Over the last half century the pace of change in the life of human beings has increased beyond our wildest expectations. This has been driven by technological and scientific breakthroughs that are changing the whole way we view the world on an almost daily basis.This means that change is not always a personal option, but an inescapable fact of life, and we need to constantly adapt to keep pace with it.
Those people who believe that they have achieved some security by doing the same, familiar things are living in denial. Even when people believe they are resisting change themselves, they cannot stop the world around them from changing. Sooner or later they will find that the familiar jobs no longer exist, or that the safe patterns of behaviour are no longer appropriate.
However, reaching the conclusion that change is inevitable is not the same as assuming that change is always for the better. Unfortunately, it is not always the case that new things are promoted because they have good impactsfor the majority of people. A lot of innovations are made with the aim of making money for a few. This is because it is a rich and powerful people in our societywho are able to impose changes (such as in working conditions or property developments) that are in their own interests.
At last, I would say that change can be stimulating and energising for individuals when they pursue it themselves, but that all change, including that which is imposed on people, doesnot necessarily have good outcomes.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Garbage Management
I think it is true that in almost every country today each household and family produces a large amount of waste every week. Most of this rubbish comes from the packaging on the things we buy, such as processed food. But even if we buy fresh food without packaging, we still produce rubbish from the plastic bags used everywhere to carry shopping home.
The reason why we have so much packaging is that we consume so much more on a daily basis than families did in the past. Convenience is also very important in modern life, so we buy packaged or canned food that can be transported from long distances and stored until we need it, first in the supermarket and then at home.
However, I think the amount of waste produced is also a result of our tendency to use something once and throw it away. We forget that even the cheapest plastic bag has used up valuable resources and energy to produce. We also forget that it is a source of pollution and difficult to dispose of.
I think, therefore, that governments need to raise this awareness in the general public.Children can be educated about environmental issues at school, but adults need to take action.Governments can encourage such action by putting taxes on packaging, such as plastic bags, by providing recycling services and by fining households and shops that they do not attempt to recycle their waste.
With the political will, such measures could really reduce the amount of garbage we produce. Certainly nobody wants to see our resources used up and our planet poisoned by waste.
The reason why we have so much packaging is that we consume so much more on a daily basis than families did in the past. Convenience is also very important in modern life, so we buy packaged or canned food that can be transported from long distances and stored until we need it, first in the supermarket and then at home.
However, I think the amount of waste produced is also a result of our tendency to use something once and throw it away. We forget that even the cheapest plastic bag has used up valuable resources and energy to produce. We also forget that it is a source of pollution and difficult to dispose of.
I think, therefore, that governments need to raise this awareness in the general public.Children can be educated about environmental issues at school, but adults need to take action.Governments can encourage such action by putting taxes on packaging, such as plastic bags, by providing recycling services and by fining households and shops that they do not attempt to recycle their waste.
With the political will, such measures could really reduce the amount of garbage we produce. Certainly nobody wants to see our resources used up and our planet poisoned by waste.
Nature vs. Nurture
Today the way we consider human psychology and mental development is heavily influenced by the genetic sciences. We now understand the importance of inherited characteristics more than ever before.Yet we are still unable to decide whether an individual's personality and development are more influenced by genetic factors (nature) or by the environment (nurture).
Research, relating to identical twins, has highlighted how significant inherited characteristics can be for an individual's life.But whether these characteristics are able to develop personality of an individual surely depends on whether the circumstances allow such a development.It seems that the experiences we have in life are so unpredictable and so powerful, that we can boost or over-ride other influences, and there seems to be plenty of research findings to confirm this.
My own view is that there is no one major influence in a person's life. Instead, the traits we inherit from our parents and the situations and experiences that we encounter in life are constantly interacting.It is the interaction of the two that shapes a person's personality and dictates how that personality develops. If this were not true, then we would be able to predict the behaviour and character of a person from the moment they were born.
In conclusion, I do not think that either nature or nurture is the major influence on a person, but that both have powerful effects.How these factors interact is still unknown today and they remain largely unpredictable in a person's life.
Research, relating to identical twins, has highlighted how significant inherited characteristics can be for an individual's life.But whether these characteristics are able to develop personality of an individual surely depends on whether the circumstances allow such a development.It seems that the experiences we have in life are so unpredictable and so powerful, that we can boost or over-ride other influences, and there seems to be plenty of research findings to confirm this.
My own view is that there is no one major influence in a person's life. Instead, the traits we inherit from our parents and the situations and experiences that we encounter in life are constantly interacting.It is the interaction of the two that shapes a person's personality and dictates how that personality develops. If this were not true, then we would be able to predict the behaviour and character of a person from the moment they were born.
In conclusion, I do not think that either nature or nurture is the major influence on a person, but that both have powerful effects.How these factors interact is still unknown today and they remain largely unpredictable in a person's life.
My Home Town
We all love our home town whether it is a peaceful countryside or busy city.Birgunj is my home town.I was born and brought up here and the memories that I have of this place are unforgettable and beautiful.
Birgunj falls in terai region and is around 6 to 8 hours drive from the capital city, Kathmandu.It is a sub-metropolitan city and also an industrial place.Unlike Kathmandu, the city does not hold much of monuments and landmarks.But there is a pond where temple of Lord Surya was built right in the middle of the pond.Inside the premise also lies a musical fountain (Nepal's first and only musical fountain) which is wonderful to watch.Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Late Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi had inaugrated both the temple and the fountain several years ago.
Birgunj is also called the Gateway of Nepal as it is commercial part of the counttry.It has an open border to Raxaul,India.People from all over the nation come to this place for shopping.All kinds of goods are available here,mainly sarees for wedding and other Indian items.
Nowadays, I live in Kathmandu for my work and visit my home town anly once a year during Dashain.Last but not the least i forgot to mention about the climate in my home town.The temperature rises upto 42 degrees celsius during summer,rains heavily in monsoon and gets really chilly without sunshine for more than a month.However,I love both the warmth and cold of this place as I belong here.It is so true, home sweet home.
Birgunj falls in terai region and is around 6 to 8 hours drive from the capital city, Kathmandu.It is a sub-metropolitan city and also an industrial place.Unlike Kathmandu, the city does not hold much of monuments and landmarks.But there is a pond where temple of Lord Surya was built right in the middle of the pond.Inside the premise also lies a musical fountain (Nepal's first and only musical fountain) which is wonderful to watch.Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Late Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi had inaugrated both the temple and the fountain several years ago.
Birgunj is also called the Gateway of Nepal as it is commercial part of the counttry.It has an open border to Raxaul,India.People from all over the nation come to this place for shopping.All kinds of goods are available here,mainly sarees for wedding and other Indian items.
Nowadays, I live in Kathmandu for my work and visit my home town anly once a year during Dashain.Last but not the least i forgot to mention about the climate in my home town.The temperature rises upto 42 degrees celsius during summer,rains heavily in monsoon and gets really chilly without sunshine for more than a month.However,I love both the warmth and cold of this place as I belong here.It is so true, home sweet home.
Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is defined as using the drug periodically but not continuously without any reason against the advice of a physician.At first it is just a habit which turns into addiction with time and unfortunately the person ends up totally depending on it.
Today, most of the countries worldwide are suffering from this problem. The number of drug users are increasing rapidly around the world.There is no definite age group involved in it but research shows the majority of them are between 15 and 25 years.Besides alcohol and tobacco, the most abused drugs are heroin, buprenorphine, cannabis, tranqullizers (diazepam, nitrazepam, lorazepam, chlordiazopoxide, avil, phenargan), phensedyl, phencodin, corex, fortwin, pethidine, morphine and glue,dendrite and petrol sniffing.
There are various reasons for using drugs.Some try it for recreational purposes and for having fun or to feel high while others use it as an experiment.We can also find people who use drugs to relieve psychological and physical pain like relief from exhaustion, socialize and belong to a group, feel confident or imitate other drug using friends.
Dependence syndrome or compulsive state is the level where the user cannot discontinue the drug without experiencing significant physical and mental distress.He/she experiences a strong desire/ sense of compulsion to take the substance and fails to control substance taking behaviour despite clear evidence of harmful consequenses.
Drug abuse is a monter issue everywhere and government and related people are trying to control it. There are national and international rehabilitation centres where users are exposed to crisis intervention, detoxification, maintenence therapy, psychotherapy and after-care.With their family support and proper environment this treatment is complete.
Today, most of the countries worldwide are suffering from this problem. The number of drug users are increasing rapidly around the world.There is no definite age group involved in it but research shows the majority of them are between 15 and 25 years.Besides alcohol and tobacco, the most abused drugs are heroin, buprenorphine, cannabis, tranqullizers (diazepam, nitrazepam, lorazepam, chlordiazopoxide, avil, phenargan), phensedyl, phencodin, corex, fortwin, pethidine, morphine and glue,dendrite and petrol sniffing.
There are various reasons for using drugs.Some try it for recreational purposes and for having fun or to feel high while others use it as an experiment.We can also find people who use drugs to relieve psychological and physical pain like relief from exhaustion, socialize and belong to a group, feel confident or imitate other drug using friends.
Dependence syndrome or compulsive state is the level where the user cannot discontinue the drug without experiencing significant physical and mental distress.He/she experiences a strong desire/ sense of compulsion to take the substance and fails to control substance taking behaviour despite clear evidence of harmful consequenses.
Drug abuse is a monter issue everywhere and government and related people are trying to control it. There are national and international rehabilitation centres where users are exposed to crisis intervention, detoxification, maintenence therapy, psychotherapy and after-care.With their family support and proper environment this treatment is complete.
Schizophrenia
In our daily life, while walking on the streets or traveling by bus, we notice some people who are talking to themselves or doing some weird stuff.. These are the people who are in a state of major mental disorder called schizophrenia which is associated with a high level of social burden as well as an incalculable amount of individual pain and suffering.
The characteristic symptoms of schizophrenia are delusions (falls unshakable believes), hallucinations(sensory perceptions in the absence of external stimuli), disorganised speech (incoherent speech), grossly disorganised behaviour, negative symptoms( social withdrawal, poverty of speech, blunt affect) and social or occupational dysfunction( work/interpersonal relatonalship and self care).
The main causes of this disease are biological, psychological and social factors.It is believed to be a spectrum of disorders not just a unitary disease.It normally occurs during the most productive ages between 15 and 35 years but can also occur in children or the elderly. The chances of a person developing the disorder are greater if one or both parents/siblings suffer from it.Migration to a new environment and culture, which may be hostile to a person, has been associated with increased risk of schizophrenia.
As a true human all we can do for these people is provide community education programmes about psychoses, integrate mental health service in primary care and detect( by primary care physicians) early warning signs of severe mental disorders like psychoses and provide appropriate treatment.
The characteristic symptoms of schizophrenia are delusions (falls unshakable believes), hallucinations(sensory perceptions in the absence of external stimuli), disorganised speech (incoherent speech), grossly disorganised behaviour, negative symptoms( social withdrawal, poverty of speech, blunt affect) and social or occupational dysfunction( work/interpersonal relatonalship and self care).
The main causes of this disease are biological, psychological and social factors.It is believed to be a spectrum of disorders not just a unitary disease.It normally occurs during the most productive ages between 15 and 35 years but can also occur in children or the elderly. The chances of a person developing the disorder are greater if one or both parents/siblings suffer from it.Migration to a new environment and culture, which may be hostile to a person, has been associated with increased risk of schizophrenia.
As a true human all we can do for these people is provide community education programmes about psychoses, integrate mental health service in primary care and detect( by primary care physicians) early warning signs of severe mental disorders like psychoses and provide appropriate treatment.
Depression
Depression is a well defined medical illness and is also one of the most common mental disorders.With the complexity of studies at schools and colleges and high rate of unemployment, this disorder has rooted deep in our society.
The symptoms of depression are depressed mood, loss of interest and enjoyment, reduced energy, being easily fatigued,diminished activity, marked tiredness on slight effort, reduced concentration and attention on a task, reduced confidence and self esteem, feeling of guilt and unworthiness, bleak and pessimistic views of the future, ideas or acts of self-destruction or suicide, disturbed sleep, diminished appetite and libido and unexplained physical symptoms.
Depression may be due to genetic causes( children of depressed parents are at a high risk), biological factors( imbalances of serotonin(5-HT) and norepinephrine in the brain may contribute to both the emotional and physical symptoms of depression) or psychological factors.
Depression is a problem which doesnot limit to itself. There are other common medical disorders associated with it such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, head injury, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders andadrenal gland disease.
This disorder is more common in women than men. The average age group affected is between 20 and 40 years. The reasons for women being at greater risk are early marriage, premature pregnancy, physical assault and social dominance.
In conclusion, depression is a prolonged and persistent state of sadness which is a significant public health problem because of its prevalence, the suffering and sometimes death.It also leads to considerable dysfunction in all areas of life and suicide is a major risk factor.So,not taking it lightly this disorder must be diagnosed and treated like any other medical condition.
The symptoms of depression are depressed mood, loss of interest and enjoyment, reduced energy, being easily fatigued,diminished activity, marked tiredness on slight effort, reduced concentration and attention on a task, reduced confidence and self esteem, feeling of guilt and unworthiness, bleak and pessimistic views of the future, ideas or acts of self-destruction or suicide, disturbed sleep, diminished appetite and libido and unexplained physical symptoms.
Depression may be due to genetic causes( children of depressed parents are at a high risk), biological factors( imbalances of serotonin(5-HT) and norepinephrine in the brain may contribute to both the emotional and physical symptoms of depression) or psychological factors.
Depression is a problem which doesnot limit to itself. There are other common medical disorders associated with it such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, head injury, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders andadrenal gland disease.
This disorder is more common in women than men. The average age group affected is between 20 and 40 years. The reasons for women being at greater risk are early marriage, premature pregnancy, physical assault and social dominance.
In conclusion, depression is a prolonged and persistent state of sadness which is a significant public health problem because of its prevalence, the suffering and sometimes death.It also leads to considerable dysfunction in all areas of life and suicide is a major risk factor.So,not taking it lightly this disorder must be diagnosed and treated like any other medical condition.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)