Sunday, April 19, 2020
Teenagers Having Access to Free Condoms free essay sample
The issue on teenagers having access to condoms has long been a controversial one. While many people oppose the availability of condoms to teenagers, many others agree with it. Teenagers having access to condoms is an issue that needs to be addressed at home with their parents. It is the parentââ¬â¢s responsibility to educate their teenagers on sex and the responsibilities that follow. Because, teenagers are not going to ask their parents for condoms, is when programs like The Availability Program have been put into place to educate and promote responsible sexual behavior. Having access to condoms can promote good and bad behaviors; it is an individualââ¬â¢s decision. Society can only hope that parents have educated their teens on sex and how to be responsible and safe if indeed they do choose to engage in sexual activities. For example, being responsible is about making the right choices when he/she decides to engage in sexual activity. We will write a custom essay sample on Teenagers Having Access to Free Condoms or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page One of the most important things is to have one partner at a time, preferably a longtime boyfriend/girlfriend. One who loves and respects their partner. When two people are comfortable with each other sexually, most often there is no awkwardness in asking their partner to wear a condom. In contrast, some believe teenagers should practice abstinence until marriage. Second example, of contrast opinions on teens having access to condoms and making unsafe decisions, is just that an opinion. Teenagers will make unsafe decisions with or without the availability of condoms. On the other hand, having condoms available is a great idea. Choosing to use a condom is a safe and responsible decision that a teen can make if they are sexually active
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Take A Wife, Make Sure Shes White Professor Ramos Blog
Take A Wife, Make Sure Shes White When you finally take a wife, make sure sheââ¬â¢s white, my father told me. Go to college, become a professional, take a wife, and make sure sheââ¬â¢s white. Even though my mother had been white and she still ran off with the ranch hand. The one whose Spanish was better than his English even though heââ¬â¢d lived in America since before I was born. My father raised me by himself in a small Texas town where there was nothing to do except ride horses, go to church, or study. And our horses didnââ¬â¢t trust me much. They whinnied and whined every time I tried to fit them with the brown saddle Iââ¬â¢d gotten for Christmas. It was sleek, smooth, and shone brilliantly after being oiled and conditioned, but it didnââ¬â¢t get much use aside from being admired. Instead, I spent Sunday mornings in church and the rest of the week I would study. I needed to go to college, become a professional, take a wife, and make sure she was white. Moving into my dorm at university, I mistook my roommate for one of the movers. Back home, my father taught me that America was the land of opportunity. Opportunity for Mexicans to come, not pay taxes, and use up all our resources. And yet, all of our ranch hands were Mexican because he could pay them so little and work them as hard as the horses. My father must have also seen opportunity. My roommate corrected me, helped me build my bed anyway, and then I helped him unbox his things into drawers. He didnââ¬â¢t have a lot of things, so it went by quickly. We walked down to a cafe nearby and drank lemonade to cool down. I told him how hard I worked to get here. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s nice,â⬠he said, ââ¬Å"but I probably worked harder.â⬠~ I had been teaching for many years before you walked into my classroom, your dark skin and dark eyes that immediately drew me to you. You were different than those before you. Your skin the color of freshly oiled leather and smelling sweet as a flower. But just as one must let a dog come to you, otherwise it becomes all frightened eyes and snapping teeth, I waited. Finally, you approached me half way through the school year for extra credit. It wasnââ¬â¢t extra credit you wanted, was it, Clemencia? I took you under my wing, I showed you what could be possible when you saw yourself the way I did. You were my Malinalli, my Malinche and you loved it. Do you remember? How much you loved being tangled together in my white sheets, your brown skin glowing more and more the harder I kissed you? I kissed you like youââ¬â¢d never been kissed and I loved you like youââ¬â¢d never been loved. A girl your age didnââ¬â¢t know love, what it meant or how it felt. Someone had to teach you. And wasnââ¬â¢t I was your teacher? ~ I was married when you and I met. We were married in a church, said our vows under the watchful eyes of God, and signed our prenuptial agreement under the watchful eyes of our lawyers. It was just a precaution, because I loved her. Did I? I loved parts of her. She was as pale as the milk from her fatherââ¬â¢s dairy farm and her hands were soft with pink-painted nails that never chipped. She was a porcelain doll and she was mine.à But I did not like to touch her like I touch you for fear of her breaking. You, my Malinalli, I was never afraid of breaking. Not you, who would call my home at ungodly hours of the night and my wife next to me would answer. Excuse me, honey, itââ¬â¢s for you. And I put the phone to my ear and you were just laughing like that was the funniest thing youââ¬â¢d ever heard. I couldnââ¬â¢t break you, I realized, because you were already broken. ~ And now you see, thatââ¬â¢s why I had to marry her and not you. Because she understood the importance of image just like my father did. I was up for a position on the school board. ââ¬Å"What would they say,â⬠I asked of you, ââ¬Å"If I had a young, wild brown girl for a wife?â⬠You said nothing. You must have known I was right. You said nothing as you took me in your arms, held me close enough I could hear your heartbeat, and drew me in deeper under your spell. I was trapped under your spell that day, too. That day my son was born. Iââ¬â¢d gotten the call, your wife is at the hospital. Sheââ¬â¢s going into labor early. It was shocking for everybody, but inconvenient for me. I didnââ¬â¢t want that child, she did. You did. And now they both think they can interrupt my day? They wanted me to come running, but stayed here, with you. You were the only one Iââ¬â¢d loved amongst the others before you and the few after. It was you, only you. ~ My surprise when I saw you at the museum. She was with me, but you were the most beautiful work of art in that whole exhibit. Even the students with you watched with admiration while you spoke to them about one of the photographs. Briefly, I wondered which among them youââ¬â¢d taken into your bed to teach the way I taught you. I knew it was a bad idea, but I needed to speak to you. Not even the strongest of conquistadors could resist the allure of your golden skin. Greedy bastard, I was, but some men really can have it all, only if theyââ¬â¢re willing to take it and make it theirs. ââ¬Å"This is Megan,â⬠I said as my hand rested on the small of her back. She was all skin and bone and some plastic. Nothing like you at all, my Malinalli. ~ I invited you over that week she was gone. She took the boy to her familyââ¬â¢s for Christmas and a part of me hoped she would never come back. What a gift that would be! But she would and thatââ¬â¢s why it would be best if we made this the last time. Surely you understood? Youââ¬â¢d told me to give her a baby so I wouldnââ¬â¢t be tempted to leave her. But this day, I told you about my responsibilities as superintendent, as father, as husband. I could never marry you then. I could never now. Still, we spent one of the holiest days of the year together. Oh God, you cried out, but it was me, not God, picking you apart, putting you back together, and watching you sleep after. I suspect it was that last night together when youââ¬â¢d vandalized Meganââ¬â¢s things. Am I right? The gummy candy? She was finding them for two weeks after, victim to such a childish prank. I bought her new things because a red lipstick is easy to replace, blood red, rose red, ruby. But you vandalized her life, as well. You left your mark on her and she was never happy again after that. Even after the last gummy bear was found, she was afraid there was always one more lurking, where she couldnââ¬â¢t see it just yet. ~ When you asked me, son, if you could go to your friendââ¬â¢s house, I knew. Right away, I knew. You were in high school, you said your band was getting together to practice. You lied. I didnââ¬â¢t even have to ask her to know thatââ¬â¢s where you were. It was no coincidence I sent you that school, knowing the art program would catch your eye, just like she caught my eye all those years ago. I gave her her job. I gave her my love. I gave her you. Your mother neednââ¬â¢t know. Sheââ¬â¢s happiest living her life wrapped in ignorance like itââ¬â¢s that silky Italian robe she loves so much. She loves her things, you most of all. So I wonââ¬â¢t tell her. ~ Sometimes, I lie awake at 2 a.m. and wonder if we canââ¬â¢t see God because heââ¬â¢s afraid of us. He looks down upon the Earth, upon the streets we roam, upon the sheets we lie in. And he sees what he created and is afraid. Or maybe, heââ¬â¢s proud of us that we can leave so deep an imprint that others can stand at the edge, look too closely, and fall in.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Practice of medicine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Practice of medicine - Essay Example Except for the prudent correction of an imminent danger, I will neither treat any patient nor carry out any research on any human being without the valid informed consent of the subject or the appropriate legal protector thereof, understanding that research must have as its purpose the furtherance of the health of that individual. Into whatever patient setting I enter, I will go for the benefit of the sick and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief or corruption and further from the seduction of any patient. ââ¬â An excerpt from ââ¬ËThe Hippocratic Oathââ¬â¢. Multiple studies and researches have been conducted on the bodily reactions of patients after surgical procedures that were performed. These researches are done by professional doctors and physicians who are bound by their oath and are adamant in keeping their clients from experiencing pain or discomfort as well as discovering a viable treatment to alleviate any pain. To extrapolate such a remedy, hypothesis testing as well as research must be done. To perform to these quite rigorous procedures, the physicians must adhere to a code of ethics that will display their professionalism and protect the rights of the patients. Other than aforementioned Hippocratic Oath - which was formulated in approximately 400 B.C. - there was a plethora of ethics and guidelines engendered respective to each culture. The cardinal evidence of this comes from the bible. In the bible contains the first illustrations of edicts concerning the ethics of physicians. Among the essentials of the oath, the premier edict is honouring the pedagogues of the medical discipline.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Apple, Inc Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Apple, Inc - Thesis Example esigning and developing innovative products in the area of mobile communication, computers, accessories, including software, services and networking solutions. The company is committed to bringing the best user experience to its customers through its innovative hardware, software, peripherals and services in the area of technology and digital communication. The vision statement gives direction to the firm and serves as motivation for the workforce to develop collective goals and achieve them through shared learning and participatory approach. Companyââ¬â¢s mission statements clearly state its commitment to diversity. With its business interests expanded across the globe, it addresses the needs of its consumers coming from diverse background that cuts across race, culture, color and nationality. As such, it not only promotes diversity within its work environment but also strives to exploits cultural competency of its human capital to innovate and maintain its competitive advantage. It is an equal employment opportunity employer and ensures that there is no discrimination based on race, color, nationality, gender, disability etc. In fact, it is committed to ââ¬Ëworking with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical or mental disabilitiesââ¬â¢ (apple.com). Moreover, Affirmative action is crucial ingredient that helps managerial leadership to exploit the unique competencies of diverse workforce. Workers enjoy equal rights and opportunity, irrespective of their nativity, color, gender or race . The organization provides constant learning environment to its workers so that they are able to upgrade their skills and knowledge to meet the changing demands of the times. . The various internal initiatives comprise of in-house training and skill development programs for people coming from different background. Most importantly, management recognizes the importance of diversity and makes effort to exploit the tacit knowledge of diverse workforce to create
Friday, January 31, 2020
Macbeth - How Shakespeare presents the characters in Act 3 Scene 1 Essay Example for Free
Macbeth How Shakespeare presents the characters in Act 3 Scene 1 Essay How do their words thoughts and actions make the scene such a dramatic and important scene in the play? In the majority of Shakespeares compositions, Act 3 usually consists, in terms of context, the most important scenes in the play. Macbeth is no different; Act 3 and in particular Act 3 Scene 1 is the point in the play where events are rapidly building to a dramatic and tragic climax. In the previous scenes the audience witnessed the violent assassination of the much loved King Duncan by Macbeth followed by the (said / mentioned) murderers inevitable election as king. In a historical context, the general public at the time of the productions release would have understood the significance and seriousness of Macbeths actions more so than modern day audiences. Regicide was not only seen as an evil act against king and country but also against God. The Divine Right of Kings was widely believed; which stated every monarch is selected by God and has sole right to the throne (usurper). More notably, genuine threats such as the Gunpowder Plot against the ruler at the time, King James I, made the murder of King Duncan not only more believable but something audiences could actually relate to. Act 3 Scene 1 commences with a condemning soliloquy by Banquo. He shares with the audience his strong accusations regarding the manner in which Macbeth has become King Speaking dangerously of deceit and treason, Thou playedst most foully fort, Shakespeare cleverly aligns Banquo with the audience and in doing so emphasizes the shocking nature of King Duncans murder. In the soliloquy there is also a reference to the witches predictions for Banquos descendants, myself should be the root and father of many kings. This line would have been of great interest to King James I as it suggests he is a descendant of Banquo. Some critics argue that Shakespeare wrote Macbeth to flatter the new king. The direct relation between Banquo and King James is hinted a few times during the play. Add this to the fact Shakespeare altered Holinsheds version of events that were written years earlier then you could be mistaken for agreeing with the critics. Shakespeare made Macbeth solely responsible for Duncans murder when actually Banquo was an accomplice to the murder. Proud to be in their new role, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth greet Banquo very majestically, heres our chief guest. Shrewdly, they attempt to make Banquo feel important and well appreciated, If he had been forgotten, it had been a big gap in our great feast. However this was all a big act, as the audience was about to find out. I imagine in this part of the scene Lady Macbeths introduction would have been very grand and regal as if she loved her new role. After all, she had finally achieved what she and her husband had always dreamt of, My dearest partner of greatness. Shakespeare makes it clear that Macbeth is now king by altering slightly the way in which Macbeth behaves and addresses others. He exposes a kinder, more inviting aspect to his personality by hosting a feast, Tonight we hold a great feast and Ill request your presence. The verb request is significant because it implies the invitational is optional, however I dont believe anyone would turn down an offer from the King as there may be serious consequences. Macbeth continues to take great interest in Macbeths proposed journey which causes the audience to suspect that Banquo might be in danger. Arguably for the very first time in the play, we witness the devious and crafty personality of Macbeth. Shakespeare uses a combination of irony and flattery in his writing to hide the fact Macbeth is actually intensively interrogating Banquo, fail not our feast and Ride you this afternoon are two examples of this. The quote fail not our feast is ironic because the audience have been discretely made aware that Macbeth intends to have Banquo murdered whilst he is out riding and will therefore not return for the feast. After dismissing Banquo, Macbeth makes a rather bold and surprising decision to do the same with his wife, Till supper time alone, while then God be with you. I believe this to be the point in the play where the tide turns. Up until now, it has been Macbeth who has relied heavily on his wife. He consulted everything with her. However, now that he finally has the crown upon his head, I think he feels that she has nothing left to offer. Personally this is pure ignorance on Macbeths part and sense this might be a catalyst for his downfall -Macbeths hamartia. A hamartia is basically an error in judgement, a cause of a tragic heros (in this case Macbeth) misfortune. Lady Macbeth aids his downfall, as she has pushed him to become so ambitious and arrogant that he feels he will be more successful without her. However, Macbeth has other hamartias which are explored further on. If I was directing this scene, I would strive to get the key point across. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have just been crowned king and Queen of their beloved nation. The honeymoon period has just begun and they both absolutely adore their new roles, Thou hast it now King, Cawdor, Glamis, all. Therefore, I would endeavour to make sure this comes across to the audience by ensuring the actors were dressed accordingly; royal robes and jewellery etc. Also, the actors should portray a relieved and joyful persona to illustrate the fact that Macbeth and his wifes efforts have finally been rewarded. During Macbeths soliloquy in Act 3 Scene 1, Shakespeare reveals the characters true colours. Macbeth explains that despite Banquo being his best friend, he understands that Banquo must be murdered in order for him to remain in power; to be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus. This extract would confirm the audiences earlier thoughts and feelings about Macbeths intentions with Banquo. It also proves that the compassion and sincerity he showed towards Banquo in their last conversation was just an act. Shakespeare compares Macbeths feelings about Banquo to an actual event in the past, as it is said Mark Antonys was by Caesar. Macbeth acknowledges Banquos integrity but cannot help feeling that perhaps he is the Achilles heel to making him last upon the throne. Just as in Ancient Rome, Mark Antony was said to be in fear of Octavius Caesar. Throughout the soliloquy you get the sense that Macbeth has constant mood swings. His feelings vary rapidly, from fear of Banquo at the beginning; our fears in Banquo stick deep. to pure hatred of Banquo at the end, No son of mine succeeding, for Banquos issue have I filed my mind. His change in character is particularly noticeable when compared to Act 2 Scene 1. During this soliloquy, Macbeth has little conviction when contemplating the murder of Duncan whereas now he speaks confidently with passion and conviction. Which is startling seen as he is about to have his closest companion murdered. As the murderers appear on stage, the audience are immediately made aware that Macbeth has already spoken with them Was it not yesterday we spoke together. This extract implies that Macbeth had been planning to kill Banquo for a while. This is arguably the first time we see a ruthless side of Macbeth. It proves to the audience that this murder is not just a spur of the moment thing. Shakespeare includes a range of techniques when Macbeth is trying to persuade the henchmen to murder Banquo. Firstly, Macbeth tries to justify the murder by using reverse psychology on the two men, Know that it is he who held you so under fortune. Here; Macbeth is obviously testing the murderers character and resolve. He needs to know how willing they are, luckily for Macbeth they are prepared to do anything in the needs of king and country, I would set my life on any chance. Secondly, Macbeth questions their courage, to which the murderers respond assertively We are men. One thing I cannot comprehend is why Macbeth is even bothering to persuade them. Surely Macbeth has the right to order anyone about never mind two members of the lower class society. After all he is the King. However, I think this represents a key aspect of Macbeths personality. I think persuading the murderers is his way of persuading him he is doing the right thing. By persuading them, he is at the same time convincing himself that the deed is righteous. This would suggest that Macbeth is not pure evil but instead someone who loves power and is prepared to do anything to remain powerful. Macbeth changes dramatically as a character throughout the play. Initially, Macbeth was tortured with remorse after Duncans murder but upon hearing of Banquos successful assassination he is elated. His vaulting aspiration was driving him to desperate measures and he was unable to impede it. Macbeth had already risked his life to obtain the throne so he had no choice but to employ Machiavellian customs to preserve it. Macbeths vision of Banquo ghost at a royal banquet only steers him closer to insanity. The appearance of Banquos ghost at the royal banquet horrifies Macbeth. Shakespeare brilliantly uses irony to make Banquos emergence very dramatic, Sweet Remembrancer! Upon hearing the witches prophecies, Macbeth is unleashed down a spiral of swift deterioration that causes him to become blinded by desire. It is clear that Macbeths objective was driven by the prophecies made by the three witches; hail to thee Thane of Cawdor that shalt be king hereafter. He was willing to do or pay anything to ensure that they actually occur. At first Macbeth is appalled at the witches proposal of killing Duncan, his King and fellow countryman, but eventually he surrenders to both Lady Macbeth and the evil forces. Lady Macbeth and the witches overwhelm his morals setting off a catalogue of events resulting in Macbeths downfall and second hamartia. The presence of supernatural forces in Shakespeares Macbeth, provides much of the plays dramatic tension and mounting suspense. Several supernatural hallucinations throughout the play profoundly affect Macbeth; culminating with the evil forces overpowering Macbeth and his morals. For example, the prophecies of the three witches and the appearance of Banquos ghost. These two points in the play would have been very significant for the audience at the time. Witches were associated with using uncompromising potions, flying, becoming invisible at will and using disguises for the evil spirits in control of them. In Shakespeares time, a large proportion of people believed in witches. Hundreds of thousands of women were accused of employing the mentioned familiars to cause misfortunes and disasters. As a result, many were either executed or tortured. Even King James I was personally frightened of witches, passing a law that condemned anyone connected with witchcraft. In hindsight, it is now clear that witches were just innocent people used as scapegoats for mistakes made by others. Macbeth is a prime example of Shakespeares use of the tragic pattern. The play begins with the rise and fall of a man of high estate. This is followed by a flaw in character, Duncans trust in Macbeth for example, a gentleman on whom I built absolute trust. Then murder, exile and alienation of enemies and allies; King Duncans Murder, the Princes flee, murder of Banquo and dismissal of Lady Macbeth. All leading to the gradual isolation of the tragic hero, tragic recognition of the flaw by the tragic hero; and now a wood comes toward Dunsinane and eventually the death of the tragic hero. Macbeth is slain by Macduff. Tragic patterns similar to this one are used in every one of Shakespeares renowned tragedies.
Thursday, January 23, 2020
A Feminist Reading of Pauls Case Essay -- Feminism Feminist Women Cri
A Feminist Reading of Paul's Caseà à At first glance, it may be considered difficult to give a feminist interpretation of "Paul's Case" by Willa Cather, because there is not much mention of women in the text. However, this fact alone gives good reason for a feminist reading of the story. The lack of the presence of females in this story supports the idea that women were not considered an important part of society during Willa Cather's lifetime. In "Paul's Case," the story revolves around a young male. He is the main character. There are very few mentions of women, however, when they do come into the story they are only mentioned briefly, or they play minor, secondary characters. Paul's mother and sisters are spoken about once during the entire story, while there are four references to his father. The females in his family are mentioned only in passing and remain flat characters, while his father is referred to several times, each time involving an action or comment which exhibits an aspect of his father's personality which makes him a more rounded character. Other references to women in this story involve stereotypical characterizations of them. In "Paul's Case," women are often made out to be weak, in contrast to the references to men who worked and performed physical labor. Two instances in the story effectively demonstrate this stereotypical weakness. First, one of Paul's teachers commented, "I happen to know that he was born in Colorado, only a few months before his mother died out there of a long illness." This remark makes Paul's mother fragile and sickly; since she is a weak woman, she is overtaken and killed by her illness. Another example of this stereotype is when Paul includes his sister in his lies, "hi... ...t the Venus of Milo as he passed her on the stairway." Paul may have had probable cause to dislike his teacher, however, the statue had done nothing to provoke him aside from being female. The distasteful gesture he made towards the statue embodies his attitude towards the entire female gender. "Paul's Case" is clearly product of the influences of a patriarchal society. Women are not allowed a prominent role in any part of the story, which is evidence of the influential patriarchal society's oppression of women. When women are actually mentioned in the story, it is in a stereotypical and/or demeaning manner. Although the gender of the narrator is not discernible, this story was written by a woman who's views were heavily effected by the opinions of the society in which she lived, which is apparent through the actions, views, and attitudes of her characters.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Fast Food and the Risk of Childhood Obesity Essay
The fast food industry promotes childhood obesity by manipulating the young mind, putting them at risk for health complications such as hypertension and diabetes. The super-sizing of America is been a frequently talked about subject lately. Especially since it is seem to have negative effects on the health of children and adults alike through massive consumption of fast food. Health providers and other authority figures are now concerned about childrenââ¬â¢s obesity rates shown during the past 3-4 decades. They have now drawn a close connection between fast food and obesity and identified a childhood obesity epidemic with increased negative health factors. According to the American journal of public health, 2005 September issue, fast food retail sales in the United States have increased 900% from $16. 1 billion in 1975 to a projected $153. 1 billion in 2004, during the past 3 decades. The numbers of fast food restaurants targeting child and adolescent customers are found to be clustered around schools. With the addicting flavors and affordability of fast food has contributed to adjusting the young minds gradually to grab the quick lunch without second thought. Apart from the many types of fast food offered inside the school cafeteria, Studies have shown the fast food restaurant outlets are multiplying around the school grounds and neighborhood. The American Journal of Public Health estimated that there are 3 to 4 times as many fast-food restaurants within 1. km from schools than would be expected if the restaurants were located around the city in a way unrelated to schools. They also reveals that the median distance between any school to the nearest fast food restaurant is only 0. 5km, which means, there is only a walk of little more than 5 mints for any kid to grab that delicious treat. Some schools in the nation have already begun the fight against the fast food epidemic, although theyââ¬â¢re a much less percentage of the whole. The marketing strategies used by fast food brand s mostly target children and adolescents. In his book Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser describes the history of child marketing explaining the concept of ââ¬Ëkid kustomersââ¬â¢ McDonalds was the first fast food chain to direct their marketing towards kids. Schlosser explains how McDonalds took on the certain strategy from Disney, who by the time had understood the way to success is approaching the kids and who intern will attract a third party to the equation. They understood that the best way to make sales with adults was to lure the children who would keep whining until they got what they want. The ast food industry does not stop until it would possibly attract every single kid kustomer possible. Beginning with famous cartoon characters, the fast food industry started giving away free toys to children as compliment. They promoted unique collections of the current child attractions of super heroes and other toys such as stuffed animals and army troops. The constant advertising of such collectorââ¬â¢s editions, scra tch and wins, party hosting ides with fun activities and also, the building of personal play grounds with structures was and still is a major attraction strategy used by the fast food industry. They know how to manipulate a young mind in to thinking that love and care is about giving you food that tastes so good, and giving away free toys. The sole problem is not in just the types of fast food that is served in fast food restaurants-which are obviously fatty, oily and high in sugar content-but also in the portions. The portion size was drastically increased over the past couple of decades, bringing the once ââ¬ËLargeââ¬â¢ size portion as the now ââ¬Ësmallââ¬â¢ size and having 5 categories as small, medium, large, supersize and combo meals in the ascending order. The trick is, every time you go for the next bigger portion, the customers are made believe that they get more for less price, in turn making the sale a worthwhile exchange. Since it is all about the visual of it, the customers tend to over look that whether it is more for less, it is all too much than what anybody needs to consume per meal. Fast food tastes best when they are fresh out of the restaurant. No matter how big the portion is, fast food can be hardly eaten as leftovers. So children have gradually trained their stomachs-adults likewise-to hold fattier, oily, sugary foods that come in super sizes. The initial issue seemed to be just being overweight and obese, as these children who consume more fatty foods than necessary grew up to be a fat generation of adults. But now, the fast food monster has grown bigger and wilder that it brings children critical health issues at much younger ages. Children in the United States are currently considered to be facing an obesity epidemic. Overweight and obese children are diagnosed with a number of health issues such as Type 2 diabetes, Hypertension, Cholesterol and Lipid abnormalities, Hyperinsulinemia and obstructive Sleep Apnea. In her book, Underage and Overweight, Frances M. Berg, a licensed nutritionist and adjunct professor at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine stated that during the 1990s, cases of diagnostic diabetes for all ages rose 33% nationwide. She also explains by 2004 diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and is the main contributor to health problems like heart disease, stroke, blindness, high blood pressure, kidney disease and amputation which occurs with increased frequency in overweight children and adolescents. Although many fast food restaurant businesses argue that they do not serve unhealthy food to their customers, the fact remains that since the rise of fast food restaurants, the obesity epidemic has only grown alarmingly. And as mentioned before, the portion size has massively increased, contributing to this epidemic every step of the way. This is now not just a concern of individual willpower but also a fight to save the nation as a whole. Studies show that children can be brain washed to believe in anything with little incentives. With the fast food industry being the top manipulators of childrenââ¬â¢s mind, they keep stuffing themselves with the mouth watering hamburgers, fries and shakes. Apart from these critical health problems, obesity brings in other issues to a childââ¬â¢s life. David Ludwig, an associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School has dedicated his life to researching and contributing to overweight reduction in children. He is the director of the Optimal Weight for Life (OWL) program at Childrenââ¬â¢s Hospital Boston, one of the largest clinics for overweight children and their parents. In his book, Ending the Food Fight, Lundwig explains the Vicious Cycle of poor diet and inactive life style which fosters many other negative factors in between. He lays out a great picture of poor diet that resembles over eating, that lowers metabolism, resulting in sluggishness and low motivation leading to an inactive lifestyle. Once this life style is acquired, the amount of calories stored in the body increases, causes fatigue and boredom, results in low self esteem that succumbs to temptation for ââ¬Ëcomfort foodââ¬â¢ which contributes again to the poor diet that started out the cycle. He also explains in detail how obesity due to high-glycemic food intake-the type of food available at fast food restaurants-result in complications in a child in his/her Brain, Heart and blood vessels, lungs, digestive tract, hormones and also mental health. Obesity is also a key factor in most childrenââ¬â¢s self esteem and performance levels. Dr. Sylvia Rimm, a Child Psychologist and clinical professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine describes in detail the contribution of Obesity in depression and quality of life of children. She mentions ââ¬Å"In a nationally representative survey conducted in 1996-1998, researchers reported that more than 60% of kids ate 5 servings of food fruits and vegetables a day. Unfortunately these results were based on a broad range of vegetables that included potatoes. â⬠In illuminating potatoes from the vegetable group, Sylvia states, ââ¬Å"children who consumed five servings of fruits and vegetables a day dropped to 30%. â⬠This means the consumption of fast food is quite often as the most popular method of potato intake is through fries and fries are often not consumed by itself. The 30% that actually dropped was consuming 5 portions of potatoes a day. Rimm shows a wide range of analysis and research done on over weight/obese children on Self Description of Intelligence, Self-Description of Grades in School, Self-perception of Intelligence, self-deception of work ethic, Self-description of Athletic etc, of all which with ought a failure represented the obese and overweight children in the more negative side of the chart. When childhood innocence takes a turn in emotional fields like this, it is high time that there is even greater attention be given to the issue of fast food that make unhealthy little human beings who are not only physically but also emotionally malfunctioning. To bring back attention to the facts and analysis made on the fast food industry and childhood obesity; obesity is currently exposing an unfortunate epidemic in children who consume the wrong types of food, in wrong amounts. The fast food industry promotes sales by manipulating the childrenââ¬â¢s mind with toys and other prize promotions, luring them in the friendly caring restaurants. Children not only get to have happy meals, but they get rewarded with toys and more importantly critical health issues such as diabetes, hypertension and other heart and mental illnesses. The emotional lives of young children which is critical to having healthy physical and mental conditions in future is also subjected to being obese/overweight resulted in too much unsuitable food intake. Being from a South Asian country, I myself have faced the discomfort of fast food addiction as I grew up. I preferred less activity and ate out more times a week than necessary and ended up with low self esteem during my high school years. I was bullied; I did not have guys who were at all interested in me or even good grades. I am just one person who went through this painful process of growing up with too much ââ¬Ëtasty food. ââ¬â¢ But I know there are many more who are entangled in the same web. It is not easy to wake up one day and say to yourself, Iââ¬â¢m not going to be discouraged. We need help. And if as a whole world people need to stand up for the root of the problem, fast food, then isnââ¬â¢t it worth the try?
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