A Very Long Engagement by Jean-Pierre Jeunet Movie Review

A Very Long Engagement by Jean-Pierre Jeunet - Movie Review Example A Very Long Engagement is a French romantic war film and the series of awards and accolades that greeted this film makes people that have not watched the film have the feeling that they have missed a lot. The film was the fictional storyline that was based on the experience of some individuals in the concluding stages of the First World War. The film is a must watch for everybody that loves romantic films with a spice of war scenes in it. As earlier said the film won several awards and was nominated for awards in different categories. The film won about eight awards and was nominated (but did not win) about twelve times. The nomination and the awards that the film won show the film’s quality. A Very Long Engagement is based on a novel written by Sebastien Japrisot in 1991 with the same title and it brings the details of this novel back to life. The film chronicles the search of a young woman named Mathilde Donnay (Audrey Tautou) for her fiance, Manech Langonnet (Gaspard Ulliel ). Manech was one of the soldiers that took part in the First World War. Mathilde was aware that Manech could have been killed during the battle of the Somme during the First World War, but the fact that she still had hope that he was still alive showed the kind of affection that Mathilde had for Manech and this is just one of the ways that the producers of this great film brought the romantic details of the First World War back to life.

Part1_ interpreting curriculum doc & their use. Part2_using Curriculum Assignment

Part1_ interpreting curriculum doc & their use. Part2_using Curriculum doc& school knowledge.Part3_Explaing&justifying your curriculum plan - Assignment Example given scenario of early childhood curricula of making a seesaw on a twin tree, both the learning intentions and class experiences chosen by the teacher were on point. In the teaching and learning process, it is advisable that teachers should start from known concepts to unknown concepts. This means that the teacher should start teaching the learners right from prior knowledge the learners know before introducing them to new knowledge and experiences (Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), 2014). This is exactly what the teacher did; he wanted the learners to apply the skills they have on playground seesaws and make their own from natural materials outside the school playground. Thus, the learners just transferred the knowledge and skills they use on playground seesaw to make another seesaw. These experiences promoted the spirit of creativity and confidence in the learners; the two are vital components of the learning process. The learning outcomes are the real results that emerge from the learning process, on the other hand, the learning principles are the guideline that guides teachers to provide an effective learning (Susan, 2004). Indeed the learning outcomes were appropriate to the learning experiences since the learners started to develop a sense of autonomy and inter-dependence. EYLF, (2014) states that autonomy helps learners to work with little assistance from the teacher on the other hand inter-dependence aids in sharing their ideas of one another hence, collective teaching. The two skills lead to faster learning unlike where the learners are over-dependent on the teacher. However, for these skills to develop fully, the teacher should have used various scenarios that would expose these learners to a variety of experiences. The curriculum designer should be more practical than being theoretical during the learning process (EYLF, 2014). Young learners need to be exposed to learning experiences that are more practical in nature for them to understand

Middle Range Theory Essay Example for Free

Middle Range Theory Essay Cohens article (2010) addresses the fact that the transition from adolescence to adulthood no longer occurs at age 21. Starting in the 1970s the U.S. economy changed from a manufacturing economy to a service-based economy. The results are evident today. This economically driven shift changed how people prepared for careers and life. The traditional timing of becoming an adult, marriage, career, children, and financial independence now occurs almost 10 years later than before. Erickson’s would research and create a new sequence of eight stages including of development from 10 years up until now. For each specific conflict at each stage, which allows an individual to develop successfully. Each conflict would have to be extended as a result of the change in the economy today. The effect of resolved conflicts are more appropriate as the result the change of adolescent to adulthood no longer occurring to prevent the transition to the next stage of development. Erickson The most profound life crisis occurs at the fifth stage of development, which can be characterized by rapid physical growth, sexual maturing, concern about the perception of us by others and search of professional calling. The final stage is also crucial, as people asses their life and their achievements. If a man looks back at his life with few regrets, and feels that it was worth living, it leads to a feeling of satisfaction. If, on the contrary, the person feels hopeless, reflects on his mistakes, it leads to a feeling of despair. According to Erickson, if a person achieves a sense of wholeness and self-identity, he will not be afraid of death, and this means that this person has reached the highest form of achievements. References: Cohen, P. (2010). Long road to adulthood is growing even longer. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/us/13generations.html?scp=1sq=Long%20road%20to%20adulthoodst=cse_r=0 on September 13, 2014. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/us/13generations.html?scp=1sq=Long%20road%20to%20adulthoodst=cse

Strategic Business Management and Planning of IKEA

Strategic Business Management and Planning of IKEA IKEA has its roots in Smaland, historically one of Swedens poorest regions, so hard work and economizing with resources have always been a part of its heritage. The influence can be seen in products and value-system. Based on deep knowledge of peoples lives at home, IKEA offers good quality, durable and functional home furnishing products for everyday life today. IKEA continues to learn from, and develop with co-workers, customers, suppliers and other partners in 41 countries. The policy is to make out a lot out of very little. Since it was founded IKEA has always had the concern for people and the environment. The IKEA vision to create a better everyday life for the many people puts this concern at the heart of the business. IKEA has responded to the publics rising concern for sustainability in its choice of product range, suppliers, stores and communication. It has also spotted business potential in providing sustainable solutions. Contents Table of Contents Introduction IKEA is an internationally known home furnishing retailer with fully integrated supply chain including its own industrial groups Swedwood Swedspan. The IKEA Group directly or indirectly also owns retail centres, always with an IKEA store as a unique anchor tenant. It has grown rapidly since it was founded in 1943. Today it is the worlds largest retailer, recognized for its Scandinavian style. The majority of IKEAs furniture is flat pack, ready to be assembled by the consumer. This allows reduction in costs and packaging. IKEA stores include restaurants and cafes serving typical Swedish food. They also have small food shops selling Swedish groceries, everything from the famous meatballs to jam. The IKEA group works in four basic areas: range strategy product development, production, supply and retail. Low prices are one of the cornerstones of the IKEA concept and help to make customers want to buy from IKEA. This low strategy is coupled with a wide range of well designed, functional products. IKEAs products cater from every lifestyle and life stage of its customers, who come from all age groups and types of households. This has become the vital feature when the retail sector is depressed, as it increases IKEAs potential market. Why IKEA? Walking into an IKEA is like walking into a whole new world, its a wildly different experience when I visited the IKEA store for the first time. Its an incredible value for money. IKEA offers a tremendous bargain to the savvy buyer you just have to pick wisely. Many of IKEAs product ranges are component based, meaning that the parts and pieces that make up the whole are sold separately, so lots of flexibility. Low price, but not at any price is IKEAs motto when it comes to social environmental responsibility. IKEA works toward using the least amount of resources possible and as many renewable and recyclable material as possible in their products. While price is a prime consideration neither safety nor quality are compromised in the pursuit of a low price. One of the fundamental reasons that IKEA is able to sell for less is that they expect and require you to do part of the work yourself. The IKEA group has developed an environmental policy to ensure that the company and its co-workers take environmental responsibility for all activities conducted within its business. Marketing Strategy Your partner in better living. We do our part, you do yours. Together we save money. Internet, T.V., Newspapers, magazines. Catalog being the main marketing instrument. IKEAs success is based on principal marketing strategies that remain the same throughout the world, which include a catalogue that is printed in 17 languages and the use of the colors of the Swedish flag blue and yellow in IKEA logo. This is combined with an emphasis on customer freedom and choice with regard to buying and taking home products, and low prices intend to create a sale mentality amongst customers. This aggressive price strategy coupled with a wide product range catering for every potential lifestyle and life stage of a consumer, can best summarize the companys recipe for success. General Marketing Strategy To describe IKEAs marketing strategy it is necessary to start with its business concept as formulated in IKEAs mission (IKEA 12 Jan 2009).IKEA offers a wide range of well designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford. The key words in the business mission, address several marketing aspects and the marketing strategy can be seen to emanate from it. One central theme is the alleged standardized approach of IKEA: IKEAs guiding principle is to work in the same way in every country within which it operates. SWOT Analysis IKEAs goals of sustainability and environmental design are central to its business strategy. It has launched a new sustainability plan to take the company through to 2015. This will combine social, environmental and economic issues. IKEA uses SWOT analysis to help it reach its objectives. This is a strategic planning tool. It helps the business to focus on key issues. SWOT is the first stage of planning and looks at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats involved in a project or business venture. Strength and weaknesses are internal aspects. This means they are within the control of the business. They may refer to aspects of marketing, finance, manufacturing or organization. Opportunities and threats are external factors. This means that they are outside the control of the business. These may include the environment, the economic situation, social changes or technological advances, such as the internet. (Johnson, 2005) Strengths Every company needs to analyze its strengths so that the company can overcome its shortcomings and can increase its profits. IKEA attracts key consumer groups as it is a strong global brand. It promises good quality and price. It offers wide range of well designed, functional products at low prices. It is important to have good relations between suppliers, retailers and customers. Ikeas adopt strategic schemes of work based on relationship marketing which aspire to make better customer devotion and long term relationship with suppliers. Here the Porters Five Forces (Appendix 2) model can be applied. In relation to buyer power in the company IKEA seeks to enhance customer loyalty and make good relations with existing customers while aiming at winning new customers also and tying them into long term relationships with companies. To result this IKEA provides nursing rooms and playgrounds for parents to make sure that the children have positive experience at the outlets and offering home delivery. It also provides a hotline for customers who have troubles with the assembly or missing parts. According to Five Forces Model of Porter (Appendix 2), the substitute products are matter of searching for other products which can perform the same function as the product of the industry. While furniture cannot be the substituted product by the majority of people. Therefore IKEA has the nature of supplying them and the manner in which products or services can be supplied, have become highly substitutable with technological developments. IKEA organizes the furniture in its store in such a way that the customers would not need to try on the furniture to see if they fit and look good in their rooms and computer imaging could allow the creation of virtual rooms. By this the suitability of purchasing of products also increases. The emergence on e-shopping method is another example that IKEA applied and will continuously shape traditional furniture retailers competitive positions in the market. Such strategies have yet remained underutilized and such substitutes have yet become part of t heir competitive strategies. Weakness IKEA has to grant its weaknesses so as to improve and manage them. This will help to set its objectives and developing new strategies. The size and scale of its global business can be one of its weaknesses. It could make it hard to control standards and quality. In some countries, they do not execute the legislation to control working condition, where IKEA products are made. This shows a weak link in IKEAs supply chain, disturbing consumer views of IKEAs products. IKEA needs to balance between the low costs and good quality products. It doesnt differentiate itself and its products with other competitors. It believes that there is nothing to compromise between good quality products and low prices. It must keep good quality relations with the customers and the stakeholders about its environmental actions. To enable business to communicate with different target audiences IKEA produces publications in print and online (eg People and the Environment) and carries out major TV and radio cam paigns. It operates in a highly competitive industry, characterized by small family-run businesses producing low cost which include other low priced furniture producers characterized by designs that are expensive which results in small-scale production for the local market. Besides this, a few large retailers such as Nova, Courts and Furniture mall enjoying economies of scale to compete effectively as they are producing affordable products. It can be seen that the competition of rivals is intense with IKEA and Porters Five Forces can be applied. It has seen that there are the differences of opinion concerning product offerings and positioning. Opportunities Every business take an advantage of opportunities that arise uses its strengths. IKEA believes that resulting in good conducts even in a price sensitive market it should conduct environmentally focused business. As the company states that the customers live more suitable life at home as there is a true business potential for IKEA in providing solutions to them. IKEA is recycling and reusing the used products and is developing effective solutions for customers to support them, aiming at producing new IKEA products with recycled materials. IKEA has some of the opportunities that take advantage of through its sustainability agenda are- increasing demands of greener products, increasing demand for low priced products. The customers may switch from more expensive stores to IKEA by seeing the trends in current financial climate. IKEA gives online tips and suggestions for sustainable life at home. To be open with all its stakeholders IKEA builds trust with its consumers, co-workers, key opi nion farmers and press through good communication. It organizes programmes to reduce its use of water. IKEA also focuses on developing social responsibility; here IKEA applied Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy, its policy includes support for charities such as World Wide Fund, UNICEF and Save the Children. IKEAs relationships are redefined by IWAY policies and practices with suppliers with more effective way. The actions of IKEA in response to the crises of 1995 were very appropriate as the company made a realization that it would be in their best interest to think long term instead of short term. Threats IKEA can use a particular strength in defending against threats in the market. If a company is aware of its threats it can plan to counteract them. By applying PESTEL Framework (Appendix 3), IKEA has threats in social factors. IKEA gives suggestions to the customers for more sustainable life by online. Because of this the customers would reduce their impact on the environment although it saves money. IKEA is large enough to enjoy economies of scale. This lowers average costs in the long run through, for example, effective use of technology or employing expert managers. Economies of scale also give a business a competitive perimeter if cost savings are then conceded on to customers in the figure of lower prices. For the smaller companies entering into the market this puts up high Barriers to Entry (Appendix 2). Economic factors, part of PESTEL Framework (Appendix 3), can also be applied here as in tough times IKEA create an appeal amongst its customers as it provides low prices. When the retail sector is depressed it is better to low cost as much as possible. Consumers come with limited financial resources because of the IKEAs pricing strategy. Its products will also demand to those with higher budgets through good quality and design. The company must make sure that it is always recognized in the future as having lowest cost on the market. Communication plays an important role here. There is an overall threat to the performance of the business in UK and American markets due to global depression there is over rising of living costs and depleting disposable income. Conclusion With hundreds of stores across the world IKEA is a well known global brand. It must charge its external and competitive environment in order to improve performance. By this it can reveal the key opportunities and the threats it can deal with. IKEAs passion combines design, economical use of resources, low prices and responsibility for people and the environment. IKEA tries to go ahead of profitability and reputation. It develops a sustainable business (Appendix 1). This will make an enhanced daily life for its customers. IKEA has exposed a business truth- being sustainable and accountable is not just good for customers and the planet; it is also excellent for business. A steady development of the IKEA retail business appears to be the focus for the company in the near future, with strategies unlikely to include aggressive expansion into new areas, but rather building and developing in old. (The United Kingdom, 2005). However development of e-commerce some changes may be seen. As IKEA is already assured that its products are of good quality and craftsmanship, the consumers may prefer to but its products through Internet. IKEA has also adopted an insistent expansion-based strategy more than the last few years, although the flaw of the external consumer market means that sales growth in excess of the next few years should remain relatively reserved.

Affirmative Action needs to be Changed not Ended Essay -- Affirmative

Affirmative action: Should it be mended or ended? Affirmative action is an attempt to correct unequal distribution of benefits (status, income and wealth, power and authority), and burdens associated with ethnic and gender differences. Affirmative action has been promoted by the Federal government since the mid 1960's, when president Lyndon B. Johnson ordered federal contractors to adopt affirmative action plans. (Congress and the Nation, 748). This paper will focus on the relevance of affirmative action in the American society. It is important to acknowledge the truth of affirmative action's main claim: historically, African Americans and women have been victims of discrimination. Theoretically speaking, African Americans enjoy the same citizenship rights and protections as white Americans. While ground has been gained, the reality is that discrimination and racism are still very much a part of American culture and institutional practice. For instance, during the 19th century, women were barred from many professions like doctor, lawyer, etc. Predominantly, these positions were for white males. Women were in a crucial position because upon marriage, they often lost title to whatever pittance they were allowed to earn! (McElroy, 1 of 2). We must remember that affirmative action was established to address the continuing, real problems of discrimination. Minorities and women remain economically disadvantaged. The black unemployment rate for instance remains more than twice the white unemployment rate (Do Racial preferences count, 1 of 2). In the United states, affirmative action has been a hot debate for quite a while. There have been both positive and negative thoughts concerning affirmative action in the American society.... ...nthropoloty Newsletter. Sept. 1998: 3. * Anderson, N. Charles. "Do Racial Preferences Help?: Affirmative Action Rights wrongs, Aids Economy." Detroit News. 25 Jan. 1998: 4-5B. * O'Connor, Preimesberger, & Tarr (eds.). Congress and the Nation: A Review of Government and Politics. Vol. IX, 1993-1996. Washington DC: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1998. * De Han, Martin. Negative Aspects of Affirmative Action. October 1999. http://www.sru.edu/depts/cisba/comm/awalters/smgr/marteen/maxhpneg.htm. * Singer, Peter. Practical Ethics 2nd edition. New York: Cambridge University Press. 1993. * The Civil Rights Project. Harvard University. October 1999. http://www.law.harvard.edu/groups/civilrights/publications/index.html. * McElroy, Wendy. What Does Affirmative Action Affirm? October 1999. http://www.zetetics.com/mac/affirm.htm. Affirmative Action needs to be Changed not Ended Essay -- Affirmative Affirmative action: Should it be mended or ended? Affirmative action is an attempt to correct unequal distribution of benefits (status, income and wealth, power and authority), and burdens associated with ethnic and gender differences. Affirmative action has been promoted by the Federal government since the mid 1960's, when president Lyndon B. Johnson ordered federal contractors to adopt affirmative action plans. (Congress and the Nation, 748). This paper will focus on the relevance of affirmative action in the American society. It is important to acknowledge the truth of affirmative action's main claim: historically, African Americans and women have been victims of discrimination. Theoretically speaking, African Americans enjoy the same citizenship rights and protections as white Americans. While ground has been gained, the reality is that discrimination and racism are still very much a part of American culture and institutional practice. For instance, during the 19th century, women were barred from many professions like doctor, lawyer, etc. Predominantly, these positions were for white males. Women were in a crucial position because upon marriage, they often lost title to whatever pittance they were allowed to earn! (McElroy, 1 of 2). We must remember that affirmative action was established to address the continuing, real problems of discrimination. Minorities and women remain economically disadvantaged. The black unemployment rate for instance remains more than twice the white unemployment rate (Do Racial preferences count, 1 of 2). In the United states, affirmative action has been a hot debate for quite a while. There have been both positive and negative thoughts concerning affirmative action in the American society.... ...nthropoloty Newsletter. Sept. 1998: 3. * Anderson, N. Charles. "Do Racial Preferences Help?: Affirmative Action Rights wrongs, Aids Economy." Detroit News. 25 Jan. 1998: 4-5B. * O'Connor, Preimesberger, & Tarr (eds.). Congress and the Nation: A Review of Government and Politics. Vol. IX, 1993-1996. Washington DC: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1998. * De Han, Martin. Negative Aspects of Affirmative Action. October 1999. http://www.sru.edu/depts/cisba/comm/awalters/smgr/marteen/maxhpneg.htm. * Singer, Peter. Practical Ethics 2nd edition. New York: Cambridge University Press. 1993. * The Civil Rights Project. Harvard University. October 1999. http://www.law.harvard.edu/groups/civilrights/publications/index.html. * McElroy, Wendy. What Does Affirmative Action Affirm? October 1999. http://www.zetetics.com/mac/affirm.htm.

Alcohol And The Fetus Essay -- essays research papers

Know When to Say When   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Drinking during pregnancy is often thought of as no big deal. However, drinking during pregnancy is a very big deal. An unborn baby’s life is in the hands of the mother. If she decides to drink, she is risking the unborn’s chances of being as smart and healthy as it can be. Drinking during pregnancy opens the doors to a variety of harmful effects on the mother and her unborn baby, and until this is brought out in the open with honesty, it cannot be prevented. There are many stereotypes about the women that drink while they are pregnant. One stereotype believed by professional doctors is that women that are college-educated and wealthy are going to drink less or not at all during pregnancy, and the poorer and uneducated women are going to drink more during pregnancy. However, just as stereotypes usually turn out, the complete opposite is true. Women who receive college degrees are four times more likely to drink during pregnancy than women who only receive a high school diploma. Some statistics show that mothers who go to community and rural health centers to receive care are counseled more than mothers who go to private doctors’ offices. People should not make assumptions about something so important especially if it concerns a person’s health (Walsh 2-3).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Those assumptions may go beyond stereotyping of individuals and carry over to what is a safe level of alcohol. Some people believe that drinking a little amount of alcohol will not harm the fetus. However, in reality, â€Å"there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption for pregnant women† (Walsh 2). A woman runs the risk of having a child with defects if she drinks regularly (Orenberg 167). â€Å"Binge drinking, or heavy alcohol consumption at one sitting, is particularly hazardous to the fetus because very high levels of alcohol enter the mother’s blood stream† (â€Å"Fetal Alcohol†). High levels of alcohol consumption can leave the fetus exposed longer making birth defects more severe (â€Å"Fetal Alcohol†). The fetus is exposed longer because its organs are still developing, therefore, taking the fetus twice as long to break down the alcohol (Walsh 2). As a result of this, the fetus’ blood-alcohol level is much hi gher than the mother’s, thus meaning that at the moment the mother starts to feel the effects of the alcohol, the unborn bab... ...aired (Bunch 3:87). As for the rest of the defects that come with fetal alcohol syndrome, there is not much hope for improvement.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Despite the knowledge about potential effects on the fetus, births of babies born with fetal alcohol syndrome occur often. â€Å"In industrialized Western countries about one in every hundred babies is affected† (Bunch 3:87). In fact, â€Å"eight out of every hundred pregnant women go into labor sometime after the 15th week of pregnancy, but before the pregnancy has reached its full term roughly 40 weeks. If birth occurs before the 36th week, or 9th month, the baby might be too small to survive on its own outside the womb† (Orenberg 159). Even if there is one occurrence of a baby born with fetal alcohol syndrome that is one occurrence too many.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Drinking during pregnancy opens the doors to a variety of harmful effects on the mother and her unborn baby, and until this is brought out in the open with honesty, it cannot be prevented. It is sad to hear about women that do not quit drinking when they find out that they are pregnant. It is a moral obligation not to jeopardize the well being of the unborn child.

Child health issue Essay

The things that come to mind when we think about health are the well-being of mind and body, the mental and physical well-being, disease and illness, social well-being and many more. Although health is measured by the amount of disease and illnesses there are, it is difficult to define health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) (1948), health is defined as a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being. Another statement was recently modified, which includes the ability to lead a â€Å"socially and economically productive life†. There are many things that influence the health and well-being of a child, one of them being poverty. Poverty has a huge impact on a child’s health, simply because a family with a low income will not be able to provide the best environment and the best type of treatment for an ill child. Whereas a family who has a better income can provide much more for their ill child. According to Aber et al. (1997), poverty was shown to negatively influence child health. He says that because of poverty, there are increased neonatal and post-neonatal mortality rates and also greater risk of injuries resulting from accidents or physical abuse. Nutrition also comes as a problem together with poverty because, if a family cannot afford certain food types for the child, the child has a risk of bad health. As Rivera et al. (2004) states, â€Å"malnutrition causes death and impaired health in millions of children†. He draws attention to the fact that, every year more than 10.8 million children, under the age of 5 are dying because of malnutrition. Also as Hall (1996) states, iron deficiency is an important health problem in young children. (p. 6). There are socio-economic and demographic factors influencing childhood mortality, such as; education, ethnicity, sex and gender. Education can come into this because in certain countries, women do not get educated well enough, certainly because the man is seen as the breadwinner. In most cases if a child is a girl, she would not be sent to school just because she is a girl. If women received a good education, they would have a role in protecting their child’s health. Again in some places, the sex of the child is important because, if a woman is pregnant with a girl, she is most likely to have a termination. This is because the husband or the family would prefer having a boy so that he can carry on their surname. Hudelson (1996) states; socio-economic and cultural factors may be that they may play a role in determining overall gender differences in rates of infection and progression to disease. Secondly, they may lead to gender differentials in barriers to defection and successful treatment of the health issue. According to Neff and Anderson (1995), children who have chronic illnesses are more vulnerable. They have more needs, such as treatment so caring for a child with chronic illness is significantly more expensive than for the average child. For example having a child who has a major illness such as HIV or Cancer, would put more pressure on the family. Simply because the child will need a longer period of treatment and also will need to be treated in larger centres and this may not always be accessible by the family so they would have to travel long distances, to be able to get the right treatment for their ill child. There are also inequalities in health. A family who has a good income can provide their ill child with the best environment, best hospitals, the best treatment and well known best doctors. Whereas a family who does not have a good income will not have access to the best of everything. Therefore the health issue that the child has may cause more implications. It is always best to find out about a certain health issue while it is still recent, as treatment will be more successful. Families with a high income will have this chance, because they would be able to go for regular tests and check ups. Whereas a family with a low income will not even consider going to the doctor, unless condition gets really bad. In most cases, by the time a doctor is seen, it is too late. There may be all sorts of factors affecting health. Some of these can be named as; genetic inheritance, parental health and life style, and chronic illnesses such as Cancer and HIV. Parental influences in health and the well-being makes important contributions to the development of their child. Professionals, health workers, psychiatrists and doctors also have a major role in the child’s well-being. Cancer is less common in children. Only 1 in 600 children develop cancer and normally the cure is much higher in children than in adults. 70% of all children can now be completely cured. According to Cancer Backup Jamkit (2003), there have been huge improvements in the treatment of children’s cancer over the past 50 years. More than 7 in 10 children with cancer are now cured, compared with fewer than 3 in 10 in 1962-66. There are many types of cancers affecting a child’s health. Some of these are; brain tumors, retinoblastoma, liver tumors, neuroblastoma, rhandomyosarcoma, wilm’s tumor and leukaemia which is the most common cancer known in children. As seen in appendix 1 and 2. According to Cancer Backup Jamkit (2003), states that although there are many theories on what causes cancer, there is no clear explanation on what causes cancer. Cancers are not infectious so they cannot be passed on to someone that comes in contact with the child who has cancer. Also in most cases cancers are not caused by an inherited faulty gene and so it is very rare that, a second child in a family would develop cancer. According to Z. Jane et al. (2002), mothers of children with serious illnesses have lower levels of well-being than mothers in general population. Problem solving therapy (PST), a general cognitive-behavioural intervention, has been shown to be effective in treating negative affectivity (depression, anxiety) and other manifestations of reduced well-being. According to Statistics (2004), since the 1960s, there have been great advances in the treatment of most childhood cancers, resulting in markedly higher survival rates. By the mid 1990s, nearly 75% of children with cancer survived at least five years after diagnosis (known as five-year survival). Mainly in childhood leukaemia five-year survival was above 80% and exceeded 50% for every main type of childhood cancer. Statistics show that childhood cancer is about one fifth more common among boys than it is among girls. The different types of cancer tend to occur predominantly at different ages. For example, there is a peak in the most common type of leukaemia at ages 2 and 3. In Britain, the incidence of all is higher status, particularly in early childhood. When it comes with coping with treatment procedures it may be difficult for some families. Burton (1974, p. 74) states that, involvement in treatment, necessitating as it does, actively on the parents part can also be of use in helping parents to forget some of their otherwise, overwhelming anxiety. But as with any other excessive activity, it may tax their overall strength, producing a loss of personal energy and enthusiasm. Parents may find it hard to cope with the treatment because a child who has cancer would need to visit the hospital very often and treatment may cost too much. Cancer is mainly divided into four stages, these are as follows; stage 1 is, small and localised. Stage 2 is, when it has spread into surrounding structures. Stage 3 is, when it spreads to other parts of the body and the final stage is, if the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, this is known as secondary or metastatic cancer, which is stage 4. It can be really tiring for the family and the child while in the process of the tests, as there are several tests such as; Biopsy, blood tests, bone marrow aspirate, lumbar puncture, x-rays, ultrasound, scan, bone scan, computerised tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and position of the cancer in the body and to asses the child’s general health, as this may affect the treatment that is given. Having to live with cancer is really hard for children and their families as it affects them in many ways. Some of these problems can be; firstly schooling, according to Cancer Backup Jamkit (2003), children with cancer often have gaps in their education: due to going into hospital, side effects from treatment, or generally because they do not feel well enough to fully take part in daily school life. Another issue may be that the child has a risk of catching an infection while at school, such as; chicken pox, measles, mumps or flu can be dangerous to children who have low immunity due to cancer treatment. Parents also come across some difficulties such as having to make hard decisions. One example of this can be that, if the child who is diagnosed with cancer and has not yet started school. Parents may have to choose whether they want to send their child to school throughout the treatment (with the risk of infection) or to keep their child at home. This means that they have less chance for social growth and development. Leukaemia is the most common type of cancer which occurs in children, as it can be seen in appendix 2. Leukaemia is divided into two types; one being, acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and the other acute lymphoblasic leukaemia (ALL). Cancer Backup Jamkit (2003) describes leukaemia as types which can be divided into different sub-titles. Blood and bone marrow samples will be checked by haematologists and pathologists to find out which type of leukaemia a child has. They try and find out exactly which type of cell has become leukaemic and at which stage of their development. The cells may also be tested with antibodies for specific proteins on their surface. This process is known as immunophenotyping. The genetic make-up of the leukaemia cells will also be examined as different types can be associated with particular genetic changes. All of this process takes place because knowing the exact type of leukaemia helps the doctors to know which treatment is likely to be most effective in treating the leukaemia. Out of the two types of leukaemia, the most common type which occurs in children is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). ALL can affect children at any age but is most common in children aged 1-4. It is also more common in boys than it is in girls. Leukaemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. All of these blood cells are produced in the bone marrow which contains; red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Although it is yet not known what causes leukaemia. According to Cancer Backup Jamkit (2003), children with certain genetic disorders, such as Down’s syndrome, are known to have higher risk of developing leukaemia. Also brothers and sisters of a child with ALL have a slightly increased risk of developing ALL themselves, but this risk is still very small. Like any other cancer, ALL is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people. Generally the symptoms are just like of those viral infections. They may start to get tired and lethargic due to anaemia which is caused by lack of red blood cells. They may start to develop bruises. They may feel generally unwell and complain of aches and pains in the limbs, and may have swollen lymph glands. Once the type of leukaemia is diagnosed, the best type of treatment is identified. There are different types of treatments, this involves; Chemotherapy as being the main treatment for ALL together with combination of chemotherapy drugs and steroid medicines. Consolidation and central nervous system (CNS) treatment, to prevent the spreading of leukaemia. Maintenance treatment which involves the child taking daily tablets and having monthly injections of chemotherapy. This normally takes 2 years in girls and up to 3 years in boys. Bone-marrow transplantation, used for children whose leukaemia has come back. Testicular radiotherapy which involves boys having radiotherapy to their testicles. Lastly central nervous system (CNS) radiotherapy for children who have leukaemia cells in their CNS when they are first diagnosed with ALL. During the treatment there may be several side effects such as; hair loss, loss of appetite and weight loss, nausea and vomiting and an increased risk of bruising, bleeding and infection. In some cases there may be late side affects, which sometimes takes place many years later. These include possible problems with puberty and fertility, a change in the way their heart works, and a small increase in the risk of developing another cancer in later life. According to Hargrave et al. (2001), in the last 20 years, the survival rate for children with ALL has markedly improved, largely owing to a decrease in relapses. However children still die from complications of treatment and these are potentially preventable. While the child is diagnosed with cancer and the treatment has started. This will have a huge impact on the family. The child itself may be frightened and may have symptoms of the cancer or side effects of the treatment to cope with. They may become very clingy and argumentative and difficult to get on with. The child’s whole discipline will change, with stays in hospital and going to hospital for appointments. Therefore the family has to adapt themselves to this routine. Often as parents this is the worst situation to face. Every parent would be worried and under a lot of stress. In some cases parents may think that the diagnosis is a death sentence. The parents would worry about how the child will cope with this and family life will be disrupted. Some parents may absolutely be confused and feel numb and in some cases they may feel guilty that this has happened to their child. They may have all sorts of mixed feelings such as; fear-they may deny the fact that such a terrible thing has happened to their child. Sadness-at times they may feel hopeless about their child’s recovery. Anger and uncertainty- may feel angry with hospital staff or even at each other because, they have different ways of coping with cancer. It may also have an effect on their social life as they may not want to socialise with friends and family because they are feeling unhappy. Finance is another issue, such a major health issue will cost a lot and they may not be financially ready fort his. It is also very hard for the extended family and friends such as; grandparents, aunts, uncles to cope with this some may not be able to believe that this has happened to someone in their family. They may go through similar emotions as the parents. Some may avoid seeing the family, simply because they do not know what to say to the family or because they do not want to see the child going through pain. Siblings may also be affected by this, as all the attention will be given to the child that has cancer. Siblings may feel left out and not loved. Some may become very quiet and withdrawn. They may at times become frustrated and have outbursts of anger, because they keep their feelings bottled up inside. There may be disruptions to their daily routine because the family has to spend time taking the child to hospital for appointments. The Children Act (1989) states that; children should always be consulted (subject to age and understanding) and kept informed about what will happen to them. Children’s issues must be determined as soon as possible so that minimum disruption is caused to the child’s life. Every Child Matters (2005), children’s trust bring together all services for children and young people in an area, underpinned by the Children Act 2004 duty to cooperate to focus on improving outcomes for all children and young people. They will support those who work everyday with children, to deliver better outcomes. Alan Milburn, Secretary of State for Health (2000) today launched the first ever comprehensive NHS Cancer PlanA plan for investment. The plan sets out the future of cancer services, setting waiting time targets for the treatments of cancer patients and unprecedented investment in cancer hospices. The plan includes; maximum two months wait from urgent GP referral to treatment for all cancers by 2005. Extra specialist’s cancer nurses with new training and responsibilities. 1.000 more cancer specialist I the service over the next 6 years. New treatment equipment and 250 new cancer scanners. In concluding; a clear reference to the meaning of child health has been built. The types of health issue and the effects it has on the child’s health and also the impact it has upon the family has been covered. The health issue and the treatment have been discussed. Policies and procedures have also been looked at and were made clear that some policies and reports aim to fight against cancer. Total word count: 2852 Bibliography Aber JL; Bennet NG; Conley DC; Li J (1997) ‘ Annual Review of Public Health’, The effect of poverty on child health and development, 18, (1), pp. 463-483 [online]. Available at: http://arjournals.annualreviews.org/ (Accessed: 16 December 2007). Burton Lindy (1974) Care of the Child Facing Death. Routledge & Kegan Paul Hall David M.B. (1996) Health for all children 3rd edn. New York Tokyo. Oxford University Press. Hargrave D.R.; Hann I.M.; Richards S.M.; Hill F.G.; Lilleyman J.S.; Kirsey S.; Bailey C.C.; Chessels J.M.; Mitchell c.; Eden O.B. 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