Asthma in Pediatric Patients - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 8 Words: 2437 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2019/08/08 Category Health Essay Level High school Tags: Asthma Essay Did you like this example? Abstract Asthma is a leading chronic condition in the pediatric population within the United States. The prevalence of asthma has increased in modern times likely due to an increase in air pollutants in the environment. Asthma also has an economic burden associated with an increased number of missed school days per year and high emergency department admission rates. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Asthma in Pediatric Patients" essay for you Create order Genetic and lifestyle factors have been shown to predispose people to the development of asthma. A tertiary prevention program that involves the comprehensive use of the Asthma Action Plan, developed by the American Lung Association, can help gain better control of a patients asthma and reduce the number of asthma related emergency department visits. This plan requires the cooperation of school nurses, physicians and parents in order reach its maximum potential. This program can also help patients and their families gain more control of their health at a relatively low personal and economic cost. Epidemiology of Asthma in the Pediatric Population Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood in resource-rich countries, including the United States (Sawicki, Haver, 2018). It is estimated that 14 million days of school are missed due to asthma in the United States each year (Sawicki, Haver, 2018). The prevalence of asthma can be contributed to a genetic component in addition to several environmental factors. These environmental factors include: diet, air quality, smoking, antibiotic use, and allergies (Patel, Henderson, Jeffreys, Davey, Smith, Galobardes, 2012). If asthma is left uncontrolled, this disease can become costly due to the potential for life-threatening symptoms that may require admission to an emergency department or hospital. By implementing a structured program with coordination from the patients, parents, school and provider, these costs can be minimized. Epidemiologic Parameters and Significance of Disease (Shafer) Asthma has been an increasing problem in the United States over the last two decades, particularly in children under 18 years old. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, asthma rates of the total population increased by 12.3% from 2001-2009, making the prevalence of asthma in the United States 8.2% (2011, p. 547). The prevalence of asthma in children jumped and then plateaued (Sawicki Haver, 2018). Data collected by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention between 2001-2009 showed that the prevalence of asthma in children was at 9.6%, which was increase from previous years (2011, p. 547). With increased awareness and intervention, the prevalence of asthma in children did show a decrease to 8.3% from 2013-2016, especially in children under the age of 5 (Sawicki Haver, 2018). Asthma is a serious, chronic disease that comes with a lifetime need for medical treatment. Poor asthma management can result in hospitalization and sometimes death. According to the American Lung Association, asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15 years (2018, para. 7). Although asthma-related death is rare in children, there were 169 children who died in 2016 due to complications of asthma (Asthma and Children Fact Sheet, 2018). The American Lung Association also reported that in 2010 there were approximately 640,000 emergency room visits due to asthma in those under 15 years of age (2018, para. 8). Asthma continues to be a prevalent chronic disease in the United States, particularly in the pediatric population. Due to its multifactorial development, additional research must be conducted to better understand the pathophysiology of the disease. Genetic Markers of Asthma (Hubacek) Asthma is a common disease that is known to develop due to genetic and environmental factors. Many studies have been completed and further research is still being done to determine which genes are responsible for genetic inheritance of asthma. Asthma does not follow a typical Mendelian path of inheritance, instead the asthma phenotype is expressed non-linearly and is highly variable so it is more difficult to make predictions of the rate at which it is passed down to offspring (Thomsen, 2015, para. 2). Important factors for determining the inheritance of asthma include: degree of genetic relation to the relatives with asthma and the severity of the asthma and the age at which the relative developed asthma (Thomsen, 2015). The recurrence risk of asthma in children with one affected parent is around 25%, whereas the risk if both parents are affected is around 50% (Thomsen, 2015, para. 3). Ober Yao found that asthma has significant genetic contributions, with heritability estimates varying between 35% and 95% (2011, p. 10). Thomsen brings to light that twin studies have shown there is an increased chance of developing asthma if someone who has very similar genetic composition has the condition (2015). For example, the risk of asthma in both identical twins is much higher than that of fraternal twins (Thomsen, 2015). At this point in time, there are several genes that have been found to correlate to the inheritance of asthma. In 2010, the largest study regarding the genetics of asthma was conducted genotyping 26,475 participants, over half of which had asthma (Thomsen, 2015). This study revealed 9 genes that are responsible for the asthma phenotype. The genetic markers involved in the inheritance of asthma include: the gene for nonmuscle isoform of myosin light chain kinase (nmMLCK), ADAM33 on chromosome 20p13, ILIRL1 and IL18R1 on chromosome 2, HLA-DQ on chromosome 6, IL33 on chromosome 9, SMAD3 on chromosome 15, ORMDL3 and GSDMB on chromosome 17, and IL2RB on chromosome 22 (Ober Yao, 2011; Zhou, Wang, Garcia, 201 5; Thomsen, 2015). The study conducted by Zhou, Wang, Garcia demonstrated nmMYLK dependent gene expression differentiates the severity of asthma in patients (2015). The ADAM33 gene has been specifically linked to the bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthma in addition to airway remodeling (Thomsen, 2015). The ORMDL3 gene, in particular, was associated with childhood onset, whereas the HLA-DQ gene was related to later-onset asthma. Further, the results showed that 38% of all cases of childhood-onset asthma were attributable to a combination of the identified genes (Thomsen, 2015, para. 11). The extent of research completed thus far does indicate that genes are responsible for the development of asthma. However, additional research still needs to be done in order to better predict the inheritance pattern of asthma. Family Genogram of Asthma (Hubacek) This genogram illustrates there is an increased probability of developing asthma if a close family member has asthma. This is seen as b oth twins inherited asthma from their mother, likely due to their similar genetic makeup. In addition, this genogram demonstrates with Aimee and Jeromes children that there is a 25% recurrence rate of asthma when one parent is affected. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors (Shafer) Asthma is a multifactorial disease that is affected by genetics, environmental factors and lifestyle choices. There are a multitude of environmental factors that are said to exacerbate asthma, including diet, air quality and pollution, smoking, antibiotic use and exposure to different allergens (Patel, Henderson, Jeffreys, Davey Smith, Galobardes, 2012). According to Kravitz-Wirtz et al., there is evidence showing that exposure to air pollutants in utero and in the postnatal years can have an effect on the development of asthma later in life (2018). The fetal lungs begin to develop in the later trimesters of pregnancy and continue to mature until 3 years of age (Kravitz-Wirtz et al., 2018). The lungs are highly susceptible to environmental toxins due to the permeability of cells lining the respiratory tract (Kravitz-Wirtz et al., 2018). The absorption of toxins via the respiratory tract endothelium seems to contribute to the development of asthma later in life (Kravitz-Wirtz et al., 2018). There is also a correlation of the development of asthma in children with lower socioeconomic status (Kravitz-Wirtz et al., 2018). According to Kravitz-Wirtz et al., children in under-resourced neighborhoods lack access to proper health care, therefore increasing their stress levels, contributing to poorer nutrition status and exposing them to more air pollutants (2018, para. 6). The combination of these lifestyle and environmental factors seem to have an increased risk of asthma in children across the United States (Kravitz-Wirtz et al., 2018). Another significant risk factor for developing asthma is obesity (Asthma Risk Factors, 2018, para. 7). Reasons for this correlation are still unknown, but inflammation is suspected to play a key role (Asthma Risk Factors, 2018, para. 7). According to the American Lung Association, obese patients often use more medications, suffer worse symptoms and are less able to control their asthma than patients in a healthy weight range (2018, para. 7). The growing obesity rates in the United States, especially in pediatric patients, put more children at risk for developing asthma. Tertiary Prevention Program for Asthma At this point in time, asthma is a well-known diagnosis among the pediatric community. However, many pediatric patients suffer from uncontrolled asthma. Uncontrolled asthma increases the number of emergency department visits and hospital admissions, costing families thousands of dollars yearly. We would like to implement a tertiary prevention program to ensure better control of asthma in pediatric patients. This would reduce the number of asthma related emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The American Lung Association has created an Asthma Action Plan to be used for all patients with an asthma diagnosis. This plan includes three zones (green, yellow, red) to guide patients with their home asthma care when their symptoms are controlled, moderately uncontrolled, and severely uncontrolled, respectively (American Lung Association, 2018). In order for this plan to be effective, patients must receive education on how to use a peak flow meter, what the results mean, and how often they should test their lung function using this device at home. Upon diagnosis, providers should review this information with the patient and parents and have them demonstrate before the end of the appointment. Providers should also review when patients should return for a follow up appointment. The current form recommends following up within 24 hours of reaching the yellow zone (American Lung Association, 2018). This tool is not being widely used among pediatric patients with asthma. We would like to fully implement the use of the Asthma Action Plan form, Figure 2, within pediatrician offices and schools. This requires full cooperation of school nurses, patients, parents and the provider. Patients with asthma who attend public school will be required to have a follow up visit regarding their asthma treatment before the school year starts. The school will require the Asthma Action Plan to be completed and signed by the parent and provider. Spirometry should also be completed at this follow up visit to monitor lung function and determine whether or not the current treatment plan is effective for the patient to use during the school year. Two peak flow meters will be given to the patient to keep one at home and one at school along with duplicate controller and rescue medications. If the patients asthma is not well controlled, they should follow up monthly and update their Asthma Action Plan until their symptoms consistently stay within the green zone. When a patient remains in the green zone, they should plan to follow up every 6 months. Ethical and Cost-Benefit Considerations (Hubacek) Monitoring asthma in previously diagnosed patients is fairly cost effective and non-invasive. There are not any ethical conflicts in our proposed tertiary prevention program for asthma due to its necessary and non-invasive nature. Asthma is most commonly tracked with the use of lung function tests such as peak flow and spirometry in order to determine the patients baseline lung function and reevaluate the effectiveness of their prescribed treatments. According to Alliance Tech Medical, the typical cost of a peak flow meter for CPT code A4614 is $21.95 (2018). The cost may amount to even less depending on insurance coverage. Once a patient pays for a peak flow meter, they are able to reuse this device to evaluate their lung function at home and school. The use of this device outside of the medical office can help the patient determine whether or not their asthma is well controlled and help the patient decide if they need to make additional appointments to follow up. Spirometry is also another non-invasive procedure that has the ability to diagnose asthma and determine the effectiveness of asthma medications, particularly inhaled corticosteroids, with repeat tests. Alliance Tech Medical also suggests that this is an affordable test with a cost of $35 for CPT code 94010 and $65 for CPT code 94060 (2018). Compared to the cost of most tests in health care, these tests are fairly affordable and essential for managing asthma treatment. The Asthma Action Plan forms from the American Lung Association can be downloaded for free to be filled out by a healthcare provider. Most common diagnostic methods and repeat follow ups are covered by insurance due to the high prevalence of this disease. The cost of purchasing a peak flow meter, asthma medications, and follow up appointments can add up, but they are necessary to prevent life threatening asthma attacks. Overall, the benefits of appropriately maintaining control of the patients condition outweigh the cost of the associated medical fees. Conclusion Asthma is a serious and life-threatening disease that affects the population on a global scale. In 2016, the prevalence of asthma in children under 18 years old was 8.3% (Sawicki Haver, 2018). Asthma is prevalent in highly developed countries and accounts for hundreds of emergency department visits, hospital admissions and missed school days (Sawicki Haver, 2018). Parents diagnosed with asthma have a high chance of producing children with asthma, suggesting a genetic correlation (Thomsen, 2015). Some of the known genetic markers include ADAM33, ORMDL3, and HLA-DQ (Thomsen, 2015). Environmental factors and lifestyle choices also play a role in the development of asthma. Air pollutants, smoking, diet, antibiotic use and exposure to allergens have been shown exacerbate or trigger the development of asthma (Patel et al., 2012). Early life exposure to environmental toxins, low socioeconomic status, and childhood obesity put children at greater risk for becoming asthmatic (Kravitz-Wirtz et al., 2018; Asthma Risk Factors 2018). We chose to implement a tertiary prevention program using the Asthma Action Plan, an existing screening tool developed by the American Lung Association (2018). The Asthma Action Plan includes three zones (green, yellow, red) that correlate with the level to which the patients asthma is currently controlled (American Lung Association, 2018). Our goal is to increase education and use of the Asthma Action Plan in primary care clinics. We also would require all public-school children diagnosed with asthma to have a clinic visit before the start of the school year, where they can fill out their Asthma Action Plan and receive extra medications and supplies. Our goal is to prevent severe asthma attacks and the costs associated with them. We identified that there are several major benefits of implementing this tertiary prevention program, including reduction of emergency department visits and hospital admissions, reduction of missed school days and earlier detection of asthma exacerbations. We did not identify any ethical dilemmas associated with this intervention. Asthma continues to be an ongoing problem in our country. It is imperative to control asthma at an early age to prevent complications. Implementation of the Asthma Action Plan could be extremely beneficial to help patients and parents manage asthma at home. Proper asthma management will reduce hospital admissions, emergency department visits, and the nationwide cost associated with asthma.

Analysis Of Sir Gawain And The Green Knight - 955 Words

Symbolism is a literary technique used in the classic medieval poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight that is used to form a more captivating story and construct a deeper meaning to the plot. The color green certainly is a prominent color in the poem, especially with the Green Knight, who is literally green from head to toe. The Green Knight makes quite the entrance on his horse as he rides into Camelot disrupting King Arthur and his knight’s New Year’s Feast. The Green Knight has come to find out if the Knights of the Round Table are as loyal and honest as he has heard. The importance of the knight’s unusual color is obscure at first, but the significance of the color unravels the true meaning behind the peculiar knight. When Gawain accepts the Green Knight’s challenge, he begins a metaphorical journey that incorporates the traits that the color green symbolizes: ambition, growth and harmony. Sir Gawain accepts the challenge from the Green Knight when no ot her knight would step up. King Arthur originally offers to face the knight but Sir Gawain objects and says his life is much less significant than the king’s, therefore, Sir Gawain will risk his life. Even though Sir Gawain admits he may be the weakest knight, it is apparent that he is now seen as the bravest knight by taking the place of the king (Raffel 354-357). Sir Gawain certainly has a reputation to uphold and he takes this opportunity to show himself worthy of King Arthur’s knight. He appears to be fearless andShow MoreRelatedAn Analysis Of Sir Gawain And The Green Knight Essay2387 Words   |  10 Pagesthe fourteenth century poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The poem opens with allusions to Greek and Roman history and eventually sets the story on Christmas in Camelot with King Arthur and his knights of the round table. Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew and a knight in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, faces trials and temptations that one would typically expect from a knight of the round table. 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International Policing free essay sample

What is the usefulness of the Structure-Agency Debate in the understanding and policing of global terrorist threat? Use concrete examples to develop your discussion.The main purpose of this essay is to discuss the usefulness of the Structure-Agency debate in the understanding and policing of the global terrorist threat. Concrete examples would also be used to develop the discussion. The essay will start by defining the key terms as used in the question. Secondly it will discuss the usefulness of the Structure-Agency debate in the understanding and policing of global terrorist threat using concrete examples. A conclusion would then be drawn from the aforementioned points.DEFINITION OF KEY TERMSAccording to Huystteen (2003) structure is a multifaceted framework which makes up society including all institutions, groups, etc where human beings interrelate and engage with each other. Agency on the other hand is defined as the ability of individuals to make autonomous decisions as well as their ability to put these actions and plans into motion (Huystteen, 2003). Some sociological theorists believe that social structure and agency complement each other in such a way that social structure influences actions of individuals and individuals can similarly influence social structure with their activities (Stones, 2009). Structure-Agency debate as such is defined as the debate between social factors and individuals and how these social factors influence individuals decision making and to the extent it does (Giddens, 1984). The Structure-Agency debate asks the question whether individuals are free to act as they please or if their actions and plans are shaped and governed by the social structures in place. Some structuralists as such argue that individuals determine their attitudes and actions while others argue that structure and agency are jointly dependent rather than opposed (McLennan, 1984). This is where the debate arises.Terrorism is defined in the Global Terrorism Database as the threatened or actual use of illegal force and violence by non state actors, in order to attain a political, economic, religious, or social goal through fear, coercion, or intimidation (LaFree, 2012). Global terrorist threat as such means the threatened or actual use of violence or force by individuals or groups direct ed towards the government, the civilian population or any segment thereof, intended to instil fear as well as coercing other to change views (Lafree, 2012).THE USEFULNESS OF STRUCTURE-AGENCY DEBATE IN UNDERSTANDING AND POLICING GLOBAL TERRORIST THREATThe agency approach of structure-Agency debate expresses that individuals actions or deeds can be clasped not classes and as such structural forces are not seen as real. This then entails that the different classes that exist in the society cannot be looked at to explain the behaviour of individuals. Giddens (1984) proposes that an actor is an embodied unit that carries causal powers and as such may choose to interfere or not interfere in ongoing sequence of events in the world thus tying the agency approach to power. This then suggests that individuals make rational and independent decisions whether to take part in terrorism activities or not. These individuals have the ability to resist or agree to intervene in the terrorist threats across the globe (Bryant, 1992).This point from the agency approach is useful in the understanding of global terrorist threat because it addresses why some people engage in terrorism and why others do not. A person or an individual according to this agency approach can choose to act otherwise as opposed to engaging in terrorism. This essentially means we are able to understand why certain individual may choose not to j oin or assist the terrorist groups and why others will choose to assist and or join terrorist groups to perform acts of terror across the world (Thiel, 2009). This is because the agency approach proposes that individual makes rational decisions to execute their actions and plans.The idea that people choose to engage in terrorism and not to can also be useful in policing terrorism because it may depict the kind of punishments to be afforded to those individuals who intentionally indulge in global terrorist threat and those who are coerced into participation (Smith, 2011). For example, those individuals who choose out of their own free will to commit acts of terror such as lone wolfs terrorists can be given harsher and strict punishments as opposed to those who are forced to partake in the terrorism. This is vital because other individuals choose to commit terrorism at their own expense while others are coerced into it. They do not voluntarily agree to engage in such activities hence there is a need to ensure stricter sanctions to those who force others to participate in order to do away with the root cause of terrorism (Smith, 2011). Addit ionally this point may also be useful in policing terrorism as policing agencies can also look at the root causes i.e. unemployment issues, frustration issues, religious issues, etc that make individuals susceptible to the influence of terrorist groups and find ways that can best address those problems to avoid those individuals from being influenced into terrorism (LaFree, 2012). By addressing these root problems of individuals, the terrorist groups will not have many recruiters to enlist into their groups hence this will help reduce terrorist threat magnitude.Additionally the agency approach entails that an individual should be seen as a voluntarist to human action. Thus, by looking at an individual, what they reflect and what they tell us we can be able to analyze them (Emirbayer, 1998). Individuals as such are able to account for their actions and be aware of the reasons for their actions and the implications that their actions create. This notion of the structure agency debate is useful in understanding lone-wolf terrorists. Lone-wolf terrorists are those individual terrorists who commit acts o f terror on their own. According to Thiel (2009) lone-wolf terrorists tend to feel isolated from the rest of the society and are the most deadly group of terrorist. They usually carry terrorist activities against governments and as such government structures are usually targeted since they enacted policies or initiatives that caused the lone wolf terrorists to feel marginalised and not feel as belonging to the society (Burleigh, 2008). These terrorists are aware of their violent activities and the implications of these actions but because they feel inferior they feel they must do something about their marginalization to effect change.Moreover, terrorists tend to account for their actions by stating that the violence employed during terrorism or terrorist threat activities is essential for the achievement of social change. Terrorists as such like to use moral claims to legitimise their violent activities and attract support for their foundation from various members and institutions (Burleigh, 2008). For ex ample, terrorists like to use the idea that the violence they use for their terror activities is vital to effect change to that which they are attesting to.This information can be used in policing global terrorist threat as the law enforcement agencies will know why these terrorist groups use force and the extent of the force used that is necessary to effect change. This information about individuals accounting for their actions will help to come with the policing strategies that can best address those moral claims more especially by state-counter terrorism and the policing agencies employed to police terrorist groups (Richardson, 2006). For example, the United Kingdom have implemented the use of targeting hardening activities such as stop and searches and screening practices to individuals suspected to be terrorists or in possession of materials that may be used in terrorist activities such as ammunition, etc. Additionally, Sageman (2004) the surveillance and intelligence mining operations have also been utilized to monitor, capture and subvert potential terrorists hence fighting against global terrorist threats.The structuralist approach of the structure agency debate tends to focus on social structures in place that influences individuals behavior. This approach recognizes that there are explicit conditions that are prevalent in the society which produces and encourages human actions and behavior (Radcliffe-Brown, 1940). This approach shifts the ultimate reality from the human actor and instead focuses on the situated human actor. Thus, individuals in this approach are not believed to be acting on their own free will but instead as a result of the inequalities that restrict their agency and the constraints and structures in which they exist (Lopez, 2000). Structure present the social world as a world with norms, rules and beliefs pertaining to age ,gender, class and ones cultural identity and as such the inequalities that exist in this social structure restrict individuals action in terms of nationality, geographical location and class. Thus, according to Barnes (2001) individual behaviour in this approach is explained as a product of structural factors.This is useful in the understanding of global terrorist threat since in such a way that through this approach we explain the action of terrorism through the structure or the context in which it takes place. Thus terrorism should be understood as violent activities that are carried out to demand an action or a response from the government regarding a certain issue that the terrorist groups are aiming to achieve (Rosenfeld, 2004). Consequently terrorism in this essence takes place in this context to demand an effect or a change from the governments and as such governments after terroris t attacks should be seen doing something to address the motive for the terrorist threat or attack. Terrorist attacks and terrorist threats should as such provoke fear among those subjected to it and provoke action as a result (Sageman, 2004).Terrorist groups are unique organizations with unique motives advocating for different change. Terrorists as such are divided into different typologies based on their motivation. Some terrorists group are rationally motivated in that they consider their goals and possible consequences of their actions (Rosenfeld, 2004). Some are psychologically motivated and as such they feel inadequate hence seek revenge. Some are culturally motivated in such a way that they fear damage to their way of life. They are mostly often associated with religion. Thus terrorism takes place in this case because individuals or the terrorists feel restricted by the structures in place. The terrorist threats according to Richardson (2006) as such are directed to governments and or structures or segments that came up with the objectives that go against the terrorist population and or the population at large (that which they effecting change for). The actions of terror therefore respond to the structures of dissatisfaction in which individuals have been situated.This is useful in policing global terrorist threats as it explains why individuals first and foremost engage in terrorist. By understanding why terrorism occurs, what causes it, what perpetuates it, law enforcement agencies are able to come up with better strategies and purposeful strategies that can help address the problem at hand (LaFree, 2012). For example, the United Kingdom instead of using counter-terrorist policing techniques such as target hardening, surveillance, and intelligence-mining operations to police terrorist threats should also look at the structuralist approach of structure agency debate and what it says. They should not focus too much on policing terrorist groups and their behaviours but should also look at how the structures in place in the social structure influences individual actions so as to better control global terrorist threat (Hay, 1995). Countries should understand that people engage in terrorist attacks to respond to the structures in place that are constricting their goals; making them feel like they are not part of the society and those that threaten their way of life and as such the policing strategies in place should not only be directed to the individual terrorist groups behavior and actions but also be focused on the structures that exists in the society that produce and perpetuates terrorism and terror related activities. This however does not essentially mean individuals do not act without reasons but the reasons are taken in response to structures individuals have been situated in (Aston, 2012). As a result the structure agency debate proposes that the policing initiatives directed at policing global terrorist threat should be focused on tackling the social structures in place that create dissatisfaction among individuals leading to terrorism. Policy frameworks and government initiatives that are implemented in various social structures in the society should not negatively impact anyone or go against other peoples goals, way of life and make others feel like they are not part of the society so as to help reduce the use of force by aggrieved individuals in the society to instil and effect change towards those ideologies.Wrapping up, structure agency debate is useful in the understanding and policing of global terrorist threat as it allows us to acknowledge the influence of structures and agents in the global terrorist world. It is an important way of considering and analysing issues as they relate to global terrorism. The governments, civilians or any segment of the society that proposes ideas that impacts other groups negatively in the society are actors who make key decisions that lead to the violent activities that terrorists carry out. The structure agency debate is in so far useful in understanding and policing terrorism as it provides a framework within which to explain social change, thus in the case the existence of terrorism, why it occurs and how to address it. It suggests that individuals through agency can act as they please and also that social structures in place can shape and govern individuals behaviours hence influencing them to act in a certain way. And as such, the structure agency debate is useful in understanding and policing global terrorist threat as it explains why individuals act the way they do i.e. engage in terrorist activities and how the structures influence them. Furthermore, this helps in policing terrorism as governments know who they should hold responsible in various situations and who to police; whether terrorists or institutions/social structures influence individuals behaviours and actions to carry out terrorist threats depending on the causal factors of terrorism.

The Country of Spain free essay sample

The fascinating and beautiful country of Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe. The history that Spain has had has left great stories to tell and remarkable landmarks to visit. Spain is located in the south west corner of Europe, with its neighboring countries, Portugal and France. It has a population of forty million plus people, but almost one-third of the nation’s population is foreigners that reside in its territory. One of the most important facts about Spain is that its economy is one of the largest in the world. Spain is currently in a recession, with low employment rates and poverty. Sports and games are a very important and popular pastime of Spain. The Spaniards have traditional and regional games, which include soccer and the running of the bulls in Pamplona. Soccer is the most popular sport in Spain. La Liga (The Spanish League) is known to be one of the world’s best competitions. Spain’s world famous teams like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have dominated this competition in the past and continue to do so. Spain’s National Soccer Team has qualified for the Fifa World Cup tournament thirteen times since 1930. In 2010 Spain won the Fifa World Cup for the first time, defeating Netherlands in the final. In the European Championship soccer tournament, Spain has won three times, in 1964, 2008, and 2012. Spain has won two medals in the soccer Olympic games tournaments. Spain is currently ranked number one in the world for soccer. Although Spain is world renowned for its capabilities in soccer, they also have great achievements in others sports like tennis, basketball, cycling and motor sports. Spain has produced a number of tennis champions. For example, Rafael Nadal, considered to be the best Spanish tennis player of all time. Rafael Nadal has won 11 Grand Slam trophies, seven French Open titles, two Wimbledon titles, one US open title and one Australian open title. The Spanish ACB is one of the major European basketball leagues. A number of Spanish players, like Pau Gasol and Marc Gasol are currently playing in the world famous NBA. Cycling has been an important sport in Spain since the 1940s. The Tour of Spain is one of the most important ycling events in the world, along with the Tour of France and the Tour of Italy. Several Spanish cycling athletes have won the world famous cycling event, the Tour of France. The regional pastime of the running of the bulls in Pamplona is an exciting tradition that involves a group of bulls that are lets loose in the streets of Pamplona. The main purpose of the run is to transport the bulls from the corrals into the bullrings, where th ey will be killed. This run takes place for seven days in San Fermin, Pamplona in Spain. It started in the 14th century. Today the running of the bulls attracts many tourists from around the world that like to participate. Many participate by joining the bulls, and running along side of them. This is very dangerous, many are injured and some are even killed. Others participate by dressing the part and cheering. Runners wear the traditional outfit of a white shirt and pants. Some have a red scarf or handkerchief, some wear red belts. Runners also have with them a newspaper to draw attention away from the bulls just in case. The food and eating habits of Spain are unlike any other country in the world. Spain has the longest working week in Europe, which calls for very long working days. The Spaniards call for eating well throughout the day. The eating hours in Spain are loosely defined and restaurants are open later hours. Unlike in America where it is considered that breakfast should be the most important and filling meal of the day, Spaniards have a quick breakfast. It will usually consist of a glass of orange juice or coffee, accompanied by a pastry, for example a croissant or the very delicious churro. Most Spaniards have their breakfast out at a cafe or bar, it is unusual for them to have it in there own home. At around 11am a Spaniard has a â€Å"merienda†, which is Spanish for a snack. Almost usually it is a â€Å"bacadillo†, which is Spanish for sandwich. This sandwich can be filled with anything from tuna fish, to cured ham, cheese or meat. This merienda means that lunch is a couple hours away, even though midday is near. In Spain, lunch is a big deal. At times it can last well over an hour. Depending on what region of Spain, and the time of year, lunch comes with a â€Å"siesta†, which is Spanish for nap. Because of the daily siesta, many shops and establishments close for a couple of hours. Lunch is a great time to go out to eat at restaurants. All Spanish restaurants are required by law to have a â€Å"menu del dia†, a 3 course menu that has a fixed price, it is economical compared to the actual menu. The â€Å"menu del dia† usually consists of two or three starters and mains courses to choose from. There are options for dessert; usually it is something simple like yogurt or fruit. The working day ends late, usually at around 8pm. Many Spaniards stop at a bar to socialize with friends before heading home. When at the bar, â€Å"tapas†, a free snack is given to patrons with their drinks. The evening meal can start as late as 9 or 10 pm. The most famous dish from Spain is La Paella; a rice dish with seafood, Jamon Serrano; Spanish ham, Gazpacho; a cold tomato soup, and Tortilla; an egg and potato omelet. Spain is a country that is very interesting. Its beauty, culture, and cuisine make it very appealing and enticing.