Famous People and Privacy Essays

Famous People and Privacy Essays Famous People and Privacy Essay Famous People and Privacy Essay Do you agree news are sensationalized in tabloids? I dont agree that news are sensationalized in tabloids for two reasons. A. Journalists are breaking the ethical values and the mission of their profession. 1. The size of the audience is relevant. 2. Lack of objectivity in allegations B. Besides, sensationalism affects everyone involved. 1. Speculations about you and your relatives lives. 2. Hounded by media in every action.In conclussion, its evident that sensationalism has become deeply entrenched in the media and journalists are paying by sacrificing their ethics exposing people and relatives lives. Do you agree news is sensationalized in tabloids? Tabloids can be defined as a type of newspaper with a simple style, many photographs and emphasis on sensational stories. To increase the attraction of newspapers headlines, publishers allow showing sensationalist news. For them, the effects of it seem to be positive, however, these are producing a negative impact on society.So I don? t agree that news are sensationalized for two reasons. In first place, journalists are breaking the ethical values and the mission of their profession. For them, the size of the audience is relevant, because the in tabloids are very competitive. In fact, it’s part of journalists’ strategy for catching the attention of most readers. Unfortunately, to achieve they is a lack of objectivity in the allegations that not bring correct information. For instance, when the new of RNH1 flu appeared, tabloids published exaggerate number of deaths.Obviously, parents were too worried about that they didn’t send their children to school for many days. Besides, sensationalism affects everyone involved in, even your relatives. This is the case of Jean Paul Santamaria and Angie Jibaja. They were a famous couple, but since he was besieged by paparazzi when they go out with another woman, this love story turned into a storm for them. Jibaja felt mortified, because of sensationalism her grandfather got involved in, too. So Jean Paul had a public discussion with him and obviously Jibaja’s family was full of shame about it.Even due they broke up, everybody is still speculating about their lives and hounded by the media in every action. In conclusion, in today’s society is under scrutiny and is losing its credibility. It is evident that sensationalism has become deeply entrenched in the media. In turn, readers are paying a high price through their loss of credible sources of information. Furthermore, journalists are paying by sacrificing their ethics in order to earn money. A-07W GROUP WORK 03 OUTLINEAugust 2013 Numbers and names:19 Ingrid Serrano 20 Richard SiapoLaughing helps people who suffer from depression or sadness? Laugher helps people to cure depression and sadness in many ways. A. Laugher cheers up people. 1) Liberate a substance called dopamine that makes you happier. 2) Produce a welfare sensation. B. Laugher makes people forget their pro blems. 1) Makes people come back to their past emotional states C. Laughter raises self-esteem 1) Makes you see the positive not the negative 2) Gives more receptivity. In conclusion, laughter offers multiple contributions to deal with depression or sadness.Laughing helps people who suffer from depression or sadness? Laugher helps people to cure depression and sadness in many ways. California University has recently discovered about a small zone in the brain which is capable of making the most serious man laugh and also, that 5 minutes laughing equals 45 minutes exercising slowly. Discoveries like this lead us to reckon about the fact that laughter can actually be more relevant than it is thought. In fact, the humor therapy, as it is called, offers many psychological and even physical benefits to the body.This therapy has been developed with more emphasis over the past years. Simply as it sounds: Laughter helps people to get over depression and sadness in many ways. For instance, it cheers people up, it makes people forget their problems even just for a while, and last and arguably more important, laughter raises self-esteem. Actually, its obvious that laughter cheers up people, since the big smile in the face of someone laughing can tell us that, however, thats only what we can see.How about what cant see? It should be known that a real laugh liberates a substance called dopamine which makes people happier. Happiness is a relative concept, what is enough for some, is not for others, nevertheless, this happiness created by dopamine produces a welfare sensation which contributes to getting over bad moods. As laughter makes people happier, it lets people hide problems from their mind for a moment. As people come back, while laughing, to some emotional states felt in the past.Problems carries stress, and by forgetting about it, its easier to cure depression. The author of Anatomy of Melancholy, Robert Burton, said, Jolly company should not separate from music, bo th are necessary: happiness makes life larger, gives youth and life to the body. Going crazy isnt bad. So go party often and have happy friends whose jokes can make you happier. This kind of things would take people to live better and happy, to see the positive things in life, why would anybody choose negativity over them?This occurs mainly because laughter raises self-esteem. Its not surprise that it gives more receptivity too, since more self-esteem would makes people more comfortable with themselves. In conclusion, laughter offers many contributions to deal with depression and sadness. There are lots of ways to get to them and their results, some of them are happiness, confidence and self-esteem, here isnt even mentioned the physicals advantages, but as studies show, there is room to grow in the humor therapy.

Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 55

Assignment - Essay Example Likewise, the formation of this team was disclosed to be part of Zuckerberg’s Internet.org initiative, which allegedly aims to bring connections to parts of the world where access to the Web has not yet been reached. Therefore, to enable connections to be made possible, it was disclosed that new technologies would have to be invented, which, accordingly would necessitate working with drones, satellites and lasers (Albergotti, 2014). Concurrently, Albergotti (2014) also revealed that Facebook has made other business ventures and acquisitions to expand its organizational sphere. As noted, Facebook had reportedly agreed to purchase â€Å"Oculus VR, a maker of virtual reality goggles, for $2 billion†¦ (and) announced a $19 billion deal to acquire WhatsApp, a mobile messaging service† (Albergotti, 2014, p. 1). As indicated, these business ventures fare lesser in scope and amount of investments when compared to the launching Connectivity Lab. The manner by which connections to remote places would be accessed was described as â€Å"sending infrared light beams to the earth, using satellites for rural areas and solar powered aircraft for more suburban areas that lack Internet connections† (Albergotti, 2014, p. 1). These future plans evidently indicates that Facebook has made advanced thrusts to capture opportunities in currently remote areas towards the organization’s outlook for unprecedented growth through technological innovations. Albergotti, R. (2014, March 27). Facebook Creates Team to Beam Internet Everywhere on Earth. Retrieved from The Wall Street Journal:

Study proposal Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Study - Research Proposal Example to Isabel Cavill – a senior retail analyst who specializes in luxury retail markets mentioned that China’s retail market can increase up to 14% between 2012 to 2013 (Red Luxury, 2012). To examine the impact of China’s economic growth on the luxury fashion market, this study will conduct a primary research survey study to determine the consumers’ willingness to spend on luxury goods in times of a strong economic growth. Basically, the first part of the proposed research methodology will focus on identifying the demographic profile of the research survey participants whereas the second part will focus on determining consumers’ purchasing habit in times of economic growth. (See Appendix I on page 5) A descriptive statistics such as the computation of frequency and percentage will be used to measure the research survey respondents’ demographic profile. Using anchors of 1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree, a five-point Likert scale type of research questions will be used to determine the Chinese consumers’ willingness to purchase luxury items in times of economic growth (David and Sutton, p. 167). Branigan, T. (2011, April 26). The Guardian. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from Chinas taste for high-end fashion and luxury brands reaches new heights: Vogue China editions the size of a doorstop, 960,000 millionaires and rising, and now the aspirational class are buying: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/26/china-super-rich-demand-luxury-brands Hutzler, K. (2011, July 20). Luxury Daily. Retrieved May 13, 2012, from Chinese fashion market to triple in size over next 10 years: BCG: http://www.luxurydaily.com/six-trends-brands-need-to-be-aware-of-before-entering-chinese-market-study/ Red Luxury. (2012, February 15). Retrieved May 24, 2012, from How Does a Shifting Economy Impact China’s Luxury Market?:

See reqiurmence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

See reqiurmence - Essay Example Before embarking upon the discussion a brief look into the background would be helpful. The famous Silk Road paved the way for the Chinese goods that mainly consisted, silk, printed paper, gun powder and compass. Not only those are goods but ground breaking inventions that held the Chinese head high at the global arena (Whitfield, 2004). The communist government was established in China in 1949 and China entered a prolonged phase of social and economic restructuring till 1977 (MacKerras & Yorke, 1991, p.81). This phase is characterized by meager economic exchange. (Bell, Khor & Khochar, 1993). The reflection of globalization is almost everywhere, however for simplicity only four variables are considered in this paper; agriculture, Industry, International trade and foreign direct investment. Again a coin has two faces so as globalization. The paper analyses the impact of globalization on the Chinese economy. It means that the all or none policy while judging the impact of globalizatio n on Chinese economy would be faulty and far from the actual reality. Statistical overview The following table summarizes the growth rates of the agriculture, industry and trade pre and post reform period. This gives a brief picture regarding the impact of globalization in terms of figures on the Chinese economy: table 1: Annual growth rates of China's economy 1970-2010 (%)    pre-reform 1970-78 Reform period    1970-78 1979-84 1985-95 1996-00 2001-05 2006-10 GDP 4.9 8.8 9.7 8.2 9.9 11.1 Agriculture 2.7 7.1 4 3.4 4.3 4.5 Industry 6.8 8.2 12.8 9.6 11.4 11.9 Service n.a. 11.6 9.7 8.3 10.1 11.9 Foreign Trade 20.5 14.3 15.2 9.8 25.3 13.8 Import    12.7 13.4 9.5 24.9 14.2 Export    15.9 17.2 10.1 25.7 13.5 Population 1.8 1.4 1.37 0.91 0.63 0.5 Per capita GDP 3.1 7.4 8.3 7.2 9 10.6 (Huang, Wang and Qiu, 2012, p.5) The financial crisis of 2008 accounts for the lower annual growth rates of foreign trade, imports and exports for the period 2006-2010, but China managed to be consisten t in terms of GDP rate and the domestic sectors. Agriculture The initial impact of globalization on Chinese agriculture might be summarized as the transformation from collectivization to individual household responsibility. Improved form of agricultural procedures was introduced with chemical fertilizers and pesticides, machineries were welcomed and that brought a huge growth in agricultural output and in rural income. However this success was short lived and by mid 80’s rural economic growth had achieved its ceiling. By the end of the decade and the beginning of the next one stagnation and a step ahead degeneration became the trademark of Chinese rural area. As agriculture is the prime profession of the rural people it also serves as a dummy for the agricultural sector that was subject to the same problem. To raise agricultural production, deforestation took place at an unprecedented level and impacted the environment. Soon the rural household felt the brunt of rising price of machinery, fertilizers and pesticides and resorted to their initial way of farming that gave rise to pseudo unemployment. Apart from that, globalization exposed the farmers to market price fluctuations. Along with

Reluctance of Gay Essay Example for Free

Reluctance of Gay Essay Domestic violence is a prevalent criminal and social issue because this occurs in various cultures and types of domestic partnerships. This is the reason for the establishment of laws and processes to aid victims of domestic violence. However, addressing domestic violence is not at all simple because the difficulty not only lies in the weak protective measures or loopholes of laws and criminal justice processes but also the failure or reluctance of victims to report their experiences to the police much less file action against the perpetrator, who happen to be their partners. Nevertheless, the reason for the reluctance is not entirely legal. Socio-cultural and religious factors could come into play that dictates acceptable and non-acceptable behavior. Economic factors also contribute to the reluctance. Psychological factors could also intervene in the decision to report victimization. (Roberts, 2002) A similar situation occurs even in cases of domestic violence among homosexual or same-sex couples. There is even a lesser probability of victims of homosexual domestic violence to report victimization than domestic violence between heterosexual couples because of the additional discriminatory situations that homosexual domestic violence victims face. (Renzetti, 1996) Heterosexual and Homosexual Domestic Violence Victimization Violence or abuse happens in homosexual partners as often as in heterosexual couples but there are similarities and differences in the situation faced by heterosexual and homosexual couples that could explain the reasons for the lesser likelihood of victimization reporting by homosexual domestic violence victims. As all victims of domestic violence, heterosexual and homosexual partners also undergo emotional dilemma in telling people about the violence or abuse much less report it to the authorities. However, homosexual partners also need to deal with homophobic issues arising from their social circle and the community in general so that they have to first deal with their homosexuality and homosexual relationship before even dealing with reporting domestic violence. (Renzetti, 1996; Roberts, 2002; Brown, 2008) Similar facts on domestic violence apply to both heterosexual and homosexual couples. Even partnership of the same sex does not necessarily provide a guarantee of equal status of the partners forming the relationship. It is also difficult for a victim of domestic violence in a heterosexual and homosexual relationship to leave the partnership. Blame on the victim in both types of partnership also occurs to influence the decision to report the incident. Remorse is also commonly exhibited by the abusers in both types of relationship to give the victim false hope over the cessation of the abuse. (Renzetti, 1996; Roberts, 2002; Brown, 2008) Reporting of Homosexual Domestic Violence Victimization to the Police There are differences in the domestic abuse experienced by heterosexual and homosexual victims and these differences comprise the reasons for the lesser likelihood of victims of domestic violence in same sex relationships to the report the abuse to the police. First is the limited recognition and understanding of domestic violence in the case of homosexual couples. This is perhaps due to the complex issue of accepting homosexual partnership more so with homosexual domestic violence. Lack of understanding or unacceptability of homosexual partnership would likely yield to negative reactions from society and evasion in addressing homosexual domestic violence. Aversion and evasion are the expected reactions of society to issues that it cannot understand. (Peterman Dixon, 2003; Brown, 2008) Moreover, it is not only society in general that lacks an understanding of homosexual relationship and domestic violence, the victims themselves could find it difficult to assess their situations and decide on the manner of dealing with the problem by considering emotional factors such as attachment to the partner and fear of being alone especially when they receive little support for their sexual preferences in their own social circle. Some of the victims who have not yet divulged their sexual preferences to their family, friends and co-workers also have to admit their homosexuality in reporting the abuse to the police. Many may not be prepared to do this. (Island Lettelier, 1991; Cruz, 2003) They may not even think about going to the police for protection. Even within the gay and lesbian community, domestic violence is a largely suppressed issue. An explanation is the prevention of the further antagonism of the community. Reports of domestic violence in the gay and lesbian community would further complicate attempts of the community to foster community acceptance. It was only in the late 1990s that domestic violence in same sex relationships started to receive due consideration. (Renzetti, 1996) Nevertheless, as long as the issue remains problematic on the part of the victims and the gay and lesbian community, reporting to domestic violence cases to the polices in homosexual relationships would remain nil. Second is the lack or limited services available to gays and lesbians who have experienced domestic abuse. Lack of knowledge or non-existence of venues for reporting domestic violence could be a reason for the failure or reluctance of gays and lesbians who are victims of domestic violence to report the abuse. (Peterman Jackson, 2003; Brown, 2008) Although there are help desks for women in police stations catering to gendered issues such as victims of domestic violence these are not commonly thought of as also available to gay and lesbian victims of domestic violence. These desks or sub-sectors of the police do not explicitly ban gays and lesbians or make services exclusive to women but the perception about the services offered and the people to whom the services were intended apparently do not include gays and lesbians who have experienced abuse. Of course, reports could be lodged with the police but these are likely considered as other crimes such as physical injuries instead of the more defined crime of domestic violence. In effect, even if homosexual victims make the report, they may not receive sufficient services for victims of domestic violence such as counseling and advice on the legal processes. This could be the reason why many opt not to take the risk of prejudice involved in reporting the crime and not receiving any support. Moreover, the slow response of the gay and lesbian community towards domestic violence has resulted to a small number of support groups that could help victims learn about remedies commencing with the report of the abuse to the police (Renzetti, 1996). Third is the lack of sensitization of health care workers, law enforcement personnel, and criminal justice professionals regarding domestic violence experienced by homosexual partners. In the case of medical workers, most have not received orientation or learning about domestic violence between same sex couples and the manner of dealing with the issue when raised to them. This means that they cannot give advice to victims on the remedies available to them or coordinate with law enforcement authorities in handling the issue. With regard to law enforcement officers, they could be hesitant to take reports because of uncertainty on how to handle the issue because of non-recognition of domestic violence among homosexual partners. (Renzetti, 1996; Roberts, 2002; Brown, 2008) In addition, law enforcement and criminal justice workers that are homophobic could disregard the issue altogether resulting to the re-victimization of the victim through discrimination. The police force carries a very macho culture so that gay men, who are victims of domestic violence, although by another gay partner, may be ridiculed or ill-treated. It is the risk of experiencing these adverse attitudes and behavior from the police together with the fear of stigma that dissuades victims of homosexual domestic violence to report the abuse to the police. (Renzetti, 1996; Roberts, 2002; Brown, 2008) Conclusion Victims of domestic abuse in a homosexual relationship fail or become reluctant to report abuse to the police, more so than victims of heterosexual domestic violence, because of a number of multi-dimensional reasons. Victims have to publicly deal with their homosexuality in reporting the abuse and many are not prepared for this. There is also limited support from the gay and lesbian community that for a long time has suppressed the occurrence of domestic violence among homosexual partners. There is also fear of stigma and discrimination by police officers in reporting the incident. These reasons imply that the addressing domestic violence in the case of homosexual or same sex partners would also be multi-dimensional. The solution involves change in the perception of society towards homosexuality, albeit a difficult feat. The gay and lesbian community also needs to rationalize and clarify issues relating to domestic violence to establish support for victims. Police officers require sensitization towards homosexual domestic violence in order to fulfill their duty of protecting individuals regardless of their sexual preference. References Brown, C. (2008). Gender-role implications on same-sex intimate partner abuse. Journal of Family Violence, 23(6), 457-462. Cruz, M. J. (2003). Why doesnt he just leave? : Gay male domestic violence and the reasons victims stay. The Journal of Mens Studies, 11(3), 309-323.Island, D. , Letellier, P. (1991). Men who beat the men who love them: Battered gay men and domestic violence. New York: Harrington Park Press. Peterman, L. M. , Dixon, C. G. (2003). Domestic violence between same-sex partners: Implications for counseling. Journal of Counseling and Development, 81(1), 40-47. Renzetti, C. (ed. ) (1996). Violence in gay and lesbian domestic partnerships. New York: Haworth Press. Roberts, A. R. (2002). Handbook of domestic violence intervention strategies: Policies, programs, and legal remedies. New York: Oxford University Press.

Essay --

Title: Effectiveness of analgesia for pain management in patients with Sickle Cell Disease Introduction: Patient X was a 29-year-old male patient with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Aside from the complications associated with SCD such as opportunistic infections and vaso-occulsive episodes, which led to intense episodes of pain, he had no other co-morbidities. Patient X ran a family import business, which required frequent local and overseas travel. During the interview, Patient X repeatedly vocalized that the unpredictable onset and the manifestations of its symptoms was interfering with his quality of life in terms of economic cost (loss of business opportunities) and sleep. During acute episodes of pain, depending on its severity, Patient X would either contact his local GP for a prescription of painkillers or present himself at the Emergency Department (ED) to seek relief from his pain. SCD affects individuals with sub-Saharan African, Caribbean and Mediterranean ancestry. With a prevalence rate of more than 100,000 people in the United States alone and an incidence rate of 1 in 500 births among African-Americans, SCD is a major public health concern. (Givens et al. 2007, p. 239) Sickle Cell Pain (SCP) is a common feature in patients with SCD. It is characterised by episodes of severe pain. As pain management is primarily pharmaceutical in nature, the use of analgesia is of crucial importance in maintaining a patient’s quality of life. In SCP, the two major classes of analgesia used are non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) and opioids. (See Table 1) First hand accounts from Patient X during interview in addition to a literature review which will be discussed later in this article highlights major psychosocial and medi... ... ED clinician attitudes, practice patterns as well as low addiction rates in this population should be highlighted to allow intervention. Following this, initiatives to improve ED management of acute sickle cell disease pain could promote more efficient ways to manage SCD pain, better dissemination of national guidelines, and efforts to improve negative physician attitudes toward SCD patients. Because of the complex nature of SCP, ideally there should be increased collaboration between front-line physicians such as the General practitioner and the Emergency Physician with subject matter specialists such as an Anaesthetist (to address acute and chronic pain management issues) and Haematologist (to treat the underlying pathophysiology of SCD). This multidisciplinary approach will not only to decrease adverse outcomes, but also increase the patient’s quality of life.

Fad Diets: Look Before You Leap Essay

Association. â€Å"Fad diets are a short-term, quick-fix approach to weight loss that don’t work over the long haul. These diets tend to over-promise results but don’t deliver. Food choices are often monotonous, and caloric intake may be very restricted, so that once the novelty wears off, so does the motivation to continue.† Even the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recognized the huge popularity of fad diets, and in February it sponsored the Great Nutrition Debate, a discussion panel that featured popular diet book authors as well as nutrition and weight loss researchers. While the panelists agreed that Americans are too fat, there was no consensus about the best way to lose weight and keep it off-although it led to interesting and sometimes heated debate. In the end, USDA indicated that it might be time for government researchers to evaluate the various diets to help sort fact from fiction. There is a dire lack of scientific research to corroborate the theories expounded in the majority of diet books currently on the market. Most promise weight loss programs that are easy, allow favorite foods or foods traditionally limited in weight loss diets without limitations, and do not require a major shift in exercise habits. Often, adds Sachiko St. Jeor, PhD, RD, Director of the Nutrition Education and Research Program at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, â€Å"fad diet book authors take a scientific half-truth that is complex and use that as the basis for their arguments.† Authors may simplify or expand upon biochemistry and physiology in an effort to help support their theories and provide a plethora of scientific jargon that people do not understand but that seems to make sense. And few, if any, offer solid scientific support for their claims in the form of published research studies. Instead, most evidence is based on anecdotal findings, theories, and testimonials of short-term results. Some of the most popular diets to hit the news wires these days are those that promote low carbohydrate and high protein intakes and promise significant weight loss. These diets are nothing more than low calorie diets in disguise, but with some potentially serious consequences. Following a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet will encourage the body to burn its own fat. Without carbohydrates, however, fat is not burned completely and substances called ketones are formed and released into the bloodstream. Abnormally high ketone levels in the body, or ketosis, may indeed make dieting easier, since they typically decrease appetite and cause nausea. However, ketosis also increases the levels of uric acid in the blood, which is a risk factor for gout and kidney disease in susceptible people. Additionally, notes Dr. St. Jeor, â€Å"following these diets can result in dehydration, diarrhea, weakness, headaches, dizziness, and bad breath, and over the long term, can also increase risk of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.† Here’s a rundown on some of the more popular high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets that are making headlines. Sugar Busters! By H. Leighton Steward, Sam S. Andrews, MD, Morrison C. Bethea, MD, and Luis A. Balart, MD Premise/Theory:Sugar and certain carbohydrates (those with high glycemic indices) are toxic to the body causing blood sugar levels to rise and increasing the levels of insulin production, thereby prompting fat storage and weight gain. Supposedly, decreasing sugar intake can help people lose weight and decrease body fat, no matter what other foods are eaten. Dietary Recommendations: * Eliminates refined and processed carbohydrates, especially sugar and white flour and all foods made from these ingredients. Also eliminates foods like potatoes, corn, white rice, beets, carrots, corn syrup, molasses, honey, soft drinks, and beer. * Encourages consumption of whole grains, low-glycemic-index carbohydrates (high-fiber vegetables and fruits), and lean meats with no restrictions on protein foods. * Authors claim that washing food down with liquid does not allow for proper chewing. Claims excess fluid with meals also dilutes digestive juices and can result in partially digested food. * Average intake of calories is 1200 calories/day distributed as 30 percent carbohydrate, 32 percent protein, and 28 percent fat. Recommended calorie intake in this diet is low, accounting for short-term weight loss. Concerns: * There is no scientific basis or published data for the Sugar Busters! weight loss theory. The explanation of insulin’s role in weight gain that is provided is simplistic. The body does produce insulin in response to a rise in blood sugar levels, but it does not promote storage of fat unless excess calories are consumed. * There is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that the consumption of fluids during meals negatively affects digestion. Drastically decreasing dietary intake of carbohydrates forces the body to burn reserves of stored fat for energy, a condition known as ketosis, which leads to decreased hunger and a metabolic advantage. Dietary Recommendations: * Limits carbohydrates to 20 grams/day for the induction phase of the diet and 0 to 60 grams/day in the ongoing weight loss phase. Carbohydrate intake ranges from 25 to 90 grams/day in the maintenance diet. * Unlimited quantities of protein foods and fat-steak, bacon, eggs, chicken, fish, butter, and vegetable oil-are allowed. Avoid or limit carbohydrates, specifically breads, pasta, most fruits and vegetables, milk, and yogurt. Concerns: * No published scientific studies support the diet claims. * Offers extremely limited food choices. Diet is nutritionally unbalanced and excessively high in protein, fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. * Promotes ketosis as a means of weight loss. * Suggests that a high-saturated-fat, low-carbohydrate diet does not have an effect on lipids. * Dehydration is possible if large amounts of water are not consumed. * Diet is low in calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and folate (dietary supplements are recommended). Enter the Zone By Barry Sears, PhD Premise/Theory: The â€Å"zone† is a metabolic state in which the mind is relaxed and focused and the body is strong and works at peak efficiency. A person in the â€Å"zone† will allegedly experience permanent body fat loss, optimal health, greater athletic performance, and improved mental productivity. Insulin is released as a result of eating carbohydrates and leads to weight gain. Because food has a potent, drug-like effect on the hormonal systems that regulate the body’s physiological processes, eating the right combination of foods leads to a metabolic state (lower insulin levels and lower eicosanoid levels) in which the body works at peak performance and which results in decreased hunger, weight loss, and increased energy. Dietary Recommendations: * To get into the â€Å"zone,† rigid quantities of food, apportioned in blocks and at prescribed times, are recommended in a distribution of 40 percent carbohydrate, 30 percent protein, and 30 percent fat. Meals should provide no more than 500 calories and snacks less than 100 calories. * Food should be treated like a medical prescription or drug. * Menus suggest lots of egg whites, nuts, olives, peanut butter, and monounsaturated fats and large amounts of allowable (low-glycemic-index) fruits and vegetables.Alcohol is okay in moderation, but â€Å"zone† followers are advised to avoid or limit carbohydrates, especially pasta, bread, high-glycemic-index fruits and vegetables such as carrots and bananas, saturated fat, and arachidonic acid. * Diet averages 1,300 calories per day, although some menus may run as low as 850 calories. Concerns: * Oversimplifies complicated physiological processes. For example, eicosanoids are one part of a complex system, and no studies suggest that they are dangerous or cause disease. * The metabolic pathways explained in the book that supposedly connect diet, insulin-glucagon, and eicosanoids are not found in standard nutrition or biochemistry texts. The premise that any type of diet completely controls insulin and glucagon secretion is not supported by current nutrition or biochemistry knowledge, nor is the theory that the insulin-glucagon axis controls production of eicosanoids. * Relies upon unproven claims based on case histories, testimonials, and uncontrolled studies that are not published in peer-reviewed journals. Although all of these diets may promote short term weight loss, their long term effectiveness is a different story. The bottom line for lasting and healthful weight loss is a varied diet, reduced caloric intake, and regular physical activity. â€Å"The truth is that losing weight permanently takes work. It’s not glamorous-eating habits need to change and activity usually needs to increase,† notes Quagliani. â€Å"If a diet sounds too good to be true, it probably is.† Glossary Arachidonic acid: fatty acid precursor for eiconsanoid production. Eicosanoids: biologically active class of compounds that are involved in a wide range of regulatory processes such as synthesis of certain fatty acids. Glycemic index: a ranking of the effect on blood glucose of the consumption of a single food relative to a reference carbohydrate (e.g., white bread or glucose). Glucagon: has an effect opposite to that of insulin. Insulin’s and glucagon’s opposing effects help maintain carbohydrate metabolism in a steady state. Tips on Spotting Fad Diets Claims or implies a large or quick weight loss of more than 1 to 2 pounds per week. Slow, gradual weight loss increases the chance of weight loss success and of keeping weight off over the long term. Promotes magical or miracle foods. No foods can undo the long-term effects of overeating and not exercising or melt away fat. Restricts or eliminates certain foods, recommends certain foods in large quantities, insists on eating specific food combinations, or offers rigid, inflexible menus. Implies that weight can be lost and maintained without exercise and other lifestyle changes. Relies heavily on undocumented case histories, testimonials, and anecdotes but has no scientific research to back claims. Contradicts what most trusted health professional groups say, or makes promises that sound too good to be true.