Value of Outdoor Play in the Early Years Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Value of Outdoor Play in the Early Years - Essay Example ldren are spending a considerable amount of time in the settings that pay attention to the structured education as well as recreational activities and therefore leave very little time for the children to participate in the plays that are self-initiated. Outdoor play cultivates all the aspects of the development of the children and it develops a foundation of physical, social, emotional as well as intellectual skills that are needed for success in schools as well as in life. Play that is characterized by pretending encourages communication and therefore enhances skills that are needed in communication, role playing as well as perspective taking while developing the skills that are needed to solve problems which include persuading, compromising as well as cooperating (Mayesky, 2009, p. 128). Learning that takes place outside the classroom has the advantage of supporting the development of a lifestyle that can be perceived to be healthy since it gives children the chance to take part in physical activities which involve freedom and movement while encouraging a sense of wellbeing. It also allows them to have contact with the natural world while availing to them experiences, which are specific to the outdoors that may include exposure to the weather as well as different seasons. It also goes a long way in the development of skills that are needed for dealing with problems while developing a sense of creativity as well as opportunities that will enhance imag ination, ingenuity and

Financial accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Financial accounting - Essay Example It is headquartered at Dearborn, Michigan, USA. The company has remained under family ownership ever since (Bender, Slade, and Thorpe, 2009, p. 4). Ford Motor conducts its business in two different business segments namely, automotives and financial services sector. This report entails about the assets utilised by the company to carry on its business activities. This report also analyses the technological and other means through which the organisation generates revenue out of its assets. The process of asset valuation used by Ford Motors has also been included in this study. Finally the various sources of funds utilised by the company to conduct its operational activities have been discussed in this study. Assets The consolidated balance sheet of Ford Motors Company includes various types of assets owned by the company. Some of those items are: cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, finance receivables, investment in operating leases, inventories, property, deferred income taxes and intangible assets. As at 31 December 2011, Ford Motors had $18,618 million as marketable securities (Ford Motor Co., 2012). Marketable securities are a form of assets which helps in storing excess cash that can help to generate return for the company (Fabozzi, and Peterson, 2003, p. 645). Ford Motors is found to have invested in the marketable securities of automotive and financial services sector. Total assets of the company in the form of investment in operating leases were $12,838 million as on 31 December 2012 (Ford Motor Co., 2012, p. FS-4). Those operating leases mostly consisted of lease contracts for vehicles with all its different types of existing customers. Accounts receivables are mainly in the form of finance receivables which amounted to $69,976 million as at 31 December 2011. Other receivables amounted to $8,565 million (Ford Motor Co., 2012, FS-4). The finance receivables correspond to the automotive and financial services sector. The notes receivables in the automotive sector are primarily related to the purpose of restructuring the businesses of the company and loans with the suppliers. Ford Motor Credit Company LLC which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford motors offers different types of automotive financing products all around the world. Ford Credit's business activities mostly consist of supporting its dealers and financing the vehicles. This results in a large portfolio of leases and finance receivables for the company. The total inventories of the company as at 31 December 2011 were $5,901 million (Ford Motor Co., 2012, FS-4). The inventories of the company consisted of raw materials, work-in-process and supplies which amounted to $2,847 million at the end of the financial year 2011. The finished products amounted to $3,982 million and total inventory is calculated as $5,901 million after adjusting on the basis of (Last in First Out) LIFO. Thus the inventories of Ford motors are lean in nature because they follow the build t o order strategy (Ford Motor Co., 2012, FS-38). The inventories of the company which is primarily the service part obsolescence amounted to an ending balance of $249 million as at 31 December 2012 (Ford Motor Co., 2012, p. FSS-1). Use of Technology and Revenue Generation Revenues are recognised by the companies in United States mostly in accordance with the US GAAP (Nikolai, Bazley, and Jones, 2009, p. 931). Revenues from the automotive business segment of Ford Motors are generally generated through sales of automobiles and its accessories. Revenues are recorded in the books of account of the company only after the risks and rewards of ownership related to the products are completely transferred to its

Community Health Needs Assessment Tools Health And Social Care Essay

Community Health Needs Assessment Tools Health And Social Care Essay The research need to generate qualitative and quantitative data regarding a particular community health need is directly proportionate to the impact that the particular health need has on the community and sometimes even the mortality/morbidity generated by the particular health problem. In this regard, in this current assessment we review the health needs of coal mining workers in West Virginia, USA to identify hazards and risk factors pertaining to their health, by virtue of their designated profession. Community health needs assessment is a rigorous project that serves the population under study by elucidating the current needs, reflecting the situation which is often not balanced between health providers, insurance schemes, health administration and/or community leaders. It also serves at identifying particular needs that are overlooked by healthcare officials that are either novel or problematical by elucidating perceived and expressed health and wellbeing needs. In other words, it can be a useful means to depict the selected communitys horizon in respect to health needs, healthcare shortfalls and aetiology, all useful areas for the facilitation of better public health management. In order to perform an accurate community health needs assessment, research should be grounded on an up to date background study of the selected populations demographics and census (socioeconomic, workforce and other) data, where available. Moreover, particular health factors should be taken into account by managing information currently disseminated through healthcare officials (such as mortality, disease prevalence, risk factors analysis). This research would also benefit from an on-site review of environmental and work related conditions, if possible. The most useful and widely used instrument to conduct a community health needs assessment and subsequent analysis is by means of a structured questionnaire based survey that will employ cross sectional and population specific items targeted at the current health need. Moreover, the instrument should be designed with attention to environment and state specific conditions, such as regulations and laws, insurance coverage and even so, local traditions and unwritten codes of conduct. For the above reasons, in this essay we will conduct a review of available information on the community of Coal Mining Workers in West Virginia, USA. After the acquisition and analysis of the pertaining data, we will present a structured survey instrument, aiming to identify health needs with respect to existing health problems and patient satisfaction. BACKGROUND-RESEARCH We searched a wide array of online databases and organisations providing demographic and other information for the population in question. We also conducted a MEDLINE search, to draw the picture of already identified health needs and/or needs assessments already conducted in this population. Search terms employed were coal workers, west Virginia, health needs, pneumoconiosis, interstitial lung disease, occupational hazard alone or in combination. West Virginia is a state in the Mid-Atlantic section of the USA, capital Charleston. The state is notorious for its mountain composition and significant coal mining industries. The mineral and coal resources in the area are vast, and West Virginia has been considered to have fuelled a great part of the industrial revolution of the developed world. Moreover, coal mining and related work constituted major part of the employment activities of the state, while still in the 21st century, it is believed that mining safety and environmental concerns are amongst the most challenging issues facing the state. In 2009, West Virginia was inhabited by 1,819,777 people. 5.6% of West Virginias population were reported as under 5, 22.3% under 18, and 15.3% were 65 or older. Females made up approximately 51.4% of the population (United States Census Bureau, 2010). Moreover, according to US Census Bureau Data, West Virginia is the third lowest in per capita income state. It also ranks last at median household income. Virginias adult population with a bachelors degree is the lowest in the U.S. At 17.3%. The main economy is coal, and the state is the lead in coal production, second only to Wyoming.From the West Virginia Office of Miners Health, Safety and Training we find that the West Virginia Coal Industry provides about 30,000 direct jobs in WV, including miners, mine contractors, coal preparation plant employees and mine supply companies. In particular 20,715 are registered as employees in the 188 active coal mines in WV, while an additional 4,842 work as an independent contractor. From the same source we read that for 2009, fatal accidents were 3, non fatal accidents 1,164 and the accident frequency was estimated to be   2.79%. Involved in accidents are mainly high voltage equipment, and areas in and around river load outs. But apart from fatalities, a major health problem for VW coal mining workers is pneumoconiosis, or black lung. The CDC has implemented a safety and health chapter regarding occupational Respiratory Disease Surveillance, and especially for coal miners, the Enhanced Coal Workers Health Surveillance Program (ECWHSP). The ECWHSP includes surveys that include specifically designed standardized health questionnaires, work histories, spirometry testing, radiographic examinations, and collection of other relevant health information, which are gathered in a specially designed mobile examination unit by trained personnel on site.Results of the ECWHSP 2009 survey on mine workers in West Virginia are shown on table 1: Finding Examined Rate Total Participation 1,884 20% 9,593 pneumoconiosis (>=1/0 or PMF). 93 5% 1,884 pneumoconiosis (>=2/1 or PMF). 43 2% PMF 24 1% advanced pneumoconiosis 35 2% have a chronic cough. 624 34% bring up phlegm from their chest. 690 38% have chest sounds of wheezing. 613 34% have had an attack of wheezing 738 41% have experienced dyspnea on level 741 41% have experienced dyspnea on a hill 1,119 62% have chest tightness 672 37% have chronic bronchitis. 142 8% have emphysema. 79 4% have had pneumonia 337 19% have asthma 132 7% have tuberculosis. 4 0% never smoked. 954 53% former smokers 455 25% current smokers 393 22% Although under a lot of argumentation, coal and in general volatiles (dust) have been proven by sufficient evident as causes of respiratory damage. In detail, in coal miners a significant association between the level of FEV1 and dust was found, even after adjustment for age, physique and smoking (Cowie ,1999; Soutar 1989). Some more interesting figures arise from the State Health Facts website, shown in Table 2: Measured index WEST VIRGINIA USA Age-Adjusted Invasive Cancer Incidence Rate per 100,000 Population, 2005 484.2 458.4 Births of Low Birth weight as a Percent of All Births, 2006 9.7 8.3 Number of Deaths per 100,000 Population, 2007 951.7 760.31 Life Expectancy at Birth (in years), 2005 75.3 78.0 Percent of Adults Who Have Ever Been Told by a Doctor that They Have Diabetes, 2008 11,9 8,2 Number of Deaths Due to Diseases of the Heart per 100,000 Population, 2006 236,9 200,2 Asthma prevalence among adults 9.0 8,2 Percentage of Adult Population Aged 21-64 Years Who Reported a Disability, 2007 22,4 12,8 The above figures need to be assessed in caution regarding the high prevalence of occupation of coal worker in West Virginia. Apart from the apparent pathophysiology of dust entering the lungs and rendering them chronically inflammatory, with signs of fibrosis and atelectasia or other interstitial pneumonic disease or pneumonoconiasis, health needs of coal mining workers are extended to a variety of diseases that are not as commonly identifiable at the first look. Although current screening methods and occupational policies do exist for these workers, they tend to be centred on respiratory diseases. Coal Mining however, is a demanding, time consuming manual labour that is often exigent and causes a variety of clinical manifestations. As such we can consider lower back pain, physical limitations (Galagher,2005) cervical spine degenerative changes, vibration-hazard related body changes, sudden coronary death (Kopytina et al, 1993), skin lesions (Begraca et al, 1991)and mental health changes (Lagunov,1991). Moreover, the coal mining community often has unmet needs on the level of healthcare access and utilization, that different stakeholders are usually unaware. In a study by Smith et al,2005 a community health needs assessment was the means to the provision of a community nurse and a revision in healthcare provision among former miners in Kent. Having reviewed the major components of community health needs assessment for mine workers in West Virginia and having conducted the appropriate background review, we propose the following questionnaire as a tool to conducting an effective and fruitful evaluation of perceived and actual health needs, in a community of mine workers. This tool comprises of a health needs assessment part, where the answers are left open and views are encouraged for propositions in order to facilitate the analysis of expected health and participation to health concerns. The second part is a standardized demographics and health questionnaire that is used widely in this form, with minor alterations in assessing the perceived health and demographic information of the study population in question. Emphasis is given on other diseases that might affect the coal mining community ( participants are requested to count five-5 major health concerns) and on perceived level of attention and care this community is receiving or should be receiving according to its needs. A question regarding their siblings health is put in the end to elucidate concerns that are also documented in the literature regarding out of site contamination with dust by coal workers that bring their occupational hazard in the family home or by dispersion in neighbourly areas (Pless-Mulloli et al, 2001). QUESTIONNAIRE: We are conducting a review of the Health Needs within the WV coal mining community. Along with statistical data and analysis we are also interested in your viewpoints. Instructions Part One: Health Problems There are several factors that influence or determine whether the people in your coal miners community are healthy. From the following list, please rank from 1-5 (1 being the highest priority) what you think are the top five health and disability issues affecting your community? Health Issue Your Ranking (1-5) Asthma / Respiratory Disease / Pneumoconiasis Cancer Cardiovascular Disease Depression / Psychiatric Disorders Diabetes Disability Drug and Alcohol use Nutrition Obesity Oral Health Physical Injury (including violence and accidents) Self harm / Suicide Sexual Health Smoking Other (please specify below) What do you think is needed to address the top three priority issues identified above and what difference will this make? Issue 1: Issue 2: Issue 3: What is needed? What is needed? What is needed? What difference will this make? What difference will this make? What difference will this make? How much influence do you think the following have as to whether people in your coal mining community are healthy? Please mark each factor with an X, ranking influence from 1-5 following with an X Influence (1 is most, 5 is least) Factors 1 2 3 4 5 Cost of services Ease of access to health services Education Employment Family support Housing Income Social Isolation Transport Community support Insurance status Other (please specify below) Your details Please provide us with some information about yourself. This will assist us with the analysis of the questionnaire results. Please mark the following that applies to you with an X Name (optional) Ethnic Group American German decent Hispanic Other Gender Male Female Age Range Children (aged 0 14) Adults (aged 25 64) Youth (aged 15 24) Older People (aged 65+) Where do you live? metropolitan area county How many years have you worked in the coal mining sector? ( number of years) Do you consider your self healthy? Yes No What is your principal concern? How often do you visit a doctor? List one preventive diagnostic test that you had the previous 6 months: ( colorectal screening, pap test, ECG, CXR, ultrasonogram etc): Does your employer offer health promotion/wellness programs? Yes No Type of health insurance( state) : In the following section, select which answer describes you. *Note that N/A stands for not applicable Always Sometimes Never N/A You wear a seat belt: You wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, rollerblading or skateboarding: You drive the posted speed limit: You eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day: You eat fast food more than once a week: You exercise at a moderate pace at least 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week: You consume more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day (female) or more than 5 per day (male): You smoke cigarettes: You chew tobacco: You are exposed to secondhand smoke in your home or at work: You use illegal drugs (marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.): You perform self-exams for cancer (breast or testicular): You wash your hands with soap and water after using the restroom: You undergo physiotherapy for lower back pain You apply sunscreen before planned time outside: You get a flu shot each year: You practice safe sex (condom or other barrier method, etc.): You take vitamin pills or supplements daily: You spend money on gambling more than once a month: You attend religious services regularly: You volunteer in your community (church, schools, civic organizations, etc.): You donate money to community based organizations (churches, non profit organizations, etc.): You get enough sleep each night (7-9 hours): You feel stressed out: You feel happy about your life: You feel lonely: You worry about losing your job: You feel safe in your community: You are afraid for your childrens health You feel that the government is liable for your health You feel that the government is liable for your childrens health

Feasibility Study of Starting a New Business :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Feasibility Study of Starting a New Business Introduction This investigation will carry out a study to see if it would be feasible to open a new nightclub, 'Sinners' in Maidenhead town centre. Maidenhead is a small town in the southeast of England, located in the county Berkshire. The nearest major city is London, which is located twenty-five miles east of the town. The reason I have chose to investigate this type of business venture is because I take an interest in this type of business as I would like to look into it in the future, and also feel Maidenhead possesses the qualities, and provides a great opportunity to start up a business of this nature and for it to be successful. To find out whether this business venture would be feasible, a feasibility study needs to be carried out covering all aspects relating to starting up a new business. Several tools will have to implemented to do so. There are two main types of tools that will be used; these include research tools and analysis tools. Firstly the primary research will include interviews and questionnaires, and from this the information needed such as demand levels and financial information will be analysed to help with the final decision of the study. For secondary research company account will be used, along with books, maps, and Internet sites. All these sources will allow me to find out about the local area of Maidenhead such as demographic information and statistics. All this research will aid me in being able to make my location decision. There are several analytical tools that will be implemented, and these will be marketing tools such as PEST analysis and SWOT analysis, financial tools such as cash flow forecast and break-even analysis. Then the final part of the report will be the analysis and conclusion, to actually see if it is viable to open a nightclub as a business venture in Maidenhead. Secondary Research Objectives and methodology Objective 1 The first is to decide where in Maidenhead Sinners is going to be located. Research on the infrastructure and rent values in maidenhead needs to be carried out so information can be gained on some of my start up costs. Locations of direct competition (other nightclubs), and indirect competitors (public houses/bars), which are located in the area will be researched, so the best possible location can be chosen in Maidenhead for Sinners. Method To find out information on land values in and around Maidenhead I will visit the local town hall and pick up some local information booklets. To find out about the local infrastructure and competitors of Maidenhead, I will use the local Windsor and Maidenhead borough

How far are woman and goddesses responsible for the problems that Odysseus faces on his journey? Essay

In Homer’s Odyssey women are responsible for many of the problems that Odysseus faced during his journey back to Ithaca. This essay will analyse how far women were responsible and also compare it to far other things caused problems for Odysseus. The first woman that I think caused Odysseus problems on his journey is Calypso. Calypso, her name meaning â€Å"the concealer† in Greek, using her beauty kept Odysseus captive on her island for seven years. â€Å"He is left to languish in misery in the island home of Calypso, who keeps him captured there.† (Page 63) Odysseus is upset because firstly on the island of Ogygia, Odysseus is powerless: he is no longer warrior and king but Calypso’s lover. The fact that she kept him captive is bad because had he remained on Ogygia, he would have no chance of ever getting any fame and glory. â€Å"His eyes were wet with weeping, as they always were† (Page 66). This quote also refers to this point because Odysseus w ants more than anything to return home, but he can’t and there is nothing Odysseus can do about it. The second reason that Calypso caused problems was the fact that she offered eternal life to Odysseus. â€Å"Yet had you any inkling of the full measure if misery you are bound to endure before you reach your native land, you would stay and share this home with me, and take on immortality.† (Page 68) This ironically, she is just offering him a form of death as he would be isolated from the rest of the world. It would also prevent him continuing on his journey. On the other hand though, firstly, if it hadn’t been for the Charybdis and the Gods, Odysseus wouldn’t be on Ogygia. â€Å"Nine days of drifting followed; but in the night of the tenth the gods washed me up on the island of Ogygia† (Page 168), conveys that the Gods caused Odysseus to be on Ogygia. Also the person who alerts the Gods of Odysseus current location and situation is Athene, who of course is also a woman. Not only that but while Odysseus was being held on Ogygia he was very well treated by Calypso, she fed him, bathed him and clothed him and she shows great signs of Xenia not just to Odysseus but to Hermes as well. The second woman who was responsible for problems that Odysseus faced was Circe. Firstly she turned all but one of Odysseus’ men into pigs and delayed Odysseus’ progress. â€Å"Now they had pig’s heads and bristles and they grunted  like pigs; but their minds were as human as they had been before,† (Page 131) this quote depicts Circe’s cruelness towards Odysseus’ men. Secondly Circe again stalls Odysseus from completing his journey back to Ithaca. â€Å"You are worn out and dispirited, always brooding on the hardships of your travels. Your sufferings have been so continuous that you have lost all pleasure in living.† (Page 136) This quote shows how Circe convinced Odysseus and his men to spend more time on the island. Thirdly Circe made Odysseus and his men take a different route, via the prophet Teiresias, rather than going straight back to Ithaca. â€Å"But Circe has marked out a very different route- to the Halls of Hades and the dreaded Persephone.† (Page 139) This makes the rest of Odysseus’ crew very upset. â€Å"When I told them they were heart-broken. They sat down where they were and tore their hair out.† (Page 139) Circe was very useful on the other hand. Had they not resumed their journey via the prophet Teiresias in the Underworld they would be completely ignorant to the dangers of Scylla, Charybdis and the Sirens ahead. She was also useful to Odysseus as she bore his child. The last women who were responsible for problems on Odysseus’ journey were the Sirens. â€Å"For with their high clear song the Sirens bewitch him, as they sit there in a meadow piled high with the mouldering skeletons of men, whose withered skin still hangs upon their bones.† (Page 158) This quote conveys how savage the Sirens are and that if Odysseus and his men did cross the Sirens without knowing they would have had a nasty death. â€Å"There is no homecoming for the man who draws near them unawares and hears the Sirens’ voices; no welcome from his wife, no little children brightening at their father’s return.† (Page 158) This quote depicts the fact that if Circe hadn’t told Odysseus and his men to go and seek Teiresias then they would never have found out about the Sirens and therefore suffered as a result. So to conclude I think that women were only responsible for some of the problems on Odysseus’ journey as although most of the women hold him up on his journey, (one of them for seven years) they not only show him xenia but they also give him good and sometimes life saving advice.

Thank You for Smoking by Nick Naylor

Sneha Maknojia Professor Christopher Dunn English 1302- Essay One 27 February 2013 Thank You for Smoking Thank You for smoking is about a lobbyist name Nick Naylor who is the vice-president of Academy of Tobacco studies. The movie revolves around how Nick smooth-talks everyone into believing that Tobacco is not very harmful. Nick Naylor's main job was to make people aware of the research his academy does and answer questions on television regarding health claims against tobacco. Nick believed everyone has some sort of talent and he has the talent to talk people in or out of an argument.He always knew what to say and when he needs to say it. In the movie Thank You For Smoking the main character Nick Naylor shows the power of how argument when it is done in a correct manner, which can make everything seem right. There were many instances in the movie when Nick showed the power of argument. In the movie he argued himself out of some other argument. Throughout the movie Nick showed the p ower of art and power of argument from the smallest of things to very serious matters.The first instance I thought he showed his knowledge about argument is when he is with his son in Los Angeles and teaching him how you do not have to be right to win an argument. He is teaching his son an art of argument by saying that to win an argument all you have to do is to prove other persons argument wrong. The reason why I thought it was kind of an interesting philosophy of Nick Naylor is because it is kind of true sometimes you do not have to prove yourself right.All you have to do is that prove the other person wrong which will automatically make you correct. The second time I thought Nick Naylor showed his power over arguing is at the beginning of the movie when he is at a television talk show and he was being criticized of how the academy is not doing anything to prevent the number of deaths of children because of tobacco. Here again using his great skill of smooth talking saying that w hy would a tobacco company would want their customers to die. Again he made a point which I thought was very logical.He put an end to this argument by claiming how academy is putting their own money to help persuade kids not to smoke. Nick again using the power of his argument skills by putting the on us on the other guy instead of himself and let the other guy prove his case instead Nick trying to prove his. The third evidence of Nick’s argument abilities is shown at the congressional hearing towards the end. When he was arguing on the issue of people being not informed enough about the dangers of tobacco, he was asked to come in to prove that otherwise.Here again instead of proving his own point, Nick Naylor brought up a whole new argument to get peoples focus off from the tobacco argument. He made another valid point by saying that if tobacco’s hazardous warning needs to be more prominent on its packaging because it is great danger to American people health than che ese have to have hazardous warning too. He argued that a lot Americans died because of cholesterol so they should put a more prominent danger warning on cheese related products too.Nick gave a great analogy about people being knowledgeable enough to make their own decisions. Just like cheese do not need a warning sign because people are aware of the danger of cholesterol by eating too much cheese, people who smoke are aware of the harm of tobacco. It’s a person own choice what they want to consume and what they do not, people are knowledgeable enough to know what is harmful to them and what is not. These claims that Nick have made about the beauty of arguing supports my thesis about how throughout the Nick Naylor showed the power of argument if it is done correctly.He argued with his counter parts in a manner that it never looked like he was arguing. He talked in such a soft, smooth tone that sometime he was not the one who was defending the argument and it is the other way a round. Some people think arguing never brings any good, but in this movie Nick Naylor showed how arguing, if done correctly, can persuade people to change their way of thinking. I thought the last dialogue of Nick Naylor sums up his talent of arguing quiet brilliantly. â€Å"Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Manson kills people. I talk. Everyone has a talent. †