Why Is Mental Fitness A Soldier - 1394 Words

Since the beginning, the United States has been a symbol of freedom. This freedom sets us apart from other countries throughout the world. We are given rights that other countries fight to pursue, but many have yet to gain. Countries like China, Cuba, and North Korea, where simply speaking out against the communism of their government can have you killed, have almost no true freedom, unlike the U.S. which has almost absolute freedom. Our freedoms, which were outlined in the documents written by our founding fathers, range from owning guns, to freedom of religion, to the right of free press, which can all be taken for granted. With these freedoms, however, comes sacrifice. This sacrifice being the lives of men and women throughout the years overcoming the odds to become soldiers. To be a great soldier, they must become mentally and physically fit individuals, who love and serve their country, no matter the cost. There are many aspects of mental fitness a soldier can strive to achieve. One of those is dependability. Being dependable is a trait that is often overlooked, and should be an aspiring trait for a person, regardless of status, to have. A person who is dependable, will show up on time for whatever he or she is doing. They are able to be trusted with tasks. For example, the Airforce depends on their pilots to be aware of their conditions during flight. However, dependability without courage, can be hazardous. A soldier must have the courage necessary to, especiallyShow MoreRelatedComprehensive Soldier Fitness Building Resilience1490 Words   |  6 PagesComprehensive Soldier Fitness – Building Resilience In A Challenging Institutional Context Rhonda Cornum, Michael D. Mathews and Martin E.P.Seligman illustrators of the article â€Å"Comprehensive Soldier Fitness building resilience in a challenging institutional context† identify and describe an authorised program of the name of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF) which is intended towards the progress of mental strength and positive execution to decrease the rate of maladaptive reactions of the wholeRead MoreBecoming A Soldier At The United States Army1015 Words   |  5 PagesBecoming a soldier in the United States Army is an amazing accomplishment at so young an age, and usually considered to be a good thing. It’s is a career, a job that can provide for a family in the future, as well as providing an identity, job opportunities , college education and friendship with like minded individuals. Being in the Army enhances your life by placing structure in your life, and an provides opportunities to achieve goals and to contribute in all different capacities. While it sRead MoreHow Sergeants Major s Can Affect Change1564 Words   |  7 Pagesan epidemic in the Army, stating that for every 1000 Soldiers there were 2500 injuries reported (McNulty, 2009). Even without statistics like these, it is part and parcel with the job, that Soldiers will sustain some type of injury over the course of their career in the Army. This paper will exam how positive psychology and master resilience training can benefit Soldiers on profile undergoing the rehabilitation process. For example, a Soldier may suffer minor setbacks that cause delays in the rehabilitationRead MoreThe Use Of Exposing And Diagnosing Ptsd With Evidence Compiled From Multiple Countries Around The World Who Have Experienced Warfare847 Words   |  4 Pagesworld who have experienced warfare. The writer describes a vast array of physical symptoms with no visible injuries associated with combat (especially those serving in the front lines), the idealism for becoming a soldier of glor y in battle, the extent to which the damages from these mental cases caused armies worldwide, and a conclusion that democracy and the industrial revolution influenced the end of those suffering from the disorder in silence. Throughout the article, there are many variationsRead MoreImportance of Not Being Late in the Army Essay621 Words   |  3 Pagesconsequences are situations which can lead to soldiers loosing their lives. Although the previously mentioned situation is extreme, it is not all together unlikely. Habits developed in garrison are expected to show themselves in the battlefield. So it can be said that every aspect of a soldiers life, both in garrison, and in the theater of battle should resemble each other. A soldier who exibits a military way of life, with care to physical fitness, mental readiness, and punctuality has a much betterRead MoreWomen Should Not Be Allowed For Military Combat1507 Words   |  7 Pagessometimes as spies, as in the cases of Harriet Tubman and Mary Ludwig Hays. â€Å"Mary went to a nearby stream and repeatedly carried containers of water to the soldiers...she also carried wounded men to safety and took over firing her husband’s gun when he became wounded† (Worth 16). Tubman went to South Carolina in 1862 to provide nursing care for black soldiers and newly freed slaves. â€Å"Working with General David Hunter, Tubman also began spying and scouting missions behind Confederate lines. In June of 1863Read MoreAccountability in the Army Essay 71065 Words   |  5 Pagese lost two soldiers who are a part of our unit and voice of our unit pass away. Accountability is important and should not be taken lightly†¦ A soldier lost his life a couple weeks ago, due to lack of accountability, and it hurt a lot of people. For so many reasons accountability is important, for example. Knowing where your soldiers are at all times helps to know what they’re doing, and what their interest are doing so. In case something happens and someone needs t know where a soldier is accountabilityRead MoreThe Career Path Using My Christian Worldview1262 Words   |  6 PagesIn the military overall physical and mental fitness is of the up most importance. Health and wellbeing of Soldiers are so important that it is number one of three priorities of the General of the Army. Unfortunately injuries happen on a daily basis in our line of work. When i njuries happen Soldiers start gaining weight and losing personal motivation. It is important that as a leader I can recognize when this is occurring. Once recognized I educate the Soldier on proper nutrition for their body. IRead MoreSoldiers and PTSD Essay1459 Words   |  6 PagesHence, it is not surprising that soldiers returning from a stressful war environment often suffer from a psychological condition called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This paper provides a historical perspective of PTSD affecting soldiers, and how this illness has often been ignored. In addition, the this paper examines the cause and diagnosis of the illness, the changes of functional strengths and limitations, the overall effects this disease may have on soldiers and their families, with a conclusionRead MoreThe First Lady. Obama1550 Words   |  7 Pagesis the most that I would know about her for a while. I started to really notice her win I started to see her on Nickelodeon and Disney Channel when she would do her guest appearance on some shows. I than started to hear about some of her works on fitness in America and the obesity rates. When Nickelodeon would have their Worldwide Day of play I would see some of the interviews that she would do. I started to hear about her food regulations that she has put through and heard some people and students

Domestic Violence Occurrences in Same Sex Relationships

Domestic Violence Abstract In this paper, I have discussed domestic violence occurrence in same sex relationships. I have assessed the reasons and consequences of domestic violence in such homosexual partnerships. I have also provided a comparison of the findings with that in heterosexual relationships. In the end, I have given my opinion about what should be done to avoid this brutal crime. Domestic violence is initiated when the pattern of violent behaviors in an individual tries to control the beliefs and behaviors of intimate partners so that the other person can be dominated. The Intimidation and fear of the other partner can help one to gain this desired control. Domestic violence can legally be defined as any assault, battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another who is or was residing in the same single dwelling unit(as qtd. in Peterman Dixon, 2003). It is acknowledged by a number of psychologists and sociologists that domestic violence is the behavior that is learned and includes any words or actions that hurt another person. Threats and any kind of forcing behavior can result in domestic violence. Physical, emotional and sexual abuse can also lead to violence. Domestic violence is one of the major social and health problems that are affecting the families, society and their future as well. 25-30% of the women in United States of America are at risk ofShow MoreRelatedThe Occurrence of Domestic Violence in the Gay and Lesbian Communities1440 Words   |  6 PagesDomestic violence, also referred to as intimate partner violence, intimate partner abuse or domestic abuse, affects over one million people in the United States alone. It can be carried out in any number of ways including physically, emotionally, sexually, psychologically and/or financially. Its legal definition considers it to be â€Å"any assault, battery, sexual ass ault, sexual battery, or any criminal offense resulting in physically injury or death of one family member or household member by anotherRead MoreDomestic Violence : The United States Department Of Justice Essay1028 Words   |  5 PagesOctober 2016 Encountering Domestic Violence Stuart F. Delery, Former Acting Associate Attorney General, (2015) states The month of October is observed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month around the country by advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, survivors and many others to raise public awareness about domestic violence. According to the United States Department of Justice (2016) domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partnerRead MoreDomestic Violence : A Common Form Of Family Violence1076 Words   |  5 PagesDomestic Violence Domestic violence (D V) occurs in almost every society and culture of the world. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influences another person. It is behaviors that intimidates, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, stalk, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, and wound someone. It affects mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers of nearly every person in our community either directly or indirectly. What is DomesticRead MoreThe Strategies Of Australian And Chinese Government Use Reduce Incidence Of Domestic Violence1676 Words   |  7 Pagesgovernment use to reduce the incidence of domestic violence. 1.1 Aim To investigate and learn about the strategies of Australian and Chinese government use to reduce the incidence of domestic violence. 1.2 Parameters To research the background and current actions of domestic violence in Australia and China. 1.3 Definitions Domestic violence is one of the acts of violence which occurs between person who with another person in an intimate relationship, such as physical, emotional, psychologicalRead MoreDomestic Violence and Abuse1942 Words   |  8 PagesDomestic Violence and Abuse Abstract Domestic Violence is one of the most occurring situations found in the United States. This form of violence, also known as spousal abuse, happens within a relationship that is intimate or within a marriage. This particular issue seems to be found to affect women more often than men in varying ways such as injury or even death. Some of the injuries found in domestic violence cases are the head, neck, chest, face, breast, and abdomen, which are the mostRead MoreDomestic Violence in the United States1516 Words   |  7 PagesDomestic violence affects a large amount of relationships in the United States each year. As the times have changed, abuse has become less accepted as a normal occurrence, and society has begun working together to provide awareness towards violence in intimate partner relationships. â€Å"Problems of family violence are potentially the most destructive in our society† (Kurland 23). Domestic violence is a problem that begins in the home, and spreads to af fect the world around it. Violence is present inRead MoreDomestic Violence Related Crime Throughout West Virginia1208 Words   |  5 PagesDomestic violence is a universal problem that can affect an individual of any age, gender, race, education level, social class, or culture. This type of violence is considered to be one of the most widespread public health crises in the United States (Black et al., 2011). The purpose of this essay is to create a plan for a program that addresses domestic violence-related crime in West Virginia. To begin, significant information in relation to domestic violence will be provided. This will be followedRead MoreIntroduction. Domestic Violence Is A Serious Issue Affecting1386 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Domestic Violence is a serious issue affecting women all over the world today. Domestic Violence transpires when a current intimate partner decides to exercise dominance in a relationship through means of psychological, physical and sexual abuse towards the victim. This type of abuse often leads to emotional and or physical trauma. Domestic Violence is not only physical or sexual other forms of domestic violence exist such as stalking and dating violence. It is a problem without limitsRead MoreThe Butterflies, By Latin American Women And Maria, Full Of Grace1128 Words   |  5 Pagesslanted, discouraging sex and depreciatingwomen who boycott the recognized standards. Patriarchal pugnaciousness has grave psychological results for women. Nerve-wrecking conditions of women’s existence indicate drug abuse that fosters introduction to police and organizational pugnaciousness. Refining one’s standard of living and reducing violence for Latin American females should contain t he thought of community sophistication, partisan and financial irregularities. Violence against Latin AmericanRead MoreSubstance Abuse And Domestic Violence Essay1670 Words   |  7 PagesIn this paper I will be addressing the correlation that is between substance abuse and domestic violence. There are many factors that play a role in why domestic violence occurs in a home; this paper will be focusing on the factor of drug abuse in particularly. Early on in the course we learned that domestic violence does not only pertain to intimate partner violence but also to child abuse, elder abuse, and any other abuse of a person that occurs with inside the home. I will be providing research

Work Related Forms And Laws - 1101 Words

5.1, Page 96, Work-Related Forms and Laws Key Terms Review 1.f, unemployment insurance 2.e, minimum wage 3.a, allowances 4.c, form W-2 5.g, workers’ compensation 6.b, exempt status Check Your Understanding 7. If you do not fill out your form w-4 properly, what is likely to happen? The IRS expects you to fill out IRS Form W-4, Employee s Withholding Allowance Certificate, soon after your start a new job. The W-4 helps to calculate how much tax should be withheld from each of your paychecks. If you don t fill out a W-4, the IRS requires your employer to withhold taxes at the highest rate, which is as a single taxpayer with no allowances for dependents. 8. What should you do if you lose your social security card If your Social Security†¦show more content†¦So using a new number will not guarantee you a fresh start. This is especially true if your other personal information, such as your name and address, remains the same 9. The law that protects me if my spouse wants time off to have a baby is The Family and Medical Leave Act, this law also protects me from medical leave if I’m unable to work because of a serious health condition, and if I’m taking care of immediate family member with a serious health problem. Apply Your Knowledge 10. The minimum wage in NJ is $8.38/hour. The state with the most minimum wage is Washington at $9.47/hour. The states with the less minimum wage are Georgia, and Wyoming at $5.15. State, Minimum Wage per Hour Alabama, none Alaska, $8.75 Arizona, $8.05 Arkansas, $7.50 California, $9.00 Colorado, $8.23 Connecticut, $9.15 Delaware, $8.25 Florida, $8.05 Georgia, $5.15 Hawaii, $7.75 Idaho, $7.25 Illinois, $8.25 Indiana, $7.25 Iowa, $7.25 Kansas, $7.25 Kentucky, $7.25 Louisiana, None Maine, $7.50 Montana, $8.05/$4.00 Maryland, $8.25 Massachusetts, $9.00 Michigan, $8.15 Minnesota, $9.00/$7.25 Mississippi, none Missouri, $7.65 Nebraska, $8.00 Nevada, $8.25/$7.25 New Hampshire, 7.25 New Jersey, $8.38 New Mexico, $7.50 New York, $8.75 North Carolina, $7.25 North Dakota, $7.25 Ohio, $8.10/$7.25 Oklahoma, $7.25/$2.00 Oregon, $9.25 Pennsylvania, $7.25 Rhode Island, $9.00 South Carolina, none South Dakota, $8.50 Tennessee, none Texas, $7.25 Utah, $7.25

Entrepreneurship Family Firms and Private Equity

Question: Discuss about the case study Entrepreneurship for Family Firms and Private Equity. Answer: Introduction: 1. Jason is the one who started the business and has given his 30 years to his business such that managerial decisions are influenced by feelings and responsibilities towards the business. However, nepotism is one issue that tends to exert negative influence when the company is just not a medium of business but also runs to honour family tradition (Musa Semasinghe, 2014). Nevertheless, Jasons business is an extension of himself, which makes it as a medium for personal achievement and gratification. Moreover, he is concerned for his business because he needs to pass on as the sign of legacy to a family member or a non-family member. The father to son successions are often plagued with problems like competition, control and power that result in conflicts (Long Chrisman, 2014). Since the time, Herbert has been working with Jason; Jason never found that interest in Herbert so that he could transfer his business to his son. Moreover, Herbert has been still in the process of learning but subjectively he lacks qualities of knowing the business sufficiently, followed by stability and maturity. Moreover, according to Jason, his son lacks thoroughness and prospect respect for detail. On the other hand, if the business is analysed from Jasons perspective then characteristically he has difficulty in delegating authority and also refuses to retire (Collins, et al., 2016). Jason thinks Herbert to be a reluctant successor because this succession process can prove to be a challenge for the family business because the leadership transfer to him is generally expected than prepared for. Moreover, for Jason is not only the matter of technicality but it also highlights the emotional matter of generational loss while passing the business for the need of the validation. On the other hand, when analysed from the perspective of Herbert he seems to be eager enough to take over and run the business because he has invested some years in the business hoping to take over. Moreover, he also wants to show his father that he has learned what has been taught so that his parents can appreciate him for what he offers (Neubauer Lank, 2016). This behaviour of Jason has led to certain implications. Although, Jason consciously wishes to pass his business to his son but unconsciously he thinks that to lose the business would be losing masculinity. Moreover, Jason unconsciously needs to continue his competence in the business as he himself reassures that he alone is competent enough to succeed. On the other hand, Jason (unconsciously) does not wants his son to win as he will take away the business and will displace Jason from the summit position. All these conflicting emotions makes Jason to behave in a contradictory manner such that on one side, he wants the business to succeed by passing the legacy but on the other he is still not sure whether his son will be determined like him. The pertaining differences in father and son also includes the issues like different behaviour styles whether it is communication or decision making style, gap in life stages and the difference approaches applied in the business. The generation timing between father and son has been creating conflicts not only at home but also at workplace (Melin, Nordqvist and Sharma, 2013). Moreover, with these issues in site, Jasons reluctance grows. On the other hand, his father Jason keeps Herbert in an infantile role where Herbert is still the little boy who accompanies his father to work and characterizes to be of his fathers attitude where there is resentment as well as condescension. As a result, fathers such behaviour towards his son leads to unpredictability as well as dependency being more unpalatable (Neubauer Lank, 2016). However, when analysed Jasons growing reluctance on current scenario of succession planning it is because of the changing trend in the business. Today, more than 80% of the family business does not have any succession planning because of love and emotion towards family members, complex scenario of business and non-adequacy of the advice as well as tools. When it comes to family business, only 30% of the family-owned business survives the second generation while other 70% fails. Moreover, the statistical disconnect between the optimistic belief and reality leads to lack of family business succession planning (Bailey, 2016). 2. Succession in family business is a result of complex forces that are at work in the family companies. These forces operate in transition process that is within the founder, the business as well as the family. Nevertheless, succession can be organized as a gradual process in which the successor grows under the role of owners supervision and guidance (Helin Jabri, 2016). However, Jason is in a condition where he needs to think about succession such that there is control that can be kept on his creation. There reasons that Jason is likely to view for succession are given as: Fear of Death This is one issue where entrepreneurs are driven by powerful ego and conviction to control their own destinies. Loss of Identity The entrepreneur sees himself as a personal achievement such that letting go of business can be loss of personal effectiveness and re-waken the old identity issues. Bias against Planning Review formal planning as restrictive and bureaucratic as they are doers than just planners (Gilding, Gregory Cosson, 2015). Inability to choose among children It is basis of conflict as all the children in the family needs to be treated because choosing of preferential treatment as one child is at the expense of others. Fear of Retirement The entrepreneur is in love with the business and they can review the moving out of the day-to-day operations as life-changing rather life-threatening event. This further could focus on negative considerations like the loss of self-esteem and risks assigning to an untested successor (Filser, Kraus Mrk, 2013). Jealousy and Rivalry These feelings are experienced towards potential successors that are waiting to take control of the beloved organization. Moreover, when it comes to father and son, then this can be highlight an extra psychological dimension of fear. On the other hand, this multi-dimensional concept constitutes of enormous palette of variables that not only studies the family business but also the reluctance towards planning a succession. However, succession planning depends on many other factors whether it is successors business skills, managerial capabilities, attitudinal predispositions, and knowledge of companys operations of running over the business. Moreover, the financial factors that relate to succession are taxes accompanied by investments and financial risks. However, there is one thing that Jason thinks to be of utmost concern other than external factors of market fluctuations is trust, issue, communication and cohesiveness amongst the family members (Filser, Kraus Mrk, 2013) According to the question, Jason should think of succession planning because of basic two reasons. Firstly, because of resultant heart attack and his deteriorating health (fear of death) and secondly, the concern over legacy from passing to generation to generation (loss of identity) and third dimension that can be added is fear of retirement from his beloved organization (Sharma, Chrisman, Chua, 2012). Moreover, the family also considers death as a taboo and feels Herbert should be given the legacy of the business. Jason started auto parts supply house business at the age of 33 and now its deteriorating health is creating tensions of transferring its legacy to his son, Herbert. Moreover, succession planning is important as it prepares for the unexpected event, which will not only paralyse the management but may also affect the organizations ability to execute plan if measures are not taken at the right time. Jason should think of passing its legacy to Herbert so that he could learn work from Jason as a coach, which will not only guide him, but will also help Herbert to function with efficiency. However, after analysing these concepts whether psychological, external or internal factors the resistance on succession planning is important as it adds continuity and viability to the business. Moreover, Jason should consider succession planning despite all those factors. 3. Jason needs to be convinced of transferring the ownership either to a family member or to non-family member. The recommendations are made so that the business is even at its best and there is no failure in succession planning. A typical succession planning has two components Transfer of Power and Transfer of Assets. The former explains the control of the business operations to an individual whereas the latter explains the transfer of wealth to all the designated family members. Therefore, transferring of power helps to avoid pitfalls only when the process requires planning, teamwork as well as constant re-evaluation (Desbois, 2016). However, the transferring of power can be affected in any type of business by the issues like laws, climate, economic trends, competitors, employees, conflicts as well as employees. Nevertheless, when it comes to family business then it is affected by anything whether it is relative health of the members, skill levels, marital status, various interests or the involvement in the business participation (Carroll Buchholtz, 2014). Although, the successor is selected by default if the next generation is more active, qualified, and interested in the business but if not then, then it becomes an issue and leads to certain recommendations that can be given on the event of succession planning (Helin Jabri, 2016). The three recommendations that Rebecca and Herbert can give to Jason are Firstly, Jason is not in a position to work the way he used to work before the heart attack. As a result, Jason can look forward to choose a successor from the inside the organization such that the Jason can train Herbert with other family and non-family members to form an experienced management team capable of producing a successor. Secondly, Jason may look for a non-family member to be a successor temporarily so that he can look for an immediate successor inside the company. In a way, the company may hire professional manager who can look after the company on an interim basis until the time Herbert matures in 10-15 years and takes over. Thirdly, another form of succession can take place if Jason can hire a non-family member with right talent and bring the person in the venture as an assistant so that he can learn and later can evidently become the owner of the business. Conversely, the other recommendations that can be made on the perspective of family succession is the possibility when the family members do not seem inept to handle family business. This can be done by alienation through IPO (Initial Public Offering), secondary buy out by other financial, investor, buy-back through transfer participation of shares based on norms and trade sale depending on private negotiation through mergers (Ahlers, 2014). Moreover, even if Jason adopts any one of the recommendation then also it is important for Jason that he needs to train the family (Herbert) or the non-family member to succeed in the business succession planning. However, training the successor with controllability followed by gradual transitions made in the business can be effective because letting go for any founder or for Jason as in the case, is difficult as it needs proper reassurance and support. Therefore, the transfer of power to the successor who resists trouble and subtle the conflicts with communication skills would be beneficial as the person will understand the outlook of the founder (Leach, 2016). References Ahlers, O. (2014).Family Firms and Private Equity: A Collection of Essays on Value Creation, Negotiation, and Soft Factors. Springer. Bailey, D. (2016).More than 8 out of 10 family businesses have no succession plans.Sponsored.bostonglobe.com. Retrieved 12 August 2016, from https://sponsored.bostonglobe.com/rocklandtrust/more-than-8-out-of-10-family-businesses-have-no-succession-plans/ Carroll, A. B., Buchholtz, A. K. (2014).Business and society: Ethics, sustainability, and stakeholder management. Nelson Education. Collins, L., Grisoni, L., Tucker, J., Seaman, C., Graham, S., Fakoussa, R., Otten, D. (2016).The modern family business: Relationships, succession and transition. Springer. Desbois, J. (2016).Ensuring a successful family business management succession(Doctoral dissertation, NOVASchool of Business and Economics). Filser, M., Kraus, S., Mrk, S. (2013). Psychological aspects of succession in family business management.Management Research Review,36(3), 256-277. Gilding, M., Gregory, S., Cosson, B. (2015). Motives and outcomes in family business succession planning.Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice,39(2), 299-312. Helin, J., Jabri, M. (2016). Family business succession in dialogue: The case of differing backgrounds and views.International Small Business Journal,34(4), 487-505. Leach, P. (2016).Family Enterprises: The Essentials. Profile Books. Long, R. G., Chrisman, J. J. (2014).Management succession in family business(pp. 371-387). Melin, L., Nordqvist, M. and Sharma, P. eds., 2013.The SAGE handbook of family business. Sage. Musa, B. M., Semasinghe, D. M. (2014). Leadership Succession Problem: an Examination of Small Family Businesses. Neubauer, F., Lank, A. G. (2016).The family business: Its governance for sustainability. Springer. Neubauer, F., Lank, A. G. (2016).The family business: Its governance for sustainability. Springer. Sharma, P., Chrisman, J. J., Chua, J. H. (Eds.). (2012).A review and annotated bibliography of family business studies. Springer Science Business Media.

Weight Watchers Swot Analysis free essay sample

They target consumers who want to manage their weight through weight loss or weight maintenance. Their vision is to ensure Member satisfaction and retention by making Members feel cared for, well informed, part of the group and motivated to succeed. Weight Watchers has been around for 50 years and has developed their brand of providing weight loss services and products that make them a leading weight management service globally. The patented points program is based on a formula calculating the protein, carbohydrates, fat and dietary fiber content developed with consultation from a Scientific Advisory board. Each food is assigned a points value that reflects how the body breaks down food and converts it into energy. This Board is made up of world renowned medical experts to ensure that its weight loss plan is based on the most current scientific expertise. (Weight Watchers International) The Good Health Guidelines utilized by Weight Watchers are also recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. (USDA) Weight Watchers offers a variety of support options to members who attend weekly meetings which are located in 30 countries around the world, weigh and go at store locations, attend meetings in their place of employment (At Work Meetings), or utilize the internet to participate in Weight Watcher’s services. Members are encouraged to share their struggles and successes. Struggles and successes are employed to motivate other members to achieve their weight loss goals by following the program and obtaining the proprietary tools offered for purchase. Members who reach their goal and maintain it for six weeks become Lifetime Members. Lifetime members maintain their membership by continuing to participate on a monthly basis. These members are free advertisements who attest to the success of the program. The meal plans are simple and the Points Plus system is very flexible. Each member receives a Daily Point Target (DPT) based on their height, weight, gender and age. The DPT represents the amount of food that each person should eat in a day. Foods that are low in fat and sugar tend to have lower point values and provide more volume to a meal or snack than less healthy options. Required foods are non-specific so the member is permitted to choose how they will consume required foods such as diary, healthy oil, and whole grains. All foods and drinks are permitted as long as the point value is calculated and accounted for when deducted from the DPT. Many members succeed in their weight loss efforts but not all members are successful. One of the biggest complaints of the program is that it offers slow weight loss. Our culture is one that appreciates immediate gratification. (The Associated Press, 2006) The competition offers much quicker weight loss methods. The success obtained by Lifetime members who worked for weeks, months and years to accomplish their goals is not nearly as appealing to the average consumer who is inundated with quick fix fad diets. (Speri) Weight Watchers offers a lifestyle change that reduces food intake. It is not designed as a quick fix but instead is one that promotes healthy lifestyle changes that gradually accomplish weight loss. The consumer’s cost for Weight Watchers is very low compared to other weight loss programs or at least it appears so up front. (Sugar) There are no meals, shakes, supplements or bars that are required to be purchased in order to participate in the program. The food that you eat on plan is very much the same food that one could purchase in any grocery store or restaurant. There are multiple periods of free registration throughout each year and the weekly fee is nominal at approximately $13. 00 per week. The problem with this is that there are many hidden costs at Weight Watchers. The proprietary point system is unlike any other weight loss system. Successful members utilize food scales and measuring cups to weigh and measure their food, pedometers and activity monitors to measure a person’s activity level, cookbooks, calculators and more. These products can all be purchased at lower prices from many convenience stores but they do not convert their information into point values the way that the Weight Watcher products do so many members purchase expensive Weight Watchers products to assist them with their weight loss journey. Additionally, the gradual weight loss concept requires members to attend for longer periods of time before they are able to reach a free Lifetime status. Lifetime members remain free if the member maintains their weight at no more than two pounds above their goal weight. Most people’s weight fluctuates regularly and fees are charged no matter what the reason for the weight gain. Weight Watchers has many opportunities to join with the medical profession to promote its science based plan. The Scientific Advisory Board that is hired to consult with Weight Watchers is made of Medical Professionals and the weight loss method is one that is promoted by most medical doctors even if they do not promote the Weight Watcher’s brand. USDA) The United States alone has determined that Obesity in America is common, serious and costly. (Fox News Latino) Weight Watchers has promoted a medical model for many years. An affiliation with the medical community would surely add value to the w eight management scientifically based model that is currently promoted at Weight Watchers. The United States First Lady, Michelle Obama, has brought additional light to the obesity epidemic and the need for American’s to manage their diets. Her â€Å"Let’s Move† initiative has gained the attention of the entire country. Weight Watchers is a healthy living model that combines healthy foods with more activity. Teaming up with fitness centers, exercise centers and schools will accomplish more together than the weight loss community or the physical fitness community can do on its own. A true healthy lifestyle includes eating right and moving more. (Grain Foods Foundation) Our quick fix society is one that shows little patience for counting calories or points utilized by slower burning weight loss programs. The competition has now gone beyond that which offers diets where certain foods are limited or forbidden, and some are replacing them with pre-cooked meals that are very high in sodium. These programs, including NutriSystem, do not promote weight maintenance following the program but they do promote mindless weight loss. Those who follow this program do not need to think about what to eat or how to prepare it as all of the meals and shakes are prepared, frozen and shipped to the dieter’s home. (â€Å"NutriSystem: Lose weight with meals conveniently delivered to your home†) Many diet programs eliminate foods and replace them with supplements. The Atkins diet, for example, restricts the dieter’s ability to consume carbohydrates. This means that all sugars including fruits and vegetables are minimized or omitted from one’s diet. It is not in line with a medical model approach for healthy weight loss but it does promote quick weight loss. Unfortunately, this does pose a threat to Weight Watchers as the weight loss experience in such a plan does satisfy the quick fix needs of those who opt for these types of plans. Frazier) In an attempt to make weight loss quicker and easier, the medical profession has taken to providing surgical procedures that reduce the size of the stomach by removing part of the small intestine. This procedure is very risky to one’s health and has a tremendous amount of medical complications associated with it. It is however, one that does not require that a person who has had the surgery to persevere delayed gratification and behavioral changes that are required when one loses weight following a weight loss program such as Weight Watchers. (Staff) For many consumers, quick weight loss is far more appealing despite the potential negative consequences.