An Application of Jean Watson’s Theory of Transpersonal Caring to Nursing Practice Essay

Introduction Essentially, the Caring theory of Jean Watson is oriented towards human science and focuses on the humanitarian aspect of caring processes, occurrences and experiences. It also grounded on a unitary perspective and interconnectedness with elements such as an individual with its community. The caring theory embraces one-sided, philosophical and interpretative as well as objective-empirical analysis and integrates several epistemological approaches that clinical and empirical but at the same time is open to other avenues of acquiring vital information.   (Watson, 1988, 1999). On the theoretical framework, the caring theory of 1979 was founded on the ten carative factors. These are essentially a formation of a Humanistic-altruistic system of values and cultivation of sensitivity to one’s self and to others. It has provisions for a supportive, protective, and/or corrective mental, physical, societal, and spiritual environment. Lastly the basic core is grounded on both caring philosophy and science (Watson, 1999). Some suggestions on original carative factors into clinical caritas processes include the formation of humanistic-altruistic value system becomes practice of loving-kindness, Instillation of faith-hope becomes authentically present. Cultivation of sensitivity between the communities becomes going beyond ego self, Development of a human caring relationship becomes helping-trusting an authentic caring relationship, and Promotion and acceptance of the expression of positive and negative feelings becomes being supportive of the expression of positive and negative feelings (Watson, 2006). Main Components Originally, Watson’s theory revolved around three major elements, namely the carative factors, the transpersonal caring relationship,   and the caring moment. She stated ten carative factors that served as guidelines for the nursing practice and basically centered on the principles of caring. The transpersonal caring relationship describes how the nurse goes beyond an objective assessment, showing concerns toward the person’s subjective and deeper meaning regarding their own health care situation, while the caring moment is defined as the moment (focal point in space and time) when the nurse and another person come together in such a way that an occasion for human caring is created (Cara, 2003). In this context, the four essential concepts of nursing – person, environment, health, and nursing – are encompassed in the theory. Being holistic in nature, the theory presents its framework as a congregation of all these concepts, centering on the person. Watson regards a person as an individual with unique qualities and unique needs. The person is recognized as a being capable of communicating with another beyond physical interaction. The person is viewed as whole and complete, regardless of illness of disease (Watson, 2006). The environment is regarded as a healing space, where the person’s awareness and consciousness can expand and promote mindbodyspirit wholeness and healing (Watson, 1999). Inevitably, the state of a patient’s environment can influence an individual’s state of health. The physical environment can affect how the person can connect and exist in the spiritual environment created by transpersonal caring relationships, and could affect the effectiveness of the science of caring. Health is referred to as the unity and harmony within the mind, body and soul. It is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and functioning (Hagopian, 2007). The theory establishes that caring can promote a person’s health better than the curative means of conventional medicine. Through caring, the care giver recognizes the condition of the recipient at a deeper level, enabling him/her to sympathize as needed, and provide the appropriate care needed by the patient. With this means of understanding the patient better, there is greater chance of addressing the patient’s needs, creating the needed balance in his/her physical, mental, and social well-being (Watson, 1998). Influence in My Delivery of Care Watson defines nursing â€Å"as a human science of persons and human health – illness experiences that are mediated by professional, personal, scientific, esthetic, and ethical human care transactions† (Watson, 1988). The theory also emphasizes caring as central to nursing, and is essentially what the theory wishes to achieve. Nursing is not just about curing an illness or disease – it is beyond that. It is about the nurse being able to center consciousness on the entire being of the other in order to detect his/her inner condition, and impart genuine concern through caring moments communicated through â€Å"movements, gestures, facial expressions, procedures, information, touch, sound, verbal expressions and other scientific, technical, aesthetic, and human means of communication.† The role of consciousness is deemed greatly important, because then the nurse exhibits commitment and sincere intention to connect with the patient at a deeper level, thus becoming an effective aid in nursing the patient back to health, physically, emotionally, and spiritually (Watson, 2006). I remember having to give care to a patient who is suffering from a terminal disease and have been placed in ICU care. In this case, the patient was not capable of communicating because he was already in a coma – an application of Jean Watson’s theory in this case would require me to treat not just the patient but his loved ones, holistically. That is, I do not merely stop at trying to address the needs of the patient but also of those who surround him. Concretely, I tried to build a humanistic-altruistic value system which is the core of Watson’s theory. I have dealt with her family as real people who have real needs that have to be addressed. For them to be able to cope with the situation, I have tried to show them empathy, as they express their feelings towards the condition of the patient. It is very difficult to have a dying loved one, but it is a reality that we all must face at one point or the other. Having someone by your side during such a time of grief is very consoling and shall help you thresh out your feelings and cope with the situation. I have proven this many times in opportunities to care for patients placed in intensive care. The development of a caring relationship with the patient’s family helps them go through the ordeal with appropriate and well-expressed emotions, and even greater spiritual strength and maturity. I believe that the nurse has a critical role to play in such incidents. Applicability of Theory to Modern Nursing Practice The effectiveness of Watson’s theory has been validated with its use as a guide in several studies centering on caring science. It has been â€Å"recommended as a guide to nursing patients with hypertension, as one means of decreasing blood pressure and increase in quality of life,† in a study made on its effectiveness on the quality of life and blood pressure of patients with hypertension in Turkey (Erci, Sayan, Tortumluoglu, Kilic, Sahin, & Gungormus, 2003). In another study on caring for old adults, it was established that the theory was effective in improving the quality of life and peace of mind, body, and soul of the older people, just by caring and listening attentively to what they have to say (Bernick, 2004). The situation of caring for a patient in the intensive care unit has a more serious need for dedicated and focused care. Patients in intensive care in the intensive care unit (ICU) need more than mere treatment.   They need assistance for themselves and their family who want to hear good news and encouraging words about the patient’s recovery, information that is not always quick in coming, if at all. In ICU situations, the patient and, equally as important, the patient’s family wants to know the patient’s chances for survival; possibility of permanent disability; and answers to their queries on the patient’s condition (Rafael, 2000). . Although the attending doctor and nurses are the best sources for information to answer these questions, it is not always possible for them to accurately predict patient outcome, particularly in the first few hours or days of an ICU stay.   Like the patient and the patient’s family, the attending doctors and nurses are also awaiting the initial outcome. This means that everyone—attending physicians, attending nurses, family, friends and the patient him/herself are involved. All can and do contribute to the final outcome in one way or another. On my end, I try to answer all the questions that are posed to me by the patient’s loved ones to manage their expectations about the patient’s condition. And yet, I do this with caution, since it is still the physician who has the authority to inform them of these. The end goal was to try to assist the patient and his loved ones go through the ordeal, addressing their physical, emotional and spiritual needs in the context of a caring relationship. Conclusion Overall, Jean Watson’s theory of transpersonal caring has very high utility in modern nursing practice. It has been shown to be strongly oriented towards human science and focuses on the humanitarian aspect of caring processes, occurrences and experiences and has been able to effectively encapsulate the science of arts and humanities. Moreover, it has been grounded on a unitary perspective and interconnectedness with elements such as an individual with its community. However, one limitation may be its emphasis on being one-sided, philosophical and interpretative rather than on objective-empirical analysis. Moreover, it includes ontological, philosophical, ethical, historical inquiry and studies. Caring science is a new field that is evolving currently in the nursing industry and has truly evolved nursing theories and science and has contributed heavily to health, education, and human service fields and professions. References Bernick, L. (2004). Caring for older adults: practice guided by Watson’s caring-healing model. Nursing Science Quarterly, 17(2):128-34. Cara, C. (2003).   A pragmatic view of Jean Watson’s caring theory.   International Journal of Human Caring, 7(3), 51-61. Erci, B., Sayan, A.,Tortumluoglu, G., Kilic, D., Sahin, O., & Gungormus Z. (2003). The effectiveness of Watson’s Caring Model on the quality of life and blood pressure of patients with hypertension. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 41(2), 130–139. Hagopian, G. (2007).   Nursing theorists.   Retrieved February 8, 2007 from www.nipissingu.ca/faculty/arohap/aphome/NURS3006/Resources/theorists.ppt Rafael, AR. (2000). Watson’s philosophy, science, and theory of human caring as a conceptual framework for guiding community health nursing practice. ANS. Advances in Nursing Science, 23(2):34-49. Watson, J. (1988). Nursing: Human science and human care. A theory of nursing (2nd printing). New York: National League for Nursing. Watson, J. (1999). Postmodern nursing and beyond. Toronto, Canada: Churchill Livingstone. Watson, J. (2006).   Dr. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring.   Retrieved February 8, 2007 from http://www2.uchsc.edu/son/caring/content/evolution.asp

psych in 12 angry men essays

psych in 12 angry men essays The film Twelve Angry Men follows the jury deliberation of a first degree murder case. The jury, totaling twelve men, dispute their decision of innocence or guilt throughout the movie. Many concepts of social psychology including conformity, anger displacement, and stereotypes are used in the struggle between these men to reach a verdict. Conformity is the tendency for people to go along with a groups opinion despite what they really feel, just to fit in or be liked. In many cases, conformity is increased when a member of a group feels inferior to fellow peers in the group. In the initial hand count, all men except for one vote guilty. During this voting process it becomes clear that the men who are unsure of what they really feel will go along with the majority without any apparent reason. In the movie the jury decides to take an initial vote to see where everyone stands on the verdict before they start discussing their decision. Some men are very out-spoken about their opinion on the case and make others feel like they will be stupid to think otherwise. As the controversy continues, the one man who voted innocent proceeds to disprove the evidence and make the defendant in the case appear innocent. Every piece of evidence he disproves seems to ensure him a new supporter for a verdict of innocent. This one man is so persuasive in his argument that he makes his opponents appear naive. As the momentum now switches to his side, conformity again becomes evident as people who appear to be undecided now vote innocent. Conformity is obvious when the people were not able to explain their reasons for voting the way they do. The most common reason given is "because I think so." They never use concrete evidence to advocate their choice, but rather allow themselves to be swayed by the majority. Anger Displacement is comes into play through the main antagonist in the movie. This man continually uses the boys ...

Major General Joseph Wheeler in the Civil War

Major General Joseph Wheeler in the Civil War Major General Joseph Wheeler was noted cavalry commander who served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War (1861-1865) and the US Army during the Spanish-American War (1898). A native of Georgia, he was largely raised in the North and attended West Point. Electing to side with the South during the Civil War, Wheeler gained notoriety as a cavalry commander with the Army of Tennessee. Serving in almost of its major campaigns, he became its senior cavalry officer. Winning a seat in Congress after the war, Wheeler volunteered his services when war with Spain was declared in 1898. Given command of a cavalry division in V Corps, he took part in the Battle of San Juan Hill and Siege of Santiago. He remained in the army until 1900.      Fast Facts: Joseph Wheeler Rank: Major General (Confederate States), Major General (United States)Service: Confederate Army, US ArmyNickname(s): Fightin Joe, Little JoeBorn: September 10, 1836 in Augusta, Georgia, USADied: January 25, 1906 in New York City, New York, USAParents: Joseph Wheeler and Julia Knox HullSpouse: Daniella Jones Sherrod (m. 1866)Children: Lucy Louise Wheeler, Annie Early Wheeler, Ella Wheeler, Julia Knox Hull Wheeler, Joseph M. Wheeler, Caroline Peyton Wheeler, Thomas Harrison WheelerConflicts: Civil War, Spanish-American WarKnown For:  Battle of Shiloh, Battle of Perryville, Battle of Stones River, Knoxville Campaign, Atlanta Campaign,  March to the Sea, Battle of Bentonville,  Battle of San Juan Hill Early Life Born on September 10, 1836 in Augusta, GA, Joseph Wheeler was the son a Connecticut native who had moved south. One of his maternal grandfathers was Brigadier General William Hull who served in the American Revolution and lost Detroit during the War of 1812. Following his mothers death in 1842, Wheelers father encountered financial difficulties and moved the family back to Connecticut. Despite returning north at a young age, Wheeler always considered himself a Georgian. Raised by his maternal grandparents and aunts, he attended local schools before entering the Episcopal Academy in Cheshire, CT. Seeking a military career, Wheeler was appointed to West Point from Georgia on July 1, 1854, though due to his small stature he barely met the academys height requirement. Early Career While at West Point, Wheeler proved to be a relatively poor student and graduated in 1859 ranked 19th in a class of 22. Commissioned as brevet second lieutenant, he was posted to the 1st US Dragoons. This assignment proved brief and later that year he was ordered to attend the US Cavalry School at Carlisle, PA. Completing the course in 1860, Wheeler received orders to join the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen (3rd US Cavalry) in the New Mexico Territory. While in the Southwest, he took part in campaigns against the Native Americans and earned the nickname Fighting Joe. On September 1, 1860, Wheeler received a promotion to second lieutenant. Joining the Confederacy As the Secession Crisis began, Wheeler turned his back on his northern roots and accepted a commission as a first lieutenant in the Georgia state militia artillery in March 1861. With the beginning of the Civil War the following month, he officially resigned from the US Army. After brief service at Fort Barrancas near Pensacola, FL, Wheeler was promoted to colonel and given command of the newly-formed 19th Alabama Infantry. Taking command at Huntsville, AL, he led the regiment at the Battle of Shiloh the following April as well as during the Siege of Corinth. Back to the Cavalry In September 1862, Wheeler was shifted back to the cavalry and given command of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade in the Army of Mississippi (later Army of Tennessee). Moving north as part of General Braxton Braggs campaign into Kentucky, Wheeler scouted and raided in front of the army. During this period, he incurred the enmity of Brigadier General Nathan Bedford Forrest after Bragg reassigned the bulk of the latters men to Wheelers command. Taking part in the Battle of Perryville on October 8, he aided in screening Braggs withdrawal after the engagement. A Quick Rise For his efforts, Wheeler was promoted to brigadier general on October 30. Given command of the Second Corps, Army of Tennessees cavalry, he was wounded in a skirmish in November. Quickly recovering, he raided into the rear of Major General William S. Rosecrans Army of the Cumberland in December and continued to harass the Union rear during the Battle of Stones River. After Braggs retreat from Stones River, Wheeler earned fame for a devastating attack on the Union supply base at Harpeth Shoals, TN on January 12-13, 1863. For this he was promoted to major general and received the thanks of the Confederate Congress. With this promotion, Wheeler was given command of a cavalry corps in the Army of Tennessee. Embarking on a raid against Fort Donelson, TN in February, he again clashed with Forrest. To prevent future conflicts, Bragg ordered Wheelers corps to guard the armys left flank with Forrests defended the right. Wheeler continued to operate in this capacity during the summers Tullahoma Campaign and during the Battle of Chickamauga. In the wake of the Confederate victory, Wheeler conducted a massive raid through central Tennessee. This caused him to miss the Battle of Chattanooga in November. Corps Commander After supporting Lieutenant General James Longstreets unsuccessful Knoxville Campaign in late 1863, Wheeler returned to the Army of Tennessee, now led by General Joseph E. Johnston. Overseeing the armys cavalry, Wheeler ably led his troopers against Major General William T. Shermans Atlanta Campaign. Though outnumbered by the Union cavalry, he won several victories and captured Major General George Stoneman. With Sherman nearing Atlanta, Johnston was replaced in July by Lieutenant General John Bell Hood. The following month, Hood directed Wheeler to take the cavalry to destroy Shermans supply lines. Departing Atlanta, Wheelers corps attacked up the railroad and into Tennessee. Though far-ranging, the raid did little meaningful damage and deprived Hood of his scouting force during the decisive stages of the struggle for Atlanta. Defeated at Jonesboro, Hood evacuated the city at the beginning of September. Rejoining Hood in October, Wheeler was ordered to remain in Georgia to oppose Shermans March to the Sea. Though clashing with Shermans men on numerous occasions, Wheeler was unable to prevent their advance to Savannah. In early 1865, Sherman embarked on his Carolinas Campaign. Joining a reinstated Johnston, Wheeler aided in attempting to block the Union advance. The next month, Wheeler may have been promoted to lieutenant general, however debate exists as to whether he was confirmed in this rank. Placed under the command of Lieutenant General Wade Hampton, Wheelers remaining cavalry took part in the Battle of Bentonville in March. Staying in the field after Johnstons surrender in late April, Wheeler was captured near Conyers Station, GA on May 9 while attempting to cover President Jefferson Davis escape. Spanish-American War Briefly held at Fortress Monroe and Fort Delaware, Wheeler was permitted to return home in June. In the years after the war, he became a planter and lawyer in Alabama. Elected to the US Congress in 1882 and again in 1884, he remained in office until 1900. With the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898, Wheeler volunteered his services to President William McKinley. Accepting, McKinley appointed him a major general of volunteers. Taking command of the cavalry division in Major General William Shafters V Corps, Wheelers force included Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelts famed Rough Riders. Arriving in Cuba, Wheeler scouted ahead of Shafters main force and engaged the Spanish at Las Guasimas on June 24. Though his troops took the brunt of the fighting, they forced the enemy to continue their retreat towards Santiago. Falling ill, Wheeler missed the opening parts of the Battle of San Juan Hill, but rushed to the scene when the fighting began to take command. Wheeler led his division through the Siege of Santiago and served on the peace commission after the citys fall. Later Life Returning from Cuba, Wheeler was dispatched to the Philippines for service in the Philippine-American War. Arriving in August 1899, he led a brigade in Brigadier General Arthur MacArthurs division until early 1900. During this time, Wheeler was mustered out of the volunteer service and commissioned as a brigadier general in the regular army. Returning home, he was given an appointment as a brigadier general in the US Army and placed in command of the Department of the Lakes. He remained in this post until his retirement on September 10, 1900. Retiring to New York, Wheeler died on January 25, 1906 after a protracted illness. In recognition of his service in the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars, he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Alcohol Consumption Problems Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Alcohol Consumption Problems - Personal Statement Example However, at that time the enjoyable moments made me forget the possible after effects of such an action. Not realizing its harm, I continued using it as my companion in the moments of happiness and distress, joy and grief but afterwards it resulted in a notable change on my academic record and daily life. I, being intoxicated for most of my time, became unable to concentrate on my studies. This was not the end of problems but just a start. This addiction led me to misbehave with my parents and siblings. I didn't have control on my behaviors. My social circle was shortened due to my irregular and rude behavior. Due to a limited circle of friends and isolation I got mentally disturbed. It was no more fun having those alcoholic drinks but a compulsion as I felt that I had no other option to pass my time and overcome my mental depression. However, it was my wrong thinking that alcohol consumption may help me in reducing my mental distress. Drugs, cigarettes and alcohol are not the solution of any problem, but are the reason of upcoming health and psychological problems. Alcohol consumption also weakened me financially as I used to spend most of my time under the influence of those drinks and hence had no awareness of what a normal person must do.

Hamlet essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Hamlet - Essay Example The complexity of action as well as the impossibility of certainty is prominently highlighted when it comes to discussing the execution of revenge by Hamlet, the protagonist in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The lack of self-confidence and hindrance of inaction of the protagonist distinguishes the play remarkably apart from other revenge plays in English literature. Shakespeare portrays Hamlet as an able yet reluctant hero who is characteristically more prone to apprehension than to action. This is the case of his dilemma: of realizing the truth behind his father’s murder followed by the ghostly encounter, of acknowledging the plan of revenge and yet choosing to postpone this action. This thin demarcation between action and inaction is prominently expressed in the innermost thoughts of Hamlets, what is more appropriately known as Hamlet’s soliloquies or his self-conversation. Among the soliloquies of Hamlet in the play, the most debated one expressing the protagonist’s innermost projections is the â€Å"To be or not to be† soliloquy from Act III, Scene I of Hamlet. It most undoubtedly holds the central place of the entire discussion of action and inaction on the part of the protagonist for planning his ‘revenge’. Indeed the soliloquies speak of more action than does the protagonist himself. In Davies’ (2008) words, â€Å"Hamlet is rarely more dynamic or on the move as a character than in the action of his soliloquies, which remain the vehicles for an unfolding ‘drama of thought’ throughout Hamlet rather than expressions of a fixed kind of ‘dramatized thinking’. In soliloquy, we have the Hamlet who is ready ‘to drink hot blood’ in Act III, Scene II, and yet who refuses to kill Claudius in Act III, Scene III; who knows not why he lives ‘to say this thing’s to do’ in Act IV, Scene IV, but even at this most hopeless point, implicitly recognizes that

Art Museum & Gallery Studies, Art Curatorship ( curatoring for an Essay

Art Museum & Gallery Studies, Art Curatorship ( curatoring for an exhibition ) - Essay Example â€Å"Front Door, Back Gate† took "domesticity" as its theme, complimenting an on-going Jeannie Finaley exhibit at the Hatton Gallery, a challenging yearly endeavour by students from University of Newcastle upon Tyne. The exhibit reflects the spaces and limitations of domestic life as well as domesticity as a theme for art. The group chose interior as â€Å"Front Door† and exterior as â€Å"Back Gate†; which showcases Hatton’s historical collection along with other works on loan. We used complementary home and garden furniture to create a welcoming homelike atmosphere. Traditional gallery displays are very different from the way we display art in our homes. Domesticating the gallery provides a refreshing experience for visitors and shows domestic art and artworks on that theme in a new context. The vivid â€Å"Red Table† by Patrick Heron reflects love and solitude as well as suggesting lifestyle and joie de vivre. Heron has an affinity for vivid, exotic and captivating reds in this abstract still life. The interior space shows a table set for one, giving a sense of solitude, but also loneliness. It echoes survival in that, even when alone, we still set the table. Domestic traditions have survival value too. The composition is inspired by forms and patterns extracted from domestic surroundings, activating the space around the objects, enlarging upon the subject to encompass the whole of domestic reality, or bringing the whole world in and simplifying existence down to a table set for one. Simplicity adds innocence and invites the mind to invent the story. It is provocative in the use of colour and contrast, yet mysterious as shapes are obscured while details jump out like questions. Leon Maurice’s â€Å"Net† photograph shows a sense of belonging. Likewise, the â€Å"Net† curtain photograph reflects a sense of place with a hint of voyeurism: a glimpse through a net curtain looking out onto a blurred view, creating a visual link

A Critical Analysis Of Fast Food

A Critical Analysis Of Fast Food The paper is an essay a critical analysis of fast food. Both arguments for and against fast food are brought forth and thoroughly explained. A brief history of first food also constitutes part of this essay. It has been argued that change is as good as rest. The development of fast food was instigated by swift pace of life, the need to save time, energy, engaging in other activities other than cooking and spending time in the field and hectic schedule currently experience by the working human populations. Fast food is refers to those kinds of food that are prepared and ready to be eaten within the shortest time possible. Additionally, fast food constitute foodstuffs that are available for sale in restaurants and stores made up of ingredients that that can be preheated or precooked without any problem and served in a take away form (Egerton Bleidt 13). Fast foods are characterized by high fat content, high calories, high cholesterol, and quick, convenient and high sodium concentration. Similarly, it is inexpensive made from ingredients that are cheap such as fat meat and refined grains. These kinds of foods are not only available in restaurants but also in vending equipment as well as 24-hour expediency stores. According to Brown 1, U.S.A had the number of fast food restaurants about 14,000 followed by Japan which had approximately 4,000 restaurants. Globally, there are close to 11, 000 restaurants that serve fast food as at 2008. Additionally, close to 10 million people are served with fast food in the entire world in any given day. It is worth noting that although fast food has gain popularity, there are disadvantages as well as advantages of the same which thus forms the backbone of this paper. Examples of fast food include the following, sandwiches, hot dogs, pitas, fried chicken, French fries, chicken nuggets, tacos, pizza, hamburgers, fish and chips and ice cream to mention but a few (Egerton Bleidt 313). 2.0 History of fast food History of fast food can be linked to urbanization as well as the various activities done by certain persons within the community for instance soldiers, shepherds, hunters among others who were in need of foodstuffs that can be consumed very fast and of course far from homes. Historically, in the past men were born to work in the field while women were to spend most of their lives in activities associated with the kitchen which include cooking. When we consider family size, the work done by a woman for instance cooking for a family of 10 for a full year using the tradition way of chopping, grinding is nothing but slavery. For instance, in Mexico, those families that had no servant in their disposal, a woman could spend over five hours preparing dough and waking as early as 3:00am in the morning to prepared breakfast (Laudan 38). The need to change this scenario is attributed to development of fast food. In the wake of 20th century Italy enjoyed the first pasta made from a factory and canned tomatoes. Later, Japanese women were relieved from waking up early to prepared bread by simply buying bread baked in factories. Similarly, in Greece, barley was roasted so that it can be eaten straight or mixed with milk, water or butter. In Mexico and the Aztecs, they roasted and ground maize. Further development followed in coming up with fast food and eventually supermarkets opened their doors in Eastern Europe making people enjoyed convenience and reliability of ready made food. This is what was needed over this long period of time; food that was fast can be preserved, affordable and processed. 3.0 Arguments supporting fast food It is worth noting from the onset that there is a tussle between supporters and opponents of fast food. According to Laudan 34, those against the idea of fast food lack appreciation by demeaning the efforts of and home economists that have tried to come up with crops that have very high yield and recipes for our daily meals respectively. 3.1. Saves time The most notable argument brought forth in support of fast food is that it saves time as well as convenience. Considering the fact that the current society is characterized with hectic work schedule making individuals be very busy most of their times, no time is available for them to look for food (Egerton Bleidt 203). Hence, fast food comes in handy. It is worth noting that minimal time is spend by visiting those restaurant as customers are served quickly, the time that could be lost in waiting for other foods to be cooked or cooking at home can be used to do other things. Additionally, the traditional role of men working in the fields and women spending almost their entire life in cooking for their families has changed as they can engage in other activities that are profitable to the society. On the same note fast food save time in the context that one will not engage in all those activities of buying, cleaning such food stuffs, cooking as well as washing dishes. It is also true that when one gets home after a tiresome day thus very tired and bored, the efforts needed to cook can be substituted with having fast food which are considered God sent especially during such moments. 3.2 Saves money Similarly, fast foods are cheaper. This is because they are made from cheaper ingredients such as refined grains, meat with a lot of fat among others instead of ingredients that are expensive and nutritious such as vegetables, lean meat and fresh fruits. On the same note considering people who live alone, the expenses of cooking are much higher compared to when buying fast food. It has been noted that with as low as $5.0 one can get a fulfilling meal without undergoing the numerous hustle of acquiring the same. In addition taking the context of soldiers or those who engage in similar activities, a lot of money is saved when these individual carry processed fast food. One, they will not need energy to cook such food and if need be, energy consumption will be minimal as compared to energy needed to cook à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¹Ã…“slow foodà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢. The money save can be used elsewhere. 3.3 Health advantage Despite the fact that those opposing fast food claim that it results to various problems in human health, it is worth noting that fast foods have contributed to taller and individuals with higher life expectancy. When our ancestors are compared with the current generation, it is evident that we are better off in fighting diseases hence living longer this is thanks to better medication, health science as well as fast food stuffs (Egerton Bleidt 113). 3.4 Sharing and convenience It is evident that fast food are usually packed in away that it can be taken out of the restaurant and eaten from anywhere, be it in the car, office, at the bus station. Additionally, unlike other kinds of food, fast food comes with the absolute advantage of splitting and sharing between or even amongst individuals (Watson 32). On the same note, there are those individual who do not like eating in public places, in this case fast food comes in handy as it can be consumed from any point. On the same note, when one is in a rush, he or she does not need to find a parking space; similarly, one does not need to get out of the car especially during bad whether. 3.5 Provision of employment and revenue generation In the current society, job opportunities have proved to be scarce. The faster growth of this industry globally stands at bout 5% and in the case of India, it stands at 41%. This kind of growth has seen to it a number of individuals are absorbed in this industry easing the problem of unemployment and overdependence on those few individuals who are employed. It is worth noting that the industry provide job opportunities to a range of professionals such as chefs, accountants, drivers, bakers, human resource managers (Lee et al 84). In terms of revenue generation, U.S alone generated about $100 billion in 2000 up from around 6 billion dollars thirty years ago. This value hit $145 billion mark in 2006; this kind of money can be used in various areas of fostering economy of the country such as financial medical care, education building infrastructure and so on. 3.6 Reliability A study carried out asking why individuals bought fast food established that reliability of such kind of food is what propels them to buying them. Fast foods are easy to obtain, are in plenty, varied in nature and readily available. 3.7 Nutritional information Most of the fast food joints have adopted a culture of making available the information concerning nutrients of their food. It is worth mentioning that with such kind of information as well as a number food stuff variety, one has a chance to choose the best kind of food that suits him or her. According to Conway many fast food restaurants provide guideline on nutrition in their menu, and those menus have significantly changed to include various healthy food stuffs for instance salads (Lee et al 77). 3.8 Promoted agriculture Since the ingredients used in making fast5 food are either from plant or animal origin, the rapid development of the industry has tremendously increased the number of individuals who practice crop farming as well as livestock keeping. Considering the large number of chickens, fish, grain mattock and beef needed more and more persons have engaged themselves in agricultural activities with the aim of earning an income as they try to meet the demand of fast food market (Watson 43). It is worth noting that agricultural development and growth especially in third world countries provide a larger portion of the population with job opportunities. This in turn help cut down the escalating number of unemployed citizen in any given country. The economic multiplier effect of expansion in agriculture has resulted to a positive Gross Domestic Product of various countries. 4.0 Arguments against fast food Those individuals that strongly oppose the idea of fast food in most cases cite the health risk the food poses to human kind. They totally disagree with those points brought forth by those who are pro fast food saying that nothing comes first than human health. 4.1 Health issues It has been brought forth that fast foods are characterized by high fat content, high calories, high cholesterol, and quick, high sodium concentration and made from ingredients that are cheap such as fat meat and refined grains. All these pose a greater risk to human health. Prominent scholars and health professionals have linked too much eating of fast food with such health problems as obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disorders, and liver problems. 4.1.1 Heart attack Fast foods are prepared using Trans fat which is an artery-clogging fat. Food prepared using this fat includes French fries as well as chicken nuggets to mention but a few. When an individual takes this kind of food, there are very high chances of such an individual to have higher level of cholesterol which tremendously increases the risk of suffering from heart failures that can be fatal. 4.1.2 Increased high blood pressure As previously mention, fast food contains a good deal of sodium concentration, this aggravates the risk of high blood pressure. Higher concentration of sodium not only causes high blood pressure but also leads to a build up of fluid in those individuals affected by cirrhosis, heart problems as well as kidney disorders (Brennan Carpenter 510). 4.1.3 Obesity According to Wood 21 food such as cheeseburger do contain substantially larger amount of calories than what our body needs. Continual eating of such kind of food means that we accumulate a lot of calories in our body that are not useful leading to individuals being obese. This scenario is a perfect environment thus for a number of serious health problems as heart attack, cancer as well as diabetes. It is important to remember that this leads to other cost. In 2006 it was estimated that approximately $145 billion were spent in buying fast food, the amount coined to treating the problems associated with fast food did surpass the revenue generated. 4.1.4 Liver problem According to Doctor Ballantyne Christine of Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, frequent consumption of fast food leads to liver damage. Since the liver is responsible for purification/filtering of harmful substances as well as producing substances that help breakdown fats, when fast foods are consumed every now and then, the liver will be overloaded and damaged. This in turn leads to very serious health problems that can be fatal. 4.1.5 Stroke A study carried out by the University of Michigan established that those individuals who lived within a walking distance to a restaurant where fast food are sold have 13% chances of suffering from stroke. This is thus linked to the effects of obesity, high blood pressure and so on. 4.2 Addiction It has been documented that fast food is addictive. What this means is that individuals who are used to eating such foods cannot go for long without having a bit of such food. This is despite the fact of the health risk they are posing themselves to. Addiction is attributed to the fact that fast food high in calories, fats, salt and sugar usually reconfigure certain hormones in human body making the body yearn for more fast food (Brennan Carpenter 510). This leads to uncontrolled intake of such kind of foods making it more difficult for an individual to change their eating habits. 4.3 Higher chances of contamination Since fast food constitutes the type of foodstuffs that can be prepared within a very short time, some ingredients especially from plant origin have contaminants. The presence of these contaminants coupled with such cooking methods as frying and grilling do aggravate the problem of carcinogens as well as other kinds of contaminant which are deadly to human health. Additionally, the manner with which fast food are cooked leaves room for survival of microbes this is due to the fact that they are half-cooked. The presence of such microbes usually leads to a suffering from numerous diseases that when not properly and quickly treated lead to death. 4.4 Family bond The issue of fast food has been brought forth as another factor that jeopardizes family bond. This is because no or very minimal time is used in preparing food together, leave alone eating together. Young people are spending more of their time in having a meal with their fellow friends other than their family members (Schlosser 211). Psychologist hold that meal time is a family meeting where each and every member is in a position to share their thought, ideas, problems as well as feelings. This usually helps in strengthening the bond between and among family members. This is in jeopardy during this era of growth in fast food industries. 4.5 Lower nutritional content Fast food has been linked and it is a fact that most of them apart from pizza lack dietary fiber as well as essential micro-nutrients such as vitamin and minerals. It is worth mentioning that food that lack fiber brings with it a number of stomach complication such as constipation. In the same respect, fruit usually lack in this sort of diet. In addition fast food are not nutritionally balanced, this lack of essential nutrients leads to malnutrition to both adults and kids (Arsenault 5). 4.6 Environmental impact Although this can be disputed as mere statement with no facts, the impact of fast food when critically analyzed will leave one puzzled. According to the finding of New Community Project, approximately 15 pounds of grain and close to 2,500 gallons of water is used to come up with one pound of hamburger. Similarly considering the pace with which meat is consumed through fast food, more land will need to be created especially through deforestation to provide enough space to rising up castles, sheep and goats (Brennan Carpenter 507). What this mean is that our natural ecosystems will be interfered with in the long ran leading to serious consequences as species extinction, habitat destruction, global warming and many negative environmental impacts that do have serious and lethal consequences to human beings. Additionally, over reliance on animal food product will mean that both terrestrial and marine life will be overexploited to meet the ever increasing human demand on fast food (Schlosser 300). 4.7 Expensive Although previously it was stated that fast food is inexpensive, that was only true when considering an individual buying such kind of food Vis avis cooking at home. It is important to not that a family visiting or buying fast food once in a while is not that expensive, but when this is done more often, then the amount of money spent can be quite much more as compared to if the family could just buy the food in super market, take the time to prepared it and enjoy a dinner or lunch together as a family (Arsenault 12). Additionally, in fast food joints, even if the whole family goes there, the environment is not very conducive to ensure that each and every family members share their thought, feeling and ideas because the time to spend in such areas are always limited. 5.0 Dealing with the problem On the basis of the argument for and against fast food, it will only be rational if we seriously think and act properly. Proponents of fast food usually say those who that argue against fast food are misplaced, what they need to do is to advocate for high quality processed food. At present, what is needed is to develop a culture that is in line with fast processed food. The culture need to provide choices to individuals, ethos that does not intolerant. It is worth to note that this will create the kind of uniformity we need at the present (Laudan 39). It will be responsible if; Parents do not encourage their kids to frequently eat fast food as well as teaching them on how to eat healthy Parent should lead by example and encourage eating together at home Choosing healthy food with vegetables, less sodium, sugar and fat In cases where one is addicted to such kind of food, efforts should be made to help him/her out of the problem through the various available ways for instance seeing a nutritionist (Laudan 39) 6.0 Conclusion From the review of both arguments for and against fast food, it is very easy for one to advocate doing away with it. But further consideration can make one to on which side to take. Among the arguments brought forth by proponent of fast food include the following; fast food are cheap, convenient, reliable, Saves time, provide an opportunity of sharing, provision of employment and revenue generation among others. On the other hand, the various disadvantages that have been used to argue against fast food include the health concern of such food stuffs, the lower nutritional content, the negative impact it posses to the environment, higher chances of contamination there by increasing the risk of diseases, addiction, destruction or jeopardizing family bond to mention but a few. It is worth mentioning that the types of diseases or health hazard associated with fast food include but not limited to obesity, high blood pressure, liver problems, and heart problems/failure. From my point of view, I do not advocate for doing away with fast food due to its various disadvantages, I thus borrow from what Laudan, Rachel brought forth, that we should not fight the industry and bring it down to its knees but rather champion for further improvement of fast food that will bring out high quality and healthy food. This will indeed ensure that people consume healthy foods and at the same time cushioning those that depend on the industry for their daily bread from economic uncertainty of doing way with the sector.