Effects of Soil Ph on Radish Plants Growth Essay

Background information: the soil ph can have 2 different impacts on the growth of plant roots. First and most important is how it affects the concentration of nutrients present in the soil itself. This variable varies depending on the ph tendency, in particular, nutrients like phosphorous, potassium ,sulphur, calcium and magnesium tend to drastically decrease in more acidic ph conditions (7.5) [figure 1]. The importance of these types of nutrients varies depending on the species of plant, in this case radish tends to show higher concentrations of Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Phosphorous and Sodium. These all tend to grow in more alkali or neutral soil conditions rather than acidic as showed in figure 1. Another variable affected by a change in ph is the growth of microorganisms in the soil specifically affecting their respiration rate and the PLFA (phospholipid fatty acids) concentration [figure 3], which consist in the main component of the cell membrane of most microbes, including the soil ones. In this case too the graph [figure 2] seems to show a straight directly proportional relationship between respiration rate and PLFA concentration and PH growth, meaning that microorganisms optimum ph conditions tend to be either neutral or slightly alkali, particuralrly for respiration the best fit line on the graph displays a steeper line with a bigger gradient. Conclusion As a hypothesis i would say that the best results in terms of mass gaining and length should be matched by the radish seeds growing in an alkali or neutral enviroment, rather than in an acidic one To revisit my hypothesis and understand why the base solution should provide better nutrients for the radish rather than the other ones it is very important to understand the concept of CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), this property of the soil is defined as: â€Å"The total number of cations a soil can hold–or its total negative charge–is the soil’s cation exchange capacity†[1] the capacity of the soil to contain these ions is measured in millequivalents per 100 grams of soil (meq/100g) the increase of this soil property is usually associated with an increase of fertility, the reason being that the higher the CEC the higher the maximum amount of nutrients (ions) [figure 4]the soil is capable of holding and more likely it is to improve its productivity. The increase in CEC is usually associated to a decrease in pH (showed in the graph [figure 5]). This has been prooved by Dr Lloyd A. Peterson who carried out an experiment of soil acidification through the use of N fertilizers [2] (the main chemical in these compounds is Ammonia, NH3, which as it’s released in the soil is converted into ammonium nitrate by the bacteria, during this biological process, 3 positive hydrogen ions are released in the soil per ammonia molecule converted. The increase in the H+ ions concentration makes the soil acidic.) which eventually lead to a much higher CEC rate, which should theoretically improve the soil fertility itself, but, as a side effect of the acidification is a drastic decline registered for the exchangeable base cations particularly in the ions Ca2+, which suffered of – 31% exchangeability and a – 36% for Mg2+[3] actually worsened the fertility of the soil since the ECEC (effective cation exchange capacity, calculated by adding the exchangeable base cations and the exchangeable acidity) actually turned out to be negative, meaning that the relation between pH and the ECEC itself is actually directly proportional. To conclude, in the case of radish especially, the ions suffering from base cation exchangeability decrease, which are magnesium and calcium make up a big part of the nutrients absorbed by the seeds (see the background paragraph) this causes the radish growth to be damaged by an acidification of the soil. This explains why roots growing in acidic conditions should display the worst results, while the ones living in alkali and neutral soils should grow longer and heavier, because the ECEC along with the nutrients concentration in the soil varies depending on the change in pH, in this case with a linear directly proportional rate, meaning that as pH increases (towards alkali) so does the base cations nutrients concentration in the soil and the plant growth benefits from it.

Aligning Profitability and Sustainability Essay

Aligning Profitability and Sustainability: Nike BY lucy78 Aligning profitability and sustainability A central issue that companies grapple with as they try to become more sustainable is how and to what extent they adopt this as part of their corporate strategy. Nike faces the same dilemma as it builds on the success of the ‘Considered’ initiative while simultaneously encountering challenges implementing the ethos across the entire brand. How far can and should Nike go in â€Å"considering the right thing and doing the right thing†? Businesses often strive to find the balance between being economically and environmentally sustainable. However, it is possible, with innovation, to align the benefits of these aspects and minimize trade-offs. For Nike to advance on the sustainability scale, it is imperative that they identify and pursue alignment mechanisms that will allow it to become profitable and sustainable. Integrating sustainability across the brand While Considered as an ethos is promoted and accepted across the Nike brand, a key obstacle to progress is its limited and non-uniform implementation across the arious categories. Sustainability needs to evolve from being a strategic initiative to an organizational strategy that encapsulates all categories setting brand wide objectives, identifying resources, and establishing uniform metrics for performance. As noted in the case, sustainability for Nike is not Just a CSR goal anymore rather a crucial factor in long-term growth and competitiveness of the company. Specific measures in the strategy to accomplish this could include creation of a comprehensive index covering all categories and products taking into consideration he differences in costs, prices, and targets. Secondly, modifying the operations to build in the impact of sustainable design, development and manufacturing on the production time line will allow for wider implementation of the practices. Furthermore, this helps incorporate iterative design through measurement, audit, and tracking through the product life cycle. Adoption would also increase if Nike can create a broader negotiating platform to enable all categories to benefit from price reductions from suppliers. Finally, any organizational strategy would require champions among the various teams to disseminate the sustainability ethos, build liaisons across functions and in general ensure broader enforcement of best practices. The message of â€Å"being good is good for the business† needs to be part of the leadership’s vision, implementation and evaluative measures in the company. External partnerships and alliances An internal philosophy and focus on sustainability is one part of the equation in and foster an eco-system around them that help them align the profitability and ustainability goals. Nike, as the market leader, is in an excellent position to create partnerships and alliances towards that goal. Nike should spearhead the creation and/or consolidation of industry wide practices including rating systems for the products and performance metrics. Promoting environmentally friendly systems would accelerate adoption by suppliers thereby strengthening its global sourcing channels. Third-party monitoring and validation relationships would bolster Nike’s credibility and improve its standing as an environmentally responsible organization. This is especially important in the light of its past experience with the labor crisis. Nike should create strategic partnerships with suppliers promoting knowledge sharing, assisting in training and education and identifying long-term benefits. It should engage the suppliers in dialogues regarding comprehensive standards promoting alignment in their goals. Customer awareness and branding An organization’s value is in the eyes of the customer. The Nike brand commands tremendous customer loyalty and recognition through its association with high erformance, innovation and aesthetics. For Nike to evolve as a sustainable brand, it has to create value for its customer to be part of the new ecosystem. Nike should differentiate itself by the additional dimension of eco-friendliness to build on its performance and aesthetic values. Leveraging celebrity endorsements and raising consumer awareness, Nike should engage customers in the sustainability vision through collaboration with NGOs, eco-friendly groups and environmental campaigns. Evolving the brand to be associated with social and environmental esponsibility would improve customer satisfaction and the bottom-line. In conclusion, Nike’s challenge is to interlock profitability and sustainability as it strives to address global sourcing, competitive and environmental issues. To succeed, Nike should create a comprehensive strategy to implement sustainability practices internally while simultaneously forming alliances and partnerships with external stakeholders, including customers. By marrying innovation with ‘green’ it is feasible for Nike to create cost-effective, high performing, and ‘cool’ eco-friendly products.

Finance: United States Dollar and Exchange Rate Risk Essay

Your write-up should be eight to ten pages (double-spaced). If you provide information outside the case or the textbook, use a footnote to indicate the source. You can use pictures, but no more than four, and each figure should be no more than half a page in size. 1. Executive Summary. Briefly describe the history and business of Tiffany’s Co. What type of decision did the company have to make in 1993? Why was the decision important? 2. History of Japanese Yen. Describe the historical exchange rates between Japanese Yen and U.S. dollar over time. Focus on the big changes and what was the exchange rate in (and years before) July 1993. 3. To Hedge or Not? Do you think Tiffany should actively manage its yen-dollar exchange rate risk? Why or why not? Explain the benefits and costs of hedging. 4. What to Hedge? If Tiffany were to manage its exchange rate risk, then identify what exposures should be managed via such a hedging program (e.g., hedge sales, hedge gross profit, or hedge cash flows, etc.). Explain why. 5. Forward or Options? If Tiffany were to hedge the yen-dollar exchange rate risk, it can choose either forward contracts or options. Explain how Tiffany can hedge using forward contracts? How to hedge using options? The available forward contracts and options are described in Exhibit 8, assuming Tiffany can only use those derivatives to hedge. Based on what you have learned in this course, what are the pros and cons of using options to hedge compared to using forward contracts to hedge? 6. Your Decision. If you were CFO of Tiffany, what would you have done in July 1993? No hedging at all? Or hedging? If you decided to hedge, quantify how much of these exposures should be covered and for how long. You have to justify your answers. Note that there is no â€Å"correct answer.† The reasoning is more important. You should obtain information from Tiffany’s financial statements (e.g., Exhibit 3) and use information in the case (e.g., on page 3 it says that â€Å"Tiffany’s sales accounted for only 1% of the $20 billion Japanese jewelry market†) and then make an educated guess on what is the exposure and how much you want to hedge and how (i.e., using forward contracts or options or a combination.) Again, if two groups have similar write-ups, both write-ups will receive a grade of 0. Also, you should provide an answer to each specific question. Quantify questions 5 and 6. Otherwise you have to rewrite. Finally, I just want to clarify the option prices in Exhibit 8 in case 2. The left panel says Calls: it means these are call options on U.S. dollars, and these are from Japan’s point of view, not from U.S.’s point of view. So the left panel gives you the right (but not obligation) to buy U.S. dollar with Yen (i.e., sell Yen for dollar), and that is what you want to use. Do not use the right panel. You may ask, how come the case says that Tiffany should use Yen put options to hedge? Well, a Yen put option IS a dollar call option, why? A call option on US dollar, written at an exercise price in terms of Yen, is a put option on Yen, written at an exercise in terms of dollar. For example, in Exhibit 8, the three months call option on dollar with a strike price of 92Yen has a premium of 2.52 100ths of a cent per yen (i.e., premium is 0.000252$/yen). This call option gives you (mainly Japanese investors) the right to buy $ using Yen, that is to say, it gives you the right to sell Yen at (1/92)$, therefore, this is a put option for Yen from U.S. investors’ point of view. Bottom line, since Tiffany has Yen exposure, so you want to sell Yen as financial manager of Tiffany, so you should use the left panel, not the right panel.

Find a specific topic in the hospitality industry Dissertation

Find a specific topic in the hospitality industry - Dissertation Example The hotel and catering industry is an extremely competitive sector of industry. Understanding its working and the manner in which pay and career paths are defined in this competitive business environment becomes extremely useful in providing information to young people taking their first steps towards gaining the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful ad productive life ahead. Such an understanding will also enable the hotel and catering industry to take steps in reducing employee turnover loss that could be arising from low pay structures. This should not be based on hearsay, but rather on hard facts. This research is proposed to be undertaken to provide evidence on the actual pay situation in the hotel and catering industry and the satisfaction of the employees on their rewards package. Literature Review The hotel and catering industry is a very important constituent of the hospitality industry. Large luxury hotels to small cafes are the range of the hotel and catering ind ustry. The hotel and catering industry is among the largest employers in the developed world. In the United Kingdom (UK) it employs almost ten percent of the workforce, which numbers close to 2.5 million people (Yadav, 2002). Yet, the House of Commons North East Regional Committee Third Report of Session 2009 -2010: Tourism in the North East, lays claim to the hotel and catering industry being a sector where low paid work is a common occurrence. In the opinion of Wood 1992, the hotel and catering sector is one with low entry barriers and therefore a fertile ground for the entry of small time entrepreneurs. The low barriers to entry allow small and family businesses to be present in large numbers in the hotel and catering sector and their presence contributes to the low pay image in this sector (Getz, Carlesen & Morrison, 2004). Even in the large hotels competition and the drive to keep costs low reflects on the low wages paid in these hotels (Vanselow, 2008). The low wages and low e ducation and skill level requirements in the hotel and catering sector of the hospitality industry has seen the influx of a large number of immigrants as workers in this sector of industry (Williams & Hall, 2002). Guegnard and Meriot 2008 point out that one of the reasons for low per person average wage in the hotel and catering sector is that the number of managers is low with a very high percentage of blue collar workers and temporary workers. Besides low wages the hotel and catering industry also carries the stigma of high turnover, reflecting either lack of job security or worker satisfaction (Boella & Goss-Turner, 2005). Voss-Dahm 2008 opines that people can be attracted and remain committed to different sectors of industry for reasons other than pay, citing the example of sales people in the retail sales sector. From Malhotra 1997, we understand that people with problems are attracted to the hotel and catering sector for the additional advantage of stay-in facilities, for it a llows them to escape from their background or their problems at home. Job choice is influenced by two factors namely the money in it and the convenience it offers. In the hotel and catering industry it is not the money that attracts workers, but the convenience. Convenience needs to be read in several ways (Riley, 1996). The convenience elements are convenient, easy to learn, have variety, gives

Tawaraya Sotatsu Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Tawaraya Sotatsu - Research Paper Example Background of Tawaraya Sotatsu Sotatsu was born in the 17th century in Japan. There isn’t a trace of the time frame when he was born or died, who is parents were and what his status was. The only eearly reference is to his name, which stands for ‘shop.’ It was also known that during this time, there were social differences in class and hierarchy, specifically between spiritualists, royalty and those who were designated to work in labor designated areas. Sotatsu belonged to the commoners group, known as a rising merchant. However, he began to notice his talent for the arts and painting earlier, which led him to connect to distinguished individuals that were known as warriors and which could educate Sotatsu on painting and illustrations. This led him to move into the genre of painting while working among more wealthy merchants so he could develop his talents in a different manner. It was from this that Sotatsu began to become a leader that revitalized literary paint ing for the period, specifically allowing the Edo Period to begin to transform in the types of works that were offered and the approach to art that was considered in high regard during the time1. Techniques of Sotatsu There were several techniques that Sotatsu used to become distinguished within Japan and to push forward the art work that was associated with the time. One common technique was the fan paintings that Sotatsu used to sell among the higher class and merchants. These were illustrated with authentic illustrations that were based around figures and decorative ideologies for the time. Flowers, trees, birds and animals are the most common seen in the fan paintings, as well as the other works of Sotatsu. Narrative scenes were also depicted, specifically with the fan paintings that were available. The main themes which were a part of the fan paintings were the most important, specifically because it was a newer way of approaching the decorative arts2. The fan paintings led int o other decorative materials that Sotatsu was known for using with the paintings and drawings. The materials that Sotatsu used led to the change in illustrations to ink painting. Most of the illustrations before this time were done with the drawings and lines that were used with ink. However, Sotatsu began to experiment with the ink and the ways in which it could shape and change the images. The ink became a way of painting because of the shading that he was able to incorporate into the paintings, as well as new textures which were implied through the ink. This began by applying a layer of pigment to the ink on paper or silk for the drawing. This was followed by a second layer of ink or colorant, usually which was applied before the ink was dry. The new pigment would then bleed outward to form a larger mark on the original material. This is combined with what is referred to as the tarakashomi method. This was popular during this time frame but was no longer used among artists. Sotat su began to popularize this concept with his works, which was inclusive of dripping or pooling. The ink would drip into the layers of pigments for visual effects. The fluidity of this particular ink would also allow for the painting to be applied to the work that was being illustrated, creating a thicker texture to the lines that were a part of the illustration3. The approaches which were taken for the layered pigments, ink

Use of intravenous quinine sulfate remains to treat severe malaria Essay

Use of intravenous quinine sulfate remains to treat severe malaria - Essay Example She did not take the malaria tablets but instead took her son’s leftovers tablets after becoming sick. She at first presents with a normal mental state of mind but is febrile and ill appearing. She soon becomes obtunded. The laboratory tests clearly reveal that important anion-gap acidosis, but the blood smear is not at present in progress. The objective related critical parts include the following, to identify that the patient is suffering and is in risk and to order the relevant tests for severe malaria and other diseases in the differential diagnosis, to identify the seizure, com, and acidosis as the manifestations of the severe malaria, and more so to remember to look for or treat hypoglycemia. Another thing is to offer supportive care , including the fluids, anticonvulsants and end tracheal intubation as needed to begin on the empiric therapy for severe malaria with the intravenous articulate to identify the complications of the treatment, to also seek for the outside ass istance of the malaria care, including consulting those individuals who are specialized. Over the years, the intramuscular quinine has been the first-line treatment for the treatment of malaria. Since the intravenous quinine is not available in the US, guanidine is the only drug of choice. This is a more effective drug than quinine and is less likely to bring about hypoglycemia, but is endemic and hence calls for continuous monitoring. In case of severe malaria with elevated parasitemia, which do not respond clearly to the anti-malarial drugs, an individual may consider an exchange transfusion, although there is no strong clinical evidence to support its issue. Thick and... The intention of this study is severe malaria as prevalent globally, yet as an uncommon disease posing a challenge to education in nonendemic countries. Severe malaria refers to the malaria with signs of end organ dysfunction, as manifested by comma, pulmonary edema, renal failure, circulatory collapse, or severe anemia. Malaria accounts for over a million deaths per year. A very useful aspect of the severe malaria case management is pre-referral treatment that is administered to patient with severe malaria before they are referred to a health facility as explained by Beauchamp & Childress. This is crucial, as most malaria deaths, particularly in Africa, take place outside the hospitals, either in the communities or at a lower level of care. Studies evaluating the role rectal articulate and as a pre-referral treatment have found that these options are highly efficacious. However, the biggest challenge faced in resource-limited settings has been the non-availability of these preparati ons in health centers. The author of the paper has tabled a review of research in regard to the effectiveness of Intravenous quinine as a treatment for the severe malaria and hoe the considerations of the empirical understanding on this subject has helped shaped my evidence-based practice for the future as stated by Holland & Rees. In addition he has acknowledged the understanding of the other four fundamental patterns of knowing is important to the awareness of the complexity and diversity of the nursing understanding.

Reflection Paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Reflection Paper - Assignment Example In my well-thought opinion, I would like to define forgiveness as an act of reconciling sand whole heartedly forgetting about the past mistakes and faults committed by an individual. Meaning, when one is forgiven, all their perceived past misdeeds which might have caused some discomfort or felt below the overall standards of the organization should be forgiven. According to this definition, forgiveness should be exercised without considering any boundary. In other words, it should be unconditionally granted without putting any conditions to the person who is believed to have committed any offence or done any mistake. This is why it should be offered whole heartedly in order to free both the involved parties. As an ethical leader, I would always advocate for forgiveness within my organization. This implies that I would urge and appeal to everyone under my leadership to always consider forgiving one another regardless of the magnitude of the fault. However, in order to appeal most to them, I would have to demonstrate an element of forgiveness in the workplace. This would be done by acting as a role model who can be emulated by others. Once all my colleagues and juniors perceive me as a forgiver, they would have to copy me because it is a good and virtuous quality which they should all possess. The other way through which I would demonstrate forgiveness is by organizing for counseling sessions, formulating pro-forgiveness policies and instituting a panel to handle forgiveness-related issues. This would promote forgiveness at all times. The sentiments echoed by Caldwell & Dixon in â€Å"Love, Forgiveness, and Trust: Critical Values of the Modern Leader† can be of great importance to any organization if properly implemented. As these authors exclaim, love, forgiveness and trust are core values which need to be fostered. True to their observations, they

Strategies Unit-5DB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategies Unit-5DB - Essay Example A virtual retailer must find companies which will supply the necessary commodities that it sells online. Though inventories are significantly lower than that of traditional retailer, internet retailers also need to have its warehouse. Virtual retailers also need to forge partnerships with logistics companies in the delivery of their products. Online operation must also backed by support staffs which are committed in delivering a excellent customer service. In terms of physical resources, online retailers less resources than a brick and mortar which operates on an international level. One virtual store is needed for an international internet retailer to serve all its global customers. A dot-com retailer also requires fewer inventories but it should be noted that companies must heavily invest in computer hardware and software to support processes. Financially, an online operation requires smaller cash outlay to finance physical resources and overhead. It should also be noted that e-commerce necessitates lower levels of working capital and telecommunication costs. In terms of human resource, an international internet retailer needs to deploy more employees who will man order taking and after-sales support. However, the total number of an international internet retailer is significantly lower than its brick and mortar counterpart. According to AC Nielsen, Google, Inc.

Business Research Methods 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business Research Methods 2 - Essay Example Like any other business, it is crucial for American Express Travel Agency to find out two things: 1) whether or not the customers are satisfied with the services, and 2) the nature and/or level of the dissatisfaction. Business research brings up a number of challenges for managers in a global economy. Research is a process through which information is turned into knowledge. This knowledge is vital because it is essential to the decision-making process. The amount of information available to managers to make decisions has exploded in the recent years. Business research is made up of a number of inter-dependant components. The core of the business involves serving the consumers through participating in a value-addition process with give-and-take as its essence. Therefore, business research is a function that is concerned with gathering, analysing, interpreting and reporting information so that the corporate decision makers can perform their tasks more effectively. The scope of the busi ness research is far-reaching, and the areas of phenomena that the researchers study are increasing quickly (Hair, Celsi, Samouel, Page, 2011). The main purpose of the market research is to identify the needs and wants of the customers, find out how these needs and wants can be met, and how we can distinguish ourselves from the competition (Authenticity Consulting, 2011). Often, it is seen that corporations want to know everything about their programs, services and products. The research plan that is adopted often depends on the information that needs to be collected in order to make vital decisions about the product portfolio. The more focused a company is on what it wishes to find out through the market research process, the better the results are. Also, the time taken to collect the relevant information will be shorter, as the time taken to collect irrelevant information is eliminated. There is an opportunity cost regarding the breadth and depth of the information that one wants to collect. Generally, it is seen that the more breadth the information has, the less depth one will get. On the other hand, if a company wants to research on a specific aspect of a product or service, vital information about the other aspects might be lost in the process (Authenticity Consulting, 2011). The two types of marketing research available to any business include primary research and secondary research. Secondary research focuses on gathering information or data that is already available, mostly by studies performed previously by government agencies etc. This kind of information is already available in the libraries as well as on the Web. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages of using secondary research. It might not always be relevant as it was collected for another purpose. Moreover, it might be out-dated or inaccurate if it is very old or wasn’t collected by a relevant source. However, on the upside it is not as expensive as the primary research and it provides guidelines for a customized primary research to be carried out later. Hence, it is a basis for the design of primary research. Secondary research is essential for travelling agencies such as American Express travelling agency because it can provide them with the necessary statistics that are essential for decision-making. The statistics could include the number of people who go on a holiday, their preferred destination, as well as the amount they are

(business law)organization and financial structure of corporations Case Study

(business law)organization and financial structure of corporations - Case Study Example The issue to be determined is whether a director, who acts on behalf of a company before it is incorporated, but in good faith and on the knowledge that the organization is already incorporated, is liable for the actions. Applicable rule of law to the case is the Revised Model Business Corporation Act that states that parties that assume actions as agents of a corporation with the knowledge that the subject organization has not been incorporated are liable for their actions (Mallor, Barnes, Bowers and Langvard, 2012). The rule is suitable for determining the case because its provisions cover facts of the case. R & F Corporation had prepared its articles of association for filing and Rose was the chair of the corporation’s board and therefore acted on behalf of the organization, contracting for the lease of the warehouse. While the act protects parties to a contract with agents of a corporation who acts before the filing of the corporation’s documents, it protects individuals who act in good faith, especially with the knowledge that the organization is already legally incorporated. Determining the case therefore requires proof of whether or not, Rose acted in good faith, and whether or not, he was aware of the incorporation status of the organization. The testimony by Rose that he acted believed the organization was already incorporated was supported by a co-director to R & F Corporation and this establishes validity of his limited knowledge. His position as the corporation’s chairman that identified responsibility of signing the board’s resolution further suggest that his actions were undertaken within his jurisdiction and for the interest of the corporation and the co-director’s testimony supports this. The facts of the case that indicates a long delay in filing the signed articles also justifies Rose’s testimony that he believed the documents had already been filed. The position that Rose held in the organization, board

HR as a Strategic Partner Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

HR as a Strategic Partner - Assignment Example The incorporation of human resource as a strategic partner has significantly impacted on the performance of many companies since most of the policies formulated end up being tracked and implemented in line with the business needs of the enterprises (Leibs, 2007). Starbucks is set to significantly leverage from incorporating its human resource department in its strategic team since the decisions that will be formulated will take into considerations the issues affecting that department thus enhance service delivery from the personnel. Human resource is the one that is in charge of the total control of all the work operations in Starbucks. Thus, the capacity of the personnel department monitors the concept of the customer since it is the perception that employees give that will either attract or send away potential consumers (Leibs, 2007). That notwithstanding human resource is the one that is responsible for developing strategies, as well as implementation of plans, while managing service delivery process. The provision of services is the most paramount element in any organization. The quality of output that employees give serves as a marketing strategy for the firm as it will be perceived in a positive manner in the market hence obtaining a c ompetitive edge in the market. Human resource is the only department that provides the tools that will enable all other professionals to perform their duties in the organization. Being incorporated in the strategic team means that the process of strategy formulation will be qualitative as human resource will be elaborating the competencies of each personnel and their capability. Thus, this will align those details with the business model of the company (Lockwood, 2006). As a strategic partner, human resource will enhance the profitability of the firm by improving the skills and knowledge of employees to assist them in meeting the business objectives of the company. Since the human resource will be a

Femile De Antonio And Michael Moore Essay Example for Free

Femile De Antonio And Michael Moore Essay Emile de Antonio and Michael Moore are American film makers whose work touches mainly on violence in various circles of life in America. Their film making is mainly on documentary basis and they give a brief summary of issues because they have a desire to communicate information that is to result into a positive change. One similarity in their work is the setting which is America. Their works are based on issues in America although the subjects that they address are slightly different. Michael Moore mainly targets the issues in the academic institutions. In his movie, bowling for the combine, he addresses violence in the combine high school. He presents cases of damage to human life through the use of guns. This is where students engage in violence by shooting their colleges whom they place as enemies. Moore has an intension of having discipline return in American learning institutions. Emile de Antonio on the other hand has one main aim of addressing the violence in American political arena. He addresses issues such of wars and violent assassinations. His works are also a documentary. In his movie, a white house comedy, Emile, who has affiliations with the Marxists talks about a young man’s drive towards 68’ general election. In the year of the pig, he addresses the policy that resulted into Vietnam War. His cases are mainly on politically motivated violence and he has an aim of creating peace and accountability in the American administration. His critism on political culture is fruitful although he was treading on dangerous grounds because he was against the government.

UAE Legal and Ethical Issues in the Media

UAE Legal and Ethical Issues in the Media RESEARCH BASED REFLECTIVE PAPER ON MEDIA JOURNALISM IN THE UAE WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES 1. Introduction Media originated with the advent of newspapers and magazines and later on broadened its perspective to radio, Television, cinema, internet, and so on. This broadening accordingly multiplied reach to mass audiences across nations. Media has the capability to reach masses in no time. This inherent quality necessitates regulations owing to which Media law came into existence. The UAE also has a constitution of Laws governing Media and a code of ethics for the journalists. This paper analyses on Media with the following considerations. Are the regulations of Media laws in the UAE in the right approach? Do the journalists in the UAE enjoy enough freedom? What is the level of interference of the governing bodies on the media? Are the journalists publishing ethical and authentic content that will not harm the society? What is the effect of the contemporary and emerging media have on the society? Considering the unique cultural situation in the UAE, this study analyses the media laws and the journalistic code of ethics with the contemporary and the emerging media and to understand if Media laws have broadened and expanded with respect to the new media and its demands. 2. Media Ethics Vs Law 2.1. Definition Media ethicsis the subdivision ofapplied ethicsdealing with the specific ethical principles and standards of  media, including  broadcast media,  film,  theatre, arts,  print, and the internet. The field covers many varied and highly controversial topics, ranging fromwar journalism  to  Benetton  advertising. Media law can be defined as laws that regulate the activities of the Media. 2.2. Scope Media ethics is a subject which deals with the perspective of a perfect media person who takes ownership of the information published by him without causing harm and sensation to the public. Sometimes what is legally correct may not be ethically appropriate. The media person is expected to do a lot of psychological analysis on the value system combined with social responsibility. Media Law is a legal field that regulates the Advertising Broadcasting Censorship Confidentiality Contempt Copyright Defamation Entertainment law Freedom of information Information Technology Internet and on-line services Privacy Telecommunications  (Wikipedia). 2.3. Relevance The SPJ Code of ethics is a statement of abiding principles which gives a clear picture on the journalistic practices. Although it is not a set of rules, it directs the journalists in their task of publishing, regardless of medium. This code makes sense as a whole only and it cannot be used in bits. The SPJ code recommends the following: Seek Truth and Report It Minimize Harm Act Independently Be Accountable and Transparent  (SPJ Code of Ethics, 2014). 3. Why media ethics matter? Media has created a major impact on the social and political sectors. The reach of media and various forms of communication has generated a mass effect in the public and furthermore the effect it creates in each individual has varied with respect to multiple factors. 3.1. Social Impact On a social level, media has brought about the greatest impact. The media publications have been shaped on the basis of different cultures, races, genders, religions and sexual orientations in the society. The perception of the two main elements, the entertainment and the news differ. The representations are valued at face value in entertainment sector. There are also cases of unfair stereotyping which causes a major social impact. Unfair Beauty Standards is one such practice where the beautiful women are often in favorable roles, portrayed as successful always. These standards in media have an adverse effect on the psychology of the women. Failing to meet those standards or adopting those characteristics have even forced them to dejection and sometimes depression too. Other practices are sexual orientation, religion, devastating mental and physical health of children and older generation, principles of extremist groups which can cause unnecessary sensations in the society. 3.2. Political Impact On a political level, media is capable of influencing the society to a larger extent. Media can advocate for a particular political party. Construction of the news is another way in which the mass media can have an influence over the masses. The media people are bound to abide by the media laws. There are instances when the government or the ruling party enforces media to project only what they deem appropriate. Owing to its power to build public judgment, media influence can create or dissolve the government. Attributed to the high levels of public impact, both in social and political grounds, ethical practice becomes inevitable in Media. As a matter of fact while dealing with the Media Laws, what is legal may not be ethical necessarily. 4. Is there any need to ‘regulate’ (media law) media? With relevance to the UAE market an analysis on the contemporary and the emerging media will throw light on the significance of Media Ethics. The process of convergence of Telecommunications and Broadcasting has been in the process of entirely changing the media globally. Convergence has brought together mobile telecommunication operators and the television broadcasters to use technologies like DVB-H facilitating people to watch television as well as internet content in the mobile. Media has the dangerous effect of inducing fake ideas through advertisements. People are fascinated by media’s influence to buy harmful or substandard products. Sometimes, Media develops unnecessary sensation and distorts truth just to attract customers. Because of its power to build public judgment, the influence of media can create or dissolve a government. Some of the emerging media have no control over the content as the Media laws are not refined in detail. In a conservative unique society like that of the UAE, the content may not be as per the strictly adhered society norms and could create social impact. The information sharing in the social networking sites are bound to cause cyber crimes. The media pivots in bringing specifics of all major political circumstances, stands and other scenarios. This helps people to understand their rights and make better decisions. The impact of Media can also create agitation and political turnarounds(Arab Media Outlook 2007-2011). The UAE requires a clear media law that provides absolute clarity protecting the journalists and at the same time defining boundaries to ensure the responsibility of the press. The other countries with established media freedom have these boundaries created over the years through the legal system. The recently released guidelines set by Abu Dhabi Media Zone, a media-creation free zone anchored by the content-incubator TwoFour54 carries clear guidelines(Gulfnews.com, 2012). Human Rights Watch has reported that a new law has been drafted to regulate the media which hampers freedom of expression and unduly interferes with the medias freedom to report on sensitive subjects. The pending law also allows the government to decide the organizations that can operate in the country and also interfere in the selection of journalists. The law imposes unreasonable civil penalties that could wash out media outlets completely and subtly impose restrictions on the published content. It also enforces media organizations to pay an unspecified security deposit that set a powerful barrier for independent and small press organizations(Human Rights Watch, 2009). 5. Media and Journalism in the UAE Code of ethics is based on the Following Principles†¦ Accuracy in reporting Appropriate acknowledgement of sources Avoiding discrimination Avoiding sensationalism Avoiding the fanning of public feeling Confidentiality Credibility Eliminating and/or minimizing harm (especially to children) Fairness to all Freedom and integrity Impartiality Innocence until proven guilty Professionalism, especially in relation to plagiarism Refusing to accept bribes and advantage Respect for public feeling Respect for the truth Respecting personal privacy Rightful acquisition of information Transparency Upholding human rights Understanding this code of ethics in reality, it offers a minimal safety for the journalists. A revised media law in the UAE is the need of the hour. The lack of effective protections for journalists has brought down the ranking of freedom in the UAE to the last and the scholars in media call out for revision. Dr Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a professor at UAE University, after a thorough study has brought this issue to the attention of Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the UAEs National Media Council and has suggested immediate amendments  (Gulfnews.com, 2012). 6. Media law and Ethics in the UAE The press freedom rankings of UAE is 112. The features like pervasive self-censorship and Internet blocking policy have pushed the country to the â€Å"not free† category. The freedom enjoyed by the journalists operating in other countries is far more compared to the journalists in the UAE making most of the media zones to set up regional centres out of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE Constitution does not encourage freedom of expression. Article 30 states that â€Å"Freedom of opinion and expressing it verbally, in writing or by other means of expression shall be guaranteed within the limits of law† (Dr. Matt J. Duffy 2013). The penal code as well as the media law pose numerous restrictions on journalism and freedom of speech. Also, the Constitution specifically guarantees personal freedom in religious worship, movement and having associations. The UAE constitution contains points that define personal freedom but does not outline regulations for the society as a whole  (Dr. Matt J. Duffy 2013). The UAE penal code Article 378 strictly prohibits defamation against the royal family and has rights to criminalize journalists for publicizing secrets of royal family life. Publicly insulting the UAE’s rulers is a crime according to Articles 176 and 8 of the UAE penal code. Article 312 of Federal Law No. 3 of the 1987 Penal Code of the UAE has blasphemy laws that protect Islam and other religions from defamation  (Dr. Matt J. Duffy 2013). Abusing any form of sacred and Islamic rites or blaspheming any of the divine religions is considered a crime and penalties are chargeable for these crimes  (Dr. Matt J. Duffy 2013). 7. Reflections The technological developments have brought into life to contemporary and emerging media with their own positive and negative effects on the society as well as the people in the media. Although there have been revisions in the Media law in the UAE since the time it was formulated owing to globalization, the media laws lack clarity. The fact is that it requires several amendments in comparison with the Media Laws of the global counterparts. When it comes to freedom although it looks like the freedom is highly restricted. Media contributes to a transformation in the culture, fashion and social values of the masses influencing lifestyles of communities and culture of nations. Media transforms the attitudes and beliefs of the people and is responsible for influencing our daily activities. Media has a significant role in refining the society by opening views against racism, gender bias, poverty, and spreading awareness about the need for world peace. Media laws have been an ambiguity for the journalists. The UAE Constitution does not guarantee freedom of expression. Much of their provisions tell journalists what they cant do rather than offering protections for their actions. In a nutshell, code of ethics in reality it offers a minimal safety for the journalists. The law imposes enormous civil penalties that could completely wipe out media outlets and silence disagreeing voices found to violate the huge but subtle constraints on content. Media organizations found to have defamed or slandered senior government officials or members of the royal family are charged penalties. 8. Recommendations The media organizations have to bring about constructive changes within the organization and communicate clarity both in media laws and ethics to its personnel to have a positive influence on the society. The Media Laws also have to be refined to give sufficient freedom to the media to serve better. Media organizations, governing bodies, media laws, media ethics, skilled human resources together have to work together to revise the media laws as and when new media emerge. This helps in bringing out the authentic information to the public without creating unnecessary sensations. Media ought to be regulated failing which the society will face unnecessary complications in politics, culture, values, beliefs etc., The public should also abide by the laws when delivering opinions and expressions in social media to develop a healthy society. UAE women taking up lead positions in Media organizations can also contribute to peace and upliftment of the society. In short, publishing authentic content regulated by media ethics and laws should be the goal of the media. 9. Conclusion The UAE Constitution does not empower Media and Journalism to publish all facts truth. Practical constraints are plenty in this field. The journalists as well as the media organizations are charged huge penalties the governing authorities have all rights to deem content as inappropriate or to block the websites. These conditions prevailing could suppress the truth and actual facts may be darkened or completely blocked by the media. The development of the country largely depends on the people and their potential to acquaint the economical developments, the political circumstances, the technological evolutions, the business standards, the social interactions, the international affairs etc., the main source of information being Media, the freedom of media plays a significant role in the development of the country. Moreover, the fortified opinion of the scholars is to revise Media laws and to enhance the freedom. Refining the media laws and the ethics code by giving more clarity to the ambiguities will give more scope for the journalists by amplifying their freedom and to do more justice in their work. Subsequently, the fine borders have to be defined meticulously to avoid misuse of freedom resulting in unnecessary sensations in the country. Taking into consideration the culture, religion, people etc., the Media laws and the media ethics code have to be conjointly revised for constructive changes in the country. 10. References / Bibliography. Page 1 of 9

The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx :: Communist Manifesto Essays

The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx    Karl Marx (1818-1883) has been established (post-mortem of course, like almost all greats, it seems) as one of the most influential thinkers and writers of modern times. The Communist Manifesto published in 1848, lays down his theories on socialism. This manifesto was used to establish Communist Russia. Although that "experiment" failed, there are still points in his work that I find relevant in today's society.    One of Marx's arguments is that the society created by the bourgeois is so powerful and out of control that it can no longer be controlled. The modern bourgeois society, he explains "a society that has conjured up such gigantic means of production and of exchange, [it] is like the sorcerer, who is no longer able to control the powers of the nether world when he has called up by his spells" (217). His remedy for this situation was an overthrow of the ruling bourgeois society and the beginning of the proletariat society. This can be loosely compared with the current situation with Microsoft and the monopoly argument. Bill Gates has brought a problem with our free market system to the attention of the American public. However, how answer will not be to overthrow the current government, but rather more regulations. Another argument that Marx brings out that is relevant in today's society is the distinct class differences. He mentions how 10% of the people have virtually all the property. This is extremely relevant. However, in today's society, wealth is not so much measured by property but by total addition of all one's assets. In the United States today, 20% of the population has 85% of the wealth. This is evidence of the enormous class differences that we experience in today's society, which are comparable to the stratification that Marx emphasizes.    Although Karl Marx is able to make some relevant points in his The Communist Manifesto, he also makes some points that are just not applicable today, and in my view in any time period. On page 230, he mentions that top-ten list of measures that will be applicable in communist countries. Number 9 is just plain lunacy. "Combination of agriculture and manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of the distinction between town and country by a more equitable distribution of the population over the country" (230). The reason the so-called "country" is less populated is because there has to be room for the crops to grow. The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx :: Communist Manifesto Essays The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx    Karl Marx (1818-1883) has been established (post-mortem of course, like almost all greats, it seems) as one of the most influential thinkers and writers of modern times. The Communist Manifesto published in 1848, lays down his theories on socialism. This manifesto was used to establish Communist Russia. Although that "experiment" failed, there are still points in his work that I find relevant in today's society.    One of Marx's arguments is that the society created by the bourgeois is so powerful and out of control that it can no longer be controlled. The modern bourgeois society, he explains "a society that has conjured up such gigantic means of production and of exchange, [it] is like the sorcerer, who is no longer able to control the powers of the nether world when he has called up by his spells" (217). His remedy for this situation was an overthrow of the ruling bourgeois society and the beginning of the proletariat society. This can be loosely compared with the current situation with Microsoft and the monopoly argument. Bill Gates has brought a problem with our free market system to the attention of the American public. However, how answer will not be to overthrow the current government, but rather more regulations. Another argument that Marx brings out that is relevant in today's society is the distinct class differences. He mentions how 10% of the people have virtually all the property. This is extremely relevant. However, in today's society, wealth is not so much measured by property but by total addition of all one's assets. In the United States today, 20% of the population has 85% of the wealth. This is evidence of the enormous class differences that we experience in today's society, which are comparable to the stratification that Marx emphasizes.    Although Karl Marx is able to make some relevant points in his The Communist Manifesto, he also makes some points that are just not applicable today, and in my view in any time period. On page 230, he mentions that top-ten list of measures that will be applicable in communist countries. Number 9 is just plain lunacy. "Combination of agriculture and manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of the distinction between town and country by a more equitable distribution of the population over the country" (230). The reason the so-called "country" is less populated is because there has to be room for the crops to grow.

The Boston Strangler - Serial Killer :: essays research papers

The Boston Strangler was probably the most notorious criminal that Boston, Massachusetts has ever known. But who was the Boston Strangler? Was he Albert DeSalvo, the person who confessed and went to jail for these crimes? Is he someone that took his secret to the grave and let an innocent man take the blame for his crime? Or is he still walking the streets of Boston, or even the streets of another city? We may never know for sure because based on all the evidence I've read, in my opinion Albert DeSalvo was not the famed Boston Strangler. The Boston Strangler wreaked havoc on the city from June 1962 until January 1964. He claimed the lives of thirteen women, ages ranging from 85 years old to 19 years old. The first victim had been raped and her bathrobe tie wrapped around her neck in a bow in June 1964. The next victim, was 85 year old Mary Mullen, she was not technically killed by the strangler, but rather a fatal heart attack when confronted by him. On June 30th, 1962, Helen Blake met death at the hands of the strangler. Next was 68 year old Nina Nichols. The fifth victim was 75 year old Ida Irga. On August 20th, 1962 Jane Sullivan had been raped and strangled with her nylons. The only black woman to be killed by the hands of the Boston Strangler was Sophie Clark. On December 30th, 1962, 23 year old Patricia Bissette was killed. Then 68 year old Mary Brown met her fate. In August 1963, Beverly Samans met the strangler, she was stabbed instead of strangled and was not raped, but the police still thought it was the strangler's work. The next victim was Evelyn Corbin . On November 11th 1963, Joann Graff was found raped and strangled in her apartment. But the Boston Strangler was getting sloppy, because he allowed himself to be seen. A man that lived upstairs from Joann reported to police a man had knocked on the door across the hall from his and inquired about Ms. Graff, when he told the man where she lived he quickly left, but not without being seen. The final murder occurred on January 4th 1964. The victim was Mary Sullivan. She was the youngest of the strangler's victims. Susan Kelly in The Boston Stranglers: The Public Conviction of Albert DeSalvo and the True Story of Eleven Shocking Murders makes a persuasive argument for DeSalvo being innocent of the strangling murders. She cites a number of reasons why she and others still believed that DeSalvo was innocent. One of the strongest of these reasons is that there was "not one shred of physical

Womens Studies: Woman of the Year Refia Ari -a pioneer of Special Need

Women's Studies: REFIA ARI - Woman of the Year Pioneer of Special Needs Education for disabled children in KKTC Cyprus Refia Ari received the Woman of the Year award in 2003 of the Women's Studies & Education Centre, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), KKTC/TRNC-Cyprus. She enabled special needs education for disabled children, children's disability support for their parents and disabilities careres. "Mrs. Refia (Ari) has created for .. children a world that becomes more beautiful every day" (Sà ¼leyman Ergà ¼Ãƒ §là ¼, News Director, Bayrak Radio-Television -rtd ~YaÅŸamÄ ±n Ä °Ãƒ §inden BRTK, Cyprus-KKTC) This woman's nation also has its share of disabled children. But Cyprus-KKTC had no facilities for children with disabilities. Neither for their care, nor for their well being and education. Nor for the welfare and educational support needs of their parents. Special needs education did not exist for children with disabilities. Parents of disabled children had no education on how to cope. Children with mental or physical handicaps simply existed and suffered. Refia Ari changed that for the disabled of Cyprus-KKTC. Her Successful Woman of the Year Award by the Eastern Mediterranean University's Women's Studies and Education Centre was for her pioneering works which made that change possible. Especially for children with disabilities and the parents of handicapped children. While Cyprus is in, both, the British Commonwealth and the European Union, and, indeed, also in the European Convention on Human Rights, concerns were, as of the United Nations, mostly with its inter-communal conflict, and neither local nor foreign aid existed for the disabled men and women and children of Cyprus-KKTC -not even an official disability re... ...ial education provisions catering also for the special needs of disabled children up the age of 18, and she was included in its committee for the re-organisation of the educational system which should also ease the integration into society of disabled children by their education in ordinary schools. Refia Ari, with her exceptional leadership qualities and extraordinary organising skills having worked wonders for the handicapped children of Cyprus-KKTC, is reported in the media to be pursuing her vision to get official help, support and education extended also to disabled adults. Her voluntary works with various disability organisations and vision for the disabled, as she stated to the BRTK, is based on Refia Ari's philosophy that -translated "We have advantages in life and disadvantages, some of us can't run -but if one's hand is held one can at least walk."

Obesity and Asthma

What Is Asthma? Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. It is one of the most common long-term diseases of children, but adults have asthma, too. Asthma causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing. If you have asthma, you have it all the time, but you will have asthma attacks only when something bothers your lungs. In most cases, we don't know what causes asthma, and we don't know how to cure it. We know that if someone in your family has asthma, you are also more likely to have it.You can control your asthma  by knowing the warning signs of an attack, staying away from things that trigger an attack, and following the advice of your doctor or other medical professional. When you control your asthma: * you won't have symptoms such as wheezing or coughing, * you'll sleep better, * you won't miss work or school, * you can take part in all physical activities, and * you won't have to go to the hospital. How Is Asth ma Diagnosed? Asthma can be hard to diagnose, especially in children younger than 5 years of age.Regular physical checkups that include checking your lung function and checking for allergies can help your doctor or other medical professional make the right diagnosis. During a checkup, the doctor or other medical professional will ask you questions about whether you cough a lot, especially at night, and whether your breathing problems are worse after physical activity or during a particular time of year. Doctors will also ask about other symptoms, such as chest tightness, wheezing, and colds that last more than 10 days.They will ask you whether your family members have or have had asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems, and they will ask you questions about your home. The doctor will also ask you about missing school or work and about any trouble you may have doing certain activities. A lung function test, called  spirometry  (spy-rom-e-tree), is another way to diagnose a sthma. A spirometer (spy-rom-e-ter) measures the largest amount of air you can exhale, or breathe out, after taking a very deep breath. The spirometer can measure airflow before and after you use asthma medicine.What Is an Asthma Attack? An asthma attack happens in your body's airways, which are the paths that carry air to your lungs. As the air moves through your lungs, the airways become smaller, like the branches of a tree are smaller than the tree trunk. During an asthma attack, the sides of the airways in your lungs swell and the airways shrink. Less air gets in and out of your lungs, and mucus that your body produces clogs up the airways even more. The attack may include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing. Some people call an asthma attack an  episode.What Causes an Asthma Attack? An asthma attack can occur when you are exposed to things in the environment, such as house dust mites and tobacco smoke. These are called  asthma triggers. Important Asth ma Triggers On This Page * Environmental Tobacco Smoke (Secondhand Smoke) * Dust Mites * Outdoor Air Pollution * Cockroach Allergen * Pets * Mold * Wood Smoke * Other Triggers If you have asthma your airways always have some irritation. When you have an asthma attack this irritation gets worse and your airways close part way and get blocked with mucus.Asthma attacks may include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing. An asthma attack can occur when you are exposed to things in the environment, such as house dust mites and tobacco smoke. These are called  asthma triggers. Your personal triggers can be very different from those of another person with asthma. Try to avoid your triggers. Some of the most important triggers are listed below: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (Secondhand Smoke) Environmental tobacco smoke is often called  secondhand smokebecause the smoke created by a smoker is breathed in by a second person nearby.Parents, friends, and relatives of chil dren with asthma should try to stop smoking and should never smoke around a person with asthma. They should only smoke outdoors and not in the family home or car. They should not allow others to smoke in the home, and they should make sure their child's school is smoke-free. Dust Mites Dust mites are in almost everybody’s homes, but they don’t cause everybody to have asthma attacks. If you have asthma, dust mites may be a trigger for an attack. To help prevent asthma attacks, use mattress covers and pillowcase covers to make a barrier between dust mites and yourself.Don’t use down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters. Remove stuffed animals and clutter from your bedroom. Outdoor Air Pollution Pollution caused by industrial emissions and automobile exhaust can cause an asthma attack. Pay attention to air quality forecasts on radio, television, and Internet and plan your activities for when air pollution levels will be low if air pollution aggravates your asthma. A good source of air quality information is  EnviroFlash. Cockroach Allergen:Cockroaches and their droppings may trigger an asthma attack.Get rid of cockroaches in your home and keep them from coming back by taking away their food and water. Cockroaches are usually found where food is eaten and crumbs are left behind. Remove as many water and food sources as you can because cockroaches need food and water to survive. At least every 2 to 3 days, vacuum or sweep areas that might attract cockroaches. You can also use roach traps or gels to decrease the number of cockroaches in your home. Pets:Furry pets may trigger an asthma attack. When a furry pet is suspected of causing asthma attacks, the simplest solution is to find the pet another home.If pet owners are too attached to their pets or are unable to locate a safe, new home for the pet, they should keep the pet out of the bedroom of the person with asthma. Pets should be bathed weekly and kept outside as much as possible. People w ith asthma are not allergic to their pet’s fur, so trimming your pet’s fur will not help your asthma. If you have a furry pet, vacuum often to clean up anything that could cause an asthma attack. If your floors have a hard surface, such as wood or tile, and are not carpeted, damp mop them every week.Mold:Inhaling or breathing in mold can cause an asthma attack. Get rid of mold in all parts of your home to help control your asthma attacks. Keep the humidity level in your home between 35% and 50%. In hot, humid climates, you may need to use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier or both. Fix water leaks, which allow mold to grow behind walls and under floors. Wood Smoke:Smoke from burning wood is made up of a mix of harmful gases and small particles. Breathing in too much of this smoke can cause an asthma attack. Other TriggersInfections linked to influenza (flu), colds, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can trigger an attack. Sinus infections, allergies, breathing in some chemicals, and acid reflux can irritate airways and trigger asthma attacks. Strenuous physical exercise; some medicines; bad weather, such as thunderstorms; high humidity; breathing in cold, dry air; biomass smoke from burning grass or other vegetation; and some foods and food additives can trigger an asthma attack. Strong emotional states can also lead to hyperventilation and an asthma attack.Learn what triggers your attacks so that you can avoid the triggers whenever possible. Be alert for a possible attack when the triggers cannot be avoided. How Is Asthma Treated? You can control your asthma  and avoid an attack by taking your medicine exactly as your doctor or other medical professional tells you to do and by avoiding things that can cause an attack. Not everyone with asthma takes the same medicine. Some medicines can be inhaled, or breathed in, and some can be taken as a pill. Asthma medicines come in two types—quick relief and long-term control.Quick-relief medi cines control the symptoms of an asthma attack. If you need to use your quick-relief medicines more and more, you should visit your doctor or other medical professional to see if you need a different medicine. Long-term control medicines help you have fewer and milder attacks, but they don’t help you if you’re having an asthma attack. Asthma medicines can have side effects, but most side effects are mild and soon go away. Ask your doctor or other medical professional about the side effects of your medicines. The important thing to remember is that  you can control your asthma.With your doctor’s or other medical professional’s help, make your own asthma action plan (management plan) so that you know what to do based on your own symptoms. Decide who should have a copy of your plan and where he or she should keep it. Take your long-term control medicine even when you don’t have symptoms. Asthma Action Plan People with Asthma Should Have an Asthma Ac tion Plan All people with asthma should have an  asthma action plan. An asthma action plan (also called a management plan) is a written plan that you develop  with your doctor  to help control your asthma.The asthma action plan shows your daily treatment, such as what kind of medicines to take and when to take them. Your plan describes how to control asthma long term AND how to handle worsening asthma, or attacks. The plan explains when to call the doctor or go to the emergency room. If your child has asthma, all of the people who care for him or her should know about the child's asthma action plan. These caregivers include babysitters and workers at daycare centers, schools, and camps. These caretakers can help your child follow his or her action plan.Data and Surveillance Asthma Surveillance Data Asthma surveillance data includes collection of asthma data at both the national and the state level. National data is available on asthma prevalence, activity limitation, days of w ork or school lost, rescue and control medication use, asthma self-management education, physician visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations due to asthma, and deaths due to asthma from National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) surveys and the Vital Statistics System.Asthma surveillance data at the state level include adult and child asthma prevalence from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and in-depth state and local asthma data through implementation of the BRFSS Asthma Call-back Survey (ACBS). * Asthma Call-back Survey (ACBS) The ACBS is an in-depth asthma survey developed and funded by the Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch (APRHB) in NCEH. It is conducted with BRFSS survey respondents who report an asthma diagnosis. The ACBS was piloted in three states in 2005 and has been conducted each year since.A majority of states participate in the ACBS each year. * Asthma Survey Questions Description of asthma survey instruments and their word ing differences. * Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Prevalence Data BRFSS is a state-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey designed to monitor the prevalence of the major behavioral risks among adults associated with premature morbidity and mortality. * FastStats FastStats provides quick access to statistics on topics of public health importance, including asthma. * National Health Interview Survey Prevalence DataNHIS is a multistage probability sample survey designed to solicit health and demographic information about the population, conducted annually with face-to-face interviews in a nationally representative sample of households. Asthma and daily living * ————————————————- Asthma and exercise ————————————————- ————à ¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Learn how to exercise without asthma symptoms ————————————————- Learn More ————————————————-Living day to day with well controlled asthma means life as normal with a little extra thought and planning   ————————————————- Many asthma triggers are common things that may be around the home, so people often ask what they can change at home, or whatproducts  might help their asthma. For others it’s plants and pollens that cause them difficulties with asthma or allergies – if that’s you, read about  asthma and allergy friendly gardens. If you find your asthma is  worse at work  then there are some tips for your consideration.If you travel with work or plan a holiday, there are a few simple suggestions to help you  make the most out of your trip. ————————————————- Having a healthy  diet  and an  active lifestyle  is an important part of living well. Being  overweight,  smoking  or suffering from  stress  or   depression   can have a significant impact on your asthma. For most people with asthma, triggers are only a problem when their asthma is not  well-controlled. Research shows that for most people with well-controlled asthma, reducing exposure to triggers doesn’t reduce symptoms or reduce the risk of an asthma attack.With good treatment, most people do not need to change their lifestyle or environment just because they have asthma. However, it may be useful for you to identify triggers and reduce your exposure to them if: * you have troublesome asthma symptoms despite treatment * you need high doses of medication to keep your asthma symptoms under control, or * your asthma is much better when you are away from home Note: Cigarette smoke is directly harmful to the airways and makes asthma worse, so exposure to cigarette smoke should be avoided by anyone who has asthma Obesity ————————————————- Is it my weight or is it my asthma that is causing my symptoms? ————————————————- Research into the link between increasing levels of obesity and asthma still hasn’t come up with a definite answer. There is a recognised association between increasing body mass index (BMI) and increased levels of diagnosed or reported asthma in bot h children and adults, and it’s possible that there are other factors, e. g. genetic or environmental that may lead to both conditions. We do know that being obese makes asthma a lot more of a problem. ———————————————— People who are obese are more likely to have asthma, to have more severe asthma, and to need more medication to control it. ————————————————- Obesity can lead to people being breathless and wheezy without having asthma, so it’s important that you get a proper diagnosis from your doctor. Once you have that, and the right medications, you should be able to increase your activity levels without getting too breathless, and start living an active life. ——————————— —————- ———————————————— Why does obesity make asthma worse? * ————————————————- Having a larger amount of fat on the body means there’s more pushing onto and into the chest, so there’s less room for the lungs to move. This causes the muscles around the airways to contract more, causing more asthma symptoms. * ————————————————- Airways in obese people with asthma are more likely to stay closed in normal breathing, so there’s less oxygen exchange able to happen. * ————————————————-Obesity c auses general inflammation in the body, which makes asthma symptoms worse. * ————————————————- People who are obese are more likely to have problems with reflux and obstructive sleep apnoea (where you stop breathing while asleep), both of which can make asthma worse. * ————————————————- There has been some suggestion in research studies that people who are obese might have less response to some asthma medications. The reason for this is not clear, and more research is needed to clarify this. ————————————————- ———————————————— Will losing weigh t really help my asthma? ————————————————- Losing weight can have a big impact on your asthma; it can improve your symptoms and reduce your need for medication. In fact if you are overweight or obese, losing weight might have a greater impact on your asthma control than increasing medication. If you have asthma and are overweight or obese you should discuss weight control and healthy lifestyle with your doctor as part of your asthma management. ————————————————-Remember:  it is important that you don’t change your medication without speaking with your doctor first. ————————————————- Having a healthy lifestyle with regular activity and a balance d diet is important for everyone. Asthma and exercise * ————————————————- Being active is an important part of life. Well controlled asthma means you shouldn’t have to stop or restrict any of your normal activities. People with asthma should be able to participate in almost any sport or exercise, for example, going to the gym,  swimming, and team sports. ———————————————— Although some people have  exercise induced asthma, many Olympic gold medals have been won by Australian athletes with asthma. Exercise is essential for people with asthma and can even help control asthma and reduce the amount of medication you need. Scuba diving  is the only form of exercise that requires some special consideration for people with asthma. Asthma at work * —â €”——————————————- ————————————————- Work-related and occupational asthma ————————————————-Up to 15% of newly diagnosed asthma cases in adults are related to exposure to agents encountered at work and up to 3,000 cases of occupational asthma occur per year in Australia. If you experience asthma symptoms at work, and these symptoms improve when you are away from work, e. g. during holidays or on weekends, you may have what is called work-related or occupational asthma. Occupational asthma can occur in many types of workplaces, but is most commonly reported where people are working with flour and isocyanates (chemicals which are found in paints as hardening agents). ———————————————— Work-aggravated asthma is different from occupational asthma, which occurs when there is sensitisation to a substance encountered at work. Work-aggravated asthma occurs when people who already have asthma are exposed to factors such as gases or fumes, smoke, dust or cold dry air which irritate the airways causing asthma symptoms to occur and make a pre-existing condition worse. ————————————————- ————————————————-What causes occupational asthma? ————————————————- Over 4000 substances in the workplace (known as sensitisers) may cause asthma. Repeated exposure to these sensitisers over a period of time (usually years) may produce permanent asthma symptoms identical to non-occupational asthma. This usually takes weeks or years to develop. ————————————————- ————————————————- What are the symptoms of occupational asthma? ————————————————-Symptoms include wheezing and coughing, shortness of breath and tightness across the chest. Often these symptoms will develop after irritation is noticed in the nose and eyes. Other workers may be affected or may have left the job because of these symptoms. ———————————â €”————- Symptoms may vary during the working week or shift. In the early stages of exposure, symptoms tend to improve when the worker is away from work. However, once the airways are sensitised, continued exposure even in small amounts can produce symptoms.Continued exposure may also lead to more symptoms and eventually to permanent asthma in some people. ————————————————- ————————————————- How do I know if I have occupational asthma? ————————————————- If you suspect something is affecting your breathing at work, go and see your doctor. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and your work, and carry out tests suc h as a  spirometry test  to decide if you might have occupational asthma.They may also ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms to compare with your working hours. There is also a software program available which can automatically compare your peak flows with your working shifts. This can be downloaded free from the  Oasys website. ————————————————- It can be very difficult to distinguish between true occupational asthma and work exacerbated asthma, and it may be necessary for your GP to refer you to a respiratory specialist with expertise in this area. Common sensitisers and occupations where workers may be exposedAgent  | Example occupations  | Wood dust (e. g. western red cedar, redwood, oak)  | Carpenters, builders, sawmill workers, sanders, model builders| Isocyanates  | Automotive industry, mechanics, painters, adhesive workers, chemical industry, polyu rethane foam workers| Formaldehyde  | Cosmetics industry, embalmers, foundry workers, hairdressers, laboratory staff, medical personnel, paper industry, plastics industry, rubber industry, tanners| Platinum salts  | Chemists, dentists, electronics industry,photographers, metallurgists| Latex  | Health care workers, textile industry, toyManufacturers| Flour nd grain dust  | Bakers, cooks, pizza makers, grocers, farmers, combine harvester drivers| Animal allergens (e. g. urine, dander)  | Veterinary surgery workers, animal care workers, laboratory workers, jockeys, animal breeders, pet shop employees| Table adapted from Hoy, R. , Abramson, M. , Sim, M. (2010). Work related asthma. Diagnosis and management. Australian Family Physician, 39 (1/2), 39-42. What is the treatment for occupational asthma? Early diagnosis and management by removing any exposure to irritants in the workplace is the best way to treat occupational asthma and prevent it becoming a permanent condition.Oth erwise, treatment with the usual asthma inhalers is usually effective. Note: Occupational asthma does not always mean having to leave your workplace, as workplace strategies can be developed. For example, if exposure cannot be minimised or ceased, then employers must provide adequate respiratory protection and/or substitute the irritant substance with a known non-irritant. This is a part of Occupational Health and Safety requirements. More information is available from your State or Territory Workcover authority   www. workcover. (insert your state). gov. u If you develop asthma symptoms at work, or your existing asthma gets worse, it is essential that you visit your doctor for tests and an accurate diagnosis. If you did not already have a diagnosis of asthma and/or a written   Asthma Action Plan  , then this should be provided to you. What if I only had temporary symptoms? If you have inhaled a high dose of a substance that causes damage to the airways, possibly as part of an industrial accident or spillage, you may temporarily experience breathlessness and wheeze similar to asthma. This is called Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS).Symptoms usually occur within 24 hours of a single exposure to very high concentrations of a chemical spill, irritant gases, corrosive mists or solvent vapours. Usually, symptoms will gradually improve as your airways heal, but occasionally workers can be left with permanent symptoms. It is very important to have a medical check if this does happen, and to make sure your work environment is safe. Smoking * ————————————————- Smoking and exposure to smoke (passive smoking) can damage your lungs, and stop them from working properly. ———————————————— People with asthma who smoke have more frequent as thma attacks, have more severe asthma, and are more likely to be admitted to hospital. The type of inflammation in the airways that is caused by smoking means they don’t respond as well to preventer medication, and so need higher doses to control their asthma. ————————————————- Asthmatic children who are exposed to cigarette smoke are more likely to have poor asthma control and more likely to need admission to hospital.Smoke exposure in the car is especially bad and opening the windows does not help. ————————————————- Smoking has two main effects on the airways: ————————————————- 1) Increases mucus —————— ——————————- – more mucus-producing cells and glands grow in the airway walls ————————————————- – damages and reduces parts of the airways that help to clear mucus ————————————————- 2) Damages the airways ————————————————- chemicals in cigarette smoke destroy lung tissue and also make the airways less elastic and therefore more narrow ————————————————- – causes inflammation in the airways ————————â⠂¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- If I quit smoking will my lung function really improve? ————————————————- Everybody’s lung function tends to gradually decrease as they age, but the lung function of people who smoke decreases much faster than normal. If you stop smoking, this rate will go back to normal.This means that although the damage done to your airways by smoking cannot be fixed, it’s never too late to quit no matter how long you have smoked for. ————————————————- Is smoking around children really harmful? ————————————————- Children are more vulnerable to the bad effects of cigarette smoke. —â₠¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- If a pregnant woman smokes, or a young child is exposed to smoke, the child is at a much greater risk of developing asthma-like symptoms in early childhood.Babies of smoking mothers are four times more likely to develop wheezing illnesses before the age of one. Even if you go outside to have a cigarette, particles can still be present on you when you return indoors, so although it’s better than smoking near your child, it may still affect them in the long term. ————————————————- Other health issues ————————————————- Around 15-20% of people who smoke develop permanent lung disease (COPD), and smoking increases the risk of many other health i ssues: stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer are just a few. ———————————————— Quitting smoking is difficult, and most people make several attempts before they quit for good. Diet and vitamin/mineral supplements and asthma * ————————————————- There are many theories about how diet can play a role in the management of asthma. Studies have been done but some have not been well designed and although they provide directions for future research, specific conclusions are not easily drawn from the data collected. Reliable data on specific vitamins and minerals is also not available.We do not recommend the routine use of vitamin and mineral supplements as part of asthma management. It is important to discuss any supplements you want to take with your doct or or pharmacist as some supplements can  interact  with other medication you are taking. Note: Some vitamin and mineral supplements can have detrimental health effects or are toxic if taken in high doses. ————————————————- ————————————————- Will a diet change help my asthma? ————————————————-Everybody should have a healthy balanced diet, which includes a mix of: * ————————————————- fresh fruit * ————————————————- fresh vegetable s * ————————————————- fish * ————————————————- lean meats * ————————————————- whole grains * ————————————————- low fat dairy products, and * ————————————————- healthy fats. ————————————————-Calorie control is also important, as being  overweight  can have a significant impact on asthma symptoms and control. Food is rare ly a trigger for asthma. Read more about  food as a trigger for asthma. Some people have specificfood allergy  which can have similar respiratory symptoms, and they need to avoid their known food allergens. If you have a serious food allergy, you should also read about  anaphylaxis. Do not restrict entire food groups without first consulting a dietitian who can help identify if any food restrictions are necessary.Note: The belief that milk increases problems with mucus for people with asthma is false. Dairy products are an important part of any diet. However, some people do have specific dairy intolerance (or allergy), which can cause symptoms in the nose, throat and ears. See our section on  food and asthma  for more information on food allergies. ————————————————- ————————————â €”———- Specific Supplements ————————————————- Magnesium and Selenium ————————————————-Magnesium (in those people low in magnesium) and selenium supplements have been shown to have a potentially positive effect on asthma symptoms, though they don’t affect breathing capacity. ————————————————- Fish Oil (EPH/DHA) ————————————————- Most trials of adding fish oil to the diet of people with asthma found that their asthma was not improved. However there is some evidence that dietary supplementation with fish oil can re duce the severity of  exercise-induced asthma  in those with mild to moderate persistent asthma.This has led to better lung function and reducedreliever  use. Eating fish at least once a week is an important part of a balanced diet. ————————————————- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) ————————————————- There is not enough information for or against using Vitamin C supplementation to improve asthma. Generally trials of the vitamin have been small, varied and not well reported. Larger and better designed studies are required. ————————————————- Probiotics —————————————à ¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€-Probiotics are live organisms that can be taken as a supplement to alter the types of bacteria that naturally live in your gut. The more commonly used probiotics include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Many people know these as ‘acidophilus’ supplements. Probiotics such as lactobacillus have not been shown to be effective in improving asthma. ————————————————- Folic Acid ————————————————- Folic acid is recommended for women to take before and during the early stages of pregnancy.This significantly reduces the chance of a baby developing neural tube defects such as spina bifida, and it is also thought to play an important role in brain development. However recent research has shown that women who took folic acid supplements throughout their whole pregnancy increased their risk of having a child with asthma by about 30%. Folic acid from natural sources such as green leafy vegetables had no increased risk. It is recommended that folic acid supplements are taken only for the first 16 weeks of pregnancy, unless advised otherwise by their doctor. Stress * ————————————————-A tear-jerking movie, a fight with your partner, the stress of work related deadlines or even a joyous reunion can leave some people with asthma gasping for air. Strong emotions like fear, stress or even laughter can sometimes lead to increased asthma symptoms. ————————————————- Children can easily be affected by high levels of emotion. From fits of giggles to screaming tantrums; the effects on their asthma can be simil ar. ————————————————- ————————————————- How can I stop stress from affecting my asthma? ———————————————— While it is impossible to eliminate emotional stress from your life, you can learn to reduce the effect and recognise potential symptoms that may need some  reliever medication. * ————————————————- Be aware of the things, events or people that add stress to your life, and work at how you respond to them so you remain calmer   * —————————————â€⠀Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Acknowledge the feelings you are having – this is a technique that can be effective in reducing their impact * ————————————————-If you can, remove yourself from stressful situations * ————————————————- Find constructive and positive ways to reduce your anger, anxiety or fear   * ————————————————- Learn more about your asthma; take an active role in caring for yourself and staying in control   * ————————————————- Exercise. It’s a great way to let off steam, and is good for you as well! ——†”—————————————-Life can be a roller coaster of emotions so the best thing to do is to be prepared as much as you can, and along with appropriate asthma medication you can  take control of your asthma. ————————————————- So next time you’re going to see that adrenalin pumping movie or have an experience that gets the tears rolling, make sure you’ve got your  reliever medication  with you †¦ just in case. Depression and asthma * ————————————————- Research has shown that there is a link between depression and asthma. In fact, having severe asthma more than doubles the risk of developing epression. Around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 8 men will experience dep ression in their life, and these numbers are even higher in people with asthma. As with other chronic illnesses, research shows that having severe asthma more than doubles the risk of developing depression. ————————————————- What is depression? ————————————————- Depression is a serious health condition, not just a low mood. People with depression can have trouble doing normal activities, and it can have serious effects on mental and physical health. ————————————————-How can depression and asthma affect each other? * ————————————————- Having bo th depression and asthma worsens health more than either condition alone. * ————————————————- Having depression makes it less likely that people will be treated for asthma effectively. This may be because of poor memory and problem-solving skills with a shortened attention, making it harder to recognise the need to get medical help. * ————————————————- People with depression have trouble concentrating or staying motivated.This may make them less likely to get help with their asthma, keep appointments and take medication. * ————————————————- Having uncontrolled asthma can make it harder to join in with fun activities such as playing sport or other recrea tional activities. This can make people with depression further isolated and low in motivation. * ————————————————- Stress can be a  trigger  for both asthma and depression. ————————————————- How do I know if I’m depressed? ————————————————-There are different checklists on the  BeyondBlue National Depression Initiative website  you can check to get a better idea if you or someone you know may have symptoms of depression. Depression is more than just stress and needs proper diagnosis by a health professional. You should talk to your doctor to learn more and get correct treatment. ———————â⠂¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- What can I do? ————————————————- Both depression and asthma can be treated, but first need to be recognised and diagnosed by a health professional.There are a number of treatments for depression, both therapy and medication-based. It is important to have a treatment plan that monitors both the symptoms of depression and asthma in order to find the treatment that works best for you. Some things you can do yourself include: * ————————————————- Learn relaxation techniques. * ————————————————- Get your asthma well  controlled  so you can take part in activities without being limited by your symptoms. * ————————————————- Learn as much as you can about both conditions. ————————————————- Get help and support from family and friends. * ————————————————- Visit a doctor regularly to review both your asthma and your depression. Travel * ————————————————- Make sure you have enough medication and the right equipment before you travel   ————————————————- Whether you’re taking a holiday or a work trip, changes in routine, location, weather, temperature, pollution (especially bushfires during summer in Australia) and unknown allergens may produce unexpected asthma symptoms.Following these tips will help maintain good asthma control and an â€Å"asthma friendly† time away which is enjoyable and worry-free. ————————————————- ————————————————- Visit your doctor before you go * ————————————————- Have a check-up before you go away to make sure your day-to-day asthma is  under control, that you have enough  medications, and you’re  taking them the right way. * ———————————â €”————- Make sure your written  Asthma Action Plan  is up to date. ————————————————- If you’re going overseas, it’s a good idea to get your doctor to write a letter stating the history and severity of your asthma as well as a list of your medications (using the generic brand name) and delivery devices. Carry this letter with you at all times in case of an emergency. You may need to present this report to customs in other countries if questioned about carrying medication. ————————————————- ————————————————- Your medications * —————————— ——————-Take extra medication in your luggage. * ————————————————- Keep your normal day-to-day medication with you in your carry-on bag (in case luggage gets lost). * ————————————————- Take prescriptions in case you lose your medication, or to prove it is for your own personal use. ————————————————- ————————————————- Your equipment * ————————————————- A  spacer  device is portable, inexpen sive and is just as effective (and a etter choice for travelling) than anebuliser. * ————————————————- If you do need a nebuliser, remember other countries may have different power points and voltages, so you’ll either need an adaptor, or a battery powered portable version. You’ll also need to talk to the airline before you board if you’re likely to need to use your nebuliser on board the aircraft. * ————————————————- If you normally use a  peak flow meter  take it with you. Before you travel you should know what your normal peak flow is when you are well . ———————————————— —————— Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Be prepared – plan well! * ————————————————- Carry your mobile phone with you (as well as your reliever puffer) and if you go somewhere on your own, tell someone where you are going. * ————————————————- Make sure you know the emergency phone number for the country you are visiting. * ————————————————- Make sure your travel insurance covers the cost of health care that stems from pre-existing asthma. ————————————————- Travel to high altitudes is okay as long as yo ur asthma is well controlled at sea level. * ————————————————- For your own general health and safety, before going overseas always check your destination onwww. smartraveller. gov. au  Ã‚   ————————————————- Most importantly, enjoy your trip, relax, and don’t let your asthma stop you! Being active with Asthma Are you considering training for a fun run? Endurance running is more likely to trigger asthma symptoms than other more stop-start sports and activities.Many of these events are either held in the cooler months or require training during cooler weather so the cold dry air can be a trigger for many people with asthma. Generally, the colder and drier the air, the more severe the symptoms. If air is warm and moist, asthma symptoms will tend to be less of a problem. It’s always important to be prepared when you’re training and taking part in any form of sport or activity. It’s important to ensure that your day to day asthma is generally well controlled and you have an up to date written Asthma Action Plan.If your asthma is well controlled with preventer medication, you may not experience symptoms during or after the run. There are a few ways you can reduce the risk of an asthma attack when doing a fun run: * Ensure that you take your preventer medication regularly as prescribed; * Make sure you train for the event so you are fit and able; * Warm up:- spend about 15 minutes doing some gentle activity such as a series (6-8) of brief (30 second) sprints; * Carry your blue reliever puffer with you at all times.If advised by your doctor it may be useful to use it 5 -10 minutes before starting to run; * Pace yourself: start out steadily and you’ll get further than if you expend all your energy in the first f ew minutes; * Consider wearing a collar up around your mouth and nose to help warm and moisten the air you breath in and out; * Drink regular water during the run to stay well hydrated; * If you have cold or flu symptoms  do not  taking part – this can increase your risk of having asthma problems whilst you are running or, after the race; * Slowly cool down: – spend about 10 minutes (similar to warm-up) doing lighter activities after the race.Keep in mind that whilst some people experience symptoms during exercise, the airway narrowing induced by exercise classically occurs after exercise. Be aware of this, cool down and use your reliever medication if this occurs. Well controlled asthma shouldn’t stop anyone from taking part in events such as fun runs. Being active is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, so take control of your asthma and get involved. Children and asthma * ————————— Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Young children with asthma ————————————————- ————————————————- Looking for more information about asthma medications for young children? ———————————————— Learn More ————————————————- Asthma in young children is one of the most common causes of hospital admission and visits to the doctor in this age group. ————————————————- However it is not easy to  diagnose asthma in children unde r 5 years old  as there are many reasons for wheezing and coughing at that age. ————————————————- Once diagnosis is decided, often treatment is with trials of different doses of medication. Parents often ask about whether changes to a child’s  bedding  or  diet  is needed. ————————————————-The aim of good asthma management is to ensure that children can lead a normal healthy life, while taking only as much  medication  as is needed to keep them well, and avoid  asthma attacks. ————————————————- Children can also spend periods of time away from home. It is important that the people around your child are aware if they have asthma, a nd know how to recognise symptoms and what to do in an emergency. Parents can provide friends and family with a copy of their child’s  asthma action plan  and  asthma first aid  information to help them be prepared. ————————————————- Children’s services  and  schools  play an important role in supporting children with asthma, and they can also access resources and  training  to help them. Asthma at SchoolAsthma affects around 1 in 9 school aged children. This means that in an average classroom there will be at least 3 students with asthma. Schools and staff can work together with the wider school community to provide a healthy and safe educational environment for students with asthma. Student health and safety are essential in schools to allow all students to achieve their best. How does asthma affect students? Asthma is a leading cause of a bsenteeism in school students, which in severe cases can cause them to fall behind in their work. Asthma symptoms commonly occur overnight, which can mean a lack of sleep for the student, leading to a reduced ability to concentrate in class.Students can also show signs of worsening asthma, especially after vigorous exercise, and may have an asthma attack while at school, which requires an immediate response. Whose responsibility is it? Responsibility for the management of a student’s asthma is shared. Parents should: * Inform the school that their child has asthma * Provide sufficient information and equipment to school staff to allow them to support the child at school * Advise if there has been a change in the child’s health, or in their medical management * Ensure the child has their reliever medication with them each day at school   See  Information for parents of school-aged kids with asthma. Schools should: Encourage parents to provide up to date information about their child with asthma * Enable and encourage staff to attend training and obtain information about asthma and how to manage an asthma emergency * Ensure sufficient equipment is available and accessible for use in an emergency * Have policies that support the staff to act appropriately and effectively in an asthma emergency, including during off-site activities * Allow students to access (or carry with them) their reliever medication at all times, unless the child is too young to be responsible for using their medication appropriately   See  Asthma Friendly Schools  for more information about how schools can support kids with asthma. Teachers and school staff can get free  Asthma Training  and  teaching resources. Students should: * Take their regular  preventer  medication (generally taken at home in the mornings and/or evenings) as advised by their doctor * Know how to recognise when their asthma is getting worse and what to do * Carry reliever medication wi th them at all times * Tell their friends that they have asthma, and what to do if they have an asthma attack *   If you’ve recently been diagnosed with asthma, or you think you or a member of your family might have asthma, then you need to get some basic facts.Find out  what causes asthma, and  what happens  in your airways to cause  asthma symptoms. Get an explanation of the process for  diagnosis, including tests that can be done. Develop an understanding of what  triggers  are around you, and what sort ofseasonal issues  might affect your asthma. It’s also common for people with asthma to have other  related conditions, such asallergies,  hayfever,  eczema  and even  COPD. We also have anasthma dictionary  to explain commonly used asthma terms. * Once you’ve got all that information, you might want to go and have a look the  managing asthma section, where you can find out aboutmedications, and how you can  take control  of your asthma. http://www. asthmafoundation. org. au