HUNBlog

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

This was the first time I really thought about how many cars were on the road while I myself was driving to my sister’s home for Thanksgiving. I could not believe my eyes, the amount of cars that were on the road. What made it crazier was that my brother –in-law had taken my car earlier in the week and my parents were in the car two hours behind us. I thought to myself as I saw a train sitting on the tracks. Would Americans take the train if it were more accessible to them? I would. I would love to get on a train and travel.

Why doesn’t United Sates develop their train systems, so that people will use it more? Even in our city of Houston TX, people still argue about the Metro Rail System. We should build this system to extend to the suburbs of Houston. People complain about the traffic; however, they are not willing to be part of the solution. Extending the Metro Rail System would clear up some of our traffic problems, pollution problems, make new jobs, and stimulate our economy. Who would pay for this cost?

 If people see how accessible the train system is then they would use it more and the fares would go to help pay for the cost of build. I would take the train to go to my class instead of jumping in my car, where I have to stop to fill up the gas tank before I go. That is money, that can go to paying for the train and a cup of coffee. The people in Europe use the train system and they find it easy to get around. Even their children are knowledgeable about the train system and ride the trains with ease.    

Therefore, if we start by using the train in our cities first, then extend then out to the suburbs, and then out to the nearest cities. Then we too could have a train system unlike any other. We would not have to take our cars with us every time. Kids would be able to see more of the country, which they will inherit. Maybe they would take better care of it if they saw how beautiful it is. If we can make the train more appealing to people, they will come, and they will ride.  

 

Christine Salinas

 

 

When you are a mother of two and working wife, it is hard to come home after a hard day and actually cook a healthy meal. Especially when you are having to deal with picky eaters! Picky eaters are the hardest to deal with the worst to cook for!

Unlike my husband, my kids and I eat anything. Since they were little I taught them to eat anything and everything that was available because I didn't even want to have a problem with them later in life eating like thier dad. Healthy quick meals are easy when you are using the right things! I have read that if you cut up the vegies or fruits ahead of time, it will lessen up the time it takes you to prepare the meal that way it doesn't take so long to prepare a healthy meal for your family. Even pizza can be healthy if you make it the right way.

Most of the wheat items that are available now in the grocery stores are not as gross as most people may think. Sometimes you cannot even taste it! I have learned that the smaller you cut up the vegies, the less your husband and kids will know they are even there! Either that or they can't pick them out as easily and will just give up and eat it all.

Is Solar Energy the FUTURE?

Do you think solar power is the future or will it never happen? In case you may not know solar energy is the energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the Sun. The sun has produced energy for billions of years and energy can be converted into other forms of energy, solar energy can be used to:

1. Heat water in order to use at homes, buildings, or swimming pools.

2.  It can be used to heat spaces inside homes, greenhouses, and other buildings.

3. Third, it can be used to lower the temperature on solar collectors and also absorb the sun's heat energy, but instead of making electricity, use the heat directly for hot water or space heating in homes, offices, and other buildings.

An interesting fact about the solar thermal power systems is that there are three main types and these are parabolic through which is the most common type of plant, solar dish and solar power tower.

The benefits of using solar energy are that it can save us money and save mother earth from so much pollution. Like I said solar energy is environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels which release greenhouses gasses and carbon dioxide into the air. Another reason is that you are not required to connect the power grid. You can be completely self sufficient and never pay another monthly bill. An awesome benefit is that most governments will provide some kind of incentive for people who purchased solar energy systems. 

Another good reason to use solar energy is that solar technology is constantly improving. Solar installations are increasing by an incredible 50% every year, most which are homemade systems.

This are some of the reasons why solar energy should be used for our homes and be considered for the future. It will save us lots of money and help mother earth, pollution wise and our future children will have a better environment to live in.

By: Nereida Gonzalez 

Resources: Energy Kids, Renewable Solar

http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=solar_home-basics

 

Childhood Obesity

The issue of childhood obesity is a problem that has been spiraling out of control in recent years. With kids obsessed with chocolate, carbonated drinks, and cheese flavored puffs, it is no wonder. And one look into today’s middle and high school hallways will show that this is not just an issue that parents must address, but also an issue that must be tackled at the schools. Educators need to come together and address this ever growing issue. One possible solution is to implement a mandatory Health Ed class that focuses on healthy eating habits and place it into the core curriculum at the middle school and high school levels. But until this and other changes take place, the issue will spawn many other related and equally damaging issues.
Possibly one of the first steps towards curbing childhood obesity is the complete removal of carbonated beverages and fatty snack from the schools. While this alone will not solve the problem, it will definitely serve as an indicator to students, faculty, staff, and parents that the school is serious about the health concerns of the students. Along with the removal, students will be given alternative options that are better suited towards their health.
With the removal of the snacks must also go hand in hand with a curriculum that expressly teaches students healthy eating habits. The course will also try to minimize the psychological effects that students who are overweight must encounter, such as bullying. Implementing a zero tolerance for bullying would be an ideal step towards that goal. Bullying has life-long implications and should not be accepted at school or in the home. Students should be taught that this type of discrimination will not be tolerated.
The issues of obese children stem from many different venues, such as not finding proper clothes to wear, not being able to properly fit into standard size desks, and falling behind in P.E. classes. Each of these can bring about self esteem issues, bulimia, and even more taunting by fellow peers. By acting now and implementing certain programs and classes at grade school level we can help combat and eliminate this menace that is plaguing our youth.

Genaro Mendoza Jr

Global Warming and Energy

There are many issues facing our nation today, the economy crisis, the war in Afghanistan, and finally last but not least our environment crisis. Even though the United States has been criticized for being over dependent on fossil fuels I am glad to find out we still have a chance. During my Natural Science class, I learned about many concepts that I had never been introduced to before like sustainability and everything that has to do with it. One thing that caught my attention is the ongoing process of developing alternative sources of energy, which to my knowledge will help alleviate some of those harmful emissions we release out into the environment when we process our energy with fossil fuels, such as coal, fuel oil, or natural gas. Global warming is definitely an energy problem, and we cannot have both an increase in conventional fossil fuel use and a habitable planet. Yet the United States is projected to consume 35 percent more oil, coal, and gas combined in 2030 than in 2004.

So, what is alternative energy? Alternative energy refers to energy sources that have undesired consequences such for example fossil fuels or nuclear energy. Alternative energy sources are renewable and are thought to be "free" energy sources. They all have lower carbon emissions, compared to conventional energy sources. These include Biomass Energy, Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Geothermal Energy, Hydroelectric Energy sources. I really think that it is our duty to demand our politicians to quit avoiding the issue and act quick.

I have read lots of reports where politicians deny and question what is in fact happening. I recently viewed a commercial here in Houston of some person claiming that global warming is not real and the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is beneficial to our planet. I was shocked, of course at the end of the commercial there was an ad or a sign that stated he was in the oil business. I am sure that there are many people who think like him, but look at it like this. Just because tobacco companies advertise their product in a positive way, does it mean that is healthy? No, not really smoking has been found to be one of the main reasons for lung, and other types of cancer. Yet people still smoke, and go on with their life as if nothing is happening.

There are many reasons for us to take part in the future development of renewable energy sources, the main one is the future of our precious planet, there is also the economic factor, the government incentives, and last but not least, our ethical duty to do what is right.

By: Evelyn Martinez

Teaching kids about Water Pollution and ways to prevent it

Water is an important element in our daily lives and we should teach this importance to our kids in school or at home. Also teach the students steps to prevent the water pollution. Water covers more than 70 percent of the surface of the Earth, it is the most precious natural resources of our planet. The more we can learn about water the better we can understand its importance. We need to keep the water unpolluted in our oceans, rivers, and lakes because otherwise it harms the same planet we survive on. Only 1 percent is useful for drinking and cooking. As the population is increasing rapidly, water pollution is becoming a problem.

Water pollution is the biggest problem in world today. It affects drinking water, rivers, lakes, and oceans all over the world. This consequently harms human health and the natural environment. Human activity is one of the biggest factor of our seas, rivers, and lakes getting polluted by littering. Water is the necessity of life and we use it everyday in our lives, and we get this water from rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources. Water pollution is also caused by sewage, waste of water, industrial waste, oil pollution, Atmospheric Deposition, Marine Dumping, Littering, and Global warming. Wasting water is also a biggest factor in water pollution, wasting water from homes and commercial establishments. We all need to be very careful when using water for any purpose.

There are many ways to prevent water pollution. We as teachers can teach children in school to prevent water pollution. It is an important factor in our lives and children should learn the importance of water in the world today. Some of the preventions for example are, to teach children not to waste water. We should conserve water by turning off the tap when running water is not necessary. This helps prevent water shortages and reduces the amount of contaminated water that needs treatment. Teach the students not to throw any types of litter down the drain. Another example that we can do at home is to use environmental friendly products. Also, teach children to plant more plants in your garden that help prevent fertiliser, pesticides and contaminated water from running off into nearby water sources. And one very important factor to prevent water pollution is not to litter. Do not throw any litter into rivers, lakes, or oceans. Help clean up our environment becaue we all want to stay healthy and drink clean water.

written by: Atika Khan

OVER WEIGHT, WHO DO YOU BLAME?

“Recent estimates from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicate that an estimated 17% of children aged 2 to 19 years are overweight. When comparing the statistics from 1988 to 1994 and 2003 to 2004, obesity increased from 7.2% to 13.9% in children aged 2 to 5 years and from11% to 19% in children aged 6 to 11 years.” (Kline, Andrea M, 2009, p 1) Obesity in kids has reached an epidemic level. Experts believe that approximately 15 % of kids are overweight, another 15% are at risk of becoming overweight, and two-thirds of these overweight kids will become overweight adults.
Although there is not just one person or cause to blame on child obesity, I do believe that parents have a big role and would be the number one reason. After all, parents are the only one that have control over all these things. As a parent one can help their child make healthy food choices at home and when eating fast food, can limit TV watching and time spent playing video games, and can encourage kids to be more active.
I was told by a friend that I should not only blame the parents and she suggest I read an article “Junk Foods Health Crusade,” written by Michele Simons, were it accusses fast food companies and fast food chains of being the cause of child obesity. Even after reading the article were Simons accuses fast food companies of being the cause of child obesity, I still disagree. Although TV, Video Games, and Fast Foods, do have to do with the major cause of child obesity they are not the number one reason. They have a great part of it, which can be controlled by the parent. They are also the one who chose if they want their children to sit in front of a TV or go outside and play. According to the research I’ve read, even with good evidence of how manipulative fast food companies could be with their advertising that does not save us from not taking responsibility for the bad decisions we as parents make when we purchase their products.
I insists that parents are at fault they have the last say on what children choose to eat and it is the parents who pay for what their children eat, and there is no endearing Ronald McDonald clown who could change that.

Sources:
"Pediatric Obesity in Acute and Critical Care." Critical Care Nurse by Kline, Andrea M.
“Junk Foods Health Crusade,” written by Michele Simons

by Griselda Maya

A course on being Green

I believe that the only way for green economics to function in our current global economy is to educate our students so that they may make wise choices for their future generations. The first step in education would be to provide our students with a proper course that will introduce and teach the concept of green economics. The goal of the course would be to foster dialog and present alternative green resources that they may utilize in their everyday lives. If we truly expect our future generation to be more conscientious and respectful of their environment then change must begin now with our present generation. The first lesson in green economics would of course be to explain what green economics is all about. There are many differing definitions out there on green economics but my favorite defines green economics as a methodology that “supports the harmonious interaction between humans and nature and attempts to meet the needs of both simultaneously”.  This is a vague definition but it serves as an excellent first draft that your students will later expand upon as they begin to understand the factors that shape green economics.

Once your students begin to understand what green economics is then you can introduce the various sectors that are affected by green economics for example the energy sector as well as various careers such as architects and engineers. By encouraging your students to investigate on their own you may open their eyes to just how many career options they should consider in the future.  It is also a good idea to challenge them to examine their own actions at home and at school and decide whether they are in agreement with the practices of green economics. The idea behind every lesson plan should be to question your student’s actions and present them with options so that they may come up with ideas of their own and continuously elaborate on that initial definition of green economics.

Another very important aspect of this course will be to educate your students on the importance of green technology and how it affects green economics.  Green technology is currently a key factor behind much of green economics and will continue to be so in the future so it is a good idea for your students to explore more about this aspect of the green movement. Instruct them to investigate the link between green economics and green technology. There are several websites out there that concern themselves with new green technology so make a lesson out of this and ask your students to provide several different websites that have to do with green economics and technology. A course such as this will create awareness on green resources and allow your students to learn on their own ultimately motivating themselves to think in a new green manner. Due to the importance of the subject taught in this course I would hope that it would be a mandatory course beginning at the elementary level and continuing on into high school. It is only through education that we can successfully make a change for the better and learn to live in harmony with our environment.

By Marcia Rivera 

http://www.answers.com/topic/green-economics

 

What's really in your food? High Fructose Corn Syrup as a Possible Contributor to the Obesity Epidemic

    I found an article in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that discussed the obesity epidemic and its possible relationship to the increased consumption of high-fructose corn syrup in recent years, particularly in beverages. The article, entitled Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup in beverages may play a role in the epidemic of obesity, can be found by following this link: http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/79/4/537 . Although the cause/s of the obesity epidemic are still unclear, some scientists and health professionals think that the increasing presence of artificial sweeteners in foods and beverages may play a role. High fructose corn syrup is the most common of these artificial sweeteners, accounting for 40 percent of caloric sweeteners added to foods and beverages. In fact, it is the only artificial sweetener that is used in beverages in the United States. The consumption of high fructose corn syrup (hereafter referred to as HFCS) increased 1000% between 1970 and 1990, mirroring the spread of obesity throughout the population of individuals aged 2 years and above in recent years.
    One reason that HFCS is thought to contribute to weight gain is because the body doesn’t process fructose (a sugar found in fruits) the same way that it processes glucose (a simple sugar found in carbohydrates). Fructose doesn’t cause the body to secrete insulin or produce leptin like glucose does. Both insulin and leptin act as key signals that tell the body to stop eating when it has received enough nutrients (creating a feeling of being “full”). This is why consuming HFCS may contribute to increased food intake, and thus weight gain.
    Corn-based syrups are inexpensive to produce, so they are being used more and more in place of sucrose (table sugar) as an added sugar (sweetener added to manufactured food). Fructose is also a lot sweeter than sucrose. Since HFCS is added to so much of our food, I think that the extra sweetness has caused us to develop a preferred taste for very sweet foods. This might make us prefer artificially sweetened foods over foods that are naturally sweet or foods that are sweetened with sucrose.

    The article says that HFCS is a favorite substitute for sucrose in carbonated beverages, baked foods, canned fruits, jams and jellies, and dairy products. I think that it is in a lot more foods than the article listed, though. In reading labels, I have found HFCS in canned soups, all kinds of packaged breads and other baked goods, salsa, canned tomatoes, crackers, dried fruits, and the list goes on. This is frustrating to me because a lot of people eat canned fruits and dairy products like yogurt thinking they are eating healthy foods, when, in reality, they are eating large amounts of HFCS. I know there is some debate over whether HFCS is worse than sucrose or not. But, even if it is no worse than sucrose, the fact that it is being added to so many foods that do not need sweeteners is alarming to me. Why does applesauce need extra sugar? It’s naturally sweet! I think it is very deceptive for companies to add so many sweeteners to their products, especially when the foods are portrayed as healthy snacks in advertisements. If it is true that the consumption of HFCS doesn’t signal regulation in food intake, making people feel hungry even after they’ve eaten a lot of food with HFCS in it, then perhaps that is why food companies put it in foods that don’t need sweeteners. If consumers eat their products but don’t get full, they’ll eat more and more of it, increasing food sales. Unfortunately it also increases obesity and associated health problems in consumers. 

    The article also discusses studies that have been done using rats. The researchers provide sweetened beverages for them to drink then record the results. In this particular study the consumption of the sweetened beverages decreased the amount of solid food the rats consumed, but the rats still gained weight, slowly progressing to an obese state. This is alarming considering the large amount of sodas that people consume on a regular basis. So many people grab a soda from a vending machine or an extra large beverage from a fast-food joint in place of a meal (or in addition to a double cheeseburger and fries). Added sweeteners are not only in soda, though. Many fruit juices have high contents of HFCS. Again, I think a lot of people drink fruit juices instead of sodas, thinking they are being health-conscious, when there is sometimes just as much HFCS in a bottle of grape juice as there is in a bottle of coke. All in all, I think the food industry is taking advantage of un-knowing customers by adding HFCS and other sweeteners to foods that most people assume are more healthy than they really are.

Hilary Weber

Resources:  "Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup in beverages may play a role in the epidemic of obesity" from the Journal of Clinical Nutrition http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/79/4/537 .

Making a Difference Should not be a Punishment

Recently on the television we see celebrities who have broken the law and been involved with the police. One scene that is always popular is showing a celebrity with a jumpsuit on picking up trash on the side of the road. It is always good TV to have a celebrity reduced to picking up garbage on the side of the road but this should not be seen as a punishment. What are we teaching our children if show them that the only time it is appropriate to pick up garbage is when you are in trouble and getting punished. I feel that we can find something much more appropriate for celebrities to do with their time and money and actually make picking up garbage a community event we can all be proud of. By donating one hour a Saturday, enough people can slowly make a difference that changes an entire community. If we only see cleaning up as a punishment for breaking the law we are sending the wrong message to our children and the community. By having events where everyone shows up because they want to pick up garbage, the community is taking a step in the right direction.