Fast Food has been around for the most of human civilization. It can be traced back to Greece and Rome. McDonald's opened in 1948 with many other popular restaurants soon to follow.
According to the National Restaurant Association, American sales of fast food totaled $163.5 billion in 2005.
Fast food is loaded with things that we Americans do not need. When we est fast food we do not get the essential vitamins and minerals that we need. It is very high in trans fat and sodium. It is also very high in carbohydrates. From all of these unhealthy things, there are many harmful effects such as weight gain, increase chances to have a heart attack or stroke, and can increase blood pressure and cholesterol.
If people know all of this information about fast food, then why do they still eat it? Fast food can be very addicting and people want to keep having food that tastes good to them. But what people need to know is that they are putting there lives at risk, by eating fast food. Everyday, McDonald's feeds around 46 million people. That is a huge number! America is now the fastest nation on the planet. Many people do not realize that eating fast food with all the calories and fat grams is the silent killer.
There are many alternatives to eating fast food. When you are just about to run errands, pick a healthy snack to eat before you go so you will not be tempted to stop at a fast food restaurant. If you are to go to a fast food restaurant, pick the healthiest choices they have, such as a salad or a grilled chicken sandwich. If you know you are one to be easily tempted by fast food, keep an emergency stash on healthy snacks either in your car or at your desk at work. Instead of always going out to eat to lunch with co-workers, pack your own lunch.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Organ Donation
In my speech class, we were supposed to give a persuasive speech. I was unsure about what I wanted to persuade people to do. Then I thought about organ donation. According to ordandonor.gov, there are approximately 101,685 people on the natinal waiting list. Even though organ donatin can be a very hard topic to talk about with your family, if it is something that you want to do then you must let them know.
I am an organ donor and I know that if I was in an accident and was declared "brain dead," I would want to give someone another chance at life. Most people do not know how to become a donor. I am just going to briefly explain what needs tp be done. First, you must go to your state registry and register to become a donor. Second, you need to put your decision on your license. People usually have the bright orange sticker on the donor circle. Third, you need to get a donor card and sign it, that shows that you are willing to be a donor. The last thing you need to do is talk to your family about your decision. Once you have completed all four of these steps, you then can consider yourself an organ donor.
I feel that being an organ donor can be a very good thing. It can give joy to both the donor's family and the person receiving the donor and their family. Even though it is sad that someone died, that person(from being an organ donor) can save up to 3 lives from just 1 person. The donor's family has the joy of knowing that the person they loved gave other peole the chance at life. Then the person receiving the donation is very grateful because they are able to go on living their life. Just remember organ donation is a very good thing.
I am an organ donor and I know that if I was in an accident and was declared "brain dead," I would want to give someone another chance at life. Most people do not know how to become a donor. I am just going to briefly explain what needs tp be done. First, you must go to your state registry and register to become a donor. Second, you need to put your decision on your license. People usually have the bright orange sticker on the donor circle. Third, you need to get a donor card and sign it, that shows that you are willing to be a donor. The last thing you need to do is talk to your family about your decision. Once you have completed all four of these steps, you then can consider yourself an organ donor.
I feel that being an organ donor can be a very good thing. It can give joy to both the donor's family and the person receiving the donor and their family. Even though it is sad that someone died, that person(from being an organ donor) can save up to 3 lives from just 1 person. The donor's family has the joy of knowing that the person they loved gave other peole the chance at life. Then the person receiving the donation is very grateful because they are able to go on living their life. Just remember organ donation is a very good thing.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Smoking
According to a online site titled "Smoking facts," Smoking related diseases cause an estimated 440,000 American deaths each year. Why do people smoke when they hear of facts like this? Do they think they are cool when they first try it? I believe that many people who try smoking for the first time say to themselves "I will not get addicted because I am only going to try it once." The people who think this are usually the people who get addicted and can never get themselves to quit. Little do they know that once they try it, they want to try it again and again. Then, the addiction happens.
At my off campus job, I know a lot of people there who smoke. These people always have to take extra breaks unlike other workers, just so that they can smoke. After they are done smoking, I always go up to them and say "smoking is bad for you." They respond either with "I know and I plan on quitting soon" or "Yeah, everyone tells me that." Well, if everyone tells these people that they need to quit, why don't they listen? There is one particular worker who I am very good friends with and he always say "I am going to quit by the time that I am 25." How come 25 is the magic number? Why can't he quit sooner?
There are also people that I know who, from smoking, have gotten diagnosed with cancer. Someone at my church, just got diagnosed with lung cancer. He says that it is not from smoking, but he is a chain-smoker and I have a feeling that is why he has cancer. I only have 2 smokers in my extended family so I feel that I am not as exposed to smoking as those people who may have parents as smokers. If someone would be able to explain to me why people can't even try to quit smoking, I guess i would be able to understand just a little better.
At my off campus job, I know a lot of people there who smoke. These people always have to take extra breaks unlike other workers, just so that they can smoke. After they are done smoking, I always go up to them and say "smoking is bad for you." They respond either with "I know and I plan on quitting soon" or "Yeah, everyone tells me that." Well, if everyone tells these people that they need to quit, why don't they listen? There is one particular worker who I am very good friends with and he always say "I am going to quit by the time that I am 25." How come 25 is the magic number? Why can't he quit sooner?
There are also people that I know who, from smoking, have gotten diagnosed with cancer. Someone at my church, just got diagnosed with lung cancer. He says that it is not from smoking, but he is a chain-smoker and I have a feeling that is why he has cancer. I only have 2 smokers in my extended family so I feel that I am not as exposed to smoking as those people who may have parents as smokers. If someone would be able to explain to me why people can't even try to quit smoking, I guess i would be able to understand just a little better.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Racism
Why is it that people are racist? Are they trying to make themselves feel better while making others feel inferior? Racism is an act that we encounter everyday, whether it is with a family member, a friend, an aquaintance or even people that we may not know. Acts of violence may be a cause of racism. When racism is acted upon by a group of people, things do not just become dangerous, they become deadly.
I have personal experience with have someone that is racist in my extended family. When we are at family gatherings, he always brings up situations that he has had with black people, even if it happened 15 years ago and also tells obscene jokes. He is someone that will not change even if you try to change him. You try to talk to him and he just says some stupid comment back to you to make you feel stupid for even saying anything at all.
I am embarassed that I have a family member who is like this. I know that he has no reason to even think like this. Nothing has ever happened with him and a black person, because he does not even want to go near them. Is it possible to change someone who is racist? I have been wondering this ever since I knew what racism is.
I have personal experience with have someone that is racist in my extended family. When we are at family gatherings, he always brings up situations that he has had with black people, even if it happened 15 years ago and also tells obscene jokes. He is someone that will not change even if you try to change him. You try to talk to him and he just says some stupid comment back to you to make you feel stupid for even saying anything at all.
I am embarassed that I have a family member who is like this. I know that he has no reason to even think like this. Nothing has ever happened with him and a black person, because he does not even want to go near them. Is it possible to change someone who is racist? I have been wondering this ever since I knew what racism is.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
On Tuesday, in my political science class, there was a debate that was presented to the class. For this debate one group goes and then the next. Then, the groups get to ask each other quesions and then on to the class asking the question. The first group of students that presented were FOR and the second group was AGAINST embryonic stem cell research. They both made good points and arguments while they were talking.
Then, finally, the class had the opportunity to ask both sides questions about things that maybe were not presented clearly. One student asked a question and the answer that this particular student gave was, "this whole situation is like the soldiers overseas and they are sacrificing their lives to help others. They have a a family who cares for them and is sadly upset when they are killed on the job. That is kind of how embryonic cells are. They are there to help protect people and even heal people. Except they do not have a family that will be upset when they are used."
How can and embryo not have a family? He was an embryo at one point in his life, so why does he think that? An embryo is the beginning of life. Obviously, there was a couple that formed that child. The embryo has a mother and a father, so there is a family involved even though it does not seem like it. I guess I was just very frustrated when he said that. He is showing no sympathy for the people that are truly being affected by stem cell research.
Then, finally, the class had the opportunity to ask both sides questions about things that maybe were not presented clearly. One student asked a question and the answer that this particular student gave was, "this whole situation is like the soldiers overseas and they are sacrificing their lives to help others. They have a a family who cares for them and is sadly upset when they are killed on the job. That is kind of how embryonic cells are. They are there to help protect people and even heal people. Except they do not have a family that will be upset when they are used."
How can and embryo not have a family? He was an embryo at one point in his life, so why does he think that? An embryo is the beginning of life. Obviously, there was a couple that formed that child. The embryo has a mother and a father, so there is a family involved even though it does not seem like it. I guess I was just very frustrated when he said that. He is showing no sympathy for the people that are truly being affected by stem cell research.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Work
This past weekend I was scheduled to work at my off campus job. I went to my sisters house on Friday and had to work on Saturday. I came down with the flu Friday night, the night before I was supposed to work. I kept getting sick, so I called into my work the next morning to let them know that I would not be able to work because I was throwing up.
It is common sense that people who are sick with the flu should not be by food. When I called, I told my manager that I would not be able to work. My manager says to me,"what's wrong, what are your symptoms and also...how much did you drink last night?"
Why do some people think that all college students do is drink and go out? There are responsible students who do not always do things like that. He stated a clear example of being stereotypical against a certain group of people. He was in college at one point and he should not have come to his own conclusion so fast.
It is common sense that people who are sick with the flu should not be by food. When I called, I told my manager that I would not be able to work. My manager says to me,"what's wrong, what are your symptoms and also...how much did you drink last night?"
Why do some people think that all college students do is drink and go out? There are responsible students who do not always do things like that. He stated a clear example of being stereotypical against a certain group of people. He was in college at one point and he should not have come to his own conclusion so fast.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Working
This semester of school, I am currently attending school and working two jobs. One on campus and one oft campus. People tend to ask me (when I tell them that I am working two jobs) if i am very busy and stressed. And the answer I always give them is "Yes, very much so." My friends do not really ask me to hang out much because they know that I will always be working.
There are positives and negatives with having two jobs. The positives are that I am making a lot of money that goes towards my schooling, I have a bunch of different friends, and I am never bored. The negatives are that I do not really get to hang out with my friends, I do not really see my family that much and I do not really ever have just ME time.
People might think that I am crazy, but I like to think of myself as motivated. I figure that if I have to be working for the next 50 to 60 years of my life that I might as well start young. People may disagree with me and think that I need to calm down a little but it is my life. There are two things that I want to have when I am older and that is, happiness and success. Right now, I feel as though I have both.
There are positives and negatives with having two jobs. The positives are that I am making a lot of money that goes towards my schooling, I have a bunch of different friends, and I am never bored. The negatives are that I do not really get to hang out with my friends, I do not really see my family that much and I do not really ever have just ME time.
People might think that I am crazy, but I like to think of myself as motivated. I figure that if I have to be working for the next 50 to 60 years of my life that I might as well start young. People may disagree with me and think that I need to calm down a little but it is my life. There are two things that I want to have when I am older and that is, happiness and success. Right now, I feel as though I have both.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Are Energy Drinks Bad?
What are the effects of caffeine on the body? There are so many energy drinks out there with so much caffeine and that made me think. With so many of these energy drinks being consumed by our youth, one has to wonder if this energy drink is just an energy boost, or does it have more of an effect on the body than that?
I believe that these drinks do have an effect on the people that drink them. I think that an individual's response to these drinks varies depending on the person and people should be careful with how powerful they can really be. If people drink this and start to get jittery, these drinks can even impair performance instead of enhancing a person's performance.
If energy drinks are consumed on a regular basis, it is bad for you. You cannot just use energy drinks as a "pick me up drink," like you can do with coffee. To limit your health risks, only two cans should be consumed per day. I feel that people should think about all the risks of energy drinks and what they can do to you if you do not drink them responsibly.
I believe that these drinks do have an effect on the people that drink them. I think that an individual's response to these drinks varies depending on the person and people should be careful with how powerful they can really be. If people drink this and start to get jittery, these drinks can even impair performance instead of enhancing a person's performance.
If energy drinks are consumed on a regular basis, it is bad for you. You cannot just use energy drinks as a "pick me up drink," like you can do with coffee. To limit your health risks, only two cans should be consumed per day. I feel that people should think about all the risks of energy drinks and what they can do to you if you do not drink them responsibly.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Legal Drinking Age
According to an online website, the United States has the highest drinking age in the world. When someone turns 18, they are legally considered an adult and can make there own decisions. There is only one thing stopping them from being a true adult, and that is the drinking age of 21. Dr. Ruth Clifford Engs of Indiana University, an internationally-known health educator and alcohol researcher, believes that the minimun drinking age of 21 in the U.S. is too high.
After reasearching this topic a little, I realized that around 60 countries in the world have a drinking age, which all are under the age of 21. How come all these countries are not very strict on the drinking age? And why is the U.S so stuck on the age 21? How come they picked 21 and what makes that number so important?
I feel that when teenagers turn 18, they should be able to make their own decisions about whether they want to drink or not. I know that there is peer pressure to drink, but many people out there do have self control when it comes to things with peer pressure and such. There are some exceptions where people underage can drink, but there aren't many.
There was one law online that I found interesting. Anyone under the age of 21 who takes out household trash containing even a single empty alcohol beverage container can be charged with illegal possession of alcohol in Missouri. This situation seems to be a little extreme and doesn't seem very realistic. I feel that is the drinking age were lowered by even a year, people would not be tempted to drink illegally that much because they would actually be able to wait.
After reasearching this topic a little, I realized that around 60 countries in the world have a drinking age, which all are under the age of 21. How come all these countries are not very strict on the drinking age? And why is the U.S so stuck on the age 21? How come they picked 21 and what makes that number so important?
I feel that when teenagers turn 18, they should be able to make their own decisions about whether they want to drink or not. I know that there is peer pressure to drink, but many people out there do have self control when it comes to things with peer pressure and such. There are some exceptions where people underage can drink, but there aren't many.
There was one law online that I found interesting. Anyone under the age of 21 who takes out household trash containing even a single empty alcohol beverage container can be charged with illegal possession of alcohol in Missouri. This situation seems to be a little extreme and doesn't seem very realistic. I feel that is the drinking age were lowered by even a year, people would not be tempted to drink illegally that much because they would actually be able to wait.
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