Market and Social Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Market and Social Research - Essay Example The Company has also revamped its advertising campaigns in other ways to contribute to enhanced productivity. The conversion to the M&S logo spelt the dawn of a new era in marketing for the company. The Marketing Director, Steve Sharp, initiated several innovative advertising campaigns, such as using Twiggy to sell chocolate pudding; a campaign which was so successful that it increased sales of the pudding by 3500%.(www.guardian.co.uk). Another successful campaign was M&S’s advertising campaign to sell white granny knickers. Additionally, many M&S stores have been completely refurnished as a part of the new look of the retail outlet; the internal walls have been stripped down and glass barriers have been out up, black floors, chrome cabinets and skilful lighting have further refined the atmosphere of the stores so that the customer experience is enhanced and sales have improved. Sales have risen from $16,896.2 million to $17,990.8 million in 2008, although the recent recession has meant a sharp drop in sales revenues to $12,876.3 million (http://proxy.library.upenn.edu:2112). The latest developments in the advertising campaign of the Company are a focus on ethics. This is part of a five year plan titled Plan A, budgeted at 200 million pounds and is based on ethical trading initiatives.(Sweeney, 2009). This campaign is intended to highlight eco and green issues and the Company takes pride in its adherence to ethical initiatives even during a time of recession. As a part of this integrity focus, M&S has become one of the first Companies to clearly spell out the exact source for its entire diary and other produce on its labels (Mendick, 2009). This is an era where outsourcing has been increasingly favoured by most Companies as a means to cope with the rising costs of employing British workers and where globalization has produced an intensely competitive atmosphere in which cost effectiveness is vital. Marks and Spencer is however,

Effect of Macroeconomic on Stock Return

Effect of Macroeconomic on Stock Return This research paper is conducted to measure and analyze the effect of macroeconomic on stock return of industrial product sector as compared to performance of Kuala Lumpur Composite Index. Several variables will be used to identify the relationship between the dependant variable which are three pre-specified macroeconomic variables the term structure of recession, interest rate, exchange rate and stock price movement that might give impact to the independent variable which is listed stock of industrial product sectors components in Kuala Lumpur Composite Index. Holding Period Return method will be used to measure the impact dependent variables to independent variable in this research. Secondary data will be used for this research paper, which are about 50 companies in industrial product sectors components that listed in Kuala Lumpur Composite Index; will be acknowledged as the sample for the previous year period from 2005 until 2009 to measure the performance of the sector in economi c condition during the period. It is expected that during the period, the industrial sectors performance that listed in Bursa Malaysia maybe will be affected by the economic condition during the period which will give impact on their stock return. CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION Macroeconomic and stock prices are difficult to predict most of the times. These changes it appears that reflect the shifting demand for that stock or changing facts that it because of expectations of a companys profitability or some of government policy that effect on stock. Therefore, investors speculate how stock are determined most of them will look for to inexpensive share or expensive share with low price earning. Shares in most large established corporations are listed on organized exchanges like the Bursa Malaysia or Shanghai Stock Exchange. Every time a stock is sold, the exchange records the price at which it changes hands. If, a few seconds or minutes later, another trade takes place, the price at which that trade is made becomes the new market price, and so on. Organized exchanges like the Bursa Malaysia will occasionally suspend trading in a stock if the price is excessively volatile and also must legalize trade according their regulation, if there is a severe difference between supply and demand or if they suspect that insiders are intentionally manipulating a stocks price. But in ordinary circumstances, nobody is on purpose to control price. The market price of a stock is basically the price at which a keen buyer and seller agree to trade. Price is volatile when the enormous volumes of stock traders are made awake of professional traders who buy and sell shares each and every one day long. Since these traders do not grab stocks over the long pull, they are not terribly interested in such long-term considerations as a companys profitability or the value of its assets. Or rather, they are interested in such factors mostly trusty as news that would affect a companys long-term prospects might cause other traders to buy the stock, causing its price to raise. If traders believe that others will buy shares, then he/she will buy as well, hoping to sell when the price rises. If others believe the same thing, then the wave of buying pressure will, in fact, cause the price to rise. This trend will continue forever. When we look back to the famous economist John Maynard Keynes which has revealed the economic principle had compared the stock market to a competition then popular in British tabloids, in which rival had to look at photos and choose the faces that other contestants would choose as the prettiest. Each contestant had to look for photos â€Å"likeliest to catch the imagination of the other competitors, all of whom be looking at the difficulty from the same point of observation. similarly, stock traders try to speculation which stocks other traders will buy. The successful trader is the one who anticipates and outfoxes the market, buying prior to a stocks price rises and selling before it falls. 1.0.1 Screening criteria of KLCI Investor can only invest in stocks through a stock exchange, an organized marketplace where stocks are bought and sold under strict rules, regulations and guidelines. KLCI has over 30 listed companies offering a wide range of investment choices to local and global investors. Companies are either listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities Main Market or ACE Market. The Stock Market was created by companies wishing to raise capital for their business. When someone says they have a listed company they indicate listed on Bursa Malaysia. All companies need cash to take advantage of growth opportunities. Many start-up companies however find themselves short of capital to fund expansion. One way to acquire this cash is to publicly float the company. This involves selling part of the company to private individual and institutional investors who are then able to freely exchange these stocks on an open market Most huge matter regarding to the criterias are, high market capitalization on stock itself, it reflects how much share have been issues and its price per share. Blue chip company is resistance to weak market and it has permanently growth for example nestle it has stable growth in term of profit and cash flow. 1.0.2 History of stock Market The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange which was incorporated on December 14, 1976 as a company limited by guarantee took over the operations of KLSEB in the same year. The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Berhad was demutualized pursuant to the Demutualization Act and converted into a public company limited by shares on January 5, 2007. Upon the conversion, the organization vested and transferred the securities exchange business to a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Bursa Securities, and became an exchange holding company and were renamed Bursa Malaysia Berhad on April 14, 2007. On 18 March 2005, Bursa Malaysia made its first appearance on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. On 6 July 2009, the Composite Index has been replaced by FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI index which reflect the top 30 companies in the exchange. On 4 August 2009, the exchange has combined the main board and the second board into a single market which is called the Main Market. Mesdaq is also renamed into ACE market which provides lower listing requirements. 1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY Every time a share in, say, nestle is traded for example, the new price is used to revalue all outstanding shares-just as the value of your home appreciates when the house down the block sells for more than a similar house sold last week. But the value of your home wouldnt be so high if every house on your block were suddenly put up for sale. Similarly, if all ten billion outstanding shares even a small fraction of them-were put up for sale, they wouldnt fetch anywhere near the current market price. (Pirie and Smith, 2003) have say that relationships between accounting information, book values and share prices have significant implications for share prices in Singapore. Foreign exchange rate and interest rate risks are important financial and economic factors affecting the value of common stocks. Research by (King and Wadhwani, 1990) found that the volatility transfer hypothesis suggests that random shocks can induce higher volatility in financial markets and because of contagion effects which are highest in more volatile markets, investors may look abroad to invest in alternative financial assets. This study was aimed to point out whether the stock price behaviors and macroeconomic variables such as foreign exchange rate and interest rate is reflected in listed company stock return in the KLCI or not. Because one of them is accounting factor and other are economic factor. 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT The problem studied in this research is about the movement of the stock market and selected individual stock prices for investors usage. Caution should also be exercised in interpreting their results as the period of study includes the 2008 financial crises. It is possible that the severity of the crisis has influenced the statistical results. These papers empirically compares and see the share price of the companies before, during and after the recession and it covers only two macroeconomic factor that have give some effect to the stock return. During this period we will see the flow of the price movement in the market by using fifthly (50) listed company in property sector. Previous studies on stock market by Deshmukh et al (1983) banks can affect their exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange rate changes when they act as financial intermediaries for their clients. As such, their role as financial intermediaries can affect the sensitivity of investor assets and liabilities to interest rate and foreign exchange rate changes 1.3 RESEARCH QUESTION This research is conducted to inquire: 1.3.1 If there any changes of stock return on listed KLCI industrial company effect of macroeconomic? 1.3.2 If there any changes of stock return on listed KLCI industrial company effect of volatile market share price? 1.3.3 Which investment could offer better stock return to investor if using Holding Period Return? 1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES This research is conducted to determine: 1.4.1 Macroeconomic factor have give impact to the stock return. 1.4.2 Changes of share price have give impact to the stock return. 1.4.3 The investment that could offer better performance using Holding Period Return. 1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY This research is an observed study upon the macroeconomic factors and changes of stock price that give impact to the stock return of industrial product listed in KLCI. The study is significance for researcher, government and investors. Researchers can be benefit from this study by the information and acknowledge they from the previous to the current and future trend of movement either macroeconomic factors and changes of stock price that give impact to the stock return. As for the government, they can assist in organizing and stabilizing the economy to make the market will always gain some profit to the investors in attract more investment to come to Malaysia. Investors will gain benefit by knowing the current condition of Malaysia stock market as well as the shares before they can invest their pool of money in Malaysia especially in the industrial company. 1.6 SCOPE OF STUDY Macroeconomic and share price is the environment in which all firms operate. The ability to forecast the macroeconomic and share price can translate into spectacular investment performance. Some of the key economic variables are inflation, interest rate and exchange rate. In economics, a recession is a business cycle contraction, a general slowdown in economic activity over a period of time. During recessions, many macroeconomic indicators vary in a similar way. Production as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment, investment spending, capacity utilization, household incomes, business profits and inflation all fall during recessions; while bankruptcies and the unemployment rate rise. Recessions are generally believed to be caused by a widespread drop in spending. Governments usually respond to recessions by adopting expansionary macroeconomic policies, such as increasing money supply, increasing government spending and decreasing taxation. High interest rates reduce the present value of future cash flow, thereby reducing the attractiveness of investment opportunities. For these reason, real interest rate are the key determinants of business investment expenditures because sensitive to interest rate affect to interest payment. The foreign exchange market or currency market or Forex is the market where one currency is traded for another. It is one of the largest markets in the world. Some of the participants in this market are simply seeking to exchange a foreign currency for their own, like multinational corporations which must pay wages and other expenses in different nations than they sell products in. However, a large part of the market is made up of currency traders, who speculate on movements in exchange rates, much like others would speculate on movements of stock prices. Currency traders try to take advantage of even small fluctuations in exchange rates. In the foreign exchange market there is little or no inside information. Exchange rate fluctuations are usually caused by actual monetary flows as well as anticipations on global macroeconomic conditions. Significant news is released publicly so, at least in theory, everyone in the world receives the same news at the same time. This study takes place in the subsistence of macroeconomic and changes of stock price in Malaysia as its field is the one to be explored. Moreover 50 listed companies were acknowledged as the sample for the previous five year period. The data of this research will be obtained from DataStream. 1.7 LIMITATION OF STUDY There are several drawbacks in pursuing this research. It includes: 1.7.1 Scope of study The research reference is restricted in the scope of Malaysia due to the field of study. As we know, Malaysia is an emerging country, thus the performance is still not matured compared with the developed countries, like the United States. 1.7.2 Period of the study This study is conducted by using the data from 2005 to 2009. Approximately 50 form 100 companies that listed in Bursa Malaysia, but not all the companies data was provided in that certain period. This constraint is affecting the calculation of portfolio performance. The length of the study also affected this study indirectly. This study used to use five years period of time. The result for five years study would be different if this study managed to use the longer period of time. 1.7.3 Secondary data In this study, we used the secondary data gathered from DataStream, Bursa Malaysia and the other articles references. Some of the data were not up to date to be the good references. For example, when we referred to Bursa Malaysia, some of the data is not currently in use and in DataStream; the problem was some of the data was not available (N/A). It became a limitation to the study because we cannot get the accurate result. 1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS 1.8.1 KLCI Kuala Lumpur Composite Index or Bursa Malaysia is place where all sector company list their stock to get capital gain from investor that buy their stock. 1.9 SUMMARY There are many reason why this research been conduct but to know the real effect to the stock return many variable been use to meet the objective. For example interest rate, exchange rate, recession and stock price movement is the variables that have effect to the company or investor stock return. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 INTRODUCTION Macroeconomics is a branch of economics that deals with the performance, structure, behavior and decision-making of the entire economy, be that a national, regional, or the global economy. Along with microeconomics, macroeconomics is one of the two most general fields in economics. Researcher study aggregated indicators such as GDP, unemployment rates, and price indices to understand how the whole economy functions. Macroeconomists develop models that explain the relationship between such factors as national income, output, consumption, unemployment, inflation, savings, investment, international trade and international finance. In contrast, microeconomics is primarily focused on the actions of individual agents, such as firms and consumers, and how their behavior determines prices and quantities in specific markets. 2.1 GENERAL LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1.1 MACROECONOMICS The effect of macroeconomic fundamentals on stock market volatility has generated a lot of interest. Research by Liljeblom and Stenius (1997) find that it is argued that if the value of corporate equity on the whole depends on the health of the economy, then uncertainty in macroeconomic conditions would affect volatility in stock returns assuming consistent discount rates. Studies have also shown that stock market volatility is driven by uncertainty in macroeconomic fundamentals Fama (1981, 1990), Fama and French (1989) and Chen et al. (1986). It is argued that there is an inverse relationship between interest rates and stock returns. Thorbecke (1997) and Smal and de Jager (2001) observe that a reduction in interest rates induces an injection of liquidity into the economy. This extra liquidity could be channeled to the stock market, driving up the demand and prices of stocks. Patelis (1997) notes that interest rate changes are helpful in predicting stock market returns over a long period. Thus, there is evidence to conclude that interest rate policies should also target stock market price movements. Goodfriend (2003) also notes that, since there is no stable correlation between stock-price returns and short-term interest rates, it would be difficult for interest rates to target stock-price changes appropriately. Bernanke and Kuttner (2003) also note that stock markets do not react much to interest rate changes. Throughout the years, the global economy has been transformed from a simplified financial architecture to a complex intertwined set of financial systems. From the Bretton Woods system to the advent of flexible exchange rate systems in 1973 until the present days, the environment of international markets had experienced substantial changes in the form of excessive variability in exchange rates, greater capital mobility and punctuated by a series of financial crises worldwide in recent years. Meese (1990) who studied the currency fluctuations in the post-Bretton Woods era found that the changes of macroeconomic variables alone could not explain major currencies movements. MacDonald and Taylor (1994) however noticed relationships between macroeconomic variables and exchange rate. A recent study by Rapach and Wohar (2002) meanwhile produced mixed results for the monetary model of exchange rate determination. In December, 2007 economic recession that began in the United States spread much of the industrialized world, and has caused a uncertainty of economic activity. This global recession has been taking place in an economic environment characterized by various imbalances and was sparked by the outbreak of the financial crisis of 2007–2009. However, Mitchell and Netter (1989) argue that the three-day decline preceding the crash was a large enough decline that it became the fundamental news and that shook the market. The theoretical model of Jacklin et al. (1992) (among others) shows how a surprise significant drop in the market could have provided information to the market that would directly lead to a crash. Among all macroeconomic factor stock price movement is also effect by changes in economic environments. CRR (1986) results are tested to see whether the factors priced in the US market are applicable in Turkey stock market, with adding new variable unemployment rate, because we expected a relation with the stock returns. 2.2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Four factors are selected to test the relationships of these factors and stock return. The factors are recession, interest rate, exchange rate and stock price movement. 2.2.1 Recession Recession is one of the macroeconomic factors that effect to the listed company stock return in KLCI. Some of the researcher say that recession have give negative impact to stock return but some researcher found that recession is no relation with stock price. CRR (1986) shown that the tested macroeconomic variables do not affect the share price in the UK stock market. 2.2.2 Exchange Rate. Exchange rate is most been use by investor to do transaction to buy stock in market, because of that exchange rate is consider one of the factors that effect to the stock return. Movements of exchange rate are always a concern for various parties. In international currency markets, exchange rate plays a significant role and the variability of exchange rate, whichever way it sways, tends to give a significant impact on the economy. 2.2.3 Interest Rate. Interest rate also one of the factor that give impact to the stock return because some researcher say that interest rate give negative impact to the stock return. Anthony Kyereboah-Coleman and Kwame F. Agyire-Tettey (2008) mention that there negative real interest rates for extended period. 2.2.4 Stock Price Movement. Stock price move is most related to the stock return because every time changes in stock price effect to the outcome of stock return for investor investment but some of the researcher say that there is no effect on stock return. For example Martinez and Rubio (1989) tested the Spanish market return and they found that there were no significant pricing relationship between stock returns and the macroeconomic variables. 2.3 SUMMARY Literature review is the part where it shows where it show whether the variable will be strongly acceptance or not. From the previous study that has been done it has shown that, most of the variable has its own importance not only in affecting some issue but also in solving it. This literature reviews shows the effect of this study on the stock return as the dependent. It also has many researches done with the difference result. CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY AND DATA 3.0 INTRODUCTION This chapter discusses the research methodology used in the study. Methodology is one the important method that had been use to test the hypothesis on this study in order to get the finding at the end of the study. Research design and research methodology is most of the important part for this study since it provide a lot of useful information on how to get the data, how to conduct the survey and provide additional information in order to get better result and finding for this study. This chapter explains how the data for conduct the study is collected and carried out. It also explain on the method that is going to be use to get the finding at the end of the study. It also focus on the data sources, sample involved in the study and the methodology to be use in this study. In this study the variables that had been used was economic recession, exchange rate, interest rate and stock price which collected on the monthly basis for the period of 5 years ended in December 2005 until December 2009. This study consists of 50-industrial product firm and using time series period from 2005 to 2009. Focus for this study was more on the Regression Model analysis to test the finding. Since this study was investigate and identify the relationship between macroeconomic and stock price movement to profitability so using the regression data analysis model had done it for the past 5 years.. There are several key items such as data collection method, sampling frame, sources of data, variables and measurement, research design, theoretical framework, hypothesis statement, data analysis, and treatment which will clarify in detail in this chapter. 3.1 DATA COLLECTION The price indices at monthly frequency are collected for sectors in Bursa Malaysia: industrial product sector. All the closing prices of these sector indices sourced from the secondary data from Thomson Financial DataStream over five-year period from year 2005 to year 2009 (5 years). Meanwhile, for the independent variables of recession rate, exchange rate, interest rate and stock price will be extracted from Thomson Financial DataStream and Bank Negara Malaysia official release. 3.2 SAMPLING FRAME To secure an acceptable result, this study decided to use 50 samples out of all companies that went public and were listed on the second board within year 2005 to 2009. The decision to use this sample was due to the inability to collect more data due to the time constrain during research. Furthermore, this study wants to see the stock return for investor in industrial product sector. And at the same time, it also wants to observe the relationship between recession rate, exchange rate, interest rate and stock price. 3.3 SOURCES OF DATA The selected 50 stock sample being chose from the main board of BM KLCI .The data are collected on monthly actual stock price was collected from the Thomson Financial DataStream, which is provided the information about the companies financial situations over years. Each stock is already being issued from the companies issued until today. These samples were represented by 50 companies from the industrial product sector. 3.4 VARIABLES AND MEASUREMENT There are two types variables has been used in this study there are; the dependent and the independent variables. 3.4.1 Dependent Variables The dependent variable for this study is stock return of each company industrial product sector. 3.4.2 Independent Variables The independent variables will be measured by recession rate, exchange rate, interest rate and stock price. 3.5 RESEARCH DESIGN This research is designed to see the relationship between dependent variable with independent variables. In this study, it analysis in hypotheses testing that will explain the certain significant correlations between KLIBOR and Treasury Bills rates and the stock performance 3.5.1 Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between all the dependent and independent variable. By using descriptive study can know relationship between both of variable. Descriptive study will be able to describe the characteristics of the variable of the situation. By using data from DataStream would be able to compare monthly return for each of the companies. Besides that, this study also can help investor to make decision making and offer the idea for future problem and research. 3.5.2 Types of Investigation The study involved the correlation study types of investigation. The study involves determining the important variable associated with the situation. The important variable is between the recession rate, exchange rate, interest rate and stock price. Correlation studies done in the study are called field studies. This studies will conducted to establish cause and effect to the stock return using the same measurement in the market are called field experiments. The experiment done to establish the cause and affect of the studies so that can make corrective action to make any decision in the investment. 3.5.3 Unit of Analysis In this study, the unit of analysis is group of company and also industry. The group of company that involve fifthly (50) of the properties companies that has been selected in the main board of BM KLCI. The companies selected depend on the year of the companies is establish. The industry that has been selected is recession rate, exchange rate, interest rate and stock price will be compare with the return of each companies return during 5 years. 3.5.4 Time Horizon This study will be use cross-sectional studies to make the research. A study will be done with the monthly data are gathered over five years (5) from year 2005 to 2009, in order to get the result about these studies. 3.6 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Research studies indicate that relationship between KLIBOR and Treasury Bills rates and stock performance. Dependent variable: Effect of company Stock Return Independent variables: Recession rate, Exchange rate, Interest rate and Stock Price Movement. Figure 1: Schematic Diagram (Relationship Diagram) Independent Dependent Company Stock return listed in KLCI Stock price movement Interest rate Exchange rate Recession rate According to the schematic diagram above, it can be explaining relationship between stock return with Recession rate, Exchange rate, Interest rate and Stock Price Movement. 3.7 DATA ANALYSIS AND TREATMENT Multiple Linear Regression Model are the statistical tools that been use in this study. This model analysis examine about simultaneous effect between Recession rate, Exchange rate, Interest rate and Stock Price Movement (independent variable) Stock Return (dependent variable) which variable give biggest effect on the dependent variable. Where; Y = Dependent variable which represent Actual Stock Performance = The constant number of equation = Coefficient Beta value = Independent variable which represent Recession rate = Independent variable which represent Exchange rate = Independent variable which represent Interest rate = Error r = (EV – BV) + DIV X 100 BVStock price movement will be measure in Holding Period Return to determine the effect on stock return Where; r = Represent Rate of return EV = Represent Ending Value or end of stock price BV = Represent Beginning Value or beginning of stock price DIV = Represent income or dividend of company 3.8 HYPOTHESIS STATEMENT Some changes will affect the each stock return to the companies. By changing the stock price will affect the return to the companies its self its might be go higher or lower than what it expected will be. To analysis and to test whether this is applicable to the Malaysian Stock Market, the hypothesis has been developing. Hypothesis 1 H0 = Company stock return in industrial product sector outperform than KLCI H1 = Company stock return in industrial product sector underperform than KLCI Hypothesis 2 H0 = Macroeconomic factor does has significant impact in stock return of each company in industrial product sector in KLCI H1 = Macroeconomic factor does not has significant impact in stock return of each industrial product sector in KLCI Hypothesis 3 H0 = Stock price movement does has significant impact in stock return of each industrial product sector in KLCI H1 = Stock price movement does not has significant impact in stock return of each industrial product sector in KLCI SUMMARY This study will be measure according the objective that has been established in earlier chapter. This research can be use to help investors to make the investment decision. Its because this studies focuses on the data from year 2005 until year2009, it will give better overview of each of the properties company in order to take any corrective action in facing the problem and also overcoming the problem in the current situation to make an investment decision. Effect of Macroeconomic on Stock Return Effect of Macroeconomic on Stock Return This research paper is conducted to measure and analyze the effect of macroeconomic on stock return of industrial product sector as compared to performance of Kuala Lumpur Composite Index. Several variables will be used to identify the relationship between the dependant variable which are three pre-specified macroeconomic variables the term structure of recession, interest rate, exchange rate and stock price movement that might give impact to the independent variable which is listed stock of industrial product sectors components in Kuala Lumpur Composite Index. Holding Period Return method will be used to measure the impact dependent variables to independent variable in this research. Secondary data will be used for this research paper, which are about 50 companies in industrial product sectors components that listed in Kuala Lumpur Composite Index; will be acknowledged as the sample for the previous year period from 2005 until 2009 to measure the performance of the sector in economi c condition during the period. It is expected that during the period, the industrial sectors performance that listed in Bursa Malaysia maybe will be affected by the economic condition during the period which will give impact on their stock return. CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION Macroeconomic and stock prices are difficult to predict most of the times. These changes it appears that reflect the shifting demand for that stock or changing facts that it because of expectations of a companys profitability or some of government policy that effect on stock. Therefore, investors speculate how stock are determined most of them will look for to inexpensive share or expensive share with low price earning. Shares in most large established corporations are listed on organized exchanges like the Bursa Malaysia or Shanghai Stock Exchange. Every time a stock is sold, the exchange records the price at which it changes hands. If, a few seconds or minutes later, another trade takes place, the price at which that trade is made becomes the new market price, and so on. Organized exchanges like the Bursa Malaysia will occasionally suspend trading in a stock if the price is excessively volatile and also must legalize trade according their regulation, if there is a severe difference between supply and demand or if they suspect that insiders are intentionally manipulating a stocks price. But in ordinary circumstances, nobody is on purpose to control price. The market price of a stock is basically the price at which a keen buyer and seller agree to trade. Price is volatile when the enormous volumes of stock traders are made awake of professional traders who buy and sell shares each and every one day long. Since these traders do not grab stocks over the long pull, they are not terribly interested in such long-term considerations as a companys profitability or the value of its assets. Or rather, they are interested in such factors mostly trusty as news that would affect a companys long-term prospects might cause other traders to buy the stock, causing its price to raise. If traders believe that others will buy shares, then he/she will buy as well, hoping to sell when the price rises. If others believe the same thing, then the wave of buying pressure will, in fact, cause the price to rise. This trend will continue forever. When we look back to the famous economist John Maynard Keynes which has revealed the economic principle had compared the stock market to a competition then popular in British tabloids, in which rival had to look at photos and choose the faces that other contestants would choose as the prettiest. Each contestant had to look for photos â€Å"likeliest to catch the imagination of the other competitors, all of whom be looking at the difficulty from the same point of observation. similarly, stock traders try to speculation which stocks other traders will buy. The successful trader is the one who anticipates and outfoxes the market, buying prior to a stocks price rises and selling before it falls. 1.0.1 Screening criteria of KLCI Investor can only invest in stocks through a stock exchange, an organized marketplace where stocks are bought and sold under strict rules, regulations and guidelines. KLCI has over 30 listed companies offering a wide range of investment choices to local and global investors. Companies are either listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities Main Market or ACE Market. The Stock Market was created by companies wishing to raise capital for their business. When someone says they have a listed company they indicate listed on Bursa Malaysia. All companies need cash to take advantage of growth opportunities. Many start-up companies however find themselves short of capital to fund expansion. One way to acquire this cash is to publicly float the company. This involves selling part of the company to private individual and institutional investors who are then able to freely exchange these stocks on an open market Most huge matter regarding to the criterias are, high market capitalization on stock itself, it reflects how much share have been issues and its price per share. Blue chip company is resistance to weak market and it has permanently growth for example nestle it has stable growth in term of profit and cash flow. 1.0.2 History of stock Market The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange which was incorporated on December 14, 1976 as a company limited by guarantee took over the operations of KLSEB in the same year. The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Berhad was demutualized pursuant to the Demutualization Act and converted into a public company limited by shares on January 5, 2007. Upon the conversion, the organization vested and transferred the securities exchange business to a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Bursa Securities, and became an exchange holding company and were renamed Bursa Malaysia Berhad on April 14, 2007. On 18 March 2005, Bursa Malaysia made its first appearance on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. On 6 July 2009, the Composite Index has been replaced by FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI index which reflect the top 30 companies in the exchange. On 4 August 2009, the exchange has combined the main board and the second board into a single market which is called the Main Market. Mesdaq is also renamed into ACE market which provides lower listing requirements. 1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY Every time a share in, say, nestle is traded for example, the new price is used to revalue all outstanding shares-just as the value of your home appreciates when the house down the block sells for more than a similar house sold last week. But the value of your home wouldnt be so high if every house on your block were suddenly put up for sale. Similarly, if all ten billion outstanding shares even a small fraction of them-were put up for sale, they wouldnt fetch anywhere near the current market price. (Pirie and Smith, 2003) have say that relationships between accounting information, book values and share prices have significant implications for share prices in Singapore. Foreign exchange rate and interest rate risks are important financial and economic factors affecting the value of common stocks. Research by (King and Wadhwani, 1990) found that the volatility transfer hypothesis suggests that random shocks can induce higher volatility in financial markets and because of contagion effects which are highest in more volatile markets, investors may look abroad to invest in alternative financial assets. This study was aimed to point out whether the stock price behaviors and macroeconomic variables such as foreign exchange rate and interest rate is reflected in listed company stock return in the KLCI or not. Because one of them is accounting factor and other are economic factor. 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT The problem studied in this research is about the movement of the stock market and selected individual stock prices for investors usage. Caution should also be exercised in interpreting their results as the period of study includes the 2008 financial crises. It is possible that the severity of the crisis has influenced the statistical results. These papers empirically compares and see the share price of the companies before, during and after the recession and it covers only two macroeconomic factor that have give some effect to the stock return. During this period we will see the flow of the price movement in the market by using fifthly (50) listed company in property sector. Previous studies on stock market by Deshmukh et al (1983) banks can affect their exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange rate changes when they act as financial intermediaries for their clients. As such, their role as financial intermediaries can affect the sensitivity of investor assets and liabilities to interest rate and foreign exchange rate changes 1.3 RESEARCH QUESTION This research is conducted to inquire: 1.3.1 If there any changes of stock return on listed KLCI industrial company effect of macroeconomic? 1.3.2 If there any changes of stock return on listed KLCI industrial company effect of volatile market share price? 1.3.3 Which investment could offer better stock return to investor if using Holding Period Return? 1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES This research is conducted to determine: 1.4.1 Macroeconomic factor have give impact to the stock return. 1.4.2 Changes of share price have give impact to the stock return. 1.4.3 The investment that could offer better performance using Holding Period Return. 1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY This research is an observed study upon the macroeconomic factors and changes of stock price that give impact to the stock return of industrial product listed in KLCI. The study is significance for researcher, government and investors. Researchers can be benefit from this study by the information and acknowledge they from the previous to the current and future trend of movement either macroeconomic factors and changes of stock price that give impact to the stock return. As for the government, they can assist in organizing and stabilizing the economy to make the market will always gain some profit to the investors in attract more investment to come to Malaysia. Investors will gain benefit by knowing the current condition of Malaysia stock market as well as the shares before they can invest their pool of money in Malaysia especially in the industrial company. 1.6 SCOPE OF STUDY Macroeconomic and share price is the environment in which all firms operate. The ability to forecast the macroeconomic and share price can translate into spectacular investment performance. Some of the key economic variables are inflation, interest rate and exchange rate. In economics, a recession is a business cycle contraction, a general slowdown in economic activity over a period of time. During recessions, many macroeconomic indicators vary in a similar way. Production as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment, investment spending, capacity utilization, household incomes, business profits and inflation all fall during recessions; while bankruptcies and the unemployment rate rise. Recessions are generally believed to be caused by a widespread drop in spending. Governments usually respond to recessions by adopting expansionary macroeconomic policies, such as increasing money supply, increasing government spending and decreasing taxation. High interest rates reduce the present value of future cash flow, thereby reducing the attractiveness of investment opportunities. For these reason, real interest rate are the key determinants of business investment expenditures because sensitive to interest rate affect to interest payment. The foreign exchange market or currency market or Forex is the market where one currency is traded for another. It is one of the largest markets in the world. Some of the participants in this market are simply seeking to exchange a foreign currency for their own, like multinational corporations which must pay wages and other expenses in different nations than they sell products in. However, a large part of the market is made up of currency traders, who speculate on movements in exchange rates, much like others would speculate on movements of stock prices. Currency traders try to take advantage of even small fluctuations in exchange rates. In the foreign exchange market there is little or no inside information. Exchange rate fluctuations are usually caused by actual monetary flows as well as anticipations on global macroeconomic conditions. Significant news is released publicly so, at least in theory, everyone in the world receives the same news at the same time. This study takes place in the subsistence of macroeconomic and changes of stock price in Malaysia as its field is the one to be explored. Moreover 50 listed companies were acknowledged as the sample for the previous five year period. The data of this research will be obtained from DataStream. 1.7 LIMITATION OF STUDY There are several drawbacks in pursuing this research. It includes: 1.7.1 Scope of study The research reference is restricted in the scope of Malaysia due to the field of study. As we know, Malaysia is an emerging country, thus the performance is still not matured compared with the developed countries, like the United States. 1.7.2 Period of the study This study is conducted by using the data from 2005 to 2009. Approximately 50 form 100 companies that listed in Bursa Malaysia, but not all the companies data was provided in that certain period. This constraint is affecting the calculation of portfolio performance. The length of the study also affected this study indirectly. This study used to use five years period of time. The result for five years study would be different if this study managed to use the longer period of time. 1.7.3 Secondary data In this study, we used the secondary data gathered from DataStream, Bursa Malaysia and the other articles references. Some of the data were not up to date to be the good references. For example, when we referred to Bursa Malaysia, some of the data is not currently in use and in DataStream; the problem was some of the data was not available (N/A). It became a limitation to the study because we cannot get the accurate result. 1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS 1.8.1 KLCI Kuala Lumpur Composite Index or Bursa Malaysia is place where all sector company list their stock to get capital gain from investor that buy their stock. 1.9 SUMMARY There are many reason why this research been conduct but to know the real effect to the stock return many variable been use to meet the objective. For example interest rate, exchange rate, recession and stock price movement is the variables that have effect to the company or investor stock return. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 INTRODUCTION Macroeconomics is a branch of economics that deals with the performance, structure, behavior and decision-making of the entire economy, be that a national, regional, or the global economy. Along with microeconomics, macroeconomics is one of the two most general fields in economics. Researcher study aggregated indicators such as GDP, unemployment rates, and price indices to understand how the whole economy functions. Macroeconomists develop models that explain the relationship between such factors as national income, output, consumption, unemployment, inflation, savings, investment, international trade and international finance. In contrast, microeconomics is primarily focused on the actions of individual agents, such as firms and consumers, and how their behavior determines prices and quantities in specific markets. 2.1 GENERAL LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1.1 MACROECONOMICS The effect of macroeconomic fundamentals on stock market volatility has generated a lot of interest. Research by Liljeblom and Stenius (1997) find that it is argued that if the value of corporate equity on the whole depends on the health of the economy, then uncertainty in macroeconomic conditions would affect volatility in stock returns assuming consistent discount rates. Studies have also shown that stock market volatility is driven by uncertainty in macroeconomic fundamentals Fama (1981, 1990), Fama and French (1989) and Chen et al. (1986). It is argued that there is an inverse relationship between interest rates and stock returns. Thorbecke (1997) and Smal and de Jager (2001) observe that a reduction in interest rates induces an injection of liquidity into the economy. This extra liquidity could be channeled to the stock market, driving up the demand and prices of stocks. Patelis (1997) notes that interest rate changes are helpful in predicting stock market returns over a long period. Thus, there is evidence to conclude that interest rate policies should also target stock market price movements. Goodfriend (2003) also notes that, since there is no stable correlation between stock-price returns and short-term interest rates, it would be difficult for interest rates to target stock-price changes appropriately. Bernanke and Kuttner (2003) also note that stock markets do not react much to interest rate changes. Throughout the years, the global economy has been transformed from a simplified financial architecture to a complex intertwined set of financial systems. From the Bretton Woods system to the advent of flexible exchange rate systems in 1973 until the present days, the environment of international markets had experienced substantial changes in the form of excessive variability in exchange rates, greater capital mobility and punctuated by a series of financial crises worldwide in recent years. Meese (1990) who studied the currency fluctuations in the post-Bretton Woods era found that the changes of macroeconomic variables alone could not explain major currencies movements. MacDonald and Taylor (1994) however noticed relationships between macroeconomic variables and exchange rate. A recent study by Rapach and Wohar (2002) meanwhile produced mixed results for the monetary model of exchange rate determination. In December, 2007 economic recession that began in the United States spread much of the industrialized world, and has caused a uncertainty of economic activity. This global recession has been taking place in an economic environment characterized by various imbalances and was sparked by the outbreak of the financial crisis of 2007–2009. However, Mitchell and Netter (1989) argue that the three-day decline preceding the crash was a large enough decline that it became the fundamental news and that shook the market. The theoretical model of Jacklin et al. (1992) (among others) shows how a surprise significant drop in the market could have provided information to the market that would directly lead to a crash. Among all macroeconomic factor stock price movement is also effect by changes in economic environments. CRR (1986) results are tested to see whether the factors priced in the US market are applicable in Turkey stock market, with adding new variable unemployment rate, because we expected a relation with the stock returns. 2.2 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Four factors are selected to test the relationships of these factors and stock return. The factors are recession, interest rate, exchange rate and stock price movement. 2.2.1 Recession Recession is one of the macroeconomic factors that effect to the listed company stock return in KLCI. Some of the researcher say that recession have give negative impact to stock return but some researcher found that recession is no relation with stock price. CRR (1986) shown that the tested macroeconomic variables do not affect the share price in the UK stock market. 2.2.2 Exchange Rate. Exchange rate is most been use by investor to do transaction to buy stock in market, because of that exchange rate is consider one of the factors that effect to the stock return. Movements of exchange rate are always a concern for various parties. In international currency markets, exchange rate plays a significant role and the variability of exchange rate, whichever way it sways, tends to give a significant impact on the economy. 2.2.3 Interest Rate. Interest rate also one of the factor that give impact to the stock return because some researcher say that interest rate give negative impact to the stock return. Anthony Kyereboah-Coleman and Kwame F. Agyire-Tettey (2008) mention that there negative real interest rates for extended period. 2.2.4 Stock Price Movement. Stock price move is most related to the stock return because every time changes in stock price effect to the outcome of stock return for investor investment but some of the researcher say that there is no effect on stock return. For example Martinez and Rubio (1989) tested the Spanish market return and they found that there were no significant pricing relationship between stock returns and the macroeconomic variables. 2.3 SUMMARY Literature review is the part where it shows where it show whether the variable will be strongly acceptance or not. From the previous study that has been done it has shown that, most of the variable has its own importance not only in affecting some issue but also in solving it. This literature reviews shows the effect of this study on the stock return as the dependent. It also has many researches done with the difference result. CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY AND DATA 3.0 INTRODUCTION This chapter discusses the research methodology used in the study. Methodology is one the important method that had been use to test the hypothesis on this study in order to get the finding at the end of the study. Research design and research methodology is most of the important part for this study since it provide a lot of useful information on how to get the data, how to conduct the survey and provide additional information in order to get better result and finding for this study. This chapter explains how the data for conduct the study is collected and carried out. It also explain on the method that is going to be use to get the finding at the end of the study. It also focus on the data sources, sample involved in the study and the methodology to be use in this study. In this study the variables that had been used was economic recession, exchange rate, interest rate and stock price which collected on the monthly basis for the period of 5 years ended in December 2005 until December 2009. This study consists of 50-industrial product firm and using time series period from 2005 to 2009. Focus for this study was more on the Regression Model analysis to test the finding. Since this study was investigate and identify the relationship between macroeconomic and stock price movement to profitability so using the regression data analysis model had done it for the past 5 years.. There are several key items such as data collection method, sampling frame, sources of data, variables and measurement, research design, theoretical framework, hypothesis statement, data analysis, and treatment which will clarify in detail in this chapter. 3.1 DATA COLLECTION The price indices at monthly frequency are collected for sectors in Bursa Malaysia: industrial product sector. All the closing prices of these sector indices sourced from the secondary data from Thomson Financial DataStream over five-year period from year 2005 to year 2009 (5 years). Meanwhile, for the independent variables of recession rate, exchange rate, interest rate and stock price will be extracted from Thomson Financial DataStream and Bank Negara Malaysia official release. 3.2 SAMPLING FRAME To secure an acceptable result, this study decided to use 50 samples out of all companies that went public and were listed on the second board within year 2005 to 2009. The decision to use this sample was due to the inability to collect more data due to the time constrain during research. Furthermore, this study wants to see the stock return for investor in industrial product sector. And at the same time, it also wants to observe the relationship between recession rate, exchange rate, interest rate and stock price. 3.3 SOURCES OF DATA The selected 50 stock sample being chose from the main board of BM KLCI .The data are collected on monthly actual stock price was collected from the Thomson Financial DataStream, which is provided the information about the companies financial situations over years. Each stock is already being issued from the companies issued until today. These samples were represented by 50 companies from the industrial product sector. 3.4 VARIABLES AND MEASUREMENT There are two types variables has been used in this study there are; the dependent and the independent variables. 3.4.1 Dependent Variables The dependent variable for this study is stock return of each company industrial product sector. 3.4.2 Independent Variables The independent variables will be measured by recession rate, exchange rate, interest rate and stock price. 3.5 RESEARCH DESIGN This research is designed to see the relationship between dependent variable with independent variables. In this study, it analysis in hypotheses testing that will explain the certain significant correlations between KLIBOR and Treasury Bills rates and the stock performance 3.5.1 Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between all the dependent and independent variable. By using descriptive study can know relationship between both of variable. Descriptive study will be able to describe the characteristics of the variable of the situation. By using data from DataStream would be able to compare monthly return for each of the companies. Besides that, this study also can help investor to make decision making and offer the idea for future problem and research. 3.5.2 Types of Investigation The study involved the correlation study types of investigation. The study involves determining the important variable associated with the situation. The important variable is between the recession rate, exchange rate, interest rate and stock price. Correlation studies done in the study are called field studies. This studies will conducted to establish cause and effect to the stock return using the same measurement in the market are called field experiments. The experiment done to establish the cause and affect of the studies so that can make corrective action to make any decision in the investment. 3.5.3 Unit of Analysis In this study, the unit of analysis is group of company and also industry. The group of company that involve fifthly (50) of the properties companies that has been selected in the main board of BM KLCI. The companies selected depend on the year of the companies is establish. The industry that has been selected is recession rate, exchange rate, interest rate and stock price will be compare with the return of each companies return during 5 years. 3.5.4 Time Horizon This study will be use cross-sectional studies to make the research. A study will be done with the monthly data are gathered over five years (5) from year 2005 to 2009, in order to get the result about these studies. 3.6 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Research studies indicate that relationship between KLIBOR and Treasury Bills rates and stock performance. Dependent variable: Effect of company Stock Return Independent variables: Recession rate, Exchange rate, Interest rate and Stock Price Movement. Figure 1: Schematic Diagram (Relationship Diagram) Independent Dependent Company Stock return listed in KLCI Stock price movement Interest rate Exchange rate Recession rate According to the schematic diagram above, it can be explaining relationship between stock return with Recession rate, Exchange rate, Interest rate and Stock Price Movement. 3.7 DATA ANALYSIS AND TREATMENT Multiple Linear Regression Model are the statistical tools that been use in this study. This model analysis examine about simultaneous effect between Recession rate, Exchange rate, Interest rate and Stock Price Movement (independent variable) Stock Return (dependent variable) which variable give biggest effect on the dependent variable. Where; Y = Dependent variable which represent Actual Stock Performance = The constant number of equation = Coefficient Beta value = Independent variable which represent Recession rate = Independent variable which represent Exchange rate = Independent variable which represent Interest rate = Error r = (EV – BV) + DIV X 100 BVStock price movement will be measure in Holding Period Return to determine the effect on stock return Where; r = Represent Rate of return EV = Represent Ending Value or end of stock price BV = Represent Beginning Value or beginning of stock price DIV = Represent income or dividend of company 3.8 HYPOTHESIS STATEMENT Some changes will affect the each stock return to the companies. By changing the stock price will affect the return to the companies its self its might be go higher or lower than what it expected will be. To analysis and to test whether this is applicable to the Malaysian Stock Market, the hypothesis has been developing. Hypothesis 1 H0 = Company stock return in industrial product sector outperform than KLCI H1 = Company stock return in industrial product sector underperform than KLCI Hypothesis 2 H0 = Macroeconomic factor does has significant impact in stock return of each company in industrial product sector in KLCI H1 = Macroeconomic factor does not has significant impact in stock return of each industrial product sector in KLCI Hypothesis 3 H0 = Stock price movement does has significant impact in stock return of each industrial product sector in KLCI H1 = Stock price movement does not has significant impact in stock return of each industrial product sector in KLCI SUMMARY This study will be measure according the objective that has been established in earlier chapter. This research can be use to help investors to make the investment decision. Its because this studies focuses on the data from year 2005 until year2009, it will give better overview of each of the properties company in order to take any corrective action in facing the problem and also overcoming the problem in the current situation to make an investment decision.

Genetics Engineering :: essays research papers

Genetics Engineering   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hollywood has been showing it to us for years. Frankenstein, The Six Million Dollar Man, Jurassic Park, etc.; the list goes on. All these movies show man's instinct to create. This fiction of playing God in recent years is becoming a reality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1952, deoxyribonucleic acid was discovered(Dewitt, 1994). The spiral staircase molecule, DNA. DNA is the building block of life. This block holds the code for every aspect of any life on the planet Earth. DNA decides whether one life will be a plant or rhinoceros. DNA also carries the information that tells how smart, creative, bossy, shy, athletic, or any other description you can think of. The secret code of DNA would prove to be invaluable. This is the reason the Human Genome Project has been started. Scientist around the world are using super computers to crack the code. This 15 year project is predicted to end by the year 2005(Dewitt, 1994). That is only 10 years from now. What does that mean to the average Joe?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Well, today we already live with genetically engineered items. The FDA has approved bioengineered tomatoes that ripen without rotting(Dewitt, 1994). Entire herds of cattle are now being injected with a growth hormone(BST) so that they will produce more milk than ordinary cattle(Dewitt, 1994). Also drought resistance grass that needs no moving.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Scientists will soon be able to collect DNA from endangered species. This DNA could be used to clone more condors, bald eagle, mountain gorillas, and many other animals. Totally extinct animals may be recreated as well, i.e. Jurassic Park. Imagine having your own dodo bird or pet triceratops.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many types of diseases will be cured. Just take out the gene that giving you the problem. Pure panacea. As soon as a baby is born his or hers parents will know everything about him or her. If they will be artistic. Will she get breast cancer? Will he be tall or short? Is he a genius. Ten years from 2005, these questions won't even have to be asked. Made to order babies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Made to order babies?!? Is this where we are headed? It's only a matter of time before a president's hair clippings are swept up at a barbershop and then used to detect what diseases he has or is susceptible to. The rich may one day be able to obtain â€Å"immortality† by cloning themselves. I couldn't picture three Donald Trumps all thinking the same.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is even a darker side to this. Governments may decide to create super soldiers. Killing machines with top physical and mental prowess. This was the dream of Adolf Hitler himself.

Pre Activity Health Screening and Customer Care

Explain the reason why pre-activity health screening is necessary Pre activity health screening is used to highlight health problems that may be aggravated by physical exercise. A fitness instructor can then assess and prescribe the correct fitness plan for the individual. Screening takes place in the form of a questionnaire and physiological measurements. Some health risks looked for by taking part in pre activity health screening are shown by Woolf, May (2006), categorised by risk factor.The first category is known as ‘primary risk factor’s’ which include high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These problems are related to some of highest risks to health such as heart attack when completing exercise . The ‘Secondary risk factor’s’ that may be aggravated by exercise include obesity that is indicated by a body mass index of over thirty kg/m2 and physical inactivity indicated by a failure to reach the minimum fitness standard required. The la st category is ‘non modifiable risks’ that is made up of factors that can not be helped such as age and a family history of heart disease.Someone over the age of fifty is also considered to be a factor in this category. When an individual has completed a health screening questionnaire they may then be asked to take part in further tests in the form of physiological measurements. A persons body mass index may be taken by dividing their weight by height. This can tell a fitness instructor whether the individual is over weight which would need consideration when an exercise plan was produced.An individuals blood pressure may also be taken as a high reading is considered a high risk factor contributing to coronary heart disease. Another test that may be carried out would be the weight to hip ratio which measures distribution of fat around the body. If the person has more weight around the abdomen it is known as ‘apple shaped’ and is related to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Completing pre activity health screening is becoming increasingly important for the fitness industry as the need for their services becomes more opular. The evidence shown suggests that health screening has the potential to save lives through diagnosing health problems that may be aggravated by certain physical activity, however a different kind of activity may be appropriate. Although health screening questionnaires are good for highlighting health risks the physiological measurements taken after are vital to further help both the instructor and the individual to diagnose health problems. (405) Q2) Discuss and analyse Reshma’s results.Your analysis should identify whether or not the results fall into healthy ranges, and discuss the implications of this with a particular focus on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Reshma’s PAR questionnaire showed that she answered ‘no’ all the questions, however she admitte d to smoking ten cigarettes a day which is putting her at risk of serious health problems and is classed as a ‘primary health risk’ leading to coronary heart disease (Woolf May 2006). A number of physiological measurements were then taken. Reshma had a blood pressure which read 140 over 100 millimetres of mercury.Andy Russel explains that the first reading is systolic pressure which is a contracting heart and diastolic pressure is the heart relaxed. The average reading should be between 100 to 140 over 60 to 90 (mmhg) (The Open University 2008). A reading over 130 and 85 provides more risk of coronary heart disease in middle aged people . (Vasan et al 2001). Reshma then had her resting heart rate measured at 90 beats per minute. According to Netfit (2009), the average heart beat of a women of 48 years old should be between 74 and 77 and anything over 84 BPM is thought to be poor.Stress is one cause of a rapid heart beat and regular exercise would lower heart rate consid erably. Reshma has a body mass index of 30. 5 which is calculated by dividing weight and height. Marie Toms explains that healthy people have readings between 19 and 24 and that anything over 30 is classed as obese (The Open University 2008). Reshma is putting herself at a higher risk of coronary heart disease and other risks such as cancer. Regular exercise would help Reshma lower her BMI and make her a lot healthier. Reshma’s waist to hip ratio was a reading of 1. 0.As Sharky and Gaskill (2007) suggest, the safe limit for women is between . 75 and . 8 which shows Reshma is in further danger of health problems which could be reduced by regular exercise. Reshma’s body fat percentage is shown at 33%. This reading is taken in 4 measurements with a calliper from the arm and back. According to Family education (2010), the average body fat percentage for a women of between 20 to 50 years old should be between 17 to 27 %. Reshma is clearly over the safe limits of body fat an d combined with her other measurements is putting herself at serious risk.The evidence shows that Reshma is at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to her results. Physical activity can reduce these risks and with regular exercise participation, Reshma would be considerably healthier. If Reshma stopped smoking she would decrease her chance of health problems even more. (402) Q3) Outline how physical activity could have a positive effect on Reshma’s health. If Reshma began a fitness plan she would see dramatic improvements to not only her physical health but her mental health too.Improvements to the efficiency of the vascular system and metabolic changes would increase better health both physical and mental health by reducing stress. Sharky and Gaskill (2007), describes the Vascular system as having many tasks in the body which include carrying blood with oxygen, hormones and food to the cells of the body. The system can be made more efficient when a person takes part in physical activity by reducing blood clotting in narrow coronary arteries. This is achieved by the arteries being made larger and educing the risk of blockage due to plaque in the heart therefore reducing the risk of heart disease. A notable change of the system for Reshma would be that of blood pressure being reduced when regular exercise is carried out. Another benefit of physical activity on the system would be that blood volume increases by 10 to 15 percent and in doing this will lower Reshma’s heart rate over time. The metabolic changes to the body when participating in physical activity contribute to many factors in helping Reshma become healthier.Blood lipids including high cholesterol and triglycerides can be a factor of coronary heart disease. Important metabolic changes would be seen with an increase in fat metabolism because exercise burns fat and increases muscle which further helps to reduce fat. The metabolic changes are significant to Reshma as the metabolism of fat would help to lower her body mass index and would further contribute to a lower waist to hip ratio and body fat percentage. Physical activity not only helps physical health but can also improve mental health.Reshma has high blood pressure due to a busy lifestyle. Hendrix and Hughes(1997) states that regular exercise contributes to good health by lowering diastolic blood pressure and reducing stress. Exercise is also thought to be the best form of stress management because it not only reduces the risk of physiological problems but can also reduce anxiety and depression through its relaxing abilities. These factors would lower Reshma’s blood pressure to an acceptable level. When it comes to Reshma taking part in physical activity the benefits to health are endless.A more efficient vascular system and metabolic changes improve physiological factors in the body and improved mental health reduces the stress leading to a lower blood pressure and a better overall lifestyle. (39 9) Task 2 Q 1) What legislation governs health and safety in a sport and fitness facility, and how might these relate to this accident. The main legislation in the sport and fitness sector is the ‘Health and Safety Act Ect 1974’ . This act is known as a Statute Law which means it is provided by parliament and contains a number of acts that relate to all health and safety topics in an industry.The Child Protection at Work in Sport Unit may also be interested in Luke and Fiona’s case. As Heany and Goody (2008) suggest, the Health and Safety Executive governs a lot of the health and safety aspects in the sport and fitness sector through ‘The Health and Safety Act ect 1974’. The act protects the health and safety of people at work but it also provides health and safety for visitors to a facility. An important Factor in the case of Luke and Fiona could be ‘The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999’ which states that an empl oyer should carry out a risk assessment including risks to people not in his employment.A court may then ask if an appropriate risk assessment was carried out in preventing such injury happening to Fiona. The Child Protection at Work in Sport Unit, which is part of the ‘National Society for the prevention of cruelty to children’ may show concern because they may ask why Luke took Fiona into the gym in the first place As the sport and fitness sector grows in stature, the ‘Health and Safety Executive’ becomes more important in the guidance it gives in the of running the industry. (252) Task 2 Q2) Discuss whether or not Luke or his 14 year old Fiona would have a case for negligence against the facility.Explain the reason for your answer. Before a verdict of negligence is awarded a court will use the ‘law of tort’ which takes into account many factors. Jane Goody (2008) describes the law of ‘Tort’ as being a French word for a wrong and that the law makes a defendant protect someone from harm and owe a person a duty of care. The court must prove this by showing the defendant owed the person a duty of care, that the duty of care was broken and that the person received injury due to a breach to the duty of care. Negligence is further explored by using other laws such as ‘Occupiers liability’ and the ‘Reasonableness test‘.These are of much importance in the case of Luke and Fiona When it comes to Luke and Fiona the receptionist does not owe a duty of care because although she let Fiona into the premises, she did not let her into the gym. However the Fitness Instructor did owe Fiona a duty of care because he did not ask for any form of identification. In doing this he broke that duty of care and it could be said, he then breached that duty of care when she was injured. Occupiers liability is the law that gives the occupier of a property or land, the responsibility to make sure such land or pro perty is safe for people to enter.The notable law in the case of Luke and Fiona is that of Occupiers law of 1984 which states that land should be safe even for trespassers. (Jane Goody 2008). Fiona was classed as a trespasser as she entered the gym without permission but the owner still had to make it safe for her as a trespasser. However, the law then becomes more important in the case of Luke and Fiona because even though the defendant has a duty of care to make a facility safe for all, the law changes if the claimant is a child who should have been under the care of an adult.The court may then say that Luke was being negligent for taking Fiona into the gym and it was his responsibility to look after her especially as she should not have been there in the first place. The reasonableness test takes into account whether a defendant acted in a reasonable way in the circumstance and also takes into account any different behavior by the defendant or the claimant, the size of the risk a nd whether injury could have been prevented. Special qualifications held by the defendant are also taken into account (Jane Goody 2008)In the case of Luke and Fiona it could be said that the gym instructor was being unreasonable in not asking Fiona for any identification. In other aspects the instructor could have acted in a reasonable way because Fiona fell over and no equipment was involved however the situation would change if Fiona slipped on a wet floor or fell over equipment because it should have been checked and deemed safe by the instructor. The evidence shows that a case of negligence could be successful in many factors but the law of occupiers liability may lead to an unsuccessful claim .The gym instructor broke his duty of care to Fiona by not asking for identification . Occupiers liability shows that although Fiona was trespassing she had a right to safety, however an award may be reduced or lost because Luke was being negligent in taking Fiona to the gym. 566) .Bibliog raphy 1 & 2) Woolf, May (2006), study topic 3: Minimising the health risks of physical activity in E112 Introduction to Sport, Fitness and Management study guide, Milton Keynes, The Open University. 3) The Open University (2008) E112 Introduction to Sport, Fitness and Management DVD, Milton Keynes, The Open University. ) Vasan et al (2001) ‘Hypertension and Stroke’ in Fitness and Health (6th edn) Sharky and Gaskill (2007), Leeds, Human Kinetics. 5) Netfit (2009) ‘Resting Heart Rate’ (online). Available from: Http://netfit. co. uk/fitness/test/resting-heart-rate. htm (accessed 17th January 2010). 6) The Open University (2008) E112 Introduction to Sport, Fitness and Management DVD, Milton Keynes, The Open University. 7) Sharky, B. J. and Gaskill, S. E. (2007) Fitness and Health (6th edn), Leeds, Human Kinetics. 8) Family Education (2009) ‘Fat Percentage Chart’ (online), Available from: Http://life. familyeducation. com/weight/body-image/46748. tm l (Accessed 17th January 2010). 9) Sharky, B. J. and Gaskill, S. E. (2007) Fitness and Health (6th edn), Leeds, Human Kinetics. 10) Hendrix and Hughes (1997) ‘Activity Minimises Stress’ in Sharky and Gaskill (2007) Fitness and Health (6th edn), Leeds, Human Kinetics. 11) Heany and Goody (2008) ‘Physical Activity and Health and Safety’ in E112 Introduction to Sport, Fitness and Management Study Guide, Milton Keynes, The Open University. 12) Goody,M. (2008) Negligence: ‘Legal Frameworks of Health and Safety’ in Oakley, B. and Rhys, M. (eds) The Sport and Fitness Sector: An Introduction, London, Routledge/Milton Keynes, The Open University.

Swimming allows the body to burn calories

Swimming is one of the best exercises to get a person into shape.   From a scientific perspective, swimming has been found to be the ideal physical fitness activity.It targets many of the body’s muscles and helps strengthen and develop one’s body.   In fact, most researchers agree that swimming is the only activity that works on the entire body by improving a person’s cardiovascular conditioning, increasing a person’s muscle strength, improving one’s endurance, fixing one’s posture and making one more flexible all at the same time.These benefits that one can gain from swimming are unmatched by any sport as only swimming offers all of these benefits.   This short report shall discuss a few of the more specific reasons why swimming is the ideal physical fitness activity.The first reason, as already mentioned, is that swimming gives one a complete body workout.   It benefits the cardiovascular system without straining one’s heart and improves a person’s use of oxygen.   The timed breathing required in swimming conditions the body and allows a person to improve not only his endurance but also a person’s lung capacity.Swimming is also a perfect complement for cross-training workouts.   As a person who swims becomes more fit, the resting heart rate and respiratory rate is reduced thus allowing for more blood to flow into the heart and making the lungs more efficient.   Since swimming gives a complete body workout, it also allows one to burn calories faster than in any other sport.   A runner, on average, burns as many calories on a six mile run in one hour as a swimmer who was been swimming for one hour has burned.   Swimming not only develops one’s body but also helps people lose weight fast and helps keep people in good health.Another reason why swimming is considered as an ideal exercise arises from the fact that when a person swims the impact on the joints and bones is signifi cantly reduced by the buoyancy of the water.   The weight bearing environment of swimming therefore provides little stress to the body’s connective tissue and joints.This means that the body is not only strengthened but also protected from the wear and tear on the bones and joints.   Since a person weighs nearly 1/10th of his or her body weight in water, there is less gravitational stress on the body.   This greatly reduces the incidence of injuries and allows for a relatively rigorous and injury free work out.Swimming allows the body to burn calories at a rate of about three (3) calories a mile per pound of bodyweight.   Therefore, if a person weights approximately 150 (lbs) pounds and it take that person thirty (30) minutes to swim one (1) mile, which is about 1,760 yards or 1,600 meters, then that person will be burning almost 900 calories in one (1) hour.It is important to remember of course that these estimates may vary for different swimmers depending on skill a nd actual degree of physical conditioning.One of the most difficult things that a person encounters when getting into shape is the boredom from the routine.   Swimming is not only great exercise but it is also an entertaining activity.   It is fun for not only individuals but for groups as well and makes it easier for people who want to get in shape keep up their routine without getting bored.From a psychological perspective, swimming allows people to relax and swim with very little effort.   When a swimmer gets into the rhythm of swimming and allows the mind to focus on the stroke, it is similar to a form of meditation that provides the body with an overall feeling of general well being.Studies have shown that people who swim in the mornings or begin their days by swimming are more likely to have more energy for the rest of the day and are less likely to feel stressed or pressured.Swimming does not only give a person the psychological feeling of well being but also helps in o ther aspects such as the development of certain life skills namely sportsmanship, time-management, self-discipline, goal-setting, and an increased sense of self-worth through their participation in the sport.These reasons have led to the establishment of swimming as one of the best exercises to help a person maintain a healthy physique.

Foods that Increase Brain Activity and Prevent Decline by EssaySupply.com

Foods that Increase Brain Activity and Prevent Decline Foods that Increase Brain Activity â€Å"Smart foods,† they’re called – foods that enhance brain activity and that keep the brain healthy as the body ages. We now know, from research, that certain elements in some foods have a positive impact on the brain. While much of this testing has occurred with rats, the implications for human brains are certainly there. The elements that are now known to improve brain health and to help prevent brain health decline are Omega-3’s, glucose, blood supply, and anti-oxidants. In fact, the research shows that oxidants are more detrimental to the brain than to any other organ in the body. If you would like detailed information about these studies, there are load of essays online that summarize them. Nevertheless, foods rich in these elements should be added to everyone’s diet right now, no matter what age you are. Blueberries: Studies show that this superfood improves learning capacity and motor skills in animal studies. As well, they protect the brain from oxidants, and more recent studies indicate that there may be properties that retard dementia and Alzheimer’s. Recommended daily amount is 1 cup. Wild Salmon: Omega-3 fatty acids are known to promote good brain function and to reduce or delay effects of aging. These are also found in sardines and herring, and the recommended amount is at least one service 2-3 times a week. Nuts and Seeds: These foods are really high in Vitamin E, a nutrient that is also known to retard the aging of the brain as we age. 1 ounce per day of most any type of nut plus sunflower and sesame seeds is recommended. Vitamin E is also found in peanut butter if that is preferred. Avocados: One of the best benefits of avocados is that they contribute to good blood flow. The brain, like any other organ, relies on a strong blood supply. This food also lowers blood pressure, a condition which, over time, is a factor in the decline of cognitive abilities. Recommended amount is  ¼ -  ½ of one avocado once a week. This food is very high in fat content and calories, so this is the reason for the lower recommended amount. Whole Grains: Everyone should eat at least 3 servings a day of whole grain foods – oatmeal, whole grain cereals, and whole wheat or rye breads. First, these foods lower cholesterol, a leading cause of plaque buildup in the arteries. This buildup decreases blood supply to the brain, and can cause a stroke or heart attack. Both of these events disrupt the flow of blood to the brain. Whole grains also stimulate blood flow, so there is a double-plus to eating the recommended amount. Beans: The brain relies on glucose, and it does not store this nutrient. So, it is important that a steady supply of glucose get to the brain so that it is maintained in a healthy condition. While beans do not of themselves have glucose in them, they do regulate the flow of glucose throughout the body and ensure that the brain gets an adequate supply. Everyone should eat  ½ cup of beans every day. Pomegranates and other bright/dark colored vegetables and fruits. Pomegranates are mentioned specifically because, of all fruits and vegetables, they have the highest amount of anti-oxidants. Other fruits and vegetables include broccoli, tomatoes, oranges, dark berries and grapes, dark lettuce, carrots, asparagus, and squash. Red wines are also full of antioxidants. 5 servings a day please. Tea: If it is freshly brewed tea (no instant!), there are moderate amounts of caffeine which does enhance focus and memory. Tea, especially green tea, also contains anti-oxidants. 2-3 cups a day is ideal. Dark Chocolate: Yes! This is a huge source of anti-oxidants, and it also have moderate levels of caffeine. A recommended daily amount is  ½ - 1 ounce each day. Hopefully, there are some foods on this list that you really like. If so, and there are others you just can’t abide, at least increase the amounts of those foods that you do like. Scientists have located a protein in the brain that is definitely linked to Alzheimer’s, so keeping that protein functioning properly is important. â€Å"Brain foods† will help!

Risking Everything for Body Image

Risking Everything for Body Image Free Online Research Papers Images of models are everywhere. Women’s bodies are used to sell everything from coffee, cellular phones to yachts. Actresses and models are becoming thinner and thinner as well as younger. Magazine articles have reported actresses fainting while on the set from lack of food. Television commercials promote the next magic wonder diet pill, diet centers and the promise of a perfect life after they lose those last nagging five pounds. Few realize that these perfect bodies are created by younger and younger women and with the creative help of retouched photographs. The number of women and girls who look for an underweight body is reaching epidemic proportions and they risk potentially lethal health consequences. History of Body Image and Obesity 1908: A body-revealing style is introduced for women by French designer Paul Poiret. This sends a body fat is unfashionable message. 1940s: Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. publishes new height-weight tables, sending the message that it is unacceptable to gain weight with age. 1945: The bikini is invented by Lewis Reard, a Paris fashion designer. Bikinis grow in popularity throughout the year, culminating in the ‘90s TV show â€Å"Baywatch.† 1951: The US government begins a campaign against obesity. 1956: Fitness becomes popular with the Jack LaLanne show premiering on television. 1960s: British fashion model Twiggy begins a new rain-thin faze with fashion. This later revitalized in the 1990s by Kate Moss. 1968: Erwin Stillman and Samm Sinclair Baker begin the first of many diet fads with the best selling book The Doctors Quick Weight Loss Diet. 1972: Robert C. Atkins becomes a best selling author of the Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution. This book begins the extremely popular low-carbohydrate diet. 1983: Karen Carpenter a 32 year-old pop idol dies of anorexia nervosa. 1994: 51,072 liposuction procedures are conducted as reported by The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. 1996: It is estimated that 8 million Americans suffer from anorexia, bulimia or both as reported by National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated. 1996: The Body Mass Index (BMI) becomes the set definition of obesity. Media Influence Images of the ideal female beauty are unattainable for all but a very limited number of women. When surveying women in college about their attempts to manage their weight through dieting, 91% admitted to attempting to control or manage their weight and 22% dieted always or often (Kurth et al., 1995). Often-times these college women use unhealthy methods of weight control including starving themselves, limiting their number of meals, excessive exercise, diet pills, laxative abuse, and self-induced vomiting. This preoccupation with being super skinny is not exclusive to adults either. Statistics show that 42% of the 1st-3rd grade populations of girls want to be thinner (Collins, 1991). Additionally, 81% of 10 year-old girls are frightened of being overweight (Mellin et al., 1991). These efforts are supported by the front covers of magazines that include messages about how to change a woman’s bodily appearance, whether by diet, exercise or cosmetic surgery. We have been taught t hat the only beautiful figure is one with less than 10% body fat. Research reveals that the average American woman is on average 5-6 inches shorter and 15% 23% heavier than actresses and models. Given these startlingly statistics, it is no surprise that an approximate 95% of women are anxious or depressed about their weight. Runway Standards The issue of models becoming alarmingly thin has made it to the runways of Madrid. There are now requirements that state a model must be at least 16 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 18. BMI is a calculation that measures body fat based on height and weight. The ban on skinny women has come as runway organizers move toward a healthier image. This move has been celebrated by new and upcoming models who are literally starving themselves to death as they work toward becoming the next top model and achieve a multimillion dollar contract. The Madrid council, who instituted these changes, has also arranged for medical treatment for those models that have a BMI of 16 or less. Brazil and Argentina have followed suit and London is expected to do so later this month. The decision to ban ultra thin models is a positive move for teens everywhere, as these role models present an unrealistic and unhealthy body image for teenagers. Dr. Cynthia Kapphahan of California’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford advises that, â€Å"Kids are incredibly affected by media images, and models are still held up as the â€Å"perfect’ standard.† When teenagers by pass their family and look to models as role models, an unrealistic and perhaps unachievable standard is set. Genetics Within the United States, over 60 million adults are considered to be obese. This means they are at least 20% above their ideal weight. Obesity is caused by controllable factors such as lifestyle and environment as well as physiological factors like genetics. Genetics helps determine your natural weight range, but you have some control over where you fall within that range, says Edward Abramson, PhD, an expert on obesity, dieting, and weight disorders and the author of Body Intelligence. Studies have determined that genetic factors are not the lone cause of the large increase in childhood obesity; however they are believed to influence one’s weight much like environment. A person reared in an environment of little exercise, high-fat foods and a genetic disposition towards obesity, is likely to become obese. This is why obese parents often have obese children. Studies conducted with identical and fraternal twins raised separately, suggest that 70% of the variation in BMI may be genetically based in origin. So do not aim for a size 0, aim for health: if obesity is a family trait, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses could be as well. Exercise is fundamental to maintaining a healthy body weight, try using the stairs instead of the elevator, and make it a point to get up and move around every hour. In short, take care of the body that one was born with. A healthy body is not necessarily a thin body, these are two different distinctions. Research shows that overweight people who are physically fit can live just as long as or longer than those who are at the ideal weight and not physically fit. Anorexia, a Psychiatric Disorder Anorexia is an eating disorder where people literally starve themselves, sometimes to death. One percent of teenage girls develop anorexia; up to 19% of which may die as a result of anorexia. Anorexics strive for a super thin body due to the warped body image they see in the mirror rather than outside pressure from society. Individuals suffering from anorexia typically experience weight loss that is 15% below their normal body weight. These individuals are very skinny but are convinced that they are overweight, even obese. This weight loss is obtained in many ways, excessive exercise, starvation, laxatives and more. These individuals have an intense fear of becoming fat and as a result their dieting habits take on extreme measures. Typically, adolescent girls are most affected by anorexia. Even after obtaining an extremely thin body, anorexics continue to think that they are overweight. An anorexic will prepare a large meal for family and friends and refuse to eat any of it. The disorder is thought to be most common among people involved in dancing, theater and running. These are activities were thinness is an advantage and highly sought. With proper treatment, anorexia can be overcome. While some peoples desire to be super thin may be explained by anorexia, this alone is not the sole cause. Healthier Food Choices Women’s thinner bodies can also be attributed to the prevalence of healthier living and the significant food choices available today. Previously, fast food restaurants did not provide alternative options such as salads, grilled chicken, milk and juice. These options have far less calories and fat than the typical burger, fries and soda typically offered. Changes such as this may seem small; however combined with the opening of other healthier fast food restaurants such as sub sandwich shops and Chinese food, busy families now have choices and options that were previously unavailable to them. These subtle changes can be attributed to women’s body image changes. Effective Dieting Healthier food options combined with effective dieting centers like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig have aided many women across the US in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. This success is due to their holistic approach, support system, weekly weigh-ins and nutritional advice. These programs have also been proven effective in achieving long-term weight loss success and may influence body image perceptions as well. Body Image A womans body image comprises her shape, size and physical appearance. Body images are formed from our experiences, parents, peers, role-models, models, and friends who provide an idea and value of body images. An image is formed from the positive and negative feedback received from people whose opinions matter to us. The way we perceive our own body to fit the cultural image is incorporated as well. Many women have a distorted perception of their bodies. They may look in the mirror and see an overweight body or slightly larger body than what is there. Large thighs, extended abdomen, and a larger buttocks may lead to distress for some women. James Rosen, Ph.D. from the University of Vermont has done studies indicating that women are most dissatisfied with the parts of their bodies between their waist and their knees. Cosmetic surgery and liposuction are the fastest growing medical specialties within cosmetic surgery. Young girls are repeatedly told that they must adapt to so-called â€Å"feminine† qualities: skinny, nice personality, perfectly proportioned, nurturing of others, supporting male figures, glowing skin, fabulous makeup as well as model perfect clothing styles and dress. A women’s sense of self is so influenced by others opinions and how she sees herself, she puts extra effort in to being the perfect person. Body image includes much more than just weight. Women are constantly bombarded with products that are designed to appeal to vanity. Skin tone, hair color, and hair style are common products. In addition, we are conditioned through the clothing industry to purchase expensive clothing from designers such as Juicy Couture. Conclusion Americans are completely obsessed with diet and weight and this obsession has reached an all time high in magazines, movies, and runaways around the world. The pressure for models and actresses to be super thin is the latest trend. This is a trend that has come and gone throughout the years but is now at a fever pitch. There is no easy answer to the obesity epidemic and maintaining a healthy body image. Body image begins with learning to love what is seen in the mirror, a celebration of our bodies, nourishing our bodies, and the decision to change one’s body image not one’s body. With a positive body image, one will have a realistic view of size, shape and is therefore more likely to be comfortable with their body. Satisfaction with one’s body image affects more than body weight alone, it affects emotional health, self-image, stress management, and self-esteem. Essential to developing and maintaining a healthy body image are eating healthy, regular exercise and receiving plenty of rest. Building a healthy lifestyle includes physical activity. Healthy bodies come in variety of sizes and shapes should be nurtured and valued for their individuality and uniqueness. When looking in the mirror appreciate the image and resist the urge to compare oneself to societies and culture’s ideal of beauty, look to family and friends for a positive and reinforcing body image, and trust the health advice of medical personnel on obesity. Resist the temptation to use models and actresses as the ideal body and beauty standards. Body images should be a result of an individual’s perception of beauty based on their experience with family, friends and not media images. Unrealistic and unattainable are words that can be used to describe images in the media. Full-bodied is fabulous; it is time to change the perception of beauty! Here’s to seeing more natural models in magazines, television and movies. Reference List Body mass index (BMI). (2006). Partnership for healthy weight management. Retrieved March 2, 2007, from www.consumer.gov. Collins, J.K., Beumont, P. J., Touyz, S. W., Krass, J., Thompson, P. and Philips, T. (1987). Variability in body shape perception in anorexic, bulimic, obese, and control subjects. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 6, 636-638. de Vries, Hilary. (July 2006). Why were at war with our bodies: you hate your hips and worship Madonnas abs. Marie Claire, 13, p78(6). Retrieved February 02, 2007, from Thomson Gale. Gorman, Megan Othersen. (Dec 2005). The good news about being fat: no need to starve yourself down to celeb size this season. Marie Claire, 12, p203(1). Retrieved February 02, 2007, from Thomson Gale. Hutchison, Sue. (October 2006). Hutchison: Link between bony models, anorexic teens isn’t a fantasy. The Mercury News. Retrieved February 16, 2007 by Mercurynews.com. Kurth, C.L., Krahn, D.D., Nairn, K., and Drewnowski, A. (1995). The severity of dieting and bingeing behaviors in college women: interview validation of survey data, Journal of Psychiatric Research 29 (3) pp. 211-225. Mellin, L. M., Irwin, C. E., Scully, S. (1992). Prevalence of disordered eating in girls: A survey of middle-class children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 92 (7), 851-853. Webster, Jessica, and Marika Tiggemann. (June 2003). The relationship between womens body satisfaction and self-image across the life span: the role of cognitive control. Journal of Genetic Psychology. Retrieved on February 2, 2007 by Thomson Gale. Weiner, Jessica. (Feb 2006). Bod talk: just like clothes and hairstyles, in body types come and go and come back again. CosmoGirl!, 8, p124(6). Retrieved February 02, 2007, from Thomson Gale. 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