Arizona Law & Life Insurance Policies

Arizona laws provide certain protections to you when you purchase life insurance. These protections range from how life insurance companies do business with you to what happens if the insurer fails and cannot pay claims. These laws are found under Title 20 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. You should understand these laws before you buy a policy in the state.

Grace Period

Insurance companies must give you a 30-day grace period when you miss a premium payment. This grace period allows you to catch up on your premium payment. During this time, the insurer cannot cancel your policy. You must make your next regularly scheduled premium payment on time.

Death Benefit Settlement

When you receive money from an insurance policy as a beneficiary, you must file a death benefit claim. You must also provide the insurance company with a copy of the death certificate. However, once you've done that, the insurance company has two full months to pay the death benefit. They must pay the death benefit within this time frame. If they do not, interest will accumulate on the death benefit amount until the benefit is paid.

Guaranty Association

Arizona has a state guaranty association called the Arizona Life and Disability Insurance Guaranty Fund. All insurance companies licensed to do business in the state must contribute to the fund. If an insurer fails, then the state pays out money to policyholders to compensate them for their loss. The compensation for the loss is limited, however. Maximum benefits are $300,000 for death benefits and $100,000 for those who have not died and are expecting cash value from their policies.

Creditors

You are protected from creditors in Arizona. Your beneficiaries will receive 100 percent of the death benefit because the death benefit is wholly protected from creditors. Your interest in the policy (cash value) is limited to a $25,000 exemption provided that you've owned the policy for at least two years and a child, spouse or family member is named the beneficiary. These protections are found under sections 20-1131 and 33-1126(A)(1) and (6), and (C) of the Arizona Revised Statues.

Tags: death benefit, premium payment, Arizona Life, Arizona Revised, cash value

Dental Health Kindergarten Activities

Dental Health Kindergarten Activities

Dental health kindergarten activities enable children to learn about the structure of teeth, how the teeth are positioned in the mouth, take care of teeth and what happens to teeth if they're not taken care of properly. Explain the importance of teeth to our digestive system and our ability to form and communicate words. By using fun activities to teach dental hygiene, you can alleviate some of the anxiety children feel about going to the dentist.

Tooth Terms

Create the pattern of a tooth to form a chart that you can hang in the room. Label the parts of the tooth, which include the root, pulp, nerves, dentin and enamel. Make copies of the chart. Hand a tooth pattern to each student. Have them glue their patterns to a piece of construction paper. Ask them to color and write down the name for each part of the tooth. Hand out gloss or white yarn that students can form into the tooth's nerves and glue them on to their tooth patterns. Pin their teeth on to a bulletin board.

Making Teeth

Divide the students into three groups. Ask the first group to flatten marshmallows to make incisors. Instruct the second group to flatten and snip the corners of the marshmallows to create canines. Direct the third group to make indents in the molars by pushing a small wad of paper into the middles of the marshmallows. Have them glue the three types of teeth in a semi-circle in the correct order on pink construction paper. This will represent the inside of the mouth.

Why Teeth Are Vulnerable

Give each child an apple and tell them to pretend it is a tooth. Ask them to use their pencils to poke a hole in the apple. Explain to the students that we get cavities when we don't brush and floss our teeth. Explain that we should eat in healthy ways and schedule regular visits to our dentists. Have the students place their apples on a shelf in the science center. Hand out word strips and ask them to stick their names on their apples. Ask the children to write down their observations of what happens to their apples during the course of a week. At the end of the experiment, ask students if they want their teeth to look like their apples.

Caring for Teeth

Pair the students and have them face one another. Designate one student as the tooth and the other as the flosser. Give the flosser a piece of yarn. Model wrap the yarn around two forefingers to achieve a steady grip. Ask the student who is the tooth to hold his hands up with fingers spread. Ask the flosser to scrape the sides of the other student's fingers, using an up and down motion. Switch the students so that everyone has a chance to floss. Hand out dental floss. Direct students to practice flossing their teeth in the same way they used the yarn.

Tags: their apples, their teeth, construction paper, Dental Health, Dental Health Kindergarten, group flatten

Arizona Health Insurance For Children

Arizona has a thriving and competitive private health insurance market, with coverage for families widely available via workplace group insurance and individually owned family plans. Options are more limited, however, for families who cannot afford private health insurance coverage for their children. To obtain coverage for your child, you need to understand the rules of each program.

Stand-Alone Private Insurance for Children Only

Until recently, it was relatively simple to purchase a stand-alone health insurance policy for a child without having to insure a parent or guardian. However, these policies have all but vanished from the market with the passage in 2010 of the Affordable Care Act, which, among its provisions, prohibits insurers from declining applications to cover children on the basis of pre-existing conditions.

Arizona Children's Health Insurance Program

Arizona KidsCare, the federally subsidized Children's Health Insurance Program, is not currently taking new applicants. This is because the Arizona state legislature voted to cease providing new benefits to children due to severe budgetary issues. You may apply, and if you qualify, your child will be placed on a waiting list for when the program is funded again. Meanwhile, the state will examine your application to see if your child may qualify for the AHCCCS, or Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, program which administers Medicaid programs in Arizona.

Medicaid

Medicaid is the federally subsidized, state-administered program to provide basic health services to the poor and indigent. Your child may qualify if your family meets strict income limitations. To insure a child under the age of 1, you may not have an income over $1,264 per month. For children age 1 through 5, that limit is $1,201. The limit is $903 per month for all other children.

Private Coverage

For most individuals, the best solution to provide health insurance for children is through privately owned insurance, either through a workplace plan or one you purchase yourself. Workplace plans have the advantage of guaranteed underwriting, meaning that all applicants who meet the qualification criteria are approved. The company or employer cannot pick and choose who gets covered and who does not. Employers also typically pay a portion the premium for health insurance. You can also get a plan you own yourself outside of work. These aren't subsidized, and you and your family do have to qualify medically. However, there is more flexibility on benefits and plan design than you get from a workplace plan. You also get to take your plan with you if you lose your job.

Tags: health insurance, Arizona Health, child qualify, Children Health, Children Health Insurance, children through, federally subsidized

What To Expect At Rheumatology Appointment

Your doctor may perform an X-ray examination.

A rheumatologist diagnoses and treats conditions of the joints, bones and muscles, such as arthritis, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia. This branch of medicine is known as rheumatology.

Considerations

If your joint, muscle or bone pain is severe or persistent, you may need to see a rheumatologist.

Preparation

Before your first appointment, make a list of any medications you have taken for your pain, and note whether they have worked. You should also bring information about your allergies and past medical problems.

Medical History

At the beginning of your appointment, you will fill out a questionnaire about your medical history.

Physical Exam

Your doctor will perform a physical exam to examine your bones, muscles and joints. Tell your doctor when you feel pain.

Diagnostic Tests

Your doctor may perform diagnostic tests such as X-rays or blood tests.

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Make A Trifold Brochure Template With Tabs

Print your brochure if you intend to distribute it.

Word processing programs allow you to create complex or simple tri-fold brochures. You can use the wide variety of tabs in the "Format" and "Page Setup" window to customize your brochure. Most brochures feature a cover page and two columns presenting information in the form of words and pictures. The best brochures get information across quickly and efficiently, using as few words and pictures as possible. You may wish to use simple fact bullets instead of long paragraphs.

Instructions

1. Open your word processing program of choice, such as Microsoft Word, Word Pad or Word Perfect.

2. Click the "File" button and select "New."

3. Click "File" and scroll to "Page Setup." Click on the "Paper Size" tab. Select the standard paper size and the "Landscape" orientation. Click on the "Margins" tab. Set the margins between .25 inches and .75 inches. Click the "OK" button.

4. Enter the columns that will create the tri-fold. Click the "Format" menu and scroll to "Columns." Enter "3." Click on the spacing tab and enter "1 inch." Click "OK."

5. Click "Tools" and scroll to "Options." Set text boundaries by selecting the "Text Boundaries" box and clicking on the "Paragraph Marks" option. Click the "OK" button.

6. Enter text and graphics in each column. Press the "File" menu and select "Save." Enter a file name and press "OK."

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Natural Treatment For Calcific Tendonitis

The natural treatment of calcific tendonitis includes the use of herbs such as turmeric.

Calcific tendonitis is characterized by an accumulation of calcium deposits in the rotator cuff of the shoulder, resulting in pain and limited range of motion. Usually, the condition eventually resolves itself. Meanwhile, pursuing a natural treatment for calcific tendonitis may help to reduce symptoms.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist will measure the loss of motion and perform a variety of manipulations to help loosen up the muscles and tendons surrounding the rotator cuff. The therapist also will recommend specific exercises for the patient to perform at home.

Ultrasonography

Also known as phonophoresis, this treatment involves the use of ultrasound technology to project heat onto the affected area.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Commonly expressed simply as TENS, the goal of this therapy is to electronically stimulate nerves in the affected region.

Acupuncture

A consensus statement issued by the National Institutes of Health states that acupuncture effectively reduces pain associated with orthopedic disorders.

Botanical Medicine

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, certain herbs may help to reduce inflammation. These include bromelain (pineapple enzyme), curcumin (turmeric), cat's claw, boswellia and white willow bark.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies made from Arnica montana, Rhus toxicodendron and Phytolacca may be used for the natural treatment of calcific tendonitis

Tags: calcific tendonitis, natural treatment, treatment calcific, treatment calcific tendonitis, help reduce, natural treatment calcific, rotator cuff

Black Lines In Fingernails & Heart Disease

Black lines in fingernails may indicate heart disease or nail trauma.

Black lines in fingernails often result from splinter hemorrhages--bleeding under the nails. Splinter hemorrhages, which occur because of blood vessel swelling or capillary damage, may signal heart disease or other heart conditions.

Lines in Fingernails

Lines in fingernails--called splinter or fingernail hemorrhages--can appear in shades of black, red or brown. The term "splinter" refers to the appearance of small vertical lines under the nail bed.

Heart Disease And Splinter Hemorrhages

Splinter hemorrhages generally appear in the later stages of endocarditis, a rare heart valve infection prevalent in those with underlying heart disease that causes inflammation of the heart's inner lining. Another condition, vasculitis, can cause these lines through an extreme allergic reaction that damages skin blood vessels.

Endocarditis And Vasculitis

Endocarditis results from germs that enter through other areas of the body, such as the mouth and infect the heart. This rare condition emerges most often in people with existing heart disease that undergo heart or dental surgeries. People suffering from vasculitis often develop painful skin lesions, such as sores, blisters or hives in different areas of the body.

Other Causes

If a heart condition exists, other serious symptoms appear that cause concern and likely result in health monitoring before splinter hemorrhages materialize. The National Institutes of Health indicate that physical trauma to the nail as well as drug use through injections can also cause splinter hemorrhages.

Treatment

If recent nail trauma has not occurred, people with dark lines in fingernails should visit a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment of any underlying conditions and causes.

Tags: areas body, Black lines, disease that, heart disease, heart disease

Are There Alternatives To Pap Smears

Regular screening for cervical cancer, in the form of pap smears, has been proven to reduce the number of deaths from cervical cancer. But many women, especially in developing countries, don't receive regular pap smears, either because of a shortage of doctors, the expense of a clinical exam or cultural mores than discourage such intimate examinations. Alternatives to a traditional pap smear allow more women to screen themselves.

DNA Testing

A simple swab that women do themselves is an easy, inexpensive alternative to the pap smear. The test checks for the presence of the DNA of the virus that causes most cervical cancers. There's no need for doctors to administer the test. The tests can be distributed in even remote villages, then mailed to a laboratory for the results. If this DNA is present, the woman can schedule a doctor's visit for further examination.

The test requires women to collect a small sample of vaginal secretions on a swab. This can be done in complete privacy, without the presence of a doctor. The swab is analyzed in a lab for the presence of human papilloma virus DNA. HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer.

Accuracy

The new DNA test is so accurate that it may one day replace traditional pap smears. An study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the DNA test was more effective than other methods at detecting cancer.

The test could be a big money-saver as well. Since there's no doctor's visit involved, the only cost is for the test itself, which can be as little as $5.

Tags: cervical cancer, doctor visit

Bachelor Degree Programs In Michigan

Students receive a bachelor's degree diploma upon graduating from college.

Undergraduate degrees refer to a post-secondary education degrees, typically obtained after completing high school-level courses. Earning a bachelor's degree entails fulfilling a college's designated requirements such as satisfying a specific amount of coursework hours and achieving a certain grade point average within a chosen major. The state of Michigan is home to a plethora of colleges and universities, offering several schools of study for undergraduate students.

Michigan State University

Michigan State University (MSU) is located in the city of East Lansing and offers a variety of academic bachelor's degree programs. The university has sixteen colleges providing diverse study in fields such as nursing, education, agriculture, business, natural science, engineering and music. Bachelor's degree programs include coursework within an array of majors such as political science, advertising, biology, sociology, economics and philosophy. Undergraduate specializations are available within major programs including Muslim studies, sustainable agriculture and food systems, international development and fiction film production.

University of Michigan

University of Michigan's (UM) main campus is situated in Ann Arbor, with additional campuses located in the cities of Dearborn and Flint. University of Michigan Ann Arbor offers bachelor's degree programs in 19 areas of study including architecture and urban planning, fine arts, pharmacy, social work and public policy.

UM Dearborn features four schools of study: the College of Arts, Sciences and Letters; the College of Business; the School of Education; and the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences. Bachelor's degrees are obtainable in majors such as history, French studies, elementary education, criminal justice and accounting.

UM Flint extends more than 100 bachelor's degree programs in majors within the arts and sciences, education and human services, business management and health professions and studies schools. In addition, UM Flint offers students the opportunity to customize their coursework and degree programs to best fit their academic and career needs.

Michigan Tech University

Michigan Tech University (MTU) is located in Houghton and provides bachelor's degree programs in major study areas such as health professions, engineering, computer sciences, mathematics, technology and education. Michigan Tech offers five schools of undergraduate study including the School of Technology, the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, the College of Engineering, the School of Business and Economics and the College of Sciences and Arts.

Tags: bachelor degree, University Michigan, degree programs, Michigan Tech, bachelor degree programs, bachelor degree programs, College Engineering

What Is The Rate Of Ovarian Cancer Growth

Ovarian cancer is one of the more deadly forms of reproductive cancer. According to Medline Plus, ovarian cancer results in more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer. One factor influencing this high mortality rate is the astonishing growth rate seen among certain cases of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer

Age increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer, along with genetics (presence of the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genes), and a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancers. The trouble with ovarian cancer is that tumors in the area can grow quite large before they trigger symptoms, making early detection difficult.

Growth Rate

Growth rate of tumors is another possible complicating factor when it comes to early detection. According to information from the BC Cancer Agency, the growth rate of some types of ovarian cancer (specifically tumors based on germ cells) can develop quite rapidly and aggressively, making early detection next to impossible.

Considerations

Not all types of ovarian cancer are predisposed to an exceptionally rapid rate of development. Aside from the germ cell tumors mentioned above, the other two types of ovarian cancer (epithelial ovarian and sex cord stromal) can have growth rates that vary widely, ranging from relatively slow (taking years to progress) to fairly aggressive (manifesting symptoms within several months to a year).

Survival Rate

Detecting ovarian cancer early through routine pelvic examinations can help increase the odds of survival, no matter how rapid the growth rate of the particular tumor happens to be. If caught in the early stages, the five year survival rate for ovarian cancer is around 94 percent, according to Medline Plus. However, as ovarian cancer is not normally detected until it is advanced, the average five year survival rate for all cases of ovarian cancer is only 46 percent.

Warnings

Certain medications have been shown to increase the growth rate of ovarian cancers. According to a 2001 article in ScienceDaily, certain estrogen therapy drugs such as Raloxifene can serve to accelerate the natural progression of ovarian cancer, along with increasing the rate of recurrence for those already afflicted.

Tags: ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer, early detection, types ovarian, types ovarian cancer, along with

Pennsylvania Health Insurance Regulations

Pennsylvania has several state-specific mandated health insurance related regulations. These include mandated policy benefits for health and long-term care, and regulations for producers and insurance companies selling policies in Pennsylvania. Regulations benefit the consumer and require insurers and producers to maintain fair practices. Pennsylvania regulation includes specified penalties for insurers and producers who do not comply with the mandates and laws.

Pennsylvania Mandated Benefits

Pennsylvania has more than 10 mandated benefits required to be included in all Pennsylvania-issued individual and group health insurance policies. Several of the mandates are women's health related, such as requirements for postpartum coverage, annual gynecological exams and mammograms. Others are substance abuse and mental illness related, stipulating minimum benefits for each. Lastly, several regulated mandates involve children. Pennsylvania requires health insurance policies to cover childhood immunizations and require coverage for adopted, newborn and physically and mentally handicapped children.

Pennsylvania Long-term Policy Regulations

In Pennsylvania, long-term care policies have many regulations and required provisions. These regulations provide fairness to Pennsylvania residents and must be included with each sold policy, individual or group. Policies must include an outline of coverage, a free look period of 30 days in which the policy holder can return the policy for a full refund. Policies also must contain a portability clause, inflation protection and provisions covering pre-existing conditions. Agents and insurers must provide a "shopper's guide" prior to application and cannot exceed certain commission levels. Insures not following regulations are subject to civil penalties up to $10,000, as of 2011.

Health Insurance Producer Regulations

A governor-appointed commission, that oversees producer regulations, heads the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Health insurance producers, agents and brokers are subject to many licensing laws and regulations. Producers must be 18 years of age, complete a pre-licensing course and pass an exam. Producers have a fiduciary responsibility to handle funds properly and cannot engage in unfair insurance practices as defined by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Pennsylvania also defines unfair discrimination and requires each insurer in Pennsylvania to pay an annual assessment fee into the Insurance Fraud Prevention Trust Fund each April 1.

Other Department of Insurance Regulations

The Department of Insurance requires health insurance producers to report action taken against them in other states, criminal charges and notification of change of address or name to the Commissioner within 30 days of occurring. Insurers must file their premium rates and policy forms with the Commissioner within 30 days of initial occurrence or changes. The commission has 10 days to approve rates or hold a hearing after receiving the information. The commission must approve or disapprove changes to a form within 30 days. Additionally, the commission will examine each insurer at least every five years to ensure regulation compliance.

Tags: within days, children Pennsylvania, Commissioner within, Commissioner within days, Department Insurance, each insurer, health insurance policies

Symptoms Of Breast Malignancies

According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the leading cancer among women; in the first four months of 2009, more than 190,000 new cases were diagnosed and it has taken more than 40,000 lives. Every 68 seconds, another woman dies from this disease. Knowing the symptoms of this devastating disease can help lower these numbers; the earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the higher the survival rate.

Lumps

This is generally the first sign of breast cancer. A lump may be discovered by you or your doctor, and if is painless, hard and has uneven edges, it is more likely to be a breast malignancy.

Nipple Changes

If your nipple turns inward, the skin around it becomes thick, or discharge other than milk leaks from it, you need to see your doctor.

Skin Appearance

If there is a redness of the skin around the breast, or the skin itself becomes scaly, irritated, or becomes dimpled, it may be due to a breast malignancy.

Pain

Pain in the breast, nipple or the skin around the breast are also indications of a breast malignancy.

Early Detection

Early detection is crucial to receiving the best results from your treatments and increasing your survival rate. Early detection can be achieved by performing regular self breast exams and having annual mammograms.

Considerations

Though the above symptoms may not always be an indication of a breast malignancy, any time there is a change your breast, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Tags: breast malignancy, skin around, around breast, breast cancer, more than, skin around breast, survival rate

Augmented Reality Definition

Augmented reality, also known as AR, is a term used for a progressive kind of modern information technology today. It is becoming more popular with the advent of mobile phone operating systems such as Google Android. Combined with services such as Google Maps, augmented reality is becoming a useful and convenient tool.

AR Basics

Augmented reality is basically the concept of overlaying a live video stream, such as one from the camera on a mobile phone, with a layer of data. This data may be used for entertainment or informational purposes. It is also being used for advertising.

GPS Information

Many modern mobile phones have the ability to access their location information via GPS. This enables a mobile phone user to view her location on a map using a service such as Google Maps. This also allows augmented reality software to better understand what information is more relevant to a mobile phone user.

Visual Recognition Software

Another feature of much augmented reality software is the visual recognition of objects, such as architecture, in a video stream. Combined with GPS data, augmented reality software can identify buildings in a live video stream. This enables augmented reality software to display a layer of information about a building that the camera of a mobile phone is pointing at.

As A Tool

Augmented reality has many possibilities for the future of mobile computing. An active video stream of a city can be completely layered with data about architecture, mapping information, recommended dining, transportation and much more.

Entertainment

Augmented reality can also be used for entertainment purposes. One example is the integration of animated 3D objects in a live video stream. An example is a cartoon character appearing on a street when the street is viewed with a camera.

Tags: mobile phone, video stream, augmented reality software, reality software, augmented reality, live video

Areola Capsular Contracture Removal

Breast augmentation surgery, also known as mammaplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure for women who wish to restore the fullness of their breasts--which may have been lost due to nursing or weight loss--or to enlarge the size of their breasts. This procedure involves the insertion of breast implants, which are FDA approved medical devices. This type of surgical procedure involves certain risks, including capsular contracture, which can affect the appearance of the breast and areola.

Consultation

Consult with your plastic surgeon before breast augmentation surgery to ensure you are fully apprised of all risks. Since capsular contracture is the most common complication of breast augmentation surgery, you should understand what symptoms to be aware of for early detection.

Self-Examination

Examine your breasts on a regular basis after breast augmentation surgery so you know how your breasts and areolas are supposed to look and feel. Although capsular contraction can occur at any time, it most commonly occurs within the first several months after surgery. Capsular contracture will cause the area around the implant to feel hard. It may appear ball-like and can cause the breast, areola, and nipple to look contracted or distorted. If you discover any sign of capsular contracture you should contact your surgeon for a thorough examination.

Surgery

Discuss treatment with your surgeon. Capsular contracture usually requires surgery to correct the problem. The implants will typically need to be removed before the capsulated tissue can be removed. The patient will need to decide before surgery whether she wishes to have the implants reinserted.

Tags: augmentation surgery, breast areola, breast augmentation, breast augmentation surgery, capsular contracture, procedure involves

The Average Cost Of Breast Implants

Breast augmentation can be a costly surgical procedure. However, beware of any surgeon offering a price that is much lower than average. As the old adage goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Also bear in mind that breast implants do not last a lifetime, and will often need to be removed and replaced. You may also suffer from a complication during the surgery and will need to have them removed right away. All prices quoted below are current as of 2009.

Anesthesia

The average fee for anesthesia is typically between $600 and $800.

Implants

The implants themselves typically cost between $1,000 and $1,300.

Surgeon's Fee

Surgeons vary with their fees, but expect to pay about $3,000 to $4,000.

Complications

Keep in mind that all surgeries carry the risk of complications, such as infections or hematomas. Treating any complications will raise the total cost.

Insurance

Health insurance usually does not cover cosmetic surgery, as it is an elective procedure. They will also not cover any costs associated with complications from breast implants.

Tags: breast implants, mind that

What Are The Causes Of Calcification In Abdominal Aorta

What Are the Causes of Calcification in Abdominal Aorta?

A hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, is sometimes called "calcification." It may occur in any artery of the body, including the abdominal aorta, and must be treated in order to prevent even more serious disease.

Identification

Calcification is a phrase used to describe the hardening of the main artery of the body, the aorta, as it passes through the abdomen.

Significance

This accumulation of cholesterol is also called atherosclerosis and is the main cause of calcification in the abdominal aorta. The artery hardens as plaque forms to help heal damaged aortic tissue.

Causes

Aortic tissue is additionally injured by smoking, consuming too much fat and high blood pressure. Diabetics with high blood sugar are also prone to atherosclerosis.

Effects

Minimizing the causes of calcification in an abdominal aorta is vital in order to avoid even more serious conditions like coronary or peripheral arterial disease and an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Prevention/Solution

Remedies known to reduce the risk of an abdominal aorta include aspirin, cholesterol lowering medications, omega-3 fatty acids, exercise and smoking cessation, according to the UCLA Comprehensive Atherosclerosis Treatment Program.

Tags: abdominal aorta, abdominal aorta, artery body, calcification abdominal, Calcification Abdominal, calcification abdominal aorta

Make A Stereoscope

Making a stereoscope in the classroom offers teachers the chance to show students not only use angles and rulers but offers the chance to talk about sight, vision and dimensions. An adult should supervise making a stereoscope.

Instructions

Preparing the Box

1. Begin with a cardboard box measuring 18 X 18 inches that has been cut so that the sides are 6 1/2 inches all the way around and the inside base is smooth and even. Place excess card from cutting aside for later use.

2. Find the center of one of the long sides of the box and cut, using a utility knife, a hole measuring 6 X 2 inches and removing the excess card. This hole will serve as the viewfinder.

3. Use the left over card from steps 1 and 2 and measure, draw and cut out 4 squares each measuring 6 x 6 inches.

4. Cut a square from step 5 in half diagonally and choose the most accurate triangle from the two you have created.

5. Score a vertical line down the center of another square from step 4 and fold in half. Score means to go along half-way through the card with your knife. Be sure to use a ruler to get accurate results.

6. Attach triangle from step 5 to folded card in step 6 by gluing edges of the right angle of triangle into the base of the card. This looks like an open book cover with a triangle at its base. Be sure the two pieces attach by applying additional tape to the backsides of the card.

7. Attach mirrors measuring 6 x 3 inches to the outside edges of the folded square in step 6. The mirrors should be vertical with their edges lined up with the fold mark. This is the pedestal viewer.

Creating the Angles

8. Use a pencil and ruler to draw vertical lines the length of the inside base of the box. The lines should start 7.25 inches away from the box corners and evenly flank the viewing area. An additional line joining up the two lines with the viewer at the center will make step 9 easier.

9. Fix one of the remaining card squares from step 8 at a 45 degree angle from the lines you drew in step 8 so that its outer edges touch the side walls of bottom right corner of the box. The corner right hand line of step 8 should meet the center of the angled square.

10. Repeat step 9 with remaining square on bottom left corner of the box making sure to mirror the angles and positions in step 10.

11. Stick mirrors measuring 6 x 6 inches to the fronts of the corner squares using loops of masking tape on the backs. Be sure the general structure of card wedge and mirror is secure and in place using masking tape.

12. Place the pedestal viewer from step 7 in front of the viewing hole so that the smaller mirrors on the viewer face the corner mirrors in the box.

13. Place an image (usually the same image repeated side by side with slight variation) on the opposite wall of the pedestal viewer and use the viewer to ensure all angles and measurements are exact.

14. Glue mirrors and cards permanently in place once all adjustments are to your liking.

Tags: from step, measuring inches, pedestal viewer, card from, card This, excess card

What Are The Benefits Of Being A Sonographer

Sonographers perform medical tests on patients, using sound waves to create images. They produce sonograms, best known for their role in peering at an unborn child. Many expectant parents are anxious to "see" their baby in a sonogram. Sonographers work in other fields in addition to obstetrics. A wealth of opportunities in the medical field, as well as relatively high salaries and rewarding job duties, are benefits of becoming a sonographer.

Patient Interaction

Sonographers interact with patients. They begin by telling the patient what is going to happen and then use a piece of medical equipment called a transducer, which channels sound waves and creates on on-screen image. Sonographers interpret this image to diagnose health conditions.

Working Environment

Sonographers usually work in clean and safe environments with regular hours. They may be working directly in hospitals or a doctor's office with patients or may be working in darkrooms with diagnostic imaging machines. Although the work environment is generally positive, the nature of the work may have some physical risks: Sonographers may have to stand for long periods of time, help patients who are unable to move or do repetitive motions that make them susceptible to carpal tunnel. Finally, reading the imaging machine may put sonographers at risk for eye strain.

Good Pay

The median (midpoint) salary for sonogaphers was $57,160 as of May 2006, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of sonographers were able to earn an estimated $77,520 annually. Sonographers who worked for private physicians tended to have higher salaries than those working in hospital environments.

Job Growth

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that job prospects for sonographers will be strong through 2016. The estimated rate of growth between 2006 and 2016 is 19 percent, which is higher then the 12 percent average annual growth for most occupations. An aging population is expected to be a contributing factor for the growth of this position.

Opportunities

Sonographers have the opportunity to specialize in a number of different fields. Specialization allows sonographers to direct their own careers, and most sonographers who specialize in a particular field are able to earn higher levels of compensation. Areas of specialization include obstetric sonographers (fetal sonographers), abdominal sonographers (sonogramers who image the stomach and digestive track), neurosonographers (sonographers who image the brain and nervous system) and breast sonographers.

Tags: able earn, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics, Sonographers have, sound waves, with patients

Answering Machine Ideas

Answering machines record incoming messages and help you screen calls.

Although the prominence of cellular phones has made home answering machines less necessary for some people, many still use the devices to screen calls and record callers' messages when they are out somewhere and can't get to the phone. Various types of answering machines on the market can perform a variety of tasks. Consider some ideas that will make your answering machine serve you, your family or business well, and entertain or inform your callers.

Setup Ideas

Answering machines can be set up in a variety of ways. The typical answering machine for home use is a plug-in unit, normally connected directly to your phone line, that answers after a pre-set number of rings and records incoming messages digitally or on a tape.

That is not the only option you have, though. You can set up your computer to take calls. Many modern computers and software applications can receive calls from your phone line and record messages directly to your computer’s hard drive. If you have DSL, you can be online while the computer fields your calls and takes messages for you. If you have had to stay in the dial-up Internet world, you’ll have to disable call waiting to use the line for Internet purposes without having your session interrupted by calls. But your answering program still can take the calls you'd otherwise miss.

Message Ideas

Depending on what line you have your answering machine hooked up to answer, there could be differences in the way you'll want the machine to answer calls. The greeting should be appropriate for the nature of the likely calls.

If you are recording a greeting for your business, make the message productive. Don’t settle for, "You have reached Company X. We’re not available. Leave your name and number and we’ll call you back." This may be enough to get the minimal information you want, but if you use the opportunity to get a message to a very captive audience, you may win a new customer. Try describing what you do, and include a call to action. Record a message like, "Thank you for calling Company X. We’re here to provide you with the best in [your service]. Leave your name, number and a detailed message, and we will return your call as soon as possible."

Use the greeting as an opportunity to spread the word about your business. "Visit our website at [company URL] to get more information on the area’s best [your service], and we’ll be in touch very shortly."

On the other hand, if you are recording a greeting at home, you may want to lighten the mood for friends and family who call. Try recording a funny message that shows your personality. The Fallout Software website suggests humorous messages such as, "Hi. I am probably home; I'm just avoiding someone I don't like. Leave me a message, and if I don't call back, it's you."

Answering machine greetings are a limitless opportunity for creativity. If you can't strike quite the right note, numerous websites offer ideas to get you started.

Family Voicemail

You may choose to avoid a physical answering machine altogether. You can contact your phone service provider and set up a family voice mail plan that automatically answers calls for you after a set number of rings. Mailboxes can be customized so that callers can select with the press of a button which family member they wish to leave a message for. Then each family member can create a greeting for his or her own mailbox.

Tags: answering machine, your answering, your phone, best your, best your service, call back, Company We’re

Uses Of Mini Computers

Minicomputers employed large reels of tape to store information.

Minicomputer is a relative term. These antiquated machines were developed in the 1960's, and used heavily into the 1980's, at which point they were replaced by personal computers. Minicomputers were compact alternatives to the large, room-sized computers of the same era. Costing somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,000 through the 60's and 70's, minicomputers had a limited range of functionality, and were used for three primary purposes: process control, data management, and communications.

Process Control

Minicomputers were often used in manufacturing sectors for process control. A minicomputer used for process control has two primary functions. The first function of a process control minicomputer is data acquisition. The second function of a process control minicomputer is feedback, or, controlling a process. A concrete example: a manufacturing plant uses a minicomputer. The minicomputer monitors the manufacturing process. If an element of the process slows, stops, or accelerates, the computer takes note (data acquisition) and makes the necessary adjustments to the system (feedback).

Data Management

Minicomputers used for data management can be employed to acquire data, as in process control, generate data, or simply as a storage system for information. An example of a minicomputer used for data management can be found in the case of a PDP-8 computer purchased by the Wesson Memorial Hospital of Springfield, Massachusetts, in the early 1970's. The computer was used to both generate and store radiation treatment plans for patients, and as a tumor registry system, through which the hospital create a database of all patient tumors and related information.

Communications

Minicomputers can be used as a communications tool in a larger system. For instance, if an operation is using both a minicomputer and a larger, central computer or processor, a minicomputer can be used as a portal of communication between the human element and central processor of the system. Operations like error checking, polling, and line buffering can be run through a minicomputer. A person can then check this information on the screen of other minicomputer, and use the minicomputer to communicate and necessary system adjustments to the central computer or processor.

Tags: process control, control minicomputer, data management, minicomputer used, process control minicomputer, central computer

Physical Therapy Job Interview Questions

Physical therapy job candidates are likely to face a variety of questions regarding their training, methods and communication styles. Being ready to face each type of question will help you to answer the questions concisely and confidently. Prepare your answers before the interview and practice them to be as prepared as possible.

Certifications and Registrations

You may be asked about your professional certifications and registrations as a physical therapist. Be ready to provide the titles of all of your diplomas, certificates and what professional organizations have certified you and where you have received training.

Methods

Interview questions may involve your style and methods of working with patients. You may be asked how you help set patients at ease or how you deal with particularly uncooperative patients.

Qualities

Your interviewer may ask you what you believe are some important traits in successful physical therapists and then ask you to name the area in which you are the weakest.

Future Goals

At your physical therapy interview, you could be asked where you see yourself in five years. Your interviewer is trying to get a feeling for where you want to take your career next and whether you are likely to stay with the company for a significant period of time. In addition, the interviewer wants to know if you are a person who constantly seeks to improve himself professionally. Vault, a career website, says that physical therapists "may decide to conduct research and try to publish clinical studies, they may decide to become a board-certified clinical specialist, they may decide that they want to go into teaching."

Population

If you are interviewing at a health care facility that offers treatment and care for a specific population, you likely will have to answer why you want to work with that population. You may be asked how your interest in working with that population came about. If you are interviewing for your first job as a physical therapist, it's acceptable to tell the employer that you want to become a skilled physical therapist for all populations and then specialize in one population later in your career.

Your Questions

When it is your turn to ask some questions, ask questions to find out about new technologies or therapies the employer utilizes in the facility and about the backgrounds of the people with whom you will be working.

Tags: physical therapist, physical therapists, that population, they decide, with that

Defeat Last Stand In "Plants Vs Zombies"

"Plants Vs. Zombies" is a "tower defense" video game released for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Apple iOS, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, Nintendo DS and Android. Players usesa variety of plants to protect their house and yard from invading zombie hordes. Each plant has a special defensive or offensive function and players must select the most appropriate plants for use on each board. "Last Stand" is a mini-game that becomes available for purchase in-game after beating Adventure Mode and 13 other mini-games. The key to defeating the level is utilizing the correct plants and placing them in the correct locations in the yard.

Instructions

1. Bring these seeds with you into battle: lily pad, pumpkin, gold magnet, magnet-shroom, marigold, starfruit, spikeweed, spikerock and cattail.

2. Plant two rows of marigolds at the back of the yard, near the house.

3. Plant two rows of starfruits on the third and fourth rows, in front of the marigolds.

4. Place a pumpkin on the starfruits nearest to the pool on the right side of the yard.

5. Plant two cattails next to the starfruits you just placed pumpkins on, then put pumpkins on the cattails.

6. Place two magnet-shrooms at strategic positions of your choosing.

7. Plant other plants as you see fit, as the current selection is enough to protect your yard. Replace lost plants as necessary and defend your yard!

Tags: Last Stand, Plant rows, Plants Zombies, your yard

Determine Your Liver Health

You need to have blood work done in order to determine the health of your liver. Your doctor or a walk-in clinic will be able to help you.

Instructions

Who can order blood work

1. Talk to your primary care physician or the professionals on staff at a local walk-in clinic about the lab work you need for the information you seek.

2. Explain to the provider why you are concerned about the health of your liver. For example, do you have a family history of liver disease, are you are a heavy drinker, or do you just want to know? Some of the tests ordered might include a liver function panel or hepatic panel, which will check for blood levels of total protein, albumin, bilirubin and liver enzymes.

3. Find a laboratory that will draw the blood and test it on-site. Ask how long it takes to get the results.

4. The provider that ordered the blood work will contact you with the results of the tests. You can request a copy of the lab work.

Tags: blood work, health your, health your liver, walk-in clinic

Neck Cyst Tumor

A cyst is a closed sac that has a distinct membrane and develops abnormally in the body. It is generally a benign form of tumor. Most cysts are problematic only if they become cancerous, infected or pose some type of structural issue. Neck cyst tumors exist as a wide variety of benign formations or lumps on some region of the neck.

General Symptoms

While there are a number of varying types of neck cyst tumors, general symptoms might include a palatable lump in the neck, trouble swallowing, difficulty moving the head and occasionally pain.

Causes

Causes of these formations are as wide-ranging as the tumors themselves. Some cysts are neoplastic, meaning a new growth of tissue serving no physiological function. While other cysts are congenital, meaning they have existed from birth.

Diagnosis

Several factors are involved in the diagnosis of neck cyst tumors, with special consideration given to the patient's age and history. With children it is important to determine if the nature of the mass is neoplastic, inflammatory or congenital. In adult patients, it is most likely to be a neoplasm or new growth. Needle aspiration biopsies may be used to diagnosis and establish a course of treatment.

Dermoid Cyst

Dermoid cysts are firm, noncancerous tumors usually located in the central region of the neck and attached to overlying skin, frequently containing skin cells and follicles. It is important to distinguish them from other types of masses that can exist in that area, such as inflamed lymph nodes or enlarged thyroid glands. Treatment is complete surgical removal.

Thyroglossal Duct Cyst

A thyroglossal duct cyst is a fibrous cyst located in the thyroglossal duct that presents as a midline neck mass. Large lumps may cause difficulty breathing and swallowing. Infection may produce pain. Most thyroglossal duct cysts, however, are smooth and painless. Treatment is surgical resection, often requiring removal of a portion of the hyoid bone.

Tags: cyst tumors, region neck, thyroglossal duct

Normal Ranges For Blood Test Results

Blood tests are used to determine levels of sugars, minerals or hormones; number of cells; organ function; effectiveness of drugs; or the presence of bacteria or viruses. The results of these tests are compared against a reference range or the values seen in 95 percent of a population.

Blood tests require a small extraction of blood, usually from an arm or fingertip.

CBC

One of the most common blood tests performed is a complete blood count, or CBC. CBCs determine the number of white blood cells, the volume of red blood cells (hemocrit), the amount of oxygen carried by the red blood cells (hemoglobin levels), and a count of your platelets. The levels of these cells, when compared to appropriate reference ranges, gives your health care provider information about many of your body's functions.

Glucose

Another common test is a glucose test, which measures the levels of sugar in your blood. This test, usually done while fasting, tests for diabetes. A sample reference range for a healthy, fasting adult is 60 to 99 milligrams per deciliter.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol, a fatty substance essential to building up cell membranes, is associated with heart disease at certain levels. A reference range for a healthy adult is a total cholesterol level of less than 200, with an LDL (low density lipoprotein, the kind that commonly leaves plaque deposits in arteries) level of 100 or less.

Thyroid

To measure the healthy function of the thyroid, levels of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4) is measured. There are many tests that can measure T4 levels, but tests measuring "free" T4--the amount of T4 circulating freely in the blood--are most common. Normal ranges are determined by your health care provider and the testing lab, and will vary. However, high levels of T4 suggest hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), while lower levels are characteristic of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

PT/INR

If you experience unexplained bleeding or are taking blood thinner medications (such as Warfarin), another very common---if not weekly---blood test you may experience is prothrombin time (PT) or international normalized ratio (INR). PT/INR tests measure the amount of time it takes for blood to clot. Overly slow or quick blood clot times may indicate bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia) or that the patient's blood thinner medication dose must be adjusted. Your health care provider and testing lab can provide you with your healthy PT/INR range, but a normal reference range for clotting (in healthy adults) falls between 10 and 13 seconds.

Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests (LFTs) are a suite of tests that can be performed to measure the health and function of the liver. LFTs include several tests---levels of liver enzymes, cholesterol, and PT/ING---but a common component is testing for the proteins, albumin and globulin, in the blood. Abnormally high or low total protein testing (TP) can indicate malfunctions in the liver. A normal reference range for TP in a healthy adult is between 6.5 to 8.2 grams per deciliter.

Tags: reference range, blood cells, care provider, health care, health care provider, range healthy

Get Free Stuff In Louisville Ky

Three interstate highways - 64, 65 and 71 - carry traffic into or around the city of Louisville, Kentucky.

Louisville, the largest city in the commonwealth of Kentucky, has a population of 597,337 as of 2011, according to the website Sperling's Best Places. The website notes that the city's cost of living is 14.9 percent lower than the national average, but points out that unemployment rate is slightly higher. Many agencies and organizations in Louisville are actively engaged in efforts to provide for free what some people are unable to purchase.

Instructions

1. Identify and visit restaurants where children eat for free.

2. Sign up for Freecycle Louisville - an email group through which members give away items they no longer use in order to keep them out of landfills. Find free furniture, clothing, toys and food through the list.

3. Enroll your child in the free and reduced meals program of Jefferson County Public Schools. Enrollment provides your child with free breakfast and lunch each day during the school year, eliminates fees for field trips and precludes the need to pay class fees in high school.

4. Contact the PTA or the Family Resource Center/Youth Services Center at your child's school for uniform assistance. Upon request, the JCPS PTA gives each student enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program a pair of uniform pants, a shirt, a package of underwear and a package of socks.

5. Ask your child's school about any donated uniforms that your child might be able to use and return when they are outgrown.

6. Contact Community Ministries. This association of neighborhood ministries offers an array of services, including financial assistance, free food, free clothing and much more.

7. Eat a free meal at any of the many Louisville area soup kitchens. Homelessness is not a requirement. Many people who eat at the soup kitchens have an apartment and a job, but also have difficulty affording food.

8. Receive free dental care through Twice Touched Ministries. These free clinics are conducted throughout the year at different locations.

9. Visit the Clothes Closet at 2124 W. Muhammed Ali Boulevard between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to obtain free clothing.

Tags: your child, child school, free clothing, free reduced, soup kitchens, your child school

What Is The Pay For An Ultrasound Technician

Ultrasound technicians can specialize to increase their wages.

Ultrasound technicians, also known as sonography technicians, use medical imaging equipment to take pictures of structures inside the body. This medical technician field pays an average of more than $60,000, and the demand for technicians is on the rise due to the increasing population. Considering that you need only one to four years of education to enter the field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, becoming a ultrasound technician is a very lucrative healthcare career choice.

Pay Average and Range

Ultrasound technicians make an average annual salary of $63,640 based on 2009 data, says the BLS. This is roughly $30.60 per hour. The lowest earners in the profession make $43,990 a year, or $21.15 per hour. Pay is as high as $85,950 annually -- $41.32 an hour -- for some experienced sonographers, or about double what an entry-level worker makes.

Top Sectors

Ultrasound technicians usually work in hospitals and doctors' offices, according to 2009 BLS information. However, these employers don't always provide the highest wages for the field. Sonographers sometimes make better wages in outpatient care centers ($64,560); colleges, universities and professional schools ($66,250); specialty hospitals ($67,070); and employers associated with management of companies and enterprises ($67,890). The employment services sector pays the highest rates to ultrasound technicians, offering $68,020 a year. This is almost 7 percent better than the industry average. Of the best-paying sectors, most sonographers work in outpatient care centers.

Top States

Because geographical regions have different costs of living, sonographer pay varies according to location. The best states for ultrasound technician compensation are Alaska ($75,500), Washington ($76,980), Colorado ($77,380), Oregon ($78,320) and Massachusetts ($78,320), according to 2009 data from the BLS. These figures represent an 18.6 to 23 percent increase over the industry average.

Experience

As with other healthcare professions, education plays a role in how much an ultrasound technician makes. Those with under a year of experience make $30,304 to $51,395 as of 2011, according to ultrasoundtechnician-schools.net. With one to four years in the field, technicians make $36,164 to $52,267. Five to nine years of experience in the profession yield $41,724 to $59,793. With a decade in the industry, a sonographer makes $75,000 or more.

Considerations

Pay for ultrasound technicians increased by 0.4 percent from 2008 to 2009, says the BLS. Additionally, ultrasound technicians can increase their pay by gaining certifications in a specialty. Specialty examples include areas such as obstetrics, cardiac imaging and magnetic resonance imaging.

Tags: Ultrasound technicians, ultrasound technicians, 2009 data, according 2009, care centers

Lesions Within The Spleen

Dogs may develop lesions within the spleen. These lesions may cause serious adverse effects on the dog's health and should be evaluated by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Identification

A splenic lesion is a mass found within the spleen. These lesions may be benign or malignant and may require treatment and surgical removal.

Canine Hemangiosarcoma

According to the College Of Veterinary Medicine at the University Of Georgia, the most common lesion within the spleen of the dog is the hemangiosarcoma (or HSA). This type of lesion accounts for 51 to 66 percent of all tumors in the spleen. HSA occurs more commonly in large breed dogs that are 8 to13 years old. HSA is a malignant tumor that may also affect the heart, skin, lungs, aorta, oral cavity, kidneys, bone, muscle, urinary tract, tongue, intestines, prostate, vagina, conjunctiva and peritoneum. The prognosis for dogs with HSA is poor, even with aggressive treatment.

Mast Cell Tumors

Mast cell tumors usually begin on the skin and may move to the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow. Mast cell tumors account for approximately 20 percent of all skin related tumors, and usually occur in dogs around 8 to 9 years old. Mast cell tumors within the spleen may produce symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, black tarry stools, and abdominal pain.

Hematoma/Nodular Hyperplasia

Hematomas and nodular hyperplasia are commonly found lesions within the spleen. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, these account for about 20 to 41 percent of all lesions found in the spleen. These lesions are benign. Surgical removal is a successful treatment in most dogs.

Considerations

If your dog experiences any unusual symptoms, consult a veterinarian. Early detection is key to treating lesions and masses within the spleen.

Tags: within spleen, cell tumors, spleen These, spleen These lesions, These lesions, College Veterinary, lesions benign

The Average Yearly Salary Of Radiologists In Georgia

Radiologists consult with colleagues to determine a patient's treatment plan.

Radiologist earn their living by helping other doctors determine what is occurring inside their patients by using non-invasive imaging technology. Whether determining the severity of a soft tissue injury, or finding the location of a cancerous tumor, radiologists must consult with referring doctors to determine the best treatment options for the patient.

Average Salary

The average salary of a radiologist in Georgia as of May 2011 was $410,188, according to data compiled by CareerBuilder. The job listing website said the average salary range was $290,822 to $491,768.

Compared to National Figures

Radiologists working in Georgia earn more than the national average for all radiologists. According to CareerBuilder, the average national salary for radiologists is $337,598, with an average range of $239,356 to $404,740.

Benefits

Radiologists working in Georgia can expect benefits to add nearly $100,000 of value to their total compensation package. The value of benefits for a radiologist working in Atlanta, the state capital of Georgia, include $3,835 of bonuses, $12,539 of Social Security, $9,310 toward a 401(k) plan, $2,857 of disability insurance, $6,507 of health care coverage, $15,680 toward a pension, and $50,231 worth of time off.

Employment Outlook

Radiologists are projected to be in high demand as the as the U.S. population ages. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that while the need for all doctors is expected to increase by 22 percent during the 10-year period from 2008 to 2018, radiologists will be needed to diagnose cancer and other ailments that are not uncommon among older patients.

Tags: average salary, consult with, doctors determine, Radiologists working, Radiologists working Georgia, working Georgia

Know If You Are In Menopause

Menopause is something that happens to every woman as she gets older. It is sometimes called "the change of life" because of all the changes going on in her body. Although menopause usually starts when a woman is in her 50s, it can also happen at an earlier or later age. There are signs that every woman experiences to let her know she has reached menopause.

Instructions

1. Hot flashes are a common sign of menopause. They can last from a few seconds to a few minutes, and they usually affect the neck, face and shoulders. The affected areas get red and flushed-looking and warm to the touch. Night sweats are another form of hot flashes that can make sleeping difficult. Not all women experience hot flashes and some women experience only hot flashes during menopause.

2. Some women have regular periods all their lives until menopause, at which point they become irregular or become heavier or lighter. This is because of a decrease in the production of estrogen in your body. Most women are finished with menopause when it has been a year since their last period.

3. There are women who are unfortunate enough to experience vaginal dryness during menopause, which can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful. Menopause can also cause a woman's sex drive to slow or stop altogether. This is also due to decreasing estrogen production. Vaginal and urinary tract infections may occur more often during menopause.

4. Women who are in menopause may have mood swings, which may at times be severe. If you are having trouble with anxiety and depression, you should see a doctor.

5. Because of a loss of estrogen in the body, our bones start losing mass. This can lead to osteoporosis. Heavier women have more problems with osteoporosis than thin women. Taking vitamin D and calcium supplements can help slow down bone loss, and to some extent help slow weight gain.

Tags: during menopause, every woman, help slow, menopause which, women experience

Asymmetrical Breast Problems

Asymmetrical breasts have several variations and causes. Among these are size or shape differences from one side of the body to the other, or in severe cases total absence of the breast. In the majority of women, the exact cause is unknown. Yet for many others it is due to trauma, infection or a tumor.There are steps that can be taken to equalize the physical differences between breasts.

Effects

Asymmetry does more than effect a woman's physical appearance. The damage to a young girl's self-esteem can have far reaching repercussions, including the ability to have intimate relationships.

Nonsurgical Remedies

If the differences between breasts are purely cup size, purchase a bra that fits the larger breast. On the side of the smaller breast purchase silicone breast forms in the size of the larger breast to bring evenness to your appearance. Most breast forms can be used in swimwear as well.

Augmentation

Breast augmentation can help you change the look of your breasts. Make an appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in breast augmentation. She can make you aware of your options and give you a good idea of what results you can expect.

Implants

One of the choices you will have with augmentation is implant size and shape.You can select a round or tear-drop shaped implant. You will also have the option of choosing silicone, saline, or other types such as cohesive gel. Augmentation allows you and the surgeon to match the size and shape of the implants to give the symmetry you desire.

Breast Reduction

Another alternative is breast reduction of the larger breast. Often a plastic surgeon can alter the shape of the operated breast to better match the other breast.

Tags: larger breast, size shape, between breasts, breast forms, differences between, differences between breasts

How Breasts Look After Implants Are Removed

According to the American Society for Plastic Surgery, more than 200,000 women undergo breast augmentation surgery every year. Some of those women will find that breast implants no longer suit them or have changed their appearance in undesirable ways. In other cases, the removal procedure, or explant, is necessitated by implant leakage or breast cancer treatment. Women considering implant removal may worry about the appearance of their breasts after the procedure, when their breasts will be smaller and possibly changed by aging.

Smaller Breasts

When implants are new, scar tissue forms in the area between breast tissue and implant. Removal involves not just the implants, but also the scar tissue around them. This tissue must be cut and sometimes completely removed to allow the implant to come out and to even out the remaining breast tissue. This may make breasts even smaller than they were originally. Additionally, weight loss can decrease breast size over time.

Sagging and Wrinkling of Skin

Excess skin around the implant area is a common complaint after implant removal. When implants are put in, the skin is stretched and sutured into place, allowing the skin's natural elasticity to compensate for the new, larger surface area. Over time, though, the skin's elasticity lessens. Once the implant is removed, the previously expanded skin can sag and wrinkle.

Asymmetrical Breasts

Another possible side effect of breast implant removal is breast asymmetry. Most women's breasts are not perfectly symmetrical to begin with. After breast implant removal, that asymmetrical appearance may be emphasized.

Surgical Minimizing of Effects

During the removal of implants, surgeons can remove excess skin and tissue to make the breasts smoother and more symmetrical. Many women opt for a breast lift technique that tightens skin around the incision and adds an element of lift to the breasts to prevent and correct sagging. Procedures to prevent and correct sagging are not permanent. Scarring from lift and tightening procedures can be moderate to severe, however, though plastic surgeons can help to minimize scarring through post-operative treatment.

Replacement of Implants

In some cases, women may opt for the insertion of another implant. Women removing implants due to leakage or dissatisfaction with the appearance of their current implants may choose implants made of a different material, while others may look to increase or decrease the size of their breasts.

Psychological Effects

Women undergoing changes in their breasts may be unhappy with their new appearance. Frequent consultation with the plastic surgeon is recommended, and counseling may be helpful for those having a particularly difficult time with their body image.

Tags: their breasts, appearance their, breast implant, breast implant removal, breast tissue, correct sagging, implant removal

What Are The Best Sonographer Jobs

Performing ultrasounds on pregnant women is just one part of a career in sonography.

With the many advances in diagnostic imaging, you'll find that there are a wealth of career options for those desiring a job as a medical sonographer. Using sound waves to generate an image, sonography and ultrasonography are commonly thought of as a tool used on pregnant women. However, in modern diagnostics there are many uses for sonography in the detection and treatment of different medical conditions above and beyond pregnancy. Diagnostic medical sonographer jobs are expected to grow faster than average in the upcoming years, and the best sonographer job for you is the one that meshes best with your interests and career aspirations.

Obstetric and Gynecological Sonographers

Often the most frequently thought of sonographer job, an OB/GYN sonographer specializes in imaging women's reproductive systems. Commonly used during pregnancy, these sonographers create images of the developing fetus in order to track its growth, development and overall health. They also provide images of the reproductive system in order to help diagnose issues such as uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts.

While it may seem like working as an OB/GYN sonographer would involve lots of idyllic happy interactions with patients, it's important to remember that normally progressing pregnancies are only part of the job. There will also be diseases, disorders and families who are devastated by what your images show. This is not the "happy" branch of medical diagnostics some may envision.

Abdominal Sonographers

Abdominal sonographers produce images of a patient's abdominal cavity in order to help diagnose and treat disorders of the internal organs (gallbladder, kidneys, liver, pancreas and spleen). They also may create images of the male reproductive system as needed. Abdominal sonography is considered a specialty and requires certification in some states.

Neurosonographers

Neurosonographers concentrate on the nervous system, especially the spinal column and the brain. Similarly to other sonographers, neurosonographers use transducers to produce images but the frequencies and beam shapes differ from those used by obstetric and abdominal sonographers. Neurosonography is a specialty that often requires additional education and certification. A sub-specialty of neurosonography is neonatal neurosonography, which involves helping to diagnose nervous system and neurological disorders in infants, especially those born prematurely.

Neurosonographers do need to be prepared to work with patients who may be suffering from a chronic illness or under stress.

Breast Sonographers

Breast sonographers use diagnostic imaging to study breast tissue and work alongside mammography to detect breast cancer. Breast sonography also is used to track tumors and assess their blood supplies and assist with breast tissue biopsy. Breast sonographers use a specific kind of high-frequency transducer that is made especially for the study of breast tissue. Breast sonography is another specialty that may require certification in some states.

Vascular Sonographer

On the cutting edge of medical diagnostics is vascular sonography, which is used to study disorders of the veins and arteries, excepting those of the heart. Vascular sonographers work to diagnose blockages and prevent strokes, discover weaknesses and prevent aneurysms and generally discover and treat vascular disorders. With the impending aging of the baby boomer generation, vascular sonographers are likely to find a wealth of career opportunities.

Tags: breast tissue, Breast sonography, certification some, certification some states, create images

Alternatives To Estrogen Cream

Menopause in women can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fibrocystic breasts, insomnia and PMS. Estrogen cream is a popular type of hormone replacement therapy or HRT, designed to relieve these symptoms. Many doctors contend that all women should undergo some type of HRT to help prevent Alzheimer's, heart disease and osteoporosis. Estrogen cream is inserted into the vagina via an applicator and is then absorbed by the vaginal lining and carried into the bloodstream. Although it is effective for many women, it can produce both mild and severe side effects. Milder alternatives are available for women who prefer natural medicine.

Why Natural?

While most doctors prescribe synthetic hormones to women, these often have severe side effects and may even increase a woman's chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Some drugs containing synthetic estrogen, such as Premarin and Povera, have side effects, including blood cots, liver and gall bladder damage and depression.

Options

Many synthetic hormones cause devastating reactions because they are simply too concentrated and powerful. There are many natural types of HRT that run the gamut from mild to moderate and often have fewer--if any--side effects.

Diet

Diet can make a world of difference in treating menopausal symptoms. Sufferers should avoid processed foods and focus their diet on fats and proteins. This will help decrease the body's sex hormone levels. Sufferers should also reduce their intake of alcohol, nicotine, soda and caffeine while maintaining high-intake levels of vegetables, fruits, low fat yogurts and grains. Antacids and diuretics should be avoided, and supplementing your diet by taking fish or flaxseed oil and a multivitamin is often beneficial.

Herbs

The Chinese have used herbs for treating symptoms of menopause for centuries.

The herbs work by enhancing and rejuvenating glands and organs, and even help make bones stronger. Herbal remedies are recommended for women who have had cancer or are at risk, or who in general have mild menopausal symptoms. Even if you are already taking hormones, Chinese herbs can help with symptoms that are not disappearing. A strength of herbal treatment is that works on the whole body.

Natural Creams and Pills

Natural estrogen creams and pills do exist on the market. They are typically made of Mexican wild yam root, licorice and soy. For a lot of women, these natural creams and pills can help relieve symptoms of menopause.

Estriol

More commonly used in Europe, estriol is the weakest form of estrogen created in the body. It is extracted from wild yam root. Since it is natural estriol cannot be patented by pharmaceutical companies and therefore is not suggested to US doctors like many new drugs usually are. Milder and safer than other types of estrogen, estriol is thought to help weaken tumors and prevent cancer.

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What Is A Radiation Therapist

A radiation therapist works with cancer patients, providing treatment aimed at curing the disease and extending the life of the patient. The radiation therapist is highly respected and makes an above average income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiation therapist jobs are expected to increase by 25 percent between 2006 and 2016.

Duties

A radiation therapist is a professional member of the medical oncology team, where he will use his training to administer active radiation to cancer patients through a machine called a linear accelerator. The process emits radiation beams in an attempt to shrink life-threatening tumors. Using X-ray imaging equipment, the radiation therapist calculates the exact location of the targeted tumor. Once the treatment plan and dosage of radiation has been determined by a radiation oncologist, he will explain the treatment and answer any questions the patient may have before beginning the procedure.

During Treatments

Radiation treatments can last as long as 30 minutes, during which time the radiation therapist will carefully monitor her patient, checking vital signs and looking for any indications of ill effects the patient may be experiencing. Often, patients receiving radiation treatments are suffering from advanced stages of cancer and as such, can be emotionally distressed and despondent. It is essential for a radiation therapist to be sensitive to this and maintain a positive, upbeat attitude when working with these patients whose last hope of survival is often the treatments.

Requirements

Depending upon the employer, education requirements for a radiation therapist include at least a two year Associate's degree specifically in the area of radiation therapy. Some employers may require a Bachelor's degree in the field. In many states, a radiation therapist must be licensed in the state in which he works. This requires successfully passing an examination provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Some states may also require certification for actively employed radiation therapists. Certification is also obtained through the ARRT and must be renewed every year.

Average Earnings

Different geographic locations and industries play a part in overall earnings for the radiation therapist. According to a survey conducted by Payscale, those radiation therapists who have completed the equivalent of at least one year of clinical hours are earning an average hourly wage of between $20.52 and $29.08 or up to $60,486 annually. Experience for a radiation therapist pays off with those having been in the field at least 10 years reporting earnings of between $28,50 an hour, up to $40.32 an hour or $83,865 a year.

Other Income Factors

More than 70 percent of all radiation therapists are employed in hospitals which pay overall the highest wages in the industry, starting at $24.13 an hour and going up to $37.75 an hour. Those radiation therapists who are employed in other health care facilities, such as private companies, start out earning considerably less at only $14.74 an hour and topping out at $35.50 an hour. Radiation therapy is also a field where pay ranges differ greatly between genders with the average U.S. hourly wage for female radiation therapists at $20.92 an hour, compared to $31.85 an hour that their male counterparts are reporting.

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Careers In The Military As A Civilian Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists provide diagnostic images to physicians in order to detect disease.

A career as a radiologic technologist can be both exciting and lucrative. The U.S. military regularly hires radiologic technologists to work in its medical facilities. According to USAJobs.gov, the government's official job posting site, radiologic technicians mainly work for the military as diagnostic radiologic technologists. Aside from occasional supervisory opportunities, military opportunities are primarily limited to this position.

Job Duties

Diagnostic radiologic technologists take images of the human body for the purpose of diagnosing disease. These professionals provide images to physicians so that the physicians can detect and diagnose disease. Technologists use various types of imaging techniques such as computed tomography, mammography and magnetic resonance imaging. Civilians working for the military in this capacity generally work for the U.S. Army Medical Command, another branch of the military or the Department of Veteran Affairs. Because these agencies and branches of the armed services operate nationwide, positions in this field may require you to move if hired.

Qualifications

Radiologic technologists, military or otherwise, must obtain their education from an accredited college, hospital or school that specializes in training in this field. Radiologic technology education programs generally take one to two years to complete. Those with two-year programs generally provide students with an associate degree in the field, while one-year programs provide a diploma or certificate. Areas of study covered by these programs include radiation physics, pathology, radiation exposure and human physiology and anatomy, among others. Military positions for radiologic technologists generally require at least one year of prior experience in the field in order to receive consideration.

Job Outlook and Salary

Radiologic technologists are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the the number of jobs in the field of radiologic technology should increase by about 17 percent from 2008 to 2018. This rate is nearly double the average rate for all other professions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes that the median annual salary for radiologic technologists was $52,210 as of May 2008.

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