Thursday, October 31, 2019

Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 46

Discussion - Essay Example The law provides the direction to be used in paying workers that dedicate their extra hours in the business, better known as overtime (Beck, 2011). The wages and hours Act guides the business on employment of children below the required legal age. In this case, according to this act, children below 18 years should not be employed especially in risky jobs. In the agricultural sector, children below 16 years should not be employed to work during school days; instead, they should be given time to take their studies. One of the laws that has the biggest impact on business practices is the sexual harassment law. Initially, people thought that sexual harassment was only meant for women; however, a court decision happened to increase the scope of this law by including same-sex sexual harassment (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014). This came after some male employees in an oil company complained of sexual harassment from other male employees, including unwanted touching and a crude sex play. This decision is important in business practices because it aims at punishing those people fond of sexually harassing fellow employees. Sometimes, people may want to perform certain activities without knowing the boundaries they should go. This decision spells the extent to which people should make their interactions in the work place. It is important to note that some laws can be actually outdated and have to be amended. Changing lifestyles often mean news ways of life in human societies and the same should be for their laws governing their existence (Brooks & Weatherston, 2011). For instance, the sexual harassment law was initially meant to protect the welfare of women employees at the work place. However, male employees have also reported sexual harassment form other male employees and even female employees, something that has necessitated its reform and amendment. The age

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

On Site Wellness Programs in Corporate America Essay Example for Free

On Site Wellness Programs in Corporate America Essay On site wellness programs are now focal points in major corporate organizations in America, as company managers attempt to improve the health and well being of their employees, in order to control health care costs. Some health conditions can be diagnosed early by building health awareness among employees, and carrying out screening campaigns. Early diagnosis also ensures that health problems are treated on time, to decrease the risk of complications arising, thus reducing overall health care costs, and improving or maintaining employees’ optimal health status, and work performance. In the early 1990s, managed care plans were implemented, which helped in the control of increasing health care costs. Organizations continued throughout the 1990s to upgrade their health care plans, in an effort to further reduce health care costs. As we entered the beginning of the millennium, it became increasingly difficult for these modifications to contain the continuous rise in health care costs. It became clear that it was necessary have additional measures in place. Wellness in a corporate environment begins with a conscious decision to shape employees’ habits to fit into a healthy lifestyle. This conscious effort is a much better alternative in the long run, than dependency on drugs and doctors. This encompasses employee education, fitness, adequate and proper nutrition, stress reduction and mental health. Most times, employees in a corporate organization are plagued by Poor exercise habits, High stress levels, High cholesterol, Former or current use of tobacco products, and extreme weight (either too high or too low body weight). Employees whose lifestyles include health risks like smoking, drinking, and who get little or no exercise become overweight at a rate that is 75% higher than those of employees who participate in wellness programs and activities. High-risk employees at this Grand Rapids, Michigan-furniture manufacturing company who improved their health habits through the company’s health promotion program and became low risk cut their average medical claims in half thus lowering their medical insurance costs by an average of $618 per year. If all high-risk employees (20% of the total employee population) in one location changed their lifestyles to become low risk, the projected savings could total $20 million over three years. The Steelcase study that correlated health risk and lifestyle assessments with medical claim costs showed that employees who were high risk in 1985 but had shifted to a low risk profile by 1998 had much lower medical claims from 1988-1990. (2004). In 1985, Average annual claims increased from $1,155 to about $1,677. Medical claims also remained at approximately the same level for low risk employees, both in 1985 and 1988. But those who went from low risk to high risk in the same period saw an increase in their medical claims from about $655 to $1,513. Ten years into a 20-year study of Steelcase Inc, a conducted by the University of Michigan, the following results were evident high-risk employees who dropped to low-risk through participation in health and fitness programs at work decreased their average annual medical claims by 54 percent. In contrast, high-risk individuals who remained high-risk increased their costs by 26 percent. And low-risk employees who became high-risk increased their annual claims by 130 percent. To establish and continue with a corporate lifestyle that is consistent with wellness principles of wellness and well-being on a daily basis, is not an easy task . Most people who do not indulge in exercise and wellness activities say that they simply don’t have time to exercise. Indeed, various work-life surveys have shown that about 84. percent of employees in corporate organizations are in a constant struggle to maintain their fitness levels and their health. In 1999, a study on corporate wellness was carried out by the Lewin Group. This study confirmed that obesity among corporate employees greatly increases the risk of developing chronic heath conditions, and it was also discovered that about 22% of the working adult population have obesity related problems. Obesity and excess weight are directly responsible for 31% of health care costs in corporate America. The fifteen ailments involved in the study included breast cancer, arthritis, endometrial cancer, colorectal cancer, Type II diabetes, end stage renal disease, gall bladder disease, heart disease, hypertension, renal cell cancer, sleep apnea, liver disease, low back pain, urinary incontinence, and stroke. People with a BMI (Body Mass Index) that is above 35 are 6. 61 times more at risk of having Type II diabetes than people with a BMI that is less than 25. employees with high BMI are also 3. 77 percent more at risk of being hypertensive. Lifestyle related conditions are disorders that can be positively or negatively impacted by lifestyle behaviors such as eating habits, wellness checkups, exercise, safety habits, and alcohol and substance abuse. Other behaviors such as adherence to physician prescribed therapies and medication have a direct impact on outcomes and utilization. By practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors and adhering to prescribed plans of care, individuals can improve their health and decrease risk of illness, accident or injury. By doing so, related health care costs can be significantly reduced. Lifestyle Related Conditions also account for over 50% of health care related costs (CDC). Research indicates that early detection and/or practice of health promoting behavior can significantly decrease the severity of Lifestyle Related Conditions (hypertensives can be removed from medication, etc. ) or even prevent their occurrence (cancer, heart disease, etc. ). There are effective programs available that use the latest behavior change techniques that are designed to reduce risks and associated costs for illness, prevent illness, and help individuals develop patterns of behavior that enhance their health. It has also been found that one in every four Americans suffer from have high blood pressure but 35% are undiagnosed (AHA). Undiagnosed individuals sometimes end up in emergency situations or when diagnosed, their illness is at a more costly, critical stage like bone fracture, stroke, heart attack, late stage cancer, blindness, and so on. 50% of men and 33% of women are going to get cancer in their lifetime; and 2/3rds of the time it could have been prevented. Research indicates that approximately 13% of women and 9% of men fail to get the care they need.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Alcohol Energy Drinks (AEDs) in Student Drinking Community

Alcohol Energy Drinks (AEDs) in Student Drinking Community Adapted McMasters Critical Review Form – Qualitative Studies Reference: Ferreira, S.E., de Mello, M.T., Pompeia, S., de Souza-Formigoni, M.L. 2006, ‘Effects of energy drink ingestion on alcohol intoxication’, Alcohol Clin Exp Research, no.30, pp.598–605. Letts, L., Wilkins, S., Law, M., Stewart, D., Bosch, J., and Westmorland, M., 2007, Guidelines for Critical Review Form: Qualitative Studies (Version 2.0), McMaster University, Hamilton. Simmon, M. and Mosher, J. 2007, Alcohol, energy drinks, and youth: a dangerous mix. San Rafael, CA: Marin Institute.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Arcimboldos Water :: Visual Arts Paintings Art

Arcimboldo's Water The picture is of a head made up of many different sea features with a plain black background. It would be nearly impossible to name all the aquatic animals that make up this head. It seams as though there is a chest plate at the top of the body which is made of a crab and there are also shoulder plates which are made up by using a turtle and a large mussel, an octopus has also attached itself to the shoulder plates. Hanging around the neck there is a necklace made of pearls. The cheek is a ray of some sort, the ear is a mussel with a pearl as an earring. There is some sort of crab in place as the eyebrows and the mouth seams to be a dogfish with its jaws open revealing all its teeth. The figure seams to be wearing a crown which is made up of whales, seals, sea horses and coral. The nose is also made up by a fish. There is an array of different colours used but only the coral and a lobster seam to be bright and really stand out. Arcimboldo has arranged this piece so that when you look at the picture you are not struck by individual features but the picture as a whole and I found that happened with me. Arcimboldo has used oil on limestone to create this picture and it seams as though he has built the picture up from the background and added layers as he painted. The ideas used are obviously derived from the sea and sea creatures and are created together in a harmonious way and it shows a sign of peace with so many different creatures layed together in harmony. I think it was made to show that people can live together peacefully just as the animals are in the picture. It shows that fighting and arguing can be discarded and that everyone can get along no matter what or who they are: within the picture many of the animals would be each others enemy and prey. I like this picture because Arcimboldo has incorporated so many different species into the image but it is still very clearly a face and shoulders. Also the message of peace is clearly illustrated and is

Thursday, October 24, 2019

When We Were Kings

â€Å"When We Were Kings† directed by Leon Gast is a documentary about the boxer Muhammad Ali and the culture of African-American people. The music is used as one of the ways to provide information for the audience about what is happening within the film. The music helps the audience establish what it was like back in the 1970’s. It also shows African-American singers and how they are proud of their heritage like BB King and James Brown. The music also functions as a symbol to get information across, for example â€Å"The Succubus. The documentary songs relate to the theme of racial relationships and African-American identity. Setting: The film is set in the 1970’s within Zaire, Africa when Mobutu Sese Seko was in charge. It shows that the village life is very poor and crowded as it was a 2nd world country because it was still developing. There were power struggles e. g. Belgian Congo and also Mobutu was ruthless as he killed 10% of the criminals in Zaire. Even though this was all happening within the country the people of Africa were proud to be African. They showed this through the 3 day musical festival, where they had there traditional singing and dancing. The film shows footages of the African children and women dancing to the beat of the drum in their traditional clothing. During the 1970’s it was an insult to call African-American people African, but when Muhammad Ali came to Africa he saw how African people were proud of their heritage and that Africans and Americans shared similar loves for things like music. Ali then realised he should be glad to be African and apart of this exciting new way of life. The documentary depicts Ali to be the â€Å"Hero† in Zaire as he is seen as someone standing up for the African people. Similarities between Africans and African-Americans: African-American people were seen unequal to white people. Their social status was seen as unworthy and below the standards of white people. The musical performances, from James Brown’s screaming, soul singing and dancing, to B. B. King’s sweat, smooth strumming on the Lucille, inspired both the African’s and American’s who travelled there. The music united and influenced the people within Zaire to watch the fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Muhammad Ali started to realise that black and white people aren’t much different, they care and love similar things such as education and music, specifically, the drums. The drums provided a sense of communication and rhythm betw een the two different cultures. The drum was the oldest instrument that the Africans used and now the African-American singers like James Brown uses it in his songs. it in his songs. Miriam Makeba – Mama Africa: Throught-out the film Miriam Makeba (Mama Africa) is singing the song â€Å"Am Am Pondo. † This is used to symbolise â€Å"Succubus. † Succubus is a women who has sexual intercourse with men in their sleep, until the tire out. This symbol was used since this is how Ali won agaist Foreman, as he let Foreman hit him until he became exhausted and then he striked with one punched and knocked him out. George Plimpton tells the story of the witch doctor who predicted that a â€Å"women with trembling hands† or a succubus in Zaire would take hold of George foreman and that he would not win the boxing match as the succubus will take all his strength and then bring Ali to victory. The filmmakers illustrate this by having Miriam Makeba perform the succubus. Everytime Foreman was shown on the documenty Miriam Makeba would be singing â€Å"Am Am Pondo† in the backgroud to indicate the Foreman does not belong in Africa and that he will get caught in Africa’s trap or being cursed by a female â€Å"Succubus. African children and women dancing to the beat of the drum in their traditional clothing. During the 1970’s it was an insult to call African-American people African, but when Muhammad Ali came to Africa he saw how African people were proud of their heritage and that Africans and Americans shared similar loves for things like music. Ali then realised he shoul d be glad to be African and apart of this exciting new way of life. The documentary depicts Ali to be the â€Å"Hero† in Zaire as he is seen as someone standing up for the African people. The film is he

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Are People Using Too Much Electronics Professor Ramos Blog

Are People Using Too Much Electronics â€Å"Your Cell Phone Will Ruin Your Vacation† James Butte 11/7/18 English 010 Ramos Are People Using Too Much Electronics? I am convinced that kids and teenagers are using too much electronics. While we should all be outside doing something like I remember we would all do in my childhood, most of my friends stay at home and rather play online with each other. Even if I have nothing to do I’ll stay and hangout like I think we’ll do something cool, they get on their headset and it is if I aren’t even there. That’s when I go home and figure something else out. Even when people are on vacation and doing something fun like parasailing, people have a very hard time just setting the phone down for a couple seconds to listen to instructions so in case of an emergency they know how to help save themselves. Some people never get off their phone the entire trip, they’ll take selfies the majority of the ride and stuff like that. Some people even skip out on the best part of the ride ( dipping their feet in the water ) just because they don’t want their Phones, cameras, Earpieces etc. To get wet. â€Å"According to a 2016 Pew Research survey, 77 percent of Americans own a smartphone, and other recent stats have found that users are on their phones an average of more than five hours per day- almost double the rate in 2013.† (http://mentalfloss.com). â€Å"The gap between Internet users and nonusers is associated with income and age, but no longer with gender and race† (https://doi.org/10.1016/S0308-5961(03)00068-5). As people used to differentiate with age and race, people are starting to differentiate more with more of what type of content their into on the internet. According to Hotels.com 81% say their smartphone is their number one travel accessory. And on average, travelers spend three hours a day looking at their mobile devices. (FOXBusiness.com).  Vacation is meant to get away from all of our stress, yet people still have a constant addiction to their phones when they probably don’t have internet service. Albers says that â€Å"by relying on our phones daily, it’s hard to disconnect for even a short period of time. Our electronic devices have arguably become extensions of ourselves, and therefore we end up living our lives through them, almost like being at a sporting event and watching a game on the jumbo screen instead†. I am also guilty of always using my phone like when I’m bored, or texting someone. I often find myself staying up till 1 in the morning because I get sucked into different apps like youtube, instagram, snapchat, and it can be hard for me to just turn the phone off and go to bed, I would defin itely say that my phone affects my quality of sleep, and I can feel my eyes trying to adjust to the dark which doesn’t seem all that healthy. Instead of posting pics to show off or not feel left out by seeing what your friends are doing, we should be more connected to our surroundings and live in the moment. I have some friends that will put almost everything they do on Facebook whether it’s going to the bathroom, eating lunch, or their views on something nobody cares about. According to Today.com â€Å"32 percent say they feel unimportant when their parents get distracted by their phones.† (Lowin). Some people have adopted the rule of no phones at the dinner table to get each other interacted and talking to each other to find out what’s going on in each other’s lives. As said by Telegraph.com â€Å"Google Maps is in danger of doing what satnav did for motorists turning them into zombies who blindly follow instructions while taking in nothing from their surroundings.† when we actually get to know our surroundings we have a better understanding of where we are, where to go, and what’s around us. We get to keep our brains exercised, if we rely on our phones forever, when we don’t have our phones we build the feeling of anxiety and we won’t know how to figure out our problems on our own. Those behind the wheel may not be the only ones at risk of a cell phone-related auto accident. So suggests a study published in January in the journal Pediatrics that shows that children are more distracted while crossing the street if they happen to be talking on a cell phone.(ABC News) People that are walking while using a phone are at 43% more risk of being hit by a car crossing the street. Excessive cell phone use can be a risk factor for mental health issues in young adults. With the constant notifications, vibrations, â€Å"In a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, researchers examined if there is a direct link between the psychosocial aspects of cell phone use and mental health symptoms in young adults.† (MedicalDaily.com) People should worry less about their phones and live more in the moment, and be more connected with their friends and family. Sciencedirect Ronald E Rice, James E Katz. Volume 27, Issues 8–9, September–October 2003, Pages 597-623 â€Å"Comparing internet and mobile phone usage: digital divides of usage, adoption, and dropouts† Foxbusiness By Marissa Piazzola. Published July 08, 2016. Lifestyle and Budget. FOX Business. â€Å"Your Cell Phone Will Ruin Your Vacation† Today.com Aug. 6, 2015 / 11:38 AM PDT / Source: TODAY By Rebekah Lowin â€Å"How cell phones are affecting families and what to do about it† Telegraph.com Natalie Paris, travel writer 28 APRIL 2017 4:05PM â€Å"The science behind why you shouldnt take your phone on holiday† Butte 5 ABC News By DAN CHILDS ABC NEWS MEDICAL UNIT March 9, 2009 â€Å"7 Surprising Ways Cell Phones Affect Your Health† MedicalDaily.com Jul 12, 2013 01:15 PM By Lizette Borreli 5 Reasons Why Cellphones Are Bad For Your Health