The Democratization Of Work Management Essay

The Democratization Of Work Management Essay The topic of the labour education and its relevance in organizational strategies and business ideals offers a deep foray of discussion on the achievement of leadership and managerial objectives. This topic encourages an ongoing inquiry into one of the key leverage of our current HRM recognized as employee development schemes. This assignment begins with a brief discussion of employee empowerment as popular organizational initiative and the unions perspective on employee development schemes. I will provide a snapshot description of labour education and workers empowerment and its objective of combining education as a managements approach to workers empowerment. Empowerment Today, the conventional bureaucratic management approaches are no longer efficient. Empowerment of workers is one of management strategy applied today by corporations in reaction to the need for change. However, empowerment is centered on a series of hypothesis that are in disparity to those usually made by managers. Empowerment jeopardizes managers power over workers in three directions: downward, inward, and outward (Foegen, 1998). Downward loss of control can be discerned by the delegation of decision making to front-line staff. Many managers, most of which have more training and education than line employees, consider delegating decisions to a less qualified-person is not rational. They deem they are the most competent to make these judgments and they are the only ones that should make them (Foegen, 1998). Empowered workers are thought to have ownership of their work process and a commitment to its continuous development. This implies that empowerment can allow employers to improve performance by allowing staff to make decisions about their work environment by allowing workers more freedom and autonomy. Wilkinson (1998) argues that employee empowerment is a managerially led inventiveness: Unlike industrial democracy there is no notion of workers having a right to a say: it is employers who decide whether and how to empower employees. While there is a wide range of programs and initiatives which are titled empowerment and they vary as to the extent of power which employees actually exercise, most are purposefully designed not to give workers a very significant role in decision making but rather to secure an enhanced employee contribution to the organisation. Empowerment takes place within the context of a strict management agenda. (p. 40) Wilkinson (1998) thus implies that empowerment is consequently a managerially controlled event working at a workbased rather than a strategic level within the business. Honold (1997) supports this notion by considering empowerment as control of ones work, autonomy on the job, variations of teamwork, and pay systems that link pay with performance (p. 202). Businesses can build an empowered environment if they provide employees information, power, resources, and training, and consistent follow-up with recognition and corroboration. However, empowering employees is an incessant course of action. Companies that take the first step by encouraging an environment of empowerment are expected to be the industrys leaders. Trade unions and learning rhetoric Over the last two decades, the existing rhetoric surrounding workplace learning, teamwork, and the learning organization within the agenda of promoting a knowledge economy has had an impact on trade union membership and union power in the US and UK (Bratton et al., 2004). Labels, such as shared ownership (Senge, 1990, p. 13), engagement (quoted in Schwind et al., 2007 p. 471) and owner of the business (ibid, 2007) all in the premise of globalization and improved production are often eluded to marginalize unions (Bratton et al., 2004). We need to keep in mind that workplace learning is about workers learning to develop into a more proficient and accommodating human resource (Spencer, 1994) and should be examined through an exploitative viewpoint of the human capital theory. In many cases, workers are directed to accept the suggestion that there are no permanent jobs and to adhere to flexibility, cuts in their wages and benefits (Bratton et al., 2004). Today, the labour movement is oft en silenced and manipulated under the pretext of workers being labeled by companies as partners and associate partnership agreements (Bratton et al, 2004) emphasizing employer rights, including in some cases, refuting the right to democratically decide their own union steward (Wray, 2001). Some companies are also discouraging workers away from unionization and to constrain workers to company objectives  [1]  . It has been argued by Robertson and his colleagues that many workers still find unionism an effective way to democratize the workplace and to guarantee a collective voice, and avenue to equality, and economic security (1989). A number of unions, notably the International Steelworkers of America, have embraced workers interest in workplace learning and have encouraged participatory practices (Bratton et al, 2004 p. 127). On the other hand, Wells (1993) claims that unions and HRM policies are in conflict, because of the imbalance of power between management and workers and that employees can only achieve equal power through their collective representation. According to Wells, unions make workplace democracy work better (1993). Unions provide a challenge to the total power of management and ensure workers have a say in workplace decisions that affect them throug h collective representation (Well, 1993). Evidence attained from union involvement have confirmed the problematic nature of workplace learning initiatives and with this in mind, have initiated their own unique workplace learning programs. Union based education Education and training is offered to their members and representatives to prepare workers to take a more active role in the union. In some cases, unions have developed complete training programs and have partnered with schools, such as McMaster University, to include labour education and vocation training opportunities for their union members (cited in Bratton et al. 2004 p. 108). Labour education has also varied over time, but the final outcome is still the same to effectively change the process in labour-management relations (ibid. p. 111). In their paper, Canadian labour education and PLAR at the turn of the century, the authors, Spencer, Britton and Gereluk provided exemplary examples of labour education courses offered by and for unions (2000). The choices of courses offered by these unions are diverse but most evolve around the particular structure of the shop stewards function. These courses are the tools needed to understand the legal framework of trade unions. A good deal of the critical literature also alleges that there is a contradiction between the new HRM ideals and the trade unions with their traditional industrial relations and collective bargaining. Godard (1994) argues that the main motivation for managers to accept the progressive HRM processes is to shun or lessen trade union control. Nonetheless, he does admit that it would also be a mistake to view progressive practices as motivated solely or even primarily by this objective (1994, p. 155). Other critics have advocated that trade unions should embrace change by harmonizing the same aspects of the soft HRM model. Such a union approach would promote a partnership between businesses and organized labour which would transpire into a high-performance environment with common benefits for both the workers and the organization (Betcherman et al., 1994; Guest, 1995; Verma, 1995). What is apparent from this HRM viewpoint is that this perspective has a strong political and legal agenda r eflecting the decline in union participation and influence in the US and UK over the last decade. Never has it been more important for unions to establish their legitimacy and their own distinctive workplace learning programs. I was directly involved with a three month labour education program with my local union OPSEU. I was introduced to trade unionism, labour policy and social justice issues. It provided me with critical approaches to current issues and it reinforced my idea that strong unions makes a strong company. I accept the conflicting nature of the working-class unionism born out of hard struggles between capital and labour and their logical acceptance that capitalism as the only system in todays world. But I also contend that active unionism may provide the best chance to democratize the corporate workplace. Professor Hugh Glegg (1960) makes a revealing comment, that collective bargaining through trade unions or joint regulation is industrial democracy. Employee Development Schemes Employee development is now, more than ever, a key issue within the HRM paradigm. Against a background populated with concepts such as the learning organization and lifelong learning employers have been encouraged to capitalize on the learning potential of their employees, by encouraging learning activities. Research advocates that this style of non-vocational or non job-specific employee development pursuit has an array of benefits for both employer and employee (Industrial Society, 1996). Ever since Ford initiated their revolutionary EDAP scheme in 1987, employee development schemes have progressed and expanded to the level where the term can now include a wide mixture of development ideas. To enhance the companys industrial relations, the union and management initiated an interactive learning delivery intranet system called Solstra  [2]  . This avenue presented a means of packaging learning on an intranet. The system also overseen the progress of learners, kept records of asse ssments and modules completed, and would routinely renew individual records of training and skills profiles. Within 6 months, 15,000 employees, depicting one-third of personnel, utilized the program (Mortimer, 1990). The Ford EDAP scheme attained an involvement rate of over 50 per cent in three years into its existence (Holden, 1996). The literature suggests that although the initial option made by employees pertaining to the type of learning was entirely non-vocational, later choices were inclined to shift in a more vocational direction (Holden, 1996). It is noteworthy that several case studies of EDS have noticed IT/computer skills courses to be one of the trendiest choices (Donaldson, 1993, 1996). Overall, the data suggests that the development of employees allows them to yield a more considerable input to the achievement of business objectives. A highly skilled and flexible workforce can give the competitive advantage necessary for success. The evidence would appear to suggest that many workers enroll to take part in an EDS to attain new skills to develop job prospects, continuing a personal leisure activity, or simply general self- development or accomplishment (Industrial Society, 1996). A helpful result frequently reported by participants is an improvement in their confidence, both in their capacity to learn and in themselves (Policy Studies Institute, 1993). This seems mainly to be the experience of workers with no prior training and who are more likely to have negative recollections of their educational experience. Many bodies of literature are littered with illustrations of individuals for whom partaking in their companys EDS has been a radical experience. The literature also proposes that employees may be more receptive to work-related training (Maguire Horrocks, 1995). It also bode well for companies whose goal is to build a culture of learning within the company. Research findings also implies that the provision of work and non-work related training makes workers feel more committed, empowered and appreciated (HOST, 1998). This is particularly true of junior level staff whose earlier experience of training was in-house and job-specific (Arulampalam, 1997). Employers presently perceive enhanced learning skills and a flexible workforce as the most advantageous results of an EDS (Maurer Tarulli 1994). Another theme in which conclusive results has been recounted by EDS members is that of motivation at work (Maurer Tarulli 1994). It is hardly surprising, given that improved employee motivatio n is often mentioned by employers as a motive for initiating a scheme. EDS provision often seems to foster a better relationship between staff and employer. Conclusion and Discussion The benefits of labour education and employee development schemes reported by employers and staff are numerous. The existing literature proposes that employers currently regard improved learning skills and a flexible workforce as the clearest outcome. As well, it would seem that improved motivation, empowerment and confidence of workers are noteworthy outcomes. The fact that employees are often more keen to learn, and have more confidence in their abilities as a result of participation, can help shift a company in the aim of becoming a learning organization. Overall, the development of employees can permit them to make a significant contribution to the success of a business. However, there is a penchant in the literature to slip from arguing workplace learning to empowerment to industrial democracy is the identical process and to presume that if a corporation is training its workforce that it is empowering its workers. Such statements need to be tested against employees as well as em ployer experience and placed in a more analytical understanding of the flexible workplace and the knowledge economy. Im not convinced that corporate leaders believe that empowering employees makes a company more effective. Empowering workers means sharing power or increasing workers control and the powerful in business rarely like allocating power. Debates of workplace learning need understand the real issues of power, authority, control, inequality, and ownership for real empowerment and workplace democracy. Slogans such as buying in to company values and owning are an integral part of todays corporate arrangement (being accountable for your own accomplishments). Furthermore, it is important to understand the value of unions as a positive influence in democratizing the workplace. A long serving employee, with a good union contract, may perhaps have access to job security, but contemporary corporate position is for employees to take responsibility of their own careers. This means more than meeting performance goals. It necessitate routine demonstration of eagerness, display of loyalty, and continuous display of commitment by gaining new skills, volunteering for new challenges and indicating a readiness to do more than is necessary or expected. Commendable employees are seasoned overachievers; they have to be because doing more than is necessary or expected is precisely what is required and expected! Employee empowerment is not the key to structural problems. This does not signify that it will not receive wide acceptance and be hyped as a way to attain organizational excellence through workplace democracy. I believe that workplace learning is d eliberated to assimilate workers into management culture; labour education permits workers to challenge it. Godard, J. (1991) The progressive HRM paradigm: a theoretical and empirical re-examination, Relations Industrielles/Industrial Relations , 46 (2): 378 99.Godard, J. (1994) Industrial Relations: The Economy and Society , Toronto: McGraw-HillRyerson. Godard, J. (1991) The progressive HRM paradigm: a theoretical and empirical re-examination, Relations Industrielles/Industrial Relations , 46 (2): 378 99.Godard, J. (1994) Industrial Relations: The Economy and Society , Toronto: McGraw-HillRyerson. Godard, J. (1991) The progressive HRM paradigm: a theoretical and empirical re-examination, Relations Industrielles/Industrial Relations , 46 (2): 378 99.Godard, J. (1994) Industrial Relations: The Economy and Society , Toronto: McGraw-HillRyerson.

Lakota Woman Review

Lakota Woman mary crow dog The book, Lakota Woman, written by Mary Crow Dog, gave the reader a personal view of the feelings shared by most Indians living in the United States during this present day. The book dealt with the time period of Crow Dog’s life along with some references to past events. Crow Dog attempted to explain the hostility felt towards the white men in the United States by the surviving Indian population. She used her own life as an example in many instances to give the reader a personal perspective.The main point in writing this book was to present the reader with the Indian viewpoint on how they were treated and what the effects of that treatment has done to their people over the years. From the beginning of the book it becomes evident that not all Indians are the same. Mary Crow Dogs grandparents grew up during a time when the United States was trying to â€Å"civilize† the Indians by forcing them to abandon their customs in favor of a Christian lif estyle.Most Indians took offence to that proposition, but some did not. Crow Dog’s grandmother was one of the Indians who would have been termed as a successful convert. She adopted the Christian faith and was raising her grandchildren to accept Jesus in their lives. Crow Dog admitted the Jesus part sounded good, it was the beatings at the hands of the nuns and the awful food served to them at the boarding school that tainted their views of Christianity. Indians who accepted the white man’s ways were called half bloods.Crow Dog said, â€Å"The general rule is that whoever thinks, sings, acts, and speaks Indian is a skin, a full-blood, and whoever acts and thinks like a white man is a half-blood or breed, no matter how Indian he looks. † (49) This division among their own people often created hostility and sometimes led to violence. Another problem was the rage felt inside of the warriors who were having their lifestyle taken from them. These were men who were us ed to hunting for their food which in turn gave them a feeling of pride. Being held on a reservation took their spirit and crushed it.It led to heavy drinking among a large amount of the male Indian population which sometimes led to violence against women. Crow Dog suggested that these men were acting out because they could not hunt and perform their duties as Indian males. The book spoke about the different religious ceremonies and the spirituality exemplified by the Indian people. The use of the pipe along with the Willow tree tobacco, the various dances performed, and the infusion of religion in every aspect of the Indians life showed the reader how important religion is to the Indian people.Because of that knowledge, it was appalling to read how Leonard Crow Dog’s religious rights were violated and mocked in prison. The basic right of being able to freely practice a religion was denied to Crow Dog while incarcerated. The AIM, or American Indian Movement, was formed in ord er to bring to light the hardships faced by the Indians living in the United States and took a huge part in the Wounded Knee incident. Crow Dog was a member of that organization and married Leonard who was one of the group’s leaders. Power is a theme that is seen throughout the book in various forms.Crow Dog spoke of the power felt during certain Indian customs such as smoking the peace pipe or performing the Ghost Dance. Another form of power was seen when the doctors at the hospital took Crow Dog’s sisters baby and killed it. As if that was not enough, her sister was sterilized so she could not have any more Indian children. Crow Dog made sure that would not happen to her own child who was born at Wounded Knee. The show of force by the military at Wounded Knee was another example of the power exerted by the white men on the Indians.The fabricated charges brought against Leonard Crow Dog which resulted in his incarceration showed the power the government held and was willing to use against the Indians. The Indian women show their own version of power by making it their duty to procreate in order to replace the population of warriors who were lost defending the cause. Another theme running through the book is anger. Not surprisingly, Crow Dog and a good majority of her people felt that something was taken from them without their permission.Because they harbor those feelings, they believe it is ok to do things like steal from stores owned by white people. They justify their actions because they feel they are getting their revenge against the white people who stole from them. Taking Wounded Knee over and performing the Ghost Dance was a way to show the white man that they were not going to be taken advantage of any longer. They were not going to let the white men stop them from performing their sacred ceremonies and change their way of life.The Indians took their anger against the white man and used it as fuel. Crow Dog spoke of the hardships she h ad to deal with living as Leonard Crow Dogs wife. Initially she was not interested in Leonard Crow Dog, but years later she found herself married to him and acting as his main support line during his incarceration. When Leonard was released from prison she described how they had to become reacquainted with each other. Life was extremely challenging for Mary Crow Dog but she stood by her husband’s side and provided the support he needed.After being released, Mary Crow Dog would follow Leonard to various places around the country where his help was needed to bring recognition to a person or groups issue. Her life was dedicated to Leonard and together they both fought for what they believed in. For Mary Crow Dog, her life as an Indian became complete when she took part in the Ghost Dance ceremony. Crow Dog was pierced in the traditional way and experienced the visions that her ancestors had for hundreds of years. She felt that she was finally a full blooded Indian after the cere mony which symbolized that her transition was complete.The author, Mary Crow Dog, is an Indian who has experienced the hardships of life living as an Indian under the conditions the United States Government has mandated for the Indian people. She gave the account of her life and co-authored the book along with Richard Erdoes. Crow Dog has also written Ohitika Woman, while Erdoes has written several books including Lame Deer, Seeker of Visions, The Sun Dance People, The Rain Dance People, The Pueblo Indians, and Crying for a Dream. Erdoes used Crow Dogs firsthand account as the basis for writing this book.The authors accomplished their goal of bringing the reader into the world of the Indians and presenting the difficulties they faced and had overcome over the years at the hands of the United States Government. I enjoyed the book. I felt that it informed the reader of the various problems the Indians have faced over the years and how some of those problems are still being dealt with. It showed the mistreatment of the Indians by the United States Government. It brought the reader into the world of the Indian and made you understand why their harbor resentment and hostility along with mistrust for white people and the government.I think this book is important for anyone who is looking to get an inside look into the bruised feelings of Indians and the reasons behind those feelings. The book provided an overview of what tribe life is like and did not hide the negatives like the drinking problems and abuse of women. Anybody who is looking for knowledge into the feelings of Indians will benefit greatly from this book. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Mary Crow Dog and Richard Erdoes, Lakota Woman, (New York, N. Y. , Harper Perennial 1990)

Health Promotion Program Proposal On Lyme Disease Prevention

Health Promotion Program Proposal on Lyme disease Prevention My health promotion program will focus on Lyme disease. My state-Maryland is number one in the list of top ten states for Lyme disease in United States. According to Physicians Now (2016), Although there were fewer cases of Lyme disease reported in 2012 than in previous years, the illness is still more common in Maryland than in many other states. There were 1,113 confirmed cases and 538 suspected cases in 2012, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of one of several types of ticks. Borrelia burgdorferi (B burgdorferi) is the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. UMMC (2016) asserted that†¦show more content†¦According to EPA (2011), In order to garner support for local community IPM efforts and to promote prevention, communication and outreach with local citizens is imperative. People are less likely to be interested in preventive measures if they have limited understanding of the problem and risk involved. One question concerning communication and outreach in communities, posed by Karl Malamud-Roam, is who should educate whom? Against this backdrop, program stakeholders were identified by considering group that will be willing to learn, comprehend, and pass on the information on Lyme disease to the grass root level. Also considered are the issues of who is at risk, and community involvement. So stakeholders include Maryland Department of Health, K-8 schoo l children, school teachers, parents, and local community groups. On collaboration strategies, the local health department will provide the school teachers with all the information they need to educate the K-8 school children on Lyme disease prevention. The parents when the children go home will help them get acquainted with the

Hiv/Aids Stigma and Discrimination - 1338 Words

Cepeda Social Psychology HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination Strayer University November 19, 2011 Internationally, there has been a recent resurgence of interest in HIV and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, triggered at least in part by growing recognition that negative social responses to the epidemic remain pervasive even in seriously affected communities. Yet, rarely are existing notions of stigma and discrimination interrogated for their conceptual adequacy and their usefulness in leading to the design of effective programmers and interventions. Taking as its starting point, the classic formulation of stigma as a ‘significantly discrediting’ attribute, but moving beyond this to conceptualize stigma and stigmatization as†¦show more content†¦She also reported being excluded from participating in some school activities, just because she had AIDS. HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination in employment Getting a job after school was not easy for her. After suspecting that she was denied jobs from the local businesses because of her HIV/AIDS status, she decided to look for a job in a distant town. She got the job, but after her employer and workmates learned of her HIV/AIDS, things never remained the same; she suffered rejection and offensive comments from workmates, and eventually, her employer terminated her employment. HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination in religious communities Instead of love and compassion from religious groups, the young girl instead was perceived to have brought double portions of shame, disgrace and reproach to her religion. She was blamed for moral and religious irresponsibility. Religious groups generally considered her as a sinner paying for her sins, as they believed that her AIDS is curse from God inflicted on fornicators. The consequences In fear of stigma and discrimination, she stopped seeking for treatment and refrained from disclosing her status. She went into prostitution; selling her body, often in unprotected sex, to earn money for a living. Stigma and discrimination did not help her prevent or manage her HIV/AIDS infections, and it did not stop her from infecting other people with HIV/AIDS. She felt hurt and psychologically tortured. Given theShow MoreRelatedStigma And Discrimination Face By People Living With Hiv / Aids2558 Words   |  11 PagesStigma and discrimination face by people living with HIV/AIDS The concept of â€Å"stigma† was thoroughly researched and defined by Roura et al., (2009) as â€Å"a special kind of relationship between attribute and stereotype† when the attribute is â€Å"deeply discrediting†. Although, literature on stigma is approximately 40 years old, it is still widely referenced to introduce the term and discuss its implications. All cultures have shared beliefs and meanings which help them interpret experiences and behaviorRead MoreThe Effects of HIV Related Stigma 790 Words   |  3 Pagesto control the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The fact is that poor understanding of the related issues of stigma, discrimination and denial has hampered national and international programs. (3,4,5) HIV/AIDS is not merely a medical problem, but a social problem as well (1). Stigma and discrimination are as central to the global AIDS challenge as the disease itself. (2) HIV-related stigma and discrimination can be described as a devaluating process of PLWHA where discrimination is enacted stigma comprising unfairRead MoreEssay on Impact of Stigma of HIV-AIDS in the South African Workplace1497 Words   |  6 Pagesstudy is â€Å"Impact of Stigma of HIV/AIDS in the South African workplace.† This falls under a discipline of business management in the financial management degree I am currently doing and one of the key areas of focus within business management is workplace challenges. I believe that HIV/AIDS stigmas are challenges regularly faced in the South African work environment. The purpose of this research review is to gain insight and deeper understanding of what workplace stigma towards HIV/AIDS is in the workplaceRead MoreYoung Nigerian Gay Men And MSM : A Qualitative Study1166 Words   |  5 Pagesutilizing HIV/AIDS and STI services, the unmet needs in service delivery and the priority recommendations to scale up HIV/STI services. Through personal experiences and accounts from participants, this study provides an in-depth illustration on barriers and health gaps faced by gay men and MSM in homophobic settings. In identifying the barriers to HIV/STI service access and utilization, six themes emerged: 1) Breach of confidentiality by health care providers and the MSM community; 2) HIV status disclosureRead MorePhiladelphia Movie Review1571 Words   |  7 PagesEnsure that you address the following: * Myths and stereotypes about homosexuals and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) helped to propel his dismissal from the firm? * Prejudice, discrimination, oppression, and institutional discrimination. * Include analysis of any additional issues for gays and lesbians such as legal empowerment, violence against them, coming out, ethnicity, and AIDS. * Suggest strategies to promote social and economic justice. Support your report with relevant theoryRead MoreDiscrimination of Hiv/Aids1466 Words   |  6 Pages1 Discrimination of HIV/AIDS Discrimination of HIV/AIDS-positive people in medical field and in society is morally wrong In the rural area of Nigeria, an AIDS patient cut his hand and, when he went to the closest hospital to bandage it, the doctors kept transferring him from one outpatient department to another medical ward, then to another one because they did not want to get infectedRead MoreHiv And Aids : A Deadly Virus Essay1358 Words   |  6 Pages HIV and AIDS Explained Sebastian V. Aparicio NorthWest Career and Technical Academy The human immunodeficiency virus commonly known as HIV, is a deadly virus if left untreated. Unfortunately there’s no cure, but ever since the outbreak 30 years ago in the United states, there have been many advances in drugs.5 The death of HIV has decreased, as well as the amount of people getting diagnosed. All in all, HIV has a unique life cycle with stages that it advancesRead MoreThe Effects Of Cultural Conflicts In Ethiopia939 Words   |  4 Pagesin denial about the AIDS pandemic and have refused to promote AIDS education or awareness, while others have tried to implement prevention programs. The contradiction between federal and local socio-cultural norms causes a delay in the spread of HIV/AIDS awareness in SSA (Evensen Stokke, 2010). Adding to these economic and political challenges in Ethiopia, some socio-cultural factors also hinder the fight against HIV/AIDS. Cultural clashes, stigmatization, and discrimination have had an immenseRead MoreThe Hiv / Aids Social Problem863 Words   |  4 Pagesanalyze the HIV/AIDS social problem. The conflict theory is simply a theoretical approach that views social problems based on conflicts between two or more groups. In addition, society is divided by social classes which are confrontational, competitive and attempt to exploit one another to gain social status and power. This division can be related to racial and ethnic inequalities, which is often created by prejudice and bias. When we directly evaluate this theory as it relates to HIV and AIDS, it aidsRead MoreThe Effects of HIV Related Stigma841 Words   |  3 Pagesinequalities at all other levels involved in this study. Stigma refers to attitudes or beliefs about what is socially unacceptable expressed through discrim inatory, or unjust, behaviors that produce feelings of shame and self-stigmatization (MANET+ 2012; AVERT; Pebody 2012). This causes social exclusion and it can undermine the success of community-based responses, reducing the life chances of stigmatized individuals. The extent of stigma is difficult to measure as it is experienced in different

The Benefits of Marijuana Legalization Essay - 1323 Words

Marijuana has been a part of American culture for over one hundred years. It has been vilified, heralded as a miracle drug by supporters, branded a gateway drug by opponents and proposed as paper, rope and a myriad of other possibilities. Yet for all the support both for and against it marijuana still remains illegal, widely used, fiercely prosecuted and barely studied. Legalized marijuana in the United States can be controlled and profitable industry by using low taxes, regulation and mirroring alcohol legislation. By allowing it to become an open industry it could be more closely monitored, save taxpayers millions of dollars in law enforcement costs and eliminate the criminal enterprise that profits from the illegal drug trade. The†¦show more content†¦Impressively, the species was grown in all 50 states (including outdoor seizures in every state except Wyoming)! It is of course impossible to know exactly how much marijuana is cultivated in the United States, and perhaps o nly 10% to 20% of the amount grown is seized.† (Marcus, D. and Small, E.). The opportunity for commercialized cultivation of marijuana is staggering, as are the tax benefits. The price of marijuana used for recreational use is disproportionally high to its actual value simply because it is illegal. This is the same effect prohibition had on alcohol. Prices soared, quality control was nonexistent and a tremendous effort was put forth trying to control the black market alcohol trade during prohibition. Yet at the same time doctors were able to prescribe alcohol for medicinal purposes as some states now allow for marijuana. Many states have legalized marijuana for medicinal use despite it being classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, the only category that prohibits any use, medicinal or not. â€Å"To date fourteen states have passed medicinal marijuana laws, and New Jersey has a bill pending a vote this summer.† (Cifro, Nicole P. and Wiwi, Amy Komoroski). In 2009 the Deputy U.S. Attorney General David W. Ogden issued a memorandum giving guidance to U.S. States attorney’s regarding medicinal marijuana. TheShow MoreRelatedThe Benefits Of Marijuana Legalization2273 Words   |  10 PagesRobert Lally ENL 213 April 10, 2016 The Benefits of Marijuana Legalization I. Introduction Today we are living in a marijuana revolution. States are legalizing marijuana for medical purposes as well as for recreational purposes. Medical marijuana is now legal in twenty-three states and the District of Columbia, but marijuana still cannot be considered authentic medicine in this country. This is due in part to the lack of research on the benefits of marijuana as a medicine. The federal governmentRead MoreThe Social Benefits of Legalization of Marijuana1459 Words   |  6 Pagesgive the definition of Marijuana that is important for my research. â€Å"Marijuana is a mixture of leaves, stems and flowering tops of the hemp plant.†(Marijuana, 317). Today in most countries soft narcotics and especially narcotics like marijuana are illegal. Marijuana is a misunderstood drug that is thought of as dangerous but it isn’t. Because of people’s ignorance and gullibility marijuana has become illegal for all the wrong reasons and should be re-examined for legalizatio n. Society today cannotRead MoreThe Benefits of Legalization Marijuana Essay1124 Words   |  5 PagesThe Benefits of Legalization Marijuana There are many political groups and religious group that ague against the legalization of marijuana. They state that there are no benefits in legalizing the drugs but researches and economist disagree with that report. There are many benefits in the legalization. The first one is the enormous affect that it could have on the economy growth of the United States. A Harvard University professor of economic Jeffrey Miron , has crunched the numbers and he’sRead MoreEconomic Benefits of the Legalization of Marijuana Essay1306 Words   |  6 PagesThe Economic Benefits of the Legalization of Marijuana Crimes related to marijuana have gotten out of control in our society. With more than 750,000(MPP.org) people arrested annually on charges related to marijuana its clear that a change needs to occur. A clear choice would be to crack down on the sale and manufacture of marijuana, but the smarter choice would be to legalize it. There are many economic benefits to the legalization of marijuana. The economic benefits that producersRead MoreThe Benefits Of Legalization Of Marijuana Are Endless Essay example900 Words   |  4 PagesThe myths about marijuana are endless and almost all are, false. Over the years people have come to believe many things about how marijuana affects your body and mind. Many other people believe that marijuana is more harmful then tobacco. People believe that â€Å"pot† kills the brain cells in the parietal lobe and the cerebellum. The brain is almost completely unharmed in the smoking of cannabis. Another rumor is about how your body reacts to the cannabis in your system and the harm that it causes. TheRead MoreLegalization of Marijuana: the financial, medical, social, and political benefits1349 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿Brandon Smith Professor Gregor ENGL 1102 21 April 2014 Legalization of Marijuana: the financial, social, medical, and political benefits. The legalization of marijuana has been a topic of debate for many years. This may be because of the cultural diversity that the United States of America is known for. Recently, bills were passed in Colorado and Washington to implement the legalization and regulation of recreational marijuana use. These events along with the ever growing popularity of theRead MoreArgumentative Essay On Legalization Of Marijuana901 Words   |  4 PagesThe legalization of Marijuana is a topic that has been discussed for many years. It has had many support as well as opposition. This topic has caused a lot of controversy over the years. In today’s society the amount of marijuana or cannabis that is being consumed is, for the most part, consumed by teens and adults. Although marijuana is an illegal drug, that does not stop people from getting a hold of it. The use of marijuana can be for many reasons such as, socializing, obtaining a high, escapingRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1232 Word s   |  5 PagesIntroduction The possession, use, cultivation, transportation, and sale of marijuana are illegal under the federal law in the United States. However, the federal government announced that states are allowed to pass a law to legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use, provided that they develop a system to regulate the activities. Under the Controlled Substances Act, passed in 1970, Marijuana is classified as a substance of schedule 1, the highest listing under the legislation. The classificationRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1601 Words   |  7 Pagesuse of Marijuana is considered illegal in most of the states of the United States. Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Alaska legalized the use of Marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. Montana, Nevada, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Delaware, New Jersey and Hawaii have legalized Marijuana for medical purposes o nly, the rest of the states have no laws legalizing marijuana (Governing)Read MoreEssay about Should We Legalize Marijuana in Canada?1081 Words   |  5 PagesTo Legalize or to Not Legalize: The Debate Behind Marijuana in Canada The legalization of marijuana is an issue that consistently discussed and debated, not only in North America, but throughout the entire world. Despite being illegal in every country, marijuana remains the most widely used illicit drug in the world. The popularity of this drug is the cause for the continuous legalization debate, resulting in various legislations pertaining to the consumption of the substance. Every country has

Electronic Patient Scheduling System Free Essays

All potential stakeholders and/or users will give input regarding which software they feel will best suit the clinic’s needs. Constraints: The scheduling system must update on all department computers after any new entry has been made. The system must be operational by December 20th, 013. We will write a custom essay sample on Electronic Patient Scheduling System or any similar topic only for you Order Now The system must know average appointment times for all types of visits to avoid over booking patients. The system must alert users of cancellations or changes so 3. Perform fact-finding: Analyze the organizational chart of the clinic to determine stakeholders and/or users. Interview receptionists, nurses, doctors and assistants. Review the current paper patient appointment scheduling method. Observe the clinics operations for a day. Survey receptionists, doctors, nurses and assistants on what expectations they may have for an electronic patient appointment scheduling system. Identify the costs of the new electronic system. . Study usability, cost, benefit and schedule data: Analyze the interview information. Analyze the user surveys. Analyze observation notes to highlight key facts. Compare cost data. 5. Evaluate feasibility Operational Feasibility: Will the clinic users be able to effectively use the new system? Will extra training be needed for computer and software use? The IT department will work with all users through hands on training to make sure that everyone understands the new system. Technical Feasibility: Does the clinic have the necessary software, hardware, equipment and networking resources available for the new system? Does the current system need to be upgraded to handle the change effectively? Heartfelt will upgrade their current computers. Networking resources are currently in place and new software will be purchased. Economic Feasibility: Can the clinic afford the new patient appointment scheduling software? Can the clinic afford training for the users? Can the clinic afford new equipment if needed? The clinic has been diligent in staying within the allotted budget. Training and software will be purchased once all measures have been set in place. Schedule Feasibility: Can the clinic stakeholders’ timeline of December 20th, 2013 be met? . Present recommendations to management: I will prepare a written preliminary investigation report and present all of my findings to the clinic stakeholders. Some items to be included: Introduction-overview of the report; Systems Request Summary-basis of the systems request; Findings-results of preliminary investigation and Time and Cost Estimates-cost of acquiring and installing the new system and total cost of ownership during the life of the system. Systems Review: The current patient appointment scheduling system at Heartfelt Clinic is paper based. The clinic started out as a small clinic, but it is centrally located nd has since grown tremendously. How to cite Electronic Patient Scheduling System, Papers

Relevance Of National Male Health Policy †Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Relevance Of National Male Health Policy? Answer: Introduction National Male Health Policy was developed in 2010 following election commitment that the Australian government made in 2007. The foundation of the policy was the stories Australian male right to access to health care resources and information throughout Australia. In addition, the policy laid the ground for improving male health through creation of health awareness and prevention of health problem affecting Australian male such as poor health outcomes, health access barrier and poor use of health resources. The projected result from implementation of this Policy is good health that is coupled with enjoyment of family life and increase life expectancy among Australian male. The main focus of this policy analysis and critique is to analyze the relevance of National Male Health Policy in the current health care system in Australia. Relevance of National Male Health Policy The National Male Health Policy is relevant in the current health care system since the government has come up with the strategy to address health challenges Australian male face. In order to solve male challenges the Policy focus on focuses on three key issues that remain relevant to health care system in Australia. The relevance of The National Male Health Policy can be viewed from difference perspective. These include social, economic, political and legal relevance (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2010). Social relevance of policy The policy seeks to provide optimal health outcomes for males. The National Male Health Policy seeks to the policy ensures optimum outcome of health care among the male with health problems. In addition, the strategy assists the government to provide quality health to all gender as oppose to previous female priorities. The policy restores the value of male in the family and community. Secondly, health equity between populations groups of males. The Policy creates equity in health care through promoting good health services to disadvantaged males among indigenous communities such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males. The main approach in this priority is social approach to promoting equity health care services (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2005). Economic relevance The Policy provides framework for preventive health among Australian male and this reduce the economic challenges associated with poor health care (Applied Economics, 2003). The policy also incorporates employers to contribute toward health care services to lift the poor health outcomes of Australian male employee. Moreover, the policy reduces the workplace hazards that male employee faces throughout Australia. Solving key issues that affect Australian male require reducing economic strains caused be treatment of stress related problems and subsequently making male reproductive at workplace (Deeks, Lombard, Michelmore Teede, 2009). Political relevance As the mandate of Australian government the policy fulfill the government election promise of improving access to health care for male. Offers good health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males is the key strategy that the Australian government uses to transform health care system. In addition, data male health is used to build evidence based male health improvement by National Longitudinal Study on Male Health. Finding lasting solution to challenges affecting men is a political milestone for the government. Furthermore, development of The National Male Health Policy is political objective for the Australian government (ABS, 2008). Legal relevance The constitution mandates the government to come up with policies that regulate services provision. As stated in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2008), the health care should uphold human right regardless of the gender or ethnicity. The Policy considers the right of Australian male despite the previous attempt to uphold women rights. The right of Australian male has been violated due to limited access to health care services, inequities in health care services provision and vulnerability to poor health care services. National Male Health Policy therefore enjoys constitutional privileges in bid to correct this health problems faced by Australian male (National Preventative Health Taskforce, 2009). The National Male Health Policy In summary, the National Male Health Policy advances the need to provide good health care to Australian male. The policy is founded on the foundation of strengthening male, creation of health awareness, optimum health outcome and importance of Australian male. The policy works to transform the health care system so as to lay foundation for encouraging Australian male in the socio-cultural way that lift the status of men more than is previously believed in Australia. Moreover, the National Male Health Policy laid ground to reduce health care injustices that has been experience by marginalized communities living in Australia due to disparities in health care provision. Some of the communities that are the main target are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. National Male Health Policy remains relevant to the health care system to date since it touches economic, political, legal and socio-cultural aspects of Australian male (Applied Economics, 2003). POLICY ANALYSIS National Male Health Policy was developed due to the challenges that faces Australian male. The health care system in Australia had many problems that needed improvement. Some of the problems in Australian health systems are high mortality rate, health inequalities, limited access to health care, poor health and poor health care outcomes. High mortality rate Studies show that the mortality rate among Australian males is high as compared to female counterpart. The mortality rate is accompanied with low life expectancy of 78.7 years compared to 83.7 years for females. The mortality rate is due to disparities that are found in health care provision. In addition, drug abuse for instance smoking is rampart among Australian male making their health condition poor. This gives room for policy that can create awareness among Australian male on male health (World Health Organization Global Forum on Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, 2001). Health inequities The life expectancy among male that is 78.7 years though is one of the highest in the world is still lower as compared with life expectancy of female. Contributing factor for the difference in life expectancy between male and female result from inequalities in health care services provision that is experience in the health sector. Previously Australian female were given first priority when it come to health care services, the government had to come up with solution to reduce health care inequities (ABS, 2011). Limited access to health care services The health system in Australia was couple with limited accessibility of health care services and injustices experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males. Australian male have few clinical facilities that offer male health care. This is worst among the disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males (AIHW, 2011). Poor health and health care outcomes Poor health condition that Australian male lives in that are characterized by obesity, smoking, drug addiction and poor exercise leads to poor health conditions. Poor health care outcomes are also attributed to poor health conditions. Some indigenous males such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males have poor access to health care services that result in poor health outcomes (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008). Policy Framework The problems that are part of Australian health care services need the necessary framework to tackle. The framework for policy includes community impact, effectiveness, expected media reception and constitutional framework (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners). Community impact The policy touches some of the community challenges that affects families and adoption means the community reaction is positive. For a long time the moral and dignity of Australian male has been fading away and completely replaced by contemporary culture that limit the status of Australian male in the society. The National Male Health Policy seeks to restore the respect, interest and quality life of male population. This implies that the Policy has the social framework that impacts the community directly (Hill, 2008). Cost Effectiveness A brief cost analysis indicates that the National Male Health Policy made the government to incur cost to ensure the health of Australian male is improved. Though the Australian male pay for health services offered at clinics, the policy remains economically effective. The government allocated funds to implement the Policy as a strategy to improve health care services (Applied Economics, 2003). Expected media reception Upon the launch of National Male Health Policy, the media received the policy through publication of expert analysis. Different experts provided analysis to the political impact of the policy in the society. In addition, several politicians were invited during talk shows to give their side view on the National Male Health Policy. Though the overall media reception was deemed positive few online users reticulated the policy as gender bias and male oriented. Finally, the media provided some of the weaknesses of the policy that needed improvement especially implementation (Halford, 2000). Constitutional framework As reported by Richardson (2004), its the government constitutional mandate to develop and implement policies that regulate the health sector. Different legal experts also provided the legal basis of the National Male Health Policy and its relevance to Australian health care service up-to-date. Importantly enough, constitution provide the legal framework for conceptualization of health care policies. The government therefore put all the legal think tank for the analysis of impact of formulating a health policy such as National Male Health Policy. Analyse The Current Literature Objectives of health care policy In order to achieve good male health policy there are several objectives that need to be met. Some of the objectives of good male health policy are optimal health outcomes, equity health provision, safety health care services, injury prevention and accessible health care services. According to National Preventative Health Taskforce (2009), equity health provision is the primary objective of health care policy. The outcome of research on health provision among both male and female population the research indicated that a substantive number of male die as compared to the number of female. Another study by Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2008) also shows that the Potential Years of Life Lost is higher among Australian male due to a number of diseases that are preventable. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2005) reported that the policy options need to equalize the health care services to both gender since Australian male has suffered due to inequalities between male and female. Begg et al (2007), shows that safety health care service is another key health priority of the government not only in Australia but also in the world. Patients that are admitted in the hospitals throughout the country normally safer from injury that may occur in health care facilities. According to Gardner Barraclough (2008), the most vulnerable for injury are men since there is common notion that male population is tolerance to difficult conditions. As compared to female who require high level of attention, attendance to male gender remains low in most health facilities. Marginalization of male gender points to the need for policy transformation to improve health safety among male patients. All Australians are entitle to accessible health care service regardless of gender and ethnicity. As Bridgman and Davis (2000) explains many Australian males were suffering from inaccessible health care services the condition with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males has worse than that of any other groups of Australians. The worse health conditions characterized with less accessible health services prompted the government to look for lasting solution. According to Australian Government (2009), the government always have goal of accessible health care to achieve. COAG (2008) reported that it is the mandate of health care department to develop policies that ensure accessible health care services to all Australian male. Decision parameters Policy development and implementation takes into account some parameters that help in decision making. These parameters include resources that are needed, timeframe and priorities. Pool of resources is needed to make decision concerning the policy and these may include human resources, financial resources, political will and good legal backup. AIHW (2011) cites human resources composition of key stakeholders in the health care system. Human resources according to Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council (2008) include health practitioners, care providers and consultation from male themselves. Favorable political will is needed at the development and implementation stage of the health policy. In addition, as stated by Adams (2006), key government officials are involved in decision making pertaining policy. Moreover, consultation with the male patients provides information on key touchy issues that the policy needs to address. The legal backup is important since it provides the grounds for regulation of activities of the health system. Finally, financial resources are crucial for creation of health awareness and campaigning during the public involvement in th e development of policy. Major priorities to consider when developing health policy focuses mostly on the need of Australian male, equity health services, improved health among age groups, and reduction of poor health. Firstly, the basis of policy development according to Halford (2000) understands the need of Australian male. Australian male is faced with many challenges that need to be addresses the fore most important need is health care services. Secondly, as stated by Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008) Australian government policy development considers equity in health provision as the solution for male marginalization. Thirdly, report by World Health Organization Commission on Social Determinants of Health (2008) also campaign for reduction of poor health lifestyle among Australian male characterized by drug addiction, obesity and limited exercise. Recommendation For Change Some of the alternatives solutions to the problems experience by Australian male are health education, counseling and health insurance. There is need to develop health education program that aim to provide education to Australian male. Certain issues such as dealing with stress, healthy eating, good exercise, reduction of alcohol consumption and good sleep male should be taught. Australian government should come up with good educational policy that target men visiting health care facilities to train them on good healthy living. According to McEachan, Lawton, Jackson Lunt (2008), the strategy is tied to economic benefits such as reduced financial challenges due to medical treatment. As Hill (2008) cites good and healthy living reduce stress and lower health risk associated with mental strain during body activities. Healthy living also as explained reduce risk of contacting cancer since male clients can be trained on eating food that reduce cancer risk. Finally, educating Australian male also impact them with need to apply a preventive approach such as health assessment on life threatening conditions such as cancer. Building strong counseling policy is another option that is good for helping Australian male. For this strategy the health service department needs to formulate policy that incorporates counseling as the core option for assessing the challenges male faces in health care system. Research conducted by Ring OBrien (2007) shows that counseling help reduce stress by 40% due to reduction of mental tension. Similar research by World Health Organization (2001) also cites that some of male patients suffer a lot due to stress caused by family related challenges. To solve these challenges patients need proper counseling before leaving hospital facility. Counseling is particularly touching social framework and economic benefits since its deals with family issues hence production at workplace. Another policy option is investment in health insurance for employed and non-employed male population. The government needs to come up with health insurance policy that can make employers to consider working with health care system to ensure that male employees have health insurance. In addition, workplace hazards or injuries should be reduced under this policy to protect male population from being endangered (World Health Organization Global Forum on Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, 2001). According to economic experts this is cost effective since dividing some of employees payment to secure their health assist in treatment in case of any workplace accidents. This will also save some marginalized male such as those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Health insurance policy also helps increase health care accessibility among the male populations. Finally, employers need to reduce workplace harassment of male population so as to restore the dignity of male gender in Au stralia (ABS, 2011). Conclusion In conclusion, cross analysis of National Male Health Policy reveals that Australian male has been marginalized in the society. Some of the issues that are revealed in the National Male Health Policy analysis are low accessibility of health care services, poor health care outcomes, inequity in health care provision, high mortality rate and poor health living. The health services has been inaccessible to most Australian males with the worst being among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males (AIHW, 2011). Most of male attending health care facilities show that the health outcomes are not satisfactory as compared to female counterpart. The poor health outcomes are accompanied with high mortality rate. The mortality rate is high as compared to the mortality rate among Australian female. Similarly the analysis revealed that Australian male has been experiencing inequity health care provision as much attention is given to female counterpart. Finally, the health conditions are wors t among male characterized with heavy smoking, obesity and alcohol addiction In order to solve the above challenges affecting Australian male National Male Health Policy provides framework for optimum health outcomes, accessible health services, equity health provision, preventive approach and health awareness. National Male Health Policy seeks to improve the health outcomes up to optimum as compared to the previous outcomes. The policy highlighted strategies that create accessible health care services for male gender. To fulfill constitutional mandate the policy also outline the necessary steps to provide equity health services. The policy also cites some preventive approaches that are taken to prevent health problems as oppose to treatment. Finally the National Male Health Policy also lobby different pressure groups to campaign for health awareness among Australian male (Applied Economics, 2003). The policy analysis finally came up with some solutions to ensure effective implementation of the policy citing some changes that need to make. The policy addresses some education of male, health insurance and counseling. The analysis identified male education as one of the solution to problem affecting Australian male. Studies suggest that educating Australian male on the need for health living is important for ensuring good implementation of National Male Health Policy. Health insurance strategy is another proposed solution to health challenges witnessed in the health system. Health insurance connects workplace and health care facility to ensure good health care service among employed males. Finally, counseling is another proposed solution for health disparities. Counseling creates health awareness and solve the stress issues that affect male health. Counseling can work independently as a policy to improve health and also as part of implementation of National Male Health Policy (Au stralian Health Ministers Advisory Council, 2008). Reference ABS, National Health Survey 2007-08 Summary of Results. Cat 4364.0. AIHW, Diabetes: Australian Facts 2008. ABS, (2011), Australian Social trends, Data cube-health (No. 4102.0). Retrieved 22 May 2012 from https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/mf/4102.0?opendocument#from-banner=LN Adams M (2006) Raising the profile of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders mens health: An Indigenous mans perspective, Australian Aboriginal Studies, 2, pp.68-74 AIHW, (2011), 2010 National drug strategy household survey report. Canberra, Australia: AIHW. Applied Economics, (2003), Returns on Investment in Public Health: An Epidemiological and Economic Analysis. Canberra, Australia: Department of Health and Ageing. or cite this way? Retrieved 27 May 2012 from https://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/19B2B27E06797B79CA256F190004503C/$File/roi_eea.pdf Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008) Deaths Australia, 2007, 3302.0, ABS, Canberra Australian Government (2009) A Stronger, Fairer Australia, Canberra Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2005) Australian Health Inequalities Bulletin Issue 25, March, AIHW, Canberra Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2010), A snapshot of mens health in regional and remote Australia, Rural Health Series no. 11, cat. no. PHE 120, AIHW, Canberra. Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council (2008) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework Report 2008, AHMAC, Canberra Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2008), Australias Health, 2008 cat. no. AUS 99, AIHW, Canberra Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008) Overweight and Obesity in Adults, Australia 2004-05, 4719.0, ABS, Canberra Bridgman, P. Davis, G. (2000). The Australian Policy Handbook (2nd edn). St Leonards, NSW: Allen Unwin. Begg S, Vos T, Barker B, Stevenson C, Stanley L Lopez AD (2007), The Burden of Injury and Disease in Australia 2003, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Canberra COAG, (2008), National partnership agreement on preventative health. Retrieved 10 May 2012 from https://www.federalfinancialrelations.gov.au/content/national_partnership_agreements/health/preventative_health/national_partnership.pdf Deeks, A., Lombard, C., Michelmore J Teede H (2009), The effects of gender and age on health related behaviours, BMC Public Health, 9:213 Gardner, H. Barraclough, S. (2008), Health policy as process. In S. Barraclough H. Gardner (eds). Analyzing health policy: A problem-oriented approach, (pp. 15-38). Marrickville, NSW: Elsevier. Halford WK (2000) Australian Couples in Millennium Three, Background paper for the National Families Strategy, Department of Family and Community Services Hill, S. (2008), Improving health literacy: What should or could be on an Australian policy agenda? Presentation to Department of Health and Ageing On behalf of the Cochrane Policy Liaison Network McEachan R, Lawton R, Jackson C, Connor M Lunt J (2008) Evidence, theory and context: Using intervention mapping to develop a worksite physical activity intervention, BMC Public Health, 8:326 NSW Department of Health (1999), NSW detoxification clinical practice guidelines. Sydney: State. Health Publication Number (DTPU) 990049. National Preventative Health Taskforce, (2009), Australia: The healthiest country by 2020 - National preventative health strategy. Retrieved 26 May 2012 from https://www.yourhealth.gov.au/internet/yourhealth/publishing.nsf/Content/nphs-report-overview#.T8CSX9WP9Lf Ring IT OBrien JF (2007), Our hearts and minds what would it take for Australia to become the healthiest country in the world?, Medical Journal of Australia, 187(8), pp.860-865 Richardson N (2004) Getting Inside Mens Health, Health Promotion Department South Eastern Health Board (Ireland) Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) submission to Policy World Health Organization Global Forum on Chronic Disease Prevention and Control (2001), WHO, Geneva World Health Organization Commission on Social Determinants of Health (2008) Closing the Gap in a Generation: Health Equity through Action on the Social Determinants of Health, WHO World Health Organization (2001) Madrid Statement: Mainstreaming Gender Equity in Health: The Need to Move Forward, WHO