Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Advantages.
Disadvantages.
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The advantages and disadvantages of renting or buying a house.
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- Landlord is the owner of the building /house while a tenant is the one renting a building/house.
When constructing a house there are different types of materials which are used from the foundation up
to the roof. There are material used for roofing, the walls and the floor according to the design of the
house.
Roofing materials.
Wall materials.
- Sundried bricks.
- Stone wall.
- Kiln baked bricks.
- Concrete blocks.
- Wood blocks.
- Mud and poles.
- Galvanized iron.
- Plaster.
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- Cement.
- Damp proof course.
Wall finishes
- White wash.
- Distemper.
- Emulsion paint.
- Gloss paint.
- Wallpaper.
- Cooking.
- Bathing.
- Laundry work.
- Cleaning the house.
- Sanitation.
- Washing.
- Drinking.
- Wells.
- Tap water.
- Rivers.
- Oceans.
- Spring water.
- Resevoirs.
- Boiling.
- Addition of purification tablets.
- Distillation.
- Decantation.
- Chlorination.
- Position of windows.
- Curtaining.
- Cleanliness of glass.
- Aspect of the room.
Artificial lighting.
Kitchen.
Dining room.
Living room.
-
- Light should have a switch near the door.
- Use portable light for reading.
- Position light in the centre of room one or two would be enough.
Bedroom.
Bathroom.
Security light.
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- The outside light which gives light on the veranda.
- Switch should be inside the house.
Ventilation.
- Ventilation is the process of changing the air in room to get rid of respiration, combustion,
bacteria and odours.
Forms of ventilation.
Questions
1. What is a house/home?
2. State the factors that influencing the choice of a site to build/buy a house.
3. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of building a home.
4. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of renting /buying a house.
5. What is the difference between a landlord and a tenant?
6. Describe important points to consider when making a house plan.
7. Design and label the layout of a house of your choice.
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1.0.2 SANITATION AND DRAINAGE.
Sanitation and Drainage.
- Sanitation is the protection of public health by removing and treating waste and dirty water.
- Sanitation is the practical application of measures to safeguard and improve health generally.
- Sanitation is the process of working our ways to improve health conditions.
- Drainage is the carrying away of water, sewage and other unwanted matter.
Types of toilets.
- Always flash out the bowl immediately after use to prevent smells, flies and germs.
- Use only proper toilet paper and never put into the bowl anything that will not dissolve and is
likely to block the waste pipe.
- Clean bowl regularly.
- Flush before going to bed and pour toilet cleaner to prevent stain and smells
- Never use antiseptic in lavatories that empty into a septic tank.
Daily.
Weekly.
Daily.
Daily.
Weekly.
Daily.
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- Clean the sink with hot soapy water.
- Rinse with hot water, then wipe the backing and polish tap.
- Run clean water into the U-bend.
Weekly.
- There may be a lot of malaria cases due to mosquitoes breeding in empty containers.
- Organic refuse decomposes rapidly and produces bad odours e.g. rats and rat breeding may lead
to plague.
- Carelessly disposed rubbish leads to flies breeding and carrying diseases e.g. typhoid.
- Water may be polluted due to careless dumping of refuse left lying about.
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- Carelessly dumped refuse looks unpleasant, takes up space and makes cleaning difficulty.
Kitchen bins.
Care.
Cleaning.
Dustbins.
Choice.
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Cleaning.
Questions
1.0.3 FLOORS
Types of floors.
- Wood floor.
- Concrete floor.
- Ceramic tiles floor.
- Mud floor.
- Stone floor.
- Wooden floor.
- Marble floor.
- Slate floor.
- Terrazzo floor.
Floor coverings are used on a floor to improve the appearance, comfort and warmth of the room.
Covering the floor can be the most expensive part of furnishing a home.
When buying floor coverings, one should bear the following points in mind:
- The cost.
- The purpose of room where the covering is to be used.
- The style of the covering.
- Consider the colour scheme of the room.
- The covering should be hard wearing.
- The size of room where the covering is to be used.
- Personal preference of an individual.
- The floor covering should be attractive.
- It should have a non-slip backing.
- It should be easy to clean and maintain.
- Comfortable to the feet.
coverings.
Linoleum
Advantages
Disadvantages.
Carpet.
12
Advantages.
Disadvantages.
Question
- Interior and exterior decorations are flowers, artifact, ornaments, pictures, centre pieces and
simple home furnishing used to create a welcoming and attractive environment in the home.
- Proportion and scale- the relationship of masses areas to another and size of objects in relation
to one another and to the human body.
- Balance- this concept is concerned with the way actual and visual is distributed in a room.
- Harmony- this is the using of aspects of design that go well together or more or less the same.
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- Rhythm- this involves the way colours, lines and shapes can be used to give the impression of
movement, encouraging the eye to travel further around the room.
- Emphasis- this refers to the focal point or area of the room which is emphasized more than the
rest.
- Texture- this refers to the roughness or smoothness of a surface. This can be either what we feel
by touching the surface, or as visual texture.
- Pattern- the orderly arrangement of objects or motifs in a room.
- Line- straight and curved lines can be put together to make interesting combinations, depending
upon personal taste, the mood or atmosphere of the room, the style and the purpose of the room.
- Colour- the choice of colour is a personal matter because of the variety of colours, materials and
textures on the market.
Primary colours.
- Blue.
- Red.
- Yellow.
Secondary colours
- Orange.
- Purple.
- Green.
Ornaments and art objects are decorations which are designed to add beauty to a place. There are various
ways of decorating a house. The walls can be plastered, painted or finished with wood or wallpaper and
furniture arranged nicely against the walls to make the house look beautiful.
- Pictures
- Artistic fixtures
- Vases
- Carvings
- Metallic decorative objects.
- Should be durable.
- Choice depends on how suitable they are.
- The cost of the ornament.
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- Choose the type of colours to be used.
- Choose the flower to be used.
- Prepare a flower holder which will flowers firmly and well spread out.
- A pair of scissors for cutting flowers.
- The scent of flowers and the purpose should be considered.
- Pick flowers and deep them in lukewarm water, this helps them to keep fresh.
- Prepare the vase by fitting in a wire and fill water half way.
Indoor plants
Questions
Proper cleaning and care of wood furnishings and décor is essential to make the look more attractive.
Plain wood can be made attractive and lasting using the following methods:-
- Painting.
- Varnishing.
- Polishing.
- Veneering.
- Laminated boards.
- Inlaid wood.
- Choose articles that will complement and complete a scheme aimed at in the room.
- Choose the best that one can afford.
- The materials should be durable.
- Simple designs are smart and always fashionable.
- Should have suitable surface.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Should be comfortable.
- Should not be too heavy or awkward.
- Should be well constructed with strong joints.
Plain wood.
Care.
Cleaning.
Painted wood.
Care.
- Avoid the use of alkalis like washing soda, which may injure the paint.
- Avoid great heat.
- Avoid friction e.g. scrubbing, using hard abrasive which removes paint.
- Avoid much moisture as this often softens the paint.
Cleaning.
Care
Cleaning
Questions
Order of washing up
- Stack utensils according to kind and size, such as plates in piles according to size, cups, jugs and
pots in order.
- Wipe off grease from cutlery and crockery.
- Wash glassware in warm soapy in warm soapy water.
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- Rinse in cold water and drain on a tray.
- Dry with a tea towel.
- Wash cups and saucers in warm soapy water and drain.
- Wash the rest of the utensils starting with the cleanest in warm soapy water.
- Rinse in a basin of clean water and drain.
- Wash pots and pans in hot water. Use scouring powder or ash for cleaning the outside of the pot.
Rinse and dry.
- Store all dry utensils in their proper places
Questions
- Microwave oven.
- Washing machine
- Hoover.
- Floor polishers.
- Vacuum cleaner.
- Carpet sweeper.
- Wringer washer.
- Mixers and blender.
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- Dishwasher.
- Electric can-opener
Questions
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1.0.8 CLEANINIG MATERIALS
Cleaning agents are substances used to remove dirt and these include house hold detergents,
bleaches, acid or alkalis in liquid pastes or powder form or -scouring powder, wire wool and
scouring pads.
- Bleaching
- Using emulsifiers e.g. soda.
- Using grease solvents e.g. benzene, petrol methylated spirit.
- Using grease absorbers e.g. bran. French chalk, fuller’s earth.
Solvents
- Benzene.
- Petrol.
- Methylated spirit.
- Vinegar.
- Lemon juice.
- Ammonia.
- Washing soda.
- Water.
Abrasives
Advantages
Disadvantages
Questions
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Hygiene in the home and hospitality business involves cleaning and ensuring the surrounding
environment is well maintained in order to achieve optimum health. This can only be achieved by
following proper cleaning procedures and routine. As a home/housekeeper you need to be conversant
with cleaning procedures and routine to be done daily, weekly and occasionally. It is also important also
to understand your role as a housekeeper.
Housekeeping
- Good hygiene in a home ensures that a family lives in a hygienic environment in order to prevent
illness and the spread of disease.
- Ensuring the home is attractive and pleasant to live in.
- Prevention of household equipment and furniture from being worn out.
- Discouraging household pests from living and breeding in the home.
- Avoiding accidents which may be caused by litter and unsafe surfaces.
Domestic Housekeeper
A housekeeper employed in a private household may perform some or all of the following duties:
Check and purchase groceries and household supplies to maintain adequate levels
Maintain record of related expenditure
Plan and cook meals for employer
Care for household pets
Polish silverware
Wash dishes and clean kitchen according to agreed hygiene standards
Clean appliances
Run errands for employer
Answer telephone and take messages
Take care of children
Hotel Housekeeper
Clean corridors, lobbies, stairways, elevators and lounges as well as guest rooms
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Organize work schedule from the room status list, arrivals and departures
Distribute linen, towels and room supplies using wheeled carts or by hand
Restock room supplies such as drinking glasses, soaps, shampoos, writing supplies, mini bar
Replace dirty linens with clean items
Inspect and turn mattresses regularly
Store all dirty laundry in line with company policy
Monitor guest laundry bags
Replace laundry bags and slips
Check all appliances in rooms are in working order
Realign furniture and amenities according to prescribed layout
Respond to guest queries and requests
Respond to calls for housekeeping problems such as spills, broken glasses
Deliver any requested housekeeping items to guest rooms
Remove room service items
Organize and restock cart at the end of the shift
Ensure confidentiality and security of guest rooms
Follow all company safety and security procedures
Report any maintenance issues or safety hazards
Observe and report damage of hotel property
Buffing/polishing
Floor surface stripping
Vacuuming
Spot cleaning
Waxing/sealing
Dusting/wiping
Floor scrubbing
Perimeter cleaning
Sweeping/mopping
Pressure washing
Carpet extraction
Bedroom
Daily cleaning
Weekly cleaning
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- Strip the bed of all the linen.
- Put the pillows out in the sun.
- Brush the mattress and put it out in the sun to air.
- Take down the curtains and wash if necessary.
- Brush the bed with a hard brush to remove any dirt.
- If you see any pests take the bed out and wash it with hot water to which disinfectant has been
added.
- Clean out the wardrobe, chest of drawers and cupboards.
- Change the pillow cases and sheets.
Occasional cleaning
Sitting room
Daily cleaning
Weekly cleaning
- Remove the curtains. Put out the cushions and rugs to air. Group together hard furniture and
cover it with a cloth.
- Remove vases, ornaments and pictures.
- Sweep down the ceiling and walls and remove any cobwebs. Sweep the room. Clean the floor
according to kind.
- Wash and clean any painted areas.
- Clean the windows, mirrors and pictures.
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- Clean the skirting board.
- Dust and polish the furniture according to its kind.
- Clean carpet, rugs and mats thoroughly with a carpet sweeper or hard brush.
- If there is a book case, remove all books and dust thoroughly with a clean dry duster.
- Clean all the ornaments from the room and replace them.
- Restore everything to its proper place.
- Change chair covers, cushion covers and curtains if necessary.
Occasional cleaning
The kitchen
Daily cleaning
Weekly cleaning
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- Clean the windows. Wash the curtains if necessary.
- Clean or polish the floor according to finish. Resurface a mud floor if necessary.
Occasional cleaning
Daily cleaning
Weekly cleaning.
Occasional cleaning
Questions
1. What is housekeeping?
2. Describe good hygiene in the home.
3. Identify the roles of a housekeeper.
4. Outline the routine of cleaning of the home.
Some of the household maintenance activities which can be carried out at little or no cost include:
Questions
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These are organisms that are harmful to human beings and cause damage in the household. They range
from crawling and flying insects to small animals that are found in a home. Household pests are
unwanted creatures because they spread diseases to man. Pests multiply rapidly and this makes it
difficult to eliminate them completely.
CLASSES OF PESTS
1. Parasitic pests
Beg bugs
Mosquitoes
Fleas
2. Food pests
Housefly
Ants
Weevils
Cockroaches
Rats and mice
Mites
Flour moths
3. Pests that attack clothes or wood
Furniture beetle
Clothes moth
Rats and mice
Houseflies
- Dispose all rubbish or refuse from the rubbish bin and bury the pit the pit when it is full.
- Cover all food or eat immediately it is prepared.
- Use rubbish bins with tightly fitting lids.
- Wash dirty dishes as soon as possible.
- Fit fly screen on your windows to keep away flies.
- Keep the whole house as clean as possible.
- Eliminate flies by spraying with insecticides.
Cockroaches
Ants
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- Keep all sweet foods in containers with tight fitting lids.
- Put jam jars in water to which little paraffin is added to act as traps.
Bedbugs
Mosquitoes
Fleas
Weevils
- Dry cereals completely and store in dry clean containers with tight fitting lids.
- Eliminate existing ones by exposing the attacked cereals to extreme heat.
- Add powdered insecticide like gamadox to grain before storing.
- Use ashes as preservative.
1.0.12 ENTERPRENUERSHIP
Entrepreneur is a term applied to the type of personality who is willing to take upon herself or himself a
new or enterprise.
It is important to remember that to start a successful business you need the 5 Cs and these are:
- Creativity
- Courage
- Commitment
- Capital
- Customers
Possible entrepreneurial activities in home management that can be do individually or groups include:
- Household maintenance
- Housekeeping
- Interior decoration
- Article mending
- Laundry service
- Making household crafts
Questions
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TOPIC 2: HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE HOME AND HOSPITALITY
INDUSRTY
When a person gets involved in an accident he/she may need assistance before the situation gets worse.
Accidents happen almost every day and can happen anywhere. Most accidents happen in homes while
others happen outside homes. These accidents can be minor or serious. People must know how to offer
assistance or First Aid when these happen. If an injured person does not get help quickly it may lead to
death or permanent injury.
- First Aid is the assistance given to any person suffering a sudden illness or injury.
- It is the first treatment given to somebody who has fallen sick before being taken to the hospital.
- The first help given to the casualty before being taken the hospital.
- This is a person who provides first aid and has received training and holds a first aid certificate
from an organization or the employer.
1. Floor and floor coverings: if floors are wet, or highly polished, uneven floors or if floor coverings are
badly joined or loose or untidy floors. This cause falls leading to injury and death.
2. Faulty, electrical appliances, kitchen clothes near heat, flammable goods near heat, chip pans. These
cause fires or electric shock.
3. Hot liquids, hot equipment and steam. These cause burns and scalds.
4. Unlock able poisonous liquids /medicines e.g. over dose medicine or wrong medicines or using
contaminated cloths and sinks, or household bleaches or chemicals, or weed killers and pesticides or dry
cleaning fluids or solvents. These cause poisoning.
Storage: high or higher storage parts which may cause falls, fractures.
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Tidy up floor-no trailing cables e.t.c.
The kitchen must be adequately lit.
Avoid putting kitchen clothes near a source of heat.
Turn off electrical appliances when not in use.
Do not leave items such as dry cleaning fluids near heat source.
Never leave items chip pans or hot fat unattended. Avoid filling pans with fat.
Handles for Saucepans (pots) with hot liquids should not be placed where they can be
pushed off the stove.
Never move about with hot water in a kettle.
Use oven gloves which are strong and have no holes.
Use wooden spoons to stir hot liquids.
Never leave utensils close to a part of the cooker which is on.
Having locking medicine cupboards and buy bottles with child proof cups.
Have separate clothes for separate jobs.
Before leaving the chemists make sure you understand the dosage required.
Spray carefully the pesticide, remove all foods.
No electrical appliance should be used close to water and do not switch on with hot
hands.
Store sharp utensils safely.
Cover garden fish ponds with a firm guard.
Cover naked wires (electric).
1. Cool the whole area with cold water for several minutes to kill the pain and reduce risk of blistering.
3. Remove clothing that has been soaked in a corrosive chemical (protect your own hands first).
5. Cover the area with a clean cloth to reduce the risk of infection.
9. If clothing catches fire, throw patient to the floor and smother flames with a rug or blanket.
CHOKING
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1. A series of sharp blows between the shoulder blades may dislodge the obstruction. Try to get to the
person to bend over so that the head is lower than the chest.
2. If this doesn’t work, try to hook out the obstruction with the finger.
3. Small children should be turned upside down and hit on the back.
5. Stand or knee behind the patient, with one arm around their abdomen. Hold your fist with your other
hand. Pull both hands towards you quickly, thrusting your elbows inwards and outwards to compress the
patient’s abdomen. The aim is to push out and dislodge the obstruction. This may cause internal injury
to a young child and should only be used for older children and adults.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
1. If possible switch off the power supply. Do not touch the patient until is done.
2. If this is not possible, push the patient away from the appliance with a wooden handle or stick.
3. Look for signs that the patient is breathing, and if necessary begin resuscitation.
POISONING
-Acids
-Bleach
-Carpet cleaner
-Detergents
-Lavatory cleaner
-Paraffin
-Oven cleaner
-Petrol
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3. Dilute the poison by giving tepid milk or water in sips.
5. Do not pour water into the mouth of unconscious patient as this may choke them.
If the patient has swallowed pills, try to make them vomit by putting fingers into their throat. Do not
give salt water or anything else to make them vomit.
SHOCK
Shock is a medical term used to describe the effect on the body of a large loss of blood or other body
fluid following severe bleeding, burning, heart failure, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or an emergency
operation. The symptoms of shock are:
Cold, clammy skin, heavy sweating, faintness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety,
thirst, shallow breathing, weak pulse.
1. Lie patient down with feet raised and head on one side.
In all cases of injury, seek medical advice when first aid has been administered.
RESUSCITATION.
If someone has stopped breathing it is important to start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation before medical
help arrives in order to save their life. The brain suffers damage if it without oxygen for more than three
minutes and death will follow soon after:
What to do:
2. Clear the mouth by removing false teeth, dirt or any other objects.
3. Bend the head back with one hand and push the jaw upwards with the other to lift the tongue away
from the back of the throat.
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4. Squeeze the nostrils together, place your mouth over the patient’s mouth, and blow gently. Watch for
chest to rise.
5. Let the chest fall (take your mouth away) then repeat about fifteen times a minute, continuing until the
patient starts to breathe again or until help arrives.
6. Place the patient in the recovery position, with the head to one side in case of vomiting, and one arm
underneath to prevent the patient rolling on to his or her back.
7. If the heart has stopped pumping, it will need to be massaged. Press on the lower half of the breast
bone using the heel of one hand and the other on top. Press about once a second five times, then
continue mouth-mouth resuscitation. Repeat until the heart starts beating and breathing is continuous.
Questions
2.0.2 ADOLESCENCE
Adolescence is the period between childhood and adult hood. Changes at adolescence include emotional
changes which may cause adolescents to change their behavior. Adolescents need to understand these
changes if they are to cooperate with parents and other members of the family.
They begin to be more aware of themselves and thus establishing a sense of identity. Parents should
understand that adolescence is the stage when teenagers should gain responsibility for adult would.
Girls
- Breasts enlarge.
- Hips widen.
- Ovaries grow in size.
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- Hair grows around the pubic area and armpits.
- Waist become distinct and hips increase in size.
- They start their menstrual period.
- There is marked increase in weight and height.
Boys
- Shoulders broaden.
- They experience ‘wet dreams’.
- Voice deepens.
- Sudden increase in weight and height.
- Testis and penis increase in size.
- Hair grows around the pubic area and arm pits.
Female
Functions
Cervix is a muscular neck or gate way between the uterus and vagina.
Function
Functions
- To provide room for the fertilized ovum to develop until it is ready to be born.
- To contract and force the baby out through the cervix during child birth.
Fallopian tubes- (oviducts) these are two muscular tubes leading from either side of the uterus to the
ovaries. On the inside they are lined with cilia which propel the mature ova from the ovaries to the
uterus.
Functions
- To allow passage of sperms from the uterus to the ovum for fertilization to take place near the
ovary end of the fallopian tube.
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- To provide room for fertilization and division of zygote or fertilized ovum to take place.
- To provide passage for mature ova from the ovaries to the uterus and then to the outside during
ovulation.
- Mature ova usually die in the fallopian tubes before they enter the uterus if fertilization fails.
Ovaries- these are two egg shaped organs on either side of the uterus in the lower part of the abdominal
gap.
Functions
- To produce ova.
Male
Testicles –they are two sex glands covered by a muscular bag known as scrotum
Functions
Urethra– this is a tube which leads from the bladder to the outside ending at the tip of the penis. It is
connected to the van deferens.
Function
- To provide passage for both urine from the bladder and sperms from the van deferens.
Penis- it is a muscular structure with a network of blood vessels which enables it to erect (stiffen) in
readiness for the sexual act.
Function
A safe life style is a clean and safe life. It is free of deadly habits which may be injurious to an
individual’s life. If a person is not leading a safe life style the result could be permanent injury to one’s
image or death. Unsafe life styles are simply habits learnt from our friends, or other people whom we
move or mix with often.
Therefore safe life style means leading life that is safe for a person to live longer.
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- Stick to one partner.
- Abstain from sex or avoid casual sex.
- Make use of condoms though not 100℅ safe.
- Go for blood checkup.
- Do not drink beer heavily.
- No drug abuse.
- Reproductive health education.
A drug is any substance or chemical other than food which, when taken, affects body functions,
structures and processes.
Drug abuse is the use of drugs or chemicals substances for wrong reasons
Types of drugs
Psychoactive drugs are the chemical substances that affect the thinking, feeling, mood, consciousness,
perception and behavior of a person such as;
- Narcotics are drugs which have sleep-inducing and pain-relieving properties and relax the user
e.g. opium, morphine, heroin.
- Stimulants are drugs which act on the central nervous system e.g. caffeine, nicotine, cocaine.
- Sedatives these drugs depress the central nervous system and produce a calming effect, relax
muscles, relieve the feeling of anxiety as well as promote sleep.
- Hallucinogens are drugs which cause changes in feelings and make those who take them to hear
and see imaginary things e.g. marijuana, hemp
- Inhalants are chemicals that produce vapour or are in vapour form e.g. glue, paint, petrol.
There are many effects of drug abuse and they differ from person to person. Some these are:
Due to the practice of unsafe life styles like oral sex, lesbianism and having unprotected sex a person is
more likely to contract HIV and AIDS as well other sexually transmitted infection. HIV is the virus that
causes AIDS. AIDS is a disease which comes about as a result of the weakened immune system and it
has no cure. But can be managed by taking anti-retroviral drugs for the rest of one’s life. HIV stands for
Human Immune Deficiency Virus while AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Transmission of HIV
The HIV germ which causes AIDS can be transmitted through ways such as:
- Unprotected sex.
- Blood transfusion.
- Mother to child either during pregnancy or child birth.
- Having multiple sexual partners.
- Using unsterilized needles.
- Making tattoos with used up razor blades.
- Blood contact with an infected person through an open wound.
Teenage pregnancy
Teenage pregnancy is where by girl who is below the age of consent becomes pregnant. The pregnancy
can be as a result of lack of reproductive health education or due to unsafe life style or peer pressure.
- Loss learning time while looking after the baby before going back to school.
- It contributes to rapid population increase.
- The teenage mother risks her life during child birth.
- It creates pressure on the provision of social services.
- The teenage mother may be psychologically affected.
- It can also lead to break down of the relationship with parents and other family members.
- The girl may suffer rejection by the person who impregnated her.
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Questions
- Stopping of normal monthly periods for a woman who has had sexual intercourse.
- Breasts become tender and enlarged.
- Morning sickness.
- Enlarged abdomen.
- Feeling of fatigue and a desire to sleep for longer periods than normal.
- Frequent urination due to the enlargement of the uterus which presses on the bladder.
- Skin around the nipples changes and become darker.
- Movement of the foetus.
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- Likes and dislikes for certain foods.
Pregnancy can be counted in weeks as well as months. For convenience it is divided into trimesters.
- Balanced diet for her and the baby to receive the required nutrient for health and growth of the
baby.
- Proteins are required for building new cells.
- Vitamins are needed for general good health.
- Calcium is needed for building strong bones and teeth.
- Iron is required to prevent anaemia and for the production of haemoglobin.
- Dietary fibre is needed to prevent constipation.
- The pregnant woman should avoid too much starch foods to prevent excess weight gain.
- Avoid sweet foods such as cakes and sweets.
- Avoid too much fatty foods and fried foods.
During pregnancy a woman should consider the clothing she wear to suit her changing body. The type of
clothes should be those that will safe guard the well-being of the mother and the unborn baby. They
should be the type that will allow for the free circulation of air and blood as well as comfortable. This
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simply means a pregnant should not wear tight fitting clothes. Clothes suitable for a pregnant woman
include;
- Flat shoes for comfort, safety and support the extra body weight.
- Loose maternity dresses.
- Well-fitting under wear.
- Adjustable bras
- Warm clothing if necessary.
Ante-natal clinic
This is the clinic which attends to the needs of expectant mothers. At the clinic the expectant mother are
offer various services such as;
Post-natal clinic
This is the clinic which is attended by mothers after delivery. The services offered include:
Early in her pregnancy a mother must decide where she would like her baby to be born she may choose
to stay at home or go to hospital.
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3. There is a history of complications in pregnancy or difficulties in labour
4. Twins or multiple births are expected.
5. The mother has a medical condition that requires monitoring.
6. The baby may be at risk because of the Rhesus factor.
7. There has been a previous abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth or Caesarean section.
8. The home condition is unsuitable for the delivery of the baby or the post-natal care of the
mother.
9. The woman is very young, so her pelvis may be too small for the baby to be born through the
birth canal.
- The mother is in familiar surroundings in which she can feel comfortable and relaxed.
- She does not have to worry about how her family is coping during her absence.
- During and after birth the mother will be attended by her own mid-wife.
- The baby is always near. A routine can be quickly established so that the baby fits in with the
rest of the family.
- A mother is with her husband and family, making the birth a shared event.
- The mother will be well looked after.
- Someone will around to help in the house and ensure rest and constant care for the mother and
baby.
- The baby is born in surroundings which are not thoroughly clean and sterile.
- A traditional midwife may be experience, but she cannot solve some of the complications and
problems that occur if she discovers them.
- Some abnormalities may pass unnoticed or may not be discovered early enough.
- It there are no relatives and friends willing to help, the mother may have to do all housework
herself, as well as minding the baby.
- There are some cases which should not be handled at home.
- The mother and the baby are temporarily separated from the rest of the family.
- There is lack of freedom because the mother is in a strange place.
- The hospital diet may not be what the mother is familiar with or what she prefers to eat.
When the woman starts the stages of birth, she is said to be going into labour. The signs which indicate
that labour has begun are:
- A show – the mucus in the cervix slips down and passes out of the body through the vagina.
- The breaking of the water-the baby begins to be pushed out; the pressure breaks the amniotic sac
and the amniotic fluid drains away.
- Regular and strong contractions.
Types of births
Normal delivery- a baby comes out with head first and then the rest of the body parts follow.
Breech birth- when the baby is born with the legs or buttocks coming out first.
Forceps delivery- this is when the doctor uses a set of instruments which fit closely around the baby’s
skull in order to pull the baby slightly during a contraction.
Caesarean delivery- this when the baby has to be delivered through a cut made in the wall of the uterus.
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Induction- an induced birth that is started artificially by the doctor breaking the membranes surrounding
the baby, or by using certain drugs.
Family planning
Family planning is spacing or limiting the number of children the family should have. The couple should
plan for the arrival of the baby in their lives. They should make sure that they can afford being with a
child and provide a secure and loving environment in which a child can grow up in.
- The couple may have their education incomplete and they wish to continue so that they
complete.
- The couple may feel that they are financially unprepared for parenthood.
- The couple may be career oriented.
- The couple may have healthy problems
To prevent pregnancy, some forms of contraceptives have to be used. There are methods of
contraception available. Each method aims at preventing the sperm from fertilising an ovum. But some
methods are more successful and reliable than others. Information and advice from the family planning
clinic can help the individual to choose.
(a) Abstinence - that is having no sexual relationships. This is most effective and universally
accepted method of avoiding pregnancy.
(b) Oral contraceptive- this is a hormone pill taken daily. It prevents monthly release of ovum. A
prescription is needed. It can cause weight gain, headaches, visual disturbances, mood changes
and depression.
(c) Condom- this is latex material that fit over a penis. It can also be one that can be worn by a
female partner which fits into the vagina. It traps the semen and reduces the risk of sexually
transmitted diseases. The condom could tear or puncture. It can slip off in case of a man. It can
only be used once. It can also be damaged by heat and petroleum products.
(d) Natural family planning (rhythm)- a woman determines fertile periods by charting body
temperature and mucus discharge during monthly cycle. Possible problems with this method
illness and emotional problems which could alter temperature and mucus readings. It requires
accurate record keeping.
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(e) Diaphragm- this is a dome shaped latex cup inserted into the vagina. It blocks the entrance to
the uterus. It is used with spermicide. The possible problems are it increases chances of bladder
and urinary infections. Improper fit because of changes in weight or child birth.
(f) Cervical cap-this is a small latex or plastic thimble inserted over the cervix. It provides the
barrier by fitting over the cervix and preventing or blocking entrance to the uterus. It is used with
spermicide. It is difficult to insert and must be fitted by health professionals.
(g) Spermicide-these are foams, creams or jelly with chemicals that act as barriers to sperm. They
should be used with condom, diaphragm and cervical cap. They are not effective when used
alone. They could lose effectiveness if inserted more than 20 minutes before intercourse. They
may cause allergic reactions.
(h) Intra uterine device (IUD)-these are small plastic or metal devices in various shapes inserted
into the uterus. It must be inserted by trained medical personnel. It prevents pregnancy by
interfering with implantation of the fertilised ovum. It increases the risk of pelvic infection.
There may be heavy menstrual flow, painful urination and cramping.
(i) Hormone implant-these are capsules inserted beneath the skin in upper arm. It prevents monthly
release of the ovum for up to 5 years. It may cause irregular bleeding and missed monthly cycle.
(j) Hormone injection-this is an injection given once every 3 months. It prevents monthly release
of the ovum. It may cause weight gain, headaches, abdominal pains and irregular periods.
(k) Sterilisation-this is a surgical procedure which requires minor surgery with some risk of
infection. In females it is known as tubal ligation while in males it is called vasectomy. In
females it involves the sealing of fallopian tubes. In males it is cutting or tying of the vas
deferens. It may require major surgery to reverse.
(l) Coitus interruptus-this involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation, thus
preventing the entrance of sperm cells into the female reproductive tract. This method often
proves unsatisfactory and may result in pregnancy, since some males find it emotionally difficult
to withdraw just prior to ejaculation. Also small amounts of semen containing sperm cells may
be expelled from the penis into the vagina before ejaculation.
Questions
1. Define pregnancy.
2. Describe the signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
3. Outline the stage of development during pregnancy.
4. State the dietary needs of a pregnant woman.
5. Describe the type of clothe suitable for a pregnant woman.
6. Identify the activities done at the ante-natal and post natal clinics.
7. State the circumstances under which a pregnant woman may not be allowed to delivery her
baby at home.
8. State the advantages and disadvantages of home and hospital confinement.
9. What are the stages of labour?
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2.0.4 CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Stages of child growth
A child’s grows and develops physically, mentally emotionally and socially. The child is helped to
develop by:
- Being part of a happy family where he/she is loved and feels secure.
- Being encouraged and praised for trying new skills.
- Being given attention by the parents and other adults who talk with him/her and thus give
him/her behavior to imitate.
- Suitable toys which stimulate his/her brain give him/her practice in controlling the body.
A normal new born baby will wave his/her arms and legs aimlessly. A newborn can grip an object
tightly, but cannot sit up or hold his/her head or back straight. The baby lies in a curled position as if in
the womb.
A baby aged one to three months can hold objects which are put into his/her hand, shows interest in his/
her surroundings. He/she follows moving objects the eyes and smiles when he he/she recognises familiar
faces. The baby can control the movement of the head, can lie with his/her legs straight out and can kick
his/her feet.
At nine months a normal baby can pull him/herself along the floor on the bottom or crawl. Between the
ages of eighteen months and two years, the average child is able to walk confidently.
A healthy child at two to three years old, can walk, run and kick the ball. Most normal children between
three to five years can run jump and kick the ball with confidence.
Emotional Development
A young baby is not able to communicate his/her emotions and needs with language, so this is done by
crying or laughing. If a baby cries, it is usually a sign that something wrong. A baby may cry because:
- He/she is hungry
- He/she is thirsty
- Has swallowed wind
- The nappy is wet or soiled
- He/ she is tired
- When it is too cold or hot
- When he/she feels hungry
- When he/she feels insecure
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When a child grows older, he/she will start showing emotions such as anger, and annoyance by crying,
screaming and kicking.
Social Development
A child’s social development is dependent on security. For a child to accept the company of other
children and of unfamiliar adults, he/she needs to feel that he/she is loved and is part of a stable family
unit. The child should show willingness to play with a stranger. By the age of two the child will enjoy
the company other children.
At three years old, a child may enjoy playing with other children, but will need help in learning to share.
At four to five years of age a normal child should have learnt to share toys and will play happily with
other children, particularly of his/her own age.
Play is important in influencing most of aspects of child’s physical and mental development. Through
play, children can learn to:
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- Dangerous items like sharp object should not be near children as they may step on them.
- The children should not be left alone in an unguarded environment like swimming to play as
they may drown.
- The play place should be clean and small toys, beads, or grain should not be within reach as
they may eat them or put them in the nostrils.
- Children should not be left to play where things may fall on them.
- The child should never play near fire or pool of water.
- The play place should be well ventilated. Fresh air is necessary to supply oxygen during play
and exercises.
- Clothing should allow free movement and the child should be dressed according to weather.
- Toys and other play objects should be clean, colour-fast, not easily chipped off and without
sharp corners to cut the gums
There are things that everyone in the family, and even in society, expects each member of the family to
do. These expectations define the roles of each person in the family.
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- To help train children in acceptable social behaviour.
- Grandmothers provide advice to women and instruct young girls.
Weaning
This is the gradual introduction of solid foods to a baby at about six months. This does not mean that
breast feeding should be discontinued. It is important that proper supply of nutritious foods is
maintained in order to meet the demands of the growing child. The suitable foods should be in form of
purees, soups, fresh fruit juices, shredded vegetables and meat.
All children behave ‘badly’ or are ‘difficult’ from time to time. This is part of growing up. The extent to
which children behave depends on both the child’s own nature and the way in which the parents deal
with behavior. The point at which behavior will cause concern varies from family to family. Behavior
patterns only become a behavioural problem when they are carried to the excess that is when the child
does not grow out of them and the child the behavior becomes extreme. Some of the behavioural
problems include:
- Temper tantrums
- Hyperactivity
- Thumb-sucking
- Nail-biting
- Day-dreaming
- Obsession
- Food fads
- Lying
- Stealing
- Aggression
- Jealousy
Questions
This is the children’s clinic where children under the age of five years are taken for treatment,
consultation and weighing.
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Whooping cough
- Diphtheria
- Measles
- Diarrhoea
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis
- meningitis
A healthy child is lively and cheerful. If a child becomes pale, listless and will not eat meals, these are
signs that all is not well.
Many childhood ailments are infectious. This means that they can be passed on from one person to
another by the spread of viruses and bacteria.
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Disease Treatment
Notify the doctor
Keep the child in bed until temperature drops.
Give aspirin or paracetamol.
Measles Give a light diet with plenty of liquids.
A darkened room is advisable.
If a child complains about eyes, ears or breathing, send for the
doctor.
Send for a doctor who may prescribe antibiotics.
Whooping cough Give light diet with plenty of liquids.
Watch for signs of ear and lung infection.
Keep the child in bed until temperature drops
Mumps Paracetamol or aspirin can be given.
Give light diet with soft solids that do not need chewing and plenty
to drink.
Only keep the child in bed if he/she feels poorly.
Relieve itching by covering scabs with calamine lotion.
Chicken pox Try to stop the child from scratching the scabs this can cause
scarring.
Cut nails short and if necessary, get the child to wear cotton gloves.
German measles Keep the child away from pregnant women. This disease can
damage a young foetus.
Keep yourself and the child clean.
Keep the child’s food clean.
Diarrhoea Give plenty of fluids.
Use the toilet properly.
Avoid using too much sugar in the child’s food.
Make sure the child remains calm and is not over-anxious.
Clothe the child lightly, especially with cotton clothes.
Heat-rash Keep him/her in a cool place.
Dust the affected areas with heat powder which has a soothing
effect.
Isolate the child with the cold from other healthy people.
Use handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid lending or borrowing the handkerchief.
Common cold Sterilize the handkerchief.
Keep warm, especially during cold or wet months.
Eat foods rich in vitamin C.
Avoid crowded places.
Fever Control of the germs will mean control of fever.
Questions
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1. Identify the activities under taken at the children’s clinic.
2. Name the diseases a child can be immunized against.
3. Outline the children’s ailments and their treatment.
Everyone has different needs and requirements for food, according to;
- Health condition
- Daily activity
1. The interest and motivation of the person who is preparing the food.
3. The time and the facilities that is available for preparing food.
Appetite and the desire to eat food are also affected by;
To achieve a healthy diet, the dietary guidelines should be followed as closely as possible. Information
about how different foods can be used in a healthy diet is available from various places, including;
-Food labels
-Health visitors
-Health centers
-Computer databases.
INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS.
Pregnant women
Vitamin K – deficiency can lead to haemorrhaging (bleeding where the blood will not clot) in the first
month after birth. Most new born babies are given vitamin K, either by mouth or as an injection, to
prevent this.
Vitamin B12 – A vegetarian mother may be deficient in vitamin B12 and may need to take a supplement
during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to ensure she has sufficient. The foetus stores vitamin12 so
that it has enough for the first 6 months after birth.
Calcium – the foetus needs a lot of calcium in the last few weeks of pregnancy, as the skeleton
develops. If there is not enough calcium or vitamin D in the mother’s diet, she may lose calcium from
her mother’s diet; she may lose calcium from her skeleton, which can lead to weakened bones and teeth.
Iron – the mother must have enough iron during pregnancy.it is needed to supply her own body and to
provide the growing baby with a store of iron for the first few months after birth. Breast milk and cow’s
milk are both poor sources of iron, so this store is vital.
During pregnancy, the level of haemoglobin in the blood is checked regularly. If there is less than 10mg,
the mother is anaemic and the doctor may prescribe iron tablets.
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NSP – constipation can be a problem in pregnancy. If it is, women should increase the amount of fibre
in their diet and take gentle exercise, e.g. walking and swimming.
Folate – folate is required very early in pregnancy for the correct development of the brain and nervous
system in the foetus.
A woman needs sufficient folate in her diet even before she becomes pregnant, folate deficiency can
lead to miscarriage (losing the developing foetus), slow growth, malformations in the foetus (e.g. spinal
bifida),or premature birth.
Vitamin E – most vitamin E is transferred to the last 10 weeks of pregnancy. If a baby is born
prematurely, but may need a vitamin E supplement.
After the birth, the mother’s nutrient requirements increase. Her body needs more nutrients to cope with
the demands of breast-feeding and the increased activity associated with rearing a baby.
Any weight gained during pregnancy will usually take a few months to go. Weight loss is helped
considerably if the mother is breast-feeding mothers should increase their intake of liquids.
Infancy.
Breast-feeding (lactation).
Human breast milk is specifically designed to feed human babies.it is the best milk to give babies
because:
1. It provides the correct mix and quantity of nutrients for the infant to grow normally.
3. The baby lies close to the mother to feed, and forms a strong bond with her, and she with the
baby.
4. The action of sucking produces hormones in the baby body that help the intestines to develop
and to absorb nutrients more effectively.
5. The baby digests virtually all the milk which gives it a feeling of satiety (fullness) and
drowsiness.
6. The baby takes only what it needs, and is therefore less likely to become overweight.
7. Immunity from certain diseases is passed to the baby from the mother.
8. No preparation is needed, so breast-feeding is very convenient especially when going out, and
when there are other children to look after.
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9. There is little chance of the baby picking up gastric infections (stomach upsets), because the milk
is sterile and does not come into contact with the outside air.
10. Breast-fed babies are less likely to be sensitive to foods, or have eczema and asthma.
For the first 5days, the mother produces a watery substance called colostrum. This provides essential
nutrients and immunity to the baby. After this, the milk “matures”, and the volume produced increases
as the baby demanded more of it.
Mothers are advised to feed “on demand” rather than keep to a rigid feeding timetable, as babies need
different amounts at different times of the day. Gradually, the baby establishes its own feeding
timetable, and the mother can predict when to feed.
Breast-feeding takes time to become properly established, and the mother may have problems with sore
and cracked nipples, infection of the breast(mastitis),and engorgement(over-full breasts leading to
lumpiness and discomfort).midwives and health visitors can offer help, support, and encouragement to
new mothers who may want to give up breast-feeding when problems arise.
Once breast-feeding is established, it can go on for many months, and give great pleasure and good
health to both baby and mother.
Not every mother is able to or wants to breast-feed her baby, and she should not be made to feel bad
about this.
Instead, she needs careful guidance on bottle-feeding. Her partner and other members of the family can
also enjoy the pleasure of feeding the baby.
Powdered milk preparations for bottle-feeding babies are made from modified cow’s milk. Ordinary
cow’s milk must not be given because it is too high in mineral salts and protein, and would put a great
strain on the babies’ kidneys.
Bottle-fed babies are not at any disadvantage, as long as the milk is prepared exactly as instructed. Using
too much powered milk to make up a feed can lead to obesity, great thirst, and give it more milk, thus
causing more problems.
Powdered milk, bottles, teats, and sterilizing equipment are all expensive, and bottles and teats must be
sterilized after use. Milk is the perfect medium for bacteria to grow, and poorly cleaned equipment can
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cause dangerous infections. Some babies cannot tolerate cow’s milk, and may become ill or affected by
eczema.
Babies under 4months should not have sweetened fruit juices or other drinks, as the sugar in them can
cause tooth decay, even when the teeth have not erupted (come through)they should have plain boiled
water as a supplement drink if the weather is hot.
Weaning is the gradual introduction of solid foods into the baby’s diet, to supplement milk which still
forms the main part of the diet. By 6 months, all babies should have a mixed diet (a variety of solid
foods and milk).most babies should not have any solid foods before they are 4monthsold.below that age
the kidneys and digestive system may not be developed sufficiently to cope with solid
Toddlers.
Adolescents
This is a stage of rapid growth and high energy demand. In addition, teenagers are also undergoing
many physical changes that relate to body development.
Meals should be balanced to give plenty of protein, mineral salts and carbohydrates.
Adolescent girls should be given additional quantities of iron-rich food to compensate for
loss during menstruation.
Adequate amounts of food should be given to teenagers as they tend to have a large
appetite.
Fats and oils should be provided in controlled quantities because a high intake tends to
worsen the conditions of oily-facial skin, pimples and blackheads.
Meals should vary in colour and texture and served in regular intervals.
Manual workers
Manual work such as gardening, mechanics, mansory, carpentry demands a lot of physical energy.
Invalids
Invalids are those people who suffer from different illnesses. The extent of the illness may vary from
mild to very serious. Patient who require special diets are those suffering from diabetes, kidney and
heart disease and HIV/AIDS victims. In such cases, the doctor’s rules should be strictly followed.
Invalids have reduced appetites and are not able to tolerate the ordinary meals prepared in the regular
methods.
Convalescents
Convalescents are those on the path of recovery from illness. The meals are planned on the principle as
for invalids. In addition, the following points should be observed.
Vegetarians
Vegetarians eat vegetables and legumes but avoid meat. There are two categories of vegetarians i.e strict
vegetarians and lacto-vegetarians.
The strict vegetarians (vegans) do not eat any foods that originate from animals.
The lacto-vegetarian avoids meat but can take animal products such as milk, eggs and cheese.
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In preparing and serving food to vegetarians:
Ensure a balanced diet by including complete or incomplete proteins from plant sources.
Egg dishes, milk and cheese, in addition to pulses, should be provided for lacto-
vegetarians.
Vegetable fats and oils should be used in preparing the meals.
Vary the way the foods are cooked to avoid monotony.
Good seasoning will make the meal appealing and ensure it is tasty.
A good amount of vegetables should be included in the diet to provide the would be
omitted nutrients.
Elderly
There are physiological changes that occur at old age which tend to affect the nutritional requirements of
the elderly.
Avoid very hard foods but provide some for exercising the teeth.
Ensure the meal is well balanced with an emphasis on protein and protective foods.
The food should provide good amounts of calcium and phosphorus to strengthen bones.
The foods should be easy to digest.
The food should be well-cooked and flavoured.
Avoid fatty and greasy foods.
Serve the food attractively in small quantities and at regular intervals.
Lactating mothers
These are the women or mothers who are breastfeeding. A mother should eat properly because a poor
diet affects the baby’s breastfeeding.
A breastfeeding mother should healthy diet that has adequate calories and plenty of
fluids.
The diet should be balanced.
The mothers should drink a lot of water so as to reduce hydration and quench their thirst.
Avoid intake of caffeinated drinks such as coffee and alcoholic drinks when
breastfeeding.
Whether you are preparing a formal table setting, casual table setting, or buffet table setting, the comfort
of your guests should be top priority. Each style has its own guidelines to follow but your ultimate goal
should be to have a table that is attractive and comfortable.
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Guidelines for all Table Settings
To avoid overcrowding, allow 24" to 30" for each setting. Place settings should be 1" from the
edge of the table, and avoid centerpiece arrangements that obstruct the view of guests.
Do not place items such as coffee cups, tea cups, and/or dessert plates on the table if it crowds
your guests. It is appropriate to bring those items to the table after the main course has been
cleared and dessert is served.
If a shortage of place settings is a problem, mix in pieces that do not match. Mix and match place
setting has become a popular trend.
When deciding on a table centerpiece, keep it low. Large, tall centerpieces obstruct the view of
your guests.
Choose an atmosphere that is appropriate for your gathering, an atmosphere that compliments
your meal and encourages conversation.
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Casual Table Setting
This less formal option provides more space for guests around the dinner table.
Dessert spoon and fork are optional and can be placed above the dinner plate.
Bread and butter plate is optional and can be placed above the forks on the left.
Two goblets are set at a casual dining arrangement: a water goblet (left) and one wine goblet
(above tip of knife).
Napkins can be placed on dinner plate or to the left of forks.
Paper napkins are appropriate for a casual setting, folded and set to the left of forks.
Start with plates, followed by side dishes, main dish, vegetables, salads, breads, and relishes. The
utensils are placed at the end of the buffet.
Table decorations are placed above and in center of buffet arrangement.
Set drinks, glasses, cups and dessert on a separate table to avoid congestion.
If choosing to use paper napkins, the napkins may be placed between each plate in the stack to
conserve space (not more than 12 plates per stack).
Appropriate Stemware
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Sparkling
Water Goblet Red Wine White Wine
Wine/Champagne
Questions
Adulthood is a period of optimum mental functioning when the individual's intellectual, emotional, and
social capabilities are at their peak to meet the demands of career, marriage, and children.
Roles of an adult
- To develop a life plan for individual, family and career goals
- To demonstrate positive ways of behaving and relating to other family, career and community
settings.
- To manage individual and family finances.
- To promote parenting roles and responsibilities.
- To build knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviour toward the ever changing society.
- Living independently and family formation.
- Decision making related to nutrition, wellness, clothing, housing and transportation
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Initiation ceremonies
Initiation ceremony is the marker of this start or the becoming part of the group, the place where
knowledge is passed on or tested. The time when the one being initiated becomes marked as, is
witnessed as, and is celebrated for the change that has started, the group they have become part of, and
the responsibilities that come with that belonging.
Initiation means to start, to become part of, to be admitted as a member of a group, to be given secret
knowledge, and to have power or right to take action as part of that group.
The importance of Initiation ceremonies as markers of rite of passage in life and as recognition of the
skills, responsibility and age of the individual within the community has always been important and
understood. It is part of our healthy psychological development, of the archetypical journey into
maturity we as souls individually and collectively all must undertake.
- To introduce and celebrate adolescent boys and girls as adult members of the community.
- Those being initiated are instructed and prepared for their roles within the ceremony and later in
life as an adult.
- Teaching the adolescents good hygiene practices.
- Teaching about exemplary behaviour as members of the community.
- Help teens prepare themselves to be good husbands and wives.
- Adolescents gain access knowledge, and to sexuality
Questions
1. Define adulthood.
Community social services are services offered by service organizations for the benefit of the
communities in which these organizations exist. They operate either independently or in collaboration
with government agencies.
- Clinics
- Play parks
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- Clinics
- Play parks
- Youth friendly health services e.g. Youth Alive, Kara Counselling
- Early child centres
- Non-governmental organizations e.g. Zambia Red Cross Society
Water and fuel conservation is the economical use of these commodities to make they are readily
available whenever they are needed in order to ensure human survival.
Water conservation
Water is a very precious and important commodity in the life humanity. Therefore, where ever this
commodity may be available is imperative it is utilized with outmost care because the lack of water may
lead to loss human, animal and plant.
In order to ensure availability water need to be used with care through various methods of water
conservation such as;
Fuel conservation
Fuel is used in industry as well as for domestic purposes which range from fires for cooking and heating
in cold to oil lamps and gas stoves and cookers.
The types fuel may be solid, liquid or gas. The conservation of fuel as a source of energy can be done
through the use of energy conserving tools like;
- Sawdust stoves
- Solar cooker
- Jelly stoves
- Wonder cooker
- Clay stoves
- Improved brazier
When using a cooker there are several ways in which fuel can be saved in order to reduce on cost of
fuel. Some of these ways include:
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- Plan meals carefully – cook a whole meal in the oven.
- Electric kettles can be used in place of cooker rings for boiling water.
Questions
1. Identify organisations which offer social services in your community and state their
function.
2. Mention the ways in which water and fuel can be conserved.
3. List the cookers that are used in order to conserve fuel.
4. Mention ways of conserving fuel in the kitchen.
INDUSTRY
Leisure and tourism is whole spectrum of activities, from visiting a tourist attraction, going to a health
club, to eat in a restraint or travelling abroad.
Restaurants.
Restaurant is a public place; providing food and beverage on a commercial basis. Its open for all people
to take refreshment, provide food and beverage against money, all food and beverage to satisfy guests.
The word restaurant comes from rest and rent, so guest rest in and pay rent for having refreshment and
beverage. Many people think that hotels and restaurants are the same in function and definition, actually
its different, hotel has accommodation system to stay night with some facilities like food, but restaurants
you can get that facilities without accommodation.
A restaurant provides different types of services for customers, people who have no time they are
sometimes forced to eat in a restaurant. But not only eating most of restaurants now provides meeting
area in for those customers who wants to arrange special events in the restaurant such as marriage or
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engagement , birthday party, and graduations, company special meetings, or others that why the
restaurants becoming more important place in now days .
3. Waters who are working in the restaurant should know the menu very well.
4. The staff who interacts with the guests in the restaurants should be polite and
well- mannered and maintain a positive attitude and behaviour.
5. The good restaurant should have one or more unique features that stand out in a
customer's mind and give it a competitive advantage over others.
Hotels.
Hotel is a form of buildings, symbols, corporate or business entity that provides services accommodation
lodging, food and beverage and other service facilities where all service is intended for the general
public, both those who stay overnight at the hotel or those who simply use certain facilities owned by
the hotel.
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5. Treat customers like kings but also to treat customers as partners in business because of the hotel
services are very dependent on the number of customers who use the hotel facilities.
Most start-ups make use of the personal financial arrangements of the founder. This can be personal
savings or other cash balances that have been accumulated. It can be personal debt facilities which are
made available to the business. The following are some of the sources of finance for a business:
- Savings- An entrepreneur will often invest personal cash balances into a start-up. This is a cheap
form of finance and it is readily available.
- Borrowing from friends and family -This is also common. Friends and family who are
supportive of the business idea provide money either directly to the entrepreneur or into the
business. This can be quicker and cheaper to arrange and the interest and repayment terms may
be more flexible than a bank loan.
- Credit cards- The use of credit cards is the most common source of finance amongst small
businesses. Each month, the entrepreneur pays for various business-related expenses on a credit
card. 15 days later the credit card statement is sent in the post and the balance is paid by the
business within the credit-free period.
- Bank loan- Banks and credit unions offer loans to large and small businesses.
- Home equity line of credit- Home equity lines of credit are loans that financial institutions give
homeowners based on how much equity they have in their home, the value of their home and
their current mortgage.
Questions
Family
Society is made of people, and most people live in families. Families are not all the same. Yet they all
share certain aspect. A family is group of people who related either through blood or marriage.
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Types of families.
- Nuclear family- this is family comprising only the husband, wife and children only. It does not
include any other relatives.
- Single parent family- this is a family made up of only one parent either a mother or father who
lives the children.
- Blended family- this type of family include the husband and wife with children from their
former marriages and have acceptable to bring up the children together.
- Extended family– this is a family where the nuclear family live with other relatives.
- Polygamous family- a type of family where a husband may have several wives and their
children.
- Polyandry family- this is a family where a wife may have several husbands.
Functions of a family
- A small family can benefit children and parents and make it easier to find sufficient resources for
a family.
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- Children can enjoy their parents’ full attention instead of sharing it with multiple siblings.
- In a family with fewer children, sibling rivalry is less likely to be a problem among children.
- Parents can spend more time with the individual child and the child‘s favourite activities.
- Parents of a small family should therefore be more relaxed and patient.
- Fewer children mean the family budget is more likely to leave room for some extras, like
holidays or separate bedrooms for each child.
- With a small family, there tends to be more educational and sports opportunity, as it is easier and
cheaper to have only one or two children in activities.
On the other hand, there are also some downsides for all family members of a small family.
- Children can end become spoilt and less responsible than their peer growing in large families.
- Being an only child is often associated with egoism and less developed social skills.
- Parents will focus all their expectations on fewer children.
- There will be heightened pressure to succeed on the individual child.
- Parents are sometimes overprotective and overly attentive, not really letting their child explore or
play at times.
- It also tends to cause problems if the child becomes reluctant to be without his parents.
- There are fewer interactions between children.
- A child who has just a brother or sister will have fewer opportunities to learn social skill such as:
arguing, defending themselves and so on.
- Secondly, you receive less support from others if you come from a nucleic family. For example,
if you are in hospital for treatment, you will only have one or two members to take care of.
- When your children or your elder brothers and sisters grow up, they tend to move to big cities
where they have better jobs and education, you may feel more lonely
- It might be simpler for parents to raise multiple children as siblings learn from each other and
play together.
- In a large family every member can contribute is domestic duties are shared.
- Also, some common family activities, such as outdoor games, are probably more fun with a
larger family.
- In a larger family the older children learn to be more responsible earlier in life because they are
needed to help take care of smaller siblings.
- There is always someone for the children to speak to, and they learn the difference between
wants and needs because parents are unable to stop everything to give every child what he wants.
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Disadvantages of a large family
Question.
Financial management may be defined as planning, organising, directing and controlling the financial
activities of an organization. Financial management also means, “the activity concerned with the
planning, raising, controlling and administering of funds used in the business.” It is concerned with the
procurement and utilisation of funds in the proper manner.
Budgeting- this is the process of coming up with on how to spend income one’s income. This is done to
avoid overspending and to prioritise one’s needs. The best plan of expenditure is the one that meets the
family’s financial goals and in order of priority.
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Income- is any money or benefit, which is acquired either by earning it from an employer or as a result
of own work or from other sources. Income may be in form of:
- Wages.
- Salaries.
- Royalties.
- Income from the sale of farm produce.
- Income from investment.
- Interest on savings
- Bonuses.
- Dividend on shares.
- Money gift.
Expenditure- this is the money that goes out of the household in the form of expenses. Expense should
be listed in order of necessity, for example:
- Housing.
- Food clothing.
- Fuel.
- Household goods.
- Hire purchase.
- Travelling.
- Savings.
Savings- this is money kept for future use. This can be in the form money kept in the savings account or
a fixed deposit account in the bank. For an individual to save money the following should be taken into
consideration:
Questions
- Financial management
- Budgeting
- Income
- Expenditure
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- Savings
TOPIC 7: HOSPITALITY
7.0.1 MARKETING IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
Elements of marketing
Marketing in the tourism and hospitality industry requires an understanding of the differences between
marketing goods and marketing services. To be successful in tourism marketing, organizations need to
understand the unique characteristics of their tourism experiences, the motivations and behaviours of
travelling consumers, and the fundamental differences between marketing goods and services.
8 Ps of Services Marketing
The 8 Ps are best described as the specific components required to reach selected markets. In traditional
marketing, there are four Ps: price, product, place, and promotion. In services marketing, the list
expands to the following:
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The hospitality services industry is part of the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector. This sector
also includes the following industries:
Food and service management.
Gambling;
Pubs, bars and nightclubs;
Restaurants;
Self-catering
Accommodation,
Holiday centres
Youth hostels;
Travel and tourist services
Visitor attractions;
Hotels.
Questions
1. Define the marketing.
2. Identify the marketing elements in the hospitality industry.
3. Outline facilities found in the hospitality industry.
A consumer is a person who uses goods and services. We are all consumers because we use clothes,
cosmetics, shoes, buses etc from producers and sellers. Consumers are expected to make informed
decisions about what to buy, especially when money is difficult to come by.
The needs and expectations of Zambian consumers are provided for under, The Competition and
Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010.
CONSUMER RIGHTS.
1. The right to safety- this right is aimed at the defense of consumers against injuries caused by
products other than motor vehicles, and implies that products should cause no harm to their users
if such use is executed as prescribed.
2. The right to be informed- this right states that businesses should always provide consumers
with enough appropriate information to make intelligent and informed product choices. Product
information should always be complete and truthful.
3. The right to choose- this right states that consumers should have a variety of options provided
by different companies from which to choose.
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4. The right to be heard- the right has the ability of consumers to voice complaints and concerns
about a product in order to have the issue handled efficiently and responsively.
5. The right to redress- this right provides for consumers to receive a fair settlement of just
claims, including compensation for misrepresentation, shoddy goods, or unsatisfactory services.
6. The right to consumer education- the right states that consumers should be able to acquire
knowledge and skills to make informed, confident choices about goods and services, while being
aware of basic rights and responsibilities and how to act on them.
7. The right to a healthy environment- this is the right to live and work in an environment that is
non-threatening to the well-being of the present and future generations.
8. The right to satisfaction of basic needs- the right demands that people have access to basic,
essential goods and services: adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education, public
utilities, water and sanitation.
CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES.
1. To beware and to check the quality and safety of goods and services before buying.
2. To watch out and gather information about changes and innovations. Keep abreast of changes.
3. To think independently, analyse needs and wants and make well considered decisions.
4. To speak out. Inform sellers, manufacturers and government about your needs and expectations.
Whenever you purchase goods that are faulty or likely to be harmful to your health, you are supposed
to:-
Consumer Associations
Advertisements
Radio
Television
Newspapers
Magazines
Internet
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Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
National Water and Sanitation Council
Zambia Information and communication Authority
Pensions and Insurance Authority
Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia
Questions
1. Define the term consumer.
2. Explain consumer rights.
3. Describe the responsibilities of a consumer.
4. State the elements wise shopping.
5. Describe the method of consumer redress.
6. Name the sources of consumer information.
7. List organizations which protect consumers.
Textiles are manufactured from fibre. Examples of textiles are cotton, nylon and rayon fabrics.
A fibre is the basic unit or hair which is used to make fabric.
Fabric is a cloth made by weaving, knitting or bonding yarns together. It is used to make garments and
other items.
Origin of fibres
Natural fibres
Animal- wool, silk, hair.
Plant- linen, cotton.
Regenerated fibres.
Viscose, acetate, triacetate, lyocell.
Synthetic fibres.
Polymide/nylon, polyester, acrylic.
Cotton – it picked either by hand or machine. Handpicking is better as it produces clean lint of good
quality.
Advantages
- Cotton is hard wearing.
- It launders well and is strong when wet.
- It is not affected by boiling.
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- Cotton is cool to wear and absorbs moisture.
- It dyes readily.
- It does not react to alkalis.
- It can stand high temperature.
- It can be blended with other fibres
- Cotton is not easily attacked by moths.
Disadvantages
Uses of cotton
It can be used to make for a variety of things: sportswear, underwear, evening gowns, bed linen, table
linen, curtains, and towels.
Linen- this is the name given to yarn or fabric from flax fibres which are produced from stalks of the
flax plant. Flax is harvested by either hand or machine.
Advantages
- Linen is strong than cotton.
- Linen is more absorbent than cotton.
- Linen is good conductor of heat.
- Linen material has no fluff.
- The smoothness and absorbency of linen make it suitable for tea towels, glass cloths and
handkerchiefs.
- Linen is not elastic.
- Linen is not electrostatic.
Disadvantages
Uses of linen
Linen is suitable or tea towels, glass cloths and handkerchiefs. It is also used for table linen, curtains,
bedcovers and upholstery fabric.
Wool- is term generally used to refer to all hair fibres from animals. It mainly made from fleece of
sheep. In some countries wool is obtained from animals such as camel, llama, alpaca, horse and viana.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Uses of wool
Because of its warmth wool is widely used for winter coats, jerseys, vests, scarfs, hats. It also used for
carpets, blankets and upholstery.
Silk- it comes from a silkworm or caterpillar of a spinning moth. The moths can be cultivated. They
mainly survive on mulberry tree leaves.
Advantages
Disadvantages
- It is expensive.
- It is spoiled by sweat especially under the armpits
- It is weakened by chemicals.
Uses of silk
Silk is used to make garment for special occasions, e.g. weddings, festivals and parties for important
people. It is also used to make expensive dresses, nightdresses and blouses.
Viscose rayon- it is sometime referred to as artificial silk. Rayon is made from cotton linters and wood
pulp.
Advantages
- It dyes readily.
- Viscose rayon is absorbent.
- Viscose rayon is moth proof.
- The yarn is strong making suitable for garments, household furnishings sails and tents.
- It is not easily attacked by mildew.
- It is not as expensive to buy as silk.
- It drapes well
Disadvantages
- It loses strength when wet and therefore requires careful laundering.
- It stretches and shrinks more than cotton.
- Easily damaged by rough handling and wringing.
- It can be damaged by mildew.
- Deteriorates by sunlight more rapidly than cotton.
- Can be damaged by alkalis.
Advantages
- It is not attacked by moth and mildew.
- It is strong and light in weight.
- It can stretch and return to its original length.
- It is dirt repellent and easy to launder.
- It dries quickly.
- It is crease-resistant.
- It can be permanently pleated.
- Nylon does not shrink.
- It is non-inflammable.
- Its insulation value is good.
- Nylon can be blended with other fibres to give them its qualities and extra strength and lightness.
- It is used virtually for all types of clothing.
Disadvantages
- Nylon frays easily.
- It is not absorbent.
- Some people are allergic to it because of its chemical composition.
- It is easily damaged by acids and bleaching agents.
- Nylon will melt if heated strongly.
- Nylon rots after long exposure to sunlight.
- The yarn does not dye easily.
- Nylon is electrostatic and tends to cling.
Uses of nylon
Advantages
- It is a strong fibre.
- Recovers well from stretching.
- It does not crease quickly.
- It dries fast.
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- It is not damaged by dry cleaning or bleaching agents.
- It is not attacked by moths, mildew and bacteria.
- It has good resistance to sunlight.
Disadvantages
- It is non-absorbent and does not take dye easily.
- It shrinks from flame
- It attracts dust dirt.
Uses of polyester
It used to make uniforms, dresses, blouses, shirts, underwear, curtains, sheets, pillowcases, and
draperies.
Acrylic- the most common acrylic fabrics are orlon, courtelle, acrilian and dralon. Coal, air and water
are treated chemically to produce these fibres.
Advantages
- Fairly strong but decrease in strength when wet.
- Light in weight.
- It is not elastic
- It is not affected by dry cleaning bleaches, insects, mildew and sunlight.
Disadvantages
- Hanged on a line may stretch out of shape.
- Burn easily.
- Do not absorb moisture well.
Uses of acrylic
Used for knitted articles such as sweaters, socks, sportswear, blankets. Also used for carpets, upholstery
and other home furnishings.
Questions.
3. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of cotton, silk, wool and linen
and acrylic.
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Hard water and soft water
The type of ground through which water passes decides whether it hard or soft. Its goodness depends
upon purity and texture.
Soft water
Hard water
- It does not lather easily.
- It leaves white marks on the skin.
- Scum is formed when soap is used in hard water.
- It contains substances like calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates, sulphates and chlorides.
- It feels harsh on the skin.
- More time is spent on washing.
- Hard water weakens fibre.
- More detergent is used
Temporary hard water contains calcium and magnesium bicarbonates. There are less mineral elements.
The hardness is fairly removed and is less expensive to purify. The can removed or softened by boiling.
Permanent hardness is caused by calcium and magnesium sulphates and chlorides. This can be removed
by adding washing soda, borax, soap, ammonia or zeolite. Zeolites are plants which consist of special
mineral found in the soil in certain parts of the world.
Questions.
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Laundry
Laundering is the process of washing and finishing garment and articles. For it to produce successful
results a few processes or stages may need to be followed. These processes are:
Mending- it is important to mend clothes and articles before washing to prevent the torn part from
worsening as you rub and apply friction on them.
Sorting- this is the process where you separate articles or clothes according to fabrics, colours, degree of
dirt, white or coloured.
Soaking- this is the process which helps to soften or loosen dirt or stains to make washing of articles
easier. When you soak clothes or articles cold water should be used so that stains come off easily.
Bleaching- this is the method of removing unwanted colour or stains using chemicals or artificial
bleaching agent. Cottons or linen may be bleached to make them look whiter and brighter.
Washing- this process involves removal of dirt that has been loosened from fabrics by soaking. This can
be done using washing methods such as friction method, scrubbing brush, beating stick, kneading and
squeezing method and washing in machines.
Rinsing- washed fabrics should be rinsed thoroughly to remove all traces of dirt and soap. Fabrics must
be rinsed at least thrice or till they leave clear water.
Bluing- this is the use of a cleaning agent known as blue in rinsing water to whiten or brighten
discoloured white clothes.
Starching- this done to give cottons a smooth and shining fresh look. Also articles do not get dirt easily.
Drying- this is the process of removing water from clothes or articles by means of putting the washed
articles outside or in-doors on lines or clothes horse. Air and heat help in the drying process. But not all
fabrics should be dried in the sun.
Ironing and pressing- this done to restore a nice smooth surface appearance of an article. This is done
using a hot electric, charcoal or flat iron that has been heated.
Storage- clothes and ironed articles must always be stored properly to prevent moss from growing on
them which is a result of retention of moisture. Clothes should be aired before being stored.
As an ecologically responsible gardener, you want to conserve water and avoid introducing toxins into
the environment. Soaps and detergents are toxic to plants.
- Soap will remain in the soil, making it toxic and eventually deadly.
- A strong solution of soapy water sprayed onto foliage can disintegrate the leaves.
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Questions
The costume technician is constantly asked to quickly and efficiently produce a high quality product.
The right tools aid with this task. At first the number of these gadgets can be overwhelming but they
quickly become familiar friends. The following is a list of the most common tools: The costume
technician is constantly asked to quickly and efficiently produce a high quality product. The right tools
aid with this task. At first the number of these gadgets can be overwhelming but they quickly become
familiar friends. Following is a list of the most common tools found in the theatrical costume shops.
MEASURING TOOLS:
Tape measures: This plastic tape is 60" long with small metal tips on either end. Most tape measures
have imperial measurements on one side with the metric equivalent on the other.
Rulers: These come in a variety of sizes the most common being the 18" and a yard/meter stick. The
18" ruler is generally made of clear plastic with a 1/8" grid, which allows the technician to see the fabric
while he is working.
Seam or sewing gauge: These small 6" metal rulers have a sliding distance indicator. The seam gauge is
used for quick, accurate measurements of small areas such as hems, buttonholes, pleats and trim.
L or framing square: These 90 metal squares are used for finding and aligning the grain of fabric or to
establish the true bias. They are also used in pattern drafting and alteration.
French, hip and miscellaneous curves: These tools, plastic or metal, are also used in pattern drafting
and alteration. They are also useful for trim or detail application where a curved line is necessary.
CUTTING TOOLS:
Dressmaker shears: These are bent-handled scissors, commonly with a 7" or 8" blade. The bent handle
allows the fabric to lie flat while it is being cut, thus yielding better control of the cutting edge. These
scissors are available in left or right handed styles. NEVER cut anything except fabric and thread with
dressmaker shears, since it would dull the blades.
Paper scissors: These are simply an inexpensive variety of scissors, which are used for paper and other
items that would dull dressmaker shears.
Embroidery scissors or thread snips: Embroidery scissors are small, usually 4" to 5" in length with
very sharp blades. Thread snips are a scissors variation that has short blades. Either tool is useful in
trimming small areas of fabric or to clip threads during the construction process.
Pinking or scalloping shears: These scissors cut fabric in either a zig-zag or scalloped pattern. They
are useful in finishing raw edges of fabric or to produce a decorative edge. NEVER cut a garment out
using these scissors since the cutting edge is not accurate. Pinking and Scalloping shears must be used
sparingly since they are very expensive and hard to sharpen.
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Cutting tables: These are large, flat tables used to spread fabric and patterns out while marking,
pinning, and cutting. They are often covered in cork and paper, which allows the pins to be placed into
the surface.
Seam rippers: This simple pen like device allows for the removal of machine or hand stitching in a
relatively accurate and safe manner. The point of the seam ripper is used to remove two or three stitches
at one time, NEVER pull the fabric while trying to remove stitches, as it stretches and can easily tear the
fabric. NEVER use a razor blade in place of a seam ripper.
MARKING TOOLS:
Tracing wheels: These come in two styles*one with a serrated edge for use on most fabrics and a
smooth edge for delicate fabrics. Tracing wheels are used with dressmaker's tracing paper to transfer
construction markings from the pattern to the garment pieces.
Dressmaker's tracing paper: This is a form of carbon paper for use exclusively on fabric. Care must be
taken when choosing one of the wide range of available colors since most varieties produce a mark that
remain in the fabric until it has been laundered.
Embroidery floss: Tailor's tacks are used to mark very delicate or sheer fabrics. Embroidery floss is
used instead of regular sewing thread because it is heavier and stays in the garment pieces -longer.
Tailor's chalk: Chalk is used to temporarily mark fabric during the cutting and construction process.
Chalk brushes out of the surface of the fabric so it can be used on the right side of a garment. Tailor's
chalk is usually found in either a pencil form or a small square with beveled edges.
Tailor's wax: Tailor's wax has a consistency much like that of a crayon. The marks it produces can only
be removed from the fabric with heat or laundering, therefore it is advisable to test tailor's wax on a
small scrap of fabric before using it on the right side of a garment. Tailor's wax comes in small squares
in various colors.
Pins: Most pins are stainless steel or brass and are sized from 10 to 32. Size 17 is the general purpose
dressmaker's pin, but there are several special varieties that can be useful.
Silk pins have very thin shafts which makes them ideal for lightweight or sheer fabrics.
Ballpoint pins have a rounded, floating ball at the point which allows them to pass between the threads
and yarns of fabric. These are used on knit and delicate fabrics.
Colored headed pins are simply dressmaker's pins with a plastic or glass head that makes them easier
to see.
Corsage pins have a very long shaft and so are useful in pattern making and when working on heavy or
coarse fabrics.
T-pins have a thick shaft and take their name from the shape of their heads. T-pins are used in costume
crafts work such as wigs, millinery, and accessories.
Safety pins are used in fitting and marking costumes because of the protection they provide to the actor.
Because they close they are more accurate to use in a fitting than a regular dressmaker's pin. Safety pins
come in a variety of sizes.
Push pins and thumbtacks are used to adhere patterns to paper or fabric during pattern making. They
are also widely used in costume crafts work.
HAND TOOLS:
Hand sewing needles: All needles are sized #l through #10, the smaller the number the finer the shaft of
the needle. A variety of different styles are used for different fabrics and tasks.
Sharps are the most common needle used, #8 being the general purpose size.
Betweens are shorter and have a rounded eye. These needles are used for find hand sewing.
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Milliner's or Straw needles have very long, thin shafts. Their extra length makes them easier to
manipulate and so are useful for quick basting, working with heavy fabrics and craft work.
Tapestry or Crewel needles have a thick shaft and an oversize eye. They can be used with several
strands of thread. Decorative stitching with yarn and other fibers.
Curved, Upholstery, or Craft needles have thick shafts and a dull point. They are used in the creation
and repair of costume accessory items such as shoes, hats, bags, etc.
Magnets: These can be used to store pins while sewing or are useful in retrieving that dropped box of
pins. Many costume shops have a magnet mounted be each machine
Thimbles: These can be plastic, metal or leather. They are to be worn on the index or second finger.
The thimble is used to help push the needle through the fabric when sewing by hand. GET IN THE
HABIT OF WEARING A THIMBLE, YOUR FINGERS WILL THANK YOU.
Pin cushions: Any small, firmly stuffed item will work as a pin cushion. There are several sizes
available as well as models that are worn on your wrist. Most costume shops also have a pin cushion
reserved for hand sewing needles exclusively.
Beeswax: This is used to wax regular sewing thread with before hand-sewing. The wax prevents the
thread from knotting.
Bodkin: This is used to thread elastic, string, or cording through casings and openings. The bodkin can
also be used to turn small tubes of fabric right side out. In a pinch a safety pin will work.
Needle threader: This helps pass the thread through the eye of a hand or machine needle.
Tweezers: These can be used to remove tailor's tacks or small bits of thread in a garment as it is
constructed. They are also used to clean out the shuttle area of sewing machines and to thread sergers.
Point turners: These small wooden items have a point on one end and a curve on the other. They are
used to get sharp corners and flat curves when sewing enclosed seams.
PRESSING EQUIPMENT:
Industrial iron: These are heavy-duty professional steam irons. They deliver more heat and steam than
a household iron. Industrial irons have an outside water source that uses distilled water or a filtering
system.
To properly operate an industrial steam iron depress the steam release only long enough to saturate the
fabric with steam, then release the valve so that the heat from the iron will set the fabric in the new
configuration. This process is the same as for setting hair; moisture followed by drying time sets the
curl.
Household iron: These are identical to those found in your home. Most of them are equipped with a
steam and a dry setting. Household irons are used in costume shops for maintenance and to press small,
hard to reach areas. When a household iron is on the steam setting, the steam is pushed through the
vents only when the iron is placed flat against the fabric. Most models have an additional button to
increase the
Ironing table: This square or rectangular padded table is used for the bulk of the pressing procedures.
The ironing tables are significantly larger than a regular ironing board to allow the costume technician
to spread large pieces of fabric out flat for proper pressing.
Ironing board: These are similar to ironing boards found in the home, but are sturdier to withstand
constant use. All ironing boards must be level and well padded, they also have a tapered end to press
small areas.
Press cloths: These pieces of fabric are used to protect the garment from marking during the pressing
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process. Not all fabrics need this protection, but it is a good idea to check all fabrics first before pressing
without one. There are several types:
White broadcloth or muslin is used to avoid creating a shine on all fabrics.
Transparent pressing cloths allow the costume technician to see the fabric while pressing. These are
especially useful when pressing design details such as pleats or tucks.
Heavyweight cotton duck or drill press cloths are used when a fabric needs a lot of moisture to
properly press. The press cloth is moistened and placed over the fabric; heat is then applied until the
press cloth is dry.
The procedure for using a press cloth is the same for any of the above types. To avoid a shine, place the
press cloth over the right side of the fabric and press as usual. To avoid seam edges marking the right
side of a garment, place the press cloth between the wrong side c the fabric and the seam allowance.
Needle or velvet board: These boards have hundreds of small? Dull metal spikes attached to a heavy
fabric. They are used to press any fabric with a nap or pile.
Tailor's ham: This oblong, firmly stuffed cushion has rounded curves. It is designed to press curved
areas of the garment such as darts, sleeve caps, and princess seams.
Press mit: This is similar to a ham, but it is small enough to slip over your hand. In addition it can be
slipped over the end of the sleeve board to press sleeve caps and ruffles.
Sleeve roll: This tubular, firmly stuffed cushion is rounded on either end. It can be used to press curves
and seams in hard to reach places. With this roll you press not only the seam, but the surrounding area
as well, which prevents creases.
Point presser or pressing board: This is an important tool because it has a variety of pressing surfaces.
One side of the smooth wooden block has a narrow ridge that is pointed. It is used to press open
enclosed seams such as collars, lapels, etc. It is also useful when pressing a seam that comes to a point.
Pounding block or clapper: This smooth wooden block is usually attached to the point presser. It is
used to flatten seam edges and produce crisp flat edges. To use the pounding block press the area as
usual and then immediately place the block over the area just steamed. The wooden block forces the
steam back into the fabric, producing a crisp edge. On large or bulky areas you may actually pound the
fabric in a circular motion.
Spray bottle: Often stubborn wrinkles and creases need a shot of water in addition to the
steam provided by the iron. A light spray before pressing will usually remove these marks.
Pretest the fabric before applying the water as some fabrics water spot.
Clothes brush or nylon net: A clothes brush or a wadded piece of nylon net is used to
remove small pieces of thread and lint from the garment or the ironing surface BEFORE
pressing. If you press without removing this lint, it can permanently mark the fabric.
Steamer: Hats and various accessories need a constant source of steam. This tool has a gallon
of water that is attached to a motor. A long, flexible wand delivers the steam. The steamer is
also useful to maintain costumes during the run of a production.
Iron cleaner: This product is designed to remove scorch, marks, lint, and dirt buildup from
the bed of the iron while the iron is hot. Read the directions carefully before using, and always
protect the surface of the ironing table with several layers of scrap fabric.
SEWING MACHINES:
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Depending on the size, location and the demands placed on a costume shop there can be any number of
different kinds of sewing machines ranging from the basic to highly specialized models. The following
is a list of the most common models and a brief description of their uses:
Domestic lockstitch machines: These are designed for the general sewer and range from models with
only straight stitch capacity to those that embroider, monogram and do a variety of novelty stitches. In a
costume shop the most important features of a domestic machine are a straight stitch, zig zag,
buttonholes, and a stretch stitch. Many domestic machines have a FREE ARM on which the large flat
sewing area is removable making the sewing area small enough to accommodate cuffs, collars, etc.
Industrial lockstitch machines: These are heavy-duty machines that have the durability to
withstand constant use. They sew anywhere from 800 to 1800 stitches per minute and are
equipped with many time saving features. Generally industrial machines are straight stitch
only, but there are models that zig zag. Industrial machines can be used on almost any type of
fabric and are a necessity for sewing multiple layers of fabric. They are harder to control but
their speed cuts the costume construction time in half.
Industrial blind hemmers: This is a specialty machine that produces an invisible, quick hem
on almost any garment. This machine uses a cone of clear plastic thread. This machine only
hems garments, but can save countless hours of hand sewing.
Sergers: This machine can either seam fabric pieces together or be used to produce a quick,
durable seam finish. Sergers are available in domestic or industrial models and use from two
to five cones of thread. A serger has a set of knives that trim the seam allowance away as the
fabric is fed through the machine; therefore it is necessary to work carefully and accurately.
Sewing machine accessories and attachments: There are a multitude of attachments to
accomplish a specific task. Attachments are available for any type of sewing machine.
Buttonholes, pleating, gathering, cording, etc. are just some of the things that can be
accomplished quickly and with more accuracy by using attachments. All sewing machines
have a manual that explains in detail how to use the attachments.
Bobbins: These metal or plastic spools hold the thread for the bottom half of the lockstitch
produced on domestic and industrial machines. The bobbins must be wound with the chosen
thread, and are stored in or close to each machine.
Sewing machine oil: All sewing machines must be frequently cleaned and oiled. Sewing
machine oil is a light weight, high quality oil, and the manual for any machine will explain
how and where to lubricate the machine.
CRAFT SUPPLIES:
Costume craft work is a wide field, it might include dyeing and painting of costumes, leather, fur, or
bead work, jewelry construction, millinery, shoe and boot construction and repair, wig styling and
maintenance, mask making, and armor construction. Below is a list of the most basic supplies and tools
used:
Craft tables: These are large sturdy tables that are covered in paper so that it can be removed as it
becomes soiled. They often have a series of drawers or cabinets underneath them to provide storage for
supplies.
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Hammers: Several different hammers are useful in crafts work, the most common being a rawhide
mallet for leather and shoe work, and a *holster's tack hammer for work on jewelry and armor.
Screwdrivers: These are necessary for machine repair and maintenance as well as jewelry and armor
construction.
Pliers: These are the smaller variety and are useful for jewelry, corset and hoop, and armor construction.
Hot melt glue gun and Glue sticks: This mainstay of the costume crafts area has almost unlimited uses.
Quick repairs to shoes, hats, jewelry, and armor can be done. Hot melt glue can also be used to fabricate
trim and detail work on costume pieces. The large, trigger controlled models are safer and easier to use,
but the small, pressure controlled models are better for detail work.
Staple or tacking gun: This is a small version of the ones found in the scene shop and is useful for
armor, leather, felt and jewelry construction.
Grommet and eyelet cutters and setters: Many costumes and accessories must lace together, so these
cutting and setting tools come in a variety of sizes.
Pop rivet guns: A rivet gun and the accompanying two-part rivets are used extensively in the
construction of vacu-form armor and accessory pieces.
Stove or hot plate: These are used for preparing dye stuffs and paints for application to costumes. Small
costume accessories are often dyed in large kettles on top of the stove.
Dye vats: Only the largest costume shops have commercial dye vats simply because of their
size, complexity, and cost. A common alternative is the steam-jacketed soup kettle found in
restaurants and cafeterias. With these a constant temperature can be maintained during the
dyeing process.
Wringer washers: These are used with a dye vat to rinse and remove water from fabrics and
costumes.
Adhesives: There are many adhesives that are used in most costume shops. Some of them are
very basic, with others designed for a specific use. The most common are:
White glue, a mainstay is used in masks, jewelry, and felt accessory construction.
Flexible glue is used for bead, sequin, trim, and jewelry application to fabrics since it will not
peel off the fabric.
Barge cement is specifically designed for use on leather and shoe construction.
Bridal or millinery glue is a clear drying glue that will stand up to most dry cleaning
procedures and so it is ideal for beading and trim application directly to costume pieces.
MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT:
Since costumes are frequently soiled some method of laundering or dry cleaning must
constantly be used to keep the actor fresh and to preserve the life of the costumes. Only the
largest of costume shops have their own dry cleaning plants, but any costume shop has to have:
Washer: These are standard domestic models or large commercial models. Not only laundry is
done, but all fabrics are preshrunk before any costume is made.
Dryer: Once again a heavy-duty commercial dryer is preferable, but many costume shops have
standard domestic dryers. Dryers are also often used to set the dye and paints applied to
costumes.
MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT:
Dress forms: These come in every standard size for men, women and children. They are also
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available in special forms for swimsuits, trousers, jacket and full body work. Dress forms
found in costume shops are not adjustable, but are solid simply for durability. These are
invaluable to the cutter and stitcher during the construction process.
Questions
This is the art of using the acquired skills to produce household items either for personal use or for sale
to earn extra income.
- Weaving
- Knitting
- Crotcheting
- Beadwork
Soft furnishings-
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The term ‘soft furnishings’ means accessories or extras in the room. These are things like carpets,
curtains, bed linen, cushions and cushion covers, tea towels, chair backs e.t.c.
- Durability.
- Design, colour, pattern, and texture.
- Suitability for the purpose.
Uses
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