Abstract The paper shows that consumers today are faced with a myriad of information concerning the safety and viability of vitamin supplements. One day the experts say one thing and the next day there are new studies by other experts. This all creates quite a dilemma for those who are trying to do the best for their bodies. The paper argues, however, that through the years there has been a steady stream of overwhelming evidence proving that vitamin supplements are helpful and beneficial for physical health, and moreover, may affect behavior. The paper uses information from various studies to prove that taking vitamins is extremely beneficial to ones health and wellbeing.
From the Paper "For years researchers have studied the benefits of vitamin E on the skin, hair, heart, and over-all health. Now researchers have proven that vitamin E supplements could save millions of health care dollars each year. A study published in the "American Journal of Cardiology" showed significant savings from various supplements, especially vitamin E. In a "double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 2,002 patients"vitamin E reduced non-fatal heart attack risk by 77 percent? (Natural 1998). Researchers found a savings of $578 per patient in patients taking vitamin E supplements compared to those who took placebos. The savings were based on a reduction in hospital admissions for nonfatal heart attacks."
Abstract This essay talks about college alcoholism and its affect on society. The paper discusses why alcoholism among college students is particularly common due to factors such as peer pressure, loneliness and exam pressures. The dangers and myths of alcoholism among college students are also discussed.
From the Paper "Each passing year, thousands of college students lose their lives to alcohol. Commonly referred to as the social drug, alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death among college students. It is estimated that as many as 360,000 of the nation's twelve million undergraduates will ultimately die from alcohol related causes, far more than the number of students who will be awarded advanced degrees (Shalala 5). Although the nation's budget allots millions of dollars towards programs to prevent alcoholism among college students, the number of college alcoholics continues to rise annually. While the causes of drinking vary from person to person, they are typically due to peer pressure, depression, loneliness, fraternities, and the lack of parental guidance."
A look at the dangers that second-hand smoke has on people, animals and the environment, with a strong argument supporting a ban on smoking in public places.
Abstract This paper touches on the physical dangers of inhaling second-hand smoke and the negative effects of second-hand smoke on children and pets. It also argues for a ban on smoking in public places and describes some of the cities and states that have already instrumented such a ban in the United States.
From the Paper "Second-hand smoke is a public health hazard. Not only does it have the supernatural ability to cling to clothing and hair, leaving behind a lingering, musty, and stale smell, but it can also create very serious health problems. For those who choose to partake in the precarious activity of puffing on a cancer stick, the associated side effects are expected. Smokers are voluntarily and knowingly exposing themselves to the possibilities of asthma, lung cancer, heart disease, and other related diseases, and are not all that surprised when they become ill from their bad habit. For those who choose not to inhale poisonous chemicals into their lungs, however, the side effects are just unfair. Many non-smokers have chosen not to smoke to preserve their health and prolong their lives, and they should not have to expose themselves to second-hand smoke when they are out in public. Non-smokers should be able to feel free to socialize in any restaurant or bar without having to be subjected to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. With so many grim statistics out there about second-hand smoke, why are we still allowing people to smoke in public places, literally killing those who choose not to smoke?"
From the Paper "Exercise and Obesity
There are many different approaches to the problem of obesity. Obesity results when food intake exceeds energy expenditure. Thus, one therapeutic modality might consist simply of reducing caloric intake; while, yet another, could involve increasing the rate at which those calories are metabolized. The interrelation between diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity is complex. It has therefore been the focus of much research.
Obesity is defined as the state of being at least 20% above ideal body weight (Pavlou, 1989, p. 1115-1119). Long-term prospective studies indicate that the condition is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Obesity is known to be a contributing factor in a number of pathologic conditions including..."
Abstract This paper discusses many forms of driver inattention on the road today. The paper states that Americans, and other drivers around the world, treat their cars like an extension of their homes: Eating, drinking, watching movies, talking on the phone, putting on make-up and even brushing their teeth in their cars, while driving. The author feels that the causes of these behaviors are our busy lifestyle, where we try to cram too much into each day.
From the Paper "Road rage is a relatively new problem to the country's drivers, and it has affected everyone who ever sits down behind the wheel. A study by the American Automobile Association's Foundation for Traffic Safety found a 51 percent increase between 1990 and 1996 in incidents of motorists behaving in an overtly hostile manner. They found that road rage has grown over 7 percent in the 90s'. "At least 1,500 men, women, and children are seriously injured or killed each year in the United States as a result of senseless traffic disputes and altercations."
Tags: driver, inattention, homes, busy, lifestyle, traffic, disputes, ban
Abstract This paper investigates pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores that are formed where skin and tissue are squeezed between bone and an outside surface for long periods of time, often due to immobility. It proposes scientific research aimed at discovering the development and underlying reasons that the illness is so common amongst elderly long term care patients.
From the Paper "Because PUs are so common, cause distress to the patient and their family, and can form the basis for litigation, it is important for the long-term medical care community to find ways to reduce their prevalence and incidence. Two commonly suggested solutions to the PU problem include identifying patients at risk using risk assessment methods and initiating preventive measures (Ayello & Braden, 2002). In order for long term care staff to identify patients at risk they must be educated in assessment of the risk for developing PUs. One risk assessment method used in this area is the Braden Scale, developed in 1987 by Drs. Barbara Braden and Nancy Bergstrom. The scale attempts to identify risk factors that increase the chance that patients will develop PUs in the future and assigns a numeric value to the risk for any particular patient (Bergstrom, Braden, Laguzza, & Holman, 1987)."
Abstract This paper discusses the claim that smoking should not be allowed in public places. The problem of second-hand smoking as a result of smoking in public, is raised. The hazards of second-hand smoke are presented in the paper. The issue is addressed from a legislative point of view as well as from the business/company perspective. The paper provides a number of reasons why a company should endeavor to prevent smoking within its boundaries. The media's influence on public awareness of smoking and passive smoking hazards is examined.
From the Paper "Smoking should not be allowed in public places. This is based primarily on the fact that second-hand smoke is a health hazard, but it can also be argued that allowing people to smoke in public only perpetuates the habit and encourages others to take it up, thus adding to the health hazard in the long run. The private sector is already addressing the issue on a case-by-case basis, banning smoking in the workplace in many companies. Those who believe there is a problem may create a smoke-free area for customers or workers, or workers can demand that their place of business be entirely smoke free. Still, the government should take further action to protect the public where companies do not, including in shopping areas, workplaces, theaters, restaurants, and anywhere the public gathers. Allowing smoking on the street in fact encourages smoking, and discouraging smoking should be a primary effort for the public and private sectors to reduce the health costs paid by both."
Abstract This paper provides a scientific definition of stem cell research and explains how the process scientists wishing to extract the stem cells for research purposes. It then looks at the history of the controversy surrounding this form of research, by looking at laws and legislation passed by government committees over the past few decades. The moral arguments against this research are then presented and finally the stance for stem cell research is provided. The great scientific advantages are listed as well as the unlimited potential for cures and medical development.
From the Paper "The current restrictions on stem cell research in the United States hinder potential medical breakthroughs through the use of this technology. While opponents of genetic engineering and stem cell technologies make important points about the potential ethical consequences, the potential medical therapeutically value of such technologies is clearly undeniable."
Tags: ethics, moral, science, genetic, medical, potential, cure, government, law
Abstract The paper examines the history of steroids and their original use. It discusses the side affects from taking steroids for both women and men. The paper explores alternative methods to enhance the physical look of ones body without using steroids.
From the Paper "Steroids have been around for about 100 years but no one really knew what they were or did until about 70 years ago. It has really only been since the 30's that we have started to realize what we had. In the 30's they used to give steroids to dogs. When they did this they found a great increase in muscle mass. At first they were like wow this is great all you have to do is take this shot and you can be huge. According to steroidworld.com "the first time that steroids were found in a sport event was around the 50's when Russian lifters shattered weight lifting records" (SteroidWorld 1 p.3). After this happened people and especially doctors started to look into steroids and what they were all about. By 1964 steroids had hit the market and every athlete wanted them. In the beginning no one had any idea about how much to use or when to use them and there were a lot of side affects for that reason but, no one really cared because of the great strength gain."
Abstract The paper discusses the problem of patients receiving prescription drugs, which they do not actually need because they see the advertising and demand that their doctors give them these drugs. The paper explores the positions of the American Medical Association and the Federal Drug Association. The author concluded that until the drug companies stop hiding the truth and exploiting their drugs, the federal government should do its best to control what the advertisements say and to eliminate loopholes within the law, so that these ads will stop misinforming the public about what the drugs can actually do.
From the Paper "Drug companies that portray their drugs to improve substantially the lives of the afflicted individuals are not quick to stress the dangers and serious side effects that can endanger lives. The new drugs advertised have a twenty percent chance of ending in an FDA drug recall or having additional FDA safety warnings placed on their labels within 25 years. Advertisements account for hundreds of millions of dollars every year that drug companies spend."
Abstract This paper addresses the issue of an increase in workplace violence and accidents. It first defines the problem and discusses the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA). It provides suggestions for ways that employers can help decrease workplace violence, including workplace violence-prevention programs. The paper concludes with a vision of what the future can hold.
From the Paper "Workplace violence has become a huge concern among workers throughout the nation. ?It has become such a huge problem that it is accounting for more than 11% of all fatal work injuries. There were approximately 674 workplace homicides in the year 2000 alone.?(OSHA) Although homicide is an extreme form of workplace violence, it clearly shows that minor incidents can quickly escalate to a server situation. Many organizations, including OSHA, have implemented plans to help workplace violence awareness and put prevention measures in place. ?The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 obligates employers to furnish each of [their] employees with a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.?(Flynn) Officials within OSHA agree that the focus should be more on comprehensive prevention programs, rather than specific abatements. If we can educate people and inform them of the potential effects of workplace violence prior to it happening, we will all feel a lot safer going to work each day."
Abstract Discussion of the federally funded nutrition program. Components of WIC including providing nutritious food, nutrition education, acces to health care to low-income pregnant women, new mothers and infants and children at nutritional risk. Nutritional makeup ot the WIC food package. Positive impact of WIC on its participants. Community welfare and economics.
From the Paper "This is an assessment of the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program that has been in existence since 1972. The program was established by Congress in 1972 and authorized to go national in 1974. ?WIC is a cost-effective federally funded preventive nutrition program that provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and access to health care to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and infants and children at nutritional risk.? (FRAC, 2001) WIC, unlike other federal programs, is not an entitlement but receives funding through Congress annually.
WIC distributes a monthly food package to program participants that contains a prescribed combination of target foods. These are solely for the purpose of improving the nutritional quality of the program participants? diets and in such..."
Abstract The writer discusses how steroids work, the health risks to men and women and the ways in which they are considered helpful. The paper makes a case for the use of steroids as a way to enhance one's physical form and to change one's self-image.
From the Paper "When we talk of steroids, we are not talking about creatine, ephedrine, androstenedione (a.k.a. andro), cell-tech, nitro-tech, or any of the other over the counter products that you may have heard of. The term steroid, androgens, androgenic steroids, anabolic steroids, anabolic-androgenic steroids, juice, roids, sauce, as well as a ton of other slang terms, all refer to the same thing. What really defines a steroid is testosterone. "Steroids can be Testosterone or one of the naturally produced or artificially produced derivatives of this sex hormone" ("T-mag" Part 1)."
Abstract This paper begins by discussing the dangers of unknown virus which are still to be discovered. It then focuses on the most deadly form of Hepatitis, the variety known as Hepatitis C, suggesting ways in which its spread in the United States can be contained. It explains that the most important of these is the protection of the blood supply.
From the Paper "We have become so accustomed over the last 15 years about warnings over the deadliness of HIV and AIDS that it sometimes seems that we have forgotten the perils that other viruses represent to humanity ? or at least until there is a spectacular outbreak of a virus like Ebola or one of the other tropical, very hot viruses. And then we (here in the relative safety of the United States, where we are unlikely to be the victims of a terrible tropical virus ? despite the many thrillers and movies that suggest otherwise) think uneasily about the animal-like viruses, so small that for centuries their existence had to be guessed at and extrapolated rather than known."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of numerous articles which study the link between the Vietnam war and PTSD. Examples of articles analyzed are: "Attempted Suicide Among Vietnam Veterans: A Model of Etiology in a Community Sample" by Fontana and Rosenheck (1995) and "Sleep Events Among Veterans with Combat-Related Post traumatic Stress Disorder" by Mellman, Kulick-Bell, Ashlock, Nolan (1995). The paper shows the hypothesis, purpose, conclusions, strengths and weaknesses of the articles.
From the Paper ""Clozapine treatment for a veteran with comorbid psychosis and PTSD" by Hamner (1996). This author points out that antipsychotic medications for PTSD patients has received little previous investigation, and presents findings regarding treatment with Clozapine for a PTSD Vietnam veteran. The purpose of the study was logically supported with previous reports of associations between PTSD and psychotic disorders. A weakness of this study is the small sample size, one case study, which results in limited findings. However, results did show a positive response to Clozapine treatment, for psychotic symptoms and core PTSD symptoms. This information provides impetus for further investigation with more adequate study methodology."
