Christmas past Essay Example for Free

Christmas past Essay Ebenezer Scrooge is a tightfisted miser who has only one purpose in life, to extort as much money and profit he can from anything and everything. As with all things, too much of one thing is bad for you; Scrooges miserly ways are catching up with him. His cheap ways have not brought him any friends, quite the contrary; they have brought him derision and scorn. He was thought of as a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone! A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, selfish, covetous old sinner! As we can see, he wasnt a very pleasant person, but that is to be expected of people who work around money all their lives. Money became more than a possession to Scrooge, all his coins were his little children. He kept them safe in their strongboxes. To give away but one petty coin, would have been asking Scrooge to give away part of his soul. He was greedy and crooked to the bone. He was a cold heartless man No warmth could warm No wind that blew was bitter than he. Scrooge hated the idea that on Christmas day his workers were allowed the day off and Scrooge still had to pay their wages. A poor excuse for picking a mans pocket every twenty-fifth of December. Scrooge dislikes people who try and raise money to help the poor, when the charity workers tell Scrooge some poor people would rather die than work in a workhouse Scrooge replies. If they would rather die They had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. This quote shows that Scrooge doesnt care about other people apart from himself. He doesnt care that other people are worse off than he is and he doesnt care if they die. If I could work my will Every idiot who goes about with merry Christmas should be boiled with his own pudding. This is a quote from Scrooge before the ghosts visit him. It shows that Scrooge doesnt like Christmas and doesnt like other people enjoying themselves at Christmas. Scrooge wasnt just miserable and bad tempered at Christmas; he was like that all year round. These famous lines were uttered by Scrooge on Christmas Eve, 7 years to the day, of his old partner, Jacob Marleys death. Then as Scrooge was about to enter his marvelously slum-like mansion, he looked at his doorknocker, and nearly fainted dead away with fright. Scrooge saw in the knocker not a knocker, but Marleys face. Bad omens breed ill times to come, and this was most definitely a bad omen. As Scrooge looked fixedly at this phenomenon, it was a knocker again. Scrooge just thought it was the dark playing with his mind. Darkness was cheap and Scrooge liked it. When Scrooge sat down by the small fire the cellar floor blew open with a booming sound, still Scrooge wouldnt believe anything strange was happening. Its still humbug I wont believe it. When the ghost of Marley appears before Scrooge he still doesnt accept what hes seeing. The ghost asks Scrooge Why do you doubt your senses? Scrooge replies, Because a little thing effects them theres more of gravy than of grave about you. Marleys ghost explains to Scrooge that he is forced to travel around the world; he sees people suffering and cant do anything to help them. Marleys ghost explains to Scrooge that he is forced to do this in death because of the way he was in life. Marley tells Scrooge that his punishment after life will be even greater because Scrooge was just as bad as Marley and has had an extra seven years of life to do bad things. Marley told Scrooge that unless he changes his ways he will be punished. He tells Scrooge that three spirits will visit him. Expect the first tomorrow when the bell tolls one. The ghost of Christmas past was a strange figure. Its hair hung about its neck and was white as if with age. Its arms were very long and muscular. It had a lustrous belt around its waist and was holding a branch of fresh green holy in its hand. You are one of those whos passion made this cap, and force me through whole trains of years. The ghost said to Scrooge. Meaning because of people like Scrooge the ghost has to visit them. The ghost of Christmas past took Scrooge to the place where he grew up. They saw travelers; Scrooge knew and named every one of them. Why did his cold eye glisten Why did his heart leap as they went past. The ghost then took Scrooge to his old school; he was the only child left there. All the other children had gone back home to their families for Christmas. The ghost then took Scrooge to a house were a young Scrooge was reading a book by a weak fire. Some actors visited young Scrooge and performed a play for him. Scrooge remembered how lonely he was and how happy the actors made him feel. There was a boy singing a Christmas Carol at my door last night.

The Negative Effect Of Clubbing On The Body

The Negative Effect Of Clubbing On The Body The levels of clubbing and video gaming have increased in the twenty first century; however the people that go out dont know realise that they are falling victim to the unhidden dangers of clubbing. Epilepsy and heart attacks are conditions that have been associated with stress, bad nutrition and other major triggers of the conditions without realising that even the so-called fun places and gadgets we spend time on can be a danger to our lives, or the lives of an epileptic. Commonly used strobe lights in the clubs can lead to photo sensitive epilepsy which isnt just there to enhance the hype of the clubbing, but are a serious danger. The rhyme of the music in the night clubs can also lead to severe consequences such as cardiac arrest. Therefore in this assignment we will be trying to make aware to all people the dangers of the fun side of our lives, mostly to the young people who have adapted to the twenty first century style of living. Negative effects of music on the heart: Some types of music can cause the brain to lose its symmetry between its right and left halves, or hemispheres. It can likewise generate diminished work capabilities in adults. The specific type of beat may be at fault. The types of music that cause these effects on the brain are mostly aggressive forms of music such as heavy rock or rap. The anapestic beat causes the switching of the brain, that is, the symmetry that exists between the two hemispheres of the brain is destroyed. This strains the heart and causes a stress to the body, weakening the muscles. (Heather, S, 2006, pg1) The anapaestic beat, which is the type of rhythm found in hard rock music, is known to be the exact opposite rhythm to that of our heart. Naturally this interrupts the natural rhythm of the heart, and disturbs normal heart rate and results in a strain or stress to the body. (Heather, S, 2006, pg1) Loud, fast paced music significantly increases the heart rate and when heart rate increases, cardiac output and resultantly blood pressure also go up. Blood pressure is raised by crisp, repeated chords. Both consonant and dissonant chords exert a profound effect on a persons pulse and respiration. (Frederick, W, 2007, pg32) Intense or loud music e.g. rock, electro result in the bodys release of the fight or flight hormones, i.e. epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol by the adrenal glands. This is followed by the constriction of the tiny blood vessels and consequently the increase in the blood pressure and heart rate. (Navaro, R, 2009, pg73) the way the body reacts can be likened to the same way it reacts when under stress or strain. Heart rate acceleration is associated with loudness , the tempo and the musical complexity of the music that is, as the tempo increases and the music becomes louder and with the inclusion of several instruments comes the marked and rapid increase in circulatory and cardiac activity. (Kahn A,P, 2009, pg220) The increase in blood pressure due to the strain brought on the body is counteracted by blocking/inhibition of the central sympathetic outflow of the heart and peripheral circulation. Baroreceptors are able to detect the changes in the vessel walls, which occurs due to the changes in the arterial pressure. The regulation occurs sequentially, from the intermediolateral cell column, to the preganglionic neurons, sympathetic ganglia, and to the post ganglionic sympathetic nerves directed to the heart, arterioles, veins and kidneys. This homeostatic process is referred to as the Baroreflex negative feedback loop which is the bodys way to react to increased blood pressure. The final result is a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. (Fink, 2000, pg241) http://s1.favim.com/orig/26/adidas-party-rave-strobe-lights-Favim.com-227934.jpg http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/768839063/SoundSystemSpkrWall.jpg (DJ in night club, n.d.) (Picture of a sound system, n.d.) Positive Effect of Music on the Heart: Music can have a positive effect on the body. This however does not include house, club, rave or any music with a fast beat. Classical music can cause the heart rate (pulse) to relax to the beat of the music as the rhythm is slow and calming. Such classical music includes that of the baroque period. As the heart rate becomes more relaxed so does the body, this allows for increased concentration. By having a decreased heart rate a persons blood pressure will decrease too, allowing for enhanced learning abilities. (Anon, 2012) Music doesnt just affect the heart rate, but also the frequency and amplitude of the brain waves. This is measured with an electroencephalogram. As well as effecting the breathing rate and the skins electrical resistance. So depending on the pace of the music depends on how the breathing rate, brain waves and the skins electrical resistance will be affected. Calming music will decrease the breathing rate although the breaths that will be taken will be deep allowing for increased oxygen to be supplied throughout the body. (Anon, 2012) How a heart attack happens/ What is a heart attack: For our hearts to function we need oxygen and nutrients, this ensures that the heart carries on beating. The rhymatic beating of the heart allows nutrients and oxygen to be pumped in and around the body which ensures our survival. When there is a shortage or no oxygen, the heart will not be able to function normally. This is known as a heart attack or a coronary attack. (Anon, 2012) This happens when the coronary arteries which carry the oxygen to the heart become blocked. This blockage can be due to cholesterol, fat and other substances which are known collectively as plaque. Causing the arteries to become thick and hard. This is known as atherosclerosis. (Anon, 2012) This plaque is dangerous in many ways one of them being that the plaque can break in the coronary artery causing a blood clot in this area. This blood clot blocks the coronary artery, cutting off the blood supply to the heart. This is known as an ischemia. During this blockage if any damage or death of any part of the heart muscle has occurred during an ischemia this is known as myocardial infarction (MI). (Anon, 2012) There can also be an obstruction in the artery other than a blockage leading to a heart attack. (Anon, 2012) (With some of the above mentioned heart attacks such as atherosclerosis, there are no symptoms as the body has compensated for the narrowing of the coronary arteries by widening other arteries.) (Anon, 2012) An angina attack can often be confused for a heart attack. An angina pectoris is when the patient feels a sharp pain in his/her chest. This does not cause any damage to the heart muscle whereas a heart attack does. An angina pectoris occurs normally during exercise or emotional pain causing the patients blood pressure to increase beyond normal. (Anon, 2012) Other causes of a heart attack can be a spasm in the coronary artery blocking the blood supply flow towards the heart muscle hindering the oxygen and vital supply of nutrients to the heart. The cause of the spasm is unknown and can occur in an ordinary artery or in one that has a blockage. If the spasm is severe this can lead to a heart attack. (Anon, 2012) Cardiac arrest is when there is an abnormal heart beat. This is slightly different to a heart attack because it is due to the hearts electrical system. This is when the electrical system malfunctions. Cardiac arrest sometimes known as sudden cardiac death SCD is when there is an irregular heartbeat, Arrhymias. Most common is ventricular fibrillation; this is when the lower chambers of the heart stop pumping blood. Death will occur in a few minutes if CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or using a defibrillator to restore the normal heart beat. (Anon, 2012) Warning signs of a heart attack: Chest pain/discomfort Discomfort in the upper body regions Dyspnoea shortness of breath Cold sweats Nausea Fatigue light headed Palpitations heart heating fast (Anon, 2012) Risk factors which promote heart disease: Smoking Diet high in saturated fats Elevated cholesterol levels Obesity (Anon, 2012) How is a heart attack treated? Treatment of a heart attack may be both surgical and non-surgical. The type of treatment administered to a heart attack patient depends on the type of heart attack they are suffering from and treatment window (time span) in which treatment may be offered. Because only a few hospitals offer 24 hour percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures, clot-dissolving medication is used to reopen arteries that may be clogged. Such medication may not be used on patients with neurological disorders, pregnant patients, patients who have had major surgery or trauma in the past 6 weeks and patients who had been vomiting blood. (Amy and Elliot, 2006) Angioplasty Should a doctor decide that a patient needs an angioplasty, artery blockages will be observed on an angiogram (an x-ray of the hearts arteries) in a catheterization laboratory. A PCI is then performed by a cardiologist, in which the patient will remain awake throughout the whole procedure. During this procedure the skin is numbed, and a needle is inserted through the skin and a catheter and a soft-tipped guide wire are threaded into the aorta, and then into the heart using the needle. The catheter tip is passed through the arteries that transport the blood to the heart. Once the catheter is in place, a dye is injected into the heart vessels to make any blockages visible on x-ray. A tiny balloon on the tip of the catheter is inflated to unblock the artery. After the procedure, a stent is inserted where the blockage was. The stent is will remain permanently in the heart and may in some cases slowly release medication over time which prevents the growth of scar tissue and also prevents the formation of clots on that site. The recovery process may then take place in the coronary care unit which is an intensive care unit, where the patient will be monitored with ECGs, blood tests and routine checkups 24 hours a day. (Anon., 2012) Antiplatelet medication is prescribed to patients with newly inserted stents. This medication is important to prevent clotting in the stents. This medication must be taken by the patient for at least 12 months. If a patient stops taking the medication too soon it may result in a clot that may block the flow of blood through the stent resulting in another heart attack. Medication such as beta-blockers, aspirin and statin may also be prescribed by the cardiologist to prevent future heart attacks. In the event that non-surgical treatment is preferred by the doctor, medication can be administered to the patient. The medication is used to prevent future blood clots, break up existing clots, prevent platelets from gathering and sticking to the plaque, stabilize the plaque, and prevent any blood supply restrictions to tissues in the body. In order to decrease the damage that the heart muscle can undergo it is vital that the medication is administered within 30 minutes from when the heart attack symptoms occurred. (Anon., 2012) Medication used in heart attack treatment includes: aspirin thrombolytic therapy (clot busters) heparin other antiplatelet drugs Should a patient have more than 3 blocked arteries, coronary artery bypass surgery is usually recommended. Coronary artery bypass surgery This type of surgery is used to improve the flow of blood to the heart in people with severe coronary artery disease that puts them in the risk of having a heart attack. During this surgery a blocked coronary artery and a healthy vein or artery are joined together in order to improve the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. 85% of individuals who undergo this surgery are at a less risk of having future heart attacks, they experience fewer symptoms, and they have a lower chance of dying within 10 years after the surgery. There are different types of coronary artery bypass surgery. (Anon., 2012). These include:- Traditional coronary artery bypass surgery This is the most common type of bypass surgery and is performed when a bypass is needed on at least one major artery. During this procedure, the chest is opened; exposing the heart and medication is used to stop the heart until the end of the procedure. The heart is operated on whilst a heart-lung machine is used to pump blood around the body, not depleting the oxygen supply throughout the whole body. Electric shocks are used to start the heart again after the surgery. (Anon., 2012) Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery This type of surgery is also open heart surgery and is similar to the traditional coronary artery bypass surgery. The difference is that the heart is not stopped which reduces the recovery time and also reduces the number of complications that may occur during and after surgery.(Anon., 2012) Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery This type of surgery is similar to the off-pump bypass surgery, except it is not open heart surgery. It is used to bypass the vessels in anterior of the heart.it isnt commonly used as it is a new procedure and it is used in cases where more than two arteries are going to be bypassed. The procedure itself is one in which small incision are made in-between the ribs on the left hand side of the body to access the vessels. (Anon., 2012) Description: http://topnews.in/usa/files/heart_attack.jpg (Rose, 2008) What is epilepsy? This is a term used to define condition in which an individual has recurring seizures of also known as fits. These occur when there is a disruption in the messages being relayed across the brain between brain cells resulting in a mix up or a complete halt of messages in the brain. These seizures occur when there is too much sudden brain activity. Each individual who has epileptic fits experiences then in a way that is unique to them, this is because there are different types of seizures and the type of seizure experienced depends the positioning of the epileptic activity, how wide and how fast in the brain the epileptic activity spreads. (Anon, 2012) The cause of some of the epileptic syndromes is unknown while for others it may be hereditary. The type of epilepsy syndrome is usually described according to its symptoms or where in the brain it occurs. There are many different types of epilepsy syndromes some of which begin in infancy, while others begin in adulthood. Some stop during adolescence or early adulthood whilst others are chronic. (Anon, 2012) Different types of epilepsy Photosensitive epilepsy In the event that epileptic seizures are caused by flickering lights or flashing lights, it is referred to as photosensitive epilepsy. In this type of epilepsy, natural or artificial lights and checked or striped patterns may also result in the seizures occurring. The seizure occurs during or shortly after the individual has been exposed to the cause. This type of epilepsy usually occurs to individuals between the ages of 7 and 19 and it affects more boys than girls. (Anon,2012) Absence epilepsy This type of epilepsy is usually hereditary and begins from infancy to adolescence. Individuals with this type of epilepsy experience absence seizures that happen repeatedly. During the seizures individuals have reported symptoms such as a jerking arm or rapidly blinking eyes, whilst others have reported no symptoms at all except for feeling out of it. These symptoms have no effect on an individuals intelligence; however, they could affect learning a school or daily activities if they occur. (Anon 2012) Psychomotor epilepsy With this type of epilepsy, during seizures individuals experience strange emotions, sensations and behaviour. Its name is used to describe partial seizures that keep occurring in the temporal lobe of the brain. Occipital lobe epilepsy This type of epilepsy is similar to temporal and frontal lobe epilepsy, however it usually begins with rapid eye blinking, individuals visualizing hallucinations and/other symptoms which have to do with the eyes. (Anon, 2012) Frontal lobe epilepsy This type of epilepsy has many different types of its kind which are described according to where in the frontal lobe they may occur. It describes a reoccurrence of short seizures which may suddenly stop or begin at any moment in time. (Anon, 2012) Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) This type of epilepsy is the most common with partial sezuires.it may cause memory loss and make learning difficult as it causes a structure in the brain called the hippocampus to shrink. This structure is vital for learning and memory. Although the damage which may be caused by temporal lobe seizures may take years to occur, it is advised that it is treated early and as effectively as possible to prevent and further damage that may occur. (Anon, 2012) Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy This type of epilepsy is chronic and doesnt always begin in childhood, however once a person has it they have to live with it for the rest of their lives. An example of this type of epilepsy is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome type II which begins in the early adulthood and causes muscle coordination to be reduced, seizures and reduces the abilities to learn, remember, pay attention and solve problems. (Anon, 2012) Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome This type of epilepsy begins in childhood. It has many symptoms which include sudden falls or drop attacks during seizures called atonic seizures. It is very difficult to treat and is also very severe. (Anon, 2012) Strobe lights causing epilepsy. Individual strobes or small groups of strobes have been used in entertainment venues for years. They even became a symbol or sign of night fun, because most of the night clubs use strobe lights and loud music to heat up the fun, without noticing or being aware that this triggered epileptic seizures known as photosensitive epilepsy. Photosensitive epilepsy has been known and studied for many years. Many people are unaware that they are sensitive to flickering lights or to certain kinds of patterns until they have a seizure. They may never go on to develop epilepsy, which is characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures, though a seizure may be triggered by certain photic conditions. Many individuals who are disturbed by light exposure do not develop seizures but experience other symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness and more. Photosensitive epilepsy is more common in children and adolescents, especially those with generalized epilepsy, in particular juvenile myoclonic epileps y. It becomes less frequent with age, with relatively few cases in the mid-twenties. Apparently, there is considerable body of knowledge relative to strobes and photosensitive epilepsy. Standards exist regarding the use of strobes in signalling applications such as for fire alarms. (Anon, 2012) It should be noted that it is not the strobe that is the problem; any light flashing at the noted frequencies may be a problem to photosensitive people. Seizures may be triggered by exposure to television screens (flickering and rolling of pictures), to computer monitors, to certain video games or TV broadcasts containing rapid flashes or alternating patterns of different colours, and to intense strobe lights like visual fire alarms. (Harding, 2008) In the U.S. population stats show that less than 5% of those who suffer from epilepsy are photosensitive. This means that approximately one in 4,000 individuals suffer from this less than 100,000 in the U.S. population. There is high possibility that even in other countries the same stats still stands, but the characteristics of each individuals susceptibility are unique this means there could a great variety on severity of the condition. It is well addressed in articles that the range of 15 to 20 Hz is of greatest concern; however some individuals are susceptible to flashing lights as slow as 5 Hz and some as high as 84 Hz as individuals are susceptible to in different ways. (Anon, 2012) People should check with their doctors if they are concerned about flashing lights triggering seizures. Chances are that the medical records will indicate how you responded to flashing lights during the electroencephalogram (EEG), a test done routinely in most people with epilepsy. During this test, sensors are attached to the patients scalp to monitor the electrical activity of the brain in various conditions, including light stimulation generated by a strobe positioned in front of the eyes. An abnormal response when the patient is exposed to various frequencies of flashing lights indicates the presence of photosensitivity. (Anon, 2012) Ways that would help prevent the triggering of these conditions. Avoid exposure to certain kinds of flashing lights; and Cover one eye and turn away from the direct light source when in the presence of flashing lights. General tips offered by the Epilepsy Foundation Organisation in America to reduce the chances of causing epileptic seizures. (Anon, 2012) Visual Fire Alarm Strobe Lights: In most workplaces and places serving the public, including theatres, restaurants, and recreation areas, are required to have fire alarms, which flash as well as ring so that people who cannot hear or cannot hear well will know that there is an emergency. To reduce the likelihood of the strobe light triggering a seizure, the Epilepsy Foundations professional advisory board recommends that the flash rate be kept to under 2 Hertz with breaks every so often between flashes; and flashing lights should be placed at a distance from each other and set to flash together at the same time to avoid an increase in the number of individual flashes. (Anon, 2012) Television Screens: Watch television in a well-lit room to reduce the contrast between light from the set and light in the room. Reduce the brightness of the screen. Keep as far back from the screen as possible. Use the remote control to change channels on the TV so you wont have to get too close to the set. Avoid watching for long periods of time. Wear polarized sunglasses while viewing television to reduce glare. (Anon, 2012) Videogames: Sit at least 2 feet from the screen in a well-lit room. Reduce the brightness of the screen. Do not let children play videogames if they are tired. Take frequent breaks from the games and look away from the screen every once in a while. Do not close and open eyes while looking at the screen blinking may facilitate seizures in sensitive individuals. Cover one eye while playing; alternating which eye is covered at regular intervals. Turn the game off if strange or unusual feelings or body jerks develop. (Anon, 2012) Computer Monitors: Use a flicker-free monitor (LCD display or flat screen). Use a monitor glare guard. Wear non-glare glasses to reduce glare from the screen. Take frequent breaks from tasks involving the computer. (Anon, 2012) http://blog.eastside.org/wordpress/jamiea/files/2012/02/Lights.jpg (Strobe lights, 2012) What happens during a seizure (Epilepsy) Normally the brain controls the functions of the body, either by interpreting electrical messages from sensory nerves or by generating electrical impulses for transmission down the motor nerves to the muscles. This normal electrical activity can be measured by taking an Electroencephalogram (EEG), using an instrument called an Electroencephalograph. The EEG does not provide a sure diagnose of Epilepsy. (Encyclopaedia of family health) http://www.drugs.com/health-guide/images/205052.jpg(Neurology, 2012) During an Epileptic attack, the electrical impulses recorded by the EEG increases in voltage and frequency, so that what appeared to be a reasonably ordered pattern of electrical activity becomes frenzied. The attack usually begins at one spot and then spreads as the fits develops to involve the whole brain.(Encyclopaedia of family Health) When there are disordered electrical activities over the whole brain, the attack which seldom lasts more than a minute or two may begin with a patient experiencing a strange sensation or an odd unreal smell and a phenomenon called the Dà ©jà   vu. This stage of the attack is known as Aura, followed immediately by the tonic seizure, during which the muscles contract and remain contracted, the patient loses control and falls rigid to the ground. Patient shouts and passes into the Clonic phase, when the arms and legs twitch and the breath is held. In the clonic and tonic phases the sufferer will feel confused and drowsy and may sleep. Paralysis may then develop in one or more limbs and last for an hour or more. (Encyclopaedia of family health) In Children Seizures are called petit mal. The child does not fall down but loses touch with the world for a few seconds, results in confusion and forgetful. If the Seizure attacks the child when they are speaking, he or she will suddenly stop for a couple of seconds then continue as if nothing happened. The child is unaware of the attacks. (Encyclopaedia of family health) What to do if someone has an Epileptic Seizure It is important to know that It is not possible to stop the attack, but helpful to protect the person having such an attack from injury. Here is what to do if someone has an Epileptic Seizure: Ensure that the patient cannot bang his or her limbs against any hard furniture, and keep him or her well away from any fireplace. A child should not be left alone until the attack is over. Do not attempt to push anything into the patients mouth or to force the jaws open. The jaws are powerfully clenched, and it is possible to cause an injury by trying to open them. When the fit is over, turn the patient gently onto one side and loosen his or her clothes on the neck so that there is no difficulty in breathing. If the fit has happened in an unsafe place, get the patient to safety quickly. If someone in the family has a fit for the first time, give the Doctor a careful, detailed account of what happened during the attack and just before it. This will help the Doctor make the correct diagnosis. A child who has a convulsion because of high fever should not be kept warm. Remove blankets and thick clothing, and if temperature rises above 39.40C, sponge the patient all over with tepid water until it comes down to 38.80C. (Encyclopaedia of family health) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdCbYGIWNZ93eW0d2o0aYLbmrGk4mdJXLS125aB9g4h8WwOdwZZRfpPFTqYzoaNr500xz7NcJo_b8Q6dR34byAs60H9bN3dBlBQJWWwVWFldKswc75siwL8REHO7nZinm2-l_r5ACyvo/s1600/epilepsy-recovery.jpg (Medical issues seizures, n.d.) The Treatment of Photosensitive Epilepsy As is the case with all seizures, photosensitive seizures are usually treated with drugs known as anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsants refer to a group of diverse pharmaceutical products which are used in both the prevention and the treatment of epilepsy. In photosensitive epilepsy, Sodium Valproate is the recommended treatment. Sodium Valproate works to prevent an excess of electrical activity in the brain, thus calming the brain and preventing the occurrence of fits. Chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters are stored in nerve cells. Their function is to transmit messages between the nerve cells. GABA, is a neurotransmitter that acts to calm the nerves, its function is to maintain a balance of the nerve activity in the brain. Sodium Valproate works to increase the production of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain and prevent the breakdown of this neurotransmitter, ultimately this results in the stabilising of the electrical nerve activity and achieving the desired therapeutic outc ome, preventing seizures. These drugs cannot completely cure epilepsy but through their use, by strictly following the prescribed drug regimen, epilepsy may be controlled and prevented. (Anon,2008) Although antiepileptic drugs are the most common methods of treatment of epilepsy, but they may not always be effective. Other methods of treatment of epilepsy include: Vagus Nerve Stimulation: The treatment works by sending mild impulses of energy to the brain, via the Vagus nerve via an implanted device (Anon,2007) . This is a treatment used as an option for patients who have tried several anti-epileptic drugs and still have not managed to gain adequate control of their seizures. This treatment is used in conjunction with anti-epileptic drugs. The vagus nerve stimulation does not act as a replacement for the drugs the patient is being administered, it works to aid the drugs thus achieving a better therapeutic response from the patient. Vagus nerve stimulation may also take up to two years to have an effect on a patients seizures, but if the treatment is effective, the patient may be allowed to decrease their anti-epileptic doses over time. The aim of vagus nerve stimulation is to reduce the number of seizures, the length of the seizures and the severity of the seizures in a patient. It must be remembered though that the treatment has a wide range of side effects. Diet: The ketogenic diet. Ketogenic has the meaning, keto which means ketones and genic meaning producing, thus ketone producing. This diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet (Dr. Eric Kossoff, 2006). The formation of ketones is a result of the body using fat as its energy source. With the decrease in the intake of carbohydrates, the bodies usual energy source, the body uses a fat as an alternative energy source, thus giving rise to ketone formation in the body and ultimately leading to better seizure control. Surgery: this treatment is used when epilepsy cannot be controlled in the patient with medication use. There is no guarantee though that the surgery will have an effect on the patient. The aim of the surgery is to remove the damaged brain tissue in order to effectively stop the seizures (Anon, 2012). https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqieIYK8IzrdTfUB4FrF6jDp200wOtgXu_UHGZNv9Wvks7fexyyB3M2TKQ7w5LRJAJNT8nBdXlbbPHm0Ck6WtslKFYsvHpbE3391xqDQoCvOmmqzWiCUyDVaVWkWWNfZuN5SO-7WyZV3Zk/s320/sodium-valproate-4.jpg (Sodium Valporate, n.d.) Conclusion: Due to the high increase of epilepsy and heart attacks it is vital that awareness about the causes of these conditions should be made available. Epileptic patients should wear medical ID bracelets, making it easier to identify what could be happening to them during seizures. Light regulation should be put in place in all night clubs, reducing the speed of the strobe lights, therefore lowering the risk of epileptic seizures. A range of treatment options exist for those who have photosensitive epilepsy, but there is no absolute cure for the condition, therefore awareness plays a vital role in precaution and thus prevention of these epileptic attacks. With regards to the effect of the upbeat music genres on the heart and other bodily functions, the best way to curb this is to minimise exposure. This can only be done through people taking initiative to avoid falling victim to a health hazard that could have otherwise been avoided. Regulation of the volumes of the music can be another way to lower the risks, as well as avoiding increasing the tempo of the music as is often the case. Places playing heavy metal music should be avoided at all costs. One can eve

Strategic management and business policy module

Strategic management and business policy module 1 There were a number of concurrent changes in the VSM Group in the period 1997-2003, is the VSM Group still the same company? No the company has changed a lot with the arrival of the new CEO, new things has been introduced as: More people were involved in strategic sessions New mission statement Companion strategy High involvement of employees on different level Purchase of competitors added production capacity to the firm Processes have been directed towards strengthening the linkages between functional areas in the value chain. The physical relocation of the RD and marketing departments to the same building New programs for educating the retailers and customers on sewing and using the machines. Integrating technology (mainly on line) with the innovation of the new machines. 2 How would you describe the strategic capability of Viking Sewing Machines in 1997? In 2003? In 1997: The Company brought their managers of their major national sales companies as well as the marketing vice president into the top management; also there were changes in their operating systems New mission and documents brought different level together which added a broader sight Bringing the technical expertise and marketers together to come up with new innovations that meet customers needs. In 2003: New and exclusive dealers had been added. Two strong brands, Pfaff as a high quality brand, and Husqvarna as the family and innovative brand. Brno added add capacity of production to the company, which was cost efficient and added capacity to the production. They have expertise in the product development of the sewing machines industry 3 Are the core competences in 2003 more robust than in 1997? Definitely yes; there were more focus in the strategy and direction in 2003 They have better product development capabilities. Two strong brands. An IT company to develop their own technology work, thus controlling the embroidery market. Building linkages within the value chain. 4 What are the important factors in the macro-environment that influence VSM and its industry? Political The political situation might be influenced by the trade agreement between the States and the European origin products. Also, manufacturing in the Far East might have some regulations and extra taxations since these markets are flooding the world with lower priced products. Economic The economic situation is affected by the difference in currency of the different origin or production and consumer markets. To raise quality they might need to shift the factors from Far East to another location with higher pays. Also, Sales of low priced simple machines have increased, while more advanced machines showed steady sales. Social Clothes became cheaper so no need for sewing at home. More social activities emerged and resulted in less time afforded to sewing hobbies Technological This had the major contribution here due to: The high development of the internet usages and its spread; The power and reach of the new software. Enhancement of the senses and computerized motors to give better functionality to the machines. People (Customers) are more technologically driven and are up to date with innovations thus request the new and complicated models. Environmental Natural crisis as Tsunamis are threatening the Far East which might result in a cut of production and disturbance to the manufacturing flow. Legal It will depend on new regulation for this industry or in the industrial market as a whole 5 What are the forces of competition in the sewing machine industry? Five Forces analysis Competitive rivalry Moderate since there are moderate product innovation, and no real competition in the market through prices and addressing resellers. Low number of competitors covering the same segment There are some product differentiations in the complete products that depend on innovation Entry barrier Low, with some concern regarding the reach to the distribution channels that work exclusively with the other companies. There are some capital investment and know-how but its not a major one. Buyer power Buyers have high bargaining power due to low switching costs between brands since the industry is mature and there arent a lot of product differentiations for the general products. Supplier Power There arent any concentration in the supplier side , and the raw material are mainly general materials and the production and the RD at the VMS are covering the other parts , thus we see this as weak Substitutes Mostly this market have good quality machines and a lower cost ones from east Asia , thus they differ in price and quality , and switching cost is low , thus it will increase the threats for the normal machines , while complex computerized machines are limited in the market. From the above we dont see the market as attractive for new entrant since people tent more to buy cloths outside and have very attractive and affordable prices of clothes rather than creating their own. 6 What are the next strategic issues Viking will have to address? What strategic options might be considered? They need to maintain their technical leadership and managing the value chain. Also they need to manage their brands and their recent acquisitions. As for their next steps it should be to protect and build on their current successful position. They should work on increasing their customer orientation, RD, production, marketing, distribution in all parts of their value chain. Where the retailers have a major role in reaching their customer, which needs concentration and follow up on their training and supporting them , this will also place a good part of the attention on marketing and customers relationship management and VSM has transformed with the help of the new CEO from a product orientated company to a market oriented one. They also started to focus on selected customer segment to cover their needs; this is shown with the different targeting technique from their VMS and Pfaff line of machines, were they need to work on the innovation of products and services. The company has good attention to the acquisition of Emnet and software engineers computing companies. Where they need to build on their traditional strength and benefit from their product development, and the use of the new technology to add an edge for them in this industry m where the production have to be met with an aggressive and smart sales force . 7 How does the strategy of the VSM Group match its strategic capability with its environment? How did it change from 1997 to 2003? They need to concentrate on their existing resource positions and building on their new resources to capture a position on their selected market. VSM had many important recourses and competences that help them with their initial strategy building on their RD process and innovative production which have highlighted their brand , here they missed the importance of marketing and its power to play with the environmental factors to bring more success to the firm . And since the market was declining the way to survive was to concentrate on differentiation products that are high computerized. And mainly focus differentiation and top of the line models ,which needed to reach the customer with exclusive retailers and at prime locations , and took keep the flow of the experience they had trained the retailers to a level that represent them and keep a good relationship with the customers . Here they also created training programs for their end users of the machines and train them on professional ways and patterns of using these machines. Problem with their earlier value chain and not being able to have the benefit reach their clients due to the lack of the marketing control over retailers thus the new strategy was to fix this cut in the link in the value chain, another issue they were facing is the lack of communication between their RN and their marketing department, which the new CEO brought these department physical near each other to enhance this channels. Their new acquisition of their competitor Pfaff added new resources and a strong high end brand to the group, the thing now is how to manage their two brands since they compete in the same markets knowing that the perceived value and prices are not the sole player in the market, here they benefited from their technological edge and their high quality products in a clear market communication process to reach their desired customers segments each one by its own without affecting the flow and the strategy of the other brand. 8 The case starts with the arrival of the new CEO. What role did Mr. Runnquist play in the transformation of the company? How important is he for the future of the company? The New CEO defiantly added a lot to the organization and did a paradigm shift to their working culture, such as collaboration of a bigger audience in major decisions of the organization, educating employees, retailers and end users . He was under press since the company was newly sold to a new owner that expected revenues to jump , which made him shift the organization from production oriented to market oriented one to capture all aspects and react on them . Here the need for a new mission, vision and strategic document of the organization emerged , where he have going the forces from different departments to participate and build them , this of course included different levels of the organization to jump in these activity which have added some sense of commitment and ownership among all levels . Another major issue he worked on is the harmony and good level of communication in their value chain, working from the RD, production, marketing, Sales, retailer to the end customers. This helped in having all these level at the same level of professionalism and updated knowledge to better understand the products to be able to sell or buy them. He is very important for the continuity and the future challenges that will face VMS, he need to continually have an eye open for new channels and treats and benefit from this firms resources and capabilities building on their experiences to capture opportunity and turn around weakness and treats to bring more success to the firm, this of course implies that he might have another paradigm shift if it is needed. 9 At two points in time, the CEO of the VSM Group opens up a broad discussion on the strategic issues. What issues are discussed and why does he involve a larger group of the management on these issues? The first one was in 1997, when he joined the organization and need all level to be part of the new paradigm shift and mind set of the firm and be a part in creating their new mission. The second one was in 2000, after the acquisition of other firms team from outside the higher management was brought again to discuss the future of the firm and to gain legitimacy for the strategy ahead. The importance of this part was also to set all minds to a focused set of actions to deal with the two competing rand so as not to confuse the market and employees so and not to lose their corporate identity. It is important to participate a good audience to create commitment to the new strategic moves and create some sense of ownership among different level in the firm and push hard for the future and targets.

The Effectiveness Of Sport Drinks Essay example -- essays research pap

The major reason anyone drinks fluid before, during and after physical activity is to replace the water that is lost through sweat. If the water isn't replaced dehydration will occur and performance will be hampered. The purpose of sports drinks is to help rehydrate your body quickly and help improve performance and productivity. This is accomplished through a well-balanced mix of water, sugar (carbohydrates) and salts (electrolytes), the major ingredients in most sports drinks. These ingredients, combined with a variety of fruit flavours, create pleasant tasting drinks that, according to the companies, are suppose to help your athletic performance. Results prove that commercial sport drinks generally accomplish what they set out to do. That is, they make fluids available for the body, and increase endurance, but at the same time they can create unwanted gastroesophageal reflux. Sport drinks make fluids available to the body and are consequently very effective in preventing dehydration. One tactic sport drinks use in order to accomplish this is by adding sodium and glucose to the drink. These ingredients stimulate fluid consumption by the body, causing the athlete to drink even more, and become rehydrated (Rehrer 45). Another way that sport drinks maintain hydration in the body is by having less than or equal to 10% Carbohydrates (CHO) and small amounts of electrolytes in the beverage. This composition makes fluids available for dilution of body fluids at similar rates, thu...

World Bank Report & World Development Report Essay example -- essays r

Starting from the year 1990, the international community has set up plans to eliminate poverty in the world by the year 2015 with a set of specific goals to be achieved by that date. These goals were set up according to the studies done beforehand, that showed where and what the major poverty areas and problems in the world were. These studies explained that although the poverty problem was extensive, there were several factors of which the crisis was mainly constituted. The first problem was extreme income poverty, with almost half the world's population living on less than $2 a day, and a fifth living on less than $1 daily. Another major problem was education, which encompassed many aspects. Not only wasn't primary education compulsory in many regions, but there were also problems regarding women getting equal education to men, due to cultural, social and economic barriers. The third main problem area was health, where child mortality rates, for example, were alarming; 'in rich countries fewer than 1 child in 100 does not reach its fifth birthday, while in the poorest countries as many as a fifth of the children do not'. After getting these goals in focus and setting these plans in motion, it was discovered that they weren't going as well as planned. It was found that the goals were pretty unrealistic compared to the conditions and the time period. For example, one of the goals was 'cutting income poverty by half'. This could only be achieved, if income poverty decreased by 2.7% annually between 1990 and 2015, which didn't happen, because studies showed that between 1990 and 1998, it decreased by only 1.7% annually. This failure to achieve the objectives was mainly because of the inequality of the world; inequality in distribution of income, inequality in cultural and religious conditions, inequality in practically too many facets of life to be able to control or conform to a generalized plan. So, from the outcome of this attempt and from going back to the reports of previous decades, a new strategy to eliminate poverty was laid out, based on three fundamental interrelated concepts that could be adapted to each community differently according to its individual conditions. These concepts are promoting opportunity, facilitating empowerment, and enhancing security. In promoting opportunity, the government plays an important role, in making it easy for ... ...le, it says that the governments have to improve their facilities and services, like health, education and infrastructure, so as to give the poor equal opportunities. In the WBR, on the other hand, it says that in needy countries, the World Bank actually finances and funds their infrastructure and educational programs. In the WBR it mentions many different things of this sort, while in the WDR it only clarifies the plan that should be adopted by the countries. Another difference is that in the WBR it is sort of dealing with clients that it wants to please and to better its performance for, and that its plan for reducing poverty, is only part of what it does, in order to reach this goal. The WDR was dealing with the poverty problem only, so I think it sounded more involved in it and more giving in attention to this problem only, using greater detail. I think that for the general public, the WDR is much easier laid out and written, with sufficient background information, plenty of detail and a more humanitarian side of the issue. The WBR is much more disordered, financially oriented, with much greater monetary detail and not much emphasis on the compassionate side of the problem.

International Trade Essay -- Economics essays research papers

International Trade What is International Trade?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  International trade is defined as trade between two or more partners from different countries in the exchange of goods and services. In order to understand International trade, we need to first know and understand what trade is, which is the buying and selling of products between different countries. International Trade simply is globalization of the world and enables countries to obtain products and services from other countries effortlessly and expediently.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  International trade has been in existence throughout history and has an economic impact on the participating countries. Trade in most countries has a share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and helps to boost the countries overall economy on a yearly basis. International Trade for the United States is available to all business and companies and is flourishing, even though as a country we import more goods than we export, which affects our country’s economy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the central body of the multilateral trading system-based in Geneva. The WTO primary job is to oversee the functioning and administration of trade agreements, including dispute settlements and serves as a forum for future trade negations and law makings. The WTO review legal matters and disputes and is the reviewing body or â€Å"watchdog† over international trade. The WTO agreements cover goods, services, intellectual property and set procedures and the govern...

Ebenezer Howard

It is said that there were two major inventions in the beginning of the twentieth century; the invention of the airplane, and Ebenezer Howards’ creation of the Garden City. In the 19th century, as a response to extremes of the capitalist order and an alternative to the industrial city, communitarian activity started to search new forms of community. Ebenezer Howard cropped up a new type of human settlement which is more rational for an industrial age, The Garden City. It was a new form of social and economic collaboration with a control and order.Howard aimed to reverse the congestion and spread of the large city through new form of planned community. To build a garden city, Howard needed money to buy land. He decided to get funding from â€Å"gentlemen of responsible position and undoubted probity and honor†. He founded the Garden City Association in 1899, although it took forty years to win a serious consideration from the government. By 1945, government noticed the p roblems of some form of planning and it was the Howard’s contribution to modify a nonconformist vision of community developed in nineteenth century reform circles.The most significant thing is that Howard’s utopian thinking was the transitional figure which connected 19th century reformers to 20th century professional planners. Ebenezer Howard had a better vision for town community life to end the congestion in English cities to build self sufficient colonies in agricultural land. He knew that larger cities didn't create large communities but created alienated lonely separate people whom lacked the sense of a community. According to Howard’s aspect Garden City was the key to bring man to a natural order that would further the social associations necessary for individual fulfillment.In the late 1880’s it all started with the Howard’s â€Å"alluring dream of co-operative commonwealth that would end social discord†. With the inspiration he gain ed from the Edward Bellamy’s Looking Backward, he started working on technocratic-socialist utopia. By the early 1890’s Howard started to contact with two groups who were interested in starting colonies. This idea of colonies was first mentioned in Alfred Marshall’s article. He urged that in order to relieve the unemployment and congestion of London’s slums, colonies of factory workers should be placed on agricultural land out of the core.For Howard, the crowded city was the reason that communities can’t survive and the reason for that is the size. So he proposed a communal settlement with a population 32. 000 of to maintain the idea of a community. In his books’s first chapter he formuliazed the ideal city. 6000 acres of cheap rural land are to be purchased, 1000 of which are reserved for the city. A 32,000 person population cap is set, after which a new city will have to be colonized. As far as the design goes, Howard wants to make it as l ittle like the overcrowded London of his day as possible, so public parks and private lawns are everywhere.The roads are incredibly wide, ranging from 120 to 420 feet for the Grand Avenue, and they are radial rather than linear. Commercial, industrial, residential, and public uses are clearly differentiated from each other spatially. With the foundation of The Land Nationalization Society, by Alfred Wallace, the idea of creating labor colonies outside cities to reduce redundancy of joblessness in the urban centers occurred. At one of the meetings of this Society, Howard proposed the formation of a â€Å"Co-operative Commonwealth†, which was described as the subject of a good deal of discussion in recent months in advanced circles.This scheme was supposed to eliminate the landlord and there would be experiments of capitalism. According to Howard’s beliefs Garden City, including the colony systems, was the practical answers to planning problems and should have attracted the majority of the public to start the community. Despite his thoughts, many writers found his ideas ridiculous with the belief of â€Å"towns are not created; they grow† In spite of all the negative feedbacks, The Land Nationalization Society remained important in Howard’s efforts to create a Garden City Association in 1899.For the first years of Associations, it was all about propaganda rather than action. With the lectures, interviews, and tracts Howard’s ideology became widespread and started to be considered as practical and successful. Within few months many council members, engineers, businessmen, architects had joined the Association. Between 1900 and 1901, membership number rose to 500. However, there was no donation enough to buy an estate and place factories. By the end of the 1901, Ralph Neville, Liberal politician and King’s Counsel attended the Association.With his support, events speeded up, in the mean time Howard slipped into a secondary position in the Association. With this changes, also the original scheme changed significantly into a more controlled company. The real idea of the association became a chance and chaos in urban growth. Howard’s garden city became confused in the public minds with a type of low-density suburban development. After Thomas Adam and Ewart Culpin took over the control of the Association, they started the umbrella organization for all housing and planning activity. The whole idea of Howard’s got lost.After eight years of Howard’s death Osborn became active in the Association and tried to resume Howard’s ideology. After World War I, Association played an important role in British town planning. We certainly believe the fact with the concept that Ebenezer Howard’s concept was an make an effort to remove capitalists ‘so as it was accomplished’ despite its some time to what could be done. It was very obvious that his concepts opended up many in dividuals' horizans according to providing a new concept of resident Ebenezer Howard was a great men for urban planning who provided the vision and details of a community for both town and country life.He believed that these two life should be married together in small Garden Cities, each with its own greenbelt. He promoted well-planned towns with careful land zoning and a quality of life. A Garden City would have well designed houses with gardens set in tree lined avenues, clean and healthy work places and a pleasant and healthy environment in which to live, work and follow leisure pursuits. His purpose is to sustain a healthy, natural, and economic combination of town and country life through a balance of work and leisure.In this goal, Howard reflects the ideal and harmonious relationship between the  industry and garden. Industry and agriculture coexist in his ideal community, as do city and countryside, utopia and arcadia. Howard's sense of balance, in this case, the concentri c circles of the Garden City intersected by broad boulevards, assumes that ideal forms will shape and perfect human functions. The overall goal for Howard is to combine the traditional countryside with the traditional town.For too long residents have had to make the unfulfilling choice between living in a culturally isolated rural area or giving up nature to live in a city, but â€Å"human society and the beauty of nature are meant to be enjoyed together. † As he sees it, in a rather Hegelian fashion, in our opinion the two â€Å"magnets† of Town and Country that have in the past pulled people in either direction will, in the future, be synthesized into one â€Å"Town-Country magnet. †Ã‚   Green Belt hich was a part of Howard’s aim was developed for places which did not develop more, it was more like a limitation for cities . However, although that was not a certain remedy, places keep growing. As far as we learn in city planning, cities are living format ions which reshape in years over and over again. At the same time, even though this idea was developed as a feature of non-urban and town which keep growing and its inhabitants increase, this suggestions stayed poor.In conclusion, in spite of this information , the solution for a citites future life depent on the decision of the right problem. Maybe the restriction of population and ground may not be work in today’s societies, but Howard’s proposal could be modified and then, be used. We could modernize it easily in more ecological manner. We could locate it on a brownfield, for example, and follow a more urban, transect based planning scheme. In doing so, according to us, we can keep the heart of Howard’s vision while reforming the logistics per our more advanced knowledge.