Dietary Guidelines For The 2015 Community Health Needs...

When it comes to fruit and vegetable, accessibility and affordability are not the only factors that play a role if someone will consume them. This can be depicted in the 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment where of those who were surveyed, only 36.8% of adults in the medium to high-income level reported consuming the recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake. In the USDA’s recently released 2015-2020 dietary guidelines for Americans, the guidelines suggest that individual factors such as knowledge, skills and personal preferences can also have an impact on if someone will eat more fruits and vegetables (USDA, 2016). At some point in our lives, we are all taught that we should eat fruits and vegetables because they are good for us. However, for some individuals, this is as far as the education on the topic goes. Having a true understanding of why we need to eat fruits and vegetables, what to look for when we go to buy them, how to store them when you bring them home, an d how to go about preparing them while keeping the nutritional benefits in tact are topics that can help enhance an individual’s likeliness to eat fruits and vegetables more regularly. In an effort to increase knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding fruits and vegetables, local health departments, health systems, community centers, and other local affiliates would come together to create a Community Nutrition Education Program. This program would comprise of registered dietitians, nutritionists, andShow MoreRelatedThe Quad Cities Area Adult Population1445 Words   |  6 PagesThe Quad Cities Area adult population generally fails to meet the USDA’s recommended dietary guideline of consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, with only 35.7% reporting meeting these guidelines (Professional Research Consultants, 2015). This policy analysis will review current community efforts within the Quad Cities area that are concentrating on improving fruit and vegetable consumption of area adults. Additional policy options to help increase access, knowledge andRead MorePersonal Health Organization Defines Good Nutrition1556 Words   |  7 PagesPersonal Nutrition Case Study The World Health Organization defines good nutrition as an â€Å"adequate, well-balanced diet combined with regular physical activity† (World Health Organization, 2017). It is often difficult for a college student to maintain good nutrition due to a very limited income. An inadequate amount of time to exercise and prepare/eat meals also plays a role in a college student’s nutritional habits. Most college students toss good nutrition out the window and migrate towards foodsRead MoreThe Incidence Of Oesophago Gastric Essay1530 Words   |  7 Pageshas increased in the UK (Allum et al., 2011). The UK benchmarks for OG cancer highlight the need for individualised nutritional counselling and weekly dietetic follow up. However a universal standard of nutritional care is lacking in this patient group (Allum et al., 2011) The incidence of malnutrition in cancer patients ranges from 40-80% (Ollenschlanger et al. 1991). With a lack of consistent assessment indicators or definitions for malnutrition, malnutrition can become under-diagnosed. MalnutritionRead MoreEffects Of Obesity On Health And Illness983 Words   |  4 Pagesactivities. (Rausch et al, 2015). It is imperative to provide direct services to children and their families, education, and counseling to promote healthy lifestyles. Obesity appears to be more prevalent in low-income family sectors of American society regardless of the type of community. Diet is one of the most significant contributors to health and illness. It is widely known and accepted that excessive intake of certain nutrients, or lack of nutrients can adversely affects health. Research mentionedRead MoreEthics And Standards Of Practice1746 Words   |  7 Pages2016). The NMC code (2015) states that informed consent should be gained fully before any treatment commences, makin g sure everything is documented. Keeping patient information confidential is a legal obligation, therefore patients need to be made aware that information may have to be disclosed to other healthcare professionals involved in their care (Department of Health, 2010). If the patient does not give informed consent it would be unlawful to carry out any assessment or treatment, followingRead MoreChildhood Obesity Has Reached Global Epidemic Status1297 Words   |  6 Pagesweight increase after it has been successfully lost (Mahmood, 2015). Primarily, the strategy should be to address the controllable factors of obesity by educating children and parents/guardians on the risk factors and the strategies and/or methodologies for successful prevention and control. Several studies have explored such interventions during well-care visits and coordinated approaches in school environments and within the community at large. Well-care visits provide a good opportunity for nurseRead MoreRelationship Between The Registered Nurse And Allied Health Team Members Essay2167 Words   |  9 PagesPart A of this assessment introduced a 77year old, Italian man named Luigi, a retired accountant who has lived with his wife in Australia for the past 40 years, together th ey have 1 son. Luigi has had declining health issues for 15 years due to poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, resulting with a diagnosis of chronic renal failure. Luigi has now been hospitalised. This essay will discuss the importance for Luigi to develop self-management, empowerment and advocacy skills. It will demonstrate the roleRead MoreHealth Promotion : Theories And Models1660 Words   |  7 PagesHealth promotion utilises theories and models to guide practice. A theory is the general principles of a framework of ideas in regards to a particular topic. (Merriam-webster.com, 2016) A model is a set plan of action based on theoretical ideas to achieve a set goal. (Merriam-webster.com, 2016) The difference between a theory and a model is that a theory is related to evidence based knowledge and a model is built on this knowledge although it is presented as a process to reach certain targets. TheRead More Childhood Obesity: A Public Health Issue Essay2551 Words   |  11 Pages(Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 2015). Even more frightening is the growth rate of this crippling health epidemic; between 1980 and 2014, obesity has doubled for adults and tripled for children (CDC, 2015). The physical consequences of rising obesity rates in our country include an abundance of physical ailments including type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, arthritis, elevated cholesterol, and even some cancers. Additionally, obesity-related health care costs to our country are estimatedRead MoreA Case Study Scenario That Provides Situations We May Face As Future Nurses1936 Words   |  8 Pagesto us about Mr. Martinez to the determinants of health according to Healthy People 2020, and determine health literacy and competency concerns, health policies, and set SMART goals while using Tanner’s model. Two wellness nursing diagnosis will be formulated for Mr. Martinez in order to determine the problem and set up goals with promising outcomes. Lastly, primary, secondary and tertiary prevention are encompassed in accordance to the Public Health interventions Wheel. Criterion 1: Tanner’s Model

Prejudice Is A Harmful Form Of Discrimination - 935 Words

Prejudice is a very harmful form of discrimination. Religion, race and income are a few of the commonly occurring reasons people are discriminated against. Experiencing prejudice is life changing not only for oneself, but for others as well. Observing prejudices can also be emotionally upsetting. After experiencing a moment of prejudice, I was taught three important things. Women are often victims of prejudice, even today. Men frequently say women aren’t equal to them; that women have a lower standing in our society. This is obviously not true, a woman can do anything a man can. In some states, women are paid less than men based on gender alone. Women have been picketing for rights since the 19th century. One cold, winter day, I was walking home from school and observed a harmful event that changed my view on women forever. On my trek home from elementary school, I stopped to warm up inside a restaurant. The scene I observed was too complex to understand at the time, but looki ng back it horrifies me. A big, tall man burst out of the office with another short, squatty man. The two men went behind the counter and retrieved a young blonde woman. The trio then entered the office. While they convened in the office, I ordered hot chocolate. It was a really long time before they emerged. The thick, wood door slowly opened and the blonde rushed out with red rimmed, teary eyes. The two men walked out and shook hands; the tall man grinned. I found this a startling contrast ofShow MoreRelatedPrejudice: A Weed in the Workplace792 Words   |  3 PagesPrejudice in the Workplace Prejudice is a paralyzing, disabling social ill. Prejudice is the one human characteristic that retards the development of society, it is a crippling behavior that impedes human advancement and is harmful to society as a whole. Prejudice is more often than not a negative sentiment and in the workplace is particularly harmful; it can lead to extreme mental and emotionally anguish. (Ferguson, Prejudice, Stereotyping, and Discrimination). It is harmful to productivity,Read MoreGood and Bad Discrimination1173 Words   |  5 PagesAnd Bad Discrimination Good And Bad Discrimination Theresa Branch Robert Morris University Professor Anderson Argument Research When the word discrimination is brought up there is an automatic negative response, due to the fact that most have this idea that there is only bad discrimination. This comes from people using stereotypes and being prejudice which creates detrimental situations. However, when a person discriminates it does not mean they are trying to be harmful. DiscriminationRead MoreDiscrimination And Discrimination977 Words   |  4 PagesDistinction between prejudice and discrimination is attitude versus action. Prejudice refers to negative attitudes or feelings toward or about an entire category of people (Mooney p. 289). Whereas discrimination refers to the actions or practices that result in the differential treatment of categories of individuals (Mooney, p. 292); individuals act on their prejudices which result in discrimination. It is critical to analyze the relationship between prejudices and discrimination as to they affectRead MorePrejudice And Discrimination : What s The Difference? E ssay1304 Words   |  6 PagesPrejudice and Discrimination: What’s the Difference? Prejudice and discrimination are two different actions with similar meanings. A person can be prejudice without having discrimination; however, if someone is discriminating, they have prejudices. A prejudice can start from a stereotype and, with mental reinforcement, can turn into a discriminatory act. With a prejudice, a person can think a certain way without acting out in behavior. Discussion In this paper, we will be looking at what the meaningRead MoreRacial Discrimination : The Worst Form Of Inequality1388 Words   |  6 Pages Aristotle once said â€Å"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.† Racial discrimination occurs everyday to many different people. In America,the individuals who are usually discriminated against are the minorities like African Americans and Hispanics. Affirmative action is a policy that was created and has been claimed to be positive discrimination. The policy was created to give equal opportunity to groups of people who are usually discriminated against. Although AffirmativeRead MoreThe Effects Of Prejudice On Children And Young People1502 Words   |  7 PagesPrejudice is an opinion or attitude about a group of people that is based upon lack of understanding or incorrect information. It is making assumptions about children and young people because they belong to a particular group. Prejudiced attitudes can all too often be found among children, even at a very young age. Research has shown that children are capable of holding prejudices and negative attitudes towards others from the age of three. There are so many pressures on children to fit in and toRead MoreThe Psychology Behind Prejudice : Humans Attitude1089 Words   |  5 Pages The Psychology behind Prejudice: Humans’ Attitude Jacinda Knudtson Antelope Valley College Abstract Prejudice is an opinion in which is not based on any reasoning, and may cause harm. Prejudice can be seen just about anywhere, and it affects our daily lives. There are many different ways a person can show prejudice beliefs, but why do they believe things they have never experience? Some may say it’s something personal with one’s self that causes prejudice thoughts, or some may thinkRead MorePrejudice Or Pre Judgement Is An Age Old, World Wide, Unavoidable Problem1075 Words   |  5 PagesBrandon McClean Ms. Chang English 9-1 18 April 2016 Overcoming Prejudice Prejudice or pre-judgement is an age-old, world-wide, unavoidable problem in society. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee describes the negative impact prejudice can have on others. Atticus Finch, Tom Robinson and Arthur â€Å"Boo† Radley all face differing forms of discrimination because in their own way, each one is different than the typical citizen of Maycomb County. While trying to help others and do the right thing, allRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie American History X 1586 Words   |  7 PagesHistory X). Racism is a form of destruction in society. Racism is used as an outlet to profess hatred, discrimination, and prejudice. Through the rise of racism, racist ideologies are embraced and white supremacy groups are formed. In the feature-film, â€Å"American History X†, racism is what drives the main characters into committing heinous crimes. Throughout the film, the viewer acknowledges that racism is viewed as a gateway for many other forms of discrimination and hate crimes to take placeRead MorePrejudice, Stereotyping and Discrimination on the Web991 Words   |  4 PagesPrejudice, Stereotyping and discrimination on the Web People think that racism and discrimination doesn’t exist anymore, but surprisingly they do; both existed throughout human history. Discrimination may be defined as a negative, harmful behaviour toward people based on their group membership. Whereas prejudice which is an opinion rather than a fact; is a negative attitude toward members of a group, that is often very strongly held. Stereotypes are individuals beliefs that members of a

This Essay Will Address the Role of Health Screening and Health Promotion in Regards to Diabetes Mellitus free essay sample

The National Health Priority Action Council (NHPAC) highlighted that ‘the direct health care expenditure on diabetes in 2000-01 was $812 million’(NHPAC 2006, p. 7). This essay will address the role of health screening and health promotion in regards to diabetes mellitus. It will discuss the topics of morbidity, mortality, and aetiology as well as strategies to reduce incidence and prevalence, current strategies for health promotion, the role of health screening, future planning, and the effectiveness of such strategies. There are a variety of classifications of diabetes, which include Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and other less common types of diabetes. Mosby’s Dictionary of medicine (Harris, Nagy amp; Vardaxis 2006, p. 520), defines diabetes mellitus as ‘a complex disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism that is primarily a result of a deficiency of absence of insulin secretion by the beta cells of the pancreas or resistance to insulin. ’ According to the NHPAC (2006, p. 6), diabetes is the sixth most significant cause of death in Australia. Due to the predominance in the disease across Australia, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) listed the disease as a National Health Priority Area, affirming that the disease contributes to ‘ill health, disability, poor quality of life and premature death’(AIHW DPA 2011, p. 1). Diabetes mellitus results in considerable amounts of morbidity and mortality across the Australian population (Zimmet amp; Magliano 2011). The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) noted that in 2010 an estimated 4 million deaths could be attributed to the disease (2009, p. ) . Current research (American Diabetes Association 2011, p. 1), highlights that the complications of diabetes include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, neuropathy, and amputation. Of such complications cardiovascular disease is the most likely to result in death as a result of diabetes, kidney disease is the second highest cause of death (National Public Health Partnership 2003, p. 4). Once diagnosed with diabetes you are 2 to 4 times more likely to have a stroke or die of heart disease (American Diabetes Association 2011, p. ). The AIHW estimates the morbidity rate of diabetes in Australia between 2007-2008 to be over 898’000 and has since risen (AIHW DPA 2011). The AIHW (2011, p. 6), summarizes that type 2 diabetes occurs approximately 9 times more frequently than type 1 diabetes and the proportion of people with diabetes in the varying areas and regions of Australia remained similar. Men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with the disease and only 4% of people with diabetes are under 35 years of age (AIHW DPA 2011). Current research (AIHW DPA 2011) clarifies that ‘it is not known how many Australians currently have undiagnosed diabetes’ and there for it should be acknowledged that the actual figures of the morbidity rate of diabetes is higher than recorded. The highest morbidity rates occur from the age of 65 years to over 80 (AIHW DPA 2011). According to the current research from the AIHW (DPA 2011, p. 21), 4. 4% of the population has currently or previously been diagnosed with diabetes and ‘1. 6% of the allocatable recurrent health expenditure’(NHPAC 2006), was used towards diabetes between 2000 and 2001. Such statistics support the decision of the Australian health minister to include diabetes as one of the national health priority areas (NHPAC 2006) and highlight the importance of health screening and health promotion. In order to decrease the prevalence of the disease it is important to understand the aetiology in order to address preventative factors of diabetes mellitus. Marieb and Hoehn (2010, p. 622), affirm that the disease of diabetes mellitus is a ‘homeostatic imbalance’ which ‘results from either hyposecretion or hypoactivity of insulin. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes diabetes mellitus as ‘a metabolic disorder of multiple aetiology’ (2011, p. 1), as the varying classifications of the disease occur from varying origins. Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common, is caused by mostly modifiable health factors, which include ‘obesity, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy diets’ (WHO 2011, p. 2), although it is also related to increasing age, strong family history of diabetes, and ethnicity (Zimmet amp; Magliano 2011). This type of diabetes is most likely to decrease if there is an increase in health promotion. Type 1 diabetes ‘usually develops in childhood or adolescence’ (WHO 2011, p. 2), and will result in death if the disease is not treated by consistent insulin injection. This type of diabetes is slightly more complex as it is substantially caused by gene mutation (WHO 2011, p. 2). The World Health Organization (2011, p. 2), describes the aetiology of the disease as the ‘autoimmune destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas. ’ Gestational diabetes, which is much less common, only occurs during pregnancy and is caused by a resistance to the actions of insulin brought on by the hormones a woman’s body releases during pregnancy (WHO 2011, p. ). Once diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus you are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life (Zimmet amp; Magliano 2011). For this reason it is particularly important to use preventative measures and consistent health checks. Health screening is an important tool, which can provide an early diagnosis of the disease before severe complications arise. The WHO (2003, p. 2), notes that there is a large portion of people with diabetes who remain undiagnosed and the disease is increasing worldwide. Such research (WHO 2003, p. 2), also highlights that with treatment cardiovascular disease can be prevented in people with type 2 diabetes, before the symptoms arise. Diabetes is diagnosed by deciphering the level of glucose in the blood (WHO 2003, p. 1). Those at high risk or those of a high-risk ethnicity such as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander should be tested more frequently (NHPAC 2006). The Australian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society recommends that all pregnant women should be tested for gestational diabetes (NHPAC 2006). Some strategies aimed at health promotion and early detection for diabetes include the National Health Priority Area, the National Diabetes Strategy, the Diabetes Australia Strategic Plan, the National Diabetes Council, the National Chronic Disease Strategy, and Active Australia. The Australian health minister’s action to include diabetes mellitus as ‘one of the five national health priority areas’ would assist in reducing the prevalence and impact of the disease; as well as ‘funding $7. 7 million over three years for activities that would improve the awareness and the management of diabetes in Australia’ (Commonwealth of Australia 1999, p. ). The national diabetes strategy (Commonwealth of Australia 1999, p. 1), was put in place to ‘improve the prevention and management of diabetes in Australia’. The national diabetes strategy (Commonwealth of Australia 1999, p. 8), highlights five key goals to be achieved in their action to combat diabetes and include activities and measures to achieve these goals. Such goals include: Goal 1Improve the capacity of the health system to deliver, manage and monitor services for the prevention of diabetes and the care of people with or at risk of diabetes. Goal 2Prevent or delay the development of Type 2 diabetes. Goal 3Improve health related quality of life and reduce complications and premature mortality in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Goal 4 Achieve long term maternal and child outcomes for gestational diabetes and for women with pre-existing diabetes equivalent to those of non-diabetic pregnancies. Goal 5Advance knowledge and understanding about the prevention, delay, early detection, care and cure of Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. (Commonwealth of Australia 2009, p. 8) The National Health Priority Action Council (2006, pp. 67-68), suggests nine priority actions for change. The council (NHPAC 2006, p. 67), argues that these priority actions highlight the essential areas of change. The National Service Improvement Framework (NHPAC 2006, p. 67), also specifies various strategies that would promote the positive management of diabetes through out Australia. The suggested strategies include: The establishment of state and territory diabetes plans; improved access to services; the improvement of care for regional, rural and remote communities; strengthening training and professional development; and planning strategies for the future. NHPAC 2006, p. 67) Yet, another strategy aimed at reducing the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Australia is the Diabetes Australia Strategic Plan (DASP). The DASP has created five key focus areas, which advocate their mission for change (Diabetes Australia 2011, p. 2). Such focus areas are awareness, prevention, detection, management, and cure (Diabetes Australia 2011, p. 2). These five principles clearly highlight the main target areas to reduce the prevalence of the disease. The DASP later outlines detailed strategies to be acted on to create change. The key result areas of these strategies can be summarized as the ‘National Policy Agenda; access and affordability; national programs supporting people with diabetes; research; advocacy and lobbying; communication of key messages; and partnership programs’ (Diabetes Australia 2011, p. 3). As well as the numerous strategies aimed at reducing the incidence and prevalence of the disease there are also a number of health promotion strategies specifically aimed at diabetes. One such strategy is Planning for Healthy Communities (State Government of Victoria, Department of Health 2011, p. ), which is comprised of twelve chapters aimed at health promotion. Focus factors of the report include: ‘preventing cardiovascular disease preventing diabetes promoting healthy weight, promoting physical activity, promoting healthy eating, reducing tobacco use, improving socioenvironmental conditions, and psychosocial factors’ (State Government of Victoria Department of Health 2011, p. 1). Other strategies for health promotion also include the World Health Organization’s Diabetes Program and the South Australian Strategy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2005-2010. The Educational Management Package from the Royal Children’s hospital also focuses on health promotion and aims at preventing ‘Type II diabetes in young people at risk of developing the disease and the progression to Type II diabetes among obese children’ (Queensland Government Queensland Health 2004, p. 13). There is little research to display the effectiveness of such strategies although current reviews are being developed. The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (2011, p. 10), implemented the National Diabetes Strategy between 2008-2009. The annual report from 2008-09 states that the program was ‘implemented on time and within budget’ (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing 2011, p. 10), but does not state the progress. The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has also implemented various strategies aimed at reducing the impact of diabetes and they have concluded that the ‘costs associated with poor diabetes control are higher than the cost of interventions aimed at achieving good diabetes control’ (2011, p. 1). The U. S. DHHS (2011, p. ), also claims that lifestyle interventions aimed at early screening and treatment, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, and prevention strategies for those in high-risk categories have proven to be effective in reducing both the impact of the disease and increased cost effectiveness. In conclusion, it is clear that the role of health screening and health promotion is vital in reducing the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus. The large rates of morbidity and mortality due to diabetes are being addressed through various strategies, which, are aimed at reducing the impact of diabetes on the population. Current research also takes into account the aetiology of the disease and how it could possibly be prevented before the disease develops. The effectiveness of the majority of the Australian strategies towards diabetes is currently being reviewed and other countries promote the use of such health programs and support their effectiveness.

Sophocles Plays Essays - Mythological Kings, Operas, Oedipus

Sophocles' Plays The classical Greek writers have given the world major literary themes. One such theme is "Fate". According to Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language the word fate is defined as "the principal or determining cause or will by which things in general are believed to come to be as they are or events to happen as they do: destiny"(529). The Theme "Fate" is applicable to Oedipus and his lineage, in Sophecles's three Theban plays: Antigone, Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus. "Fate" plays a cruel role in the lives of everyone related to Oedipus. Not only was Oedipus's life condemned from the beginning, but the lives of his four children were also ill fated. The entire bloodline, beginning with Oedipus, met a tragic end or led a tragic life through no fault of their own. Thomas Gould explains, "sometimes it is suggested that Oedipus would not have avoided his misery by having been a better man, but he could have remained prosperous and happy if he had been a less good man" (Gould 51). If not for "Fate", the lives of Oedipus and his entire family could have been much better off. The whole debacle started with the birth of Oedipus. Oedipus was the only child of Laius and Jocasta, king and queen of Thebes. They took Oedipus to the oracle at Delphi to have his prophecy read. The oracle prophesized that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother, "... Why, Loxias declared that I should one day marry my own mother, And with my own hands shed my father's blood. Wherefore Corinth I have kept away far, for long years; and prospered; none the less it is most sweet to see one's parents' face..."(ll. 556-559, 187). In order to prevent this from happening, Laius and Jocasta pierced Oedipus's foot and ordered a shepherd to abandon him on a mountainside. The shepherd pitied the child and gave him to a herdsman from Corinth. The herdsman then gave the child to Polybus and Merope, the childless king and queen of Corinth. They adopted him and raised him as their own. Oedipus grew up thinking he was the prince of Corinth. He heard rumors that he was not the natural son of Polybus and Merope, and he went to consult the oracle of Delphi to find the truth. The oracle repeated the same prophecy that was told to Laius and Jocasta. Thinking that Polybus and Merope were his parents, "Oedipus moves away when he is told his fate" (Jones 41). "Fate" then stepped in and Oedipus met an old man accompanied by several servants at a crossroads. The old man was Laius, on his way to Delphi. Since both men were proud, they refused to step aside so the other could pass. Oedipus lost his temper and in a rage he killed them all, except for one servant who escaped, ... I found myself upon the self-same spot where, you say, the king perished ... When in my travels I was come near this place where three roads meet, there met me a herald, and a man that rode in a colt-carriage ... And the old man himself, would thrust me, I, being enraged, strike him who jostled me-- The driver-- and the old man ... He paid though! duly I am not; but in brief, smitten by the staff in this right hand of mine ... out of the carriage straight he rolls down headlong; and I slay them all...(ll. 1104- 1112, 217). When Oedipus kills his father, Laius, "it is not out of hatred of his parents" (Vernant 110). Oedipus has no idea who the "stranger" is. All Oedipus realizes is that he has his life in danger. Fate is what has Oedipus murder his father. Not realizing that he had fulfilled half of his terrible prophecy, Oedipus continued on his way to Thebes. When he arrived at Thebes there was a widespread plague in the city. In order to free the city of this plague one had to solve the riddle that came with it, the riddle of the Sphinx. Oedipus was clever enough to solve the riddle, which in turn cured the city of the plague. After answering the Sphinx's riddle and ridding Thebes of the monster, Oedipus was considered a hero. When the people learned of Laius' death, believed to be the fault of bandits, they made Oedipus their new king. In the imperial palace there was Jocasta, a recent widow of the missing King Laius. As