Professional Development At Premier Inn Management Essay

Professional Development At Premier Inn Management Essay Award-winning Premier Inn is a subsidiary of Whitbread PLC and is considered as the UKs largest and fastest-growing hotel brand with 578 budget hotels and more than 40,000 rooms across the UK and Ireland at reasonable prices. In 2008 Premier Inn launched in Dubai and will be opening in India later this year. On a domestic front, Premier Inn is set to be the largest provider of budget hotels in London by the 2012 Olympics. As Premier Inn consists of huge number of employees, it has to manage all of them in better way since success of the company significantly depends on their people management efficiency along with their career success. As a proud team member of UKs largest and fastest-growing hotel brand, I would like to explain my career /professional development plan in detail by this report. 1.2 Premier Inn philosophy A cornerstone of the Premier Inn philosophy is all about widening employee career paths or access new roles; further, all open positions are advertised internally prior to searching for outside candidates and we will always look to promote members of the team where possible the development of employees is the key aspect, though we are all motivated by different aspirations. Moreover, Company share the same commitment to quality of work carried out by the employees as it has been recognized the fact that rewarding employees is a crucial factor in terms of motivating employees. 1.1.1. Premier Inn Values Genuine We really care about our customers Confident We strive to be the best at what we do Committed We work hard for each other 4 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Premier Inn Core Values 1.3 What is Personal Development Plan Personal Development Planning refers to the creation of an action plan based on a reflection of personal, career, and academic objectives. In addition to a PDP, these reflections are typically a portfolio containing evidence of the skills gathered over a particular timeframe. It is presumed in education that undertaking POP will assist in creating self-directed independent learners who are more likely to progress to higher levels of academic attainment. It is also used in Human resource management. Continuing Professional Development is just a method of ensuring that you attain the right abilities to do your job and maintain/enhance your skill. It embraces everything that you perform to get better your job performance and your lifelong employability. Many Professional organizations and Societies have a obligation for their members to stay a record of their professional updating and growth. It can also assist those who are, or will be undertaking nationwide Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in the UK. This is also high-quality practice for an association striving towards creature World Class, a Learning Organization. Most of these professional societies have a obligation that you demonstrate personal development and learning representing 3-5 days (25-35 hours) per year. Increasingly, your professional culture is asking to see evidence of continuous growth in order to maintain your registration/ expert status. If your professional corpse does not yet have an obligatory requirement for this the length of with a monitoring/ auditing system they soon will Have. 5 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 1.4 Who is responsible for personal development To be successful it is fine practice to work in partnership with your employer. You be supposed to realize however that ownership of your CPD proof is yours and no one elses. The plan you set up will need to be flexible and change as your job requirements and aspirations change. It should also be realistic, not each one can become the Director of Nursing or Executive Director but everybody with forethought and some planning can discover challenge, diversity and interest in their job and vocation. Change is continuous in all aspects of life and efforts you put into keeping abreast of new knowledge and expanding your abilities will reap rewards when opportunities arise. It will have become obvious that a key feature of CPD is training but the significant difference between CPD and training is that CPD is prearranged to suit you and your career. 1.5 Job Profile I am working as the Hotel Manager and responsible for achieving optimal guest satisfaction and a good working environment to attain all set objectives. To achieve this, Im responsible for running the hotel in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures and Policies as set out by Premier Inn. Further, Im responsible for the Implementation of optimal and attractive products and services required to address the hotels target groups, based on pre-agreed marketing plans and budgets while ensuring the correct production and distribution of information and promotion materials as agreed to. Guard the efficiency/productivity and the company results: Draw up plans and budget concepts (revenues, costs, etc.); Safeguard the realization, tracing and adjustment of deviations; Developing improvement actions, carry out costs savings; Guard/ controlling of cost price Delivering of data and proposals for the budgets and investments. Safeguard quality of operations (internal external audits) Manage the various Department Heads Coordinate planning of Department Heads and Assistant Managers with regard to time-tables, work schedules, employment of employees within the different services; solving of bottle necks; Coordination of the execution of activities via instructions to the Heads of Departments/ Assistant Managers, supervision of the execution; Determination of the workforce, recruitment and hiring of new staff, supervision of sufficient introduction, execution of performance reviews and training of staff. Be accountable for responsibilities of department heads in their absence. 6 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Implement the Golden Tulip franchise formula optimally in the hotel and act as a flagship establishment for the Golden Tulip brand. Prepare a monthly financial reporting. Ensure an adequate administration, for the outgoing and incoming invoices, for the payment of invoices and for drawing up periodical management data. Justify deviations and differences. Other tasks; Handling complaints, in the last resort. Other reliable to the above mentioned, tasks in order of the executive; Handing over opinions and beliefs, decisions etc. to the executives; Leading various internal and external meetings; Supervise the fulfillment of the regulations of the employment legalization, Occupational Health Safety Act, HACCP, legionella, fire regulations and other legal requirements Correct use of Golden Tulips corporate identity. Maintain contacts with public authorities 7 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2 Task 2 2.1 Job Analysis A lot of people go blank when you ask them regarding their skills. Thus sometimes it is easier to exertion backwards from what you have done to work out and what you are good at. This is where a job analysis can assist. (Personal-skills-audit; 2010) Step One Take a divide sheet of paper for each of the jobs you have done and mark the job title at the top. Divide each piece into two columns. Use the first pillar to brainstorm all tasks each role involved. Include as much feature as you can. Dont just list the bureaucrat duties but include everything you turned your hand over to in that role. Avoid minor road terms similar to produced a monthly newsletter. Break it down into the stepladder concerned wrote articles, canvassed team for ideas, convinced pictures/photos, liaised with print room, etc. Dont be troubled about whether they are significant or Insignificant; just try to capture as much of what you did as probable. Observe out for any unenthusiastic self-talk here (well, it was only or I just did a little bit of ). The reason of brainstorming is to squeeze out as much information as possible. You can evaluate the activities later. Step Two The second step of your personal skills appraisal involves looking at these tasks to search what skills you contain developed. Make a list of the skills you needed to take out all these tasks. Were you showing an ability to deal with people? Were you using and analysing in sequence and data? Were you coming up with ideas and being original? Were you using sensible abilities such as repairing things? If you are not sure what skills you were using, take a look at the checklist of individual skills I have created. You will find that it also helps if you come up with a friend or your Career modifies Buddy two heads are always better than one. Step Three Dont discontinue with work. Do additional sheets for former unpaid roles you play in your life e.g. parent, sports club secretary, gardener, and the list could be fairly long! 8 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT A personal skills audit of what you have ended outside of work can be extremely revealing and help you to value the skills you have gained from all areas of your existence. You may find that there are skills you comprise developed here that you just dont give yourself recognition for. For example, you may be the trainer for a local football team using skills like management, motivation, encouragement, training etc.. If you really enjoy this, but do not hold a management or team leadership role at labour this might propose that this could be a new direction for you in your career. And you by now have many of the skills you require. Personal Skills Audit An optional strategy is just to sit yourself down and make a list of what you be acquainted with you are good at. This will come easier to a number of than to others. 2.2.1 Step One Just begin writing. You already know at smallest amount some of the things you are good at. Youll find there are some skills you feel very sure with and others where you think you can do them a bit. Dont be introvert this is not an exercise where you can be shy. Be proud to list what you be acquainted with you do well. Step Two You will come up with several skills without any prompting, but there will be many further. As I mentioned on top of, if you are the kind of someone that prefers working with a checklist, take seem at the list of personal skills I have shaped as a punctual. Another basis of ideas is job ads. Start scrutinizing newspapers for any kind of job and see what kinds of skills come up frequently. Recruiters know the importance of skills this is why they list the ones they need in their occupation ads. Step Three I already talk about brainstorming with your Career modify Buddy in the previous exercise. Dont stop there. Why not in a straight line ask some of your associates and colleagues what they think are your chief strengths and skills as they see them. Give them a bit of time to think concerning it and ask them to highlight what they think are your top 3 or 4 skills. It can be a genuine self-assurance booster to hear others reflect backs what they worth in you as a friend or colleague. 9 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT When you have done your individual skills audit, take a look at what I propose at the beginning of the personal skills checklist. A list is not sufficient. It is important that you speed your skills by level of ability and level of enjoyment Personal Development Learning Style Cognitive styles pass on to the preferred way an individual processes in order. Unlike individual differences in capabilities (e.g., Gardner, Guilford, Sternberg) which describe peak recital, styles describe a persons typical mode of thinking, remembering or trouble solving. Styles are regularly considered to be bipolar dimensions whereas abilities are unipolar (ranging from zero to a most value). Having extra of ability is usually considered beneficial while having a exacting cognitive method simply denotes a tendency to perform in a certain manner. Cognitive style is a usually described as a character dimension which influences attitudes, values, and social communication. A huge number of cognitive styles have been identified and studied in the history. Field self government versus field dependence is almost certainly the most well known style. It refers to a propensity to approach the environment in a logical, as opposed to global, fashion. At a perceptual level, field self-governing personalities are clever to distinguish figures as discrete from their backgrounds compared to field dependent persons who experience events in an undifferentiated way. In adding, field needy individuals have a greater social orientation relative to field self-regulating personalities. Studies have identified quantity connections between this cognitive style and learning. For example, meadow independent individuals are likely to learn more effectively beneath conditions of intrinsic motivation (e.g., self-study) and are influenced less by social reinforcement. Kolb and Lewin Model I would like to introduce this method to measure personal performance. Learning styles specifically transaction with characteristic styles of learning. Kolb (1984) suggests a theory of experiential learning that involves four major stages: tangible experiences, reflective observation, theoretical conceptualization, and vigorous experimentation. The CE/AC and AE/RO dimensions are glacial opposites as far as learning methods are concerned and Kolb postulates four types of beginners (divergers, assimilators, convergers, and accommodators) depending upon their location on these two dimensions. For example, an accommodator prefers tangible experiences and vigorous experimentation CAE,CE). An ordinary approach to viewing learning styles is linked to a learning series of experience, surveillance and mirror image, configuration and then testing of concepts. Although commonly referred to as the Kolb Learning Cycle this round was proposed by Kurt Lewin who got the idea from manage engineering. David Kolb (1984) popularized Lewins proposal (hence the common title). 10 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEARNING STYLE 2010 The four steps of the Experiential Learning Cycle are:- Concrete experience Observation and Reflection Abstract Conceptualization Testing concepts in new situations The cycle is a continuous course with the present concrete experience being the basis for observations and reflections, which allow the expansion of a theory, The theory is then tested in new situations to direct to more concrete experience. Kolb developed from the Lewin sculpt the idea that students have a overriding phase of the cycle during which they prefer to learn and therefore will contain preferred modes of learning. In order to identify the preferred learn and learning styles, Kolb developed a Learning Style record that identified students preference for the four modes corresponding to the stages in the learning series. 11 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 3 Task 03 3.1 Personal Development Plan To obtain all goals and objective should have proper personal development plan. I have to be more relevant to the companys requirements. Especially should be practical member who is practicing and matching companys values and code of ethics while improving my personal skills. Therefore I have to use proper personal development planning model as follows; Developing a Personal Development Plan My Needs How Can I meet those needs? What are the Challenges in my job current that I need to meet? Where do I want to be in 2 years? Where do I want to be in 5 or 10 years? How does that fit in with what the practice wants? What adjustments will other people need to make for me to achieve what I want? What else should I consider? PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN: 2010 3.2 Personal Analysis (SWOT) A personal SWOT analysis is a powerful technique that can be used when seeking a career change in the Unilever. Linked to a strong and powerful goal, it can enable to take advantage of skills, talents and abilities to take career to the next level. Look at each area and consider the questions that follow and write down the answers that come into the mind. 12 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 3.2.1 Strengths Personal strengths form an innate part of who are I and my characteristics. Consider my strengths as I see them and talk to your colleagues and friends for a further source of support. What are the skills and capabilities do I have? Leadership, teamwork, rational thinking In what areas do I excel? Leadership handling people and innovative thinking What qualifications, accreditations or experience make me unique? Marketing professional qualifications and marketing experience What would other people consider to be my strengths? Friendliness negotiation ability What qualities, values or beliefs make me stand out from others? Politeness, honest and self discipline Weaknesses Consider my personal weaknesses and how I may be seen by others. It is important to list any areas I feel may be holding me back. What are the gaps in your capabilities and what skills do I need to develop? Language skills In what areas could I improve? Speaking writing skills What would other people consider to be my weaknesses? Language skills What personal difficulties do I need to overcome to reach my goal? Practicing the language Opportunities Opportunities are normally external and may relate to changes in technology, people that may influence decisions, or training, development or support that may support my aspirations. What opportunities are available to me? Higher marketing post in the industry in Hospitality industry Recognition in the business field What external influences can help you to achieve success? Marketing environmental influences Pressure from customers Who could support you to help you achieve your goal? Professional trainers Professional courses 13 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 3.2.4 Threats Threats are also normally external and are the things that get in the way of my success. What obstacles am I facing? Bad economical crisis market down turn What external influences may hinder my success? Unemployment competition for better jobs Who or what could get in the way of you achieving my goal? Organizational structure How Develop My Professional Success I have to be more relevant to the companys requirements. Specially should be practical member who is practicing and matching companys values and code of ethics while improving my personal skills. 3.3.1 Leadership Skills To maximise cooperation and increase productivity within the firm, a few issues should be considered to improve team leadership. Therefore i have to improve my leadership skills with taking support from the company. While the firm has development conversations in place, constructive feedback conversations that work as a two-way process can assist to increases self-awareness of individuals and offers options and encourages development. By taking the conversation to a more informal level and the consequently building of relationships encourages trust between team members. Specific and descriptive feedback on exemplary and not acceptable behaviour should be given to avoid conflict in an organisation and increase performance levels. By starting with a positive point, people are encouraged and using particular examples of behaviour will assist in bringing the point across. An effective feedback process is particularly important for the firm as it addresses the need to build relationships to not only increase the sharing of information, but also build loyalty and retention of people in the long term. Ø Be a leader in my area of responsibility, with a deep commitment to delivering leadership results. To have a clear vision of where we are going. Focus my resources to achieve leadership objectives and strategies. Develop the capability to deliver our strategies and eliminate organizational barriers 14 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 3.3.2 Teamwork Skills To be a successful employee in the Premier Inn i have to improve m team work capabilities. To create a culture of teamwork will encourage collaboration, cooperation and sharing of information as well as empower individuals. Expectations as to teamwork need to be communicated; one of the benefits of introducing this culture is that leaders and managers model teamwork in their interaction with each other and the rest of the organisation. It can have a positive impact on work behaviour and ethics. A performance management system needs to emphasis teamwork and the impact on behaviours which will also need to be reflected by the rewards system. Collaboration through teamwork saves time and money as research efforts are not duplicated, issues can be resolved quicker and beneficial solutions and processes transferred which is a particular issue within the firm. Regular meetings to review project and progresses and to share work will assist in the implementation of the team work culture. Successes will need to be celebrated, by using communications channels such as the Premier Inn News for the firm. This will not only set a positive example for others but also make individuals feel valued and increase their motivation and loyalty. 3.3.3 Evaluation Analytical Skills Create a vision of where your area is going, together with supportive objectives and operational plans communicate regularly, making effective use of a range of different communication methods Develop a range of leadership styles and apply them to appropriate situations and people Give people in your area support and advice when they need it especially during periods of setback and change Encourage people to take a lead in their own areas of expertise and show willingness to follow this lead Ownership To accept personal accountability to meet our business needs, improve our systems and help others improve their effectiveness. Act like owners, treating the Companys assets as our own and behaving with the Companys long-term success in mind 15 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Passion for Winning Determined to be the best at doing what matters most Be a healthy dissatisfaction with the status quo. To have a compelling desire to improve and to win in the marketplace Trust Respect our Premier Inn colleagues, customers and consumers, and treat them as we want to be treated. To have confidence in each others capabilities and intentions. Believe that people work best when there is a foundation of trust. Integrity Always try to do the right thing. Be honest and straightforward with each other. Operate within the letter and spirit of the law. Uphold the values and principles of Premier Inn in every action and decision. Should data-based and intellectually honest in advocating proposals, including recognizing risks. 16 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) in Lung Diseases

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) in Lung Diseases PEFR value means peak expiratory flow rate that is a persons maximum speed of expiration. It can be measured by peak flow meter which is a simple device. People can use it monitoring their lung function in respiratory diseases. As a lung function test, it can be differentiated obstructive airway diseases such as asthma, COPD(chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases) from restrictive lung diseases. PEFR is mostly used to diagnosis asthma. Normal PEFR value depends on several factors like age, sex, height, weight, etc. So the PEFR value varies with normal individuals and a Nomo gram is utilized as a scale. In obstructive airways diseases, normal value of PEFR is reduced corresponding to above factors. As above factors, though PEFR value has some advantages, to diagnose obstructive airway diseases it cant differentiate asthma from COPD. Lung function tests, What is PEFR and how can we measure it, Importance in PEFR value in lung diseases have been included in this analytical essay. Lung Function Test Measurements of respiratory function may provide valuable information. First, in conjunction with the clinical assessment and other investigations they may help establish a diagnosis (1). Second, they will help indicate the severity of the condition. Third, serial measurements over time will show changes indicating disease progression or, alternatively, a favorable response to treatment. Finally, regular monitoring of lung function in chronic diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis or obstructive airways disease may warn of deterioration (1). Simple respiratory function tests fall into three main groups: Measuring the size of the lungs Measuring how easily air flows into and out of the airways Measuring how efficient the lungs are in the process of gas exchange (1). Pulmonary function can be measured by having a subject breathe into a device called a spirometer which recapture the expired breath and records such variables as the rate and depth of breathing, speed of expiration, and rate of oxygen consumption (2). The spirometer measures the FEV1 and the forced vital capacity (FVC). Both the FEV1 and FVC are related to height, age and sex. The technique involves a maximum inspiration followed by a forced expiration (for as long as possible) into the spirometer (3). The act of expiration triggers the moving record chart, which measures volume against time. Patients with severe airflow limitation may have a very prolonged forced expiratory time (3). At home asthma patient and others can monitor their respiratory function by blowing into a handled meter, measures peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), the maximum speed at which they can exhale (2). Peak Expiratory Flow Rate [PEFR] Peak expiratory flow rate is the maximal rate of air flow which is a subject can achieve by a forced expiration. The peak flow, which is sustained for only a fraction of a second, occurs in the earliest part of expiration(4). The simplicity of the method is its main advantage. Normal person it is 400 Liter per minute(5). PEFR is measured by the subject inhaling to total lung capacity and exhaling into a peak flow meter with maximal effort PEFR measured using peak flow meter(6). PEFR depends on some factors the sex, age, weight, height, body-size, and muscular forces of the individual subject(4). The normal value for a given person can be determined referring to a Nomo gram. In general, the taller or younger the individual, the higher is his PEFR Normal males have a higher PEFR than normal females of the same age and height. In normal males the range of PEFR lies between 450 and 700 liters per minute (L/min.). Normal females have a lower range between 300 and 500 L/min(4). It is lower in children than in adults. It is highest in early adult life, and decreases in old age. It is higher in tall people than in short people(7). PEFR may be unrecordable on the standard Wright peak flow meter which cannot measure PEFR if it is less than 60 L/min(4). Recently a low-range, peak flow meter has been introduced which will measure much lower values of PEFR This would be appropriate for use in children(4). Peak flow meter There are two different types of peak flow meters which are Wrights peak flow meter and mini peak flow meter(4): which is an inexpensive, light and portable instrument(1,4): that can be handled easily and use to get bedside measurement. This device used to monitor a persons ability to breathe out air. This device is simpler and cheaper than spirometer. The first peak flow meter was designed by Wright and was fully described by Wright and McKerrow (1959). Recently another type of peak flow meter was presented. This device, named the Hildebrandt pneumometer, operates on an completely different principle from the Wright meter(4). A report on the Hildebrandt pneumometer and its use in general practice is published elsewhere. In the present study all PEFR measurements were made with a Wright meter. This operates on mechanical principles(4). The subject expires forcibly into the meter which causes a vane inside it to move against a spring resistance. The vane comes to rest at a position which depends upon the PEFR(4). attained. A pointer attached to the vane indicates PEFR on a dial which is calibrated in liters per minute. No calculations have to be made(4). Method of taking PEFR measurements This is an extremely simple and cheap test(3). Peak flow meter should be held horizontally and the dial must be in a vertical plane(4). Standing is the best position for taking measurements(7). It is measured using a standard Wright Peak Flow Meter or mini Wright Meter. The needle must always be reset to zero before PEF is measured. Care must be taken that the lips must be placed tightly around the mouthpiece and it is also important that he holds the meter correctly(4). The highest of three readings is used as the recorded value of the Peak expiratory flow rate(3). It may be tracks on graph paper chart with a record of symptoms or using peak flow mapping software. This allows patients to self-monitor and This allows patients to self-monitor and pass information back to their doctor or nurse. It is highly important that the subject not only understands what he is required to do but makes a maximal effort(4). If a subject has not previously performed the test careful explanation and i nstruction must be given followed by a demonstration blow by the doctor(4). Once the subject has gained confidence after one or two trial blows, Subjects are asked to take a full inspiration to total lung capacity and then blow out forcefully into the peak flow meter(4). Failure to observe that all these conditions are satisfied will result in serious errors. Different brands and models of peak flow meters often yield different values when used by the same person. Hence patients should always use the same model in the home or the doctors clinic(7). At hospital, PEFR is measured using a low-reading peak flow meter, as an ordinary meter measures only from 60 L/min upwards(3). Lung Diseases PEFR Respiratory disease Lung diseases are something. Disease or disorder that occurs in the lungs or what is causing the light that does not work correctly (8). Lung diseases are the three main types, namely: Obstructive airway disease: these diseases affect the Airways that carry oxygen and other gases to and from the lungs. These diseases cause the usually declining or blocking the airway. Including asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis (8). People who have respiratory diseases sometimes describe the feeling that you try to blow air through a chaff. Restrictive lung diseases: they are also called the lung tissue diseases. These diseases affect the configuration of lung tissue (8). Scarring or tissue inflammation makes the lungs cannot expand fully. This makes it difficult for the lungs breathe in oxygen and carbon dioxide out. Pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis are examples of the lung tissue. People sometimes describe the feeling is very tight sweater or bestow it will not be able to take a deep breath (8). Lung circulation diseases: these diseases affect blood vessels in the lungs. Tread depth caused by coagulation or inflammation of the blood vessels (8). They affect the lungs of oxygen and carbon dioxide out. These diseases may also affect heart function. Many lung diseases involve a combatiinon of these three types. Asthma, Atelectasis, Bronchitis, COPD(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Emphysema, Lung cancer, Pneumonia, Pulmonary edema (2,4,8). Importance of PEFR in Lung diseases Determination of Peak expiratory flow rate is useful for assessing the respiratory diseases especially to differentiate the obstructive and restrictive respiratory diseases (5). Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurements on waking, prior to taking a bronchodilator and before bed after a bronchodilator, are particularly useful in demonstrating the variable airflow limitation that characterizes the disease (3). The diurnal variation in PEFR is a good measure of asthma activity and is of help in the longer-term assessment of the patients disease and its response to treatment. To assess possible occupational asthma, peak flows need to be measured for at least 2 weeks at work and 2 weeks off work (3). Generally PEFR in reduced in all type of respiratory diseases. However the reduction is more significant in the obstructive diseases such as asthma, emphysema, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases) and chronic bronchitis than in the restrictive diseases (5). Sometimes in severe re strictive lung disease, PEFR values reduced much more. So in that conditions peak flow meter cannot be used to differentiate between restrictive lung diseases from obstructive airway diseases. So PEFR measurement is useful in management obstructive airway diseases. PEFR value is more important in asthma than other respiratory diseases. Importance of PEFR in Asthma Asthma is characterized by spastic contraction of the smooth muscle in the bronchioles, which partially obstructs the bronchioles and causes extremely difficult breathing (9). It occurs in 3 to 5 per cent of all people at some time in life. The usual cause of asthma is contractile hypersensitivity of the bronchioles in response to foreign substances in the air. In about 70 per cent of patients younger than age 30 years, the asthma is caused by allergic hypersensitivity, especially sensitivity to plant pollens (9). In older people, the cause is almost always hypersensitivity to nonallergenic types of irritants in the air, such as irritants in smog (9). Classically asthma has three characteristics: Airflow limitation which is usually reversible spontaneously or with treatment (3) Airway hyperresponsiveness to a wide range of stimuli (3) Inflammation of the bronchi with T lymphocytes, mast cells, eosinophils with associated plasma exudation, oedema, smooth muscle hypertrophy, matrix deposition, mucus plugging and epithelial damage (3). In chronic asthma, inflammation may be accompanied by irreversible airflow limitation as a result of airway wall remodeling that may involve large and small airways and mucus impaction (3). Asthma is usually diagnosed by the demonstration of airflow limitation. PEFR variability as one of the important diagnostic features of asthma (10). Serial measurements of PEFR in most patients with asthma show spontaneous variability. The most characteristic pattern is of a circadian variation, with airflow limitation most severe on waking in the morning (and during the night if awoken) with improvement occurring during the morning after waking. A small circadian variation in PEFR or FEV 1 is seen in normal individuals; in asthma a difference of 20 per cent or more between the highest and lowest values may be found (11). Other patterns of variation in severity of airflow limitation may be imposed on this circadian rhythm, such as falls in PEFR provoked by exercise or exposure to an allergen or occupational sensitizer, which resolve after avoidance of the stimulus. While variations of 20 per cent or more in FEV 1 or PEFR are commonly regarded as indicating asthma, in patients with se vere airflow limitation, with an FEV 1 of 1 liter, 20 per cent variability equates to 200 ml, a level of spontaneous variation observed in people without asthma (11). In asthma, the resistance to airflow becomes especially great during expiration, sometimes causing tremendous difficulty in breathing (2). Peak flow readings are divided in three zones of measurement, are green, yellow and red. Doctors and health experts can develop asthma controlling plan based on the green-yellow-red areas(12). Green Zone - 80 to 100 percent of the regular reading or normal peak flow is clearly a treatment in green zone peak flow indicates that is under good control(12). Yellow Zone 50 to 79 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings Indicates caution. This can lead to respiratory system is restrictive. additional drugs may be required(12). Red Zone - 50% of the normal or usual peak flow readings indicate a medical emergency. serious airway narrowing may occurring and immediate action needs to be taken. This would usually involve contacting a doctor or hospital (12). The management of asthma relies on a patients ability to monitor their asthma regularly. PEFR Monitors changing in airflow limitation in asthma. People with asthma can use it to monitor themselves and alter their medication, as suggested by their doctor, at the first signs of any fall in peak flow measurement which indicates a descent in their condition. If the patient knows his best measurement of PEFR, drop in its value of up to 10 percent, indicates caution but no danger, as this much variation is not unexpected over a period of 24hours (7). A drop of 10 to 50 percent indicates that the patient is in danger of getting an attack. If the drop is more than 50 percent, the patients in an imminent danger of getting the attack. He must approach his physician who may examine him in the emergency department of the hospital (7). The correct knowledge of the PEFR predicts the condition of the patient and provides valuable time and opportunity to take all the necessary measures to prevent an attack of asthma (7). Self-monitoring includes assessing the frequency and severity of symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) and measurement of lung function with a peak flow meter. (4) When measuring PEFR in patients with asthma or bronchitis, it is important to instruct them first to clear their bronchial airways by coughing. The effect of so doing may be considerable (4). Patients should be instructed to record peak flow readings after rising in the morning and before retiring in the evening. A diurnal variation in PEF (the lowest values typically being recorded in the morning) of more than 20% is considered diagnostic and the magnitude of variability provides some indication of disease severity (13). People with asthma can use it to monitor themselves and alter their medication, as suggested by their doctor, at the first signs of any fall in peak flow measurement which indicates decline in their condition. There are some significance PEFR in asthma patient the decreased rates of expirati on of air as expressed in decreased PEFR in asthma patients, occur earlier than the production of the symptom of breathlessness or even the signs of wheeze and ronchi detected through the stethoscope. By the time, wheezing is detected through the stethoscope; the PEFR has already decreased by 20 percent or more (7). Poor perception of the severity of asthma, on the part of the patient and physician, has been cited as a major factor causing delay in treatment, and this may contribute to increased severity and mortality from asthma exacerbation (7). Patients also measured PEFR twice a day (morning and evening) by using a peak flow meter before self-administering asthma drugs and noted the PEFR value in their asthma diary. Acute severe asthma the term status asthmaticus was defined as asthma that had failed to resolve with therapy in 24 hours. In this condition, PEFR is Circadian rhythm in peak expiratory flow rate in a patient with asthma recovering from an acute attack (11) Brittle asthma(11) is characterized by widely varying peak flow rates uncontrolled by maximum inhaled treatment. Two patterns of brittle asthma have been distinguished: type I-persistent daily chaotic variability in peak flow (usually greater than 40 per cent diurnal variation in PEFR more than 50 per cent of the time); (11) type II-sporadic sudden falls in PEFR against a background of usually well-controlled asthma with normal or near normal lung function.(11) A drop of PEFR also indicates that the patient has been exposed to allergenic environments. He must try to localize the cause and prevent recurrence of the situation. PEFR reading also helps in monitoring the improvement in the patient after a particular mode of treatment (7). The following patients should keep a peak flow monitor at home and use it: (7) Patients who experience severe attacks with little warning. Patients who need to travel long distance to receive medical attention. Patients who require high-dose inhaled corticosteroids or daily oral corticosteroids. Patients with big ups and downs in peak flow, that is, greater than 20 percent of their best peak flow. Patients whose medical history appears to provide an unsatisfactory guide to treatment. There are two very important reasons for taking flow reading at home. First, asthma doesnt behave the same way 24 hours a day. It tends to get spontaneously worse at night and get better during the day (7). Without peak flow meter at home, the physician can only guess how the patient was doing at home. Second, having a meter at home allows the patient to telephone the doctor during the night and get proper instructions for management of his case. Nine times out of ten, a Physician experienced with home peak flow, can help get his patient out of trouble quickly and avoid uncalled for visit to an emergency room or hospital (7). PEFR use in Chronic obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to any disorder in which there is a long-term obstruction of airflow and a substantial reduction in pulmonary ventilation (2). The major COPDs are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This is obstructive airway diseases like Asthma. They are almost always caused by cigarette smoking, but occasionally result from air pollution or occupational exposure to airborne irritants (2). Like in asthma, variability of PEFR value is important in diagnosing and after prognosing of COPD. Patients with chronic bronchitis are unlikely to achieve a P.E.F. higher than 400 L/min: if their condition is complicated by emphysema, values of less than 200 L/min are usually found (4). In severe emphysema or in status asthmaticus PEFR may be unrecordable on the standard Wright peak flow meter which cannot measure PEFR if it is less than 60 L/min (4). The importance of identifying chronic bronchitis at a stage before serious, irreversible changes have occurred should need no stressing. Unfortunately, the early symptoms of chronic bronchitis are so unobtrusive that patients seldom attach any importance to them: (4) therefore early chronic bronchitis is likely to be recognized only if it is specially looked for. Nobody is better placed to do this than the general practitioner now that his task has been made less formidable by the provision of objective means of assessment. Though the limitations of PEFR as an index of early chronic bronchitis have yet to be fully measured, there is no doubt that a peak flow meter will enable general practitioners to identify many early bronchitis with much greater confidence than is possible on clinical findings alone (4). Other uses Also absolute peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) has been a valuable measurement in the differentiation of acute dyspea secondary to congestive heart failure (CHF) or chronic lung disease (CLD) (15) In experimental research, it was discovered the mean absolute PEFR was 229.9 L / min for the congestive heart failure group and 121.12 L / min for the CLD group; the difference was significant. No single cut off value allowed 100 % accurate classification. However, a PEFR greater than 150 L / min was suggestive of CHF. Whereas a reading less than or equal to 150 L / min was suggestive of CLD. The Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is Valuable in differentiation between CHF and CLD (15). Advantages and Disadvantages of PEFR There are some advantages and disadvantages utilizing peak flow meter in management of respiratory diseases. A peak flow meter that is an inexpensive, portable, handheld device and need no source of electricity and require the minimum of maintenance (4), can be used at the bedside, can be bought any person from market. Peak flow meters are very helpful if person have moderate to severe asthma and require daily asthma medications. Even children ages 4 to 5 and up should be able to use a peak flow meter with good results. People with moderate-to-severe asthma should have a peak flow meter at home (14). Although reproducible, PEFR is not a good measure of airflow limitation since it measures the expiratory flow rate only in the first 2 ms of expiration and overestimates lung function in patients with moderate airflow limitation (3). PEFR is best used to monitor progression of disease and its treatment. Regular measurements of peak flow rates on waking, during the afternoon, and before bed demonstrate the wide diurnal variations in airflow limitation that characterize asthma and allow an objective assessment of treatment to be made It can be difficult to distinguish between asthma and COPD(3): that are same feature respiratory diseases. Also a significant peak flow variability is present in, bronchiectasis, and PTLD, although PEFR remains the most important feature favoring the diagnosis of asthma (10). So there are some difficulties in differentiation of asthma from other obstructive respiratory diseases each other. This is Effort-dependent Poor measure of chronic airflow limitation (3). Older people with poor vision have difficulty reading PEF meter recordings (6). It is important to know that peak flow meter only measures the amount of airflow out of the large airways of the lungs (14). Changes in airflow caused by the small airways (which also occur with asthma) will not be detected by a peak flow meter. Early warning signs, however, may be present. Therefore, it is important, symptoms and early warning signs to best manage in asthma. The most clinically useful measurements of airflow limitation except PEFR are forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1), which may be expressed as a proportion of the forced vital capacity (FVC) as FEV1/FVC per cent (11). Both tests require the patient to provide a reproducible maximal forced expiratory maneuvers using tested and validated equipment. FEV1 has the advantage of a visible tracing of the expelled volume of air over time, which allows the observer to determine whether reproducible maximal forced expiratory manoeuvres have been made (11). PEFR testing does not provide this opportunity. However, peak flow meters employed to measure PEFR, unlike spirometers required to measure FEV1, can be used regularly by patients to monitor their lung function (11).

The Role of Marketing Research at Nike :: Business Management Studies

The Role of Marketing Research at Nike This essay answers the following six questions concerning Nike. Q1.) Should Nike switch from a focus on celebrities to a focus on its products in its advertising? Discuss the role of marketing research in helping the Nike management to make this decision. What kind of research should be undertaken? Q2.) Discuss the buying behavior of consumer with respect to athletic footwear. Q3.) What is the management decision problem as it attempts to retain its leadership position? Q4.) Discuss marketing research problem facing Nike, given the management decision problem you have identified? Q5.) Develop two suitable research questions and formulate two hypotheses for each. Q6.) How can internet be used to help Nike in conducting marketing research and in marketing its product. Q1.) Should Nike switch from a focus on celebrities to a focus on its products in its advertising? Discuss the role of marketing research in helping the Nike management to make this decision. What kind of research should be undertaken? Answer:- Yes, it should change its focus from celebrities to its product as we can see that the Nike Shox was a run away success in U.K and U.S. Marketing research will help Nike management to find out eh effectiveness of celebrities focused adds to product feature adds. Descriptive research should be undertaken as it gives a conclusive result. Q2.) Discuss the buying behavior of consumer with respect to athletic footwear. Answer: - People buy things for obvious and hidden reasons. The importance of the product determines the amount of thought and effort into the purchase. For instance buying behavior of athletic footwear will be different for serious sports athletics and different for other consumers. Athletic footwear can be categorized into 3 types: Athleisure = Casual athletic styles, canvas, suede, etc. Recreational Boots = Hunting, Fishing. Waterboot etc. Sports based = Golf, Basketball, Soccer etc. There are essential factors that consumers take into consideration before purchasing a new pair of Athleisure shoes. Stability?the shoes should have a balanced and secure feel throughout range of motion. Flexibility?the shoes should allow for a good degree of give at the base of the toes, providing smooth motion. Comfort?walking shoes should comprise contours and padding conformed closely to the feet, providing a snug fit at the heel and midfoot, with ample room in the forefoot. There are essential factors that Athletics take into consideration before purchasing a new pair of Sports based shoes. Heelcounter?the area of the shoe that holds the back of the heel, just

Misconceptions about Satanism :: Non-Christian Religions Satan

Misconceptions about Satanism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most religions like Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam have well defined meanings, one exception is Satanism. Most people have their own definition for Satanism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some people feel that non-Christian religions and all Christian denominations other than their own are forms of Satanism. This would imply that all Buddhists, Hindus, Moslems, and Jews. In fact at least 75% of the world's population would be Satanists.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Others feel that all religions other than Judaism or Christianity are inspired by Satan and thus are forms of Satanism. This would still leave the vast majority of people in the world being Satanists.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Large numbers of people feel that a wide variety of unrelated, benign religions (such as Santeria and other Caribbean religions, Druidism, New Age, Wicca, ect.) are forms of Satanism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Such definitions create great confusion. The following are recommended terms and descriptions for four essentially unrelated religions that have been called Satanism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first is Religious Satanism, This faith includes the recognition of Satan either as a deity or as a principle. Three main denominations exist: the Church of Satan, the Temple of Set, and the Church of Satanic Liberation. Other short lived Satanic groups currently exist and have existed in the recent past. According to Statistic Canada, the 1991 census found 335 Canadians who identified themselves as Satanists. The actual Number is probably significantly larger. A United States Department of the Army pamphlet #165-13 "RELIGIOUS REQUIREMENTS AND PRACTICES OF CERTAIN SELECTED GROUPS - A HANDBOOK FOR CHAPLAINS" (1978 - April) estimated that there were 10 to 20 thousand members of the Church of Satan in the United States. Accurate data is impossible to estimate, since the largest group (The Church of Satan) does not release its membership totals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is important to realize that the Satan they recognize has few if any point s of similarity with the Christian concept of Satan. The Satanists' concept of Satan is pre-Christian, and derived from the Pagan image of power, virility, sexuality and sensuality. To most Satanists, Satan is a force of nature, not a living quasi-deity. Their Satan has nothing to do with Hell, demons, pitchforks or profound evil.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The image of Satanism spawned by Christianity is called Gothic Satanism. It is an imaginary and profoundly evil religion that was invented during the late Middle Ages. Concepts included ritual killing of children, selling their soul to the devil, breaking crucifixes, conducting black masses, ect. It has never existed in the past, and does not exist today, except in the imagination of the public.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another form of Satanism is Teen Satanism: A syncretistic religion which is a blend of Religious Satanism, Gothic Satanism, ceremonial magick, and any

Corporal Punishment :: essays research papers

Corporal Punishment People a few years ago,thought of the only way to punish someone who did a sinister deed was to use corporal punishment.This is meant to enforce pain to someone who has done wrong by hitting them,beating them,strapping them or even whipping them.These are only a few examples of corporal punishment. Why do we have corporal punishment,How do we benefit from it and how do we abuse it?. The most obvious reason for corporal punishment is to castigate one for doing wrong by means of physical abuse expecting the individual to learn from his or her mistake.But we must ask ourselves this question.Is the person benefiting from this or is he or she not only being physically abused but mentally.In some cases corporal punishment psychologically effects ones mind on a long term bases that will stain their memory for a very long period of time. In other cases physical punishment scars and stains the body changing its physical appearance but only on a small scale.Corporal punishment is also used because it is quick and in most cases effective.The mental condition of the person being affected may worsen not only resulting to utter madness but may also result in lack of moral strength.Most people nowadays feel that corporal punishment is not the best answer to enforce restrictions in society as they feel,that pain is not the best solution. Although Corporal punishment has its disadvantages it can also make people aware of the fact that wrong doing results in pain and agony.As more people know the effect of misbehaving,the fewer the mistakes there would be.Michael Fae for example, used a paint canister to spray paint on cars for fun.The result for this action was to be strapped four times on the back.Now he realizes what he has to face if he were to do it again. In the past,corporal punishment was used very often especially in schools.Now corporal punishment is banned from most of the schools around the world because a lot of the people who administer it abuse it.

Succeeding at a Job Interview

BERNETTA J HUNTER Comp II 8 March 2013 Succeeding at a Job Interview If you plan on being employed at a company you like, you will need to succeed at the job interview. First you must do some research on the company. Next you must avoid, if at all possible, the personnel office. Then upon being interviewed, observe all interview rules and be prepared to prove your claims. A well prepared individual walking into an interview is more likely to land the job. When you perform research on a company you have an interview with, it signals interest to the employer.For example, one might be able to state the sales quota from the previous month. Then you are prepared to state how you can be an asset to the company. If you pursue your job hunt in a detailed, professional manner, the employer could possibly view you performing the job in the same manner. Setting up a career research interview could get your foot in the door and possibly the job. The personnel office is like a road block. Try to avoid it because its job is to screen out the interviewee. You want to go in and ask if you can be interviewed by the person who has the power to interview.Make no mistake: the personnel office still has the power to say no and tell you to expect a phone call to be interviewed at a later date. If you cannot get past the personnel office for a twenty minute face-to-face interview with the interviewer, keep your research ongoing. Now let’s say you got the job interview, you must observe the interview rules. First you must be converse where you get fifty percent of the interview as well as the interviewer. Next you must not let your answers be shorter than twenty seconds, or longer than two minutes. Then you must try to prove how you can be an asset to the company, and be able to prove it.The first impression with the interviewer should be professionally set in stone. Succeeding at an interview is what will land you the job. Taking the time to perform a detailed research shows y our desirable interest. Asking to be interviewed by the person in charge can help you cross that barrier of being screened out by the personnel office. Then once you are actually being interviewed, make sure you know the interview rules and follow them. Being prepared at an interview and doing what most people fail to do will put you up higher on the hiring list.

Cultural interview

Adriana was going to react to certain topics/questions and this made me apprehensive about conducting the interview. I was nervous that she might feel vulnerable about her hearing impediment since she is a private individual. She was ridiculed in school and did not have many friends. I was unaware if Adriana would avoid questions or become emotional about her childhood. I was also apprehensive about mentioning her nationality and if she felt that she had experienced racism. I remained empathetic and nonjudgmental throughout the entire interview.Adriana is currently a 33-year-old Mexican American left handed female with a hearing disability. She currently has no hearing in her right ear and has only 10% in her left ear. She has two hearing aids and is able to communicate by reading lips, text messaging, and by email. She is not able to communicate utilizing a telephone. She has been bilingual (Spanish and English) since the age of about five. Adriana lost most of hearing at the age of seven because she was afflicted with polio. She mentioned that she was sick for a week and was never hospitalized.She suffered from high fevers and lost the majority of her hearing over the course of a eek. She went from being able to hear the chirping ofa bird to only being able to hear muffled voices! She obtained hearing aids about two weeks after being afflicted with polio. She went through extensive amounts of speech therapy during and outside of the school setting. However, she has always excelled academically in school. She claims that most of the teachers were accommodating and let her sit in the front of the class. However, she did mention that she was ridiculed throughout her grade school years.She claims that her classmates would throw â€Å"spit balls† at her and make fun of her speech impediment. She never lashed out at people and tried to ignore their immature behavior. She mentions that she was lucky to have older brothers that were very protective. Many peopl e felt that she was â€Å"freeloading† because of her Mexican heritage and did not get to know her or even recognize that she was also an American. She mentioned that her parents came to America legally n their green cards) and became Mexican American citizens. Adriana mentioned that she was not popular and only associated with a few friends.She was very emotional during this topic! She would â€Å"tear up† at times because she felt like she was reliving bad memories. She felt like no one could relate to her because no one else had a disability and was a â€Å"minority. † It was also hard for her to realize that her hearing was gradually deteriorating! She currently has a Bachelor's Degree in Media and the Fine Arts and an Associate's Degree in Medical Billing and Coding. She is currently working at a doctor's office part time utilizing her Medical Billing and Coding degree.She does not seem passionate about her Job because she is in a private office (by herself ) doing computer coding. She feels excluded because she cannot fulfill the entire Job description. She is only able to complete the paperwork/ omputer portion of her current position. She is unable to communicate by telephone and feels incompetent because of her speech/hearing impediment. She always dreamt about becoming a nurse and wanted to follow in the footsteps of her older siblings. She knew that she would be unable to fulfill her dream because her hearing loss would affect her Job performance.Despite struggling and having a low self esteem, she found a husband that is able to look past her disability. Her body language and tone of voice seemed to change when we were talking about her husband. She seemed to be very comfortable talking about him and was very open bout answering questions. Her face lit up, there was excitement in her answers, and she appeared less tense. She has been married for five years to her husband named Gabriel and resides in Portage, Indiana. She has no children but has two cats and dogs! She constantly has nephews and nieces that spend the night.They refer to her as the â€Å"favorite† aunt. She stated, â€Å"l love spending time with my nieces and nephews, however when I have had enough then I can send them home. † They call her â€Å"Auntie Nana† and she displays their artwork proudly throughout her house and on the refrigerator. Adriana grew up in a single-family household in Whiting, Indiana. Her father was in her life for about seven years. She claims that he cheated on her mother and she kicked him out of the house. Adriana is a middle child of four brothers and sisters. Her mother worked at a nursing home as a Janitor and did not make much money.Her older brother and sister would often look after the younger children when her mother was at work. She was raised Catholic and presently attends church weekly. She grew up in a bilingual and strict household. She was expected to have chores and homework done by the time her mother was home. She still remains close with her family and sees them on a regular basis. I was shocked to find out that she has not spoken to her father for almost a decade. She also confided in me that she has about 15 half brothers/sisters from her father's â€Å"mistresses. She has emailed four of them and does not know anything about the other siblings. I was also amazed that since she has such a large Mexican family, she only participates in some Mexican traditions. She mentioned that her large, extended family gathers together for birthdays, Cinco de Mayo, and holidays. They typically indulge in Mexican Cuisine, such as: tamales, guacamole, tacos, and flautas. She stated that growing up with a disability and being Mexican was never easy. Adriana mentioned that she experienced racism when she was younger. She experienced racial profiling and was referred to as a â€Å"Spic. They would ask her if sne nad a green card and it sne was an illegal alien. Her mothe r's lower socioeconomic status was reflected in Adriana's wardrobe. She also mentioned she received free and reduced school lunches. Her classmates ridiculed her for all of these things. She did not socialize with many students and often sat by herself in the cafeteria. She felt alone because of her disability and race. She often felt that eople were making fun of her and talking behind her back. In her current work environment she often feels looked down upon because of her hearing disability.Adriana still has an upbeat personality despite all of the adversities in her life. She views herself as being successful and accomplished. She overcame the odds and went to college and obtained two degrees. She is married, has a Job, and owns a home. She credits much of her success to having a supportive and loving family. Her mother always encouraged and inspired her to pursue her dreams and never treated her differently from any of her other siblings (without disabilities). Adriana was rais ed with love and discipline. Her mother was never embarrassed to punish her or her siblings in public.They were taught that nothing is free and that they have to work hard for what they have. There are three nurses in her family and each of her siblings has their own homes and Jobs. She did mention that she grew up in a poverty stricken environment. Her mother was on welfare and food stamps throughout the course of her childhood. Her clothing was either from Goodwill and/ or second hand clothing from her older siblings. She lived in a three-bedroom house and shared a room with four of her sisters. As a counselor, I have learned not to have a pre-conceived notion about a client.I have also learned that you cannot Judge a book by its cover. Adriana has overcome many obstacles/hurdles in her life that most people could never imagine. She is legally â€Å"deaf† and has never once given up on pursuing her goals. She mentioned that she is a candidate for the cochlear implant but do es not want to undergo the procedure. She assured me that she has learned to adjust her life around her hearing deficit. I have learned that she is not defined by her disability but by her ability! I felt empathetic towards the amount of bullying that she had endured.She was never once vengeful but was saddened that certain individuals could physically and emotionally torment someone. As a counselor, I would advocate for this client by helping her obtain information on disability and social security. Due to her socioeconomic status, transportation may need to be provided for appointments to/from the counseling sessions. I would also provide her with a list of vocational rehabilitation offices to help her obtain information related to employment, assistive technology, and transition services.Other resources that can be valuable to Adriana include a sign language translator and a videophone. I can also provide information on support groups for individuals with hearing disabilities. I feel that she would benefit from individual and family counseling despite having a positive outlook on her scenario. This interview made me realize that someone with a minority/disability can overcome obstacles that seem nonexistent to someone without a disability or a minority. She may have had many struggles throughout her life, but was fortunate to have the support of her mother nd siblings.Even though Adriana is a minority with a disability, she has a positive attitude towards life. She takes everything in stride and does not want sympathy. Adriana has always been successful and seems to excel despite her disability. Overcoming many adversities, sne remains optimistic about ner tuture. She is ag advocate and role model for minorities with a disability. She is a role model to her nieces and nephews. She constantly encourages them to pursue their dreams and a higher education. She does not let her disability limit her lifestyle or outlook on life. Cultural interview Adriana was going to react to certain topics/questions and this made me apprehensive about conducting the interview. I was nervous that she might feel vulnerable about her hearing impediment since she is a private individual. She was ridiculed in school and did not have many friends. I was unaware if Adriana would avoid questions or become emotional about her childhood. I was also apprehensive about mentioning her nationality and if she felt that she had experienced racism. I remained empathetic and nonjudgmental throughout the entire interview.Adriana is currently a 33-year-old Mexican American left handed female with a hearing disability. She currently has no hearing in her right ear and has only 10% in her left ear. She has two hearing aids and is able to communicate by reading lips, text messaging, and by email. She is not able to communicate utilizing a telephone. She has been bilingual (Spanish and English) since the age of about five. Adriana lost most of hearing at the age of seven because she was afflicted with polio. She mentioned that she was sick for a week and was never hospitalized.She suffered from high fevers and lost the majority of her hearing over the course of a eek. She went from being able to hear the chirping ofa bird to only being able to hear muffled voices! She obtained hearing aids about two weeks after being afflicted with polio. She went through extensive amounts of speech therapy during and outside of the school setting. However, she has always excelled academically in school. She claims that most of the teachers were accommodating and let her sit in the front of the class. However, she did mention that she was ridiculed throughout her grade school years.She claims that her classmates would throw â€Å"spit balls† at her and make fun of her speech impediment. She never lashed out at people and tried to ignore their immature behavior. She mentions that she was lucky to have older brothers that were very protective. Many peopl e felt that she was â€Å"freeloading† because of her Mexican heritage and did not get to know her or even recognize that she was also an American. She mentioned that her parents came to America legally n their green cards) and became Mexican American citizens. Adriana mentioned that she was not popular and only associated with a few friends.She was very emotional during this topic! She would â€Å"tear up† at times because she felt like she was reliving bad memories. She felt like no one could relate to her because no one else had a disability and was a â€Å"minority. † It was also hard for her to realize that her hearing was gradually deteriorating! She currently has a Bachelor's Degree in Media and the Fine Arts and an Associate's Degree in Medical Billing and Coding. She is currently working at a doctor's office part time utilizing her Medical Billing and Coding degree.She does not seem passionate about her Job because she is in a private office (by herself ) doing computer coding. She feels excluded because she cannot fulfill the entire Job description. She is only able to complete the paperwork/ omputer portion of her current position. She is unable to communicate by telephone and feels incompetent because of her speech/hearing impediment. She always dreamt about becoming a nurse and wanted to follow in the footsteps of her older siblings. She knew that she would be unable to fulfill her dream because her hearing loss would affect her Job performance.Despite struggling and having a low self esteem, she found a husband that is able to look past her disability. Her body language and tone of voice seemed to change when we were talking about her husband. She seemed to be very comfortable talking about him and was very open bout answering questions. Her face lit up, there was excitement in her answers, and she appeared less tense. She has been married for five years to her husband named Gabriel and resides in Portage, Indiana. She has no children but has two cats and dogs! She constantly has nephews and nieces that spend the night.They refer to her as the â€Å"favorite† aunt. She stated, â€Å"l love spending time with my nieces and nephews, however when I have had enough then I can send them home. † They call her â€Å"Auntie Nana† and she displays their artwork proudly throughout her house and on the refrigerator. Adriana grew up in a single-family household in Whiting, Indiana. Her father was in her life for about seven years. She claims that he cheated on her mother and she kicked him out of the house. Adriana is a middle child of four brothers and sisters. Her mother worked at a nursing home as a Janitor and did not make much money.Her older brother and sister would often look after the younger children when her mother was at work. She was raised Catholic and presently attends church weekly. She grew up in a bilingual and strict household. She was expected to have chores and homework done by the time her mother was home. She still remains close with her family and sees them on a regular basis. I was shocked to find out that she has not spoken to her father for almost a decade. She also confided in me that she has about 15 half brothers/sisters from her father's â€Å"mistresses. She has emailed four of them and does not know anything about the other siblings. I was also amazed that since she has such a large Mexican family, she only participates in some Mexican traditions. She mentioned that her large, extended family gathers together for birthdays, Cinco de Mayo, and holidays. They typically indulge in Mexican Cuisine, such as: tamales, guacamole, tacos, and flautas. She stated that growing up with a disability and being Mexican was never easy. Adriana mentioned that she experienced racism when she was younger. She experienced racial profiling and was referred to as a â€Å"Spic. They would ask her if sne nad a green card and it sne was an illegal alien. Her mothe r's lower socioeconomic status was reflected in Adriana's wardrobe. She also mentioned she received free and reduced school lunches. Her classmates ridiculed her for all of these things. She did not socialize with many students and often sat by herself in the cafeteria. She felt alone because of her disability and race. She often felt that eople were making fun of her and talking behind her back. In her current work environment she often feels looked down upon because of her hearing disability.Adriana still has an upbeat personality despite all of the adversities in her life. She views herself as being successful and accomplished. She overcame the odds and went to college and obtained two degrees. She is married, has a Job, and owns a home. She credits much of her success to having a supportive and loving family. Her mother always encouraged and inspired her to pursue her dreams and never treated her differently from any of her other siblings (without disabilities). Adriana was rais ed with love and discipline. Her mother was never embarrassed to punish her or her siblings in public.They were taught that nothing is free and that they have to work hard for what they have. There are three nurses in her family and each of her siblings has their own homes and Jobs. She did mention that she grew up in a poverty stricken environment. Her mother was on welfare and food stamps throughout the course of her childhood. Her clothing was either from Goodwill and/ or second hand clothing from her older siblings. She lived in a three-bedroom house and shared a room with four of her sisters. As a counselor, I have learned not to have a pre-conceived notion about a client.I have also learned that you cannot Judge a book by its cover. Adriana has overcome many obstacles/hurdles in her life that most people could never imagine. She is legally â€Å"deaf† and has never once given up on pursuing her goals. She mentioned that she is a candidate for the cochlear implant but do es not want to undergo the procedure. She assured me that she has learned to adjust her life around her hearing deficit. I have learned that she is not defined by her disability but by her ability! I felt empathetic towards the amount of bullying that she had endured.She was never once vengeful but was saddened that certain individuals could physically and emotionally torment someone. As a counselor, I would advocate for this client by helping her obtain information on disability and social security. Due to her socioeconomic status, transportation may need to be provided for appointments to/from the counseling sessions. I would also provide her with a list of vocational rehabilitation offices to help her obtain information related to employment, assistive technology, and transition services.Other resources that can be valuable to Adriana include a sign language translator and a videophone. I can also provide information on support groups for individuals with hearing disabilities. I feel that she would benefit from individual and family counseling despite having a positive outlook on her scenario. This interview made me realize that someone with a minority/disability can overcome obstacles that seem nonexistent to someone without a disability or a minority. She may have had many struggles throughout her life, but was fortunate to have the support of her mother nd siblings.Even though Adriana is a minority with a disability, she has a positive attitude towards life. She takes everything in stride and does not want sympathy. Adriana has always been successful and seems to excel despite her disability. Overcoming many adversities, sne remains optimistic about ner tuture. She is ag advocate and role model for minorities with a disability. She is a role model to her nieces and nephews. She constantly encourages them to pursue their dreams and a higher education. She does not let her disability limit her lifestyle or outlook on life.