Effects of Obesity in the United States Navy

When Americans hear the words United States Sailor what image comes to their minds? Do they see the all American boy standing tall, wearing his dress blues uniform with his white hat tilted to the side? Does he look like the sailor on the Cracker Jack box? That used to be the image of the U. S. Sailor back when the Greatest Generation was fighting during World War II. Now, all a person has to do is go online and search U. S. Navy Sailor in the search engine and they will find unlimited pictures and videos of sailors doing every day things as well as supporting our interests around the world. With the invention of the World Wide Web, sailors are not only asked to do their jobs at sea but also be impeccable ambassadors of the American people on shore. Because of this important part of being a service member, it is imperative that today’s sailor resemble that all American boy or girl. While sailors are adults and must take responsibility for their own actions, lack of training and attention to dietary health has contributed to many sailors discharge from service due to being out of Navy regulated physical standards. The U. S. Navy celebrated its 235th birthday on October 13th 2010, but the way sailors are being officially evaluated physically is only about 35 years old. Operational Navy Instruction, (OPNAVINST) 6110. 1 was implemented on June 16, 1976 from a directive given by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). The stated purpose of this instruction was â€Å"To implement a physical fitness program for Navy personnel, regular and reserve, that will meet the need for physical stamina and strength necessary for combat effectiveness and mobilization as directed by Secretary Of The Navy Instruction (SECNAVINST) 6100. † (Hodgdon, 1999). In the 6110. 1, the term obesity was defined as â€Å"excessive accumulation of fat in the body manifested by poor muscle tone, flabbiness and folds, bulk out of proportion to body build, dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing), and fatigue upon mild exertion, all of which detracts from military appearance† (Hodgdon, 1999). The fitness program that was establis hed from this instruction was nothing more than a modified version of an aerobics program developed by a Dr. Ken Cooper. This aerobics program was a set of warm up exercises and basic calisthenics that were used based on a points system. This first physical fitness instruction did not include a physical fitness test. On July 17, 1980, the Navy issued an updated instruction for physical fitness. This instruction was OPNAVINST 6110. 1A which was virtually identical to the original 6110. 1 with the exception of adding a fitness test. This test was implemented to set certain standards that all sailors would have to adhere to as a way for the Navy to track the physical readiness of its sailors. For example, a male age 17-25 had to perform a minimum of 30 sit-ups in two minutes; 20 push-ups; four pull-ups (optional); complete a 1. 5 mile run/walk in 16:30 (OPNAVINST 6110. 1A, 1980). On June 29, 1981 Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 1308. 1 was implemented. The biggest difference of this directive was that the Navy implemented a weight control program to add to its physical fitness program. As the Navy started to fine tune its physical testing of its sailors, the chain of command added and subtracted those elements that they believed define a model sailor. On August 7, 1986 OPNAVISNT 6110. 1C was issued navy wide (Hodgdon, 1999). There were several major changes to the 6110. 1. One of the more severe changes was that all Navy personnel were required to take the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) twice a year. Another change was a health risk screening that needed to be done before a sailor was allowed to participate in the PRT. Yet another change was that the body fat assessment was to be separated from the PRT and was to be conducted as an individual assessment. Under this instruction a new technique and new standards for measuring body fat was established. One of the most important changes that came from this instruction was that new consequences for failing the body fat were established. Under the new standard body fat assessment, if a sailor was diagnosed as obese they were not allowed to participate in the PRT until cleared by the medical staff. If the sailor was diagnosed as obese consecutively in a 16 month period they were to be screened for separation from active duty. It is because of these changes in how the Navy Chain of Command viewed its sailors, that the sailor themselves had to re-evaluate how they handled their careers. Before the implementation of the 6110. series instructions, all a sailor had to do to be viewed as outstanding was make sure that they were the subject matter experts in their field. This meant reporting for duty early, studying all of the rate training manuals, and following the orders of their superiors. The only physical standard that a sailor had to maintain was be able to complete their duties in an exemplary manner and be able to get through a hatch on a ship to fight a fire if need be. They were not considered a bad sailor, or not good at their job, simply because they filled out their uniform a little bit more than the guy standing next to them. When it was time to take their rate advancement exam they did not evaluate what that sailor looked like in their uniform, the chain of command just wanted to make sure that the sailor was knowledgeable about his/her job. These days, to be eligible for advancement you not only need to know your job better than the other sailor, you also need to look better than him too. Before the implementation of these new guidelines, a sailor’s evaluation marks were issued based on job performance. With the changes in the physical fitness instruction come changes in the evaluation process as well. Now if you fail a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA), it has to be marked and documented on your annual evaluation. Because of the ever changing rules and regulations of the physical fitness standards of the Navy, the Department of the Navy (DON) is now implementing more formal training geared toward nutrition and weight control. With this training, sailors are being taught that there are several benefits to a balanced diet. They are being trained that a healthy diet does not just improve their physical health but it also contributes to their mental health. Sailors now have the tools they need to start and maintain these healthy eating habits. The Navy Nutrition and Weight Control Self-Study Guide is the Navy’s principal tool that enables service members to improve their health and fitness (Cox, 1996). This guide is being issued to all personnel who are enrolled in the Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP). This program is a mandatory program for those sailors who fail any portion of a PFA. This program is also open to any sailor who wants to learn how to take care of their bodies in a healthy way. With this new mindset of training sailors to take care of their bodies for health reasons and not just to look like the sailor on the Cracker Jacks box, more sailors are taking this knowledge with them after they transition from military life to civilian life. There is a new standard now for being a sailor. In the past it was all about going out to the bars with your shipmates and having a good time. With the current tempo of operations, a sailor must be ready physically, as well as mentally, to answer America’s call wherever they are needed. The Navy is no longer turning a blind eye to sailors being out of physical standards. If sailors cannot balance a healthy lifestyle as well as train for their jobs, they may be the ones standing on the pier waving good bye to their ex-shipmates. References Chief of Naval Operations (OP-09) (1908). Physical Fitness. Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Instruction 6110. 1A. Washington, DC: Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. 17 July. Cox, L. (1996). NAVY Nutrition and Weight Control Self-Study Guide. Washington, DC: United States Navy. Hodgdon, Ph. D. , J. A. (1999, August 18). A History of the U. S. Navy Physical Readiness Program from 1976 to 1999. Human Performance Department Naval Health Research Center.

Eight C’s of Effective Communication Essay

Almost every text on writing or speaking skills lists a set of criteria that can be used to judge the effectiveness of a document or presentation. If this list of words, all beginning with the letter C, helps you remember some of the criteria for good writing, the technique of alliteration has worked. If, however, this list leaves you cold, create your own list, but remember to retain the concept of each C-word in your newly created list. |Clear |This is the most important C-word. If your reader cannot understand what you are trying to say | | |or if he/she has to reread a section of your document, you have failed to communicate. | | |Choose simple words/sentences—this is especially critical when describing complex ideas. | | |Make only one point at a time. | | |Offer frequent examples or provide illustrations to support your main points. | | |Interpret critical results for your reader. | | |Restate your ideas when appropriate | |Complete |Have a definite topic sentence or introductory paragraph | | |Answer all of the reporter-type questions (who, what, when, where, and why) in the middle | | |section of your document. | | |Have a definite concluding sentence or closing paragraph. | |Concise |Check for repetitious or unnecessary words that can be deleted. | | |Choose shorter words where appropriate | | |Shorten sentences where appropriate. | |Convincing |Emphasize the benefits of your point of view/position statement. | | |Provide your rationale for reaching a conclusion. | | |Recognize any objections your readers may have to your position. | | |Allow your passion about your topic to come through your writing. | |Compelling |Create a document that is a â€Å"page-turner. † | | |Engage your reader by describing critical data as if you were verbally telling him/her a story. | |Courteous |Think of any document as a tool for building good will. In general, create a tone of | | |friendliness and helpfulness. | | |Respond to the reader’s WIIFM’s. | |Creative |Allow your personality to come through your writing. | | |Draw colorful word pictures for your readers. | | |Challenge yourself to find new ways to talk about old ideas. | |Correct |Proofread for careless spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. | | |Use transitions to ensure the reader understands the logical sequence of your ideas. | | |Make sure you have a defined beginning, middle, and end. |

Gimi coefficient Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gimi coefficient - Essay Example According to the ranges of gini coefficient, the developing or poor countries, those countries who have per captia GDP low, comes in the range from 0.25 to 0.71. As far as rich countries are concerned they come in the range of under 0.40 (Mandal 126). The Lorenz curve diagrams ratio of area can be used to elaborate the gini coefficient. In Lorenz curve if we say that A symbolizes the area among the line of perfect equality and B symbolizes as the Lorenz’s curve inner area then A/(A+B) is the equation which represents the gini coefficient. Subsequently A+B = 0.5, the gini coefficient, G = 2A = 1-2B. By incorporation the value of B can be found if the Lorenz curve is characterized by the function Y= L(x) and the equation will be, (Catalano and George D. n.p). The usage of gini coefficient measure of inequality leads to many advantages, one of which is that it can be used to compare income distributions crosswise diverse population. Gini coefficient is easily used because of its simplicity rather than other measuring techniques, through gini coefficient we can come to the results of changed distribution of income over the year in a country. It also satisfies great principles of anonymity, scale independence and population independence. As on one hand it has many advantages, on the other side there are many problems faced while using gini coefficient measure of inequality. Gini coefficient, uses income gained from wealth, it measures net income more than net worth, having a possibility of misinterpretation. For example, a low gini coefficient for income is seen in Sweden, but Sweden’s coefficient for wealth is higher. Numerous whiles in gini coefficient, there is no description of the proportions used for measurement. As granularity impacts the measurements of gini coefficient, we find numerous problems while conducting measurements through it. If there is low granularity, that is four 20% quantiles it will lead to a lower gini coefficient, while at t he same time if we take twenty 4% quantiles that is high granularity the results would be higher gini coefficient if we take both of these figures from the similar distribution (Mandal 129). Because it a measure of income dispersion a lot of care have to be taken through the use of gini coefficient as a measure of egalitarianism. For example We will get a result of difference in gini coefficients when we take two different countries having equal egalitarian, but as they both have different policies, gini coefficient will be different. As it measures at a point in time of the greatest problem of gini coefficient is that is errors a lot of energetic information about lifetime income of the individual. In gini coefficient, not only the income but also the individual’s age distribution within population and mobility in income classes are not taken into consideration (Mandal 129). It can be observed that if gini coefficient is showing higher results at one point, but will not gibe same result at different point because gini coefficient does not notice the changes over a period of time. A number of more problems arise when it comes to measurement through gini coefficient; difficulty arises that is when two counties income are associated as both the countries differ in benefits systems, like some countries give benefit in monetary form, while others not in monetary form. Some countries may include benefits some may not, as the

Sexually Transmitted Disease Brochure Assignment

Sexually Transmitted Disease Brochure - Assignment Example Syphilis cannot be transmitted through physical contact with eating utensils, shared clothing, bathtubs, swimming pools or toilet seats. Primary stage: This is the first stage of the disease may be characterized by single or multiple sores that are painless, round and firm in nature. The sores resemble the point of entry of the disease. Secondary stage: One may have oral, anal or vaginal sores and skin rashes at the same time. This stage begins with with one or many rashes on the body. These rashes may appear several weeks after the primary sore is healed. The rash may appear as rough, red spots on the bottom of the feet or the palm of the hands. This does not necessarily itch and thus may go unnoticed. This may present together with other symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, patchy hair loss, weight loss, sore throat, headaches, fatigue and muscle aches. Symptoms may disappear regardless of treatment or not. The infection will proceed to the latent stage without the right treatment. Latent stages: The latent stage starts when the early signs and symptoms disappear. Without the right treatment one may continue to harbor the syphilis bacterium in their body for years without showing any signs and symptoms. Most individuals with untreated syphilis do not go to the late stage of the disease. However, when they proceed to the late stage, the disease is very serious. Late stages: This may present after 10 to 30 years from the initial day of infection. The symptoms are severe and include paralysis, numbness, blindness, dementia and difficulty coordinating muscle movements. The disease may damage internal organs and may result in death. Pathology of syphilis: The bacterium responsible for syphilis is called Treponema pallidum. For the transmission to take place there almost needs to be direct contact with the infectious sore. The bacterium quickly penetrates the

Response paper regard of two article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Response paper regard of two article - Essay Example She is a bold woman that confronts challenging situations but is unable to avoid them. The snow on her path is a major impediment to her journey. However, she does not give it a chance to limit her efforts. In addition, he confronts hilly landscapes, thorny bushes, the creek, the cornfield, as well as the scarecrow. This reveals her as a resilient and persistent woman. She does not easily lose focus of where she is ended despite having many destructors. The author tries to paint an image of Jackson as a concerned but elderly and weary grandmother. She is passionate about getting the remedy (drugs) that will foresee her grandson get well. She goes all the way despite facing circumstances that could discourage her on the way. She is careful when crossing the creek among the rest of the obstacles. However, her image as depicted by the author reveals her as an elderly and sickly individual who commits herself to having the grandson continue to take the medications. â€Å"A Rose for family† by William Faulkner the aspect of tradition heavily features in the short story. The character Emily Grierson has been used to depict the implications of lack of conformity with change. The author has highlighted the struggles that are associated with the need to conserve. The character Jefferson finds themselves on the crossroads on whether they will have to adopt modernization or rely on the traditional view. Despite various changes in the community, Emily opts to remain the same. The reliance on the past presents both positives as well as negatives. Emily acts as a good representative of the historic aspect that pleases people. Due to this aspect, she is able to command much respect from the honor from the people. Despite Emily being a positive influence, she is neglected and cut off from the society and nobody seems to understand her. She is not conversant with reality having the threats of

From Victim to Vicious - Column by Charles Blow Essay

From Victim to Vicious - Column by Charles Blow - Essay Example It is quite possible that Romney is attempting to divert attention from the weak points of his campaign such as his unwillingness to make information about his tax returns public, among others. These claims by Romney may just work against his favor especially considering that he is accusing a relatively popular president of making vicious attacks against him. This might not go very well with the public because of the fact that Obama’s controversial issues have already been dealt with and accepted by the public during the previous elections and raising these issues further will only help the Obama campaign. Recent polls asking who had better personal character to assume the presidency showed that Obama would more likely be elected than Romney. Furthermore, Romney’s complete refusal to reveal his income tax returns may lead to the continued distrust of the electorate and ruin his chances of getting elected. Voter Suppression and Political Polls – Column by Charles Blow Polls are used to determine the trend, which voters are most likely to follow during an election but these polls are becoming insignificant due to the new voter registration laws, which are being put in place especially in vote swinging states such as Pennsylvania. Many likely voters in the swing states intend to vote for President Obama but it is these who are most likely to be excluded from the voting roles due to their ineligibility to vote under the new laws. Both presidential candidates have made numerous visits to swing states in an attempt to get a larger share of votes within these states than their opponents. Moreover, some governors, especially in Florida, have made it harder for former felons to vote and since most of these ex-felons are either of Latino or African American descent who tend to vote Democrat, it means that Obama will most likely lose crucial votes in these states. It is not known exactly how many voters are aware of these new electoral rules due to th e fact that not many people follow news about the upcoming elections and the changes which have been made to electoral laws. It is suspected that many people who are expected to vote for their preferred candidates (in this case President Obama) might be turned away due to the fact of their ineligibility. The new election laws have been pushed by Republicans in order to suppress the ability of Democratic voters to vote in large numbers, thus ensuring Republican victories in these states. Anglo-Saxon Heritage, Multicultural Future – Column by Charles Blow An article on The Daily Telegraph in July quoted and advisor to Mitt Romney as saying that the special relationship between Britain and the United States existed mainly because of a shared Anglo-Saxon heritage and that the current administration does not appreciate it. This remark can be taken by some to be extremely racist because only a minority of Americans identifies their ancestry to be English. Such comments from an advi sor to a presidential candidate may clearly display the real attitudes of that particular candidate and the negative influences that will be a part of his administration. The Romney campaign did not completely deny or retract that particular statement nor did they make an apology for

Shakespeare-How would Machiavelli (or a Machiavellian) understand the Essay

Shakespeare-How would Machiavelli (or a Machiavellian) understand the character of Volumnia in Coriolanus Would he approve or disapprove of her behavior in the play Why - Essay Example The philosophy of Machiavelli has a great deal to day about deception and its use in politics. He thinks that in order to maintain power rulers have to use deception and force to move everyone in the direction they want. In this essay we will close read the play using Machiavelli and will try to answer the question whether Machiavelli would approve of Volumnia’s behavior in the play or not. This is the question we will attempt to answer. The play starts in Rome where there are riots going on because Coriolanus, the deputy of commander of the Roman army has hold grains from ordinary citizens. Coriolanus is a man who believes that ordinary people should not be given grain because they are not taking part in the military service. He is a great fighter but he has contempt for the common people. His attitude towards common people is that of an arrogant soldier. The character of Volumnia now plays an active role to make her son consul. She persuades Coriolanus to run for consul even though her son is not willing to do so. But when he couldn’t win the support of the commoners he became angry and talks badly about the plebeians. He is in turn condemned as a traitor and banished from Rome. After his exile he goes to his fierce enemy Aufidius, the commander of the Volscian army. They accept him and allow Coriolanus to lead an attack on Rome. All generals of Rome become worried and try to persuade him not to attack Rome. After all efforts are gone in vain Volumnia is sent to dissuade her son from attacking Rome. She is successful and Coriolanus spares Rome but later is killed by Aufidius for conspiracy. Volumnia is an important character of the play. She plays a great role in changing the mind of her son twice in the play and both times the outcome is in her benefit. She portrays role of a women who cannot seek power personally but tries to attain power by making her son powerful. She tried to gain power and popularity through her son Coriolanus