Sneaker slaves on Dazed Digital by Pinar&Viola Essay Example for Free

Sneaker slaves on Dazed Digital by PinarViola Essay As artist and designers were always attracted by cultural excesses. Thats where the beauty and the horror of present time shines out in its optimum. This time we found beauty behind the hidden doors of the booming world of sneakers, one of the lasting veteran icons of American consumer culture. When I meet an attractive boy, his shoes are the first thing I look at. We all know that you can tell so much about a person by what they wear on their feet. Apparently Im not the only one. Shoes carry sexual connotations in mainstream culture. There is nothing scandalous about stilettos being marketed as sexy.High heels are a widely accepted vanilla expression of shoe fetishism. Yet the persuasive power of sports footwear has caused the rise of darkrooms within sneaker culture. In the dark zones of the sneaker cult, fanatics enjoy intimacy with stylish kicks on their feet and in their mouth. The iconoclastic twist of a sneakerhead making love to his sneaker could be the ultimate case of a shopper and a product becoming one, surrendered in manic mutual adoration. We were introduced to the term sneakerslaves[-3] via a friend. After a little bit of XX-browsing we found the Tumblrs Sneaker Fetish[-4], Sk8terboy[-5] and a Dutch sneaker fetish wikipedia page[-6]. The page informs us that most trainer fetishists, gay men and straight men, are based in France, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands. Common forms of sneaker fetishism are worshipping[-7], licking[-8] and sniffing[-9] sneakers. Shoeslaves also swap[-10] each others sneakers, or eat food [-11]out of their kicks. These fetishists provide images that make our hearts beat faster. For once the bad boys always dressed to kill arent depicted in the expected realm of a street fight, a shady strip club, or in a sweaty six-pack workout scenario. In these counter-glamour images of tough boys showing their soft side, while sensually sniffing their pricey sneakers with attention and adoration. These boys show that shoe fetishism goes beyond thigh-length leather boots, killer heels and kinky combat boots. A special place in this list is taken by our daily hot kicks, the training shoe. Thanks to the mixture of pop culture, nostalgia, strong  brand-creation, high tech designs and constant launch of new models, the sneaker reached a popularity that crossed all the lines of race and economic classes. A niche of consumers turned into sneakerheads, and a niche of sneakerheads turned into sneakerslaves. The affection of urban youth for their sneakers is one of true love. One of the reasons they love their kicks so much is that the footwear embodies cultural and personal transcendence. The right pair of sneakers associates the wearer with extraordinary athletic accomplishments while exclusive special editions seem to have the power to establish an identity in a world where all the same things seem to be available everywhere. Rare models encourage the sneaker freaks to compete with each other. The shoes seem worth the investment. They have the ability to retain or increase in value despite being used. Actually, many sneakerheads dont mind rocking some classics that look a little worn-in. This kind of tolerance and compassion for a pair of shoes can flame up to an extreme. The look, the feel and the smell of brand new and/or worn sneakers, can cause an adoration that blurs out the line between sneaker freaks and sneaker fetishists. [-0] http://www.pinar-viola.com/blog/2012/11/harald-gloockler/ [-1] http://www.pinar-viola.com/blog/2012/03/chinese-gangsta-glam/ [-2] http://www.pinar-viola.com/blog/2012/03/breathable-delights/ [-3] http://cashgod13.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/slave-profile-2-sneaker-slaves/ [-4] http://sneakerfetish.org/ [-5] http://sk8erboy-eu.tumblr.com/ [-6] http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sneakerfetisjisme [-7] http://sneakersniffer.blogspot.nl/2012/06/sniff-at-all-circumstances.html [-8] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCiCrJACGeg [-9] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XThQsiOZKCo [-10] http://youtu.be/XLbumWImcDo [-11] http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embeddedv=sHNA_DZr024

“What Are Some Issues That Indigenous Australians Still Face and Some Solutions” Essay Example for Free

â€Å"What Are Some Issues That Indigenous Australians Still Face and Some Solutions† Essay We have all heard of the stolen generation in Australia’s history, and know of the issues and problems the indigenous Australians faced and although modern times for indigenous Australians are a lot better than previous times, they are still faced with many issues. These include education leading onto high unemployment, remoteness of some living lands, problems proving rightful lands and culture clashes of today. However some solutions I think will work are mentioned later on, which I think could possibly help future generations to come. Education and high unemployment are all issues that the indigenous aboriginals face. They have the lowest attendance rates and this leads onto high unemployment rates. Some aboriginals do not believe in European education, and others it is sometimes too far for them to travel to get proper education. This all has future effects on the children that do not attend school, as they are unable to be employed and therefore cannot lead a better life. It is a cycle that will continue until something is done. I believe that we should build more schools so the children can attend it daily, and for those who do not believe in European education, I believe that we should have a regular consulter who ever week will talk to the adults to try and convince them and change their views (gently), and not only that, but check on the children and make sure they are attending school. I think governments should help schools who have this commonly occur, and have a consulter and check up on the kids who haven’t been attending. The next issue is remoteness of land that leads to lack of proper facilities, and problems with proving rightful land. Some indigenous Australians prefer to live on their ancestor’s land and continue traditional life; however sometimes these places are too remote for proper facilities. Facilities such as health, education and more are too far to reach. I think we should build more facilities nearer to the lands so they are now closer and can get use them. The next problem is a big one. Ancestral land is vital to indigenous culture and is a link to their past, so when they lose that important land, it is hard to win it back as a lot of evidence must be given. I believe we should reduce the amount of evidence given, and depending on case to case, give it up easier. Because without their land they have lost their culture, their land and are displaced within society. The last issue I will mention is culture clash. Here in the modern world,there is not much room for other cultures. It is a major role within many indigenous Australian lives, however its customs sometimes clash with the new beliefs creating strains on the younger generations beliefs. I believe we should create more schools, meant mainly (but not only for) aboriginals, which encourage many of their cultures and customs which will help encourage the younger generations to connect with it. So although there is still many issues that many indigenous Australians face, I believe that they can all be solved with enough time, effort and belief, we can make it better for them.

Equality and Diversity Case Study: ABC Concordia Healthcare

Equality and Diversity Case Study: ABC Concordia Healthcare Managing Equality and Diversity Lonita M. Tejano In this case study of ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd is dedicated toward eradicating discrimination based on color or race, gender, age groups, ethnicity or national origins, disability, religious or ethical belief, sexual orientation, employment status, political opinion and marital status. This reporting requirement of stakeholders to be treated equally and deprived of discrimination. Consequently, the obligation of every stakeholder anticipates that they should not practice discriminations and have the same opportunities to all employees regardless of. Stakeholders believe that ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd will act in accordance with legislations and compelling explanations stages to make sure stakeholder and the employee to be treated justly and with no discrimination further down the relations of any regulation in strength from the period of connecting to discrimination in occupation and the establishment of properties, services or amenities. Since ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd is faithful to remove discrimination in selection process in recruitment sector, individual career development, relations of and conditions of employment, taking up benefits corresponding to work life balance policies an embodiment having flexible working requests, planning for training opportunities not restricted to equality and diversity, any complaint and disciplinary procedures of the employees, processing of resignation, selection redundancies, and dismissals and working with other organisations. ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd is applying the policy like being accountable who is working with ABC and to all associates, affiliates and board directors, thus complaints of discrimination will be inspected. ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd will be observed and recorded equal opportunities or benefits data about workforce, associates, colleague, and board of directors on the basis of age group of individual, gender, group of ethnicity, and disability. ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd is responsib le for equal opportunities, facts to the Human Rights Services Commission and evaluation of the action of this policy every six months in a year. On the contrary, external stakeholders should not be discriminated. Their detailed prerequisites like disability should be addressed. Every individual should be restricted of discrimination and be treated equally because of social justice ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd deliver equal opportunities evidence to the Human Rights Services Commission as a mandatory in relation to workforces and customers further down the relations of the legislation. Many commenters on New Zealand society consider these events both historical and present day a good example of social justice in this country. In a recent study, Michael Belgrave, Merata Kawham and David Williams (2005) showed that in the history of New Zealand, Michael, Merata, and David also found that unexpectedly, The Treaty of Waitangi was only implicitly debated by ten contributors only 4% of th e example and was connected with five different arrangements of social justice like tolerance, equal right, equal treatment, equal distribution and legislative. In addition, discrimination an argumentative effect on individual and groups like for example special effects on health and economic. ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd will periodically reevaluate the policy of the organization operator every six months for a year, but it depends if there is non-compliance or problem concerning equality and diversity issues with clients and personnel identification more than regularly. At that point remedial action should be taken under the policy or barriers to equal opportunities. In addition to that, the policy will review and considering the outcome of monitoring and review actions under communication and training plans. The universal statement of ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd provides fair treatment within the personnel and new job applicants to prevent discrimination. For occupation comprise the variety of employment development, circumstances and relations of employment, admission to working out opportunities, and admission to relocation and promotion, disciplinary measures, dress code, reductions of employees, layings-off of staff, positions, bonus outlines, work allocation and a ny other employment related activities. ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd promotion and career development will be centered specially on merit. Therefore, promote a positive approach to the employees in agreement toward pertinent anti-discrimination legislation and encourages the staff to work better and it depends on their job performance .According to National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia staff benefits and compensation working in the Hospital, annual merit increase (from 0 to 3% of the employee’s basic salary for non-Nurses and up to 4% for Staff Nurses) upon contract renewal, based on performance appraisal, subject to availability of budget and salary cap restriction. In addition to that ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd treat all employees equally and create a working environment which is free from unlawful discrimination and which respects the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of employees. ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd acceptable optimistic arrangements or an allowable except ion standards selection do not illegally discriminate on the grounds of sex orientation corresponding to married employees, pregnancy, maternity and paternity leaved. Maternity Benefit Act (1961) stated that, aims toward stereotype of employment of women personnel in assuring institutions for influencing episodes before and after child birth and bargains for maternity and certain other benefits. Terms and conditions of service for employees will meet the terms with anti-discrimination legislations. Therefore, every woman intends to be eligible to, and her employer shall be accountable for the payment of maternity benefit, which is the amount billed to the staff at the percentage of the usual daily salary for the retrial of her real absence. ABC Concordia Healthcare Ltd will improve through audit a good example is an individual survey of the employee, team meetings in order to gather information and ideas on how to improve the organization, to update the role and responsibilities of the employee, policy and procedure improvement, distribution of resources in the organization and programs. Therefore, I conclude that diversity is a broad terminology than equality or equal opportunities. Diversity procedures and policies comprise all individuals by identifying that all of us have diverse individualities which create us exceptional organization’s advantage from captivating these into explanation when subscription services or hiring people. In contrast to equal opportunity, diversity is not about treating individuals in the same way, but rather it is about identifying and reacting to different necessities, practices and objectives and performing consequently. Diversity is a courtesy to equality of opportunity while equal opportunities checking to implement and investigate to gather information about certain individual in order to check the procedures and policy does not have a contrary impact on a particular group of individuals or aggregates to unlawful discrimination. Gathered information in relations to gender, age group, disability, color or race, ethical belief s or religion and some circumstances sexual orientation. Unlawful discrimination which includes the harassment and victimisation, direct discrimination and indirect discrimination. Positive action inspires individual to include with access to services under-represented individuals. Positive discrimination, in which individual makes a resolution on a particular characteristic like for instance color or race, gender preferences and disability.

The Physics of the Human Voice Essay -- Biology Science Essays

The Physics of the Human Voice The voice is our primary mean of communication and expression. We rarely last more than a few minutes without its use whether it is talking to someone else or humming quietly to ourselves. We can use the voice artistically in many ways. For example, singing carries the rhythm and melody of speech. It creates patterns of pitch, loudness, and duration that tie together syllables, phrases and sentences. We use the voice for survival, emotion, expression, and to reflect our personality. The loss of the voice is a severe curtailment to many professions. It is affected by general body condition which is why we need to consider the location of the larynx and how that organ produces voice. Surprisingly, this complex biological design is mechanical in function. It is mechanical to the point that when it has been excised from a cadaver and mounted on a laboratory bench, the larynx produces sounds resembling normal phonation. (Titze, Principles) The larynx, known as the voice box, consists of an outer casing of nine cartilages that are connected to one another by muscles and ligaments. There are three unpaired cartilages and six paired. The unpaired cartilages include the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis. The thyroid cartilage is the largest and better known as the Adam’s apple. The cricoid cartilage is the most inferior cartilage of the larynx which forms the base of the larynx on which the other cartilages rest. Together, the thyroid and cricoid cartilages maintain an open passageway for air movement. The epiglottis and vestibular folds, or false vocal chords, prevent swallowed material from moving into the larynx. The paired cartilages, accounting for the remaining six, include the arytenoid (ladl... ...rynx for speech. Anatomy is very important when considering the physics of the voice. Much of the head, neck, and chest play an important role in sound production. Although the larynx is biological it is very mechanical in function. Mechanical means that we study objects in motion and the associated forces that produce that motion. The same three universal laws made famous by Sir Isaac Newton apply to the voice. The larynx can then become a nonbiological sound source. When compared to other instrument made by human hands the voice is not ideal in structure. Tissues found in the human body do not vibrate as easily or as predictably as the strings of a piano or the reed of a clarinet. One can speculate that our bodies are still evolving to create a sound more conducive in structure. Considering all that we can do with our voices, I doubt we will hear much complaining.

Anti-semitism And Sartre :: essays research papers

In Sartre's Anti-Semite and Jew, he makes reference to the notion that anti-Semitism arises not against individual Jews, but against the " idea of the Jew." That is to say that the Jew is recognized only as a member of a group associated with fear and disgust, not as an individual capable of being anything but the stereotype of the Jew. I agree with Sartre's theory as I have seen first hand the disgust associated with being Jewish. The Jew is judged not by his action or words but simply by the fact that he is a Jew, and the preconceived idea of what this means. As discussed in class, Jews have been used as scapegoats throughout history. They have been blamed for countless economical and social problems simply because of the predisposition towards anti-Semitism that most have. To understand this predisposition is easy. It has come from years of unwillingness to assimilate by the Jews. Because of this unwillingness, the Jews have come to be recognized as different and therefore bad, because, as discussed in class, most identify easiest with what is different with the automatic assumption that it is bad. I think another reason for this assumption is the fact that it is easier to judge people than to understand them, as we can clearly see gentiles have done continuously throughout history to the Jews.Consequently, throughout history, the anti-Semite has come to adopt an "idea of the Jew", of his nature, and of his role in society. As Sartre explains, "the Jew whom the anti-Semite wishes to lay hands upon is not a schematic being defined solely by his function, as under administrative law; or by status or acts, as under the Code. He is a Jew, the son of a Jew, recognizable by his physique, by the colour of his hair, by his clothing perhaps, and, so they say, by his character." To the anti-Semite, the Jew's character is oily, tactless, intriguing, selfish and greedy. He believes that all Jews are this way, and therefore treats them all the same, with hatred and repulsion. While a Jew might be a successful business man, a doctor, lawyer, or teacher etc. he is also a Jew, and that is all he is recognized for in the eyes of the anti-Semite.Furthermore, Sartre argues that "if the Jew did not exist, the Anti-Semite would invent him." This is self explanatory by the fact that Jews have been used as scapegoats and will continuously be used as such in the future.

Defying Male Power in John Websters The Duchess of Malfi Essay

  Ã‚   John Webster's play The Duchess of Malfi is an illustration of the unequal power relations between the sexes during the sixteenth century. In the play the brothers Ferdinand and the Cardinal are shown as men who want to control their sister the Duchess by not letting her remarry. Out of this situation emerges the Duchess who, in spite of her promise not to marry again (p. 1298), will do the complete opposite, thus defying male power. Her conversation with Antonio (lines 317-61, pp. 1292-3) is an example of this because in her speech the Duchess intends to make Antonio realize that she is against both the conventions of marriage codes and men's assumptions of women's sexuality. The Duchess, after she puts her wedding-ring upon Antonio's finger, sets out to convince him that they have the right to become husband and wife. She tells him that his lower status should not stop her from marrying him. Being a Duchess, she argues, she has the power to "raise [him] higher" (line 319). When Antonio objects to such an "ambition" she even offers him her riches. Thus the Duc... Defying Male Power in John Webster's The Duchess of Malfi Essay   Ã‚   John Webster's play The Duchess of Malfi is an illustration of the unequal power relations between the sexes during the sixteenth century. In the play the brothers Ferdinand and the Cardinal are shown as men who want to control their sister the Duchess by not letting her remarry. Out of this situation emerges the Duchess who, in spite of her promise not to marry again (p. 1298), will do the complete opposite, thus defying male power. Her conversation with Antonio (lines 317-61, pp. 1292-3) is an example of this because in her speech the Duchess intends to make Antonio realize that she is against both the conventions of marriage codes and men's assumptions of women's sexuality. The Duchess, after she puts her wedding-ring upon Antonio's finger, sets out to convince him that they have the right to become husband and wife. She tells him that his lower status should not stop her from marrying him. Being a Duchess, she argues, she has the power to "raise [him] higher" (line 319). When Antonio objects to such an "ambition" she even offers him her riches. Thus the Duc...

Osteogenisis Imperfecta

Osteogenisis imperfecta (OI) is â€Å"a rare genetic disorder of collagen synthesis associated with broad spectrum of musculoskeletal problems, most notably bowing and fractures of the extremities, muscle weakness, ligamentous laxity, and spinal deformities.† (Binder, 386). Other collagen-containing extraskeletal tissues, such as the sclerae, the teeth, and the heart valves are also affected to a variable degree. OI has a â€Å"common feature of bony fragility associated with defective formation of collagen by osteoblasts and fibroblasts.† (Smith, 1983, 13) This disease, involving defective development of the connective tissues, is usually the result of the autosomal dominant gene, but can also be the result of the autosomal recessive gene. Spontaneous mutations are common and the clinical presentation of the disease remains to be quite broad. (Binder, 386) OI is most commonly referred to as â€Å"brittle bones†, but other names include: fragilitas ossium, hypolasia of the mesenchyme, and osteopsathyrosis. Osteogenisis imperfecta is still not completely understood, and while there have been advances in diagnosing the disease, treatment is still limited. Osteogenisis imperfecta is the result of mutations in the genes for type I collagen. In the mild dominantly inherited form of OI (type I), † a non-functional allele for the alpha 1 (I) chain halves collagen synthesis,† (Smith, 1995, 169) and is largely responsible for the inheritance. Single base mutations in the codon for glycine causes lethal (type II) OI by wrecking the formation of the collagen triple helix. Types III and IV are the â€Å"less dram- atic outcomes of similar glycine mutations in either the alpha 1 (I) or the alpha 2(I) chains.(Smith, 1995, 169) The clinical signs can be caused from defective osteoblastic activity and defective mesenchymal collagen (embryonic connective tissue) and its derivatives, such as sclera, bones, and ligaments. The reticulum fails to differentiate into mature collagen or the collagen develops abnormally. This causes immature and coarse bone formation and thinning. (Loeb, 755) The signs and symptoms of OI vary greatly depending on the type. The most commonly used classification is the Sillence (type I to IV): Type I is the mildest form of OI and is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The sclerae(middle coat of eyeball) is distinctly blue. Type I is broken down into IA and IB — the difference being whether dentinogenesis is present. IA has a life expectancy nearly the same as the general public. The physical activity is limited, and may appear to have no disability at all. The bones have a mottled or wormian appearance, forming small islands. (Isselbacher, 2111) Type II is lethal in utero or shortly there afterbirth. The survivors live from just a few hours to several months. The kayotypes of parents are usually normal. This type is broken down into three subgroups: IIA is characterized by a broad, crumpled femora and continuos rib beading, IIB by minimal to no rib fractures, and IIC by a thin femora and ribs with extensive fracturing. While in the uterus, there is poor fetal movement, low fetal weight, poor ossification of the fetal skeleton, hypoplastic lungs, the long bones of the upper and lower limbs are shortened or deformed, and the head is soft. Intrauterine fractures occur, and parinatal death is usually from intracranial hemorrhage due to vessel fragility or respiratory distress from pulmonary hypoplasia. The bones and other tissues are extremely fragile, and massive injuries occur in utero or delivery. The ribs appear beaded or broken and the long bones crumpled. (Isselbacher, 2111) Type III and IV are intermediate in severity between types I and II. Type III differs from I in its greater severity, and from IV in that it increases in severity with age. It can be inherited as either a autosomal recessive or dominant trait. The sclerae is only slightly bluish in infancy and white in adulthood, although the average life expectancy is 25 years. Type IV is always dominant. With types III and IV multiple fractures from minor physical stress occurs leading to progressive and severe deformities. Kyphoscoliosis may cause respiratory impairment and predisposition to pulmonary infections. â€Å"Popcorn-like† deposits of mineral appear on the ends of long bones. (Isselbacher, 2111) The symptoms of OI tarde (types I, III and IV) can appear when the child begins to walk, and lessens with age. The tendency to fracture decreases and often disappears after puberty. Later in life, particularly during pregnancy and after menopause, more fractures occur. The bones are usually slender with short, thin cortices and trabeculae (fibers of framework), but can also be unusually thin. (Smith, 1983, 136) Narrow diaphysis of the long bones contributes to the fractures and bowing deformities. Scoliosis is common. The haversian cells are poorly developed. The bones lack minerals needed to form bone matrix. Epiphyseal fractures (end of the bone) results in deformities and stunted growth (dwarfism). Osteopenia, the decrease in bone mass, is symptomatic. Other signs of OI include hyperextensibility of the joints — double-jointedness– and abnormally thin, translucent skin. Discolored (blue-gray or yellow-brown) and malformed teeth which break easily and are cavity prone are found in patients Patients with OI have a triangular-shaped head and face, a bilaterally bulging skull, and prominent eyes with a wide distance between the temporal region. (Loeb, 755) Hearing loss by the age of 30-40 is the result of the pressure on the auditory nerve because of the deformity of its canal in the skull, and the development of otosclerosis. Recurrent epistaxis (nosebleeds), bruising and edema (especially at the sight of fractures), difficulty tolerating high temperatures and mild hyperpyrexia are other symptoms. Thoracic deformities may impair chest expansion and the ability to effectively breath deeply and cough. (Loeb, 755) Patients are also more susceptible to infection. In assessing a patient data is needed about the genetic history and birth of the child, as well as a complete development assessment from birth. Vital signs are taken, and periods of increased heart and respiratory rate and elevated body temperature are note- worthy. Skin should be examined for color, elasticity, translucency, and signs of edema and bruising. A description of position and appearance of a child†s trunk and extremities and facial characteristics should be noted. The height of the child in terms of expected growth, signs of scoliosis or laxity of ligaments, and range of motion of the joints are all important. Sight and hearing should be tested since there are sensory problems associated with OI. The appearance of the sclerae and tympanic membranes and defects of primary teeth and gums are important. (Jackson, 1699) X-rays usually reveal a decrease in bone density. â€Å"There is no consensus, however, as to whether the diagnosis can be made by microscopy of bone specimens.† (Isselbacher, 2112) DNA sequencing and incubating skin fiboblasts are two ways help diagnose OI. Prenatal ultrasonography is used to detect severely affected fetuses at about 16 weeks of pregnancy. Diagnosis of the lethal type II by ultrasound during the second trimester of pregnancy is by the identification of fractures of the long bones. Compression of the fetal head is seen by ultrasound probe, and low echogeneity of the cranium can be signs of skeletal dysplasia (faulty development of the tissues). Diagnosis is confirmed by postmortem examination including radiography and biochemical studies of cultivated fibroblasts from the fetus. (Berge, 321) Diagnosis by analyzing DNA sequencing can be carried out in chronic villa biopsies at 8-12 weeks. There is no known treatment of OI at this time. Treatment therefore is predominantly supportive and educational. Because of multiple fractures and bruising, it is important to diagnose this disease in order to prevent accusations of child abuse. Treatment of fractures is often challenging because of abnormal bone structure and laxity of the ligaments. Splinting devices are used to stabilize the bones and to protect against additional fractures. Treatment aims to prevent deformities through use of traction and/or immobilization in order to aid in normal development and rehabilitation. Limb deformities and repeated fractures can be corrected by intramedullary rods — telescoping rods that elongate with growth. After surgical placement of the rods, extensive post- operative care is required because greater amounts of blood and fluid are lost. (Loeb, 755) It should be noted that the healing of fractures appear to be normal. (Isselbacher, 2112) Braces, immobilizing devices and wheelchairs are necessary. Physical therapy is important in the treatment of OI. Bone fracture density in unfractured bone is decreased when compared with age-matched controls due to limited exercise, so it is essential to stay as active as possible. Physical therapy is also used for strengthening muscle and preventing disuse fractures with exercises with light resistance, such as swimming. Regular dental visits are necessary to monitor the teeth. Monitoring by opthalmol- ogists for vision and audiologits for hearing is also essential. Radiologists need to examine the structure and density of the bones, and an orthopedist is needed to set fractures and take care of other bone related problems. Counseling and emotional support is needed for both the patient and the family. It is important not to limit a child because of his/her disabilities, and to realize that many victims of this disease live successful lives. Debrah Morris, a successful business woman, and active fighter for disability rights and helping other patients of OI, says, â€Å"If I had the choice to be anyone in the world, I would be exactly who I am. The people I have met, the challenges I have faced, the opportunities that I have been presented — all are directly related to dealing with being a little person with brittle bones.† (Kasper, 53) Many of the symptoms of OI can be confused with those of a battered child. X-rays are used to show evidence of old fractures and bone deformities to distinguish the difference. The Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OIF) has is a national support group that offers assistance to families in this position and to increase public awareness. The OIF has a medical advisory council, chapters, support groups, regional meetings, biennial national conferences, and parent contacts to help families feeling alone and helpless. They also publish a newsletter, provide literature and videos about OI, and sponsors a fund to support research. Magnesium oxide can be administered to decrease the fracture rate, as well as hyperpyrexia and constipation associated with this condition. (Anderson, 1127) A high-protein, high-carbohydrate, high-vitamin diet is needed to promote healing. A growth hormone has also been administered during childhood, and is shown to substantially increase growth. Treatment with bisphosphorates and related agents has been discussed to decrease bone loss, but no controlled studies have been done. (Isselbacher, 2113) Since there is no cure for oseogenesis imperfecta, appropriate and properly timed rehabilitation intervention is of the utmost importance to ensure that the child is able to function to the best of his/her ability in society. A ten year study that was submitted in 1992 proves this. 25 of 115 children with severe OI were observed since birth or infancy at the National Institutes of Health, MD and the Skeletal Dysplasia Clinic at the Children†s National Medical Center in D.C. One was Type I, two Type II, nine Type III, and thirteen Type IV. They were classified by physical characteristics and functional capacity: Group A consisted of those who were severely dwarfed with large heads and marked bowing , contractures, and weakness of extremities. The highest functional skill expected was independent sitting. Group B was growth deficient, but with a normal sized head. Femoral bowing, scoliosis, and contractures of the hip flexors were characteristics. they were expected to stand and/or ambulate with braces. Group C were less growth deficient, and had good strength, but poor endurance. They had marked joint laxity and poorly aligned lower extremity joints, but were ambulators. (Binder, 386-387) Group A patients were the most severely involved. Most were basically sitters. The majority were totally dependent in their self care. Group B had the potential to become at least short-distance ambulators. These patients had acquired the ability to move to sitting, but had transitional moving problems, such as sitting to standing. All were part- ially independent in their self care. Group C had antigravity strength and 50% had good strength in their extremities. All were physically active and age-appropriately independent, but none were good long-distance walkers. (Binder, 387-388) Progressive rehabilitation of these groups all included posture exercises and active range of motion and strengthing exercises. Group B had additional ROM and posture exercises, as well as Developmental exercises. Group C added coordination activities. Conclusion, â€Å"Management of patients with OI should address the child†s functional needs. Even though the degree of disability may be severe, management should not be limited to orthopedic procedures and bracing. Treatment planning should be considered, but not totally based on genetic, anatomical, and biochemical abnormalities. Our experi- ence suggests that clinical grouping based in part on functional potential can be useful in the appropriate management of children with OI.†(Binder, 390) Independence was stressed in this study, and even patients with limited sitting ability, upper extremity function can be improved to at least minimal independence in self-help skills. Potential ambulators should be helped because, although their ability might not progress past indoor ambulation, walking will make them more independent and may result in increased bone mineralization. Poor joint alignment, poor balance, and low endurance can all be improved with persistent, individualized physical and occupational therapy. For best results, therapy should be started as soon after birth as possible. Mainstreaming school aged children is also important. All of this together leads to â€Å"age-appropriate social development and markedly improved independence and quality of life in the majority of patients.†(Binder, 390) Osteogenesis imperfecta is the most common genetic disorder of the bone. It occurs in about 1 in 20,000 live births, and is equally prevalent in all races and both sexes. The Type I OI has a population frequency of about 1 in 30,000. Type II has a birth incidence of about 1 in 60,000. Types III and IV are less common and may be as high as 1 in 20,000. (Isselbacher, 2111) The occurrence of OI in families with no history or blue sclerae is about 1 in 3,000,000 births.(Smith, 1995, 171) The recurrence risks in families is estimated to be 6 to 10%, but is only estimated because most couples choose not to have any more children. 15 to 20% of patients with OI do not carry the gene for abnormal collagen, making many wonder if there is yet another genetic problem undiagnosed at this time.(Smith, 1995, 172)