Study On The Alternative Medicine Reflexology

Study On The Alternative Medicine Reflexology Presently there are various methods of treatment for different types of diseases, such as cancer, asthma, and multiple sclerosis, and alternative medicine is becoming more prevalent among people despite the advanced technology. Many people nowadays try to avoid the use of medications because of the side effects. this is why people are attracted to alternative therapy techniques, because they want an effective treatment that is not costly and does not cause any harm. There are over a hundred different types of alternative medicine and the number is still growing. A few examples are: chiropractic, reflexology, hypnotherapy, reiki, ayurveda, kinesiology, homoeopathy, osteopathy, cranial therapy, various types of acupuncture, colour-therapy, massage, and sound therapy [1]. For example, Reflexology has been widely used in fields such as midwifery, orthopedics, neuroscience and palliative care [2]. 1.1 What is Reflexology : Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion [3]. It is also called zone therapy, based on the notion that each body part is represented on the hands and feet and that pressing on specific areas on the hands or feet can have therapeutic effects on other parts of the body. The body is divided into 10 longitudinal zones-five on each side of the body. Each organ or part of the body is represented on the hands and feet; massaging or pressing each area can stimulate the flow of energy, blood, nutrients, and nerve impulses to the corresponding body zone and thereby relieve ailments in that zone[4]. Each part of the foot represent a reflex area that correspond to specific organ or part of the body, for example: the tips of the toes reflect the head the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot low back and intestines are towards the heel This concept was furthered by physiotherapist Eunice Ingham into the modern practice of reflexology. Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of zone therapy in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this zone theory in the 1930s into what is now knows as reflexology. A scientific explanation is that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress [11]. 1.2 The difference between Reflexology and Foot Massage: Reflexology is different from foot massage in that it involves more superficial contact, deeper pressure on certain parts of the foot and resembles a caterpillar-like movement. It has been claimed that by pressing the reflex zones, energy blocks or disturbances such as calcium, lactate or uric acid crystals are reabsorbed and later eliminated a process referred to as detoxification'[2]. In foot massage people typically use massage oil or lotion and use gentle gliding strokes all over the foot. Reflexology is quite different, while many people find reflexology relaxing. One of the reasons people often confuse the two is that some spas and salons advertise that they offer reflexology, but what people actually get is foot massage by a therapist who isnt properly trained or certified in reflexology [12 ]. 1.3 Reflexology Foot Chart: 1. Top of Head 2. Sinuses 3. Pituitary Gland 4. Temporal Area 5. Neck, Cervical 6. Upper Lymph Area 7. Parathyroid Gland 8. Ears 9. Eyes 10. Thyroid Glands 11. Shoulder 12. Lungs and Bronchi 13. Heart Area 14. Heart 15. Spine, Vertebra 16. Pancreas 17. Solar Plexus 18. Stomach Duodenum 19. Liver 20. Spleen 21. Spleenic Fixture 22. Gall Bladder 23. Adrenal Glands 24. Hepatic Flexure 25. Kidneys 26. Transverse Colon 27. Waist 28. Ureters 29. Ascending Colon 30. Descending Colon 31. Lumbar 32. Small Intestines 33. Sacral 34. Bladder 35. Ileo-Caecal Valve 36. Appendix 37. Sigmoid Flexure 38. Hip Lower Back 39. Coccyx 40. Sciatic Area 41. Rectum 42. Uterus 43. Prostate 44. Breast 45. Lymph Drainage 46. Fallopian Tubes 47. Lymph Nodes (Arm Pit) 48. Sacro Iliac Joint 49. Ovary or Testicle 50. Lymph Nodes (Groin) 51. Maxilla/Submaxilla (Jaw) 52. Tonsils 1.4 Reflexology Remedies: Some illness related to the: Skin: ACNE can be treated by applying pressure on specific areas; liver(19), gall bladder(22), adrenal glands(23), ureters(28), bladder(34), kidneys(25). Also ECZEMA can be relieved by applying pressure on other areas; Parathyroid glands(7), adrenal glands(23), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34). Digestive system: ANOREXIA can be treated by applying pressure on certain areas; Thyroid glands(10), stomach duodenum(18), small intestines(32), transverse colon(26), descending colon(30), rectum(41). GINGIVITIS can be treated by applying pressure on other areas; maxilla submaxilla(51), STOMACHACH can be relieved by applying pressure on this areas: stomach(18), and DIARRHEA NAUSEA by applying pressure on areas; Stomach duodenum(18), small intestine(32), ascending colon(29), transverse colon(26), descending colon(30), rectum(41), lymph areas(6). Circulatory system: HYPERTENTION can be treated by applying pressure on these areas: Head(1), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), ear(8). ANEMIA; Stomach duodenum(18), liver(19), pancreas(16), small intestines(32), ascending colon(29), transverse colon(26), descending colon(30), spleen(20). HEART PROBLEMS can be treated by concentrating the applied pressure on these specific areas: Heart(14), stomach duodenum(18), small intestine(32), ascending colon(29) and IRON DEFECINCY be treated by applying pressure onthis area in the chart: spleen(20). Nervous system: ANEXIETY can be decreased by applying pressure on these areas as in the foot reflexology chart; Head(1), adrenal glands(23), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), duodenum(18), small intestines(32), transverse colon(26), descending colon(30), rectum(41), EPELIPSY; Head(1), lymph areas(6). MIGRAINE can be relived by applying pressure on these areas: Head(1), frontal and temporal areas(4). BACKACH can be relieved by applying pressure on specific areas; Hip and lower back(38), spine(15). Immune system: TUMOR (CANCER) can relieved its symptoms by applying pressure on specific areas; Spleen (20), lymph areas (6), tonsil (52) (also reflex areas relating to the cancerous regions). Respiratory system: ASTHMA can be treated by applying continuous pressure on these areas: parathyroid(7), lungs and bronchi(12), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), lymph areas(6). Also BRONCHITIS can be treated by applying pressure on certain areas such as parathyroid(7), lungs and bronchi(12), adrenal glands(23), lymph areas(6). Joints: PAIN IN THE HIP JOINT can be relieved by applying pressure on certain areas such as adrenal glands(23), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), neck(5), hip(38). INFLAMMATION OF THE HIP JOINT can be treated by applying pressure on certain areas such as stomach duodenum(18), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), hip(38), waist(27), vertebra and spine(15). And Parkinsons Disease can be treated by applying pressure on certain areas such as Head(1), neck(5), parathyroid(7), adrenal glands(23), stomach duodenum(18), pancreas(16), liver(19), small intestines(32), colon areas(26,29,30), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), rectum(41) [14]. 1.5 History of Reflexology: Around the world and throughout history reflexology has been rediscovered and reinstated as a health practice time and time again by peoples around the globe seeking to deal with health concerns. Archeological evidence in Egypt (2330 BCE), China (2704 BCE) and Japan (690 CE) points to ancient reflexology medical systems. In the West the concept of reflexology began to emerge in the 19th century, based on research into the nervous system and reflex. While no direct evidence of direct cross-fertilization from ancient times has been discovered, the practice of foot and hand work in a variety of cultures, belief systems and historical periods speaks to reflexology for health as a universal bridging concept [3]. Reflexology was introduced into the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872-1942), an ear, nose, and throat specialist who called it zone therapy. He used vertical lines to divide the body into 10 zones. Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974) further developed reflexology in the 1930s and 1940s, concentrating on the feet of Mildred Carter and a former student of Ingham subsequently promoted foot reflexology as a miraculous health method. A 1993 mailing from her publisher stated: Not only does new Body Reflexology let you cure the worst illnesses safely and permanently, it can even work to reverse the aging process, Carter says. Say goodbye to age lines, dry skin, brown spots, blemishes with Body Reflexology you can actually give yourself an at-home facelift with no discomfort or disfiguring surgery[4]. Some reflexologists who deny that they diagnose or treat disease claim that the majority of health problems are stress-related and that they can help people by relieving the stress associated with various diseases or body organs. And this type of double-talk is similar to chiropractic claims that subluxations lower resistance to disease and that adjusting the spine to correct subluxations will improve health [4]. 1.6 The benefits of reflexology: Our bodies are endowed with a wonderful self-healing potential. Sadly, this potential often remains unfulfilled because the vital energy pathways are blocked by illness, stress, congestion, injury, and toxicity. By applying a constant and alternating finger and thumb pressure to the feet and hands, the reflexologist induces a prolonged state of deep relaxation. Through relaxation, the body returns to a state of balance (known as homeostasis), as the energy flows freely from fingers and toes to the head, and only then can the body heal it [5]. It has also been suggested that reflexology may help release stress and tension, improve blood flow of the body and promote homeostasis. Anecdotal evidence has shown that reflexology is beneficial in many conditions such as pre- and postnatal discomfort, pain, migraine and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Other therapeutic effects, such as strengthening the immune system, improving sleep quality and wound healing, have also been claimed [2]. Reflexology like other forms of body work, can have a variety of benefits including [6]: Structural benefits: assistance with physical problems such as pain and mobility Emotional benefits: help in providing nurturing and holding Energetic benefits: restoring and mobilizing energy for self-healing The benefits of reflexology in general include [3]: Relaxation Pain reduction Amelioration of symptoms for health concerns Rejuvenation of tired feet Improvement in blood flow Impact on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol; measurements by ECG, EEG, and fMRI) Beneficial for post-operative recovery and pain reduction Enhancement of medical care (e. g. cancer, phantom limb pain, and hemodialysis patients) Adjunct to mental health care (e. g. Depression, Anxiety, Post traumatic stress disorder) Complement to cancer care (pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety) Easier birthing / delivery / post-partum recovery 1.7 The theories behind reflexology: The theory that reflexology definitely works with the central nervous system of the body is built on the studies done in the 1890s by Sir Charles Sherrington and Sir Henry Head, who showed that there is a neurological relationship between internal organs and the skin and the bodys nervous system can adjust to a stimulus. Therefore according to this theory, a pressure applied to the hands, feet or ears will send relaxing and calming messages to various parts of the body from peripheral nerves in the feet, hands and ears [7]. The Gate Theory and The Neuromatrix Theory also explain why reflexology produces relief from pain and stress. The theories suggest that the brain creates pain which is a subjective experience in response to cognitive or emotional factors; therefore ones moods and factors like stress and tension can affect our experiences of pain [7]. Thus reflexology therapy reduces pain by improving the mood and reducing stress. Another theory states that the human body has vital energy and there is congestion or choking of the energy flow which causes illness and disorders in the body [7]. Surgical interventions and medical therapies continue to evolve and offer hope to people with acute and chronic diseases. However, both patients and healthcare staff aware that technology and aggressive treatments are not the only answer to providing care and improving wellbeing. Stone (2001:55) suggests that both UK and US there has been a significant shift towards integrated health care and greater tolerance towards the inclusion of complementary therapies by governments and the medical fraternity. There is evidence to suggest that an increasing number of hospital trusts are employing therapists or allowing volunteer practitioners to provide therapies such as massage, aromatherapy and reflexology. There are also a growing number of research projects reporting on the use and benefits of reflexology and foot massage in hospital wards, managing pain, reducing anxiety, improving perceptions of care [6]. With the fast development of reflexology, now there is something called clinical reflexology, which is an advanced form of reflexology. It covers the application of reflexology within specific areas of clinical practice, including maternity care, and palliative care. Clinical reflexology is adapted to the clients needs using the most effective techniques to help with the clients problems and issues [15]. 1.8 There is an arguing about the use of touch therapies such as reflexology in the hospital, and Ashcroft (1994) has highlighted the stresses of hospitalization with acute illness [6]: The anxiety arising from being in an alien environment Being disturbed constantly for clinical observations and the administration of often uncomfortable medical investigations and treatments. Fear of dislodging intravenous and monitoring equipment Being unable to drink and eat normally Physical discomfort made worse by wounds, immobility, invasive catheters and sleep deprivation Intrusion from noise, light and smells Separation from friends and family 1.9 Where is Reflexology practiced nowadays, and for whom is used : Reflexology, although most commonly practiced in the community (Coxon 1998, Lett 2000) is now emerging as a choice for patients being cared for in mental health setting, maternity care and palliative care settings[6]. It has been suggested in the nursing literature that the introduction of reflexology and other complementary therapies in healthcare settings, could be an ideal non-pharmacological way of managing difficult symptoms, such as pain and nausea as well as reducing stress and limiting anxiety. Aside from the patient feeling the benefits, relatives too appear to gain satisfaction from the provision of reflexology [6]. Identifying when and for whom it is appropriate to offer reflexology present challenges. Currently, provision of reflexology in acute hospital settings is largely on an ad hoc basis, delivered by existing healthcare staff or as part of a pilot or research project (Dryden et al 1999) [6]. Volunteer reflexologists may visit wards and departments supervised by clinical staff, providing only short treatments without any remuneration to selected patients deemed suitable for treatment. Finding a mutually convenient time is important, avoiding mealtimes, ward rounds and at peak visiting in the early evening. Dryden et al (1999) found that the best time to offer treatment was early afternoon, when the ward had a rest period and there were few visitors [6]. 2. Many literature reviews about the studies that been conducted to see the effectiveness of reflexology technique on symptoms occurs in patients with chronic diseases such as cancer and osteoarthritis. A study done by Nancy L.N Stephenson et al. on the effects of Foot reflexology on anxiety and pain in cancer patients. It is a quasi-experimental, pre/post and crossover study. A sample of 23 inpatients from different medical/oncology units in hospitals of southeastern united states with breast or lung cancer were participants in this study. The majority of the sample were female, Caucasian and 65 years old or older who were receiving regularly scheduled opioids and adjuvant medications on the control and intervention day. The patients were divided into two groups randomly. Group A: receiving a foot reflexology to both feet for 30 minute total by a certified reflexologist in the first contacts and group B: receiving the same intervention in the second contact. The pain and anxiety were measured using two instruments; the VAS, the simpler one and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) prior and post the intervention time. The VAS used to measure the anxiety, is a 10-cm lin e with verbal anchors at each end stating not anxious at all to the most anxious I have ever been(McGuire, 1988). Following the foot reflexology intervention, patients with breast and lung cancer experienced a significant reduction in anxiety. Also one of three pain measures showed that patients with breast cancer experienced a significant decrease in pain. An additional study is required to determine the effects of foot reflexology on pain as measured by the intensity sections of the SF-MPQ, the VAS and IPP. There were no significant decreases in pain between the two groups because the crossover design allowed the 23 patients to be their own control; some of them were taking medications to manage their pain. Limitation of this study were the small sample size and the crossover design [8]. When reflexology is provided in a palliative care setting it is essential that the patient is at the center of the treatment process because living and dying is ultimately a unique, intimate and personal journey. Reflexology can offer a means of relieving physical symptoms and of facilitating emotional and spiritual wellbeing, but requires the therapist to practice with awareness, sensitivity, intuition and adaptability. Reflexology cannot promise sustained improvements in physical health but can provide therapeutic touch and the space and attention to support patients in connecting their mind, body and spirit [2]. Reflexology can also be invaluable in helping carers to cope both before and after the death of their loved ones. It is vital that reflexologists acknowledge their contribution within the team of health professionals involved in caring for the person and the family and the need for practice to be based on contemporary evidence-based knowledge. Sensitivity and humility enable the practitioner in reflexology to provide holistic, individualized and appropriate care for people at perhaps the most difficult time of their lives [2]. Another study is done by Miss.Serawal Haera et al. about the effect of reflexology on joint pain in knee osteoarthritis patients on 21 May, 2003. A quasi-experimental research method was used, a sample of 30 knee osteoarthritis patients with pain were selected by purposive method at the orthopedic clinic, outpatient department of Phrae Hospital. Simple change-over design was used in this study to compare the difference of joint pain scores among patients before and after intervention. The subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental period first followed by the control period, and vice versa. In the experimental period patients received reflexology for 1 hour/day for 7 days, and in the control period patients didnt receive reflexology for 7 days. The instrument for data collection were demographic data and information about knee osteoarthritis, the assessment of joint pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and a daily record of joint pain, medication used and daily activi ties. The data were analyzed by using frequency, mean, standard deviation and ANOVA for simple change-over design. The results of this study showed that the joint pain score in the experimental period after receiving reflexology was statistically significantly lower than during the control period. What this study revealed is that reflexology can be use as a complementary therapy to relieve joint pain and decrease drug used for pain relief [9]. In the study by Siev-Ner et al. (2003) the reflexology group demonstrated statistically significant symptom relief in a study of patients with multiple sclerosis. Compared with no improvement in the massage group, scores for urinary symptoms, paresthesia and spasticity were statistically significantly improved, whereas muscle strength revealed only borderline improvement at the end of reflexology. The improvement in paresthesia remained statistically significant at the 3-month follow-up [2]. Statistically significant reductions in the severity of hot flushes and night sweats, measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS), were reported after 6 weekly sessions of reflexology, but no statistically significant difference was found between the groups receiving reflexology and non-specific foot massage for menopausal symptoms in the study conducted by Williamson et al. (2002). In terms of general well-being, both the reflexology and non-specific foot massage groups demonstrated an improvement in the Womens Health Questionnaire (WHQ) score. However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. Similarly, although improvements in the two sub scores (anxiety and depression) of the WHQ were detected, there was no statistically significant difference between the reflexology and foot massage groups [2]. In the study by Brygge et al. (2001), the outcomes of lung function tests including peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the ratio between forced expiratory volume in 1s and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) did not improve after reflexology in patients with bronchial asthma. In addition, the reflexology group was not superior to the sham foot massage group in lung function improvement [2]. No statistically significant changes in patients with irritable bowel syndrome were observed either within or between the reflexology and sham foot massage groups in the study by Tovey (2002). Abdominal pain, constipation/diarrhea, and bloating remained unchanged after the reflexology treatment [2]. Also about the edema of the feet in late pregnancy, women with oedema in late pregnancy perceived less swelling and tightness as compared with the pretest level in the reflexology treated group, according to Mollart (2003). However, there was no statistically significant improvement in mean ankle and foot circumference measurements after lymphatic reflexology. There were also no statistically significant differences among the lymphatic reflexology, relaxing reflexology and rest groups [2]. These studies showed that reflexology is can be used as one of the effective techniques in physical therapy treatments, because it showed an effective results in treating the symptoms of the common diseases that been treated with physical therapy such as pain in cancer, osteoarthritis, LBP, and MS. Reflexology also shows it is effectiveness in pregnancy and childbirth. Women who actively choose to receive regular reflexology during pregnancy have been shown to gain a degree of relaxation that indirectly impacts on the developing fetus [6]. Some women may have been attending for treatment prior to conception and may even have sought help for infertility, subfertility, or premenstrual syndrome. Anovulatory infertility may be resolved through the stimulation of the reflex zones for pituitary gland and ovaries whilst general relaxing reflexology can be helpful where stress and anxiety appear to be contributory factors. Stress, tension, anxiety and fear affect every pregnant woman to a greater or lesser degree [6]. Reflexology can have profound benefits at this time, although whether this is due to physical effects of reflexology, the therapeutic value of human touch or the psychological effects of interaction with the therapist is debatable. Specific physiological disorders of pregnancy can be treated effectively with reflexology or reflex zone therapy. Some physiological conditions respond with just one or two treatments of no more than 10 minutes duration, with no further appointments being necessary. These include nausea and vomiting, constipation, carpal tunnel syndrome and heartburn. Also reflexology can be extremely relaxing, pain relieving and psychologically comforting during labour. Following delivery, reflexology can be used to treat women with physiological disorders of the puerperium, including constipation, haemorrhoids, perineal discomfort and inadequate lactation. Relief from ongoing discomfort following epidural anesthesia, such as backache, neck pain or headache, can also be obtained (Tiran 1996) [6]. 3. The contraindications for reflexology are [10]: If the patient has contagious or acute infectious disease recent surgery of malignant tumor foot wounds, burns or infection deep vein thrombosis/phlebitis pregnancy (treatment should be done with caution to certain reflexes and caution should be taken particularly in the early stages of pregnancy) avoid reflexology when you are using alcohol or street drugs or strong pain medication such as morphine recent or healing fractures active gout affecting the foot osteoarthritis affecting the ankle or foot or severe circulation problems in the legs or feet should seek medical consultation before starting reflexology 4. The recommendations for developing and integrating reflexology in clinical practice [6]: Evaluate hospital provision of reflexology for benefits and find the best ways of delivering treatment through quality research and audit activities. Presentation of conference papers, workshops and poster sessions on complementary therapies, such as reflexology, covering various specialties. Share best practice in reflexology in journals covering a wide range of clinical areas, e.g. intensive care, accident and emergency, and orthopaedics Establish and/or practice in complementary therapy/reflexology networks and specialist interest groups to obtain support and share best practice. Establish and/or practice in a Trust or hospitals Complementary Therapy Committee Ensure that only qualified complementary therapists with experience in managing patient care in the private and public healthcare sectors are employed Support practitioners to complete courses in specialist application Provide and support supervision and management arrangements for all practitioners providing reflexology, for example, by employment of a Complementary Therapy Coordinator/Practitioner 5. Conclusion: Reflexology should not be considered a cure for any condition. It is used to relieve or reduce symptoms, problems, and stress affecting the body. Health professionals should be cautious about a reflexologist who claims that this is a valid way of assessing health or for treating diseases. Even reflexology is not a cure but is a technique to reduce the symptoms associated with chronic diseases. From my perspective, I think that physiotherapist should become familiar with the benefits of reflexology and master this amazing technique so they can use it in their treatment sessions; because it is effective in reducing anxiety and pain in cases of chronic diseases such as cancer. There is very little researches about the effects of reflexology. As such studies were set up to examine the effects of reflexology treatments on cancer, arthritis, LBP, MS and pregnancy symptoms, the results were qualitative and quantitative and showed that there are a number of areas of possible benefit for pati ents with these chronic diseases. But a larger scale study with a longer time frame is needed for a full evaluation of these effects. At the end, I would like to clarify that physical therapy is different from reflexology, but that does not prevent to use it in the treatment of some chronic conditions that are difficult to relief their complicated symptoms by using only physical therapy techniques.

American Prisons

As far as memory could recall, man has continually developed laws to keep resolute civilization along with criminal sanctions to discourage the infringement of those laws. Accordingly, the number of inmates in federal and state penal colonies in the United States has soared to about 200,000 since the 1940s, and at the start of 1997, about 645 out of every 100,000 American citizens lived behind bars (Dakrat 1). However, alternative sanctions during the last decade have become prevalent in the United States, as well as in other western nations.The introduction of alternative sanctions has turned into one of the most significant developments in punishment principles in the country, in view of the fact that it reflects on the victims, offenders, community, as well as sentencing as a whole, in an absolutely different outlook. In a country with the world’s largest prison population, adding up to more than 2. 2 million, and where a number of States allocates more funds to the mainten ance of criminals than on education, alternative punishments are at this time a matter of necessity. Problems Faced By American PrisonsIt is not easy for most people to offer compassion for the millions of convicts incarcerated in the overcrowded prisons of America. A good number of the country’s population even believes that what takes place inside every prison establishments do not affect them. On the contrary, what occurs in prisons comes back to the society with a vengeance. Approximately 13. 5 million people in the country have served their own time in prisons and jails over the course of the year, and in the long run 95 percent of them are discharged back into the society (â€Å"Rising prison problems begin to trickle into society†).Because too many prisons are inhumane, unhealthy or unsafe, several of the released inmates return to the society as more hardened criminals eager to perpetrate new transgressions as well as to blame for spreading communicable disease s, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, etc. , that were not taken cared of during the time that they were locked up. Currently, prison problems involve: 1. Corrections officers and inmates alike are constantly in fear of being assaulted. Even so, numerous prisons still do not report or collect information concerning the assaults, and when they do, the information is generally untrustworthy.2. Education lessens rule-breaking and is proven to cut the rate of recidivisms by almost half (â€Å"Rising prison problems begin to trickle into society†). However, despite the fact that the prison population has doubled since the 1990s, the pace of funding for prison vocational training and education has not persisted. 3. In excess of 1. 5 million prisoners carrying severe communicable diseases are discharged every year (â€Å"Rising prison problems begin to trickle into society†).In fact, a number of penal complex with as many as 5,000 prisoners have no more than two resident d octors. 4. Incarceration can no longer be viewed as the main form of criminal punishment given the growing expenses of both management and construction of prisons as well as the crisis of prison overcrowding (Junger-Tas 9). At this time, America is contending with the menacing economic recession that is acting as a powerful brake on advancing the country’s utilization of large funding in support to resolve the foregoing problems.The development of alternative punishments is therefore the result of the justice system’s exploration for new sentencing strategies to rise above these intertwining problems. Effects of Traditional Prison Sentence Anchored in the findings of the Center for Criminal Justice Studies at the University of New Brunswick and the Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati, unwarranted use of imprisonment has enormous expenditure implications. On the average, each American spends $50,000 annually to keep criminals in prison (Dakrat 2).In additio n, prisons should not be employed with anticipations of reducing illicit behavior. The soaring recidivism rate signifies that the risk of getting arrested and returned to prison does not deter criminals. Moreover, a research points out higher rates of recidivism among incarcerated youthful delinquents than those granted alternative sanctions (Dakrat 2). Incarceration devoid of appropriate treatment, criminals with severe infectious disease, criminal behavior or with mental health disorders are generally expected to leave prison in substandard health as well as character than when they initially went in.The problem can have an enormous impact on communities, since 97 percent of all incarcerated criminals are in time released from prison and live along with the entire population (Webb). Alternatives to Prison Opponents of long-established imprisonment have disputed the destructive potentiality of the punishment because it falls short of addressing the fundamental economic and psycholo gical reasons that lead individuals to perpetrate crimes (Rierden 2).Alternative sanctions, on the other hand attempt to transform behavior of criminals in addition to giving the necessary tools that will help them in not making the same mistakes again when released. Moreover, because of prison overcrowding, this modern sanction will give the country the opportunity to appropriately incarcerate and rehabilitate more serious criminals for extended portions of their prison term. There are basically an enormous number of useful alternative programs.Compensation, restitution, community service, intensive probation supervision, electronic monitoring, and regular house searches, for instance, still endure a sense of redress for the injured party and a sense of atonement to the legal order violated. In addition, there are several new and unconventional alternative programs that as well do not involve imprisonment. The most practical and astounding programs among them are the â€Å"drug tr eatment, and classes and fees: for the rich program† (David). Drug treatment program are aimed for nonviolent drug dependents with prior convictions.Criminals who qualify are required to join in a residential drug-treatment program. Those who graduate were found to be 87 percent less expected to re-offend than others (David). Conversely, while not yet put into practice, the whole idea of classes and fees program is to require corporate offenders to teach in low-income academes (David). Since a number of these offenders have been educated at first-rate schools, they are more valuable if allowed to teach in classrooms rather than be placed behind bars throughout their sentence at the taxpayers’ expense.The imposition of prison sentence should only be selective depending on each circumstances, such as: to protect the public from violent crime; when all other sanctions are incompatible taking into consideration the gravity of the crime; when the criminal is a habitual delin quent; to safeguard the morality of the criminal justice administration; and if the entire sanctions have not effected to conformity with the arrangements set forth in the punishment (Junger-Tas 7). In other words, imprisonment shall only be employed if the gravity of the offense is such that all other punishment is totally unsatisfactory.The Best Alternative The best alternative to imprisonment is one that is less restraining than incarceration yet more confining than conventional probation. Community service intends criminals to work for the advantage of the community, to make amends to the community, as well as to be penalized. Community service is expected to lessen the undesirable effects induced by imprisonment, decrease prison overcrowding, as well as offer a constructive experience for criminals for working in a typical community (Junger-Tas 11).The essential feature of the punishment lies in the supervision and control of the implementation of compulsory orders in the commu nity, instead of confining the criminal’s movement within a penal complex. In the early 1990s, developing countries regarded community service as an official alternative to prison, although it was already practiced in several communities. Community service is designed to punish criminals who are worthy of intermediate punishments.The program is applied to criminals that deserve to endure more than average probationers but not as much as criminals in prisons and jails (Samaha 428). Community service necessitates offender complete within a given time frame a particular number of hours of voluntary community work. In particular, criminals are required to wash automobiles in an agency motor pool, rake leaves or cut grass in parks, sweep up around housing projects or public structures, and clear garbage from playgrounds. Community service in the Federal courts is a special condition of supervised release or probation.However, community service is a commendable alternative for non- habitual criminals who perpetrated minor offenses or requires a prison term of one year or less. Criminals sentenced to community service must be expansively screened to get rid of those with histories of violent behavior. Because of community service, there might be a slight possibility of additional nonviolent transgressions; nevertheless, the degree the program manages to keep nonviolent offenders outside penal complex creates opportunity for the government to imprison and rehabilitate the more violent ones.Community service positively embraces the treatment factor as well on account of cautious matching of offenders to projects and services that constructively relates with their issues (Harding 78). In imposing the program, judges must consider the offenders’ availability and skills, and then match them with works available at nonprofit agencies and government. In the course of performing the community service, offenders are expected to learn how to take responsibilities as well as remunerate the communities they once damaged.However, failure to abide with the community service program results to the re-sentencing of the criminal. Many observers believe that offenders who previously benefited from community services gained confidence, self-respect, and a sense of accomplishment from their community work (Tonry and Hamilton 82). The rate of recurrence of conviction is lower among criminals who had found their experience in community service to be meaningful (Tonry and Hamilton 83). Moreover, rates of recidivism among those who completed the program are not higher than for criminals sent to prison.Not only is community service more effective and compassionate, they are as well less expensive. When both indirect and direct expenses are taken into consideration, an average-sized community service sentence is less expensive than incarceration. Imprisonment costs ranges from $30,000 to $59,000 annually, while community service generally costs only $2,000 annually and up to $20,000 in other alternative programs (Agosin 217). Conclusion The high cost of imprisonment and overcrowded prisons are among the most multifaceted concerns surrounding the criminal justice system.Unfortunately, because of these, prisons make uncertain the successful reintegration of criminals in the community. They transform the imprisoned offender, but the transformation is likely to be more depressing than encouraging. Alternative programs, on the other hand, particularly community service encourage a sense of social responsibility among criminals and permit them to enhance their character in the course of serving the community. Prison alone will never get to the bottom of the crime problems in America.Leaders and citizens alike must be more unconventional and tolerant to alternative programs. Alternative sentencing gives defense lawyers, prosecutors and judges a better range of sentencing options. It is not easy to resolve how much community service serves as a substitute for incarceration; nevertheless, one thing is for sure, that sentencing a non-habitual and less violent offender with community service works out the dilemma of prison overcrowding and saves the country an enormous amount of money. Works Cited Agosin, Marjorie. Women, Gender, and Human Rights: A Global Perspective.New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 2001. Dakrat. â€Å"Alternatives to Prison: Why Imprisonment Doesn’t Work and What to Do About It. † 26 April 2007. Associated Content. 27 January 2009 . David, Ruth. â€Å"Ten Alternatives To Prison. † 18 April 2006. Online: Forbes Magazine. 27 January 2009 . Harding, John. Probation and the Community: A Practice and Policy Reader.London: Taylor & Francis, 1986. Junger-Tas, J. Alternative to Prison Sentences: Experiences and Developments. Netherlands: Kugler Publications,1994. Rierden, Andi. â€Å"Alternatives to Prison Mends Fences and Lives. † 23 June 1991. Online: The New York Times. 27 Jan uary 2009 . â€Å"Rising prison problems begin to trickle into society. † 11 June 2006. USA Today. 27 January 2009

Integrated Case Study: Bandon Group, Inc. Essay

This paper is the continuation of Bandon Group Inc. integrated case study. This part of the case study mines feasibility of an ERP system at Bandon Group and evaluate alternative ERP and CRM packages for Bandon Group and make recommendations for a solution which will meet their needs. Step 8: Determining the feasibility of an ERP system From the description of the executive managers of the divisions, it is pretty clear that Bandon Group has encountered big challenges with the current IT situation. Many of the issues discussed possibly will be solved by restructuring and re-engineering the organization, the business process and by placing the legacy systems with an ERP system. ERP provides the backbone for an enterprise wide information system. A primary benefit of ERP is easier access to reliable, integrated information. A related benefit is the elimination of redundant data and the rationalization of processes, which result in substantial cost savings (Lau, 2003). From the case study, we have learned that the co-owners are requesting eBusiness know-hows, on-demand reports that generates electronic reports, the need to address for more information for tactical and strategic management, the need to standardize business process and the need for more targeted marketing (Sumner, 2005). The dilemma was to decide whether the system should be centralized or decentralized. The implementation of the CRM softwares in the divisions were decentralized and the division mangers were seeking better management  information but they were encountering data relational problem. In general, when we look at the current IT situation especially the use and implementation of CRM and OMD application, it is intolerable. The problem get worse when the company plans to expand its business with the existing situation. The answer for Bandon Group should pursue and EPR solution absolutely is yes. That would be my recommendation. Basically ERP implementation requires organizations to re-engineer their key business in fundamental ways and restructuring the overall organization system because the ERP is there to address business issues and to place the company in a better competitive environment and position. Kumar (2010) emphasize that managers must conduct a feasibility study of the current situation to assess the organization’s needs by analyzing the availability hardware, software, database ad in house computer expertise and make the decision to implement ERP where integration is essential. To decide whether Bandon Group should purse for ERP solution, we should reconsider the benefits of implementing ERP. As Sumner (2005) outlines the benefits. Some of the main benefits ERP he mentioned. ERP maximizes throughput of information Minimize response time to customers and increase interaction with customers, Increase interaction across the enterprise, Improve on-time delivery, Reduce direct operating expense, Increase interaction with suppliers, etc. When we come to the Bandon Group practical case, integration problem was critical for all divisions. Some of the areas that ERP overcome are: Coordination: after implementing ERP, it has been confirmed that ERP has the ability to support coordination across business functions. Database: by implementing ERP, it is possible to integrate data so that data will have the same meaning across multiple functions. Process: after implementing ERP, it has been realized consistent business processes which are based upon an information model. Information: Pursuing ERP makes real-time information consistent Information system: ERP has enabled stand-along systems to become integrated systems. Once again, it is my recommendation to Bandon Group to purse CRM solution. Like ERP, it is an integrated approach to managing relationships by focusing on customer retention and relationship development  (Chen and Popovich, 2003) and CRM initiatives increases competitiveness. Adding to their notes, they said that CRM offers customization, simplicity, and convenience for completing transactions, regardless of the channel used for interaction. Sumner (2005) share their idea. The main characteristics he distinguished CRM facilitates customer contact and call list management, It maintains information on customer contacts in a database and forecast customer’s needs, It organizes marketing campaigns, Enables queries to a product marketing database,  Delivers on-line systems that enables customers to configure products on-line, Handles customers’ services. It my recommendation to Bandon Group to implement EPR firs and CRM follows because ERP provides CRM software. Conceptually, ERP covers all the basic business process but CRM systems focus specifically on processes at the customer interface (Schubert, 2010). The current situation at Bandon Group is not limited to customer relationship or the problem of Bandon Group is not limited to lack of sales and marketing data, the billing system, web enabled support system, better invoice or the integration of the software but the company and its process need overall business restructure and re-engineering because that is all about ERP. Step 9: Determining ERP/CRM design issues Business processing workloads are among the most demanding workloads in the enterprise. These include transactional workloads reflecting the â€Å"engine† of a business’ orders and sales, ERP workloads for managing workflows, and CRM for managing customer relationships and decision management solutions. These workloads need to be available to end users, end customers, and business partners. To achieve that goal, they are typically supported by a combination of hardware characteristics, such as built-in reliability and scalability features, and software characteristics, such as system management and support for high availability. In light of this, my recommendation of ERP and CRM packages for Bandon Group would be implementing Microsoft Dynamics CRM. The Microsfot Dynamics ERP and CRM is designed to help any organization acquire and retain customers (Microsoft, n. d). The software enables to perform and automate common business tasks  including: Easily access information about business records from one place. Schedule activities, track them, and send e-mail. Generate reports. Manage marketing lists. Track advertising and marketing campaigns. Sort customer responses to sales and marketing initiatives. Keep detailed notes and an activity history for each business record. Microsoft Dynamics CRM also can run from within Microsoft Office Outlook. On top of the other benefits and functionalities mentioned above, Rhodus and Paris (2013) said that Microsoft CRM and ERP helps the company in integration by creating one view of customer experience, building stronger relationship and creating customer intimacy, improving management visibility, provide visibility and access to customer relationship, etc. I believe that Microsoft Dynamics is the best software solution for the current situation at Bandon Group. References Chen, I, J. and Popovich, K. (2003) Understanding customer relationship management (CRM). People, process and technology. Business process management journal, Vol. 9 No 5. Retrieved from http://cis.csuohio.edu/~ichen/CRM.pdf Kumar, P. (2010). Successful implementation of ERP in a large organization International journal of engineering science and technology. Vol. 2(7), 3218-3224. Retrieved from http://www.ijest.info/docs/IJEST10-02-07-151.pdf Lau, K, L. (2003) Developing successful implementation plan for issues and challenges. Retrieved from http://iacis.org/iis/2003/Lau_ERP.pdf Microsoft (n. d) Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 User’s Guide. Retrieved from http://blogs.msdn.com/b/crm/archive/2008/07/21/crm-4-0-user-s-guide-now-available-in-pdf-and-word.aspx Rhodus, B. and Paris, E. (2013) CRM & ERP – better together. Retrieved from http://www.bkd.com/docs/webinars/2013/8-21-13-presentation.pdf Schubert, P. (2010) Realizing Benefits from Current ERP and CRM Systems Implementa tions: An Empirical Study. Retrieved from http://www.uni-koblenz-landau.de/koblenz/fb4/iwvi/agschubert/publication/mate rialien/bled-23.06.2010 Sumner, M. (2005) Enterprise resource planning. Pearson Prentice hall, Upper saddle river, New Jersey

Day after day, late students are punished or end up in...

Day after day, late students are punished or end up in detention due to short passing periods. Having short passing periods can make a student’s grade go down or worse when students are late to class. This can be prevented by extending passing periods to 10 minutes. Although the staff at H.P.M.S may disapprove, but in the long run, they will see the effects of having longer passing periods has on students. Because of the short time of passing periods, students at Happy Place Middle School are petitioning to extend their passing period time to 10 minutes. In short, some of the positive effects are that students can get to class on time, and gives students and teachers time to prepare. In addition to that, when the passing period time is†¦show more content†¦And also, the traffic in the halls often crawls at the SPEED OF MOLASSES. Simply to say, it can make you very late for class. â€Å"Students also go to their class missing their books because they don’t have time to go to the locker to get their materials. This makes it worse for students because they are unable to do work† (Abdelmalek). Furthermore into the topic, the 10 minute passing period lets and/or helps teachers prepare for their next period. A longer passing period would prevent students from asking to go use the bathroom, get a drink, or be late, so teacher(s) have the student’s full concentration, â€Å"If your student doesn’t have to interrupt you to use the restroom or get some water, it is going to be a better learning environment for the rest of the students. Without these interruptions you may continue your lesson and have student’s full concentration, instead of worrying about their personal needs† (Medina). And also in addition to that, teachers will have more time to prepare for their next class compared to 5 minutes, so teachers can get coffee or take a break during the passing period. Therefore, passing periods should be extended to 10 minutes since there are upsides and very few downsides, the upsides: Have more time to get to their classes, students can be spared fr om the worstShow MoreRelatedJuvenile Crime Issues in Today’s Criminal Justice System18893 Words   |  76 PagesIntroductory Text for the 21st Century, Eleventh Edition, by Frank Schmalleger. Published by Prentice Hall. Copyright  © 2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. The Future Comes One Day at a Time o one can truly say what the future holds. Will the supporters of individual rights or the advocates of public order ultimately claim the day? We cannot say for sure. This much is certain, however: Things change. The future system of American criminal justice will not be quite the same system we know today. Many ofRead MoreIndian Polity and Social Issue16628 Words   |  67 Pagesconstitutional amendment. India celebrates the adoption of the constitution on 26 January each year as Republic Day. It is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world, containing 395 articles in 22 parts, 12 schedules and 94 amendments, for a total of 117,369 words in the English language version. Besides the English version, there is an official Hindi translation. After coming into effect, the Constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document ofRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesPsychological Resiliency 139 Social Resiliency 143 Temporary Stress-Reduction Techniques 144 SKILL ANALYSIS 147 Cases Involving Stress Management 147 The Turn of the Tide 147 The Case of the Missing Time 150 SKILL PRACTICE 155 Exercises for Long-Term and Short-Run Stress Management The Small-Wins Strategy 155 Life-Balance Analysis 156 Deep Relaxation 158 Monitoring and Managing Time 159 SKILL APPLICATION 161 Activities for Managing Stress 161 Suggested Assignments 161 Application Plan and Evaluation 162