Metabolism is the complex biochemical process by which the food you eat is converted into the energy your body needs to function. That, in a nut shell, is what metabolism is. Most people look at their metabolism in a more simplistic sense and see it as the thing that influences how their body will gain or lose weight. There are many things that affect our metabolism, from the composition of each individual body to the food we eat and how active we are.

Every living thing gets the energy it needs from the food, or nutrients, it eats. The human body is no different. Without food we run out of fuel and our metabolic engine, the body, stops working. There is more to metabolism then just converting nutrients into energy. It also aids in the digestive process and the absorption of nutrients into the cells as well as breaking down and removing harmful substances, such as drugs, poisons, and alcohol from the body.

There are specific proteins in the body that control the chemical reactions of metabolism and each chemical reaction is coordinated with other body functions. There are several hormones

produced by the endocrine system that control the rate of the metabolic process. Thyroxine, which is a hormone produced and released by the thyroid, plays a key role in determining how fast or slow the chemical reactions of metabolism occur in the body.

There are two basic components of metabolism. The first is Anabolism, or constructive metabolism, which is the building and storing function of the metabolic process. It supports the growth of new cells, the maintenance of body tissues, and the storage of energy (fat storage) for future use. The second component is Catabolism, or destructive metabolism, which is the process that produces the energy required for all activity in the cells.

During this biochemical process, calories — from carbohydrates, fats and proteins — are combined with oxygen to release the energy your body needs to function. The number of calories your body burns each day is called your total energy expenditure. Even when your body is at rest, it requires energy for the basics, such as fuel for organs, breathing, circulating blood, adjusting hormone levels, plus growing and repairing cells. Typically, a person’s basal metabolic rate is the largest portion of energy use, representing two-thirds to three-quarters of the calories used each day. For the most part, your body’s energy requirement to process food stays relatively steady and isn’t easily changed. Weight gain is more likely due to an energy imbalance — consuming more calories than your body burns.

Skipping meals or reducing caloric intake by a large amount is not a good idea either, because the body will actually slow its metabolism to conserve energy. Creating a demand to burn more calories is the best way to increase metabolism. People who exercise on a regular basis naturally can eat more food without gaining weight because they use more calories. When the body is not supplemented with additional calories, as when the person eats a normal healthy diet, this tends to increase metabolism with resultant weight loss.

Metabolism is a necessary process, without which living organisms would die and it is important to not only know what is metabolism, but to also take care of your body so that your metabolism is able to remain consistent.

Language is a very powerful tool and a good understanding of language is very empowering. If you have ever been to another country where you didn’t understand the language, you will understand how difficult it can be to find your way around. Many people in the field of social care feel like that right now. As part of what has become known as the professionalisation agenda, social care seems to have developed a language all of its own. If people don’t have a clear understanding of this language they will find it very difficult to navigate the world of social care.

Social care workers are increasingly working with people from a wide range of other professions – health care, housing, education, security and justice….. the list goes on. Each of these professions has also developed a language of its own making it even harder to find a way round the social care sector.

In addition to various professions having their own words and phrases, the NVQ Framework also seems to have a language all of its own. This has commonly become known as “NVQ speak”.

The British Government over the last few years appears to have been suffering from what has been called “initiativitis”. That is, the Government has created a range of organisations working in the care sector and has produced a range of initiatives affecting the delivery of social care. Many of these organisations and initiatives have resulted in further new words and phrases finding their way into the language of social care.

In 1926 the French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery famously said “language is the source of most understandings”. That has never been more true in the field of social care.

Abbreviations are perhaps what most of us think of when we think of the word “jargon”. Abbreviations in social and health care tend to be put together as a form of shorthand. Such jargon however, leads to perhaps the most dangerous form of misunderstandings. Do we all use the same shorthand? For example:-

** DOA can either be taken to mean “date of admission” or “dead on arrival”.
** CPR can either refer to the child protection register or a form of resuscitation
** NFA can be taken to mean “no fixed abode” or “no further action”.

The list is endless. Imagine the confusion that can be caused!

Issues around the use of anti-oppressive language have become much more prominent in recent years. The language we use can exclude and offend people (often accidentally). The language that we use reflects our own value base and therefore must receive careful attention in order to demonstrate an active commitment to anti-oppressive practice.

The subject of discriminatory or oppressive language is a complex one – and people can tie themselves in knots trying to work this out. Sometimes issues around language that aims not to discriminate is described as “political correctness” or “a play on words” and is dismissed. However, language is a living tool which grows and changes to reflect broader shifts and changes in society. Seeking to use language which is inclusive and anti-oppressive is vital.