Environmental Health Essay Example for Free

Environmental Health Essay What is Environmental Health? Environmental health is the branch of public health that is concerned with all aspects of the natural and built environment that may affect human health. It also refers to the theory and practice of assessing and controlling factors in the environment that can potentially affect health. Environmental Health is the field of science that studies how the environment influences human health and disease. â€Å"Environment,† in this context, means things in the natural environment like air, water and soil, and also all the physical, chemical, biological and social features of our surroundings. The man-made, or â€Å"built,† environment includes physical structures where people live and work such as homes, offices, schools, farms and factories, as well as community systems such as roads and transportation systems, land use practices and waste management. Consequences of human alteration to the natural environment, such as air pollution, are also parts of the man-made environment. The social environment encompasses lifestyle factors like diet and exercise, socioeconomic status, and other societal influences that may affect health. The Media of Environmental Hazards Air, water and food are the major environmental media or vectors through which exposure to hazardous environmental agents occur. Environmental hazards †¢ The major environmental hazards and their relative importance in various environmental settings. †¢ Chemical agents: pesticides, VOC’S, and PCB’S †¢ Physical agents: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, vibration, temperature, and noise. †¢ Biological agents: infectious and allergic disorders Interaction between hazardous exposures and humans †¢ Four characteristics critical to exposure assessment: †¢ Route ( Inhalation, Ingestion, Dermal) †¢ Magnitude (Concentration or Dose) †¢ Duration ( Minutes, Hours, Days, Lifetime) †¢ Frequency (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seasonally) All of the environmental media are possible exposure routes, and should be considered in a risk assessment. †¢ Humans have access to environmental toxicants by contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, and breathing contaminated air

Reading Comprehension :: essays research papers

READING COMPREHENSION This test measures your ability to understand what you read. You may be asked to:  identify the relationship between sentences  distinguish between the main and secondary ideas  make inferences DIRECTIONS: Read the statement or passage and then choose the best answer to the question. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the statement or passage. 1. Myths are stories, the products of fertile imagination, sometimes simple, often containing profound truths. They are not meant to be taken too literally. Details may sometimes appear childish, but most myths express a culture's most serious beliefs about human beings, eternity, and God. The main idea of this passage is that myths (a) are created primarily to entertain young children (b) are purposely written for the reader (c) provide the reader with a means of escape from reality (d) illustrate the values that are considered important to a society 2. Australia has many strange beasts, one of the oddest of which is the koala. Perfectly adapted to one specific tree, the eucalyptus, this living teddy bear does not need anything else, not even a drink! The moisture in the leaves is just right for the koala, making it the only land animal that doesn't need water to supplement its food (from That Astounding Creator Nature by Jean George). The passage indicates that the koala (a) is a member of the bear family that does not need moisture to live (b) gets all of its nourishment from the eucalyptus tree (c) adapts itself to any surroundings (d) is the only animal that does not need food to live 3. It is early summer. August's long-awaited vacation time still seems ages away, but by the same toke, its torpor-producing heat and mildew-generating humidity have not yet arrived. Instead, these cool, end-of-June days practically insist on getting the picnic season under way immediately. But, alas, there is a difficulty: alfresco dining has a bad name among us. Tenth-rate hot dogs, carbonized chicken parts, and beef a-la-charcoal are principally what comes to mind when we hear the words "outdoor food" (from A Spanish Picnic by Robert Capon). The passage suggests that the author believes that (a) picnicking in August is long-awaited (b) August is better than June for a picnic (c) there are some negative aspects to eating outside (d) picnicking is better alfresco 4. In embarking on the fight for independence, America faced formidable obstacles. The Continental Congress did not have the authority to pass binding legislation or to impose taxes.

Marketing and Pottery Barn Essay

1. If Williams-Sonoma continues with its’ present strategies and objectives, where will it be in 5 years? Given today’s economy, and the bleak economic outlook, I do not believe Williams-Sonoma will continue to exist with its’ current strategies and objectives to serve its’ below target market consumers. Bottom line is many consumers cannot afford the products being sold by the company. Although, the company’s target market is in the 10% of wealthiest consumers, and had total earnings of over 3.5 billion. (2010 shareholders meeting). Other avenues of generating revenue must be explored. I fear that even the 10% will eventually become more cost conscious in the years to come. On the lines of the company improving its’ position in the next five years, I think the company should continue to improve on concepts already in place. An example is the Pottery Barn Teen website. (pbteen.com). Williams-Sonoma had used the concept in moderation starting with WS bridal registry. The idea took flight and as a result, moved the concept to its’ retail operations such as Pottery Barn, resulting in a 500% jump in online sales generating over 1 billion in revenue. (Prophet.com). Still with all these profits and improvements, if WS cannot hold by decreasing its’ prices so that others not in the 10% range can afford their products, the company will fail like the housing market. Over the next five years, the company should consider expanding its’ product line to include bath dà ©cor to complement the already established retail home furnishings. 2. If you were CEO of Williams-Sonoma, what strategies would you recommend? There are so many recommendations. I would first build on the internet base I talked about earlier. If I can improve internet sales over 500% I certainly want to keep that going. I would incorporate interactive websites. Having the ability to talk to, chat with an associate while I’m shopping in my underwear is always helpful. Next I would improve my e-commerce presence by advertising on social media outlets and improve accessibility to shopping by posting web-apps. I would consider lowering price points so I could tap into the more than 10% of consumers without becoming â€Å"Wal-Mart†. Now the company did do something to increase its’ position that I found useful. That was to decrease its’ overall lease space by 2%. (2010 shareholders meeting). This reduction in retail occupancy costs attributed to the 1 billion dollars the company enjoyed last year. I would also consider expanding the company’s customer base by broadening the product line to similar to Home Goods or Bed Bath and beyond who currently double the revenue of Williams-Sonoma. (Redistribute assets earmarked for traditional cataloging to online accesses. Not only will this save money, but will also impact paper usage. I believe advertising in this was has all but outlived its’ usefulness. 3. Describe the competitive strategies used by each of Williams-Sonoma’s competitors. Which of these are most effective? Williams-Sonoma has six major competitors plus one more in their market. The company holds only 7.9% market share (FY10) to main competitor Bed, Bath and Beyond with an astonishing 34.4%. (William-sonoma.com/investors) BBB’s strategy is to offer competitive prices for quality products. Its’ target market is middle to upper middle class and this is the reason it fairs better in the current market. The Bombay Company’s strategy was to increase its’ footprint by increasing outlet store locations so it could offload clearance items and increase sales to the outlet mall customer base. (Homeaccentstoday.com). Crate and Barrel decided to complete a nationwide marketing campaign that targeted catalogs and websites. While Pier 1 Imports, in a bold move consolidated chains, and licensed their name to Sears in Puerto Rico. (turnaround.org). Door to Store decided to convert and market to style-minded customers at low prices capitalizing on web selling and shipping nationwide. (buyfurnitureyoulove.org). Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium switched most of its locations to upscale malls and targeted marketing thru websites and catalogs. While Restoration Hardware seemed to advertize to its wealthiest customers targeting the top 10%, attempting to expand its base. If I had to choose one of these strategies I would have to go with the one I mentioned first. I am aware that this was not a in the original case study but in researching I found the Bed Bath and Beyond strategy to be most formidable considering the company doubled the revenue of Williams-Sonoma last year. There is a reason why the company commands 35.4% market share in FY 09 while WS was at 7.9%. (Williams-sonoma.com/investors) Williams-Sonoma is only utilizing a portion of marketing power while watching other companies progress thru a tough recession and recover by constant restructuring. 4. How is Williams-Sonoma using the Internet as a distribution channel now, and how would you recommend that they us the Internet in the future? Williams-Sonoma launched a bridal registry as a test bed for furthering the use of the internet. (prophet.net).This shift was so successful it moved the use of the internet to Pottery Barn, and other retail outlets. The result was 500% increase in internet sales and a 1 billion dollar profit. They also used the web to launch PB Teen which focused on the gap in age between Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids. Each website is interactive now but PB Teen was the first with outstanding success. This appealed to dialed in kids wanting something to improve their own piece of sanity, their bedrooms. The interactive site allows the exchange of ideas, instant feedback and the customer has the ability to view products they like. Williams-Sonoma has already completed its’ internet shift. I feel they can rely more on the model by providing 24 hour online support to those consumers that have odd hours. Furthermore I believe the company should limit its’ use of hardcopy catalogs unless specifically requested because this focus had established itself as a business, does nothing for it in the future. Another approach is marketing thru social networking sites. This approach, along with direct marketing does have its’ costs and would show profit after the initial cost blast. If the company wishes to improve its’ position of 7.9% market share, it will need every edge it can possibly have.

The Treatment Of Eating Disorders Essay - 1955 Words

Eating disorders are one of the most common psychiatric illnesses in today’s world, yet they receive the least amount of attention. In the United States alone, â€Å"approximately 8 million people† have currently been diagnosed with a clinically significant eating disorder while it is estimated that over â€Å"20 million women and 10 million men have suffered from a clinically significant eating disorder at some point in their lives†(Crash Course). There is a huge disparity between the amount of people who suffer from eating disorders and those that have actually been diagnosed and treated for eating disorders. Why? Because despite being serious, and often deadly, mental disorders, these psychiatric illnesses are often overlooked and unrecognized due to the lack of accurate information available about them. Eating disorders are complex psychological disorders that severely affect a person’s physical and mental health and require intense, personalized treat ment. Eating disorders have existed throughout history, with only slight variances in incidence and distribution. However, the frequency of eating disorders in the general population has been steadily increasing since the 20th century (Crash Course). More than 50% of people have revealed the use of unhealthy dieting techniques and chronic disordered eating patterns while at least 10% of people (in the United States) have been diagnosed with a clinically significant eating disorder (Stice, et al). As a result of the increasedShow MoreRelatedThe Treatment Of Eating Disorders4614 Words   |  19 PagesHer Eating Disorder and How You Can Too Janessa Kongable Abnormal Psychology July 8, 2015 â€Æ' Abstract Eating disorders are complex, challenging, and sometimes life-threatening psychiatric illnesses. There are specific diagnostic criteria and symptoms a person must exhibit in order to be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or bulimia. These symptoms primarily relate to a disturbance in eating pattern, weight loss, an intense fear of being fat, and a disturbed body image. The etiology of eating disordersRead MoreEating / Consumption Disorder Treatment1829 Words   |  8 PagesEating/Consumption disorder treatment: Knowing what your best options are. The treatments for eating/consumption disorder include such things as counseling, education and medication. Find out what treatment(s) works for them. Eating/consumption disorder treatment(s) depends on your particular disorder and your symptoms. It typically includes a combination of psychotherapy counseling, nutritional education, medical monitoring and sometimes even medications. Your eating/consumption disorderRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Eating Disorders1771 Words   |  8 Pagesanyone. This leads to the discussion of eating disorders, which are a common disorder arising from pressure to stay thin. â€Å"Eating disorders are serious life-threatening illnesses that are extremely complex coming from varieties of biological, physiological, and social factors (NEDA, n.d.)†. Eating disorders are a very serious and mentally debilitating disease. Early diagnosis is ideal in recovery. This diseases can be life threatening. It is imperative that treatment is found and given to the individualRead MoreEating Disorders And The Treatment Of Bulimia Nervosa Essay914 Words   |  4 Pagesfrom Two-Parent Families in the Treatment of Adolescent Bulimia Nervosa Using Family-Based Treatment? Uchenna Obiagwu University of North Texas Are Single-Parent Families Different from Two-Parent Families in the Treatment of Adolescent Bulimia Nervosa Using Family-Based Treatment? A research was conducted on forty-one 17 years old female adolescent with bulimia nervosa. The purpose of the study was to examine whether family play a vital role for the treatment of bulimia nervosa. It also examineRead MoreTypes and Treatments of Eating Disorders Essay907 Words   |  4 PagesWhen people hear the word eating disorder they tend to think of a young middle class white girl. It’s quite rare to hear about older men and women struggling with eating disorders even though it’s fairly common. Unfortunately, eating disorders do not discriminate against race, age, gender, class, or sexual orientation. The only thing that differs is their overall experience and how health professionals chose to treat them. There are three major eating disorders that some people suffer with on a dailyRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Eating Disorders Essay939 Words   |  4 PagesAre Pain Thresholds Elevated in DSM III - R Chronic Bulimia Patients? While not discussed in class, eating disorders are an incredibly important psychological condition that affects millions of people. One of the most well known eating disorders is Bulimia. Bulimia in itself is characterized by episodes of binging and purging. The acts of binging are often quick consumption of abnormally large portions of food to the point of physical pain and discomfort from stomach stretching. A studyRead MoreEating Disorders: Types, Differences, and Treatment3730 Words   |  15 Pageshowever, an eating disorder is a complex psychological disorder which modifies a persons eating habits and does not represent normal issues with food (Becker, Grinspoon, Klibanski, Herzog, 1999). Typically these disorders involve eating extremely small amounts of food, no food at all, or overeating severely. An eating disorder may begin as a desire for weight loss or physical attractiveness but somehow in some people this desire gets out of control. A person who develops an eating disorder may haveRead MoreThe Prevalence, Etiology, And Treatment Of Eating Disorders2893 Words   |  12 PagesEating disorders seem to have become more common during the latter half of the 20th century, during a period of American beauty icons becoming thinner and women’s magazines publishing more articles on methods for weight loss (Garner, Garfinkel, Schwartz, Thompson, 1980). Dissatisfaction with o ne’s own body a result of the increasingly thin depictions of female body shapes in the mass media has been mainly attributed to the Caucasian young female population (Striegel-Moore, Silberstein, RodinRead MoreCauses And Treatments Of Binge Eating Disorder922 Words   |  4 Pagessound fun to you? Life is difficult without having an eating disorder. Growing up eating everything I could get my hands on caused health problems for me now that I am older. Binge eating and anorexia are serious eating disorders that cause physical, behavioral, and psychological problems. The most common disorder is binge eating. Binge eating disorder (BED) is consuming large quantities of food in a short period of time. People find that over eating is a comfort zone for them. The problems AmericansRead MoreEight Typical Treatments For Binge Eating Disorder Essay953 Words   |  4 PagesSince no single treatment alone has been proven effective, most treatment approaches involve a combination of treatments to address medical issues, psychological issues, and nutrition. Some treatments target specific groups such as women, men, children, and college students. This article gives an overview of 8 typical treatments for binge eating disorder. 1. Individual, Group, and/or Family Psychotherapy: Three Types Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on addressing a persons current thoughts