Food safety Essay Example for Free

Food safety Essay Food safety is a very essential aspect of maintaining healthy and productive relationships between human beings and the entire environment. It is because it plays a basic role in enhancing good health which is vital in influencing sustainable human activities. Fundamentally, human activities influence their relationships and interactions with the environment. It can be acknowledged that maintaining food safety at all levels ensures good health which in turn guarantees healthy relationships between man and his environment. Human activities have various implications on the entire environment. In deed, they affect the economic, social, environmental and political aspects of the environment. Food safety that is fundamental for good health enables man to relate well with all these aspects of his environment. Food safety: Health To begin with good health enables human beings to work hard and be able to provide for their economic needs. According to Last (1998), when both mentally and physically healthy, individuals tend to be more productive. Increased productivity leads to healthy societies as individuals can be able to cater for their needs and wants. This is made possible by individuals earning enough to attain financial stability. Thus they can be able to pay their bills, spare some for recreation and also be able to save for the future. This is made possible if their health is assured through ensuring food safety. Bronfenbrenner (1979) indicates that excellent health also determines good interpersonal relationships and hence enables populations to acquire social cohesion. In this respect, he argues that healthy individuals are unlikely to be social misfits because they are able to think straight and are also conscious of the societal values which they uphold. Also, health enables one to work and earn an honest living as well as provide enough for his or her family. As such, people become more responsible and dedicated to their lives and this enhances one’s self esteem and personal satisfaction. Generally, Last (1998) asserts that healthy people are able to maintain healthy relationships than their counterparts. Again, this healthy status can only be achieved if the they food they consume is handled in a hygienic manner. With regard to the environment, Ebi, et al. (2005) argues that good health enables individuals to cater for their environment. According to him, healthy individuals are usually able to take timely measures to avoid environmental deterioration in their own simple ways. For instance, they can be able to plant trees, dispose of their wastes in a proper way and perform other functions that enhance environmental conservation. These actions may seem simple yet their contribution to environmental conservation is very significant. In addition, since these individuals have financial stability, they can contribute to environmental conservation missions by donating money (Ebi et al. , 2005). Furthermore, healthy individuals are in position to take sound decisions with regard to environmental conservation. The political stability of a country is also dependent on the health of the individuals. To this end, Bronfenbrenner (1979) argues that healthy and active individuals are less likely to engage in politically unsound behavior. It is worth noting that good health throughout a person’s life also implies that the person’s education and thinking process is rational. Therefore, such individuals are able to make informed, autonomous and democratic decisions with regard to politics. This enables a country to have visionary leaders that are politically mature and therefore enforce policies that are beneficial to the locals. This status can be achieved if food safety is maintained all through a person’s life. Indeed, food safety is a very vital component of our day to day living because of the role it plays in maintaining our health. Without this good health, life can be difficult for most individuals because diseases will be prevalent. Despite this realization, food handling in the US continues to be a major problem and the frequency of food poisoning and food borne illness continues to rise significantly (Last, 1998). This implies that the Food and Drug administration has failed in its duty to protect the health of the citizens. This can also be attributed to the money oriented attitude that our society has assumed. For instance, Andrew (2006) indicates that some butchery workers would rather keep their jobs than identify a slip up in the meat processing process. Further, he asserts that the urge to get food on the markets in a timely manner in order to make huge profits has made business persons overlook the minor but most important aspects of food safety. Therefore, there is need for consumers to take up the responsibility of maintaining good health by practicing the following critical steps that are very important in enhancing food safety and improved health. At a personal level, consumers should be extremely wary of sale offers. If the deal seems too good, it is always recommended to think twice. In most instances, business owners place on sale products that are defective (Andrew, 2006). Therefore, instead of making purchases blindly, consumers should spare time to check the packages properly and even identify the odor of the food. If the odor is bad, Loken (1995) ascertains that such food is not suitable for human consumption. In addition, consumers should put in to consideration the packaging of the food. Usually, food can look very appealing yet if not packed well, the probability that it is infected is so high. According to Watson (2001), well packaged food has a higher probability of being germ free. When purchasing fruits and vegetables, consumers should only buy those that are fresh looking (Loken, 1995). They should avoid fruits or vegetables that have spots or look unhealthy as this is a clear indication of infection. Andrew (2006) notes that hepatitis A is spread through poor handling of fruits and vegetables, specifically by washing the same with contaminated water before they reach the market. He suggests that it is important that consumers keep themselves well informed about any outbreaks and take precaution in a timely manner by adjusting their menu accordingly. According to him, it could be safer to avoid any fruits or vegetables involved in the outbreak than endanger one’s health by consuming contaminated food. At home, fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly and under running water in order to remove all dirt. In cases where fruit and vegetable washers are used, it is essential to adhere to the directions of the manufacturer in order to avoid any possible contamination. When shopping for dry foods, Watson (2001) argues that consumers should check the packaging material to ensure that it is in order. In particular, he explains that the nylon papers used for packaging as well as boxes should be well inspected to ensure that they do not have holes or openings. This is an indication that food is not contaminated as holes or other openings could serve as entrances of insects and generally germs. In addition, consumers should avoid buying dry foods that are infested by insects like weevils. These transmit diseases that are dangerous to human health. In the case of canned foods, Loken (1995) explains that care should be taken to avoid buying any cans that are defective in any way. Specifically, those with punctures or dents should be avoided at all costs as this is an indication that the food is contaminated. Consuming infected canned food can be very fatal as it may contain botulin toxin (Watson, 2001). This has a severe and fatal impact on human health as it causes paralysis. It is also important to check the cans properly on arrival at home as dents can occur during transportation. In such incidents, Andrew (2006) explains that it is better to discard them as this could be an indication of punctures which imply infection. In the home environment, Andrew (2006) points out that it is advisable to clean all surfaces used in food preparation and the kitchen as a whole after the activity. This should be done with an antibacterial cleaner in order to kill all disease causing micro organisms. In addition, the surfaces should be kept dry as wet surfaces, coupled with a warm kitchen environment provides the best conditions for micro organism breeding (Andrew, 2006). When handling meats, Loken (1995) indicates that it is advisable to freeze any that would not be consumed in a few days time. According to him, this goes a long way in avoiding chances of poisoning. In addition, he explains that before cooking any meats, it is important to inspect them fully after thawing in order to identify any signs of spoiling. Further, when cooking meats, the right temperatures should be used in order to kill any existing infectious micro organisms. Failure to do this could lead to fatal poisoning caused by the existing micro organisms (Loken, 1995). After meals, any remaining food should be frozen rather than left open even if it is meant to be used in the next meal. In many cases, persons prefer to leave the left over food from the previous meals intended to be used in the next meal in an open place. It is assumed that the period between meals is short and therefore possibility of contamination is low. However, Watson (2001) indicates that contamination can still occur within any period. The surfaces used when preparing food before cooking should also be easy to clean appropriately. It is notable that most people prefer wooden boards for chopping food and vegetables. However, these are not hygienic enough as they keep germs between the chips. It can be very difficult to clean them appropriately. Therefore, other options found on the market should be used. In cases where a dish washer is available, it should be utilized for washing utensils. Dishwashers have proved to be very effective in killing germs due to their ability to withstand very hot water. Andrew (2006) affirms that in deed, hot water is the cheapest way of killing germs and consequently, dishes washed in very hot water are likely to be germ free. In instances where one opts to dine in the restaurants, the first thing to do should be to choose a decent place. Then, when inside the restaurant, one should take note of the conduct of the staff when serving food as this often gives an insight on the general hygiene of the restaurant. If this is not satisfactory, Last (1998) explains that it is better to avoid eating in the place than risk infection. Particularly, care should be taken before consuming vegetable and fruit salads as they are the most susceptible to contamination. Restaurants on their part should ensure that any food bought is well tested before it is cooked. This is important as it helps avoid chances of cooking infected food. In addition, hospitals should also take the same precautions. Above all, Watson (2001) argues that Agricultural production in itself should be sustainable to avoid contamination at the farm level. According to him, this can be achieved if the chemicals used are suitable for Agricultural production. Harsh chemicals that are risky for human consumption should be avoided at all costs. This will help avoid the incidences of heavy metals in the vegetables and fruits. Traces of heavy metals in food have been known to cause terminal illnesses like cancer (Watson, 2001). This can be avoided if more healthy Agricultural practices are adopted. Conclusion In conclusion, all these safety measures if put in to consideration can have a positive effect on the healthcare of individuals and the society a large. Specifically, these measures are fundamental in avoiding infection as a result of consuming contaminated food. If infection is completely eliminated from food preparation and processing, then the food eaten will be safe and this has a positive impact on the health of individuals. Eating safe foods significantly reduces the incidences of disease and deaths. Since diseases cause a major setback on people’s health, elimination of the same in the society will aid in creating holistic and productive societies.

Essay --

Refuge from Abuse: Healing and Hope for Abused, by Nason-Clark, N. and Kroeger, is a book that made for victims of domestic abuse , those who are currently suffering through it, and those who already have; and also for those who want to be knowledgeable on the issue. The authors of the book bring their knowledge from distinctive points of view. Nancy N. Clark is a sociologist while Cathie Clark Kroger is a biblical scholar. With these two different perspectives, we are able to get the subject of Domestic abuse through a multi-dimensional view point and see an in depth view of the serious crime that is domestic abuse. The things the stand out about this book are the amount of areas that it covers, and the creative ways Clark and Kroger are able to communicate the material. In the beginning of the book there are small portions of information. These little portions focus on things such as when a relationship is not healthy, safety, and ways to protect oneself. The book also promptly corrects any false ideas about domestic abuse. These false ideas include the belief that domestic violence does not occur in my neighborhood, church, family, or oneself. Throughout the book there are different examples of domestic violence. The different examples show the variety of factors that complicates or are just part of the abuse. Factors include mental health, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and others. The stories portray how abuse can begin in the beginning of the relationship, middle, or when they enter late adulthood. A biblical element is also added in the book. Throughout the book the authors of the book relate characters from the Bible. These Characters include Hagar, David, Mary, and others. The auth... ...s. The part of the book that really impacted me was the chapter about worship. It deals with the fact that worship can heal. It uses psalm 66 which states â€Å"For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.† It uses this passage to illustrate the rest that we seek from our burdens and that in the end, God delivers on his promise of peace and rest. Sometimes, I have difficulty worshipping, especially when I’ve going through a tough situation. Although I already know this the book just reinforced it. I might be going through a tough situation; God will give me the rest I need at the appropriate time, as long as I remain faithful in my worship to Him.

The Following is an article about the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013

Headline: The 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup was the ninth FIFA Confederations Cup, and was held in Brazil from 15 June to 30 June 2013 as a prelude to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The most recent winners of the six continental championships appeared in the tournament, along with hosts Brazil and UEFA Euro 2012 runners-up Italy, who were admitted because the Euro 2012 winners, Spain, had also won the most recent FIFA World Cup in 2010. Generating Ideas: (Points):[ Actually these are facts. But we can generate and customize our own ideas and create a healthy an article. ] Brazil successfully defended their title with a 3–0 win over Spain in the final. It was their fourth Confederations Cup title and third in a row, after previous wins in 1997, 2005 and 2009. #According to FIFA president Sepp Blatter, the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup was the best version of the tournament ever played. The competition was the first national team tournament to employ goal-line technology, which will als o be used at the 2014 World Cup. #Italy was awarded a spot in the competition because Spain had won both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012. Since both competitions award their winners a place in the FIFA Confederations Cup, the runner-up of UEFA Euro 2012 received an invitation to the tournament. #six stadiums are used, each in a different city. #The Official Emblem of this tournament features a stylized interpretation of Brazil’s national bird, the Rufous-Bellied Thrush (Sabia-Laranjeira). The colouring of the bird is the result of a creative interpretation inspired by the colours of Brazil’s national flag, whilst simultaneously showcasing the country’s colourful fauna. The lightness of the bird’s flight symbolically eflects the warm, hospitable nature of the Brazilian people and acts as a reminder of their national pride. #Teams had to name a 23-man squad (three of whom must be goalkeepers) by the FIFA deadline of 3 June 2013. The squads were announced by FIFA on 7 June 2013. #the competition's dates were confirmed by FIFA on 27 July 2011 in the build-up to the draw for the 2014 World Cup's preliminary qualification rounds. #All eight teams entered the group stage. The group winners and runners-up advanced to the semi-finals, while the bottom two teams in each group were eliminated from the tournament. Prior to the opening ceremony at the Brasilia National Stadium on 15 June, demonstrations took place outside the stadium, organised by people unhappy with the amount of public money spent to enable the hosting of the FIFA World Cup. Police used tear gas and pepper spray to quell the protests. The demonstrations were part of wider unrest and rioting in Brazilian cities initially sparked by increased ticket prices on public transport, but growing to express deeper public disenchantment with the financial management of the country by its Government, specially due to the high inflation. In the knockout stage, if a match was level at the end of normal playing time, extra time would be played (two periods of 15 minutes each) and followed, if necessary, by a penalty shoot-out to determine the winner. #Fernando Torres was awarded the Golden Boot award on tie-breakers. Both he and Fred scored five goals and made one assist, but Torres was given the award due to having played fewer minutes over the tournament #The official match ball for the Cup was produced by Adidas. It was unveiled during the draw for the competition. The ball is named â€Å"Cafusa† #The FIFA Confederations Cup final attracted the largest sports television audience in Brazil this year, and topped 2013 viewing figures in Spain. #The 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Final was a football match to determine the winners of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. The match was held at the Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 30 June 2013 and was contested by the winners of the semi-finals, Brazil and Spain. Brazil defeated Spain 3–0 with goals from Fred and Neymar, thus breaking Spain's record of 29 games without a defeat. #Neymar inspired Brazil to a crushing Confederations Cup victory over World and European champions Spain in the Maracana. The Barcelona superstar scored a stunning strike just before the break and his goal was sandwiched by two Fred goals early in each half, the first a scrappy affair and the second a neat curled finish. Spain did not help themselves, with Sergio Ramos missing a penalty before fellow centre back Gerard Pique was sent off.

My Life Timeline Activity for Kids

History is sometimes a hard concept for kids to grasp: not that events happened, but that they happened to real people and that to those people it wasnt history—it was their present. One of the best activities to encourage children to understand the idea of being part of history is to help them create My Life Timelines depicting their history and accomplishments. Note:  Children who were adopted might find this activity a little difficult, but there are ways to adapt it to make it more general. Instead of focusing on everything that happened since your child was born, consider using less specific terms, such as past and present. That way your child can decide what events in his past are important to him without feeling pressured to know the details of what happened before he was adopted. What Your Child Will Learn Your child will get a sense of historical perspective while practicing sequencing and expository writing skills. Materials Collect these materials before you and your child get started: A roll of butcher paper  or pieces of paper taped together to create a strip 6 to 10 feet longPencils, a ruler, and markersScissorsGlue or tapeIndex cardsPhotos commemorating events of your child’s lifetime. (They don’t have to be big events, just a selection of photos that span the childs life.) Starting a Timeline Here are the steps to get the project off the ground: Provide your child with index cards and ask her to help you think about moments in life that are most important or memorable to her. Have her write her date of birth on an index card. Tell her what day of the week she was born on and the time if you know it, and ask her to add that information to the index card. Then, have her label the card with a phrase such as Today, I was born!Challenge her to think of other days in her life that were important in her personal history. Prompt her to think about things such as brothers or sisters being born, first days of school, and family vacations. Ask her to write down the events and describe them, one on each index card, without worrying about whether they are in order.Complete this process up to the present day. The last card might say, Made a My Life Timeline!When she’s finished coming up with events, have her place all the index cards on the floor or a table. Now, ask her to put the events in sequence according to when they happened , starting with the oldest (birth date) on the left and working toward the most recent on the right.If your child has trouble remembering which events came before others, help her identify when things happened. Providing her with the month and year will be a big help in putting her personal history in order.Look through the photos together to try to find one to match each index card, but don’t stress if there isn’t one. Your child can always draw an illustration of an event. Creating the Timeline Heres how to put the project together: Lay the piece of butcher paper on a hard work surface. (The floor works best.)Help your child use the ruler to draw a horizontal line in the middle of the paper from one end to the other.Start at the left end of the paper and draw a small line upward (vertically) from the middle of the paper. This mark will represent the day your child was born. Have him put the index card bearing his birth date above that line. Then ask him to make a similar line at the very end of the paper, with an index card bearing today’s date and a little bit about himself and his life today.Have him place the rest of the index cards in order between those two dates, making a small line to connect each card to the line in the middle of the paper.Ask him to match the photos or drawings with the events and put each one below the correct index card under the line on the paper. Glue or tape the pictures and index cards in place.Let your child decorate the timeline, trace the information he’s written with markers, and then tell you his personal history.