Long-Term Effects and Societal Impacts of Alcohol Consumption Essay Example for Free

Long-Term Effects and Societal Impacts of Alcohol Consumption Essay Studies have shown that both long-term and short-term alcohol consumption affect every organ in the body in one way or another (College Drinking Changing the Culture, 2012). Some of the most commonly affected organs are the brain, heart, liver, pancreas, stomach, kidneys, and lungs (College Drinking Changing the Culture, 2012). Alcohol consumption has also been shown to affect one’s mental health as well as cause damage to the developing fetus (Fergusson, 2009). â€Å"Short-term† alcohol abuse refers alcohol consumption over days, weeks, or a few months; while â€Å"long-term† alcohol abuse is referring to high consumption of alcohol over several months to several years. Alcohol abuse also goes beyond the human body; it touches every part of society, particularly families and the economy, and likely has affected every human being in way or another. Organs Affected by Long-Term Alcohol Consumption Brain The short-term effects of alcohol consumption are more obvious because they are the effects that are seen when someone is intoxicated: slurred speech, lack of balance, poor memory, and blurred vision. The long-term effects of alcohol consumption on the brain are a little more subtle. One of the most common findings amongst long-term alcohol consumers is thiamine deficiency (thiamine is also known as vitamin B1), which is an essential nutrient for all tissues in the body (â€Å"Alcohol Alert†, 2004). The approximately 80 percent of alcoholics that have a thiamine deficiency are at a great risk of developing Wernike-Korsakoff Syndrome, a disease that consists of two syndromes, Wernike’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis (â€Å"Alcohol Alert†, 2004). Wernike’s encephalopathy causes mental confusion, paralysis of the nerves that move the eyes, and difficulty with muscle coordination, which 80-90 percent of the time develops into Korsakoff’s psychosis, a chronic syndrome characterized by memory and learning problems (â€Å"Alcohol Alert†, 2004). Heart While studies have shown in recent years that the antioxidants found in red wine can actually decrease one’s risk of developing heart disease, The American Heart Association states, â€Å"Drinking too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood (triglycerides). It can also lead to high blood pressure, heart failure and an increased calorie intake†¦Excessive drinking and binge drinking can lead to stroke. Other serious problems include fetal alcohol syndrome, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death† (American Heart Association, 2012). Alcohol can also affect the heart indirectly. Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to conditions such as obesity and/or diabetes, which put one at a greater risk of developing coronary artery disease (American Heart Association, 2012). Liver The liver is the organ in your body that filters out toxins, such as alcohol, from the blood. Drinking more alcohol than the liver can process can actually damage liver cells, and over a long period of time can cause alcohol related liver diseases such as fatty liver disease (build up of extra fat in liver cells), alcoholic hepatitis (swelling and damage of the liver), and alcoholic cirrhosis (scarring of the liver where soft healthy tissue is replaced with hard scar tissue) (American Liver Foundation, 2011). The damaged liver cells caused from long-term alcohol abuse can lead to inflammation, increasing the risk of liver cancer (â€Å"Alcohol Use and Cancer†, 2012). Liver disease can be fatal, and complications from liver disease may include build up of fluid in the abdomen, bleeding from veins in the esophagus or stomach, an enlarged spleen, high blood pressure in the liver, brain disorders or coma (from hepatic encephalopathy), and/or kidney failure (American Liver Foundation, 2011). Pancreas Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to chronic pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can result from blockages in the pancreatic duct, although in alcoholics it is more commonly caused by damage to the pancreatic tissue due to the by-products of alcohol metabolism (Apte, 1997). Alcohol abuse is the most common cause for patients with chronic pancreatitis, and can usually be treated with diet modifications (avoiding alcohol and low fat diets) and medications for pain relief, without requiring surgical intervention (Freedman, 2012). Some studies even claim that long-term alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, although the studies on these claims have shown only a minor increased risk and have been mostly inconclusive (Ye, 2002). Gastrointestinal Tract The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the first stop that our foods and beverages have in the body. Alcohol usually moves from the stomach to the small intestine rather quickly, however sometimes alcohol is left behind and can actually irritate the inner lining of the stomach (College Drinking Changing the Culture, 2012). Unabsorbed alcohol left in the stomach can also increase digestive juices (hydrochloric acid), halt the digestive process and rob the body of necessary nutrients, and react with medications (such as aspirin) causing gastritis, ulcers, or severe bleeding (College Drinking Changing the Culture, 2012). Alcohol has even been linked to cancers in the GI tract. Cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), and esophagus are believed to especially increase the risk of cancers of smokers because of the possibility that alcohol acts as a solvent for the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes, allowing these harmful chemicals to penetrate the inner linings of the digestive tract (â€Å"Alcohol Use and Cancer†, 2012). Bacteria in the colon and rectum can convert alcohol into large amounts of acetaldehyde, a chemical that has been shown to cause cancer in some lab studies (â€Å"Alcohol Use and Cancer†, 2012). Kidneys Long-term alcohol consumption has also been shown to compromise kidney function, particularly in patients with established liver disease (Epstein, 1997). Some studies have even shown that alcohol abuse can altering the form and structure of the kidneys, noting that many alcoholics have increased kidney size and/or swelling compared to non-alcoholics (Epstein, 1997). In Dr. Murray Epstein’s research on kidney function and alcohol abuse he has stated, â€Å"Chronic alcoholic patients may experience low blood concentrations of key electrolytes as well as potentially severe alterations in the body’s acid-base balance. In addition, alcohol can disrupt the hormonal control mechanisms that govern kidney function† (Epstein, 1997). Lungs One of the systems that is not as widely linked to alcohol consumption is the respiratory system, however recent studies have helped establish this link. For example, recent studies have shown that alcoholics are actually more prone to lung infections (such as pneumonia) (Joshi, 2007). More specifically, long-term alcohol consumption can decrease the levels of glutathione (an important antioxidant) in the lungs by as much as 80-90 percent (Joshi, 2007), which in turn leaves the lungs more susceptible to infection. Some pulmonologists have even found that prolonged and heavy exposure to alcohol can complicate asthma management, as well as worsen lung function and increase mortality in patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) (Sisson, 2007). The reason why the effects of long-term alcohol consumption on the lungs is not as widely studied is because most often the lung impairment goes undetected until acutely insulted by trauma or sepsis (system wide infection) (Joshi, 2007). Breasts Recent studies are now showing that even a few alcoholic drinks can increase the risk of breast cancer in women, particularly of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer (â€Å"Drinking Alcohol†, 2012). Alcohol can increase levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer (â€Å"Drinking Alcohol†, 2012). According to breastcancer.org, â€Å"Compared to women who dont drink at all, women who have three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15% higher risk of breast cancer. Experts estimate that the risk of breast cancer goes up another 10% for each additional drink women regularly have each day† (â€Å"Drinking Alcohol†, 2012). The Effect of Alcohol Abuse on Society Families Alcoholism affects each member of the family, and can even affect unborn children. The most commonly affected family members are the spouses and children of alcoholics (Berger, Silverstein, and Wekesser, 2003). Studies have shown that some of the most common symptoms found amongst spouses of alcoholics are feelings of hatred, self-pity, avoidance of social contacts, suffering from exhaustion, and/or becoming physically or mentally ill (Berger, Silverstein, and Wekesser, 2003). Children of alcoholics commonly express symptoms such as low self-esteem, loneliness, guilt, feelings of helplessness, fears of abandonment, poor performance in school, and/or chronic depression (Berger, Silverstein, and Wekesser, 2003). Unborn children can be affected by alcohol abuse when a woman drinks a significant amount of alcohol during the pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most common disorder related to alcohol use during pregnancy. A baby that has been diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome may have the following symptoms: poor developmental growth in the womb and after birth, decreased muscle tone and poor coordination, delayed development, heart defects such as ventricular septal defect (VSD) or atrial septal defect (ASD), and/or problems with facial features (â€Å"Fetal alcohol syndrome†, 2012). The Economy In 2011 the U.S. Centers for disease Control (the CDC) reported that alcohol abuse costs the United States approximately $223.5 billion a year, with the government paying more than 60% of the health care costs of alcohol abusers (Fox, 2011). This enormous cost includes, but is not limited to, factors such as lost productivity due to alcohol-related illnesses, medical/health consequences of alcohol abuse, lost productivity of criminals/victims from crimes involving alcohol, and motor vehicle accidents (fatal and non-fatal) in which alcohol was involved (â€Å"Economic Costs of Alcohol Abuse in the United States†, 2000). Source Article: McCambridge J, McAlaney J, Rowe R (2011) Adult Consequences of Late Adolescent Alcohol Consumption: A Systematic Review of Cohort Studies. PLoS Med 8(2): e1000413. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000413 References: Alcohol Alert. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Oct 2004. Web. 8 Oct 2012. http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa63/aa63.htm. Alcohol Use and Cancer. American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society, 27 Jan 2012. Web. 8 Oct 2012.http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/DietandPhysicalActivity/alcohol-use-and-cancer. American Heart Association. Alcohol and Heart Disease.www.heart.org. American Heart Association, 04 Apr 2012. Web. 8 Oct 2012. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MyHeartandStrokeNews/Alcohol-and-Heart-Disease_UCM_305173_Article.jsp. American Liver Foundation, . Alcohol-Related Liver Disease. American Liver Foundation. American Liver Foundation, 04 Oct 2011. Web. 8 Oct 2012. http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/alcohol/. Apte, M, M Med, J Wilson, and M Korsten. Alcohol-Related Pancreatic Damage. Alcohol Health Research World. 21.1 (1997): 13-20. Web. 8 Oct. 2012. http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh21-1/13.pdf. Berger, G, H Silverstein, and C Wekesser. Alcoholism and Its Effect on the Family . AllPsych Journal. AllPsych Journal, 14 2003. Web. 23 Oct 2012. http://allpsych.com/journal/alcoholism.html. College Drinking Changing the Culture. Alcohol and You: An Interactive Body. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 13 Aug 2012. Web. 8 Oct 2012. http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov Drinking Alcohol. Breastcancer.org. Breastcancer.org, 17 Sep 2012. Web. 8 Oct 2012. http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/alcohol. Epstein, Murray. Alcohol’s Impact on Kidney Function.Alcohol Health Research World. 1.21 (1997): 84-93. Web. 8 Oct. 2012. http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh21-1/84.pdf. Fergusson, DM, JM Boden, and LJ Horwood. Tests of causal links between alcohol abuse or dependence and major depression. PubMed. March (2009): n. page. Web. 8 Oct. 2012. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19255375. Fetal alcohol syndrome. PubMed Health. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 08 Aug 2012. Web. 8 Oct 2012. Fox, Maggie. CDC: Alcohol Abuse Costs U.S. $224 Billion a Year. National Journal. National Journal, 17 2011. Web. 23 Oct 2012. http://www.nationaljournal.com/healthcare/cdc-alcohol-abuse-costs-u-s-224-billion-a-year-20111017. Freedman, Steven, and J. Thomas LaMont, eds. Patient information: Chronic pancreatitis (Beyond the Basics). Up To Date. Wolters Kluwer Health, 11 Jul 2012. Web. 8 Oct 2012. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/chronic-pancreatitis-beyond-the-basics?source=see_link. Joshi, Pratibha, and David Guidot. The alcoholic lung: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and potential therapies. American Journal of Physiology Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. 292.4 (2007): L813-L823. Web. 8 Oct. 2012. http://ajplung.physiology.org/content/292/4/L813.full.pdf html. Sisson, JH. PubMed. PubMed. 41.5 (2007): 293-307. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17764883. United States. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Economic Costs of Alcohol Abuse in the United States. 2000. Web. http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/economic-2000/alcoholcost.PDF. Ye, W, J Lagergren, E Weiderpass, O Nyrà ©n, H-O Adami, and A Ekbom. Alcohol abuse and the risk of pancreatic cancer. GUT An Internati onal Journal of

Evolutionary Development Biology Essay -- Biology, Embryology

Evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) has been instituted in the early 1980s as a distinctive field of study to characterize the new synthesis of evolution hypothesis (MÃ ¼ller, 2007). Evo-devo has been regarded as a new rule in evolutionary biology and complement to the neo- Darwinian theories. It has formed from the molecular developmental biology and evolutionary molecular genetics that their integration helps to greatly understand both of them into the recent evo-devo. Evo-devo as discipline has been explored the role of the process of individual development and the evolutionary phenotype changes that is mean the developmental procedure by which single-celled zygotes grow to be multicellular organisms. Alterations in the developmental program frequently cause differences in adult morphology. When these alterations are helpful, they grow to be fixed in a population and can make the evolution of new phyla. The evo-devo seeks to know how new groups happen by understandi ng how the method of development has evolved in different lineages. In other word, Evo-devo explained the interaction between phenotype and genotype (Hall, 2007). Explanation the morphological novelty evolutionary origin is one of the middle challenges in current biology of evolutionary and is intertwined with the energetic discussion regarding how to connect biology of developmental to standard perspectives from theory of evolutionary (Laubichler, 2010). Large number of theoretical and experiential efforts are being devoted to novelties that have exercised biologists for more than one hundred years, for instance the fins basis in fish, the fin-to limb change and the feathers evolution. Biology of developmental promises to formulate a main contribution... ...tion of many biological fields, where developmental genetics is only one among several intersecting approaches. Also Love, (2010) stated that, evo-devo like a collection of problems of study that deserted in theorizing of evolutionary following the Synthesis of Modern. Additionally, the relationship between neo-Darwinian evolutionary theory and evo devo- is mainly contested (Hoekstra and Coyne, 2007; Minelli, 2010). However, still recognize comparatively small on how the evo-devo methods and characteristic of morphologies of different species diverged eventually. Craig, (2010) discussed that, obviously contributed to understanding the genes of evo-devo and subsequently the morphological evolution character in intricate organisms. There is significant confirmation for claim of evo-devo that regulatory modifies play an essential function in the evolution of shape.

Facebook Comments Essay

The National Labor Relations Board’s most recent decision demonstrates that not all employee social media posts are protected by the National Labor Relations Act. Questions remain, however, about the extent to which employees can be disciplined over social media activity We can expect the NLRB to continue to address the topic of employee rights as they relate to social media. Employers should review their employee handbooks and employment policies to ensure compliance with the NLRA and the NLRB’s jurisprudence. Employers should also consider training managers about permissible and prohibited conduct under the NLRA. Finally, employers should consider conducting their own education programs, including reminding employees of social media policies. 1. DOES AN EMPLOYEEE HAS ANY LEGAL RIGHT TO DESCIPLINE OR DISCHARGE AN EMPLOYEE OVER COMMENT ABOUT THE COMPANY? In my opinion addressing employee terminations resulting from Facebook posts, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) determines that the comments were concerted activity protected by the National Labor Relations Act (NRLA or Act). This latest decision reinforces that employers must exercise caution before terminating or disciplining employees as a result of their comments on social media. The answer is no. Employers should take note of the NLRB’s continued focus on social media policies and its view of social media activity as akin to water cooler conversation. The decision should prompt all employers to evaluate their policies regarding employee social media usage and speech outside the workplace. Employers should also train supervisory personnel on how to respond to the increased use of social media. 2. would you willing to settle the charges voluntarily; would you do so or insist on legal right to a formal NLRB HEARING ON THE CHARGES? I would insist on my legal right to a formal hearing with the NLRB. The NLRB’s main concern is that any restrictions employers put on workers’ social media conduct do not violate their rights under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act to engage in protected concerted activity, such as discussing the terms and conditions of their employment with co-workers, even on Facebook. But that does not mean you have to let your employees run amok online. Your policy is more likely to survive scrutiny if you have made an effort to provide specific examples of what is and is not acceptable conduct. Here are some examples from the recent guidance on social media policies that are employee-tested, NLRB-approved: †¢Prohibiting â€Å"harassment, bullying, discrimination or retaliation,† even at home or after business hours. †¢Informing workers that they are â€Å"more likely† to resolve complaints by speaking with co-workers or going through the company, rather than posting grievances online. †¢Forbidding â€Å"inappropriate postings,† specifically threats of violence or discriminatory remarks. †¢Instructing employees not to reveal trade secrets or confidential information, as long as you detail the kind of information you mean, so there’s no chance of the policy being read to restrict Section 7 rights. 3. DID THE COMPANY COMMIT UNFAIR LABOR ACT? An employee was discharged lawfully after posting negative comments on Facebook critical of patient care, because the employee’s postings were merely an expression of individual gripes, as opposed to protected concerted activity. In this case, at least several coworkers responded to the posting; however, their messages reflected that the posting was individual and not group activity. The NLRB also rejects a policy requiring company approval for employees to identify themselves as employees on social networking sites or requiring the employees to state that their comments are their personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the employer’s opinions. Not surprisingly, the NLRB also found it is unlawful to discharge any employee pursuant to an overbroad social media policy prohibiting disclosure of private or confidential information of another employee because the policy did not provide guidance on what the employer considered confidential. This is how I feel it was unfair labor act: †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šA policy prohibiting employees from making disparaging comments when discussing the employer or its supervisors was unlawful because the policy did not make clear that it did not prohibit protected concerted activity. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šThe discharge of a paramedic i who posted demeaning comments concerning her employer’s clientele was lawful because there was no evidence of protected concerted activity: the comments did not mention any terms or conditions of employment, the posting was not discussed with any coworkers, and the comments were not for the purpose of inducing group activity or an outgrowth of collective concerns of the employee or her coworkers. The NLRB’s recent report provides helpful guidance to employers not wishing to become potential NLRB cases, including the following:†¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šCommunications that are not concerted are generally not protected. However, the cases highlight that a finding of concerted activity might turn on evidence not readily available to the employer, so caution is warranted. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šCommunications that are concerted (i.e., that are not merely an individual gripe) on matters of mutual concern to employees are likely to be found to be protected by the NLRA. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šCommunications that are protected do not become unprotected simply because the comments are communicated via the Internet and/or because they might be read by nonemployees as well. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šCommunications that are protected do not become unprotected just because they contain some critical (about the employer) or otherwise objectionable language. †¢Ã¢â‚¬â€šAn association policy that, reasonably interpreted, would tend to â€Å"chill† employees in the exercise of their rights under the NLRA is likely to be found unlawful by the NLRB if it is challenged. Given this new focus on social media, employers should: 1) Review their relevant employment policies to ensure that they are not overbroad and do not constitute potential unfair labor practices. 2) Proceed cautiously when determining whether to discipline an employee because of his or her comments in postings on Facebook, Twitter or other social media.

Comparing the New England and Chesapeake Colonists Essay

Comparing the New England and Chesapeake Colonists The New England and Chesapeake colonists settled in the new world for different reasons like religious freedoms in the North and quick profits in the South. Jamestown was originally an ideal place to strike it rich for the colonists. They didnt plan on staying long, therefore not bringing many women, as seen in Doc C. The early colony began to expand after the governors imposed laws and kept things running smooth. The Pilgrims who were seeking religious freedom from the Church of England established the Plymouth plantation in Massachusetts. The New England colonists brought more women because they planned on more of a permanent settlement; this is illustrated in the passenger list†¦show more content†¦Since many conflicted with the views of other groups, people migrated to areas of religious tolerance such as Rhode Island. Also Pennsylvania became another popular destination. The South contained a lot of farms, which needed workers. At first, farm owners would bring over indentured servants and later slaves. The slave trade became a large market in the South because of the scarce work population. The climate and abundance of wor k contributed to the number of slaves needed. The South was a lot more open to attack then the North. As stated in Doc. G by Governor Berkeley, Virginia is intersected by a lot of rivers, which make it open to attack. Not only around the east and west, but along the far south border near the Spanish territory of Florida. This constant threat of the Spanish lead to the military growth in Georgia to defend the English colonies. The Northern colonies didnt have to worry about the Spanish but they did have to worry about the French who occupied Canada. The North attracted many people for religious reasons and eventually developed a profitable shipbuilding industry based on the natural forests and harbors. More people who were interested in profit inhabited the South. This lead to the importation of a lot of slaves. Womens and slaves rights differed too, the South had fewer women so they were treated better, and the North had fewer slaves so they were not treated as bad. But overall both regions profited and lived happily off theirShow MoreRelated Comparing Chesapeake and New England Bay Colonies Essay1343 Words   |  6 PagesComparing Chesapeake and New England Bay Colonies Curiosity and bravery led the English to discover the nations of America. These strong willed Europeans, determined to find to a new world, set out with high hopes and ambitions. Settling a variety of colonies along the coast of North America, the English were among the first true pioneers. After several expeditions and ships loads of emigrants, the English had a divergence of reasons for departing Europe for America. The settlers of theRead MoreComparing And Contrasting Colonial America1532 Words   |  7 PagesKristen Schimmoller Dr. Kenneth Shefsiek History 105 2 October 2014 Comparing and Contrasting Colonial America In the seventeenth century, colonial America was categorized into three major regions; New England, the Middle Colonies, and the South. Each region provided various opportunities and breakthrough ideas that created a distinct economic, cultural, and political society different from any other region. These ideas became the beginning of some prominent themes and beliefs Americans seeRead MoreComparing and Contrasting the Colonial Regions Established in British North America1180 Words   |  5 PagesComparing and Contrasting the Colonial Regions Established in British North America British North America by the mid 1700’s consisted of three major regions. The New England region included the colonies of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The Middle Region included the colonies of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The Southern Region, also known as the Chesapeake Colonies, included the Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, andRead MoreAp Exam Essays1660 Words   |  7 PagesAP Exam Essays 2001-2010 2010 AP Exam Essays 1. In what ways did ideas and values held by Puritans influence the political, economic, and social development of the New England colonies from 1630 through the 1660s? 2. Analyze the political, diplomatic, and military reasons for the United States victory in the Revolutionary War. Confine your answer to the period 1775–1783. 3. Analyze the ways in which controversy over the extension of slavery into western territories contributed to the comingRead MoreA SELECTION OF PAST AP U.S. FREE RESPONSE QUESTIONS:3529 Words   |  15 PagesPAST AP U.S. FREE RESPONSE QUESTIONS: Part 1: Colonial Period to Civil War Colonial Times 1607 -1775 1. From 1600 -1763, several European nations vied for control of the North American continent. Why did England win the struggle? (73) 2. In the seventeenth century, New England Puritans tried to create a model society. What were their aspirations, and to what extent were those aspirations fulfilled during the seventeenth century? (83) 3. In the two decades before the outbreak of theRead MoreBoyer Dbq Teacher Guide10764 Words   |  44 Pagesorganization. Each of these can be considered in turn with outside information from the student’s course and examples drawn from the documents. These include references to Spanish and French colonial efforts as well as to both the New England and Chesapeake colonies of England. Most students will probably conclude that England’s efforts were most successful, though students should not be penalized for other conclusions, provided that they provide a persuasive rationale. Note the limits of the question