The Concept of Health Literacy in Promoting and Maintaining Adolescent Essay

The Concept of Health Literacy in Promoting and Maintaining Adolescent Health - Essay Example Factors affecting the concept of health literacy in adolescents are discussed. Recommendations to develop and enhance adolescent health literacy are included. Keywords: health literacy, adolescent, health promotion. The Concept of Health Literacy in Promoting and Maintaining Adolescent Health A young diabetic man, aged 14, learns about a new clinical trial on a new diabetic medicine. He goes to the study site to learn more about the trial. The adolescent is asked to sign an informed consent form; he must also have this form signed by his parents. However, once his mother sees the informed consent form, she realizes that her son’s participation in the trial will put him at high risks of health complications, since his current medicines and health state are in conflict with what is required for and being tested during the trial. This is a routine situation that exposes the role of health literacy for promoting and maintaining adolescent health. Adolescents must be able to read a nd understand health information. They should be able to use this information in ways that empower them to take proper health decisions. It goes without saying, that the adolescent health literacy is affected and mediated by a multitude of internal and external factors. In this sense, the concept of health literacy in adolescents can be defined as the degree to which young people are capable of accessing, reading, processing, and comprehending health information and use this information to take proper health decisions, promote and maintain their health, based on continuous interactions with their social and cultural environments. Literacy and Health Literacy among Australians Health promotion has long been one of the primary goals of health care; yet, it was not before the 1990s that the importance of health literacy was officially recognized. In the early 1990s health literacy was included in Australia’s health targets and goals (Keleher & Hagger, 2007). These goals and targ ets include improving language skills, population literacy, and public knowledge of health and health literacy, to ensure that individuals have the information and knowledge required to take informed health decisions (Keleher & Hagger, 2007; Borzekowski & Rickert, 2001). Unfortunately, less than one-fifth of Australians have high levels of literacy, which impedes the development and implementation of health promotion policies (Keleher & Hagger, 2007). Only every third Australian possesses functional literacy to cope with their everyday tasks (Jorm et al., 2006). Thus, just about one half of all Australians have the skills and potential to affect health decisions and promote their own health. This raises the question of bringing up health literacy from a young age. Why care about health literacy among adolescents? The answer is simple: there is no health without health literacy. Limited health literacy is associated with increased utilization of health care services (Keleher & Hagger , 2007). Poor health outcomes are direct results of low health literacy (Farrer et al., 2008; Keleher & Hagger, 2007). Low health literacy predicts poor verbal communication with health care providers and poor medication compliance (Keleher & Hagger, 2007). Therefore, it is imperative that adolescents have the level of health literacy needed to promote and maintain their health. Undoubtedly, superior health literacy is one of the foundational elements of improved health in adolescents and adulthood. The long-term effects of literacy on

Assignment On Managing Financial Resources And Decision Finance Essay

Assignment On Managing Financial Resources And Decision Finance Essay Executive summary: In this assignment different types business forms like sole trader, partnership, and limited companies are briefly discussed. Also discussed how they perform and what are the requirements to start a business? How we finance business. The needs of financing like short, mid and long term resources include briefly in this assignment. There are share capitals, bond debenture, called up share capital, share premium, EPS dilution and diluted EPS. These terms are discussed from many books and websites. Introduction: John Caird had been working in an engineering consultancy firm. Recently he laid off with redundancy payment. He is planning to start his own business. In this assignment I discussed various forms of financing of business, how he can start his business, what are the problems of his business and many business and finance terms. Chapter-1- Identifying the sources of finance available to business. Task answer: There are several possible business options for John Caird. These options are sole trader or proprietorship, partnership and corporation. Sole trader or proprietorship 2. Partnership 3. Limited company Sole trader: a sole trader is an individual in business. Generally sole traders businesses are small with their own name. It is the most common organization. There are some advantages of being a sole trader: independence, personal service, simplicity. Since they have few legal requirements, sole proprietorships are easy to form and operate. They can also be more affordable since no legal documents need to be filed in most cases. Basically, all one has to do to form a sole proprietorship is get a business license and begin operations. Although the sole proprietorship does have the advantage of simplicity, the negatives can turn entrepreneurs away from this form of business association. The disadvantages of a sole proprietorship stem from its very nature the business and the business owner are undividable. This leads to three potential problems. First, owners can lose some beneficial tax-free perimeter benefits because they cannot participate in company-funded employee benefit plans like medical insurance and retirement plans. Second, since the owner and the business are inseparable, whoever sues the business actually sues the owner. The owners personal exposure is unlimited. Finally, the business owner is personally liable for the debts of the company, and unfortunately, personal assets can be taken to pay company obligations. Partnership: A partnership is a group of individuals working together in business with a view to making a profit. It is similar to a sole trader but has two or more owners. Like the sole trader, the partnership is not a separate legal entity from its owners. Unlike the sole trader, however, the partnership can hold property and incur debt in its name. A partnership is easy to establish and involves two or more people running a business together. The partners are the business. Examples of partnerships include group of doctors, dentists, accountants and solicitors. A partnership does not have to be registered any where but it is often advisable for partners to have a partnership agreement drawn up by a solicitor. This will state what capital. Limited Company: A limited company is a separate legal entity, owned by shareholders and run by directors. A limited company is quite different from a sole trader in that it has a legal identity separate from its owner. The owners the shareholders- are not personally liable for the companys debts, but can be made so if they are asked by a lender to provide security. A limited company must be registered at Companies house. An annual return and financial statements must be sent each year to Companys House by company. The rules for running the company must be set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association, a copy of which must also be sent to Companies House. There is must paper work involved in establishing and running a limited company. Task B Requirements Term Explanation Building and fixtures Long term It can be purchased by mortgage loan. Office Vehicle Mid tern It could be financed by commercial bank or bond. Security System Mid term Leasing and hire purchase should be suitable for it. Payroll Expense (year 1) Mid term Bank loan is a option. Marketing expense Short tern/ midterm Office Stationary Short term From personal savings. Printing and Publications Short term It can be financed by trade credit. Sources of Finance Depending on the date of maturity, sources of finance can be clubbed into the following: Long-term sources of finance: Long-term financing could be raised from the following sources: Share capital or else equity share Preference shares Retained earnings Debentures/Bonds of different types Loans from financial institutions Loan from financial firm Loans from commercial  banks Venture capital funding Asset securitization Medium-term sources of finance: Medium-term financing can be raised from the following sources: Preference shares Debentures/bonds Public deposits/fixed deposits Commercial banks Financial institutions Financial corporations Lease financing / hire purchase  financing External commercial borrowings Foreign currency bonds   Short term sources of finance: Short-term financing can be raised from the following sources: Trade credit Commercial banks Fixed deposits for a period of 1 year or less Advances received from customers Various short-term provisions Task C DEBT EQUITY None Hire-Purchase Mortgage Loan Leasing Bonds and debenture Invoice factoring Share capital Retained earnings Personal savings Cash management Invoice discounting Debt- These are cost where interest forms of payment is paid. Equity- These cost are paid from the part of profit or income. Chapter-2- Assess the implications of different sources of finance. Task D There are a number of ways of buying these things. The business might go to the bank for a loan, arrange some sort of finance deal with the supplier, use cash they have in the business or arrange a lease option. A lease effectively means that the business is paying for the use of a product but do not own it. Also it is called hiring. A lease contract on a van, for example, might mean that the firm pays out  £350 per month for a three year lease. At the end of the three years the vehicle returns to the owner. Lease agreements can be of benefit to the firm for the following reasons: It can be cheaper to organize a lease rather than having to buy apparatus outright Leases can be very flexible equipment might only be needed for a short time or for a particular development and so does not warrant being bought outright. The company that owns the equipment, machines or vehicles is liable for the maintenance and this can help decrease costs for the business. The payments made are usually fixed and will not therefore change as interest rates change. This helps business plan more effectively. (Reference from www.bized.co.uk ) Before taking any lease we should conform how long do we plan to stay? And we must know the rules and regulation of leasing party. And do there demands match with my requirements and ability. Task E Factoring  is a  financial transaction  whereby a business sells its  accounts receivable  to a third party at a  discount  in exchange for immediate money with which to finance continued business. Also it is taken when there is a massive amount of sales is done on credit. It is generally used by businesses to progress cash flow but  can  also be used to shrink administration overheads.  Business that provides this service is called factors or debt factoring companies. Invoice discounting is another way of drawing money against your invoices. However, your business retains control over the administration of your sales ledger. As well as providing finance,  it offers important support services and credit insurance. Factoring provides a fast  forestallment  against your sales ledger. It allows you, at a cost, to flexibly increase your working capital and improve cash flow. Factoring  is offered to businesses trading with other businesses on credit terms.  It is not usually available to retailers or to cash traders. Factors requirements differ, so what follow is an indication and not a firm list. We may find a matter even if the following features not met. Johns business may be suitable for factoring if it has: An annual turnover of at least  £50,000 although some factors will consider start-ups and smaller businesses Business should have more than just a few customers. No single customer accounts for more than about a third of turnover. Customers that allow the standard payment terms for the industry. Customers that agree to a reasonable period of credit. (Reference from www.businesslink.gov.uk ) Task F Trade credit is an arrangement to buy goods or services on account that is without making immediate cash payment. In other words, trade credit is Buy now, pay later. For many businesses, trade credit is a crucial tool for financing growth. Trade credit is the credit extended to you by suppliers who let you buy at this instant and pay later. Any time you take delivery of materials, equipment or other valuables without paying cash on the spot, youre using trade credit. We can acquire materials very fast by trade credit. Most of the time paying duration is very shorter than bank loans. When we are first starting our business, however, suppliers most likely arent going to offer trade credit. They are going to desire to make every order c.o.d. (cash or check on delivery) or paid by credit card in advance until we have established that we can pay our bills on time. While this is a fairly regular practice, we can still try and negotiate trade credit with suppliers. One of the things that will help us in these negotiations is a properly prepared financial plan. So Mr. John Caird could buy security system, stationeries and printings by trade credit. Task G If Mr. John Caird wants to issue share capital or bond/ debenture to increase more fund for his organization he should start limited company. Limited companies are the largest form of business enterprise. Finance is provided by individuals and financial institution- such as pension funds and unit trust managers- buying shares in the company. The way the investment is made will depend on the size of the company. Limited companies, like sole trader and partnerships need finance for long-term purposes. They may also need finance for the acquisition of other companies and business. Also limited company must follow the rules of the Memorandum and Articles of Association. There are the differences of issuing share capital and bond debenture. Issuing Shares Bonds/Debentures Type of Finance Equity Debt Cost High Relatively much lower Risk Low or no risks High Bonds and Debentures are debt instruments. The Company issues the Bond or Debenture as the case may give details of the interest to be paid and the period of the loan, and how the loan will be repaid. When we buy any bond or debenture we become a creditor to the company. Share is equity participation in the Company. When we buy a share, we become a shareholder of the company. The company will pay us dividend on the shares. To issue a share / bond / debenture, the company must be registered and must have the necessary minimum capital. Chapter-3- Select appropriate sources of finance for a business project Task H If John Caird is interested to start sole-proprietorship form of business then he should finance the following requirements:| Building and fixtures: This need long term finance. In my opinion Mr. John can go for leasing buildings and fixtures. Although there are no ownership but he can reduce finance cost. He has limited capital thats why it can be risky to buy buildings and fixtures. And when Johns business will run well he could purchase buildings and fixtures. Office Vehicle: It will better to buy on mid term loan, as means of paying it by instalments. Security system: Mid term finance is suitable for security system, because every year new and better security systems are updating. So John could go for mid term financing like- leasing. Payroll Expense (year 1): it can be financed by short term finance like-loans from commercial bank or personal savings. Marketing expense: It must be go to the short term loan. Because marketing expense vary on situation and factors. Also marketing policy changes dramatically. Office Stationary: John Caird can buy office stationary by hire purchasing. This will be best for him. Printing and Publications: Printing and publication should be financed by short term form. John can use trade credit or advances received from customer. Task I Cairn Energy illustrated that their Property, Plant Equipment- Development/Producing assets has increased from $1,119.6m in 2008 to $1,828.6m in 2009. And theres something in balance sheet called share premium which is 30 times larger than Called up share capital. Called up share capital- Called up share capital is the money required to be paid by the share holders immediately. Share premium- Share premium is the value which is set above the face value (the increased amount). Excess amount received by a firm over the par value of its shares. This amount forms a part of the non-distributable reserves of the firm which usually can be used only for purposes specified under corporate legislation. Task J EPS stands for earnings per share. The portion of a companys profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock.  Earnings per share  serve as an indicator of  a companysprofitability. Calculated as: When calculating, it is more accurate to use a  weighted average number of shares outstanding over the reporting term, because the  number of shares outstanding can change over time. However, data sources  sometimes simplify the calculation  by using the number of shares outstanding at the end of the period.( http://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/eps.asp) Diluted EPS  expands on basic EPS by including the shares of  convertibles or warrants outstanding in the outstanding shares number.   Dilution: A reduction in earnings per share of common stock that  occurs through the issuance of additional shares or the conversion of convertible securities. Diluted EPS: A  performance metric used to gauge the quality of a companys earnings per share (EPS) if all convertible securities were exercised. Convertible securities refer to all outstanding convertible preferred shares, convertible debentures, stock options (primarily employee based) and warrants. Unless the company has no additional potential shares outstanding (a  relatively rare circumstance) the diluted EPS will always be lower than the simple EPS. ( Reference by Principles of managerial finance, Tenth edition, Lawrence J Gitman.) Conclusion: From three chapters we could know the way how to finance of a company. In my opinion, to established Mr. John Caird Company he should follow this steps. Otherwise the unnecessary steps can increase and he may fall in nuisance.

Navy NCDU Teams Essay -- essays papers

Navy NCDU Teams On the beach invasions of Normandy, one of the marines commented, â€Å"Jesus, we don’t even have control of the beach yet and already the tourist are here!†. This is the normal response that the men of UDT get, during WWII in the pacific campaign. They would paint themselves with steaks of blue and white. They were the first ones on the beach and the last ones to leave. They carried no weapons except for a combat knife used for cutting, and crimping the fuses of their explosives. Some say that you would have to be â€Å"half nuts and half fish† to join the UDT. But, besides being courageous and saving the lives of many a thankful marine(although they will not admit it) the UDT did something historical that NO HISTORY BOOK for that matter has cared to mention. They launched the United States into a whole new type of warfare, consisting of underwater commando’s who could rise up out of the water and devastate an enemy, and disappear just as fast, or slip onto an enemy held beach, undetected, and bring back almost any type of information you needed. The latter probably saved hundred’s upon thousand’s of marines lives alone. My report will show you the mysterious, and secret world of the UDT. The first Naval Combat Demolition Unit started with thirteen volunteers who were near the end of their basic training in the Dynamiting and Demolition School at Camp Perry, Virginia. They were sent to the Naval Amphibious Training Base at Solomon Island, Maryland, in Chesapeake Bay where they were joined by other enlisted demolition men and eight officers. Lieutenant Fred Wise from the Sea Bees (Construction Battalions) was designated Officer in Charge. They were given a quick, intensive course in blowing channels through sandbars with explosive hose, and in working from rubber boats to place explosive charges on underwater obstacles which had been modeled by Army engineers. Then they sailed for the assault on Sicily. Twenty-one men under LT Wise debarked from three attack cargo ships off Scoglitti, Sicily, on the morning of July 10, 1943 and waited patiently for orders that never came. The landing waves either found enough water over the sandbars or used alternative beaches. For the next two days the demolition units did useful work salvaging stranded boats, buoying channels through the sandbars, and surveying the be... ...tion units received the only Navy Unit Commendation awarded for the Normandy landing. Navy Crosses were awarded to Ens. William R. Freeman, Gunner's Mate Robert W. Bass, Gunner's Mate John H. Line, Chief Jerry N. Markham, Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Loran E. Barbour, LTJG William M. Jenkins, and Ens. Lawrence S. Karnowski. There were also a number of Silver Stars and Bronze Stars to others who were especially outstanding in a day of widespread heroism. The NCDU regrouped and Lieutenant Commander Herbert Peterson, in charge of Naval Combat Demolition Force "U", with ten veteran UTAH units, embarked in a Mediterranean-bound convoy for Salerno. Here they trained for the upcoming invasion of Southern France. As these combat demolitioneers proved once again the need for and the success of underwater demolition, the newly organized Underwater Demolition Teams, UDT, were proving their worth in Saipan. Many NCDU men stayed in demolition and got to the Pacific in time for the occupation of Japan, but the end of World War II brought the end of Naval Combat Demolition Units. Many NCDU men brought their experience and expertise to the Underwater Demolition Teams.

Annual Day Speech

A very warm good evening to all the wonderful people present today†¦ Its pleasure to start this auspicious occasion by heartily welcoming every body.. I hearty welcome our Honorable Chief guest, Our Principal, Dear Teachers, and my fellow- friends†¦ Its wonderful to see such amazing gathering once in a happy year.Today we all have gathers here for the annual day celebration. I welcome everybody with all my pleasant greetings, and I wish the celebration makes you smile and cheer you up with full of joy and entertainment. Thank you I would like to call upon our respected Principal, the sculptor of human character, a seasoned scholar and navigator of this flagship of knowledge to present a brief agenda and give the college/university presentation.Now we'll have our religious ceremony. Our beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH). The life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a life of grand success. In his high moral qualities, his spiritual power, his high resolve, the excellence and perfection of his teaching, his perfect example and the acceptance of his prayers. in short, in every aspect of his life he exhibited such bright signs that even a person of low intelligence provided he is not inspired by unreasonable rancour and enmity is forced to confess that he was a perfect example of the manifestation of Divine qualities and was a perfect man.I would Like to call upon Mr(†¦) to recite naat in praise of Our beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH)†¦ I would like to call upon our respected Principal, the sculptor of human character, a seasoned scholar and navigator of this flagship of knowledge to present a brief agenda and give the college/university presentation.

HND Busniess Essay

Assignment front sheet Qualification Unit number and title Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Business Unit 5: Aspects of Contract and Negligence for Business) Assessor name Student name Barrister A S M Sayem Uddin Khondoker Date issued Completion date 03 February 2014 ____/_____/ 2014 Assignment title Submitted on Contractual Aspects and Business Negligence: Application in Business Context Learning outcomes Assessment criteria for pass The learner can: LO1 Understand the essential elements of a valid contract in a business context 1.1 explain the importance of the essential elements required for the formation of a valid contract 1.2 discuss the impact of different types of contract 1.3 analyse terms in contracts with reference to their meaning and effect LO2 Be able to apply the elements of a contract in business situations 2.1 apply the elements of contract in given business scenarios 2.2 apply the law on terms in different contracts 2.3 evaluate the effect of different terms in given contracts LO3 Understand principles of liability in negligence in business activities 3.1 contrast liability in tort with contractual liability 3.2 explain the nature of liability in negligence 3.3 explain how a business can be vicariously liable LO4 Be able to apply principles of liability in negligence in business situations 4.1 apply the elements of the tort of negligence and defences in different business situations 4.2 apply the elements of vicarious liability in given business situations. Learner declaration I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully acknowledged. Student signature: Date: Contractual Aspects and Business Negligence: Application in Business Context You have recently assumed the position of a management trainee at Green Pharma Plc, one of the major British pharmaceutical companies. The company is committed to its customers worldwide to deliver the safest products at the most competitive prices. Green Pharma has got numerous contracts with its vendors, suppliers, employees, banks and other external parties. You are given the responsibility to handle the legal department to make sure Green Pharma is doing everything according to the codes of law. Accordingly, the case presents a number of scenarios/tasks designed to ensure that you have met all the learning outcome targets. Task 1: Elements of Valid Business Contracts Q1.1: What are the essential elements of forming a valid contract? Explain the importance of each element by providing relevant legal principles derived from decided cases. 275 words Q1.2: Describe different types of contract usually undergone in business context. Critically analyze the legal impact of distance selling contract. 125 words Q1.3: Analyse the contrasting aspects of different kind of terms generally used in a commercial contract. ‘Implied terms are more sensitive to deal with than express terms in a business contract’ – how far would you agree with this comment? 200 words Task 2: Application of Contracts in Business Situations Q2.1: (a) Green Pharma put an advertisement in a trade journal stating: ‘for the wholesale buyers only, our ‘new moisturizing creams’ are now at a special low price of  £10 per dozen.’ Mr Khan, one of Green Pharma’s trusted vendors, rushed to one of your show room and wanted to place a large order. Meanwhile the company made a new decision not to sell the creams any more. Mr Khan became cross and he wished to pursue a legal action against the company. Advice Green Pharma about the possible legal consequence. Justify your comments with reference to similar case precedents. 125 words (b) You work into the night to complete ‘an important report’ for your immediate boss, Tania. Tania is very pleased with the report and says ‘I know you have worked very hard on this, I will make sure there’s an extra  £200 in your pay at the end of the month. Can you enforce this promise? 100 words (c) Joe works in the purchase department of Green Pharma. He lives near to you. By an agreement he provides you with a lift to work in return for a contribution towards the petrol. Would this contract be legally enforceable? Justify your answer with legal arguments. 75 words Q2.2: Alban is the business development manager of Green Pharma. Four months ago he bought a ‘Landmaster’ car from Brenda’s Garage Ltd for use in his business activities. He paid  £12,500 for the car and was given a written guarantee in the following terms. ‘Brenda’s Garage Ltd guarantees that, for three months from  the date of purchase, it will put right free of charge any defects in the vehicle which cannot be discovered on proper examination at the time of purchase. Thereafter all work and materials will be charged to the customer.’ The sales manager recommended to Alban that he should take out the ‘special extended warranty’ under which, for payment of  £350, the car would have been guaranteed in respect of all defects for a further two years, but Alban declined. Last week the engine and gearbox seized up. The repairs will cost  £2,000. Advise Alban. Would your answer differ if he bought the car only for his personal use? 200 words Q2.3: Explain the effects of the following in the running of a Pharmaceutical company such as Green Pharma: a) breach of conditions, warranty and innominate terms, b) Legality of exemption clauses. Please include relevant examples to explain different aspects of the terms. 200 words Task 3: Principles of Liability in Business Negligence Q3.1: In what aspects, liabilities in tort are different from contractual liabilities? Give examples of ‘duty of care’ in the context of some day- to- day situations. Explain the concept of ‘causation’ and ‘remoteness’ in the tort of negligence. 220 words Q3.2: Explain the nature of liability in negligence by giving reference to different scenarios. 125 words Q3.3: Explain the legal requirements to hold employers vicariously liable for the torts committed by their employees. 175 words Task 4: Application of Principles of Liability in Business Situations Q4.1: By applying the relevant legal principles answer the following: (a) What is the level of duty of care to be shown by (1) a learner driver (2) a Chinese herbal doctor working in England and (3) Junior doctor in a hospital? 125 words (b) Green Pharma engages Mr Ken, a local electrician, to rewire its office. Two weeks later Leo, a visitor, is electrocuted. Discuss Green Pharma’s liability in tort. Would your answer differ if Green Pharma put the following notice at the entrance: ‘Persons entering these premises do so at their own risk’? 125 words Q4.2: (a) John is a van driver employed by Green pharma. While on his rounds, he stops to collect his own television from a repair shop. He parks his van carelessly and it moves off, injuring Kelly, a pedestrian. Is Green Pharma vicariously liable? 100 words (b) Robert, who is a security guard in Green Pharma’s head office, has been encouraged by the company to keep order by force – if necessary. One night he grabbed one Mr Mattis on suspicion and stabbed him in the back. Discuss the potential vicarious liability of Green Pharma. 100 words —End of assignment—

High School Courses Needed for Chemistry Degree

High School Courses Needed for Chemistry Degree What special courses do you need to take in high school so that you can get a college degree in chemistry or chemical engineering? Basically, it boils down to science and math. You can talk with your guidance counselor and teachers for more information. Also, always feel free to contact the department chair in the college program that interests you to get more detailed advice. College catalogs are also a good source for learning about requirements. Algebra Understand ratios, direct proportions, and inverse proportion.Solve linear and simple nonlinear equations.Set up word problems.Identify dependent and independent variables.Understand the slope and intercept of a line.Be able to graph data points.Understand exponentials and scientific notation. Geometry Geometry is critical in understanding college-level  chemistry. Youll need this to understand bonding, molecular models, and crystal structures. Trigonometry Youll need trig for much the same reason as you need geometry. Plus, trig is essential for completing physics. Pre-Calculus Calculus is perhaps the most important math subject to take in high school for a future in the sciences. It may also help you place out of pre-requisites! You have a lot of calculus in your future. Hope you enjoy it! Physics Physics and chemistry are inseparable. If you major in chemistry, youll still take college physics. If you major in physics, youll take chemistry. Chemistry In addition to making college chemistry a bit easier, high school chemistry gives you a taste of what the science is all about. Be sure to master these concepts: Be able to define atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds.Be familiar with the periodic table and know the symbols of common elements.Understand how to read a chemical formula (e.g., H2O).Know what a mole us. In addition to this list, its a good idea to be proficient with a computer and keyboard. Statistics and biology are also useful courses, although your schedule probably wont allow you to take everything you want!

Welfare Reform in the United States

Welfare Reform in the United States Welfare reform is the term used to describe the U.S. federal government’s laws and policies intended to improve the nation’s social welfare programs. In general, the goal of welfare reform is to reduce the number of individuals or families that depend on government assistance programs like food stamps and TANF and help those recipients become self-sufficient. From the Great Depression of the 1930s, until 1996, welfare in the United States consisted of little more than guaranteed cash payments to the poor. Monthly benefits uniform from state to state were paid to poor persons mainly mothers and children regardless of their ability to work, assets on hand or other personal circumstances. There were no time limits on the payments, and it was not unusual for people to remain on welfare for their entire lives. By the 1990s, public opinion had turned strongly against the old welfare system. Offering no incentive for recipients to seek employment, the welfare rolls were exploding, and the system was viewed as rewarding and actually perpetuating, rather than reducing poverty in the United States. The Welfare Reform Act The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 A.K.A. The Welfare Reform Act represents the federal governments attempt to reform the welfare system by encouraging recipients to leave welfare and go to work, and by turning over primary responsibility for administering the welfare system to the states. Under the Welfare Reform Act, the following rules apply: Most recipients are required to find jobs within two years of first receiving welfare payments.Most recipients are allowed to receive welfare payments for a total of no more than five years.The states are allowed to establish family caps that prevent mothers of babies born while the mother is already on welfare from receiving additional benefits. Since enactment of the Welfare Reform Act, the role of the federal government in public assistance has become limited to overall goal-setting and setting performance rewards and penalties. States Take Over Daily Welfare Operations It is now up to states and counties to establish and administer welfare programs they believe will best serve their poor while operating within the broad federal guidelines. Funds for welfare programs are now given to the states in the form of block grants, and the states have much more latitude in deciding how the funds will be allocated among their various welfare programs. State and county welfare caseworkers are now tasked with making difficult, often subjective decisions involving welfare recipients qualifications to receive benefits and ability to work. As a result, the basic operation of the nations welfare system can vary widely from state to state. Critics argue that this causes poor people who have no intention of ever getting off of welfare to migrate to states or counties in which the welfare system is less restrictive. Has Welfare Reform Worked? According to the independent Brookings Institute, the national welfare caseload declined about 60 percent between 1994 and 2004, and the percentage of U.S. children on welfare is now lower than it has been since at least 1970. In addition, Census Bureau data show that between 1993 and 2000, the percentage of low-income, single mothers with a job grew from 58 percent to nearly 75 percent, an increase of almost 30 percent. In summary, the Brookings Institute states, Clearly, federal social policy requiring work backed by sanctions and time limits while granting states the flexibility to design their own work programs produced better results than the previous policy of providing welfare benefits while expecting little in return.