Monday, December 30, 2019

Organizational Behavior Management ( Obm ) Is A Essential...

Management Organizational Behavior Erika Padilla New Mexico Highlands University The History of Management 455 Professor Michael Moody Abstract Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) is a vital part of the success of a company. The employee’s thoughts and actions even considering culture are thoroughly analyzed. This idea allows managers to improve not only individual behavior but also group dynamic performances/interactions and workers safety. This theory is considered as a science of the behavior of each employee. The history of OBM started in the 1900’s, with the strong influence of Skinner and Watson. Scientific Behavior began in the workplace, following the applications of behavioral principles to instructional design. Frederick Taylor, another innovative manager was a huge supporter of the scientific method being presented and utilized. Three main areas of OBM application include: Performance Management, Behavioral Systems Analysis, and Behavior-Based Safety. Inside of each area, there are key points to consider. Some would be leadership, decision making, team building, motivation, and job satisfaction . In short, OBM is the study that reviews how organizational structures are an aftermath within companies. The History behind the 21st Century in Motivating Individuals and Groups at Work. We have learned that although many managers think that cash incentives or threats may be the answers to motivating employees, it is not fully true. LongShow MoreRelatedCase Analysis of Carrefour3445 Words   |  14 PagesTable of Contents Subject Page # History of Carrefour 3 Contingent Factors 4 Social Responsibility 8 Culture 9 Ethics amp; Corporate Governance 10 Organizational Structure 11 Effectiveness 13 History of Carrefour (Convenience Stores, Supermarket, Hypermarket) Carrefour means â€Å"crossroad† in French, the implication of Carrefour is that people could find Carrefour stores very easily

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Gender Roles Have Plagued Our Society - 919 Words

Gender roles have plagued our society for centuries. Women have always been expected to cook, clean, and take care of children, while men provided for the family. In the past few decades these stereotypes have supposedly diminished, and women are now supposed to be equal to men. However, this is not the case. Gender roles, and stereotypes still perpetuate our society today, and create an environment suitable solely for men, while women continue to suffer the consequences of these gender roles society has implicated. Gender roles are in my mind defined as certain tasks, jobs, or other factors that only a man, or only a woman are able to do. The article â€Å"Gender stereotypes hindering women in the workplace† goes in depth when describing how it is not even factors such as childrearing that keep women out of top positions in companies, but rather the fact that people still believe women are inferior to men. This keeps women from being able to achieve the same ambitions that men have, simply because they are a woman. Even women who are in top executive positions within companies, only 7% of those women have roles pertaining directly to a company’s profits. To me this shows that these men that control these companies, feel we are inferior, and not capable of controlling any aspect of profits, that we are somehow lesser than them. The article â€Å"Saudi’s in Bikini’s† goes into this gender stereotype as well, portraying how Saudi women are oppressed by men in the ir society. The authorShow MoreRelatedBerdache961 Words   |  4 Pagesestablishing gender covenants. In comparing Warfare, homosexuality, gender status among native American Indian men in the southwest by Gutierrez and I know what I am by Valentine one is struck by the apparent differences that both authors have on multiple levels despite their agreement on gender identity as a product of society and culture. Through discrepancies in tone and evidence selection light can be shed on these aforementioned points of contestation. Gutierrez’s main point of: â€Å"Gender isRead MoreSocial Stratification And Its Impact On Society758 Words   |  4 Pagesis described as the hierarchy order of people within a society. (Macionis, 2004, p.186). Every society has a system in which it functions. Society is usually classified in two forms of systems, the closed system known as castle system or open systems known as class systems. In a castle system individuals are classified from birth and there is limited social mobility to move up or down social categories. In the class system, individuals have social status from birth and personal achievements. DavisRead MoreMy Own Individual Troubles Of The United States Essay1470 Words   |  6 Pages The United States has been plagued with many troubling issues, and this year, 2016, has only seemed to extrapolate these issues. From the exponential growth of economic inequality, to the structural avenues of privilege and hindrance imbedded in our country, these issues are only seeming to grow, not jus t in numbers, but also in severity. Unfortunately, 2017’s future does not look much better. With Donald Trump becoming our president elect, who knows what could happen when he steps into officeRead MoreSame Love And How It Changed The Hearts Of Society Essay1529 Words   |  7 PagesSame Love and How it Changed the Hearts of Society I personally like the artists Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and the songs that they create. Their songs have a way of diving into important matters that the rest of society try to avoid. I am not gay, but I had a friend that was and this song closely resembles what he went through. The song also tells the story of a gay couple and the struggles they had and not just the problems around the subject of being gay. â€Å"No one disputes that biological differenceRead MoreA Specific Culture Of Leadership938 Words   |  4 Pagesspecific culture is driven by collectivism or individualism are also to be considered within that culture of leadership (Barrett, 2014). Understanding these concepts drives how we lead, do business, and communicate with others within the melting pot of our own country and people of foreign lands. Culture shapes the leader’s ideals, personality traits, work values, and to a point, determines the pattern of leadership towards a specific culture (Wibbeke, 2014) . It is by knowing other cultures that allowsRead MoreSexism In Macbeth1547 Words   |  7 PagesSexism in Macbeth Throughout history women have been viewed as the â€Å"weaker sex† and are constantly being denied their rights. Women have always been told that they are physically and intelligently inferior to men. In Greek mythology, Pandora, a woman, opens the forbidden box that brings plagues and unhappiness to mankind. When analyzing Greek and Roman tales women are almost always the leading source of evil and temptation. Not to long ago, a woman’s job was to strictly stay home with her childrenRead MoreSexuality And Its Effect On Society1306 Words   |  6 PagesWe human beings are a melting pot of ingredients and spices that blend to define our essence as individuals. One such component that adds a definitive flavor to our respective recipes is sexuality. The basis in which the term sexuality is defined can appear deceptively simplistic. By a general definition, sexuality is a person’s sexual orientation or preference. Reality, however, has its sly way of skewing the fun damental meaning of human sexuality into a continuum, a spectrum rather, which encompassesRead MoreWomen s Role Model Of Women1373 Words   |  6 PagesEuripides, Medea, the protagonist is more than just the main character. She has become an ageless figure of feminine revolution. Although, we should recognize that Euripides doesn’t give the perfect role model of a woman, he just shows the complications that women have. He gives us real women, who have suffered and become twisted by their suffering. Medea serves as a model for the women betrayed, to the sacrifices of personal power to another for love, of marriage corrupted. Other women in the storyRead MoreSexism And Its Impact On Society1046 Words   |  5 Pageslong way in the getting rid of sexist views , even in today’s modern society , sexism prevails. In Mythology, Romans thought women were â€Å" secondary to men,† who brought upon â€Å"unhappiness and vices† like in the tale of Pandora.(Mark4) The Roman family was â€Å"male-dominated† meaning most decisions were carried out by â€Å"most senior male figure â€Å" (Mark 4) Women were expected to play their â€Å" perceived role in society† - such as â€Å"..looking out after the home and nurture a family† (MarkRead MoreWomen s Rights : Women Of Color Organize For Reproductive Justice By Jael Silliman1326 Words   |  6 PagesSince the dawn of American culture, women have been oppressed. Due to inequalities in the hierarchy of social power, women have been targeted for discrimination. However, women have not sat quietly and let the â€Å"man† dictate their lives. Through movement raised through women of all cultures, change has come to all American women. Racism, homophobia and classism created hardships for the American women who rebled through reproductive justice organizations, anarcho-syndicalism, and embracement of their

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Methadone Maintenance Free Essays

string(81) " does not impair a person’s ability to work, drive a car or operate machinery\." Southwestern Assemblies of God University School of Distance Education Methadone Treatment Programs are Effective in Stopping Heroin Use A Paper Presented to Professor Loyd Uglow, Ph. D In Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for the Course THE 5113 Research Literature and Technology Sharon Pete November 28, 2012 THESIS STATEMENT: To investigate Methadone maintenance is found to be more effective in treating heroin addiction than 180 day detoxification. The objective is how methadone maintenance, a widely used but controversial method of weaning heroin addicts off the drug—with counseling has psychosocially enriched 180 day methadone assisted detoxification. We will write a custom essay sample on Methadone Maintenance or any similar topic only for you Order Now OUTLINE I. INTRODUCTION A. History of Heroin B. History of withdrawals II. How Methadone is used to treat Heroin? III. Research Findings IV. CONCLUSION V. Work Cited Methadone Treatment Programs are Effective in Stopping Heroin Use Substitution treatment or maintenance pharmacotherapy programs using methadone are today the most sought after and effective form of treatment for opiate addiction and dependence. Because methadone is a long-acting opiate whose dosage can be stabilized, it is well suited for daily administration and has proven effective in the elimination of narcotic craving, a driving force behind continued heroin use. And, because it can be administered orally, methadone dramatically reduces heroin injecting frequency and, with it, associated risks for HIV and other blood-borne pathogens. Methadone Treatment Effectiveness The clinical effectiveness of methadone is most commonly measured by its retention of patients in care and by reductions in heroin use as well as improvements in social outcomes, for example, employment, family integration, and reduced arrests and incarceration for criminal offenses [00]. Both randomized trials and observational studies [5,48-59] have determined that methadone maintenance retains patients at levels two to four times that of other treatment modalities (in other words,75%, 12-month retention) [16], and the longer patients remain in treatment, the better the results. For example, for those in treatment more than 24 months, methadone reduces the use of heroin to levels below 15% of those in the period immediately before treatment [16]. Conversely, even among those who have greatly reduced their heroin use while in methadone treatment, over 80% relapse to heroin use when they leave treatment [13]. The most basic public-health benefit of methadone treatment can be seen in the reduction of mortality rates among Intravenous Drug Users, who remain in treatment, observed in randomized clinical trials [11], and later follow-up [18]. History of Heroin Heroin has been around for a long time, and is currently grown around the world, with most of the largest supply coming from the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. The drug had been a problem in the United States for decades, causing the Nixon administration to actively tried to diminish supplies of heroin, when he declared a war on drugs in the 1970s. It was during this time that methadone maintenance treatments came to light, and experiments were done to measure its effectiveness. However, incomplete data recording, complex situations of treatment, and inconclusive evidence have all aided in the difference of opinions that some studies have today. Heroin Withdrawal What we do know is that heroin is a hard drug to beat. The addict’s body quickly becomes so dependent on the substance that to go without it would mean a severe withdrawal. The withdrawals can start as soon as the next day without any heroin use. Nausea, vomiting, pain, sweating, fatigue, depression and insomnia are what an addict goes through when trying to quit. But, if a patient is put on methadone when stopping the heroin, the symptoms are not nearly as bad. The patient will need to work to withdraw from the methadone, but that can often happen over weeks or months. Another thing we know is that addicts that are required to quit heroin without the use of medication are less likely to stay in treatment than those that are assisted by drugs such as methadone. Perhaps it gets to be too big of a task before them to be rid of drugs completely, but whatever the reason, more heroin users will stay in treatment if it involves using methadone or another medication. How Is Methadone Used to Treat Heroin Addiction? For more than 30 years methadone has been used to treat addiction to heroin and other opioid drugs, including morphine. Like other narcotics, heroin releases dopamine into the bloodstream which activates the brain’s pleasure receptors producing a state of high euphoria. To maintain the same level of pleasure, heroin addicts must take increasing amounts of the drug to maintain a continuous supply of opioid to brain receptors. This produces extreme swings in mood and behavior as the drug peaks and ebbs in the bloodstream. A synthetic opioid, methadone does three things that allow the cycle of heroin addiction to be broken: 1. Methadone’s effects are fast-acting and long-lasting. By maintaining a constant level of opioid in the bloodstream, methadone acts as a stabilizing influence, eliminating the frighteningly high and low swings in mood and behavior that characterize heroin addiction. 2. Taken orally, methadone blocks the high, or â€Å"rush,† associated with heroin injection, allowing addicts to â€Å"get off the needle. † 3. Methadone reduces drug cravings and suppresses narcotic withdrawal for 24 to 36 hours. This allows heroin addicts to detoxify without undergoing acute withdrawal symptoms. Administered orally and daily under a doctor’s supervision, methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) reduces opiate cravings, relieves withdrawal symptoms, and produces a biochemical balance in the body. While being treated with methadone, typical street doses of heroin no longer produce a feeling of euphoria, making heroin less desirable to users. MMT is a maintenance program which means that methadone is gradually substituted for heroin in the body. While the patient will need to continue taking methadone, he is freed of the uncontrolled, compulsive and disruptive behavior caused by heroin. Administered under a physician’s care, methadone does not impair cognitive function and does not adversely affect intelligence, mental capability or employability. Methadone does not create feelings of sedation or intoxication and does not impair a person’s ability to work, drive a car or operate machinery. You read "Methadone Maintenance" in category "Essay examples" Patients are able to feel pain and emotion. When prescribed and administered under a physician’s care, studies show that long-term MMT is medically safe, allowing former heroin addicts to become normal, productive members of society. Methadone maintenance is more Effective in Reducing Heroin Use Methadone maintenance is more effective in reducing heroin use among addicts than a 180 -day detoxification program that included an array of counseling services, a UC San Francisco study has found. The objective of the study was to compare methadone maintenance, a widely used but controversial method of weaning heroin addicts off the drug—with an alternative treatment of psychosocially enriched 180 day methadone assisted detoxification. Methadone maintenance resulted in lower heroin use rates and fewer drug- related HIV risk behaviors, such as sharing needles. â€Å"Methadone maintenance is controversial,† said Sharon Hall, PhD, lead author of the study and UCSF professor in residence and vice-chair of psychiatry. [08] â€Å"People don’t like it because it is continued provision of an addicting drug. When people come on methadone maintenance, they may stay on it for several years. The idea of the study was to do a comparison to find a method that was as effective but didn’t involve indefinite treatment with an addicting drug. †[00] Methadone maintenance has been used to treat heroin addiction since 1964, Hall said. Heroin is a short- acting opiate, Hall explained, meaning it produces a high and a withdrawal effect rapidly. Methadone is a slower acting and legal, synthetic-opiate. It works by stabilizing heroin users so that they do not have a heroin -induced euphoria or suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms. Those in the 180 -day detoxification program received 120 days of methadone treatment, followed by 60 days of methadone dose reduction until they were no longer taking methadone. They also received a host of drug counseling services. During the first six months, participants were required to attend two hours per week of substance abuse group therapy, one hour per week of cocaine group therapy if they were found to also be addicted to that drug, and a series of one- hour substance abuse education classes held weekly. They also attended weekly individual therapy sessions. During the last seven months of the study,participants were offered aftercare treatment that included weekly individual and group psychotherapy and liaison services with the criminal justice system, medical clinics and social service agencies. Methadone maintenance was found to retain more patients and be more effective in decreasing heroin use, though use was still high in both groups. Also, the study found that those addicted to cocaine were more likely to drop out of the 180-day program than the methadone maintenance program. I think the results came out the way they did because heroin is a very addicting drug and we need pharmacological tools at this point to fight that addiction,† Hall said. [08] â€Å"It’s not enough to just provide psychosocial services when we lose methadone. There are two ways the field could change. One is to develop more sophisticated pharmacological treatments for heroin addiction that have less addiction potential. Another thing we need to think about is developing psychosocial interventions targeting what methadone patients need like legal and vocational services. Hall added that one of the reasons the counseling services offered as part of the 180- day detoxification program did not lower heroin use might be because they were too general. Dr. Hall points out that the study points out is that a long time ago methadone maintenance clinics had many more services than they do now. She also said. â€Å"And perhaps that’s one of the reasons the 180 day detoxification didn’t work. The services were limited in scope and they didn’t have legal or vocational services or family therapy. Many methadone programs have lost funding for these types of services and we have yet to see what a methadone program looks like that has them. † Methadone Treatment Facilities Many drug treatment facilities have built their programs around these pieces of information. By using medications such as methadone, physicians are able to ease the withdrawal symptoms and to keep the addict in treatment. Facilities may not be able to come up with statistics that say their patients have completed their program and are clean and drug-free, but that they are heroin-free. According to many, this is a better alternative. Many facilities work to help their patients become responsible members of society, by keeping a job or taking care of their family, something heroin addicts find almost impossible. For those patients that require the use of methadone to achieve those goals, the benefit of living a normal life is worth it. Question 1: Is methadone maintenance treatment effective for opioid addiction? Answer: Yes. Research has demonstrated that methadone maintenance treatment is an effective treatment for heroin and prescription narcotic addiction when measured by Reduction in the use of illicit drugs Reduction in criminal activity Reduction in needle sharing Reduction in HIV infection rates and transmission Cost-effectiveness Reduction in commercial sex work Reduction in the number of reports of multiple sex partners Improvements in social health and productivity Improvements in health conditions Retention in addiction treatment Reduction in suicide Reduction in lethal overdose Recent meta-analyzes have supported the efficacy of methadone for the treatment of opioid dependence. These studies have demonstrated across countries and populations that methadone can be effective in improving treatment retention, criminal activity, and heroin use (09). An overview of 5 meta-analyzes and systematic reviews, summarizing results from 52 studies and 12,075 opioid-dependent participants, found that when methadone maintenance treatment was compared with methadone detoxification treatment, no treatment, different dosages of methadone, buprenorphine maintenance treatment, heroin maintenance treatment, and L-a-acetylmethadol (LAAM) maintenance treatment, methadone maintenance treatment was more effective than detoxification, no treatment, buprenorphine, LAAM, and heroin plus methadone. High doses of methadone are more effective than medium and low doses (10). Patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment exhibit reductions in illicit opioid use that are directly related to methadone dose, the amount of psychosocial counseling, and the period of time that patients stay in treatment. Patients receiving methadone doses of 80 to 100 mg have improved treatment retention and decreased illicit drug use compared with patients receiving 50mg of methadone (11). A systematic review conducted on 28 studies involving 7,900 patients has demonstrated significant reductions in HIV risk behaviors in patients receiving methadone maintenance (12). A randomized clinical trial in Bangkok, Thailand, included 240 heroin-dependent patients, all of whom had previously undergone at least 6 detoxification episodes. The patients were randomly assigned to methadone maintenance versus 45-day methadone detoxification. The study found that the methadone maintenance patients were more likely to complete 45 days of treatment, less likely to have used heroin during treatment, and less likely to have used heroin on the 45th day of treatment (13). In the Treatment Outcome Prospective Study(TOPS), methadone maintenance patients who remained in treatment for at least 3 months experienced dramatic improvements during treatment with regard to daily illicit opioid and cocaine use. These improvements persisted for 3 to 5 years following treatment, but at reduced levels (14). In a study of 933 heroin-dependent patients in methadone maintenance treatment programs, during episodes of methadone maintenance, there were (1) decreases in narcotic use, arrests, criminality, and drug dealing; (2) increases employment and marriage; and (3) diminished improvements in areas such as narcotic use, arrest, criminality, drug dealing, and employment for patients who relapsed (15). In a 2. 5-year followup study of 150 opioid-dependent patients, participation in methadone maintenance treatment resulted in a substantial improvement long several relatively independent dimensions, including medical, social, psychological, legal, and employment problems (16). A study that compared ongoing methadone maintenance with 6 months of methadone maintenance followed by detoxification demonstrated that methadone maintenance resulted in greater treatment retention (median, 438. 5 vs. 174. 0 days) and lower heroin use rates than did detoxification. Methadone maintenance therapy resulted i n a lower rate of drug-related (mean [SD] at 12 months, 2. 17 [3. 88] vs. 3. 73 [6. 86]) but not sex-related HIV risk behaviors and a lower score in legal status (mean [SD] at 12 months, 0. 5 [0. 13] vs. 0. 13 [0. 19]) (17). In Conclusion: Between 750,000 and 1 million people in the United States are addicted to heroin, a semisynthetic opioid made from the seeds of opium poppies. This highly addictive, illegal drug is converted in the brain into morphine, which binds to opioid receptors to produce a euphoric rush or heroin â€Å"high. † Repeated heroin use causes drug dependent and its removal rapidly produces unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can last for several days to months. Users become addicts when their desire to take heroin outweighs the negative health, social, financial, and legal consequences of their drug habit. For more than 30 years, the synthetic narcotic, methadone has been used to treat heroin addiction. Methadone, a powerful pain-relieving drug, binds to the same receptors as heroin but without producing the euphoric rush. Because it lasts much longer in the body than heroin, patients trying to abstain from heroin need to take only a single daily dose of methadone to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Although patients become physically dependent on methadone, the reduction in withdrawal symptoms, together with a reduction in drug cravings, helps heroin addicts in methadone maintenance treatment programs stop using illicit drugs and lead normal lives. The minimum maintenance dose of methadone recommended in these programs,60mg/day—is derived from randomized trials that have tested the ability of different doses of methadone to wean populations of addicts off heroin. However, many clinicians report that lower doses of methadone are effective in some patients. The clinicians reports that setting a standard dose will not optimize therapy for all patients, and recommend that methadone doses be titrated on an individual basis to achieve heroin abstinence. Overall, 168 volunteers achieved heroin abstinence for at least a month, as measured by the absence of illicit opioids in their urine. The median effective daily dose of methadone taken by these successful volunteers was 69mg, but doses ranged from 1. 5 to 191. 2 mg. Of those who abstained, 16% took daily doses of more 100mg methadone, 38% remained abstinent on less than the recommended minimum daily dose, and almost half of the patients who did not achieve abstinence received more than 60mg/day of methadone. How long a patient had taken heroin and the amount taken per day did not correlate with the methadone dose associated with abstinence. However, patients who had previously been through drug detoxification treatments appeared to need higher methadone doses, as did those recently diagnosed with depression or posttraumatic stress disorder and those living in areas with lower average heroin purity. In addition, patients who were abstinent on higher doses were more likely to have stayed in treatment longer or attended a clinic where dose reductions were discouraged. Taken together, these factors predicted 40% of the variance in methadone dosage associated with heroin abstinence. The results suggest that only patients with lower methadone needs achieve abstinence in the early titration phase of treatment or at clinics that encourage use of lower doses. These results provide scientific confirmation that the dose of methadone required to achieve heroin abstinence varies greatly between patients, and indicate that effective and ineffective dose ranges overlap substantially. The researchers suggest that clinicians should be allowed some flexibility in determining methadone dosing and call for research into the most effective way to determine the optimal dose for a particular patient. For now, they suggest, given that patients attending clinics that routinely give at least the recommended minimum dose of methadone do better on average than those attending clinics where lower doses are often given 60mg/day should be the benchmark for dose titration, which should occur early during treatment. However, patients who had previously been through drug detoxification treatments appeared to need higher methadone doses, as did those recently diagnosed with depression or posttraumatic stress disorder and those living in areas with lower average heroin purity. In addition, patients who were abstinent on higher doses were more likely to have stayed in treatment longer or attended a clinic where dose reductions were discouraged. Taken together, these factors predicted 40% of the variance in methadone dosage associated with heroin abstinence. The results suggest that only patients with lower methadone needs achieve abstinence in the early titration phase of treatment or at clinics that encourage use of lower doses. These results provide scientific confirmation that the dose of methadone required to achieve heroin abstinence varies greatly between patients, and indicate that effective and ineffective dose ranges overlap substantially. The researchers suggest that clinicians should be allowed some flexibility in determining methadone dosing and call for research into the most effective way to determine the optimal dose for a particular patient. For now, they suggest, given that patients attending clinics that routinely give at least the recommended minimum dose of methadone do better on average than those attending clinics where lower doses are often given 60mg/day should be the benchmark for dose titration, which should occur early during treatment. ? Notes [01] Karen Sees, DO, UCSF assistant clinical professor of psychiatry; [02] Kevin Delucchi, PhD, UCSF assistant professor of psychiatry; [03] Carmen Masson, PhD, UCSF adjunct professor of psychiatry; [04] Amy Rosen, PsyD, UCSF research coordinator; [05] H. Westley Clark, MD, MPH, on leave from position as UCSF associate clinical professor of psychiatry; Helen [06] Robillard, RN, MSN, MA, research nurse practitioner at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco; [07] Peter Banys, MD, associate clinical professor and vice chair, psychiatry at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco. [08] Sharon Hall, PhD, lead author of the study and UCSF professor in residence and vice-chair of psychiatry. [09] Marsch, 1998. [10] Amato, Davoli, Perucci, et al. 2005. [11] Simpson, 1993. [12] Metzger, Woody, McLellan, et al. , 1993. 13] Vanichseni, Wongsuwan, Choopanya, et al. , 1991. [14] Hubbard, Marsden, Rachal, et al. , 1989. [15] Powers and Anglin, 1993. [16] Kosten, Rounsaville, and Kleber, 1987. [17] Sees, Delucchi, Masson, et al. , 2000. [18] Dole, Nyswander, and Kreek (1966) Works Cited Amato L, Davoli M, Perucci C, Ferri M, Faggiano F, Mattick RP. An overview of systematic reviews of the effectiveness of opiate maintenance t herapies: available evidence to inform clinical practice and research. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 2005;28(4):321-29. Gowing L, Farrell M, Bornemann R, Ali R. Substitution treatment of injecting opioid users for prevention of HIV infection. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4, 2004. Hubbard RL, Marsden ME, Rachal JV, Harwood HJ, Cavanaugh ER, Ginzburg HM. Drug Abuse Treatment: A National Study of Effectiveness. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1989. Kosten TR, Rounsaville BJ, Kleber, HD. Multidimensionality and prediction of treatment outcome in opioid addicts: 2. 5-yr follow-up. Comprehensive Psychiatry 1987;28:3-13. Marsch LA. The efficacy of methadone maintenance interventions in reducing illicit opiate use, HIV risk behavior and criminality: a meta-analysis. Addiction 1998;93(4):515-32. Mattick RP, Breen C, Kimber J, Davoli M. Methadone maintenance therapy versus no opioid replacement therapy for opioid dependence. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 2, 2003. McGlothlin WH, Anglin MD. Shutting off methadone: cost and benefits. Archives of General Psychiatry 1981;38:885-92. Metzger DS, Woody GE, McLellan AT, O’Brien CP, Druley P, Navaline H, et al. Human immunodeficiency virus seroconversion among intravenous drug users in- and out-of- treatment: an 18-month prospective follow-up. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome 1993;6:1049-56. Powers KI, Anglin MD. Cumulative versus stabilizing effects of methadone maintenance. Evaluation Review1993;17(3):243-70. Sells SB, Simpson DD (eds. ). The Effectiveness of Drug Abuse Treatment. Cambridge, MA: Ballinger, 1976. Simpson DD. Drug treatment evaluation research in the United States. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors1993;7(2):120-28. Simpson DD, Sells SB. Effectiveness of treatment for drug abuse: an overview of the DARP research program. Advances in Alcohol Substance Abuse 1982;2(1):7-29. Strain EC, Bigelow GE, Liebson IA, Stitzer ML. Moderate- vs high-dose methadone in the treatment of opioid dependence. A randomized trial. JAMA 1999;281:1000-05. Vanichseni S, Wongsuwan B, Choopanya K, Wongpanich K. A controlled trial of methadone maintenance in a population of intravenous drug users in Bangkok: implications for prevention of HIV. International Journal of the Addictions 1991;26(12):1313-20 How to cite Methadone Maintenance, Essay examples Methadone Maintenance Free Essays string(110) " and offer as much assistance as possible is enough to get them headed on the right path \(In My Own Words\)\." Opiate addiction is a chronic disease that affects millions of people in the Unites States. This deadly epidemic is one that in most cases requires some form of medical treatment. There are many treatment options available to those struggling with addiction. We will write a custom essay sample on Methadone Maintenance or any similar topic only for you Order Now The three most well-known options are rapid detect, jukeboxes, and methadone maintenance (Medication-Assisted Treatment for Podia Addiction Facts for Families and Friends). Though each form of treatment has its own advantages and disadvantages, they all have one common goal; drug freedom. Research has shown that those receiving treatment are nearly twice as likely to achieve their goal of drug freedom (Mayo Clinic). Opiates are highly addictive powerful drugs that are derived from the poppy plant and are generally used to relieve pain (mayo clinic). There are two types of opiates, natural and man-made. Though both are prescribed by physicians with the exception of heroin, often times when dealing with someone that has become addicted they are obtained illegally. Because of the potential for prescribed opiates to end up being sold or traded on the streets, stricter regulations have been put in lace for physicians to prescribe them (samara). Where they were once a little quicker to write a prescription for a schedule II narcotic, they are now telling patients to â€Å"take a Ethylene or Motoring† (Levied). These regulations have become a necessity in the war against opiate addiction. Deciding to enter into treatment for opiate addiction is one that requires much thought. Generally when one decides that it is time for them to enter treatment, they have hit rock bottom (Levied). However, rock bottom is different for every person. For some, treatment may be court ordered and they are in a situation where their form of retirement is being chosen for them. For some, they are on the verge of losing everything that is important to them, or they may have already lost it. Whatever the reason may be, getting the treatment needed is a life changing decision. The best form of treatment varies from person to person. For some, the idea of a rapid detect would be the best. It is a quick process that only requires a short stay of usually 2-4 days in a detect facility or a hospital (mayo clinic). In most cases, the person will be given medication to assist them in dealing with the side effects of withdrawing from opiates. During a rapid detect, patients are monitored around the clock for a period of time for signs life-threatening withdrawal symptoms such as cardiac distress and seizures (ASSAM). Those that choose a rapid detect can expect to be sedated to keep them as comfortable as possible during this time period. Prior to sedation, they are generally given Maltreatment, to block the effects of opiates. Other medications may also be given during this time as withdrawal symptoms increase. In many cases medication to help control blood pressure and seizures become necessary. Jukeboxes has become popular because it does not require one to report to a clinic lily, but rather are given a prescription to be filled at a pharmacy. Jukeboxes comes in two forms, a tablet and a film, both are administered subliminally (jukeboxes). Though there are regulations governing the prescribing of jukeboxes, they are not nearly as strict as those in place for methadone (FDA). In order for a physician to begin prescribing jukeboxes, they are required to complete online training that is very limited (Manson). For many, that is the only training they have in addiction. Methadone is a synthetic drug that acts in a similar way to narcotics. Methadone moms in the form off tablet, powder, or liquid. The tablet and powder form are dissolved prior to administering the medication. When methadone is taken on a regular schedule, it will build up in the tissues making the effects last longer (samara). Methadone will not provide the same effects of opiates such as sedation or euphoria; it will instead block these effects if other opiates are used (Catatonia 8). A stable dose will vary from person to person. Generally once someone achieves a stable dose of methadone it will hold them for 24-48 hours without them feeling dope sick (Levied)† Medication-assisted treatment has proven to be the most successful form of treatment for someone wishing to become drug free. However, these forms of treatment face tough criticism. It has been said that treating opiate addiction with medication is simply trading one addiction with another. However for those dealing with the daily struggle of addiction, they depend on these forms of treatment to gain control of their lives. For those people, the daily routines, the counseling, the referrals, the support of others and the consequences is what gives them hope; the pop that they will beat this disease that plagues them (in my own words). Methadone Maintenance treatment is the one form of treatment available that offers all of those things and more. When properly used, I feel that methadone maintenance treatment is the safest and most effective way to treat opiate addiction. There are many reasons that I feel methadone maintenance is the safest form of treatment available to someone battling opiate addiction. Contrary to what some may think, or some of what has been reported, these facilities can have a life changing effect on those who are committed to the program (Methadone Maintenance Treatment Facts). These programs are not only a place for someone to come in, pick up a prescription and leave. Instead these programs require patients to report daily for their medication, at least until they are able to meet all requirements for take home privileges. While there, patients interact with office staff, nursing staff, and clinical staff on a daily basis. Patients are monitored for any changes in their appearance, attitude, alertness, and overall demeanor (Levied). This helps to ensure that if someone is having an issue that staff is there to offer assistance right away. For many that battle addiction, Just knowing someone is there to listen and offer as much assistance as possible is enough to get them headed on the right path (In My Own Words). You read "Methadone Maintenance" in category "Papers" The guidelines set by the federal and state governments are much stricter for methadone maintenance that those set for jukeboxes (samara). For instance, in jukeboxes clients walk into a clinic to sign up and within a matter of a couple of hours they are able to walk out with at the very least medication that should last them a week. When people struggling with addiction first make the choice to enter into a retirement program, they are scared, sick, and in many cases about to lose everything important to them (In My Own Words). These patients are still using illicit drugs daily, and are at this point willing to do whatever it takes to avoid being â€Å"dope sick. Jukeboxes often ends up being sold illegally on the streets because people that have been lying, cheating, and stealing for a long period of time are now given a large amount of medication to take home with them (Levied). Methadone maintenance has a lengthy set of requirements before one is able to obtain the privilege of taking home medication (Blanchard and Crappy). One must be in treatment for 90 days, and produce at least 3 illicit free urine drug screenin gs before earning the privilege of one dose of medication to take home. In order for someone to have a full week worth of medication to take home with them at one time as they do in jukeboxes treatment after one day, they must be enrolled in the program for a minimum of three years and produce at least 12 illicit free urine drug screenings (SMASH). That is Just one of many requirements for one to earn the privilege of taking home their medication. They also have to participate in regular counseling sessions. The amount of time required for each session varies from patient to patient depending on the amount of time they have been enrolled in the program as well as their use of illicit substances. Patients are required to sign releases for every physician that they see so that care can be coordinated properly. It is very important that medication that physicians prescribing other medications are aware of the patient being on methadone. By the time patients in methadone maintenance are able to start taking home doses of their medication, they have started on the right path (Levied). They are on a stable dose that effectively holds hem without the use of opiates, and they like the freedom of not having to report to the clinic to be dosed for the day. These take home bottles that are so hard to obtain, are so easy to have revoked as well. If someone produces an illicit urine drug screening, or does not get their required amount of counseling time in for the month among other things, they will have to start earning their take home privileges all over again. Those that receive take home bottles are also subjected to â€Å"call backs (Medication-Assisted Treatment for Podia Addiction. )† This is when the client is allied and given a short notice of when they will have to report to the clinic with all of their used and unused take home bottles. At this time, the bottles are thoroughly inspected to be sure that their medication is in fact being administered the correct way (SAMARA). Because of these guidelines being as strict as they are, less methadone is sold illegally in the streets making it a safer choice. Methadone is also the safest form of treatment for pregnant women who happen to be struggling with opiate addiction (Practical Approach). In fact, it is currently the only FDA approved medication for treating opiate addiction during pregnancy Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MET): A review of Historical and Clinical Issues. When properly prescribed, methadone has proven to provide an environment that is less stressful on a developing fetus (Catatonia, 19). While a proper dose of methadone will help to prevent miscarriage and pre-mature labor, other forms of treatment seem to cause these issues. The use of maltreatment has been proven to cause spontaneous abortion, fetal distress, premature labor, and stillbirth Issues . ) Because methadone is a long acting medication, it is able to provide the fetus with an environment that promotes development. Though methadone during pregnancy is considered to be the safest of the options available, it comes with side effects (About Methadone). Babies born to mothers prescribed methadone are at risk for low birth weight. This is a very small risk to take when compared to risks faced with other forms of treatment such as jukeboxes or rapid detect. Some of those risks include fetal distress and miscarriage. During pregnancy, women are monitored very closely by the physician at the clinic and are also required to provide proof of prenatal care from an BOGGY (Levied). Studies have shown no long term effects on babies that are born to mothers prescribed methadone during their pregnancy. At birth, these babies will test positive for methadone in their systems, however are able to be weaned in a timely manner (Catatonia, 20). When compared to a rapid detoxification and jukeboxes, methadone maintenance is the safest choice. When a rapid detect lasting 2-4 days in most cases is completed, the patient is left without any aftercare other than what they obtain on their own. They are given a stack of paperwork that in most cases will contain a few referrals for mental health providers and a list of AN meetings. At this time, the patient may be wrought the worst part of the withdrawal process, but they are still unstable (ASSAM). These patients still need the support of clinical and medical personnel, but sadly many will not get that support. Those that do not will most likely find themselves in the same situation they were in previous to the rapid detect. Though patients in jukeboxes treatment have more of a clinical and medical support than those choosing rapid detect, they still do not have the same support as those in methadone maintenance. Those Just starting out in treatment, whatever option they may choose, are at the lowest points in their lives. It is because of that I feel that they are in need of the most support that is available to them. To me, that support comes from a friendly smile when they walk into the clinic every day that reminds them that they are Just another Junkie, they are a person. They are a person that deserves to be monitored daily, given referrals for housing, food, clothing, medical care, and anything else that they could possibly need. For many addicts, the clinic is the safest place that they are in all day (In My Own Words). The goal of any form of treatment is to improve the patient’s health as well as their laity of life (Marion). For many struggling with addiction, their health has come last while obtaining opiates in order to avoid feeling â€Å"dope sick† has come first. For many, this low point in their lives will lead them to participate in high risk behaviors. Those that find themselves addicted to opiates will often turn to theft or prostitution in order to fund their habit, while others will share needles used to administer drug such as heroin. These high risk behaviors not only put them at risk for many other infectious diseases such as Hepatitis and HIVE, but for legal troubles as well (Marion). Though the long term results of any treatment lays largely on the person in treatment, studies show methadone maintenance to be the most effective form available at this time (Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opiate Addiction). Drug freedom is a long term commitment that has to first be taken seriously by the person in treatment. If the dedication on their part is not there, the efforts of clinic staff will not be enough to help them (Pogo). Research has shown that that rapid detect treatment has a high rate of relapse (Medication- Assisted Treatment for Podia Addiction). Those that choose a rapid text as a form of treatment often have difficulty transitioning into a lifestyle of recovery. Often times, they are still living in the same places, with the same phone numbers, and associating with the same people making abstinence from opiates even harder to maintain (Mayo Clinic). For most choosing this form of treatment, it only takes one poor decision to be back in the same situation they were before. These poor decisions have devastating effects on their sobriety making this form of treatment the least effective of the three most well-known forms of medication assisted treatment. Psychosocial counseling has proven to be very beneficial to those dealing with addiction. Those enrolled in both Jukeboxes and Methadone Maintenance is required to participate in counseling. However for those that has chosen a rapid detect, this counseling is not a requirement. . Referrals are given to the patients upon discharge from the facility, but not everyone follows through with it . For some it is simply because they feel they do not need it, for some it is because they are unable to afford it (Mayo Clinic). Jukeboxes treatment does require some counseling though the guidelines for this is not nearly as strict as those set for ethanol maintenance. For those enrolled in a methadone maintenance treatment program, there are strict rules for clients to obtain this counseling (Pogo). Clients enrolled in a methadone maintenance program are required by state and federal regulation to have a minimum of 2. 5 hours of counseling time per month (ASSAM). Clients will usually meet with their counselors once or twice each week to discuss progress in treatment as well as the goings on in their lives. By discussing issues that the client is dealing with, the counselors are able to teach them skills that will be useful to the client as they continue on the path to drug freedom. During this counseling, clients are taught many ways to recognize triggers that were once their excuse to use illicit substances so that they are able to refrain from using (Pogo). Counselors discuss in depth the things that seem to be holding the clients back from achieving their goal of drug freedom. By doing this, they are able to form treatment plans for the client. These treatment plans list goals as well as steps needed in order to achieve the goals. If needed, clients are given referrals during this time. When referrals are given to a client, the counselor will check in with the client to see if they ere able to get the assistance they were in need of (Pogo). The fact that the counselors take the time to follow-up on things discussed during these sessions hold the client accountable for their treatment. Because they are held accountable, I feel that it helps to make methadone maintenance a more effective form of treatment. The goal of methadone maintenance treatment is to stabilize the patient. A stable dose of methadone with effectively block the craving for one to use illicitly while avoiding withdrawal symptoms which in turn permits one to function â€Å"normally. † When taken properly, methadone will not create sedation or euphoria. It should have no adverse effects on mental capacity, motor skills, or the ability for one to maintain employment. A stable dose of methadone will hold a person for 24-48 hours which will allow them the time and energy to devote to making improvements in their lives. However, methadone maintenance treatment is a long term commitment. It can take up to a month to achieve a stable dose in order for a patient to get the most benefits out of treatment. A stable dose of methadone varies from person to person (Levied). There are many factors that will affect the dose that one would require to become stable. For many, the tolerance that they have built up over years of illicit use will require them to have a much higher dose of methadone in order to remain stable. For others, health factors and other medications will affect the way their body is able to metabolize the methadone requiring them to have a higher or lower dose. Once a stable dose is achieved, one is usually able to begin the process of getting their lives back on track by dealing legal obligations, following up on medical care that has been pushed to the side, and mending broken relationships with family members (Pogo). The longer one remains committed to treatment; they will have a greater success rate for maintaining their goal of drug freedom. It is recommended that one remain in a methadone maintenance program for a minimum of one year. For many, once they achieve a stable dose and they are able to provide illicit free urine drug screenings, they feel that they will be able to effectively remain drug free on their own. In these cases, the rate of relapse is much higher than those who remain committed to the program for a year or in many cases longer (Methadone Is an Effective Treatment for Heroin Addiction). Those who remain in treatment for at least year are nearly three times as likely to remain drug free than those who are only in treatment for a short period of time. In a methadone maintenance program, the patient along with the influence of clinical and medical staff decide when they have reached a point in their treatment that they are ready to begin decreasing their dose in order to discharge from the treatment program. There is no set time frame to this process. When one decides they are ready to begin decreasing, they have generally been on a stable dose for an extended period of time and have shown that they are able to effectively manage heir new abstinent lifestyle. Patients that decrease their doses slowly have proven to have the most success in remaining drug free. The slow taper allows their bodies time to adjust to the change in medication so that they are able to refrain from having withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms are what will push a person into illicit opiate use again. Once a decrease in a person’s methadone dose is taken, they are encouraged to remain at that lower dose for a period of at least 2-4 weeks. During this time, the clinical and medical staff is able to monitor the patient o ensure that they are handling the decrease in medication with no adverse effects. This process for tapering will continue until the patient has reached a dose of OMG when they will be able to â€Å"walk off’ from the treatment. After the patient has been able to discontinue the use of methadone, they will still receive after care. Clinical staff will make phone calls to check in on the patient and offer them resources that will assist them in remaining drug free. Methadone and Jukeboxes clinics face tough criticism from many. People living in communities where these clinics are located are often unpleased with having a clinic n their neighborhood. Many feel that it will bring drug addicts and crime into their otherwise peaceful neighborhoods (Swisher). What they fail to realize is that these addicts are a part of their communities regardless of if they are enrolled in a treatment facility or not (In My Own Words). It is a common misconception that it is very easy to â€Å"pick out† an addict (Mayo Clinic). However, that could not be more untrue. There are people everywhere that struggle daily with addiction. Some of these are doctors, lawyers, teachers, actors and actresses, and professional sports figures to name a few (Mayo Clinic). These are people that are clean, well dressed, well groomed and well spoken. Not every addict lacks personal hygiene and an education. There are certain risk factors that may be a factor in opiate addiction. For many who suffer from addiction, the environment that they are in plays a large role in them remaining dependent on illicit substances. There are also inherited traits that will influence one’s addiction. Those that have immediate family that suffers with addiction are at a higher risk of also having addiction issues themselves. Research has also shown that males are nearly twice as likely to have addiction problems as males (Mayo Clinic). Methadone was approved by the FDA in 1972 for the treatment of opiate addiction. Methadone is considered to be the most effective treatment available to those addicted to opiates (Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MET): A Review of Historical and Clinical Issues). It is estimated that upwards of 170,000 individuals in the United States currently are enrolled in a methadone maintenance program. It has been proven that illicit drug use has decline by over 60% for those that have been enrolled in a methadone maintenance program for a year. For those that main committed to the program for at least two years, the use of illicit opiates declines by nearly 85% (Accreditation Of Methadone Maintenance Treatment: Assuring Quality of Care. ) Furthermore, crimes committed by these individuals are also significantly reduced. After lengthy research, I am confident is saying that methadone maintenance treatment is not only the safest method of medication assisted treatment available to those battling opiate addiction, but it is also the most effective Accreditation of Methadone Maintenance Treatment: Assuring Quality of Care). The regulations overriding methadone maintenance are much stricter than those for other forms of treatment. Methadone maintenance is the only form of medication assisted treatment that is approved by the FDA for pregnant women. It also remains the form of treatment that has the most thorough requirements for admission, and for supplemental and after care. As with any form of treatment, there are pros and cons, however it has been proven that for someone struggling with this disease that the pros far outweigh the cons. This form of medication has assisted thousands of people in getting their lives back. It has made it possible for patients to function successfully in society. These people will be able to maintain employment and be productive. The counseling that they receive will help them to recognize triggers and effectively avoid them. How to cite Methadone Maintenance, Papers

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Teenage rebellion free essay sample

Teenage rebellion is nothing new. Rebellious children have been around since the first children inhabited the earth. Remember Cain and Abel? So, what should you do about it? Run from the battle? Raise the white surrender flag in defeat? Go to war with guns blazing? As part of their development into young adults, humans must develop an identity independent from their parents or family and a capacity for independent decision-making. They may experiment with different roles, behaviours, and ideologies as part of their process of developing an identity. Teenage rebellion has been recognized within psychology as a set of behavioural traits that supersede class, culture, or race. Adolescence is often viewed as a negative part of child development, as teenagers turn from the obedient children parents know and love into moody and rebellious strangers. However challenging this developmental stage is, rebellion is a normal and necessary part of growth during adolescence. We will write a custom essay sample on Teenage rebellion or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It is usually short-lived, and most teens and their parents weather the storm with minimal problems. So here is the question: how can parents manage the behaviour of your rebellious teen? What measures should be taken? To start with, parents should practice an honest form of communication with your teen. Teen stress is real so this time in a teenager’s life can be upsetting for everyone. Being honest with your teen and taking the time to listen to his o her concerns may turn out surprisingly helpful. Listen to your child with understanding and sympathy, avoid comments that can cause arguments and tension, never lose your temper and say something in the heat of the moment, be there for your child and he or she will always come to you needing a shoulder to cry on. Secondly, developing a set of rules with well understood consequences is also a very effective approach. Teenager must know the boundaries. Explain that as a parent, you have your teen’s best interests in heart, that his o her safety is your top priority and that it is very stressful for you, the parent, if you do not know where they are or why they are late for curfew. It is important to talk and explain, not to scream, yell, beat or spank. Your job as a parent is to create an atmosphere of calm and quiet, not to cause tension. Moreover, parents should encourage individual accomplishments. Never compare yourself with your teen or put on pedestal other teens. Concentrate on your child’s strengths, not on his o her weaknesses and be more specific praising, just saying â€Å"Good job† is not enough. Finally, show some respect to your child. You were once a teenager. Showing respect for your teen’s individual accomplishments, honesty and self-reliance will help your teen develop into a mature adult who is capable of making realistic and responsible decisions. Remember that the best way to discipline your children is to give them a choice and to leave them some decisions. But respecting your teen’s choices and decisions never forget that the dividing line between permissiveness and sheer negligence is very fine indeed. There is nothing wrong with teenage rebellion. A strongly believe that parents can even take advantage of it. It is much better for teens to make bad decisions under their parent’s protective umbrella, where they can go back and talk about the failure and how to do it right the next time, than for them to leave a house and make all wrong decisions.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Dimmesdale Vs. Chillingworth Essays - Roger Chillingworth

Dimmesdale vs. Chillingworth Near the end of the novel, Arthur Dimmesdale tells the following to his fellow adulteress Hester concerning Roger Chillingworth: We are not, Hester, the worst sinners in the world. There is one worse than even the polluted priest! That old man's revenge has been blacker than my sin. He has violated, in cold blood, the sanctity of a human heart. He is referring to Roger Chillingworth's malign behavior towards Hester and, especially, himself. . In his priestly way, he has just made a comparative moral judgment. Although Chillingworth is indeed the one in pain because of being cheated, I feel that his actions are not entirely morally justified. Thus, I agree with Dimmesdale. Although Dimmesdale committed one the seven worst sins and broke one of the ten commandments (all while being a minister and reverend), he still chose to seek repentance and forgiveness (given ample time). He lived ridden with guilt; this, however, could have been avoided had it not been for Chillingworth. He is, in part, an evil type that has a cold heart for observing but not feeling. As a wise man once said, He is all head, and no heart. Chillingworth's very appearance is villainy with its smolde ring eyes and dark, sooty face. Chillingworth's appearance aside, his very singleness of purpose is inhuman. For seven years, he has only one thought: to find and torment the man who has betrayed him. Being a 'wronged' husband, his lust for revenge is therefore not unnatural, but his method of revenge is indeed unacceptable. No sword or poison for Chillingworth. He takes the psychological approach. As far as being cutting with Hester, his kind actions and words later give way to deep and subtle purposes. There is apparently a big difference between what Chillingworth does and what he means. And Chillingworth goes beyond the relief of physical suffering. For one brief moment, he offers Hester a fair measure of understanding. The husband takes it on himself to share the blame for his wife's folly. We are left, instead, with a villainous fiend consumed with hate. All of the demonic imagery connotated with him is a sign of evil intent, for Chillingworth's real purpose is for the pursuit of death, instead of the pursuit for life. He is planning revenge, though not against Hester, but her lover. Somewhere along the line, by intruding on Dimmesdale's private life, Chillingworth has crossed a boundary. He is not in the human realm any more, but in the demonic sphere of soul possession. If you look up the word leech in the dictionary, you will find at least two meanings: a blood-sucking insect, and a doctor. The title of two of the chapters point, on the one hand, to Chillingworth's newly assumed career as a doctor, and, on the other hand, to his role as emotional parasite. He is now a man who lives off another's suffering. His persistent adulating comments toward Dimmesdale are there only to set up his downfall. They reflect the community's reverence for Dimmesdale, and so keep the minister off guard. He almost hears Dimmesdale thinking. I feel that Chillingworth is guilty of more than a betrayal of friendship or an abuse of a doctor's privilege. He is trespassing on holy ground by falsely entering another's soul. The fires in Chillingworth's laboratory are said to be fed with infernal fuel, and his face is getting dark and grimy from the smoke. Revenge is his sole reason to exist. He starts uttering pious truths only to play on Dimmesdale's guilt. It doesn't even bother Chillingworth,though, that he is living a lie. The man is evil and insidious, yet his words often have the pure, crystal ring of truth. In one of the biggest paradoxes in the novel, Chillingworth, being a physician, has only been pretending to minister to Dimmesdale's ailments while in reality adding to his distress. The fact that Chillingworth isn't willing to forgive the minister only makes him look worse. Being the parasite, he cannot live on without the minister. After the minister's passing, Chillingworth shrivels up emotionally; he dies without confronting his true problems. Whereas the minister temporarily, in Hester's arms, yielded to the claims of the flesh, he

Monday, November 25, 2019

Whats a Good PSAT Score for 2015

What's a Good PSAT Score for 2015 SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips With all the scoring changes on the redesigned College Board exams, what counts as a "good score" on the PSAT these days? There are a few factorsyou can use to define what's good: score percentiles, National Merit criteria, andyour own personal goals for the PSAT and the SAT. First, it's critical to understand how the PSAT is scored. This guide will review the scoring scale of the PSAT, along with National Merit Scholarship Corporation's Selection Index, so you know what counts as a goodPSAT score. To start off, let’s go over a few key PSAT terms that will help you understand the rest of this guide. PSAT Scoring Terms: A Glossary Before examiningthe scoring scale of the PSAT, let’s review a few important terms: scaled scores, section (or test) scores, raw scores, subscores, and National Merit Selection Index. By understanding the difference between these terms and how they relate to one another, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the rest of this articleas wefigure out what makes for a â€Å"good† score on the PSAT. Scaled scores: your overall PSAT scores, which fall between 320 and 1520. Math accounts for half of this score (160-760), and the Reading section and Writing and Language section account for the other half together (160-760). Section (or test) scores: your scores by section, which fall between 8 and 38. You’ll get three section scores, one for Math, one for Reading, and one for Writing and Language. Raw scores: the number of correct answers by section. Your maximum potential raw scores varyby section. Subscores:seven scores between 1 and 15 that tell you how you did on certain types of questions. The questions fall into these seven categories:Command of Evidence, Words in Context, Expression of Ideas, Standard English Conventions, Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math. National Merit Selection Index: the scale used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to determine eligibility for Commended Scholar and Semifinalist. The Selection Index for the PSAT will fall between 48and 228. As you can see,you’ll get a lot of different scoreson your PSAT score report. Now that you have a preliminary sense of these terms, let’s look in more detail at how the PSAT scoring system works. How Is the PSAT Scored? As you read above, the PSAT has aminimum possible score of 320 and a maximum of 1520. Both the low and high end of this range are shifted about 80 points lower than the scoring scale of the SAT, to account for the fact that the PSAT is a somewhat easier test. Math isscored from 160 to 760, and Reading and Writing (technically called Writing and Language) isscored together from 160 to 760. Math makes up half the total score while the Reading and Writing sections will make up the other half together. You can think of the PSAT as half math and half verbal. While your final score will lump Reading and Writing together, you'll get a chance to see your performance on each the three separatesections. In addition to your overall scaled scores, you’ll get three section scores - one for Math, one for Reading, and one for Writing, that fall between 8 and 38. These numbers may feel a little random, but it’s actually pretty easy to convert from your section score to your scaled score. To get your math scaled score, just multiply your section score by 20. To get your Reading and Writing scaled score, add your section scores together and then multiply by 10. This chart gives you one hypothetical example of a student who got section scores of 28, 32, and 34 on Reading, Writing and Language, and Math, respectively: Test Test Score Section Score Total Score Reading 28 (28 + 32) * 10 = 600 600 + 680 = 1280 Writing and Language 32 Math 34 34 * 20 = 680 At the risk of making things more confusing, I'll quickly add that your score report shouldalso tell you your â€Å"raw score,† which is simply one point for each correct answer. Since there are 47 questions on Reading, you could get a max raw score of 47. On Math there are 48 questions, so you could get a max raw score of 48. Finally, on Writing, there are 44 questions, so you could get a max raw score of - you guessed it - 44. Again, your raw score simply reflects the number of questions you answered correctly. Then that raw score is converted to a section score and, finally, your scaled scores. Now that you have a sense of the PSAT’s scoring system, let’s consider our original question: what isa good PSAT score? What Makes for a Good PSAT Score? There are a few ways we can define â€Å"good.† First, we can look at the scores that rank in a high percentile compared to the scores of other test-takers. Second, we can look at what scores qualify for National Merit distinction and scholarships. And third, we can look at what your PSAT scores predict for your performance on the SAT. Let's start by reviewing how percentiles work and how you can predictthe strength of your PSAT scores. Want to improve your SAT score by 160points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: What Are PSAT Percentiles? Once you get your scores back, you'll see the different values described above - your raw scores, your section scores, and your scaled scores. Additionally, your score report will tell you your percentiles. Your score report will tell you two percentiles: the Nationally Representative Sample percentile and the User Percentile. Your Nationally Representative Sample percentile may look higher, since it confusingly includes projections for all students in a grade, even those who typically don'tthe PSAT. It seems that your User percentile will be the most reliable piece of data, since it only includes students whoare actually very likely to takethe PSAT. Therefore, the chart below gives you User percentiles, or for how your PSAT scores compare to other students in your grade who took the test. So how do percentiles work? They simply tell you the percentage of students compared to which you scored higher or the same. If your scaled scores land in the 80th percentile, for example, then you scored the same as or higher than 80% of other test-takers. The other 20% scored higher than you. Students' performance varieson Math, Reading, and Writing, so a score of 600 on Math, for example, may translate to a different percentile than the same score on Reading and Writing. Readon to see how scores from the new PSAT are expected to convert to User Percentiles. What PSAT Scores Will Rank in a High Percentile? This chart has the full list converting PSAT/NMSQT scaled scores to percentiles.This information is sourced fromCollege Board's dataon the PSAT administered in October 2015. As you read through the chart, notice thatyou don't have to have a perfect scaled score to make it into the top 99%. This is important if you're aiming for National Merit - you don't have to get a perfect score to make it into the top 1%. Score Reading and Writing Math 760 99+ 99+ 750 99+ 99+ 740 99+ 99 730 99+ 98 720 99 98 710 99 97 700 99 97 690 98 96 680 98 96 670 97 95 660 96 94 650 95 93 640 94 93 630 92 92 620 91 90 610 89 89 600 86 88 590 84 86 580 82 83 570 79 80 560 77 78 550 74 74 540 71 70 530 67 66 520 63 61 510 59 59 500 54 55 490 50 50 480 47 45 470 43 39 460 39 36 450 35 33 440 32 27 430 28 23 420 25 19 410 23 16 400 21 14 390 18 11 380 15 8 370 11 6 360 9 5 350 7 4 340 5 3 330 4 1 320 2 1 310 1 1 300 1 1 290 1- 1 280 1- 1 270 1- 1 260 1- 1 250 1- 1 240 1- 1 230 1- 1- 220 1- 1- 210 1- 1- 200 1- 1- 190 1- 1- 180 1- 1- 170 1- 1- 160 1- 1- This conversion might vary a bit each year, and College Board's data on the new PSAT is still preliminary and subject to change. In previous years, the Math section was slightly more competitive than Reading and Writing. Similarly, math getsnoticeably more competitive as you look at the lowest scores, and you would need 30 to 40 points higher in Math than in Reading and Writing to score in the 99th percentile. For the most part, though, both sections look like the same scores convert to more or less the same percentiles.At a few levels, Reading and Writing looks to be even more competitive than Math.Let's take a closer look at these percentiles totry to answer our original question of what makes a good score on the PSAT. The higher percentage, the better. What's a Good PSAT Score Based on Percentiles? Based on the chart above, an average PSAT score, or one that's right in the middle in the 50th percentile, is about 490 for both Reading and Writing and for Math. We can define good as being not just above average, but also as stronger than a significantmajority of other test-takers. Given that definition, these are approximately the scaled scores you need in each section to score in the 70th, 80th, 90th, and 99th percentiles. Percentile Reading and Writing Score Math Score Composite Score 70% 540 540 1080 80% 580 570 1150 90% 620 620 1240 99% 700 740 1440 As you can see, both sections convert to roughly the same percentiles except when you approach the 99th percentile. Then you'd need to score about 40 points higher in Mathto make it into the top 1%. Apart from scoring higher than other students, you might define a good score as one that qualifies for National Merit. Let's take a look at what you need to qualify. Want to improve your SAT score by 160points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: The original National Merit Scholar. What's a Good PSAT Score for National Merit? The percentiles in the chart above compare students all across the U.S who typically take the PSAT. To determine whether you qualify for National Merit, though, you actually have to look at how your scores compare to those of other students in your state. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) compares scores on a state to state basis. It names the top 3 to 4% of students Commended Scholar. To be named a National Merit Semifinalist, you have to score at the very top. National Merit Semifinalist distinction is given to the top 1%. The important thing to remember about National Merit is that it uses its own Selection Index. Since the PSAT changed its scoring system this year, this new Selection Index differs from that used in previous years. Before scrolling down to the chart below, read this next section to make sure you understand thePSAT Selection Index of today. Important: NMSC'sNew Selection Index National Merit has always used its own Selection Index, or scoring scale, to determine Commended Scholars and Semifinalists. In past years, this Selection Index looked a lot like PSAT scaled scores, so you may not have noticed. This year, though, it looks quite a bit different, even though it’s calculated in a similar way. As you read above, the PSATlumps together the Reading and Writing sections in one final scaled score. National Merit, however, still wants to consider these two sections, Reading and Writing, separately. Therefore, NMSClooks at your section scores rather than at your scaled score. It takes your Math section score, Reading section score, and Writing section score - all of which fall between 8 and 38 - adds them together, and then multiplies by 2. The NMSC Selection Index hasa scale between 48 and228. Confused yet? Let's look at an example. The Breakdown: NMSC’s New Selection Index Where does NMSC get this scale of 48 to 228? Let’s say you got minimum scores of 8 on each of the three PSAT sections. You could figure out your Selection Index by adding 8 + 8 + 8 (= 24) and then multiplying by 2 (= 48). That’s the lowest end of the Selection Index scale. What about the max Selection Index score of 228? You could get that with top section scores of 38 in all three sections. 38 + 38 + 38 = 114. Multiply that by 2, and you get 228. Now you can see that the Selection Index isn’t as random as it might have looked at first glance - it just relies on your PSAT section scores between 8 and 38, rather than your PSAT scaled scores between 160 and 760.You can also see why we took the time to go over all these terms at the beginning of the article! Based on reported data from individuals around the country, we've put together a list of every Selection Index cutoff across the United States for the PSAT in 2015. If you see any error with your state, let us know in the comments! Here are the qualifying scores from the old PSAT (2014 and earlier) and the new PSAT (2015 and later). State OldPSAT Cutoff New PSAT Cutoff Alabama 207 215 Alaska 210 213 Arizona 213 219 Arkansas 206 213 California 222 221 Colorado 213 218 Connecticut 220 220 Delaware 215 218 District of Columbia 224 222 Florida 211 217 Georgia 215 219 Hawaii 214 217 Idaho 211 214 Illinois 215 219 Indiana 212 217 Iowa 207 215 Kansas 213 217 Kentucky 210 215 Louisiana 208 214 Maine 212 214 Maryland 221 221 Massachusetts 223 222 Michigan 210 216 Minnesota 215 219 Mississippi 207 212 Missouri 209 216 Montana 206 210 Nebraska 209 215 Nevada 208 214 New Hampshire 212 216 New Jersey 224 222 New Mexico 210 213 New York 218 219 North Carolina 212 218 North Dakota 201 209 Ohio 213 217 Oklahoma 206 213 Oregon 217 219 Pennsylvania 216 218 Rhode Island 212 217 South Carolina 209 215 South Dakota 203 209 Tennessee 212 218 Texas 218 220 Utah 208 215 Vermont 213 215 Virginia 219 221 Washington 219 220 West Virginia 201 209 Wisconsin 208 215 Wyoming 204 209 Average 212 216 As you can see,New Jersey, DC, andMassachusetts require some of the highest scores to qualify. The average qualifying scores for all states isa little lower at around 216. If you haven't taken the PSAT yet and areserious about achieving excellent scores, then I'd recommend aiming for at least 2 to 5 points higher than these cutoffs, as the actual qualifying scores can vary from year to year. How can you figure out your target section scores? By understanding where the new Selection Index comes from, you can take our estimate for your state and simply work backwards. Let’s consider a few examples. How to Calculate Your Target Scores for National Merit As you read above, National Merit will take each of your section scores between 8 and 38, add them together, and multiply by 2. To figure out your target scores by section, take these steps and go through them in reverse. First, divide your state’s cutoff qualifying score by 2. Let’s say you live in New Jersey, and your cutoff will be an estimated 222. Divide that in half and you get 111 (222 / 2 = 111). Now, your section scores in Math, Reading, and Writing should add up to 111. Divide 111 by 3 and you’re looking at a 37in each section: 111 / 3 = 37. You could define your target scores as about 37 in each section - or a little higher to be safe. If you’re more confident in Math, then you could aim for a top math section score of 38. Then you’d have slightlymore wiggle room in Reading and Writing. Depending on your strengths and weaknesses, you can setyour target scores in theoptimal way. To review, you can define your target section scores by dividing your state’s cutoff in half. Then divide by 3 to get a sense of what you need in each section of the PSAT. Customize your target section scores from there. Of course, only a small number of students are actually aiming to score in the top 1%. You may very well be deciding what's a good PSAT score based on your own goals for the test, as well as for the SAT and ultimately, college. Pause for your quintessential collegiate building. What's a Good PSAT Score for Your College Plans? Even if you're not competing for National Merit, the PSAT still matters and is an important test along the path to college. It's valuable practice for the SAT and can help predict your SAT scores. The redesigned exams are very similar, with matching content and format and comparable scoring systems. By doing some research into the colleges you're interested in, you can figure out what you need to score on the SAT. Simply Google the name of your school, along with "average SAT scores." Most schools release data on the average SAT scores of accepted students, so you have a sense of what you need to be a competitive candidate. Then you can use your PSAT scores to determine where you're currently scoring and how much more you need to improve. Based on your target scores and time you can commit to prep, you can design a schedule to prep and raise your scores. The following is a rough estimate of how many hours you need to devote to studying to achieve certain score improvements on the PSAT. 0-50 SAT composite point improvement: 10 hours 50-100 point improvement: 20 hours 100-200 point improvement: 40 hours 200-300 point improvement: 80 hours 300-500 point improvement: 150 hours+ Whether or notyou've already taken the SAT, your PSAT score is a useful starting pointto measure your level and figure out where you need to go from there. Then you can make a study schedule to get yourself where you want to be. Finally, these are the most important points to remember when you take the PSAT and determine whether or not you're satisfied with your scores. Key Points to Remember If youtookthe PSAT in October 2015, you were kind of a College Board guinea pig. 2015 wasthe first year featuring the redesigned PSAT with a new scoring scale and Selection Index.Remember that the PSAT is now scored between 320 and 1520, which is a composite of the Math section and the Reading and Writing sections together. To score in the 70th percentile or above, you want to aim for at least a 540in Reading and Writing and a 540 in Math (or a composite of 1080). To qualify for National Merit, you'll need something like an impressive Selection Index score of214, or a section score around 35 to 36 in Math, Reading, and Writing. The PSAT is a valuable benchmark that you can use to plan your studying for the SAT. Make sure to check your PSAT scores right away to see if you need to take any further steps, like for National Merit, and to move forward with your SAT prep. What's Next? For more on the changes that weremade to the PSAT in 2015, check out our complete PSAT guide. Then head on over to these free PSAT practice tests and other resources to prepare for the exam. Are you wondering what makes a good SAT score? This article breaks down the percentiles so you can see what exactly counts as a bad, good, and excellent score on the SAT. Besides the PSAT/NMSQT that qualifies for National Merit when you take it as a junior, College Board now also offers the PSAT to 8th, 9th, and 10th graders to prepare. Learn about the PSAT 8/9 and the PSAT 10 and how to decide between these tests and the regular PSAT. Disappointed with your scores? Want to improve your SAT score by 160points?We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Michelangelos First Painting Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Michelangelos First Painting - Term Paper Example This essay discusses the Michelangelo’s first painting, that was the Torment of Saint Anthony. The researcher states that it is believed to be the â€Å"earliest known painting† of Michelangelo in the age of â€Å"12 or 13 years old†. It is dated back to â€Å"1487-88,† when Michelangelo had befriended an assistant in â€Å"the workshop of Domenico Ghirlandaio in Florence† which did an engraving of Saint Anthony from a â€Å"German master called Martin Schongauer†. The issue is discussed in the essay by the researcher whether it is the master – who spectacularly painted the Sistine Chapels in Vatican – has did the painting or other artists in the workshop is an immense matter of interest among art experts. But circumstances of the time of Michelangelo’s painting had magnified the possibility that indeed the Torment is Michelangelo’s first painting. It is also said that during the development of the said painting, t he Michelangelo visited fish market "portray fish scales†. The researcher also mentiones that if Torment is indeed Michelangelo’s, then it will be a prized find by the Kimbell Art Museum in America. The researcher describes the over-all composition of the work, it's visual elements and design principles as well as interpretation of the work and the aesthetics and the meaning of the work. The researcher then concluds that the painting itself is more than beautiful – it is meaningful even. All the elements complement well with the theme and the use of dramatic colors and striking lines made the painting simply meaningful.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Managing in public and private sector Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Managing in public and private sector - Essay Example It is imperative to relate the inherent differences and similarities between private and public sectors based on their primary objectives as aforementioned. The paper explores similarities and differences in strategic management between the private and public sector. There are significant strategic administrative similarities between the public sector and private sector. It is imperative that both the sectors greatly relies on common business administration techniques including planning, budgeting, organization, delegation, and control in conducting daily activities. The aforementioned administration techniques are imperious for all business entities and consequently, both private and public sectors have to apply them in strategic management. For instance, budgeting for business involvement in specific functions remains as a vital activity in both public and private management activities. Both the sectors require budgeting techniques to ensure minimal use of resources and exploitation of business finances. Furthermore, both the public and private sectors require use of planning techniques in remaining relevant to market trends and developments. Planning is an imperious activity for all business entities and managers who aim at success and achiev ement of organizations goals. In addition, planning is of central importance for strategic managers who aim at overcoming competition in the market. Apparently, both the private and public sectors require comprehensive planning techniques in strategic management to enable them achieve their objectives (Desmarais & Abord de Chatillon, 2010). Corporate social responsibility relates to business organizations’ involvement in non-profit activities within the society. Majority of organizations engages in corporate social responsibility to enable them create a good public image within the community that they operate. It is the responsibility of a business entity to attract interest from the public

Monday, November 18, 2019

Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 9

Psychology - Essay Example My feelings only increased during the scenes in which the Titanic actually sunk. The people cared for nobody but themselves, and the rich passengers seemed to think that because they had more money that they were more important when it came to getting on the lifeboats and being rescued. Other people were shunted aside, including women and children, so that some of the rich men could be selfishly saved. I also felt saddened by the fact that the movie is based on true events. Though there are no records of the characters of the film, as they were all fictional, the sinking of the Titanic was very much real. As I watched the devastation of the characters trying to survive, I realized that the people who actually experienced the sinking ship probably went through similar experiences. They no doubt felt the same fear and uncertainty that the characters portrayed. This was one of the most memorable events in our history and watching even a fictionalized version of what took place makes me upset because of the people that were lost that night. The movie 2012 is an exciting film about what some people assume might take place on December 21, 2012, which many people believe might be the end of the world. This is according to the Mayan calendar, which I believe to be misunderstood. Even though I believe that there is almost no chance that the world will end on that day, the movie still makes me feel nervous and frightened. After spending so much time thinking of theories of how the world could end, they finally present us with a visual representation. This makes me never because I think that anything can happen to the world. It probably will not play out like it did in the movie, but anything else is really possible. It brings into perspective that the world could really end, and the hype around the end of the Mayan calendar is not helping much. And since so many

Friday, November 15, 2019

Analysis of Healthcare Models

Analysis of Healthcare Models The biomedical and social model for health The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion VicHealth and VicHealth funded projects Many models of health exist thorough out the world. When a government or organisations is determining the most appropriate model to implement factors such as cost, ability to achieve desired outcomes and feasibility must be considered. The models of healthcare that play the largest role in the health of Australians are the biomedical and social models of health. The biomedical model of health The biomedical model of health focusses on optimum physical health for individuals. This model focusses on diagnosis and treatment of health conditions, with the goal of returning people to their pre-condition healthy state. This model relies heavily on hospitals, pharmaceuticals and medical technology to achieve this goal and is an expensive model. The biomedical model is widely accepted and forms the basis of health care throughout the western world. Advantages and disadvantages of the biomedical model of health Advantages Increases populations life expectancy as treatments advance Effective at treating common problems and returning people to a healthy state Can lead to advances in medical technology Can improve the quality of life for people with chronic conditions via medications etc. Disadvantages Use of advanced medical technology and the health system to diagnose and treat conditions is costly for governments Does not address factors that lead to the development of particular health conditions Not all health conditions can be cured, however they can often be managed via behaviour modification which this model does not consider Paying for medications and treatment via the biomedical approach can be expensive for individuals The social model of health The social model of health focusses on influences that can lead to poor health. It aims to improve health and wellbeing by directing efforts towards addressing social, economic and environmental determinants of health. Instead of an individual approach, this model focusses more broadly on communities and populations in an attempt to promote optimal health. There are five key principles to the social model of health: Addresses the broader determinants of health Factors such as gender, socioeconomic status, culture, physical environment, education and ethnicity can influence the health of people. The social model of health looks beyond the biological determinants and focuses on how health and wellbeing can be influenced by such broader determinants. Acts to reduce social inequities Quality of healthcare, access and use of healthcare should be equal across all groups in the community. The social model of health acts to ensure socioeconomic status, gender, race, locality or physical environment do not reduce equity. Empowers individuals and communities When people gain increased control over decisions and actions influencing their health they become empowered. The social model of health acts to empower and this may occur through increased health knowledge and can happen on an individual basis or collectively as a community. Acts to enable access to healthcare Health care and health information should be accessible and affordable to meet peoples needs. Social determinants that can influence this access include socioeconomic status, cultural barriers and education levels. The social model assists to lower such barriers to enable access to health care. Involves intersectorial collaboration The government, non-government organisations and the private sector should work in a partnership to address the broader determinants that influence individuals health. Greater community health has positive implications for all sectors and collaboration should be sought between such groups. Acronyms are often a handy way to remember much of the knowledge covered in the HHD course. The acronym AREAS or IDEAR may be used to remember the principles of the social model of health. AREAS Addresses Reduce Empowers Acts interSectorial IDEAR Intersectorial Determinants Empowers Access Reduce Closing the gap campaign demonstrating the principles of the social model of health. Since 2006, Australias peak Indigenous and non-Indigenous health bodies, NGOs and human rights organisations have worked together to achieve health and life expectation equality for Australias Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is known as the Close the Gap Campaign. The Close the Gap Campaign partners have developed targets to support the achievement of Indigenous health equality over many areas. Key targets include those to support: significant reductions in the rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander death and illness from diseases and chronic conditions; the delivery of the necessary primary health care services for health equality to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services; big improvements to housing (so that it supports good health) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; a dramatic increase in the availability of fresh and healthy food supplies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; and significant reductions in the rate of smoking among Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. The Closing the gap campaign reflects the principles of the social model of health in the following ways: Addresses the broader determinants of health: The program is attempting to address determinants such as behavioural practices, such as healthy food consumption, and social influences, such as housing, that impact on the health of indigenous people. Acts to reduce social inequities: Social inequalities such as access to healthcare are being addressed in this program. Empowers individuals and the community: Providing an increase in the availability of fresh and healthy food supplies, allows individuals and communities the choice to engage in health behaviour. In conjunction with education regarding the benefits of these foods, this program will attempt to empower people so they feel they have control over their health. Acts to enable access to healthcare: Increasing access to primary healthcare services, including delivery of these services by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders where possible, reduces barriers that may prevent indigenous people from achieving optimal levels of health.- Involves intersectorial collaboration: In this campaign government and non-government organisations are working together and therefore there is the ability to influence a broad range of social factors that influence indigenous health. Other programs that are based on the social model of health include the Swap it, Dont stop it initiative, the Quit campaign and the SunSmart program. A progressive society, such as Australias, does not choose to use either the biomedical model of health or the social model of health, but incorporate both approaches to strive for optimal levels of health within their population. The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion One of the most significant contributions to the evolution of Public Health occurred at the First International Conference on Health Promotion held in Ottawa, Canada in 1986. Stemming from the social model of health this conference saw the development of The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. The Ottawa Charter is a framework to assist governments and organisations around the world when developing health promotion strategies. The Ottawa Charter recognises that in order for health gains to occur the following basic conditions and resources must be available: Peace Shelter Education Food Income A stable eco-system Sustainable resources Social justice and equity The Ottawa Charter also outlines that the following three basic prerequisites are the foundation for health promotion: Advocate Political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, behavioural and biological factors can all favour health or be harmful to it. Health promotion action aims at making these conditions favourable through advocacy for health. Enable Health promotion focuses on achieving equity in health. Health promotion action aims at reducing differences in current health status and ensuring equal opportunities and resources to enable all people to achieve their fullest health potential. Mediate Health promotion demands coordinated action by all concerned: by governments, by health and other social and economic sectors, by nongovernmental and voluntary organization, by local authorities, by industry and by the media. Professional and social groups and health personnel have a major responsibility to mediate between differing interests in society for the pursuit of health. Priority / Action Areas of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion When health promotion strategies and programs are devised by governments or organisations there is the intent to achieve various health outcomes. The following priority or action areas are recommended for use by The Ottawa Charter for creating a health promotion program. Not all areas need be addressed in every strategy. Build Healthy Public Policy This action area asks governments and organisational policy makers to be aware of the health consequences of their decisions and to accept their responsibilities for health. Policies that involve taxation and legislation can influence the behaviours of individuals, leading to either positive or negative influences on health. For example a legislation that prevents people from smoking indoors at a restaurant, can then make it easy for a family to decide to go out for dinner and not put the health of their family members at risk. Health promotion encourages health to be on the agenda for policy makers in all sectors and all levels. Create Supportive Environments This action area recognises the link between health and our societal and natural environment. Changing patterns of life, work and leisure have a significant impact on health. Work and leisure should be a source of health for people. The way society organises work should help create a healthy society. Health promotion generates living and working conditions that are safe, stimulating, satisfying and enjoyable. Protecting natural and built environments and conserving natural resources is an important part of health promotion given the influence they can have on maintaining health. For example, work places that have natural lighting and fresh air support the health of their staff. Strengthen Community Actions This action area recognises that community participation in setting priorities and making decision on the direction of health matters can lead to empowerment. When a community feels like its voice is being heard this can lead to increased participation and engagement in health promotion activities. For the community to draw on its human and material resources to promote good health it requires access to information, learning opportunities and funding support. Develop Personal Skills To increase options for people to exercise more control over their health personal and social development needs to occur. Providing information, education and opportunities for skill development whether that be at school, home, work or in the community will allow for learning and development of personal skills to occur. Reorient Health Services This action area recognises the need for the health promotion message to be shared amongst more than doctors and hospitals it needs to be shared among individuals, community groups and governments also. For example, if new medical knowledge exists regarding limiting the prevalence of childhood obesity, medical staff should be encouraged to share this information at community forums and via school visits. SunSmart program demonstrating the Ottawa Charter priority / action areas. Cancer Council Victoria  and the  Victorian Health Promotion Foundation  first funded SunSmart in 1988 in Victoria.Since inception the program has prevented more than 100,000 skin cancers and saved thousands of lives making it one of the most successful programs in Australia. Today  SunSmart is a multi-faceted program recognised for providing leadership and innovation in ultraviolet radiation (UV) protection. Programs operate in each state and territory of Australia by respective Cancer Councils, all using common principals but tailored to jurisdictional priorities.  The sun protection message is currently  Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! Slide! SunSmart seeks to influence individual sun protection behaviours, those with responsibilities for protecting others and broader environmental change. SunSmart also aims to promote and improve the awareness of a balanced approach to UV exposure and the link with  vitamin D. Building Health Public Policy: The program is an advocate for change and implementation of SunSmart recommendations in schools , workplaces and local government areas. Create Supportive Environment: Encouraging schools, workplaces and governments to provide shaded areas for people when they are outdooea creates an environment that supports the SunSmart approach. Strengthen Community Actions:By working with various groups in the community, such as early childhood centres and sporting clubs, to reduce UV exposure the program is reducing the risk of skin cancer. Develop Personal Skills: The Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide advertising campaign is teaching people strategies to decrease their risk of developing skin cancer. Reorient Health Services: Working with a variety of groups and individuals across the health sector improves knowledge and skills that people have for reducing UV exposure. Other programs that incorporate the Ottawa Charter priority / action areas include the Swap it, Dont stop it initiative, the Quit campaign and the Closing the gap campaign. An acronym to assist remembering the first word of each Ottawa Charter action area is Bad Cats Smell Dead Ratsà ¢. VicHealth The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, more commonly referred to as VicHealth was established in 1987 and works in partnership with organisations, communities and individuals to make health a central part of daily living. The focus of VicHealth is primarily on health promotion and prevention of health conditions for Victorians. VicHealth does not implement programs but advocates and financially support health promotion initiatives. The mission of VicHealth is to build the capabilities of organisations, communities and individuals in ways that: change social, economic, cultural and physical environments to improve health for all Victorians; strengthen the understanding and the skills of individuals in ways that support their efforts to achieve and maintain health. The mission of VicHealth guides the selection of the organisations strategic priorities, which reflect the Tobacco Act 1987 and are founded on principles of equity. The priorities for focus in the VicHealth strategic framework are: Reducing smoking Improving nutrition Reducing harm from alcohol Increasing physical activity Increasing social and economic participation Reducing harm from UV exposure. VicHealth reflects the social model of health by participating in business activities that draw on the Ottawa Charter. Health promotion actions that VicHealth are involved in are activities that: Create and use knowledge acquired through research and evaluation. Create environments that foster good health. Encourage the development of systems that support and sustain health. Communicate about priority health issues. Develop communities which are inclusive, accessible, equitable and safe. Support organisations to plan, implement and evaluate health promotion activity. Facilitate participation and skill development. Contribute to, and advocate for, healthy public policy and regulation. VicHealth also reflects the social model of health via its Key Result Areas (KRA). These are the targets they have set for the organisation over a particular period. VicHealth Key Result Areas KRA 1 Health inequalities 1.1 Improve the physical and mental health of those experiencing social, economic or geographic disadvantage. 1.2 Contribute to closing the health gap between Indigenous and non- Indigenous Victorians. KRA 2 Participation 2.1 Increase participation in physical activity. 2.2 Increase opportunities for social connection. 2.3 Reduce race-based discrimination and promote diversity. 2.4 Prevent violence against women by increasing participation in respectful relationships. 2.5 Build knowledge to increase access to economic resources. KRA 3 Nutrition, tobacco, alcohol and UV 3.1 Create environments that improve health. 3.2 Increase optimal nutrition. 3.3 Reduce tobacco use. 3.4 Reduce harm from alcohol. 3.5 Reduce harmful UV exposure. KRA 4 Knowledge 4.1 Produce, synthesise and translate practical health promotion knowledge. 4.2 Evaluate health promotion practice. KRA 5 Communications 5.1 Develop, implement and evaluate marketing and communications approaches to improve health. 5.2 Develop evidence on effective social marketing. 5.3 Provide accurate, credible and timely information to stakeholders on health promotion issues. KRA 6 Business operations 6.1 Ensure effective business and risk processes and systems. 6.2 Develop high-performing people in a healthy and sustainable work environment. 6.3 Operate transparently and with accountability. VicHealth funded projects VicHealths programs and projects focus on improving the health of all people in Victoria, including addressing differences in health status between population groups. Programs are guided by the latest evidence and there is an attempt to invest in a range of activities in sectors as diverse as sport and active recreation, the arts, education, planning and built environment, community and local government. These programs promote changes in policy and practice that can influence peoples ability to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Activities supported since the Foundations establishment in 1987 have contributed significantly to public health improvements in Victoria. The reduction of smoking prevalence among adults is one of the success stories in the effectiveness of comprehensive, well-funded and sustained programs for improving health. Two VicHealth funded programs are outlined below, accompanied by potential health outcomes of each project and how they reflect the social model of health: VicHealths Arts About Us program encourages dialogue about the benefits of cultural diversity and the harm caused by race-based discrimination. Arts About Us currently provides three-year funding to 16 community and arts organisations that have partnered with VicHealth. Each project is working with various organisations to create and showcase art that strengthens cultural understanding, celebrates cultural diversity and generates discussion about the effects of race-based discrimination. Potential health outcomes of this program include; Breaking down the social isolation that people involved in the program may have experienced, thus leading to improvements in peoples social health. Building social connectedness for community groups and individuals that come together in such a program is positive for social health. Building the self-esteem of people whose art may be displayed is positive for social health. Raising community awareness of race-based discrimination may possibly lead to less discrimination and therefore has associated mental health benefits. Economic benefits may stem from people whose art skills are recognised. Resulting employment may have associated health benefits for these people. How this program reflects the principles of the social model of health; Strengthening cultural understanding and raising awareness of issues such as race-based discrimination aims to reduce social inequalities. Celebrating diversity aims to empower individuals and communities so they have the confidence to participate in the community. Culture is a broad determinant of health that is being targeted in this program. As of  November 1, 2011, it is now against the law in Victoria to serve alcohol in a private home to anyone under 18, unless their parent or guardian has given permission. The teen drinking law web resource launched by VicHealth, the Australian Drug Foundation and the Victorian Government is aimed at parents, adults and young people  and gives practical information about the new law change. The website encourages parents and children to discuss alcohol consumption, provides information on short term and long term harm that may result from alcohol and how to reduce these risks. Potential health outcomes of this initiative include; Raising community awareness of the new law may reduce the degree of underage alcohol consumption with associated health benefits. Social health benefits may result when parents and their children communicate about alcohol consumptions and the associated risks. Physical health benefits may result when young people are educated on safe consumption of alcohol. Mental health benefits may result when parents are reassured that there is a law protecting their children from accessing alcohol from other adults. How this program reflects the principles of the social model of health; Teaching young people and adults about alcohol consumption addresses the broader determinants of health, particularly education. When young people are educated about alcohol and its effects they are empowered to take control over the decisions that they make in their lives. For further practice on how VicHealth reflects the principles of the Social model of health, head to the VicHealth website. Here you will find examples of many VicHealth funded programs. Identify several programs and make connections with the principles of the Social model of health. Get your teacher to read over your responses. Glossary Biomedical model of health Focuses on the physical or biological aspects of disease and illness. It is a medical model of care practised by doctors and/or health professional and is associated with the diagnosis, cure and treatment of disease. Mission A statement defines what an organization is, why it exists, its reason for being. Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion Developed by the World Health Organization this approach attempts to reduce inequalities in health. The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion was developed from the social model of health. It considers health promotion as the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health. The Ottawa Charter identifies three basic strategies for health promotion which are enabling, mediating, and advocacy. Social model of health A model that attempts to achieve improvements in health and wellbeing by directing effort towards addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health. VicHealth Is a Victorian government body that works with organisations, communities and individuals to promote health and prevent illness according to its priorities. Revision check checklist Can you explain the biomedical model of health? Can you explain the social model of health including the five principles? Can you explain the Ottawa Charter including the five priority action areas? Do you know VicHealths mission and strategic priorities? Do you know the potential health outcomes of a VicHealth funded project and how this project reflects the social model of Health? Revision Questions List three examples that represent a biomedical approach to health? Outline two features of the biomedical model of health? The QUIT campaign attempts to reduce the prevalence of smoking through assisting smokers to quit and not resume smoking. Describe how the QUIT campaign reflects two of the action areas of the Ottawa Charter? Explain the role of VicHealth in promoting health? VicHealth supports the Darebin Northern Interfaith Respectful Relationships Project. This project engages faith leaders and communities in Melbournes north to raise awareness of the problem of violence against women. The project helps faith and community leaders build their capacity to undertake primary prevention work. It incorporates a range of activities, including using scripture and teachings to promote respectful relationships, White Ribbon Day initiatives, interfaith declarations and peer mentoring programs. Explain, using evidence, two principles of the social model of health that are reflected in this program.