Organizational Culture Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizational Culture Case Study - Essay Example Effective leadership keeps a vigilant eye on the organizational culture and if any of the loopholes surfaces, leaders are the first one to react to it. CASE STUDY: As far as, adopting new organizational culture if the previous one is not workable anymore is concerned, there is no harm in it (Collins and Porras 1994) but it is very important to review each corner and touch every single ground of facts and figures before changing it, though it is undoubtedly a tough job to bring each follower on to a new pattern (Paul F. Clark, 2009). Similarly, in the case study â€Å"Cultural Change at Scientific Research Administration† we have observed that there was an immediate need to change of an organizational culture because the outcomes were not as good as expected. There were certain things that weren’t turning out the way it was foreseen. The most important things which were needed to be rectified were the unsatisfactory response from the customers, ineffective coordination, and budget failure. (Schein 1999) narrates the effective strategies for bringing the cultural change in an organization, which says that unfreezing of old cultures and creating motivation among followers to adopt and bring in positive change to enhance the organizational performance, keep connectivity with the old culture and articulate charismatic leadership with a blend of altruism, analysis of previous and future plans to bring realistic and concrete cultural change. The most important is assuring psychological safety through formal or informal group training by skilled coaches. CRITICAL REFLECTIONS: It is the process of reexamining and analyzing previous organizational experiences in a broader context. In this case study we can see that the previous values were a weak composition of values to be followed, like: No one owns the problem: This was a serious concern that if no one would own the problem then who would respond to the repercussions or who would be held responsible for an ill outcome. We react to the customer: In business organization, this is no less than an offence that a person who is paying to get the work done will ultimately get nothing if the work is not done accordingly. All accommodations or fire fighting should be done within and customers should get the work at its best. Here comes altruism that a leader helps an individual to get the work done with an ultimate goal of organizational wellness. Costs are someone else problem: Collaborative and transformational leadership execute that team will enjoy the outcome of a successful project which involves that each follower is responsible for the success and it is because of the team effort then how come cost management could be someone else problem. Altruistic Leadership Behavior can be defined as executing others selflessly with an ultimate goal of improving followers’ robustness in favor of organizations’ wellbeing. The ideology of being selfless was under debate and different philosophers had different perceptions over. It is being discussed by Clary & Snyder, 1999; that Altruistic is all about self interest embedded in altruism which can be selfish as well at the same time. However, Chinese Thinker and a Philosopher, Confucius believes that it is based on reciprocity which is like doing good to somebody and expects the same from

Stockholm Syndrome Essay Example for Free

Stockholm Syndrome Essay Throughout the semester our class has discussed various types of deviant behavior and what kind of acts might be considered as deviant. Analyzing the motives behind deviant behavior has been very interesting to learn about and has opened my eyes to various reasons why someone might act deviant. Learning and thinking about the numerous kinds of criminal acts that occur in the world not only make me wonder about the criminals themselves, but also about the individuals that are victims in criminal acts. Hearing about various crimes where people are injured, murdered, raped, etc, have made me interesting in learning about the thoughts and feelings that victims experience in these kinds of harmful situations. The cases that I find the most interesting are ones of kidnapping and child abduction. The events that take place when someone is held captive are unspeakable and many question why abductees would not try to escape. When individuals are placed in a situation where they no longer have any control over their fate, feel intense fear of physical harm, and believe all control is in the hands of their tormentor; a threat for survival can result. This fear for survival can develop into a psychological response that can leads to having sympathy and support for their captor. This kind of psychological response is referred to as Stockholm syndrome. Stockholm syndrome refers to a group of psychological symptoms that some individuals face when they are held in captive or hostage situations. The name ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ was derived from a 1973 bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden, where four hostages were held for six days. When they were in captivity, each hostage seemed to defend the actions of the robbers and even resisted efforts by the police to rescue them. Months after their ordeal had ended, the hostages continued to show loyalty to their captors to the point of refusing to testify against them, as well as helping the criminals raise funds for legal representation. The hostages appeared to have formed a paradoxical emotional bond with the captors. Psychologist and criminologist, Nils Berjerot, described this phenomenon as ‘Stockholm syndrome’. Stockholm syndrome is the feelings of trust or affection felt by a victim toward a captor in certain cases of kidnapping or hostage. This paradoxical psychological phenomenon, where a positive bond between hostage and captor forms, appears irrational because of the frightening ordeals that victims endure. So what causes it to happen and why? These positive feelings between hostages and hostage takers develop when a captor threatens a victim’s life and decides not to kill them. The victim forms a survival instinct that overpowers the instinct to hate the captor who caused the life-threatening situation. The victim is so concerned with saving their life that they would not jeopardize it with showing hatred or anger toward their captor. It is a basic survival instinct, and it occurs when a number of factors are present in a traumatic situation. The first factor that seems to cultivate the presence of Stockholm syndrome is when the person in control is perceived as having the power to kill the victims and threatens to do so. Second, the situation must be one where the victim cannot escape. Since the captor threatens to kill the victim and gives the perception of having the capability to do so, it leads the victim to align with the captor, endure hardship of captivity, and comply with the captor to resist getting killed. Thirdly, the traumatic situation must put the victim in an isolative state. This creates an environment where the victim is dependent on the captor for information. The victim is prevented from knowing about the world news and the public search for them. This causes feelings of abandonment and isolation, which makes the victim feel as if they have no choice but to bond with the captor. The victim gets mentally involved in the captor’s problems and views, and often the victim starts helping to achieve t he captor’s goals. This behavior creates positive bonding between the victim and captor, which increases the chances of survival for the victim. Finally, the abuser must show some form of kindness. The victim seeing the perpetrator as showing some degree of kindness is the most important factor for causing Stockholm syndrome. The syndrome will not develop unless the captor shows compassion in some form toward the victim. For example, lack of abuse may be misinterpreted as kindness, leading to the development of feelings of appreciation. When a victim is under extreme stress and fearing for their life, they see the smallest act of kindness as proof of the abusers compassion. Seeing the abuser as kind helps to lower stress levels and gives the victim a false security that they are safe. There are three characteristics that seem to be apparent in individuals in situations resulting in Stockholm syndrome. One is that the victim has positive feelings for the captor. This often results from the thankfulness of the victim towards the captor for giving life by simply not taking it. The second characteristic usually shown is that the victim shows fear, distrust, and anger towards the authorities. This occurs because the victim feels as if the authorities can only mishandle the situation, therefore putting their life in danger. Viewing authorities as the enemy stimulates a positive bond between victim and captor. This leads to the last characteristic, which is when the captor displays positive feelings towards the victim. Positive feelings from the shown toward the victim are seen as essential for the victim’s survival. Stockholm syndrome has received considerable media publicity over the years because it has been used to explain the behavior of some notorious kidnapping victims. One famous case of Stockholm syndrome was when the Symbionese Liberation Army kidnapped actress, Patty He arst, in 1974. After two months in captivity, she actively took part in a robbery that they planned. Another well-known case was that of Elizebeth Smart. She fell victim to Stockholm syndrome after her nine months of captivity and abuse by her captives, Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. Lastly, the case of Jaycee Lee Dugard was a very prominent story of Stockholm syndrome. Phillip Garrido abducted her for 18 years. Garrido fathered two girls with Jaycee during her captivity. When Jacyee was questioned by investigators, she did not reveal her identity, instead she told them that she was a battered wife who was hiding from her abusive husband. She described Garrido as a good person who she trusted. It was clear that she formed an emotional bond over the years she was held captive by Garrido. While many people will survive such encounters, it does not mean that they do so mentally unharmed. The psychological effects are numerous and victims of Stockholm syndrome are left with mental anguish that can last a lifetime. There are many side effects that are cause by Stockholm syndrome. The main effects that seem to have been shown in many victims are depression, self-blame, social isolation, self-destructive behavior, flashbacks, guilt, and anger. With so many side effects it is extremely important for sufferers to receive treatment. Treatment of Stockholm syndrome entails a combination of medications and psychotherapy. It is unfortunate to see what the effects of someone’s criminal behavior can have on others. It is frightening that there are people out there in this world that are capable of committing such terrible actions. The many who have lost their lives and have to deal with life long memories and scars of traumatizing events is horrifying.

Role of Kidney in Osmoregulation

Role of Kidney in Osmoregulation Water is a vital molecule for the human body. Approximately 98% of the human body is made up of water. Human beings cannot survive if their water content decreases below 12%; hence the homeostasis of water is an important mechanism. Water has many important functions in our body. Water acts as a transport medium in blood and secretion e.g. in digestive juices, tears. Water is a good lubricant and acts to reduce friction when combined with particular proteins e.g. mucus to aid external movement. Many chemical reactions take place in an aqueous medium (Jones M.et al.2000) The kidneys are highly specialised organs of the body and play an important role in homeostasis. Fig 1a shows the location of the kidney in the human body.The kidney maintains homeostasis by regulating water balance, waste removal and blood composition and pressure. The kidneys dispose of waste by-products of metabolism and hence prevent the build up of toxic products in the body and to regulate the chemical components of the bodys fluids by responding to any imbalances of body fluids. These functions are fulfilled by a process of filtration of blood, which mainly includes the movement of solutes between the internal fluid and external environment. The movement of solutes is normally through a transport epithelium, in the case of the kidney it is in the form of a tubular channel; this tubular channel gives the kidney a large surface area. As Fig 1b shows blood enters each kidney via the renal artery and leaves via the renal vein. The kidneys weigh less than 1% of the human body, they receive approximately 2 % of blood pumped with each heartbeat. Urine exits the kidney through a duct called the ureter. The ureters of both kidneys drain into a common urinary bladder. Urine leaves the body from the urinary bladder to the urethra which empties near the vagina in females or through the penis in males. (Campbell N. A. et al. 1999, Michael F. et al. 2001) At one end the nephron forms a cup-shaped structure called glomerulus. From the glomerulus a tube runs towards the centre of the kidney first forming a twisted region called the proximal convoluted tubule and then a long hair-pin loop in the medulla, it runs back upwards into the cortex where it forms another twisted region called the distal convoluted tubule, this then joins a collecting duct which leads down the medulla and into the renal pelvis The functional unit of the kidney is a nephron. Microscopic sections of the kidney show that the kidney is made up of thousands of nephrons. Fig1b shows the location of a nephron and Fig2 shows the detailed structure of a nephron. Each renal capsule is supplied with blood by the afferent arteriole a branch of the renal artery this splits into many capillaries in the capsule which then rejoin to form the afferent arteriole. The nephrons structure is closely related to its function of regulating solutes Osmoregulation is maintaining constant levels of water in the body. Cells cannot survive a huge deviation from its osmolality. Hence, cells have a continuous movement of water across their plasma membranes. A net gain of water will cause the cell to swell up and burst, while a net loss of water will cause the cell to shrivel up and die. Water is transported by osmosis around the body. Osmoregulation is accomplished by creating an osmotic gradient; this requires lots of energy and is done by maintaining solute concentrations in the body fluids. The osmolality of the body is fixed at a mean of 290 ±5 mosmos/g. The kidney is able to maintain a constant osmolality as its able to adjust the rate of water excretion over a wide range. The volume of the extra-cellular fluid is mainly determined by the concentration of sodium ions, hence slight adjustments to the renal excretion rate have a major impact on the extracellular fluid volume. Changes in tubular sodium transport is accompanied by parallel movements of water, this results in no net change in body fluid osmolality  (Campbell N. A. et al. 1999, Frederic H.M. 2006, Michael F. et al. 2001) The loop of Henle creates a longitudinal osmotic gradient across the medulla; this aids the reabsorption of water and other important solutes. Ascending and descending limb are parallel and adjacent to each other with a layer of tissue fluid in between. Fluid enters from the proximal convoluted tubules flows down the descending limb and then up the ascending limb. This is known as a counter-current flow. Thewalls of the descending limb are permeable to water, while the walls of the ascending limb are impermeable to water. The ascending limb of the Loop of Henle is made up of a thick walled tubule which is impermeable to the outward movement of water but not salt. The red arrows on fig3 show the movement of water amd solutes along the loop of Henle and the collecting duct. Also, the walls of the ascending limb contain pumps to remove sodium chloride from the lumen and add it to the surrounding interstitial fluid. Hence sodium and chloride ions are actively transported out of the ascen ding limb. This is the site of reabsorption in the kidney, here fluid from theà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦enters and the kidney reabsorbs all the useful solutes and water. The permeability of the loop and the collecting duct depends on the osmolality of the blood and is controlled by a negative feedback mechanism by osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus A high concentration of salt builds up in the medullary tissue, this together with urea retention by these tissues, helps build up a high osmotic pressure in the medullary tissue. This creates a gradient of 200 mosm/g across the tubular wall at any point and causes a loss of water from the descending limb. The loss of water concentrates sodium and chloride ions in the descending limb. Salt concentration in the medullary tissue is highest at the apex of the loop, the tissue in the deeper layers of the medulla contain a very concentrated solution of sodium ions, chloride ions and urea. The fluid leaving the ascending limb is hypo-osmolar as compared to the fluid that enters and has a osmolality of approximately 100 mosm/g .Sodium and chloride ions diffuse out in the lower part of the ascending limb. Fluid passes down the collecting duct through the medullary tissue of increasing salt concentration, water can pass out of it by osmosis. The reabsorbed water is carried away by blood capil laries  (Campbell N. A. et al. 1999, Frederic H.M. 2006, Michael F. et al. 2001) Control of water regulation Osmoregulation by the kidney involves a negative feedback mechanism. The osmoreceptors are in the hypothalamus and the effectors are the pituitary gland and the walls of the distal convoluted tubules. Osmoreceptors detect alterations of water levels and send impulses to the pituitary gland which then increase or decrease the production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). In the case of a low osmolality,when the nerve cells are stimulated by osmoreceptors action potentials travel down them, this causes ADH to be released from their endings into the blood capillaries in the posterior pituitary gland from here it is distributed throughout the body. ADH acts on the plasma membranes of the cells of the collecting ducts. ADH is picked up by a receptor on the plasma membrane which then activates an enzyme. This causes vesicles with water permeable channels to fuse with the plasma membrane hence ADH makes the membrane more permeable to water than usual. Hence more water will be reabsorbed by the collecting duct and more concentrated urine will be produced. On the other hand, when the blood water content rises the osmoreceptors are no longer stimulated and hence do not lead to the secretion of ADH. Hence, ADH secretion slows down and the collecting duct cells become less permeable to water, so less water is reabsorbed and more diluted urine is produced  (Campbell N. A. et al. 1999, Frederic H.M. 2006, Michael F. et al. 2001) In conclusion, the regulation of water is essential for the survival of human beings and is carried out by the kidneys and monitored by osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus and controlled by the pituitary gland. Each of these plays an equally important role in the regulation of water and without any one of them the body will not be able to function in a normal manner. [Words: 1328]

HBM: A Dietary Supplement for Building Muscle :: Health Nutrition Papers

HBM: A Dietary Supplement for Building Muscle Three major companies (Twinlab, MetRx, and EAS) currently market the nutritional supplement HMB, or beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (http://www.sports-nutrition.org/mesomorphosis/3022645.html). HMB has been highly acclaimed since it’s recent market debut by EAS (http://www.eas.com/research/hmb/mindex.html). Many critics have compared it to the wonder-product Creatine Monohydrate. Such a comparison undoubtedly harbors both positive and negative aspects. But nevertheless, HMB products continue to thrive in nutritional stores worldwide. I. What is HMB? "HMB (hydroxy-methylbutraye) is a metabolite of the amino acid Leucine and is produced naturally by the human body. HMB is produced from a metabolite of leucine, called ketoisocaproate (KIC), by the enzyme KIC-dioxygenase. And, at least in the pig, HMB is produced exclusively from leucine"(Nissen p.2095). II. How does HMB work? Steven Nissen and his colleagues have performed the only study to date of HMB on humans. The researchers agree that the mechanism by which HMB impacts muscle proteolysis and function is not currently known. Nevertheless there are a number of postulations. "The high substrate concentration required by the dioxygenase enzyme compared with the liver concentration of KIC suggests that HMB production in the body may be a first-order reaction controlled by enzyme and KIC concentrations. It has been calculated that, under normal conditions, about 5% of leucine oxidation proceeds via this pathway. Therefore, if humans are assumed to have enzyme actions similar to those seen in pigs, a 70-kg human would produce from .2 to .4 g HMB/day depending on the level of dietary leucine. At leucine intakes of 20-50 g/day (which are used therapeutically), the concentrations of leucine and KIC in the liver increase and could result in HMB production reaching gram quantities per day"(Nissen p.2095). Some s tudies involving HMB supplementation to the diet of steers and pigs have been shown to improve caracass quality. Based on these findings, it has been hypothesized that supplementing the diet with HMB may inhibit protein degradation during periods of increased proteolysis such as resistance training. III. What are the Claims? The three companies that currently market the product recommend 1.5-3.0 grams of HMB/day as a dietary supplement. Although the science behind the product’s effectiveness is rather unclear, all three companies show few distinctions between dosages and manufacturing. Most people who have noticed the product often see HMB advertised as a protein breakdown suppressor. Researchers claim that such an advantage actually enhances the gains in muscle strength and lean mass associated with resistance training.

End of Life Care Essay

When a loved one is dying, conversations about the end of life can be uncomfortable and difficult. Still, discussing end-of-life care is important. Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to help your loved one make important end-of-life decisions — such as whether to remain at home, move to a nursing home or other facility, or seek hospice care. Also, you can work with your loved one’s health care team to make sure your loved one remains comfortable at the end of life. Pain, anxiety and other end-of-life symptoms can often be treated. Even at the end of life, you can continue to support and nurture your relationship with your loved one. Simply being there can be an important source of strength and comfort for everyone. Grief When a loved one dies, grief can feel like a dagger in your heart. Often, grief triggers raw, intense emotions. You might wonder how you’ll ever pick up the pieces and heal your wounds — yet not feel as if you’re betraying your loved one’s memory. There are no quick fixes for the grief and anguish that follow a loved one’s death. As you face your grief, acknowledge the pain and know that it’s part of the healing process. Take good care of yourself, and seek support from friends and loved ones. Although your life will never be quite the same, the searing pain of grief will eventually become less intense. Accepting your new â€Å"normal† can help you reconcile your losses and move on with your life. Hospice Care Also called: End-of-life care Hospice care is end-of-life care provided by health professionals and volunteers. They give medical, psychological and spiritual support. The goal of the care is to help people who are dying have peace, comfort and dignity. The caregivers try to control pain and other symptoms so a person can remain as alert and comfortable as possible. Hospice programs also provide services to support a patient’s family. Usually, a hospice patient is expected to live 6 months or less. Hospice care can take place * At home * At a hospice center * In a hospital * In a skilled nursing facility ————————————————- What is the role of the family? Family members often make sacrifices to care for relatives. Families provide care, pain management, and protect the patient. Although they may lack knowledge, caregivers gain satisfaction and pride from providing care, but are also at risk for depression and health problems related to caregiver stress (Haley & Bailey, 1999: Haley et al., 2001; Weitzner, Haley, & Chen, 2000). Some cultures may believe caring is the community’s duty and obligation. Caregivers benefit from social support, maintaining social activities and roles, and psychological interventions that teach coping skills. Most people want their family to be given choices about treatment and few wanted the physician to decide alone (Bradley, 1998). End of life: Caring for a dying loved one Whether you bring a dying loved one home or keep vigil at the hospital, you can take measures to provide comfort and relief at the end of life. Caring for a dying loved one isn’t easy. Even when you know the end of life is approaching, you might not feel prepared. Understanding what to expect — and what you can do to increase your loved one’s comfort — can help. * Choosing where to die Your loved one may have various choices for end-of-life care. Options may include: * Home care. Many people choose to die at home or in the home of a family member. You can assume the role of caregiver or hire home care services for support. Hospice care — services that help ensure the highest quality of life for whatever time remains — can be provided at home as well. * Inpatient care. Some people may prefer round-the-clock care at a nursing home, hospital or dedicated inpatient hospice facility. Hospice and palliative care — a holistic treatment approach intended to ease symptoms, relieve pain, and address spiritual and psychological concerns — can be provided in any of these environments. When you discuss the options with your loved one, consider his or her preferences as well as special physical, emotional and psychosocial needs. Evaluate how much support can be provided by family members and friends. For help determining the best option, talk with your loved one’s health care team or a social worker. You might ask for a referral to palliative or hospice care specialists — health care providers trained in specific care for people nearing the end of life. * Spirituality at the end of life As your loved one approaches the end of life, he or she may talk about spirituality or the meaning of life. Don’t force the subject — but if it comes up, encourage your loved one to explore and address his or her feelings. You might ask your loved one open-ended questions about his or her beliefs and experiences or most meaningful moments. You may want to invite a spiritual leader to visit your loved one as well. * Saying goodbye You can help your loved one communicate his or her final wishes for family and friends. Encourage your loved one to share his or her feelings, including thanks or forgiveness, and give others a chance to say goodbye. This may stimulate discussion about important, unsaid thoughts, which can be meaningful for everyone. Your loved one might also find it comforting to leave a legacy — such as creating a recording about his or her life or writing letters to loved ones, especially concerning important future events. * Recognizing when death is near It’s difficult to predict exactly when someone will die. As death approaches, however, your loved one may show various signs and symptoms indicating that the end of life is near. Look for: * Restlessness and agitation. Your loved one may frequently change positions. * Withdrawal. Your loved one may no longer want to participate in social events or other favorite activities. * Drowsiness. Your loved one may spend most of his or her time asleep. * Loss of appetite. Your loved one may eat and drink less than usual. * Pauses or other changes in breathing. This may happen when your loved one is asleep or awake. Providing comfort The active phase of dying usually begins several days before death. Although you can’t change what’s happening to your loved one, you can help him or her feel as comfortable as possible — ideally with the support of palliative or hospice care specialists. Your loved one also may experience a brief, final surge of energy. Though it can be confusing to see your loved one with renewed vitality, remember that this is a normal part of dying. If it happens, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy your loved one and say your final goodbyes. * Keeping vigil For many families, keeping vigil near a dying loved one’s bed is a way to show support and love. If you decide to keep vigil, continue talking to your loved one. If you think your loved one would want to share this time with others, invite family members or close friends to show their support as well. Express your love, but also let your loved one know that it’s all right to let go. What is working? Mental health providers with palliative expertise can improve communication and resources. Mental health experts help providers understand the patient’s concerns and culture. They explain confusing medical terms and clarify CPR, pain management, and other treatments and encourage collaboration. Mental health providers also help relieve the common emotional distress and grief resulting from a terminal illness or care giving. COPING WITH BEREAVEMENT â€Å"IN OUR HEARTS, WE ALL KNOW THAT DEATH IS A PART OF LIFE. IN FACT, DEATH GIVES MEANING TO OUR EXISTENCE BECAUSE IT REMINDS US HOW PRECIOUS LIFE IS.† * Coping With Loss The loss of a loved one is life’s most stressful event and can cause a major emotional crisis. After the death of someone you love, you experience bereavement, which literally means â€Å"to be deprived by death.† Remember — It takes time to fully absorb the impact of a major loss. You never stop missing your loved one, but the pain eases after time and allows you to go on with your life. * Knowing What to Expect When a death takes place, you may experience a wide range of emotions, even when the death is expected. Many people report feeling an initial stage of numbness after first learning of a death, but there is no real order to the grieving process. Some emotions you may experience include: * Denial * Disbelief * Confusion * Shock * Sadness * Yearning * Anger * Humiliation * Despair * Guilt These feelings are normal and common reactions to loss. You may not be prepared for the intensity and duration of your emotions or how swiftly your moods may change. You may even begin to doubt the stability of your mental health. But be assured that these feelings are healthy and appropriate and will help you come to terms with your loss. * Mourning A Loved One It is not easy to cope after a loved one dies. You will mourn and grieve. Mourning is the natural process you go through to accept a major loss. Mourning may include religious traditions honoring the dead or gathering with friends and family to share your loss. Mourning is personal and may last months or years. Grieving is the outward expression of your loss. Your grief is likely to be expressed physically, emotionally, and psychologically. For instance, crying is a physical expression, while depression is a psychological expression. It is very important to allow yourself to express these feelings. Often, death is a subject that is avoided, ignored or denied. At first it may seem helpful to separate yourself from the pain, but you cannot avoid grieving forever. Someday those feelings will need to be resolved or they may cause physical or emotional illness. Many people report physical symptoms that accompany grief. Stomach pain, loss of appetite, intestinal upsets, sleep disturbances and loss of energy are all common symptoms of acute grief. Of all life’s stresses, mourning can seriously test your natural defense systems. Existing illnesses may worsen or new conditions may develop. Profound emotional reactions may occur. These reactions include anxiety attacks, chronic fatigue, depression and thoughts of suicide. An obsession with the deceased is also a common reaction to death. * Dealing with a Major Loss The death of a loved one is always difficult. Your reactions are influenced by the circumstances of a death, particularly when it is sudden or accidental. Your reactions are also influenced by your relationship with the person who died. A child’s death arouses an overwhelming sense of injustice — for lost potential, unfulfilled dreams and senseless suffering. Parents may feel responsible for the child’s death, no matter how irrational that may seem. Parents may also feel that they have lost a vital part of their own identity. A spouse’s death is very traumatic. In addition to the severe emotional shock, the death may cause a potential financial crisis if the spouse was the family’s main income source. The death may necessitate major social adjustments requiring the surviving spouse to parent alone, adjust to single life and maybe even return to work. Elderly people may be especially vulnerable when they lose a spouse because it means losing a lifetime of shared experiences. At this time, feelings of loneliness may be compounded by the death of close friends. A loss due to suicide can be among the most difficult losses to bear. They may leave the survivors with a tremendous burden of guilt, anger and shame. Survivors may even feel responsible for the death. Seeking counseling during the first weeks after the suicide is particularly beneficial and advisable. Living with Grief Coping with death is vital to your mental health. It is only natural to experience grief when a loved one dies. The best thing you can do is allow yourself to grieve. There are many ways to cope effectively with your pain. * Seek out caring people. Find relatives and friends who can understand your feelings of loss. Join support groups with others who are experiencing similar losses. * Express your feelings. Tell others how you are feeling; it will help you to work through the grieving process. * Take care of your health. Maintain regular contact with your family physician and be sure to eat well and get plenty of rest. Be aware of the danger of developing a dependence on medication or alcohol to deal with your grief. * Accept that life is for the living. It takes effort to begin to live again in the present and not dwell on the past. * Postpone major life changes. Try to hold off on making any major changes, such as moving, remarrying, changing jobs or having another child. You should give yourself time to adjust to your loss. * Be patient. It can take months or even years to absorb a major loss and accept your changed life. * Seek outside help when necessary. If your grief seems like it is too much to bear, seek professional assistance to help work through your grief. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek help.

Free Essays on Charlmagne

Pepin the short, Charlemagneà ·Ãƒâ€¢ father, was King of the Franks and annoited by the pope as divine leader. During his rule Pepin deported the Lombards from Rome. He pillaged their right to live in Rome. Then, he gave a large strip of Lombard land in central Italy to the pope. The pope now looked to the Franks as his protector. Then, in 768 Charlemagne became the Frankish king. At that time the Franks were falling back to barbarian ways like not caring about their education or religion. Europe was in chaos. The Saxons of northern Europe were still pagans. In the south the Roman Catholic Church was trying to assert its power against the Lombard Kingdom. Charlemagne was determined to bring Europe back to order by converting everyone to Christianity, making it be ruled by one government, and by educating people. Charlemagne wanted all of Western Europe to become Christian. Charlemagne launched a campaign to conquer and convert the pagan Saxons. It was treacherous to be a Saxon. He did not want there to be any perfidy. His illumination was that if they did not convert they would be put to death. In one day he had 4500 Saxons killed. All the heathens were to become Christian or they would suffer the wrath of Charlemagne. He decreed that a tithe of all the produce of the land should be turned over to the church. He was able to enlarge his kingdom which was called the Frankish Empire. It included Germany, France, Northern Spain, and most of Italy. Now most all of Europe was finally ruled by one government, and Charlemagne was in control. Charlemagne wanted to revise learning because not many western Europeans could read and write. He established a palace school at Aachen to educate his officials. This school enabled western Europeans to have a common set of ideas. Once Charlemagne tried to pay the Lombard King for the return of lands to the pope, but he refused so Charlemagne subdued, or subjugated his kingdom and restored the Papal States. H... Free Essays on Charlmagne Free Essays on Charlmagne Pepin the short, Charlemagneà ·Ãƒâ€¢ father, was King of the Franks and annoited by the pope as divine leader. During his rule Pepin deported the Lombards from Rome. He pillaged their right to live in Rome. Then, he gave a large strip of Lombard land in central Italy to the pope. The pope now looked to the Franks as his protector. Then, in 768 Charlemagne became the Frankish king. At that time the Franks were falling back to barbarian ways like not caring about their education or religion. Europe was in chaos. The Saxons of northern Europe were still pagans. In the south the Roman Catholic Church was trying to assert its power against the Lombard Kingdom. Charlemagne was determined to bring Europe back to order by converting everyone to Christianity, making it be ruled by one government, and by educating people. Charlemagne wanted all of Western Europe to become Christian. Charlemagne launched a campaign to conquer and convert the pagan Saxons. It was treacherous to be a Saxon. He did not want there to be any perfidy. His illumination was that if they did not convert they would be put to death. In one day he had 4500 Saxons killed. All the heathens were to become Christian or they would suffer the wrath of Charlemagne. He decreed that a tithe of all the produce of the land should be turned over to the church. He was able to enlarge his kingdom which was called the Frankish Empire. It included Germany, France, Northern Spain, and most of Italy. Now most all of Europe was finally ruled by one government, and Charlemagne was in control. Charlemagne wanted to revise learning because not many western Europeans could read and write. He established a palace school at Aachen to educate his officials. This school enabled western Europeans to have a common set of ideas. Once Charlemagne tried to pay the Lombard King for the return of lands to the pope, but he refused so Charlemagne subdued, or subjugated his kingdom and restored the Papal States. H...