Medicine, Ethics and the Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Medicine, Ethics and the Law - Essay Example Finally conclusions were arrived at based on the findings of the work. This work establishes that the courts have not accorded importance to ethical principles, while providing their rulings on euthanasia cases. Medical law can be regarded as a melange that derives its basis from several branches of the law. Previously the correlation betwixt medicine and law had been characterised by mutual deference. In the past, medical decisions were considered to be the exclusive preserve of the clinicians.1 Currently, the courts have been willing, to a greater extent, to entertain challenges to the decisions taken by the members of the medical profession. As such, in Chester v Afshar,2 Steyn LJ declared that paternalism had no room in medical law. At the same time, the doctors were also grateful and relieved that the courts were resolving cases involving intricate issues of ethics.3 As such, judicial activism has made inroads into the ethical issues surrounding the cases pertaining to euthanasia. With regard to assisted dying, the British Medical Association espouses the following principles. First, doctors should help the patients to obtain a good death; however, such acts have to comply with the law. Second, the patients should be permitted to control the dying process, to the extent possible, and the attending doctors have to admit the views of the patients.4 Third, the autonomy accorded to patients, albeit, important, cannot ride roughshod over other principles, and it is indispensable to arrive at an appropriate balance. Fourth, the personal choices of individuals should not be permitted to cause harm to others. Fifth, the law precludes the deliberate causing of premature death. In this context, the British Medical Association, firmly believes that the intentional causing of death is contrary to the ethos of medicine. Sixth, there is a basic difference between deliberately causing death, and withdrawing or withholding treatment.5 As such,

Chemical reaction paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Chemical reaction paper - Essay Example The chlorine compounds formed such as hypochlorite is in unstable and decomposes gaining oxygen to form a stable compound. Proper understanding of how bleach works require scrutiny of the changes that take place at the molecular level. The oxidation process by the bleach breaks the chemical bonds of the coloured part of the molecules known as the chromophore. The breaking of the bond changes the molecule in such a way that it has no color or does not reflect any color in the normal spectrum that can be seen with naked eyes. On the other hand, reducing bleach acts by converting the double bond of the chromophore into a single bond and thus changes the optical structure of the compound making it colorless (Innes, 2009). During the process, some bonds are broken. The chemical bond in the chromophore is broken which converts it to a compound that has no color or cannot reflect color in the normal spectrum. Another type of bond broken is the covalent bond in the bleaching agent as the release or gaining of oxygen atom

Composite Materials In Automotive Brake Disc

Composite Materials In Automotive Brake Disc Abstract The aim of this paper is to explore the uses of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in the automotive industry, their advantages over current grey cast iron discs, their manufacturing processes and potential commercial applications. Cast iron brake discs consume much fuel due to its high specific gravity. As a result, a better and perhaps cheaper alternative is needed to fulfil the needs of high end automotive industries and even mid range consumer vehicles. INTRODUCTION Reducing green house gases and fuel consumption is a common goal for automotive industries and of paramount importance. Auto industries have dramatically increased the use of aluminium in light vehicles in order to reduce weight and help improve efficiency. Aluminium alloy based metal matrix composites (MMCs) with ceramic particulate reinforcement have shown great promise for such applications [1,2]. These materials having a lower density and higher thermal conductivity as compared to the conventionally used gray cast irons are expected to result in weight reduction of up to 50 60 % in brake systems [3]. Under severe service conditions like higher speed, higher load etc, these advanced materials have the potential to with stand these conditions. Basic mechanism of mechanical properties The high fracture toughness or crack resistance mentioned above is a result of the following mechanism: under load the ceramic matrix cracks, like any ceramic material, at an elongation of about 0.05%. In CMCs the embedded fibres bridge these cracks. This mechanism works only when the matrix can slide along the fibres, which means that there must be a weak bond between the fibres and matrix. A strong bond would require a very high elongation capability of the fibre bridging the crack, and would result in a brittle fracture, as with conventional ceramics. Thermal and electrical properties The thermal and electrical properties of the composite are a result of its constituents, namely fibers, matrix and pores as well as their composition. The orientation of the fibers yields anisotropic data. Oxide CMCs are very good  electrical insulators, and because of their high porosity their  thermal insulation  is much better than that of conventional oxide ceramics. The use of carbon fibers increases the  electrical conductivity, provided the fibers contact each other and the voltage source. Silicon carbide matrix is a good thermal conductor. Electrically, it is a  semiconductor, and its  resistance  therefore decreases with increasing temperature. Compared to (poly)crystalline SiC, the amorphous SiC fibers are relatively poor conductors of heat and electricity. CMC Brake Discs Disc brakes  are typically made out of grey cast iron. This material is has high tensile strength and can withstand a high temperature before failing. In high performance vehicles the amount of heat generated by friction when braking can be too great so the brakes fail or must be changed often. The failure is due to thermally induced fractures. Also these brakes can be heavy and susceptible to corrosion, which cause failure. Other composites have been tested such as Metal Matrix Composite, and Carbon Carbon Composites. The challenges with these materials are the ability to dissipate heat caused by friction isnt optimal at high enough temperatures. A typical grey cast iron disc brake can withstand a surface heat of 400 C before failure occurs. Type C/C-SiC is a Carbon fiber phase added to a Silicon Carbide matrix. The resulting material has increased strength with a lower density and high tribological characteristics. The most predominant feature is its ability to withstand high temperatures without failure. Due to its low coefficient of thermal expansion and high thermal conductivity, this CMC can retain its strength at high temperature. This CMC was manufactured as a disc brake with 2D reinforced discontinuous fibers. The fibers are placed perpendicular to the surface of friction to maximize Thermal conductivity. The result is a disc brake that can withstand surfaces temperatures of 1000 C with minimal wear. Problems There are multiple reasons for CMC disk brakes not being implemented among regular cars. Firstly, there is a low demand for high performance brakes due to the brakes themselves being rather expensive. As CMCs gain popularity, the cost of the raw material is expected to reduce, regardless of it being slightly expensive. Since regular cars arent used at high speeds, the amount of heat generated with low friction is small. As such, the Carbon Silicon Carbide brakes become inefficient and much weaker particularly in colder conditions. Thermal expansion of the composite and ceramic matrix results in this weakness. Cracking can occur on the surface of the brakes as the material expands at different rates under different temperatures. ADVANTAGES The integration of long multi-strand fibres has drastically increased the crack resistance,  elongation  and  thermal shock  resistance, and resulted in several new applications. As a result this has overcome the common problems associated with the conventional technical ceramics like alumina, silicon carbide, aluminium nitride, silicon nitride, or zirconia. Elongation  to rupture up to 1% Strongly increased  fracture toughness Extreme  thermal shock  resistance Improved dynamical load capability Anisotropic  properties following the orientation of fibers In comparison to the conventional grey cast iron brake disk the carbon-ceramic brake disk Weighed round 50 per cent less reducing the unsprung mass by almost 20 kilograms Improved brake response and fading data High thermal stableness No hot judder Excellent pedal feel Improved steering behavior High abrasion resistance and this longer life time and the advantage of avoiding almost completely brake dust The table below shows the properties of grey cast iron and its advanced alternatives (SGL Group n.d.) Property Unit Material C/SiC material, general C/SiC for carbon- ceramic brake disk Gray cast iron (GG-20) Density g cm-3 1,8 2,9 2,45 7,25 Tensile strength MPa (=N mm-2) 10 240 20 40 200 250 Modulus of elasticity GPa 20 240 30 90 110 Flexural strength MPa (=N mm-2) 20 210 50 80 150 250 Elongation at break % 0.05 0.8 0.3 0.3 0.8 Thermal shock resistance   (second thermal coefficient K) W m-1 26.500 46.000 > 27.000 < 5.400 Thermal stability  °C 1350 1350 approx. 700 Maximum operating temperature   (brake disk)  °C 1400   non-oxidizing 900 700 Linear coefficient of thermal expansion K-1 1.0 3.5 2.6 3.0 9 12 Thermal conductivity W m-1K-1 20 150 40 54 Specific heat capacity (cp) kJkg-1K-1 0.6 1.7 0.8 0.5 Manufacturing Processes There are currently 5 known manufacturing procedures for matrix forming. They are: Matrix deposition from a gas phase Matrix forming via pyrolysis of C- and Si-containing polymers Matrix forming via chemical reaction Matrix forming via sintering Matrix formed via electrophoresis Matrix deposition from a gas phase involves a process known as chemical vapour deposition where in the presence of a fibre perform, the deposition takes place between the fibres and their individual filaments and thus called chemical vapour infiltration. Pyrolysis (Pyrolysis  is a  thermo chemical  decomposition  of  organic material  at elevated temperatures without the participation of  oxygen) of C- and Si-containing polymers involves hydrocarbon  polymers to shrink during  pyrolysis, and upon  out gassing  form carbon with an amorphous, glass-like structure, which by additional heat treatment can be changed to a more  graphite-like structure. Matrix formation via chemical reaction works by one material being located between the fibres that react with a second material to form the ceramic matrix. Sintering is used to manufacture oxide fibre/oxide matrix CMC materials. Special  precursor  liquids are used to infiltrate the pre-form of oxide fibres. In the  electrophoresis  process, electrically charged particles are dispersed in a special liquid are transported through an  electric field  into the preform, which has the opposite electrical charge polarity. Application in Brake Discs Carbon/carbon  (C/C) materials have found their way into the  disk brakes  of  racing cars  and  airplanes, and C/SiC brake disks manufactured by the LSI process were qualified and are commercially available for  luxury vehicles. The advantages of these C/SiC disks are: Very little wear, resulting in lifetime use for a car with a normal driving load of 300,000  km, is forecast by manufacturers. No  fading  is experienced, even under high load. No surface  humidity  effect on the friction coefficient shows up, as in C/C brake disks. The corrosion resistance, for example to the road salt, is much better than for metal disks. The disk mass is only 40% of a metal disk. This translates into less unsprung and rotating mass. The weight reduction improves shock absorber response, road-holding comfort, agility, fuel economy, and thus driving comfort. The SiC-matrix of LSI has a very low porosity, which protects the carbon fibers quite well. Brake disks do not experience temperatures above 500  °C for more than a few hours in their lifetime. Oxidation is therefore not a problem in this application. The reduction of manufacturing costs will decide the success of this application for middle-class cars.

Bilingual Education :: American History

Bilingual Education In order to learn more about the bilingual education program in the Public School system, we felt it would be essential to discuss a few controversial issues with some bilingual teachers, and ask them for their opinion on the effectiveness of the system and the concept of bilingual education. We also questioned the benefits and disadvantages of the program. We wrote and asked these question with Latino (Puerto Rican) migrants in mind, however the Public School system consists of many ethnic groups which speak other languages other than Spanish. As one of the teachers stated, the political connotation that Bilingual Education carries is that of concerning only Spanish and English. We interviewed Mrs. Aida Ramos (Vice-Principal), Ms. Clara Velez (Bilingual Math Teacher), Mrs. Irene Killian (TESOL), Ms. Zoraida Ortiz (Bilingual Science Teacher), and Ms. Nancy Harrison (TESOL/Bilingual Computer Lab Teacher). When we asked these teachers whether they supported or were against the bilingual education system, they each shouted their answer as if it were instinctive. Although they had different reasons why, each and every one of the teachers said they supported the system without a doubt. We were given a multitude of reasons why bilingual education is advantageous. Ms. Velez stated that she supports bilingual education because, first and foremost, she is a product of it, and second because she believes the program allows the children to earn credit and learn the language at the same time. She said that if the non-English speaking child were immersed in the English mainstream classes they will fail, and as a result the already high drop out rate of Latinos would increase. Ms. Harrison felt that the bilingual education program would be even stronger and more effective if it served more of the ethnic groups in Hartford. The Vietnamese, Lao, and Albanian students are often put in transi tional classes because there are not enough in that particular ethnic group to create a bilingual class that will help them to learn English, while maintaining their primary language. Presently, the state requires twenty students who need assistance in the same language to hire a teacher to create a class for them. She also stated that the students in bilingual education classes have just as many difficulties in academics as do the students in mainstream education, and that the bilingual education program is often used as a scapegoat for those students not achieving.

International Humanitarian Law

INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW and THE IRAQ CRISIS SUSAN SOUX April 2003 International Humanitarian Law ? the RULES which seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict, protect people who are not, or are no longer taking part in the hostilities, and to restrict the methods and means of warfare employed IHL ‘the law of armed conflicts’ or or ‘law of war’ †¢ Geneva †¢ Hague Geneva ‘the law of Geneva is designed to safeguard military personnel who are no longer taking part in the fighting and people not actively involved in hostilities’ Hors de combat †¢ Civilians †¢ Medical/religious personnel The Hague ‘the law of The Hague establishes the rights and obligations of belligerents in the conduct of military operations, and limits the means of harming the enemy’ International humanitarian law prohibits all means and methods of warfare which: †¢ fail to discriminate †¢ cause superfluo us injury or unnecessary suffering †¢ cause severe or long-term damage to the environment. Other agreements prohibit the use of certain weapons and military tactics and protect certain categories of people and goods. ? he 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, plus its two protocols; ? ? ? the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention; the 1980 Conventional Weapons Convention and its four protocols; the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention; ? the 1997 Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel mines; ? the 2000 Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Many provisions of international humanitarian law are now accepted as customary law – that is, as general rules by which all States are bound. HENRI DUNANT ‘BATTLE OF SOLFERINO’ History †¢ 1859 – Battle of Solferino †¢ 1863 – ICRC †¢ Geneva Conventions – 1864 †¢ Hague laws – 1899/1907 †¢ 1949 –Geneva conventions †¢ 1977 – Additional Protocols Geneva Conventions 1949 Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field. Geneva, 12 August 1949. Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea. Geneva, 12 August 1949. Convention (III) relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Geneva, 12 August 1949. Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. Geneva, 12 August 1949. Iraq ratified Geneva Conventions 1956 US ratified in 1955 Additional Protocols 1977 †¢ Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), 8 June 1977. Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II), 8 June 1977. Neither Iraq nor the US have ratified the Protocols International Human Rights Law †¢ Universal Declaration of Human Rights –1948 †¢ International Covenant on Social,Economic and cultural Right †¢ International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights †¦other conventions/covenants†¦ †¢ Convention on the Status of Re fugees – 1951 †¢ Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement 1998 International Tribunals †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Nuremburg ICTY – Hague ICTR – Rwanda Sierra Leone International Criminal Court (Rome – 1998/2002) †¦ Universal Jurisdiction †¦ ‘Genocide’ ‘War Crimes’ ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ Current Issues †¢ Allegations of indiscriminate bombing †¢ Targeting under IHL †¢ Ensuring Humanitarian Access †¢ Status of Combatants, Civilians and Civilians Taking Up Arms †¢ Suicide Attacks – ‘Perfidy’ †¢ Occupying Forces International Red Cross Protectors of the Geneva Conventions impartial, neutral and independent from any political objective’ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ ‘Right to be present’ when conflict breaks out Protect the lives and dignity of victims of war Monitors compliance with Geneva Conventions Visits POW’s Provides medical/humanitarian assistance IRAQ ICRC – in battle areas †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Hospitals Water Pow’s Tracing IFRC and Red Crescent Societies – outside the battle †¢ Refugee camps †¢ Tracing †¢ Humanitarian assistance International Delegates Water Systems Medical Assistance Family Tracing Refugee Camps Orthopaedic Centres Orthopaedic Centres Resources: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ www. icrc. org www. ifrc. org www. redcross. ca http://www. ihlresearch. org/iraq/ http://www. reliefweb. int/ocha_ol/civilians/ www. unhcr. ch â€Å"As human beings, we cannot be neutral, or at least have no right to be, when other human beings are suffering. Each of us†¦ must do what he or she can to help those in need, even though it would be much safer and more comfortable to do nothing. † – Kofi Annan UN Secretary-General

Eating Too Much Meat Will Kill You Essay

Bill Cosby once stated, â€Å"Did you ever see the customers in health-food stores? They are pale, skinny people who look half dead. In a steak house, you see robust, ruddy people. They’re dying, of course, but they look terrific.† On average, Americans consume about 8 oz. of meat a day, twice the amount as the rest of the world; about one-sixth of the total meat consumed, U.S being less than one-twentieth of the population. Meat is generally delicious, contains rich sources of proteins and minerals. Some nutritional diet programs like the Atkins Diet have linked certain types of meat-based diets to weight loss. On the contrary, eating too much meat has been linked to certain type of cancers, high cholesterol and an increased risk of contracting a foodborne illness. Americans need to recognize that diets high in meat increases the cancer risk and other health issues. Evidence suggested that consuming meat could damage the body. In a country known for its love for hambur gers and steak, consumers need to cut down on their meat for a healthy life. Consumers also need to understand grilling meat increase the risk of cancer. Part of the solution is eating healthy, but consumers also should be aware of what they’re eating. The big issue in America is quantity. Eating meat and fast-food meat on a daily basis for seven days a week, 365 days a year, is a big reason why the risk for cancer and other health diseases is dangerously high in U.S. United States slaughters more than 10 billion land animals every year (Freston 802), and the market research firm Packed Facts stated Americans spends 142 billion dollar on beef, chicken, pork, lamb at market retails. Eating too much red meat has been linked to increased risk of death from cancer and heart disease, according to a study from American Cancer Society, the more red meat you eat will increase the risk for cancer. A Journal published by the American Medical Association reported a 20-year study of nearly 149,000 adults between the ages of 50 and 74. Researchers examine the risk according to how much red meat, poultry, or fish the people had eaten. Researchers looked at how many people develop colon cancer after the study. The results were 30% to 40% are more likely to develop cancer in the lower part of the colon. People who ate the most processed meats were 50% more likely to develop colon cancer (Parish 6). Eating just three ounces meat a day increases the consumer’s chance of dying by 13 percent, and 20 percent increase if eating processed meat, like bacon and hot dogs. But it doesn’t mean we should completely cut out meat in our diet; these statistics demonstrates that the less meat you eat, the better. Consuming meat damages the body. According to Dr. Oz, from the Dr. Oz Show, eating a steak dinner can take two to three days to get out of your intestines (par. 3). Red meat takes more than 24 hours to completely digest. In the mean time, it is in your intestine rotting at 98 degrees, sending toxins through the body. Eating any food that does not completely digest will ruin your health. What happens is that the human stomach acids are not made to break meat down efficiently because of its high fat and protein contents. The body lacks the enzymes that digest proteins in the stomach. Protein digestion mainly takes place in the first section of the small intestines where the pancreas secretes the types of digestive enzymes to help break down nutrients into energy and allow the nutrients molecules enter the bloodstream. Hence, meat takes longer as it has to pass into the stomach and the intestines, opposed to carbohydrates, which are broken down easily by saliva and the stomach. Although red meat is digestible than any other food sources such as rice and vegetable, it remains in the digestive system for a longer period of time, leaving the meat to rot in your intestines. Dr Klein believes that animal protein is the primary cause for the inflammation of the intestines because meat rots in your stomach (4). It explains why eating animal protein for a long period of time can increase the risk of colon cancer. Also the kidneys work to remove excess protein from your body. Eating too much protein can stress out the kidney, leading to kidney damage. Grilling meat is a method that most people are familiar with. Grilling is part of American culture; it brings family and friends together for the holidays like Independence Day. Grilling is a method of cooking food hot and fast on your grill. Burgers, poultry, beef, seafood are typically grilled. Grilling is actually a much healthier option than frying food because it is low fat and you can grill food without adding oil on them. But unfortunately, grilling food may potentially introduce the risk for cancer. Those juicy hamburgers, especially the charred ones contains cancer causing chemical called carcinogen. When you grill meat, some of the fat drips down to the charcoal or flame and the smoke carry the carcinogen known heterocyclic amines (HCA ) and polycyclic armomatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to form. These compounds have been shown to affect our DNA and might cause cancer. PAH is the same smoke from forest fires, coal burning, car exhaust and smoking. Exposure to high amounts of PAH is dangerous to your health and long term exposure increase the risk of cancer. According to 2007 study in Epidemiology, women with high intakes of grilled, barbecued or smoked meats over their lifetime had a 74 percent chance of developing breast cancer (373). It is also important to not that these women has low intake of fruits and vegetables. Most people are not aware of the carcinogen when they are grilling the meat. But let’s face it, grilled meat taste good and people should not give up on their grass fed steak or burgers from the grill. There are couple ways to grill safely and reducing carcinogen. 1. Marinating meats for at least several hours that contains herb and spices can dramatically reduce HCA. Herbs/spices is highly potent antioxidant that helps prevent HCA formation. 2. Pre-cook the meat in either the oven or microwave and finish it on the grill to decrease the amount of the carcinogen. 3. Pick leaner cuts like skinless chicken, lean beef or pork; it decreases the fat from dripping down on the open flame. It also important to remember that well-done meat has a higher concentration of carcinogen. Medium-rare, or medium cook is healthier choice than well done. These tips to reduce and prevent carcinogen is a safe way to consume grilled meat, but what about restaurants that serves grilled meats? Unfortunately, the meat holds carcinogens. Study shows restaurant meat such as burgers, ribs, and chicken carry substantial amounts of carcinogen. Few years ago, KFC calls their new Grilled Chicken â€Å"the better-for-you chicken for health- conscious customers.† But a PCRM a test shows the grilled chicken contains a high level of carcinogen (Sullivan 12). Consumers eating grilled chicken from popular restaurant chains are exposed to substantial level of carcinogen. A study published in Nutrition and Cancers show that an independent laboratory examined one hundred samples from seven popular restaurants, and Phip, a carcinogen, was found in all the samples (33). These findings clearly show that eating grill chicken can potentially cause cancer. Consumers deserve to know what they’re eating is just as worse as a greasy high-fat fried chicken. It misleads consumers to think grilled chicken is healthy diet but in actuality a grilled chicken salad can increase the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other dangerous health disease. If that the case, shouldn’t the government or chain restaurant provide warning labels on their product? Since Tobacco Company labels their pack with a warning that cigarette causes cancer; restauran ts serving cancer-causing meat should do the same. When parents cook chicken for their children, they try to be health conscious. If people knew there were high levels of carcinogens in their grilled chicken, they may not choose it as a healthy alternative. Meat is part of American culture; Western men often forge a strong link between eating meat and masculinity. Eating too much meat is a common problem in American Society. I believe most Americans don’t realize that they’re eating too much meat. When comparing the size of the burger we’re eating today to the past decades, our burger has gotten bigger. Bacon is a big part of American culture today. It brings child-hood memories of how mothers cooked bacon for their children. It is also a common breakfast food and is often associated with family gatherings. But, eating bacon every single day of your life has life threatening repercussion to your health. Most processed meat like bacon or hot dogs contains sodium nitrate. Sodium nitrate is a food additive used in m any processed meats. It increases shelf life, gives any meat a fresh appearance, improves the smoky flavors of bacon, and slows the rate of the foul smell, and reduces bacteria (Kortboyer 5). It seems sodium nitrate is a great additive but it is widely regarded as a toxic ingredient. It is a highly carcinogenic chemical and once it enters the human digestive system; it release toxin to a number of internal organs including liver and pancreas. USDA tried to ban sodium nitrate in the 1970’s but was vetoed by food manufacturers who complained that they are trying to ban bacon from America and insisted the additive was safe. The sodium nitrate is found in almost every meat package. It’s listed right on processed meat products like bacon, turkey, hot dogs, and meats in canned soups. If it’s so dangerous, why does food manufactures use it? It sells more meat products because it makes the meat appear fresh and vibrant. Consumers are often influenced by the appearance of the meat, and sadly they will buy meat that looks fresh because of the additives, but in reality, the meat could be months old. A proven strategy to help combat sodium nitrates is to consume large doses of vitamin C and E before your meal. Another safe alternative is purchasing nitrite-free meat to reduce the exposure to sodium nitrate. But, meat without nitrates is prone to spoilage. I believe meat industry uses the saturated fat argument to distract consumers from real issues like cancer. Fruits with high saturated fat like coconut juice wont increase a person risk of cancer to jump up 50%. The real issue is what’s added to the meat during processing and packaging. While eating too much meat can be dangerous, the solution is to consume less. Meat is rich in protein and the body needs protein to maintain cellular tissue. Reducing meat intake benefits the bones. According to Dr. Campbell of Cornell University, animal sourced proteins extract more calcium from the bones, causing the bone to weaken (par. 4). Another good benefit of cutting back on meat is it that makes the consumer eat more nutritious foods. A study from American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that participants who were served a meal with less meat ate more vegetables (Rolls 916). Eating small portions of good quality meat can help curb meat cravings and will not jeopardize the health. Many health education websites like Meatless Mondays offer idea of cutting back on meat consumptions. Another healthy alternative is replacing meat with non-meat sources of protein. Small red beans, black beans, legumes, dairy products are all good source of protein. While fish and seafood are technically meats, they do not carry the same risks as red meat, chicken, and pork because they contain low saturated fat and cholesterol. Non-meat protein not only has low saturated fat and cholesterol, they contain healthy fats, vitamins and minerals the body needs. Besides, the average person only needs about eight grams of protein per 20 lbs of body weight. Make no mistake, Americans love eating meats. Meat is essential part of a healthy diet, but over consumption of meat will kill you. America spends hundred of billion dollars on meat and it’s no wonder why cancer is epidemic in United States. Meat is considered a luxury in other country’s, but meat in America is readily available anywhere and consumers need to learn self-restraint. Meat like hot dogs and bacon is part of American culture, but consumers need to understand that meat industry’s uses dangerous additives like sodium nitrate and eating it for a long period of time will have repercussion to your health. Strong evidence claims that not only the harmful sodium nitrate harms the body, but also eating meat in general will damage the body. There are other healthy options like non-meat protein. But the solution to the problem is consumers need to be aware of what they’re eating and learn self-restraint.