Abstract The following thesis contains a review of the positive and negative ways in which the search for food has impacted social man. It begins with an examination of prehistoric man and follows him through Peking Man's development, the Neolithic era of farmers and herders, and the Era of Expansionism heralded by the search for salt and spices. This thesis examines man's resourcefulness when confronted by food shortages; lastly, it concludes with a discussion of Darwin's evolutionary theory to elucidate the role of food in man's powerful drive to survive and evolve.
From the Paper "Beginning with prehistoric man, homo and femina sapiens needed to cooperate in order to be successful predators. The lions, wolves, and jackals they hunted and cooked were their main sustenance. During the Neolithic Era, man evolved into a super-animal who was no longer exclusively predatory; he was now a "settled farmer and stock breeder" (Tannahill, 1988) who could hunt, fish, gather, grow food, and domesticate animals.
Approximately two million years ago, as man continued to evolve, hominids, primates that were more like ape-like than man, developed into homo-erectus, primates who were able to stand erect and bore a more human than ape-like appearance (Stamps, 2000). Peking Man, the earliest, most well known representative of homo-erectus, was discovered in Beijing, China. Examination of the fossils of Peking Man indicate he was a hunter and cave dweller whose diet was mostly venison and other mammals. Most notably, Peking Man was able to control fire. Fire provided the caves with light and warmth but it also positively affected Peking Man's ability to prepare and enjoy food."
Abstract This paper discusses a research study performed by Lissner, Steen and Brownell that examines the popularity of fad diets in "Weight Reduction Diets and Health Promotion" ("The American Journal of Preventive Medicine", Vol. 8, 154-8, 1992.), questioning their viability, safety and effectiveness. The paper examines the increasing problem of obesity worldwide, a main focus of the research study. The methods and strategies used for this research are outlined in the paper.
From the Paper "The basic premise of the research was to analyze the mechanisms by which obesity is battled in quotidian society, where the most common-place variety of treatment was the fad diet. Among the most popular of these at the time of their research, nearly fifteen years ago, was the protein diet. The study's authors examined not only the fundamentals of the popular grocery-store, drug-store protein diet, but how it affected the average, sedate adult. For the analysis, they isolated the dietary composition of the average protein diet, which contained 1,000 kcal or less, 50 mg of carbohydrates, and 120g or more of protein. Further study combined this steady intake construction with the average daily exercise of a high-protein diet consuming adult, showing that the patient demographic largely experienced energy restriction, resulting in ketosis."
Abstract This paper claims that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychological disease and the numbers are continuing to rise. The paper quips that the media is taking calories out of the mouths of modern women and telling them they have to be skinny to be anyone. The paper states with bittersweet humor that popular culture is killing America but if we're going to be six feet under, we're going to be a perfect ten!
From the Paper "The desire to be thin is starting at a younger and younger age. In a document by Frances M. Berg, he states that, "At a young age, typically toddlers are watching television and starting their daily exposure to the message that shows successful women are thin. From these moments on throughout life this child will hear sounds that objectify, distrust and battle their bodies in order to make them acceptably thin (Berg 45)." Around the world ninety percent of toddler age girls have a Barbie doll. Barbie is a role model with a body that is unattainable in life for all women. If Barbie were scaled to life size with a height of 5'6" her measurements would be 39" bust -23" waist -33" hips (www.firstscience.com). With breasts that large and a waist that small she would need a permanent pelvic/lower back brace to hold herself upright, but this isn't what children see. They just see that she is beautiful and successful and can do anything. "
Abstract This paper discusses the fact that genetic engineering (GE) of food has become a mainstream issue in many countries over the last few years. The paper explains that GE food has the ability to ensure food security around the world. However, the paper admits that there has been an increasing number of concerns from people who question the research, merit, political and economical effects. The paper examines the rice crop as an example of a genetic engineered food that scientists have been dealing with for quite sometime. The paper introduces "Golden Rice", a genetically engineered crop developed to increase the nutritional value of rice. The paper states that the edible portion of the plant was modified to produce Beat-Carotene (pro-vitamin A) and has been offered to many third world countries as a core to fight Vitamin A deficiency.
From the Paper "The World Health Organization estimates that Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) affects as many as 400 million people and 118 countries (Egana, 2003). Two hundred and thirty million of those at risk are children, and one million cases result in death each year. VAD is the leading cause of blindness and night-blindness among developing populations. Blindness is the first symptom of VAD but by the time it is noticed, other body functions have already been damaged, like the respiratory and immune system. The Rockefeller Foundation has declared that rice is the most important source of human food (Wise Monkey News). It has been prized as the staple food source for four billion people worldwide (WHO/FOA). It grows in a wide variety of environment, which makes it widely available to massive populations. The low price and abundance make rice the food of choice for many of the poor in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In Asia, the rice crop is much more than just a food source; it is a source of employment and income also."
Abstract The ability of life to adapt to new environments is one of the principle foundations of Natural Selection. The paper shows that, given the great importance of diet on the course of our evolutionary past, it is astounding that more research has not been conducted on the origins of our dieting habits. The literature that has been written on the subject of diet has taken on many forms. Some researchers have focused on the social origins of diet and how it affects different categories of people, while others have focused on the cognitive functions behind different dieting behaviors. This literature review examines some of the past research that has been conducted and attempts to put this research into an evolutionary based frame.
From the Paper "This model theorizes that females, since females bear young, would establish small groups near a constant food source in order to ensure the health of young offspring. Males, on the other hand, would have a larger territory that would encompass several smaller female groups. Males would roam this territory and be constantly on the move, allowing for males to eat a wider (but less constant) diet. Males would therefore have a predisposition to eat anything that could be eaten, and therefore care less about the "healthy" aspect of the foodstuff. Females, having maintained a constant source of food over several generations, would be more selective with their caloric intake and only choose to eat the healthier foods."
Abstract This paper tells how Whit Baskin, a body builder and well respected man, went through a traumatizing experience in his life in 2000-2001 when he became a paraplegic. This paper tells how he got through the trauma without taking drugs, recovered and how he is now helping others stay healthy and drug free.
From the Paper "Whitfield Baskin was a normal boy at fifteen weighing 130 pounds, with high hopes of one day becoming a body builder. Whit started working out with a personal trainer to learn power-lifting, which included three exercises: squats, dead lift and bench press; Whit soon enter several local competitions. However local competitions were not enough, Baskin wanted to compete in the World's Strongest Man Competition which includes several events such as: the car hold, stone loading, log clean and press, truck pull, tire flip and farmer's walk. He decided if he wanted to compete with these other men, he would have to step his workouts up a notch. Baskin began coming home from school and tennis practice everyday, he would eat dinner, go to the gym for an hour, take a break, then go back to the gym for another hour."
Abstract The impact of military food research on the food industry has emerged in recent years as a topic of growing significance and importance to citizens, scientists and government officials alike. This paper explains that military research on food has had a significant impact on the food industry, mainly because military research in this area often consists of food preservation, nutrition and performance enhancements. The paper points out that all of these categories directly impact the economic and nutritional aspects of the food industry. Research indicates that food intake in the military is influenced by the same factors that influence food intake in non-military settings. This paper analyzes and discusses the impact of such research on the food industry as a whole.
From the Paper "Military research on the food industry often consists of studies conducted on the diets of those serving in the military, and how those diets may be modified to improve performance. The National Academy of Sciences published a report in 2004 from the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board concluding that combat soldiers engaged in extended field operations might improve their mental sharpness and physical stamina by eating a diet supplemented with specific food components. Similar research indicates that other food components also have been shown to have beneficial effects, but some do not live up to performance expectations. In the 2004 report, the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board examined six food components; tyrosine, choline, carbohydrates, caffeine, carnitine, and structured lipids."
Abstract This paper explains that, within the world of health and fitness, heart rate, which defines the number of contractions of the human heart in one minute, at rest for the male adult human heart, beats approximately 70 beats per minute; whereas, female hearts tend to beat faster at around 75 beats per minute. The author points out that physical exercise causes a normal person's heart rate to increase above the resting heart rate; as the physical activity becomes more vigorous, the heart rate increases, reaching maximum heart rate with very vigorous exercise. The paper concludes that heart rate monitoring helps to ensure a safe and effective aerobic workout and allows the exerciser to track changes, which are taking place in his or her cardiovascular system as he or she develops an exercise regimen and seeks aerobic fitness.
From the Paper "Another type of heart rate is the working heart rate. One challenge in raising the heart rate is that the more conditioned that a heart becomes, the more difficult it is to elevate. If a heart's rate is too high during exercise, it can be lowered in the next workout by exercising less vigorously and minimizing arm movements. Conversely, if the heart rate is too low, exercise can become more vigorous to increase it. This heart rate is measured by taking the working heart rate for 6 seconds after each aerobic routine and then multiplying this number by 10 to determine the number of beats per minute."
Abstract This research paper examines literature concerning the affects of domestic violence during the course of a pregnancy and whether it is a contributing factor in low birth weight among newborn infants. The paper examines this topic from the perspective of what its implications may be for the nurse in her duty as healthcare deliverer, as it is the nurse who is primarily responsible for assessing the patient /expectant mother and the nurse who will ultimately impact the lives of the mother.
Table of Contents
Purpose
Statement of Objective
Methodology
Introduction
Delineation of the Role of Delivery Nurses and Newborn Caretaker
Literature Review
Findings of this Study
Recommendations
From the Paper "In seeking determination of the prevalence of incidents of physical abuse and oftentimes emotional/psychological/sexual and other forms of accompanying abuse study is vital in dealing with the low birth-weight infant and the health implications assigned to low birth-weight in terms of the future health aspects that accompany being a LBW individual. The specific responsibility and one of the most vital factors is the critical assessment of the nurse, nurse practitioner and the treating physician of the pregnant women who is a victim of abuse. The pursuit of conducting a study or monitoring abuse of women cannot be a conclusive study if the nurse specifically does not critically monitor patients that the data applies to in terms of abuse such as socio-economic factors, educational attainment level, age, and other indicators not as readily evident. It is the nurse who assess the patient /expectant mother, and the nurse who will ultimately impact the lives of the mother and the infant either positively or negligently depending on the focus and perceptional ability of the nurse, nursing practitioner, or personal physician."
Abstract This paper looks at the use of salt in our diets and how it is not merely a matter of essential health, but also of taste. The paper then relates the need and taste for salt to the nature/nurture issue, explaining why the body requires salt and how the taste for salt could have developed as a result of both genetics and environment.
From the Paper "Salt is the world's oldest known food addative. It is an essential nutrient for both human beings and animals, since it is necessary for life and health, but is not produced within the body. A human body contains about 250 grams of salt. Salt aids in the transmission of nerve impulses to and from the brain, and also the contraction of muscles, including the heart. Apart form health issues, a number of functions are fulfilled by salt regarding food. It brings out the taste in foods and reduces blandness. It reduces the sourness of acid and increases the sweetness of sugar (Salt Manufacturers' Association, UK). The taste of food is thus generally improved through this additive. Other fuctions of cooking include salt used a s a preservative, a texture aid, a binder, for fermention control and as a color developer."
Abstract This paper presents a questionnaire given to students and faculty regarding the food and services offered by the Western College Refectory. The paper presents the results of the survey contending that the participants offered many suggestions and good ideas to improve business at the Refectory. The paper highlighted the fact that most of the students and faculty said that if improvements were made they would prefer to eat at the Refectory rather than to travel off campus. The paper discusses the need of the Refectory to keep cost low, build good relations with existing customers and potential customers and at the same time, increase profits.
Outline
Questionnaire
Research
Report
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the suggestions included providing a special meal card that students can purchase at the beginning of the semester and use throughout the year; adding credit to the card at their own convenience. This would be a very convenient way for students and faculty to purchase food, snacks, sodas and other food items from the Refectory. Rather than simply purchasing a meal plan at the beginning of each semester, the student will be able to purchase a meal card that they will use like a credit card. This would give the students the ability to purchase only what they want to purchase and it would free parents from sending cash to the student during the year for extra food. Providing a meal card to students would improve our relations with the students, the students' parents, and faculty as well as potentially increasing sales. Image the potential for increased sales if students can visit the Refectory late at night and order pizza and appetizers there instead of ordering food from one of the local restaurants. Our prices are lower than the prices at local restaurants so this arrangement would make parents happy and it would bring in more business to the Refectory."
Abstract This paper examines studies that have shown that the excessive consumption of fast food by Americans contributes significantly to the obesity problem in the U.S. The paper then takes a look at and analyzes several of the lawsuits that have been filed against fast food restaurants by people claiming that they are suffering from poor health as a result of eating at these restaurants. Next, the paper considers whether the fast food restaurants should indeed be held responsible for the failing health of its customers or if the customers should be responsible for their own health and eating habits.
From the Paper "Since 2002, a number of lawsuits were filed against fast food restaurants, notably McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, and Wendy's for being the primary cause of obesity. With John Banzhaf as the leading advocate of this war against the fast food industry, the lawyers and their victims claimed these restaurants were responsible for their health degradation. After proving that tobacco indeed causes lung cancer and eventual death - and receiving billions of dollars of settlement from tobacco companies - trial lawyers were now clamoring to produce a similar result for the fast food industry. They claimed that these restaurants are directly responsible for their customer's health, and should face serious consequences if they fail to do so. Since these lawsuits began, the food industry acted to make their food healthier. McDonald's, for example, eliminated the "super sized" meals immediately after the release of the documentary film "Super Size Me" (although the company claimed this move had nothing to do with the film whatsoever). Some restaurants also began serving salads and fruit juices to promote healthy eating habits."
Examines the need for dieticians to be concerned not only with what and how well people eat, but to clear up the confusion about "taking" vitamins either to replace foods or as supplements.
Abstract This paper explains that one of the most important roles of a dietician today is to provide insight and proper guidance for taking, or not taking vitamin supplements. The paper then looks at the history of the so-called "vitamin revolution" and all of the advertisements and news generated by the media about the necessity of proper vitamin intake and then examines whether all of this media output is just hype on the part of the vitamin industry and certain health professionals. For the purposes of evaluating the reasons for all of this focus on vitamin intake, the paper concentrates on three vitamin supplements: Anti-oxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
From the Paper "More than ever dieticians have to be concerned not only with what and how well people eat, but they have to attempt to clear up the confusion about "taking" vitamins either to replace foods, or as supplements. Perhaps there is no more important aspect of providing proper nutrition for the public in the coming years than being able to provide insight and proper guidance for taking, or NOT taking vitamin supplements. "The first line of attack for many problems is already diet-centered...Despite all the breakthroughs in nutritional research, deciding what and how to eat can still be enormously confusing.""
Abstract This paper examines the use of exercise as prevention and as treatment augmentation to accepted treatments for different types and stages of cancer. The author points out that overwhelming fatigue is common to all types of cancer; however, cancer patients benefit from an appropriate exercise program, which provides positive reinforcement not only to increase strength but also to fight depression. The paper relates that physical fitness and exercise level assessment can be used to evaluate if a patient has the strength to undergo cancer therapy.
From the Paper "As individuals age biologically in primary aging patterns, there is a marked decrease in muscular and cardiovascular fitness and they may be at more risk for cancer. These individuals may be more at risk for a serious health risk after falling, or of falling, as they are not as well-balanced and fit as they once were. A regular program of exercise
can change this pattern. Specifically, cancer patients may wish to engage in weight-bearing activities to increase their bone strength so that if they fall, they will be less likely to have a fracture. Tai chi is one form of low-impact exercise that promotes cardiovascular health and balance; cancer patients may also exercise and increase bone
strength by walking, and thus improve their physical selves."
Abstract This paper describes the importance that eating healthfully, exercising regularly and being aware of drug and alcohol-related dangers has on the overall health of youth. The paper further points out that sufficient self-esteem is necessary for youths to avoid becoming involved in drugs and alcohol and that young people must be clear about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and become more educated in this area before becoming involved in a sexual relationship.
Outline
Diet Principles
Fitness
Mental Health and Self-Esteem
Keeping Healthy in a Drug Society
Diseases and Immunity
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Reproductive Health
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
From the Paper "In order to achieve total health several components of a young person's life must be examined and brought into focus. Furthermore, because the decisions they make are important, young people need to be informed so that they are empowered and able to make the right choices. Physical health is comprised of not only exercise and nutrition, but also drug and disease awareness. Conversely, mental health includes a complete self-familiarity, and a self-love that includes a high self-esteem."
