http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ A search of MERLOT materials Copyright 1997-2013 MERLOT. All rights reserved. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:17:26 PDT Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:17:26 PDT http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/images/merlot.gif http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ 44 34 http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=646870 The link is a press release by the United Nations. The student's portfolio of the subject is noted below.Violence against women is a global problem. Moreover, it is only a symptom of a much broader issue; that being gender inequality. Unfortunately, despite the known prevalence and serious detrimental effects of violence against women, “experience has shown that social institutions have often blamed battered women or, at the very least ignored them.” (Seear, 2007, p. 246). Consequently, is violence against women a matter of choice, or chance? With the exception of poverty; which often puts women at a greater risk of experiencing violence or abuse, most demographic and social characteristics of both men and women are not associated with increased risk of violence (Jewkes, 2002). A woman’s experience of violence or abuse is far more closely linked to access to supportive resources (Jewkes, 2002). Therefore, it would certainly appear that violence against women is not a matter of poor choices, but rather a result of gender inequality and poor access to much needed resources.Apart from the obvious issue of human rights, violence against women poses a serious burden to the health care system, apart from physical injury, abused women are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, psychosomatic illness, eating disorders, and sexual dysfunction (Seear, 2007). Thus, violence against women is unquestionably a global health issue with wide reaching consequences that takes a significant toll on national and global resources.Seear (2007) explains that in Brazil, specific police stations staffed entirely by women have been established to deal exclusively with women’s issues and domestic violence. This would seem a highly effective and innovative strategy with which to fight violence against women, while simultaneously empowering the female community. Nevertheless, one wonders if this approach adds to the existence of gender inequality by furthering the segregation between genders.Rather than treating women after they have experienced violence which is merely a band-aid approach, health communities need to focus more on supporting and empowering women before violence becomes endemic. This preventative approach would foster the values and principles of primary health care. More specifically it would create equal access to supportive resources for women world-wide, and involve women in the planning, implementation and maintenance of such resources and health services. Attacking the issue of violence against women from more than just a health care perspective, and including aspects such as education reinforces intersectoral coordination and ensures that resources are put to their best use and will ideally lead to the elimination of violence against women globally.ReferencesJewkes, R. (2002). Violence against women III: intimate partner violence: causes and prevention. Lancet, 359(9315), 1423-1429.Seear, M. (2007). Human rights interventions. An Introduction to International Health. (pp. 237-256). Toronto, ON: Canadian Scholars’ Press Inc http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=646868 Since the start of modern history, nations around the world have allocated untold time and resources into increasing life longevity. Science has made many strides, and mankind is reaping the benefits of years of research; people are living longer and its projected that by mid-century, two billion men and women will be over the age of 60 (World Health Organization, 2012). While it is difficult to imagine what could possibly be wrong with this development; it nevertheless begs the question as to whether or not the world is prepared to support an older population.Population ageing is a major contributor to global health costs; furthermore, it is inextricably linked with socio-economic development (World Health Organization, 2012). Several of the implications of an ageing population include an increasing demand for acute and primary health care, straining of pension and social security systems and increasing need for long-term and social care (World Health Organization, 2012). It is important to note that these changes affect countries world-wide, therefore it is indisputably a global health and welfare concern.Initially it is necessary to understand the importance of promoting good health and healthy behaviours at any age in order to offset the strain which an ageing population places on society. Solutions and strategies for this issue are well-known, including but not limited to: taxing tobacco and alcohol, smoke free workplaces and public spaces, reduced salt intake and increased public awareness of the importance of diet and physical activity (World Health Organization, 2012). Nonetheless, we know through our studies on global health promotion that lifestyle modification is only half the battle. Social and environmental changes are equally important, as are social attitudes towards ageing. Perhaps recognizing an older population as an asset rather than a burden is the first step. The World Health Organization (2012) suggests that seniors are considerable social and economic resources, and that if permitted they may be significant contributing members of society.By fighting against ageist stereotypes and barriers on a global scale, and moreover appreciating our ageing population as the valuable members of society they are, this coming shift in demographics may be viewed positively rather than as a detriment to global prosperity.ReferencesWorld Health Organization (2012). Good health adds life to years: Global brief for world health day. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health organization http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=574565 An author's Snapshot for Foundations of Computer Science for the material found in MERLOT at http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=89637. This snapshot shows an overview of the material. This was created in the MERLOT Content Builder. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=646609 Remittance income is money that is sent internationally to family members after an individual leaves their country of origin to find work abroad. In some countries, remittance income accounts for a substantial portion of a country’s source of wealth (Seear, 2007). This interactive tool provides a very interesting way to explore the exchange of remittances across the world. It is obvious that the individuals as well as the country receiving the remittances are benefiting from the exchange, For example, remittances were responsible for 39% of Tonga’s (a small south pacific group of islands) gross domestic product in 2002, money which is often used to fund education, health programs and public infrastructure (Ratha, 2002). Although this exchange of money across countries has many benefits for the recipients, unfortunately it can also prove to be quite detrimental.One foreseeable issue pertaining to the exchange of remittances would be that it creates an indirect degree of dependency on the economies of other countries. In our global health promotion class we often talk about the lack of sustainability and ineffectiveness of foreign aid projects where work is done to or for struggling countries, as opposed to working with the country and its citizens. This concept applies to remittance exchange because although money is being infused into the developing countries and their economies, the economic structures, social injustices and inequities which originally caused the poverty are not being directly addressed.Moreover, studies suggest that since international migration is a rather expensive endeavour, it is the more affluent households that are able to finance migrants who in turn transfer the remittances back home. By contrast, poorer households being held back by rural poverty and labour-replacing methods have no prospect of engaging in such undertakings. (Adams & Page, 2005). In essence, social inequities may be even further developed by the existence of migration and remittances, hence the rich get richer while the poor get poorer.Although remittances are beneficial to many individuals, sadly it is not a long term solution to poverty in developing countries. Unfortunately, for those receiving the remittances the money may be crucial to their survival; however, over time it may prove to be more of a hand out rather than a hand up. Furthermore, for the migrating individuals the stress associated with immigration coupled with the financial responsibility of those back home may cause undue harm to their potential for success. Refocusing efforts on building more sound economic policies and strategies in the countries of origin would undoubtedly be a more productive and sustainable solution to the complex issue of poverty.ReferencesAdams, R. H. & Page, J. (2005). Do international migrations and remittances reduce poverty in developing countries? World development, 33(10), pp. 1645-1669. doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2005.05.004Ratha, D. (2002). Worker’s remittances: an important and stable source of development finance. [PDF Document] Retrieved from http://www1.worldbank.org/prem/prmpo/povertyday/docs/2003/ratha.pdfSeear, M. (2007). Foreign aid projects large and small. An Introduction to International Health. (pp. 143-164). Toronto, ON: Canadian Scholars’ Press Inc http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=765834 This site is about global warming and how to conserve our planet. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=758889 Pilot study among parents of ENC adolescent males about attitudes and beliefs surrounding the HPV vaccine http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=657053 Livebinder allows you to keep everything in the cloud without downloading anyrhing. You can create and organize one per area or subject per binder or everything together. Create a bookshelf if you choose. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=609544 Neuroscience course syllabus for Basic Medical Sciences - It is a structured syllabus for third semester (First Year) medical students. It is based on United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and National Board of Medical Education (NBME) content guidelines. It was created in December 2011 by Dr Sanjoy Sanyal, Professor and Course Director of Neuroscience in the Caribbeans. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=609682 Neuroscience is a comprehensive lecture and laboratory course that provides an integrated multidisciplinary study of the structure and functional relationships of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Essential to a proper understanding of Neurosciences is the ability to classify, correlate, associate and link the various entities and modules, much the same way as normal human cognition works in real life. This subject assumes basic knowledge of anatomy of Head and Cranial nerves. The syllabus is divided into easily understandable modules based on Snell’s chapter, supplemented by Board Review Series. Neurobiology and neurophysiology, brain metabolism, and the effects of damage and disease on cells of the central nervous system are covered in detail in the initial part of the course. Students are also introduced to techniques of neuro-imaging and taught introductory clinical assessment during this time. Thereafter the entire central nervous system, from spinal cord upwards to the cerebral cortex, is covered in minute detail. Each component of CNS is subdivided into two parts; the normal concepts and the pertinent clinical correlations. Knowledge is imparted by comprehensive techniques that utilize visual, verbal, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles of individuals. Learning is enhanced through laboratory gross brain dissection, imaging techniques and discussion of clinical correlations. Research skills are honed by subjecting students to a small project work, which they have to present towards the end of the course. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=669137 Professional Nursing PortfolioDiscusses future aspirations, integrative practicum, community service and experiences, resume and cover letter