The Sociological Imagination, By C. Write Mills - 1409 Words

When C. Write Mills talks about the sociological imagination, he is saying that it is the capacity to understand that individual life is complexly intertwined with events and issues present in the world. Sociological imagination can range from subjects as simple and everyday as hygiene, to something more serious such as racism. In terms of hygiene, there has been a rise in amounts of desire for state of the art hand sanitizers in schools, resulting from the Swine Flu epidemic of 2009. Similarly, there has been a surge in racism against people of Islamic and Muslim faiths stemming from the tragedy of 9/11 and other terrorist attacks by Middle Eastern Terrorist groups. The sociological imagination lets us recognize that we act in these ways because of societal beliefs, events and concerns. Societal influence comes in many forms such as political, economic, social etc. I was born in 1995, and the years of greatest influence for me as a child were 2000-2005. On September 11th, 2001, Al Qaeda flew two planes into the Twin Towers. I was six years old at the time and I remember playing with my cousin because we had both stayed home from school that day. When my mom and aunt explained what happened I knew this was serious because they were crying. We watched the news and I saw one of the buildings collapse. I saw people running, screaming and crying, covered in ash. I also saw something I’ll never forget; a man jumped out the window of the building that was still standing. My momShow MoreRelatedThe Sociological Imagination Essay1065 Words   |  5 PagesPaper Grade: 75 / C The Sociological Imagination The sociological imagination is an idea or a way of thinking that interlocks an individual in a society with the society as a whole. Most people refer to sociology as the study of how people or individuals interact with each other. In order to fully understand sociology and the concept of the sociological imagination as proposed by C. Wright Mills, one has to be able to envision the individual and the society working together to better understandRead MoreThe Sociological Imagination Essay examples1118 Words   |  5 Pageswritten The Sociological Imagination in 1959, C. Wright Mills was brought up in a society far more different and archaic than the idea of contemporary society today. The ideals that were imparted to him during his lifetime provided a framework to the ideals that are imparted to people today; however, like all incarnations, processes and ideas adapted to situate themselves into the transitioning threads of society. Through his elaboration on the sociological imag ination, C. Wright Mills portrays theRead MoreThe Sociological Imagination By C. Wright Mills1315 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society. This is its task and its promise.† C. Wright Mills writes about the sociological imagination in an attempt to have society become aware of the relationship between one’s personal experience in comparison to the wider society. By employing the sociological imagination into the real world, individuals are forced to perceive, from a neutral position, social structures that, inRead MoreSociological Imagination s Critical Review1319 Words   |  6 PagesThe Sociological Imagination Critical Review Essay â€Å"The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society. This is its task and its promise.† C. Wright Mills writes about the sociological imagination in an attempt to have society become aware of the relationship between one’s personal experience in comparison to the wider society. By employing the sociological imagination into the real world, individuals are forced to perceiveRead MoreWhat Can We Do? Becoming Part Of The Solution1619 Words   |  7 PagesThe Sociological Imagination is a concept first used by a well-known sociologist, C. Wright Mills, in 1959. In Mills article, The Promise, indicates that, The sociological imagination enables its possessor to understand the larger historical scene in terms of its meaning for the inner life and the external career of a variety of individuals(Mills, 3). Sociological imagination helps individuals to contemplate their own troubles in a deeper level and view their daily routines in an entirelyRead MoreResponse Paper : The Promise1008 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"sociologically right.† The sociological imagination was coined by C. Write Mills. His theory of sociological imagination is that we need to look at things in the big picture. Mills had grown concerned with sociological research. Mills felt that the researchers had gone away from theoretical understanding of society. Mills’s concept was that in order to get a full understanding on an individual we have to use our imaginations and think outside the box. He felt that sociological research need researchersRead MoreMy Sociological Imagination And Push Myself858 Words   |  4 Pages1. I have developed greatly as a sociologist in that I have developed my sociological imagination and push myself to ask and answer the tough questions about society. Instead of simply taking aspects of our society for face value, I have begun to dig deeper and examine how and why we define differentiate developed and underdeveloped countries or how and why everything is becoming â€Å"faster† within society (fast fash ion, fast food, etc.). The readings helped a great deal in my analyzing of society byRead MoreWhat Is A Theoretical Exegesis?1256 Words   |  6 Pagesaround us. C. Wright Mills, in The Sociological Imagination (1959) and Karl Marx, in Alienated Labour use theory to understand the nature of society in two different points of view. Although Mills perspective does differ from Marx, it can be used to better understand Marx’s ideas. Mills writes: â€Å"Perhaps the most fruitful distinction with which the sociological imagination works is between ‘the personal troubles of milieu’ and the ‘public issues of social structure’ (Mills 1959: 8).† For Mills the sociologicalRead MoreI Am Applying Intersectionality And The Sociological Imagination1080 Words   |  5 PagesI am applying intersectionality and the sociological imagination to my intersecting identities: class, gender, and ethnicity. By employing intersectionality and the sociological imagination, I am analyzing how my positionality affected my personal experiences while connecting those events with society. I also included five peer-reviewed articles as supporting evidence. Kimberlà © Williams Crenshaw is an African American scholar, civil rights advocate, and law professor who developed the term intersectionalityRead MoreCharles Wright Mills And The American Sociological Review Essay934 Words   |  4 PagesC.Wright Mills or Charles Wright Mills was born on August 28, 1916 in Texas. He attended the University of Texas where he got his bachelor s degree in 1939. Before even graduating, Mills had already been published in the two leading sociology journals in the United States, the American Journal of Sociology and the American Sociological Review. After his bachelors degree, he pursued his Ph.D at the University of Wisconsin in 1941. During his time in Wisconsin, he met his wife, Dorothy Helen Smith

The Smoke Free Policy - 1045 Words

As businesses transition into a smoke free work place, the total environment is condemned smoke free. Twenty years ago, restaurants allowed customers to smoke, where as now that smoke free policy has risen there are almost no restaurants or bars that allow smoking in the building. The majority of a restaurant’s customers are non smokers; therefore the income of customers would increase because non smokers would not have to worry about second hand smoke. Based on Zagat’s Release of 2008 America’s top restaurants survey, â€Å" The 2008 Zagat Survey â€Å" America’s Top Restaurants of 132,000 Americans noted that â€Å"The verdict on smoking is overwhelming with seventy seven percent of diners saying they’d eat out less if smoking were permitted in local†¦show more content†¦In addition, oxygen.org has reported that the chemicals in the butts of cigarettes and the butt itself affects the water quality and is deadly to the aquatic life. In America, there is the Freedom of Choice. People may choose to use tobacco, or they can take a healthier route and use nicotine patches or electronic cigarettes. Both of these alternatives still deliver nicotine, but the difference is it is directly into the bloodstream, therefore there is not tobacco clogging the user’s lungs and no second hand smoking. According to Amy Renshaw, a Vanderbilt University Psychology student, the nicotine patches continuously pass small doses of nicotine into the bloodstream preventing nicotine cravings (Par.4). Renshaw states Nicoderm CQ, a patch producing company, has a ten week program that cost $175 dollars. A charge of $175 dollars for ten weeks is less than a two week supple of cigarettes (Par. 5). A test was completed by Davidson et al. and the results were the people who knew they were wearing the patch had a quitting percentage of eight percent, compared to the blinded subjects that had a quitting percentage of four percent. (Par. 5). Another successful alternative to stop the use of tobacco is an electronic cigarette. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, an electronic cigarette, or an e-cigarette, is a smokeless, battery operated device that delivers flavored nicotine to the lungs, butShow MoreRelatedPerspectives Of Smoke Free Policies1287 Words   |  6 PagesCritique: Perspectives of Smoke-free Policies in Hospitals Carissa Genrick 7705851 University of Ottawa April 10th, 2016 Professor Pat Durston Qualitative Research Critique: Perspectives of Smoke-free Policies in Hospitals The research article and study â€Å"A qualitative investigation of smoke-free policies on hospital property† by Annette Schultz, Barry Finegan, Candace. Nykiforuk, and Margaret A. Kvern, had a purpose â€Å"to determine the consequences of policies mandating smoke-free hospital propertyRead MoreThe Effectiveness Of Smoke Free Policies2920 Words   |  12 PagesThe Effectiveness of Smoke-Free Policies Katie Valinske Since the US Surgeon General’s report on the dangers of Tobacco in 1964, Americans have gradually learned about the dangers of tobacco use, and the number of Americans who smoke is steadily decreasing. There are many forms of tobacco use, and numerous ways for someone to die from using tobacco. Even for those individuals who have never smoked, just being around secondhand smoke significantly increases one’s risk for a multitude health issuesRead MoreThe Dangers Of Smoking Tobacco1121 Words   |  5 PagesSecondhand Smoke (SHS) is a dangerous byproduct of smoking that affects anyone who comes into contact with the smoke. Educating the community about the dangers and unintended consequences of being around cigarettes is a focus of this paper, as well as looking into the effectiveness of current smoke-free policies. There are businesses and cities that are becoming smoke-free, and they are putting policies into place that legally protect the non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke via involuntaryRead MoreCampus Wide Proposal For Fayette County Community Action Agency1100 Words   |  5 Pagesto the well-being of the customers, residents, employees and business partners. The agencies staff and partners are dedicated to helping people help themselves, help each other, and enhance the community s quality of life. With the impending HUD policy applicable to Public Housing Agencies, and the federal Governments position on smoking the mandate is clear. Smoking is bad for the public’s health. The professional staff of the Agency and partnered organizations provide education, awareness andRead MoreEffects Of Smoking On College Campuses Essay1388 Words   |  6 PagesThe University of Miami knew a fully smoke-free campus would be a challenge, so the university tried to combat this ch allenge with three different phases to ease the campus community into a fully smoke-free area. Over the past four years, the Be Smoke Free Campaign has promoted a healthy environment for the students, staff, faculty, and visitors of the University of Miami. Phase one prohibited smoking with the exception of designated smoking areas around campus in September of 2011. Phase two inRead MoreIs Smoking A Bad Phenomenon?1306 Words   |  6 Pagesdoctors and scientist are confirmed health dangers, economic dangers and social dangers for smoking there is a huge numbers of college students smokers. The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review concerning policy implementation in reference to campuses that are smoke-free. In spite of the general success in present decades of curbing the rate of smoking in various countries, the smoking prevalence among the youth aged 20 to 24 is still higher compared to any other demographic age. AddressingRead MoreEffects Of Smoking On The Un ited States1570 Words   |  7 Pagesproven a decline in smoking. However, there are still millions of people that smoke in the United State of America. As a result, the effect of smoking has become a major health risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death, disease, and disability in the US. The health hazards attributable to exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) are very pronounced. Tobacco is composed of more than 7,000 chemicalRead MoreBanning Smoking Should Be Banned877 Words   |  4 Pagesban the smoking on any campus property. Beside of that, the University campus will follow Smoke and Tobacco-Free Initiative policy in August 2015. Therefore, the policy will impose by using a community model† (Hill, 2015). That means each member at Ohio University would remain any smoker with the policy. Moreover, Ohio University hopes the campus becomes healthier without tobacco. But, through this policy lots of members whose smoking in Ohio University campus will be affected. So, banning smokingRead MoreShould Smoking Tobacco Be Banned?847 Words   |  4 Pagesdecides to ban the smoking on any campus property. Beside of that, the University campus will follow Smoke and Tobacco-Free Initiative policy in August 2015. Therefore, the policy will impose by using a co mmunity model†. That means each member at Ohio University would remain any smoker with the policy. Moreover, Ohio University hopes Ohio campus becomes healthier and without tobacco. But, through this policy lots of members whose smoking in Ohio University campus will be affected.So, banning smoking tobaccoRead MoreBenefits Of Creating A Smoke Free Campus896 Words   |  4 Pagesis the switch to a relatively smoke-free campus. A smoke-free campus is something that most campuses around the country are in line to make a change to. There are many benefits to creating a smoke-free university with only a few of them being that it dramatically helps in stopping first-time smokers, it would eliminate any unnecessary waste around campus, and it also helps promote a healthier community as a whole. Ever since the University launched its ‘Clean Air Policy’ in January, campus officials

Provisions - Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets

Question: Discuss about theProvisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. Answer: Introduction The main purpose of IAS 37 was to ensure that appropriate recognition criteria and proper measurement values are applied while determining the provisions, contingent assets and contingent liabilities. Part A: Definition of Provisions IAS 37 has defined provisions as liabilities that are recognized as balance sheet items and they arise due to presence of uncertain timing and amount. The word provision is also used in context of depreciation, doubtful debts, and impairment of assets. In this standard there are no such connections of provisions created for depreciation, doubtful debts and impairment of assets. According to this accounting standard liabilities means a present obligation of the organization that arises from the past occurrence of any event and outcome of this event is outflow from the entity (Mirza, Orrell and Holt, 2010). As per IAS 37 provisions should be recognized when all the following conditions are fulfilled: When the organization has current or present obligations (either legal or constructive) due to occurrence of past event When there is probability that there will outflow of resources creating some economic benefits are required to be used to settle the obligation. When reliable and meaningful estimates can be made for the provisions to be recognized as the balance sheet item When all of the above conditions are fulfill, than there is requirement to make the provisions in the balance sheet, if not than there is no requirement to create the provisions. Part B: Disclosure Requirement of Provisions IAS 37 has provided various disclosure requirements for provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets. These disclosure requirements are mandatory and have to be followed by all. Disclosure requirements for provisions are provided in paragraph 84 of IAS 37. For each class of provisions an organization has to disclose following: The carrying amount of provisions at the beginning and at the end must be disclosed in the balance sheet Any additional provisions made between the periods referred in the balance sheet and also disclose any increases to the existing provisions Any amount of provisions used i.e. charge or incurred against the provisions during the referred period Any amount of unused provisions reversed during the period Any increase in the discounted items that have arise due to the passage of time difference during the period Any change in the discount rate must also be disclosed (Alexander and Archer, 2008) Any comparative information is not required to be disclosed for the provisions. For each class of provisions an organization must disclose following: A small description of the nature of the obligation being created and expected time when it results in the outflows of resources An organization must indicate the uncertainties in relation to timing and amount of the resultant outflows. It must be noted that if necessary an organization must provide proper information and also provide the major assumptions made in relation to future events The amount of the expected outflow of reimbursement and also state the amount of asset that have been recognized for that expected reimbursement (Alexander and Archer, 2008) Part C: Accruals, Prudence and Materiality IAS 37 is drawn in such a way that it confers with the principle of accruals, prudence and materiality. These are explained in detail below: Accrual Concept: According to this principle different income and expenses items in the financial statements must be recognized in the period for which they relate not on the cash basis. Provisions are referred to the uncertain liabilities as there is uncertainty regarding the amount of future expenditure required to settle the liabilities. Even though provisions are made if there is some probability that such liabilities will require some outflow of resources in future time period. Generally accruals are reported as trade and payable but provisions are shown separately in the balance sheet. Prudence Concept: It is most important accounting principle that requires not overestimating the amount of revenues and underestimating the amount of expenses. According to this principle, while recoding the amount of assets some conservativeness must be kept and never underestimate the amount of liabilities. Provisions are liabilities that require outflows of economic benefits at any future time period but there is uncertainty about the time and amount of liabilities. Except in very rare cases the amount of provisions can be determine through the excepted outcomes in each category of provisions. In extreme rare cases where is not possible to determine the amount of provisions that it can be shown as contingent liabilities outside the balance sheet. Materiality: According to this principle of financial reporting all such information must be included in financial statements that sway the opinion of the financial users. As per the disclosure requirement of IAS 37, provisions need to be shown in the balance sheet. Therefore, provisions fulfil the requirement of materiality (Greuning, 2009). Part D: Contingent Liabilities Contingent Liabilities refers to the possible obligation that are created from any event in the past and its existence will be based on occurrence or non occurrence of one or more uncertain future events and these events are not fully under control of organization. Basically contingent liabilities have not been recognized in the balance sheet (Ernst and Young LLP, 2013). It should be disclosed as required by the paragraph 86 pf IAS 37 unless the probability of an outflow of resources realizing the economic benefits are remote. Part E: Contingent Assets The definition of contingent assets is same as contingent liabilities. According to the definition, contingent assets refers to possible asset that are created from any event in the past and its existence will be based on occurrence or non occurrence of one or more uncertain future events and these events are not fully under control of organization. Contingent assets must not recognized in the balance sheet unless there is virtual certain that some part of income will surely arise in future due to occurrence of an event. In this case recognition of income is certain and it cant be treated as contingent assets. However contingent assets can be shown as notes to accounts if there is any event in future that will provide economic benefits. Conclusion IAS 37 deals with provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets. It provides guidelines on how to measure the provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets. It also tells on how to recognize the provisions, contingent assets and contingent liabilities in the financial report. References Mirza, A., Orrell, M. and Holt, G. 2010. Wiley IFRS: Practical Implementation Guide and Workbook. John Wiley Sons. Ernst and Young LLP. 2013. International GAAP 2013: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles under International Financial Reporting Standards. John Wiley Sons. Greuning, H. 2009. International Financial Reporting Standards: A Practical Guide. World Bank Publications. Alexander, D. and Archer, S. 2008. International Accounting/Financial Reporting Standards Guide. CCH.

Traditional Chinese Medicine vs Western Medicine Essay Example

Traditional Chinese Medicine vs Western Medicine Paper Having chosen the particular subject of Medicine for our research article, we picked up â€Å"The Right Medicine† as our article topic. With the modern advances of science, we, young adults, often ask ourselves who should we follow, scientific reason or traditional remedies? Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a broad range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage (), exercise ( ) and dietary therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an empirical medicine and was developed in the old days in the absence of systemic scientific knowledge. Thus, it is a product of the accumulated clinical observations gathered over centuries of practice. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on Yingyangism ( the combination of Five Phases theory with Yin-Yang Theory). Yin and yang are ancient Chinese concepts which can be traced back to the Shang dynasty (1600–1100 BC). They represent two abstract and complementary aspects that every phenomenon in the universe can be divided into. Primordial analogies for these aspects are the sun-facing (yang) and the shady (yin) side of a hill. Two other commonly used representational allegories of yin and yang are water and fire. In the yin-yang theory, detailed attributions are made regarding the yin or yang character of things: Phenomenon Yin Yang Celestial Bodies Moon Sun Gender Female Male Location Inside Outside. We will write a custom essay sample on Traditional Chinese Medicine vs Western Medicine specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Traditional Chinese Medicine vs Western Medicine specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Traditional Chinese Medicine vs Western Medicine specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Temperature Cold Hot Direction Downward Upward Degree of humidity Damp/Moist Dry The concept of yin and yang is also applicable to the human body; for example, the upper part of the body and the back are assigned to yang, while the lower part of the body are believed to have the yin character. Yin and yang characterization also extends to the various body functions, and more importantly to disease symptoms for example cold and heat sensations are assumed to be yin and yang symptoms, respectively. Thus, yin and yang of the body are seen as phenomena whose lack or overabundance comes with characteristic symptom combinations: Yin vacuity (also termed vacuity-heat): heat sensations, possible night sweats, insomnia, dry pharynx, dry mouth, dark urine, a red tongue with scant fur, and a fine and rapid pulse. The Yang vacuity (also termed vacuity-cold): aversion to cold, cold limbs, bright white complexion, long voidings of clear urine, diarrhea, pale and enlarged tongue, and a slightly weak, slow and fine pulse. The Five Phases Theory (), sometimes also translated as the Five Elements theory, presumes that all phenomena of the universe and nature can be broken down into five elemental qualities – represented by wood (? ), fire (? ), earth (? ), metal (? ), and water (? ). In this way, lines of correspondence can be drawn: Element Corresponding Organ Wood Liver Fire Heart Earth Spleen Metal Lung Water Kidney TCMs view of the body places little emphasis on anatomical structures, but is mainly concerned with the identification of functional entities (which regulate digestion, breathing, aging etc. ). While health is perceived as harmonious interaction of these entities and the outside world, disease is interpreted as a disharmony in interaction. TCM diagnosis consists in tracing symptoms to patterns of an underlying disharmony, mainly by palpating the pulse and inspecting the tongue. Traditional Chinese medicine has been practiced and perfected over thousands of years. Through the use of herbal concoctions, acupuncture, massage and Qigong, most every ailment and condition can be treated. Chinese medicine also focuses on disease prevention and overall health maintenance. Acupuncture ( ) is one of the most popular forms of TCM. It involves the use of strategically placed needles which are inserted into the skin along the points of the meridian system. This practice has proved to be effective for treating a wide range of health issues. Some of the conditions that acupuncture is used to treat include chronic pain, depression, stress, muscle tension, migraines, headaches, osteoporosis, frozen shoulder, allergies, skin conditions, infertility, insomnia and a lot more. Qigong Therapy ( ) works to restore the flow of Qi and balance yin and yang. Qigong therapy involves the use of certain poses and movements called Qigong exercise. It also utilizes deep breathing and may include meditation, which work to improve and restore balance. Qigong not only treats existing ailments but also helps to prevent disease and ill-health in general. Conditions treated with Qigong therapy include: headaches, PMS, insomnia, fatigue, allergies, arthritis, indigestion, kidney disease, rheumatism among others. Chinese herbal concoctions ( ) are given in the form of teas, pills, and tonics. They typically involve a specific mix of several herbs. There are thousands of different combinations. An herbalist will observe the patient and analyze his condition in order to prescribe a specific mixture that will benefit him exclusively. Some ailments that herbs can help include: insomnia, anxiety, depression, fatigue, headaches, colds, kidney problems, migraines, etc.. Cupping ( ) is a type of Chinese massage, consisting of placing several glass cups (open spheres) on the body. A match is lit and placed inside the cup and then removed before placing the cup against the skin. As the air in the cup is heated, it expands, and after placing in the skin, cools, creating lower pressure inside the cup that allows the cup to stick to the skin via suction. When combined with massage oil, the cups can be slid around the back, offering reverse-pressure massage. It is commonly used to cure the common cold, pneumonia and bronchitis and can also reduce the swelling and relieve pain. Gua Sha is abrading the skin with pieces of smooth jade, bone, animal tusks or horns or smooth stones; until red spots then bruising cover the area to which it is done. It is believed that this treatment is for almost any ailment including cholera. The red spots and bruising take 3 to 10 days to heal, there is often some soreness in the area that has been treated. Die-da ( ) or bone-setting is usually practiced by martial artists who know aspects of Chinese medicine that apply to the treatment of trauma and injuries such as bone fractures, sprains, and bruises. Some of these specialists may also use or recommend other disciplines of Chinese medical therapies (or Western medicine in modern times) if serious injury is  involved. Such practice of bone-setting ( or ) is not common in the West. Another method is Chinese Food Therapy ( ) is a practice in the belief of healing through the use of natural foods instead of medications. One of the central ideas in this belief system is that certain foods have a hot or heat inducing quality while others have a cold or chilling effect on ones body, organs or energy levels. The idea being that ones imbalance of natural heat and cold in a body can cause disease or be more conducive towards sickness. Although, in this belief system, it does not necessarily mean ones internal heat or cold balance is directly related to being physically hot (to the point of sweating) or cold (feeling chilly from cold weather). As an example, if one had a cold, or felt he was about to get a cold, he would not want to eat any cold foods such as a lemon, melon or cucumber. If one had a so-called hot disease, like eczema, then he would not want to eat hot foods such as garlic, onions, or chocolate lest the hot disease is worsened. Indeed, it is thought by some that these hot or cold properties of foods are so intense that merely the eating of too many of one or another can actually cause diseases. For example, the eating of too many hot foods like chili peppers or lobster could cause a rash, or the eating of too many cold foods such as watermelon, or seaweed could cause one to develop stomach pain or diarrhea. In this way, this health system is in direct opposition to the germ theory of disease (where microbes are described as the cause of many disease states) and evidence-based medicine. It is related to the concept of ? nei-waixie in Chinese medicine, being more aligned with Claude Bernard, and Antoine Bechamps biological terrain theory of disease. This belief in foods having inherent hot or cold properties is prevalent throughout greater China. It is particularly popular among Cantonese people who enjoy slow-cooked soups. One of the most commonly known is a rice soup that goes by many names including congee and jook (Mandarin zhou). This is a traditional breakfast for Asian people all over the world. Congee recipes vary infinitely, depending upon the desired health benefits as well as taste. On the other hand, Western medicine is the term used to describe the treatment of medical conditions with medications, by doctors, nurses and other conventional healthcare providers who employ methods developed according to Western medical and scientific traditions. It differs from Chinese, or alternative, medicine, in its approach to treatment, which relies heavily upon industrially produced medications and a strict adherence to the formal scientific process. Western medicine encompasses all types of conventional medical treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and physical therapy. The practitioners of Western medicine are doctors, nurses, physical, occupational, and respiratory therapists. Generally, anyone visiting a doctors office or hospital will receive allopathic treatment. Western Medicine is the art and science of healing as practiced by physicians and similar professionals and encompasses all sciences related to it. It is the applied science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness in human beings. Contemporary Medicine applies health science, biomedical research, and medical technology to diagnose and treat injury and disease, typically through medication or surgery, but also through therapies as diverse as psychotherapy, external splints and traction, protheses, biologics, ionizing radiation and others. Western medicine is subject to rigorous safety and effectiveness protocols. Treatments and medications pass a strict review before a patient can receive them. Western medicine has a long history of safety to back up various treatment protocols. Before a new treatment or drug is approved for use on the public, it goes through an extensive testing process, first in the laboratory, and then through several layers of patient testing. Some people become frustrated with Western medicine because the approval process for new treatments is so lengthy. Western medicine practitioners are generally willing to work with other  allopathic practitioners to devise the best course of care for a particular injury or illness. One patient may have a primary care physician, a surgeon, a physical therapist, and an occupational therapist. They will share information with each other to help improve the prognosis, and reduce the potential downtime for each patient. Some of these practitioners may also be willing to work with practitioners of alternative, and Eastern medicine, though this is less common. Consider a visit to a Western trained physician for any condition that is serious or invasive. The decision to treat a serious medical condition with alternative medicine is not a decision to make lightly. Instead, talk to a traditional doctor about any concerns about a specific treatment, and seek second opinions whenever possible. Western medicine encompasses all types of conventional medical treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and physical therapy. Conventional medicine is the mainstream medicine in the US. It involves regular medical doctors, pharmaceuticals and general medical practices such as cardiology, gastroenterology, psychiatry, etc. Complementary and alternative medicine is a group of practices and therapies that are considered to be outside the realm of conventional medicine. As medicine evolves, some practices that were considered complementary and alternative may become a part of conventional medicine and will no longer be considered alternative. Cardiologists and general physicians now regularly use fish oil (a supplement) to reduce triglycerides and improve heart health. Although fish oil is found over the counter it is also available by prescription. It is definitely moving more into the mainstream. Digitalis used as a leaf had been used for centuries to treat certain heart problems. Modern medicine has been using it as a regular, conventional medication (in the form of a pill of course). As medicine evolves more complementary therapies may become conventional and the two may merge into one. Conventional medicine is a system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Also called allopathic medicine, biomedicine, mainstream medicine, orthodox medicine, and Western medicine. In the States, there are three categories for drugs: over-the-counter (OTC) medications, which are available in pharmacies and supermarkets without special restrictions, behind-the-counter (BTC), which are dispensed by a pharmacist without needing a doctors prescription, and prescription only medicine (POM), which must be prescribed by a licensed medical professional, usually a physician. Surgery is an ancient medical speciality that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance. Chemotherapy, broadly speaking, is any regimen of therapy that makes use of chemicals to try to fight a disease. More specifically, it usually refers to a specific set of practices in which chemicals are used to help fight cancer. Since the widespread adoption of chemotherapy to fight cancer, the more general use of the term is rarely used outside of medical circles Vaccination is the administration of antigenic material (a vaccine) to stimulate an individuals immune system to develop adaptive immunity to a pathogen. Vaccines can prevent or ameliorate morbidity from infection. The effectiveness of vaccination has been widely studied and verified; for example, the influenza vaccine, the HPV vaccine, and the chicken pox vaccine. Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases; widespread immunity due to vaccination is largely responsible for the worldwide eradication of smallpox and the restriction of diseases such as polio, measles, and tetanus from much of the world. Vaccination table, showing vaccines to be taken from birth till adulthood. A surgeon might be able to reattach a limb or repair a broken bone, but it often takes physical therapy to restore a patients function. Physical therapy, broadly speaking, involves direct manipulation of muscles, joints and other parts of the body affected by an injury or chronic illness. It often involves strength training, heat treatments, massage and supervised exercises. Individual regimens often depend on the type of injury or condition, the patients age and specialized treatments prescribed by a medical professional. Physical therapy may also involve the use of braces, walkers or other mobility aids. Patients may be encouraged to exercise the injured areas while wearing supportive devices. Water therapy may also be used to reduce the amount of weight placed on an injured limb. Therapy sessions may also duplicate the conditions patients may face at work or home during a typical day. But with all that talk, we asked ourselves, what is the difference between Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. When going to the doctors or the hospital in China, a normal observation by a doctor is centered around â€Å" † which means observation, auscultation and smelling, interrogation and palpitation. The doctor will firstly observe the patients mental state, complexion, then look at his/her tongue, this being an important part of the observation (? ). The doctor will also listen to any particular sound or smell produced by the patient which is part of the â€Å"? †. â€Å"? † means asking patients questions about the patients condition and finally â€Å"? † involves taking the patients pulse. â€Å" † provides the Chinese doctor with all of the information he needs to make a diagnosis, simple but very straightforward method that has been working for more than 2000 years. In the US, a normal observation by a doctor would start with checking the patients vitals, which would mean taking the pulse, using a stethoscope to check your lungs and respiratory system. Also a nurse would usually also come and take a vial of the patients blood for a blood test. An X-ray may also been required or an MRI depending on the patients symptoms. In addition to the diagnosis differences, we also came up with a series of differences between Chinese and Western medicine. The table below is a compilation of all our findings. Chinese Medicine  Western Medicine Key Beliefs Qi is life. Qi is heart of medicine. Life and Medicine are one. Humans can control nature. Foreign invader causes illness. Control of symptoms leads to a cure of disease. Health A state of well being in which the body is vital, balanced ; adaptive to its environment. Absence of disease, pain, defect, or symptoms of illness. Illness Sickness Disease Disharmony/ Imbalance and loss of adaptability (a defect of function/energy). Any deviation of the body from its normal or healthy state. A defect of tissue or structure. A destructive process with a specific cause and characteristic symptoms, a particular disorder. Symptoms Manifestation of the bodys attempt to heal itself, therefore, messages, signals of unattended, underlying issues; or signs that something needs balancing. Manifestation of the disease, therefore, they are disagreeable phenomena to be eliminated or suppressed. Causes of Illness Any action/force which interferes with the balance and movement of bio-energy: ones constitution, psyche, lifestyle, trauma, environmental stress (nature or human). A foreign invader, an extraneous force or pathogen: distinct entities with unique causes originating outside the body for every clinical disorder. Multiple Causes Illness is the end result of multiple insults to the body. Singular causes for each disorder/or disease. Progression of illness Four stages of illness from energy imbalances causing functional changes that can initiate a progression of chronic illness preceding pathological changes in tissue. A progression of a particular disease is noted, but only disorders of form and structure (morphology) are recognized, not progression of functionality into structure. Model of Medicine Man as ecosystem, a garden; harmony. Man as machine; conflict. Physician As gardener, assistant: to cultivate life, to help patient get/stay well. As mechanic: to fix what is broken. Diagnosis: Understanding the Illness Perceiving the relationships between all the patients signs and symptoms. Uncovering a disease entity separate from the patients being. Treatment Preventing illness by balancing disharmonious energy and counselling lifestyle management. Curing named disease and suppressing symptoms through drugs or surgery. Science  Of observation and experimentation, the original science, of anciently understood Einsteinian physics and quantum field mechanics where E=MC2. Of reduction and induction, analytic and controlled science, of a mechanical Newtonian physics, long ago proved wrong at the cosmic sub-molecular levels. Measure for diagnosis Human senses: pulse, tongue, eyes, colouring. Laboratory equipment. Mind-Body relation Mind and body are one, inextricably interconnected. All medicine is psychosomatics. Mind and body are separate and not necessarily connected. Key limitations  Dependent on harmony with nature, it was not developed to deal with the worst of Western life: overwhelming and unprecedented environmental pollution, iatrogenic illness, and consequences of the Western philosophy of individualism and the controlling and defeating nature. Unaware of energy-based physiology (Qi), it therefore cannot detect, classify, measure or alter its effects in its beginning stages of illness. From this flaw stem not only the remaining differences listed above, but the worst consequences of western medicine? regularly and inevitably, it harms people. Key Strengths Prevention, handling chronic illness and self-care: Because it recognizes the key role of lifestyle and the psyche in energetic changes that can progress toward illness. Handling structural defects: trauma and life-threatening illnesses. In the end, we believed that there was no better medicine. Both Chinese and Western medicine have their pros and cons. In the US, they have nearly to no knowledge of Traditional medicine. After passing around a survey, we realised that americans generally know a bit about acupuncture and some even  showed interest into trying TCM. The choice of whether they would try TCM or not was not based upon the table of differences we showed them or talked about, it was based on their personal beliefs, background and culture. In China, Western medicine has been been used more regularly by Chinese people who are more for a quick recover than one that can take longer. Young adults are more westernised now and often request for the â€Å"modern medicine†. Even when having a fever, some of them prefer getting UVs instead of going for a more natural approach. This is according to me, the main problem that needs to be addressed. I believe that the perfect scenario would be the balance of both Traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Sometimes the other may be less invasive than the latter which may be better for the patient. I hope that after our presentation that day that we did influence some of our teammates and the people present on that day. If the next time they are at the doctors and just for a second think twice of which treatment is the best for them, then I believe that my job has been well done. References: 1. World Health Organization (online 2002) WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2002-2005 [http://whqlibdoc. who. int/hq/2002/WHO_EDM_TRM_2002. 1. pdf] (accessed 11 December 2006) 2. White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy. [http://www. whccamp. hhs. gov/finalreport. html] 3. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Five year strategic plan. [http://nccam. nih. gov/about/plans/fiveyear/fiveyear. pdf] 4. Rao JK et al. (1999) Use of complementary therapies for arthritis among patients of rheumatologists. Ann Intern Med 131: 409-416 5. Angell M and Kassirer JP (1998) Alternative medicine—the risks of untested and unregulated remedies. N Engl J Med 339: 839-841 6. Ebell MH et al. (2004) Strength of recommendation taxonomy (SORT): a patient-centered approach to grading evidence in the medical literature. Am Fam Physician 69: 548-556 7. Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. [emailprotected] hku. hk 8. www. EzineArticles. com/1993132 9. wikipedia: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_medicine