Abstract Artificial hydration and nutrition (AHN) in the elderly and infirm can act as a way to sustain life. IV lines, as well as feeding tubes, are common examples of AHN treatment that are used as tools to prolong death. Questions arise as to when it is ethical to insert feeding tubes not only in the elderly, but also for those who are unable to swallow adequately enough to maintain the nutrition needed to survive. When looking at this issue, there are religious and spiritual concerns that are involved. This paper explores these concerns and researches the general use of feeding tubes from a nursing perspective.
From the Paper "The issue of Artificial Nutrition and Hydration will most likely be debated for years to come. The most important lesson to be learned is that nurses must value the opinion and beliefs of others. At the same time, nurses will have their own opinions and values. However, the duty of a nurse is to put personal values aside and use societal values while practicing. Hospital regulations and state laws will give the nurse the directions on how to act when a patient is in need of AHN treatment. At that point, the only ethical decision would be to follow orders from the top of the hierarchy. It is completely beneficial to the nurse to understand the controversy and the issue so they can empathize with those on both sides. By understanding the pros and cons of AHN treatment, the nurse can better equip the family of the ill to make a fully informed decision on what treatment is best for their situation."
Abstract This paper explores the way Jewish law views cruelty to animals, the environment, and the obligation to take care of one's health. The paper concludes that because Jewish Law has strong views about all these issues, the ideal diet is a vegetarian diet. The paper analyzes everything from Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) to factory farming.
I. Introduction
II. Tza'ar Ba'aley Chayim and Positive Acts of Kindness
A. Halacha Concerning Cruelty to Animals
B. Throughout Jewish Texts, it is Clear That Kindness to Animals is Highly Desirable
C. So Why Are Jews Allowed To Eat Meat?
D. Meat Eating Today
III. Halacha and the Environment
A. The World and All In It Belongs To G-d and Man Is Responsible For Preserving It All
B. Animals Are Important to G-d
C. Bal Tashchit - The Prohibition on Wanton Destruction
D. Environmental Effects of Producing So Much Meat
IV. Halacha and Health
A. The Importance of Maintaining Health in Halacha
B. Health and Vegetarianism
V. The Misunderstanding of the Importance of Meat in Judaism
VI. Rabbis And Vegetarianism
VII. Conclusions
From the Paper "A feature of halacha (Jewish law) that is often neglected is that Jews are obligated to treat animals with kindness. This aspect gets lost amidst the multitude of complicated sacrificial laws and the laws of kashrut (Jewish dietary law). Perhaps the American approach to eating plenty of meat several times a week without giving any thought to the source of all that delicious food has rubbed off on Jews, making them forget that G-d treasures the lives of all animals and explicitly commanded that man not cause animals unnecessary harm. This paper will draw from different sources in the Jewish tradition to demonstrate that given the state of meat production and consumption today, eating meat may actually violate several Jewish laws and principal. Although halacha allow Jews to eat meat, as long as all the laws and limitations are properly met, halacha prefers that Jews followed a vegetarian diet."
Abstract This paper discusses proper nutrition as a method of disease prevention and presents several organizational endeavors to educate the public about the benefits of proper nutrition. The paper claims that numerous statistics suggest that proper nutrition can improve the quality of life and life expectancy for people living in modern society. Despite this, a lack of adequate information and access to nutritional resources may exist for certain populations. The focus of this research is an exploration of health initiatives and the benefits of proper nutrition for populations throughout the United States.
From the Paper "There are many factors that can influence one's access to proper nutrition and education regarding proper nutrition. Studies suggest that poverty is a closely related theme to nutrition, and that many of the elementary aspects of being poor including inadequate health care and unhygienic living conditions may impair an individual's ability to maintain a proper nutrition status (Osmani, 1992). This notion is further supported by national studies of health trends which indicate that individuals living in areas with lower socio-economic status tend to have much poorer nutritional outcomes than those living in better areas (CDC, 2003). "
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes food processing in history, and how the development of food processing technologies has altered lives for the better.
From the Paper "Before the advent of food processing, fresh food spoiled, it was that simple. In medieval times, people attempted to cover up the smell and taste of tainted food by using fragrant herbs in the cooking and serving process. Even earlier, people used salt to preserve meats, and they used smoking and drying, especially for meats. However, none of these processes was totally satisfactory, and there was still no way to preserve many fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. Therefore, Americans, and others around the world, relied on fresh food when it was available, usually during the warmer summer months, but in the winter, early spring, and late fall, most of the food available was meat or freshly baked goods, and some root vegetables that would keep through the colder months. The development of food processing technology changed all that, and allowed the world to eat a wider variety of foods all year round. It was a breakthrough in technology, but it was also a breakthrough in the eating habits of Americans, because they could enjoy more food, and more freshly processed food, creating variety in their diet, but giving them many more healthy food options, too. In addition, even people in rural areas, far from the produce and food centers of the country, could eat the same foods that others could eat, despite their isolation."
Abstract This paper explains that, although supporters of genetically modified agriculture claim that it increases crop yield, increases the nutritional content in the food and decreases the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers; there are several concerns about the negative effects of this practice, especially for the Third World. The author points out that a major problem of genetically modified crops being used in the Third World is its cost for the seeds, which means that small farmers need to indenture to big firms, and, once genetically modified framing is used, soil nutrients are exhausted drastically and it becomes difficult to return to traditional farming with limited fertilizing. The paper urges that, while agricultural biotechnology is still young, the benefits and the risks of genetically modified agriculture should be considered more thoroughly especially its effect on the Third World even though this area suffers from lack of highly nutritional food.
From the Paper "Some people, especially children, are highly allergic to certain types of foods like peanuts. According to Wesley Burks, the Chief of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, allergic reactions to genetically modified food are usually limited to the skin and respiratory tract. Symptoms include urticaria, angioedema, pharyngeal edema, wheezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Genetically modified foods may accidentally introduce a new allergen because modern technology makes genes possibly be introduced to totally dissimilar species, for example a cow gene can be put into a plant. Dr. Martha R. Herbert, a pediatric neurologist said that "with genetic engineering, familiar foods could become metabolically dangerous or even toxic." It is true that if the crop itself is not toxic or dangerous, it could still upset the complex biochemical networks and create new bioactive compounds or change the concentrations of those normally present."
Abstract This paper discusses the current debate in American society regarding the unhealthy eating habits of the nation. It examines Eric Schlosser's book "Fast Food Nation" in which the development of the fast-food culture is explained.
From the Paper "Schlosser's book is also persuasive because of the healthy dose of humor he brings to his subject, despite its serious implications. McDonald's after all, uses cartoons and bright jingles and funny advertising to lure people in. His book offers a trip down memory lane for many readers, learning about different songs used by the company to make the product seem more attractive, and how different products were introduced and became part of American culinary life. However, despite this humor there is always a worthwhile moral at the end of Schlosser's tale. McNuggets may now be ubiquitous, and created to answer the threat posed by Kentucky Fried Chicken-but even learning about the 'war' between fried birds, one is reminded that these innocent looking finger foods are highly processed, bad for the body, and even contain beef by-products in their construction. (139-140) The common call, but what can I do in the face of such corporate callousness, that one often makes when reading journalistic exposes receives a resounding answer in this text."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of nutritional and nutrition-related health problems of adolescent obesity and being overweight. The writer explores the issues of obesity as it relates to adolescence and discusses strategies that have the potential to impact the issue. The writer also reports the effectiveness of some of the strategies. The final section identifies the most effect strategy to combat obesity in adolescents.
From the Paper "The problem of obesity is one that has gained considerable attention in recent years. Medical science has proven that obesity causes health issues that can lead to an early death. The incidence of obesity in adolescence is also a growing problem. Adolescent obesity is a leading cause of health issues according to industry experts and the race to develop effective preventative and curative strategies is on. It is important to develop effective coping and preventative strategies to combat adolescent obesity so that the adolescents have the hope of growing into healthy adults."
This paper discusses the concepts and occupation of personal training, the act of motivating and teaching a client how to exercise in order for the client to reach his or her fitness goals.
Abstract This paper explains that fitness goals might include reducing body fat, gaining muscle and strengthening the heart. To reach these targets, a personal trainer creates a workout incorporating resistance training, cardio-vascular exercises or both. The author stresses that, before performing any type of workout, the individual must find his or her target heart rate, the heart beats per minutes, which must be sustained to achieve optimal gains in fat loss and cardio-improvement. The paper describes the three stages to cardiovascular exercise: Warm up, which is a slow jog or jumping rope for at least five minutes at a low intensity of about fifty to sixty percent of the maximum heart rate; stretch to prevent injuries and to improve muscular performance and cool down, which is similar to the warm up and should last at least five minutes.
From the Paper "Knowledge of proper movement and exercise in strength training must be in the personal trainers and athlete's arsenal of information. Athletes should perform a full range of motion with each lift and exercise. Jerking, bouncing, or swinging are often symptoms of lifters lifting too much weight. Each exercise should be done slowly and controlled. Full range motion helps build muscle strength and joint flexibility. Lifters should always try to increase resistance to achieve more gains. Also, after each set, lifters should increase the weight and lower the amount of repetitions. This concept is to increase the resistance and decrease the reps. Appropriate movement during lifts maximizes benefits and decrease risk of injury."
Abstract This paper explains that cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by eating healthfully, participating regularly in aerobic activity, and by not smoking. The paper describes a diet that is heart healthy and stresses the importance of physical aerobic activity and the avoidance of cigarettes.
From the Paper "Nearly twenty percent of the American population has a form of Cardiovascular Disease. In 2002, thirty-five percent of the deaths in the United States were related to heart and blood vessel diseases according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Cardiovascular Disease includes Coronary Heart Disease, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and stroke. Some causes for Cardiovascular Disease can be attributed to physical inactivity, unhealthy nutritional planning, smoking, and age."
An overview of the Women, Infants and Children Program, a program that provides nutritious foods, nutrition counseling and referrals to health and other social services to participants at no charge.
Abstract This paper describes the role and function of the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) as well as its history, purpose, scope and mission. The paper further describes the structure of the organization, how it is funded and markets itself, state staffing standards and the success of the program.
Table of Contents
History
Purpose and Scope
Mission
Structure
Funding
Marketing
Personnel
Future of the Resource
Utility of the Resource
From the Paper "WIC is not an entitlement program; that is, congress does not set aside funds to allow every eligible individual to participate in the program. Instead, WIC is a Federal Grant program for which Congress authorizes a specific amount of funding each year for program operations. The Food and Nutrition Services, which administers the program at the Federal level, provides these funds to WIC State agencies (State health departments or comparable agencies) to pay for WIC foods, nutrition counseling and education, and administrative costs."
This well-researched paper examines the various causes and effects of anorexia-nervosa as well as the media's impact on women, self image and eating disorders.
Abstract This paper analyzes the link between culture and society that is inundated with images and messages that promote an ideal of perfection and which is a direct causative factor in the increase of eating disorders. This paper examines the results of numerous professionals and researchers who contend that the media is to blame for a large percentage of reported cases of anorexia and bulimia. The writer of this paper also explores other related causes for eating disorders among females, which include adolescent turmoil and a family history of affective disorders. This paper delves into the opinion that there may be an element of genetic transmission involved in anorexia and other eating disorders. This paper contains research results, statistics and relevant information to both anorexia and bulimia, which if not treated properly can lead to death.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
Socio-Cultural Causes
Psychological Causes
Biological Causes
The Effects of Anorexia
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Research has shown that women who have a sister or mother who suffers from an eating disorder may be at a much higher risk of developing anorexia or bulimia themselves. Researchers are of the opinion that there may be an element of genetic transmission involved in anorexia and other eating disorders. In one sense this is seen by the medical profession as a positive factor as it allows the causes of anorexia to be narrowed down and offers opportunities to possibly rectify the problem. "By identifying a genetic component to those behavioral disorders, doctors can get one step closer to eventually developing a medication to try to control the sometimes devastating progression of eating disorders". Medical Practitioners state that if there is a specific biological component to an eating disorder like anorexia, then this makes the problem easier to remedy; whereas social and psychological causes are much harder to resolve."
Tags: health, women, nutrition, mental, disorder, media, perception, culture, society
Abstract This paper offers an extensive review of literature focusing on the organic food market in the United Kingdom. It gives a general definition of organic food with regards to harvesting, pesticide and animal welfare. It discusses the reasons for the marked increase of consumer interest in organic food. It also discusses the viability of organic food feeding the masses. The author offers a brief summary of the literature reviewed.
Literature Review
Quality in organic food products
Are organic food products more nutritious than conventional products?
Organic food products and pesticide use
Organic food and food poisonings
Can organic food feed the world?
Chemical pesticides versus natural pesticides
Impact of organic farming in the environment
organic farming versus organic products(process versus product
Organic food and food miles
Organic farming and animal welfare
Organic farming and the community
Are organic food products free of GMOs?
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Organic farming is the most vital part of the organic industry. They are particularly important in the United Kingdom because of the demand for organic products. Organic farming is a unique trade because farmers utilize natural means to produce crops and they have to adhere to very strict regulations. The soil Association explains that under current regulations, land has to be managed organically for at least two years before it can qualify for organic certification (Key elements of organic farming 2005). In addition, a conversion plan including comprehensive cropping plans, rotations and budgets is a vital part of successful integration into organic farming and is a requirement for certification (Key elements of organic farming 2005)."
Abstract The paper discusses the ethics of the beef industry, focusing on the question, is it ethical to produce beef for the marketplace based on the current methods found in the industry. The paper looks at the inhumane method of slaughtering animals and the issue of animal cruelty.
From the Paper "The ethical issue addressed herein posed as a question is: is it ethical to produce beef using the current methods found in the industry. According to the Humane Farming Association HFA beef products found on grocery store ..."
Abstract This paper firstly discusses how Eric Schlosser's "Fast Food Nation" is subjected to a semiotic analysis. Secondly, the general conditions of the corporate state are enumerated with some historical context. The marketing of fast food to children is considered, criticized. In conclusion a solution is mentioned.
From the Paper "I will begin with some general observations in order to provide a background and context for the semiotic analysis of "Fast Food Nation" by Eric Schlosser. Next, I will discuss some of the major problems for which the fast food industry is ..."
Tags: fast, food, television, advertising, corporate, America
Abstract This paper discusses the USDA 2005 Food Pyramid and evaluates its success as a truly nutritious diet. It reviews how effective the USDA has been at educating the public. The paper also explores other eating styles would be healthier than those recommended by the USDA.
From the Paper "In January the USDA revealed its revised food pyramid and its dietary guidelines for Americans. It gives more specific data relating to portion size and the calories that should be consumed and can be tailored to the individual by age gender ..."
