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Mental Health (2)
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Mental Health
According to WHO panic, worry and anxiety are ways in which people respond to uncertainty and unknown situations. In cases like COVID-19, people are afraid because of changes in their daily lives such as restricted movement, working from home, unemployment, online learning for children, and lack of physical contact and wearing of facemasks. All these abrupt changes have an effect on both mental and physical health of people (Park et al.).
Mental health, affects a broad area of people’s lives. It affects the sleep patterns where one has difficulty sleeping, poor concentration, loss of appetite and poor eating habits. In terms of socially and economically it affects one career, education and relationships with friends and family. People suffering from mental illness can also suffer from alcohol or drugs and other addictions (Park et al.). Mental illness does not only affect at an individual level but also families, community and nation. For example, if an individual cannot perform at their work place, it means they will have no income and if they are the bread winner in a family, they are also at stake. This affects even the nation at large because individuals are not productive.
Another group of people having mental health problems are the students as they receive pressures from their parents and teachers. It is funny to observe that the main concern of people in the current generation is focus in academic performances rather than minding about the mental health of their children. There is need to balance between mental health of the learners and the academic performances of these learners as they are both important.According to CDC, children and teenagers may react differently to stress. For children and adolescents there may be excessive crying, change of sleeping patterns, so much worry, unhealthy eating and having behaviors they have outgrown. For teenagers, the stress may lead to poor performance in academics, poor concentrations, headaches and body pains, and indulging in substance abuse (Park et al.).
In the case of COVID-19 pandemic, the people most likely to suffer from mental health illness are: the elderly, those with other underlying conditions such as terminal illnesses, those with mental health conditions and those caring for family members and loved ones. This group of people is likely to have more stress because according to WHO they are at a high risk of contracting the virus (Pfefferbaum et al.).
For children, parents are advised to have communication with the children often, keep assuring them they are safe, let the children continue with their normal routine and limit them from news coverage even on social media. The parents also can explain to the children about the pandemic and what it is. Get to know their understanding and correct any misunderstanding they have. This helps them to have the correct information and thus reducing the stress.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most people have been required to work from home. This has its side of challenges. Most people have stress on how to handle domestic work and work assignments at the same time. In trying to blend both, most people may find themselves working for long hours. There are various ways one can overcome these challenges. One can set up a working area where there are no non-wok disruptions such as other family members. Also, one should discuss with the other family members about their plan and schedule but also be flexible in case one needs to be attended to. Another strategy is having a schedule. This is important in maintaining healthy eating habits, connecting with other people, healthy sleeping and hygiene (Carol S, 2020).
Another cause of mental illness is loneliness especially in these times of COVID-19 where there is restriction of movement and keeping social distance (Carol S, 2020). According to WHO, the people at high risk are the elderly and those with mental illnesses. To cope with this, individuals should do some form of physical activities such as exercise and maintain social connections. Social connections with loved one can be done through the digital platforms such as zoom. Individuals can also utilize the time and do the things they enjoy to do by themselves but they have not had time to do them. Activities such as reading a book, trying a recipe, a body care routine, gardening, writing, stroking a pet, arts and crafts, virtual tours and live stream yoga and other workouts.
During uncertain times people experience high levels of anxiety. To cope with this, individuals can do simple relaxation techniques such as breathing in and out, or meditation as they help relieve anxious thoughts. One can also access materials on other relation practices online. When these activities are done regularly they help reduce stress and anxiety. Individuals can also join wellness programs online where most of them are free (Crystal).
In times of a pandemic such as the COVID-19, it is advisable to stay informed but not watching the news so much. Staying informed is important so one can follow what is happening and safety measures given. Also one is able to know what the authorities require of them and take personal protective measures. On the other hand, it is good to get information from verified sources such as WHO and CDC because some information only instills fear, is incorrect and some are just myths and misconceptions. It is good to check what one is watching or reading. To achieve this; check only trusted sources, limit the number of time one checks for updates and one can refrain from the media if they start feeling overwhelmed. One should also refrain from sharing information that is not from a verified source as these increases anxiety and fear to other people who receive the information (Crystal).
To have a good mental health in times of the pandemic, one should try and focus on the things they have control over. Focusing on questions like what will happen, when will the pandemic end, what is the government doing, will only increase our fears and anxiety because they are questions without answers. Instead of this, one can focus on what they can do at a personal level to reduce the risk such as wearing a facemask, washing hands for 20 seconds, sanitizing, avoiding crowds, staying at home, maintaining social distance and following all the guidelines set by authorities (Crystal).
The best way of maintaining mental health is taking care of one’s body and spirit. Even with the disruptions caused by the corona virus one should; be easy on themselves, maintain their routine such as sleep and meals, do the activities they enjoy like reading a book, go out and enjoy nature if possible, do some exercises such as cycling, yoga, and do not use substances such as alcohol to reduce anxiety ( Crystal).
Listening to music also helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Music helps in various ways; it helps one divert attention from the issue that is causing stress and anxiety and also activates and excites one’s body (Crystal). According to researchers, music helps the body produce immunoglobulin A and natural killer cells that attack viruses and improves immunity of the body. Music also reduces the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.
Individuals can join other community members and faith-based organizations such as churches. This can be done through the online platforms due to the social distancing measures in place. It can be through social media, phone calls, or emails. There can be praise and worship sessions, prayers and even sermons that have a message of hope. This will be important as one can pass and receive a message of hope and this will help reduce stress and anxiety levels. It also helps individuals to shift their focus from the pandemic news and fears that come it (Crystal)
In conclusion, mental health can be maintained easily without expenses. It is just about having things such self-care routines like exercising, maintaining hygiene, eating healthy, having good sleeping patterns. Maintain social connections through phone calls, digital platforms such zoom. Avoid so much news from unverified sources because they spread fear. Enjoy hobbies like reading books, cooking, gardening, and watching. Also avoid self-medication with substance such as alcohol and drugs. Finally, have a balance between domestic chores and work assignments if possible have schedule for each day and a specific place for working. All these are strategies that can help maintain mental health. One should use that which is appropriate for them because different people react differently to stressful situations. Also in terms of hobbies, people have different activities that they enjoy doing by themselves. Finally, when people are mentally healthy, they will think clearly and therefore, follow the guidelines put to protect themselves and their families. This will in turn help reduce the spread and infections of corona virus.
Work Cited
Pfefferbaum, Betty, and Carol S. North. “Mental health and the Covid-19 pandemic.” New
England Journal of Medicine (2020).
Park, Crystal L., et al. “Americans’ COVID-19 Stress, Coping, and Adherence to CDC
Guidelines.” Journal of General Internal Medicine (2020): 1.
MACRO Term Paper
MACRO Term Paper
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• Our banks are oversold
Banks are oversold if their performance is soaring. This is to say they have the following characteristics: The banks have excess capital and reserves; the banking sector is a flush with liquidity, reserves and capital. This makes the banks the most capable of paying a high dividend yield. Another factor that contributes the overselling is that fact that the banks anticipate a high gain in the next quarters. The banks are operating at low prices to earnings multiples. They also take into account the possibilities of low expectations in terms of earnings. The banks are also experiencing improved fundamentals and earnings per share growth project. The banks are attracting value investors due to their oversold natures, the banks are better posed in the markets. This is based on the fact that the banks have a positive performance projection. This leads to the reversion of the general mean. This is based on the premise that prices will finally appreciate towards the mean (Ragan &Lipsey, 2011).
• Old rules versus new rules with respect to bank leveraging.
There are a number of rules intended to govern bank leveraging, however, these rules vary depending on the prevailing market conditions. Lahart, (2007), states that the old rules were developed to create an economic boom in major world economies; however, the new rules are geared at maintaining a stable banking system to cushion banks from the risks that are increasingly building up in the finical market.
• Given the Euro crisis and European bank leveraging, does this inspire confidence in the Euro?
In the short run; yes, in the long run; no
• Does this inspire confidence in the marginal European economies: Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and now France?
This does inspire confidence in the marginal European economies in the short run, however, this is not sustainable and in the long run, the marginal European economies would have difficulties as the euro crisis ease. The banks leveraging would involve certain measures to ensure that the gearing is stable.
• The housing market in the US is leveraged. Explain the part that tax deductibility and recourse loans play.
According to Manny, (2007), when the interest rates rise and the housing prices fall, everyone would easily get access to a good home. However, the property owners would have problems paying back their mortgage loans, leading to overselling as the property owners start to panic
• What are the results of the US not requiring any down payments with respect to housing purchases?
This is one way of subprime lending, as it involves the provision of loan to those with limited capacity to payback with the intention of having an economic bubble. The effect of this will be an economic crisis as refinancing then mortgages will not be easy. As housing is also on of the leading industries, it will lead to trade deficit and cause panic in the financial system (Levenson, 2006).
• Explain subprime lending.
Subprime lending is the concept that involve advancing loan to borrowers who are likely to experience difficulties paying back the loan, these people do not meet the requirement set by banks, so the loans advanced to them attract high interest rates due to the risk factors involved. This concept was widespread in the early 90s as there was a general belief that subprime borrowers could be managed.
• Compare the affordability of home ownership with subsequent delinquencies and foreclosures between Canada and the US.
There is likely to be a remarkable increase in the level of delinquencies and foreclosures in the US than in Canada due to the expiry of the easy initial terms. There also likely to be an increase in the economic crisis in Canada as the wealth of the consumers in the market would be drained, with less protection of the banks by the government (Laperriere, 2006).
• Comment on Osama’s plan to reduce mortgage interest and property taxes. Does it appear viable?
While president Obama is interested in ensuring that the citizens of America have access to affordable housing there are a number of factors that should be considered. For example, Ragan &Lipsey, (2011), argues that when the mortgage interest’s rates are reduced, the home owners are in a position to save lots of money per year by only refinancing at lower interest rates. On the other hand, many of the home owners may not be qualified t for the refinancing scheme organized by Mr. Obama. However, it is important to note that while most of the owners may not be eligible for the reduced mortgage taxes. This may be attributed to the recent fall in property prices leaving them with very little in terms of equity. On the other hand, the lenders are not likely to approve refinancing for those home owners who have very low equity. These cuts out the home have poor credit rating. This is also true for those who have been paying back their loans (Ragan & Lipsey, 2011).
The plans are not viable as many people would not be able to meet the requirements for eligibility into these programs
References
Ragan and Lipsey, (2011). Economics, 13th Canadian Edition. Pearson Canada Inc.
Lahart J. (2007). “Egg Cracks Differ In Housing, Finance Shells”. WSJ.com (Wall Street Journal).
Krugman, P. (2009). The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008. W.W. Norton Company Limited
Manny F. (2007). “Study Finds Disparities in Mortgages by Race”. New York Time
Levenson, E. (2006). “Lowering the Boom? Speculators Gone Mild”. NY Sage.
Laperriere, A. (2006). “Housing Bubble Trouble: Have we been living beyond our means?”. The Weekly Standard
A Rhetorical Review on the Article ‘Don’t Let Kids Play Football’
A Rhetorical Review on the Article ‘Don’t Let Kids Play Football’ by Bennet Omalu
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Introduction
In ‘A Good Way to Keep Guns from Predators’, Brent Staples argues whether Gov. Scott should invest his energy in the forceful collection of the guns he gave out to his people to improve the security among the residents. According to Staples, Governor Scott Walker signed a bill that let babies carry guns. However, Scott Walker did not allow one group of people to have guns. There is a 22% lower rate of intimate-partner homicide by gun in states where people are advised to give up their weapons (Staples, 2017). Brent Staples employs three major rhetorical strategies to present his arguments and convey his message to his audiences. This paper will discuss the rhetorical strategies used by the author to communicate to his audience appropriately.
The author claims that Gov Scott Walker signed legislation that requires people placed under a restraining order to be informed that they must turn in any guns they own within forty-eight hours or get arrested. It also established that all firearms held by civilians be confiscated by the authorities as soon as possible. “Gun-relinquishment laws have been enacted with broad support in rural, conservative states like North Dakota and Tennessee, along with swing states like Pennsylvania and Colorado” (Staples, 2017). It was meant to reduce the number of weapons in the public because it put humanity in a vulnerable position. The Governor’s target was to reduce or eliminate domestic abuse in the community. Limiting gun ownership allows the state to protect victims or potential victims of domestic abuse from traumatizing events or, in extreme cases, loss of lives. It prevents fatal consequences of domestic abuse among intimate couples.
Investigations conducted by judges, clerks, prosecutors, and police officials following a push from the King County officials revealed that few offenders returned their firearms to the legal authorities despite the increase in domestic violence cases reported and handled in civil courts. Statistics in 2016 showed that only 52 individuals out of 865 returned their guns to the authorities (Staples, 2017). These statistics open a discussion on whether firearms are the leading cause of domestic violence between intimate partners. With or without guns, many families in the state use aggressive strategies to resolve issues, which is unhealthy and quite risky for the partners involved and their families. Washington State legislators prioritized disarming high-risk abusers as a new strategy of confiscating weapons from society and creating a neutral and safe environment for all citizens.
The second strategy suggested by the author is the toughening of federal law that requires the abusers accused of domestic violence to return their guns. The author believes this approach would enable the United States federal team to protect families and the entire population, for that matter. Law enforcement agencies collected 20% as many firearms as collected in the previous year after piloting the policy for six days (Staples, 2017). The success of toughening federal laws prompted the state to employ more staff members to facilitate the reclaiming of firearms from the public especially domestic violence abusers. Like drug abuse, firearms ownership by the citizens affects their public health. The presence of guns in the community threatens the existence of individuals, hence influencing their day-to-day decisions in America. In communities where guns and violence are reported frequently, people tend to live in fear and uncertainty, thus being more cautious and adopting survival tactics that would keep them safe amidst violence. On the other hand, neutral and safe communities live quite freely and comfortably as their safe spaces assure their safety from abusers and reckless unruly firearm owners.
King County, Washington, developed a new and effective strategy to facilitate firearms recovery from the public, particularly domestic violence offenders and high-risk abusers. According to Staples, any legislation must address the Fifth Amendment stipulation that no person should be a witness against himself. To recover as many guns as possible from the public, especially those distributed illegally in the black market, all parties and players society included should cooperate and ensure all criminals and abusers are disarmed and punished according to the law. Staples strongly argues that the community and social media also played a vital role in disarming abusers and keeping America safe. Community members interact and depend on each other in different ways in their day-to-day activities. For this reason, it’s easier for them to identify firearms abusers or domestic violence offenders amongst them and their whereabouts. Working hand in hand with the authorities and providing relevant information that could pin or incriminate the abusers in society can help reduce illegal firearms ownership and ensure the safety of many Americans.
Social media also contributes heavily to the fight against firearms abuse by owners. Legal authorities use social media platforms to facilitate their search of abusers and consequent weapons recovery and arrest of the respective abusers. They keep close tabs on abusers and domestic violence offenders and keep track records of their activities and engagements (Staples, 2017). The information collected is then evaluated to determine if they have firearms. The authorities then move on them, disarm them and arrest them accordingly. The state also used various databases to find clues on whether targeted offenders owned guns and their hiding places. Together with statements from victims and witnesses of domestic violence, these databases provide sufficient and incriminating evidence against abusers and their illegal gun ownership.
Conclusion
It is undeniable that the availability of guns to the public, especially domestic violence offenders, is very risky to intimate partners, their families, and friends. The recovery of firearms proves difficult because it is hard to determine if an abuser owns guns. Weapons fall off the system daily, and the authorities cannot account for such losses. The state, through the legal system, should revisit its policies and develop new strategies that will help control the issuing of firearms within the system before dealing with the external problem. There is a need to identify the loopholes through which guns slip to abusers and seal them completely to restore and assure safety for its people.
Reference
Staples, B., 2017. Opinion | A Good Way to Keep Guns from Predators (Published 2017). [online] Nytimes.com. Available at: <https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/12/19/opinion/restraining-order-guns.html> [Accessed 14 February 2022].