Monday, April 20, 2020

Comvita Essay Example

Comvita Essay Healthy food and supplement industry has a broad customer base and a great growth potential across the globe. Ageing of population and interest in healthy food are two primary factors that lead to robust and continuous growth in healthy food and supplement industry. According to Mellentin1, the largest ethnic group in the world-Asian, will have over 40% population reach the age of 50 and beyond by 2030. Moreover, 20% of Shanhai residents have already reached the age of 60. Similarly, in Europe, 20% percent people have crossed their 65 and the average age is around 41. By the year of 2030, the percentage of people live in Europe to reach 65 and beyond will be more than 41%. Furthermore, in USA, all Baby Boomers are expecting to reach 50 and beyond by the year of 2015. The aging of population leads to a nature consequence that manifests in continuously growing interest in healthy foods and supplements products. The so called ‘superfoods’ have drawn a great deal of interest from consumers and medias. Blueberries, tomatoes, yoghurt and omega3 have lead the list of healthy foods, particularly broccoli is considered as one of the best healthy foods due to its rich nutrition and antioxidant effect. We will write a custom essay sample on Comvita specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Comvita specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Comvita specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer However, one of the most effective anti-bacteria and anti-infection nature food-honey is rather have a smaller public exposure for its health benefits in comparison with others. Although plenty of honey related products are available, those brands can be credited for its purity, effectiveness and genuineness are sparse. Comvita’s Background Comvita is found in 1974 by Claude Stafford and Alan Bougen, it is a high quality healthcare product and life sciences company. Comvita Limited is engaged in the manufacture and marketing of natural health products. It is one of New Zealand’s leader exporting companies with the ambition of ‘natural performance’. It provides functional food, health care, personal care and medical products to its customers. The company’s product offerings include bee pollen, apple cider vinegar, antioxidants, colostrum, herbal extracts, manuka honey, olive leaf complex, nutritional oil, royal jelly, skincare, broccoli extract, propolis, winter wellness, and medihoney wound care products. Goods are processed topically in the purpose of built manufacturing facilities and distributed globally respectively. Comvita is operates through its subsidiaries in New Zealand, Asia, Australia, North America, the UK, and Rest of Europe. The company is headquartered in Te Puke, New Zealand. Business model Revenue Sources The direct retail business model is the key driver of growth of Comvita. The company revenue stream is based on multiple streams with a volume or unit based revenue model. In Asia it uses a direct selling model, incorporating dedicated Comvita branded stores as well as store in store concepts which drives a successful and profitable business model. Cost Drivers A cost driver is any activity that incurs cost and contributes to the total costs. It is vital for Comvita to understand its cost drivers. The key to any business is to reduce and keep costs at minimum in order to peruse efficient high profit margins. Comvita’s purpose is use the power of pure nature healthcare product to keep people well every day. Its vision is to be the best natural health and beauty company with selling top grade quality, 100% pure natural products worldwide. The company’s main cost drivers are semi-variable costs regardless of sales volume. Consumers are always eager to try new things with high quality, so the product research and development are the main costs; as it is an international company, store expand is another cost; in order to compete with their rivals adverting is also a main cost. Critical Success Factors Comvita requires managers and staff that are knowledgeable; this can be achieved by setting up an Advisory Board to promote a knowledge base. The scientific research and technology by Comvita requires precise implementation of assure high success rate to ensure complete customer satisfaction and they can stay in front of potential competition. This is the diagram for retail business model SWOT Strength * Manuka honey is well-known for its antibacterial properties. It is the only manufacturer of medical honey in the world. Global licensing deal for Medihoneyâ„ ¢ professional medical products * Comvita is committed to the UMFâ„ ¢ trademark as the global standard representing highly effective, therapeutic level Manuka honey of the highest quality * International sales model let people all around the world to know Comvita. Global market trends strongly support Comvita’s positioning. Natural performance process advocates seizing the peoples psychological. * Brand Loyalty –Comvita is greatly dependent on its brand reputation which is a critical factor in sales. Due to its unique products, it has come out to be seen as one of the most environmentally friendly retailers. * Comvita has great intellectual property around wound care applications for manuka honey and they are applying that very effectively Weakness * High technology and continuous research and development needs * High dependence for natural environment * Low demand * long cyclical than commodity needs Opportunities High potential that the Medihoney wound care business expand into medical market * Comvia has a high premium value in Asian market offer an enormous amount of potential * New product development (e. g. pet products) * Promotion strategy to improve sales Threats * Manuka honey’s price is much higher than the normal honey * International business cause currency fluctuation risk * New entrants threats * Substitute products-replaced by other health care products (e. g. Vitamin C granules) * Strong competitors like Good Health Product limited; Blackmores Ltd; Airborne Honey Ltd as they produce similar products. Finance Comvita has received $7. 4 million in initial capital payments, $3. 3 million in cash and $4. 1 million in Derma stock and warrants from the global licensing deal for MedihoneyTM perfessional medical products with their US partners Derma Sciences. It now owns approximately 16. 7% of Derma Sciences. In addition Convita achieved a net profit after tax of $5. 0 million at 2010, it represents that Comvita have a significant success in business over the past several years and survived in the worst of the global financial crisis. Comvita’s sales from $71. 4 milliom in the previous year to $84. million for the year ending March 2010 grew by 19%. . Performance Reference Mellentin,J. (22,23 Aprol 2010), Some key trends in helth and how to connect to them, New Nutrition Business, Naturial Products New Zealand Presentation Nelson Comvita homepage from http://www. comvita. co. nz/? gclid=CNHE4tSqu6gCFU6ApAodNWF1Bg Comvita financial report 2010 from http://www. comvita. com/annualreportsarchive_1. html Comvita fact sheet from http://www. comvita. co. nz/userfiles/file/Comvita_Fact_Sheet_Dec_2010. pdf Business model From http://www. bcg. com/documents/file56479. pdf

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Hormones have a central role to play in regulating body function The WritePass Journal

Hormones have a central role to play in regulating body function Introduction Hormones have a central role to play in regulating body function IntroductionHyperthyroidismBlood glucoseHypoglycaemiaKidneysOsmoregulationHomeostasisBibliography Related Introduction All hormones in the body play a central role in the body, and quite a few of them regulate body function and help keep homeostasis. One gland that makes and stores important hormones is the Thyroid gland, which is located at the lower part of the neck, below the Adams apple and is wrapped around the trachea. The hormones it produces and stores help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and the rate at which food is converted to energy. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The thyroid gland also makes the hormone calcitonin, which is involved in calcium metabolism and stimulating bone cells to add calcium to bone. The production of thyroid hormones is controlled by another hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This is made by an endocrine gland in the brain called the pituitary gland. The thyroid gland can become overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). Hypothyroidism usually develops gradually. The symptoms are mild some of the symptoms are, tiredness, dry skin, thinning hair, sore muscles, weakness, depression, weight gain and a slow heart rate. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroiditis, this is an autoimmune disease, which is caused by antibodies attacking the body, rather than attacking foreign bodies like bacteria. The Antibodies destroy the thyroid gland cells and this prevents the thyroid gland from working properly. Hypothyroidism can be treated with a thyroxine replacement medicine, called levothyroxine. Hyperthyroidism The thyroid gland is overactive and produces excess thyroid hormones; Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Its is another autoimmune disease. In Graves disease, the antibodies mimic the activity of TSH, causing the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone, leading to the symptoms of hyperthyroidism some of the symptoms are, shaking, being hot and sweating more than usual, losing weight, having increased appetite, tiredness, muscle weakness, palpitations and shortness of breath. Medical treatment of hyperthyroidism can be anti-thyroid medicines such as carbimazole and propylthiouracil, to reduce the production of thyroid hormones. However, over time anti-thyroid medicines can lead to hypothyroidism. Blood glucose Controlled by hormones; these hormones are controlled by the pancreas. The pancreas has glucose receptor cells, which monitor the concentration of glucose in the blood, and it also has endocrine cells (called the islets of Langerhans), which secrete hormones. The alpha cells in the islets secrete the hormone glucagon, while the beta cells in the islets secrete the hormone insulin. In a healthy person blood glucose levels should be 80-120mg.100cm- ³. Insulin is secreted when blood glucose levels are high to make it fall and glucagon is secreted when blood glucose is low to make it rise. As shown in the diagram: The most common disorders involving blood glucose and the hormones are diabetes type 1 and type 2; Type 1 insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is caused by a lack of insulin either by a faulty insulin gene so there is no functioning insulin or by an autoimmune attack on the beta islets cells that produce the insulin so there are no cells left to produce it. This type of diabetes mainly occurs in children and young adults, onset is usually sudden. The main Symptoms of this are fatigue and copias quantities of urine which contains glucose. If this goes undiagnosed and treated then a coma may result from hyperglycaemic or hypoglycaemic, hyperglycaemia is where too much blood glucose is in the body, there is no insulin so no removal of the glucose from blood, the kidney then cant reabsorb all the glucose and the glucose in the urine takes water with it by osmosis, cells also can’t take the glucose in the blood up quick enough so start using fats and proteins in respiration, all this causes Dehydration, loss of vital salts and low blood pH which results in a coma. Hypoglycaemia Where there is not enough blood glucose, and no glycogen stores in liver because of the lack of insulin, glucagon has nothing to act on and blood glucose is too low to supply respiring cells which results in a coma. The treatment for type 1 is diet and insulin injections. Type 2 none insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is caused by a resistance to insulin and usually comes later on in life, a contributing factor to type 2 is also obesity, treatment is diet and exercise, tablet that increase cell sensitivity to insulin and in extreme cases insulin injections. Additional glands that make hormones are the adrenal glands (also called suprarenal glands), these are small glands located on top of both kidneys. The adrenal glands work with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Both adrenal glands are composed of two parts that have different functions and structures. The outer part is the cortex and is essential to life, where as the inner part is the medulla and is not essential to life. The adrenal cortex makes three groups of steroid hormones from cholesterol, collectively called adrenocorticocoids these are, glucocorticoids, minerslocorticoids and sex hormones (androgens). The medulla is completely surrounded by the cortex, and it is part of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. It is stimulated by its extensive sympathetic nerve supply to produce the hormones adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). One of the main disorders of the adrenal cortex is hypersecretion of glucocorticoids or Cushing’s syndrome, symptoms of this syndrome include; weight gain and fatty deposits, skin changes, depression, brittle bones, muscle weakness, headaches and high blood pressure. Cushing’s syndrome can be caused by an over use of a steroid medication or by a tumour that causes your body to produce more cortisol. Treatments for these causes could be reducing the dose of steroid medication or for tumours surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. With the adrenal medulla the main disorder is hormone secreting tumours, which cause excess adrenaline and noradrenaline, the symptoms of which are; hypertension, weight loss, nervousness, headaches excessive sweating, hyperglycaemia and glycosuria. Kidneys Important functions to do within the body, there functions are; the formation of urine, filtration and selective reabsorption. Each kidney is associated with a different group of structures, the right kidney is associated with; the right adrenal gland, the right lobe of the liver, the duodenum, the hepatic flexure of the colon, the diaphragm and the muscles of the posterior abdominal wall. The left kidney is associated with; the left adrenal gland, the spleen, stomach, pancreas, jejunum, the splenic flexure of the colon, the diaphragm and the muscles of the posterior abdominal wall. The kidney is extremely flexible in its working. It excretes large amount of hypotonic urine when water intake is very high, while it excretes small amount of hypertonic urine when water is deficient and needs to be conserved. This is very useful in Osmoregulation. Osmoregulation control of the levels of water and mineral salts in the blood.   The water potential of the blood must be regulated to prevent loss or gain of water from cells. Blood water homeostasis is controlled by the hypothalamus. It contains osmosreceptor cells, which can detect changes in the water potential of the blood passing through the brain. In response, the hypothalamus controls the sensation of thirst, and it also secretes the hormone ADH (antidiuretic hormone). ADH is stored in the pituitary gland, and its target cells are the endothelial cells of the collecting ducts of the kidney nephrons. These cells are unusual in that water molecules can only cross their membranes via water channels called aquaporins, rather than through the lipid bilayer. ADH causes these water channels to open. It works as the diagram below shows. All these hormones that have been mentioned are working to help keep homeostasis. Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment and is important because it results in our cells being bathed in tissue fluid which has the correct amount of water, mineral salts, glucose and temperature, a great deal of the hormone system is dedicated to homeostasis. Temperature homeostasis is controlled by the thermoregulatory centre in the hypothalamus. It receives input from two sets of thermoreceptors: receptors in the hypothalamus itself monitor the temperature of the blood as it passes through the brain (the core temperature), and receptors in the skin monitor the external temperature. Both pieces of information are needed so that the body can make appropriate adjustments. As stated previously Blood glucose concentration is controlled by the pancreas. The pancreas has glucose receptor cells, which monitor the concentration of glucose in the blood, and it also has endocrine cells (called the islets of Langerhans), which secrete hormones. Homeostasis Controlled by our nervous and endocrine systems. The endocrine system is all the glands that secrete hormones (proteins or steroids) some glands that have been mentioned and a lot more that haven’t, the main glands are; Thyroid, Pituitary, Pancreas,   Adrenal, Hypothalamus, Testes and Ovaries. The endocrine system relies on negative feedback to maintain control. This works as shown in the diagram, Negative feedback means that whenever a change occurs in a system, the change automatically causes a corrective mechanism to start, which reverses the original change and brings the system back to normal. It also means that the bigger then change the bigger the corrective mechanism. Bibliography Bupa (2011) [Online] Available at: www.bupa.co.uk (02/04/2011) MedicineNet (2011) [Online] Available at www.medterms.com (01/04/2011) Scott, D. (2004) [Online] Available at www.biologymad.com (02/04/2011) Tutorvista (2010) [Online] Available at www.tutorvista.co.uk (02/04/2011) University of Maryland Medical Centre (2010) [Online] Available at www.umm.edu/endocrin/adrengl.htm (02/04/2011) Waugh, A. And Grant, A. (2006) Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness. 10th edn: Elsevier Limited.

Friday, February 28, 2020

Hypertension or CVD Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Hypertension or CVD - Article Example The research findings indicates that approximately 5 percent of adolescents have coronary heart disease or its equivalents, or one or more of CHD risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, obesity and family history of early CHD (Kuklina, Yoon & Keenan, 2009). The authors then conclude that there is a high prevalence of CHD risk factors among the adolescents, but this does not seem to change screening rates. Therefore, they recommend that assessment and management of cardiovascular diseases, among adults should be improved. There is a significant bias in formulating the research hypothesis because the authors make this claim, but do not support it with a single evident from a primary or secondary source. The authors should have included at least two evidences from peer-reviewed articles on the same topic to valid their hypothesis. The research methodology is not well satisfying for a study in the nursing field. Other than using secondary data to for analysis, the authors should have included data collected from primary source. One-on-one interview with young adults and physicians would have provided valid data for this study. I feel that the authors’ conclusion that screening rates have not changed despite the high risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among young adults is not well satisfying. This is because CHD risk factors such as obesity and overweight have become so evident among children and adolescents, and most government programs are currently focusing on controlling these risk fact ors to protect the young adults from contacting cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors. This article is relevant in the nursing field because it shows that an unhealthy diet, which causes obesity, is one of the risk factors for the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and that screening of young adults, for the risk factors, is not yet a priority. Kuklina, E, V., Yoon, P, W. & Keenan, N, L. (September 25, 2009). Prevalence of Coronary

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Improving Training and Development at Mersey NHS Essay

Improving Training and Development at Mersey NHS - Essay Example The paper tells that E. Wayne Hart in his ASTD presentation Developing a Coaching Culture believes that motivation and relationship management are strongly tied into coaching capabilities, stating that the goals of training as coaching are to "motivating development and improved performance; cost savings over using external coaches; self and others focused," in a manner that is "assessing, challenging and supporting". A plan for training and development and implementation will have two focuses, the first towards enhancing motivation in the workplace, and the second to increase relationships in the team dynamics. A good program can effectively empower employees by delivering both goals and a support system. This will empower employees to build relationships with one another and to build relationships with managerial staff. According to David Beswick of the University of Melbourne: †Mangers generally, and anyone formally or informally responsible for oversight of others who are e ngaged in work or learning tasks, will be aware that some people are participating more out of interest in the task than others are†. It becomes important to continue to build upon the strong personal and motivational tactics that are currently being used, and with that Mersey NHS must find greater motivational strategies to further intrinsic rewards that are not compensatory. It is also recommended that leadership members within management begin to offer greater amounts of positive motivators within their teams due to the negative responses in leadership and compensatory motivations.

Friday, January 31, 2020

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina Essay Example for Free

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina Essay There are lots of effects which DotA brings to our society, to be particular, the youth. With no doubt this game is one of the hottest game in the market. In every Cyber Cafe you can see gamers stick with their screen and mouse and  keyboard, with their face that full of concentration and excitements finding ways to defeat their opposing team or enemies. Actually Computer games or DotA serves as a platform for youth to communicate. Teenagers who initislly don’t know each other can easily become friends through Computer games or playing DotA. Chapter I Introduction DotA effects have been continue for several years since the launch of the War of War Craft and the Frozen Throne. Almost every people especially the youth has played this game at the very beginning of the years. What is the content that DotA offers to the gamers? And how’s the excitements that brings towards the gamers. And you may ask a key question, how long will DotA effects last? The lifestyle of the youth who have been playing Computer Games especially DotA is affected by the game. There are both advantage and disadvantages for them. Let’s talkl about the advantages first. As one of the most playable games online, DotA can make the players become alert in the mental, They will also turn to be strategic and cooperative through computing the magic, damages, gold, physical reduction, present and other stuff, they will get more lore in mathematics. Thus the youth can also get some benefits on playing Computer games. Statement of the problem or Thesis Statement Why is Computer games or DotA so Addicting to Students? 1. A Time killer Boredom is the most common problem of most people today. DotA can consume a lot of time without you even noticing it . you just say after the game â€Å"WTF !, Im late !† 2. Non-exhasuting game Unlike basketball or other physical sports , you can play DotA until you can still mangae to sit, look at the monitor, use mouse and keyboard and think, Yes , using your is aslo tiring but it’ll takes an average of 3 games before you’d want to take a rest 3. Fame Source Most players want to be the best in this game to gain fame which I find natural but technically nonsense. I have to admit that thirst for fame drove me to practice and improve my game. After getting the fame I wanted, I asked myself â€Å"Now what?†. For players who don’t have plan on having DotA as their profession ,Fame isn’t that important. 4. Team work game When we were kids, we already love having team battles. That’s why a lot of team sports games cames up and multi-player computer games have been invented. Playing with teammates is more addicting than playing alone. 5. Tranquilizing DotA makes you forget your problems and make you think of simpler problems (like how to win the game) 6. Non violent war We love wars. That’s why there are shows like Wrestling, UFC ,Action films , etc. DotA is a chance to engage in wars safely. We can fight all day long and just stand up from our computer without even having a scratch on our face. 7. Easy to play Surveys shows that DotA is played by more people thatn other strategy like Starcraft. One of the reason is its simplicity. You only have to control one hero (great news for people who are not into doing micros.) 8. No height or physical disadvantages In basketball you cannot have a team composed of 5 short players. In Rugby , you should be muscular. In DotA you can be as thin and as short as you want and still own everyone. 9. Losing makes you thirsty to win On the other hand, losing is still addicting because you become more urge to have that wonderful feeling of winning. 10. Winning feels Good Yup, winning in every game makes you feel good and addicting. Background of the Study Significance of the study How to overcome DotA Addiction ? 1. Accept responsibility The problem lies within the individual, not within DotA. No attempt at beating addiction can succeed until the individual accepts its existence. 2. Identify the Impact How many hours a day do you spend playing DotA? Do you normally go out on the weekend?When was the last time you read a book?Identifying the negative impacts of the addiction will help you focus on positive improvements and getting back the things that you really are missing. 3. Avoid Blame Blaming others for problems that you alone must face does not solve the problems. 4. Set limits If you decide that you have 1 hour per day to spend playing DotA. Since DotA requires many hours of gameplay to have fun, you likely should consider a different game or different genre of games. 5. Stay positive Be positive whenever possible. While negative reinforcement is sometimes necessary, positive reinforcements will always go further in the end. What is DotA ? DotA is basically game expanded from version of War of War Craft, which initially a strategic game similar to Red Alert Series. But eventually evolved into current state. Gamers can play Dota in a Wide range ; from single player, local LAN, or LAN over internet connection with various country’s gamers. There contain variety of Heroes to be chosen as your character, There are many type of gaming modes , and different type of map for the game modes. There are lots of gamers who are more expert in the world of playing DotA . Chapter V Summary and Conclusion Summary and Conclusion We know that Playing computer games especially DotA brings bad effects to the students, they influenceed by the other gamers like â€Å"trash talks† they know how to gamble because they are playing DotA for â€Å"pustahan†. DotA really affects the lifestyle of the youth who are into this game, although it has one good benefit, but it corrupts the mind and the way the youth think. It also weakened the body system, money and moral values were not given importance because of this game.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

American Studies :: essays papers

American Studies American Studies can be a variety of different meanings to a lot of different authors. They are all pretty much on the same note, but with different alterations. For me, I believe that it is to make connections between the past and how it will impact the future. American Studies has transformed overtime. Each individual has their own beliefs and feelings of what it really means. In Gene Wise’s article he states how he is interested in how the field of American Studies has transformed overtime, what American Studies methodology is, and the types of questions that American Studies practitioners ask. I believe that there is no one way to understand America. For Gene, he begins to understand America by looking into the past. On the other hand, there was also the Linda Kerber essay that we had also read at the beginning of the semester. Kerber was saying in her article that there was something that was wrong with the myth and symbolist methodology. She also talked about how there are new approaches and diversity in the field and how it has altered the ways that American Studies practitioners write, teach, and learn. What interested me most in her article is how American Studies was quicker to welcome women and ethnic studies. I believe the answer to this is simply that the women represent a larger group and they are more out spoken. Kerber also saw a great deal of chauvinism with the myth symbolist methodology, as well as this certain approach not looking for structures of power. She looked at points from all different sorts of angles and would then analyze them. Kerber would always have a valid answer and would really go into great detail in her article so that it was easy to pick up the information. These two articles were very much related, but at the same time they were very different. This leads into the past and current methodological approaches in studying American culture and what different authors have to say. â€Å"The methodology of early American Studies practitioners in the 30s, 40s, and 50s was named the symbol myth school approach. They came up with a set of assumptions that would guide those working in the field. 1. There is one homogenous mind 2. The American mind is distinguished by its place in the New World-which makes Americans idealistic, individualist, and pragmatic Europeans by contrast, were tragic in temper and corrupted by old world assumptions

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Is It Best to Live with Roommates? Essay

Is it best to live with roommates? Or is it best to live alone? There’s no right or wrong answer to this question — and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It’s a personal decision that all apartment dwellers are entitled to make, and your answer should depend on what you want at the time you’re looking to rent. If you need help deciding whether to live with a roommate, consider the common reasons why people choose one route over the other. Reasons to Have a Roommate There are many good reasons to have a roommate. See if any of these reasons appeal to you: * You won’t be lonely. Even if you’re not close with your roommate, having a roommate means having someone else around, so you won’t have to feel lonely. * You’ll gain convenience. Having a roommate adds convenience. For instance, if you have different schedules, a roommate can feed your pet or water the plants when you’re not at home to do it. If you go out of town, your roommate can tell you about any important mail you receive. * You’ll save money. When you have a roommate, you’ll save money in several ways. First, you can rent a larger apartment that would give you both more room and more value. You’ll also split utility bills and the cost of groceries, among other apartment expenses. Plus, if you or your roommate cook (even if you just do the basics), cooking for two (or three or more) normally saves money over cooking for just one. * You’ll have help. With a roommate, you can split the chores needed to keep your apartment in shape. So, you won’t have to be the one to do grocery shopping all the time. Or, if you become the designated grocery shopper, your roommate can take on other errands that you would normally have to do. Sharing errands helps lighten the load for both of you. Reasons Not to Have a Roommate Many people appreciate the reasons in favor of having a roommate but feel that the reasons for living alone present a much stronger case. You shouldn’t live with a roommate if: * You want more privacy. If you live alone, you’ll almost certainly have more privacy than if you live with others. Simply stated, not having roommates means you can do what you want, when you want it. For instance, you can have guests over as you please or get home late and leave early without having to worry about disturbing a roommate. * You don’t want to risk problems. Although having a roommate can be a rewarding experience, there are many types of problems that may arise in a roommate relationship. These range from lifestyle conflicts (think of a roommate who likes to play guitar while you need peace and quiet to study or do work) to financial issues (think of a roommate who has trouble paying his share of the rent and expenses). Living alone is the only way to guarantee that none of these problems ever arises.