One variety of Shamanism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

One variety of Shamanism - Essay Example These are the needs, which paved the way for Shamans and Shamanism. Since the earliest Homo sapiens, hundreds of cultures around the world have developed different varieties of Shamanistic traditions which have fascinated generations of scholars and researchers. The traces of shamanism can be found in every continent. Some of the varieties of Shamanism are the Celtic Shamanism, Vedic Shamanism, Siberian Shamanism, Mongolian Shamanism, Tibetan Shamanism, Chinese Shamanism etc. what is common to all these manifestations of Shamanism is the healing of the body, mind and soul - a kind of purification. The study of these aboriginal traditions broadens our understanding of Shamanism as a whole. The evidence of the fact that Shamanism is an age-old tradition can be found in ancient literary texts such as The Rig Vedas. Vedic Shamanism, which flourished in the East and Central Asia is very similar to the other Shamanistic traditions, and believed in an animating principle that permeates through all things and all beings. That unseen essence of being is called the soul. The Shamans used roots and barks and produced a rattle sound while healing. It is believed that the Shamans made the rock paintings of Bhimbetaka in India. The meditative tradition in Asia that advocates Yoga is an offshoot of the Vedic Shamanism. Yoga attempts to set the mind in a thoughtless zone. This meditative tradition explores the ancient wisdom that an unseen energy flows through all beings and is connected directly to the quality of life. By trapping that life force, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being can be ensured. Although the process is spiritual in nature, it is not confined to any religion. The Yoga masters suggest that it is necessary to have a clear perception of the Self. Unless one recognizes the inherent energy, the pilgrim's progress towards eternity will be obstructed. How does one come to become a Shaman According to Robert M. Huff, a Shaman "may have received" his "calling to become a shaman as a result of a near-death experience in which" he was "carried into the spirit world and met teachers who helped them to learn healing songs, medicines, and revelations about the future. A shaman may also be born into the role, or be trained for it after demonstrating some special aptitude for healing." Every generation expects someone to take on the role of the shaman. The Roles of a Shaman: Michael Harner tells us that 'Shaman' is a Tungis word which originated in Siberia. It means one who can see with eyes closed or in the dark. The Shaman can be either a man or a woman. The chief role that the Shaman plays is that of a healer, as he knows the pragmatic techniques of diagnosis. Another important role of the Shaman is dealing with the spirits, because he is the one who can retrieve lost souls and banish the intruding souls. Davidson, in his book Gods and Myths of Northern Europe, writes, "The shaman acts as intermediary between the world of men and the gods, and has the power to descend into the realms of the dead. His spirit is believed to journey forth from his body, which remains in a state of trance. Sometime the long journey which it takes is described by him in a chant." (118). A significant role of the shaman, according to

Assignment 8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Assignment 8 - Essay Example supervised in terms quality assurance and maintenance of functions as well as improving the competencies of the persons being supervised no matter how proficient they may be. Additionally, supervision brings together the efforts of the person supervising and whoever is being supervised in order to obtain the set objectives of the supervision as they can share ideas on how best to improve on the goals of their task at hand. The monitoring and supervision of the efforts to improve the atmosphere in which we learn in therefore help us to understand on what areas that we should improve on in order to instill effective supervision practices in our daily lives. This brings us to the question of what is expected of us in conducting effective supervision in the running of our affairs (Bachkirova, Jackson and Clutterbuck, 2011).   In order to be an effective supervisor, the person tasked with supervising must master his role and adopt a front-line mode of carrying out the task handed out to one. This shows that effective supervision begins with the supervisor who must be aware that effective supervision involves proper and regular planning as well as a review of the progress of the supervision. The supervisor must know whoever is being supervised and motivate them in order to have the best outcomes at the end of the supervision which can best be known by being aware of what drives the supervisees in the tasks allocated. As a strategy, the supervisor will be required to properly educate and train the supervisees through clear definition of the expectations, the missions and the vision of the tasks and the goals of the definition. The supervisor must also build a teamwork mentality in the supervision environment in that every person must be involved in the general supervision work for maximum benefits that will be enjoyed over a longer period of time. The teamwork also helps in the building of excellent relationship between the supervisor and the supervisee which helps both

Turfgrass Extension Program Essay Example for Free

Turfgrass Extension Program Essay I have spent many fruitful years amassing experience in the turfgrass industry and have developed an immense interest in and respect for this field of inquiry. In keeping with this, I have been involved in research and extension activities supporting the turfgrass industry both as a student member of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation—to which I gave five years of service—and as an active team member of Turfgrass Extension Program at University of Wisconsin and University of Massachusetts—where I served for two years. In addition to this, I have approached research and extension from the standpoint of stakeholders for whom I serve as a provider of information and technology within the turfgrass industry. I have also operated in the office of facilitator of continuing education for turfgrass growers and managers, upon whom I have striven to impress the value that turfgrass clientele deserve individualized service in a timely manner. It is my belief that any successful turfgrass pathology program must retain its relevance to pique and enhance users’ interest. Furthermore, such a program must also convey information in layperson terms in order to facilitate comprehension by diverse audiences, which will aid in the application of this information to their specific situations. I also strongly believe that the provided information will be more meaningful when it is based on solid research and evaluated under similar local environmental conditions. Wisconsin boasts unique and interesting climate conditions, having hot and humid summers but cold and snowy winters. This makes it therefore necessary that turfgrass grown in this state to be sustained and managed in two very extreme weather conditions. Consequently, such turfgrass needs to be protected from both summer and winter pathogens. The primary foci of my research are in two areas: on the â€Å"dollar spot† caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa and on the snow molds caused by Microdochium nivale, Typhula incarnata, and Typhula ishikariensis (Abernathy, et al., 2001). Dollar spot and snow molds are the most economically important fungal diseases on highly-cared-for turfgrass in Wisconsin, and they respectively occur during the summer and winter. Although with a proper fertility program along with sound cultural practices does succeed in alleviating some of the disease pressure, management of these diseases on manicured turfgrass heavily relies on fungicide. Various fungicides, or often tank-mixtures of fungicides, are commonly applied preventatively and/or curatively. Recently, however, turfgrass managers have been left with fewer options as it regards fungicides. Fungicide use has become stricter due to concerns related to environmental, human, and animal health. Old chemistry (e.g., PCNB and anilazine) widely used for turfgrass diseases was requested due to regulatory or voluntary cancellation of re-registration. In addition, the release of new fungicides now decreases due to low margin of profit, considering the cost of development and registration. In addition, intensively managed fungal pathogens have been reported to develop insensitivity to fungicide, causing reduction of fungicide efficacy in the field. Development of management strategies to use fungicides more effectively with a minimal risk of causing fungicide insensitivity is now a critical and urgent need for the current turfgrass industry. The achievement of this goal depends on specific factors. A population instead of an individual must be the target of control strategies, because it is the fungal population that evolves to survive in an environment that is experiences constant changes as a result of agricultural practices. Therefore, the primary interest of my research is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the pathogen population and its dynamics in the turfgrass agrosystem. This research is also directly linked to the extension of the new practical knowledge about disease management toward stakeholders in the state. For the comprehensive study about fungal population, I have developed three key assay tools for S. homoeocarpa. The first (1st) is the in vitro fungicide sensitivity assay using predetermined discriminatory concentrations; the second (2nd) is the PCR-based DNA fingerprinting technique; and the third (3rd) is the vegetative compatibility assay using nitrate non-utilizing (nit) mutants. Based on this technique and methodology, I have conducted research and compiled data on the structure and dynamics of S. homoeocarpa field populations in Wisconsin and Massachusetts since 2005 up to the present. S. homoeocarpa populations on turfgrass where different management practices had been applied has been shown to be significantly different in term of genetic variability and fungicide sensitivity. For example, the population on the fairway was very different from one on the adjacent rough or putting green. In addition, the dollar-spot population changed relatively fast in response to fungicide application. Particularly, benzimidazole fungicide thiophanate-methyl caused the fungal population to rapidly shift to fungicide insensitivity. Various unique cultural and fungicide practices used on turfgrass surely affect the fungal population, and this proves to be critical information for developing and implementing effective dollar-spot control measures. My future research will focus on investigating how the fungal population changes in response to different agricultural input as well as environmental factors on turfgrass, and these activities include mowing, irrigation, and the use of fertilizers and fungicides. Further long-term research on the S. homoeocarpa population will increase knowledge about the population dynamics of phytopathogenic fungi on perennial gramineous plants, where few or no previous studies have been conducted. My extension in Wisconsin will be geared to augment the outstanding efforts of the current turfgrass extension program. First of all, the Turfgrass Diagnostic Lab (TDL) will be used as a pipeline for getting information to the clientele in the state. Fast and accurate disease diagnosis is the key to successful disease control. Timely diagnosis of turfgrass samples and recommendation of proper treatments is recognized to be of utmost importance, and will therefore be promptly and directly offered for the benefit of the turfgrass industry. Communication with the clientele via phone, site visits and consultations also provides critical feedback to identify imminent problems and needs faced by the turfgrass industry. The key element of extension project is that proper fungicide programs will be developed and provided to the turfgrass industry as an important element of integrated pest management (IPM). The use of fungicide is requisite for managing turfgrass diseases below the tolerance level, which is usually very low on intensively managed turfgrass. At the same time, fungicide must be used with a minimal number of applications and at a proper concentration to minimize its destructive effect on the environment. Therefore the most effective fungicides must first be selected for targeted pathogen species. For example, for three major fungal species causing snow molds, certain fungicides provided better control for certain species but not for other species. Such distinctions would lead to the choice of the most effective fungicide(s) for each species. Second, the fungicide sensitivity level of the local pathogen population should also precede fungicide selection. At the location where insensitive fungal isolates are found, corresponding fungicides must be avoided or carefully used in combination with other effective fungicides. In order to make the consultation of effective fungicide programs informative and accessible to the public, the TDL service will be supplemented with the following: The in vitro fungicide sensitivity assay for major systemic fungicides (e.g., benzimidazole and demethylation inhibitor) to which insensitivity is commonly found in turfgrass pathogens Molecular diagnosis for snow mold fungi using DNA fingerprinting technology as well as phenotypic characteristics to achieve accurate identification of causal agents. In the future, my extension program will design and provide customized fungicide programs for individual locations based on more comprehensive information about the pathogen population. Abernathy, S.D., R.H. White, P.F. Colbaugh, M.C. Engelke, G.R. Taylor, II and T.C. Hale   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (2001). â€Å"Dollar Spot Resistance among Blends of Creeping Bentgrass Cultivars.† Crop    Science. 31: 806-809.

PHR Implementation

PHR Implementation Melchor Abejon   With the advent of the internet, including emails and other web-based technologies, patients nowadays have assumed a much more active role in managing their health care. An evolving concept that makes a great potential to improve the health of individuals and efficiency of health care is the use of Personal Health Records (PHR). The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Medical Information Association (AMIA) continue to advocate for the use of PHR, empowering individuals to engage in a much more active role of managing their health care. According to AHIMA (2005), the PHR is an electronic, lifelong resource of health information needed by individuals to make health decisions. The individuals manage and own the information in the PHR, which comes from health care providers and the individuals. The PHR is maintained in a secure and private environment with the individuals determining the right of access. As the chief technology officer of an academ ic medical center in the western United States, planning to adopt and integrate a PHR software in its existing Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, the purpose of this paper is to outline my recommendation of the essential functionalities of a PHR that are to be considered for the organization. Choosing a PHR that would fit the needs of the organization is not going to be an easy task. There are a number of PHR software in the market to choose from, so it is necessary to take precaution and compare the products and check out for reviews because the same as in the EHRs, once you purchased the system, you will be tied for it for a long time. The PHR software that is to be selected should be reliable, sophisticated and secure. Enumerated below are the functionalities of a PHR that I would like to be implemented first for the organization: Compatibility functionality. My chosen PHR should be compatible with the organizations EHR system and with other third party tools. It should be able to directly interact with the organizations EHR. This functionality is extremely important as it will enable the sharing of information of patients with their healthcare providers. Also, with the PHR connected to the organizations EHR, patients can make their appointments online, consult their providers from their PHR, and obtain drug prescriptions without the hassle of visiting the doctors office. The many number of third party tools and mash-up services are also becoming available online to provide personalized health and wellness tools in which individual patients can use depending on their health needs. Examples of these third-party tools are the (a) Microsoft Healthvault (b) Training Peaks and (c) Google Health to name a few. The compatibility of the PHR with such mentioned web based applications enables patients to have access to a more personalized tool, thus letting them reap the most benefits from their PHRs. Must have the basic features, intuitive tool design, and ease of use functionality. Not all people are comfortable with the use technology, so needless to say, my chosen PHR should be easy to use. It must have the standard features which are (a) add (b) delete (c) correct and (d) share records. Patients should be able to add, delete, correct and track their medical history. The menu navigation should be intuitive and most used features should be quickly accessed. It must also have the ability to control and share health information with health providers and as well as family members with the consent of the patient. Security and control functionality. Security and protection of a patient health information is always a top concern in the field of healthcare industry to achieve the meaningful use of systems. My chosen PHR must have the security features to make sure health information is protected and secured all the time while still accessible from anywhere. Ability to automatically pull records from healthcare providers. My chosen PHR should enable patients to pull their historical information about their health problems, drug prescriptions, test procedures performed and as well as allergies. Having this feature would enable the patients to become more aware of their health care and as well as engage themselves in a much more active role of managing their health care. Proactive health monitoring functionality. My chosen PHR must have the advanced features to help patients take control of their health. Example of proactive health monitoring features are (a) weight loss, body mass index, and cholesterol monitoring (b) alerts when certain health conditions reach a certain threshold such as blood pressure and (c) a health planner services to help patients live a healthier and more productive life. References PHR Reviews (2009). How to choose a PHR- Personal health record system. Retrieved March 7, 2017 from http://www.phrreviews.com/how-to-choose-a-phr Wager, K.A., Lee, F.W., Glaser, J.P. (2013). Healthcare information systems: A practical approach for health care management (3rd ed ). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Heroin Legislation :: essays research papers

The Heroin War: Why We Must Change our Battle Plan If a single reason can be given to illustrate the urgent need for reform of the current Australian drug policy it is this; that the prohibition strategy is simply not working. The toll from heroin deaths in Victoria has risen 73 percent over the last ten years, addiction and overdose rates are soaring and the price of heroin is declining. The Federal Government is applauding the ‘zero-tolerance’ regime. The Prime Minister displays the seizure of large amounts of the drug and apprehension of suppliers as proof that the law is working, while the obvious truth is illustrated on our streets. No matter how ‘tough on drugs’ the government becomes they will never eliminate their presence in society. This is clear from the failure of the approach in other nations. For example the US carries out a drug associated arrest every 20 seconds, with no signs of any decline. All that prohibition succeeds in achieving is turning the drug trade into an illegal, dark and murky black market affair. We must now ask the question, are we going to stand staunch in policies which have proved to be unsuccessful or are we going to take a brave leap into a more hopeful future? There is great fear reverberating through the community; fear of stepping into a more open and frightening, yet decidedly more promising way of tackling the issue. Reform does not mean, as opposers argue, condoning the use of drugs. It means accepting that drugs are part, admittedly an unfortunate part, of our society which will not simply ‘go away’. The refreshingly new ideas of controlled heroin trials, legal injecting rooms and greater availability of clean needles should be given consideration. Lightening of the law would bring drug use out of the shadows it has long inhabited, removing the violence, criminality and risk which go hand in hand with the current drug trade. It is argued that any easing of drug laws would reduce the cost, and increase the availability of street heroin, but if pure, safer heroin is prescribed under clinical conditions, will this not reduce the desire for heroin on the street? Casting light into the alleyways will surely lessen the sinister nature of the black trade. Addicts would not have to turn to crime to finance their habit and dealers would not have the violent hold over those they supply.

Essay Childhood Obesity Essay

Childhood Obesity is a health issue, cause by having excess body weight as well as excess of body fat. This is a serious problem for the future of society especially now that our children are not getting enough physical activities because of technology and unhealthy eating patterns. Children who are obese are likely to be obese as adults. Therefore, this habits can take our children to have serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high cholesterol, and many others health problems. The environment in which we live is been also part of this problem. Children are surrounded by unhealthy commercials and bad influence from their parents. Beverages like sodas which contains approximately 400 calories, and unhealthy choices of meals have contributed to this epidemic cause. Leading our children by giving them examples of how to prevent this kind of problems could be a solution for a better lifestyle and future. It is important that parents support their children by helping them do a diet and physical activities. If your child look at you as a good example of how to stay healthy, they are more likely to be and stay active for their own. Instead of leaving them playing video games, take them to the park and have fun. Being able to spend more time with your kids and being part of their life, can take them to be better not only mentally, but physically. Childhood obesity is been an enormous problem for our society. Furthermore, it is our responsibility to help the future generations by giving them a good example of living and love for those who needs the most. Web, www.obesityaction.org, www.healthychildren.org