Tufte’s View of PPT

According to Tufte PPTs are not an effective way to present technical presentations.  They lack the ability for one to really deliver complex information.  Tufte believes that “meetings should center on concisely written reportson paper, not fragmented bulleted talking points”.  With PPT presentations he believes that valuable information can end up being left out.  All in all Tufte’s views PPTs less favorable thanformal written reports and feels that Microsoft Word is a better presentation tool than PPT when it comes to technical presentations.

Question & Response on Video Topic: Fad Diets & Bariatric Surgery

–Wat is your argument?  Diet fads and bariatric surgeries are not the best way to lose weight.

–What are the reasons and evidence that support that argument?There are many alarming side effects from bariatric surgery and fad diets, the main effect being malnutrition.  Malnutrition is a major health risk because many health problems stem from this.

–What is the counterargument? Bariatric surgery as well as some fad diets have been proven to be an affective way to lose weight.

–Why should anyone care? So what? Obesity has become an epidemic that kills approximately 300,000 people per year.

Video Project Topic: Gastric Bypass Surgery

    In this short film one will be informed on a recent obesity surgery, known as gastric bypass and its current controversies.  Although gastric ,bariatric surgery, is considerd a safe surgery more concern and controversy lie within the stages after surgery.  Through careful analysis and discussion on the three different types of gastric bypass surgeries in this film, it will be seen that gastric bypass may not be the best way to loose inches and perhaps other alternate forms of weight loss would be a better choice. 

Image of Wiki Topic

            The image above speaks on one of the major controversies of the new HPV/cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil.  Many religious groups believe that allowing their daughters to be vaccinated will send them a message that pre-marital sex is ok.  Immediate steps to make Gardasil a required shot for young girls seems to be what has caused such a back lash in the religious community.  Although this cartoon image is a great example for the HPV controversy with religion, this picture would not be suitable for our Wiki.  Being that our Wikis are formal, this image within our article would not be acceptable.

Annotated Bibliography

                  This article found in Nature medicine, speaks on the potential risks of Gardasil, the first vaccine for human papilloma virus, that were previously overlooked.  Earlier trials of the vaccine overlooked and did not take in to account many circumstances.  Studies initially done did not run for a sufficient amount of time to prove that the vaccine would protect girls younger than 16.  Also, Gardasil was not checked for long term side effects, if it would remain active beyond five years, or if it would produce side effects when given with other vaccines.  Due to these risks not already addressed scientist are conducting studies to answer these disregarded questions.  According to the US Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System as cited in this article Gardasil seems to atleast be safe in the short-term.  With the Vaccine Safety Datalink health care providers plan on tracking records to make sure that the side effects of Gardasil are normal. Also, many companies are partnering together to track the safety of this vaccine in rural countries whom could not do so themselves.         

          The major rhetorical devices the author uses are to inform and to assure.  Although the author gives information suggesting that their may be risks to Gardasil not yet tested, he then cites reliable resources (i.e the US Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System) who states that the vaccine has proven to be safe thus far.  This information proves to be reliable since it was obtained from Nature medicine, an internationally respected journal for biomedical research.  Overall this article is biased, when informing one of the negative the author also makes sure to inform one of the positive actions taken to remove the negative side effect.  The goal of this writing is ultimately to reassure that Gardasil is a safe vaccine.

¹Keim B. 2007 March 28.Nature medicine home page.Controversy over cervical cancer vaccine spurs safety surveillance <http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v13/n4/full/nm0407-392b.html>.Accesed 2008 Feb. 18>

Tamika’s Top Ten of Discover’s Top 100 Science Stories of 2007

1. Robotic Ankle Takes First Step

This is a great leap for bio-mechanics, with this advancement the side effects of using prosthetic devices for amputee patients will be decreased.

2. Cloned Hamburger, Anyone?

The FDA has approved meat from cloned cows, goats, etc. Not only have they approved it but they also has gave companies the right not to put labels on their products to distinguish the meat.

3. China Syndrome?

From tainted dog and cat food, to tainted toothpaste, and even tainted toys! What else can we expect from China? Not only are China’s products cheap but risky!

4. Can Vitamin D Save Your Life?

Scientist and Doctors are now saying this vitamin is needed for overall good health.  Vitamin D is important to our bodies, controlling over 200 different genes.

5. Chimps Show Altruistic Streak

It is now shown that chimps are not simply trained to be selfless.  They are naturally altruistic and do not do things to simply help themselves, this instinct is built into them.

6. Why Loneliness is Bad for you

We always knew loneliness was not good for our health but now we know why.  Scientist now say that loneliness negatively effects our genes, causing the health effects we get from loneliness.

7. Glue Clues From Geckos

This new adhesive surprisingly invented by biomedical engineers and material scientist is a glue that sticks even to wet surfaces.  Inspired by geckos and mussels, this adhesive is sure to be used in many medical, military, and consumer products.

8. Food Additives’ Effect on Children

A certain type of preservative prevalent in our food has been linked to hyperactivity in children.

9. Free at Last: Medical Workers Released in Libya

After almost a decade in Libya imprisonment six U.S medical workers who were charged with starting an outbreak of AIDS at a children’s hospital were proved innocent and released.

10. Tiny Origin of the World’s Largest Flower

The world’s largest flower isn’t your typical flower, it reeks of human flesh…literally.

Wii Fit– The New Exercise Phenomenon

The percentage of obesity in America’s population in 2000 was reportedly a staggering 31%, with childhood obesity more than tripling over the past two decades. (1)  Keeping these statistics in mind it is obvious that exercising is not a top priority in US households. The United States is now known for being an obese country, filled with couch potatoes and over weight children. Which many say is in part due to watching TV and playing video games.  Well now with the new video game console, the Wii, the once unhealthy habit of playing video games has developed into a healthier choice, while keeping the activity an enjoyable experience for children and adults alike. The Wii, released by Nintedo in the U.S on November 19, 2006 has become the new exercise craze world wide.  Nintedo had unintentionally combined the entertainment of video games with what many Americans seem to think is a hassle, exercise! 

The goal of the Wii was originally not to promote exercise, but to target a bigger demographic and apparently Nintendo has done just that, selling 7.38 million consoles in the U.S as of January 5, 2008. (2)  So what is a Wii exactly? Wii, pronounced “we”, is a new video game console by Nintedo with dimension 1.73″ x 6.18″ x 8.48″, Nintendo’s smallest home console.  Unlike most video games the controllers are not attached to the console but are cordless, and this is where the exercise comes into play.  Wii remotes use a combination of built-in accelerometers and infrared detection which allows players to simulate movement within the game.  No longer are players just exercising their thumbs but they are now exercising their whole bodies. 

Lyssa’s mom & husband

Lyssa Lott a freshman at the University of Miami can attest to the exercising capabilities of the Wii.  Having played the Wii numerous times, Lyssa has experienced the muscle soreness acquainted with actual working out. Lott says “The Wii has made exercise fun! I usually play the Wii hours at a time with my boyfriend.  Although the graphics aren’t that great you cant help but get into the game!”  Like Lott, many gamers have realized that the Wii is not just a game, but an actual work out.  Also, Lyssa agrees that the Wii has successfully targeted a large demographic, “my mom plays sometimes and I’ve even heard that they now have Wii consoles in some retirement homes to keep residents active.”  Many gamers even began to chart their progress health wise with the Wii. One man who has a web page dedicated to his research lost 9lbs within a month and a half playing Wii for thirty minutes every day. (3) 

 

Nintedo has now capitalized on the idea of the Wii as exercise. In early January of this year, Nintendo released Wii Fit, a collection of games that promote exercise as well as fun.  “Many of these activities focus towards providing a ‘core’ workout, a popular exercise method that emphasizes slower, controlled motions.”(4)  Wii fit consists of several activities including yoga, aerobics, and muscle stretches.  With the release of Wii Fit Nintendo plans to soon release “the Wii balance board” (name not final), which is used to measure a person’s center of pressure.  With Wii Fit and “the balance board” one can see their work out results and progress through a new menu option.  Although Lott has yet to invest in Wii Fit, she plans to do so in the near future.  With Wii Fit Lyssa believe she will definitely see progress in her health, “The Wii is a game that anyone can easily get hooked on for hours, and I am sure the same goes for the Fit program.  Working out hours at a time will not seem so bad when its with the Wii!”  Also, scheduled to be released by Nintendo are the Wii Zapper (gun like remote) and the Wii Wheel (similar to the steering wheel of a car) which will allow one to get more active when playing driving games or shooting games.

Although the Wii may not be the solution to the obesity issue in the US, it may be a step forth towards a weight loss revolution. If Nintendo can unintentionally turn a video game made for leisure into an exercise phenomenon, then imagine the possibilities if other video game companies created video games with a purpose for fitness. By taking a concept not commonly associated with fitness and manipulating it for that purpose, there is a great possibility that it can dramatically decrease the amount of people not only suffering from obesity, but also the people at risk of becoming obese just based on the size of the market video game companies already appeal to. Attitudes towards this new found fitness technique are expected to be ones of enthusiasm.  As Lyssa Lott exclaimed  ”after four years of being inactive, it’s refreshing to have a new way to work out without even feeling like I’m working out and I believe the Wii can make a big difference in weight loss.” The Wii has revolutionized from a simple video game console to the “New Exercise Phenomenon”.

(1) http://www.americansportsdata.com/obesityresearch.asp

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii 

(3) http://wiinintendo.net/2007/01/15/wii-sports-experiment-results/

(4) http://e3nin.nintendo.com/wii_fit.html

                       

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