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Introduction

For years, the focus of stem cell research has hit the center of the media with expert arguments on both sides of this controversial topic. Stem cells have been on the map as the link to possibly curing life threatening and life altering diseases by hopes of manipulating cells to become any cells of desirable quality. This advancement could cure any disease or illnesses ranging from mental disabilities to cancer. With, significant resources and efforts going into the research, many argue that the millions of funds going toward stem cell research can assist other social and economic sectors that require financial help. Millions of dollars have been directed towards stem cell research in hope to better human future, but with these biological advances in science, researchers argue to lengths with regard to the relative moral concerns.

In his review, Phillips defined stem cells as cells that are found in the multi cellular organisms and those that are capable of renewing themselves through a process of mitotic cell division and differentiating into diverse range of specialized cell types (1). He spelt out that there are two broad types of mammalian stem cells; embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Scientific evidence ascertains that stem cells have various functions in both the adult and the developing embryo. In the developing embryo, the cells have the ability to differentiate into various embryonic tissues which aid in the development of the same.

Embryonic cell systems are cells derived from the tissue of the cell of an earlier stage embryo approximately four to five days old and it consists of fifty to a hundred and fifty cells.

Differentiating embryonic cells into usable cells while avoiding transplant rejections are just a few of the hurdles that embryonic stem cell researchers still face. Because of their combined abilities of unlimited expansion and pluripotensy, these cells remain a theoretically potential source for regenerative medicine and tissue replacement after injury or disease.

From a moral standpoint, the procedure has raised different ethical as well as scientific issues. (New York Times, 1). While conventional studies argue that the technology is essential in eliminating pain and saving the lives at risk, some maintain that the process undermines the welfare of other individuals. However, a significant percentage of the populations justifies its use and believes that the rewards are worthwhile. Persons advocating for this technology tend to derive their view points from the moral standing that indicates that since the embryos lack the capacity to feel pain and suffering, they should not be treated as humans. In other words, the conception of pain and suffering plays a primal role in determining the status of these individuals in the society. Furthermore, they cite that according the embryos the fundamental moral status can undermine the application of different fertility programs. Presumably, this can have diverse social, economic and psychological impacts that can threaten the harmonic functioning of the entire society (Reaves1)

From a religious point of view, pro arguments ascertain that a fertilized egg that is living in isolation cannot be considered a moral being. As such, it needs not be treated as a normal human being. It is in this regard that they perceive the procedure to be morally acceptable as it enhances holistic human wellbeing through perpetuating a great degree of happiness.

In the life of an adult, the stem cells act as the repair systems of the body, replenishing specialized cells while maintaining the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin or intestinal tissues. In his research Bohlin indicates that this occurs because the cell has the property to divide and create another cell like itself and also divide and create a cell more differentiated than it (1). This cell types are known as somatic and they are found in both adults and children.

Scientists such as Steenblock show that most adult stem cells are lineage-restricted and are generally referred to by their tissue origin, adipose, derived stem cell (1). It is further contended that stem cells have been successfully used for many years to treat leukemia and related bone/blood cancers through bone marrow transplants. Further, mature stem cells are employed in treatment of tendons and ligament related infections in horses and cattle. In his consultative review, Forman ascertains that the use of adult stem cells is not controversial as the embryonic plant cells because it does not involve the destruction of an embryo and also because in some instances it can be obtained from the intended recipient (3).

The advantages of using cell stem research are wide and varied. To begin with, the procedure provides for medical benefits in the field of therapeutic cloning and regenerative medicine, Rosenthal cited that it also provides great potential for discovering treatment and cures to a plethora of diseases including different kinds of cancer and parkinson’s disease amongst others (1). Besides treatment of diseases, stem cloning provides for a means by which limbs and organs could be grown in a lab from stem cells and then used in transplants. Scientists and doctors would also derive huge benefits from this as they would be able to test millions of potential drugs and medicine, without the use of animals or human testers. This will necessitate a process of stimulating the effect the drug has on a specific population of cells. It is instrumental as it would ascertain if the drug is useful or has any problems.

In her speech at Virgin Health Bank, Rosenthal quoted that stem cell research also benefits the study of development stages that cannot be studied directly in a human embryo. Notably, this is sometimes linked to major clinical consequences such as birth defects, pregnancies loss and infertility (1). Arguably, a more comprehensive understanding of normal development would ultimately allow the prevention or treatment of abnormal human development. This technology has also been accredited for eliminating the implications of aging and enhancing the quality of human life. This is attained through the enhancement and prolonging of one’s life. Stem cell research has already initiated a host of treatments that help slow the aging process, and a bonus of further stem cell research is a possible ‘cure’ for aging altogether.

An advantage of the usage of adult stem cells to treat disease as cited by Kinsley is that a patient’s own cells could be used to treat a patient (1). Risks could be reduced significantly because patient bodies would not reject their own cells. Finally, embryonic stem cells can develop into any cells of the body, and may then be more versatile than adult stem cells.

Basically, scientific research contends that Umbilical cord blood shows promise for Adults. The disadvantage of using embryonic stem cells is that it involves that destruction of blastocytes formed from laboratory-fertilized human eggs. From an ethical view point, Bohlin believes that life begins at conception and therefore the blastocyte is a human life and destroying it is immoral and unacceptable (1).

Considering the fact that it is a new form of technology, the extent of the implications to the society is not conclusive. Nonetheless, emergent research ascertains that embryonic stem cells may also not be a solution for all animals. According to New York Times, stem cell therapy is effective in treating cardiac related complications (1). In particular, this has the ability to make coronary arteries become narrower.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ensuing debate has prompted authorities around the world to seek regulatory frameworks and highlighted the fact that stem cell research represents a social and ethical challenge. The recent development of stem cell technology has been called a bypass of the legal controversy. Laws limiting the destruction of human embryos have been credited for being the reason for development of the stem cells, but they are less efficient and reliable than natural cells. Different approaches are currently being developed in a bit to address the problems through elimination of mutations. The relative moral controversies have also raised varied concerns with regard to employment of technology for vital functions.

Works cited

Chan, Sewell. “Saving Blood Cells from Umbilical Cords.” New York Times Company (2007), Retrieved 12th April 2010, from: <http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/06/22/saving-blood-cells-from-umbilical-cords/?scp=2&sq=umbilical%20cord%20stem%20cells&st=cse>.

Forman, Lillian. Stem Cell Research. Edina, Minn: ABDO , 2008. 112. Print.

Jennifer Reaves. Debate over Stem Cell Research. Retrieved 25th April, 2010, from: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,167245,00.html

Michael, Kingsley. The Controversies of Stem Cells. Retrieved 25th April, 2010, from: HYPERLINK “http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101040531-641157,00.html” http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101040531-641157,00.html

New York Times.”In Studies, Umbilical Cord Blood Shows Promise for Adults .” New York Times Company (2004 ), Accessed 11th April, 2010, from: <http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9407EED6153EF935A15752C1A9629C8B63>.

Ray, Bohlin. Stem Cell Controversies. Retrieved, 22nd April, 2010 from: HYPERLINK “http://www.leaderu.com/science/stemcellresearch.html” http://www.leaderu.com/science/stemcellresearch.html

Rosenthal, Elisabeth. “At Virgin Health Bank, parents can store babies.” NewYork Times Company (2007). Retrieved 11th April, 2010, from: <ttp://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/03/world/europe/03iht-stem.4.5130301.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=umbilical%20stem%20cells&st=cse>.

Steenblock, David, and Anthony G Payne. Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health publication, 2006. 178. Print.

Stolberg, Sheryl Gay. “Obama Lifts Bush’s Strict Limits on Stem Cell Research.” New York Times Company (2009). Retrieved 13th April, 2010 from: <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/us/politics/10stem.html?scp=9&sq=umbilical%20cord%20stem%20cells&st=cse>.

Thererssa, Phillips. Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research. Retrieved 22nd April, 2010 from: HYPERLINK “http://biotech.about.com/od/bioethics/i/issuestemcells.htm” http://biotech.about.com/od/bioethics/i/issuestemcells.htm

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Food Miracles and Medicine

According to Ornish, the human body can heal naturally if one stops processes causing the problem. It is also the human nature to be happy, peaceful, and healthy. Such aspects are innate, and there is no point of pursuing them. If there is a health problem, one can identify its cause and allow the natural healing to occur. For example, if someone gets a heart attack, people can think that it will get worse with time. However, the condition can improve provided one adheres to the optimal lifestyle program that revolves around diet, stress management, exercise, smoking cessation, psychological support, and supplements.

Foods can enhance or detract stress depending on how they are consumed. Normally, when people take food rich in bad fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, they can develop health-related problems leading to stress. One of possible solutions that may be offered to treat such health issues is to reduce the quantity of food taken, but the negative side of this advice triggers the loss of weight in an undesired way escalating the already-existing stress. A better solution is to take food that has low fat and high fiber which lead to fewer health issues and less stress.

Food can enhance the wellbeing and comfort of an individual depending on how they are selected. There are certain foods that can harm the human body if they are consumed in large quantities. They include sugary foods, white rice, and white flour. Such foods trigger excess production of insulin in the body. Too much insulin heightens the conversion of calories into fat which eventually causes obesity or heart-related problems. However, if one takes less-sugary foods, there will be lower risks of heart-related diseases. Thus, food can enhance our wellbeing depending on how we eat.

Although every individual needs food to survive, there are certain types that can cause addiction, particularly the hyper-palatable ones. They can potentially make one dependent on them just like the drugs do. Drugs cause addiction by altering brain functions and reinforcing drug-seeking habits leading to repeated overconsumption of the substance. Similarly, hyper-palatable food can shift individual’s attention from the normal diet leading to the overdependence and consumption of certain foods (Gearhardt et al. 1-2).

People’s cravings can be educational for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Although it is normal to desire certain things, learning about their effects on our lives can educate individuals and possibly change their attitudes towards their desires. For instance, the wellbeing of a person depends on a number of issues, including intimacy, friendship, compassion, meditation, and support groups. If people are aware of such issues, they can learn to manipulate and free themselves from suffering and diseases.

Some of the possible implications of food, medicine, beliefs, and stress are reflected on the human health. They are the main factors that determine the health of individuals. Medicine can be used to reverse the adverse effects of food in our lives. Similarly, our beliefs can determine the level of self-induced stress in our lives.

It is the responsibility of the fortunate members of the society to provide food for needy people. In an attempt to provide food for themselves, the needy people have encroached on forests causing deforestation. However, if the rich were to reconsider what they eat, there could be plenty food for everyone.

The issue of reconsidering what one eats should be explored in three ways. First, it should be something that can stop one from feeling hungry once eaten. Second, it should be something that has fewer side effects on the body. Lastly, it should be something that can be produced cheaply without harming the environment.

Works Cited

Gearhardt, N. Ashley, Grilo, M. Carlos, DiLeone, J. Ralph, Brownell, D. Kelly, and Potenza, N. Marc. “Can Food be Addictive? Public Health and Policy Implications.” Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. N.p., 2011. Web. 25 September, 2014. <http://www.yaleruddcenter.org/resources/upload/docs/what/addiction/AddictionPublicHealthandPolicyImplications_Addiction_6.11.pdf>.

Ornish, Dean. “Healing Through Diet.” TED. N.p., 2004. Web. 25 September 2014. <http://www.ted.com/talks/dean_ornish_on_healing#t-741846>.

Forced Migration: Asylum Seekers being dispersed. 

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Forced Migration: Asylum Seekers Being Dispersed. 

Introduction

Forced migration is the movement of persons from their areas of residence for various reasons such as invasion, war, and lashes. Many of the displaced persons become refugees in the foreign countries. Voluntary migration is where people move from their countries of origin willingly to look for jobs or join their relatives in the other countries (Bloch, & Schuster 2005). The objective of this research is to analyse the forced migration from Palestine to the other parts of the world and the UK. The other activity will be collecting and analysing the data with respect to the number of asylum seekers in the UK. Human rights interventions on forced migration will be an area of importance in this research. The other area of this research will be the analysis of the dynamics of contemporary forced migration

Data on Forms Forced Migration in Palestine (2006-2012)

There are various forms of forced migration in the world, which can lead to internal or external movement of persons from their country of origin. Some of the forms of forced migration in Palestine to the UK are forced population are population transfer due to wars and conflict that saw 20,000 persons undergo displacement from Palestine to the other countries. The others are ethnic cleansing with 24,000 people, internally displaced people 230,000, and developmental displaced persons were 68,000. The other forced immigrants were the smuggled persons 21,000, trafficked persons 12,000 and environmental and disaster displaced 76,000 people. The asylum seekers to the other countries and the UK were 56,000, which is quite a big number (Castles, & Miller 2003). Looking at the figures Palestine’s forced migrants are very many, and the concerned parties such as the human rights organizations should intervene. Neighbouring countries should also offer assistance in the form of accommodation and refuge for the migrants.

Data Analysis and Presentation

Form of Forced Migration Number of Forced Migrants

Population transfer due to conflicts and wars 20,000

Ethnic Cleansing 24,000

Asylum seeking people 56,000

Internal displacement 68,000

Smuggling 21,000

Human trafficking 12,000

Displacement by disaster and environmental factors 76,000

Table showing the number of forced migrants from Palestine 2006-2012 (Castles, 2004)

From the table, the number of forced migration from Palestine is quite high, with displacement due to disasters being the highest with 76, 000 persons followed by the internally displaced persons with 68,000 persons. The ethnic cleansing displaced 24,000 while the asylum seekers were 56,000, which represent a high number of forced migrants from that country. Human smuggling stood at 21,000 while forced migration due to human trafficking was the lowest at 12,000. From the results, it shows that displacement of people from Palestine is quite high and needs immediate intervention by different governments and human rights groups.

Data representation

EMBED MSGraph.Chart.8

A graph showing the number of forced migrants from Palestine.

Nature and Scope of Forced Migration from Palestine

Forced migration is very high in Palestine with the majority of those, who suffer most being women and children. Most of the migration in Palestine is involuntary, and a few cases are voluntary. Forced migration in Palestine is rampant with many cases of human, trafficking and, ethnic cleansing, and religious conflict being the major causes (Cohen, 2001). There are many internally displaced persons in Palestine, who escaped their residential areas because of the internal wars and the conflict between Palestine and Israel. Majority of internally displaced persons depend on humanitarian groups for the basic communities, such as food and clothing. There are many scholars for Palestine spread all over the world, and one of the contributors to their large numbers is the forced transfer of people. There are very many internally displaced persons in Palestine, due to Israel- Palestine conflicts, who live in refugee camps and depend on the humanitarian groups for their basic commodities. There are many adolescents migrants in the camps, with most of them exposed to human violence and violation of their rights (Giddens, 2009). Forced migration is widespread in many parts of the country, with many of the migrants seeking refuge in West Bank, Syria, and many other neighbouring countries.

Human rights situation of forced migration in Palestine

The massive forced migration of persons from Palestine raised many concerns of the humanitarian groups especially the international groups as it involved the violation of human rights. The human rights activists have a lot of concern for the displaced persons in Palestine as they offer protection to the internally displaced persons in the country. However many human rights groups, especially the international groups take the mandate of providing the IDPs with their necessities (King, Black, Collyer, Fielding, & Skeldon 2010). The human rights organize seminars and forums for the IDPs and provide a chance for the refugees to interact and discuss their challenges that they face on a daily basis. There are other international human rights groups, which collaborate with the Palestinian human rights group to come up with programs for the forced migrants. The Palestinian human rights centre facilitate and coordinate programs for refugees such as seminars and income generating projects to help the displaced persons in coping with the life challenges. One of the international bodies that assist Palestinian refugees is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR, which deals with forced migration affecting many countries. The other one is the United Nations Relief and Workers Agency for Palestine Refugees, who offer support to the Palestinian refugees in the Middle East UNRWA (Sigona, & Hughes, 2012). UNRWA has the mandate of ensuring that the refugees and other forced migrants have the basic needs and rights protection.

The extent of asylum applications in the UK and the cases of Human trafficking from Palestine

Research shows there are many asylum seekers in the UK, who come from Palestine and require assistance and protection by the government agencies. Many of the asylum seekers are children, who sometimes have no one accompanying them (King, 2002). Most of the children lost their parents or separated during the Palestine-Israel crises. The other group of persons seeking asylum were the youths, of which most of them did not have any training or skills. Another category was that of women with children and men who needed urgent help. The total number of applications received was 2818, out of which 1236 got approvals King, 2002). The cases of human trafficking from Palestine in the UK is growing at a high rate, with most of those trafficked working as domestic workers and prostitutes. Majority of the asylums and the trafficked people are in major UK towns working as casual labourers and domestic workers. Majority of them report that they got promises of working in industries and restaurants, only to end up in peoples’ homes to work as house helps and gardeners.

Dynamics and forms of contemporary forced migration

There are many forms of contemporary migration all over the world, with which leads to massive movement of people in their country or outside their country’s borders. Some of the forms of forced migrations are

Conflict -induced displacement where people leave their country if they feel that the state cannot offer protection to them (King, 2002). Some of the conflicts experienced in many countries are civil war, violence, discrimination in terms of race, social, or religion. Another form of forced migration is the development-induced displacement that involves people moving because of implementation of development projects. The projects may include railways, roads, airports, and environmental conservation, which cause internal displacement. The third forced migration is the Disaster-induced migration, in which people move away from their residents because of calamities, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and desertification (King, 2002). The other form is the human trafficking and smuggling, where some people take individuals out of their countries by promising them jobs and good life. Countries with internal migration should come up with policies to assist the displaced by compensating them for their land and buildings. Human rights groups should also offer assistance by addressing the root causes of forced migration and taking the right action such as prosecution of the perpetrators. An example where the perpetrators of internal displacement faced prosecution was in Kenya, during the 2007 election chaos (King, 2002).

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Conclusion

Forced migration is a serious problem that faces many countries in the world. The rate of forced migration is increasing day by day due to various reasons such as conflict, human trafficking, natural disasters, and internal wars. The major causes of forced migrations in the Palestine are wars and conflict with their neighbors, such as the Israel and religious conflicts between the Christians and the Muslims. The children and the young people are the ones who suffer most whenever there is the forced migration. The human rights in Palestine and the UN are the major Humanitarian groups, who deal with the migrants and make sure they get the basic needs. There are various dynamics and forms of forced migration in the world such as conflict-induced migration and human trafficking among others. The area of forced migration is under-researched and, therefore, there is the need for more researchers to come out and find more information regarding forced migration.

References

Bloch, A. and Schuster, L., 2005. At the Extremes of Exclusion: Deportation, Detention and Dispers, Ethnic and Racial Studies, 28 (3), 491-512.

Castles, S. and Miller, M., 2003.The Age of Migration: International Population Movements in the Modern World, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Castles, S., 2004. Why migration policies fail Ethnic and Racial Studies, 27 (2), 205-27.

Cohen, S., 2001. States of Denial: Knowing about Atrocities and Suffering, Cambridge: Polity Press.

Giddens, A., 2009. Sociology, Cambridge: Polity Press

King, R., Black, R., Collyer, M., Fielding, A. and Skeldon, R., 2010. The Atlas of Human Migration: Global Patterns of People on the Move, Brighton: Earthscan

Sigona, N. and Hughes, V., 2012. No Way Out, No Way In: Irregular Migrant Child and Families in the UK, Oxford: Centre on Migration, Policy and Society (COMPAS), University of Oxford.

King, R., 2002.Towards a New Map of European Migration, International Journal of Population Geography, 8, 39-106.

Misinformation about Food on the Media

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Misinformation about Food on the Media

Food misinformation can be harmful, affect the economic well being, and the economic status of customers. Groups such as the nationally credentialed dietetics experts working in health care and government sources are qualified to backer science-based nutrition information to the public. As a result of increased nutrition health awareness, a large number of consumers are taking charge of their self care making them more vulnerable to nutrition and food misinformation (Larsen, 2011). This brings in the promise that food information that is sound can play a key role in a person’s health, and at the same time be vulnerable to health and economic considerations. The issue of food misinformation becomes even more critical when a population ages and they spend a lot of money on weight loss. This paper will focus on particular media food misinformation and try defining whether they are true or false.

Sources of food information are got from many sources. However, the media is the frequently used source of information with magazines taking 47%, newspapers (28%) books (29%), and television 34%, being the most importance(Larsen, 2011). The other category is under the internet which comprises of 21% of the information released.

According to a research conducted by the American Dietetic Association it showed that there are some advertisements that were posted in the internet showing that once the elderly people take some herbal supplements they could get cured of cancer, and cardiovascular disease(Larsen, 2011). When these supplements were closely examined they were found to contain mercury contaminants, and lead. These products were being sold online through the internet. Therefore, once consumers spend on products such as functional foods diet supplements organic foods advice from health professionals is required.Another good example is the advert which is usually made on margarine. The adverts show a kid who grows up very fast when the kid feeds on margarine. The aim of the advert is to draw the attention of the potential consumer to win his or her loyalty on the product. It is clear that feeding on too much fat can lead into various health disorders, but the product does not focus on the negative part of margarine. The information contained in the advert is not reliable, but is aimed at increasing the company’s sales (Larsen, 2011). Therefore, again the case of consumer becoming more conscious on these junk foods and seeking health advice from experts is an important strategy towards maintaining and leading g a healthy life. This calls for the American consumers to have an access to only comprehensive information about products like these. However, there is a need for empowerment on making relevant health decisions (Chopra, Lotvin, & Fisher, 2010).

Weight loss is a significant problem to a majority of adults in the United States. They invest more than $ 30 billion on weight loss services and products. It is clear that these consumers have a right to accurate as well as reliable information on weight loss management. That is they need to know whether the weight loss products or foods are reliable or dangerous (Chopra, Lotvin, & Fisher, 2010). The information attributed to these products by diet bookmakers, product producers, suppliers and advertising companies is very positive on these products, but they fail to show the side effects of the products.

These advertisements made either through the TV, and the weight loss diet magazines are misleading and they also prevent consumers from listening to words that endorse therapeutic routine changes as advocated by professional societies and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Research has shown that 70 million Americans are practicing weight loss by using products and feeding on food stuffs that they have learnt from magazines or have seen adverts from the TV (Chopra, Lotvin, & Fisher, 2010). These products they are not effective as shown in those adverts. For example, cigarettes smoking and drug abuse deceptive adverts of weight loss products puts such people at a risk. Most of these products heavily advertised are unproven and are worst unsafe. They provide and promote hopes and expectations that are unrealistic. As a result, they doom the weight loss procedures less likely to succeed. Therefore, nonexistence of regulations and laws that protect the public from these misleading products and a media priority and willingness to assign to the highest advertising standards is likely to go high (Chopra, Lotvin, & Fisher, 2010). That is those media sources and companies that reject creation of food misleading advertisements is likely to reduce.

Another important area to note is on food packages. The information provided on certain food products during online advertisements and on nutritional labels provided on the food products entices consumers with great taste and good health promises. For example, natural food, fat free, sugar free among other false facts on food (Chopra, Lotvin, & Fisher, 2010). Therefore, in order to determine the veracity of such claims nutrition facts and laws required on packaged foods can be used.

Consumers expect that when they pay for product the information provided about it is true. For example, when a customer’s purchases a package of 100 percent Natural Granola” with oats, honey, he or she expects that the product includes natural ingredients only (Chopra, Lotvin, & Fisher, 2010). Conversely, checking the ingredients list a problem arises. These ingredients are arranged in a descending weight order, and it is notable that the information provided on the products ingredients is totally different from what the food product is made. As a result, a consumer will buy such food stuffs following the directives either on the printed label or online adverts on such food products (Larsen, 2011). However, in the long run it is discovered that the specified ingredients are not found in the product.

In conclusion, it is clear that media plays a role in misleading customers on food products. There is a need to control media practices because they can result into serious health hazards. Many people have followed advert prescriptions on certain products where they are later affected by very serious side effects.

References

Chopra, S., Lotvin, A., & Fisher, D. (2010). Doctor Chopra says: Medical facts and myths everyone should know. New York: Thomas Dunne Books.

Larsen, L. (2011). Diet and nutrition sourcebook: Basic consumer health information about dietary guidelines, servings and portions, recommended daily nutrient intakes and meal plans, vitamins and supplements, weight loss and maintenance, nutrition for different life stages and medical conditions, and healthy food choices. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics.

HYPERLINK “http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/labels.html” http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/labels.html

Ford Case Study Analysis

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Any effective entrepreneur or financial specialist is always assessing the execution of the organizations they are included with, contrasting chronicled figures and its industry rivals, and even with fruitful organizations from different businesses (Rangan & Lee, 2011). To finish an intensive analysis of any organization’s adequacy, notwithstanding, a greater number of requirements to be taken a gander at than the effortlessly feasible numbers like deals, benefits, and aggregate resources. Fortunately, there are numerous decently tried ratios out there that make the assignment a bit less overwhelming. Financial ratio analysis aides distinguish and measure an organization’s qualities and shortcomings, assess its financial position, and shows potential dangers (Gertler & Kiyotaki, 2010).

Similarly as with some other type of analysis, financial ratios aren’t complete and their outcomes shouldn’t be seen as the main potential outcomes. Then again, when utilized as a part of conjuncture with different business assessment forms, financial ratios are significant. By analyzing Ford Motor Company’s financial ratios, alongside a couple of other organization considers, this report will give an agreeable picture of how the organization is getting along now and ought to do later on.

This is a trend table of Ford’s financial ratio for the previous five years: Ford Motor Co. (DE)

Ratios 12/31/2004 12/31/2003 12/31/2002 12/31/2001 12/31/2000

Return on Equity (%) 21.65 7.6 5.18 -60.04 29.07

Return on Assets (%) 1.19 0.29 0.1 -1.97 1.9

Return on Investment 8.13 5.62 5.87 2.23 11.24

Gross Margin 0.021 0.021 0.023 0.02 0.026

Operating Margin (%) 6.22 4.94 5.56 2.07 10.42

Net Profit Margin (%) 2.03 0.3 -0.6 -3.36 2.04

Quick Ratio 0.29 0.35 0.35 0.21 0.19

Current Ratio 0.48 0.53 0.52 0.32 0.22

Working Capital/Total Assets -0.20 -0.23 -0.14 -0.17 -0.19

Total Debt to Equity 9.12 12 24.21 18.12 7

Long Term Debt to Assets 0.32 0.37 0.40 0.42 0.32

Interest Coverage 1.72 1.12 1.10 0.8 1.75

This is a trend table of industrial average financial ratio for the previous five years in comparison: Industry Averages

Ratios 12/31/2004 12/31/2003 12/31/2002 12/31/2001 12/31/2000

Return on Equity (%) 16.22 8.65 -80.32 –0.41 21.06

Return on Assets (%) 2.34 0.68 -1.88 3.46 3.87

Return on Investment 8.13 5.62 5.87 2.23 11.24

Gross Margin 0.021 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.023

Operating Margin (%) 5.11 4.04 -5.56 7.07 8.42

Net Profit Margin (%) 2.83 1.43 -0.69 3.39 3.22

Quick Ratio 0.89 0.55 0.73 0.73 0.70

Current Ratio 1.23 1.34 1.11 1.87 1.44

Working Capital/Total Assets 0.12 0.12 0.02 0.05 3.21

Total Debt to Equity 7.12 10.87 18.21 15.11 9.12

Long Term Debt to Assets 0.32 0.46 0.93 0.98 0.21

Interest Coverage 8.82 2.00 0.88 -1.23 5.64

The analysis of these ratios shows how Ford stands as a company for the past five years.

Return on equity (ROE)

Uncovers the amount of benefit an organization earned in analysis to the aggregate sum of shareholder value on the asset report. For long haul contributing with awesome prizes, organizations that have exceptional yield on value ratios can give the greatest adjustments. This ratio additionally tells speculators how viably their capital is being reinvested, so it is a decent gage of administration’s cash taking care of abilities. Passage is demonstrating an impressive turn around here this previous year, which could without much of a stretch be because of changes in administration. They are additionally sensibly emulating the business around there.Return on assets

(ROA) tells the amount of benefit an organization creates for every dollar in resources. It quantifies the advantage power of a business. They bring down the benefit every dollar of advantages, the more resource escalated the business is. Passage is resource serious, in light of the fact that it requires enormous, costly supplies to produce benefit. This implies more cash must be reinvested into the organization to keep on producing profit. Despite the fact that their lower number is depicted in resource force, Ford is reliably falling a couple of rate focuses underneath the business normal here. This could be a thought against the organization.Return of investments

(Return of investments) ratio measures the consolidated impacts of overall revenues and aggregate resource turnover. This ratio analyzes the way an organization produces benefits, and the way it uses its resources for create deals. In the event that advantages are utilized successfully, ROI will be high. As indicated by Ford’s numbers, this has been a region of slow change over the recent years, after a radical drop from 2000 to 2001. This is the standard for the business, also. Worker evaluating advancements will be an enormous thought here during the current year.

Gross margin

Has a tendency to stay steady over the long haul. Be that as it may, this ratio is still essential to assess, on the grounds that changes can be an indication of extortion or unpredictable financials. A higher horrible edge than different organizations in the business likewise indicates more proficiency. Passage’s consistency in this ratio praises the organization’s steadiness. The way that the organization is reliably in front of the business additionally talks very of Ford’s productivity rate.

Working edge likewise measures administration’s productivity. It does as such by looking at the nature of an organization’s operations to others in the business. A higher working edge has a tendency to mean lower altered expenses and better horrible edge. This gives administration more adaptability when setting costs, which is especially vital amid times of financial hardship. This is an alternate region where Ford is abating turning things around. It is no astonishment, however, that the organization is additionally fairing above industry midpoints around there.

Net profit margin

Is what amount of benefit an organization makes for each dollar it produces in income? Ordinarily, the higher the organization’s net revenue, the better. In any case, there are instances of lower net revenue numbers being an indication of an organization’s evaluating technique or a value war. This is the first unmistakable indication of Ford’s numbers coming back to the gainfulness of 2000. While the organization is fairing marginally lower than the business normal around there, it is barely sufficiently huge to warrant a lot of a cautioning.Quick ratio

Is the hardest gauge of an organization’s liquidity and quality? It takes a gander at an organization’s benefits, discovers what can be quickly changed over to money, and partitions that by the organization’s liabilities (Woodford, 2010). This tells the amount of money an organization can think of in a matter of hours or days.Current ratio

Is a comparable test to speedy ratio, yet it ascertains what number of dollars in resources are prone to be changed over to trade inside one year in for cold hard currency request to pay obligations that come due amid that same year. Excessively high a number, in the same way as a 3 or 4, implies that there is an excessive amount of money close by that is not being reinvested. A number beneath 1, in the same way as that of Ford’s, implies that there is a negative working capital. This is adequate if the stock can instantly be changed over to money. On the other hand, in both brisk and current ratios, Ford is falling enough underneath industry midpoints for it to issue some worry.The working capital ratio

Uncovers all the more about the financial state of a business than different figuring. It makes it simple to predict any financial challenges that may emerge. For Ford’s situation, the turnover is not brisk enough not to keep a working capital save if there should arise an occurrence of financial hardship. The business normal falls rapidly behind this hypothesis with short of what a rate point contrast for as far back as five years.

Working capital ratio measures the amount of cash an organization ought to have the capacity to acquire over drawn out stretches of time. The ordinary level of obligation fluctuates, however any organization more than 40 to half ought to be taken a gander at all the more precisely on the off chance that there are fluid issues. Passage is fit as a fiddle around 8% this previous year in analysis to the 25% of 2002. This is yet an alternate zone where Ford is just after industry midpoints.

Long haul obligation to resource ratio can give valuable data with respect to the extent to which that organization funds its advantages with long-term obligation. It can serve as an option for assessing financial influence. Portage conveys such a low rate in this specific ratio, there is more influence. A large portion of the business falls under the level of influence here.

Interest coverage ratio

Is an estimation of the quantity of times an organization could make its advantage installments with its income before investment and assessments? They bring down the ratio an organization has, the higher the organization’s obligation trouble. This ratio gives stockholders a reasonable picture of the fleeting financial capacities (Doyle, Ge & McVay, 2007). At present, Ford is not experiencing issues producing the money to pay its advantage commitments, yet they are not about as secure as whatever remains of the business for the past few years.

The greatest component, adjacent to ratios, that needs to be considered in assessing Ford at this moment is the overwhelming outside business. Toyota is a prime illustration, as they are pushing some way or another to the number three spot in the United States car industry. The mind-boggling value climbs in human services of the years has gradually and most likely injured the American car industry in their endeavors to meet the annuities of all their past workers. This is not an issue for outside organizations, who have national social insurance frameworks set up. Unless things turn around, this shortage will cover the US car industry.

The key new activity for Ford, and additionally whatever is left of the business, is in creating half breed vehicles. Fuel effectiveness is an objective of the nation all in all, and President Bush has conferred a lot of cash towards this exploration. Notwithstanding, the lull in congress has not delivered the cash needed to do the innovative work for the huge three in the auto business. The few half and half vehicles that exist are scarcely an answer, nor are they paying for themselves in the fantastic plan of things yet.

From this investigation of Ford, now would not be a prime time to put resources into this organization. As opposed to the good faith of the yearly report, the American car industry’s battle is not over. While the numbers have started to turn around marginally over the past few years, Ford still has far to go. The innovative work alone that is obliged to support the auto business into its own particular is still years from execution (Kashyap, Stein & Hanson, 2010). While the financial ratios don’t warrant safeguarding boat for those that have officially put resources into this battling industry, present and future fuel issues will make it increasingly hard for any of the huge three to be effective. Besides, the financial trouble of paying American annuities cuffs the once auto goliaths from sifting more cash towards headway.

The DuPont Analysis.

An end to end strategic analysis technique of an organization ought to be done to spotlight on the accompanying essential points of view of the business. The business standard strategy for financial execution observing of Ford is to keeping a nearby look on the essential ratios of the organization:

Profit Margin

Net Income

= PM =

Sales (Total Revenues)

Sales (Total Revenues)

Total Asset Turnover = TAT = Total Assets

Return on Investment = ROI = Profit Margin X Total Asset Turnover

Net Income Sales (Total Revenues)

= X Sales (Total Revenues) Total Assets

Net Income

=

Total Assets

Total Assets

Equity Multiplier = EM =

Total Equity

Return on Equity = Profit Margin X Total Asset Turnover X Equity Multiplier

= Return on Investment X Equity Multiplier

Net Income Total Assets = X Total Assets Total Equity Net Income = Total Equity These five discriminating ratios are on the whole dissected in the DuPont model which is broadly utilized by Finance Managers and Consultants around the world. The last yield of DuPont analysis is the Return on Equity.

The flow chart for the DuPont Analysis of Ford

19050532130

References

Doyle, J. T., Ge, W., & McVay, S. (2007). Accruals quality and internal control over financial reporting. The Accounting Review, 82(5), 1141-1170.

Gertler, M., & Kiyotaki, N. (2010). Financial intermediation and credit policy in business cycle analysis. Handbook of monetary economics, 3(3), 547-599.

Kashyap, A. K., Stein, J. C., & Hanson, S. (2010). An analysis of the impact of ‘substantially heightened’capital requirements on large financial institutions.Booth School of Business, University of Chicago, mimeo.

Rangan, V. K., & Lee, K. L. (2011). Ford Motor Company: Strengthening the Dealer Network. Harvard Business School Marketing Unit Case, (511-132).

Woodford, M. (2010). Financial intermediation and macroeconomic analysis.The Journal of Economic Perspectives, 21-44.

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Food Plan for track events athletes (Sprinters)

Introduction

In every sport, it is mandatory that all the athletes eat the right foods and train well. This is for the purpose of making them strong, as well as fit to engage in their various sporting activities. Performance is improved by the food that is consumed by them, and this means it must have all the needed nutrients. Most times, the athletes are involved in rigorous activities that make them burn and lose many calories. They are constantly exposed to sporting events, frequent workouts, and competitions, which affects their bodies. Sporting performance is improved by regular practice, but the food is the most vital aspect of the training program. Eating the right food is known to affect the performance of athletes (Volek, 2004. 34).

I have chosen to research about athletes who participate in track events and that are short distances. The latter is known as sprinters. This is because they are known for the distances that they run, and this involves a lot of energy usage. They need to find ways they can replenish the lost energy and finish their races. These are the reasons why I chose to research on this group of individuals. Readers will be interested to know about the food plan that is similar to that of Usain Bolt, and how it affects his performance. The food plan that I have provided is aimed at athletes who run short races between 200m and 100m.

This paper seeks to give an analysis of the food plan that athletes use, especially those in short track events. Also, it explains the benefits of using the required food plan.

Analysis of a track event Athlete’s Food Plan

Food Plan for sprinters

Breakfast Milk and Breakfast cereal

Snack Sandwiches that have egg, cheese and meat fillings

Lunch Chicken, Meat, Fish stir-fries and served with noodles or rice

Water

Snack Liquid meal supplements and fruit smoothies

Dinner Salmon on crackers with canned tuna served with rice cakes

Yoghurt or fruit

Snack Nut mixes and dried fruit

Athletes who run short distances are known as sprinters, and they have a food plan, which recommends that they eat high energy foods. According to their food plan, they have to eat at least five to nine snacks and meals on a daily basis. This is better off as compared to increasing their meal sizes. Furthermore, they are required to have a high intake of drinks such as juices, water, fortified milkshakes, and meal supplements that are in a liquid form, among others. They are highly recommended as they are better off as compared to bulky food. Products made especially for sports, and sugary foods should be taken. This is because they are high in nutrients, carbohydrates, and sugar. In order to fuel up, they must have a food record to assist in knowing when to eat (Volek, 2004. 36). From the above food plan, it is evident that the intake of proteins and carbohydrates is high as it aids in giving the sprinters energy.

The food plan has been approved by trhe International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). The latter is an athletics body, which has the responsibility of regulating the activities of athletes. On the other hand, the USDA has its own guidelines concerning the intake of food by athletes. It is recommended by the USDA that the calories, which are obtained from intake of proteins, are 20%. Thus, it is in accordance with the food plan that is recommended by the IAAF. It also recommends that the intake of carbohydrates is fifty percent of the total intake. This is because carbohydrates are high in energy and are vital to enhancing the athlete’s performance. The only differences, which exist between the IAAF food plan and that of USDA, is that the latter has more items (Volek, 2004. 42). For example, the USDA requires that athletes consume no more than 2300 milligrams of sodium on a daily basis. Also, an athlete should have an intake of fat that is saturated. In percentage form, this is 10% of the total intake of food that is consumed.

It is required that sprinters increase their strength levels, as well as their muscle mass. They can achieve this through the effective programs on resistance training. The myth that exists among sprinters is that protein intake should be monitored. Unfortunately, the latter is not true as it has been proven by researchers. The researchers have found out that taking proteins in large quantities does not influence the results of training. Instead, the sprinters should focus on strategies that promote intake of carbohydrates and proteins in the right portions.

Water is an essential aspect of the food plan, and the sprinters should have their water bottles all the time. This is because athletes should be well fueled and hydrated when they are working out, as this is the best condition for training. A sports drink is also recommended, and it should be taken together with the water. Water and a health drink assist in making the training session effective and lasting. Supplements are also encouraged as they have many beneficial elements. They include; enhancing performance, body fat reduction, muscle mass increment, and promotion of recovery. Caution should be taken by the athletes when they are taking supplements. This is because some have harmful substances, which can cause serious harm to the sprinters (DeLee & Drez, 2003. 45).

Many benefits are obtained as a result of having such a food plan. This is because sprinters need a cardiovascular system that is healthy, have strong muscles, and endurance that is obtained from the intense work out. Thus, they should all the time have with them sports drinks, water, and enough intakes of proteins, and carbohydrates. Only fats that are healthy should be consumed in order to have enough energy when training. Saturated fats and Trans fats mostly found in beef should be totally limited. This limitation also applies to processed and fast foods as they increase ones chance of obtaining heart diseases. By having a food plan, the sprinter is assured that their calorie intake is monitored. Athletes who have extra weight are advised to keenly follow the food plan and record their intake in food records (Kraemer & Zatsiorsky, 2006. 161).

Caution is given to athletes as they risk losing their lives or even being injured if they do not follow the food plan. Before training, they must have eaten what is required, and in the right amount. This is to reduce the risk of burnout and muscle cramps, among others. Fats should be consumed well, and especially the Trans fats. They are known to affect the athlete’s cholesterol levels by increasing the (LDL). Also, it lowers the athletes (HDL), which are known to be vital to the body functions. If sodium is taken in large quantities, it can be extremely deadly. Some of its effects include high blood pressure and paralysis, which can affect the athlete’s career or even end it. Thus, caution has to be taken by the athletes as its impacts are of a high magnitude.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the plan that I have provided is straightforward, also approved by the IAAF. Any athlete can easily find the food items as they are cheap and widely available. Apart from that, the reader should keenly follow the suggestions that I have provided. This also refers to the times when the food should be consumed. It should be known that supplements will never replace food; they only assist in providing the nutrients. They should not be misused as they may lead to poor and dismal performance by the athlete. The risks should be examined versus the benefits before taking supplements. It is extremely unfortunate when some athletes have to be disqualified from races because they have used substances, which are banned. The reader of this plan should ensure that they obtain more advice from a sports nutritionist. This is because there are different body types, and the intake levels are different. One needs to know about their individual food plans, and how it will assist during training. Indeed, Life quality and the health of athletes are determined by the choices they make concerning food.

Work Cited

Volek, S. HYPERLINK “http://www.purdue.edu/SWO/healthshop/nutrition/HealthyWeightGain/InfluenceOfNutritionOnWtGain.pdf” Influence of nutrition on responses to resistance training. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 23, 4, (2004): 23 -57.

DeLee, MD, & Drez, MD. DeLee & Drez’s Orthopedic Sports Medicine; Principles and Practice. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2003.Print.

Kraemer, William & Zatsiorsky, Vladimir. HYPERLINK “http://books.google.com/?id=QWSn4iKgNo8C&pg=PP12&dq=strength+training+weekly” Science and Practice of Strength Training, Second Edition. Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics Publishers, 2006.Print.

Ford Motors Company Safety and Health Training

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Introduction

Occupational health and safety measures are very critical in human resource management. Organizations invest in many ways to ensure that their employees and clients or customers stay away from any danger. The effects of chronic diseases and dangers due to exposure or harm in work should be totally avoided or maximally minimized. The possibility of this depends on the structure and format of the organization. Most organizations treat their employees in such a manner that the employees feel secure and safe in the confines of the company. This in turn increases productivity and profitability as well. Willing employees are more profitable than pressed ones. When the good of employees is first taken into account, they push themselves further freely. One such a company that takes into account the safety and health of employees is Ford Motor Company.

Role of the safety and health department in Ford

In the Ford motor company for instance, a lot of emphasis is put on employee safety and health. A target of no fatalities is set. The target is followed with another one of zero injuries. These are set by a director of occupational health and safety of the same. The director is among the top company management and participates in top executive deliberations. The top executive listens and implements proposals from the director. This makes it easier for the employees of Ford to work freely and engage knowing the board has their back. The fact that there is a department for health and safety of employees at Ford makes it serious. This department raises the safety and health issues of the employees of the company to the executive board. The executive boards looks into the health and safety issues raised with the view of swiftly working on them. The department through its director proposes the best safety measures in the company, takes them to the board and once they are accepted, the department of safety and health ensures the measures are implemented. From a distance, the department sets safety and health policies.

The policies, whose aim is to zero accidents and health problems, form a very strong pillar when dealing with all the Ford operations. Priority is given to the safety of the employees together with the customers who visit. The directorate follows the staff below it to ensure that the policies regarding safety and health are adhered to. In ford, this is a very strong and active department.

The director adds to their role by ensuring that there is quality treatment of chronic diseases and prevention of the same in case they have not affected employees. Measures usually are not enacted and put in place to ensure that the employees’ health is not compromised nor is it at any risk of being compromised. In the event that a sick employee is treated, compensation mechanisms are followed to ensure that all employees seek medical support without fear of inability to afford. This is a wonderful plus from Ford as it encourages the employees to be health. When the employees are not healthy, they are free to seek the same with confidence that the company compensates.

Ford trains employees to work cautiously. Team work is an everyday requirement and employees are required to work together. This way they easily watch over each other and minimize safety breaches. Safety is one of the core components incorporated in the Ford systems operating system. The system ensures that the team builds the operating system integrates safety in the system. Safety is part of the Ford business. When the employees are taught on how to use the systems operating system, they are also taught on how to incorporate safety in all the aspects of the system at all levels of business within the organization. The same is achieved through the alteration of the culture of the Ford workforce to that of unity. Individual employees are trained on how to blend in the team and work as a unit. The unit members of Ford care for each other and look out for each other as well.

The health and safety training is done by the directorate of health and safety department. The employees get information about their security within the organization from the department of health and safety within the same organization. The department is made of qualified health and safety experts. These are professionals in the health and safety matters.

Ford faces challenges in training and implementing all the safety and health measures. One of the challenges is integrating all the employees from all plants to the same safety and health belief. This is to say that Ford works more to ensure that all organizational branches with their many employees do conform to the unit belief. The number of employees involved is huge and the distances to be spanned are also huge. That brings a big challenge in maintaining the same belief and standard of safety. The training takes long and sometimes tricky. Another challenge is that of difference in expectations. Many of Ford’s employees have different expectations from the company. Merging all of them is a big challenge. Some of these expectations are too high while others are too low or too small. Getting to a level where the two categories merge is hard. The same requires a lot of compromises which turn to be risks in terms of security and health.

Conclusion

Employees are the major ingredient in organizational existence. The employees must first exist for the organization to exist. Existence is not final. The wellbeing of employees is important and points to how productive the employees can be. This means that the employees should be able to work without any disruptions and fears. Fears of insecurity are the ones that a company can eliminate. Safety of employees should be guaranteed and assured to them. In case the safety has been breached, the company should be able to demonstrate that it is able to not only handle the same but also handle it well.

Within the Ford Motors Company, the Safety and health department takes care of the employees’ welfare. The department checks on the safety of the employees with an aim of having zero deaths in the job and minimum health problems due to work related issues. This is achieved through trainings, interactions and compensations in the case that one is affected. The director of the safety and health department reports annually to the board on the welfare of the employees. This shows how much the wellbeing of employees is held at the Ford Motors Company

Eating healthy and delicious food has always been among the greatest pleasures of mankind. Although healthy foods may not be available for every person, eating even the simplest food has always brought people satisfaction from hunger. It is well known that eating food is not only about tasting different products, but also essential in getting energy to continue living and performing day to day activities. Unfortunately, recently consumption of food has started not only providing people with low amount of energy, but it has become dangerous as well. Food safety is one of the fundamental disciplines of human science in the society today. This is because it addresses potential health dangers that lead to illnesses. Some of the risky routines include poor preparation, handling and storage of food. Consumption of unhealthy, irrelevant or bulky foods often leads to problems and illnesses which consequently affect human life.

Health experts consider fast foods as one of the most dangerous things in the modern world. However, millions of people eat it every day in great amounts. As a consequence, they damage their health incredibly and gain excess weight, which makes the problem more complicated. A researcher named Morgan Spurlock decided to check this theory through an experiment. For a month, he ate in McDonald’s chain of restaurants only. The results of the experiments were predictable. He gained more than 11 kilos of weight, his cholesterol level raised up to 230. Spurlock started having continuous mood swings, sexual dysfunction, and accumulation of fat in the liver. Later it took him more than a year to lose the weight and deal with his health problems (Spurlock, 2004).

One documentary known as Food Inc, highlights the dangers of food. The storyline proves the fact that food has really become source of dangerous elements and substances which, when entering human body, causes significant damage that might lead to death. The author of the movie, Eric Schlosser, demonstrates how the animals and birds are grown on the farm. They are given special food to grow faster. Since they develop twice faster than they used to, farms become enabled to gain higher profits. However, not everyone’s immune system is able to resist the problems of eating such food. An example shown in the movie demonstrates a healthy child eating a burger. The kid was completely healthy and in two weeks he got kidney failure. Since the harm brought by the food was enormous, the child died (Schlosser, 2012).

In reality, it is not difficult to get rid of the habit. There is no use to reject all fast food intakes at once because that might be a stress for the body. However, it would be both healthy and interesting to try different foods from the market. There are numerous opportunities to make consumption of healthy food really interesting. This is by cooking fresh vegetables from the garden.

There can be no doubt that such approach might become a habit and later lead to one avoiding fast food consumptions. What is more important is that following such changes on eating styles, people are likely to feel better. After following it some time they just do not want to come back to usual fast food because their health is improved, they feel more energetic, and they look much better (Winter, 2009).

Namita Nanal a nutritionist states that everyone loves to use mouth watering food that promises to please their taste buds. On the other hand, these people using mouth watering food do not realize the havoc caused by the junk food in the body other than addition of excess weight (Mukherjee, 2012). In the current world, eating junk food is becoming a popular act among people and the food is accessed easily. Decreased immunity, lethargy and obesity are diseases affecting human life therefore leading to depression among them.

The Public health Nutrition journal specifies that person’s eating fried foods like the pizzas, hotdogs and burgers may be at risk of experiencing depression (Mukherjee, 2012). These junk foods have a lot of unhealthy fats, salt and Trans fats that are enormously dangerous to our bodies. The junk foods are pro-inflammatory and cause weight increase, mood swings and depression. In order to reduce mood swings and depression, anti-inflammatory diet was used. For the brain to work properly, one need to consume and take balanced diet and foods that have in excess salt, sugar and additives such as fats.

The hospital food served to the dying and sick patients is completely lacking enzymes, minerals, probiotics, vitamins and other nutrients that are important and promote health status of a patient. The food mostly used in hospitals is mainly loaded with poisonous chemicals and processed highly. This puts a patient at a threat of developing infections and illnesses (Huff, 2012). Some hospitals have started to avoid McDonald’s and begun to purchase clean and local food in serving their patients. On the other hand, other hospitals lack nutritional department and these is affecting the patients.

In conclusion, the majority of food problems are linked with food safety. Current methods used in food production have led to new fangled environmental exposures to endocrine and carcinogens compounds that are disrupting. Our ancestors were living properly and had good health. This is because they did not use food that had chemicals. On the other hand, they implemented good cooking practices and healthy diets that did not expose them to toxic hazards. In addition, the containers used currently in storing foods leach poisonous chemicals like styrene, vinyl chloride and BPA. These chemicals are not good for human health. Some individuals do not want to change their habits, while others are not able to resist tasting fast food again and again.

References

Huff, A. E. (2012). Many U.S. hospitals, including children’s hospitals, continue to serve McDonald’s fast food in their cafeterias. Natural News.com. Retrieved November 10, 2012, from http://www.naturalnews.com/035675_hospitals_mcdonalds_fast_food.html

Mukherjee, M. (2012). Junk food can make you depressed. The Times Of India. Retrieved November 10, 2012, from http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-25/diet/33367698_1_junk-food-public-health-nutrition-mood-swings

Winter, J. (2009). Watch This Doc: Food, Inc. Retrieved November 10, 2012, from http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/The-Food-Inc-Documentary

Schlosser, E. (2012). Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Spurlock, M. (2004). Super size me: a film of epic portions (motion picture). Canada: Kathbur pictures.

Running Head: Ford Pinto case analysis

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Introduction

Despite the eminent failures by the concerned parties in the Pinto-related accidents to minimize or completely avoid the predicament, Ford Company’s pursuit of financial gains at the expense of consumer safety is a matter of great concern to the public in general. Since the introduction of the subcompact car way back in May1968, lives have been lost and the devastating injuries from the accidents associated with the product’s technological failure continue to rise on every occasion. At the outset, Ford Company designed a car upon recommendation by the then company’s vice-president Lee Iacocca in an attempt to increase the market share. However, the introduction was done in a harried manner thereby raising questions whether satisfactory research was carried out on the feasibility of the technology relative to the cost and benefit of the product as well as its safety to the users.

Stakeholders in the predicament

To begin with, the ineffectiveness of the fuel system design of the Ford subcompact car was eminent in an accident involving the car in May 1972 that caused the death of Lily Gray as well as injuring a thirteen year old Grimshaw. According to the available information, the car which struck Gray’s Pinto was traveling at a lower speed of about thirty miles per hour and that the death and the devastating injury resulted from the fire ignited by the impact. The company had to release approximately six and half million Dollars as compensation for the damages in the accident. In another similar occurrence, three women using Pinto car lost their lives six moths later as a result of fire ignited by the impact upon being struck by an equally slowly driven car. Even though the ethical behavior of the driver in this case is questionable having been found with marijuana, beer bottles and caffeine pills, the speed of the car was relatively low and that the fatalities resulted from the fuel system failure and not direct impact. Furthermore, Pinto car was again involved in an accident on August 10, 1978 where deaths of three people occurred after their car busted into flames upon being struck by another van on the U.S Highway. It is noteworthy that the three teenagers never took precaution while reapplying the gas cap as well as parking on the highway which might have highly precipitated the occurrence of the accident. However, the deaths resulted from the fire ignited as a result of the impact thereby sending a clear message of the defective nature of the Pinto fueling system.

Ethical analysis

The saga that Pinto has found itself in is worrying to the consumers, authorities as well as public in general as it jeopardizes the safety of the users. More importantly, the Ford Company should be more concerned as such incidences tarnish the company’s reputation thereby hindering its performance in the market contrary to enhancement of market share as earlier thought. The lives that have been lost as well as the devastating injuries caused by the failure of the fueling system outmatch the benefits that the company was entitled to enjoy. According to absolutism principle of the ethical analysis, the human beings should not be injured of harmed in any way as a result of implementation of any technology as witnessed in the Pinto saga. Such a perspective has been witnessed in the punitive measures so far implemented by the jury against the Ford Company.

On the other hand, carelessness so far exhibited by the users of the Pinto car such as failure to reapply the gas cap by the teenagers, using stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol while driving as well as poor parking on the roadway are some of the improper behaviors that have precipitated the road accidents with which Pinto is associated.

Utilitarianism is another ethical analysis principle that embraces the legitimacy of some ethical problems as well as ethical conflicts and suggests analysis of such issues based on what is considered to provide greatest benefits to a great number of people. The market share of the Ford Company might have expanded in the early years of Pinto introduction into the market but the problems associated with the technology are immense. Ford Company’s continuous neglect on the evident desire by the public to upgrade its fueling system is an unethical behavior as the company only considers the benefits accruing from the sales of the car and not the safety of the consumers (Mishan, & Quah, 2007).

Cost/Benefit Assessment of Company Actions

The introduction of Pinto into the market boosted the market share for the Ford Company as well as enormously improving sales in the early years hence enhancing a short-term benefit to the Ford Company. However, the problems associated with the product were yet to follow. At the outset, the company was forced to pay $560000 in compensation to the family of Gray following his death as a result of using the defective Pinto car. Moreover, Ford had to settle additional $2.5million compensation fees to Grimshaw in the same accident. Finally, the jury further subjected the company to financial melt-down of $3.5million in punitive compensation resulting from problems caused by the defective Pinto car (Mishan, & Quah, 2007).

Through the Pinto car, Ford Company has been associated with causing of deaths as well as devastating injuries resulting from the failure of the car’s fueling system. So far the deaths of Gray, the three women in Indiana and the three teenagers in addition to the injuries suffered by Grimshaw are losses both to the public and the company. This has an adverse impact on the company reputation.

Conclusion

Advancement in technology is an optimistic development that everyone is willing to be associated with. However, the cost of such developments should be carefully weighed against the expected benefits both in the short and long-term. Introduction of Pinto car into the market was hurriedly executed without proper research and the associated problems have proven to be enormous than expected. The benefits of such technologies become infeasible especially in cases where lives of human beings are lost. According to the absolutism principle, it is unethical to harm human being in the process of implementing certain business measures aimed at benefiting the company.

Reference:

Mishan, E. & Quah, E. (2007). Cost-benefit analysis. 5th Ed. Routledge.

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Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual By Michael Pollan

In his book, Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual, Michael Pollan draws attention to America’s healthcare crisis, especially in relation to the diverse diseases that result from having a poor diet. The author introduces 64 rules related to eating, which he narrows down to three main concepts including; Eat Food, Mostly Plants, Not Too Much (Pollan 1-112). As observable in the three statements, the author explains to his readers to eat, though not too much, and most of all, to eat the foods that are mainly acquired from plants. The rules that Pollan presents in his book are based on traditional and cultural eating habits. His argument regarding his basis, is that the western culture is quickly becoming too concentrated on processed foods, which has in turn, been responsible for the deteriorating health of most people today. In essence, the book provides a guideline for attaining good and responsible eating habits for the individuals who are concerned about their health. (Pollan 1-112).

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the book, Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual by Michael Pollan. Specifically, the paper provides an analysis of the three statements, “Eat Food”, “Mostly Plants”, and “Not Too Much”, as presented in the novel.

Eat Food

The first statement that the author introduces to his readers is the concept of eating food. By this he means that people should engage in the practice of eating real food as opposed to food that has been processed (Bain 1). Accordingly, this statement has a strong link to Michael’s belief that people in the modern world are more accustomed to eating processed foods, instead of fresh food. He begins by warning his readers not to eat an food that their ancestors would not recognize as food. This builds on his argument regarding processed food whereby the modern day ‘foods’ have undergone too much processing that they can no longer be recognized as being food. Food rule number 22 states, “It’s not food if it arrived through the window of your car” (Pollan 1-112). With this, the author draws attention to the types of foods that individuals should eat and the types that they should not. This statement carries a lot of meaning for the readers, especially those that live in the urban cities. This is because such people rarely have the time to prepare good meals for themselves, and for that reason, end up ordering take out from restaurants. In his novel, the author argues that a meal can only be termed as good food if it has been prepared by the eater form the start to the finish.

Mostly Plants

In food rule number 19, the author states “If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don’t” (Pollan 1-112). With this statement, the author urges his readers to put plants and other vegetables first in their list of foods to eat. He draws attention to the common practice of “nutritionism” whereby individuals focus more on the nutrients found in food, as opposed to the food on its own (Parker-Pope 1). He explains that by doing this, companies tend to process foods that are rich in particular nutrients, which at most times are not beneficial to the eater, hence leading to various kinds of diseases in the long run. The author recommends the consumption of fruits and vegetables that are fresh from the garden, and he believes that such foods are very nutritious ad they provide the nutritional supplements that individuals require for a healthy life. Though he recommends the consumption of vegetables, the author is also quick to state the benefit of other foods such as meats. He explains that there are some nutrients that foods such as meats provide and plats cannot.

Not Too Much

Another concept or eating habit that the author has introduced in this novel is what he terms as, Not Too Much. Principally, this statement examines the different manners of eating that individuals portray in their daily lives (Bain 1). He highlights a number of eating habits that individuals have today including eating at work, eating in when bored, and eating in excess among other things. The author condemns any person who overeats knowingly or unknowingly and urges such individuals to change their behaviors with regards to the consumption of food. In rule number 46 the author states, “Stop eating before you’re full and try to eat only to 67 to 80 percent capacity” (Pollan 1-112). This rule further explains the author’s views regarding good eating habits where he argues for reduced eating. Observably, this rule is about individuals being mindful of what they eat and how they eat it. As the author explains, most people hold the belief that they should eat until they are full, however, the author explains that this is the first step towards unhealthy eating habits. This is because hunger may sometimes be psychological, an eating to get full will therefore imply eating too much.

Work Cited

Bain, Jennifer. Michael Pollan Offers 64 Rules For Eating Well. The Star, 2 January 2010. Web.

26 January 2012 <<http://www.thestar.com/living/food/article/743865–michael-pollan-offers-64-rules-for-eating-well>>

Parker-Pope, Tara. Michael Pollan Offers 64 Ways To Eat Food. New York Times, 8 January

2010. Web. 26 January, 2012. << http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/08/michael-pollan-offers-64-ways-to-eat-food/>>

Pollan, Michael. Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual. New York: Penguin Group USA, 2009. Print.