#17
Greenhouses were once a luxury to have when growing plants, but have now become quite common. Growers like using greenhouses because it gives them an opportunity to “have spring” all year round. If they need a spring getaway in the middle of winter, they can just step into their greenhouse.
Having a greenhouse allows the grower to control the climate and environment that their plants are growing in. Being able to control your plant’s environment also gives you the flexibility to grow different kinds of plants that you would not normally be able to grow in Southern Ontario because of the quick-changing weather we receive. With a greenhouse, you can control the amount of water, the amount of sunlight, and even the height of the plants that you are growing. Greenhouses are also a great way to show off your hobby to your friends all year round! Having a greenhouse provides you with great gifts all year round. Plants make great gifts for Mother’s Day, when someone has died, when someone is sick, or getting married. It’s also convenient to have the plants right in your backyard!
A greenhouse gives both you and the plants the rest and relaxation you both need during those cold, winter months. You feel relaxed when you step within the walls of a greenhouse. You will be less stressed because you know that your plants are well relaxed because they don’t have to deal with outside bugs, children, or the ever-changing weather. They also will not have the chance the getting dug up by critters such as raccoons or possums. They will not (should not) die from over or under watering because you can control the amount of water given to them.
Owning a greenhouse appeals to many people, but many get turned away because of the initial price. Those that look beyond the price agree that yes, it is quite a bit up front, but in the long run, it is worth it, and maintaining it is a strenuous as an “in-ground” garden. Many growers will grow things all year round, and then sell some of their produce to bring in a bit of extra cash. This helps pay for the greenhouse, and the few supplies needed to maintain the greenhouse and the plants; keeping them in tip-top shape.
Overall, I think that if gardening is something that you enjoy doing a lot, then owning a greenhouse is a good investment because it will allow you to do what you love 365 days of the year. Why should you let something like weather slow you down? Buy a greenhouse and re-use the sun’s energy!
References
http://www.gardensheds.greenhouses.arbors.learnabout.info/Advantages%20of%20a%20Greenhouse.html
http://www.ehow.com/about_5105789_benefits-greenhouse.html
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Effect on Climate Change on Fruit and Vegetable Growth
#19
The climate change effects the growth of fruit and vegetables immensely. It's just common sense, any change in the temperature is going to change our agricultural and therefore affect out food suppply. Such uncertainties take place; the degree of temperature increase, precipitation patterns, and believe it or not, the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.
The precipitation patterns determine the water supply for the crops and the ecaporative demand on the crops from the warmer climate. While the amount of carbon dioxide causes the crops to respond from the enriched atmosphere. In addition, the climate change will present the crop production with prospects of benefits and drawbacks. The benefits result in how the area that you live in and depend on the crops you are then growing. Whereas, the drawback will soon reach global warming and there won't be nothing else anyone can really do with our agriculture.
If the climate reaches a spell of rain for several days, the crops will not grow because the soil will then become flooded, but if the climate reaches a spell where there is no precipitation for several weeks, the crops still will not grow because the soil will be too dry and there won't be any nourishment. This just goes to show that the climate must be close to average in you area in order for your particular crops to get the proper nutrition and grow to their expected value.
References
http://www.gcrio.org/CONSEQUENCES/summer95/agriculture.html
http://www.usgcrp.gov/usgcrp/nacc/education/greatlakes/greatlakes-edu-4.htm
The climate change effects the growth of fruit and vegetables immensely. It's just common sense, any change in the temperature is going to change our agricultural and therefore affect out food suppply. Such uncertainties take place; the degree of temperature increase, precipitation patterns, and believe it or not, the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.
The precipitation patterns determine the water supply for the crops and the ecaporative demand on the crops from the warmer climate. While the amount of carbon dioxide causes the crops to respond from the enriched atmosphere. In addition, the climate change will present the crop production with prospects of benefits and drawbacks. The benefits result in how the area that you live in and depend on the crops you are then growing. Whereas, the drawback will soon reach global warming and there won't be nothing else anyone can really do with our agriculture.
If the climate reaches a spell of rain for several days, the crops will not grow because the soil will then become flooded, but if the climate reaches a spell where there is no precipitation for several weeks, the crops still will not grow because the soil will be too dry and there won't be any nourishment. This just goes to show that the climate must be close to average in you area in order for your particular crops to get the proper nutrition and grow to their expected value.
References
http://www.gcrio.org/CONSEQUENCES/summer95/agriculture.html
http://www.usgcrp.gov/usgcrp/nacc/education/greatlakes/greatlakes-edu-4.htm
Greenhouses are extremely beneficial to plant growers. They use them for many reasons. Most plant growers would agree that the biggest reason they use greenhouses is because they give them the opportunity to grow plants all year around. Either if it’s scorching hot or freezing cold, the greenhouse can be set to an ideal temperature that provides the most productive habitat. This allows people who live in extreme climate conditions to still be able to successfully grow their own crops and plants.
Greenhouses also provide protection for plants. They protect them from too much heat or cold and shield them from harsh weather condition like dust storms, blizzards, etc. This guarantees an abundant and healthy supply of plants. This in turn, gives plant growers a sense of security by knowing their crops are in a protected environment and can’t be destroyed.
Another significant reason gardeners use greenhouses is because they open up the opportunity for them to grow a much wider range of plants since they have complete control over the growing environment within the walls. This allows them to grow a larger variety of plants and almost have no limitations. As you already may know, all plants have different necessities and require unique, special treatments that make it hard to keep them alive. For example, there are some plants that require full sun, less sun, lots of water or only a very little bit of water. Since the greenhouse enables all these conditions and requirement to be met there is no reason why a gardener can't grow anything they desire. In turn, this advantage is great for many gardeners because by growing a wide variety of plants they are more likely to propagate and develop new varieties.
As you can see, there are many benefits of growing plants in a greenhouse and it is very clear why plant growers use them. Greenhouses have definitely helped plant growers to be much more productive and have given them the opportunity to grow almost any type of plant with having very few limitations.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse
http://www.greenhousegrowing.co.uk/WhyUseAGreenhouse.html
http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/grnhsgd.htm
http://www.gardensheds.greenhouses.arbors.learnabout.info/Advantages%20of%20a%20Greenhouse.htm
Greenhouses also provide protection for plants. They protect them from too much heat or cold and shield them from harsh weather condition like dust storms, blizzards, etc. This guarantees an abundant and healthy supply of plants. This in turn, gives plant growers a sense of security by knowing their crops are in a protected environment and can’t be destroyed.
Another significant reason gardeners use greenhouses is because they open up the opportunity for them to grow a much wider range of plants since they have complete control over the growing environment within the walls. This allows them to grow a larger variety of plants and almost have no limitations. As you already may know, all plants have different necessities and require unique, special treatments that make it hard to keep them alive. For example, there are some plants that require full sun, less sun, lots of water or only a very little bit of water. Since the greenhouse enables all these conditions and requirement to be met there is no reason why a gardener can't grow anything they desire. In turn, this advantage is great for many gardeners because by growing a wide variety of plants they are more likely to propagate and develop new varieties.
As you can see, there are many benefits of growing plants in a greenhouse and it is very clear why plant growers use them. Greenhouses have definitely helped plant growers to be much more productive and have given them the opportunity to grow almost any type of plant with having very few limitations.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse
http://www.greenhousegrowing.co.uk/WhyUseAGreenhouse.html
http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/grnhsgd.htm
http://www.gardensheds.greenhouses.arbors.learnabout.info/Advantages%20of%20a%20Greenhouse.htm
Sunday, April 18, 2010
#14
Biofuels are fuels which are made from organic products, or living organisms. All biofuels must obtain at least eighty percent of renewable resources to be considered a biofuel. There are two main types of biofuel, bioethanol and biodiesel.
Bioethanol is a type of alcohol which is made by fermenting the sugar in plants. Sugar and starch crops are the main use of this fuel. This fuel, known as ethanol, is used for vehicles in its pure form, but added to gasoline to help with the emissions of the vehicle.
Biodiesel, the other main type of biofuel is made from vegetable oils and animal fats. This fuel can also be used as fuel when in its wholesome form, but is known most for its use as a diesel additive. When used as a diesel additive it helps reduce amounts of carbon monoxide, and particulates.
Although biofuels seem to be beneficial to both the economy and environment, there are cons consulting this fuel as there are pros.
One positive effect resulting from the use of biofuels is the decreasing dependence we have on the depleting fossil fuels. Another positive is the ability for this fuel to replace your existing source of energy such as gasoline for your vehicle, or your home heating, without any alterations.
One main negative when discussing biofuels is the energy required to produce the fuels compared to the energy the fuel itself can produce. Oppose to regular liquid fuel, biofuel consumes more energy to be produced than the energy it can emit. Although biofuels do not produce enough carbon dioxide to add to the greenhouse gas effect, the nitrous oxide produced from burning materials for this fuel can cause a greenhouse gas effect.
Either way we go, whether it’s our current liquid fuels, or the newly produce biofuels; there are still many concerns, pros and cons about the effects both of these fuels have on the economy and the environment.
Refrences:
Pros and Cons of Biofuel(N.D) retrieved April 18, 2010 from Buzzle.com website: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-biofuel.html
Rutherford, M. (June 12, 2009) Biofuels Pros and Cons retrieved April 18, 2010 from Biofuelwatch website: http://www.biofuelswatch.com/biofuels-pros-and-cons/
Biofuel (last modified: April 17, 2010) in Wikipedia, retrieved April 18, 2010 from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofuel
Biofuels are fuels which are made from organic products, or living organisms. All biofuels must obtain at least eighty percent of renewable resources to be considered a biofuel. There are two main types of biofuel, bioethanol and biodiesel.
Bioethanol is a type of alcohol which is made by fermenting the sugar in plants. Sugar and starch crops are the main use of this fuel. This fuel, known as ethanol, is used for vehicles in its pure form, but added to gasoline to help with the emissions of the vehicle.
Biodiesel, the other main type of biofuel is made from vegetable oils and animal fats. This fuel can also be used as fuel when in its wholesome form, but is known most for its use as a diesel additive. When used as a diesel additive it helps reduce amounts of carbon monoxide, and particulates.
Although biofuels seem to be beneficial to both the economy and environment, there are cons consulting this fuel as there are pros.
One positive effect resulting from the use of biofuels is the decreasing dependence we have on the depleting fossil fuels. Another positive is the ability for this fuel to replace your existing source of energy such as gasoline for your vehicle, or your home heating, without any alterations.
One main negative when discussing biofuels is the energy required to produce the fuels compared to the energy the fuel itself can produce. Oppose to regular liquid fuel, biofuel consumes more energy to be produced than the energy it can emit. Although biofuels do not produce enough carbon dioxide to add to the greenhouse gas effect, the nitrous oxide produced from burning materials for this fuel can cause a greenhouse gas effect.
Either way we go, whether it’s our current liquid fuels, or the newly produce biofuels; there are still many concerns, pros and cons about the effects both of these fuels have on the economy and the environment.
Refrences:
Pros and Cons of Biofuel(N.D) retrieved April 18, 2010 from Buzzle.com website: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-biofuel.html
Rutherford, M. (June 12, 2009) Biofuels Pros and Cons retrieved April 18, 2010 from Biofuelwatch website: http://www.biofuelswatch.com/biofuels-pros-and-cons/
Biofuel (last modified: April 17, 2010) in Wikipedia, retrieved April 18, 2010 from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofuel
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Causes and Effects of Acid Rain
By #13
Acid rain is defined as rainfall or other types of precipitation that has a pH level lower than 5.6. Although it looks, feels and tastes like clean rain it can be, and in some cases is, harmful. The primary causes of acid rain are sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides but there are many other causes including ammonium and carbon.
Acid rain has natural and artificial causes. The natural causes include the splitting of nitrogen compounds by the energy that is produced from lightning strikes, and sulfur dioxide released from volcanic eruptions. Out environment can easily handle these natural causes of the pollution. The artificial causes of pollution that occur from human activity account for 90% of sulfur and 95% of nitrogen emissions in eastern North America. These artificial causes include electricity generation, factories, motor vehicles, base- metal smelting and coal power plants. Another major cause of acid rain is livestock production. No matter where the pollution comes from, the gases can be carried in the atmosphere for hundreds of kilometers before they are converted to acid rain so even areas far away from the original cause will see the side effects.
The effects of acid rain and other forms of acidic precipitation seem to be endless. As the acidity of the water increases, plants and animal populations decrease and become extinct. At a pH level of 6.0 crustaceans, insects and plankton decline and disappear. When the pH falls below 5.0 the fish become extinct and mosses take over near the shores. Scientists have already found that in some fresh water lakes and streams acid rain has destroyed life. Acid rain also changes the protective waxy surface of leaves, which lowers their disease resistance. It can restrain plant germination and reproduction and increase soil weathering and removal of nutrients.
Acid rain also affects us personally. The food, water and air that we breathe may have come in contact with the pollution. In untreated water supplies the levels of toxic metals like aluminum, copper and mercury increases. Scientists believe there is a link between acid rain and respiration problems like asthma in children as well as increased illness and premature death from heart and lung disorders such as bronchitis. Acid rain also destroys our buildings and structures.
It is quite obvious that our actions of polluting the environment are slowly killing everything around us, including ourselves. If we are not careful we may find ourselves in too much trouble, and it may be too late to reverse the damage. I believe that if we work together and all take little steps like walking instead of driving and recycling and composting we can save our world.
What Cause’s acid rain? EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency 2010-04-17 http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/education/site_students/whatcauses.html
What is Acid Rain and What Causes it? Environmental Protection Agency 2010-04-17
http://www.policyalmanac.org/environment/archive/acid_rain.shtml
Acid Rain Wikipedia 2010-04-17 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid_rain
Acid Rain FAQ’s Environment Canada 2010-04-17 http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/msc/as/acidfaq.html
Effects of Acid Rain – Human Health United States Environmental Protection Agency 2010-04-17 http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/effects/health.html
Health Effects of Acid Rain: Are There Any? Perspectives in Public Health 2010-04-17
http://rsh.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/107/4/139
Acid rain is defined as rainfall or other types of precipitation that has a pH level lower than 5.6. Although it looks, feels and tastes like clean rain it can be, and in some cases is, harmful. The primary causes of acid rain are sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides but there are many other causes including ammonium and carbon.
Acid rain has natural and artificial causes. The natural causes include the splitting of nitrogen compounds by the energy that is produced from lightning strikes, and sulfur dioxide released from volcanic eruptions. Out environment can easily handle these natural causes of the pollution. The artificial causes of pollution that occur from human activity account for 90% of sulfur and 95% of nitrogen emissions in eastern North America. These artificial causes include electricity generation, factories, motor vehicles, base- metal smelting and coal power plants. Another major cause of acid rain is livestock production. No matter where the pollution comes from, the gases can be carried in the atmosphere for hundreds of kilometers before they are converted to acid rain so even areas far away from the original cause will see the side effects.
The effects of acid rain and other forms of acidic precipitation seem to be endless. As the acidity of the water increases, plants and animal populations decrease and become extinct. At a pH level of 6.0 crustaceans, insects and plankton decline and disappear. When the pH falls below 5.0 the fish become extinct and mosses take over near the shores. Scientists have already found that in some fresh water lakes and streams acid rain has destroyed life. Acid rain also changes the protective waxy surface of leaves, which lowers their disease resistance. It can restrain plant germination and reproduction and increase soil weathering and removal of nutrients.
Acid rain also affects us personally. The food, water and air that we breathe may have come in contact with the pollution. In untreated water supplies the levels of toxic metals like aluminum, copper and mercury increases. Scientists believe there is a link between acid rain and respiration problems like asthma in children as well as increased illness and premature death from heart and lung disorders such as bronchitis. Acid rain also destroys our buildings and structures.
It is quite obvious that our actions of polluting the environment are slowly killing everything around us, including ourselves. If we are not careful we may find ourselves in too much trouble, and it may be too late to reverse the damage. I believe that if we work together and all take little steps like walking instead of driving and recycling and composting we can save our world.
What Cause’s acid rain? EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency 2010-04-17 http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/education/site_students/whatcauses.html
What is Acid Rain and What Causes it? Environmental Protection Agency 2010-04-17
http://www.policyalmanac.org/environment/archive/acid_rain.shtml
Acid Rain Wikipedia 2010-04-17 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid_rain
Acid Rain FAQ’s Environment Canada 2010-04-17 http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/msc/as/acidfaq.html
Effects of Acid Rain – Human Health United States Environmental Protection Agency 2010-04-17 http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/effects/health.html
Health Effects of Acid Rain: Are There Any? Perspectives in Public Health 2010-04-17
http://rsh.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/107/4/139
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Effects of a Sedentary Lifestyle
#6
In this day and age new technologies are coming out daily. Whether these new devices are for work or leisure they help make our everyday life quicker, more efficient and more enjoyable. Regardless of their capabilities these devices are contributing to a major health risk in our society, sedentary. Technology is invented and developed to make our lives easy, safe and fun, but the problem is that many of these things take away from the physical activity that we need to stay healthy. A simple example of leisure technology is television. T.V. bounds many people to the couch for several hours of the day taking away from any sort of physical movement or exercise that they could be taking part in.
Being a couch potato can result in many serious problems such as anxiety, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, and obesity. Also, the lack of movement related to leading a sedentary lifestyle can weaken and shrink the muscles which, in turn, results in a higher risk of injury when physical activity does take place. Being inactive is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide causing 1.9 millions death per year.
Preventing these unwanted health risks is as simple as lifting weight, running or even walking. Cycling is also a safe way to get into shape while preventing the use of a motor vehicle that may be emitting harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. It is highly recommended to stay active as much as possible in order to stay healthy and keep yourself safe from risk of injury or sickness.
In this day and age new technologies are coming out daily. Whether these new devices are for work or leisure they help make our everyday life quicker, more efficient and more enjoyable. Regardless of their capabilities these devices are contributing to a major health risk in our society, sedentary. Technology is invented and developed to make our lives easy, safe and fun, but the problem is that many of these things take away from the physical activity that we need to stay healthy. A simple example of leisure technology is television. T.V. bounds many people to the couch for several hours of the day taking away from any sort of physical movement or exercise that they could be taking part in.
Being a couch potato can result in many serious problems such as anxiety, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, and obesity. Also, the lack of movement related to leading a sedentary lifestyle can weaken and shrink the muscles which, in turn, results in a higher risk of injury when physical activity does take place. Being inactive is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide causing 1.9 millions death per year.
Preventing these unwanted health risks is as simple as lifting weight, running or even walking. Cycling is also a safe way to get into shape while preventing the use of a motor vehicle that may be emitting harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. It is highly recommended to stay active as much as possible in order to stay healthy and keep yourself safe from risk of injury or sickness.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Impact of Smoking On Our Body
Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco that is in cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. One in four people in the world today smoke and about 5.4 million people die each year from smoking. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death to date. People with smoking habits have an increase chance of getting cancer (such as lung cancer and heart cancer), respiratory diseases (such as asthma), and cardiovascular disease (such as a heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure). Also women who take birth control pills have a high risk of getting a stroke. So why do people smoke if it’s going to cause problems down the road? Well in most cases people smoke because they may be under stress and smoking slows your body down which helps them relax.
Smoking causes damage to your body as soon as you inhale. The damage occurs to the cilia in your body. Cilia are hair like extensions that help move cells around your body through fluid (such as blood). Symptoms of smoking include: - coughing
- wheezing
- fatigue
- lack of concentration
- insomnia
- hunger
Smoking can spread diseases throughout your body from head to toe; Mouth: smoking can cause mouth cancer. It can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Teeth start to turn yellow. If there are narrowed blood vessels to the brain it can lead to strokes. It also can cause headaches and lack of oxygen.
Lungs: lung cancer can occur. Smoke passes through the bronchi which can cause chronic coughing.
Heart: smoking can cause heart cancer and heart attacks. The nicotine that’s in cigarettes raises blood pressure and makes the blood clot more easily. There is also a loss of circulation in your fingers and toes.
Organs: The tar in smokes can cause cancer in your throat and esophagus. Smoking causes damage to your kidneys. Also people have a high rate of getting pancreatic cancer.
In conclusion, smoking is a deadly habit and people should know the consequences of being a smoker but the reality of it is no one seems to care. Even though our economy is at a down point right now people still chose to buy cigarettes even though they have no money to buy things that are important like food. All over the world stores sell these death sticks to people legally and pretty soon down the road when the death rate increases, we’re going to have no one to blame but ourselves for allowing this to happen.
#12
References
(1997) How Smoking Affects Your Body
http://www.quitsmoking.com/kopykit/reports/body.htm
Jordan Meyers (1999) How Does Smoking Affect Your Body?
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4564385_smoking-affect-body.html
(2010) Smoking
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/smoking
Smoking causes damage to your body as soon as you inhale. The damage occurs to the cilia in your body. Cilia are hair like extensions that help move cells around your body through fluid (such as blood). Symptoms of smoking include: - coughing
- wheezing
- fatigue
- lack of concentration
- insomnia
- hunger
Smoking can spread diseases throughout your body from head to toe; Mouth: smoking can cause mouth cancer. It can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Teeth start to turn yellow. If there are narrowed blood vessels to the brain it can lead to strokes. It also can cause headaches and lack of oxygen.
Lungs: lung cancer can occur. Smoke passes through the bronchi which can cause chronic coughing.
Heart: smoking can cause heart cancer and heart attacks. The nicotine that’s in cigarettes raises blood pressure and makes the blood clot more easily. There is also a loss of circulation in your fingers and toes.
Organs: The tar in smokes can cause cancer in your throat and esophagus. Smoking causes damage to your kidneys. Also people have a high rate of getting pancreatic cancer.
In conclusion, smoking is a deadly habit and people should know the consequences of being a smoker but the reality of it is no one seems to care. Even though our economy is at a down point right now people still chose to buy cigarettes even though they have no money to buy things that are important like food. All over the world stores sell these death sticks to people legally and pretty soon down the road when the death rate increases, we’re going to have no one to blame but ourselves for allowing this to happen.
#12
References
(1997) How Smoking Affects Your Body
http://www.quitsmoking.com/kopykit/reports/body.htm
Jordan Meyers (1999) How Does Smoking Affect Your Body?
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4564385_smoking-affect-body.html
(2010) Smoking
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/smoking
Forest Fires #1 .
Forest fires can affect the reproductive success of plants and animals. If a animal has young offspring the offspring wouldn't be able to fend for its self in the face of a forest fire. Also if a animal is pregnant with its young then it wouldn't have a very high chance of escaping because it would be very large with its baby's inside of it. Plants reproduction can be affected by the fire burning those plants. It could cause mutations in the plants, or for a very strong plant to turn weak.
Forest fires actually entensify the amount of vegatation on the floor of a forest, also the thick amount of ash that the fire makes helps some plants grow more vastly and faster. So this causes more fires as they are easier to ignite and kills different plants and animals as they cannot live in the fires. Therefore the fire would cause a lack in those types of reproduction and the plants and animals would become extinct.
If a area hasn't has a forest fire for a very long time then new trees can be delevloped that don't have thick bark as most trees which are affect by forest fires evolve and get. The problem with the new tree's is that as soon as there is a forest fire they don't have that protection which makes the new breed more susceptible to being quickly extinct.
Some trees can become dependent on the forest fires to open there seeds in order to reproduce. This can become a problem because if there isn't a forest fire in a long time then the seeds of those trees will not open therefore causing those tree's to become extinct. When species becomes exstinct in can negativly impact out environment causing a chain of extinction.
In conclustion forest fires has a lot of impact on the environment in the areas that they regularly occur. It can be a good impact as long as the fire is containted, but it can also be a bad impact if they don't happen often enough.
References:
1.http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/range/publications/documents/fire5.htm
2.http://ajwaters.myweb.uga.edu/
Forest fires actually entensify the amount of vegatation on the floor of a forest, also the thick amount of ash that the fire makes helps some plants grow more vastly and faster. So this causes more fires as they are easier to ignite and kills different plants and animals as they cannot live in the fires. Therefore the fire would cause a lack in those types of reproduction and the plants and animals would become extinct.
If a area hasn't has a forest fire for a very long time then new trees can be delevloped that don't have thick bark as most trees which are affect by forest fires evolve and get. The problem with the new tree's is that as soon as there is a forest fire they don't have that protection which makes the new breed more susceptible to being quickly extinct.
Some trees can become dependent on the forest fires to open there seeds in order to reproduce. This can become a problem because if there isn't a forest fire in a long time then the seeds of those trees will not open therefore causing those tree's to become extinct. When species becomes exstinct in can negativly impact out environment causing a chain of extinction.
In conclustion forest fires has a lot of impact on the environment in the areas that they regularly occur. It can be a good impact as long as the fire is containted, but it can also be a bad impact if they don't happen often enough.
References:
1.http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/range/publications/documents/fire5.htm
2.http://ajwaters.myweb.uga.edu/
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
#7
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an illness that causes severe inflammation in the intestines. This disease can cause more serious problems then just diarrhoea and pain. It could cause delays in puberty or growth problems in teens with this disease. This happens because it can interfere with the body receiving the nutrients it needs to be healthy and develop the way it’s supposed to.
This disease has two major types, which include Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Chron’s disease happens when the wall of the intestines becomes inflamed (reddens and swells) and ulcers develop. Symptoms include; abdominal cramps or pain, diarrhoea, sometimes with blood in it, fever, fatigue and weight loss. This disease can be less serious to some people, where their symptoms only flare a few times.
Ulcerative Colitis only effects the large intestine. The inflammation begins in the rectum and can effect only the rectum or the part of the intestine that joins it. The most common symptoms include; abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea, but some people can experience; fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss and nausea. Some people have periods where they have no symptoms, and other times they feel sick. Ulcerative colitis, like Chron’s disease can cause problems in other parts of the body like; eye problems or anemia due to blood loss.
IBD is most likely to occur in people in their late teens and their early twenties. Although, kids as young as five have developed this disease as well. It also effects both males and females.
Nobody knows the exact cause of IBD, since 15% to 30% of people that have it have had a relative that had it to, they think that it has to do with genetics but they aren’t positive. Research is being done to find out if it is a gene that makes a person more susceptible to this disease.
IBD can be treated in a couple different ways, Nutritional therapy, more sleep and less stress, medications and surgery. Nutritional therapy, helps you get the nutrients that you lose in your diarrhoea. The doctor may ask you to keep a diet diary to see which foods make your disease worse and which ones make them better. More sleep and less stress, it is important that you get lots of sleep and handle stress in a positive way. Medication, there are a few different types of medications that may help with IBD, these include; anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids), antibiotics to kill infections and anti-diarrhoeal drugs for someone who has diarrhea a lot. Surgery may be needed to remove the damaged sections of the intestine, for Chron’s disease this may have to be done a couple times. For ulcerative colitis they can remove the entire intestine, but this is only done if the medications don’t work, they get a hole in their intestine, uncontrollable bleeding or has developed intestinal cancer.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an illness that causes severe inflammation in the intestines. This disease can cause more serious problems then just diarrhoea and pain. It could cause delays in puberty or growth problems in teens with this disease. This happens because it can interfere with the body receiving the nutrients it needs to be healthy and develop the way it’s supposed to.
This disease has two major types, which include Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Chron’s disease happens when the wall of the intestines becomes inflamed (reddens and swells) and ulcers develop. Symptoms include; abdominal cramps or pain, diarrhoea, sometimes with blood in it, fever, fatigue and weight loss. This disease can be less serious to some people, where their symptoms only flare a few times.
Ulcerative Colitis only effects the large intestine. The inflammation begins in the rectum and can effect only the rectum or the part of the intestine that joins it. The most common symptoms include; abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea, but some people can experience; fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss and nausea. Some people have periods where they have no symptoms, and other times they feel sick. Ulcerative colitis, like Chron’s disease can cause problems in other parts of the body like; eye problems or anemia due to blood loss.
IBD is most likely to occur in people in their late teens and their early twenties. Although, kids as young as five have developed this disease as well. It also effects both males and females.
Nobody knows the exact cause of IBD, since 15% to 30% of people that have it have had a relative that had it to, they think that it has to do with genetics but they aren’t positive. Research is being done to find out if it is a gene that makes a person more susceptible to this disease.
IBD can be treated in a couple different ways, Nutritional therapy, more sleep and less stress, medications and surgery. Nutritional therapy, helps you get the nutrients that you lose in your diarrhoea. The doctor may ask you to keep a diet diary to see which foods make your disease worse and which ones make them better. More sleep and less stress, it is important that you get lots of sleep and handle stress in a positive way. Medication, there are a few different types of medications that may help with IBD, these include; anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids), antibiotics to kill infections and anti-diarrhoeal drugs for someone who has diarrhea a lot. Surgery may be needed to remove the damaged sections of the intestine, for Chron’s disease this may have to be done a couple times. For ulcerative colitis they can remove the entire intestine, but this is only done if the medications don’t work, they get a hole in their intestine, uncontrollable bleeding or has developed intestinal cancer.
How Insulin Pump Therapy Has Impacted Diabetics
Diabetes mellitus, also known as just Diabetes, is a condition that makes a person have high glucose levels (sugar levels). One cause of diabetes is because the body isn't producing enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. The cells absorb the glucose, and turn it into energy.
There are three types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is where the body does not produce enough insulin, causing the person to need to inject insulin directly into the body. Type 2 diabetes is where the body has an insulin resistance, failing to use the insulin cells properly. And the last type of diabetes is for pregnant women. It is called Gestational diabetes, which causes them to have high glucose levels during their pregnancies.
Diabetes can be controlled and even removed. To control diabetes, you can either inject insulin into the body for type 1 diabetes, or take tablets for type 2 diabetes. To remove diabetes completely from the body, you must have a Pancreas Transplant.
Instead of injecting your insulin with just a regular needle, you can get a medical device that pumps the insulin into your body by programming the little machince, to give the right amount of insulin.
For some, the insulin pump is a very good and freeing device. With the pump, you can plan your insulin around your life instead of planning your life around your insulin shots. The insulin pump uses a catheter needle, meaning that you only have to insert one needle once every 2 to 3 days. And for most, this is very appealing. Another good thing about the pump is that it is proven to keep your blood sugars closer to normal the majority of the time then the insulin shots. The pump is an easier, more efficient way to find the right dose, without causing low blood sugar.
On the other hand, there are some people who are opposed to the pump. Learning how to take care of the pump, and how to use it, can be confusing and a bit difficult. Using the needle may seem easier and less of a hassle. With an insulin pump, people find that it is hard to detect when your blood sugar is going low. This could be a major downfall to some. There is also the possibility of infection, and technical difficulties without you knowing. And last, the pump is costly. The pumps cost as much as $6000. Although it is covered by most insurances, there are restrictions and tight guidelines to follow.
Approximately 200,000 Americans use pump therapy, and an estimated 100,000 more use insulin pumps in other parts of the world (as of 2003). The pump is growing worldwide, and people of all ages use them.
The insulin pump can go either way. You are more free to do what you want to do with the pump, but it can be a bit more to handle. All in all, deciding on whether or not to get an insulin pump ultimately depends on your lifestyle. If you are a person who is into sports and outdoors, and maybe a bit forgetful regarding your shot time, the pump would be a good thought to consider. If you are a person who is used to the shot, cannot grasp new technology well, and may be even a bit scared, sticking to the shot may be whats right for you. In the end, the pump has changed and saved thousands of lives.
References
http://www.diabetesmonitor.com/b46.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_pump
There are three types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is where the body does not produce enough insulin, causing the person to need to inject insulin directly into the body. Type 2 diabetes is where the body has an insulin resistance, failing to use the insulin cells properly. And the last type of diabetes is for pregnant women. It is called Gestational diabetes, which causes them to have high glucose levels during their pregnancies.
Diabetes can be controlled and even removed. To control diabetes, you can either inject insulin into the body for type 1 diabetes, or take tablets for type 2 diabetes. To remove diabetes completely from the body, you must have a Pancreas Transplant.
Instead of injecting your insulin with just a regular needle, you can get a medical device that pumps the insulin into your body by programming the little machince, to give the right amount of insulin.
For some, the insulin pump is a very good and freeing device. With the pump, you can plan your insulin around your life instead of planning your life around your insulin shots. The insulin pump uses a catheter needle, meaning that you only have to insert one needle once every 2 to 3 days. And for most, this is very appealing. Another good thing about the pump is that it is proven to keep your blood sugars closer to normal the majority of the time then the insulin shots. The pump is an easier, more efficient way to find the right dose, without causing low blood sugar.
On the other hand, there are some people who are opposed to the pump. Learning how to take care of the pump, and how to use it, can be confusing and a bit difficult. Using the needle may seem easier and less of a hassle. With an insulin pump, people find that it is hard to detect when your blood sugar is going low. This could be a major downfall to some. There is also the possibility of infection, and technical difficulties without you knowing. And last, the pump is costly. The pumps cost as much as $6000. Although it is covered by most insurances, there are restrictions and tight guidelines to follow.
Approximately 200,000 Americans use pump therapy, and an estimated 100,000 more use insulin pumps in other parts of the world (as of 2003). The pump is growing worldwide, and people of all ages use them.
The insulin pump can go either way. You are more free to do what you want to do with the pump, but it can be a bit more to handle. All in all, deciding on whether or not to get an insulin pump ultimately depends on your lifestyle. If you are a person who is into sports and outdoors, and maybe a bit forgetful regarding your shot time, the pump would be a good thought to consider. If you are a person who is used to the shot, cannot grasp new technology well, and may be even a bit scared, sticking to the shot may be whats right for you. In the end, the pump has changed and saved thousands of lives.
References
http://www.diabetesmonitor.com/b46.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_pump
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common digestive disorder that many people around the world suffer from. It is known as “IBS” for short. IBS is caused when the intestines squeeze too hard or not hard enough and cause food to move too quickly or too slowly through the intestines. It is not a very serious disorder and usually begins around age 20 and is mostly common in females. There is no treatment to completely get rid of the disorder, but there are treatments available to relive some of the symptoms. IBS does not lead to more serious conditions, and is not a serious digestive disorder.
Some common symptoms of IBS are bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping. The symptoms can become worse for the person that has IBS if they’re under stress, or they aren’t eating healthy enough. Women will notice more frequent symptoms during their menstrual periods. Although there is no cure for IBS, there are treatments that help to relieve some of the symptoms. Some known treatments or methods are eating a fibre rich diet and managing stress levels. There are prescription and over the counter drugs available, but most of them have their own unwanted side effects.
So what actually causes IBS? Well, researchers have yet to discover any specific cause for IBS. But one theory states that IBS may be caused by a bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies show that people who have had gastroenteritis sometimes develop IBS. Another theory that researchers have come up with is that IBS may simply occur because a person’s colon may respond strongly to stimuli such as certain foods or stress that would not bother other people.
IBS is generally diagnosed on the basis of a complete medical history that includes a careful description of symptoms and a physical examination. There is no specific test for IBS, but the doctor may decide to have the patient tested for other diseases with similar side effects so he can rule them out. These tests include stool sample testing, blood tests, and X rays. Another test that the doctor performs is the colonoscopy, which allows the doctor to look closely inside the colon. If all the tests results are negative for the other diseases, then the doctor can diagnose the patient with IBS based on his symptoms.
In conclusion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a very common digestive disorder. Someone that has IBS will have to deal with it for the rest of their lives. But fortunately IBS does not cause any other serious diseases and its symptoms can be treated effectively with the right foods and good stress management.
References
Family doctor. (2009). Information about digestive disorders. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/digestive/disorders/112.html
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House (NDDIC). Information about digestive disorders. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/
Some common symptoms of IBS are bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping. The symptoms can become worse for the person that has IBS if they’re under stress, or they aren’t eating healthy enough. Women will notice more frequent symptoms during their menstrual periods. Although there is no cure for IBS, there are treatments that help to relieve some of the symptoms. Some known treatments or methods are eating a fibre rich diet and managing stress levels. There are prescription and over the counter drugs available, but most of them have their own unwanted side effects.
So what actually causes IBS? Well, researchers have yet to discover any specific cause for IBS. But one theory states that IBS may be caused by a bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies show that people who have had gastroenteritis sometimes develop IBS. Another theory that researchers have come up with is that IBS may simply occur because a person’s colon may respond strongly to stimuli such as certain foods or stress that would not bother other people.
IBS is generally diagnosed on the basis of a complete medical history that includes a careful description of symptoms and a physical examination. There is no specific test for IBS, but the doctor may decide to have the patient tested for other diseases with similar side effects so he can rule them out. These tests include stool sample testing, blood tests, and X rays. Another test that the doctor performs is the colonoscopy, which allows the doctor to look closely inside the colon. If all the tests results are negative for the other diseases, then the doctor can diagnose the patient with IBS based on his symptoms.
In conclusion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a very common digestive disorder. Someone that has IBS will have to deal with it for the rest of their lives. But fortunately IBS does not cause any other serious diseases and its symptoms can be treated effectively with the right foods and good stress management.
References
Family doctor. (2009). Information about digestive disorders. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/digestive/disorders/112.html
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House (NDDIC). Information about digestive disorders. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/
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