The Choreography Of Pina Bausch Film Studies Essay

The Choreography Of Pina Bausch Film Studies Essay With a German origin, Pina Bausch, a breath taking contemporary dancer and choreographer! Her best performances choreographed include Cafà © Muller, Le Sacre Du Printemps, Nelken, Danzon, and Barbe Bleue. Most importantly, this paper is an outlook of Bauschs work, especially in these extraordinary performances, and indicating what makes such unique performances a masterpiece of our time. At the outset, Cafà © Muller is a piece where Pina Bausch participated in herself. While on the other hand, such choreography is truly puzzling as I was not able to grasp the message, or the story of the performance. At the beginning of the piece, I questioned that maybe Bausch was remembering a certain incident in her life and that the dancers were depicting Bauschs sub-conscious images. Nevertheless, as I watched more of the piece, to me it depicted elements of madness, bewilder, and passion. The setting of the stage seemed like that of a neglected psychiatric hospitals cafà © where the male leading dancer was trying to bring back his lover from a world where she had tangled herself in. And here another question came to my mind? Could Bausch be remembering such an incident that took place with her in the past? Could it be her; the lover who got tangled in a world where she could not get out of? However, the movements of the female dancer were of a woman trying to avoid a man, not of a woman in love; also, the movements were simple, yet very powerful with fervor. Moreover, I was very fond of the part where the leading male dancer pushed away the chairs and the tables thoroughly; it felt that he wanted to protect his lover from getting hurt as she danced aimlessly. However, as I continued to watch, two other male dancers appeared, including Dominique Mercy. The part where Mercy and the female dancer had an affectionate moment and have repetitively done the same movement 13 times, but at faster pace every time really caught my attention as it left me wondering regarding its relation to Bausch. Also, it left me with an impression that Mercy and the female dancer could actually be Bausch remembering her past with her lover. Furthermore, Le Sacre Du Printemps, or The Rite of Spring is undeniably an intense piece. This is not the first time for me to watch it; however, every time I do, my full attention is diverted towards Stravinskys music, and Bauschs excellently choreographed performance. Although I have watched this performance several times, I have never understood the story of such a piece. To me it seemed that the leading dancer in red was trying to escape the people around her; also, I believe that she has been betrayed by her lover as he was the one who had lead her to such people and left her as she tries to run away, or express her way out. As a spectator, I was fully engaged with the movements of the dancer in red as they were extremely powerful, highlighting her muscular physique. Also, I sensed that she was about to bawl with anger expressing her feelings, yet she was suppressed by more than 15 female and male dancers impeding her from doing so. The strong music beats signaled danger, and th e movement of the dancers seemed like what would take place during a ritual, or sacrifice, which made me question could the dancer in red be a sacrifice whom they intend to offer in a ritual of theirs? However, the red dress was extremely provocative which made me question whether they intended to sacrifice her, or punish her for a certain deed she had committed. Also, regarding the costumes and the stage setting, the costumes were of either pale colors such as cream, or of dominating colors such as red and black; also, I think that this was intended in order to shift your attention towards the main dancer in red with accordance to the music. Moreover, the stage was filled with dirt, and this implied that the setting intended to appear outdoors giving more power to the performance making it more realistic. The Rite of Spring is an exhilarating piece that would definitely grasp anyones attention immediately. Additionally, The Man I Love is a song written by George Gershwin, and I believe that this is an expert of a choreography by Bausch entitled Nelken. The Man I Love is a solo performed in two different settings by a male performer as he mumbles the song and uses sign language. The title and the lyrics of the song The Man I Love imply a message of love and affection. I consider this performance full of emotions as the performer was successful at articulating his feelings through sign language. Moreover, Bauschs works include pieces that depict violence, love, humor, as well as, the relationship between individuals, so could this performance be a well-conducted scene influencing the relationship between two males, but in a discrete manner? The performance conducted in the first setting gave me the impression that the performer was rehearsing as he seemed to be more relaxed and self-confident. While on the other hand, the second performance was conducted on stage and was a real performan ce as the performer was formally dressed and you could hear the audience applaud. However, during his performance on stage, I felt that the performer was uncomfortable expressing such an idea due to the fact that it is not normal for such views to be expressed publicly. I consider this performance to be unusual indeed as it could be implying to such an issue; but I also could be mistaken as this is an excerpt of a whole performance. Also, what made me re-consider my opinion is that the audience was laughing during his performance which assured to me that it was a humorous excerpt from one of Bauschs choreographies. Moreover, another excerpt from Bauschs choreographies entitled Danzon is performed by her long-time colleague; Dominique Mercy. While watching Mercy perform I imagined a man, lonely, walking in the streets, drunk, and sad. Although I could sense a lot of sadness and remorse; however, Mercy had performed with great vigor. The vigor produced was somehow surprising to me as the opera music which Mercy had performed on gave me the impression that such performance could have been flat as the music was not supportive to his movements. Also, I have realized that in certain parts during his performance he was not dancing with accordance to the music which indicated that the music could be hindering him from performing with greater energy. Nevertheless, as a spectator, I admired the setting of the stage, especially the spotlight directed towards Mercy which made me focus on his performance entirely; also, leaving space for the audience to create a story of their own. Last, but not least, Barbe Bleue is another puzzling, or in other words, peculiar performance choreographed by Bausch. Bausch was successful at including several human states in such a piece where I have observed sadness, humor, and madness. Also, I believe that the aim of such a performance is to present a relationship between a man and a woman. The relationship between the leading lady in red, and the leading man was not as intimate as the relationship between the rest of the female and male dancers. At certain parts, I sensed sadness in the performance of the lady in red as her movements towards the male dancer at times indicated passion and at times indicated resent. Moreover, what I found humorous was when the male dancers showed their muscular physique in a comic manner wearing nothing but underpants and had their partners admire their muscularity. However, during a particular scene where the dancers wore white sheets, the leading man after coming in contact with a dancer, clap ped his hands in a certain manner which gave me the impression that he was mad; also, his facial expressions at certain scenes were those of a mad man, which made me realize that for such a reason the lady in red might have wanted to avoid contact with him, or even feared him. Also, the setting of the stage was like of a deserted house, and the combination of the opera music with such a setting certainly created an ominous mood. To conclude, the performances choreographed by Pina Bausch are very interesting because they persuade their spectators to create their own view/story regarding each piece. Moreover, the dancing steps in all pieces were avid in terms of sending clear messages to their viewers on the relationship between men and women, resentment, and passion. The ultimate use of settings; stage direction, costumes, and facial expressions, all resulted in masterpiece performances of all time, and the credits to such compelling and flawless pieces go to the choreographer whose mind working for such performances is beyond the imagination of common populace.

Knowles Separate Peace Essays: Self-Knowledge and Inner-Peace

A Separate Peace: Self-Knowledge and Inner-Peace The theme suggested in the closing paragraph of the novel A Separate Peace is that people create their own enemy and then they defend themselves laboriously and obsessively against their imaginary enemy. They develop a particular frame of mind to allay the fear that arises while facing their nonexistent enemy. In the novel, the protagonist, Gene, tries to fight a war with his best friend, Finny, not realizing that the enemy he sees is not Finny but is his own insecurity. At the beginning Gene believes that Finny is actually his enemy who is trying to sabotage him. Gene thinks that Finny envies his academic ability just as he envies Finny's extraordinary athletic ability. To feel better about himself, Gene lowers Finny to his level so that they are "even, even in enmity.† Gene's attitude toward Finny is a manifestation of his jealousy and lack of self-confidence. Finny, on the other hand is extremely confident. He never had the evil thoughts about destroying Gene's grades - he is too innocent of a person to have such thought. Furthermore, Finny, being a carefree person, does not even care about his own grades, and certainly not Gene's grades. Gene does not realize the truth, or perhaps he simply does not want to admit the truth. He has created an enemy to protect himself from acknowledging that he is not completely satisfied with his character, or lack of thereof. Gene finally realizes that Finny is not tryin... ...defenses that people have constructed are as useless as the "Maginot Lines"; they only prevent people from analyzing their emotions and characters. People should view the enemy and the war in a more objective perspective, and try to understand themselves. Only by doing so can they eventually find their identity.

Free College Admissions Essays: My Mother had Faith in Me :: College Admissions Essays

My Mother had Faith in Me    As a child, I never thought I would be the one who would graduate from high school. In grade school, I learned that I could do well, but I was afraid of going to a higher level. As a freshman in high school, I made a decision not to be a fool and drop out. Even though it crossed my mind to drop out, I stood tall and looked up to God. Now I have an overall of 3.567.    However, each goal that I strived for, I achieved because my mother always had faith in me. She believed I could do anything that I put my mind to . For eleven years, my mother was a single parent who raised me. My biological father died before I was born. She basically raised me all alone. My mother always bought me books as a child. Every night we read books like, 'Who am I,' and my favorite, 'Wacky Wednesday,' from beginning to end. Her dedication inspired me to be the person that I am striving for today. She always had a way of showing me her love and care by pushing me towards a successful life. Regardless of the circumstances, she was the one who helped me get to where I am today. This is why I'm determined to go even further in life.    In fact, today my career goals are not a problem I know that I can get the job done to the best of my ability by furthering my education. In the year 2005, I will be a junior high school math teacher. I will teach at a school that I attended as a child to help students learn. I will teach my students not only math, but values that will help them to be successful in life. As a teacher, or an accountant, I will also be an entrepreneur. I will help the people in the community where I grew up in and that's a promise. I know that I will achieve these goals. When I get my Bachelor and Master's degree, I will make sure that I will have something to show for it. Therefore, my career goals on my agenda will be accomplished through my success.    I have participated in various extra-curricular activities. I remember back in the 9th grade, when I tried out for the pom-pom team.

Ferenc Farkas :: Artists Decorating Essays

Ferenc Farkas Ferenc Farkas was born in Nagykanizsa, Hungary, in December 1905. He studied composition with Albert Sikà ³s and Leà ³ Weiner at the Budapest Academy of Music and continued his studies with Ottorino Respighi at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome. Ferenc Farkas was Professor of Composition at the Conservatory of Kolozsvà ¡r from 1941 to 1944 and also served as its director during his last year there. In 1949 Farkas was appointed Professor of Composition at the Budapest Academy of Music, a post which he held until his retirement in 1975. His pupils included Attila Bozay, Axolt Durkà ³, Gyà ¶rgy Kurtà ¡g, Gyà ¶rgy Ligeti, Emil Petrovics, Sà ¡ndor Szokolay and many other prominent Hungarian composers. In 1950, Ferenc Farkas was awarded the highest Hungarian government decoration for artistic merit, the Kossuth Prize. In 1979, he was given the Herder Prize by the F.V.Stiftung in Hamburg. This interview was conducted in the spring of 1991. Gaà ¡l: First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your 85th birthday which you celebrated last December and wish you continuing good health and happiness. When did you first begin to compose for harp? Farkas: In my early compositions for orchestra, I always gave the harp part an important role. My first composition for harp solo, however, was Concertino, written in 1937 for the Budapest Municipal Orchestra and Mrs. Anna Molnà ¡r. Gaà ¡l: Was Concertino performed outside of Hungary? Farkas: Soon after the first performance in Budapest, a second performance was given by Mireille Flour in Brussels, followed by performances in London by Maria Korchinska, in Rome by Ada Sassoli, and in Frankfurt by Rosa Stein. Later in Hungary, the work was performed again by Liana Pasquali. Concertino was recorded in Germany by Rosa Stein and in Belgium by Mireille Flour. Gaà ¡l: What are your feelings about writing for the harp? Farkas: In 1937 I tried to utilize what I felt was the most generally neglected characteristic of the harp - the melodic line. I avoided the arpeggio and glissando as much as possible. In 1956, however, with the help of Professor Miklà ³s Rà ©kai at the Budapest Conservatory, I rewrote Concertino. I wrote what I consider to be a more "successful" role for the harp and included the previously "avoided" glissandi and arpeggi, added cadenzas, and thinned out the orchestral background in the first and third movements. The new version was then played in Hungary by Hà ©dy Lubik and several times in Germany by Gyula Dallà ³.

ISP †Child’s Play Essay

In life, everyone has experiences which cause them to lose sight of who they truly are. In these situations one will face challenges and discover their darkest desires and deepest temptations. In Alice Munro’s short story Child’s Play, the conflict between Verna, Marlene and Charlene is portrayed through Munro’s use of literary devices which ultimately reveals the loss of innocence experienced by the characters. This is evident in Marlene and Charlene’s life as the use of imagery exploits the drastic transformation they experience. Similarly, foreshadowing techniques display the inner turmoil the protagonists are facing. Lastly, situational irony is used to show the characters final transition from the innocent people they were to the guilty people they have become. The narrator uses imagery to give insight on Marlene and Charlene’s characters, revealing their loss of innocence. As Marlene grows up, she begins to recognize the harsh realities of the world around her. The change is evident when she describes these changes from her own perspective, â€Å"Every year when you’re a child, you become a different person. Generally it’s in the fall when you re-enter school, take your place in a higher grade, and leave behind the muddle of summer vacation. That’s when you register the change most on† (Munro 1). The use of imagery in this situation clearly shows how change is a crucial part of life and that it is unescapable. As one grows up, childhood fantasies begin to fade as darkness consumes the innocence of the world. Through continuous use of imagery, Munro describes the deterioration of the conflicted mental states of the protagonists. This struggle between right and wrong is seen when Marlene and Charlene decide to drown Verna. â€Å"Verna’s head did not break from the surface†¦ she was turning in a leisurely way, light as a jellyfish in the water. Charlene and I had our hands on her, on her rubber cap† (Munro 12). The actions of the protagonists show the battle they are facing inside. This conflict tempts them to act on their hate and disgust towards Verna, demonstrated on their struggle to decide whether to drown her or not. This struggle clouds their judgement and eventually leads them to surrender to temptations, sequentially shedding them of their innocence. As Masters Student Elisa Vancoppernolle suggests, â€Å"Verna has done nothing to enrage the narrator but  acts somewhat strangely†¦children are monstrously conventional, repelled at once by whatever is off center, out of whack, unmanageable† (Vancoppernolle, 47-48). Vancoppernolle uses this truth of difference to explain how the characters actions were committed out of pure hatred. Lastly, Munro uses imagery to display how Marlene and Charlene succumb to their cruel intentions, transforming themselves into new people. This transformation is seen through the following narration: â€Å"Our eyes did not meet as the head of Verna tried to rise above the surface†¦ like a dumpling in a stew†¦ Charlene’s eyes were wide and gleeful as I suppose mine were too. I don’t think we felt wicked, triumphing in our wickedness† (Munro 12). This imagery shows the cruelty demonstrated by Marlene and Charlene as a product of their transformation from innocent children to violent murderers. Both characters act as if they are not ashamed of what they have done, but rather proud. The use of imagery in Child’s Play, clearly demonstrates how the characters begin to lose their purity. Oftentimes, the situations one encounters is influenced by their environmental conditions they are exposed to. This becomes visible in the characters Marlene and Charlene as shown through the use of foreshadowing. Munro uses foreshadowing to express an atmosphere of tension and frailty on the day Verna and the other specials arrive at camp. Marlene describes the tense surroundings by saying, â€Å"We were living in a stage set to be dismantled and with it all the friendships, enemies, rivalries that had flourished† (Munro 6). This use of foreshadowing reflects how the camp is about to fall apart. It exposes the link between the fragility of the characters and the atmosphere. In addition, the transition of the weather from sunny to stormy represents the events that are about to unfold, symbolizing their inner rage and aggression. This change in the environment is depicted through the narration: â€Å"The clouds darkened†¦. In the air there was what some people called the smell of the storm. † (Munro 7). The change in whether refers to the events that are about to occur. Furthermore, the darkening of the clouds reflects the darkness that lives inside of the protagonists, showing their drastic transition from innocence to guilt. Critic, Charles May emphasizes how the change in environment coincides with the change inside of the girls. He suggests that at the moment the clouds darken, â€Å"Marlene and Charlene take pleasure in spying on Verna and to observe how repulsive and monstrous she is† (May, EBSCO). He reveals how it is at this moment when the camp is full of menace. Foreshadowing also shows the haunting effects that Marlene and Charlene’s actions have on those around them. The effects of their actions are seen when Marlene’s mother voices her opinion. â€Å"How sad, how awful. There should have been supervision†¦ the foibles of my distant futile state† (Munro 1). The confusion of her mother allows one to realize that something awful has happened. Her mother’s words suggest that although Marlene may be a child, she is capable of horrible things, forcing her to lose her innocence. For both Marlene and Charlene, it is evident that unexpected events cause them to question their true identities. The irony in Child’s Play portrays the transition from unbreakable bond between childhood friends, to eventually becomes a distant relationship. The end of their friendship is seen when Marlene states, â€Å"I have not kept up with Charlene. I don’t even remember how we said goodbye†¦our parents arrived and we gave ourselves over† (Munro 7-8). The termination of the girl’s friendship is contrary to what the readers expects. The breaking of this powerful bond shows how as children grow up, they become less naive to the ways of the world. Another ironic event that occurs in the story is when Marlene discovers that Charlene is sick. Marlene describes this revelation when she says, â€Å"Charlene was in Princess Margret Hospital. Her cancer had begun in the lungs and spread to the liver. She had only a short time to live† (Munro 9). This irony expresses that as one grows older, they are faced with many more tragedies. These experiences show how the word is not a place where everything is safe and perfect; it is broken just as Marlene and Charlene are corrupted. Finally, the irony depicts the shocking turn of events when the reader finally learns that the girls kill Verna. This discovery is portrayed by this narration: â€Å"I can imagine the unease starting to set in†¦That someone is missing†¦one of the specials†¦What is her name? Verna. Is that not something out there in the water? † (Munro 12). When the death of Verna is revealed, one can see just how much the girls have changed. Their evolution from children to violent criminals subsequently causes their loss of innocence. Journalist Leah Hager proposes that Marlene and Charlene â€Å"transgressed not simply against propriety, but against human life itself† (New York Times). Hager concludes that one may be more similar to Marlene and Charlene than they originally thought, as the loss of innocence is a challenge that each person must overcome. Ultimately, the use of situational irony shows how the circumstances the protagonists face lead to their final loss of innocence. In conclusion the literary devices emphasize the great differences between Marlene, Charlene and Verna causing the characters to lose their innocence as they evolve into different people as their loss of innocence shapes them into their own person. The effect of the imagery, foreshadowing and situational irony causes one to question their similarity to Marlene and Charlene; desperate to escape the prison that they have created for themselves through their hatred and loathing.

Intra and Interpersonal Skills

Today I am going to introduce what I have learnt in IIC. I have several skills that would be useful for my future, such as concentrate on positives when I am in bad moods, self-disclosure and giving positive response to criticism for better communication. However, these are not the most important aspects for me. This is because I cherish more on relationships. Besides, I don't have good relationship with family members. Also, friends cannot always be with me. Therefore, love is the only thing I pursue in my entire life. However, there are lots of barriers on my love path.My lovers just left me very soon and said â€Å"you are too good for me†. I wondered if it is just simply an excuse for breaking up with me. After the Developing and Enriching Intimate Relationship lesson, I realized the reason that none of them want to stay with me and commented I am too good for them. This is because I am having obsessive love with them, giving them too much love and so pressure. This is one of the obstacles for love to the lecture notes. On the other hand, we didn’t have a mutual direction for our future. We had intimacy and passion but no commitment was involved. The first thing I have to do is self-love.This is because obsessive love only gives pressure to the other person. To have a healthy relationship, loving yourself is essential. Then, I have to plan a long-term involvement with that person. I used to have romantic loves. However, that is not I need, what I need is the consummate love. According to Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love, consummate love includes intimacy, passion and commitment. I will be open and honest to let my relationship grows healthy. â€Å"Learning to love doesn’t just happen if we meet the right person†. I believe if you want to have a good result, effort is necessary for it, even love.

Nosocomial Infections

Remember your mother always reminding you to wash your hands? We have all been told to do so at one point in our lives or another. As children we grudgingly obeyed, not really appreciating the wisdom and love behind the statement. For most of us, the value of hand hygiene is superficial; a means to clean soiled, unsightly hands. We were not aware that washing our hands regularly was a primary defense against many types of diseases.As a child it was imposed upon us by our parents, but as we grew older, we realize its true value but no longer practice it on a regular basis, finding it inconvenient and a waste of time. The truth is that hand hygiene is one of our best defenses against diseases. The simple act of washing and rubbing our hands vigorously with soap and running water is an effective shield against bacteria-borne infections. And this is especially true for health care professionals who are exposed to bacteria on a regular basis.People go to hospitals and other healthcare ins titutions for medical attention and treatment of their ailments. However, while most people get well after a trip to the hospital, there are cases where people get worse because of exposure to harmful microorganisms that abound in these hospitals. In hospitals, bacteria proliferate because of the high concentration of ill people at one place at any one given time, and they can cause secondary infections to people going to the hospital. These types of infections are caught secondary to a hospital visit or stay, and are called nosocomial infections.The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defined nosocomial infections or healthcare-acquired infections as â€Å"infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving treatment.† (Boyce, 2002, 29) And because these patients did not initially harbor these nosocomial infections, they could only have been acquired while in the hospital, while in contact with doctors and nurses who go from one sick patient to another. These health care professionals become the main mode of transmission for nosocomial infections, and this is made even worse especially if doctors and nurses do not practice proper hand hygiene.It does not take a rocket scientist to figure it out. In hospitals, most patients are bed-ridden, not allowed to go from one place to another. Therefore, the risk of them directly infecting another patient is slim. Only doctors and nurses move about from one patient to another, in constant physical contact with the patients. Because the hands are their main point of contact, the hands become the main vehicle of microbes as well. They â€Å"stick† to the doctors and nurses hands, and remain there until they are â€Å"dropped off† somewhere else.This process goes on and on until the bacteria find a suitable host, which is almost always, the human body. Inside the human body, these microbes will colonize and proliferate, causing many types of health problems. These transient, disease causing ba cteria use the skin as temporary vehicles to get from one point to another. However, because these microbes are transient and non-colonizing on the skin surface, they are easily removed by proper and rigorous hand washing with an anti-microbial soap and water. Therefore, proper hand washing can halt the spread of disease-causing bacteria in their tracks. If doctors and nurses fail to clean their hands, they become virtual havens for microbes, transmitting and causing nosocomial infections.The figures are alarming. Studies have shown that one out of every 20 patients contract nosocomial infections because of inadequate hygiene practices in most American hospitals. These nosocomial infections â€Å"kill an estimated 103,000 people in the United States a year, as many as AIDS, breast cancer and auto accidents combined.† (McCaughey, 2005, 1) The World Health Organization says that nosocomial or healthcare acquired infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortalit y rates worldwide. (Ducel, 2002, 7) And all of this because of dirty hands. And all of these deaths and suffering are unnecessary. They can be easily remedied. If every healthcare worker would faithfully practice proper hand hygiene as they move from one patient to another, â€Å"there would be an immediate and profound reduction in the spread of resistant bacteria.†(Goldmann, 2006, 122)From every point of contact with patients, the hands of doctors and nurses are dirty, carrying infection-causing microbes; and as doctors and nurses attend to their patients’ needs, these bacteria move into the patients. While most of these bacteria can normally be fought off by the body, the compromised bodies of patients already weakened by an existing sickness become easy targets for these parasites, and nosocomial infections can easily set in. And because these infections attack a weak immune system, these can lead to more serious complications and even death.As the main vectors of nosocomial infections, doctors and nurses can prevent the spread through appropriate hand-sanitizing procedures. Hand hygiene is the single most important patient care practice that health care providers can do to prevent cross contamination and nosocomial infection. Some may say that hand hygiene is made redundant by wearing of antiseptic gloves on a regular basis. However, even if doctors and nurses wear gloves, it will also be contaminated if the hands are not clean in the first place. These gloves must be worn and removed using the hands, and so the cycle of contamination perpetuates itself in the hands of doctors and nurses with dirty hands.The premise of hand washing is very simple and very effective. Microbes are parasites. They depend on a host to live and reproduce themselves. However, bacteria are not mobile; they do have the means to move from one place to another. As such, they depend on outside help to move about and find new hosts to infect. This help comes in the form of doctors and nurse, who because of their many responsibilities, forget to clean their hands, or do so incorrectly. The anti-microbial property of soaps plus the rigorous friction of the rubbing of the hands can easily remove, weaken, or even kill these transient, infection-causing microbes before they can cause anyone any more harm. As such, a system-wide must be enforced, making proper hand hygiene mandatory for all doctors and nurses. Hand hygiene stations must be installed all over hospitals to make it easy for healthcare workers to clean their hands anytime.Indeed nosocomial infections can exact a high price. But what is even more unfortunate about nosocomial infections is the fact that it can be avoided. These healthcare associated infections are unnecessary tragedies that can be easily prevented with proper sanitation and hygiene procedures.Of course it is important to note that hand hygiene or hand washing is not enough. It must be done properly, following certain guidelin es. It is not enough to clean the hands; they must be disinfected. Normal or ordinary hand washing is the same as no hand hygiene at all. This means that hand washing must be done right, or not at all because it does not make any difference to harmful microbes or the health of the patients. Hand hygiene depends on the case and the area of the hospital involved. Normal hand hygiene should be done for at least a minute, with vigorous rubbing of the two hands against each other. Plain soap has been proven to effective against microorganism because the soap lifts the microbes off the surface of the skin to be rinsed off by running water.Hand hygiene need not be complicated or costly. All it takes is soap, running water, and friction, and the discipline to do it regularly and properly. The key is to make it a habit. There is no dearth of evidence showing that hand washing is effective in halting the spread of infections; the problem is that very few people in the health care industry pra ctice hand hygiene in compliance with regulations. Most wash their hands but do so inappropriately, which is useless in itself.While stopping the spread of nosocomial infections is complex, there is no denying the fact that the first line of defense against nosocomial infections is hand hygiene for nurses and doctors. Simple adherence to proper cleaning/disinfecting procedures is all that is needed to prevent needless infections from spreading any further and causing more harm. It is simply a matter of discipline.First do no harm†¦ that is the adage that all health workers swear by. It is ironic that nurses and doctors should also be the main vectors of nosocomial infections. These nosocomial infections are the shame of the healthcare system because it can be prevented with faithful compliance to proper hygiene procedures. The solution lies literally in our hands. If we don’t clean our hands, then it is dirty with the needless suffering and death of patients from nosocom ial infections. Our dirty hands are guilty hands.Works CitedGoldmann, Donald. â€Å"System Failure Versus Personal Accoutability–The Case for Clean Hands. New England Journal of Medicine. 355:121-3. 13 July 2006. 22 May 2007. https://content.nejm.org/cgi/reprint/355/2/121.pdfCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2006). Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).  Ã‚   Retrieved March 17, 2007, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/healthDis.htmlDucel, G., et al., eds. Prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections-A Practical Guide. Geneva: World Health Organization. 2002. 21 May 2007.   http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/drugresist/whocdscsreph200212.pdfGorman, Christine. â€Å"Wash Those Hands† How doctors and nurses can make you sick — and what you can do about it. TIME. 163. 1. 29 March 2004: Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomas Gale. Pasco-Hernando Community College Lib., New Port Richey, FL. 23 May 2007. http://www.time.com/time/magazi ne/article/0,9171,993710,00.htmlâ€Å"Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings† Recommendations of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee and the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA Hand Hygiene Task Force. 51. 25. Oct. 2002: 1-44. Boyce, John and Diddier, Pittet. Het.comps Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MMWR. Retrieved on 23 May 2007.   http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5116a1.htmMcCaughey, Betsy. â€Å"Coming Clean. (Editorial Desk) (Hospital Hygiene and Infections).† The New York Times. 6 June 2005: Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomas Gale. Pasco-Hernando Community College Lib., New Port Richey, FL. 23 May 2007. http://hospitalinfection.org/press/060505ny_times.pdf Nosocomial Infections Remember your mother always reminding you to wash your hands? We have all been told to do so at one point in our lives or another. As children we grudgingly obeyed, not really appreciating the wisdom and love behind the statement. For most of us, the value of hand hygiene is superficial; a means to clean soiled, unsightly hands. We were not aware that washing our hands regularly was a primary defense against many types of diseases. As a child it was imposed upon us by our parents, but as we grew older, we realize its true value but no longer practice it on a regular basis, finding it inconvenient and a waste of time.The truth is that hand hygiene is one of our best defenses against diseases. The simple act of washing and rubbing our hands vigorously with soap and running water is an effective shield against bacteria-borne infections. And this is especially true for health care professionals who are exposed to bacteria on a regular basis.People go to hospitals and other healthcare ins titutions for medical attention and treatment of their ailments. However, while most people get well after a trip to the hospital, there are cases where people get worse because of exposure to harmful microorganisms that abound in these hospitals. In hospitals, bacteria proliferate because of the high concentration of ill people at one place at any one given time, and they can cause secondary infections to people going to the hospital.These types of infections are caught secondary to a hospital visit or stay, and are called nosocomial infections. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defined nosocomial infections or healthcare-acquired infections as â€Å"infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving treatment.† (Boyce, 2002, 29) And because these patients did not initially harbor these nosocomial infections, they could only have been acquired while in the hospital, while in contact with doctors and nurses who go from one sick patient to another. These health care professionals become the main mode of transmission for nosocomial infections, and this is made even worse especially if doctors and nurses do not practice proper hand hygiene.It does not take a rocket scientist to figure it out. In hospitals, most patients are bed-ridden, not allowed to go from one place to another. Therefore, the risk of them directly infecting another patient is slim. Only doctors and nurses move about from one patient to another, in constant physical contact with the patients. Because the hands are their main point of contact, the hands become the main vehicle of microbes as well. They â€Å"stick† to the doctors and nurses hands, and remain there until they are â€Å"dropped off† somewhere else. This process goes on and on until the bacteria find a suitable host, which is almost always, the human body. Inside the human body, these microbes will colonize and proliferate, causing many types of health problems.These transient, disease causing ba cteria use the skin as temporary vehicles to get from one point to another. However, because these microbes are transient and non-colonizing on the skin surface, they are easily removed by proper and rigorous hand washing with an anti-microbial soap and water. Therefore, proper hand washing can halt the spread of disease-causing bacteria in their tracks. If doctors and nurses fail to clean their hands, they become virtual havens for microbes, transmitting and causing nosocomial infections.The figures are alarming. Studies have shown that one out of every 20 patients contract nosocomial infections because of inadequate hygiene practices in most American hospitals. These nosocomial infections â€Å"kill an estimated 103,000 people in the United States a year, as many as AIDS, breast cancer and auto accidents combined.† (McCaughey, 2005, 1) The World Health Organization says that nosocomial or healthcare acquired infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortalit y rates worldwide. (Ducel, 2002, 7) And all of this because of dirty hands. And all of these deaths and suffering are unnecessary. They can be easily remedied. If every healthcare worker would faithfully practice proper hand hygiene as they move from one patient to another, â€Å"there would be an immediate and profound reduction in the spread of resistant bacteria.†(Goldmann, 2006, 122)From every point of contact with patients, the hands of doctors and nurses are dirty, carrying infection-causing microbes; and as doctors and nurses attend to their patients’ needs, these bacteria move into the patients. While most of these bacteria can normally be fought off by the body, the compromised bodies of patients already weakened by an existing sickness become easy targets for these parasites, and nosocomial infections can easily set in. And because these infections attack a weak immune system, these can lead to more serious complications and even death.As the main vectors of nosocomial infections, doctors and nurses can prevent the spread through appropriate hand-sanitizing procedures. Hand hygiene is the single most important patient care practice that health care providers can do to prevent cross contamination and nosocomial infection. Some may say that hand hygiene is made redundant by wearing of antiseptic gloves on a regular basis. However, even if doctors and nurses wear gloves, it will also be contaminated if the hands are not clean in the first place. These gloves must be worn and removed using the hands, and so the cycle of contamination perpetuates itself in the hands of doctors and nurses with dirty hands.The premise of hand washing is very simple and very effective. Microbes are parasites. They depend on a host to live and reproduce themselves. However, bacteria are not mobile; they do have the means to move from one place to another. As such, they depend on outside help to move about and find new hosts to infect. This help comes in the form of doctors and nurse, who because of their many responsibilities, forget to clean their hands, or do so incorrectly. The anti-microbial property of soaps plus the rigorous friction of the rubbing of the hands can easily remove, weaken, or even kill these transient, infection-causing microbes before they can cause anyone any more harm. As such, a system-wide must be enforced, making proper hand hygiene mandatory for all doctors and nurses. Hand hygiene stations must be installed all over hospitals to make it easy for healthcare workers to clean their hands anytime.Indeed nosocomial infections can exact a high price. But what is even more unfortunate about nosocomial infections is the fact that it can be avoided. These healthcare associated infections are unnecessary tragedies that can be easily prevented with proper sanitation and hygiene procedures.Of course it is important to note that hand hygiene or hand washing is not enough. It must be done properly, following certain guidelin es. It is not enough to clean the hands; they must be disinfected. Normal or ordinary hand washing is the same as no hand hygiene at all. This means that hand washing must be done right, or not at all because it does not make any difference to harmful microbes or the health of the patients. Hand hygiene depends on the case and the area of the hospital involved. Normal hand hygiene should be done for at least a minute, with vigorous rubbing of the two hands against each other. Plain soap has been proven to effective against microorganism because the soap lifts the microbes off the surface of the skin to be rinsed off by running water.Hand hygiene need not be complicated or costly. All it takes is soap, running water, and friction, and the discipline to do it regularly and properly. The key is to make it a habit. There is no dearth of evidence showing that hand washing is effective in halting the spread of infections; the problem is that very few people in the health care industry pra ctice hand hygiene in compliance with regulations. Most wash their hands but do so inappropriately, which is useless in itself.While stopping the spread of nosocomial infections is complex, there is no denying the fact that the first line of defense against nosocomial infections is hand hygiene for nurses and doctors. Simple adherence to proper cleaning/disinfecting procedures is all that is needed to prevent needless infections from spreading any further and causing more harm. It is simply a matter of discipline.First do no harm†¦ that is the adage that all health workers swear by. It is ironic that nurses and doctors should also be the main vectors of nosocomial infections. These nosocomial infections are the shame of the healthcare system because it can be prevented with faithful compliance to proper hygiene procedures. The solution lies literally in our hands. If we don’t clean our hands, then it is dirty with the needless suffering and death of patients from nosocom ial infections. Our dirty hands are guilty hands.Works CitedGoldmann, Donald. â€Å"System Failure Versus Personal Accoutability–The Case for Clean Hands. New England Journal of Medicine. 355:121-3. 13 July 2006. 22 May 2007. https://content.nejm.org/cgi/reprint/355/2/121.pdfCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2006). Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).  Ã‚   Retrieved March 17, 2007, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/healthDis.htmlDucel, G., et al., eds. Prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections-A Practical Guide. Geneva: World Health Organization. 2002. 21 May 2007.   http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/drugresist/whocdscsreph200212.pdfGorman, Christine. â€Å"Wash Those Hands† How doctors and nurses can make you sick — and what you can do about it. TIME. 163. 1. 29 March 2004: Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomas Gale. Pasco-Hernando Community College Lib., New Port Richey, FL. 23 May 2007. http://www.time.com/time/magazi ne/article/0,9171,993710,00.htmlâ€Å"Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings† Recommendations of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee and the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA Hand Hygiene Task Force. 51. 25. Oct. 2002: 1-44. Boyce, John and Diddier, Pittet. Het.comps Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MMWR. Retrieved on 23 May 2007.   http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5116a1.htmMcCaughey, Betsy. â€Å"Coming Clean. (Editorial Desk) (Hospital Hygiene and Infections).† The New York Times. 6 June 2005: Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomas Gale. Pasco-Hernando Community College Lib., New Port Richey, FL. 23 May 2007. http://hospitalinfection.org/press/060505ny_times.pdf