Recommended Treatments for Binge Eating Disorder

Recommended Treatments for Binge Eating Disorder Eating Disorders Treatment Print Recommended Treatments for Binge Eating Disorder By Lauren Muhlheim, PsyD, CEDS facebook twitter linkedin Lauren Muhlheim, PsyD, is a certified eating disorders expert and clinical psychologist who provides cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. Learn about our editorial policy Lauren Muhlheim, PsyD, CEDS Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS on January 30, 2020 Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in weight management and eating behaviors.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Updated on February 18, 2020 Pamela Moore / Getty Images More in Eating Disorders Treatment Symptoms Diagnosis Awareness and Prevention Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, it is believed to affect 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and up to 1.6% of adolescents?? . It is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating without the compensatory behaviors found in bulimia nervosa. Binge eating disorder was only recently (in 2013 with the publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition; DSM-5) classified as an official diagnosis. As such, knowledge about it lags behind that of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. It is important to note that BED is not something new. Prior to the publication of the DSM-5, binge eating disorder was listed in the appendix and could be diagnosed as an Eating Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS). Being identified as a distinct eating disorder means that individuals with this condition can receive more support and treatment. It also may result in further research on the condition and help reassure people that others share the same experience. Although commonly thought to be a “less severe” eating disorder, binge eating disorder can cause significant emotional and physical distress and is associated with significant medical issues and an increased mortality rate.?? CBT for Binge Eating Disorder First-line treatment for binge eating disorder in adults is individual psychological therapy. Manual-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most researched psychotherapy for BED, and at present, the best-supported among all treatment options.?? The most studied form of CBT for binge eating disorder was described in the book Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Binge Eating and Bulimia Nervosa: A Comprehensive Treatment Manual. The book was published in 1993 by Fairburn, Marcus, and Wilson and an update of that treatment, CBT-E, was published in 2008 by Fairburn.?? According to an extensive review of the literature in 2015, there are also still too few studies to draw conclusions about which formats of CBT might be most effective.?? In randomized control trials, CBT consistently shows that it can help many patients achieve abstinence from binge eating.?? In many cases where abstinence from bingeing is not achieved, it can help reduce both binge frequency and eating-related psychopathology (such as preoccupying thoughts about shape and weight). Greater improvements have been shown in therapist-led CBT than in therapies with less therapist involvement such as guided self-help.?? CBT is a time-limited approach that focuses on the interaction between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Key components of the treatment include psychoeducation, mindfulness, self-monitoring of key behaviors, cognitive restructuring, and establishing regular patterns of eating.?? CBT for BED addresses dietary restriction and the incorporation of feared foods. It also tackles thoughts about shape and weight and offers alternative skills for coping with and tolerating distress. Finally, CBT teaches clients strategies to prevent relapse. It is important to note that the goal of CBT is behavior change, not weight lossâ€"CBT for binge eating disorder do not necessarily lead to weight loss.?? Other Psychotherapies   Additional psychotherapies for binge eating disorder have been studied and have shown promise, although there are at present too few studies to definitively conclude if they are effective.?? Interpersonal therapy (IPT), a short term treatment that focuses on interpersonal issues, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a newer form of CBT designed to address impulsive behaviors, are two treatments that have some research support for binge eating disorder. Mindfulness-based eating awareness training (MB-EAT), which blends mindful eating with mindfulness strategies, has also shown promise.?? Medications   Antidepressants, primarily selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have shown to be helpful in clinical trials in reducing the frequency of binges as well as eating-related obsessions. Antidepressants also (not surprisingly) reduced comorbid symptoms of depression.?? Vyvanse, an ADHD medication that became the first medication to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of BED, has been studied in three trials and was associated with reductions in binge episodes per week, decreased eating-related obsessions and compulsions, and reductions in weight.?? Anticonvulsant medications, particularly Topirimate, have also been studied and there is some limited evidence to suggest its usefulness. While the research on Vyvanse and recent FDA approval for the treatment of BED is promising, all medications carry a potential risk of adverse side effects not found with psychotherapy. A thorough discussion with your doctor can help you understand the pros and cons and if any medications are right for you. Binge Eating Disorder Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF Self-Help and Guided Self-Help Researchers leading the 2015 review study, Management and Outcomes of Binge-Eating Disorder, note that “the number of therapists with expertise in CBT for BED is limited.”?? Given a large number of afflicted individuals, this limitation poses a challenge. One strategy to bridge the treatment gap has been the development of self-help and guided self-help treatments for binge eating disorder, which show promise.  ?? Concerns About Weight Loss Treatments Because a significant percentage of people who have BED are obese, individuals with BED have historically sought treatment for and been treated for weight loss.?? While some earlier studies seemed to show that behavioral weight loss might be effective for the treatment of BED, many of these studies were small and poorly designed. A 2010 study found that behavioral weight loss was inferior to CBT in reducing binge eating and also did not result in significant weight loss; they concluded, “effective methods for producing longer-term weight loss remain elusive.”?? Many eating disorder professionals now believe that attempts at weight loss among patients with BED may only exacerbate the problem and further entrench the disorder, causing intense shame and resulting in weight gain. While CBT and behavior change tends to result in weight loss, the main focus of these treatments is not on losing weight. How to Find Treatment   The Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) maintains an online directory of member providers.?? Furthermore, some eating disorder specialists have experience in treating BED. It may be helpful to find a therapist who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Many CBT therapists work with disordered eating behaviors even though they may not specifically list BED. If you are unable to find a local specialist, you may want to consider self-help or guided self-help. The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs

What is Virtual Reality - Who Invented Virtual Reality

The sudden  plethora  of head-mounted display products on  the market suggests that virtual reality is poised to completely re-invent the gaming experience. But while the nascent mainstreaming of virtual reality is relatively recent phenomenom, the technology has been a work-in-progress for nearly half a century. In fact, the U.S. military, NASA and even the original Atari corporation all contributed efforts to manufacture an artificial sensory environment that people can interact with       So what is virtual reality? You know you’re in a virtual reality when your surrounded entirely by a computer-generated environment that can be sensed and interacted with in a way that makes you feel as if you’re really there. This is done by blocking out the real world and using audio, visual and other sensory feedback to immerse you in a virtual one.   Usually this involves receiving imagery input from a computer monitor or with a virtual reality headset. The experience can also include sound played from stereo speakers as well as haptic technology that simulates touch sensations through force, vibration and motion. Position tracking technology is also often used to make movement and interacting in the 3D space as real as possible.   Earliest Devices In 1955, an inventor named Morton Heilig came with the concept of what he called â€Å"experience theater,† a kind of machine that can play films while engaging all of the viewer’s senses to draw the person into the story. In 1962, he unveiled the Sensorama, a prototype that featured a large stereoscopic 3D display screen, stereo speakers and an aroma diffuser. Sitting in the contraption, viewers can even feel the wind blowing thanks to the clever use of the air tunnel effect. Clunky and ahead of its time, the idea died because Heilig wasn’t able to get financial backing to further its development. In 1968, Ivan Sutherland, widely regarded as the father computer graphics, built the world’s first virtual reality headset. Nicknamed â€Å"The Sword Of Damocles,† the device was essentially a head mounted display system that used computer software to project a simple graphic. A unique head-tracking feature made it possible to alter the user’s viewpoint based on the position of the gaze. The big drawback was that the system was massively large and had to be hung from the ceiling rather than worn.   The 80’s The ability to simulate a sense of physical interaction with the graphics environment didn’t come along until 1982 when employees of Atari’s virtual reality division embarked on their own project to develop VR products. The team invented a device called the DataGlove, which were embedded with optical sensors that detected hand movements and converted them into electrical signals. The PowerGlove, a controller accessory for the Nintendo Entertainment System was based on the technology and was released commercially in 1989. During the 80’s, the U.S. Air Force also made use of early VR technology to create a head-mounted device called the Super Cockpit, which simulated an actual cockpit to train fighter pilots. Separately, NASA developed the Virtual Interface Environment Workstation or VIEW to experiment with virtual environments. The system integrated a head-mounted display with the DataGlove and a sensor-equipped full body garment that relayed the motions, gestures and spatial positioning of the wearer. The 90’s Some of the most ambitious attempts to deliver a consumer VR product for the masses took place right before the turn of the century. The primary application this time was gaming.   In 1990, Jonathan Waldern debuted an arcade system that took advantage of VR’s immersion capabilities. His â€Å"Virtuality† line of gaming products comprised of a headset connected to either a sit-down or stand-up arcade pod with built-in controllers that allowed players to explore virtual environments. The arcade systems, which cost 3 to 5 dollars to play, didn’t quite catch on.   A year later Sega launched the Sega VR, a headset for home gaming consoles. Later, competitors launched the Forte VFX1, designed to work with PCs, the Nintendo Virtual Boy, a VR Helmet, and the Sony Glasstron, a stand-alone pair of virtual reality glasses. They were all in one form or another, plagued by glitches typical of new, somewhat unsophisticated technologies. For example, the Nintendo Virtual boy came with a low-res display that caused headaches and nausea for some users.         Ã‚   Renewed interest As many of the devices in the 90’s flopped, interest in VR waned over the next decade until  2013, when a company named Oculus VR launched a crowdfunding campaign on the site Kickstarter to raise money for the development of a commercial virtual reality headset called the Oculus rift. Unlike the head-mounted systems of old, the prototype they came up  was a lot less clunky and featured  much improved graphics technology -- all at  a consumer-friendly price point of $300 for early pre-orders. The buzz surrounding the generating  campaign, which raised over 2.5 million dollars, soon caught the attention of many in the tech industry. About a year later, the company was acquired by Facebook for 2 billion dollars, a move that in effect announced to the world  that the technology may indeed be ready for primetime. And since  beginning of this year, a  polished consumer version can now be ordered  starting at  $599.99.   Along the way, other prominent players have also jumped into the fold as the likes of Sony, Samsung and HTC announcing  their own gaming headsets.  Heres a brief rundown of the latest and upcoming product releases:   Google Cardboard Instead of trying to best other competitors with a device, the search giant chose attract consumers by going low tech. Google Cardboard is simply a platform so that allows anyone reality who owns a capable smartphone to get a virtual reality experience.   At a starting price of only 15 dollars, users get a head mount cardboard kit that can be easily assembled. Simply insert your smartphone, fire up a game and youre set. Those who prefer to make their own headset can download the instructions from the companys website.   Samsung Gear VR Last year, Samsung and  Oculus  teamed up to develop the Samsung Gear VR. Somewhat similar to Google cardboard in that the kit combines with smartphone such as the Galaxy S7 to deliver the immersion environment. The  Samsung-compatible phones are  Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 edge, S6 and S6 edge, S7 and S7 edge.   So what can you do with a $199 helmet that you cant do with Google Cardboard? Well, for one, the Gear headset comes with additional sensors for better head tracking for a smoother sense of immersion and minimal latency. Samsung and Oculus has also calibrated its software and games to integrate seamlessly with the headgear.    HTC Vive Hitting the market just recent is the HTC Vive, which  has been widely praised for offering one of the best virtual reality experiences out there. Packed with a pair of  1080x1200 high-resolution displays, more than 70 sensors  and a pair of motion controllers, the system enables players to maneuever within a 15x15 feet space. The system connects to your PC and includes a built-in front facing camera that blends together real life objects and virtual projections in the visual space. The big advantage the Vive has over Oculus rift is the ability to engage the VR field with hands and body as well as your eyes and head, though it appears that such capabilities will eventually come to Oculus Rift.   The entire system retails for $799 on the HTC Vive website. Currently, a selection of  107 games are due to arrive for the virtual reality format.   Sony PlayStation VR Not to be outdone by its competitors, Sony announced that it will release its VR device in October of this year -- in time for the holiday shopping season. The head-mounted display is designed to work in conjunction with the Sony Playstation 4 and comes equipped with a  5.7-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz.   Its also compatible with Playstation accessories such as the Move Motion controllers and camera, though some reviewers note that they dont work together as seamlessly as the HTC Hive system. What the platform has going for it is the wide range of gaming options that the Sony system can deliver. Pre-orders starting at $499,  through retailer Gamestop, sold out within minutes.    .

Everyone In The World Has Had Something Or Someone Relatively

Everyone in the world has had something or someone relatively close to them that has left an everlasting influence. H.G. Wells is no different than the rest of the world. There were many events and people in his adolescent life that inspired him to become a very successful, wealthy writer. More importantly, they inspired him to write his first, most successful novel, The Time Machine. His novel, The Time Machine, was written under the influence of his unique childhood that sparked his interest in literature, his family and social standing that strongly affected the foundation of his work, and from his fascination for science and the ideas of successful scientists. Wells had an interesting upbringing that influenced the highly successful†¦show more content†¦Most of the time, a person gets most inspiration from a person close to them, more specifically a loved one. H.G. Wells was no different. The influence from Wells’s mother and father, as well as his upbringing, is undoubtedly present throughout The Time Machine. He was born in the Victorian era where the common folks barely made enough money to survive, and the upper class flourished with more money than anyone could ever imagine. The Wells family happened to fall into the struggling middle class. His mother was a housekeeper, and his father was a poor businessman. His influence from the continuous class struggle is evident in his novel, especially through his characters. H.G. Wells’s family and social life had a very big impact on his novel The Time Machine. His entire life he struggled with his social class. He portrays much of that struggle into his novel. A reader can sense his struggle when reading The Time Machine because it is clear that Wells mocks the rich, upper class in his work. His feelings towards the future societies are very evident in his main character, the Time Traveler. The Time Traveler was a very smart, intellectual upper class man. In the novel, he predicts two futures for society. Though in the story, the societies are presented as the Time Traveler’s predictions, they are in fact H.G.Wells’s idea of evolution of the social classes. He predicted that the rich would evolve into wonderful, intricate creatures, while the poor would deteriorateShow MoreRelatedDiversity Assignment : Washburn Diversity902 Words   |  4 PagesDiversity Assignment Washburn values diversity as it serves to make the world more interesting and creates a well-rounded learning environment that promotes intellectual curiosity. I feel that the most important aspect of the Washburn diversity statement is creating that well-rounded learning atmosphere. It encourages students to form their own opinions about the world and not simply listen to what anyone tells them. 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Some do it in order to fit with other people, other because they are afraid that people will see them as some kind of freaks. In the Novel, we can appreciate how the clones do not know how to interact with the real world, due to the fact that they haven’t been outside Of HailshamRead MoreWhat The Everyone ` S A Winner Concept1595 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Let first establish what the everyone`s a winner concept is in the most basic terms. It can be put into simple terms using a example like sports. With the everyone s a winner concept mindset in sports, everyone who shows up gets a reward just for showing up to the game with you gear on. The score and outcome of the game doesn t not matter with this mindset. The winners and the quote on quote losers all get the same treatment as if they won. Everyone gets a trophy in this case. A prime exampleRead MoreEssay On Discrimination In To Kill A Mockingbird859 Words   |  4 PagesEveryone has the power to alter people’s worlds. The change could be for better, or for worse. Overarching equality is something most societies strive to achieve. But, humans’ bias makes that very difficult, especially if the person decides to succumb to their opinions, accept them, and act on them. No matter what race or background someone is from, they deserve to be treated just like everyone else. Society usually affects natural biases. Influenced by society, prejudice is the theme which prevailsRead More Deviant Behavior Essay1058 Words   |  5 PagesDEVIANT BEHAVIOR nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Just about everyone has done something that someone else disapproves of. In fact, almost all of us have done something we ourselves have reservations or second thoughts about. Perhaps we’ve stolen something, or told a lie, or gossiped about another person in an especially nasty way. Maybe on occasion we’ve gotten drunk, of high, or driven too fast, or recklessly. 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Information About Videocon Co. Free Essays

The Videocon group has an annual turnover of 4 billion USD, making it the largest consumer electronic and home appliance companies in India. Since 1998, it has expanded its operations globally, especially in the Middle East. [1] Today the group operates through six key sectors: The Brand Trust Report, 2011 has ranked Videcon as the 42nd most trusted brand in India among the top 300 brands. We will write a custom essay sample on Information About Videocon Co. or any similar topic only for you Order Now [edit]Consumer electronics In India the group sells consumer products like Colour Televisions, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, Refrigerators, Microwave ovens and many other home appliances, selling them through a Multi-Brand strategy with the largest sales and service network in India. [3] In India after LG entering into market Videocon was not able to stand in market with such a tough Competitor and it has seen a down fall in profits and faced a huge loss. [edit]Mobile Phones In November 2009 Videocon launched its new line of Mobile Phones[4]. Videocon has ever since launched a no. f Innovative handsets ranging from Basic Colour FM phones to High End Android Devices. And in February 2011, Videocon Mobile Phones launched the revolutionary concept of ZERO paise per second with pre-bundled simcards of Videocon mobile services along with 7 of its Handset Models. [edit]Colour picture tube glass Videocon is one of the largest CPT Glass manufacturers in the world, operating in Mexico, Italy, Poland and China.. [ edit]Oil and Gas An important asset for the group is its Ravva oil field with one of the lowest operating costs in the world producing 50,000 barrels of oil per day. 5] [edit]DTH Main article: Videocon d2h In 2009, Videocon launched its DTH product, called ‘d2h’. As a pioneering offer in the Indian DTH market, Videocon offered LCD TVs with built-in DTH satellite receiver with sizes 19†³ to 42†³. This concept in the DTH service is relatively new in the presence of other players like ZEE tv’s Dishtv, Tata Sky, Air tel Digital Tv and Reliance’s BIG TV providing only the set top box. [edit]Telecommunication Videocon Telecommunications Limited has license for mobile service operations across India. It launched its services on 7 April 2010 in Mumbai. How to cite Information About Videocon Co., Papers

Sport in Nigeria Essay Example

Sport in Nigeria Essay At the tenth Nigerian University Games in 1984, 257 athletes from 17 of the 24 Nigerian universities were interviewed to determine their perception and rating of the problems influencing the development of sport at Nigerian universities. Thus, many problems of university athletes, especially concerning the administration, academic education, training programs and the lack of material and human resources, were reported. As a result of this study 14 recommendations are listed to improve university athletics and, by doing so, sport in general in Nigeria. Thus, they demand an improvement of physical education in secondary schools, the establishment of departments of physical education at all universities and better facilities and more frequent competitions for university athletes. †¢ CiteULike †¢ Complore †¢ Connotea †¢ Del. icio. us †¢ Digg †¢ Reddit †¢ Technorati †¢ Twitter Whats this? Introduction/Rationale Sport is made for the people and vice versa. In fact sport has been described as the opium of the people, as it can make them forget their worries, problems and sorrows as well as forgive their enemies. No wonder then that many governments all over the world have usually utilized sport as a means of unifying the populace during times of strive, rebellion or uprising. Sport can also be used to galvanize the populace to support policies and legislations that would have ordinarily been rejected. Multi-ethnic societies where their constituent ethnic groups are always at daggers drawn with each other can also employ sport, as a means of inculcating cooperation, friendship and good neighbourliness in their citizens. We will write a custom essay sample on Sport in Nigeria specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Sport in Nigeria specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Sport in Nigeria specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer All the abovementioned, are possible because sport is perhaps the most potent social integration force available to individuals, institutions, governments etc. ‘Citus, Altius, Fortius’, meaning ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’ – the motto of the Olympic Games ably describes why sportsmen/women from most nations of the world gather every leap year to contest in various sports of the Games. The contest is usually very dramatic and keen, and it is the wish of every nation to win some laurels during the Games. Towards this end, no stone is usually left unturned because, sports, especially on the international competitive front has gone beyond mere competition between individuals or groups of individuals representing their nations. The nations now take part in competitions to win and, a lot of money, energy and strategy go in to ensure victory. This is because sport has become a powerful and veritable political tool. It is therefore not surprising that nowadays one of the greatest and fastest springboards by which nations or individuals can achieve world eminence is through active, purposeful and result-oriented participation in sport at the international level. Developing nations of the world without the pecuniary, manpower and armaments’ prowess of super powers have always managed to use sport to raise their ‘tiny’ voices when important points are made or sought in the intricate and ever becoming sophisticated political arena. Take for example Nigeria; she spearheaded the dismantling of apartheid in Zimbabwe and South-Africa. Probably the most powerful weapon used by Nigeria and her allies, was sport. The boycott of International Games like the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton and the 1976 Olympic Games in Canada championed by Nigeria, went a long way in breaking the backbone of ‘apartheid’ policies as well as ‘unilateral declaration of independence’. Individuals have also used sport to limelight societal problems or gain political despotism. The â€Å"Black power Salute† of the Mexico 1968 Olympics readily comes o mind. On the local scene in Nigeria, the likes of Late Chief M. K. O. Abiola, Chief Jim Nwobodo (former Team Manager of the Rangers International Football Club of Enugu), Chief Samuel Ogbemudia (the sporting-Governor of the Old Midwest State), Senator Osakwe (proprietor of the former Flash Flamengoes Football Club of Benin City) etc. are examples of individual s who have successfully utilize sport to gain political prominence and, power. Political voice aside, sports is now big business, a multi-billion â€Å"U. S. A. dollar† one, especially the professional sports. Individuals get rich and become comfortable for life through sports’ participation. Industries now churn out memorabilia (tee-shirts, face caps and other sportswear) in thousands for sale to fans. We must also not forget the manufacture of sports equipment and supplies, which on their own are money-spinners for their manufacturers. Sport also provides means of livelihood to the following categories of individuals: coaches, managers, grounds-men, administrators and secretarial workers, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, nutritionists, factory workers, journalists etc. Sport, therefore, supports quite a numerous numbers of individuals all over the world. Suffice it to mention that some nations especially in the third world realize a substantial part of their GNP from a few sport practitioners! In Nigeria today, the economic gains that our ‘sport exports’ (Nigerians playing professional sport abroad) have brought into the country cannot be easily quantified. Apart from these professionals directly supporting their parents/siblings/extended families/friends financially, some of them have set up businesses, which employ some Nigerians. Professional sports in Nigeria though in its rudimentary stage, can also boast of contributing to Nigeria’s economy through the employment of both athletes, coaches and, support staffs. Other related commercial/business concerns include tourism industry, hospitality industry, soft-drinks manufacture etc. Sports could also be seen as entertainment; in this regard, it is also a big money earner, with spectators, the media, and sales of memorabilia being major sources of income. A healthy mind they say, resides in a healthy body. This saying aptly captures the relationship between active participation in sports (even for leisure sake only) and, staying healthy. Any Nation, whose citizens engage in sporting activities to stay fit, can always be sure that her citizens will generally be healthy. This translates into less governmental expenditure on health care, especially prevention and treatment of behavioural pathogen induced illnesses such as Cardiovascular Heart Diseases of all types (CHD). Also, productivity across all spheres of human endeavours will be enhanced, with less and less individuals staying off work due to illness. Another benefit derivable from participation in sport is education of the mind. Sports build character. It is therefore not surprising that sports inculcate in practitioners such qualities as cooperativeness, resilience, nationalism, discipline, friendship, fair-play etc: usually, sports are played with strict guiding rules and OGRP Main Report 17-3 Health regulations; with other individuals either as co-actors or adversaries; and also, sport is an avenue to burn off excess energy and keep youths away from mischief. From the above brief description of some benefits derivable from sports, one can easily see that sports is big, it is borderless and therefore, should not be taken lightly. Where Are We Now? The problems associated with sports in our State (as well as other states of Nigeria) will serve to highlight our present position with regards to sport and sport development. The following are those problems: (i) Sport is currently separated from other areas without seeing the relationship or link between these other areas and sport. These areas include Health, Education, Tourism and the Hospitality Industry etc. Sport can complement all the areas, it can also stimulate and generate development and so doing, move these areas forward faster and further. (ii) There is a lack of appreciation of what sport can concretely contribute to the society. It is therefore perceived as recreation (which is just a part of sport). This has resulted in the lack of specific programmes/policies to guide sports development/promotion. Serious attention is usually not paid to sport, thereby relegating it to mere mentioning when policies on the Economy, Education, Health etc. are formulated. iii) Lack of adequate funds to promote sports and recreation. The little funds available are usually not judiciously spent because of lack of specific policy on sport. The state has very little funds to spend on many ministries and parastatals (and some of these institutions occupy higher positions than sports in the pecking order). This paucity of funds means that there are no adequate facilities, equipments and infrastructure s in both the society at large and in our schools too. (iv) It can be said that sport has been de-emphasized in schools. Perhaps this neglect of sports in schools has led or contributed to (a) a decline in the state’s performance at National and International competitions: (b) moral decadence in schools. No education is complete without sports. In fact we short-change ourselves when our children go to school and do not have the opportunity to take part in sports thereby being denied of all the abovementioned character-building benefits from sports’ participation. Where Do We Go From Here? There is the need for a policy on sport and recreation. Such a policy must take care of the following: 1. Ensuring first and foremost that sport is not isolated. Its link with other significant vital areas such as Health, Education, Hospitality Industry, Tourism, Culture etc. must be emphasized. 2. Popularizing sport and recreation at the grass root level. Schools (both primary and secondary) must be seen as existing vehicles for such a development and therefore, must be concentrated upon. 3. Provision of playing grounds and other not-too-expensive sports’ equipment in each school (or, where this is impossible, jointly-owned and used facilities, can be put in place) 4. Provision of equipment for training at the grassroots. This can be supported with the help of artisans (welders, fabricators, architects etc) who will put in place creative and ingenious projects to provide basic training equipment, fabricated from local materials (sometimes disused objects like tyres, engine parts etc. ) This can even generate self-employment for these artisans. 5. Motivating individuals at different tiers of the society to participate in sport by enticing them with incentives in the first place. A classical example is the provision of footballs (an incentive) to each school: one can bet that such balls will be kicked around. If the kicking around requires clearing a space and using it as a pitch, it will most likely be done etc.!!! 6. Creating an event(s) within the State and getting everybody within the state to participate. If necessary inter-primary school sports in all Local Government Areas (LGAs) can be started, inter- LGA games also etc. LGAs can even be zoned into a manageable number (4–8 say) and, such competition therefore becomes inter-zonal. Such a sporting event will generate activities across the state, as mentioned above under facilities, infrastructures etc. 7. Bidding to host National and International Sporting Competitions. The bigger the event, the more the prospect of feasible rewards. For example, hosting the National Sports Festival and, linking it with other development areas such as Health, Utilities, Facilities, Tourism etc. OGRP Main Report 17-5 Health 8. Bringing in consultants where applicable to plan, source and ensure adequate corporate sponsorship for sport projects because the government cannot do it alone. Such consultancy projects will also include ensuring that the state government gets adequate publicity and mileage derivable from such etc. 9. Creating employment opportunities for youths coming out of school: e. . in the conceptualization/design of training equipment (cheap and functional items for training at grass root level). Also, employment as training officers/ administrators grounds men etc. 10. Looking at the possibility of sports as an industry e. g. – creating sport/tourism centers (currently the Obasanjo Farms Complex is used as a camping site for many National teams) . Such centers could be developed to include cheap and comfortable accommodation facilities (boarding and lodging). The manufacturing of non-technical equipment from local raw materials e. g. batons, bats, clothing etc. 11. Concentrating on sports where the state has the talent, interest and could also be started and are inexpensive to operate. The fun and joy that comes with participation will entice many and from there, some talents can be discovered and later groomed for stardom. Conclusion The state has produced notable personalities in sports both athletes and administrators. Natural talents waiting to be harnessed and developed abound. It is only the incentive to participate that is needed and this can be ensured by spending the meagre resources allocated to sports judiciously in providing facilities and amenities at the grassroots. Sports is too big a motivator and energizer of development to be ignored. Abstract Facilities are very central to meaningful sports participation whether in School sports, amateur, recreational or competitive status. They are as important to the athletes as the laboratories are to the scientists. Without facilities sports cannot take place. This does not however imply that sports facility is the only variable that is necessary for sports participation; others such as equipment, supplies, finance to mention a few are indispensable complements to sports facilities. Having said this, the availability, adequacy, standard, funding, maintenance, supervision, safety, location and accessibility of sports facilities deserve adequate attention for sports facilities to contribute to excellence in sports participation. The thrust of this paper therefore is to discuss the problems sports facilities pose to school sports in Nigeria with the aim of drawing attention of the government to finding solutions to the identified lapses of sports facilities in school sports. It should be obvious to everyone who recognizes sports as a vital instrument of nation building that sports in Nigeria today is running on low current with declining fortunes. This was a high voltage sector whose contributions to nation building through sterling performances of our youths, made everyone proud, but not any more. In recent times, the downturn of sports in Nigeria has been signposted by our poor showing in Berlin-World Athletics championship and poor run in Football World Cup qualifiers, among others. Nigerian sports should fall no more. It is now time to pull our sports in the upward direction. To achieve this goal, all institutions connected to Sports must work towards eliciting quality performances at the world stage. Quality performances at the world stage can be achieved by a reinforcement of the domestic input of institutions that impact on sports. It is the low interface of these institutions that has largely brought sports in Nigeria to its knees. The institutions under reference are: 1. Government at all levels (Executive arm) 2. Sports Agencies 3. Educational Institutions 4. Legislative arms of government . Private sector Institutions 6. Mass Media. It is my belief that the hisses and tears we experience at home and abroad due to poor performances of our athletes and the consequent unfulfilled expectations can disappear if these institutions complimentarily pull together in the productive management of sports in Nigeria. Are we looking sincerely for the solutions to the problems of low and unbefitting perfo rmances of Nigerian athletes? We should not look into the sky in despair. The solution is domiciled in the listed institutions. So, what do we now do? First, it has to be well understood that Governments at all levels constitute the guarantor for sports development as in the other sectors of nation building. Introspectively therefore, are Nigerian Governments at all levels squaring up combatively to lift up sports? Are government agencies established for Sports development, coping effectively? Do Governments at all levels make the kind of budgetary provisions that a giant of Africa would need to lift and inspire youths to go for Gold in World competitions? Have governments at all levels professionalized Sports management? In some government sports agencies you still find officers without sports professional education and training serving as Heads of Sports departments. So how do such people effectively run programmes and make decisions that can productively impact sports in terms of performance. The legislative arm of Government is also a source of problem. For example, the bill for the establishment of the National Sports Commission may not have been passed into law since 2007 after rigorous debates and public hearings. If there is an act of the National Assembly on Sports, it raises the momentum of Sports activities at the National level. It details out roles and responsibilities of Government Sports Agencies and infact specify the role of Government in Sports development. It will also energize and give teeth to the implementation of Sports polices. As many of these enabling instruments remain hanging you can begin to appreciate why sports is the way it is in the land. At the State and Local Council levels, Sports is largely tied to the onset of the national Sports festival. Developmental sports programmes are anaemic. A strong developmental sports framework is the bedrock of sports prowess at the national and in turn international levels. To worsen matters, some of the athletes who trickle to national sports federations are not usually prepared effectively by the federations to represent Nigeria due to budgetary constraints. Infact, many sports federations are unable to effectively represent Nigeria in international competitions. Boxing Federation had to reduce selected boxers to three for a Milan-based competition, recently. Our story therefore, is lack of functional and effective linkage between the bottom layer of sports activities and the top and the incapacitation of federations to run their programmes and effectively participate in high profile competitions. Yet, we will be required to take national contingents to big time tournaments and championships. Unlike other counties of the world where Sports has taken its rightful place, educational institutions in Nigeria are known to be lukewarm about Sports from primary to tertiary levels. These institutions which constitute the source of socio-cultural development of Youths have not been able to be an effective source of supply of skilled athletes for Nigeria. The chronic severance of Educational Institutions from the Sporting grid of Nigeria is a major setback for the actualization of our desired Sports performance standard at the World Stage. There are many Usain Bolts in our educational system waiting to be discovered and nurtured. This is possible with the teaching of physical education and sports through a Sports designed curriculum and competitive sports programmes. It also means that basic sports facilities must be provided in Primary and Secondary Schools. It further means that Universities and other higher institutions must shape up to develop athletes emerging from the lower levels of schooling. This is not happening to any meaningful extent at the moment. This illustration of the impotence of educational institutions is a poor link in the production chain of competent athletes in Nigeria. It has often been argued that Governments do not have enough capacity in terms of resources to develop sports. A quick reference is made to funding. I believe that the Governments at all levels, first of all must demonstrate absolute will power to develop Sports. I am personally not so sure if this is happening in Nigeria. But if Nigeria is going to show to the World in future that it has become a member of the Club of twenty richest nations, sports remains a potent factor. Korea and China have hosted the Olympic Games when they did, partly to show the World their new status in the comity of nations, using sports as instrument. Conversely the continuing poor performance of our athletes, in Global Sports events, believe it or not, tells our story beyond the sports field. A prosperous nation is also s sporting nation. Don’t you think so? If our athletes prove their mettle on the global stage, it says something about Nigeria, beyond the shining medals with which they are decorated. It says something about our competitiveness, good governance and productivity of our nation. The benefits of superior athleticism to a nation are inestimable. The private sector institutions must rise up and make their impact felt. I have heard of the worn-out argument about lack of trust. They often say, they are not sure of proper utilization of inputs if and when given. Government has now provided tax incentives for companies who support sports. This can be helpful. Most big companies only want to do football. This is not right. Companies can adopt athletes, boxers etc and develop them. They can build sports infrastructure in schools and Local Council areas in the same way that they build philanthropic social amenities. A company like Glo, MTN or Shell or even a Bank can volunteer to help Nigeria win an Olympic gold Medal in a particular Sport and partner with respective federations to achieve this goal. It is the duty of the media to continue to set the agenda and help Nigerian sports find its bearing through its informative, educative and watchdog roles.

100% Complete LinkedIn Profiles A Dilemma for Job Seekers

100% Complete LinkedIn Profiles A Dilemma for Job Seekers In my How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile webinar on June 22, 2012, delivered for ilostmyjob.com, an important question arose: If you are a job seeker, how should you complete the â€Å"current position† item in your profile? LinkedIn presents job seekers with a dilemma: The site requires an â€Å"up-to-date current position (with a description)† for a 100% complete profile (see Profile Completeness list on LinkedIn); and according to LinkedIn, 100% complete profiles are 40 times more likely to be viewed. But if you are a job seeker, you might not have a current position other than â€Å"job seeker.† Should you create a â€Å"filler† job description to be 100% complete? Or should you hope that 95%-or-so complete is enough? Adding to this dilemma is that recruiters, according to experts in the careers industry, do not like to see made-up job descriptions in the current position spot. They prefer for job seekers to call a spade a spade, i.e., leave the current position description blank if they are not employed. Resume and LinkedIn profile writers come down on multiple sides of this issue. There are upsides and downsides to all of these options; in the end, let the numbers (how many people find you, view your profile and contact you) guide your choice. Option #1 One camp says to put something in the current position field indicating you are a job seeker. You might give yourself a job title such as â€Å"Target position: VP Operations,† or â€Å"Seeking next opportunity as Graphic Designer.† You can then write a description of what you offer that adds to what you wrote in your Summary. In the company name field, you might enter â€Å"- â€Å"or â€Å"Seeking next opportunity.† Option #2 Some people recommend putting volunteer work as your current position, or your â€Å"job† as Manager of a LinkedIn group. I would not recommend either solution unless your volunteer or group manager work is close to full-time. There is a section you can add on LinkedIn called Volunteer Activities and Causes. That is the most appropriate spot in which to put your volunteer activities. Option #3 A third camp says to leave the current job description blank if you don’t have a job, and to complete as many parts of the profile as possible. If your profile is 95% complete, you should still do well in searches. The Essay Expert’s Recommendation You might want to try both Option #1 and Option #3. I wouldn’t recommend Option #2. The great thing about LinkedIn profiles is that you can always change them and do different things to see what works best for you. Try this: (1)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Write a current position that says, for example, â€Å"Target Position: General Manager, Automotive† or â€Å"Seeking Opportunities as Financial Analyst†   or â€Å"Program Manager   Candidate† and track how many people view your profile and how often you are appearing in search results (this information can be found on your home page in the right-hand column). (2)  Ã‚  Ã‚     If you are getting sufficient activity in your profile, great. Don’t change anything! If not, the first thing to consider is whether you have enough connections to appear toward the top of searches. I recommend having 500+ connections in order to reliably raise your ranking in search results and increase page views. (3)  Ã‚  Ã‚   If you have 500+ connections and your profile is still not getting enough attention, either change what you have in the â€Å"current position† section or make it blank for a month. Track your profile views and appearances in search results. (4)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Repeat Steps #2 and #3 until you get the results you want. There are more options than these of course. One place to get a sense of what might work is a QA on LinkedIn, begun by Executive Resume Writer Laura Smith-Proulx, which sheds some light on this question.   https://linkd.in/xDJhgq What strategies have been working for you? Please share your comments below. Or if you experiment with some of my suggestions, please report how it goes!

8 great jobs for working parents

8 great jobs for working parents The ideal job for a working parent? It doesn’t exist. The best job would allow you to follow your passion, support your family financially, and be there whenever your kids need you. The key is to find a job with flex time, the ability to work from home or create a set work schedule around the school day, or even part-time hours if it’s financially viable. The following list includes jobs that are kid-friendly, jobs where you can set your own working hours, and jobs that allow work life and parent life to coexist in at least partial harmony.8 great jobs for working parents1. Speech and Language PathologistWhile these specialists can work in independent practices, oftentimes schools employ speech and language pathologists to work with kids who need help with their language abilities. Having kids can really help support you in this position to understand how to discuss speech and language issues with parents- plus, the position is automatically keyed in to the school sched ule and offers you insight into available after-school programs if you must work beyond the final bell.2. Real Estate AgentReal estate agents, who often work at open houses or show clients around to homes, aren’t chained to a desk 9-5- making this a great job for networkers who like being on their feet and fitting events in-between other commitments. There’s flexibility to the job, especially for two-parent families where one parent will be home on the weekend. The money is based on commission- so, the more work you put in, the more you will make in theory. This is a job where your network and expertise can grow over time.3. Freelance PhotographerFreelance photographers usually have an area of specialty, but portrait photography is a great option for parents- every day at school drop-off you have the potential to meet new clients for family portraits. Wedding photography or weekend photo sessions can also suit people’s schedules if they work around a partnerâ₠¬â„¢s M-F work week.4. Music TeacherCertified music teachers are often employed by school districts, but if you are musically inclined, running private group classes for small kids and parents at a common space or from your home is a great option- and a place where you can bring your own children, as well. You can also consider offering private music lessons or contracting with schools and local community centers as a visiting artist.5. Web Developer/Graphic DesignerThis job requires technical and design skills in order to create websites, promotional materials, or other web or print graphics for clients. All you need is a computer, so this is definitely a job you can do from home if you want to work on a freelance basis. Whether you are paid by hours worked or contracted for a set fee for your work, you can organize your schedule in order to meet deadlines and keep your work life flexible in order to meet your family demands.6. Working for a Youth OrganizationHere’s another kid-centric position that gets you involved in your community. Youth organizations create educational or recreational programming for children; they usually hire staff to everything from accounting, to fundraising, to directly creating and running specific activity programs. A bonus: you will be aware of the activities available to your own children and may receive discounts on things like summer camps. Plus, a family-oriented organization may be more inclined to family-friendly work practices.7. Freelance Writer/EditorFrom copywriting for a print magazine to blogging for corporate websites, there is a lot of freelance work available for talented writers. These gigs, which often pay by word count, can almost always be done from home. In fact, writing assignments are often flexible enough that you can have kids playing in the other room while you type away. If not, you can fit in a few hundred words after the kids go to bed.8. Social Media SpecialistAnother job that you can do from y our pajamas is social media promotion, where you spend time building the online presence of a company- you need to be able to tweet, create Instagram stories, and generally do all you can to savvily promote the work and goings-on of a business. This can be a job that requires regularly checking in on accounts or updating, but it can almost always be done remotely, on a flexible basis.