Corporate Social Responsibility as a Strategy Tool to Increase Research Paper

Corporate Social Responsibility as a Strategy Tool to Increase Shareholder Value - Research Paper Example The CSR is defined as actions that corporations engage in to further some social good, and which are beyond the firms’ interest and are legally required. It is also viewed as achieving commercial success through means that honor ethical values and people, communities, as well as the natural environment. In broader terms, the CSR denotes a comprehensive set of policies, programs, and practices that are integrated into the business strategies and decision-making processes and include issues related to governance, human rights, environmental concerns, community investment, business ethics, the marketplace, and the workplace.  This concept receives different views from its supporters and detractors. Broadly, those against it, use the classical economic arguments as put by Milton Friedman; that the management should serve to maximize the shareholder's profits. This is different from the CSR practices that serve many stakeholders. The second objection is that business managers are not meant to handle social activities as they lack social skills and should handle financial and operational matters. The third objection is that the engagement in social activities dilutes the business’s primary purpose. On the other hand, the proponents of CSR argue that CSR practices are useful for a business that would want to function in the future since it makes it create a healthy climate. The next support for CSR is that government regulation is reduced, and the companies have the necessary and adequate resources to fulfill society’s expectations of it. Another argument for CSR is that being proactive is better than being reactive because being proactive helps an organization to plan and is less costly than reacting to social problems after they have occurred.

Chinese nurse-client relationship Essay Example for Free

Chinese nurse-client relationship Essay The Chinese perspective of nursing Nursing is to understand the health status and concerns of a person, to devise interventions with appropriate health knowledge and skills. There are four Chinese characteristics of epistemic concerns. Qing (? ) is emotion. Li (? ) and zhi (? ) means knowing what is good and right in practice through scientific or systematic studies respectively. Xing (? ) is action. The chinese perspective of nurse To nurse, Chinese people generally argree that the role of the nurses is to report their conditions rapidly to doctors. A Confucian principle of hierarchical relationship between doctor and nurses shows that nurses should know their place, defer to their superiors anf know when to call doctors. Solution to chinese implication Some Chinese cultures like belief, value, attitudes and taboos may act as barriers of clients and nurses. It can be tackled by reminding the nurse to be cultural sensitive in caring process. For instances, nurses may consider characteristics of Chinese people. Chinese always avoid the word dead which is a symbol of unauspicious. They can tacit communication approach like euphemism which is indirect words using the end of life. Nurses may apply therapeutic communication strategies: -To be client-focused, problem-oriented and situational based -Classified as supportive-expressive, analytic and consultative -Directive and educationally focused The Chinese culture is conflicts between Chinese culture and health belief of western medicine. To solve it, we nurses acknowledge of culturally specific nature of problem. Another Chinese culture is the tradition perceive problem as family affairs. To solve it, we nurse can build up nurse-client relationship with strong bond of trust by more communication.

My Sport Essay -- Personal Narrative

My Sport It all started when I was about eleven or twelve years old. By that time, I was already used to being the tallest girl in class. I caught the attention of all my gym teachers and was about to become a goal to basketball coaches. The sport seemed cool, but something I had never thought about. Time went by and the coaches insisted I should play. I was finally persuaded. â€Å"Why not give it a try?† I thought. I went to camps, practices, a whole process, and learned to sympathize with the sport. Basketball came easy to me and after a while, I became a decent player. I continued to play through junior high school, but it wasn’t until high school that I realized it wasn’t my sport. There, I found a whole diversity of sports, some of which I had never heard of. One day, the crew coach...

Environmental Health Essay

Overcrowding: Overcrowding in houses can arise from several causes, and the physical and psychological effects on people living in overcrowded conditions can be quite severe. Overcrowding poses serious direct and indirect health risks to all segments of the population, particularly the elderly, young children, and the disabled. Overcrowding results in insufficient ventilation in homes, causing or exacerbating respiratory illness. Susceptibility to disease, the severity of diseases, the spreading of illness, and the mortality due to disease all increase as a result of social and physical overcrowding. Overcrowding physically and emotionally overburdens mothers and other caregivers, increasing health risks of dependents. Lack of space and overcrowding directly impacts on the physical development and psychological wellbeing of disabled residents. Children living in overcrowded and unfit conditions are more likely to experience respiratory problems such as coughing and asthmatic and wheezing. For many children this means losing sleep, restricted physical activity, and missing school. Effects of overcrowding include meningitis, tuberculosis, heart disease, stomach cancer, respiratory disease. Children in overcrowded housing are up to 10 times more likely to contract meningitis than children in general. Meningitis can be life threatening. Long-term effects of the disease include deafness, blindness and behavioural problems. Children in unfit and overcrowded homes miss school more frequently due to illnesses and infections. Overcrowding is linked to delayed cognitive development, and homelessness to delayed development in communication skills. Urbanization: Movement of people from rural to urban areas with population growth equating to urban migration. It is a double edged sword as on one hand it provides people with varied opportunities and scope for economic development and on the other hand it exposes community to new threats. Unplanned urban growth is associated with environmental degradation meaning that population demands that go beyond the environmental service capacity, such as drinking water, sanitation, and waste disposal and treatment. Rapid growth of urban centres has led to substandard housing on marginal land and overcrowding. Outbreaks of diseases transmitted through respiratory and faeco-oral route due to population density. It exacerbates health risks related to insufficient and poor water supply and poor sanitation systems. Lack of privacy leading to depression, anxiety, stress etc. Due to the numbers of motorized vehicles and industries in the cities of the developing world Problems of noise and air pollution arise. Air pollution can affect our health in many ways with both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term air pollution can aggravate medical conditions like asthma and emphysema. Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to other vital organs. Water pollution: Water pollution can come from a number of different sources. If the pollution comes from a single source, such as an oil spill, it is called point-source pollution. If the pollution comes from many sources, it is called nonpoint-source pollution. Most types of pollution affect the immediate area surrounding the source. Sometimes the pollution may affect the environment hundreds of miles away from the source, such as nuclear waste, this is called trans boundary pollution. Industrial and agricultural work involves the use of many different chemicals that can run-off into water and pollute it. Metals and solvents from industrial work can pollute rivers and lakes. These are poisonous to many forms of aquatic life and may slow their development, make them infertile or even result in death. Pesticides are used in farming to control weeds, insects and fungi. Run-offs of these pesticides can cause water pollution and poison aquatic life. Subsequently, birds, humans and other animals may be poisoned if they eat infected fish. Petroleum is another form of chemical pollutant that usually contaminates water through oil spills when a ship ruptures. Oil spills usually have only a localized effect on wildlife but can spread for miles. The oil cancause the death of many fish and stick to the feathers of seabirds causing them to lose the ability to fly. Industry is a huge source of water pollution, it produces pollutants that are extremely harmful to people and the environment. Many industrial facilities use freshwater to carry away waste from the plant and into rivers, lakes and oceans. †¢Pollutants from industrial sources include: ? Asbestos – This pollutant is a serious health hazard and carcinogenic. Asbestos fibres can be inhaled and cause illnesses such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, intestinal cancer and liver cancer. ?Lead – This is a metallic element and can cause health and environmental problems. It is a non-biodegradable substance so is hard to clean up once the environment is contaminated. Lead is harmful to the health of many animals, including humans, as it can inhibit the action of bodily enzymes. ?Mercury – This is a metallic element and can cause health and environmental problems. It is a non-biodegradable substance so is hard to clean up once the environment is contaminated. Mercury is also harmful to animal health as it can cause illness through mercury poisoning. ?Nitrates – The increased use of fertilisers means that nitrates are more often being washed from the soil and into rivers and lakes. This can cause eutrophication, which can be very problematic to marine environments. ?Phosphates – The increased use of fertilisers means that phosphates are more often being washed from the soil and into rivers and lakes. This can cause eutrophication, which can be very problematic to marine environments. ?Sulphur – This is a non-metallic substance that is harmful for marine life. ?Oils – Oil does not dissolve in water, instead it forms a thick layer on the water surface. This can stop marine plants receiving enough light for photosynthesis. It is also harmful for fish and marine birds. ?Petrochemicals – This is formed from gas or petrol and can be toxic to marine life. Carbon footprint: Man-made climate change, or global warming, is caused by the release of certain types of gas into the atmosphere. The dominant man-made greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2), which is emitted whenever we burn fossil fuels in homes, factories or power stations. But other greenhouse gases are also important. Methane (CH4), for example, which is emitted mainly by agriculture and landfill sites, is 25 times more potent per kilogram than CO2. Even more potent but emitted in smaller quantities are nitrous oxide (N2O), which is about 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide and released mainly from industrial processes and farming, and refrigerant gases, which are typically several thousand times more potent than CO2. In the UK, the total impact on the climate breaks down like this: carbon dioxide (86%), methane (7%), nitrous oxide (6%) and refrigerant gases (1%). Given that a single item or activity can cause multiple different greenhouse gases to be emitted, each in different quantities, a carbon footprint if written out in full could get pretty confusing. To avoid this, the convention is to express a carbon footprint in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent or CO2e. This means the total climate change impact of all the greenhouse gases caused by an item or activity rolled into one and expressed in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide that would have the same impact. Loss of biodiversity: Human activities are responsible for most of the loss in biodiversity throughout the world. With an increasing population, we are consuming more and more natural resources.. We do this by driving more, using more energy in our homes, and buying many more products than we need. Biodiversity is important since it provides us with raw materials that we use to make products such as clothes, shoes and paper. And although we use many natural products and materials in our daily lives, we also use many human-made chemicals–cleaners, fertilizers, bug spray, pesticides, and many others. Even though we use them to help us, they have many side effects. Toxins and pollution are very harmful to biodiversity. The chemicals that we use end up in our waterways. Plants and animals are killed by oil spills. Wildlife gets caught in plastic trash.

Loneliness and Dreams in Mice of men Essay

John Steinbeck wrote the novel of Mice and Men during the great depression. During this time there were few jobs which meant people had to migrate in search of jobs. This meant they were constantly moving and could not establish lasting friendships or relationships. Steinbeck portrays the loneliness and hardship felt by people living through the 1930’s American depression. He shows how the dreams of the characters were what helped them survive through this period. In this essay I will discuss the dreams and loneliness of the characters in the novel and how Steinbeck reveals each characters loneliness and dreams. George and Lennie both experience loneliness. Even though they had each other George needed somebody on his wavelength, with his level of maturity because Lennie is like a child and does not think like an adult, he is mentally retarded. One almost gets the feeling that he doesn’t want Lennie for companionship at all when he is talking to Lennie about how he would live without him. † God a ‘mighty, if I was alone I could live so easy.† Page 11 As George carries on talking of his laid back carefree lifestyle he dreams of he progressively gets angrier. It makes the reader wonder why he even stays with Lennie if he feels so overwhelmed with the responsibility of looking out for Lennie. George is a thinker he sees how bitter other men on the ranch have become through their loneliness; George knows that staying with Lennie stops him from being truly lonely. He also has protection from Lennie because he knows he is safe when he has a big guy like Lennie as his friend. Looking out for Lennie gives him a purpose, a reason, a role in his life he gets the satisfaction of knowing he is needed. ‘George fell silent. He wanted to talk.’ Page 41 This quote is from when George talks to Slim. He is happy to have the chance to talk to someone on his level of maturity. As Slim is a good listener and tries to understand the relationship between George and Lennie. Lennie doesn’t really experiences loneliness although he needs to pet something, to hold something. He always has George to look after him sees George as a father figure. George instructs him on how to behave and what to do in certain situations. ‘Slowly, like a terrier who doesn’t want to bring a ball to its master, Lennie approached,’ page 9 This quote is taken from when George wants to take a dead mouse away from Lennie who doesn’t want to give it up. It reveals how George has an authority over Lennie. George and Lennie’s dream is to one day own some land. They wish to live on this land and be their own boss. George no longer wants to comply with somebody else’s rules. He wants to have a purpose in working hard on the land because then he will benefit from his hard work. Whereas when working on a ranch he is working hard for somebody else’s profits. Lennie is only interested in tending to the rabbits. He just wants to be able to pet some animals. His dream fits in with George’s it doesn’t matter if he owns the land or not. Curley’s wife’s name is never mentioned she is always referred to as Curley’s wife. Steinbeck never uses her name because the other men see her as belonging to Curley, just another possession of his on the ranch Curley’s wife is the only woman on the ranch, she married Curley recently and she is still quite young. She is lonely because she has no one to confide in. When she wants to talk to the men she uses the excuse she is looking for Curley. ‘Any you boys seen Curley?’ Pg81 This quote is from when Lennie, Candy and Crooks are in Crook’s room and Curley’s wife comes in. In this chapter we know she uses the excuse she is looking for Curley as a way to talk to the men on the ranch. We know this because, after the men tell her he hasn’t been there she says ‘Think I don’t know where they all went? Even Curley. I know where they all went. ‘ Page 81 She uses this excuse every time she wants to talk to the men but she has shown that she knew exactly where he was this time. She then calls them the weak ones the ‘bunch of bindle stiffs’ but even after that she wishes to talks to them. This is because she is desperate for some company anyone to talk to. She is seen to be a ‘tart’ and ‘jail bait’ by the other men on the ranch, but she still wants to have them for company. Curley’s wife also had dream, she still has, and when she was younger she wanted to be an actress. She says how she could have been famous, rich and happy. † I coulda made somethin’ of myself.’ She said darkly, â€Å"Maybe I will yet.† Pg 93 The fact that she still hopes to fulfil her dream is rather pathetic. Her dream is very unrealistic she will never break free from her unhappy marriage. She has this dream because it is a form of escapism, she can pretend that she is not lonely and that one-day she will not have to live the way she very much dislikes. † I tell you I ain’t used to livin’ like this.† Pg 93 She reveals her dreams to Lennie when he’s on his own she finds that the men only talk to her when they are on their own. Even when Lennie is on his own he is reluctant to talk to her because of what George has said about her. Crooks is a Negro in a society that considers non-whites as sub-human. He also is partially crippled which does not help when he is living in a society that value people by their ability to provide a service. Because of his race he does not sleep in the same room as the other workers, he lives in the room where he works in and ‘ a manure pile under the window.’ Because of this Crooks spends most of his time on his own leading to a great feeling of loneliness. His only companions are his books and as he has seen people come and go he has acquired more possessions than the others have. His loneliness is revealed when he is talking to Lennie. Lennie is talking to Crooks in his room, telling him about the land they will one day own. † A guy needs somebody-to be near him.† Pg 77 Crooks reads books but because of his colour he has no friend not even somebody on his wavelength. He is on his own every night whereas all the other men share their room in the bunkhouse. Crooks is so overcome with his loneliness that he cannot hope or dream anymore. He doesn’t take any notice of Lennie’s dream because he has heard it all before. â€Å"I seen hundreds of men come by on the road†¦ An’ every damn one of ’em’s got a little piece of land in his head. An’ never a god-damn one of ’em ever gets it. Pg 78 Although after he hears how this dream could become a reality Crooks is influenced and wants to join in. He later retracts his statement because of the way Curley’s wife treats him. † Well you keep your place, then, Nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny.† Pg 85 She’s racist and through her body language she shows that she has the authority over him. This is why he no longer wanted to join in with the plan of owning land. Candy is lonely because he has nobody; he only had one companion, which was his dog that he had since the dog was a puppy. Candy was very upset when his dog had to be killed. His loneliness is revealed when Carlson proposes that the dog should be shot. † Why’n’t you shoot him, candy? The old man squirmed uncomfortably.† Pg 47 The thought of Candy’s only companion being shot fills him with dread. The thought is uncomfortable. He tries many times to reason with Carlson and find a way that he can put off the death of his dog. â€Å"Candy said hopefully, ‘you ain’t got a gun.† Pg 50 The only reason he lets his dog die is because he cannot argue with Carlson. Also Slim agreed with Carlson and Slim word is the law in this play, the voice of reason. Candy is so desperate for companionship that he keeps a blind dog that is in pain from dying in a way this is an act of selfishness. Candy listens attentively while George and Lennie are talking about their dream. He offers to buy the land they need to fulfil their dream. â€Å"S’spose I went in with you guys. Tha’s three hundred an’ fifty bucks I’d put in † Pg 62 Candy is very old, because of the great depression there is no job security and because of this he thinks he will be sacked soon. At this point the dream seems more real to them than it has ever been before. Before it was just a fantasy, some thing to find comfort in, but he could never actually let himself believe it. † They all sat still, all bemused by the beauty of the thing,† Pg 64 I think now their dream is more realistic but not realistic enough because George says if Lennie and he don’t spend anything they would have $450 but they are bound to spend something especially when George is interested in going to the cat house. Also the asking price is $600 it will take a lot longer for them to raise that amount of money. The great depression in America had its effect on many of the characters; money was hard to come by. Loneliness is a major theme in the novel Of Mice and Men because many of the characters suffer from this more than anything else. Loneliness kills Curley’s wife, embitters Crooks and candy although Lennie and George put it off through the fact that they have each other for companionship. â€Å"Guys like us, that work on the ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world’†¦. Lennie broke in. ‘But not us! Because †¦because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why’ Pg 14 Steinbeck doesn’t offer any answers to the character’s problem of loneliness. Showing the reader a graphic and moving portrayal of how loneliness affects people without providing an antidote or giving a happy ending makes the novel really sad. Lennie and George’s dream brought nothing but pain and grief instead of promised joy and happiness, which ties into the tittle of the book which was taken from a poem titled to a mouse by a Scottish poet called Robert Burns. This poem was about how a mouse, which had planned for the winter by making a nest, had its nest ruined by a tractor. George and Lennie planned carefully how they were going to achieve their dream of being free and independent but forces beyond their control shattered their dream. Steinbeck never suggests that dreams should not be had, Lennie and George’s dream was so powerful that Candy was drawn in and for a short time so was the cynical Crooks. This dream was what comforted Lennie and helped George survive. The dreams the characters had had to be had they were what was needed to hold on to, to survive and to work for. This period of time made people bitter because they were lonely, the only person they had to look out for was themselves, kindness had no place on the ranch. They all cried out for love and care but only Lennie openly expressed his need for it through his constant talk of rabbits. Characters like Crooks had become cynical, he had lost hope and he couldn’t dream. At first when Lennie talked of his dream Crooks thought it was another pathetic dream he was beyond imagining how everything could be. Curley’s wife’s dream was rather pathetic and quite unrealistic but it was a form of escapism for her. So she fantasised about her dream coming true but it was her way of coping when she was in an unhappy marriage that she had no way out of. It is sad to think that the loneliness that she was trying to get away from killed her in the end.

Biography of Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Tanzanian Leader

Biography of Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Tanzanian Leader Julius Kambarage Nyerere  (March 1922 - October 14, 1999) was one of Africas leading independence heroes and leading light behind the creation of the Organization of African Unity. He was the architect of ujamaa,  an African socialist philosophy which revolutionized Tanzanias agricultural system. He was the prime minister of an independent Tanganyika and the first president of Tanzania. Fast Facts: Julius Kambarage Nyerere Known For: First president of Tanzania, architect of  ujamaa,  an African socialist philosophy which revolutionized Tanzanias agricultural system and one of the leaders of the Organization of African UnityBorn: March 1922, Butiama, TanganyikaDied: October 14, 1999, London, UKSpouse: Maria Gabriel Majige (m. 1953-1999)Children: Andrew Burito, Anna Watiku, Anselm Magige, John Guido, Charles Makongoro, Godfrey Madaraka, Rosemary Huria, Pauleta NyabananeNotable Quote: If a door is shut, attempts should be made to open it; if it is ajar, it should be pushed until it is wide open. In neither case should the door be blown up at the expense of those inside. Early Life Kambarage (the spirit which gives rain) Nyerere was born to Chief Burito Nyerere of the Zanaki (a small ethnic group in northern Tanganyika) and his fifth (out of 22) wife Mgaya Wanyangombe. Nyerere attended a local primary mission school, transferring in 1937 to Tabora Secondary School, a Roman Catholic mission and one of the few secondary schools open to Africans at that time. He was baptized a Catholic on December 23, 1943, and took the baptismal name Julius. Nationalistic Awareness Between 1943 and 1945 Nyerere attended Makerere University, in Ugandas capital Kampala, obtaining a teaching certificate. It was around this time that he took his first steps towards a political career. In 1945 he formed Tanganyikas first student group, an offshoot of the African Association, AA, (a pan-African group first formed by Tanganyikas educated elite in Dar es Salaam, in 1929). Nyerere and his colleagues began the process of converting the AA towards a nationalistic political group. Once he had gained his teaching certificate, Nyerere returned to Tanganyika to take up a teaching post at Saint Marys, a Catholic mission school in Tabora. He opened a local branch of the AA and was instrumental in converting the AA from its pan-African idealism to the pursuit of Tanganyikan independence. To this end, the AA restyled itself in 1948 as the Tanganyika African Association, TAA. Gaining a Wider Perspective In 1949 Nyerere left Tanganyika to study for an MA in economics and history at the University of Edinburgh. He was the first African from Tanganyika to study at a British university and, in 1952, was the first Tanganyikan to gain a degree. At Edinburgh, Nyerere became involved with the Fabian Colonial Bureau (a non-Marxist, anti-colonial socialist movement based in London). He watched intently Ghanas path to self-government  and was aware of the debates in Britain on the development of a Central African Federation (to be formed from a union of North and South Rhodesia and Nyasaland). Three years of study in the UK gave Nyerere an opportunity to vastly widen his perspective of pan-African issues. Graduating in 1952, he returned to teach at a Catholic school near Dar es Salaam. On January 24, 1953, he married primary school teacher Maria Gabriel Majige. Developing the Independence Struggle in Tanganyika This was a period of upheaval in west and south Africa. In neighboring Kenya the Mau Mau uprising was fighting against white settler rule, and a  nationalistic reaction was rising against the creation of the Central African Federation. But political awareness in Tanganyika was nowhere near as advanced as with its neighbors. Nyerere, who had become president of the TAA in April 1953, realized that a focus for African nationalism amongst the population was needed. To that end, in July 1954, Nyerere converted the TAA into Tanganyikas first political party, the Tanganyikan African National Union, or TANU. Nyerere was careful to promote nationalistic ideals without encouraging the kind of violence that was erupting in Kenya under the Mau Mau uprising. TANU manifesto was for independence on the basis of non-violent, multi-ethnic politics, and the promotion of social and political harmony. Nyerere was appointed to Tanganyikas Legislative Council (the Legco) in 1954. He gave up teaching the following year to pursue his career in politics. International Statesman Nyerere testified on behalf of TANU to the UN Trusteeship Council (committee on trusts and non-self-governing territories), in both 1955 and 1956. He presented the case for setting a timetable for Tanganyikan independence (this being one of the specified aims set down for a UN trust territory). The publicity he gained back in Tanganyika established him as the countrys leading nationalist. In 1957 he resigned from the Tanganyikan Legislative Council in protest over the slow progress independence. TANU contested the 1958 elections, winning 28 of 30 elected positions in the Legco. This was countered, however, by 34 posts which were appointed by the British authorities - there was no way for TANU to gain a majority. But TANU was making headway, and Nyerere told his people that Independence will follow as surely as the tickbirds follow the rhino. Finally with the election in August 1960, after changes to the Legislative Assembly were passed, TANU gained the majority it sought, 70 out of 71 seats. Nyerere became chief minister on September 2, 1960, and Tanganyika gained limited self-government. Independence In May 1961 Nyerere became prime minister, and on December 9, Tanganyika gained its independence. On January 22, 1962, Nyerere resigned from the premiership to concentrate on drawing up a republican constitution and to prepare TANU for government rather than liberation. On December 9, 1962, Nyerere was elected president of the new Republic of Tanganyika. Nyereres Approach to Government #1 Nyerere approached his presidency with a particularly African stance. First, he attempted to integrate into African politics the traditional style of African decision making (what is known as indaba in Southern Africa). A consensus is gained through a series of meetings in which everyone has an opportunity to say their piece. To help build national unity he adopted Kiswahili as the national language, making it the only medium of instruction and education. Tanganyika became one of the few African countries with an indigenous official national language. Nyerere also expressed a fear that multiple parties, as seen in Europe and the US, would lead to ethnic conflict in Tanganyika. Political Tensions In 1963 tensions on the neighboring island of Zanzibar started to impact on Tanganyika. Zanzibar had been a British protectorate, but on 10 December 1963, independence was gained as a Sultanate  (under Jamshid ibn Abd Allah) within the Commonwealth of Nations. A  coup on  January 12, 1964, overthrew the sultanate and established a new republic. Africans and Arabs were in conflict, and the aggression spread to the mainland - the Tanganyikan army mutinied. Nyerere went into hiding and was forced to ask Britain for military assistance. He set about strengthening his political control of both TANU and the country. In 1963 he established a  one-party state  which lasted until July 1, 1992, outlawed strikes, and created a centralized administration. A one-party state would allow collaboration and unity without any suppression of opposing views he stated. TANU was now the only legal political party in Tanganyika. Once order was restored Nyerere announced the merger of Zanzibar with Tanganyika as a new nation; the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar came into being on April 26, 1964, with Nyerere as president. The country was renamed the Republic of Tanzania on October 29, 1964. Nyereres Approach to Government #2 Nyerere was reelected president of Tanzania in 1965 (and would be returned for another three successive  five-year  terms before resigning as president in 1985. His next step was to promote his system of African socialism, and on February 5, 1967, he presented the Arusha Declaration which set out his political and economic agenda. The Arusha Declaration was incorporated  into  TANUs constitution later that year. The central core of the Arusha Declaration was  ujamma, Nyereres take on an egalitarian socialist society based on cooperative agriculture. The policy was influential throughout the continent, but it ultimately proved to be flawed.  Ujamaa  is a Swahili word which means community or  family-hood. Nyereres  ujamaa  was a program of independent self-help which supposedly would keep Tanzania from becoming  dependant  on foreign aid. It emphasized economic cooperation, racial/tribal, and moralistic self-sacrifice. By the early  1970s, a program of villagization was slowly organizing rural life into village collectives. Initially voluntary, the process met with increasing resistance, and in 1975 Nyerere introduced forced villagization. Almost 80 percent of the population ended up organized into 7,700 villages. Ujamaa  emphasized the countrys need to be self-sufficient economically rather than being dependent on  foreign aid  and  foreign investment. Nyerere also set up mass literacy  campaigns  and provided free and universal education. In 1971, he introduced state ownership for banks, nationalized plantations and property. In January 1977 he merged TANU and Zanzibars Afro-Shirazi Party into a new national party - the  Chama Cha Mapinduzi  (CCM, Revolutionary State Party). Despite a great deal of planning and organization, agricultural production declined over the 70s, and by the 1980s, with falling world commodity prices (especially for coffee and sisal), its meager export base disappeared and Tanzania became the largest per-capita recipient of foreign aid in Africa. Nyerere on the International Stage Nyerere was a leading force behind the modern Pan-African movement, a leading figure in African politics in the 1970s, and was one of the founders of the Organization of African Unity, OAU, (now the  African Union). He was committed to supporting liberation movements in Southern Africa and was a forceful critic of the apartheid regime of South Africa, chairing a group of five frontline presidents who advocated the overthrow of white supremacists in South Africa, South-West Africa, and Zimbabwe. Tanzania became a favored venue for liberation army training camps and political offices. Sanctuary was given to members of South Africas  African National Congress, as well as similar groups from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, and Uganda. As a strong supporter of the  Commonwealth of Nations, Nyerere helped engineer South Africas exclusion on the basis of its  apartheid  policies. When President  Idi Amin  of Uganda announced the deportation of all Asians, Nyerere denounced his administration. When Ugandan troops occupied a small border area of Tanzania in 1978 Nyerere pledged to bring the downfall of Amin. In 1979 20,000 troops from the Tanzanian army invaded Uganda to aid Ugandan rebels under the leadership of Yoweri Museveni. Amin fled into exile, and Milton Obote, a good friend of Nyerere, and the president Idi Amin had deposed back in 1971, was placed back in power. The economic cost to Tanzania of the incursion into Uganda was devastating, and Tanzania was unable to recover. Death Julius Kambarage Nyerere died on October 14, 1999, in London, UK, of  leukemia. Despite his failed policies, Nyerere remains a  deeply  respected figure both in Tanzania and Africa as a whole. He is referred to by his honorific title  mwalimu  (a Swahili word meaning teacher). Legacy and End of an Influential Presidency In 1985 Nyerere stepped down from the presidency in favor of Ali Hassan Mwinyi. But he refused to give up power completely, remaining leader of the CCM. When Mwinyi started to dismantle  ujamaa  and to privatize the economy, Nyerere ran interference. He spoke out against what he saw as too much reliance on international trade and the use of  gross  domestic product as the main measure of Tanzanias success. At the time of his departure, Tanzania was one of the worlds poorest countries. Agriculture has reduced to subsistence levels, transportation networks were fractured, and industry was crippled. At least  one-third  of the national budget was provided by foreign aid. On the positive side, Tanzania had Africas highest literacy rate (90 percent), had halved infant mortality, and was politically stable. In 1990 Nyerere gave up leadership of the CCM, finally admitting that some of his policies hadnt been successful. Tanzania held multiparty elections for the first time in 1995.

Apartheid essays

Apartheid essays After researching apartheid I found many points relating to the matter. First of all, let me give a proper definition for apartheid. It is a policy of segregation and political and economic discrimination against non-European groups in the Republic of South Africa. It is an Afrikaans word meaning separateness. One main point that I received from my research was that the Afrikaner Nationalists believed that although South Africa was an undivided state, its people did not make up a complete state. This is an important point because it showed the basic philosophy of apartheid. There were thirteen different nations in South Africa. These included the Whites, Coloureds, Indians, and ten black African groups. They had done this because it was their observation that whenever people of different races, religions, or cultures came in contact with one another, friction would occur. So the solution they had to this problem was to create a society in which contact between races was avoided as much as possible. Without race contact there would be no race friction, therefore separation was the key to peace for all South Africans. So laws were created to make sure that members from different social groups did not socialize together, marry, sleep together, or share any public facilities. In my opinion, this twisted system could never work. It is one thing to separate different groups from one another to avoid problems, but it is another to use this method to purposely hold other groups down while elevating your own. This is exactly what the whites had done in South Africa. They refused to let any of the other groups receive any social, economic, or political power under the system of apartheid. They did this by any means necessary, especially force. I think that their main reason for implementing these rules under apartheid was because of their fears. The Afrikaners, who were the white Dutch settlers, were always ...

The Suffix -esque

The Suffix -esque The Suffix -esque The Suffix -esque By Maeve Maddox The suffix -esque is frequently used by pop-culture writers who enjoy making adjectives from celebrity names: Paris Hilton dons Madonna-esque fingerless gloves as she takes to the decks in Washington   Never Say Never (sung in Beiber-esque voice, of course) Keith Ford, Looking Very Clooney-esque The suffix -esque means, â€Å"resembling or suggesting the style of.† This is a regular French suffix that corresponds to the English suffix -ish, as in reddish. Four words with this suffix entered English ready-made from French. arabesque: Middle French arabesque was a noun meaning â€Å"the Arabic language.† As an adjective, arabesque meant â€Å"Arabian in character.† Because of the flowing form of Arabic writing, the word came to be used to describe any decorative pattern consisting of flowing, interlacing lines. Example: â€Å"The arabesque pattern occupies the inner and top margin of the page.† burlesque: Another French borrowing, burlesque derives from the Italian word burlesco, â€Å"something that mocks.† As a noun, a burlesque is a genre of writing that mocks a more serious genre. For example, Pope’s â€Å"The Rape of the Lock† is a burlesque of Homer’s Iliad. grotesque: This French spelling was adopted into English about 1640. Its most common use is an adjective meaning, is â€Å"ridiculously ugly or distorted.† Example: De Palma has, like Kubrick, Lynch and Fincher, sought to master the intersection of mesmerizing beauty and grotesque horror.†Ã‚   picaresque: This noun/adjective combination with its French spelling derives from Spanish picaro, â€Å"vagrant, rogue, scoundrel.† The English word refers to a literary genre called the â€Å"picaresque novel.† This type of novel has very little plot as it follows the adventures of a (usually) loveable scoundrel or vagrant. Don Quixote, Tom Jones, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are picaresque novels. In addition to these four words that entered English as foreign borrowings, we have two more words that combine existing English words with the suffix -esque: picturesque: This word started out as a French borrowingpittoresquebut quickly morphed into picturesque because of the similarity of sound between pittor and picture. It means â€Å"having the qualities of a picture.† Example: â€Å"Fish  Lake Country  Club is a scenic 9-hole public golf course on the shores of  picturesque  Fish Lake just five miles east of Plankinton.† statuesque: The English poet Coleridge may have coined this word on the pattern of picturesque: â€Å"Never did I behold aught so impressively picturesque, or rather statue-esque, as these Groups of Women in all their various attitudes (1799).† Statuesque means, â€Å"having the qualities of a statue; reminiscent of a statue in size, posture, or stillness.† Perhaps the existence of picturesque and statuesque has influenced the use of -esque as an English suffix. Literary and art critics, for example, have a history of applying it to the names of authors and artists. Unlike entertainment writers who tend to hyphenate the suffix, critics write their coinages as one word: â€Å"Through her use of Browningesque dramatic monologues, Ai disturbs settled identities and calls cultural boundaries into question.† To understand this use of Browningesque, one must have read works such as â€Å"My Last Duchess† by the poet Robert Browning. Other examples: Audenesque (like Auden) Caravaggiesque (like Caravaggio) Chaplinesque (like Chaplin) Dickensesque (like Dickens) Disneyesque (like Disney) Macalayesque (like Macalay) Turneresque (like Turner) This awkward and unlovely use of -esque has little to recommend it–unless the intent is to create a grotesque word. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Farther vs. FurtherOne Fell SwoopThe Two Sounds of G

Intercultur Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Intercultur - Article Example These included questions about what type of boss the respondent preferred and what factors describe their ideal job. Findings Among Hofstede’s findings were the conclusion that Asian countries generally have a power-distance, USA and other Western countries are generally individualistic, South American and Asian countries are generally collectivistic, Asian countries are generally highly masculine while Nordic countries are highly feminine. Research Implications/Limitations Hofstede’s methodology and the conclusions drawn from it have been strongly criticized by a number of other sociologists, such as McSweeney (2002); a common criticism is that Hofstede has inferred broad aspects of national cultures from the situationaly specific replies of a handful of questionnaire responses received from the employees of just one company. Value Hofstede’s work seems to be deeply flawed with respect to methodology and as such can only be of limited value to the reader. It would probably be wise for a manager not to base their cross cultural communication upon a work based on such flimsy evidence. While it may be valid to classify individuals as being more individualistic or masculine, attributing cultures with such attribute is just a more subtle form of stereotyping. Hofstede’s study has not produced any great insights about people and their culture but serve merely to confirm existing crude racial and cultural stereotypes for example that Asians are servile toward their despotic leaders, that Americans are individualists, that South Americans are very family oriented people, that Nordic societies are highly liberal and progressive societies where the differences in status between men and women have largely been eliminated while Asians oppress their women and keep them chained in their homes. Design/Methodology/Approach Hall and Hall espouse their theories regarding the differences between

Summarise Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Summarise - Assignment Example His argument is based mainly on children on fourth grade where introduction of academic language tampers with most children’s willingness to enjoy the studies due to lack of understanding complex language used in key subjects like mathematics, science and business (Gee, 2004). The lack of understanding academic language tends to ensure the child always lags behind in his entire reading development. This continued lagging makes it hard for even adults to use academic language. Gee identifies that academic language, thus difficult needs a strong foundation. In his book, Gee (2004) identifies different ways that can boost the understanding and ability to use academic language. He claims that it is necessary for parents to support their children to play video games as they help in the kids’ ability to visualize and identify ways to use complex language. He uses the example of kids using Pokà ©mon learn to use polysyllabic names that boost their vocabularies (Gee, 2004). The kids also generate their skills to use algebraic expressions. This notion portrays that kids from low-income families will suffer more in their ability to use academic language due to lack of experiences with people using academic language. Their parent’s inability to purchase video games for them makes them suffer from gaining exposure to academic language. The author continues his support of the use of media and digital technology by claiming that the internet is the main source of information and interaction is simpler. The interaction on the internet is not biased as it brings connection with different age groups, social classes, and people who have similar ideologies and needs. This makes it easy for the children to gather enough information and skills to use in academic language. Gee (2004) identifies that the best way for kids to develop understanding in academic language is to ensure that the education system should identify ways to limit and prevent the

What ethical challenges to the social order could arise from Essay

What ethical challenges to the social order could arise from technological advances - Essay Example Technology issues are contemporary business issues in the context of their outcome on society, particularly the biotechnology companies that are confronted with issues related to the use of embryonic stem cells, genetic engineering, and cloning. All of these dilemmas have life-long societal and ethical significances. Recurrent technological advancement is likely to heighten the role of businesses in ethical fields all-of-a-sudden (Barnett, 2011). The Sarbanes-Oxley Act has outlined the significance of ethics in the field of Information Systems, as is visible from its straight-forward effect on the functions of IS professionals. There is sufficient literature on ethical issues covering computing and information technology in the concurrent context but not all of the work has been made available for discussion in the leading IS literature. There is need to recognise the contribution of Hagerman’s discourse ethics, which can be an instance of normative ethics as it offers process es for figuring out moral norms. The three routine kinds of ethical approaches are: consequentialism, deontology and virtue ethics and communitarianism. Each kind of ethic has a range of its own although other ethical approaches such as the ethics of care exist but consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics and communitarianism are the leading approaches, attending to all fields of business ethics (Mingers & Walsham, 2010). Discourse ethics is distinct from other approaches to ethics as it is based on actual debates between those impressed by decisions and propositions. Considering that the theory could be abstract, the need to find practicality of the discourse ethics for the IS area by employing current techniques like soft systems methodology is important. Application of the theory carries practical potential via analysing its application to particular IS topic areas including Web 2.0, open source software, the digital divide and the UK biometric identity card scheme (Minger s & Walsham, 2010). An interdisciplinary area named bioethics came into existence in the early 1970s, integrating various professions such as clinicians, lawyers, philosophers, theologians, and other humanists amid technological advances in medicine and increasing regard for people in society. This was the time when haemodialysis and mechanical ventilation, abortion reform and the first human heart transplant was done. Technological innovations cut across individuals values. In brief, bioethics was the outcome of dispute (Parker and Gettig, 2000). Dispute arose over individuals' rights of self-determination confronting with some social values and with the medical profession's past non-confronting paternalistic regard for patient welfare, as the medical profession and individual professionals decided on their own, irrespective of the viewpoints of patients. Such medical cases where the patients challenged the medical fraternity for not fully informing the consequences of an operation or such legal issues started raging such as Karen Quinlan's parents' right to remove her from her respirator. Bioethics developed to offer a legal and ethical mechanism under which issues could be settled between the physician and patient and between social

Getting Interactive Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Getting Interactive Research - Essay Example Moreover, exercises that focus in problem solving and group discussion are crucial in integrative learning tools. This essay focuses on the reasons why interactive approach is essential in training adults. Interactive learning is grounded on the principles of adult learning theory, which emphasize on the need for active involvement of learners in the learning process. According to Trotter (2006), adults appreciate training approaches that allows them to perform tasks such as solving their own problems or training others through sharing of experiences. Adult learning theories focus regarding the ways in which adults learn new skills or acquire information. The adult learning theory, which was developed by Malconlm, Knowles, and Jane Vella, shows that adults prefer learning approaches that enable them to share life experiences and integrate them in the learning process. Interaction is a process that can be created and enhanced. This is done through activities such as scavenger hunt, ro le-play, case analysis, virtual laboratory, and introduction of learning game in the learning process. Such activities encourage learners to find knowledge that is applicable to a given topic and use it in problem solving. Moreover, interactive learning encourages learners to develop novel perspectives, which they can use in their work places. A number of principles govern adult learning process. The principles emphasize on the significance of interactive learning process. For effective learning, adults require to be respected. Moreover, adults prefer a learning process that enables them to realize immediate practicality of learning. Another principle that governs adult learning is creation of a safe learning environment. Another principle that is essential in adult learning is the level of engagement. Adults learn best when actively involved. According to Merriam (2011), interactive learning should be relevant and applicable to real life situations. Therefore, interactive learning process is should meet the above principles for it to be essential. Malcolm Knowles adult learning theory discourages use of teacher-centered models in teaching adults. His theory promotes training strategies that relate to the learners experiences. This increases the relevancy of the concepts making it easy for the adult learners to conceptualize different concepts. Knowles theory consents that interactive learning engages the learners encouraging them to be explorative other than knowledge recipients, which enhances discoveries. Activeness characterizes interactive learning and encourages learners to apply their skills instead of memorizing information. Jarvis (2004) argues that activeness is essential since adults are able to retain knowledge when they learn through application or if they are engaged in discovering the content. Unlike the traditional teacher centered training approach which equipped students with skills to enable them pass tests, learner centered adult training a pproach enables student retain the knowledge. This essential since it enables learners to apply the knowledge acquired in class in the real world. Jack Meziro theory of transformative learning identifies reflection as crucial in enhancing learning. Therefore, interaction is essential in ensuring that the learning process results in direct effects such as acquisition of competency and changed

Individual Report Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Individual Report - Assignment Example The GDP growth rate of the Czech Republic is quite moderate taking into consideration the recent economic downturn. Inflation rate is also moderate, and indicates that the economic environment in the country is favourable for international development. Exchange rate is subject to regulations on behalf of the national government. Taking into consideration projections that the national currency will gradually appreciate, the decision to enter the Czech Republic market should be reviewed. The limitation of this report can be referred to lack of some specific facts about the US-company’s operations, and understanding of the industry in which it operates. Due to this limitation, further research is required. There should be carried more detailed analysis of external environment, including: political, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors. The large US-based multinational company that manufactures and sells its products in a number of other countries, including China and the UK is evaluating opportunities of international expansion, namely to the Czech Republic. The aim of this report is to provide the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors with analytical overview of the economic situation in the Czech Republic and provide recommendations regarding expansion of the business to this country. The remainder of the report is comprised of several sections, whereas the literature review section provides theoretical overview of key macroeconomic indicators and how these indicators can be used in order to evaluate economic health of a specific country or region. The next section provides overview of the current economic situation in the Czech Republic based on the macroeconomic indicators such as GDP, inflation rate and exchange rate. Section â€Å"Interpretation† presents analysis of the historical and actual macroeconomic

Getting Interactive Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Getting Interactive Research - Essay Example Moreover, exercises that focus in problem solving and group discussion are crucial in integrative learning tools. This essay focuses on the reasons why interactive approach is essential in training adults. Interactive learning is grounded on the principles of adult learning theory, which emphasize on the need for active involvement of learners in the learning process. According to Trotter (2006), adults appreciate training approaches that allows them to perform tasks such as solving their own problems or training others through sharing of experiences. Adult learning theories focus regarding the ways in which adults learn new skills or acquire information. The adult learning theory, which was developed by Malconlm, Knowles, and Jane Vella, shows that adults prefer learning approaches that enable them to share life experiences and integrate them in the learning process. Interaction is a process that can be created and enhanced. This is done through activities such as scavenger hunt, ro le-play, case analysis, virtual laboratory, and introduction of learning game in the learning process. Such activities encourage learners to find knowledge that is applicable to a given topic and use it in problem solving. Moreover, interactive learning encourages learners to develop novel perspectives, which they can use in their work places. A number of principles govern adult learning process. The principles emphasize on the significance of interactive learning process. For effective learning, adults require to be respected. Moreover, adults prefer a learning process that enables them to realize immediate practicality of learning. Another principle that governs adult learning is creation of a safe learning environment. Another principle that is essential in adult learning is the level of engagement. Adults learn best when actively involved. According to Merriam (2011), interactive learning should be relevant and applicable to real life situations. Therefore, interactive learning process is should meet the above principles for it to be essential. Malcolm Knowles adult learning theory discourages use of teacher-centered models in teaching adults. His theory promotes training strategies that relate to the learners experiences. This increases the relevancy of the concepts making it easy for the adult learners to conceptualize different concepts. Knowles theory consents that interactive learning engages the learners encouraging them to be explorative other than knowledge recipients, which enhances discoveries. Activeness characterizes interactive learning and encourages learners to apply their skills instead of memorizing information. Jarvis (2004) argues that activeness is essential since adults are able to retain knowledge when they learn through application or if they are engaged in discovering the content. Unlike the traditional teacher centered training approach which equipped students with skills to enable them pass tests, learner centered adult training a pproach enables student retain the knowledge. This essential since it enables learners to apply the knowledge acquired in class in the real world. Jack Meziro theory of transformative learning identifies reflection as crucial in enhancing learning. Therefore, interaction is essential in ensuring that the learning process results in direct effects such as acquisition of competency and changed

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Essay Example One of the solutions that have been applied to facilitate the provision of solutions to the identified mental challenges is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This is psychotherapy approach that focuses on solving dysfunctional mental, emotional, maladaptive characters as well as inappropriate mental challenges through processes that entail. The examination between these cognitive facets based on goals. The essence of systematic review of the relationship between mental processes is pertinent for providing effective solutions for identified mental challenges. The process of developing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was achieved through a process that involved behavioral integration. Behavioral Integration was a process that focused on modification of individual’s cognitive behavior, however due to its inefficiency, this method was later integrated with techniques that facilitated review the relationship between cognitive behaviors, thus the development of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. There are various benefits that students aspiring to focus on solving mental challenges can access by applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as one of the methods. To begin with, research has shown that the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is pertinent for provision of mental health treatment owing to the fact that it has been proved to be efficient in solving a series of different mental health challenges through application of certain procedures and processes. In addition, this technique is important to students, with an interest to solve cognitive and emotional challenges facing the society owing to the fact that it creates a platform for students to interact with their patients, thus increasing their understanding of various issues ascribed to cognitive challenges. The interaction is usually facilitated by certain experiments that the students may engage in as they undertake their psychotherapy activities. One of the Cognitive Behavioral Strategies that my

Readiness of Kindergarten Teachers along K-12 Curriculum Essay Example for Free

Readiness of Kindergarten Teachers along K-12 Curriculum Essay One of the major reforms in our country’s educational system is Republic Act 10157, otherwise known as â€Å"The Kindergarten Education Law† or the K to12 (K+12). This Law made the Kindergarten compulsory and mandatory entry to basic education. This Law was initiated by the Aquino administration in order to address the perceived decreasing quality of education in the country, and to meet the international standard regarding the number of years in basic education. This program will require all incoming students to enroll into two more years of basic education. The K+12 System will include the Universal kindergarten, 6 years of elementary, 4 years of junior high school with an additional 2 years for senior high school. The program is implemented and formulated along with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The current k-12 model that had been implemented in the country is an educational landscape for basic and secondary system patterned after the United States, Canada and some parts of Australia had done it. According to Patricia  Velasco’s article, the K- 12 Curriculum envisions â€Å"holistically developed learners with 21st century skills† (DepEd Primer, 2011). This further means that every student would have an understanding of the world around him and a passion for life-long learning while addressing every student’s basic learning needs: â€Å"learning to learn, the acquisition of numeracy, literacy, and scientific and technological knowledge applied to daily life† (p. 6). The main objective of the K to 12 curriculum is to achieve the DepEd’s goal of eradicating illiteracy rate in the country. â€Å"No child is left behind. † (source). Every Filipino has the right to receive quality education in order to become an asset in all dimensions, competent, efficient, effective and productive citizen leading to a decent and comfortable living. The most interesting part concerning the K to 12 program is on its practical assistance for the poor but skillful students. For instance, the student cannot afford to go to college; he is given an option or privilege to be employed not as a professional but on technical job because his skills acquired and developed during his Senior High School can be a guarantee for his  qualification for a vocational employment. Moreover, the program aims to uplift the quality of education in the Philippines in order for graduates to be easily employed. Our country is the only country in Asia and among the countries in the world that has a 10 year pre- university program. The program also aims to meet the standards required for professionals who would want to work abroad. The system aims to fully enhance and develop the students in order for them to be well-prepared especially in emotional and cognitive aspects. Through this, graduates will be able to face the pressures of their future workplace. The K-12 aims the students to have a relevance or importance in the social and economic reality of life. The realm of their role as members of the country. Thus, this vision will be complete through an enhanced curriculum. (K-12 Kindergarten Curriculum Guide 2013) DepEd said that this is the right time to do something better for the field of education, having poor quality education. The DepEd released their stand along the reform. In stressing the need for the new system of basic education, President Benigno S. Aquino III said, â€Å"We need to add two years of our basic education. Those who can afford pay up to fourteen years  of schooling before university. Thus, their children are getting to the best universities and the best jobs after graduation. I want at least 12 years for our public school children to give them an even chance at succeeding. † (source) With the K-12 program, different arguments were formulated. Not all are in favor of the K+12 Education program. There are students complaining of the additional years and there are parents who are not in favor of the additional expenses. But it is an undeniable fact that additional years in the education system will really require more budgets not just from the government but from the  parents as well. Aside from this, students will need additional classrooms, school supplies and facilities. The program would need more qualified teachers as well. Teachers plays an important role 1 / 3 in the K-12 program because they are the ones who will teach the kindergarten pupils, especially the Pre – school teachers. Markovac amp; Rogulja, 2009, stated that the, early care main goal is to fulfill the Delors principles: â€Å"Learning to be, learning to do, learning to know and learning to live together and to live with others. † The early childhood is a time of rapid growth in all aspects of  children’s development fostered by their natural curiosity and adult support. Therefore, Preschool education is the foundation for a childs education. The skills and knowledge that a child develops in the preschool years will have a dramatic impact on a childs success when formal schooling begins as well as life success. Preschool education is important because it can give your child the edge in a competitive world and education climate. The first year of a child’s life is globally acknowledged to be the critical year for lifelong development because the pace of development during these years is  extremely rapid (National Council of Educational Research and Training, 2006 as cited in the K to 12 Curriculum Guide – Kindergarten). While children who do not receive the fundamentals during their preschool years will be taught the alphabet, counting, shapes and colors when they begin their formal education they will be behind the children who already possess that knowledge and skill set. The Pre – school teachers are supposed to have the courage and knowledge to teach the little ones. They will serve as the guide and the second mother at school. Children’s learning will greatly depend on the teachers strategies. Hence, kindergarten teachers should provide them with an engaging and creative curriculum that is developmentally – appropriate, age – appropriate and socio – cul;turally appropriate (DepEd K to 12 Curriculum guide for Kindergaten, 2012). Many new parents start hearing about K-12 since before their kids are born. However, they are not very clear about what K12 means, and why is necessary for them to start inform themselves about it as it will impact their kids’ future. What Is K12 Education? This term was coined to describe primary and secondary education. This includes kindergarten (K) all the way to the 12 grade. This extremely popular type of education is very common among several countries around the world. â€Å"K to 12† stands for kindergarten plus 12 years of elementary and secondary education. This educational system for basic and secondary education is widely adopted around the world. Early childhood education is intended to support and complement family upbringing and the main goal is to create good opportunities and conditions for each child’s well-being, create a stimulating environment for the child’s comprehensive development and learning while taking into account their age, gender and individual features. The role of early childhood care and education settings in improving children’s development has begun to be viewed with increasing importance. The recognition that centre-based childcare is associated with a host of positive developmental outcomes for children, such as increased cognitive abilities, language development, and emotional and social development (Kagan amp; Neuman, 1997; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Early Childcare Research Network [NICHD], 2000, 2002, 2008; NICHD amp; Duncan, 2003), has led to the introduction of a new policy in Ireland that provides every three-year-old child with access to a free preschool place for one year (Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs [OMCYA], 2009). The importance of preschool learning is that first, parents must remember that preschool education is the foundation for your childs education. As Adams (2008) stressed that early childhood education is the key to building a strong foundation for a child’s educational success. The skills and knowledge (not to mention aptitude and attitude) that your child develops in the preschool years will have a dramatic impact on your childs success when formal  schooling begins as well as life success, as supported by the House Bill 5367 (2009), aimed to incorporate preschool education to basic education with the DepEd at the frontier of its implementation all over the country. This bill was in consonance with the state’s policy to provide equal opportunities for all children to avail themselves of free and compulsory preschool education that effectively promotes physical, social, intellectual, emotional simulations, let alone values formation to adequately prepare them for formal elementary schooling, second is that by actively  promoting and encouraging your childs preschool learning you will promote his or her self esteem as well. Help your child gain confidence by making learning fun and easy at this age and you will 2 / 3 help make your child an eager lifelong learner and the finally preschool education is important because it can give your child the edge in a competitive world and education climate. While children who do not receive the fundamentals during their preschool years will be taught the alphabet, counting, shapes and colors when they begin their formal education they will be behind the children  who already possess that knowledge and skill set. According to Anita Woolfolk Hoy and Megan Tschannen – Moran ,(2002), teachers’ sense of efficacy has been related to students outcomes such as achievement (Ross, 1992), motivation, (Midgley, Feldlaufer, amp; Eccles, 1998) and students’ own sense of efficacy ( Anderson, Greene, amp; Loewen, 1998). DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro stated that enhancing the competencies of pre-school teachers will have a great impact on the young learners. â€Å"We should ensure that teachers are ready for the challenge of making our young kids’ first school experience enjoyable  and giving them a positive experience that will motivate them to remain in school and complete their education. † This means that pre-school teachers are the implementers of the socially defined curriculum objectives. They help children to adapt to the society and to become its members, to develop interaction between children and different generations, and absorb the main behavioral habits and roles of the community. Also their task is to educate children to become unique subjects and persons as they truly are (Dewey, 1916; Ojakangas, 1998; Siljander, 2002) To become preschool teachers one must have the ability to deal with pupils ages 5. A preschool teacher needs to be proficient in helping children learn how to cooperate, providing fun learning activities suitable for preschoolers, keeping children safe, working as a team member with other teachers and interacting with parents. Preschool teachers need to be eager participants in childrens growth and development, as well as helping students understand how to use their natural curiosity to help make the appropriate developmental leaps in their skills and abilities. They are expected to create an atmosphere where risks can be taken and discoveries made while children remain safe. POWERED BY TCPDF (WWW. TCPDF. ORG).

Aluminium Based Metal Matrix Composites

Aluminium Based Metal Matrix Composites 1)  The main factor that influences elastic modulus is the matrix , for example : Composites with a aluminium 6061 matrix have a good strength and higher ductility. The reinforcement content is the main factor in the enhancement of elastic modulus in the aluminium silicon metal matrix composite. The graph below show that aluminium silicon composites with higher strength, because of the increased silicon content, such as 2024/2124 or 7075 Al, had higher strengths but lower ductility. It also shows that the elastic modulus increased with the increase in the silicon content. The matrix type also effects the elastic modulus which typically consists of particulate, nodule or whisker type matrix. (Reference 3) The yield strength is usually effected by the matrix alloy ,type and the arrangement of the reinforcement effect the strengths of composites, in particular for those which have whisker reinforcement and Ductility tends to decrease with the reinforcement content is increased. In fracture toughness tests, an increase in particle quantity reduced the toughness of the composites .The main properties which influence the fracture toughness of MMCs is the type of reinforcement, size, shape, quantity and the distribution within the matrix and the toughness of matrix. The poor fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth rate of MMCs is due to low initiation energy for fracture due to high elastic modulus. The thermal expansion coefficient of aluminium silicon carbide fibres reinforced material is significantly influenced by the thermal stresses between the matrix and fibres and thermal expansion behaviour relies on the thermal expansion of the fibres. For applications subjected to severe loads or extreme thermal  fluctuations such as in automotive components, discontinuously-reinforced metal  matrix composites have been shown to offer near isotropic properties Automotive brake disc and callipers are typically made of cast iron, the use of aluminium silicon MMC, would result in a significant weight reduction of around 50- 60% can be made which helps reduce vehicle fuel consumption and improve overall braking and handling as well as the high thermal conductivity and wear resistance, dimensional stability and excellent cyclic wear properties. Examples of vehicle which have SiC-reinforced aluminium brake disks are vehicles such as the Lotus Elise Volkswagen Lupo. For aluminium composite brake discs to become more common would requires costs to come down and for improved machine ability. Aluminium MMC shows much higher resistance to wear than the matrix material by its self. The wear of MMC is much more linear than the matrix material by self, and therefore makes it possible to predict wear patterns and the amount of use than can be obtain from a component. The reinforced particles resist the abrasion and restrict the deformation of MMCs which provides a useful guide for better control of their wear. (reference 5)MMC shows much higher wear resistance than the corresponding matrix material; unlike that of matrix material, the wear of MMC is very much linear and possible to predict easily; the wear mechanism is similar for both materials other than the three-body abrasion in the case of MMC; the reinforced particles resist the abrasion and restrict the deformation of MMCs which causes high resistance to wear. These results reveal the roles of the reinforcement particles on the wear resistance of MMCs and provide a useful guide for a better control of their wearMMC show s much higher wear resistance than the corresponding matrix material; unlike that of matrix material, the wear of MMC is very much linear and possible to predict easily; the wear mechanism is similar for both materials other than the three-body abrasion in the case of MMC; the reinforced particles resist the abrasion and restrict the deformation of MMCs which causes high resistance to wear. These results reveal the roles of the reinforcement particles on the wear resistance of MMCs and provide a useful guide for a better control of their wearMMC shows much higher wear resistance than the corresponding matrix material; unlike that of matrix material, the wear of MMC is very much linear and possible to predict easily; the wear mechanism is similar for both materials other than the three-body abrasion in the case of MMC; the reinforced particles resist the abrasion and restrict the deformation of MMCs which causes high resistance to wear. These results reveal the roles of the reinforce ment particles on the wear resistance of MMCs and provide a useful guide for a better control of their wear.MMC shows much higher wear resistance than the corresponding matrix material; unlike that of matrix material, the wear of MMC is very much linear and possible to predict easily; the wear mechanism is similar for both materials other than the three-body abrasion in the case of MMC; the reinforced particles resist the abrasion and restrict the deformation of MMCs which causes high resistance to wear. These results reveal the roles of the reinforcement particles on the wear resistance of MMCs and provide a useful guide for a better control of their wear.MMC shows much higher wear resistance than the corresponding matrix material; unlike that of matrix material, the wear of MMC is very much linear and possible to predict easily; the wear mechanism is similar for both materials other than the three-body abrasion in the case of MMC; the reinforced particles resist the abrasion and r estrict the deformation of MMCs which causes high resistance to wear. These results reveal the roles of the reinforcement particles on the wear resistance of MMCs and provide a useful guide for a better control of their wearMMC shows much higher wear resistance than the corresponding matrix material; unlike that of matrix material, the wear of MMC is very much linear and possible to predict easily; the wear mechanism is similar for both materials other than the three-body abrasion in the case of MMC; the reinforced particles resist the abrasion and restrict the deformation of MMCs which causes high resistance to wear. These results reveal the roles of the reinforcement particles on the wear resistance of MMCs and provide a useful guide for a better control of their wearMMC shows much higher wear resistance than the corresponding matrix material; unlike that of matrix material, the wear of MMC is very much linear and possible to predict easily; the wear mechanism is similar for both materials other than the three-body abrasion in the case of MMC; the reinforced particles resist the abrasion and restrict the deformation of MMCs which causes high resistance to wear. These results reveal the roles of the reinforcement particles on the wear resistance of MMCs and provide a useful guide for a better control of their wear 3) From data gathered with the use of the CES software it gave for of the most suitable manufacturing method for a metal matrix component with slots in the design. The above graph so that these four production methods were Laser powder forming, squeeze casting, powder injection molding and die press sintering. Several criteria were considering during the material selection such has relative cost index , production rates , tool life and economic batch size. looking at the CES data , it showed that the most suitable production method be die cast and sintering. With die casting and sintering a relatively high rate of production can be achieved whilst keeping the relative cost index low. This is important because it helps lower the cost of aluminium MMC brake disc which are still expensive and not used by many manufactures because of this. Pressing and sintering is a powder processing process that falls in the manufacturing process category of forming .The typical cold pressing and sintering process starts with aluminum silicone MMC in powder being poured into a closed mould. Pressure is then applied to the closed mould at a high enough pressure for the powder to bind together. After the disc is taken out of the mould it is then put through the sintering process. The sintering process begins with the brake disc being heated up in order to burn of any lubricant and is then heated up to a even higher sintering temperature in a protective gas surrounding to prevent oxidization. (reference 2) 4) There has been an increased interest in the use of Aluminium based metal matrix composites in brake discs and drums in recent years. The wear characteristics of AMMCs were high speeds and loads the behaviour could be greatly improved beyond that of cast iron discs, with the correct match of disc and pad material. Casting process is very difficult if reinforcement Material is wet and this can results in non-uniform distribution and poor mechanical characteristics for the finished brake disc. To resolve this problem, reinforcements are pre-heated at 500 °C for 40 minutes. Porosity is the major problem in casting which is why moulds are preheated, to 500 °C, which helps in removing the gases which are trapped in the slurry to go into the mould. It also enhances the mechanical properties of the cast AMC.   Sorter fibres in a random orientation are typically not as strong as long fibres in a specific orientation. However the use of sort fibres in random orientation mean s that less human interaction is required in the production and therefore helps brings the cost of production and well as minimising the possibly of something going wrong in the production process my eliminating human error. SiC/Al composites have increased strength with the increase in the silicone content and had higher strengths but lower ductility. The use of longer fibres also means that they generally have to be arranged in a specific order which is time consuming and also requires human interaction and this all reduces the number of units that can be produced a day. An example of this carbon ceramic brake disc where the discs which have longer fibres cost significantly more and will only be used in very exotic cars such as Koenigsegg where as more budget sports cars such as Porsche tend to use discs with sort random fibers which are far more cost effective. Bibliography 1) A. Mazahery, M. O. Shabani . (2012). Mechanical properties of A356 matrix composites reinforced with nano-SiC particles. Available: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11223-012-9423-0. Last accessed 16/12/2016 2) unknown. (2004). Aluminum Matrix Composites with Discontinuous Silicon Carbide Reinforcement. Available: http://www.totalmateria.com/page.aspx?ID=CheckArticlesite=ktnNM=108. Last accessed 16 December 2016 3) Ajit Bhandakkar1*, R. C. Prasad1, Shankar M. L. Sastry2. (2014). Elastic plastic fracture toughness of aluminium. Available: http://www.vbripress.com/aml/uploads/540c820f6cee71410105871_fullabstratct.pdf. Last accessed 16 December 2016. 4) S. Taufik a, à ¢Ã‚ Ã… ½, S. Sulaiman b . (2014). Thermal Expansion Model for Cast Aluminium Silicon Carbide . Available: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705813020511. Last accessed 16 December 2016. 5) Parth S. Joshi, Kiran C. Hegade, Apoorv S. Kulkarni . (2016). Manufacturing of Disc Brake Rotor Using. Available: http://www.onlinejournal.in/IJIRV2I6/226.pdf. Last accessed 16/12/2016.The machinability of an Alà ®- ¸5 Mg alloy reinforced with 5 vol% Saffil and 15 vol% SiC was compared with that of Duralcan (A356) reinforced with 15 vol% SiC. In terms of tool wear and metal removal rate with both cemented carbide and polycrystalline diamond (PCD) cutting tools, it was found that the Duralcan/ SiC was significantly easier to machine than the composite with the Al-5 Mg matrix. This is attributed to the effect of the matrix on the mechanisms of abrasion wear. The machinability of an Alà ®- ¸5 Mg alloy reinforced with 5 vol% Saffil and 15 vol% SiC was compared with that of Duralcan (A356) reinforced with 15 vol% SiC. In terms of tool wear and metal removal rate with both cemented carbide and polycrystalline diamond (PCD) cutting tools, it was found that the Duralcan/ SiC was sig nificantly easier to machine than the composite with the Al-5 Mg matrix. This is attributed to the effect of the matrix on the mechanisms of abrasion wear.

Sociological Theory Essay -- Sociology Papers

Sociological Theory To be able to evaluate Functionalism, Marxism and Interactionism we must first look at the strengths and weaknesses in each. There are many variations and interpretations of each of these theories, therefore for the sake of simplicity only the key ideals will be discussed. Functionalism looks at society as an organized structure of inter-related institutions; and the various ways these institutions interact together within a social structure. Examples of these 'institutions' are the family, work, education and religion. The Functionalist perspective is best understood using an organismic analogy: 'Societies are comparable to living organisms (for example, a human being). Each part of the human body is linked, in some way, to all other parts. Individual organs combine to create something that is greater than the sum total of their individual parts.' In social terms, these 'organs' equate to the aforementioned institutions. Each of these institutions has its' separate role, and in order for society to to function effectively, these institutions must work in harmony with each other. It is also said that all parts of society have a purpose and also certain needs. The 'purpose' of the work institution, for example, is to create wealth and in order to achieve this it 'needs' people with a certain level of education. This example demonstrates the harmony required between two institutions in order to achieve a goal. Without education, the work institution would collapse due to lack of skilled workers, therefore having a diverse effect on society and all the institutions within that society. This view recognise... ...n those classes. Economic rule, however does still play a prominent part in certain societies today, and will continue to do so for years to come. Interactionism looks at the individual and there influence and understanding of other social groups. This approach has allowed us to understand small social groups, which in turn allows us to gradually understand social groups in certain areas. However, none of the above theories will ever give us a true insight into how all societies work together. By taking parts of each and combining them to make a new theory is the only way that we may truly understand the social structure of the world around us. Bibliography ============ Sociology In Focus - Paul Taylor et al- Ormskirk - 1995 www.sociologyonline.co.uk www.sociology.org.uk www.s-cool.co.uk

Obesity and Asthma

What Is Asthma? Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. It is one of the most common long-term diseases of children, but adults have asthma, too. Asthma causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. If you have asthma, you have it all the time, but you will have asthma attacks only when something bothers your lungs. In most cases, we don't know what causes asthma, and we don't know how to cure it. We know that if someone in your family has asthma, you are also more likely to have it.You can control your asthma  by knowing the warning signs of an attack, staying away from things that trigger an attack, and following the advice of your doctor or other medical professional. When you control your asthma: * you won't have symptoms such as wheezing or coughing, * you'll sleep better, * you won't miss work or school, * you can take part in all physical activities, and * you won't have to go to the hospital. How Is Asth ma Diagnosed? Asthma can be hard to diagnose, especially in children younger than 5 years of age.Regular physical checkups that include checking your lung function and checking for allergies can help your doctor or other medical professional make the right diagnosis. During a checkup, the doctor or other medical professional will ask you questions about whether you cough a lot, especially at night, and whether your breathing problems are worse after physical activity or during a particular time of year. Doctors will also ask about other symptoms, such as chest tightness, wheezing, and colds that last more than 10 days.They will ask you whether your family members have or have had asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems, and they will ask you questions about your home. The doctor will also ask you about missing school or work and about any trouble you may have doing certain activities. A lung function test, called  spirometry  (spy-rom-e-tree), is another way to diagnose a sthma. A spirometer (spy-rom-e-ter) measures the largest amount of air you can exhale, or breathe out, after taking a very deep breath. The spirometer can measure airflow before and after you use asthma medicine.What Is an Asthma Attack? An asthma attack happens in your body's airways, which are the paths that carry air to your lungs. As the air moves through your lungs, the airways become smaller, like the branches of a tree are smaller than the tree trunk. During an asthma attack, the sides of the airways in your lungs swell and the airways shrink. Less air gets in and out of your lungs, and mucus that your body produces clogs up the airways even more. The attack may include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing. Some people call an asthma attack an  episode.What Causes an Asthma Attack? An asthma attack can occur when you are exposed to things in the environment, such as house dust mites and tobacco smoke. These are called  asthma triggers. Important Asth ma Triggers On This Page * Environmental Tobacco Smoke (Secondhand Smoke) * Dust Mites * Outdoor Air Pollution * Cockroach Allergen * Pets * Mold * Wood Smoke * Other Triggers If you have asthma your airways always have some irritation. When you have an asthma attack this irritation gets worse and your airways close part way and get blocked with mucus.Asthma attacks may include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing. An asthma attack can occur when you are exposed to things in the environment, such as house dust mites and tobacco smoke. These are called  asthma triggers. Your personal triggers can be very different from those of another person with asthma. Try to avoid your triggers. Some of the most important triggers are listed below: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (Secondhand Smoke) Environmental tobacco smoke is often called  secondhand smokebecause the smoke created by a smoker is breathed in by a second person nearby.Parents, friends, and relatives of chil dren with asthma should try to stop smoking and should never smoke around a person with asthma. They should only smoke outdoors and not in the family home or car. They should not allow others to smoke in the home, and they should make sure their child's school is smoke-free. Dust Mites Dust mites are in almost everybody’s homes, but they don’t cause everybody to have asthma attacks. If you have asthma, dust mites may be a trigger for an attack. To help prevent asthma attacks, use mattress covers and pillowcase covers to make a barrier between dust mites and yourself.Don’t use down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters. Remove stuffed animals and clutter from your bedroom. Outdoor Air Pollution Pollution caused by industrial emissions and automobile exhaust can cause an asthma attack. Pay attention to air quality forecasts on radio, television, and Internet and plan your activities for when air pollution levels will be low if air pollution aggravates your asthma. A good source of air quality information is  EnviroFlash. Cockroach Allergen:Cockroaches and their droppings may trigger an asthma attack.Get rid of cockroaches in your home and keep them from coming back by taking away their food and water. Cockroaches are usually found where food is eaten and crumbs are left behind. Remove as many water and food sources as you can because cockroaches need food and water to survive. At least every 2 to 3 days, vacuum or sweep areas that might attract cockroaches. You can also use roach traps or gels to decrease the number of cockroaches in your home. Pets:Furry pets may trigger an asthma attack. When a furry pet is suspected of causing asthma attacks, the simplest solution is to find the pet another home.If pet owners are too attached to their pets or are unable to locate a safe, new home for the pet, they should keep the pet out of the bedroom of the person with asthma. Pets should be bathed weekly and kept outside as much as possible. People w ith asthma are not allergic to their pet’s fur, so trimming your pet’s fur will not help your asthma. If you have a furry pet, vacuum often to clean up anything that could cause an asthma attack. If your floors have a hard surface, such as wood or tile, and are not carpeted, damp mop them every week.Mold:Inhaling or breathing in mold can cause an asthma attack. Get rid of mold in all parts of your home to help control your asthma attacks. Keep the humidity level in your home between 35% and 50%. In hot, humid climates, you may need to use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier or both. Fix water leaks, which allow mold to grow behind walls and under floors. Wood Smoke:Smoke from burning wood is made up of a mix of harmful gases and small particles. Breathing in too much of this smoke can cause an asthma attack. Other TriggersInfections linked to influenza (flu), colds, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can trigger an attack. Sinus infections, allergies, breathing in some chemicals, and acid reflux can irritate airways and trigger asthma attacks. Strenuous physical exercise; some medicines; bad weather, such as thunderstorms; high humidity; breathing in cold, dry air; biomass smoke from burning grass or other vegetation; and some foods and food additives can trigger an asthma attack. Strong emotional states can also lead to hyperventilation and an asthma attack.Learn what triggers your attacks so that you can avoid the triggers whenever possible. Be alert for a possible attack when the triggers cannot be avoided. How Is Asthma Treated? You can control your asthma  and avoid an attack by taking your medicine exactly as your doctor or other medical professional tells you to do and by avoiding things that can cause an attack. Not everyone with asthma takes the same medicine. Some medicines can be inhaled, or breathed in, and some can be taken as a pill. Asthma medicines come in two types—quick relief and long-term control.Quick-relief medi cines control the symptoms of an asthma attack. If you need to use your quick-relief medicines more and more, you should visit your doctor or other medical professional to see if you need a different medicine. Long-term control medicines help you have fewer and milder attacks, but they don’t help you if you’re having an asthma attack. Asthma medicines can have side effects, but most side effects are mild and soon go away. Ask your doctor or other medical professional about the side effects of your medicines. The important thing to remember is that  you can control your asthma.With your doctor’s or other medical professional’s help, make your own asthma action plan (management plan) so that you know what to do based on your own symptoms. Decide who should have a copy of your plan and where he or she should keep it. Take your long-term control medicine even when you don’t have symptoms. Asthma Action Plan People with Asthma Should Have an Asthma Ac tion Plan All people with asthma should have an  asthma action plan. An asthma action plan (also called a management plan) is a written plan that you develop  with your doctor  to help control your asthma.The asthma action plan shows your daily treatment, such as what kind of medicines to take and when to take them. Your plan describes how to control asthma long term AND how to handle worsening asthma, or attacks. The plan explains when to call the doctor or go to the emergency room. If your child has asthma, all of the people who care for him or her should know about the child's asthma action plan. These caregivers include babysitters and workers at daycare centers, schools, and camps. These caretakers can help your child follow his or her action plan.Data and Surveillance Asthma Surveillance Data Asthma surveillance data includes collection of asthma data at both the national and the state level. National data is available on asthma prevalence, activity limitation, days of w ork or school lost, rescue and control medication use, asthma self-management education, physician visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations due to asthma, and deaths due to asthma from National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) surveys and the Vital Statistics System.Asthma surveillance data at the state level include adult and child asthma prevalence from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and in-depth state and local asthma data through implementation of the BRFSS Asthma Call-back Survey (ACBS). * Asthma Call-back Survey (ACBS) The ACBS is an in-depth asthma survey developed and funded by the Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch (APRHB) in NCEH. It is conducted with BRFSS survey respondents who report an asthma diagnosis. The ACBS was piloted in three states in 2005 and has been conducted each year since.A majority of states participate in the ACBS each year. * Asthma Survey Questions Description of asthma survey instruments and their word ing differences. * Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Prevalence Data BRFSS is a state-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey designed to monitor the prevalence of the major behavioral risks among adults associated with premature morbidity and mortality. * FastStats FastStats provides quick access to statistics on topics of public health importance, including asthma. * National Health Interview Survey Prevalence DataNHIS is a multistage probability sample survey designed to solicit health and demographic information about the population, conducted annually with face-to-face interviews in a nationally representative sample of households. Asthma and daily living * ————————————————- Asthma and exercise ————————————————- ————à ¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Learn how to exercise without asthma symptoms ————————————————- Learn More ————————————————-Living day to day with well controlled asthma means life as normal with a little extra thought and planning   ————————————————- Many asthma triggers are common things that may be around the home, so people often ask what they can change at home, or whatproducts  might help their asthma. For others it’s plants and pollens that cause them difficulties with asthma or allergies – if that’s you, read about  asthma and allergy friendly gardens. If you find your asthma is  worse at work  then there are some tips for your consideration.If you travel with work or plan a holiday, there are a few simple suggestions to help you  make the most out of your trip. ————————————————- Having a healthy  diet  and an  active lifestyle  is an important part of living well. Being  overweight,  smoking  or suffering from  stress  or   depression   can have a significant impact on your asthma. For most people with asthma, triggers are only a problem when their asthma is not  well-controlled. Research shows that for most people with well-controlled asthma, reducing exposure to triggers doesn’t reduce symptoms or reduce the risk of an asthma attack.With good treatment, most people do not need to change their lifestyle or environment just because they have asthma. However, it may be useful for you to identify triggers and reduce your exposure to them if: * you have troublesome asthma symptoms despite treatment * you need high doses of medication to keep your asthma symptoms under control, or * your asthma is much better when you are away from home Note: Cigarette smoke is directly harmful to the airways and makes asthma worse, so exposure to cigarette smoke should be avoided by anyone who has asthma Obesity ————————————————- Is it my weight or is it my asthma that is causing my symptoms? ————————————————- Research into the link between increasing levels of obesity and asthma still hasn’t come up with a definite answer. There is a recognised association between increasing body mass index (BMI) and increased levels of diagnosed or reported asthma in bot h children and adults, and it’s possible that there are other factors, e. g. genetic or environmental that may lead to both conditions. We do know that being obese makes asthma a lot more of a problem. ———————————————— People who are obese are more likely to have asthma, to have more severe asthma, and to need more medication to control it. ————————————————- Obesity can lead to people being breathless and wheezy without having asthma, so it’s important that you get a proper diagnosis from your doctor. Once you have that, and the right medications, you should be able to increase your activity levels without getting too breathless, and start living an active life. ——————————— —————- ———————————————— Why does obesity make asthma worse? * ————————————————- Having a larger amount of fat on the body means there’s more pushing onto and into the chest, so there’s less room for the lungs to move. This causes the muscles around the airways to contract more, causing more asthma symptoms. * ————————————————- Airways in obese people with asthma are more likely to stay closed in normal breathing, so there’s less oxygen exchange able to happen. * ————————————————-Obesity c auses general inflammation in the body, which makes asthma symptoms worse. * ————————————————- People who are obese are more likely to have problems with reflux and obstructive sleep apnoea (where you stop breathing while asleep), both of which can make asthma worse. * ————————————————- There has been some suggestion in research studies that people who are obese might have less response to some asthma medications. The reason for this is not clear, and more research is needed to clarify this. ————————————————- ———————————————— Will losing weigh t really help my asthma? ————————————————- Losing weight can have a big impact on your asthma; it can improve your symptoms and reduce your need for medication. In fact if you are overweight or obese, losing weight might have a greater impact on your asthma control than increasing medication. If you have asthma and are overweight or obese you should discuss weight control and healthy lifestyle with your doctor as part of your asthma management. ————————————————-Remember:  it is important that you don’t change your medication without speaking with your doctor first. ————————————————- Having a healthy lifestyle with regular activity and a balance d diet is important for everyone. Asthma and exercise * ————————————————- Being active is an important part of life. Well controlled asthma means you shouldn’t have to stop or restrict any of your normal activities. People with asthma should be able to participate in almost any sport or exercise, for example, going to the gym,  swimming, and team sports. ———————————————— Although some people have  exercise induced asthma, many Olympic gold medals have been won by Australian athletes with asthma. Exercise is essential for people with asthma and can even help control asthma and reduce the amount of medication you need. Scuba diving  is the only form of exercise that requires some special consideration for people with asthma. Asthma at work * —â €”——————————————- ————————————————- Work-related and occupational asthma ————————————————-Up to 15% of newly diagnosed asthma cases in adults are related to exposure to agents encountered at work and up to 3,000 cases of occupational asthma occur per year in Australia. If you experience asthma symptoms at work, and these symptoms improve when you are away from work, e. g. during holidays or on weekends, you may have what is called work-related or occupational asthma. Occupational asthma can occur in many types of workplaces, but is most commonly reported where people are working with flour and isocyanates (chemicals which are found in paints as hardening agents). ———————————————— Work-aggravated asthma is different from occupational asthma, which occurs when there is sensitisation to a substance encountered at work. Work-aggravated asthma occurs when people who already have asthma are exposed to factors such as gases or fumes, smoke, dust or cold dry air which irritate the airways causing asthma symptoms to occur and make a pre-existing condition worse. ————————————————- ————————————————-What causes occupational asthma? ————————————————- Over 4000 substances in the workplace (known as sensitisers) may cause asthma. Repeated exposure to these sensitisers over a period of time (usually years) may produce permanent asthma symptoms identical to non-occupational asthma. This usually takes weeks or years to develop. ————————————————- ————————————————- What are the symptoms of occupational asthma? ————————————————-Symptoms include wheezing and coughing, shortness of breath and tightness across the chest. Often these symptoms will develop after irritation is noticed in the nose and eyes. Other workers may be affected or may have left the job because of these symptoms. ———————————â €”————- Symptoms may vary during the working week or shift. In the early stages of exposure, symptoms tend to improve when the worker is away from work. However, once the airways are sensitised, continued exposure even in small amounts can produce symptoms.Continued exposure may also lead to more symptoms and eventually to permanent asthma in some people. ————————————————- ————————————————- How do I know if I have occupational asthma? ————————————————- If you suspect something is affecting your breathing at work, go and see your doctor. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and your work, and carry out tests suc h as a  spirometry test  to decide if you might have occupational asthma.They may also ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms to compare with your working hours. There is also a software program available which can automatically compare your peak flows with your working shifts. This can be downloaded free from the  Oasys website. ————————————————- It can be very difficult to distinguish between true occupational asthma and work exacerbated asthma, and it may be necessary for your GP to refer you to a respiratory specialist with expertise in this area. Common sensitisers and occupations where workers may be exposedAgent  | Example occupations  | Wood dust (e. g. western red cedar, redwood, oak)  | Carpenters, builders, sawmill workers, sanders, model builders| Isocyanates  | Automotive industry, mechanics, painters, adhesive workers, chemical industry, polyu rethane foam workers| Formaldehyde  | Cosmetics industry, embalmers, foundry workers, hairdressers, laboratory staff, medical personnel, paper industry, plastics industry, rubber industry, tanners| Platinum salts  | Chemists, dentists, electronics industry,photographers, metallurgists| Latex  | Health care workers, textile industry, toyManufacturers| Flour nd grain dust  | Bakers, cooks, pizza makers, grocers, farmers, combine harvester drivers| Animal allergens (e. g. urine, dander)  | Veterinary surgery workers, animal care workers, laboratory workers, jockeys, animal breeders, pet shop employees| Table adapted from Hoy, R. , Abramson, M. , Sim, M. (2010). Work related asthma. Diagnosis and management. Australian Family Physician, 39 (1/2), 39-42. What is the treatment for occupational asthma? Early diagnosis and management by removing any exposure to irritants in the workplace is the best way to treat occupational asthma and prevent it becoming a permanent condition.Oth erwise, treatment with the usual asthma inhalers is usually effective. Note: Occupational asthma does not always mean having to leave your workplace, as workplace strategies can be developed. For example, if exposure cannot be minimised or ceased, then employers must provide adequate respiratory protection and/or substitute the irritant substance with a known non-irritant. This is a part of Occupational Health and Safety requirements. More information is available from your State or Territory Workcover authority   www. workcover. (insert your state). gov. u If you develop asthma symptoms at work, or your existing asthma gets worse, it is essential that you visit your doctor for tests and an accurate diagnosis. If you did not already have a diagnosis of asthma and/or a written   Asthma Action Plan  , then this should be provided to you. What if I only had temporary symptoms? If you have inhaled a high dose of a substance that causes damage to the airways, possibly as part of an industrial accident or spillage, you may temporarily experience breathlessness and wheeze similar to asthma. This is called Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS).Symptoms usually occur within 24 hours of a single exposure to very high concentrations of a chemical spill, irritant gases, corrosive mists or solvent vapours. Usually, symptoms will gradually improve as your airways heal, but occasionally workers can be left with permanent symptoms. It is very important to have a medical check if this does happen, and to make sure your work environment is safe. Smoking * ————————————————- Smoking and exposure to smoke (passive smoking) can damage your lungs, and stop them from working properly. ———————————————— People with asthma who smoke have more frequent as thma attacks, have more severe asthma, and are more likely to be admitted to hospital. The type of inflammation in the airways that is caused by smoking means they don’t respond as well to preventer medication, and so need higher doses to control their asthma. ————————————————- Asthmatic children who are exposed to cigarette smoke are more likely to have poor asthma control and more likely to need admission to hospital.Smoke exposure in the car is especially bad and opening the windows does not help. ————————————————- Smoking has two main effects on the airways: ————————————————- 1) Increases mucus —————— ——————————- – more mucus-producing cells and glands grow in the airway walls ————————————————- – damages and reduces parts of the airways that help to clear mucus ————————————————- 2) Damages the airways ————————————————- chemicals in cigarette smoke destroy lung tissue and also make the airways less elastic and therefore more narrow ————————————————- – causes inflammation in the airways ————————â⠂¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- If I quit smoking will my lung function really improve? ————————————————- Everybody’s lung function tends to gradually decrease as they age, but the lung function of people who smoke decreases much faster than normal. If you stop smoking, this rate will go back to normal.This means that although the damage done to your airways by smoking cannot be fixed, it’s never too late to quit no matter how long you have smoked for. ————————————————- Is smoking around children really harmful? ————————————————- Children are more vulnerable to the bad effects of cigarette smoke. —â₠¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- If a pregnant woman smokes, or a young child is exposed to smoke, the child is at a much greater risk of developing asthma-like symptoms in early childhood.Babies of smoking mothers are four times more likely to develop wheezing illnesses before the age of one. Even if you go outside to have a cigarette, particles can still be present on you when you return indoors, so although it’s better than smoking near your child, it may still affect them in the long term. ————————————————- Other health issues ————————————————- Around 15-20% of people who smoke develop permanent lung disease (COPD), and smoking increases the risk of many other health i ssues: stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer are just a few. ———————————————— Quitting smoking is difficult, and most people make several attempts before they quit for good. Diet and vitamin/mineral supplements and asthma * ————————————————- There are many theories about how diet can play a role in the management of asthma. Studies have been done but some have not been well designed and although they provide directions for future research, specific conclusions are not easily drawn from the data collected. Reliable data on specific vitamins and minerals is also not available.We do not recommend the routine use of vitamin and mineral supplements as part of asthma management. It is important to discuss any supplements you want to take with your doct or or pharmacist as some supplements can  interact  with other medication you are taking. Note: Some vitamin and mineral supplements can have detrimental health effects or are toxic if taken in high doses. ————————————————- ————————————————- Will a diet change help my asthma? ————————————————-Everybody should have a healthy balanced diet, which includes a mix of: * ————————————————- fresh fruit * ————————————————- fresh vegetable s * ————————————————- fish * ————————————————- lean meats * ————————————————- whole grains * ————————————————- low fat dairy products, and * ————————————————- healthy fats. ————————————————-Calorie control is also important, as being  overweight  can have a significant impact on asthma symptoms and control. Food is rare ly a trigger for asthma. Read more about  food as a trigger for asthma. Some people have specificfood allergy  which can have similar respiratory symptoms, and they need to avoid their known food allergens. If you have a serious food allergy, you should also read about  anaphylaxis. Do not restrict entire food groups without first consulting a dietitian who can help identify if any food restrictions are necessary.Note: The belief that milk increases problems with mucus for people with asthma is false. Dairy products are an important part of any diet. However, some people do have specific dairy intolerance (or allergy), which can cause symptoms in the nose, throat and ears. See our section on  food and asthma  for more information on food allergies. ————————————————- ————————————â €”———- Specific Supplements ————————————————- Magnesium and Selenium ————————————————-Magnesium (in those people low in magnesium) and selenium supplements have been shown to have a potentially positive effect on asthma symptoms, though they don’t affect breathing capacity. ————————————————- Fish Oil (EPH/DHA) ————————————————- Most trials of adding fish oil to the diet of people with asthma found that their asthma was not improved. However there is some evidence that dietary supplementation with fish oil can re duce the severity of  exercise-induced asthma  in those with mild to moderate persistent asthma.This has led to better lung function and reducedreliever  use. Eating fish at least once a week is an important part of a balanced diet. ————————————————- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) ————————————————- There is not enough information for or against using Vitamin C supplementation to improve asthma. Generally trials of the vitamin have been small, varied and not well reported. Larger and better designed studies are required. ————————————————- Probiotics —————————————à ¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€-Probiotics are live organisms that can be taken as a supplement to alter the types of bacteria that naturally live in your gut. The more commonly used probiotics include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Many people know these as ‘acidophilus’ supplements. Probiotics such as lactobacillus have not been shown to be effective in improving asthma. ————————————————- Folic Acid ————————————————- Folic acid is recommended for women to take before and during the early stages of pregnancy.This significantly reduces the chance of a baby developing neural tube defects such as spina bifida, and it is also thought to play an important role in brain development. However recent research has shown that women who took folic acid supplements throughout their whole pregnancy increased their risk of having a child with asthma by about 30%. Folic acid from natural sources such as green leafy vegetables had no increased risk. It is recommended that folic acid supplements are taken only for the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, unless advised otherwise by their doctor. Stress * ————————————————-A tear-jerking movie, a fight with your partner, the stress of work related deadlines or even a joyous reunion can leave some people with asthma gasping for air. Strong emotions like fear, stress or even laughter can sometimes lead to increased asthma symptoms. ————————————————- Children can easily be affected by high levels of emotion. From fits of giggles to screaming tantrums; the effects on their asthma can be simil ar. ————————————————- ————————————————- How can I stop stress from affecting my asthma? ———————————————— While it is impossible to eliminate emotional stress from your life, you can learn to reduce the effect and recognise potential symptoms that may need some  reliever medication. * ————————————————- Be aware of the things, events or people that add stress to your life, and work at how you respond to them so you remain calmer   * —————————————â€⠀Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Acknowledge the feelings you are having – this is a technique that can be effective in reducing their impact * ————————————————-If you can, remove yourself from stressful situations * ————————————————- Find constructive and positive ways to reduce your anger, anxiety or fear   * ————————————————- Learn more about your asthma; take an active role in caring for yourself and staying in control   * ————————————————- Exercise. It’s a great way to let off steam, and is good for you as well! ——†”—————————————-Life can be a roller coaster of emotions so the best thing to do is to be prepared as much as you can, and along with appropriate asthma medication you can  take control of your asthma. ————————————————- So next time you’re going to see that adrenalin pumping movie or have an experience that gets the tears rolling, make sure you’ve got your  reliever medication  with you †¦ just in case. Depression and asthma * ————————————————- Research has shown that there is a link between depression and asthma. In fact, having severe asthma more than doubles the risk of developing epression. Around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 8 men will experience dep ression in their life, and these numbers are even higher in people with asthma. As with other chronic illnesses, research shows that having severe asthma more than doubles the risk of developing depression. ————————————————- What is depression? ————————————————- Depression is a serious health condition, not just a low mood. People with depression can have trouble doing normal activities, and it can have serious effects on mental and physical health. ————————————————-How can depression and asthma affect each other? * ————————————————- Having bo th depression and asthma worsens health more than either condition alone. * ————————————————- Having depression makes it less likely that people will be treated for asthma effectively. This may be because of poor memory and problem-solving skills with a shortened attention, making it harder to recognise the need to get medical help. * ————————————————- People with depression have trouble concentrating or staying motivated.This may make them less likely to get help with their asthma, keep appointments and take medication. * ————————————————- Having uncontrolled asthma can make it harder to join in with fun activities such as playing sport or other recrea tional activities. This can make people with depression further isolated and low in motivation. * ————————————————- Stress can be a  trigger  for both asthma and depression. ————————————————- How do I know if I’m depressed? ————————————————-There are different checklists on the  BeyondBlue National Depression Initiative website  you can check to get a better idea if you or someone you know may have symptoms of depression. Depression is more than just stress and needs proper diagnosis by a health professional. You should talk to your doctor to learn more and get correct treatment. ———————â⠂¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- What can I do? ————————————————- Both depression and asthma can be treated, but first need to be recognised and diagnosed by a health professional.There are a number of treatments for depression, both therapy and medication-based. It is important to have a treatment plan that monitors both the symptoms of depression and asthma in order to find the treatment that works best for you. Some things you can do yourself include: * ————————————————- Learn relaxation techniques. * ————————————————- Get your asthma well  controlled  so you can take part in activities without being limited by your symptoms. * ————————————————- Learn as much as you can about both conditions. ————————————————- Get help and support from family and friends. * ————————————————- Visit a doctor regularly to review both your asthma and your depression. Travel * ————————————————- Make sure you have enough medication and the right equipment before you travel   ————————————————- Whether you’re taking a holiday or a work trip, changes in routine, location, weather, temperature, pollution (especially bushfires during summer in Australia) and unknown allergens may produce unexpected asthma symptoms.Following these tips will help maintain good asthma control and an â€Å"asthma friendly† time away which is enjoyable and worry-free. ————————————————- ————————————————- Visit your doctor before you go * ————————————————- Have a check-up before you go away to make sure your day-to-day asthma is  under control, that you have enough  medications, and you’re  taking them the right way. * ———————————â €”————- Make sure your written  Asthma Action Plan  is up to date. ————————————————- If you’re going overseas, it’s a good idea to get your doctor to write a letter stating the history and severity of your asthma as well as a list of your medications (using the generic brand name) and delivery devices. Carry this letter with you at all times in case of an emergency. You may need to present this report to customs in other countries if questioned about carrying medication. ————————————————- ————————————————- Your medications * —————————— ——————-Take extra medication in your luggage. * ————————————————- Keep your normal day-to-day medication with you in your carry-on bag (in case luggage gets lost). * ————————————————- Take prescriptions in case you lose your medication, or to prove it is for your own personal use. ————————————————- ————————————————- Your equipment * ————————————————- A  spacer  device is portable, inexpen sive and is just as effective (and a etter choice for travelling) than anebuliser. * ————————————————- If you do need a nebuliser, remember other countries may have different power points and voltages, so you’ll either need an adaptor, or a battery powered portable version. You’ll also need to talk to the airline before you board if you’re likely to need to use your nebuliser on board the aircraft. * ————————————————- If you normally use a  peak flow meter  take it with you. Before you travel you should know what your normal peak flow is when you are well . ———————————————— —————— Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Be prepared – plan well! * ————————————————- Carry your mobile phone with you (as well as your reliever puffer) and if you go somewhere on your own, tell someone where you are going. * ————————————————- Make sure you know the emergency phone number for the country you are visiting. * ————————————————- Make sure your travel insurance covers the cost of health care that stems from pre-existing asthma. ————————————————- Travel to high altitudes is okay as long as yo ur asthma is well controlled at sea level. * ————————————————- For your own general health and safety, before going overseas always check your destination onwww. smartraveller. gov. au  Ã‚   ————————————————- Most importantly, enjoy your trip, relax, and don’t let your asthma stop you! Being active with Asthma Are you considering training for a fun run? Endurance running is more likely to trigger asthma symptoms than other more stop-start sports and activities.Many of these events are either held in the cooler months or require training during cooler weather so the cold dry air can be a trigger for many people with asthma. Generally, the colder and drier the air, the more severe the symptoms. If air is warm and moist, asthma symptoms will tend to be less of a problem. It’s always important to be prepared when you’re training and taking part in any form of sport or activity. It’s important to ensure that your day to day asthma is generally well controlled and you have an up to date written Asthma Action Plan.If your asthma is well controlled with preventer medication, you may not experience symptoms during or after the run. There are a few ways you can reduce the risk of an asthma attack when doing a fun run: * Ensure that you take your preventer medication regularly as prescribed; * Make sure you train for the event so you are fit and able; * Warm up:- spend about 15 minutes doing some gentle activity such as a series (6-8) of brief (30 second) sprints; * Carry your blue reliever puffer with you at all times.If advised by your doctor it may be useful to use it 5 -10 minutes before starting to run; * Pace yourself: start out steadily and you’ll get further than if you expend all your energy in the first f ew minutes; * Consider wearing a collar up around your mouth and nose to help warm and moisten the air you breath in and out; * Drink regular water during the run to stay well hydrated; * If you have cold or flu symptoms  do not  taking part – this can increase your risk of having asthma problems whilst you are running or, after the race; * Slowly cool down: – spend about 10 minutes (similar to warm-up) doing lighter activities after the race.Keep in mind that whilst some people experience symptoms during exercise, the airway narrowing induced by exercise classically occurs after exercise. Be aware of this, cool down and use your reliever medication if this occurs. Well controlled asthma shouldn’t stop anyone from taking part in events such as fun runs. Being active is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, so take control of your asthma and get involved. Children and asthma * ————————— Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Young children with asthma ————————————————- ————————————————- Looking for more information about asthma medications for young children? ———————————————— Learn More ————————————————- Asthma in young children is one of the most common causes of hospital admission and visits to the doctor in this age group. ————————————————- However it is not easy to  diagnose asthma in children unde r 5 years old  as there are many reasons for wheezing and coughing at that age. ————————————————- Once diagnosis is decided, often treatment is with trials of different doses of medication. Parents often ask about whether changes to a child’s  bedding  or  diet  is needed. ————————————————-The aim of good asthma management is to ensure that children can lead a normal healthy life, while taking only as much  medication  as is needed to keep them well, and avoid  asthma attacks. ————————————————- Children can also spend periods of time away from home. It is important that the people around your child are aware if they have asthma, a nd know how to recognise symptoms and what to do in an emergency. Parents can provide friends and family with a copy of their child’s  asthma action plan  and  asthma first aid  information to help them be prepared. ————————————————- Children’s services  and  schools  play an important role in supporting children with asthma, and they can also access resources and  training  to help them. Asthma at SchoolAsthma affects around 1 in 9 school aged children. This means that in an average classroom there will be at least 3 students with asthma. Schools and staff can work together with the wider school community to provide a healthy and safe educational environment for students with asthma. Student health and safety are essential in schools to allow all students to achieve their best. How does asthma affect students? Asthma is a leading cause of a bsenteeism in school students, which in severe cases can cause them to fall behind in their work. Asthma symptoms commonly occur overnight, which can mean a lack of sleep for the student, leading to a reduced ability to concentrate in class.Students can also show signs of worsening asthma, especially after vigorous exercise, and may have an asthma attack while at school, which requires an immediate response. Whose responsibility is it? Responsibility for the management of a student’s asthma is shared. Parents should: * Inform the school that their child has asthma * Provide sufficient information and equipment to school staff to allow them to support the child at school * Advise if there has been a change in the child’s health, or in their medical management * Ensure the child has their reliever medication with them each day at school   See  Information for parents of school-aged kids with asthma. Schools should: Encourage parents to provide up to date information about their child with asthma * Enable and encourage staff to attend training and obtain information about asthma and how to manage an asthma emergency * Ensure sufficient equipment is available and accessible for use in an emergency * Have policies that support the staff to act appropriately and effectively in an asthma emergency, including during off-site activities * Allow students to access (or carry with them) their reliever medication at all times, unless the child is too young to be responsible for using their medication appropriately   See  Asthma Friendly Schools  for more information about how schools can support kids with asthma. Teachers and school staff can get free  Asthma Training  and  teaching resources. Students should: * Take their regular  preventer  medication (generally taken at home in the mornings and/or evenings) as advised by their doctor * Know how to recognise when their asthma is getting worse and what to do * Carry reliever medication wi th them at all times * Tell their friends that they have asthma, and what to do if they have an asthma attack *   If you’ve recently been diagnosed with asthma, or you think you or a member of your family might have asthma, then you need to get some basic facts.Find out  what causes asthma, and  what happens  in your airways to cause  asthma symptoms. Get an explanation of the process for  diagnosis, including tests that can be done. Develop an understanding of what  triggers  are around you, and what sort ofseasonal issues  might affect your asthma. It’s also common for people with asthma to have other  related conditions, such asallergies,  hayfever,  eczema  and even  COPD. We also have anasthma dictionary  to explain commonly used asthma terms. * Once you’ve got all that information, you might want to go and have a look the  managing asthma section, where you can find out aboutmedications, and how you can  take control  of your asthma. http://www. asthmafoundation. org. au