Abstract This paper explores the increased trend toward obesity in American society. It discusses how this phenomenon is parallel to the American way of thinking that bigger is better and the practice of over-consumption. It questions whether this trend can be reversed or whether it is ingrained into the American conscience.
From the Paper "Obesity has emerged as one of the most pressing health problems in the United States. Indeed, the overall trend toward obesity in American adults, as well as children and adolescents, has been increasingly identified by doctors, scientists, and the media as an ?epidemic.? All that is necessary for one to see how prevalent this problem has become is to note the wide plethora of diet pills, plans, gimmicks, and other remedies guaranteed to melt away the excess pounds plaguing the American population. Although many in the country imagine that their weight problems have much more consequence to their appearance than their health (or, at the very least, many give much more import to these issues), the truth is that the increasing prevalence of obesity in America has far reaching implications, chief among them issues of ethical, scientific, economic, political, and population-based significance."
Abstract This paper discusses the problem and causes of poor nutrition among older adults in America in an effort to offer a better understanding of their plight and some of the complications associated with the issue. The paper describes the various risk factors that these individuals face, the causes of their lack of nutrition, and possible solutions to the problem.
From the Paper "Low income and poor living conditions is but one of the difficulties that many of these older Americans face when it comes to proper nutrition (Sahyoun, 2002). Other factors include a lack of ability to prepare proper food, living alone, a lack of support from family and friends, and a lack of food that is deemed acceptable (Sahyoun, 2002). Some medications can also interact and cause a loss of appetite, which can lead to malnutrition (Sahyoun, 2002). In addition to these problems, senses such as taste and smell can be somewhat less sharp in older age, which causes older Americans to have less interest in the foods that they consume (Sahyoun, 2002). A further concern is oral health, as many older Americans have problems with their teeth and mouths that cause them pain, making it more difficult to eat many foods even if they are hungry (Sahyoun, 2002)."
Abstract This paper explains that getting Americans to exercise may be difficult, but the benefits of exercise are clear: People who exercise tend to live longer, have better overall health, and feel better about themselves. The author points out that, in California, many programs are available that help people develop and maintain healthy lifestyles including exercise. The paper relates that education is the key to helping people understand the benefits of exercise and that education must begin early in life for exercise to become a daily habit.
From the Paper "There are also many things individuals can do that add up to better health through exercise. Even small steps can lead to better health. Some people believe exercise must be difficult to work, and it cannot be enjoyable, but adding exercise to a daily routine can begin with small things, like walking a dog for fifteen minutes every evening, walking to the local restaurant or mall instead of driving, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. These small steps often lead to an increased enjoyment of activity, and more activity as the fitness level begins to increase."
Abstract This paper explains that both of the very successful restaurant chains, Chipotle and Applebee?s, are competing in two completely different segments of a very competitive industry, with each company targeting somewhat different customers; as such, their menus, restaurant environments and even websites reflect this. The author points outs that Chipotle targets younger, hipper clientele in urban areas who want quick food, but not fast food. Chipotle's food is inexpensive, but not the cheapest meal, and the restaurants are often located in trendy shopping centers. The paper relates that Applebee's target clientele, families and individuals residing in ?Suburbia, U.S.A.?, receive a decent meal at a fair price in freestanding locations, typically located in suburbs surrounding larger metropolitan areas. The feeling of "neighborhood" is important to Applebee's and their desired customer.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chiptole Mexican Grill
Line of Business
Sales
Target Market
Brands
Distribution
Promotion and Pricing
Advantages and Strengths
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
Line of Business
Sales
Target Market
Brands
Distribution
Promotion and Pricing
Advantages and Strengths
Comparison of Chipotle's and Applebee's Marketing Strategies
Websites
Conclusion
From the Paper "Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar was first founded in 1980 with the opening of T.J. Applebee's Rx for Edibles and Elixirs, in Atlanta, Georgia. The concept for the restaurant was a place ?that would provide full service, consistently good food, reasonable prices, and quality service in a neighborhood setting.? This would be the beginning for what would become the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar international franchise restaurants all sporting ?interiors festooned with local memorabilia to give each location an indigenous feel.? Applebee's now has more than 1,600 casual dining restaurants, located in the United States and nine other countries, and ?the company estimates the development potential of the Applebee's concept in the United States to be at least 2,300 restaurants.? Sales reflect this incredible growth. In 2003, Applebee's record more than $990 million in sales, up 19.8% from the previous year. They reported net income of $93.6 million, up 12.8% from 2002."
Abstract This paper defines obesity as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which, in most cases, means that the individual is about 30 pounds over their ideal weight. The author points out that a factor complicating the calculation of the cost of obesity to public health is that obesity engenders and is linked to a wide range of other diseases and ailments that also increase the cost to the public sector and health care in general. The paper concludes that alarm bells with regard to public and private health care and obesity have been ringing for some time now; however, this alarm has risen to a new and more strident level by the increasing number of children and adolescents who now are overweight or obese.
Table of Contents
The Extent of the Problem
Obesity: Definition and Causes
Related illness
Public Health
Conclusion
From the Paper "Obesity has a concomitant affect on an individual's overall health and can subsequently be connected to other illness and ailments and is also an exacerbating factor in many common diseases. "As obesity rates continue to grow at epidemic proportions in this country, the net effect will be dramatic increases in related chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease." Obesity also has an effect on many common illnesses such as diabetes, particularly type-2 diabetes. This form of diabetes is usually diagnosed in patients over 40 years of age and is caused by the body's inability to process insulin correctly. This form of diabetes is directly linked to obesity and physical inactivity."
Abstract This paper describes the methods of Kraft Foods Company, one of the largest manufacturers of foods in the U.S., for attracting and retaining customers and solving customer complaints. The paper outlines Kraft Foods' strategies, which emphasize flexibility, innovation, and market research tools.
From the Paper "Kraft Foods, one of the largest food manufacturers in the country, accomplishes its goals of the customer attraction, retention, and solving customer complaints through several means. According to Eccles (1981) customers prefer flexibility in their product and service offerings. Flexibility in product and service offerings not only provides the options to customers to choose and select only those products and services that best meet their needs but it also facilitates the process of customization and personalization. Similarly, Porter (1980) argues that in the present dynamic environment, a number of firms are shifting their focus from transaction-based interactions to relationship-based interactions. Since a firm usually incurs far more money in attracting a new customer than maintaining an existing one, it is always beneficial for the firm to lock- in its existing customers by developing close relations with them. In this perspective, businesses are encouraged to take notice of the customer's life cycle."
Abstract This paper argues that a national obesity campaign, which focuses on education and the knowledge of eating well and maintaining a healthy level of physical fitness, is essential for the health and well-being of all people in this nation. The author stresses that this campaign must start in the classrooms, teaching children about the harmful effects of obesity, and continues at home and among adults, who set examples for children. The paper emphasizes that this program will not focus on achieving a certain standard of thinness, but will highlight the importance of behavioral modification as an essential component of healthy living.
From the Paper "Many people that are already obese have a distorted body image and are often depressed. However a large body of evidence supports the idea that a comprehensive national plan that educates and also addresses the behavioral patterns of obese individuals will help combat negative self imagery and in fact, reverse negative self images. It is in fact, possible to replace negative images of oneself with positive ones when a comprehensive obesity strategy is utilized, one that emphasizes positive aspects of healthy weight maintenance, not the negative aspects of overeating."
Abstract This paper examines some of the statistics on the state of children's health that have been released by government organizations, such as the Center for Disease Control, and professional publications, such as the "Journal of Pediatrics," in an effort to demonstrate the need for intensive physical activity programs in schools.
From the Paper "The importance of a good education cannot be underestimated. Children spend their most formative years attending school full time, and it is vital that the education and experiences received there are sufficient for preparing students for the complete range of life situations that lie ahead of them. Schools focus on the development of academic skills in traditional subjects such as language, mathematics, and the sciences. In fact, schools depend on the achievement of their students in these subjects for funding and federal support due to such campaigns as President Bush's "No Child Left Behind" program, which bases the rating and therefore financial need of a school on its standardized test scores. Yet an important aspect of childhood development and preparation for their future has also been a part of traditional school curriculum. Physical Education is an essential part of the well-balanced class schedule for school children and is a needed part of overall education. The infamous Gym Class has received its share of both deserved and undeserved criticism and the rift between those who are enthusiastic about their physical education and those who despise the class is one of the defining social separations throughout the school years."
Abstract This paper discusses and analyzes the topic of obesity. Specifically, it argues the concepts presented in "Time" magazine article from the June 7, 2004, Special Issue, "Overcoming Obesity in America." The paper contends that childhood obesity is an increasing problem in America. The paper explains that most overweight children turn into overweight adults, creating mounting health problems and costs in the country. The paper examines the benefits of teaching children proper nutrition and exercise at a young age, thereby ensuring that future generations of Americans are healthier and happier.
From the Paper "Studies estimate that at least 30 percent of America's children are overweight or "at risk" of being overweight. In addition, 80 percent of those overweight children will turn into overweight adults (Wallis). Obesity is not just a societal issue about how children look. It is a health issue that can lead to many health complications, including diabetes, heart disease, asthma, hypertension, and a shortened life span (Editors). Physicians are seeing more problems in children who are overweight than ever before, and this poor health in childhood can lead to increased health care costs for society as more children and adults grapple with weight problems and the associated health problems."
Abstract This paper examines how one of the ways scientists have discovered how to increase food supply for a growing planet is by using genetic modification techniques to produce heartier, healthier, and more abundant crops. It analyzes whether they are safe for human consumption and the environment. The writer shows how there are differing opinions on both of these questions.
From the Paper "Crops can also be modified to deliver medicines and vaccines. Pharmaceuticals are often costly to produce and require special storage conditions. Third world countries could benefit greatly from edible vaccines in plants such as tomatoes or potatoes. These medicinal vegetables would be "easier to ship, store and administer than traditional injectable vaccines" (Whitman, 2000). "In trials, crops have been genetically engineered to manufacture proteins for healing wounds and treating conditions such as cystic fibrosis, cirrhosis of the liver and anemia; antibodies to fight cancer and vaccines against rabies, cholera and foot-and-mouth disease" (Pearce, 2004). Scientists have even made it possible for livestock, such as cattle, to contain omega-3 oils, known to prevent heart attacks, without the use of expensive fishmeal feed (Coghlan, 2004)."
Abstract This paper discusses the worldwide problem of obesity in children and in adults. The paper identifies the easy availability of high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods coupled with a decline in physical activity, as the main cause of obesity. The paper contends that obesity is associated with many diverse health complications ranging from non-fatal debilitating conditions to life threatening chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. The paper examines the importance of correct nutrition in combating and preventing obesity.
From the Paper "One of the most commonly given reasons for the increase in the incidence of obesity is lifestyle habits and basic overeating. It should however also be noted that the causes of obesity are interrelated. For example, modern living conditions, eating habits, quality of food and psychological aspects have played a vital role in contributing to the increase in obesity worldwide. Modern fast-food diets consist of hamburgers, French fries and cola drinks, while the most commonly consumed grain is white bread; the favorite meat is beef, and the most frequently eaten vegetable is the potato, usually as French fries. Most junk food contains too many preservatives and flavor enhancing salts which causes high blood pressure, and which can aggravate asthma, or lead to stomach cancer or kidney failure. Foods like salty snacks, ham, bacon and ready meals all contain lots of salt."
Abstract This paper discusses the gourmet food retailer, Pusateri's. The paper examines the company's problem with employee retention. The paper explains that, despite Pusateri's success with customers, internal challenges have caused it to not be as successful as it possibly could be. In particular, Pusateri's has had difficulty retaining its employees for any length of period, with the average tenure being less than 2 years. The paper claims that this has led to several negative effects on the company. These issues are explored in the paper.
From the Paper "Pusateri's Fine Foods is a forty-year-old purveyor of some of the world's finest gourmet food items. Located in the heart of Toronto, Pusateri's has combined high quality items with exceptional customer service and become one of the premier gourmet retailers in the world. The company that began in the early 1960s as a small fruit market has now blossomed to a world renowned organization that has won many Retail Gourmet Food Shop Awards over the years (About Us)."
Abstract This paper introduces the topic of obesity in America, looks at some of its causes and the effects of obesity, discusses some of the treatments and programs available to fight obesity, and looks at ways to prevent obesity.
Introduction to Obesity
Causes and Effects of Obesity
Treatment and Programs for Obesity
Obesity Prevention: Conclusions and Recommendations
References
From the Paper "According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), in 2000, the majority of American adults were either overweight or obese (CDCP, 2004). Obesity is best defined as an excessively high amount of body fat or adipose tissue in relation to lean body mass. (Stunkard, p14) The amount of body fat (or adiposity) includes concern for both the distribution of fat throughout the body and the size of the adipose tissue deposits. Body fat distribution can be measured by skinfold measures, waist-to-hip circumference ratios, or a variety of other techniques, including ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging."
Abstract In their rush to grow up, many young children may inadvertently engage in sporting activities that may not be physiologically appropriate for their developing bodies, and accidents, injuries, or other adverse consequences, including death, may result. To this end, this paper provides a review of the relevant and scholarly literature to identify physiologically appropriate sports activities for children, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper "Children are at increased risk of heat injury because their compensatory mechanisms are much less efficient than those in adults. Children produce greater heat loads, are less efficient at transferring heat away from muscles, sweat less, and drink less. Heat injury appears in many forms. The mildest form is in reduced exercise tolerance; this can be manifest as just a feeling general feeling of being tired. Some of the more severe forms of heat injury are discussed below."
Abstract This paper discusses eating disorder patterns among ballet dancers and non-dancers. The paper examines what anorexia is and presents the causes of anorexia and the reasons that it is seen so much in ballet dancers as opposed to non-dancers. The paper explores the impact of ballet dancing on children with respect to eating disorder patterns and identifies whether any difference is seen in the frequency of eating disorders in professional ballet dancers and non-professional ballet dancers.
From the Paper "Anorexia nervosa is a growing psychological and physiological disorder in the society of today. A surprisingly large number of people are affected by eating disorders, the major cause of which is anorexia nervosa. The cultural ideals especially of the western world cause young women to believe that they should maintain thinner bodies than intended by nature. This causes them to alter their eating patterns and this leads to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is most prevalent in young girls from the upper middle classes and generally between the ages of eleven to eighteen. Anorexia nervosa is fatal in about twenty percent of the cases and this is the reason for concern. Psychiatric assistance is able to help about thirty percent of anorexics to overcome the disease. A person is considered as anorexic if the body weight of the individual is twenty percent less than the normal weight of a healthy person of that age and height."
