Dealing with Greenwashing in Hotels Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Dealing with Greenwashing in Hotels - Essay Example With the current gradual shift of the market towards eco-sustainability, companies are finding it hard to operate in the conventional way, with customers putting more pressure to such hotels to comply with environmental sustainability requirements. The eco-tourism sector has many certifications based on eco –sustainability with hotels being awarded ratings and certifications depending on the level in which they comply with environmental standards. Consequently, there are a large number of hotels, pretending to offer eco-friendly services on the surface, with no tangible or practical results in the market today, as customers portray more preference to environmental sustainable services. This is known as greenwashing. This paper discusses the use of strict control and monitoring, and tough penalties as effective ways to discourage greenwashing in hotels. Gallicano (2011) describes ‘Greenwashing’ as the act of deliberately misleading consumers on the environmental pr actices adhered to by an establishment regarding their services and products. This term evolved from the public awareness where the public discovered there were major inconsistencies between companies’ actual behavior and claims regarding eco- -friendly practices, in order to hoodwink and attract more customers using high accreditation from environmental bodies such as LEED. Many companies have used such green-labels as marketing tools with nothing tangible to show with regard to environmental sustainability. Several hotels have developed signs that explain to guests that reusing towels will make savings that would be channeled to charity or environmental organizations (Gallicano, 2011). While such a move is a worthy cause and is supported by many guests, some companies do not end up meeting their bargain as customers are not privy to the internal working policies of such a hotel. Moreover, there are currently vague standards in the hotel industry that create loopholes for gr eenwashing to take place. A research by Dara O’Rourke an environment professor at the University of California noted that 33% of all food products released to the market in 2008 claiming to be natural made false claims. These foods made their way to hotels still claiming to be natural with guests being duped on the real nature of the foods (Erica & Aaron, 2010). 98% of the above foods were found to have a false claim, while 22% of the food products had green claims that could not be established, implying such claims were made to dupe the customers who may not be aware regarding green standards, with hotels serving such food to customers with the belief they are eco-friendly. To avoid greenwashing hotels have the responsibility of making a follow up of all their suppliers to ensure they adhere to green standards. The issue of greenwashing has sensitized customers to a large scale with more and more customers being vigil to the services offered in many tourism hotels across the globe, and particularly those claiming to have attained high levels of green certification. In July 2007, one of the highly influential blogs, TripplePundit.com that has received a large number of similar claims, had elaborate discussions indicating that Going Green has become serious deception in the hotel industry (Jessica, 2008). The blog analyzed some of the leading hotels that included Marriot Hotels, Fairmont Hotels and Starwood’s, all of which claimed to have been granted a LEED certification. From this blog, customers indicated thatch the best extent in which the companies could be claimed to have gone green is through the contribution of 1% of their revenue to local environmental groups. According to customers, most of the

St.Marks Gospel Essay Example for Free

St.Marks Gospel Essay Introduction Experts on the Bible do not agree bout St. Mark, his Gospel and his message. However, most of them accept that Marks Gospel was written first. Other question such as who Mark was, where he lived, when he wrote and what sources he used are given different answers by different scholars. My project is based on the research I have done. Part One Saint Mark The Man What do we know about St. Mark? St. Mark was the interpreter of Peter but was not an eyewitness to the Ministry of Jesus. What was his other name? St. Marks other name was John. His full name was John Mark. In what period did he live? Mark lived in the 1st century AD. His exact dates are unknown but most experts state that his gospel was written between 60 and 70AD. A lot depends on the interpretation of some passages in Marks Gospel. So other experts argue that the gospel may have been written up to 80AD. Experts believe that Jesus died about 33AD. Experts believe that in 64AD, the Emperor Neero started to persecute Christians in Rome. Experts believe that in 70 AD, Romans destroyed Jerusalem, capital of Catholics. Most experts say Marks Gospel was written for people or Catholics who were suffering. Mark seems to refer to the destruction of Jerusalem. Therefore, Marks Gospel must have been written between 70-72AD. Where did he live and work? It is complex. There is no real agreement to the answer of his question. 70% of writers of the Gospel say Mark got a lot of his information from Peter, the leading apostle. If Mark got his information from Peter, the Gospel is accurate. Mark was with Peter in Jerusalem at the start of the Gospel. Mark lived in Jerusalem. At the time, it was very easy to travel. Peter went form Jerusalem to Rome. Mark could have gone with him. Traditionally, Mark ended up in Egypt. What stories and traditions are there about him? We do not know much about him because we did not know much about people at that time. Mark was also a popular name. Some traditions are quite reliable. After Peter and Paul were executed in Rome, Mark probably left and went to Egypt. Afterwards, Marks new home was Alexandria. Mark started to develop a church and he became a bishop. The persecution for Christians also took place in Egypt. Mark was then arrested and to be tortured until he gave up his faith. Then he was killed. In the 9th Century AD, people from Venice were looking for a body of a Saint. They dug up Mark and took him to Venice and buried him there; they built a famous cathedral around it this was called St Marks Cathedral. A winged lion is the symbol of Venice. When is his feast day celebrated? Marks feast day is on 25th April. Of what is he the patron saint? Mark is the patron saint of the Italian cities Aquileia and Venice. What symbol is used to represent him? The lion is used to symbolise him. What famous city and cathedral is dedicated to him? The Egyptian church claims Mark as its founder, and from the 4th century AD, the see of Alexandria has been called cathedra Marci (the chair of Mark). Part Two Saint Marks Gospel In what language is the Gospel written? Marks Gospel was written in Greek. Everyone who studies Marks Gospel in Greek agrees that the language and vocabulary used is uneducated. Marks first language mightve been Aramaic, spoken in Palestine. Maybe it was written down. The Emperor spoke in Greek. Why did he write the Gospel? It is suggested that Mark wrote the Gospel to comfort the Christians in Rome who were facing all kinds of problems, including the death penalty, for practising an illegal religion. What does Gospel mean? Gospel means good news Where did he get the information for the Gospel? Most scholars say, it was all an oral tradition or a written tradition, which he then used for his Gospel; the written tradition is called à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½r-Mark. Oral tradition may be from Peter or other Christians. What are the contents of the Gospel? Chapter/s Contents 1:1-13 Jesus baptism and temptation. 1:14-3:35 Initial opposition to Jesus teaching in Galilee. 4:1-34 Jesus teaches using parables. 4:35-8:26 Jesus performs miracles and healings amid growing opposition to his work. 8:27-38 Peters confession; the cost of discipleship. 9:1-13 The Transfiguration 19:14-10:52 Jesus teaches and prepares his disciples. 11:1-12:44 Jesus enters Jerusalem, cleanses the Temple, and engages in argument. 13 Jesus teaches of future events (the Markan apocalypse). 14-15 The Last Supper, Jesus arrest trials, and crucifixion. 16:1-18 Empty tomb (original ending). 16:9-20 Resurrection appearances. How long is the Gospel? The Gospel is 16 chapters long. It is 546 verses long. What is different about Marks Gospel from those written by Matthew and Luke? Marks Gospel is quite short. His Gospel begins with Jesus being baptised, aged about 30. In Matthew and Luke, Jesus is being born. There are lots of events, which happen in Matthew and Luke, which are not written in Marks Gospel. Mark, Matthew and Luke are all Synoptic. John isnt. What is the problem about the ending of Marks Gospel? It ends with 1:1 16:8. In Greek it ends with three dots; it was almost as though it finished with and. In 16:9-20, the vocabulary changes and the style of writing changes. 16:9-20 was added later on. Most experts say he mightve possibly died or the end of the parchment was torn off. Part Three The Message of Saint Marks Gospel What example did Jesus give of suffering for the sake of others? Mark 14:32-52 Jesus accepted the will of his Father in heaven even though it meant he would suffer and die. What did Jesus mean by the Kingdom of God and how do people get in the Kingdom? Mark 10:17-27 People have to follow the Commandments, give away all possessions to the poor and then to follow Christ. Trust in riches is misplaced. How easy or difficult is it to be a disciple of Jesus? Mark 8:34-38 It is very difficult because they had to leave everything, they could even lose their life. What did the 12 Apostles have to do in following Jesus, and how do Christians leaders carry on their work today? Mark 6:7-13 They were to go out and preach not taking anything with them and not to force their presence where they were not welcome. Why was Jesus opposed to some of the religious laws of his day? Mark 3:1-6 It was right to do good on the Sabbath. The laws believed that the Sabbath was a holy day and should be observed by not doing anything other than going to the Synagogue. Who did Mark believe Jesus to be? Why is this important for Christians today? Mark1:1 Mark believed Jesus to be Jesus Christ, Son of God. Faith is based on this belief.

the color purple Essay -- essays research papers

There are many racial components in this novel that are easy to point out. These take place in the American South and also in Africa. It starts with the way that all the black men and women are treated at the start of the book. The main character’s real father was a successful store owner who was black. This man was hanged for a reason that is known only as him being a successful black man. All the characters that we are introduced to in this book by Celie are exploited by the fact that they are black. Sophia is beat up and jailed for her refusal to want to work for a white women. Of course she stood up for herself and the white element tried to tell her where her place was. There is also an intra racial theme that starts at the beginning of the book that is hard to actually believe. But to me it would make sense after awhile, because if the people tell you something over and over you would start to believe and accept it. This is shown by the acceptance of what happen to Soph ia by her peers. Albert shows this with his denial that Celie could do anything well because she is a black, poor, ugly woman. If there was not any self disapproval among these people than that Albert’s black comment would not be prevalent. All the black characters in the book with the exception of Shug are poor and have a bad educational back round. It does not describe these characters as stupid just not well educated. This is inflicted by people selling them on how it is wrong to educate a black person. The feminism components are more main stream than the racial issues. The women at the start of the story are expected to cook, clean, and lay down when told to. They are beaten when they do not obey their husband or man. The men act as if Women are there to serve the man. Celie is forced to have sex with her step father and her husband because she is not strong enough to say no to Albert or her step father. â€Å"He just climb on top of me and do his business† says Celie. As if the women are there just to open her legs and let the man do what he wants to do. The real first theme of feminism is the act of Nettie to not give in and let Mr.__ have his way with her. In this act it showed him that he was not going to be able to take from a woman. That is a change because he had always gotten what he wanted because Celie was just too scared to stand up to him. As the story moves along Sophia is... ...making pants for women. A great deal of this novel looks at Africa and the narrative changes. I believe that this change was important to show that there was a parallel of the components, the fact that the tribes were exploited as well as the people in the American south. The village was trampled by the white man because they believe that they were superior and the Africans had no right to stay where they were. The novel was a very good depiction of what life was like for the African American men and women for this time. I believe that years of the treatment conditioned the peoples to act as they did out of habit. All it takes is one idea or one stand to change and that is what happens for each character in the book. I believe that Walker did a great job in capturing the time and I agree with her view on racism and feminism. I would love to believe that none of this could have happened but I know that this sort of social action was the just the spark that women and African Americans needed to start to level the playing field. There were so many brave people that are not fictional that went through the same things that should be applauded for trying in the first place. by j. katz

Food Safety and Food Borne Diseases Essays -- Exploratory Essays

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food borne diseases cause an estimated 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year. For many students, college is the first time many of you ever had to think about buying your own food or cooking for yourselves. As a result, many students are not educated in proper food safety precautions which can prevent many of these food borne diseases. Storing your food in the proper conditions is the first step in proper food safety. For meat, fish, and poultry, it is best to keep them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, which in most cases is in the drawers or the back of the bottom shelf. Storing meats on the top shelf may be more likely to leak and contaminate other foods that may be underneath. As a general rule of thumb, fresh poultry, seafood, and ground or chopped meat can be refrigerated for one to two days before cooking. Fresh red meat, cooked poultry, and meat leftovers can be refrigerated for three to five days, and lunch meats for three to seven day...

Case Study Building Shared Services Essay

ABSTRACT The following paper describes the case study of RR Communications from the view point of Vince Patton the CEO who deals with issues like different IT business units mainly Internet, mobile, landline and cable TV services working independently and neglecting the services of other department thus causing a downfall in the company’s valued services for the customers, CIO’s who are involved with IT-Business alignment are only focused on their individual department and strongly oppose the fact of centralized IT systems, Lack of centralized data i.e. because of the opposition face from department CIO’s , the paper discusses decisions made by Vince Patton to benefit RR communications like centralized IT systems , and decision to implement the shared service for customer calls , reduce the number of suppliers and third party vendors. The paper also discusses certain questions to understand the case in much detail and finally a proposed solution on how to implement the sh ared services. INTRODUCTION Issues of the case study The issues of RR communications identified in the case study are as described  below 1. Lack of centralized IT systems and single leadership, currently there are different departments for each vertical and each a CIO who wish to hold on to their department, this division causes lack of coordination and understanding the other service which has an negative effect 2. Failure in leadership has caused great problems for the company as an enterprise, the division presidents do not want to cooperate with the VP of IT to establish a congregation of the IT departments which has caused internal conflict and an upsurge to unite the database and bring a share system service for customer calls. 3. Their absence of single database has problems with managing data from duplication, storing and protection, and so with each division having their own data of customers to manage and provide service for the customers tend to receive four separate bills which is not helping to retain customers for the services provided. 4. Proliferation of unwanted projects because of the presence divisions who might feel the need of an project which in the enterprise point of view is unwanted, hence the VP’s suggestion of a monthly meeting to discuss the enterprise projects , its need, and scheduling them, budgeting , resource allocation was suggested. 5. Lack of information management makes it difficult to manage the business as a whole, makes it nearly impossible to bring in new technology or space of innovation is stifled because each division doesn’t seem to be in sync leading to increase in cost DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. List the advantages of a single customer service center for RR Communications. Implementing single customer services for RR communications by removal of departmentalized services for each service has the following advantages a. A single system for multiple department of services remove data redundancy like customer calls entry, customer information entry etc. thus expediting the process as for every call since personnel working on them are equally allocated and every person has some knowledge of the other sector information. b. A single system also prevents customers from being transferred from one department to another, and also just one bill can be set up to sent to the customer making it easier for the consumers to understand what c. Company can implement new products and services and  remain competitive in the market d. Common customer data repository which is advantageous for the company to reduce data procurement and maintenance cost e. Reduces complexity of multiple departments running playing by different rules thus making internal operations more effective and efficient f. Customer centric systems results in great customer satisfaction g. Sharing of information amongst many systems provides faster decisions on customer or system issues 2. Devise an implementation strategy that would guarantee the support of the divisional presidents for the shared customer service center. The case study clearly states that the divisional presidents/CIO’s are absolutely not convinced with the idea of integrating business units on the customer service center brining in shared customer services for many reasons stated like; for their own reasons of losing power in their department, their lack of concern on organization benefits whole as an enterprise, their worry on their individual projects not getting the right number of resources or budget. But some of the strategies if put forth rightly could have all the divisional presidents agree on the shared customer service a. Meetings that focus on IT decisions to be made together as an enterprise and allocate budgets and resources accordingly hence not leaving any division project on the loose loop. b. Bringing in the right infrastructure, metrics, enterprise architecture to help IT standardize their operations which brings the organization to have a consistent brand and successfully sell their services and each department president can receive support. c. Bringing IT folks into business discussions so that they understand the business aspect of the shared services and see what benefits their divisions and resources and pitch in their own ideas. d. Identifying business opportunities that matter to the divisions and ensuring any one department is given preference over the other e. The idea of creating a centralized database and a single data architecture that is accessible to all divisions improves customer satisfaction, lower costs, maintain integrity of data and also prevent duplicate data. And with these advantages the division president can see what is in store for their departments with respect to customer satisfaction. f. IT governance mechanism that handles all the department projects through monthly meetings where the division president can be given  an heads up projects that will be handled and that no project will be scrapped or lack budget and resources and those projects when using shared services can benefit maximum to the enterprise. 3. Is it possible to achieve an enterprise vision with a decentralized IT function? Working in the organization keeping in mind that the work is focused on the business as a whole and not concentrated to any particular department is the way a company needs to grow, but having many divisions and division of labor makes it difficult to envision company’s values, profitability and sustenance. Hence, decentralization of IT into smaller department causes confusion among the department makes information management a huge challenge. And with many departments and leaders for each miscommunication is bound to happen as each division leader is bound to think of his own department much more than work on the vision of the whole company thus causing chaos, disorganization of the project work to progress in the fast lane. And a decentralized IT in a company makes it difficult to track legacy customers or bring in new ones thus a loss in profit for the organization is sure to happen. 4. What business and IT problems can be caused by lack of common information and an enterprise IM strategy? Lack of a centralized information/data repository in any enterprise means lack of clear coordination among the various departments because of lack of communication and in all possibilities each department would not have access to their information if need be which can cause data redundancy. And with multiple silos of data storage and maintenance cost can considerably increase ultimately wasting financial and personnel resources. 5. What governance mechanisms need to be put in place to ensure common customer data and a shared customer service center? What metrics might be useful? To push forwards the implementation of shared services and encourage common customer data certain governance mechanism such as converging IT and Business, Involve IT in business meetings and being apart in making business decisions for the projects, once the shared system is established along with centralized data system each department can be regulated with the new data  which enhances performance. With systems in place, certain metrics can be developed to assess the risk involved, cost incurred, and weak areas in the department that requires immediate attention technically. CONCLUSION From the discussion above with issues, and answers discussing solutions, required governance, metrics and proposed plan it is understood that what RR communication requires is a centralized customer service that shares information amongst different divisions, and single data repository. Along with these, division presidents hindrance to these tasks needs to be put to an convincing end and let them know how well they can be involved in getting these systems in place with advantages to their department. Also uniting different divisions into one is an idea being thought over which will reduce auditing costs of each division, less cost to maintain data individually and makes sure the information transition is smooth and regulated. With this consolidated information, the company’s vision of maintaining its brand can be achieved through cross sales as each division will work with each other leading to faster and effective services rendered to the customers and thus achieving the vision for the enterprise as a whole. REFERENCES 1. Bakos, Treacy. (June 1986).Information technology and Corporate Strategy. Retrieved from http://people.stern.nyu.edu/bakos/itandcs.pdf 2. Nilles, Jack. The Impact of It on organizations. Retrieved from http://www.skyrme.com/insights/5itorg.htm 3. Kokemuller, Neil. Decentralized Company Business Structure. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/decentralized-company-business-structure 20629.html 4. IT Policy and Strategy, Wilmington University. Boston, MA. Pearson learning Solutions

Lead Trial

INTRODUCTION Lead is a type of metal that is extremely toxic. It is used in the industries for the manufacture of various products like paint, gasoline etc. The chemical is also a component of products like ammunitions and batteries. Lead is a problem because of its dangerous and irreversible hazards. In the industry for instance, workers who are in constant touch with paints and gases stand a high risk of illness as a result of this chemical. It also poses danger especially on children whose weak bodies become vulnerable due to the devastating effects of lead. The control of lead levels and exposure to materials containing the chemical is inevitable. But with the application of the OSHA standards, it is anticipated that employees would not find their way into contact with this material. These standards require that employers should make their workplaces free of lead and other hazardous materials. Background Lead is a bluish chemical (when fresh) but grey (when exposed to the atmosphere). Its usage traces back to more than 6000 years. The metal does not easily rust and is also a poor conductor of electricity. It is found in the earth’s crust as an ore together with their metals like copper and zinc. Exposure to lead can lead to the damage of the nerves. It can also contribute to kidney problems especially nephrosis. Besides this, the chemical is also believed to be one of the greatest contributors to brain damages and also blood disorders. In children, an even low level of lead in their blood is harmful. It can cause retarded growth, IQ problems and hearing problems. It can ultimately lead to death of the infant. Sampling methods In order to find the lead levels in humans, sampling is carried out. Various methods are used like OSHA, MOSH, etc. THE OSHA METHOD OF SAMPLING LEAD This method incorporates filters that have got sampling pumps. After collection of these samples, analysis is done through emission spediometry or flame atomic absorption. Detection of specific metals can be through minute or bunk quantities. Tetramethyl and Tetraethyl compounds of lead can be analysed using In-House method as the stop gap procedure. Advances in techniques and different levels of exposure limits may render a given OSHA method inapplicable. The first step in analysis is to make bunk particles lesser i.e. grinding, or crushing to powder form. The samples are mixed with strong acid concentrates or if possible using de ionised water. The sample solution is then diluted, and exposed to atomic absorption or spectrophotometer rays. Through the measure of characteristic wavelength, it is possible to determine the element but after atomization and achievement of the excited stage of the atoms. Samples may be from the skin surface like the arms, hands or neck. A wise packet is torn open without touching the wire and given to the worker being evaluated. Employee is to remove the wipe from the package and unfold it. In the case of the hand, a person wipes the palms first and both sides of hand. This wiping is done for not less than 30 seconds using both sides of wire. For samples not from the skin, gloved hands are used to open wipe packet and unfold the wire. The designated surface for sampling is wired through repeated horizontal motions. The second wire is done at right angles to the first wire. The designated surface for sampling is wiped through repeated horizontal motions. The second wire is done at right angles to the first wire. It was noted that the employees did not wear separate work clothing or boots while at work. There is a common neglect of washing hands before drinking, eating or smoking. Some employees smoked near lead dust and fumes. Most of the times ,dry sweeping was done. The respirators worn at work were ill fitting, and worn out. The Californian lead exposure for workers in workplaces shows only 2.7% of facilities have participated in lead environment monitoring, laboratory based surveillance for lead poisoning in employees may mislead on the number of employees exposed. The Californian facilities that use lead are about 53,000. Around 240,000 employees in these factories are in lead related plant processes. This is only about 2.5% of the total Californian work force. Only 1.4% of lead- using process facilities and 2.6% facilities have the lead monitoring program. Employees in storage battery manufacture potentially exposed to lead are 1,950. Exposed individuals in the ship building repair, industry are 1,099 wending repair 312 people.  Significantly 107,322 employees are exposed below lead action level. However, 88,262 are exposed above action level/ Table showing lead exposure levels in air sampling data: The control measures recommended are to avoid spillage of lead-based oils and gasoline fumes be stored with facilities that have adequate ventilation systems. Lead process plants be enclosed and employees have sufficient respirator systems. Protective systems like using wet sweeping should be done and exposure to naked eye welding avoided.  Consistent supervision, while encouraging minimum exposure to lead and prohibiting of eating, drinking, smoking or cosmetic application in the working place should be some of the control measures. Administrative controls may target the schedule of working. Risk-prone, lead exposure e processes may be done when there are fewer workers at the facility. Also to protect the unborn, pregnant women may be assigned other work stages away from this (lead) contaminant. CONCLUSION The lead poisoning exposure levels are quite high given that about the employees exposed the results postulated show a figure that is not as accurate since less than half the facilities were sampled.  Lead, a heavy metal is absorbed into the digestive system whenever inhaled. Smaller particles of lead reach deeper in the lungs into the broad system. Lead damages body ability to make red blood cells.  Lead poisoning for the unborn and children can affect the child’s ability to use vitamin D and calcium. It can retard the kid’s brain, nervous system and red bone marrow. Individuals having lead exposure levels that are active levels require chelate treatment. Lead exposed men have been noted to have problems like low fertility, erectile dysfunction and brain defects. Among women, incidences of still births, miscarriages and social skill problems in the offsprings are rampant. Substitution of lead for safer elements and change of process to minimize lead exposure for employees at the facility is necessary. Ventilation systems should be installed to reduce the amount of lead in air or dust. Isolation can be done by reducing the number of people present during lead processing. Good hygiene should be enforced. Most importantly, protective clothing, detection gadgets should be applied. REFERENCES Binns HJ, Kim D, Campbell C. Targeted screening for elevated blood lead levels: populations at high risk.2002, Mc ghill, USA.  Gorstein J, Sullivan K, Yip R, et al. Issues in the assessment of nutritional status using anthropometry. Bull World Health Organ 1994; PubMed-Cental, USA. United Nations System/Standing Committee on Nutrition. Nutrition information in crisis situations. Geneva, Switzerland: Secretariat of the UNS/SCN; May 2004. US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Ban of lead-containing paint and certain consumer products bearing lead-containing paint, American public health Association, USA.      

This assignment considers physical activity in four different special population groups

This assignment considers physical activity in four different special population groups. Each population group is identified as being ‘special' because they have specific physiological and psychological needs that require physical activity to be modified and adapted to meet their special needs. The four different populations dealt within this assignment are Children, Over 50's, Pregnant Women and Disabled Persons. In this assignment, I will attempt to identify the techniques adapted specifically for each group and explain why it is beneficial for them. I will then proceed to compare and contrast the different techniques used between the four groups and explain why some techniques may be more suited for a particular group, and why some techniques may be inappropriate. CHILDREN: The first visit made was to a gymnasium course for children in between the ages of 2-4. (Ref. Appendix 1) Children are special because they grow at different rates and at different ages, â€Å".. there are also changes in body proportions that can put limitations on their ability to perform† (Lee, 1993 p. 51) Children need one to one care and special attention. Their bodies are still growing and developing so they have a limit to their capacity to perform certain activities. Their attention span is also short compared to an adult's so activities must be fun and capturing. The session I observed was a gymnastic lesson for children ages 2-4 that lasted for an hour. There were 6 students and two instructors. The fact that there was 1 instructor to 3 students shows how vulnerable children are and therefore must have special attention. As with every proper exercise session, they started with a good fifteen minutes of warm up. This ensured that all muscles were stretched and warmed up, ready for activity. The warm up exercises were very fun and exciting, which guaranteed the participation and inclusion of all children. The warm up exercises were very imaginative and creative and to name a few examples: walking on tiptoes with arms outstretched, frog leaping, hopping, star jumps and side skips. The stretches started from the top of the head moving down the body, such as neck stretches, shoulder rotation, roll and shake, hip swing and rotation, bottom wiggle and standing on tip toes to stretch the calves. After the 15 minute warm up, children were given a couple of minutes to have a drink or to visit the lavatories if needed. The main activity was set up as an assault course, where children moved from 1 activity to another. The equipment used was all very safe and the instructor arrived at least 15 minutes early to go through them and make sure all the equipments were working fine and that none were faulty. The beams, balancing benches and springboards were not the normal standard size but were adapted specifically for children. Mattings and paddings of sufficient size and density were placed where a landing would occur, or based on the design of an exercise, for example, for protection during a hand stand. The children started off by jumping off the springboard on to a soft horse bench. They then proceeded to do forward rolls on a soft mat, then a hand stand. They balanced themselves on a balance beam, before jumping onto trampoline, then going into the climbing frame. In between these exercises, the instructors gave children a few minutes break to get a drink or to visit the lavatory. The exercises used in the main activity focused on working different types of fitness components such as, strength, agility, balance, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility. The techniques used in this activity was appropriate because children have a lower capacity to do intense activity lasting 10-90s compared to adults so they are well suited to intermittent activities. (Howley et al, 2003) The variety of activities not only kept their attention, but it protected them from overemphasising on a specific sport and training intensely which could lead to emotional and physical problems. The benefits of exercise on children are that it enhances their fitness and health, and reduces risk for illness. The children enjoyed themselves greatly, and the instructors addressed them in very simple and friendly language. OVER 50's The next class I observed was a session for Over 50's. (Ref. Appendix 2) A population group over 50 is classified as special because as they age, their physical, emotional and mental function is no longer the same. Their joints have less mobility which increases risk injury therefore they will require programming that addresses these risks. Health related problems increase with both age and inactivity so older people need to be active and exercise to try and avoid illness. There is evidence that â€Å"..onset, progression and severity of many diseases in older people can be prevented, minimized or delayed with the provision of effective health promotion programmes, therapeutic exercises or physical activities† (Morris et al, 2004 p.1) The session was an aerobics course for 15 members lasting 45 minutes. The warm up section contained a range of movements that lasted a good 15 minutes. Warm up is important because it increases internal body temperature and reduces risk of injury. Movements included stretching and exercises such as heel raises, knee lifts, shoulder lifts and circles working through a pain free range of motion. Stretching exercises that emphasize range of motion and flexibility have been shown to increase ankle, knee joint and lower back flexibility in older adults. (Cotton 1998) The basic step-touch-step was used as a returning starting position before beginning a new movement. The warm up was accompanied by some soft, sustained music that set the mood. Music helps relax the mind and makes participants become more aware of their movements, breathing and posture (Best-Martini, 2003) Participants were given a break after warm up to freshen up. The aerobic activity lasted 10 minutes, was low impact and smooth completed movements were used rather than jerky, abrupt ones. There were sweeping hand movements involved, reaching and squatting. The aerobic part was similar to the warm up but with variations and at a slightly faster pace. The music as well was more lively which helped boost the participants motivation. The instructor used gradual transitions and cued clearly and well in advance. The weight training was next, which again lasted 10 minutes. They did very simple exercises using 1 kilo dumbbells, step, and cones. The group were assigned different stations: some participants did bicep curls with knee lifts, others did squats on the step, others marched on the sport lifting the dumbbells, and the rest did power walking around the cones with their arms swinging. They each had 30 seconds to do each exercise before moving on to the next. After four minutes, they rested for a bit before continuing again. There was no music used during resistance training so that the participants could concentrate. Once the weight training was over, they used the basic aerobics step to move into cool down. Again, soft, relaxing music was used, and the same, smooth, free range of movements used in the warm up was used to cool down. The participants seem to be having fun. It was a great way of socialising and they were chatting amongst each other throughout the whole session. For the health and safety part of the session, there was enough room and space for everyone to avoid anyone getting hurt. There were also mats placed by the steps to prevent participants from slipping while doing squats. The techniques used were appropriate because older adult exercisers â€Å"will be looking be looking for safe, low impact exercise programs that enhance overall fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance (Van, 1995, P.5) The sweeping hand movements and free range of motion reduces the risk of joint stress and injury to senior participants. It was appropriate and also maybe necessary for the participants to take regular breaks because their maximum heart rate decreases, and so does stroke volume meaning they have a higher rate of oxygen deficit than younger adults. The instructor provided a lot of verbal feedback always checking if they were alright and motivating them. The physiological benefits of exercise on older adults are improvement in cardiovascular functioning and slowing down the age-related declines in bodily function. The psychological benefits are improved mental health, reduced stress and anxiety and feeling more relaxed and refreshed. (Best-Martini, 2003) DISABILITY: For the disabled population, I visited the motorcise gym catering especially for their needs (Ref. Appendix 3) . Motorcise is a centre that has specifically been opened to help those people who find gyms or health clubs intimidating. The club is open to Women only over 40, and provides brilliant facilities for the older women, overweight and disabled. There is a relaxed friendly atmosphere, with dedicated staff on hand to assist the members, whatever there needs. The atmosphere, as well as the centre's specific equipment means that members can really benefit. Socially it gives them a chance to meet new people, and provides them with a social platform depending on the number of times they visit the centre. Physically though the centre is excellent for all the cliental groups. The machines motorcise use, are as the name shows, Motorised. It is a completely new system that makes exercise easy and fun to do. Women who were in the session had multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, diabetes and they found the machines really helpful and enjoyed working out. On average members use the centre twice a week and this can help improve their health and wellbeing, increase energy levels, tone the body as well as boosting their confidence. The sessions only take 30minutes so members are able to fit the work out around their daily lives. Sport has a great deal therapeutic value and plays a great part in physical, psychological and social rehabilitation / factors for a disabled person. The level of a person's disability will determine the amount of exercise and participation. It's important that the disabled have the facilities to participate to the best of their ability and to be able to enjoy sport like everybody else. People with disabilities find it hard to participate in sport for a number of reasons. They feel unable to fit into sporting environment, no self confidence to take part and the feel of failure. They have a mentality that because they are disabled any kind of physical activity would be beyond their capability. Put this together with the lack of information, facilities, and support for disabled sport it is very easy for a person with a slight disability to be put off participating in sport. (Health Education Authority, 1997) Motorcise has 10 machines each working a different group muscle. The ‘Chester' is the first machine that every woman goes on which is basically like a warm up in an activity session. It gets the circulation moving and warms up the muscle joints. Each machine has two different settings, the ‘Slow Passive Pace' and the ‘Fast Pace.' These machines are adapted specifically for people with certain limitations to do physical activity. At slow pace, the machine does the work for them, it is only getting the muscle joints warmed up. When set on to the fast pace, the individual is then working with it by pushing the bars, or pulling them down, or lifting their legs, or pushing down on it. If a woman has immobility in her knees, then she would adapt to it by planting her feet on the floor and using just her arms, or if she has frozen shoulders, she would cross her arms over her chest and work only her lower body. Each machine has very good back support padding, and there are special cushions available for a woman with very bad back problems. To name a few, there is the ‘Noddy Crunch' which works the upper abs and lower back. The ‘Latty Leg Press' works on the shoulders, leg press and posture. As you push up with the shoulders, you push up with your knees then push down again, lengthening the spine and working the posture. The last machine for is specifically for cool down called the ‘Ricky Relaxerciser.' It has low frequency sound waves that give a soft vibration giving the women a feeling of relaxation. This recreation centre gives great facilities and opportunities for disabled women. It is in a safe, fun and supportive environment. It gives them a chance to socialise, boost their self esteem, have more confidence and not only that, improves their health and aids them with the mobility in their joints and flexibility. Physical activity is effective in playing a role in behaviour – â€Å"..interventions that promote moderate and non-endurance physical activities (flexibility exercises) are associated with long-term changes in behaviour† (Health Development Agency) PREGNANCY: Pregnant women are special because there is an increase in body mass will reduce her exercise capacity, swimming provides and element of support. The increased metabolic rate and increased body weight, means oxygen demand during pregnancy increases. (Bird, S.R, 1998) The session I observed was an aqua aerobics class for pregnant women that lasted 45 minutes (Ref. Appendix 4). â€Å"Safety: Water is supportive through buoyancy, resistive in nature and equal in hydrostatic pressure on the submerged body part. Weakness, joint or limb swelling, loss of motion or flexibility and overall loss of endurance are safely addressed in the aquatic environment† (White, 1995 pp 3-5). It was very low intensity with slow and controlled movements. The warm up involved walking around the pool for a few minutes, chatting amongst themselves. Next, they were lightly jogging around the pool, other women who were too far into pregnancy continued walking. Along with lower body movements, they performed various arm motions such as the breast stroke, back stroke, punches, pushes and sweeps. The cardiovascular workout was done at a low intensity and for a moderate duration. The aim was to get breathlessness. (Lawrence 1998) Women used woggles as part of their main activity to support themselves. They did a cycling movement by having a woggle under both arms while legs were cycling. It was a good work out for the whole body, and not only that, they also worked out their neck and head. Explosive and jerky movements were avoided because â€Å"†¦.the increase in body mass will become a limitation..(Bird, 1998, p.288) which could overstretch ligaments and tendons doing more damage than healing. Throughout the main workout, there were regular breaks taken, which meant marching on the spot and performing flowing, rhythmical mobility exercises, like sweeping the water etc.. The cool down was just as slow and relaxed as the warm up, and the women were given a few minutes at the end of the class to just float on their backs and enjoy the feeling of weightlessness. It is beneficial for pregnant women to exercise in water because they are better accommodated in water because of the supportive and gravity-reduced environment. The buoyancy opposes the force of gravity allowing the body to move more freely and easily than on land. (White, 1995) It reduces the weight and stress placed on joints and ligaments, spine and hip. Resistance works out the muscles and tones them without being too intense. There is equal pressure form the water on the body that increases with depth. This is helpful for swelling around the joints or circulatory problems because the static fluid around the joints is forced upward toward the heart by hydrostatic pressure. (Lawrence, 1998) The overall balance of the woman is also enhanced because she is constantly moving forwards, backwards and sideward in a dynamic environment. DISCUSSION: Each population group had different techniques but they also had some similarities. Each group started with a warm up and cool down that lasted at least 15 minutes. This is important for getting the circulation moving, and working the muscles and joints to prevent injury. The children's session was similar to the over 50's and pregnant women in the sense that they took regular breaks. The children needed breaks because doing physical activity for a short amount of time made them run out of breath. â€Å"Children respond to exercise with shallower respirations and higher respiratory frequencies than adolescents and adults. During maximal exercise children may reach over 75 breaths/min compared with a normal adult response of about 45 breaths/min.† (Lee, 1993, p.69) The older adults needed regular breaks because there is a â€Å"..decrease in both stroke volume (the volume of blood pumped from the heart during one heartbeat) and maximum heart rate (the highest heart rate a person can attain.)..† (Van, 1995 P.11) The pregnant women had to take regular breaks because â€Å"high intensity activities may restrict blood flow to the foetus†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Lawrence, 1998 P. 159) The language the instructors used with the children's session differed from the rest because they used simple and fun language to address them. Each group was similar in the sense that they each had certain limitations to perform physical activity. For children, it was the fact that they were still growing and developing so overtraining was not appropriate. For older adults, it was the fact that some of them might have loss some sense of coordination, flexibility or mobility. For pregnant women, it was the increase in mass that might have prevented her from doing the usual things. For the disabled population, it was their disability that was their limitation. However, despites all these limitations, there were no barriers to stop them from participating in physical activity. They overcame all their limitations and barriers, and each one of them was able to participate in physical activity like everyone else. After going on these fieldtrips, I learnt that no matter what kind of barrier or limitation someone has, this cannot stop them from participating in physical activity as illustrated by these four special population groups. It is great that most leisure/recreation centres have facilities and opportunities that cater specifically for these groups needs.