Project Communication Human Resource Champions

Question: Discuss about the Project Communication for Human Resource Champions. Answer: Introduction: There is a valuable need to have an agenda in every project meeting. Meetings which are done without any proper agenda often lead to chaos and disheveled feathers. An agenda is the best way to communicate to attendees through which the orderly processes involved in the meeting are being conveyed (ACTION, (2013). An agenda is something that makes sure that the meeting does not go out of track and that the customary operations along with special projects are being preceded as per the objective. An agenda helps in preparing for the meeting and scheduling the issues that needs to be discussed. It is sent out in advance in order to give attendees enough time to make available any required updates or suggest any specific issue that needs to be included. Reviewing of the agenda prior to a meeting offers sufficient length of time to attendees to put together documents and relevant reports in accordance to the meetings requirement (Ulrich, 2013). The sole purpose of having an agenda and sending it out in advance is to give attendees the required time to prepare themselves for the meeting (Srikanth et al., 2012). The person in charge of such a meeting can exercise his power and control over the discussion flow and the issues covered. Productivity of the meetings gets enhanced through agendas. It is for the better understanding of the attendees that agendas are prepared through which they know that all the areas listed on the agenda are likely to be discussed and would move at a pace that makes certain all the specified areas are enclosed (Haug, 2013). Agendas clearly state the action items and the responsible people for the same. Agendas play a vital role in zeroing in on areas that requires a decision to be made along with clearing the way for progress. Other components apart from the agenda that is necessary for successful project meetings: Agenda is important, but there are certain other things that need to be considered for successful project meetings. Notice: When a meeting is to be arranged, a notice is send to all the members who are required to attend it. A notice should be circularized under proper authority and it should consist of date, time and place (Hotel, 2013). The purpose of such a meeting should also be included in the notice. Minutes of Meeting: The minutes of the meeting are the recorded discussions which are taken into consideration. It works as an important and useful document to refer back to focus on what actions was taken and when it took place (Morris et al., 2013). The document states the people who were present in the meeting and the actions taken on certain matters and the people responsible for the same. Quorum of Meeting: A quorum can be defined as the minimum number of voting members who needs to be present in a meeting for conducting business in the groups name. A meeting cannot start until and unless there is least number of voting members. Chairperson of meeting: The chairperson for a meeting is a person who is being appointed to look over the proceedings of a meeting, ensuring the attendees are in line with the principle of the meeting. People responsible for creating, maintaining and updating the documentation around project meetings: Business Analyst is the one responsible for developing, maintaining and updating the required documentation around the project meetings. They are the people who are responsible for preparing reports and presenting the higher management with exact analysis. An administrative professional is often being presented with the job of taking the minutes at meetings. His role is to keep details of all the discussions and an action plan of what is to be done and by whom and how it is to be measured. In meetings when a group produces a list of ideas, it is his job to record the same for future reference. Reference: Action, A. I. (2013). Meeting Agenda.circulation,12, 19. Haug, C. (2013). Organizing spaces: Meeting arenas as a social movement infrastructure between organization, network, and institution.Organization Studies,34(5-6), 705-732. Hotel, D. (2013). notice of meeting. Morris, F., Gilliland, S., Townsend, C., Navamar, R., Present, G., Millikin, M. (2013). minutes of meeting. Srikanth, H., Denner, G., Hammer, M. F. M., Murray, S. R. (2012).U.S. Patent No. 8,214,748. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Ulrich, D. (2013).Human resource champions: The next agenda for adding value and delivering results. Harvard Business Press.

Flaws of Contagion Essay Example

Flaws of Contagion Essay In 2011 , the blockbuster, Contagion, was released, featuring several prominent actors. In summary, the movie is the story of a father who loses his wife and son to a completely brand new virus. This new virus, dubbed MOVE-I, originated from a bat in Hong Kong. The bat bit a fruit then dropped it into a pigpen infecting the pig that consumed the fruit with the bats virus. While pig was prepped to be cooked, the chef touched the pigs mouth, getting virus on his hand and shakes the hands of woman, Beth, making her patient zero for MOVE-I . The disease then spread to others who mom In contact with Beth or Beets belongings. After the CDC realized the existence of this virus, they promptly started researching It. After several days of research, clients were able to determine that the virus was 15 to 19 kielbasas In length and containing six to ten genes, typical of a paramours containing genes from bats and pigs, which attach to receptors found on cells In the respiratory and the central nervous system. The virus is seemingly able to be contracted through the respiratory tract, but kills the host by making its way to the brain and causing encephalitis. The vaccine for the virus was developed by first growing the virus in fetal bat cells in culture, propagating and isolating, and finally inoculating rhesus monkeys with attenuated and dead forms of the virus. Out of desperation for working vaccine, after observing one monkey surviving during the vaccination trials, one of the researchers injected herself with the tested vaccine given to the surviving chimp. By doing so, she skipped the entire clinical trials portion of developing vaccines and had the vaccine abstracted to be mass-produced. We will write a custom essay sample on Flaws of Contagion specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Flaws of Contagion specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Flaws of Contagion specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer While this movie was more scientifically accurate then most other movies, there are still several aspects of the movie that seem incorrect. One aspect of the movie that stood out to me as incorrect was what the virus was considered to be. According to one of the researchers, the virus was described to have the physical qualities of a ovoviviparous. This statement itself is already inaccurate since a virus genome should not defer so much between the viruses infects a host. Though there may be a wide range of genomic size across the entire ovoviviparous family, the strain of virus hat Infects a host should not differ as much. In addition, while physically the virus may resemble a ovoviviparous, it seems to have the pathological effects of a ovoviviparous, oblivious, and influenza combined. The virus Is highly contagious (a trait of avariciousness), yet kills the host quickly (common for oblivious), has a short Incubation period (traits of Influenza), and seems to cause encephalitis from entering through the respiratory tract (as seen by Influenza associated encephalitis). It Is extremely unlikely for a virus to exalt pathological effects of three different mammals of viruses at the same time. For a virus to have the traits of three different families viruses, they virus can no longer be considered a paramours. In fact this virus seems to relate more to oblivious because of the high lethality and transmissible of the virus. In addition to the unlikely identity of the virus, the origin of virus seems just as spread to a pig and then to humans, which mimic the transmission route of the Hander virus, which is part of the ovoviviparous family. While the route of transmission seems credible, it is who is infected first that isnt. According to the movie, the first person to be infected is the wife, Beth. However, in reality she would not be the first become infected. If contracting the virus is as simple as touching the pigs mouth, the farmer raising the pigs or the butcher the operators of the slaughterhouse that kills the pig should be infected first. The farmers are dealing with the pigs much more closely and the operators at the slaughterhouse are constantly being exposed to blood and other bodily fluids of the pig and so they should have a bigger change of becoming infected first as opposed to Beth. This is similar to the case of Hander virus, where the farmers were the first ones to become infected. However, if the virus has a high mutation rate, designing a possible vaccine for, it is extremely difficult. For example, designing the yearly flu shots can be somewhat of a guessing game. Scientists look at the global strains of influenza and make a prediction as to which strains will be prevalent the coming winter and then create a vaccine for those strains. Sometimes they are able to predict it well, other time they are not. This vaccine must constantly be updated or changed because the virus itself mutates so past vaccinations are no longer effective. Obtaining the perfect vaccination for highly immutable virus, like in the movie, is nearly impossible. In addition, the researcher would have to test the vaccine that she created more times before even thinking about injecting it in a human. The only basis that the researcher had that the vaccine worked was that one monkey survived with that vaccine. Normally, a vaccine needs to be tested on many more monkeys to see if it is truly viable. In addition, clinical trials are necessary to see how the general populace will react to the vaccination. Just because the vaccine works in animals does not mean that it will work the same in humans. Thus more tests are needed to ensure the quality of the vaccine. Lastly, after the Cutter Laboratories Incident, during which the vaccine made for polio actually caused polio itself, more stringent laws would have passed to require researchers to find the possible side effects of the vaccine. It would be terrible to have a repeat of the Cutter Laboratories incident for a lethal virus like MOVE-I.

Communications Media Analysis Worksheet Essays

Communications Media Analysis Worksheet Essays Communications Media Analysis Worksheet Paper Communications Media Analysis Worksheet Paper Communications Environments and Media Questions COMMUNICATIONS ENVIRONMENTS AND MEDIA Communications environmentCommunications medium Electronically mediated virtual communication____Two-way instant messaging_______ For the communications environment and medium listed above, answer the following questions: 1. What are five communications situations in which this medium could be appropriately used? a. You are able to send out a meeting location change five minutes before the meeting starts to the other attendee (for small meetings) b. You are able to ask a someone a short question to find out information quickly c. Someone is able to quickly ask you your fax number so that they can send you a fax and you can verify receipt of the fax instantly d. Can coordinate on a homework assignment between classmates in different locations e. Can chat briefly with someone online when background noise in a location is too distracting for a phone call 2. What are two communications situations in which it would be inappropriate to use this medium? a. Having personal conversations in an office environment b. A manager sending confidential salary information to an employee when they are not certain who may be reading the instant message over the employee’s shoulder 3. What are five non-verbal communications elements characteristic of this medium? a. Font size, type, and color used in the message b. Whether or not emoticons are used c. The length of the initial message and length of responses d. The way each response is phrased (is the â€Å"enter† key pressed after every few words even if the entire sentence is not completed? ) e. The amount of time it takes each person to respond to each other â€Å"instantly† (one second versus 30 seconds). 4. What are five types of noise that this communications medium is subject to (e. g. , anything in the environment that delays, distorts, or destroys the message)? . Internet connection is broken mid-conversation b. Computer crash c. Instant messaging software versions are not compatible between users d. Power outage e. Hard component failures (monitor blackout, keyboard disconnection, mouse malfunction) 5. What types of feedback are possible with this medium? a. The receiver can reply instantly to the initial IM message b. The receiver can call the sender via telephone if the initial message was a telephone number c. The IM software can notify the sender that the receiver is online, a two-way connection is established, and the receiver is typing a message in reply 6. What are five communication skills necessary to effectively use this medium? a. Ability to compose short and coherent messages b. Ability to determine the level of information necessary in a brief message c. Ability to determine the information needs of the receiver d. Ability to understand the level of urgency required in order to use IM to send the message e. Ability to type fast with minimal spelling and grammatical errors 7. Is this medium appropriate for sending an urgent message? Explain. Two-way instant messaging allows for brief real time conversations when a telephone is not an option. This medium is appropriate for sending an urgent message only when the sender can verify that the receiver is online and available to chat (which is usually indicated by the software). If the receiver is not available for online chat at the time the sender wishes to send a message, the sender must choose email or another form of virtual communication that does not require the receiver to be present at the time the message is sent, while at the same time accepting that there will be a delay in the response. COMMUNICATIONS ENVIRONMENTS AND MEDIA Communications environmentCommunications medium Paper-mediated virtual communication_________Report________ For the communications environment and medium listed above, answer the following questions: 8. What are five communications situations in which this medium could be appropriately used? a. Sending results analysis to a business customer concerning a recent product rollout b. Presenting a list of research findings to a group of people c. Creating a sharing numerical data in the form of graphs to upper level management d. Presenting on cost benefits of a new product to stakeholders e. Sharing your course learning with classmates r the instructor of a class 9. What are two communications situations in which it would be inappropriate to use this medium? a. Composing a biography for a company website b. Writing an abstract interpretation of a song or piece of literature 10. What are five non-verbal communications elements characteristic of this medium? a. Font style and size used b. Length of paragraphs within the document and num ber of pages c. Use of graphs and colors d. Whether or not the report is printed or sent via email attachment e. If the report is printed, whether or not it is bound in a formal report cover 11. What are five types of noise that this communications medium is subject to (e. g. , anything in the environment that delays, distorts, or destroys the message)? a. If the report is an email attachment, the file size may be too large for some inboxes b. Paper may jam while printing c. May run out of ink when either printing or copying d. Graphs or diagrams may not be aligned properly if report is viewed from another operating system e. Data may not be complete or available in time for the report deadline 12. What types of feedback are possible with this medium? a. If the report is handed out in person, face to face verbal acknowledgement may be given b. If the report is send via email attachment, the receiver may send an email reply c. If the report is presenting in front of a group, questions may be asked in response to the report content 13. What are five communication skills necessary to effectively use this medium? a. Ability to interpret data into graphs b. Ability to determine the level of information needed for the target audience c. Ability to interpret research information so that logical conclusions are reached d. Ability to organize thoughts in a logical order so that receivers can come to the correct conclusions e. Ability to use the applications necessary to compose the report (such as Word, Excel, and Power Point). 14. Is this medium appropriate for sending an urgent message? Explain. This medium is not appropriate for sending an urgent message because reports are usually created after the sender takes time to gather, analyze, and interpret data. The report reflects as few as several hours to several days and even several months worth of research and the report itself may take some time to put together. COMMUNICATIONS ENVIRONMENTS AND MEDIA Communications environmentCommunications medium Electronically mediated Real-Time communication___Radio_______ For the communications environment and medium listed above, answer the following questions: 15. What are five communications situations in which this medium could be appropriately used? a. Morning news report broadcasted during driver commutes b. Daily traffic reports delivered during morning and evening rush hour to drivers c. Advertising for listeners in between music sets d. Severe weather advisories which interrupt normal broadcasting e. School and business closings during inclement weather (such as snow) 16. What are two communications situations in which it would be inappropriate to use this medium? a. Broadcasting a news or television program b. Sending out a personalized message to just one individual (no guarantee they will be listening at the particular moment the message is sent out). 17. What are five non-verbal communications elements characteristic of this medium? a. Use of background music with the radio message b. The tone of the speaker (monotone or with conversational inflection) c. Competency or confidence of the person speaking or reading the message d. Speed at which the message is spoken or read e. Length of advertisement or broadcast 18. What are five types of noise that this communications medium is subject to (e. g. , anything in the environment that delays, distorts, or destroys the message)? a. Radio signal is weak b. Traffic noises during rush hour c. Listener changes channels in the middle of broadcast d. Radio station DJ cuts message short e. Listener carrying on a conversation with another person during broadcast 19. What types of feedback are possible with this medium? a. Listeners respond to advertisement by visiting store b. Listeners call into radio station in response to a news report or to provide traffic updates c. Listeners can email radio station in response to news heard on the radio 20. What are five communication skills necessary to effectively use this medium? a. Ability to speak clearly and annunciate each word b. Fluent in language that the message is written in c. Ability to broadcast messages on one take without making a mistake d. Ability of the writer to compose short and coherent messages e. Ability to determine the level of information needed for the target audience 21. Is this medium appropriate for sending an urgent message? Explain. This medium is appropriate for sending an urgent message when the message is important enough to interrupt the radio program. The most common situation for urgent radio messages is to warn listeners of severe weather such as tornados and floods. COMMUNICATIONS ENVIRONMENTS AND MEDIA Communications environmentCommunications medium Unmediated Real-Time communication_____water-cooler conversation_____ For the communications environment and medium listed above, answer the following questions: 22. What are five communications situations in which this medium could be appropriately used? a. Asking a co-worker about their weekend b. Talking about last night’s news report c. Making plans for lunch later in the day d. Sharing short personal stories that help to empathize and relate to other coworkers e. Networking and offering services for projects within and outside of work 23. What are two communications situations in which it would be inappropriate to use this medium? a. Gossiping about a fellow colleague behind their back b. Discussing confidential customer information 24. What are five non-verbal communications elements characteristic of this medium? a. Body language and posture b. Eye contact and visual focus c. Volume and inflection of voice d. Whether or not the greeting is friendly, apathetic, or hostile e. Level of listening – does the listener interrupt the speaker or lack any response? 25. What are five types of noise that this communications medium is subject to (e. g. , anything in the environment that delays, distorts, or destroys the message)? a. Someone walks by and interrupts the conversation b. External noises are too loud to hear the speaker clearly c. Listener has a poor opinion of the speaker and is biased against anything the speaker has to say d. Listener is distracted by the speaker’s grooming techniques (messy hair, wrinkled shirt, etc). e. Speaker mumbles or does not annunciate well 26. What types of feedback are possible with this medium? a. Physical feedback such as head nodding, smiling, laughing, or even frowning b. The listener paraphrases what the speaker has said to make sure the message is understood. c. The listener asks questions to clarify information 27. What are five communication skills necessary to effectively use this medium? . The ability to know what topics are appropriate for casual conversation (nothing too personal, confidential, or controversial) b. Ability to speak clearly c. Good listening skills such as focusing attention on the speaker and acknowledging understanding of the message d. Ability to determine the volume of speaking the conversation should have (not too loud as to interrupt others around you, but just loud enough to be heard) e. The ability to know when it is appropriate to carry on a casual conversation (preferably not when the listener is very busy, distracted, or not in a good mood). 8. Is this medium appropriate for sending an urgent message? Explain. This medium is not appropriate for sending an urgent message due to the fact that water-cooler conversations occur when people are free to speak casually about light topics. Urgent messages cannot depend that all intended receivers will be present and available at â€Å"the water cooler† to hear the message. Urgent messages also imply a level of importance and the water-cooler scenario is most appropriate for non-essential communications. COMMUNICATIONS SCENARIOS State which medium or media you consider the best for use in the following communications situations. Assume your intended audience has the capability to receive your message. Explain your choices. 29. You manage three company locations within a large city. There are 100 workers among the three locations. You receive a message from company headquarters informing you that the company plans to layoff 10 percent of its workforce in your city. Your job is to deliver this information to your employees. A mandatory meeting should be scheduled for employees at all three locations. The meeting would be held at one main location with employees at other locations either dialing into the meeting via teleconferencing or videoconferencing. This way the message can be delivered only once with all employees present, and employees are present to either ask questions which will receive immediate answers, or listen to questions asked by other co-workers. 30. Although you work in the U. S. , you are the manager responsible for a small workforce in three offices in three different overseas locations. Each office has two managers and 14 non-management employees. You need to pass confidential information on to the managers at each location- information that it is not appropriate for the other employees to have at this time. The confidential information will either be saved onto a password protected CD-ROM and mailed to each manager, or the information may be placed in an encrypted file and sent via email attachment. The managers will then be provided with the password to unlock or decode the information once they receive it. This way, those who have the password (the managers) are the only individuals who will see the confidential information. 1. You are the marketing manager of a small company that has developed a new and unique consumer product. However, the target market for your product is quite specific (that is, your product is not aimed at all consumers). You need to get word of your product to your target market quickly, and prefer not to waste money delivering your message to people who would not be potential customers. If the small company keeps detailed customer records and the target market is existing customers, then a direct mailing campaign would be most appropriate. However, if the advertising is limited to a certain type of consumer, perhaps advertising can be done in the types of media the target consumer would generally read, listen to, or watch. For example, if the target audience was parents, then an ad in a local parenting magazine or paper would be ideal, with the actual advertisement composed in such a way as to appeal to parents. 32. You have a virtual workforce of 30 employees who all work at home or on the road. You need to update them on wide-ranging changes in product pricing- the pricing update information runs to several pages of fairly small type. Since the information to communicate is several pages in length, and the type is fairly small, the best means of reaching a telecommuting workforce is via a company intranet. The information can be published on an intranet site that only employees can access and obtain information at any time from any place. They would be able to view the pricing update document and use the zoom function to increase the size of the font so that the information is easier to read. They also have the option to print out the information from a location of their choosing.

Marriage in Indian culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marriage in Indian culture - Essay Example 1. First detail of support for A: â€Å"among the educated classes, arrangements are made by parents and/or relatives for couples to photographs exchanged† (countrystudies) for couples to have an idea who they are going to marry. b. Further detail of 1: They can also meet where there are other people or groups around especially relatives â€Å"such as going out for tea with a group of people or meeting in the parlor of the girls home, with her relatives standing by† (countrystudies). 2. Second detail for B: Because of its importance in Hindu faith, preparations are made early and it follows that most girls are married before and almost all girls married before the age of 16 while most boys are married before the age of 22 (Gupta 146). C. Supporting information for third main point: Unlike in Hindu belief that a child is unholy and incomplete until he or she is married, Muslims in India believe that it is a parent’s duty to have their daughters happily married and believed that they are incomplete if were able to do so (Ahmad 53). a. Further detail of 1: This is founded on the belief of the Sunna that the female is viewed as a Par Gaheri, a woman who was born to look after her husband’s household. The burden of obligation here is on the parent (Ahmad 53). c. Further detail of 1: But unlike the Hindu’s where the arranged marriage happens during infancy, it is different among the Muslims where the couples are already grown up where the groom has to become marketable to be acceptable to the bride. II. (Connect to larger context, refer back to introduction, or connect to audience): The practice may not be acceptable in most parts of the world but it has actually held India’s society together for

Ethical dilemma Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ethical dilemma - Assignment Example However, the beliefs of the patients obstructed appropriate nursing procedures to be conducted. Deontology theory forms the best approach to guide in the decision making, in such an ethical dilemma. As a health caregiver must always subscribe to the rule, â€Å"Always try to save life.† Applying a pure rule of deontological approach, the ethical decision would be in favor of carrying out the blood transfusion. In addition, using such an approach, there is little attention to the contextual details or social aspects of the situation because the decision making is grounded in ethical rules (Jones & Beck, 1996). Using a pure deontological approach, whether rule or act, confines the focus for decision making to the immediate situation. This is to imply that the consequences, situational and contextual details, and the social and interactional aspects are not the primary focus. This theory focuses on the ethics of the actions (Butts & Rich, 2008). This theory pays attention to the patient’s rights, goals and autonomy. As described by Noureddine (2001), this approach is based on four key principles that include autonomy, or the personal liberty to act; nonmaleï ¬ cence that is doing no harm; beneficence, or the requirement of action to improve the welfare of others; and justice, which directs action to treat people justly and distribute resources

Health Essays Alcoholism Drinking Health

Health Essays Alcoholism Drinking Health Alcoholism Drinking Health Definition Alcoholism is an illness marked by drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities. Alcoholism is divided into 2 categories: dependence and abuse. People with alcohol dependence, the most severe alcohol disorder, usually experience tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance is a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect. Withdrawal occurs when alcohol is discontinued or intake is decreased. Alcohol dependents spend a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and obtaining it. Alcohol abusers may have legal problems such as drinking and driving. They may also have problems with binge drinking (drinking 6 or more drinks at one sitting). People who are dependent on or abuse alcohol continue to drink it despite evidence of physical or psychological problems. Those with dependence have more severe problems and a greater compulsion to drink. Alternative Names Alcohol dependence; Alcohol abuse Causes, incidence, and risk factors Alcoholism is a type of drug addiction. There is both physical and psychological dependence with this addiction. Physical dependence reveals itself by withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is interrupted, tolerance to the effects of alcohol, and evidence of alcohol-associated illnesses. Alcohol affects the central nervous system as a depressant, resulting in a decrease of activity, anxiety, tension, and inhibitions. Even a few drinks can result in behavioral changes, a slowing in motor performance, and a decrease in the ability to think clearly. Concentration and judgment become impaired. In excessive amounts, intoxication may result. Alcohol also affects other body systems. Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract can occur with erosion of the lining of the esophagus and stomach causing nausea and vomiting, and possibly bleeding. Vitamins are not absorbed properly, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies with the long-term use of alcohol. Liver disease, called alcoholic hepatitis, may also develop and can progress to cirrhosis. The heart muscle may be affected. Sexual dysfunction may also occur, causing problems with erections in men and cessation of menstruation in women. Alcohol affects the nervous system and can result in nerve damage and severe memory loss. Chronic alcohol use also increases the risk of cancer of the larynx, esophagus, liver, and colon. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects. The most serious is fetal alcohol syndrome, which may result in mental retardation and behavior problems. A milder form of the condition which can still cause lifelong impairment is called fetal alcohol affects. The social consequences of problem drinking and alcohol dependence can be as serious as the medical problems. People who abuse or are dependent on alcohol have a higher incidence of unemployment, domestic violence, and problems with the law. About half of all traffic deaths are related to alcohol use. The development of dependence on alcohol may occur over a period of years, following a relatively consistent pattern. At first, a tolerance of alcohol develops. This results in a person being able to consume a greater quantity of alcohol before its adverse effects are noticed. Memory lapses (black-outs) relating to drinking episodes may follow tolerance. Then, people may lose control over drinking and find it difficult or impossible to stop if they try. The most severe drinking behavior includes prolonged binges of drinking with associated mental or physical complications. Some people are able to gain control over their dependence in earlier phases before a total lack of control occurs. The problem is, no one knows which heavy drinkers will be able to regain control and which will not. Withdrawal develops because the brain has physically adapted to the presence of alcohol and cannot function adequately in the absence of the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal may include elevated temperature, increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, restlessness, anxiety, psychosis, seizures, and rarely even death. There is no known common cause of alcoholism. However, several factors may play a role in its development. A person who has an alcoholic parent is more likely to become an alcoholic than a person without alcoholism in the immediate family. Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism but which genes or how they exert their influence is controversial. Psychological factors may include a need for relief of anxiety, ongoing depression, unresolved conflict within relationships, or low self-esteem. Social factors include availability of alcohol, social acceptance of the use of alcohol, peer pressure, and stressful lifestyles. The incidence of alcohol intake and related problems is increasing. Data from many sources indicate that about 15% of the population in the United States are problem drinkers, and approximately 5% to 10% of male drinkers and 3% to 5% of female drinkers could be diagnosed as alcohol dependent (12.5 million people). Symptoms Men who consume 15 or more drinks a week, women who consume 12 or more drinks a week, or anyone who consumes 5 or more drinks per occasion at least once a week are all at risk for developing alcoholism. (One drink is defined as a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1 1/2-ounce shot of liquor). The following questions are used by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to screen for alcohol abuse or dependence: Have you felt that you should cut down on your drinking? Do you ever drive when you have been drinking? Is someone in your family concerned about your drinking? Have you ever had any blackouts after drinking? Have you ever been absent from work or lost a job because of drinking? Do you have to drink more than before to achieve intoxication or the desired effect? Some of the symptoms associated with alcoholism include: Drinking alone Making excuses to drink Need for daily or frequent use of alcohol for adequate function Lack of control over drinking, with inability to discontinue or reduce alcohol intake Episodes of violence associated with drinking Secretive behavior to hide alcohol related behavior Hostility when confronted about drinking Neglect of food intake Neglect of physical appearance Nausea and vomiting Shaking in the morning Abdominal pain Numbness and tingling Confusion Alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary from mild to severe and may include: Rapid heart rate and sweating Restlessness or agitation Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting Confusion or hallucinations Tremors and seizures Signs and tests All physicians should ask their patients about their drinking. A history may be obtained from family if the affected person is unwilling or unable to answer questions. A physical examination is performed to identify physical problems related to alcohol use. A toxicology screen or blood alcohol level confirms recent alcohol ingestion, which does not necessarily confirm alcoholism. Liver function tests can be elevated. GGPT (glutaryl transaminase) is often elevated more than other liver function tests. CBC (complete blood count) MCV can be elevated (mean corpuscular volume or size of the red blood cells). Serum magnesium, uric acid, total protein, and folate tests may be abnormal. Treatment Get help with your essay from our expert essay writers Many people with alcohol problems dont recognize when their drinking gets out of hand. In the past, treatment providers believed that alcoholics should be confronted about denial of their drinking problems, but now research has shown that compassionate and empathetic counseling is more effective. Three general steps are involved in treating the alcoholic once the disorder has been diagnosed: intervention, detoxification, and rehabilitation. Research finds that the traditional confrontational intervention where the employer or family members surprise the alcoholic and threaten consequences if treatment is not begun is NOT effective. Studies find that more people enter treatment if their family members or employers are honest with them about their concerns, and try to help them to see that drinking is preventing them from reaching their goals. Once the problem has been recognized, total abstinence from alcohol is required for those who are dependent; for those who are problem drinkers, moderation may be successful. Since many alcoholics initially refuse to believe that their drinking is out of control, a trial of moderation can often be an effective way to deal with the problem. If it succeeds, the problem is solved. If not, the person is usually ready to try abstinence. Because alcoholism affects the people closely related to the alcoholic person, treatment for family members through counseling is often necessary. Detoxification is the first phase of treatment. Withdrawal from alcohol is done in a controlled, supervised setting in which medications relieve symptoms. Detoxification usually takes 4 to 7 days. Examination for other medical problems is necessary. For example, liver and blood clotting problems are common. A balanced diet with vitamin supplements is important. Complications associated with the acute withdrawal of alcohol may occur, such as delirium tremens (DTs), which could be fatal. Depression or other underlying mood disorders should be evaluated and treated. Often, alcohol abuse develops from efforts to self-treat an illness. Alcohol recovery or rehabilitation programs support the affected person after detoxification to maintain abstinence from alcohol. Counseling, psychological support, nursing, and medical care are usually available within these programs. Education about the disease of alcoholism and its effects is part of the therapy. Many of the professional staff involved in rehabilitation centers are recovering alcoholics who serve as role models. Programs can be either inpatient, with the patient residing in the facility during the treatment, or outpatient, with the patient attending the program while they live at home. Medications are sometimes prescribed to prevent relapses. Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is an opioid antagonist that decreases alcohol cravings. In April 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an injected form of the drug. Disulfiram (Antabuse) works by producing very unpleasant side effects if even a small amount of alcohol is ingested within 2 weeks after taking the drug. Acomprosate is a new drug that has been shown to lower relapse rates in those who are alcohol dependent. These medications are not given during pregnancy or if the person has certain medical conditions. Long-term treatment with counseling or support groups is often necessary. The effectiveness of medication and counseling varies. Alcoholics Anonymous is a self-help group of recovering alcoholics that offers emotional support and an effective model of abstinence for people recovering from alcohol dependence. There are more than 1 million members worldwide, and local chapters are found throughout the United States. Al-Anon is a support group for spouses and others who are affected by someone elses alcoholism. Alateen provides support for teenage children of alcoholics. See alcoholism support group. For those who dont like the 12-step approach, there are several other support groups available. It is important that people dealing with alcohol problems know about these other groups because in the past, those who did not find AA helpful or were troubled by its requirement of submission to a Higher Power had no alternatives. SMART recovery uses research-based cognitive techniques to help alcoholics recover. LifeRing recovery and SOS are two other secular programs. Women For Sobriety is a self-help group just for women many female alcoholics have different concerns than men. Moderation Management is a program for problem drinkers seeking to moderate their drinking it recommends abstinence for those who fail at such attempts. Support Groups Members of AA have help available 24 hours a day, associate with a sober peer group, learn that it is possible to participate in social functions without drinking, and are given a model of recovery by observing the accomplishments of sober members of the group. Other support groups are smaller, but growing, and all have an online presence which provides support even at home late at night. Expectations (prognosis) Alcoholism is a major social, economic, and public health problem. Alcohol is involved in more than half of all accidental deaths and almost half of all traffic deaths. A high percentage of suicides involve the use of alcohol in combination with other substances. Additional deaths are related to the long-term medical complications associated with the disease. Only 15% of those with alcohol dependence seek treatment for this disease. Relapse after treatment is common, so it is important to maintain support systems in order to cope with any slips and ensure that they dont turn into complete reversals. Treatment programs have varying success rates, but many people with alcohol dependency have a full recovery. Complications Pancreatitis Heart muscle damage Nerve damage Esophageal bleeding Brain degeneration Cirrhosis of the liver Delirium tremens (DTs) Depression Erectile dysfunction Fetal alcohol syndrome in the offspring of alcoholic women High blood pressure Increased incidence of cancer Insomnia Nutritional deficiencies Suicide Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome Calling your health care provider If severe confusion, seizures, bleeding, or other health problems develop in a person known or who is suspected to have alcohol dependence take the person to the emergency room or call the local emergency number such as 911. Prevention Educational programs and medical advice about alcohol abuse have been successful in decreasing alcohol abuse and its associated problems. Alcohol dependency requires more intensive management. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends that women have no more than 1 drink per day and men no more than 2 drinks per day. One drink is defined as a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1 1/2-ounce shot of liquor. The Healthline Site, its content, such as text, graphics, images, search results, HealthMaps, Trust Marks, and other material contained on the Healthline Site (Content), its services, and any information or material posted on the Healthline Site by third parties are provided for informational purposes only. None of the foregoing is a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Healthline Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Please read the Terms of Service for more information regarding use of the Healthline Site.

Quebec Essay -- Quebec Profound Nationalism, Sovereignty

The reaction to a majority vote in Quebec and their subsequent succession. Quebec has struggled with a need to be maitres chez nous â€Å"masters of their own house† (Young, 1998). Many attempts at resolving Quebec's issues has resulted in tensions from both sides. Because Quebec has a strong national identity, and do not define themselves as strictly Canadian, Quebec is seen as difficult, unyielding and discontented. Quebec's separation perhaps is inedible and the future of Canada questionable. Canada without Quebec will bring about many complications and whether there is a rest of Canada (ROC) after Quebec a major challenge. Western alienation and the lack of representation in federal affairs will be a factor; moreover, past actions and historical events may have turned Canada into a time bomb, and the deterioration of the provinces the only sulotion. How First Ministers react to Quebec's sovereignty regarding economic factors, political structure, and constitutional issues will be of great importance. Whether emotional issues will play a major r ole in decision making is subjective; however, it is fair to say that it will be an emotionally charged event and it could either tear apart the ROC or fuse it together. Placing emphasis on investigating what keeps Canada together is perhaps the key to Canada's future, and salvaging a relationship with Quebec. To decide what to do after Quebec separates, First Ministers and the ROC, must first look at why it happened. Perhaps Quebec's profound nationalism and unique national identity conflicted with citizens in the ROC; in order to gain understanding of their decision the ROC must look at Quebec's past. Quebec was not always treated fairly nor where they given many rights in regards t... ... A successful strategy in the accommodation of national minorities within a liberal democracy could be founded upon mutual trust, recognition and sound financial arrangements. However, a certain degree of tension between central and regional institutions may remain as a constant threat in this complex relationship since they entertain opposing aims. The federal governments determination to protect its territorial integrity, and its will to foster a single national identity among its citizens clashes with Quebec’s wish to be recognized as a separate nation and decide upon its political destiny and to foster its distinct identity (Guibernau pg.72). Moreover, if the ROC and the federal government can come to an agreement on terms that satisfy the majority and an identity that encompasses the heart of a country; Canada will continue to exist with or without Quebec.