Tesco Personal Finance Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words - 1

Tesco Personal Finance - Case Study Example News Release, (2008), â€Å"Tesco takes full ownership of TPF and targets  £1 billion from retailing services†, Tesco plc, retrieved online, 4th April, 2009, from: http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/storage/intannounce.pdf 21 Stern, M., (2008), â€Å"Interview: Tescos FD, Andrew Higginson†, Financial Director retrieved online, 4th April, 2009, from: http://www.financialdirector.co.uk/financial-director/features/2229174/shelf-confidence-4297859 21 Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC: RBS Preferred Series "T" and RBS Preferred Series "Q", (No Date), Stanford Law School Securities Class Action Clearing House, retrieved online, 17 April 2008, from: http://securities.stanford.edu/1042/RBST_01/ 22 Tesco Personal Finance that was set up in 1997, as a joint venture between Tesco and the RBS. From a strategic perspective the TPF was established to draw on the Royal Bank of Scotland’s financial expertise while using the Group’s stores and online resources as a medium to recruit and cater financial services to the customers at low-cost. However, after a decade, the joint venture came to its termination with the Tesco gaining the full ownership of Tesco Personal Finance. On July 28, 2008, Tesco, the supermarket retail giant announced that it had come to an agreement with the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to buy its 50% stake in the Tesco Personal Finance for a sum of  £950 million (News Release, 2008). This acquisition of Tesco over the 50% stake of RBS coming as a direct challenge for the high street financial institutions which currently are on the stormy side of the economic recession tide and presently are in-waiting for the bank charges decision by the High Court. The acquisition will help Tesco to make its expansion from financial services that revolved around an assortment of popular financial services and products to full-fledged retail banking

Cultural Mosaic on the Buddhist Culture Research Paper

Cultural Mosaic on the Buddhist Culture - Research Paper Example But the Buddhist view of education is a lot more open-ended and fluid. Also, while there are fundamental tenets upon which Buddhist education system rests, they only serve as an aid to the student in discovering truths for himself. In other words, while the Western educational model has at its core the principle of ascertaining truth through rational inquiry and systematic experimentation, the Buddhist model espouses the principle that introspection through meditation will lead to the ultimate truth. (Haskett, 2005, p.192) Moreover, it is integral to Buddhist culture to put the ‘collective’ good ahead of ‘individual’ excellence. Notwithstanding these basic differences, one could still incorporate certain norms, customs and cultural aspects of Buddhist education into American schools. This essay will show that not only is this exercise feasible but also rewarding for the educators and students involved. A key feature of the Buddhist education system is its sp iritual dimension. In fact, the seeking of spiritual truth is a cornerstone of Buddhist culture. The Buddhist system attempts to prepare students to transcend the scientific realm and into the spiritual realm. School administrators in America might find it challenging to encourage students on spiritual quest alongside the emphasis on scientific inquiry. Moreover, in the spiritual realm, objectives tend to be vague and instructions difficult to comprehend. But a simple means by which the esoteric sounding spiritual quest can be incorporated in the American classroom is by breaking it down into common social principles such as co-operation and compassion. In other words, school curricula in the United States could give grade points for students for their social skills and their willingness to help fellow students. The Buddhist system sees education as a component of a student’s social life, as opposed to being distinct to it. (Tat Chia, 2009, p.122) In this scenario, ‘edu cation as competition’ would be replaced by ‘education through sharing of knowledge and experience’. A similar point is made even by some Western scholars like Daniel Goleman, who underscore the importance of Emotional Quotient (EQ) alongside the development of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) for overall healthy personality development. The spate of campus shootouts in recent years in America clearly indicates some fundamental flaws in the schooling system. By embracing the Buddhist principle of ‘non-violence’ and inculcating it in students will mitigate the occurrence of such shoot-outs. Non-violence aligns closely with virtues of co-operation and compassion. (Shin, 2010, p.33) American schools can include biographical sketches of world leaders renowned for the message of non-violence. These would include Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., etc. A study of their life examples is an effective method for instilling the value of non-viol ence in American students. The Buddhist education system emphasizes reverence for the mentor/teacher. Conventionally, having evolved in a monastic setting, the chief monk would be regarded by students as an enlightened soul whose guidance is sought after at each stage of learning. It would also serve the interests of students in America if they make it the norm to pay more respect to their teachers. The most prominent of contemporary Buddhist teachers, His Holiness The 14th Dalai

Wireless technology Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Wireless technology - Coursework Example Compared to the positive impacts, negative impacts of wireless technology on the environment are dependent on prolonged exposure linked to long-term use in moving people and goods, offering public services, powering the future, and nourishing people. In addition, wireless technology has made way into home, workplaces, and schools increasing concerns over the impacts on the environment in all these areas. This section focuses on both the negative and positive impacts that wireless technology has on the environment. The areas of study include hazards to humans, resources depletion, inventions’ discovery, and impact on wildlife, pollution of air and water, and short-lived and long-lived waste disposal impacts. Other areas of study include endangering of species, spotted owl and deforestation, and positive impacts like the case of Alaskan pipeline. In terms of public health, mobile phones and other wireless telecommunication devices involve information transmission using radio waves. Radio frequency waves are non-ionizing and this implies that they are not as strong to affect the atomic structures that they contact (U.S environmental Protection Agency, 2014). This is to say that RF waves neither break any chemical bond within human body nor cause any human atom to charge negatively or positively. Radio frequency waves linked to wireless technology arise from fixed network of antennas or base stations, industrial sources like cell towers, personal and domestic appliances, commercial surveillance systems, WLAN, WiFi, and WiMAX networks. According to Sage & Carpenter (2009), RF waves form the main element of wireless communications and have the capacity to increase the information volume transferred with time. As a result, multiple frequency bands are in use for wireless communication. However, RF is electromagnetic fields and

The problem of evil Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The problem of evil - Essay Example A number of intellectual opinions have explained impossibility of existence of both God and His powers, and evil and its associated powers and suffering. Two sets of elements, three about God’s power and one about evil illustrates mutual exclusivity between the power of God over evil and the persistent existence of evil to develop the controversy. God is, for example, believed to be super powerful, present at all places and at all times and knows everything that happens on earth and in heaven. This means that evil occurs in God’s presence, against his powers, and with His knowledge. Consequently, existence of evil casts doubts on the three properties of God (Beebe 1). Similarly, if God has knowledge about existence of evil and the suffering that evil causes, He knows how to control evil power and has the capacity to control, and then existence evil would mean that God is not as good as He is expected to be. Also, if God wanted to control evil but does not, then it would mean that His power is not as sovereign as it is thought to be. Alternatively, if God has the power to control evil and wishes to, but has not, then it would mean that He is not aware of the existence of evil. These therefore mean that the presence of evil implies absence of at least one of the properties of God (Beebe 1). McCallum also explores the problem of evil through existence of evil in the presence of God’s power. The author explains that if God loves and has supreme power, according to a believer’s faith, then He should be able to terminate evil and its consequences. Existence of evil therefore puts a believer in a dilemma over the properties of God. From a biblical perspective, the author argues that if God is the creator of all that exist then He created evil because evil also exist. Similarly, belief that God is good and powerful would result in Him destroying evil. As a result, continued existence of evil discredits God’s properties as held among b elievers (McCallum 1). While approaches to explain the problem of evil are intellectual and seems to initiate doubt among believers regarding existence of God and His characteristics, a biblical approach to the problem offers a solution that provides for existence of God, His defined characteristics and existence of evil. This refutes the mutual exclusivity property of God and evil that intellectual approach explains. Suffering that is viewed as a manifestation of evil has its roots in the Bible because of sin and is bound to last forever. While it is normal that men appreciate a good deed’s result into benefits and happiness, people should also accept the fact that pain and suffering are consequences of man’s fall and should be expected to last. A controversy should not therefore arise over God’s ability and existence of evil and pain because these are consequences of man’s action during the initial fall (Keyes 5-6). A solution to the problem of evil is also derived from the fact that evil is not a creature but a bad choice or consequence of a bad choice. Evil does not also emanate from God but from man and his actions. The problem of evil can therefore be resolved by a practical step of transformation from doing badly, to

Nasty and unsightly Essay Example for Free

Nasty and unsightly Essay This segregation can be deeply felt by the reader and is very emotive. During the last extract there are a number of reasons why the audience would feel sorry for the monster. The eloquent and expressive nature of the language he uses show the reader that inside he is a beautiful being. I shall no longer see the sun or stars, or feel the winds play on my cheeks. The things that he will most miss are the sun and stars. These natural things are what he finds most enjoyable. The metaphor of the wind playing on his cheeks gives the reader a sense of his intelligent language but also his gentleness. Unlike Frankenstein the monster also blames himself for what has happened. But it is true that I am a wretch This sentence shows that the monster has acknowledged what he has done but also creates empathy with the audience, the word shows that he doesnt think much of himself. A wretch is often something very nasty and unsightly. How do you think Shelley feels about him? scientists were unconcerned by the potential consequences of their work Shelleys opinions on different matters are clear throughout the novel. The way that scientists were trying to push boundaries is explored. Shelleys view is obvious. She believes that scientists were unconcerned by the potential consequences of their work. Nothing must be able to go ahead without the full knowledge that it is safe. I believe that she uses the monster as a metaphor for this. Frankenstein had not taken enough time to way up the consequences of what might happen and the monster was born. Prejudice is a strong theme right through the novel. Shelley uses the monster to portray her thoughts about prejudice. She uses two extremes. She creates the monsters appearance to be revolting whilst his personality is smart, imaginative and elegant. During the story the only people who get to talk and interact with the monster are the blind people and Walton. These are also the only people he gets speak to in depth. This shows that once people can interact with him and get passed the way he looks it doesnt matter. The blind people speak to him because they cannot see what he looks like. Walton, even though he originally sets out to kill the monster begins to feel sympathy for the monster. Shelley obviously believes that people are too narrow-minded to look further into someone before judging them. Another major theme of the story is that of parent/child relationships. Shelley uses Frankenstein as the parent figure to the monster to explore the act of neglect upon a child. Marys mother died shortly after she was born. Once the monster is born Frankensteins vision of an amazing super-being vanishes and he sees the ugliness of what he has created. This may be a belief of Shelley. How mothers have a great vision of their baby and nurturing it and bringing it up but when the baby is actually born the mother is hit by the realisation of bringing up a child. The mother then chooses to neglect the child. Shelley then looks at what affect neglect can have on the child. The evil which engulfs the monster is directed at Frankenstein as a result of his neglect. I believe that Shelley sympathises with Frankenstein but more with the monster. I believe that Shelley relates to the monster as she felt neglected by her mother, although she died. I believe that she structures the book in a way that portrays this. She gives the reader the most of the book to sympathise with Frankenstein and only allows a smaller part in which the reader can gain sympathy for the monster. However she believes that the monsters grief is far worse than Frankensteins so that even less amount of time novel the reader still feels a greater amount of sympathy for the monster. I too feel compassion toward monster. I believe that someones abuse on the grounds of their appearance is wrong. Everybody should be allowed to express themselves to others and be given the chance to be understood. I also believe that most sympathy falls to Frankenstein because it was not his fault, Frankenstein created him and also neglected him. In my opinion although the monster carried out the murders the reason he did was Frankenstein. Not only did he create him without thinking of the possible consequences he also abandoned him and this caused the monster to become evil as a result of his torment. This can be linked back to the philosophy that people were born good. The monsters experience of society has moulded him into something which causes great havoc but truly, inside, he is good. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Mary Shelley section.

Classes, control and saving Essay Example for Free

Classes, control and saving Essay This section is a grouping of elements influencing various forms of power control. The specification highlights three device power classes possible for Bluetooth radios that are related to the power range of the transmitter: †¢ Class 1 is 100mW and up to about 100m range †¢ Class 2 is 2. 5mW and up to about 20m range †¢ Class 3 is 1mW and up to about 10m range Radios are subject to environmental influences and the Class 3 range of up to 10 meters is more likely to be 5 meters when furniture or people are in proximity of the radio. This form of power control is provided to cut down on interference with other devices in the ISM band and obviously help prolong battery life (see â€Å"Bluetooth: Goodbye Infrared†). The second form of power control is on the receiver side of a Bluetooth device. To enable all classes to communicate in a Piconet without damage to the RF front ends of the lower power classes, a method for controlling Class 1 device transmitter power is required. Transmit power control is mandatory above 4 dBm, below this level i. e. all Class 2 and 3 modules it is optional. To implement a power control link the remote device must implement a Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). For a transceiver wishing to take part in a power controlled link it must be able to measure its own receiver signal strength and determine if the transmitter on the other side of the link should increase or decrease its output power level. The RSSI makes this possible. Power control is specified is as a golden receive power, defined as a range with a low limit and a high limit. The RSSI must have a minimum dynamic range equal to this range. The RSSI must have an absolute accuracy of  ±4dB or better when the receiver signal power is –60 dBm. In addition, a minimum range of 20. 6 dB must be covered, starting from –60 dB and up. The instructions to alter the transmitter power are carried in the Link Manager Protocol (LMP) link (see â€Å"Bluetooth: Goodbye Infrared†). The last form of power control relates to the power consumption. The Hold, Sniff and Park modes are power saving modes set out in the specification aiming to preserve battery consumption. The Hold mode is typically used when a master is establishing a link with a new device and requires the other slaves to temporarily halt their transmissions. The Sniff mode puts slaves into a low duty cycle mode of operation but is still an active member of the Piconet and the master can only transmit after a ‘sniff’ interval. In Park mode slaves enters a low duty cycle mode of operation and are no longer active members of the Piconet (see â€Å"Bluetooth: Goodbye Infrared†). B. Applications and Profiles. Undeniably the ideal candidate for the first wave of applications will inevitably be based on mobile cellular technology, but what other applications can be realised using Bluetooth technology? The specifications outline a wireless technology that is as cost effective as the cable it replaces and aim to balance reliability, resilience, convenience and low power. The short-range connections of data and voice could mean the emergence of applications suitable for: ? Access points allowing mobile devices connection to services e.g. telephone network (PSTN) or LAN services. ? Mobile phone link to Laptop PCs ? Mobile phone connections to wireless headsets ? PDA, palmtop and desktop PC inter accessibility for file and data synchronisation. The Bluetooth core specification describes the protocol, but the Profiles document enhances this by setting out a number of profiles for applications and defining the way a number of services operate e. g. a file transfer profile defines how devices exchange data files. The profile document aids applications development, describing implementation schemes and highlights parts of the core Bluetooth protocol supporting the profile. Profiles supported are outlined in Figure 6; they are depicted grouped together. Each profile is built upon the one underneath, attaining their features from the lower profiles. The result of this approach gives the profiles a similar look and feel for user recognition. Plus developers can recycle modules for speeding up development time and reducing costs (see â€Å"Bluetooth Technology: What are the Applications? †). A wireless headset for a mobile phone is an application example using the profiles. It uses the Headset profile as its core specification. In Figure 6 the Headset profile is built from the Serial Port Profile (SPP) and the Generic Access Profile (GAP). The GAP being the base of all profiles, it defines the generic procedures related to device discovery and link management (see â€Å"Bluetooth Technology: What are the Applications? †). Figure 6: Bluetooth Profiles.

Relationship Between Health Status and Gender

Relationship Between Health Status and Gender Examining the relationship between health status and gender must take into account the different reflections of gender construction in Australia (Lumb, 2003, p.73-74).There are numerous expressions of masculinity and it can prove difficult to associate health status with this broad criterion (Smith, 2007, p.20, 22-23).Traditionally, gender and health status relied upon there being a broad comparison between gender definitions and â€Å"social roles† in which men would tend to be in full-time work while women are engaged in their caring role (Schofield, Connell, Walker, Wood Butland, 2000, p.251-252; Barry Yuill, 2008, p.149). Nowadays, it has become more fully recognised that such roles are no longer solely filled by either men or women; however the perception of them as â€Å"masculine or feminine† remains (Macdonald, 2006, p.456). In addition, social construction of both males and females may overlap with one another while examining men’s health status (Schof ield et al., 2000, p.247). It is important to identify men’s gender related issues as this would assist in understanding the impact on men’s health status enabling its’ improvement and diminishing associated the morbidity and mortality (Schofield et al., 2000, p.249; Berry Yuill, 2008, p.151-153-154; Macdonald, 2006, p.457; Smith, 2007, p.23). This essay will analyse the relationship between health status of males in Australia. This essay will examine the impact of behaviour on attitudes towards health and will address the relationship between gender and morbidity. It will then discuss the gendering of medicine and disease and finally efforts to tackle the relationship between gender and disease. Gender and attitudes towards health The defining feature of many studies of men’s health is frequently less simple than a tendency to avoid voicing concern about health issues (Hall, 2003, p.402-403, 407). Different groups have displayed different features in regard to this feature: firemen, for example, have little reticence in seeking professional help for health issues despite having a very strong sense of â€Å"masculine identity† (Macdonald, 2006, p. 457; Hall, 2003, p.403; Barry Yuill, 2008, p.155). However, in other cases, it is argued that men are stoical when faced with illness and delay seeking help until absolutely necessary (Hall, 2003, p.403, 406). There is a perception that it is a more masculine endeavour to appear strong at times of illness (Hall, 2003, p.401, 403, 406; Smith, 2007, p.22; Berry Yuill, 2008, p.155). Recently, released statistics from the Australia Movember Foundation (2014) state that such an attitude may be more emphasised when dealing with mental health related issues s uch as depression. Approaches with regards to stress or concerns related to health status are frequently result in a dependence on alcohol consumption and drugs use that may then lead to an increase in the mortality features of this group (Macdonald, 2006, p.457; Barry Yuill, p.154). This can mean that a slight reluctance with regards to health related issue may result in a decreased health status (Macdonald, 2006, p.457). This can be related to the projection of masculinity in Australia that tends to focus upon aggressiveness and independence (Saunders Peerson, 2009, p.94). The feature of viewing men’s experiences of health as normal is an important factor in determining the relationship between health status and gender (Macdonald, 2006, p.456-457). There are a number of different categories of masculinity mentioned in studies that require attention namely â€Å"hegemonic, complicit and subordinated masculinities† (Macdonald, 2006, p.457; Smith, 2007, p.22-23; Barry Yuill, 2008, p.147-147). It has been highlighted that â€Å"hegemonic masculinity† category is perceived as the one that may possess all the power, being aggressive and assertive in decision making and therefore to deemed to be successful in society (Barry Yuill, 2008, p.147, 155; Saunders Peerson, 2009, p.94). While the â€Å"complicit and subordinated masculinities† categories are considered to be less powerful and to some extent are unable to conform to the expectations related masculinity (Barry Yuill, 2008, p.147; Smith, 2007, p.23). These divisions do no t illustrate how health is considered in relation to masculinity, however, when it comes to â€Å"hegemonic masculinity† the health issues may be associated with gender health issues (Smith, 2007, p.21, 22; Saunders Peerson, 2009, p.94). Even though the relationship between â€Å"subordinated masculinity† and â€Å"femininity† might seem evident in social context, it might result in different socio-economic roles that might not correspond to health status (Barry Yuill, 2008, p. 147-148; Macdonald, 2006, p.457; Smith, 2007, p.23). For example, if masculinity is related to power, then this would imply that those men who do not hold power are essentially fulfilling a female role in society (Barry Yuill, 2008, p.155). The concept of masculinity is seen when the men are strong and capable with a lesser likelihood of seeking help for their health related issues (Barry Yuill, 2008, p.155; Smith, 2007, p.23). There is likely to be overlaps between â€Å"assertive f emininity† and â€Å"subordinated masculinities† (Barry Yuill, 2008, p.155). It is frequently presumed that in Australia, masculinity is essentially one of aggressive, risk taking behaviour; however, there is an extent to which this can no longer be justified as representing the full spectrum in the present day (Smith, 2007, p.23). Gender and morbidity Gender associated with morbidity (Barry Yuill, 2008, p.152). It is presumed that the life expectancy of males is less than that of women due to their behaviour pattern in society (Carl, Baker, Robards, Scott, Hillman Lawrence, 2012, p.171).The evidence would suggest a more complex relationship between these factors (Carl et al., 2012, p.171). Masculine roles in society might involve a greater tendency towards behaviour that poses damage to health, such as more excessive drinking, a greater rate of smoking, and a greater likelihood to take risks (Smith, Braunack-Mayer Witter, 2006, p.82). When this is coupled with the reluctance to seek help for less-serious problems, the extent to which the relationship between morbidity is biologically rather than socially determined can be questioned (Smith et al., 2006, p.82). It has been noted that the gap between the mortality rates of men and women is closing, and it seems plausible that this is related to a greater blurring of the relations hip between sex and gender behaviours (Barry Yuill, 2008, p.152). For example, there is a greater equality in damaging health behaviours, with greater equality between smoking and drinking (Barry Yuill, 2008; Carl et al., 2012, p.171). Though at this stage the potential for a biological link cannot be entirely ruled out, the closing gap in morbidity between men and women may have more to do with gender than with sex (Smith et al., 2006, p.82; Barry Yuill, 2008, p.152). Gender holds the potential to overcome other factors of health status (Smith, 2007, p.23). For example, a study was completed that examined the relationship between morbidity in Australia and different geographical areas (Saunders Peerson, 2009, p.94). This concluded that mortality rates a clearly related to the socio-economic characteristics of an area, which suggested that health inequality is related to class (Macdonald, 2006, p.457). If this is associated with the notion that some patterns of work are considered masculine and therefore may require â€Å"high physiological and psychological demand†, then it might be perceived that on a county-wide level men would have a lower health status due to high stress jobs (Macdonald, 2006, p. 457; Saunders Peerson, 2009, 94). It should also be possible to perceive that higher-paid jobs might result in lower levels of health because such work might rely upon the presentation of masculine qualities, such as assertiveness and independence (Saunders Peerson, 2009, p.94; Macdonald, 2006, p.457).There is an extent to which explanatory variables concerning the relationship of health status with specifically masculine attributes are less simple when viewed in a wider context (Macdonald, 2006, p.457-458). The extent to which male tend not to refer to health specialists and take medicine has been considered a particular gender characteristic of the health status (Smith et al., 2006, p. 81). However, there is a biological factor that might impact upon this: women of reproductive age tend to consult doctors for matters relating to health issues, so there is greater contact even when there is no immediate health risk (Smith et al., 2006, p. 82; Galdas, Cheater Marshall, 2005, p.617-618). The unwillingness within men to consult doctors seems to exist independent of this factor (Smith et al., 2006. p.82). It is possible that feminine roles in society have come to include these features: there is a greater likelihood of contact with medical professionals when caring for the health of children. (Galdas et al., 2005, p. 617-618) Conversely, masculinity in society may be associated with factors of independence and demonstration of strength that might preclude seeking attention for medical care (Barry Yuill, 2008, p. 155; Saunders Peerson, 2009, p.94; Galdas et al., 2005, p. 619). However, it is possible that these features have been significantly over-emphasised (Saunders Peerson, 2009, p. 94). If the issues are deconstructed, the only serious illness of concern may be those that might result in death, but whose symptoms are relatively benign at the beginning, such as cancer (Park, Kim, Koo, Park Lee, 2008, p.979, 983). It appears that differences between men and women were slight in this regard: if there was a serious illness, almost everyone seeks medical help regardless of gender (Park et al., 2008, p. 980- 981; Barry Yuill, 2008, p. 152). However, it was revealed that males still may procrastinate with cancer diagnostic tests that eventually may lead to the development of cancer (Park et al., 2008, p . 984). Gender, medicine and disease There is a potential difference in how the medical profession treats people on the basis of gender (Riska, 2011, p.265-266).This has a number of causes: there may be the effect of different gender balances in the types of diseases that are encountered (Riska, 2011, p.265).However, it should also be noted that medicine is essentially a gendered occupation: nursing is still regarded as a feminine role, with doctors continuing to be dominated by men (Riska, 2011, p.265; Carl et al., 2012, p.82). This is more than the impact of different sex ratios in the profession, but the perception that medicine is a masculine role (Ozbilgin, Tsouroufli Smith, 2011, p.1588-1589). It has been argued that the ways in which doctors behave is formed by gender roles, with a more paternal role being undertaken in contrast to the maternal caring role of the nursing staff (Riska, 2011, 265; Ozbilgin et al., 2011, p. 1589; Carl et al., 2012, p.82).Diseases are often viewed in specifically gendered fashion, w ith health drives being characterised as ‘wars’ and combatting disease seen as a ‘fight’ (Ozbilgin et al., 2011, p.1589,1592-1593; Park et al., 2008, p.978,985-986). Other diseases are gendered, in that they are seen as specifically male or female, even when this might not be the case in practice (Ozbilgin et al., 2011, p.1588-1589). An example might be seen in breast cancer, which is widely perceived as a female disease even though it can occur in men (Park et al., 2008, p.978). The fact that the emphasis on breast cancer is focused on women’s experiences leads the perception that this is a disease distinctive to one sex, which means that the survival rates of men are much lower (Park et al., 2008, p.984-985). The definitions of health and illnesses are frequently gendered, and the medical institutions that treat diseases are also not external to society, and therefore reflect the gender concerns of the wider context (Park et al., 2008, p. 984). Approaches to breaking down the relationship between gender and health status Despite these arguments that suggest that the masculine approach to illness may be overstated, it is clear that the social construction of masculinity is an issue requiring attention (Smith et al., 2006, p.81-82; Smith, 2007, p.21). A recent government report (Department of Health and Aging) (2010) reviews the social construction of masculinity can be reflected in the formulation of a men’s health policy in Australia. This represents a development to parity and gender inclusiveness in how health issues are dealt with in the country (Smith, 2007, p.21, 24; Macdonald, 2006, p.457). In Australia, for example, investment programs may support the males’ health in relation to prostate cancer that is responsible for males’ health issues (Smith Robertson, 2008, p. 284-285). Health promotions focussed on addressing this problem show significant differences to those directed at women: they aim to ally health concerns with traditional conceptions of masculinity, perhaps to break down the associations traditionally made (Smith, 2007, p.21). Australia Movember Foundation (2014) draws attention to men’s health issues throughout the country. The concern with the gendering of health and disease can be seen as reflected in the need for a men’s mode of health practice (Smith, 2007, p.21). Pioneered in Victoria, an initiative was developed to engage men from rural communities in health issues (Hall, 2003, p. 406-407, Smith, 2007, p. 22). To an extent, it is problematic to associate behaviour with attitudes towards health (Smith et al., 2006, p.81). An important feature of these approaches is the implicit acknowledgement that health issues are not just presented in how they are associated by men within society (Saunders Peerson, 2009, p.93-94, Smith et al., 2006, p.81; Smith, 2007, p.21). The focus on â€Å"male-specific health promotions† also indicates an acknowledgement of the impact of gendering within the medical and healthcare professions (Smith, 2007, p.22-23). Nevertheless, aspects such as different health promotions for men do not essentially challenge the social construction of masculinity but attempt to work within these understandings of health and illness (Smith, 2007, p.23). This might suggest that breaking down the boundaries between masculine and feminine perceptions of health are still a long way off (Smith, 2007). Conclusion In conclusion, deconstructing the relationship between gender and health status has proved intractable. In the first place, gender can be seen as promoting significant approaches to health and different lifestyle choices. These can impact on other lifestyle choices, such as combatting depression with alcohol rather than seeking medical assistance. However, the gendering of health issues also pervades the health professions. It is also potentially not as acute as other factors, such as socio-economic circumstances. Nevertheless, there are significant differences in approaches to health that have been tackled using a â€Å"gender-specific approach† and â€Å"gender-specific health promotion† (Smith, 2007, p.23; Saunders Peerson, 2009, p.93). This reflects the attention that the relationship between health promotion and masculinity has engendered in recent decades. However, these approaches frequently seek to work within existing cultural stereotypes rather than challengi ng them. This means that the influence of associated gender behaviour and health may continue to affect health status in Australia for the foreseeable future.