and causing damage.The best way to identify an area with tobacco budworm presence is to observe if the budding leaves have their normal features or if they are ragged and distorted.This is all the more necessary when you consider that the larva of these insects have coats in the shades of green, thereby allowing them to easily camouflage in the tobacco fields!An interesting thing to note about the tobacco budworm is that each stage of its development - larva through adult - is very dependent on the temperature of its surrounding environment.A 5 degree rise in temperature, in fact, is known to shrink the time taken for the larva to mature by almost a week! That said, there is also a disadvantage in this method for the insect - in the event that the temperature changes too rapidly in a given area, it could cause great harm to their growth.Adult moths are normally light brown in color with some tinges of green, but the females of the species tend to possess darker coverings, making them more detectable.They also have a very short lifespan when fully mature, normally mating and laying the eggs for the new generation within 25 days of emerging as adults!Owing to their taste for the tobacco plant, they are cigarette manufacturers' worst nightmare.However, for all those of you who have been advocating your friends and family against the use of tobacco in their lives, the tobacco budworm may actually be Nature's way of helping you out! Bet you never thought of it that way.
Did you know that obese children are at a much greater risk of health problems than children of normal weight? Are childhood obesity and its effect on lifespan development a deciding factor in whether or not your child will have a long, healthy life? The answers may shock you.Here are three surprising facts..Children who are chronically obese have a much higher risk of developing Type II diabetes, Hypertension (also known as high blood pressure), High cholesterol, and Joint diseases.Children who are chronically obese tend to develop one or more of these health issues by the time that they reach adulthood.Over 50 percent of children who are still obese by the age of 7, stay obese into adulthood.This can lead to many different health issues and can determine how healthy they are as adults.Obese children are more susceptible to dangerous side effects of obesity, the most dangerous of them all being heart disease (see next fact).Obese children are more likely to develop heart disease by the age of thirty, and are more likely to die of heart disease when they become middle aged adults! .So is childhood obesity and its effect on lifespan development an important factor in whether or not your child will have a long, healthy life? The obvious answer is.Yes! It is important to help your child achieve and maintain a healthy weight early on in order for them to live a long, healthy, happy a life as they could.
Now, this article should raise some eyebrows and that is exactly my intent.Raise eyebrows, YES, but offend NO.To state the obvious would be to point out that all three of these items share many similarities.1) Age doesn't always mean they need to be replaced, 2) The price of the item may not represent it's quality and 3) Once you find one you like you tend to stick with it.(or it sticks with you).Now to be a little more clear.Fishing line and fishing line replacement has long been the topic during many a trip with me and my fishing buddies.And, to which line we remain loyal, is a topic of great debate.As far as replacement is concerned, my father whom I admire, says."Line must be replaced at all costs when money is on the line".Now, considering line costs money, I do not tend to agree with him all the time.And, since the amount of money he and I have spent on line is directly in-proportional to our winnings, my point may be well taken.To loyalty of line, I stand strong.So far.I remember when I first started fishing, the only line you would find on my reel would be Berkley.Why? Because the greats at the time said so.Not because it was any better or any worse than any other line on the market, but at the time, the marketing and individuals fishing on Sunday morning said it was the line to use.Back to my original point that line, wine and women have similar qualities and the topic of this article.All 3 provide a great sense of enjoyment and satisfaction as long as they have good qualities, and I mean this with all do respect.Line qualities include but are not limited to. abrasion resistance, knot strength, backlash resistance (or coiling in my terms) and ability to hold up through more that one season without becoming brittle.Wines have many traits and those all seem to differ among most who per take of such. smell, taste, color and to which dish they compliment.And lastly but most importantly are women. One's ability to put up with a fisherman's abrasion, resistance, mental strength, backlashes and smells.I wrote this article because my wonderful wife and lovely neighbor both have inputted that I needed to write an article that captured the minds of the wine drinking, non fishing females.Now to many that would seem rather odd and offending.But, after careful consideration, I decided that rather than fighting them on their opinions, like most good husbands and neighbors I would allow them their two cents while trying to provide our readers (as limited as they currently are) a little bit of fishing information.Line is the key to success when fishing and like most I have found a line that provides me great reliability and satisfaction.The question we all face is a) when to replace fishing line b) is there another line better than what we currently use.Over time I have found myself continually going to a line which has proven time and time again to produce in all conditions.And, during this article, I will not mention the brand but to say it has been the one line that over time has proven to satisfy my needs which are minimal breaks and limited grief while on the water.To the two questions, a) when to replace line and b) is there a better line on the market, I will start to provide my opinion as I gather more information.I want to be unbiased, but to be honest I can't at the moment.I have found the line.The wine and the only woman which has met all the requirements of my fickle little world.And, to each of those I am thankful.Sincerely and good fishing.Daniel Heaton.Ladybug Precision Rods.Http.//www.Ladybugbaits.Com.
You might have noticed that goods that you purchase from grocery store passed through a weighing device for accurate measurement of weight.These devices are known as crane scales.The scales have come a long way and play a vital role in various industries throughout the world.Depending upon the requirement of an industry, the size and shape of the scale varies accordingly.Today, the scales are being used by every industry to account proper calculations of their goods.As technology has seen greater advances in the past decade, many changes have also been carried out into the design and build of a crane scale.Modern day crane scales offer the user with dynamic weighing performance by enabling the user to adjust the stability.This completely eliminates the influence of swaying.The recent development saw the inclusion of LCD, LED and rechargeable battery-powered input.The user can easily transport the scale to the jobsite to perform necessary actions.Listed below are different types of crane scales that are commonly found in the market and those that have been developed according to the industrial needs.1.1.5 t capacity scale with an increment of 0.5 Kg.2.3 t capacity scale with an increment of 1 Kg.3.5 t capacity scale with an increment of 2 Kg.4.10 t capacity scale with an increment of 5 Kg.5.15 t capacity scale with an increment of 5 Kg.6.30 t capacity scale with an increment of 10 Kg.7.50 t capacity scale with an increment of 20 Kg.Crane scales have a safe overload of 120% of their capacity.When a user utilizes this overload and does not exceed the rated capacity, they will be able to achieve a prolonged lifespan of the scale.It is very necessary to find a durable and reliable scale that can withstand the most awful environment.The load sensors that are built into the scales should be made of stainless steel to avoid any damage caused due to change in temperature, moisture content and chemicals.It is also necessary that the sensors are surrounded in aluminum housing.The technological advancement has eliminated much of internal moving parts that bring down the level of maintenance that is required usually for a scale.A good amount of time is usually spent in looking out for the right crane scale suitable for a specific industry.It is essentially important for you to obtain the best quality crane that is available in the market.It might cost you a little more, but this will certainly be a true value for your money.You can get the right type of product at the right price as there are number of reputable manufacturers offering various types of scales.You can either make the purchase by physically visiting a store or order it online.The prices of the different types of scales vary according to the use of materials that have been incorporated into its manufacturing.All in all, make sure that you have the best crane scale that suits your requirements.
Quick Look Nursing : Growth and Development Through the Lifespan includes chapters in biological, psychological and social information that includes information on genetics, fetal development, cognition and information processing, roles of families, peers, school and society and many other chapters. The Second Edition includes all the new key learning features such a Closer Look, Warnings, Questions to Ask, key terms, and an updated glossary and references.
According to an account written by Gonzalo Fernndez de Oviedo in Historia General y Natural de las Indias (1535) Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon (1474-1521), the first governor of Puerto Rico (then called Boriquien) attempted to discover the fountain of youth, a mystical spring that restored youth to everyone who drank of its waters.Although the legend originally pointed to Ethiopia based on Book III of The History of Herodotus, when the Greek historian (c.484 BC-c.425 BC) wrote in c.440 BC - "The Icthyophagi [a term synonymous with coastal dwelling peoples] then in their turn questioned the king concerning the term of life, and diet of his people, and were told that most of them lived to be a hundred and twenty years old, while some even went beyond that age- they ate boiled flesh, and had for their drink nothing but milk.When the Icthyophagi showed wonder at the number of the years, [Egyptian Pharaoh Amasis (570 BC-526 BC)] led them to a fountain [in Ethiopia], wherein when they had washed, they found their flesh all glossy and sleek, as if they had bathed in oil- and a scent came from the spring like that of violets.The water was so weak, they said, that nothing would float in it, neither wood, nor any lighter substance, but all went to the bottom.If the account of this fountain be true, it would be their constant use of the water from it, which makes them so long-lived"[1] - later stories pointed to an island called Boinca located in Benini or Bimini, the westernmost district of the Bahamas.With Boinca in reach, Ponce de Leon made two attempts to locate the mystical fountain - one in 1513 and the other in 1521.Although accounts state he never found the fountain of youth, scientific evidence indicates he came tantalizingly close.Had he looked beneath the pristine Caribbean waters, he might have spotted a biologically immortal (absence of a sustained rising rate of mortality as the result of increasing chronological age as stated by the Gompertz-Makeham law of mortality) jellyfish, the Turritopsis nutricula, which with its gelatinous composition (96% water, 3% salt/other compounds, and 1% carbon and nitrogen), glossy, transparent bell-shape and ability to revert back into a younger state, is a living fountain of youth.However, it was not until March 1992 when Giorgio Bavestrello, Christian Somner, and Michele Sar published Bi-directional conversion in Turritopsis nutricula that this living fountain of youth was unveiled.Unlike other jellyfish that usually die after propagating, Turritopsis nutricula, a tiny solitary organism that preys on shrimp brine, microscopic plankton, zooplankton, and other tiny organisms, demonstrated "a unique case of ontogeny (the development of an individual organism from embryo to adult) reversal.".Turritopsis nutricula, which originated in the Caribbean (but has spread throughout the world's oceans) is currently the only known organism where transdifferentiation (the irreversible transformation of cells from one differentiated type to another) takes place on an organismic level even though its individual parts, by themselves, are incapable of regeneration.Aside from Turritopsis nutricula's transdifferentiation, the phenomenon which per C.D.M.Davey, Theory of Transdifferentiation (2 May 2006) "is a very rare event in nature," generally occurs on an organic level when certain organisms such as newts and salamanders regenerate missing parts.In short, while switching of cell types occurs in rare instances, usually when an organism regenerates an organ or part, it is an integral phase in Turritopsis nutricula's life cycle.With its ability to reverse the aging process - reverting back from a mature adult stage to immature polyp stage (its first stage of life) an indefinite number of times based on experimental results that indicated a 100% transformation rate based on a sample of 4000 Turritopsis nutricula medusae collected from the Gulf of Naples in the western Mediterranean from June 1993-October 1994, regardless of exposure to adverse conditions or type of stress factor or absence thereof as reported by Stefano Piraino, Ferdinando Boero, Brigitte Aeschbach, and Volker Schmid in Reversing the Life Cycle. Medusae Transforming into Polyps and Cell Transdifferentiation in Turritopsis nutricula (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) (Biology Bulletin, June 1996) - Turritopsis nutricula has no natural limit to its lifespan since it can effectively regenerate its entire body.Turritopsis nutricula basically utilizes transdifferentiation to address environmental stress factors (e.G.Increase/reduction in water temperature, reduction in salinity (salt-content), scarcity of food, and even senescence (biological aging)) and to repair physical/internal damage (e.G.Parts of its body especially its bell are punctured or severed) regardless of stage.In addition, Turritopsis nutricula also engages in transdifferentiation following sexual activity regardless if stress conditions exist.Although Turritopsis nutricula's transdifferentiation ability renders it biologically immortal, it is not naturally immortal per se.Like any jellyfish, it is subject to predation and disease (especially during the immature plankton stage; consequently, the majority of those that succumb perish prior to the medusa (mature) stage).However, since the latter poses a reduced risk, the population of Turritopsis nutricula is currently rising unchecked prompting Maria Pia Miglietta, Ph.D.Of the Smithsonian Tropical Marine Institute to declare, "We are looking at a worldwide silent invasion."[2].Jellyfish and Turritopsis nutricula Life Cycles..The typical jellyfish has a finite lifespan ranging from a few hours for smaller species to several months or even years for larger species.From the moment of inception, jellyfish typically undergo senescence with natural death ultimately resulting after propagation.Turritopsis nutricula, on the other hand, avoids senescence because transdifferentiation or reversion back to a younger state enables it to maintain efficient DNA repair capabilities, retain high levels of antioxidants, and minimize production of free radicals (harmful oxidants that damage an organism's cellular ability to respond to homeostatic imbalances (loss of equilibrium), disease and other stress factors).In doing so, it avoids apoptosis or programmed cellular death.Transdifferentiation, which is a critical part of Turritopsis nutricula's life cycle is described below..1.Eggs develop in gonads (located in the stomach walls) of female Turritopsis nutricula.2.Mature eggs are fertilized by sperm released in columns of water by male Turritopsis nutricula.3.Fertilized eggs develop into planula larvae that settle on the sea floor and establish polyp colonies called hydroids.Each polyp relies on minute feeding tubes for sustenance.4.Each polyp then produces a medusa (jellyfish) bud.5.Within a few days, the medusae (approximately 1 mm in diameter with eight evenly spaced tentacles) break away from the hydroid colony.6.Within 18-30 days the medusae attain sexual maturity contingent upon mean water temperature (18-22 days for a mean temperature of 72 F; 25-30 days for a mean temperature of 68 F).Upon reaching maturity, Turritopsis nutricula jellyfish range in size from approximately 4-5 mm and consist of between 80-90 tentacles.7.Turritopsis nutricula then engages in reverse metamorphosis inverting or gradually contracting its bell with "intensive DNA replication occurring in the cells of the exumbrella, the endoderm of the radial canals and those of the subumbrellar plate endoderm" per Reversing the Life Cycle. Medusae Transforming into Polyps and Cell Transdifferentiation in Turritopsis nutricula (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) (Biology Bulletin, June 1996).8.Its tentacles and meogloea (the middle layer) then shrink and are resorbed as Turritopsis nutricula regresses into a cyst or blob of tissue, settling onto a substrate (surface on which an organism grows or is attached).9.Turritopsis nutricula jellyfish then produce stolons that develop into polyps within a few days to form another hydroid colony.Afterwards, each polyp produces a medusa bud as the cycle resumes from step 4 only to be repeated over and over again due to sexual activity or exposure to stress, the latter which increases DNA replication, a key prerequisite of the transdifferentiation process.Conclusion..Scientists and geneticists are currently studying Turritopsis nutricula to discover its remarkable ability to reverse the aging process.Although the method Turritopsis nutricula uses remains unknown, the organism's simplicity, genetic code (DNA could be structured to initiate reversion to polyp state when specific senescence, biological or stress conditions are met based on changes in chemical composition that could serve as a catalyst) potential partial (in which fusion of adult embryonic stem (ES) cells with pluripotent stem (PS) cells would like play a role in transdifferentiation) or complete retention of pluripotency (in which its entire stem cell count would consist of PS cells) may play a role.Turritopsis nutricula's transdifferentiation ability, though, is not solely reliant on stem cells.Instead, it is believed that interstitial (differentiating stem cells) along with differentiating secretory (exumbrella or bell), digestive/circulatory (gastrovascular), and/or striated muscle cells also play a role.Should researchers ultimately unravel the mystery of how Turritopsis nutricula engages in transdifferentiation, the secret to biological immortality could be attained ending the millennia-long and often perceived quixotic search for the fountain of youth.However, should such a development occur, the range of socio-economic, demographic, generational and even ethical (would lifespan be determined by government through euthanasia to respond to greater competition for limited, finite resources resulting from overpopulation?) issues that would ultimately have to be addressed would be staggering and perhaps impossible to resolve.Consequently, even if scientific research eventually solves the mystery of this living fountain of youth, humanity may be, figuratively speaking, forbidden from drinking of its waters to maintain socio-economic, generational and moral stability especially since the alternative might result in significant unintended consequences that could even lead to Armageddon and human extinction.
The evidence suggesting regular aerobic exercise can reduce the development of some types of cancer is solid.Perhaps even stronger is the evidence suggesting regular aerobic exercise can have profound impacts on cardiovascular health.With regular aerobic exercise, the heart's efficiency increases, producing many beneficial effects for the body.Improved heart efficiency can also lead to a reduced risk of developing heart disease.Improved Heart Efficiency.Heart efficiency and cardiovascular fitness can be determined by several different methods.One method is to measure an individual's resting heart rate.A lower resting heart rate after a period of aerobic exercise training indicates improved heart efficiency.The stroke volume (amount of blood ejected by the heart each beat) is increased and this essentially means the heart muscle does not have to pump as many times to get sufficient blood to the body.With aerobic exercise training, the heart muscle is strengthened and it does not have to work as hard as it did before the aerobic exercise training.For example, at rest, an untrained individual may have a heart rate of 70 beats per minute (bpm) and a stroke volume of 71 ml/beat.This is equal to a cardiac output of approximately 5000 ml/minute.On the other hand, an aerobically trained individual with the same cardiac output will have a resting heart rate of 50 bpm and a stroke volume of 100 ml/beat.[1] The trained individual is able to get enough blood to his body with fewer beats than the untrained individual.This demonstrates just one adaptation the body goes through with regular aerobic exercise training.Other adaptations that accompany regular aerobic exercise training include an increased total blood volume, increased blood flow to active muscle, and an increase in mitochondrial size and density.This increase in mitochondrial density is important for the use of fat as fuel during sub-maximal aerobic exercise.When a fat molecule is to be broken down to be used as fuel, it is broken down into a fatty acid and a glycerol molecule.The fatty acid is transported by the blood to the mitochondria where it is processed to be used as fuel.With an increase in the number of mitochondria in the muscle cells, the body can process and use more fatty acids as fuel.This conserves the potential energy stored as carbohydrate for other uses.[2] In other words, the body can use fat more efficiently during aerobic exercise and save the more precious carbohydrate fuel.Aerobic Exercise and Heart Disease.Regular aerobic exercise can also reduce an individual's lifetime risk of developing heart disease.A study done at Stanford University found that the best predictor of death is lack of fitness.[3] Another study done also found that "physical inactivity is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease."[4] How fit an individual is plays a major role in determining how long a lifespan that individual may have.This improvement in fitness can be achieved through regular aerobic exercise.Another way that regular aerobic exercise can reduce the development of heart disease is through an increased number of capillaries in the body.When a person is aerobically trained, more capillaries develop to improve the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between blood and cells.If an artery is damaged or if blood flow is blocked, the blood can easily be rerouted to where it needs to get to and deliver the necessary oxygen.This increased number of capillaries occurs not only in the heart, but also in the brain and all other parts of the body, thus also reducing the risk of stroke.[5].Studies have also shown that regular aerobic exercise may be able to reverse the effects of heart disease already occurring in an individual.Of all the risk factors associated with heart disease, many of them are modifiable by regular exercise and weight control.Risk factors for heart disease which can be reduced or eliminated in an individual through regular aerobic exercise include hypertension, high levels of fat in blood, type 2 diabetes, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.Through regular exercise, these conditions can improve, and as a result, heart disease can be prevented and in some cases reversed.[6].[1] William D.McArdle, Frank I.Katch and Victor L.Katch, Exercise Physiology. Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance, 6th ed (Baltimore. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2007). 354.[2] Ibid., 478-80.[3] Steven G.Aldana, The Culprit and the Cure. Why Lifestyle is the Culprit Behind America's Poor Health and How Transforming That Lifestyle Can be the Cure (Mapleton, UT. Maple Mountain Press, 2005), 142.[4] James B.Carter, Eric W.Banister and Andrew P.Blaber, "Effect of Endurance Exercise on Autonomic Control of Heart Rate," Sports Medicine 33 (2003). 42.[5] Aldana, 143.[6] Philip E.Allsen, Joyce M.Harrison and Barbara Vance, Fitness for Life. An Individualized Approach, 6th ed (Boston. WCB/McGraw Hill, 1997) 49.
Sustainable Development. Any construction that can be maintained over time without damaging the environment; development balancing near-term interests with the protection of the interests of future generations.National Interest. A state's national interest is multi faceted.National interest is simply a states interest in its security and survival.In the modern world, however, it is considered to be a states ambition towards the growth of its economy, wealth, and power.Alternate Energy. The umbrella term that refers to any source of usable energy intended to replace fuel sources without the undesired consequences of the replaced fuels.The United States' undesired increase of dependency of oil from the Middle East coupled with the public's increased awareness of the negative environmental impact of fossil fuel emissions, has caused a public outcry for alternate sources of energy.In the wake of the turmoil in the middle-east and their love of their environment, Americans have sought alternate sources of energy.Through their impatient nature of and lack of skepticism, Americans have allowed themselves to be led to believe that ethanol is the solution that reduces our dependency of fossil fuel.What is also failed to be realized is the implications of ethanol.Ethanol production is very impractical and furthermore, it has caused a rise of inflation and food shortages.Our current methods for creating ethanol are as inefficient as they are detrimental to the environment.Currently, corn is the main source of ethanol.It is harvested and sold to ethanol plants where it is then broken down and fermented into ethyl alcohol.It is then mixed with gasoline, labeling it E-85, eighty-five percent ethanol and fifteen percent gasoline.What is often overlooked and unrealized is the actual amount of land and energy required to create ethanol.In order to make one gallon of ethanol, approximately twenty-six pounds of corn is required.One acre of land can produce 7,110 pounds of corn, which translates into 328 gallons of ethanol.With that in mind, one might ask, 'how much corn would it take to produce enough for the United States to be independent of imported fossil fuels?' Some researches estimate that if all available farmland was subsidized for ethanol production, there would only be enough to power about 4 percent of the United States' energy needs on a net basis.With the current technology used in ethanol production, it is impossible to completely become fossil fuel energy independent.Ethanol is not only impractical but is also very inefficient.It is widely debated as to whether ethanol, as a fuel, results in net gains in energy or losses.Most recent studies have shown that it takes more energy to produce it than is actually gained.When the energy associated with planting, fertilizing, maintenance, harvesting, transporting, and production are all taken into consideration; it takes roughly 1 unit of energy to produce .64 units of energy.So corn ethanol runs on only 64 percent efficiency.One must consider fuel sustainability when we lose 46 percent of the energy involved in production on a net basis.With so much corn demanded for the production of ethanol, the question of its effect on food supply and demand is raised.What does the future of the food supply and demand look like, given that the 'eviro-friendly' ethanol fuel is employed?Ethanol production is dramatically affecting not only the United States; it is affecting the entire world's food market.With the sudden spike in demand for corn, a result in ethanol production, prices in food have become very inflated.Milk prices have increased by over 200 percent, corn prices have quadrupled in one year causing starvation and unrest in many third world countries.Countries including Mexico, Indonesia, Yemen, and Egypt are all feeling the sting of shortages and high food prices.In Mexico, there were 'tortilla riots', a result of the high prices for corn flour.Mexico's poorest citizens diet consists mainly of tortillas.If the price increases of corn flour continues, malnourishment and starvation is certain to accelerate.Mexico's officials have tried to put a price cap on the price of corn flour but shopkeepers simply cannot maintain such low prices when the prices they par are so high.In other third world countries such as Egypt, food shortages have caused unrest and have nurtured Islamic radicalism.Does Ethanol help us with one problem or just create others? As more corn goes into ethanol production the necessity for land designated to corn growth will increase every year.To counter overproduction, maintain market balance and keep a healthy environment, the US government implemented a program called Conservation Reserve Program (commonly referred to as CRP) in the 1950's.CRP is a program that subsidizes land to reduce erosion, increase habitat for wildlife and stop over production of crops.The farmer agrees to let these subsidized areas grow into wild grass and plant reserves.The CRP program is very important to environmental enhancement in areas all over the United States, especially the mid-west.As the demand for ethanol increases, farmers will begin to search for ways to maximize they're production of corn.Corn requires a fall tillage which leaves the soil barren between October and June.In areas where ground is most vulnerable, such as steep inclines, CRP is planted to prevent erosion.An erosion experiment was conducted at the Rathburn Lake Watershed in Iowa.After converting approximately 29 percent of the most erosive land (approximately 4 percent of the entire lake's watershed) into row crops from CRP, an increase in erosion was very apparent.By replacing the CRP with row crops (corn is a row crop), the erosion increased by 204,000 tons of sediment per year.That was four times the government's acceptable level of annual erosion for Rathburn Lake's watershed.As the demand for cellulosic ethanol production increases, the affect on sustainable soil quality remains uncertain.Farming corn is very clean.After a harvest, there is little to no residual crops left.Therefore, in order for there to be any nutrients in the soil, farmers must inject pesticides and fertilizers into the soil in order to plant corn the following year.In addition to the increase of sediment flowing into water sources, the amount of chemicals comes into consideration.As a result of the increased amount of phosphorus at Lake Rathburn, an algae growth was stimulated in conjunction with the increase of sediment deposition.This spike in algae growth shortened the lifespan of the lake.As a consequence of the increase of pesticides and fertilizers such as nitrate, the water will become unsuitable for humans to drink and for aquatic life to live in.Exposed farmland sprayed with fertilizers and pesticides will wash pollutants into water sources potentially killing aquatic life and becoming toxic for humans to drink.In the city of Doon, where the city's water head is farmland, the nitrate levels exceeded legal limits by 10 to 40 percent.Furthermore, regarding water quality, waste after ethanol production, is very high in levels of contaminants.Any breach in a holding pond, waste system or cooling system could have a detrimental impact on nearby water on both aquatic life and water quality for humans.The method of disposing of these contaminated waters would be discharging them into water sources but in limited amounts.The aquatic organisms are not the only life forms at risk.Various birds and animals rely on the existence of clean water and CRP for their very survival.There have been proposals to completely eliminate the CRP program in Iowa.In some states, such as South Dakota and Iowa, CRP will be eliminated by up to 60 percent in the next year.The species particularly affected by this legislation is the Ring-Neck Pheasant.Iowa is currently one of the most sought after pheasant hunting destinations in United States.State wide, Iowa grosses over 90 million dollars annually from pheasant hunters.Pheasant hunting is an industry in rural parts of some states that many people depend on to make a living.The population of pheasants is expected to decline by 55 percent due to the loss of CRP habitat.Bird populations such as the Northern Harrier and the Henslow Sparrow are two other species that will be threatened should current CRP lands be significantly reduced.The effect that ethanol has on the environment are very unappealing.From an efficiency stand point, corn ethanol is not a viable option to replace fossil fuels.On the brighter side, new technologies on the not so distant horizon may enable us to switch to ethanol as an alternative fuel.Research and development have explored the possibility of obtaining ethanol from more efficient sources.One particular species that has gained a lot of attention is switch grass.Bio-genetic engineers have created a strain of switch grass that can grow up to 10 feet tall.The level of efficiency is far better than corn.Comparably, switch grass runs at 700 percent efficiency, superior to corn's 64 percent.There are other positive facts about switch grass that make it very appealing.Switch grass grows fast and it is not a 'row crop' like corn.Switch grass grows just like other prairie grasses, which would reduce the amount of erosion.Furthermore, switch grass provides much better cover and habitat for species such as the Ring Necked Pheasant.Switch grass is certainly another option that should be explored.There are several other sources of energy in development that may also decrease our dependency on fossil fuels as well.Wind energy, hydroelectric and hydrogen are all potentially environmental friendly alternate fuel sources.Hydrogen power is an energy source that has not been thoroughly explored, but could potentially be the cleanest and cheapest form of energy.Hydrogen is the most abundant resource on our planet.It can even be harvested from algae.Transforming hydrogen into a usable energy form is very difficult, dangerous and inefficient with the present technology.Hydrogen is still very far from being used as a fuel source.But with continued effort of technological advancement and further research, hydrogen could very well become a potential source for alternate energy.Concerning the topic of sustainability, corn ethanol is not a technique that should be employed as an alternate energy source.There is net energy loss when producing ethanol.If more energy is used in producing ethanol than is actually gained, then how can it be rationalized as an alternate energy source? Soil degradation will also become a major concern should corn ethanol production continue.As stated earlier, corn would be planted continuously, causing erosion and elevate the chemical contaminant levels in the environment.This would decrease the lifespan of many valuable water sources and destroy the environments that many species depend on.So as the United States moves toward ethanol, more land will be required to meet the quantity of corn demanded.This will decrease the land designated for soybean, rice, grains and livestock.Inevitably this shortage of food supply will inflate prices of food to the point where poorer people will no longer be able to afford them.This could cause unrest globally.Should we proceed with this strategy of corn ethanol as our alternate energy source, we could possibly degrade the soil to the point where we could no longer farm it, One must now ask, is ethanol really the answer to saving the environment and protecting our national interest? Or is it simply politicians pandering to a voting bloc?After weighing the gains and losses in of our national interest, it can be concluded that we would lose more than we will gain should we substitute corn ethanol for fossil fuels.First, I will lay out the gains should we commit to ethanol production.We could become energy independent, and no longer rely on the Middle East for oil.For this reason, many people endorse the idea of ethanol.We are currently at war with many Middle Eastern countries and on tense terms with several others.Should we have to commit to war with any other countries, we must have our own source of energy.The environment, in some ways, is a beneficiary to the ethanol switch.Ethanol burns far cleaner than any fossil fuel, leaving a much smaller carbon foot print.Engines run more efficiently and are often cleaned, reducing the amount of sludge buildup in the engine.These are some of the potential gains to our national interest should we switch to ethanol.In my opinion, the negative affects outweigh the gains.Ethanol is inefficient; it requires more energy to produce a unit of energy than is gained.It will cost more to produce the fuel than will be gained from it.Although fossil fuels run at about 84 percent efficiency, it still is better than the 64 percent efficiency of ethanol.Ethanol production will endanger or cause species to become extinct.This could create ecosystem problems by allowing certain species to proliferate while devastating others.Our soil quality will diminish, making it harder for future generations to sustain a high quality of life.If the demand for corn continues to rise, food shortages are imminent.It will inflate the cost of food and decrease the amount of available food world wide.It will make it harder for poorer Americans to pay for food.People could resort to crime as a way to survive.In other countries poorer people will no longer be able to afford food at such a high price, leading to starvation and malnourishment.So why should Americans care? As seen in Egypt, Yemen, Bangladesh, and even Mexico, food shortages cause unrest and a rise in radicalism.In Egypt, a rise in radicalism was noticed when the supply of corn was reduced and the price was increased.In Mexico, thousands of demonstrators rioted over the high price of corn flour.Impoverished people will resort to crime and revolt if that is what it takes to keep them fed.Ethanol is not the answer to our problems.It is in effect the grounds for more problems to surface and for existing problems to deteriorate even further.
