Bullying And Its Effects

Over the next few weeks the posts will be taking a look at bullying. Schools are going into summer break, but not all bullying occurs on the school yard, and its effects go well beyond the school year.

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This article is about bullying and how it can affect kids. Bullying can be classified as direct or indirect. Direct bullying deals more on physical aggression where bullies push, shove, assault or beat their victims to submission. Indirect bullying or social aggression is done by outcasting a person, mocking his personal beliefs, insulting him for his difference or inability. Constant bullying may cause the victim to develop inferiority complex, anxiety, and depression. Bullying does not need to be answered with equal violence. One needs only to think of more ways to avoid getting in a confrontational situation.

There was a recent incident in a school in Nova Scotia, Canada that called the public’s attention. This incident involved two high school seniors who arranged for them and dozens of their classmates to wear pink shirts to show support for another student who got bullied for wearing pink. Their actions have certainly brought light to the problems of a lot of students worldwide – bullying.

Bullying

Bullying is a form of harassment perpetrated by an abuser of more physical and/or social power and dominance than the victim. Bullying is done with clear intentions of causing harm to the target through verbal harassment, physical assault, emotional blackmail, or other more subtle methods of coercion such as manipulation.

Bullying exists in any setting where social interaction is present. This includes schools, workplaces, inside the home, and around the neighbourhood. This may even between different social groups, social classes and even between countries. Like any kind of abusive behavior, bullying is a repetitive act done to gain power or control over another person.

Generally, bullying is classified into 2 types:

·Direct bullying. This includes physical aggression in the form of shoving and poking, throwing things, slapping, choking, punching and kicking, and beating.

·Indirect bullying. This is also called social aggression. This forces victims to go into social isolation. This is usually done by spreading gossip about the victim, refusing to socialize with the victim, name calling, mocking the victim, forcing other people to not socialize with the victim as well, and manipulation.

Why do bullies act the way they do?

Some studies have shown that some bullies do it to be thought of as popular or tough, or to get attention. Bullies may also do it out of jealousy or may simply be acting out because they themselves were bullied. Some bullies are noted to have come from abusive families and neighbourhoods.

After-effects of bullying

Constantly being submitted to bullying may cause a person to develop inferiority complex. Inferiority complex, as the terminology implies, is a feeling of being inferior to others in one way or another. Always being mocked or negatively criticized by bullies may force a person to start believing the lies and second-guess themselves. Victims may also be more prone to developing stress related mental conditions such as anxiety and depression from frequently being bullied.

How does one cope with bullying?

Victims should always keep in mind that they’re not the problem, the bullies are. Victims should not start second-guessing themselves just because of the comments being thrown at them by bullies. Everybody has a right to safety and security. If you’re different in any way, don’t be ashamed of it and stand strong. It’s not your fault you’re unique. Always go out in a group with your friends, bullies won’t be able to single you out if you’re in a group. There’s always power in numbers. You can always just ignore the bully, tell them to stop pestering you, and walk away. If these tips don’t work, tell someone you trust.

Thinking back on how the two senior students had acted upon seeing a co-student get bullied, it’s refreshing to know that even in the age where violence prevails, there are still people willing to help and stand up for what’s right. Bullying has been a long-time concern for schools and parents now, and its nice to hear of people taking a stand for those who are being bullied.

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Are You Prepared For A Natural Disaster?

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With the various types of natural disasters that have taken place in recent years, many people have started to realize that they may not be prepared for such events to take place. While no one wants to think it can happen to them, we have all seen the footage of Hurricane Katrina and it was a reality that this type of natural disaster is something that does happen to real people. Even the fires spreading out of control in California remind us of the types of natural disasters that can take place.

It is important to pay close attention to the warnings that hopefully will be broadcast on TV and the internet if a natural disaster is possible. It is unbelievable the number of people that ignore this information. If you are asked to evacuate the area do so as quickly and calmly as you can. Rescue efforts may not be available for those that remain behind. It is a good idea to have a battery powered radio that you can carry with you to continue listening to the instructions as you are traveling.

You should have an emergency supply kit on hand at all times just in case you do happen to be in a location where a natural disaster happens. Bottled water and canned foods can be stored for long periods of time. You want enough for each family member for at least five days.

Should you have to remain on your own for a few days until rescue teams can reach you these items will help you to survive. The food in your refrigerator can spoil if the power goes down which is common after a natural disaster. Make sure you keep medications on hand for those that need them on a regular basis.

If you have small children in the home make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand for them. Stocking up on personal items such as diapers, toilet paper, and toothpaste can help you to stay healthy during a natural disaster. Since you may be without power for several days you will want to have lanterns and flashlights readily available.

A small first aid kit with essential items can be useful because you never know when someone will be injured as a result of a natural disaster. Do your best to clean the injury and prevent infection until proper medical care can be received for the individual. Many people worry about their pets during a natural disaster but you may not be able to keep them with you during that time. If possible though store food for them as well so that you won’t be sharing the food you stored for your family with them.

A natural disaster can be very scary for everyone, but especially for children. Make sure that everyone is able to get plenty of rest and that children are allowed to openly share their feelings. Too many parents think it is best not to tell them what is going on but that tends to make them more afraid as they definitely know something is taking place around them.

Hopefully you will never have to experience a natural disaster but it is wise to be prepared. Having the essential items in place that your will need can make the difference between your survival after the event takes place. It is a good idea to practice emergency procedures for natural disasters with your family as well.

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Maintaining Up To Date Emergency Medical Records

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Do you know what information you need in a medical emergency?

Does your medic ID, alert bracelet or tag have enough information to save your life?

Being prepared can make a life saving difference in an emergency situation.


Who needs to keep their information available and updated?

Actually, all of us should but very few do. However for those at risk,such as seniors, people with chronic illness, serious allergies or medication complications, special needs children and anyone traveling away from home it is something that should not be overlooked.

Children should also have the proper medical information on them at all times if they have a medical condition or serious allergy.

"In a medical emergency, you might be unconscious or unable to speak for yourself," said Alfred Sacchetti, MD, of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). "That's why it's so important to make sure that medical personnel have access to your medical history, as well as relevant contact information. For example, knowing what medications you are taking could prevent severe drug interactions, and knowing what allergies you have could prevent serious reactions."

Millions of Americans have medical conditions which should be immediately known to Emergency Personnel.

Diabetes (over 13 million), diagnosed heart disease (23 million), alzheimers, transplant surgery, patient's currently on blood thinners such as Coumadin, epilepsy, asthma, severe allergies, cancer patients and medication allergies such as penicillin and other antibiotics are all conditions that should be brought to the attention of emergency personnel.

Additionally, many of us are reasonably healthy but getting older (36 million people age 65 and over) and our list of medications continue to grow with the years.

With over 110 million emergency room visits a year, your emergency information may actually be the most important information of your life.



What information should be maintained?


Here are just some of the things recommended by Edward Stettner, MD, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Emory University Atlanta, GA and other healthcare professionals.



Medical history - Chronic medical conditions

Medications - Including over-the-counter

Allergies - Medications and foods

Surgical history - Include the date, hospital and surgeon

Private physician - Include primary care as well as specialists

Emergency contacts - Multiple contacts with alternate numbers

Miscellaneous - Include advance directives, specific dietary needs, or any other important information.



How can you keep your information available and up to date?

Today you have many options that allow you to have your emergency information available. Which one you choose should be based on your personal needs and risk factors. The "Vial of Life" program is a free program designed for seniors and individuals with serious medical conditions. It provides medical information to emergency personnel who respond to and treat home emergencies. The "Vial of Life" contains much of the medical information needed by emergency personnel, such as existing medical conditions, allergies, medication currently being taken, and emergency contact information. Medical history and emergency information forms are also available on-line from the Mayo Clinic and the American Medical Association. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Emergency Physicians have also created an Emergency Information Form (EIF) for parents of children with special health care needs.

There are also a number of monitoring services available that will maintain your information for you and provide in home alert devices that will dispatch emergency services if the need arises.

These are all good solutions for the home but do not provide coverage when you are away from the house. As a minimum, anyone with an existing medical condition or that has special emergency needs should wear some type of medical ID to alert medics to their situation.


So how do you carry all that information around with you?

Digital technology allows a very large amount of information to be stored on surprisingly small devices. MedicTag LLC has adapted this technology to produce an emergency information device that fits on a keyring. The device is simple to use and works with your desktop or laptop computer. You can fill out the information

form and make changes whenever necessary, always keeping your emergency information up to date. Emergency responders on site with a laptop or at the emergency room can have instant access to your vital information, even if you are unconscious, allowing them to diagnose and properly treat you with as little delay as possible.



Do you need to have your emergency information available?

For most of us the answer is probably yes. If not you, how about a child, parent or other loved one in your family? Considering the possible life saving benefits, it is something that we should seriously consider, for safety and security that affects the whole family. Especially when you consider how easy it is to store and transport the information on a thumb drive or secure digital cards.

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