Basketball has been one of the world's most popular sport for so many decades now, eversince Dr. James Naismith invented and introduced this wonderful game to mankind, all it did was sort popularity. Today, the NBA (National Basketball Association) continues to be the most popular league in the whole world, The NBA season recently ended and the newly crowned Miami Heat won their second championship in franchise history, with superstars Lebron James, Dywane Wade and Chris Bosh leading the team all the way, a basketball fan like myself couldn't help but get excited for basketball's popularity and competitiveness for many many years to come. In the Philippines, the Philippine Basketball Association or PBA is nearly as much entertaining as any leagues worldwide, with superstars James Yap, Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand carrying the torch for the league, the PBA will never be dull.
Basketball International competitions are also worth watching as it quickly gaining fans all around the world, countries such as France, Argentina. Spain and many more who observe tough training programs continues to dominate the worldwide scenes, winning championships every now and then, but the USA dream team still remains the most popular and dominant team and will always be the team to beat.
Basketball is a fun entertaining game to watch and it is certainly worth it to cheer for any team whichever league they are in. Whether in College, Amateur, Professional, and international level, every game is worth your time and Basketball is a sure way to a healthier living, physically and psychologically.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Where to get your Master's Degree Education
In a world where competition is everywhere - and a high level too, equipping yourself with a Master's Degree will put you in a significant position to have an advantage over most job-hunters like yourself.
Smaller Universities, require their instructors to have a Master's degree, which a few years ago, is not necessarily a requirement, that goes to show how education continues to improve worldwide and that is nothing but a positive impact.
Master's degree education can be acquired in different known universities, but other options have been appearing over this past few years, of those "other options" that has been growing popularity is the Online Education Degree. Online Education degrees has been offered in universities and has been receiving positive feedback from people who graduated from Online education method.
But for some, real life campus experience is still the way to go, for them, stating that nothing can beat the hands-on approach to education. An advantage for online education however, is you will have a more flexible schedule and the extra time will always come in handy (especially if you're already working.)
That being said Online education and campus education has its own advantage and disadvantages, but like any other things, a particular student has its own preference and it is very important to choose whatever suits a particular person, but everybody will agree that no matter how you get your Master's degree whether online or going to the campus, nothing can go wrong in expanding one's knowledge and wisdom thru education.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Real Estate
Make a personal list of "Hard but rewarding jobs" and I'm sure that Real Estate selling will be on top of most people's list, You see them at the malls, at the parking areas of supermarkets, and practically everywhere.
Real Estate sellers are normally required to dress up regardless of where they are handing out fliers containing the info of the properties they are trying to sell, whether exposed to the rays of the sun, or soaking on a wet rainy day, it is mandatory that they have an appearance that will be pleasing to the potential customer's eye.
The Challenge:
Most Agents selling Real Estate, especially the beginners would have a not-so-easy time learning the ropes of selling Real Estate, confidence and poise is a must if you are talking to customers, a simple smile is always observed as it could make or break the deal. "Quota" (wherein the company sets a particular number of sale on a particular time frame) is another added pressure, but once you learned the ins and outs of Real Estate selling, well, the rewards, as I have pointed out, are very much worth it.
The Rewards:
A successful property or real estate sale will give you a particular percentage of the total amount of the sale (aside from your fixed monthly salary) which will be a hefty amount considering the appreciating value of real estate nowadays, not only that, you helped a family pick a new home that will shelter and protect them for many years to come, so regardless of the hardships, Real Estate selling is very much rewarding
Real Estate sellers are normally required to dress up regardless of where they are handing out fliers containing the info of the properties they are trying to sell, whether exposed to the rays of the sun, or soaking on a wet rainy day, it is mandatory that they have an appearance that will be pleasing to the potential customer's eye.
The Challenge:
Most Agents selling Real Estate, especially the beginners would have a not-so-easy time learning the ropes of selling Real Estate, confidence and poise is a must if you are talking to customers, a simple smile is always observed as it could make or break the deal. "Quota" (wherein the company sets a particular number of sale on a particular time frame) is another added pressure, but once you learned the ins and outs of Real Estate selling, well, the rewards, as I have pointed out, are very much worth it.
The Rewards:
A successful property or real estate sale will give you a particular percentage of the total amount of the sale (aside from your fixed monthly salary) which will be a hefty amount considering the appreciating value of real estate nowadays, not only that, you helped a family pick a new home that will shelter and protect them for many years to come, so regardless of the hardships, Real Estate selling is very much rewarding
Friday, June 8, 2012
The Rock: An icon larger than life
Take it literally, figuratively, athletically, cinematically and very physiologically. In and out of the rin or on and off screen, six-foot, five inch, 260-pound Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has become almost unimaginably "humongous" in every sense of the word. Born May 2, 1979 in California and an integral member of the University of Miami Hurricanes' 1991 NCAA national American football championship team, the present-day, recently turned 40-year-old is a veteran professional wrestler and screen super macho-man who has charmed virtually the whole world - from his native US, to Europe, Asia, Australia and beyond- so much that he really is an icon larger than life.
And why shouldn't he be? Firstly, Johnson is highly regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, having won a total of 16 (nine as a world champion) championships in World Wrestling Entertainment, and is a five time co-holder of the WWE Tag Team Championship. He was the sixth to notch the WWE Triple crown and the winner of the 2000 Royal Rumble, which was the 13th such annual pay-per-view event produced by the WWE that to place at the prestigious Madison Square Garden ,New York City.
His most recent wrestling achievement was a return-to-the-ring defeat of John Cena last April 1, 2012 in a super-hype clash of two fame wrestling superstars of different era in front of 78,000 fans in Miami, Florida, in "Wrestlemani XXVIII," the tagline of which was, most appropriately," Once in a Lifetime."
But Wait......He is not One-dimensional At All
However, and it must be pointedly emphasized, his famed "rock" stardom also emanates from a current film and TV industry career, from which he is now likewise gigantic on a planetary scale. His ascent has been a spectacular one this far but is still exponentially on the rise - an incredible as that reality might seem to be.
The Rock's popularity has been fuelled by his innate charisma, impromptu eloquence and speech-making abilities, all of which have often led to many memorable catchphrases and subsequent merchandising "bonanzas."
Kids and Comedy - The Rock for Everyone
Johnson crosses generational divides; from mature audiences to young adults. Children absolutely love him as well because his highly unique blend of talent is extremely atypical; he can be brute force at a given moment for a particular film feature and then, all of a sudden, become disarming to kids in a movie in which he interacts with them in not just a fatherly fashion but in a friendly, funny and endearing one as well.
One such classic example was his starring role as a minor league hockey player (who hits opposing players so hard he knocks out their teeth) in 2012's comedy film "The Tooth fairy" with Ashley Judd and Julie Andrews. The movie initially received negatived reviews from, the so-called film critics and industry experts but defied the predictions and became decidedly successful at the box office - costing $48 million to make but grossing more than double the budgeted amount by pulling in $112.5 million. Aside from being funny, kids were intricately involved in the plot of this one.
Movie Star Born in Record Fashion
Johnson's first leading role as an actor was in "Scorpion King" in 2002, for which he was paid what was at the time an unheard-of-sum of $5.5 million - the highest salary ever for an actor in his first starring role. Other blockbuster Dwayne Johnson movies include "Be cool," (cost: $53 million, box office: $95 million);
"Walking tall," (cost: $46 million, box office: $57 million); "Gridiron Gang," (cost: $30 million, box office: $31.5 million); "The Game Plan," (cost: $22 million, box office: $150 million); "Get Smart," (cost: $80 million, box office: $231 million); "Race to With Mountain," (cost: $50 million, box office: $106 million); "Planet 51," (in which he did voice-over only - cost: $70 million, box office $104 million); "The Other Guys," (cost: $70 million, box office: $104 million); "Faster," (cost: $24 million, box office: $36 million); and April 2011's "Fast tfive" (cost: $125 million, box office: $630 million); in which he starred opposite Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.
Philanthropy
In 2006, Johnson began "The Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation", which is known for its charitable work with at-risk and terminally ill children. In 2007, Johnson donated one million dollars to his alma mater, the University of Miami, to support the renovation of its football facilities. The donation was distinguished for being the largest donation ever give to the university's athletics department by a former student. As such the University of Miami renamed the Hurricanes' locker room in Johnson's honor.
Most Recent Distinguishing Accolade
The Rock received the Action Star of the Year Award at CinemaCon convention of theater owners in Las Vegas. Hosted by the National Association of Theater Owners, CinemaCon ran from April 23 to 26, 2012 at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Johnson received the CinemaCon award during Paramount's opening night presentation.
CinemaCon general Mitch Neuhauser said Johnson was "an exciting performer who first gained attention from audiences around the world when he developed the iconic character 'The Rock'. Dwayne Johnson has taken his charismatic presence to the big screen and has proven over and over again that he can entertain audiences of all ages - whether it be in an action-paced film or a family comedy."
TV Too!
The Rock has made it on television too, playing himself (cameos) in "Hannah Montana," "Wizards of Waverly Place," Family Guy" and "Cory in the House," as well as guest hosting long-running television shows such as "Saturday Night Live," which has been around since the late 1970s. He has also appeared in an episode of "Star Trek: Voyager" while likewise having played the role of Cliffjumper on "Transformers: Prime" in 2010.
2012 and Beyond
Earlier this year, Johnson starred in another box office performer "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" from Warner Brothers, which cost $79 million to make and has thus far grossed more than $313 million already. Released in 29th of May this year is Paramount's "G.I Jose: retaliation," while over the horizon for 2013 is "Pain & Gain," a comedy movie. The film is based on a Miami New Times article by investigative journalist Pete Collins about "bodybuilders in Florida who became criminals involved in an extortion ring and a kidnapping plot that goes horribly awry."
It certainly looks like The rock, at just 40 and in the prime of his life, is likely to keep getting bigger and BIGGER. And why not? he is, after all, "The Rock" for all ages
And why shouldn't he be? Firstly, Johnson is highly regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, having won a total of 16 (nine as a world champion) championships in World Wrestling Entertainment, and is a five time co-holder of the WWE Tag Team Championship. He was the sixth to notch the WWE Triple crown and the winner of the 2000 Royal Rumble, which was the 13th such annual pay-per-view event produced by the WWE that to place at the prestigious Madison Square Garden ,New York City.
His most recent wrestling achievement was a return-to-the-ring defeat of John Cena last April 1, 2012 in a super-hype clash of two fame wrestling superstars of different era in front of 78,000 fans in Miami, Florida, in "Wrestlemani XXVIII," the tagline of which was, most appropriately," Once in a Lifetime."
But Wait......He is not One-dimensional At All
However, and it must be pointedly emphasized, his famed "rock" stardom also emanates from a current film and TV industry career, from which he is now likewise gigantic on a planetary scale. His ascent has been a spectacular one this far but is still exponentially on the rise - an incredible as that reality might seem to be.
The Rock's popularity has been fuelled by his innate charisma, impromptu eloquence and speech-making abilities, all of which have often led to many memorable catchphrases and subsequent merchandising "bonanzas."
Kids and Comedy - The Rock for Everyone
Johnson crosses generational divides; from mature audiences to young adults. Children absolutely love him as well because his highly unique blend of talent is extremely atypical; he can be brute force at a given moment for a particular film feature and then, all of a sudden, become disarming to kids in a movie in which he interacts with them in not just a fatherly fashion but in a friendly, funny and endearing one as well.
One such classic example was his starring role as a minor league hockey player (who hits opposing players so hard he knocks out their teeth) in 2012's comedy film "The Tooth fairy" with Ashley Judd and Julie Andrews. The movie initially received negatived reviews from, the so-called film critics and industry experts but defied the predictions and became decidedly successful at the box office - costing $48 million to make but grossing more than double the budgeted amount by pulling in $112.5 million. Aside from being funny, kids were intricately involved in the plot of this one.
Movie Star Born in Record Fashion
Johnson's first leading role as an actor was in "Scorpion King" in 2002, for which he was paid what was at the time an unheard-of-sum of $5.5 million - the highest salary ever for an actor in his first starring role. Other blockbuster Dwayne Johnson movies include "Be cool," (cost: $53 million, box office: $95 million);
"Walking tall," (cost: $46 million, box office: $57 million); "Gridiron Gang," (cost: $30 million, box office: $31.5 million); "The Game Plan," (cost: $22 million, box office: $150 million); "Get Smart," (cost: $80 million, box office: $231 million); "Race to With Mountain," (cost: $50 million, box office: $106 million); "Planet 51," (in which he did voice-over only - cost: $70 million, box office $104 million); "The Other Guys," (cost: $70 million, box office: $104 million); "Faster," (cost: $24 million, box office: $36 million); and April 2011's "Fast tfive" (cost: $125 million, box office: $630 million); in which he starred opposite Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.
Philanthropy
In 2006, Johnson began "The Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation", which is known for its charitable work with at-risk and terminally ill children. In 2007, Johnson donated one million dollars to his alma mater, the University of Miami, to support the renovation of its football facilities. The donation was distinguished for being the largest donation ever give to the university's athletics department by a former student. As such the University of Miami renamed the Hurricanes' locker room in Johnson's honor.
Most Recent Distinguishing Accolade
The Rock received the Action Star of the Year Award at CinemaCon convention of theater owners in Las Vegas. Hosted by the National Association of Theater Owners, CinemaCon ran from April 23 to 26, 2012 at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Johnson received the CinemaCon award during Paramount's opening night presentation.
CinemaCon general Mitch Neuhauser said Johnson was "an exciting performer who first gained attention from audiences around the world when he developed the iconic character 'The Rock'. Dwayne Johnson has taken his charismatic presence to the big screen and has proven over and over again that he can entertain audiences of all ages - whether it be in an action-paced film or a family comedy."
TV Too!
The Rock has made it on television too, playing himself (cameos) in "Hannah Montana," "Wizards of Waverly Place," Family Guy" and "Cory in the House," as well as guest hosting long-running television shows such as "Saturday Night Live," which has been around since the late 1970s. He has also appeared in an episode of "Star Trek: Voyager" while likewise having played the role of Cliffjumper on "Transformers: Prime" in 2010.
2012 and Beyond
Earlier this year, Johnson starred in another box office performer "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" from Warner Brothers, which cost $79 million to make and has thus far grossed more than $313 million already. Released in 29th of May this year is Paramount's "G.I Jose: retaliation," while over the horizon for 2013 is "Pain & Gain," a comedy movie. The film is based on a Miami New Times article by investigative journalist Pete Collins about "bodybuilders in Florida who became criminals involved in an extortion ring and a kidnapping plot that goes horribly awry."
It certainly looks like The rock, at just 40 and in the prime of his life, is likely to keep getting bigger and BIGGER. And why not? he is, after all, "The Rock" for all ages
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Kindergarten Problems: first day at school
Picture this: the first day of school is about to start and you're still in the schoolyard with your kid all teary eyed and clinging to your leg like he or she is never gong to let go - what in the world are you going to do?
It's called Separation Anxiety, and although such a phenomenon would not be something new for parents, a first-time public scene such as the foregoing can be a mortifying dilemma for some. The good news for parents of children going to kindergarten for the first time is that it's all very normal and episodes can be prevented or mitigated with enough knowledge and preparation. But first, we have to understand what separation anxiety is, how it develops, what causes it, and what your child is going through during such periods of distress.
Object Permanence
Around the age of four to seven months, infants learn "object permanence," that things, including you, the parent, still exist even when out of sight. An indication that the infant has learned object permanence is the "dropping game" and that's when the infant drops an object from his or her high chair, waits for an adult to pick it up for him or her, only to drop it over and over again. Whether you're out of sight just in the next room or in the office, your baby now understands that you will at some point reappear and because of this knowledge, the infant begins to develop a true attachment with the parents and other adults around him or her.
Shortly after, between the age of eight months and a year, although generally on the way to becoming more independent, toddlers also become more uncertain and, hence anxious whenever separated from the primary care-giving parent. This is whenever separated from the primary care-giving parent. This is the life stage when separation anxiety, along with stranger anxiety (crying whenever a stranger or unknown adult approaches), the primary care-giving parent tries to leave. When you leave for work and try to leave your child with a nanny, or even just try to leave the room for a few seconds, a child experiencing separation anxiety would cry, cling to you, throw a tantrum and resist the attention of others. Bedtime may also be a bit of problem for some at this stage, with many a parent having to stay at their baby's or toddler's side until the latter falls asleep.
Stress to Distress
The appearance of separation anxiety varies significantly from child to child. Few never experience it while some start showing it as late as when they are already 2 years old. It can also show up to early school age. Episodes are often triggered by highly tense situations, such as meeting a new person for the first time, birth of a new sibling, moving to a new house, tense situation at home or in our case being, going to school for the first time, Such events may seem comparatively insignificant to an adult, but from a child's perspective, they may be as life-changing, full of uncertainties and stressful as losing a job or getting married or separated would be to an adult.
Normally, separation anxiety should be overcome by the child after early school age. If it reoccurs beyond early elementary school, chances are the anxiety stems primarily from causes other than separation, such as bullying in school. But there are extreme cases wherein separation anxiety extends way beyond childhood and is considered a psychological disorder. It has been estimated that approximately four to five percent of children and adolescents in the United States suffer from Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), a mildly debilitating mental health issue wherein sufferers worry way out of proportion over the prospect of temporarily leaving home or otherwise separating from loved ones.
Sad Symptoms
Separation anxiety becomes abnormal when at least three of the following symptoms are present and persist for at least a month and, in fact, significantly affect the child's school, social or other areas of life:
*Repeated anxiety over losing loved ones or excessive worry that something bad might happen to them
*Elevated concern about getting lost
*Repeated hesitancy or refusal to go to school or day care or to be alone or without the company of a loved one or other adults important to the anxious child
*Persistent hesitancy or refusal to go to sleep without being physically close to the parents
*Repeated nightmares about being away from parents or people close to the child
*Physical complaints that keeps coming back or panic attacks, such as stomach and head aches, when separation occurs.
It should be stressed, however, that separation anxiety is a normal phase of child development that everyone goes through and that, on the other hand, separation anxiety disorder can only be diagnosed by a child psychiatrist or a child psychologist who has held the benefit of interviewing both the child and his or her parents.
Coping with the Anxiety
Lt's go back to our schoolyard dilemma and the normal kind of separation anxiety that most kids go through. For many parents, it shouldn't be a problem but merely a matter of being firm and giving the child loving reassurance that everything will be alright. But for others who might need a coping tip or two, here are a few suggestions from experts:
*Avoid transferring your child's care to a nanny, caregiver or day care center when the child is between the ages of eight months and one year old, which is when separation anxiety is first likely to appear.
*Try to schedule your departures for after-mealtimes and naps and avoid leaving at times when the child is likely to be hungry, tired or restless/
*Make one or two trips with your child to the school or center before school or day care starts to familiarize him or her with the surroundings, and meet with the teacher or caregiver, if possible.
*When planning to leave your child with a babysitter or relative, make them come early so they can spend some time with your child with you still in the room. You can also practice leaving your child with a caregiver for short periods of time at first to make him or her get used to being away from you.
*Make it a ritual to express a sincere but firm goodbye. Stay calm and show confidence in your child. Remember that it would really not help matters if you are anxious yourself. Reassure your child that you'll be back at a time using methods that he or she will easily understand (such as after lunch). Give him or her full attention when you're leaving, mean it. Going back will only make things worse and you'll find yourself back where you stared.
*Be sure to be back on time, if not earlier than what you had promised your child. This is important for your child to develop the confidence that all things will be alright during your time apart and that time of being apart from you is only temporary.
The above stated measures, it is believed, will make the difficult transition for both the first-time school child and his or her parents considerably easier and of lesser duration to bear.
It's called Separation Anxiety, and although such a phenomenon would not be something new for parents, a first-time public scene such as the foregoing can be a mortifying dilemma for some. The good news for parents of children going to kindergarten for the first time is that it's all very normal and episodes can be prevented or mitigated with enough knowledge and preparation. But first, we have to understand what separation anxiety is, how it develops, what causes it, and what your child is going through during such periods of distress.
Object Permanence
Around the age of four to seven months, infants learn "object permanence," that things, including you, the parent, still exist even when out of sight. An indication that the infant has learned object permanence is the "dropping game" and that's when the infant drops an object from his or her high chair, waits for an adult to pick it up for him or her, only to drop it over and over again. Whether you're out of sight just in the next room or in the office, your baby now understands that you will at some point reappear and because of this knowledge, the infant begins to develop a true attachment with the parents and other adults around him or her.
Shortly after, between the age of eight months and a year, although generally on the way to becoming more independent, toddlers also become more uncertain and, hence anxious whenever separated from the primary care-giving parent. This is whenever separated from the primary care-giving parent. This is the life stage when separation anxiety, along with stranger anxiety (crying whenever a stranger or unknown adult approaches), the primary care-giving parent tries to leave. When you leave for work and try to leave your child with a nanny, or even just try to leave the room for a few seconds, a child experiencing separation anxiety would cry, cling to you, throw a tantrum and resist the attention of others. Bedtime may also be a bit of problem for some at this stage, with many a parent having to stay at their baby's or toddler's side until the latter falls asleep.
Stress to Distress
The appearance of separation anxiety varies significantly from child to child. Few never experience it while some start showing it as late as when they are already 2 years old. It can also show up to early school age. Episodes are often triggered by highly tense situations, such as meeting a new person for the first time, birth of a new sibling, moving to a new house, tense situation at home or in our case being, going to school for the first time, Such events may seem comparatively insignificant to an adult, but from a child's perspective, they may be as life-changing, full of uncertainties and stressful as losing a job or getting married or separated would be to an adult.
Normally, separation anxiety should be overcome by the child after early school age. If it reoccurs beyond early elementary school, chances are the anxiety stems primarily from causes other than separation, such as bullying in school. But there are extreme cases wherein separation anxiety extends way beyond childhood and is considered a psychological disorder. It has been estimated that approximately four to five percent of children and adolescents in the United States suffer from Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), a mildly debilitating mental health issue wherein sufferers worry way out of proportion over the prospect of temporarily leaving home or otherwise separating from loved ones.
Sad Symptoms
Separation anxiety becomes abnormal when at least three of the following symptoms are present and persist for at least a month and, in fact, significantly affect the child's school, social or other areas of life:
*Repeated anxiety over losing loved ones or excessive worry that something bad might happen to them
*Elevated concern about getting lost
*Repeated hesitancy or refusal to go to school or day care or to be alone or without the company of a loved one or other adults important to the anxious child
*Persistent hesitancy or refusal to go to sleep without being physically close to the parents
*Repeated nightmares about being away from parents or people close to the child
*Physical complaints that keeps coming back or panic attacks, such as stomach and head aches, when separation occurs.
It should be stressed, however, that separation anxiety is a normal phase of child development that everyone goes through and that, on the other hand, separation anxiety disorder can only be diagnosed by a child psychiatrist or a child psychologist who has held the benefit of interviewing both the child and his or her parents.
Coping with the Anxiety
Lt's go back to our schoolyard dilemma and the normal kind of separation anxiety that most kids go through. For many parents, it shouldn't be a problem but merely a matter of being firm and giving the child loving reassurance that everything will be alright. But for others who might need a coping tip or two, here are a few suggestions from experts:
*Avoid transferring your child's care to a nanny, caregiver or day care center when the child is between the ages of eight months and one year old, which is when separation anxiety is first likely to appear.
*Try to schedule your departures for after-mealtimes and naps and avoid leaving at times when the child is likely to be hungry, tired or restless/
*Make one or two trips with your child to the school or center before school or day care starts to familiarize him or her with the surroundings, and meet with the teacher or caregiver, if possible.
*When planning to leave your child with a babysitter or relative, make them come early so they can spend some time with your child with you still in the room. You can also practice leaving your child with a caregiver for short periods of time at first to make him or her get used to being away from you.
*Make it a ritual to express a sincere but firm goodbye. Stay calm and show confidence in your child. Remember that it would really not help matters if you are anxious yourself. Reassure your child that you'll be back at a time using methods that he or she will easily understand (such as after lunch). Give him or her full attention when you're leaving, mean it. Going back will only make things worse and you'll find yourself back where you stared.
*Be sure to be back on time, if not earlier than what you had promised your child. This is important for your child to develop the confidence that all things will be alright during your time apart and that time of being apart from you is only temporary.
The above stated measures, it is believed, will make the difficult transition for both the first-time school child and his or her parents considerably easier and of lesser duration to bear.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
The Magic of Books
Somebody once asked me what's the best Christmas gift i ever received. Without missing a beat, i told her "The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle". Not only did it introduce me to the great Sherlock Holmes, but that was the one book that changed my life because it nurtured in me a love for the written word. Thanks to that masterpiece, I discovered colorful characters that had me giddily transported to a world of madness, mystery and mayhem. My mother, had she known I'd received that gift , would have pointedly disapproved. I was six.
Okay, there are a whole lot of great Christmas gifts for kids out there - coloring books, legos, musical instruments, all kinds of mechanical and high tech toys - but in my book, nothing beats books. So should you be of the same feeling, allow me to share with you a number of good books that you may want to get for the wonderful kinds in your life.
Classics:
Charlotte's Web
by E.B White
One of the greatest children's classics. This is an ideal gift for kids five years and older. "Charlotte's Web" revolves around a pig name Wilbur and the extraordinary friendship he develops with a spider named Charlotte. This is a good way to teach a child about the real nature of friendship, not merely its rewards but also its sacrifices. This is one book, however, that a five-year old child must read with a grown-up lst the notion of having Wilbur for Christmas (as ham) scare him.
A Little Princess
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I was 12 the first time I read "A Little Princess." There's something about lead character Sara Crewe's adventures and experiences that resonated in me. I have thus made it a point to read it over and over again. Almost every December, in fact. Sara, who lost her mother, is brought by her war-bound father to a boarding school owned by the evil Miss Minchin. At first, Miss Minchin is gentle with her because of Sara's wealth.
But the other girls got jealous of her. Her only real friend is a little lass called Ermengarde. She also befriend the young maid Becky. When Sara's father goes missing-in-action and was presumed dead, his assets were seized and Miss Minchin shows just how spiteful and terribly she really is. But young sara perseveres and triumphs in the end... complete with some very good friends and her loving father - who turns out not to have been deceased - beside her.
The Chronicles of Narnia
by C.S. Lewis
Perhaps no other literary opus has so captured the imagination of the world than C.S. Lewis' epic novel,
"The Chronicles of Narnia." There are a total of seven books in the series: "The lion, the witch and the Wardrobe," "Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia," "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," "The Silver Chair," "The Horse and his Boy," "The Magician's Nephew" and "The Last Battle".
The books, which feature children as main protagonists, explore multitudes of classic Christian themes coupled with Greco-Roman mythologies. Kids naturally love the talking animals, the enterprising youngsters and the oh-so-real realm of Narnia.
Adventure Series
Harry Potter series
by JK Rowling
A young orphan boy, abused and mistreated by his own kin, discovers that he is the son of talented wizards. Soon he finds himself transported to the wizarding school of Hogwarts where he learns the truth about his parents and their deaths at the hands of "He who must not be named"...Voldemort. The saga follows Harry, his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and a whole cast of colorful characters that any kid is bound to love or hate, but will definitely remember. The Harry Potter series is composed of seven books: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."
Modern Must-reads
Holes
by Louis Sachar
I love this book. For one, you have a central character that is not a classic, hero type in the strictest sense of the word. The protagonist, Stanley Yelnats is actually kind of a weak individual. He's a misfit who feels like his life is cursed - a notion that is not exactly unfounded. Anybody who has found himself in a tight spot can easily relate to Stanley.
The beauty of this Sachar opus, which won the 1999 Newberry Award, lies in the richness and vividness of the characters that populate Stanley's dry, desolate world. As you're reading this book, you will feel like you know some kid who's the same as one of the characters. Zero, one of the characters actually reminded me a friend way back kindergarten. "Holes" was made into a film in 2003 with then Disney's Even-Steven Shia LaBeaouf as Stanley.
Hoot
by Carl Hiaasen
Another Newberry Award Winner, "Hoot" follows young transferee Roy Eberhardt as he uncovers the mystery behind the young, shoeless boy, Mullet Fingers, and the bizarre disturbances at the construction site of Mother Paula's Pancake House. Hiaasen's dry wit and slapstick sense of humor make "Hoot" such a hoot to read! Young adults who enjoy having their imaginations and intelligence teased will surely love this one.
Worth considering for Adolescents:
The Twilight saga by Stephanie Meyer (for 15 year olds and up); HUnger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins (for 16 year olds and up).
Books have the gift of eliciting imagery within the human mind like no other medium can, choose from a wide variety of books to give to your child as gifts, and it will surely set them up for a bright future!
Okay, there are a whole lot of great Christmas gifts for kids out there - coloring books, legos, musical instruments, all kinds of mechanical and high tech toys - but in my book, nothing beats books. So should you be of the same feeling, allow me to share with you a number of good books that you may want to get for the wonderful kinds in your life.
Classics:
Charlotte's Web
by E.B White
One of the greatest children's classics. This is an ideal gift for kids five years and older. "Charlotte's Web" revolves around a pig name Wilbur and the extraordinary friendship he develops with a spider named Charlotte. This is a good way to teach a child about the real nature of friendship, not merely its rewards but also its sacrifices. This is one book, however, that a five-year old child must read with a grown-up lst the notion of having Wilbur for Christmas (as ham) scare him.
A Little Princess
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I was 12 the first time I read "A Little Princess." There's something about lead character Sara Crewe's adventures and experiences that resonated in me. I have thus made it a point to read it over and over again. Almost every December, in fact. Sara, who lost her mother, is brought by her war-bound father to a boarding school owned by the evil Miss Minchin. At first, Miss Minchin is gentle with her because of Sara's wealth.
But the other girls got jealous of her. Her only real friend is a little lass called Ermengarde. She also befriend the young maid Becky. When Sara's father goes missing-in-action and was presumed dead, his assets were seized and Miss Minchin shows just how spiteful and terribly she really is. But young sara perseveres and triumphs in the end... complete with some very good friends and her loving father - who turns out not to have been deceased - beside her.
The Chronicles of Narnia
by C.S. Lewis
Perhaps no other literary opus has so captured the imagination of the world than C.S. Lewis' epic novel,
"The Chronicles of Narnia." There are a total of seven books in the series: "The lion, the witch and the Wardrobe," "Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia," "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," "The Silver Chair," "The Horse and his Boy," "The Magician's Nephew" and "The Last Battle".
The books, which feature children as main protagonists, explore multitudes of classic Christian themes coupled with Greco-Roman mythologies. Kids naturally love the talking animals, the enterprising youngsters and the oh-so-real realm of Narnia.
Adventure Series
Harry Potter series
by JK Rowling
A young orphan boy, abused and mistreated by his own kin, discovers that he is the son of talented wizards. Soon he finds himself transported to the wizarding school of Hogwarts where he learns the truth about his parents and their deaths at the hands of "He who must not be named"...Voldemort. The saga follows Harry, his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and a whole cast of colorful characters that any kid is bound to love or hate, but will definitely remember. The Harry Potter series is composed of seven books: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."
Modern Must-reads
Holes
by Louis Sachar
I love this book. For one, you have a central character that is not a classic, hero type in the strictest sense of the word. The protagonist, Stanley Yelnats is actually kind of a weak individual. He's a misfit who feels like his life is cursed - a notion that is not exactly unfounded. Anybody who has found himself in a tight spot can easily relate to Stanley.
The beauty of this Sachar opus, which won the 1999 Newberry Award, lies in the richness and vividness of the characters that populate Stanley's dry, desolate world. As you're reading this book, you will feel like you know some kid who's the same as one of the characters. Zero, one of the characters actually reminded me a friend way back kindergarten. "Holes" was made into a film in 2003 with then Disney's Even-Steven Shia LaBeaouf as Stanley.
Hoot
by Carl Hiaasen
Another Newberry Award Winner, "Hoot" follows young transferee Roy Eberhardt as he uncovers the mystery behind the young, shoeless boy, Mullet Fingers, and the bizarre disturbances at the construction site of Mother Paula's Pancake House. Hiaasen's dry wit and slapstick sense of humor make "Hoot" such a hoot to read! Young adults who enjoy having their imaginations and intelligence teased will surely love this one.
Worth considering for Adolescents:
The Twilight saga by Stephanie Meyer (for 15 year olds and up); HUnger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins (for 16 year olds and up).
Books have the gift of eliciting imagery within the human mind like no other medium can, choose from a wide variety of books to give to your child as gifts, and it will surely set them up for a bright future!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Emergency Preparedness: for You and Your Family
Despite our perennially optimistic outlook on life, we are alost realists... and with our 21st century world changing at breakneck speed, it is presumptuous to think that negative contingencies are not possibilities of everyday living. This said, emergency preparedness is as simple as planning ahead. And it's extremely inexpensive relative to its irreplaceable value. Go over the checklist below with your housemates to determine how you can take control in case of an emergency. Check and update your kits at regular intervals, making sure they are always complete and ready to go.
What to have in Your Home Emergency Kit
Keep enough supplies in your home for you and your family to survive unreplenished for at least three days.
If possible, keep materials in an easily accessible and separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your housemates that these supplies are for emergencies only, and are therefore not to be used for regular consumption.
*Three liters of drinking water per person per day
*Non-perishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener
*First-aid kit, medications and prescriptions
*Flashlight, battery operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries
*Whistle
*One quart of unscented bleach or iodine tablets (for disinfecting water) and an eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)
*Personal hygiene items
*Sturdy shoes, heavy gloves, extra clothes, a blanket and lightweight raingear
*Child care supplies or other special care items
*Basic Tool box
What to have in your hand
Every home should consider assembling a To Go Bag with an assembly of items required in the event of the need to suddenly evacuate. Each of your housemate's To Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to carry container such as a backpack or suitcase that can be easily grab and carry around. A To Go bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year.
*Copies of important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, birth certificates, deeds, photo ID's,etc.)
*Extra set of keys to you home and car
*Cash in hand, in small amounts
*Bottled water and canned goods
*Medication for at least one week and other essential personal items. Be sure to change medications before they expire. Keep a list of your housemate's medication and their dosages, or copies of all your prescription slips
*First-aid kit
*Contact and designated meeting place of your household as well as small regional map
*Child care supplies or other special care items
What to have in your hand
Consider developing a disaster plan with your housemates to prepare for what to do, how to find each other and how to communicate in case of an emergency.
*Decide where your household will re-unite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center or such.
*Make sure everyone knows the address and phone numbers of your second meeting place.
*Know and practice all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood.
*Designate an out-of-town friend or relative that housemates can call if separated during a disaster. If local phone circuits are busy, this out-of-town contact can be an important contact can be an important way of communicating between housemates. When local phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier to make.
*Account for everybody's needs, especially seniors, people with disabilities and people who don't speak the language you use at home adequately.
*Practice your plan with all housemates.
*Ensure that housemates have a copy of your household disaster plan to keep in their wallets and backpacks.
In case of fire
If your smoke detector goes off or if you notice a fire starting, remain calm. Do not try to fight a major fire.
*If your clothes catch fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground and ROLL OVER and over to smother the flames.
*If a fire breaks out in your house or apartment building, get out as quickly as possible using pre-determined escape routes that each housemate's should know about.
*Carefully feel doors with the back of your hand before you open them. If they are hot, find another way out. Stay as close to the floor as possible - smoke and heat rise and the air is clearer and cooler near the floor. Close doors behind you.
*If you are unable to get out for any reason, stay near a window and close to the floor. Keep the door closed and stuff the bottom with a towel to minimize the amount of smoke getting in. If possible, signal for help by waving a cloth sheet outside the window.
*Do not stop to get anything
*Do not use the elevator
*To prevent minor fires from becoming out of control, keep reputable brand fire extinguishers and working smoke detectors in the house.
*Have the fire extinguisher ok-certified once a year. Check batteries of the smoke detectors AT LEAST twice a year.
*Consider renter's insurance if you rent an apartment.
Finally, bear in mind that all of the above listed items and strategies may not be possible for your total compliance. If that's the case, assemble as much or as many of it as possible - if you can't be totally prepared, it's better to be partially prepared than not at all.
What to have in Your Home Emergency Kit
Keep enough supplies in your home for you and your family to survive unreplenished for at least three days.
If possible, keep materials in an easily accessible and separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your housemates that these supplies are for emergencies only, and are therefore not to be used for regular consumption.
*Three liters of drinking water per person per day
*Non-perishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener
*First-aid kit, medications and prescriptions
*Flashlight, battery operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries
*Whistle
*One quart of unscented bleach or iodine tablets (for disinfecting water) and an eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)
*Personal hygiene items
*Sturdy shoes, heavy gloves, extra clothes, a blanket and lightweight raingear
*Child care supplies or other special care items
*Basic Tool box
What to have in your hand
Every home should consider assembling a To Go Bag with an assembly of items required in the event of the need to suddenly evacuate. Each of your housemate's To Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to carry container such as a backpack or suitcase that can be easily grab and carry around. A To Go bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year.
*Copies of important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, birth certificates, deeds, photo ID's,etc.)
*Extra set of keys to you home and car
*Cash in hand, in small amounts
*Bottled water and canned goods
*Medication for at least one week and other essential personal items. Be sure to change medications before they expire. Keep a list of your housemate's medication and their dosages, or copies of all your prescription slips
*First-aid kit
*Contact and designated meeting place of your household as well as small regional map
*Child care supplies or other special care items
What to have in your hand
Consider developing a disaster plan with your housemates to prepare for what to do, how to find each other and how to communicate in case of an emergency.
*Decide where your household will re-unite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center or such.
*Make sure everyone knows the address and phone numbers of your second meeting place.
*Know and practice all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood.
*Designate an out-of-town friend or relative that housemates can call if separated during a disaster. If local phone circuits are busy, this out-of-town contact can be an important contact can be an important way of communicating between housemates. When local phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier to make.
*Account for everybody's needs, especially seniors, people with disabilities and people who don't speak the language you use at home adequately.
*Practice your plan with all housemates.
*Ensure that housemates have a copy of your household disaster plan to keep in their wallets and backpacks.
In case of fire
If your smoke detector goes off or if you notice a fire starting, remain calm. Do not try to fight a major fire.
*If your clothes catch fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground and ROLL OVER and over to smother the flames.
*If a fire breaks out in your house or apartment building, get out as quickly as possible using pre-determined escape routes that each housemate's should know about.
*Carefully feel doors with the back of your hand before you open them. If they are hot, find another way out. Stay as close to the floor as possible - smoke and heat rise and the air is clearer and cooler near the floor. Close doors behind you.
*If you are unable to get out for any reason, stay near a window and close to the floor. Keep the door closed and stuff the bottom with a towel to minimize the amount of smoke getting in. If possible, signal for help by waving a cloth sheet outside the window.
*Do not stop to get anything
*Do not use the elevator
*To prevent minor fires from becoming out of control, keep reputable brand fire extinguishers and working smoke detectors in the house.
*Have the fire extinguisher ok-certified once a year. Check batteries of the smoke detectors AT LEAST twice a year.
*Consider renter's insurance if you rent an apartment.
Finally, bear in mind that all of the above listed items and strategies may not be possible for your total compliance. If that's the case, assemble as much or as many of it as possible - if you can't be totally prepared, it's better to be partially prepared than not at all.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Wired...Very Wired
Just how "wired" or digitally connected is the whole world today? "It's wired. Very wired," to paraphrase 007.
With mobile phones or cell phones serving almost 100 percent of all populated areas and with the number of Internet subscribers bounding 1,350 percent in only 10 years, the world we are in today where information technology (IT) can qualify as a vital bodily function like breathing (that is, people today can't live without it).
Surprisingly, however, this "wired-ness" is just the beginning. Now, IT firms are out to wire the whole world even further with new technologies such as WiMax, wireless television and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services.
What the average person will get out of this onrushing digital tsunami is access to data that theoretically should make him more productive and competitive in the wired workplace, wherever this is in the world. Not to mention more connected. And these wired industries are where the new jobs are.
Young Drivers
What's driving telecoms? Young people. Lots of young people with voracious appetites for staying connected. Some 75 percent of Americans are below 40 years of age, which explains why most everyone you meet on the street seems to have three hands: left hand, right hand, and a cell hand. And of the 38 million persons in the national workforce, half range in from 20 to 40 years old.
These teenagers and young adults will constitute the bulk of the 94 million mobile phone users expected by 2013. That figure is 22 times the number in 1998 or a 142 percent annual growth rate from 1998 to 2012. That will mean they'll send a lot more text messages and make more voice calls than they do now.
It's well known kids are driving SMS (Short Message Service) or texting growth.
Faster Internet growth
Telecommunications growth is being outpaced by Internet growth, however. The number of Philippine Internet subscribers great 1,350 percent from 2001 to 2009 compared to 567 percent for cell phones and 35 percent for landline telephones.
There were close to three million local Internet subscribers in 2009, of which 1.4 million used broadband connections to access the Internet. High-speed broadband gives Internet users faster access to social networking sites, arguably the most popular non-email Internet application. As elsewhere, the growth of Facebook has been explosive to say the least, there are about 400 million Facebook users worldwide in 2009, leading to the quip that if Facebook were a country, it would be the third most populous in the world after China and India.
Where the New Jobs Are
What this data reveals is the digital world is becoming more important than the real world, especially for employment. For young people, this means that IT based careers such as those in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry and a separate, growing industry called Knowledge process Outsourcing (KPO), is what young people should pursue. In mid-2008, BPO, KPO and other IT-enabled firms employed 345,000 persons compared to 100,000 in 2004.
While before a facility with the English language was a must for call center applicants, the rise of non-voice operations such as accounting, finance, animation, human resources means BPO and KPO firms have as their talent pool the far larger number of people who aren't native English speakers.
For those looking for work in IT or IT-enabled service firms, the jobs are in online advertising, mobile advertising and content development, all of which are relatively new. While online advertising and mobile advertising had revenues of less than $2 million in 2009, both are growing more than then percent annually.
Content development jobs, on the other hand, focus on creating interactive content for gaming and online education. IT-enabled services are expected to grow at an average of 12 percent in the next five years.
Employment prospects should remain upbeat in the BPO and KPO industries since such industries are now recognized as a growing global outsourcing sources. BPO revenues have tripled in less than 10 years, pointing to a large demand in BPO services.
New technologies such as FTTH, NGN ( New Generation Networks) BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) WiMax and wireless TV will need IT-educated or experienced persons to provide the new services that will complement existing ones. Many of these technologies are currently being tested and improved.
The World Bank urges a lot of countries to encourage the development of local IT services industries through policies and incentives for entrepreneurs and the private sector, and through investments in skills and infrastructure. That means more jobs, It noted that even in a crisis, people will keep on using the Internet and their cell phones as both have become part of their lifestyle. That means more revenues.
More and more people increasingly live in "Two Different Worlds:" the real world where one gets a life and the digital world where one gets a job. It is indeed a brave, new, confusing world out there that's wired... Very wired.
With mobile phones or cell phones serving almost 100 percent of all populated areas and with the number of Internet subscribers bounding 1,350 percent in only 10 years, the world we are in today where information technology (IT) can qualify as a vital bodily function like breathing (that is, people today can't live without it).
Surprisingly, however, this "wired-ness" is just the beginning. Now, IT firms are out to wire the whole world even further with new technologies such as WiMax, wireless television and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services.
What the average person will get out of this onrushing digital tsunami is access to data that theoretically should make him more productive and competitive in the wired workplace, wherever this is in the world. Not to mention more connected. And these wired industries are where the new jobs are.
Young Drivers
What's driving telecoms? Young people. Lots of young people with voracious appetites for staying connected. Some 75 percent of Americans are below 40 years of age, which explains why most everyone you meet on the street seems to have three hands: left hand, right hand, and a cell hand. And of the 38 million persons in the national workforce, half range in from 20 to 40 years old.
These teenagers and young adults will constitute the bulk of the 94 million mobile phone users expected by 2013. That figure is 22 times the number in 1998 or a 142 percent annual growth rate from 1998 to 2012. That will mean they'll send a lot more text messages and make more voice calls than they do now.
It's well known kids are driving SMS (Short Message Service) or texting growth.
Faster Internet growth
Telecommunications growth is being outpaced by Internet growth, however. The number of Philippine Internet subscribers great 1,350 percent from 2001 to 2009 compared to 567 percent for cell phones and 35 percent for landline telephones.
There were close to three million local Internet subscribers in 2009, of which 1.4 million used broadband connections to access the Internet. High-speed broadband gives Internet users faster access to social networking sites, arguably the most popular non-email Internet application. As elsewhere, the growth of Facebook has been explosive to say the least, there are about 400 million Facebook users worldwide in 2009, leading to the quip that if Facebook were a country, it would be the third most populous in the world after China and India.
Where the New Jobs Are
What this data reveals is the digital world is becoming more important than the real world, especially for employment. For young people, this means that IT based careers such as those in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry and a separate, growing industry called Knowledge process Outsourcing (KPO), is what young people should pursue. In mid-2008, BPO, KPO and other IT-enabled firms employed 345,000 persons compared to 100,000 in 2004.
While before a facility with the English language was a must for call center applicants, the rise of non-voice operations such as accounting, finance, animation, human resources means BPO and KPO firms have as their talent pool the far larger number of people who aren't native English speakers.
For those looking for work in IT or IT-enabled service firms, the jobs are in online advertising, mobile advertising and content development, all of which are relatively new. While online advertising and mobile advertising had revenues of less than $2 million in 2009, both are growing more than then percent annually.
Content development jobs, on the other hand, focus on creating interactive content for gaming and online education. IT-enabled services are expected to grow at an average of 12 percent in the next five years.
Employment prospects should remain upbeat in the BPO and KPO industries since such industries are now recognized as a growing global outsourcing sources. BPO revenues have tripled in less than 10 years, pointing to a large demand in BPO services.
New technologies such as FTTH, NGN ( New Generation Networks) BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) WiMax and wireless TV will need IT-educated or experienced persons to provide the new services that will complement existing ones. Many of these technologies are currently being tested and improved.
The World Bank urges a lot of countries to encourage the development of local IT services industries through policies and incentives for entrepreneurs and the private sector, and through investments in skills and infrastructure. That means more jobs, It noted that even in a crisis, people will keep on using the Internet and their cell phones as both have become part of their lifestyle. That means more revenues.
More and more people increasingly live in "Two Different Worlds:" the real world where one gets a life and the digital world where one gets a job. It is indeed a brave, new, confusing world out there that's wired... Very wired.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Too Thin Ain't In
We frequently hear about the risks of obesity, but seldom of being underweight. in most cultures today, being underweight is much more socially acceptable then being overweight. Societies (especially in the arts and fashion circles) have been misguided in their belief that very slim is healthy and beautiful. However, being underweight can pose as many health problems as being overweight.
Underweight is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 or less. BMI is the calculation of how much fat the body has in relation to the height and the weight of an individual. The normal BMI is 18.5-24.9 while 25-29.9 indicates being overweight. When a person is unnaturally thin from eating too little, exercising too much or both, negative effects may occur.
Nutritional Deprivation
The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity has cited effects of nutritional deprivation to one's well-being. It pointed out that such a body "learns" to live on less, resulting in tissues not growing properly, muscle deterioration and bones losing mas -- the last of which can lead to osteoporosis (or bone-thinning and brittleness) in both men and women. In unnaturally thin women, distruption of the hormones regulating menstruation has been observed. Nutritional deficiencies may also result in hair loss, anemia and emotional changes; including social withdrawal, irritability, depression and sleep disorders - not to mention a compromised immune system.
A weakened immune system, which is a primary physiological asset in combating disease, can become ineffective against infections (such as common colds and viruses) and have little left in its constitution to kill pathogens (harmful organisms).
Re-learning the Basics
Nutrients are essential for life, and adequate amounts in the diet are necessary for providing energy, building and maintaining body organs, and for various metabolic processes. The human body is not able to produce many of these nutrients and it is imperative that every individual includes them in their diet.
There are six major classes of nutrients found in food: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids (fats and oils), vitamins (both fat-soluble and water soluble), minerals and water - all of which are required for health. When these nutrients in sufficient quantity are put back into the diet of an undernourished person, the symptoms of nutritional deficiency decline and they start repairing damage caused by their absence.
In cases of genetically thin individuals who do not smoke, do not excessively consume alcohol and are healthy, then being underweight is only a problem when energy reserves are needed in case of an acute illness, a situation which can be corrected simple by better nutrition .
Medical Intervention
Sometimes being underweight requires medical intervention. A physician should be consulted first "to rule out" hormonal imbalances, depression, cancer., infectious disease, digestive tract disorders, excessive physical activity, and other hidden diseases or problems such as the eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia and bulimia are perhaps the two most well known eating disorders today. Anorexics are known for their failure to eat due to the fear of gaining weight so they decrease their food intake until they practically, and sometimes literally starve. Bulimics on the other hand, display tendencies to overeat and then purge their stomachs to prevent absorption of the calories from the food they have eaten. These two diseases are associated with tendencies of sufferers to commit suicide or to die of starvation. Speaking with a professional instead of relying on a layman's opinions or recommendations is the best approach in this instance. Also helpful is a strong support system (such as family and friends) and recognizing the situation as being more complicated than simply encouraging the person concerned to eat regularly again.
The health perils caused by by being underweight are not altogether different are not altogether different from those of obesity. Satiety-signaled irregularities, metabolic rates, hereditary tendencies and psychological traits can all contribute to being underweight and malnutrition, which may lead to severe illness and even death.
Nutritional Augmentation
When being underweight requires a specific intervention, one approach for treating adults is to gradually increase their consumption of energy-dense foods (the ones which provide a great deal of energy in a small volume), especially those sufficient in healthy fats. Fish oil, avocados, olive oil, Italian cheeses, nuts and granola are excellent energy sources with low saturated fat content. Dried fruit and bananas are energy-dense fruit choices. If eaten at the end of a meal, they won't cause early satiety or the feeling of being full. Underweight people should replace such foods as diet soft drinks with good energy sources, such as fresh fruit juices and consuming an adequate amount of water, necessary to hydrate cells. Good sources of proteins such as lean meats, poultry, fish, soy, nuts and seeds - can provide amino acids to help build muscles.
Preferably, most food choices made in order to gain weight should come from "good sources of protein and healthy lipids (fats) and not from too many carbohydrates, especially refined sugar and starches. The goal is to gain weight by developing muscles, not excess body fay. Fiber-enriched sources of carbohydrates, the complex cariety found in whole grains, oats, fruits and vegetables, are preferred. It is fine to have simple carbohydrates (sugar) following a workout, but taking in too much sugar over a long period can lead to excessive fat storage and type 2 diabetes.
Encouraging a regular meal and snack schedule will aid in weight gain and maintenance. Sometimes, people who are underweight have experienced stress at work or have been too busy to eat. Making regular meals a priority may not only help them attain an appropriate weight but also help with digestive disorders, such as constipation, which are sometimes associated with irregular eating times.
It is apparent that being underweight is associated with an impaired quality of life as the person with this condition lacks vitality to engage in lively activities, not to mention a decline in mental functions. Is being too thin really the appearance of beauty and a full and happy life?
Image of Perfection
Everyday, people are bombarded by TV, poster and magazine ads with images of the male and female bodies and what they are "supposed" to look like, according to society. Instead of wishing to look like any of these "models," it will be better for people to combat incorrect image perceptions and consider that the time has come to stop judging and begin appreciating their bodies in order to raise a new generation that can focus on being healthy rather than having the perceived, but unnatural, perfecy body.
The British poet, William Shenstone (1714-1763) said it best... "health is beauty, and...perfect health is...perfect beauty."
Underweight is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 or less. BMI is the calculation of how much fat the body has in relation to the height and the weight of an individual. The normal BMI is 18.5-24.9 while 25-29.9 indicates being overweight. When a person is unnaturally thin from eating too little, exercising too much or both, negative effects may occur.
Nutritional Deprivation
The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity has cited effects of nutritional deprivation to one's well-being. It pointed out that such a body "learns" to live on less, resulting in tissues not growing properly, muscle deterioration and bones losing mas -- the last of which can lead to osteoporosis (or bone-thinning and brittleness) in both men and women. In unnaturally thin women, distruption of the hormones regulating menstruation has been observed. Nutritional deficiencies may also result in hair loss, anemia and emotional changes; including social withdrawal, irritability, depression and sleep disorders - not to mention a compromised immune system.
A weakened immune system, which is a primary physiological asset in combating disease, can become ineffective against infections (such as common colds and viruses) and have little left in its constitution to kill pathogens (harmful organisms).
Re-learning the Basics
Nutrients are essential for life, and adequate amounts in the diet are necessary for providing energy, building and maintaining body organs, and for various metabolic processes. The human body is not able to produce many of these nutrients and it is imperative that every individual includes them in their diet.
There are six major classes of nutrients found in food: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids (fats and oils), vitamins (both fat-soluble and water soluble), minerals and water - all of which are required for health. When these nutrients in sufficient quantity are put back into the diet of an undernourished person, the symptoms of nutritional deficiency decline and they start repairing damage caused by their absence.
In cases of genetically thin individuals who do not smoke, do not excessively consume alcohol and are healthy, then being underweight is only a problem when energy reserves are needed in case of an acute illness, a situation which can be corrected simple by better nutrition .
Medical Intervention
Sometimes being underweight requires medical intervention. A physician should be consulted first "to rule out" hormonal imbalances, depression, cancer., infectious disease, digestive tract disorders, excessive physical activity, and other hidden diseases or problems such as the eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia and bulimia are perhaps the two most well known eating disorders today. Anorexics are known for their failure to eat due to the fear of gaining weight so they decrease their food intake until they practically, and sometimes literally starve. Bulimics on the other hand, display tendencies to overeat and then purge their stomachs to prevent absorption of the calories from the food they have eaten. These two diseases are associated with tendencies of sufferers to commit suicide or to die of starvation. Speaking with a professional instead of relying on a layman's opinions or recommendations is the best approach in this instance. Also helpful is a strong support system (such as family and friends) and recognizing the situation as being more complicated than simply encouraging the person concerned to eat regularly again.
The health perils caused by by being underweight are not altogether different are not altogether different from those of obesity. Satiety-signaled irregularities, metabolic rates, hereditary tendencies and psychological traits can all contribute to being underweight and malnutrition, which may lead to severe illness and even death.
Nutritional Augmentation
When being underweight requires a specific intervention, one approach for treating adults is to gradually increase their consumption of energy-dense foods (the ones which provide a great deal of energy in a small volume), especially those sufficient in healthy fats. Fish oil, avocados, olive oil, Italian cheeses, nuts and granola are excellent energy sources with low saturated fat content. Dried fruit and bananas are energy-dense fruit choices. If eaten at the end of a meal, they won't cause early satiety or the feeling of being full. Underweight people should replace such foods as diet soft drinks with good energy sources, such as fresh fruit juices and consuming an adequate amount of water, necessary to hydrate cells. Good sources of proteins such as lean meats, poultry, fish, soy, nuts and seeds - can provide amino acids to help build muscles.
Preferably, most food choices made in order to gain weight should come from "good sources of protein and healthy lipids (fats) and not from too many carbohydrates, especially refined sugar and starches. The goal is to gain weight by developing muscles, not excess body fay. Fiber-enriched sources of carbohydrates, the complex cariety found in whole grains, oats, fruits and vegetables, are preferred. It is fine to have simple carbohydrates (sugar) following a workout, but taking in too much sugar over a long period can lead to excessive fat storage and type 2 diabetes.
Encouraging a regular meal and snack schedule will aid in weight gain and maintenance. Sometimes, people who are underweight have experienced stress at work or have been too busy to eat. Making regular meals a priority may not only help them attain an appropriate weight but also help with digestive disorders, such as constipation, which are sometimes associated with irregular eating times.
It is apparent that being underweight is associated with an impaired quality of life as the person with this condition lacks vitality to engage in lively activities, not to mention a decline in mental functions. Is being too thin really the appearance of beauty and a full and happy life?
Image of Perfection
Everyday, people are bombarded by TV, poster and magazine ads with images of the male and female bodies and what they are "supposed" to look like, according to society. Instead of wishing to look like any of these "models," it will be better for people to combat incorrect image perceptions and consider that the time has come to stop judging and begin appreciating their bodies in order to raise a new generation that can focus on being healthy rather than having the perceived, but unnatural, perfecy body.
The British poet, William Shenstone (1714-1763) said it best... "health is beauty, and...perfect health is...perfect beauty."
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