Interview With a Parent of a Child with Special Needs Essay -- Intervie

I interviewed a woman who has a child with special needs. The child is now in kindergarten. The mother reported having a normal pregnancy with no complications. This was the second child for the mother, who has another child who was five years old at the time. The mother disclosed that during the pregnancy, she was in the process of separating from the child’s father and that this caused a moderate level of stress. At the time of the pregnancy, the mother was also working full time as a waitress in a local restaurant. The mother reported that her job required her to be on her feet for long periods of time. She was able to work until around a week before her child was born. The mother reports that the child was born around two weeks early but that labor was easy and the child was born healthy. The mother described the child as being a fussy infant who had trouble sleeping and would awake several times during the night. The mother also reports the child was a fussy eater, and she experienced trouble feeding her daughter during infancy and needed to switch her daughter to soy formula. Overall the mother reported that the daughter was a happy infant who smiled often. The mother reported her child being alert and responding positively to family members who visited and enjoyed playing with her toys. In regards to the development, the mother reported that her daughter seemed to be developing slower than her first child who hit certain milestones earlier. The mother reports remembering her daughter babbling, but says she did not say her first word until much later on than her first child. She said that this was a concern for her and that she discussed it with her pediatrician who did not see any cause for alarm at the time. When t... ...orking collaboratively with families is to be patient understanding. Do not assume their unwillingness is because they do not want to help their child. I would also say that it is important for them to keep communication open make an effort to include the parents. â€Å" Take the initiative to a establish coequal relationship. Don’t be discouraged by limited initial success.† (Oslens & Fuller 2012, p 128.) References: o http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/SL/K †¢ Gerald Mahoney, Ann Kaiser, Luigi Girolametto, James MacDonald, Cordelia Robinson, Philip Safford, and Donna Spiker Parent Education in Early Intervention: A Call for a Renewed Focus Topics in Early Childhood Special Education Fall 1999 19: 131-140, †¢ Olsen, Glenn W., and Mary Lou Fuller. Home and school relations: teachers and parents working together. 4th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2012. Print.

The Health Benefits of Chocolate

The Health Benefits of Eating Chocolate For centuries, chocolate has been one of the favorite sweet-tasting treat in the world and until not too long ago, also considered unhealthy. Recent studies show that cacao, which chocolate is made, contains potent antioxidants that can actually be beneficial to our health. Cacao is derived from the beans of Theobroma cacao, a tree native to South America (1). Historically cacao was being used by ancient people with various medicinal purposes such as treatment of inflammations, heart palpitation, and prevention of infections.Cacao is an abundant source of flavonoids, a potential antioxidant, which can be beneficial to one’s health. The benefits greatly depend on the type of chocolate that is consumed and the percentage of cacao bean it has. The higher percentage of cacao, more health is the chocolate. The best chocolate is the darkest, which contains 60 to 70 percentage of cacao and small amount of sugar. Dark chocolate is proven to be g ood for the heart. A small bar of it every day helps the cardiovascular system run well.In recent study, it has been demonstrated that the flavonoids present in cacao stimulate the production of nitric oxid (NO) which helps the dilatation of the blood vessels allowing the easy blood flow to the heart and brain reducing the blood pressure(2). When blood pressure is lowered, there is a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Additionally, the flavanoids affect the cholesterol decreasing the bad cholesterol (LDL) in your blood and increasing significantly the good cholesterol (HDL), which cleans and mops up the blood vessels from the harmful fats.Also, dark chocolate improves the body’s ability to use insulin which helps to prevent Type-II diabetes, the type that is caused by the body’s inability to deal with sugar. Cocoa can increase nitric oxide levels to help with insulin-stimulated uptake of blood sugars. The increase in nitric oxide also improves the health of the bl ood vessels, limiting the damage of diabetes on the small vessels. Like the heart and blood vessels, dark chocolate consumption can be good for the brain.More recently, it was discovered that a compound in dark chocolate, called epicatechin (a flavonoid), may decrease the risk of stroke by increasing cellular signals that shield nerve cells from damage. A stroke is similar to a heart attack, but occurs when the blood supply to your brain becomes blocked or reduced. This can cause your brain cells to begin to die within minutes because it deprives your brain of necessary oxygen and nutrients.Furthermore, dark chocolate contains phenyl ethylamine that stimulates the nervous system giving to people a feeling of pleasure, serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant which makes you feel good after eating chocolate and theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulants that can increase your mental awareness. Good for the memory, flavanoids, can help boost brain power and mem ory. The beneficial brain effects appear to result from flavanoids impact on the blood system. In essence, the chemicals stimulate an increase of blood flow to the brain.Chocolate may also prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. The antioxidant flavonoid helps protect the skin against sun’s harmful UV rays and pollution, soothes inflammation such as acne, and prevents wrinkles by increasing the blood flow, restoring collagen and improving the appearance of the skin. (3) Also, some studies conducted in Europe, Asia, and North America have found that people who eat a diet rich in flavonoids from chocolate have lower incidents of cancer than those who eat fewer flavonoids. Lastly, dark chocolate can help reduce weight gain in the body.Rich in fiber, dark chocolate can actually help keep you full, so you can resist eating more food than you need. It also can take longer to chew, giving your brain time to get the signal that you have had enough to eat. To Sum up, eating dark chocolate has various health benefits. It contains high concentrations of beneficial flavonoids that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancer. However it should be consumed in moderation to receive the full potential of these health benefits. References: 1. Dillinger TL, Barriga P, Escarcega S, et al. Food of the gods: cure for humanity?A cultural history of the medicinal and ritual use of chocolate. J Nutr 2000; 130(suppl):2057SÂ ±2072S 2. http://www. aarp. org/health/medical-research/info-03-2011/dark-chocolate-can-help-lower-your-blood-pressure. html 3. http://www. cnn. com/2006/HEALTH/12/20/health. chocolate/ 4. http://img. pathfinder. gr/clubs/files/4093/6835. pdf 5. http://mydrchocolate. soundconcepts. com/research/rs_rwhateat. htm#cardio 6. http://www. dark-chocolate-antioxidant. com/ 7. http://EzineArticles. com/844267 8. http://mydrchocolate. soundconcepts. com/research/rs_rwhateat. htm#other

All high school graduates should be given a chance to get a free college education

The skyrocketing costs of modern higher education are a serious threat to national economy and well-being. Students who are presented with formidable barriers on their way to college, such as the need to take time to complete their degree, staying out of the workforce for the time period, and serious entrance tests, have to cope with a problem that is insurmountable for many: the cost of higher education.Although in the US student loans are available, this is a serious consideration that may prevent many from getting an education. It seems feasible that students are provided with a no-cost public college education in the way it is done in many European countries. This policy would have many benefits for the labor market and educational system.1. Finding Ways to Finance Public educationWhat is the way to finance public education? The money is typically raised through the taxation system involving federal and local taxes. This setup involves a more equal distribution of the financial b urden implied in the higher education system.After all, the advantages of higher education are later consumed by the whole society as educated specialists are working in many spheres of society for the benefit of all. Students who are investing time, effort and money in their education are not only toiling for themselves – they are leveraging their talents to create a better world for all.However, when the system is financed out of funds provided by students and their parents, the distribution of burden is unequal since it lies exclusively on the shoulders of those who are studying and ignores the positive social effects of education. Education is a communal affair and it should be treated as such by all relevant parties, who should attempt to turn it into a powerful vehicle for social development. Providing a public education out of public funds will ensure a more equitable distribution of the financial responsibility for supporting college education.2. Giving Talented Stude nts a ChanceRising tuition costs place heavy demands on family and personal budgets, making financial background of a student an important factor in determining the decision to go to college. As of now, the constant rise over the past decade gives no indication of stopping. Quite soon, education may be affordable (excluding students loans) only to a select few. In fact, policy-makers have already expressed concern about the steep rise in costs.The National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education established in 1997 stated that â€Å"the federal and state governments may elect to impose price controls on higher education† given uncontrollable rise in tuition fees (Martin 2002:88).In determining the factors for financing and tuition, society should ask itself what it really wants in terms of enrolment in colleges: a more affluent or a more talented class. If the answer is the latter, enrolment clearly has to be determined by intellectual ability and leadership potential, not by the ability to cover the costs. If we take affluence and talent to be unrelated, there is no reason to desire the enrolment of students from wealthier families.Quite the other way round, wealthy parents may have ways to promote their children other than through education, and if they have connections, it is possible to make it even to a top position with an online degree or even without any.Thus, free college education is a way to harness the potential of all talented students regardless of their parents’ financial possibilities. In contemporary American society, individuals from needy backgrounds may rely on education as their only way to success. If society denies them this way, they will never gain a chance in those jobs that could reveal their full leadership potential.3. Are Fees Inevitable?Despite students’ protests against costs of higher education, education experts continue to insist that fees are inescapable. As reasons for increases in college tuition, t hey cite the need to maintain an adequate economic basis including development of new technology in universities and colleges. Some college officials insist that students should be happy with fees because they are â€Å"fire-sale bargain considering what it actually costs the school to educate an undergrad each year† (Sausner 2001:20).Evaluating those arguments, one should keep in mind what should be the ultimate purpose of education. If this is taken to be the benefit of the overall society, if should be structured in such a way as to ensure this maximum benefit for all. For example, imposing taxes in order to finance education will gather more money from the rich and less from the poor. Putting these funds into tuition-free education, the government will give all equal access so that cost is not an issue.As a result, the education provides the nation with more efficient professionals who will be able to contribute to economic growth. Tax payments can be maintained at levels that correspond to the needs for technological and other development of colleges. Surely, this means higher taxes, but this will be offset by absence of tuition for citizens.

A Comparison of Han China and India Essay

Mauryan/Gupta India from 320 B.C.E. to 550 C.E. had similar as well as different methods of political control with that of Han China from 206 B.C.E. to 220 C.E. in the sense that both used culture to justify social inequality supported with the idea of rising in social status and the use of religion to help with political control. The differences were more seen by the twos’ organization in political control as well as the language role in the midst of the civilizations. The differences between the Han and Gupta/Mauryan had been largely attributed to the main sense of political organization when keeping a civilization running. Han China was more organized due to a solid bureaucracy as a solid political system where all people would be told what’s what so there wouldn’t be confusion as to where ideas and laws were going. India on the other hand had regionalism which could go differently for each political system that would be developed. This political method appeared to be the best option for India since the Geography would not permit them a more central and organized political system such as the one that Han China had created. Another political difference involves the use of a language. Han China had the standard language of Mandarin which kept the civilization more together and unified as a whole. India did not have a standard language at all. They did have the use for Sanskrit but this was mainly reserved for the elite only. Again this political method kept India more apart than Han China. Both Han China and Mauryan/Gupta had the idea of a social hierarchy and the achievement of a status on that hierarchy. However the Han had less of a religious route than India in this sense. Han China had a course of study for all students known as the civil service exam. The passing of this exam would ensure and/or determine a student’s position in the government. India would have a religiously political setup where there would be a change in social status through reincarnation. At another point both Han China and India used religion in a way to help their political control. Han china’s political method underwent Confucianism which would allow everyone to have a good picture in their heads of a world that can be unified so as long as they follow their duties and follow an individual sort of role all the while. India had Hinduism as a form of political control. As it became popular under the Guptas, Hinduism was made the main religion which in itself unifies the people under one single religion. Han China was overall stronger when it came to that of political organization and the use of a standard language to keep the people unified. India still kept up similar characteristics with regionalism and Sanskrit but was not as strong. Both still had evened ideas to do with rising in social status and ensuring political control through religion.

The Train

The blistering cold numbed my eyes as I stumbled through the biting snow, dragging a dull, faded suitcase overloaded with necessities behind me, leaving a train in the deadly, ice snow. â€Å"All abroad! † a man in a bright red suit, a funny red hat and an equally crimson nose called, his voice straining to be heard over the howling wind. I struggled up to him and handed over my ticket, which was faded from sweat, tears and the bitter snow. Then man, whom I safely assumed was the train conductor, glanced briefly at the ticket, then smiled at me slightly. Terrible morning isn't it? † he commented. I did not reply. â€Å"In for a long ride, I see! † he added when he saw my ticket. I gave no response as I checked my heavy bag. He beamed wider as he said, â€Å"Welcome aboard the Windows Express, ma'am! † I tried to smile back, but my scarf was bundled around my nose and my mouth, so I nodded instead. â€Å"Thank you. † My voice was barely audible over t he gusty breeze as I stepped off the platform and boarded the train. The front compartment was crowded, packed like sardines. I squeezed past the numerous bodies to get to the next train ar, which was where I was to be seated. Even though the warmth there was comforting, I hoped it was not too stuffy in my car. I finally broke free from the crowd, swinging the car door open and entering a considerably cooler car. I removed my scarf from my face. My skin was raw with cold, but I barely felt it. I glanced around. This car was deserted, the seats along its aisle empty. I checked the number of compartment I had been assigned then opened the door to it. There was a small bunk bed in the corner, with a little closed off area I guessed was the bunk. I lanced out the single window, but there was nothing to be seen through the fog and slat than plummeted so hard against the glass it felt like hail. Feeling slightly claustrophobic in the narrow compartment, I briskly threw off my jacket and e xited, walking back into the aisle. I noticed a door at the back of the car and decided to check it out. I made my way down the aisle and slid the door open. It led into the next car. This one did not have seats, but little booths lined up neatly along either side. There was a bellboy near the back, tending to a little refreshment stand. His eyes were bored, even as he attempted to reet me pleasantly. â€Å"Hello, ma'am, welcome to the lounge. Would you like anything? Some pie, perhaps, or a cup of coffee? † Uninterested, I declined politely, just as another door caught my eye. Without thinking, I flung it open. There was nothing in the room except a door with a window fixed into it, and a shiny red handle. â€Å"This is where you'll be disembarking,† the bellboy informed me. â€Å"That there's the emergency brake,† he added, pointing at the handle. â€Å"You're perfectly welcome to pull that at any time. † Taken aback, I spluttered on my Coke. â€Å"Wha t? I wouldn't. That's ridiculous.Then how will I get to where I am going? † I demanded incredulously. The bellboy shrugged. â€Å"Sometimes you can't rely on trains to get you to where you want to go. † I stared openly at him. Quickly dismissing him as crazy, I turned away and hastily returned to my compartment. Once safely inside, I lay on my bed, thinking to myself about my destination, a place I had never been and a face I had not seen for so many years it hurt to think about it. Flashbacks began to attack my once- peaceful mind, invading my would be calm pondering. At four years old, my hands pressed tightly over my ears, rying in vain to block out the sounds of heated arguments over nothing. Seven years old, an empty bottle crashing over my head as I tried to escape the debris of broken plates. Thirteen years, bruises covering my face, blood on my hands, a broken ankle, pain enveloping my body. Sixteen, my broken ribs causing me to shake as I slammed the front door behind me and limped as fast as I could into the night, my mother screaming for me to come home and my father's threats chasing after me†¦ I jerked awake, nearly falling out of bed. My head felt heavy, and my eyes groggy, as if I had not slept or days. Sluggishly, I checked my watch, which still hung from my wrist. My eyes snapped wide open as they read the time, then relaxed again. My watch had stopped at around the same time I boarded that train. I got up, feeling tired, and felt my stomach growl. I stood up, stretched, brushed my hair and hurridly with my fingers and left my compartment. I was about to go to the lounge to eat when I noticed another girl sitting on a seat in the aisle, next to the window. She was clothed very thinly for the morbid weather, and her long locks of auburn hair poured over her shoulders.I approached her slowly. â€Å"Hello,† I said, and she jumped in surprised. â€Å"Sorry for startling you, but do you have the time? † She looked up at me, and I saw a thin ragged face that would have been pretty if not for the exhaustion consuming it, and the melancholy sadness in her eyes. â€Å"Oh hello, its quite alright. Let me check. † She lifted her mobile phone from her pocket, glanced at it, then shook her head apologetically. â€Å"Strange. It seems to have died. I could've sworn I charged it yesterday. † I thanked her anyway, and asked her where she was going. She looked even weary when I questioned her. I'm going to see my long-distance partner for four years,† she said, in an almost rehearsed answer. â€Å"I think he may propose to me, but I doubt I'm ready for such a change. † She drifted off, her voice trailing away, then came to her senses and asked me where I was headed. â€Å"I'm going to see my father. I haven't seen him for nearly a decade,† I said quietly. â€Å"I can't say I'm looking forward to it. † She agreed with me, and we made small talk for awhile longer befo re I excused myself and when to the lounge. The bellboy was not there anymore, and I breathed an inward sigh of relief.The batty guy had freaked me out. I saw someone sitting down in one of the lounge booths. Hidden behind stacks of paperwork and a newspaper sat a middle aged man in an impressive suit and tie, muttering to himself in what looked like disgust. I walked over to him. â€Å"Hi, sorry to bother you, but do you know what time it is? † He glanced up and stopped grumbling. â€Å"Hmm? Oh, yes. † he shot a look at his fancy wristwatch. â€Å"Well, what is this? My watch isn't working! † He began to mumble again. I found it strange that nobody knew the time, so I stole a glimpse of the watch, and sure enough it ceased to ick. â€Å"That’s a shame,† I said good-naturedly, and asked him what he was doing. â€Å"Its for a case I have,† he replied. I must have looked puzzled, because he elaborated. â€Å"I'm a lawyer, you see, and I'm abo ut to defend the biggest drug cartels of all time- then again, I probably shouldn’t have told you that. † I was about to leave him in peace when he continued on. â€Å"In my defense, my client is one of my oldest friends. I owe him my life and he's gotten me out tons of scraps. I really have no choice. I began to feel a little uncomfortable, and averted my gaze to rest on the window.To my surprise, evening was over-the sun was rising on another day! Had I missed my stop? I was supposed to be off the train by dusk, yet here was dawn, a new day beginning right before my eyes! Panicking, I ran back to my car and asked the girl still sitting on he seat, â€Å"What time did you get on? Which state are you going to? † Bewildered, she told me the details of her travel. I calculated in my head. â€Å"But what would only take you a few hours! You should have arrived by now,† I said, unable to keep my voice from getting louder. She seemed indifferent. Maybe we made a few stops along the way. I wasn't awake the whole time, you know. † But I had it all figured out. The pieces of the puzzle were coming together, forming an unbelievable picture in my head. I ran back into the lounge, and flung open the door at the back of it, where the emergency brake ws. The lady came racing after me, asking where I was going. â€Å"Look, it’s the emergency brake. If we pull it, we'll be able to get out of here! † I exclaimed. She looked at me the same way I had looked at the bellboy- as if one of us had gone bonkers. â€Å"What? Are you crazy? Why? Its ridiculous.Then how will I ever get to where I'm going? † I smiled at the distinct resemblance her words had to mine. Reaching over, I grasped the red handle in my right hand and pulled as hard as I could. The train screeched against the metal of the tracks. I pushed against the exit door, and it opened easily. I leaped off the train. The ground was icy and cold beneath my feet, and the cold wind cut my uncovered face like a knife. I became aware that I did not even have my jacket with me as the cold began to envelope my very being. â€Å"What are you doing? You'll freeze to death! † the girl cried next to me. You don't even have your suitcase with you. † I vaguely recalled my stuffed baggage, filled with things I suddenly realized were of no importance to me. And just like that, suddenly, I felt free. Free of all my emotional baggage, free of everything that weigh me down, free of guilt, pain and sorrow. A sense of warmth, a beautiful feeling, filled up my body, and I no longer felt the chill. I turned back to the train, smiling for the first time in years. â€Å"Why don’t you come with me? † I asked the girl. She shook her head, eyes wide. And then the train door slammed shut, and began to move again.Free of doubt, I turned from the sight of the train slowly resending out of sight until it vanished, and began to trudge through the snow , in the direction of my destination. Sometimes we are weighed down by the pain, grief and guilt. We go through life day by day, merely existing, not living, and time stands still. Those days we live, so burdened by emotions, are meaningless and pas by without notice of purpose. If we could just let go of it all, forget our troubles for a few seconds, and look around us, perhaps we would see the beauty we are meant to see, and the wonder we would feel if we only let go.

Services Marketing and Customer Relationship

Spring 2010 (Jan-Jun) Master of Business Administration-MBA Semester 4 MK0006 – Services Marketing and Customer Relationship Management – 2 Credits (Book ID: xxxxxxx) Assignment Set- 1 (30 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q. 1 a. What do you mean by physical evidence in services? Give examples. (5 marks) b. Write a note on service development. (5 marks) Q. 2 a. Briefly explain the terms â€Å"customer expectation† and â€Å"customer perception†. (6 marks) b. What are the different bases for segmentation? 4 marks) Q. 3 Recall the different services offered in a bank. Evaluate the different characteristics of services that you found excellent, average and poor in the particular bank. How do you think the bank can improve its services? (10 marks) Spring 2010 (Jan-Jun) Master of Business Administration-MBA Semester 4 MK0006 – Services Marketing and Customer Relationship Management – 2 Credits (Book ID: xxxxxx x) Assignment Set- 2 (30 Marks) Note: Each question carries 10 Marks. Answer all the questions. Q. 1 a. Discuss strategy formulation and implementation in services. (4 marks) b. Explain the scope of CRM. (6 marks) Q. 2 a. What do you mean by CRM? What are the emerging trends in CRM? (5 marks) b. Write a note on service quality with an illustration. (5 marks) Q. 3 Determine a service marketing mix for an established airline. Assume that the airline operates in more than 30 different countries and its customers are mostly regular ones. How can it distinguish its services from other competing airlines, so as to attract newer passengers? (10 marks)

Meet the BRICs Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Meet the BRICs - Case Study Example Measuring success in these countries is a matter of some debate. There are people out there who believe that the best predictors and methods of measuring quality of life and prosperity are environmental indicators. Others think power purchase parity is the most useful. While this latter measure does adjust relative prices in different economies, it is rather specific. As are environmental indicators. The BRICs are a diverse group of countries. The best way of measuring their success is also the bluntest: GNI per capita. This is a blunt tool and it is the most general. For our purposes, there it is most useful as it takes into account all sectors of the economy and is not tripped up on specific aspects such as environmental factors. The human development index can provide information about how people are living, but if we want to know raw data on growth for comparative purposes—a must in economics—the GNI per capita will tell us this. It is the most useful index to gener ally compare these