Smoking among Teenagers Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Smoking among Teenagers - Research Paper Example Not only this but also a teen’s exposure to cigarette smoke increases the risk of metabolic syndrome. Smoking during the teenage impacts the teenager’s overall health, lung efficiency, reduces concentration span as a result of which his or her academic performance is hampered. Youth is that period of our lives where our mind and body are at their peaks but smoking during teenage deprives one of giving one’s best performance in all walks of life (Hales, 2009-2010). The hazards of teenage smoking and its causes can be traced to the determinants of health as per the ecological model. THE ECOLOGICAL MODEL The ecological perspective on health includes individual and environmental factors. The ecological model stresses that for community assessment, it is important to look beyond individual factors and also incorporate organizational and community factors. As per the ecological model, behavior at the individual level is influenced by biological, physiological, psycholo gical and emotional states. The psychological aspect of teenage smoking is that teenagers have it at the back of their mind that smoking makes them more ‘cool’ and mature. Many a times a teenager tries the first puff just to imitate his or her favorite celebrity. The social and cultural beliefs of family, friends and peers comprise of the interpersonal level. Smoking behavior of a teen is influenced by family: for instance if one of the parents smokes, then the child tends to smoke too. Heredity is the main biological factor: for instance women who smoke during pregnancy are indirectly making their unborn children prone to nicotine. These children develop a liking for nicotine and also show quick addiction. Friends are part family members and usually a teen is more influenced by friends than by his family. Many teenagers testify that their friends forced them to take the first puff (Harris, 2010). The physiological factors for teenage smoking will include nicotine metab olism and excretion. Cultural beliefs are very correctly depicted in the promotions of the Marlboro Man (McLeroy, 1988). At the organizational and community level, economic, physical and structural factors influence behavior. This level encompasses educational programs, mass media, counseling, support groups and organizational incentives. Public policy is another domain at which assessment can be done for a community. The Public Policy shows the state’s stance on health and related issues. For instance public service messages against teenage smoking and awareness programs come under public policy. Not only this but also public policy includes national laws for teenage smoking like a ban on selling cigarettes to a minor (Harris, 2010). Relationships with family, friends, neighbors, contacts at work, and acquaintances form the interpersonal processes which influence health behaviors. These relationships are particularly more influential in a teenager’s life as his mind i s vulnerable and he tends to adopt common behavior in his surroundings. The way a teenager deals with stress is also influenced by these relationships. If an adult smokes excessively during stress than his teenage son would do the same under stress. If the same interpersonal relationships can provoke a teenager to smoke then they can also work as support systems in times of stress and rehabilitation (for smoking or alcohol addicts). However if a

Essay on the book Christianity in the first three centuries by Adolf

On the book Christianity in the first three centuries by Adolf Harnack - Essay Example Thus, the religion of Christianity has â€Å"become a power† (Harnack 312). Initially, Christianity has been known as a part of Judaism; subsequently, it has become one of the most dominant religions in the world. In its evaluation as a popular religion, it has attained a powerful grip on humanity. Harnack, by analyzing both historical developments of dogma and of the relation of the church to the state, along with missionary movement of Christians, investigates the expansion of this religion. Christianity has received a strong foundation to grow and the time too has been perfect in a certain sense, despite the stiff oppositions, constant attacks, enemies, unfavorable rulers and authorities. Harnack’s work is divided into three sections. The first section deals with the humble but dynamic beginning, with the background of Judaism, and the emergence of Jewish religion. Then it goes on to the mission, consequently segregating from the mainstream. The second section concer ns with the contents of the message that influenced the Christians with such a powerful force. The third section dwells on different methods employed, and hostility suffered in the voyage of the mission until it attained the recognition of the masses. This paper offers a critical analysis of Harnack’s work in relation to the mission and the expansion of Christianity. Review: Right at the beginning, in Book 1, Harnack brings to the attention of his audience Christianity’s germination on the fertile land of Jews and examines how it has fared then on. The context has remained favorable for Christianity’s growth. Jewish foothold has been very firm and their propaganda profound. Judaism gradually kept transforming in a philosophical context. However, afterwards, the religion has â€Å"presented itself in the eyes of the law and the authorities as a religion distinct from that of Judaism, its character as a religio illicita was assured† (Harnack 302). Simultane ously, the religion has blended itself into the lives and other aspects of the society in the east. This was syncretism, which looked like a unity from distance but is heterogenous in reality. When â€Å"Christianity came to formulate ideas of God, Jesus, sin, redemption, and life, it drew upon the materials acquired in the general process of religious evolution standing against polytheism.† Harnack showed that Jesus’ preaching and works are the base for further mission work and the impulse given by His genuineness worked as its spirit. The earliest followers, especially Paul, got this profound consciousness of being an apostle to the world. He was driven till the western ends of Roman Empire. The transition from Jewish mission to gentile mission is clearly shown by Harnack. In between, he argues against the Jews’ evilness and unworthiness of God’s grace. He takes it to extremes. In the gospels, first of all, one can find the obligation to go to the Jews and then the Gentiles. Jesus, however, did not give an explicit command for this, which remained further a field to think upon. However, His message was for the whole humanity. Harnack depicted Christianity as a syncretistic religion. But it is not clear to what extent this syncretism or the acceptance of ideas from others, and employing them for own understanding, was present in the words of Jesus and the