Health Promotion and Evidence Based Practice Assignment

Health Promotion and Evidence Based Practice - Assignment Example Alcohol and drug abuse are among the foremost causes of disability and demise in North Carolina. Alcohol and substance abuse dependence are both problems in themselves and contributors to other health problems. For example, people under the influence of substance abuse are at a risk of premature deaths. Other health problems associated with substance abuse include depressions, mental health disorders, interpersonal relation, poor school or workplace functioning and low overall sense of wellbeing. However, these health hazards are preventable risk factors (Andrews & National Research Council, 1991). For the prevention of drug substance abuse and the improvement of mental health, there are evidenced priority recommendations. According to the North Carolina prevention plan, priority number one is the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for substance abuse. To be included in the plan are recommendations to beer and wine taxation. With expensive beer and wine, it will n ot be easily affordable to the addicted individuals (Hastings et al, 2010). Together with increasing tax rates on beer and wines, substance abuse prevention also requires community outreach. Therefore, a comprehensive community based programs for prevention of substance use and abuse is a sizeable community outreach strategy. The implementation of this community based prevention plan should include a team that provides emotional care and nutritional health to the victims and subjects of the program (Hastings et al, 2010). The article â€Å"prevention issues brief final in 2010† clearly outlines the prevention strategies and its elements. The evidence based prevention strategies shows a degree of effectiveness in decreasing the rate of substance use and abuse. Nevertheless, they also have several positive impacts like self -identification, improved sense of self -wellbeing, reduced levels of depreciation and improved health conditions. For all the evidence based prevention str ategies on substance use and abuse, youths should be the main target since their developing brain is susceptible damage by alcohol and others substances (Hastings et al, 2010). The strategies or action steps that form the evidence-based prevention of substance use and abuse and for improvement of mental health include the following. The activity begins from the individuals. Guidance and counseling provision to individuals to be substance use abuse free and in case of any mental disorder seek professional help. Again, from the individuals, home prevention is a strong evidence strategy. Parents should take the initiative to talk to their children about substance abuse dangers. (Hastings et al, 2010). To the victims of substance abuse clinical preventive measures like screening, brief intervention and treatment in case of any health problem is fundamental. Keeping the public up-to-date on these evidence-based clinical preventive measures will ensure that people are aware of where to go to find help (North Carolina Institute of Medicine & North Carolina, 2009). In worksites and offices, wellness programs for substance abuse will keep these people informed. In addition to the other programs, offering insurance programs to the community on incidences of substance abu

Media Analysis and Engagement Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Media Analysis and Engagement Plan - Essay Example The product was able to win over many fans and boost sales due to its innovative features such as a large HD touch screen, rounded design, eye movement recognition and pop-up play features (Samsung Electronics, 2013). The successful release of the upgraded flagship product across the world prompted Samsung to create an even better version, the Samsung Galaxy S-IV, which is to be released sometime in 2013. However, speculations as to the product’s specifications and release date were already starting to creep up in the web, despite the South Korean company not fully disclosing about the product just yet. In order to curb the hype as well as to properly inform the public and the product’s targeted audience, a social media and traditional media engagement plan would be designed to create a smooth and problem-free product release for the Samsung Galaxy S-IV. Identified Target Audiences (Online and Offline) High-end devices such as smartphones are known to appeal to two majo r age groups which are known to be tech-savvy among most of the general public: the 15-34 age group and the 35+ age group, also known as the Generation Y’s (We Are Apps, 2013). This is explainable by the fact that both age groups grew up with a full knowledge about rapid technological advancements and are not shy from using them, aside from having the income to buy such devices. They are also the age group that mostly frequent online, and they are able to passively advertise products and services either by blogging about them or uploading the photos of products or logos. They are also receptive to offline advertisements such as traditional mass media approaches due to familiarity or frequent use at home, thus these other forms of media would work on them as well. As these two age groups use their preferred media, people around them or those that they know well also get easily informed since they are able to use all forms of communication, and would be able to relay informatio n to friends, families, co-workers, and other people within their network. This creates additional target audiences through passively advertising about products by telling others about their experiences (Benkler, 2006). Thus using both online and offline strategies could easily create a wider coverage not just of the two targeted age groups but also to other age groups by catching their interest, both by online networking strategies and the use of print, television, and radio ads. Proposed Story Angle for Target Audiences and Media Anticipating a fun and relaxing summer is the chosen theme for the media engagement plan, and an image of positivity, various new experiences and uplift would be most applicable. Whereas the previous smartphone had variable story angles due to an increased focus in the product’s innovative features, it would be better to create an atmosphere for the new product since it would mostly be sharing some similar features with its predecessor. By introduc ing the product as a great way to experience and capture summer, people would more likely recall light and positive experiences, which could draw them in to the product much further. To keep the interest of the public and the target audience, in using traditional visual media short advertisements that are serial in nature (e.g. open-ended) can be used, aside from just showing the product’s features plainly. Showing experiences that most can relate to would not only make the company seem much more in tune with

Contradicting Notions of the Public Sphere Essay Example for Free

Contradicting Notions of the Public Sphere Essay The notion of Public Sphere by Jurgen Habermas is representative of the social realities of his country. In the same way, Nancy Fraser’s comment on Habermas’s Public Sphere reflects the society she is in. Therefore, their notions of Public Sphere contradict due to their different backgrounds. Considering this idea, readers should consider the backgrounds of the two authors in analyzing their concepts. In analyzing the notion of Public Sphere in the view of Habermas, let us consider the economic situation of Germany. On the one hand, we can say that Habermas’s notion of public is comprised of individuals who have enough food, shelter, clothing, education, employment, or other means of living.   Germany is a stable country, considering its GNP, and small population. On the other hand, the United States is resided by people of different backgrounds, from the poor, the average, up to the rich and wealthy, the Whites, the Blacks, and other migrants, etc. These people who comprise the population of America dictate to Fraser her notion of the public sphere. Considerably, Habermas’s concept of Public Sphere is very ideal. Its idealism actually makes it delimiting of the public it addresses. We can say that the public Habermas portrays or uses to conceptualize his thoughts is basically European. It does not consider the marginalized, the oppressed, or simply those who are experiencing sufferings and demarcation, such as the women, the uneducated, the unemployed or the multicultural population. In conceiving the public sphere as private people coming together as a public, debating over some publicly relevant topics, Habermas was thinking of unity and understanding among the sectors of the public. As such, there is nothing wrong with his ideas of voicing out public opinion within the Public Sphere; in fact it would be beneficial to both the government and the people. Habermas gives an account of the elements necessary to form a democratic country. He addresses this as the bourgeois Public Sphere, which has four primary elements. This sphere, he claims, entirely disregards status, and gives opportunity for everyone to share in the discussion. In other words, he proposes an inclusive Public sphere. Additionally, the discussion within the Public Sphere should address socio -political problems that need to be solved. Habermas considers the evolution of the public sphere he conceptualizes. It started with the bourgeois discussing in coffee shops, salons, and other familiar places. It later comprised the media, as the bourgeois in the 18th century established printing press, news companies, etc. Further consideration of this point suggests the use of media resources for gaining and expressing public opinion, which later limited the said public sphere to those in power. On the contrary, Fraser considers the notion of having the Public Sphere comprised of individuals from all walks of life. She claims that what Habermas proposes is not inclusive, but rather exclusive of those who are educated, and well-to-do. It therefore marginalizes the poor from the rich, and discriminates, in a way, the women and the multicultural individuals. She further argues that it is impossible to claim inclusiveness as marginalized groups are not considered part of the universal public. They themselves formed their own public spheres, which the author termed as counterpublics. She further offers a modern conception of the hegemonic public sphere, which opens up the political realm to everyone. She states that rather than ruling by power, there is now rule by the majority. To deal with the hegemonic domination, repressed groups form into Subaltern counterpublics to represent those who share their ideologies. The marginalized have learned to express themselves, and are working together toward a certain goal. Both authors have their good notions of the Public Sphere. Each works for the common good of the people. In Habermas, we can see that the Public Sphere he proposes is a way to resolve problems in the government and economy of a certain country. In addition, he proposes a body that watches over the public, an organized group of individuals who aim for an honest and successful governance. In her paper, Fraser shares the view that people have formed a Public Sphere that recognizes and represents every individual. She formulates that this sphere would be more representative of the people as it listens and learns from the marginalized sector in society. She disagrees with Habermas that regarding forming a public sphere of the knowledgeable, the more privileged.   In evaluating these two views, we must remember to consider the perspective of the authors. As mentioned above, Habermas who came from Germany may have only considered the society he was exposed to, in coming up with his own notion of Public Sphere. In contrast, Fraser who was exposed to multiculturalism in America may have applied her views in the Public Sphere she proposed. As such, the two authors came up with contradicting beliefs, since they had conflicting societies. Works Cited Habermas, Jà ¼rgen. The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere: An Inquiry into a Category of Bourgeois Society. (English Translation). Cambridge Massachusetts: The MIT Press, 1989. Alterity. 13 February 2005. Retrieved 25 March 2008 http://www.zephoria.org/alterity/archives/2005/02/nancy_fraser_re.html. Fraser, Nancy. Rethinking the Public Sphere: A Contribution to the Critique of Actually Existing Democracy. Social Text 25 (26): 56-80. Duke University Press, 1990.

Assessment Of Mrs Baker Nursing Essay

Assessment Of Mrs Baker Nursing Essay Upon admitting Mrs. Baker to the ER assist her into a gown. While assisting into the gown notice any skin issues, such as injury from the fall, or irritation from possible prior falls or injuries. Elderly people often have issues such as dehydration, of which the signs may be skin tenting, poor turgor, and red areas from pressure, ask about fluid intake and record capillary refill. Mrs. Baker, as a known diabetic, could have unhealed sores or ulcerations and signs of neuropathy, ask about any numbness or tingling. Assisting the patient into a gown may also determine if there are bladder and bowel continence issues. While assisting to gown use the opportunity to question the patient about what, in her opinion, happened. While asking about the incident, ask if there have been periods of light headedness or dizziness, apply a cardiac monitor and pulse oximeter, for observation. Ask the patient if there are any areas that hurt, or if there is any pain even unassociated with the fall. Whi le questioning the patient about what happened and the patients theory of why, evaluate speech pattern and level of orientation, the patients awareness of time and cognitive ability may be assessed at this time. Determine if the patient can provide an accurate account of the fall and what preceded the fall. While assessing the patient, it is essential to look at each system and watch for nonverbal signs of pain. Observe the patient, for signs of confusion and check for pupil response to light. Auscultating lung sounds, listen for adventitious sounds such as rhonchi, rales, or wheezes. Listen to determine if lung sounds are present in all lung fields. Auscultate heart sounds, listen for irregularities, is there a murmur noted. Evaluate cardiac monitor for arrhythmias. Question the patient about any chest pain, tightness, or heaviness. Palpate peripheral pulses, note if they are equal, note the quality if they are thread /bounding, and are pulses even on each side. Obtain vital signs such as blood pressure, orthostatic if possible as this is common with HCTZ and Lisinopril; maintain a 30 minute check on blood pressure readings, note rate and quality of respiratory effort along with oxygen readings. Ask again if the patient has any pain as pain may increase readings in blood pressure, respiratory rate, and pulse. The elderly are sometimes reluctant to report pain, thinking it is all part of the aging process and accepts it as a part of life. Many may not report physical discomfort due to the fear that they may lose independence or the risk of being viewed as a burden. Anxiety may also raise vital sign readings; attempt to explain all procedures to the patient. This not only contributes to trust from the patient, but also reduces some of the fear from the unknown. Listen to bowel sounds, indicate the presence of or lack of in all quadrants. Ask the patient about bowel pattern if possible when the last bowel movement was, palpate for any sign of tenderness or guard ing. Examine the face, hands, and feet for edema. While checking the lower extremities for edema, indicate the quality of pulses in the legs. Pay attention to color and texture of the skin in the legs and feet, note any sores or red areas, note capillary refill. Pay attention to the temperature of the legs as lower extremities blood clots is common. Again, it is necessary to explain the examination to the patient in order to reduce anxiety and to reassure the patient. If the patient is able, ask about medications and when was the last time they were taken. Ask about the time the last meal was eaten. Once the initial assessment is completed, explain to the patient that there will be some tests to assist in determining the medical problems at present. It is advisable to ask if the patient has questions for the nurse; this may aid in preventing any misunderstandings. Technological tools, uses, and benefits Some of the tools frequently used in the assessment, of any patient, start with auscultation and palpation. Listening to the patients verbal response is an advantage to the assessment; however, listening to the heart, lungs, and abdomen is required. To begin, start an IV site and obtain the needed blood for testing, this may prevent a delay in treatment. Be aware of the length of time the tourniquet is applied to the patient, quality of the lab draw is also a factor in the values obtained. After obtaining the blood work, begin a physical assessment. Listening to heart sounds may provide information about various cardiac problems such as a heart murmur; deviation in heart sounds may indicate a cardiac condition. Lung sounds may determine if there are pulmonary issues such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or pulmonary edema. Listening and palpation of the abdomen may indicate irregularities in the gut, such as an obstruction or potential aneurysm. Asking about pain or tightness in the chest m ay also indicate a possible cardiac condition. Ask about any history of chest pain or tightness. Noting the rate and respiratory effort, along with a continuous pulse oximeter, assist in determining pulmonary problems. Ask if there have been any problems with shortness of breath. Blood pressure readings, especially orthostatic in a falls patient may lead to indications leading to the fall. Along with the possible reason for the fall, this may also assist in the determination of medication misuse. The elderly may sometimes forget they have taken their medication and repeat the dosage. Obtaining a blood glucose level may also determine if the fall is related to hypoglycemia. Knowing or having an idea of when the last meal was eaten, and when the medications were taken, also assist in determining possible reasons for the fall. Having knowledge of the estimated fluid intake may also be useful as a tool in the analysis of causative agents. Dehydration in the elderly can cause confusion a nd light headedness. The continuous cardiac, oxygen, and blood pressure readings are necessary to watch for sudden changes that may occur. Cardiac monitors assist in determining if there are irregularities in the electrical conduction, in the heart, early detection and treatment may prevent further complications. Oxygen readings assist in determining the amount of capillary oxygen and profusion difficulty; this may indicate the need for supplemental oxygen before further decompensation. Frequent checks in blood pressure may be the first sign of sepsis in an elderly person. Other testing and tools used is a chest X-ray, viewing a chest X-ray aids in determining pulmonary issues not noted during the physical examine treatment for pulmonary issues can quickly be obtained. A CT scan of the brain, without contrast, may be used to rule out a brain bleed. A CT scan of the lungs, without contrast, will assess for possible pulmonary embolus. To use contrast, the results of the renal function are needed. Blood testing is critical in determining the bodily functions. Obtaining a complete blood count tells the general hydration, amount of volume and signs of infection with an elevated white blood count, hypervolemia can be promptly corrected; low red blood count indicates the lack of oxygen carrying capacity and may require a transfusion. A complete metabolic profile lends details of renal and hepatic function, as well as levels for key electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and glucose, this also aids in monitoring for metabolic acidosis or alkalosis. With lisinopril, it is common to see an elevation in bun, creatinine, and lowering of glucose levels. HCTZ is known for lowering the potassium, sodium, and magnesium levels. The combination of HCTZ and lisinopril are known to cause dizziness, and palpations and should be monitored closely especially in people with renal impairment and /or of advanced age. Cardiac enzymes are drawn to evaluate the cardiac muscle, to determine if there are cardiac issues. Arterial blood gases assist in determining the pulmonary system function, this also aids in determining respiratory acidosis or alkalosis. Another lab test highly beneficial is a urinalysis with culture and sensitivity. When there is a urinary infection in an elderly person, it may cause dizziness and confusion. The culture helps to determine the proper medication for the organism responsible for the infection. The urine tests also indicate if there are ketones or proteins being spilled in the urine; this is a frequent problem in diabetic patients. Obtaining a twelve lead EKG aids in determining any irregularities in the cardiac conduction, such as heart blocks and ventricular ectopy that are often seen as a result of low potassium. Blood cultures may also be required to determine if there is an infection. Frequently an opportunistic infection may lead to sepsis, and the elderly often do not present that ill until the infection is severe. T he elderly may not always present with an elevated temperature; this cannot be the only sign of illness. All the testing and the physical analysis will help to determine potential health issues, but the best source of information is to monitor the patient. Being aware of changes in the patient status and comfort level is required. Continuous visual monitoring may assist in treating sudden changes in the patient. Frequent questions pertaining to the comfort level are required in the elderly as they may be reluctant to admit pain. Explain that pain, of any level, can be addressed, and that comfort may assist in the treatment. Data collection prioritization It is essential to prioritize the data collection and report findings to the physician. The application of monitoring devices, such as a cardiac monitor, blood pressure machines, and pulse oximeter, may be done as the patient is being gowned. Visual inspection of the skin may also be done at this time. While gowning the patient, asking about medications and history may also be accomplished. Starting the IV site and obtaining blood work will get information to the physician quickly and should be done as soon as possible. Collect a finger stick for blood glucose, as this may determine if the patient is hypoglycemic. The EKG and ABGs are also critical information needed as soon as possible. A chest X-ray may be done next, along with a CT scan of the brain and lungs, without contrast. Collection of the urine for testing can be collected after the other departments have finished what needs to be done. As the patient is on a continuous monitor for cardiac, respiratory, and blood pressure i t is easy to monitor for changes. It is now appropriate to complete the physical assessment of the patient. This saves time while awaiting the results from lab, x-ray, and cardiopulmonary departments. Report any irregularity in the assessment to the doctor as soon as possible. While obtaining information from the patient, it is necessary to ask about pain and monitor for nonverbal cues during the assessment. Morphine, low dose (0.05mg/kg IV) for pain may be appropriate at this time as it decreases the oxygen demand from the heart and may reduce anxiety. Tylenol may not be the medication of choice until liver function is established. Advise the physician that the patient has been taking HCTZ, Lisinopril, and metformin. The combination of HCTZ and Lisinopril may cause dizziness and dehydration. Lisinopril also aids in lowering blood glucose levels, and should be monitored closely especially in people with renal impairment and/or of advanced age. This combination may also cause palpati ons and dizziness. HCTZ can cause electrolyte imbalances leading to alkalosis. The patient may also be experiencing a drug hypersensitivity to the lisinopril. Signs would include dyspnea, chest tightness, and arterial acidosis, requiring intubation (Hydrochlorothiazide and Lisinopril side effects, Drugs.com). If the patient was medicated for pain, check for relief of symptoms. Verbal affirmation should be listed on a scale of 1-10 according to the flacc scale. If the patient has pain relief, note this with the physician. Monitor for lab results and report any findings outside the normal range, the same with EKG, ABGs, x-ray, and CT scan. Monitor the patient for changes in mentation, and visible signs of changes. The elderly may have sudden changes; it is advisable to monitor closely. With continuous monitoring, and noting the change in status of Mrs. Baker, there would be more aggressive measures taken. A rapid response from respiratory therapy would be needed, and a request for the attending physician, for the mental status and respiratory changes and the possible need for increased measures such as intubation. A repeat of ABGs would be needed; STAT results are indicated. Radiology should be available for potential tube placement. All team members should be alerted for the possibility of a code blue alert. The staff needs to be monitoring the cardiac status at all times. With respiratory arrest, cardiac is soon to follow. Rapid response to changes in respiratory status can prevent further complications. Constant monitoring of the flacc scale may assist in monitoring the patients comfort level. A patient may show signs of discomfort by moaning, thrashing about, or facial grimace. Being aware of this may aid in the quality of patient care. The patient may not be a ble to tell that they hurt, but body language speaks volumes. If the patient is indicating that they are in pain, morphine at a low dose may be used (0.05mg /kg IV). Considering the slower metabolism of the elderly, it is necessary to medicate accordingly. This not only aids in pain relief, but also lowers the oxygen demand by the heart. Close observation of the patient is mandatory. If the medication is effective the signs observed will diminish and the patient will appear more relaxed, with little or no signs of pain (possible lower BP and heart rate, no facial grimace, more relaxed, less restlessness). The alert patient can verbalize the effectiveness of pain medications, with an unresponsive person we must rely on physical cues that are presented. Again, it is important to report pain relief to the physician and continue to watch for changes in the patient. Rapid evaluation and assessment, accurate data, and concise information are imperative to patient care. When assessing the elderly it is necessary to remember that due to the aging process, metabolism of medications may be slowed. With advanced age, there is also a reduction in renal and hepatic filtering. The elderly may also be reluctant to report pain. When caring for the elderly, it is necessary to keep their viewpoint in mind, and to explain procedures prior to the procedure. A reduction in anxiety may assist in a trusting relationship and aid in lowering blood pressure and heart rate. It is also helpful to remember that changes can occur rapidly with the elderly and that they may not always present as with a younger person. Keep an open mind and alert at all times.

Comparing Margaret Cavendish’s The Description of a New World, Called t

Comparing Margaret Cavendish’s The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing World and Sir Thomas More’s Utopia The so-called Utopia – the quasi-perfect society – flourishes in Margaret Cavendish’s â€Å"The Description of a New World, Called a Blazing World† and Sir Thomas More’s Utopia. While the former is a dreamlike account of fantasy rule and the latter a pseudo-realistic travelogue, both works paint a picture of worlds that are not so perfect after all. These imperfections glitter like false gemstones in the paths of these Utopians’ religious beliefs, political systems, and philosophical viewpoints. Religion and spirituality reach into the depths of the human psyche and strongly influence a nation’s way of life. In Margaret Cavendish’s â€Å"Blazing World†, the Emperor and the inhabitants of the Blazing World worship Margaret, who renamed herself Margaret the First. Highly revered as a deity by the people, Margaret is surprised to discover that females do not have a high place in the religious fabric of the Blazing World. Women are barred from religious assemblies, because it is â€Å"promiscuous† for men and women to be together during religious worship, so women must remain at home to worship in the privacy of their rooms (Cavendish 1767). Priests and governors are made eunuchs to safeguard them from women and children who, according to Margaret’s advisors, make too much disturbances in the church and in the state. In Sir Thomas More’s Utopia, women priests are highly regarded. However, churches here are also segregat ed – the men sit on one side and while the women sit on the other. Aside from thinking that the peoples of the Blazing World are segregated as Jews, Turks, or Christians because women are... ...r recognition should not exist, yet in More’s Utopia, these beliefs exist at the very heart of the citizen’s being. In both of the purported "Utopian" worlds, the imperfect religious traditions, rigid governing systems, and askew philosophical beliefs mar what are otherwise model worlds for all other nations to imitate. Margaret Cavendish and Sir Thomas More, in their differing styles, are able to convey that no world is perfect, but there is room for change, for everyone can fabricate their own imaginary worlds and travelogues. Works Cited Cavendish, Margaret. The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing World. 1666, 1668. Norton Anthology of English Literature. 7th ed. 2 vols. New York: Norton, 2000, 1: 1765-1771. More, Sir Thomas. Utopia. 1516. . Norton Anthology of English Literature. 7th ed. 2 vols. New York: Norton, 2000, 1: 1765-1771.

Eveline´s Decision in Eveline by James Joyce :: essays research papers

In the short story â€Å"Eveline â€Å" by James Joyce, Eveline, the protagonist is given the opportunity to escape from her hard unendurable life at home and live a life of true happiness at Buenos Ayres with Frank, her lover. Throughout the story, Eveline is faced with a few good memories of her past from her childhood and her mother, but she also faces the horrible flashbacks of her mother’s illness and her father’s violence. In the end, she does not leave with Frank, Eveline’s indecisiveness and the burden of her family’s duties makes her stay.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By not taking that opportunity, Eveline probably missed a life of exploration with Frank. Eveline would have had the chance to know what independence feels like and she would have had the chance to experience individual freedom. Instead, her life afterwards is a life of regret and imprisonment with her family. Being an only child, she is bound by her family’s actions and their duties. Eveline has taken on an incredible part of the burden in keeping the family together. Her father is an overbearing and unfair man who takes his daughters earnings for himself; and rather than appreciating her sacrifices, he ridicules her. As she now lives with her dad and her two brothers, she feels tired and frustrated with her dad’s commands and her everyday life. Everyday, she sadly waits for frank to come back into her life once again and fill her life with happiness. Eveline may possibily in the future live her freedom when her controlling father passes away, but p erhaps it will become too late for her to experience the freedom she wanted.

Prenatal Development Essay

Pregnancy occurs when an egg is fertilized by a sperm,and the egg grows inside a woman’s uterus also called a woman’s womb, and will develop into a baby. In humans, this process takes about 264 days, but the obstetrician will date from the last menstrual period or 280 days which is 40 weeks. There are a number of things that must fall into place in the right order to become pregnant and have a baby. The creation of a human being requires the right environment, the right timing, the right factors, and a great deal of luck. The term intra-uterine pregnancy is used to describe when a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus and an embryo grows. The length of time of a pregnancy is divided into three sections called trimesters or stages, which is about three months each. Each trimester has particular events and developmental markers. The first trimester or builds the foundation of the different organ systems. The first trimester or stage is the germinal period or the zygotic period. It is the first two weeks of prenatal development. Near the end of the two weeks the single-celled a zygot, developes into a cluster of cells called the embryo. The second stage or trimester is called the embryonic period, which is week three through week eight. In the first month the embryo is usually 1/8th of an inch or . 275 cm long. I weighs about 3 grams. A yolk sac has already formed at this stage. Organs and major systems within the body of the embryo forms during this period. The embryo’s lifeline is the umbilical cord, which provide the embryo nourishment, oxygen, and water from the mother. The umbilical cord also carries away waste. The placenta is also developed, protecting the embryo, by keeping the mother’s blood from mingling with the developing embryo. It also protects the embryo by preventing harmful substances in the mother’s blood from reaching the embryo, such as teratogens. Teratogens are harmful substances that can cause birth defects. By three weeks the baby’s brain cells have started to form, creating a sheet of neural cells that curls and forms a neural tube lined with stem cells. At the top of the neural tube forms a bulge which later consists of the hind brain, mid brain, and fore brain. When the neural tube expands, it creates ventricals and the core of the brain. Ventricals that are filled with ceobraspinal fluid cushions the brain and also provides nutrients to the brain and spinal cord. In the second month, It is about an inch or 2. 5 cm long. It is 8. 7 grams heavy. The head, tail and the umbilical cord are formed and the sex glands are determined. The limbs, toes, fingers, the skeleton and bone cells have also been formed at this stage. A distinctively human appearance develops. Facial features, the main organ systems also take shape. By the end of the eighth week, the structures of the brain, heart, liver, limbs, ears, nose and eyes evolve. This is a most critical period of development. Harmful medications, drugs and alcohol may disturb the processes of development and cause defects or snags in the embryo. The fetal period or trimester is the third month to actual birth of the baby. At this stage the baby is called the fetus with distinctively human features. At the end of the third month the baby can move its arms, legs, mouth and head, although at this moment of time, the movements are uncoordinated and cannot be felt by the mother. The fetus is now one to three inches long and weighs roughly an ounce. The baby can also start using reflexive responses . During the fourth month the mother can feel quickening, which is the baby moving inside the uterus. At five months all brain cells of the baby for birth are developed. During this period the baby has sleep and wake cycles. In the sixth month the fetus’s brain activity is similar to that of a newborn baby. The final two months the fetus usually doubles in weight. The fetus will usually add onabout three to four pounds of body fat. This additional body fat will help the newborn baby adjust to different temperatures outside the womb. The closer to birth, the fetus’s growth slows and the actions of the body systems become more regular. At about forty weeks or 280 days, the fetus is ready to emerge in the world. At birth a baby’s brain is only one forth the size of an adult’s brain. The brain will weight at birth less than a pound. After a baby is born the neurons grow in size and continue to develop. A newborn enters the world with a array of physical and sensory capabilities. In the beginning right at birth a baby’s behavior is mostly reflex moves that are to enable his survival in the new world. In conclusion, a baby is a very precious and wonder gift that some women are blessed with. It is very mportant for a new expectant mother to understand the stages of pregnancy. A new mother should research and read all that she can read to gain knowledge of what is going to happen in the months to come. The more knowledge a new mother has is very beneficial for her well being and also to interact with her physician about symptoms and problems if any arise.