Mastectomy Exercises

Exercise will help you rebuild strength and range of motion after a mastectomy.

Mastectomy surgery is physically and emotionally traumatic. For some women, much of their self-identity is tied to their breasts, and undergoing breast removal can leave them wondering who they are. Your physical recovery will be faster if you follow your doctor's advice and, even if it is painful, to perform the exercises he will tell you about in a postsurgical checkup. It is important that you not exercise before your doctor tells you that it is safe to do so.

Wall-Push

Stand arms' length away from a wall, and place your palms on the wall. Bend your head forward and take little steps backward. When you first begin this exercise, you will not be able to take many steps before you feel pain. Pay attention to your body and stop stepping backward after you feel your shoulders stretch but before you hurt yourself. Step forward and repeat the exercise as your doctor has prescribed.

Arm-Sway

Hold your mastectomy side hand with your other hand while you are bending the elbow. Slowly and gently pull the arm over your head. Pull your arm as high as you can without feeling pain; hold the position while you count to five. Reverse the action to lower your arm. Do not let your arm fall to your side. Repeat the exercise as your doctor has prescribed. If you have had a radical mastectomy, your doctor may not prescribe this exercise.

Bench Press

Lie back on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Hold a light weight in each hand and slide your hands up until they are over your head. Bend your elbows while sliding your arms so your hands end the exercise close to your head. Repeat the exercise as prescribed by your doctor. As you get stronger, your doctor will ask you to lift your arms to move the weights, not slide them.

Wings

Lie back on the floor with your feet flat and knees bent. Stretch your arms straight out from your shoulders holding a light weight in each hand. Slowly raise your arms until your hands meet. Lower your arms and repeat as prescribed by your doctor. This exercise will work all areas of your surgery so you can expect it to be one of the last exercises your doctor will tell you to do. Be sure to warm up before attempting this exercise.

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Florida Medicaid For Pregnancy

Florida Medicaid for Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be scary for a woman if she does not have the means to pay for health care. For Florida residents, Florida Medicaid for pregnancy can help with the costs of prenatal care.

Types

Presumptively Eligible Medicaid for pregnant women is a temporary coverage. Pregnant women can use the coverage to receive outpatient prenatal care. This type of coverage is only good for a maximum of 60 days.Simplified Eligibility Medicaid for pregnant women is valid from the time a woman is found to be eligible until two months after the woman gives birth to the baby.

Eligibility

To be eligible for both types of Florida Medicaid for pregnancy, the woman needs to meet income guidelines. The amount her household can make will vary on the family's size. To obtain Simplified Eligibility Medicaid, the woman will need to provide proof of pregnancy from a medical professional and proof of citizenship.

Benefits

Florida Medicaid for pregnancy will cover the cost of prenatal care for the woman and her baby. The woman will not have to put off necessary prenatal visits because she can't afford to pay for them.

Tags: Florida Medicaid, Florida Medicaid pregnancy, prenatal care, Eligibility Medicaid, Medicaid pregnancy, Medicaid pregnant

Photography Colleges In North Carolina

North Carolina offers degree programs in artistic and technical photography.

Several colleges in North Carolina offer degree programs in photography, where students can specialize in either the artistic or technical aspects of the field. Some programs include internships with local businesses, where students can gain practical experience while working on their degrees. Credentials include the bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.), or an associate degree.

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University (ASU) offers two different paths for those wanting to enter the photography field. On the one hand, students can pursue a traditional photography program by majoring in studio art with an emphasis in photography. Students completing this program received a bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree. On the other hand, students can also pursue a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in technical photography through the university's School of Technology. This program covers a variety of topics within the field such as digital imaging, digital workflow, print and film processing, and studio and lab management.

Department of Art

Appalachian State University

232 Herbert Wey Hall

ASU Box 32020

Boone, NC 28608

828-262-2220

appstate.edu

Art Institute of Charlotte

With schools located across the United States, the Art Institute of Charlotte has gained a reputation as an institution that provides students with flexible degree options. Many programs can be taken as online degree programs, while others mix classroom instruction with online study. A bachelor of arts degree in photography is offered, and students are instructed from both a creative and technical standpoint. Graduation requires 188 credit hours from courses that include. Image Manipulation, Photojournalism, Architectural Photography, History of Photography, and Advanced Lighting.

The Art Institute of Charlotte

Three LakePointe Plaza

2110 Water Ridge Parkway

Charlotte, NC 28217

704-357-8020

artinstitutes.edu/charlotte/

Randolph Community College

Associate degrees in photography field are offered by Randolph Community College (RCC) in Asheboro. RCC offers students the advantage of working in a 35,000 square-foot lab and studio facility that contains three separate digital imaging labs. Students can pursue a two-year associate degree that requires 21 to 24 courses, with concentrations in portrait studio management, biocommunications (technical and scientific photography), photojournalism, and commercial photography. The school offers students several opportunities to gain significant experience through internship programs working with local businesses.

Randolph Community College

629 Industrial Park Ave.

Asheboro, NC 27204

336-633-0200

randolph.edu

Tags: Appalachian State, Appalachian State University, Community College, degree programs, Institute Charlotte, North Carolina

Cardiac Technologist Training

Cardiac technologists are also known as cardiovascular technologists and they assist physicians with diagnosing and treating heart and blood ailments.

When an individual chooses to be a cardiac technologist, he must begin this journey by completing the educational requirements for this line of work. The next step that must be taken within this process is to become a certified and registered cardiac technologist. This field is expected to grow 24 percent by the year 2018 and the medium wage in this particular area of employment is $47,000 annually.

Job Description

Cardiac technologists are commonly known as cardiovascular technologists. Their primary role in the health care field is to assist physicians with diagnosing and treating cardiac and blood vessel ailments. Technologists are above technicians and they normally specialize in different areas of practice. These different areas include echocardiography, invasive cardiology, and non-invasive technology. Cardiovascular technologists also review patient files, explain testing procedures to patients, and operate testing equipment.

Education

Many cardiac technologists acquire their certification through a two-year associate degree program at a community college. There are four-year programs available within this field that will help to increase a student's salary once they obtain a bachelor's degree. Four-year programs are starting to become more widespread for this type of training. Qualified allied health professionals are required to only take one year of specialized training within the field.

Courses

Training for cardiac technologists involves teaching students about the procedures that are used to evaluate and treat the heart. Students are also taught aid physicians who perform this type of work. Coursework that is related to this profession includes cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and intro into health care. Once the coursework is completed, students will known prep a patient for endoscopic catheterization and monitor vitals and EKG signs.

Certification

Obtaining certification is a voluntary choice for a cardiovascular technologist, although it is recommended because most employers probably won't hire cardiac technologists who are not certified. The Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ADRMS) are two organizations that register cardiac technologists once they pass their examination and complete their other requirements. Ongoing learning and education is a requirement for maintaining a registered status within this field.

Work Routine

Cardiac technologists work in hospitals, physician offices, diagnostic imaging centers, and medical laboratories. Interpersonal and communication skills are also strongly recommended for this field since interacting with patients and staff is a requirement. Top earning professionals within this field make as much as $75,000 or more annually. This is typically a 40-hour per week job that offers overtime and many cardiovascular technologists have to remain on call as a part of their employment.

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The Best Treatments For Metastatic Breast Cancer

Breast cancer refers to cancer that begins in the glands or ducts of the breast (adenocarcinoma) or the tissue of the breast (sarcoma). Although if affects both men and women, it is most common in women. Like most cancers, treatment depends on the "staging" of the cancer. Staging considers several factors, including the size of the tumor, the presence or absence of lymph node involvements, and the extent of metastasis. Once cancer spreads, or becomes metastatic, it is not curable. However, there are treatments to slow the metastasis and/or minimize pain associated with metastasis.

Common Sites of Metastases

Treatment for metastases depends on the location and extent of the metastases. Breast cancer metastases often appear in the bones, lungs and liver (in descending order of prevalence). Treatment is not a cure, but is instead designed to improve quality of life and extend longevity. When the cancer presents in the breast, lungs, liver or other part of the body, it is not considered "liver cancer" or "lung cancer' but is instead called metastases related to primary breast cancer. Systemic (or whole body) treatments may be used, or therapy may target the specific area of metastases, depending on the situation.

Bone Metastases

Treatment for bone metastases involves the use of drugs and other therapies to minimize the growth of cancer cells, protect the bones, and prevent bone pain or fractures associated with metastasis. Bisphosphonates, including Zometa and Aredia, have improved the prognosis and quality of life for patients with bone metastases. These bisphosphonates slow cancer growth, help the body maintain normal blood calcium levels, and reduce bone destruction caused by metastases.

Lung Metastases

Approximately 19% of breast cancer metastases occurs in the lungs. Lung metastases is not curable and there are not an extensive amount of specific treatment options. Radiation may be used to minimize pain and to help ease breathing problems associated with lungs, and the systemic treatments may help to slow the growth of the cancer cells in the lungs.

Liver Metastases

Surgery may be possible to treat metastasizes in the liver, because the liver has amazing regenerative properties. Up to 80% of the liver can be removed and will grow back within weeks. However, because the cancer in the liver is caused by metastasis and is a secondary cancer, the cancer may continue to return, even after surgery, to the liver or to other spots within the body.

Systemtic Whole Body Treatments

Systemic treatments may be administered for any type of metastasizes, alone or in conjunction with other therapies. Systemic treatments include hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. For hormone receptive breast cancers, estrogen blockers (hormone therapy) may help slow the growth of cancer by restricting estrogen that the cancer cells need to grow. A drug called herceptin may also be used to block the chemicals that stimulate the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy is also used when the hormone therapies and herceptin are not effective, when the cancer is not receptive to hormones, and/or when the metastases has primarily affected the liver or lung(s).

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Bone Cancer Signs

Bone Cancer Signs

Over 2,000 people are diagnosed with bone cancer each year in the United States, according to MedicineNet. There are numerous kinds of different bone cancers, most commonly affecting children and young adults. When bone cancer is diagnosed in older people, it is usually from a spreading cancer that originated somewhere else in the body, or not directly from cancer of the bone cells.

Causes

While the causes of bone cancer are not known, particular risk factors may lead to certain people more likely to develop bone caner. Risk factors include being an adolescent, history of radiation or chemotherapy, history of Paget's disease (chronic bone condition), one or more family members that have bone cancer and people with hereditary retinoblastoma (eye cancer that usually affects children younger than five years old), according to eMedTV.

Malignant Types

Listed by MedicineNet, here are the most common malignant bone cancers.

- Osteosarcoma affects areas of quick growth, most common in boys 10 to 25 years old, and includes the bones in the arms, legs, knees and shoulders. MedicineNet reports that, because there is a high risk of spreading to the lungs, there is a 65 percent chance of a five-year survival rate.

- Ewing's sarcoma affects children between the ages of 4 and 15, usually starting in the bones of the arms and legs. With a rapid ability to spread quickly, there is only a 65 percent chance of a three-year survival rate, informs MedicineNet.

- Chondrosacrcoma affects usually older men, starting in the 40s, usually targeting the bones and the hips. Responsible for a quarter of all malignant tumors, the tumors can act very slowly or quickly.

-Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) targets the soft tissues as well as muscle, ligaments, fat and tendons. Usually develops in older people, around the age of 50 or 60.

- Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are two cancers that may develop in the bones, but from the bone marrow not the bone cells and is therefore not normally considered bone cancer.

Signs

According to Mayo Clinic, there are noticeable signs of bone cancer. Bone pain, swelling and tenderness, weakened bones from the tumor that may develop fractures, fatigue and unintentional weight loss, are all symptoms of bone cancer. MedicineNet.com also mentions that, the tumor, if left without any medical attention over a long period of time, can lead to a large enough lump that can be felt near or on the bone itself. Not as frequent, fever, chills and night sweats can also develop as a result of bone cancer, usually occurring when the cancer has extended to tissues in other parts of the body.

Treatments

In order to treat bone cancer, there are three aggressive treatments that can be used individually or grouped together: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Surgery is used to remove the tumor and the area near it. Chemotherapy is used to prevent any more growth of the tumor, possibly decreasing its size and killing cancer cells. Radiation is attempted to kill the caner cells over a long period of time.

Side Effects

MedicineNet provides the side effects of the three aggressive treatments used against bone cancer.

Surgery: infection, bone cancer returning, injury to areas close to the tumor being removed

Chemotherapy: in the process of killing the cancerous cells, normal cells are also killed off including hair, blood-forming cells and cells that line the digestive system, which results in nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue and infection.

Radiation: fatigue, no longer feel hungry and injury to the surrounding skin and soft tissues

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Tips On Organizating A Health Fair

Building pre-event interest is critical to a successful health fair.

A health fair is an event to promote health awareness, inform the public and encourage participants to make positive behavioral health changes. Health fairs are offered by specific health related groups such as community centers, hospitals and family counseling centers. The main goal in planning a health fair is to be innovative and creative in such a way that people will look forward to it becoming an annual event.

Planning Your Event

Planning a health fair requires between six months to a year before the scheduled date. Arrange a planning committee and have representatives from different groups: Health professionals, health agencies, schools, churches, local companies, media and various members of your target audience.

Determine which groups you wish to target and contact your vendors. Create a questionnaire for the vendors so that they can evaluate the fair. This will determine strengths and weaknesses, whether goals were achieved, and it will serve as a guide for the next health fair.

Choose a location that is large enough to allow vendors to set up their displays with plenty of walk-around room for attendees.

Form Committees

Divide your volunteers into committees and assign each with a specific task. For instance, the coordinating committee is responsible for planning the theme, scheduling and budgeting. The clinical committee is responsible for topics, health screenings and interactive activities. A logistics committee will be responsible for location, booths and safety precautions. The clerical committee will be responsible for arranging adequate staff and volunteers. A publicity committee will be responsible for marketing the health fair in the area.

Select a Theme

You can schedule your health fair to coincide with a holiday or create a seasonal theme. For instance, if you choose to have your health fair in February, your theme can be "Celebrate a Healthy Heart," in connection with Valentine's Day. If you decide to organize a health fair in Spring, your theme can be "Jump into Spring," and have a trampoline on display. Jumping on trampoline offers the same fitness benefits as jumping rope, but without the impact of landing on the ground.

Contact External Sources

Organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes and the American Heart Association can provide educational material. Health promotion providers, such as fitness centers, massage therapists and chiropractic offices can be available for health fairs and can offer their services. Government agencies can provide information on police and fire safety, drinking and driving prevention and swimming safety.

Interactive Activities

Include interactive activities at your health fair. Arrange activities on topics such as stress, women's and men's health-related issues and child care resources. Provide blood pressure, glucose or cholesterol testing, and have participants preregister for these screenings. Have CPR and first-aid, self-defense, martial arts, exercise equipment, and healthy cooking demonstrations. Perform health assessment questionnaires and surveys. Follow-up with the results and offer the participant guidance about healthy lifestyle habits and changes. The results and the questionnaires must be given to the participant for privacy concerns. Have a release form prepared for the participant to sign prior to screenings.

Incentives and Prizes

Incentives encourage participation at a health fair. Decide on an incentive that coincides with your theme.You can also use free promotional items from your vendors. For instance, provide participants with a card that needs to be stamped. This card will have a determined number of booths or screenings they must visit to receive a stamp. When the card is fully stamped they turn it in and become eligible for a free gift.

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Read Glucose Blood Work Results

Fasting for at least eight hours before providing a blood sample for glucose evaluation is essential for obtaining a meaningful result. In addition to diabetes, chronic renal failure, pancreatic cancer and some drugs can cause elevated glucose levels. Hypothyroidism, starvation and extensive liver disease can cause low blood glucose levels. Understanding your glucose test results is essential for realizing your risk factors for diabetes and heart disease.

Instructions

1. Look at the name of the test the lab report has. There are two glucose tests the doctors use to evaluate your glucose health, the fasting glucose test and the oral glucose tolerance test. The fasting glucose test is a measurement of your blood glucose after you refrain from eating and drinking anything but water for at least eight hours before testing. The oral glucose tolerance test starts by obtaining a fasting specimen glucose for a base line, and then goes on to measure your body's mechanism for handling the glucose you ingest in the form of sugar syrup. If you are pregnant and getting evaluated for gestational diabetes, the test is similar to the oral glucose tolerance test , using a different sugar drink concentration.

2. Search your report for the glucose value the laboratory obtained. If this is a fasting glucose test, the report displays a singe value. If it is an oral glucose tolerance test, the report may display two values: a base line and a two-hour post glucose drink glucose value. If it is an evaluation for gestational diabetes, the report can have from one to four values depending on whether it is a challenge or diagnostic test.

3. Compare the result of your glucose test to the normal ranges in the lab report. For fasting glucose, a 70 to 99 mg/dl is considered normal. A fasting glucose of 126 mg/dl or higher indicates the possibility for diabetes diagnosis. The normal range for glucose after two hours of drinking the glucose drink in an oral glucose tolerance test is less than 140 mg/dl. A higher glucose value diagnosis pre-diabetes (up to 200 mg/dl) and diabetes (glucose greater than 200 mg/dl). The glucose challenge test for gestational diabetes screening uses a 130 or 140 mg/dl glucose value cut-off depending on the lab. A glucose value that is higher than the cut-off level warrants further testing for diagnosing gestational diabetes.

Tags: fasting glucose, glucose test, glucose tolerance, glucose tolerance test, glucose value

Boarding Schools For Mildly Intellectually Disabled Students

Boarding schools have specialized programs for students with intellectual disabilities.

Many students with mild intellectual disabilities may struggle in general education classrooms or when separated from others. There are some boarding schools that are designed to meet the needs and abilities of each student and have programs that mix class lessons and individual sessions. Boarding schools additionally have alternative ways of testing, for example oral testing, extended time for tests and writers or readers for testing, to support each student.

Eagle Hill School

Eagle Hill is a private co-educational boarding school for grades eighth-through-twelfth, located in Hardwick, MA. Dyslexia, attention disorders, hyperactivity disorders and nonverbal learning disabilities are among the intellectual disabilities the school supports. Eagle Hill also has a five-week summer camp for students ages 10 to 18 with learning disabilities. Eagle Hill School designs classes around each student's particular strengths and needs and provides for the academic, social and personal growth of each student, according to the school.

Brandon Hall School

Brandon Hall is a nonprofit co-educational college preparatory boarding school for grades seventh-through twelfth, located near Atlanta, GA. Brandon Hall supports students with attention deficient disorders, dyslexia, expressive language disorders, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and high functioning Aspergers. Brandon Hall's support of students include copies of notes, extended time for exams, oral administration of testing, shortened written assignments, use of computer, use of calculator, cassette and CD books recordings, writer or scribe, readers and preferential seating, according to Boarding School Review's website.

Brenau Academy

Brenau Academy is an all-female boarding school for grades ninth-through-twelfth and post graduate, located in Gainesville, GA. Brenau is listed in the top 20 out 289 boarding schools for community size, affordability and school resources, according to Boarding School Review's website. Brenau welcomes all learning styles and provides added structure, support, advising and tutoring services for college-bound students with learning disabilities, the school says.

Bridgton Academy

Bridgton Academy is an all-male boarding school located in North Bridgton, ME. Bridgton is the only accredited preparatory school in the United States exclusively offering a postgraduate year, so says the school. Bridgeton offers a program to help male students transition to college by providing them a one-year environment similar to college, yet with more structure and support, according to its website. Bridgton placed in the top 20 out of 289 boarding schools for affordability and the oldest founding date according to Boarding School Review's website. Bridgton provides support for mild intellectual disabilities.

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Diploma High School Requirement

In today's society, a high school diploma is the absolute minimum education a person should attain.

Before one can become a doctor, lawyer, nurse, or a high school principal, they must first get the basics which can be achieved by earning a High School Diploma. The specific curriculum required to achieve the diploma varies from state to state, but in general, it requires a certain number of credits in math, science, English and social studies.

Non-College Prep Track

Some states have two high school diploma tracks. The first is the non-college track. This track will provide students who do not plan on going on to college with a high school diploma, and the skills necessary to succeed in a technical/vocational field. For example, for its non-college prep track, Mississippi requires four credits English/language arts, four credits mathematics, three credits science, one credit U.S. history/constitution, 0.5 credit economics, 0.5 credit U.S. government, one credit additional social studies, one credit physical education, and seven credits of electives.

College Prep Track

Most states only have one general track that prepares all of its students for college. This is called the college-prep track. This track usually includes four years in the major course (math, science, English, and social studies), as well has a year of music, health education and two years of physical education. In the State of New York, on top of the minimum requirements, most school districts are allowed to individually require extended requirements before a student can achieve their diploma. This is all done to make sure that the state's students are as prepared for advanced education as possible.

Private Schools

Private schools also have to coincide with the state minimum graduation requirements. However, many private schools, depending on the type, have additional requirements that must be fulfilled. Most Catholic and non-sectarian schools require more years of a foreign language. Many private schools also have more of a focus in mathematics and science, requiring that their students go above and beyond the state requirements. As long as the school's graduation requirements fit into state requirements, they are allowed to develop their own curriculum.

Home Schooling

Some parents decide that a public or private school education is not best for their children, so they opt to educate them at home on their own. However, in this situation, as opposed to private schools, parents are completely able to choose the curriculum that they would like to teach their children, and do not have to develop a set curriculum. Children who are home schooled, however, will usually not be able to achieve a high school diploma, and will have to go the alternate route: the GED.

Diploma Equivalent: the GED

For those who do not complete High School, they have the opportunity to receive the equivalent of the Diploma, which is the GED (General Educational Development). The equivalent will focus on same major courses as the High School Diploma track, but at the end of the GED courses a student will be required to pass an exam. After successful passage of the exam, a GED (the equivalent to a High School Diploma) will be issued.

Tags: High School, high school diploma, High School Diploma, private schools, social studies, also have, English social

Build A Document Management System

An effective document management system can improve workflow.

A document management system controls how documents are created, reviewed, printed, stored and how they are ultimately deleted or archived. An effective document system reflects the culture and needs of your organization and increases efficiency and productivity. The system and computer tools you use for document management need to be flexible and every employee must understand and use the tools appropriately.

Instructions

1. Create a team to undertake a survey of past and current documents. Specify what types of documents and other content can be created within your company's system. Use your findings to prepare a template for each type of document, such as standard letter formats, commonly used report formats and multimedia presentation formats. Always make it possible for employees to create documents that don't fit any of the standard formats.

2. Plan how your system moves documents within the company as employees contribute to the documents' creation, review, approval and dissemination. Recognize that some documents will be prepared by several people. A report may require review and modification by all the personnel in a department. Eventually members of other departments receive the report without the ability to make changes. Your system must control who can access a document at various stages of its development, how they gain that access and what they can do to the document.

3. Organize documents into recognizable folders that make sense to your personnel. You can keep all documents arranged in an order that can include the date initiated or completed, department, topic, individual or type. You might instead arrange documents by a coding system with a code look-up feature. The organizational patterns you use must make finding and manipulating the documents convenient, consistent and efficient.

4. Arrange the movement of a document between formats and folder locations when the nature of a document changes. A document moving from a storage folder to a public Internet site may require conversion from one format to another.

5. Letters or other documents that require confidential status need specialized control features within the system. You can require check-in and check-out procedures to determine who is accessing a document. Protect documents from unauthorized handling by limiting who has the ability to distribute them.

6. Use the development team to monitor the system for changes that will correct problems or make it easier and more efficient to use. Initiate a plan for backing up the system at frequent, regular intervals. Train all current and new personnel in the use of the system. Work individually or in small groups with employees who are resistant to the change or need extra help to understand use it.

Tags: document management, document management system, documents that, effective document

Questions To Ask When Signing Up For Medicare

Even though most American citizens are eligible to enroll in and receive Medicare, the processes for enrollment differ from person to person, depending on age and whether or not they receive other public benefits. As you begin your Medicare coverage, make sure that you understand what Medicare covers for you and how you are supposed to access those benefits.

Do I Need to Sign Up for Medicare?

Whether or not a person needs to sign up for Medicare depends upon various factors. Medicare automatically enrolls you in Part A and Part B if you are receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. If you are not receiving these retirement benefits, you must then sign up for Parts A and B to get coverage. Enrollment is never automatic for Parts C and D, so those who want benefits from these parts of Medicare must enroll.

When Will My Benefits Start?

When your benefits start depends upon when you enrolled. If you sign up during the first three months of the initial enrollment period, which is the three months before you turn 65 years of age, the month in which you turn 65 and three months after the month you turn 65, your benefits start in the first day of the month in which you turn 65. If your birthday is on the first of the month, your benefits start on the first of the previous month. If you sign up during the last three months of this period, your benefits will start on the first day of the second month after you enrolled.

Should I Sign Up If I Am Still working?

You can sign up for Medicare as soon as you turn 65 years of age, even if you decide to continue working. You should sign up for Medicare Part A, since it is free and it might provide you with coverage, in addition to any employer health insurance coverage. If you have insurance with your employer, however, you should wait to sign up for Part B, because you must pay monthly premiums for Part B.

If I am Signing Up Late, Do I Have to Pay a Penalty?

If you do not sign up by the time you were first eligible to enroll in Medicare, you might have to pay late penalties. If you can prove that you had coverage from an approved health insurance policy, and you enroll in Medicare at any time during the 8-month period after this coverage ends, you do not need to pay the penalty. If a penalty does apply, your monthly premium rises by 10 percent for Parts A and B, and one percent for Part D.

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Definition Of Proactive Aggression

People who show proactive aggression want to achieve more than simply harming the victim.

In the classic example of schoolyard bullying, a larger child strides over to a smaller child, pushes her to the ground and demands her lunch money. In another scenario, a tormented child strikes back at a bully, seemingly without thought, driven by terror and rage. The differences between these scenarios lie in the presence of proactive versus reactive aggression, two different forms of aggression recognized by psychologists as stemming from different motives, levels of emotional arousal and physiological processes.

What Is Aggression?

As psychologist and aggression expert Leonard Berkowitz points out, aggression is difficult to define, and even clinicians and researchers who work with it every day cannot agree on a definition. Everyday usage of the term only clouds the issue further. Aggression, he concludes, "is any form of behavior that is intended to harm someone physically or psychologically." Key to Berkowitz's definition is the motive to cause harm, excluding accidental, wrongful (but not harmful) and assertive behavior. The child who intentionally shoves a classmate against a locker is aggressive. The clumsy child who accidentally trips a peer, the child who steals from an absent classmate's desk and the child who interrupts and argues in a class discussion are not aggressive.

Proactive vs Reactive Aggression

Proactive aggression, also called instrumental aggression, is carried out with a purpose in mind that extends beyond simply harming the victim. Reactive or emotional aggression, on the other hand, is primarily intended to cause harm. Proactive aggression tends to be calculated--the person knows before the aggressive act occurs that he intends to harm the other person--while reactive aggression is impulsive and often caused by strong emotion, such as fear or anger.

Motives

An afternoon watching young children on the playground--or a look back through history--reveal the myriad motives for proactive aggression. Researchers Gerald Patterson and James Tedeschi propose that proactive aggression is motivated by a desire to change the victim's behavior. For example, a bullied child plots to harm and humiliate his tormentors in hopes that the bullying will stop. Berkowitz cites another school of thought that carries this idea further, proposing that proactive aggression can establish the aggressor's dominance over the victim, a model that is commonly used to explain domestic violence. Sociologist Richard Felson attributes proactive aggression to the desire to manage how others perceive the aggressor. For example, gang members often want to be regarded as formidable and intimidating, and they manufacture this impression by acting violently toward others. Other motives also exist, such as the desire for money or social approval.

Perceived Hostility and Planning Ability

A 2009 study by Ellis, Weiss and Lochman found that children who showed proactive aggression distinguished themselves from reactive aggression and normal children in two major ways. Firstly, they did not perceive their victims as having harmful intentions. Children with reactive aggression often lash out because they believe that another person intends to harm them. Secondly, proactive aggressors had better planning abilities, allowing them to calculate and plan their aggressive actions in advance.

Reactions to Stress

Reactive aggression is impulsive and driven by heightened emotion, leading to familiar turns of phrase such as "in the heat of the moment" and "crimes of passion." Lashing out in fear and anger, emotionally aggressive people often seem unable to control their behavior. Perhaps not surprisingly, then, studies of aggressive children show underlying physiological differences between those that demonstrate proactive versus reactive aggression. Child psychologist Nestor Lopez-Duran and colleagues found that reactively aggressive children showed physiological stress responses during stressful tasks while proactively aggressive children did not, lending credence to the familiar description of instrumental violence occurring "in cold blood."

Tags: aggressive children, proactive aggression, proactive aggression, reactive aggression, aggression impulsive

Birthcontrol Pills For Women Who Smoke

Planned Parenthood points out that fewer than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant if birth-control pills are used as directed. While effective, birth-control pills can cause side effects in a small subgroup of users. The side effects are particularly dangerous for smokers who are older than 35. If you smoke, let your doctor know about it before starting birth-control pills.

Birth-control pills are taken daily.

Birth Control Pills

According to Planned Parenthood, birth-control pills contain estrogen and progestin. These hormones work by preventing a woman's ovary from releasing eggs, hence preventing pregnancy. The hormones can also thicken a woman's cervical mucus, which blocks sperm.

Side Effects of Birth-Control Pills

Planned Parenthood points out that serious side effects are rare among birth-control pill users. While fatal side effects are rare, they can include heart attack, stroke and blood clots. Other side effects include high blood pressure, liver tumors, gallstones and jaundice. According to Planned Parenthood, the likelihood of developing these side effects increases if you smoke.

Smoking and High Blood Pressure

Planned Parenthood warms that smokers who already have high blood pressure should not take birth-control pills. Because the pill may cause an elevation in blood pressure as a side effect, those who already have blood pressure are advised not to take the pill and risk a further increase.

Women Over 35

The Mayo Clinic advises that women over the age of 35 who smoke should not take birth-control pills. The combination of smoking and birth-control medication in this age group increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, you may have to quit before being able to start a birth-control program.

Discuss with Your Doctor

If you are concerned about smoking's interaction with your birth-control regime, be sure to talk to your doctor. She will advise you on safe birth-control medications, let you know about the potentially dangerous interactions that can occur if you smoke and will offer advice on quitting your habit.

Tags: Planned Parenthood, side effects, birth-control pills, blood pressure, According Planned, According Planned Parenthood, already have

Fertilize Susan Magnolia

Back in the 1950s, the National Arboretum produced a series of magnolia hybrids they dubbed the "Little Girl" series. One of these is Susan, a cross between Magnolia liliiflora Nigra and M. stellata Rosea. Susan blooms in April in fragrant fuschia flowers on a deciduous shrub that grows 8 to 12 feet in height with an equal spread. Susan is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 through 8. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean up any mulch and other debris from beneath and around the Susan magnolia. Bag the debris and dispose of it.

2. Add the fertilizer to the spreader's hopper, at the rate listed on the label for the size of your Susan magnolia, and scatter it over the soil under the tree's canopy. Begin the application 12 inches from the trunk and spread it 1 foot beyond the dripline.

3. Water the soil in the application area to a depth of 8 inches to soak the fertilizer to the Susan magnolia's roots.

4. Apply a fresh, 3-inch layer of mulch to the soil, 6 inches from the Susan magnolia's trunk, and spread it 1 foot beyond the dripline.

Tags: Susan magnolia, beyond dripline, foot beyond, foot beyond dripline, inches from, spread foot

Certificate Programs In Ultrasound Technology

In addition to two-year associate and four-year bachelor's degree programs, a small number of hospitals and colleges offer occupational certificate programs in diagnostic medical sonography. Such programs are frequently reserved for students who already have degrees in other health-related fields including radiologic technology, nursing or respiratory therapy. Carrying the approval of the Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs, these courses of study usually require two years of study or less to complete, allowing graduates to quickly take on additional job responsibilities or begin a new career.

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Located in Iowa City, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is a 680-bed general surgical and teaching hospital. The hospital's Carver College of Medicine offers an 18-month certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography for individuals who have a bachelor's degree in any field. The program begins once per year and covers the sonography specialty areas of abdominal, obstetrical, gynecological, neurosonography and vascular technology. Students spend 40 hours per week on campus and complete four clinical internships over the course of the program. Federal and state loans and grants are available for qualified students.

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

200 Hawkins Drive

C-723 Radiology

Iowa City , IA 52242

319-356-4871

medicine.uiowa.edu/RadSci

Kennebec Valley Community College

Founded in 1970, Kennebec Valley Community College has an enrollment of more than 2,200 students at its campus in Fairfield, Maine. The college's certificate in sonography requires 16 months of full-time study to complete. To qualify for the program, students must have a minimum of a two-year degree in a health care field, proof of patient care experience or previous completion of a nursing assistant course and evidence of prerequisite coursework in algebra, anatomy, communications and physics. The program includes four clinical internships and provides students with training in obstetrical, gynecological, neurosonography and small structure techniques. In addition to federal and state grants and loans and veteran benefits programs, the college offers a limited number of institutional scholarships and work-study opportunities. The college's career center offers resume-writing, interview preparation and job search assistance.

Kennebec Valley Community College

92 Western Ave.

Fairfield, ME 04937

800-528-5882

kvcc.me.edu

Dona Ana Community College

Home to more than 13,000 students, Dona Ana Community College is a public institution in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Reserved for students who already possess a minimum of an associate degree in an allied health field, the certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography at the college requires approximately four semesters to complete. The training includes classes in physics, algebra and a variety of sonography techniques, including gynecological, obstetrical, abdominal, vascular and neurological ultrasound. Four clinical rotations are included in the program. Among the available financial aid programs are federal and state loans and grants, veteran benefits, institutional scholarships and work-study opportunities. Students at the college can take advantage of workshops in resume-writing and other issues related to employment as well as job search assistance from career counselors.

Dona Ana Community College

3400 South Espina St.

Las Cruces, NM 88003

575-527-7500

dabcc.nmsu.edu

Tags: Community College, diagnostic medical, diagnostic medical sonography, Dona Community, Dona Community College

Mentoring Tools

A meeting journal chronicles the mentoring relationship, goals and plans.

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education defines mentoring as a relationship where a person gives her time, experience and knowledge to a novice's growth of knowledge and skills for his future achievement. The relationship should be helpful, caring and developmental in nature. The tools a mentor uses and how he executes them can enhance and foster the mentoring process.

Meeting Journal

A meeting journal helps you keep track of details discussed when you meet with the novice. When used consistently, it shows the evolution of your relationship with the novice and can remind you of pertinent plans, obstacles and issues for the following meeting. It also serves as a guide for structure your meetings according to the novice's needs. If you have more than one protege, each should have her own journal, kept with her file.

Feedback

Feedback is critical in the mentor process. The novice needs feedback on his prospects, current work and plans. A mentor needs feedback on her own performance, whether the novice finds the relationship beneficial or fulfilling. When giving feedback, a mentor should: be prompt (returning papers, manuscripts or projects as soon as possible with detailed comments); be specific (citing examples in the novice's behavior or work); acknowledge that outside factors may affect the novice's behavior or progress; and suggest specific actions, strategies or solutions to see a plan through or address an issue. A mentor should also pinpoint her protege's strengths, areas that can use development and behaviors or habits she sees as detrimental to the novice and her progress.

Individual Development Plan

An individual development plan outlines short- and long-term goals the novice is striving for and ways for him to get there. The sooner this type of plan is created, the sooner a mentor and protege can commence with taking steps toward the goals specified in it. Steps may include what classes or strategies the protege plans to take or employ throughout the mentoring relationship. It may also include a mentor agreement that outlines how the novice will contribute to the program/mentor relationship and what short-term goals she'd like to achieve. The agreement also typically states that the protege will be open and honest -- as will the mentor -- about any issues, questions or concerns that arise.

Tags: mentoring relationship, meeting journal, mentor should, needs feedback, novice behavior

About Xray Technician Radiology Jobs

About X-Ray Technician Radiology Jobs

In today's world, the medical field is always busy and employing people for many positions. X-ray technician and radiology jobs are among these positions that are readily available, making entering the field of medicine a good choice. Schooling can be done locally depending upon the health care facility in your area. Other times you may need to leave your area for training. Licensing and certification go hand in hand with completing the process of obtaining one of these positions.

Job Duties

The job duties of an X-ray and radiology technician go beyond just pressing a button to administer the diagnostic test. Other requirements of their jobs are placing non-radioactive material into the bloodstream of the patient. In addition, they are required to make sure the patient does not have jewelry on and explain the procedure to them. They also must keep proper documentation of each patient and follow regulations regarding radiation.

Education

Schooling is important for X-ray technician and radiology jobs. Like any other field of learning, this one also requires education. For a list of schools that offer these types of academic fields, see the link below to "Guide to Health Care Schools." Attending a technical school is going to cost less than the average university or college for most other careers. In addition, education length ranges from one to four years.

Licensure

Licensing and certification is necessary. In addition to education through an X-ray technician or radiology school, an individual wishing to start one of these careers must become licensed. Licensure is done through the state. Information for your state can be found through the link below under "The American Registry of Radiological Technologists."

Certification

Just because you are licensed does not mean that you are all set to go. Certification through The American Registry of Radiological Technologists is required. To do so, you will need to take its "Standards of Ethics" course and pay an annual fee. Your school will advise you of the time frame as to when to complete this.

Salary

X-Ray technician and radiology salaries pay fairly well. According to indeed.com, a salary search website, as of Jan. 31, 2009, the pay for an X-ray technician is $32,000 and a radiologist $52,000 annually. While there are many jobs in this salary range, not all are as rewarding as this one. The reward comes in the knowing that you are helping people.

Tags: X-ray technician, addition education, American Registry, American Registry Radiological, Licensing certification, link below

Negatives Of Mandatory Drug Tests In High Schools

Drug testing has not been proved effective at reducing abuse.

Drug testing in schools has been a contentious issue in the United States since 1995 when the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of random testing by local public schools in Vernonia, Oregon. Since then, debate has raged as to whether mandatory drug testing is an effective way of discouraging the country's young people from experimenting with drugs. Individuals who favor the introduction of such a policy say that young people who have done nothing wrong have nothing to fear and that radical action is required to tackle the problem of drug abuse in schools. Other campaigners and commentators have questioned whether this is the right way to approach a complex and emotive issue.

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

Mandatory drug testing violates the legal notion that any citizen accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty. The concept of compelling an individual of any age to submit to mandatory drug testing also raises important ethical questions about that individual's human rights and the right of the state to intervene in their conduct. Mandatory drug testing is seen by some as a gross invasion of an individual's right to privacy and a big brother-style sledgehammer approach of an authoritarian government.

Cost

Mandatory drug testing is not cheap. Then president George W. Bush requested $17.9 million for student drug testing grants in his 2008 budget. This may sound like short change when compared to the defense budget or the billions spent on bailing out failing financial institutions after the banking crisis in 2008, but individuals who oppose the policy of testing say that this money could be spent more effectively on woefully under-funded education and treatment programs.

Pushing the Problem Underground

Young people who might be experimenting with drugs could be pushed out of extracurricular activities, skip school to avoid testing or drop out altogether if they face the prospect of a mandatory test. Many vulnerable kids already suffering from serious problems could be pushed out of the system and descend further into drug use or start experimenting with other substances that are not tested for.

Evidence

No evidence exists that drug testing in schools has a positive effect on substance abuse among children. A study carried by researchers from the university of Michigan in 2003 found that drug testing had no link to the prevalence of drug taking among 76,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade students.

Tags: drug testing, experimenting with, could pushed, Drug testing, experimenting with drugs

Five Types Of Open Wounds

Even a small open wound can result in infection if it is not properly treated.

Open wounds are extremely painful to victims and intimidating to those who must treat them. Before attempting treatment, it is helpful to know what kind of open wound you're dealing with in order to avoid aggravating the wound or treating it ineffectively. There are at least five kinds of open wounds: abrasions, incisions, lacerations, punctures and avulsions. A closed wound is one which affects the tissue underneath the skin, such as a bruise or blood blister.

Abrasions

Abrasions are usually caused by friction between the skin and a rough surface. They are commonly called scrapes. Abrasions usually don't result in serious bleeding because the damage occurs close to the surface of the skin. However, without proper care they can become infected and result in scars. Clean an abrasion with soapy water to eliminate any dirt that's embedded in the skin. Avoid itching or picking at scrapes or scabs.

Incisions

Incisions are clean cuts made by sharp objects, such as knives, razors or pieces of glass. They can be deep and usually result in heavy, rapid loss of blood. Incisions don't usually become infected because the cut does not have jagged edges to attract dirt. Apply direct pressure to the wound to slow bleeding, and seek emergency care if blood loss is severe and continuous.

Lacerations

A laceration is a tear in the skin, usually caused by blunt objects. They can be difficult to treat and recovery time is often longer than with other types of open wounds. Lacerations often involve the skin tissue as well as extensive damage to underlying tissues and are also prone to infection because the wounds usually have jagged, torn edges. Heavy bleeding or hemorrhage is another concern. Professional care is recommended for lacerations.

Punctures

Punctures, usually caused by nails, needles or other small pointed objects, might not appear to be serious but puncture wounds can damage underlying organs and result in internal bleeding. Puncture wounds are prone to tetanus infection and should be treated by a doctor if they are serious. If you have a puncture wound and the object is still in the skin, do not remove it.

Avulsions

An avulsion results in severe tearing of tissues, often resulting in hanging skin or complete tearing. If part of the skin is detached, try to find it, rinse it, wrap in sterile gauze and store it in a sterile plastic bag. Do not freeze or place completely in water. Bleeding can often be heavy and pressure should be applied immediately. If skin is hanging from the wound, put it back in place and apply steady pressure.

Tags: usually caused, Abrasions usually, become infected, damage underlying, have jagged, open wound, open wounds

Mental Health & Medicare

Medicare offers mental health coverage for the elderly.

Medicare has offered help for physical health problems for decades, but until recently, psychiatric care did not get the same level of coverage as physical health care did. Now, the importance of mental health is becoming clearer, especially for elders who face changing roles, physical needs, and living circumstances.

Significance

Medicare mental health insurance provides help that improves the quality of life for many elderly and disabled people on its rolls. According to the Administration on Aging, 20 percent of the mental health issues of those older than 55 are beyond the scope of mental changes that normally take place with age. The World Health Organization addresses treatment, saying that mental help can improve health, quality of life, autonomy, and the needs of the caregivers, as well as lessening problems with disability.

History

At the time Medicare was founded, Medicare had a different attitude about mental health than physical medical problems. Many older Americans avoided seeking psychiatric assistance, partly due to the cost. In 2006, the push for parity in mental health coverage began in earnest. As of September 2009, the reimbursement for mental health services was at 50 percent, while Medicare paid 80 percent of the cost for physical illnesses. Medicare reimbursements continue to increase in 2010.

Benefits

Medicare helps pay for visits with mental health workers such as psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and social workers, and clinical nurse's assistants. If you want a prescription drug benefit to cover medications for mental conditions, you must buy a Medicare plan and learn the rules of that plan. Hospitalizations are a part of Medicare coverage as well, within specifically designated circumstances.

Considerations

Original Medicare, without a supplement plan, has certain limitations. Gaps in coverage include: transportation to mental health services, private care nursing or private rooms during hospitalizations, and drug benefits. Ask the mental health service provider whether she accepts Medicare assignment. This means that she accepts Medicare's allowed cost as the total, and figures your co-pay based on the proper percentage of that total. Otherwise, you may pay a higher price because the cost is not discounted.

Future

As of May 2010, the government plans to pay a higher percentage of Medicare-approved fees each year between 2011 and 2014. In 2010 and 2011, you will pay 45 percent for outpatient procedures. You will pay 40 percent in 2012, and 35 percent in 2013. Parity with physical care will be achieved in 2014 when you will pay only 20 percent of the cost for outpatient procedures.

Tags: mental health, mental health, accepts Medicare, health coverage, health services, mental health coverage, mental health services

Federal Grants For Youth Sports

Engagement with sports helps kids develop strength of character.

Participation in youth sports is not just about the exercise. Playing sports also improves confidence, social skills, and overall health. Programs that bring children into contact with sports have a lasting impact on kids' lives. National organizations, professional associations and federal government agencies all contribute to youth sports through grant programs.

USGA Hook a Kid on Golf

The United State Golf Association partners with the National Alliance of Youth Sports to provide funding for golf lessons for kids. Any golf club that uses the Hook a Kid on Golf model for training children in tee level clinics is eligible for matching grants from the USGA program. The grants provide funding for instruction and equipment for kids who otherwise could not afford to participate in golf. Low income children and families are often invited to participate, so they can be introduced to the game by qualified instructors. Clubs and opportunities to use course facilities are also included. Past grants have been approximately $10,000.

Hook a Kid on Golf

2050 Vista Parkway

West Palm Beach, FL 33411

800-729-2057

hookakidongolf.org

President's Council on Fitness with General Mills

The President's Council on Fitness partners with General Mills and the American Dietetic Association in the Champions for Healthy Kids grant program. Fifty grants of $10,000 dollars are given every year to schools and community projects that have the potential to bring sports to needy children and see the sports programs thrive with sustained community support.

General Mills, Inc.

P.O. Box 9452

Minneapolis, MN 55440

generalmills.com

Responsible Sports

The Responsible Sports Community Grants Program, a program of Liberty Mutual, offers funding of $2,500 and $5,000 every year for youth sports development in the United States. The grants typically fund facility improvement, gear for underfunded teams and leagues, and team development. Although the grants are likely not sufficient to start a new program, they enhance existing sports programs that need improvement or are looking to make minor expansions.

Responsible Sports Liberty Mutual

175 Berkeley Street

Boston, MA 02116

responsiblesports.com

Tags: General Mills, Hook Golf, Responsible Sports, youth sports, Council Fitness, every year, Liberty Mutual

The Radiologist Salary In Texas

A radiologist is a physician who specializes in medical diagnostic imaging. These professionals work with other physicians to assist in diagnosing and treating patients using nuclear medicine, ultrasound, X-rays, MRIs and other radiological tools. Some of these professionals work in radiological subspecialties --- breast imaging, cardiovascular, chest, computed tomography, ultrasound, head and neck, radiation oncology, and many others.

Job Requirements

Like all physicians, radiologists must obtain a bachelor's degree followed by completing four years of medical school. A one-year internship is also required and at least four years of residency in radiology. All physicians obtain a state-administered license to practice professionally and most radiologists become board certified through the American Board of Radiology or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology.

Salary

The American Medical Association estimated 1.2 percent of all physicians specialize in radiology. In Texas, the average salary for radiologists is $324,541 per year, according to CBSalary.com as of Feburary 2011. The 25th percentile of radiologists in Texas earned $230,088 per year in Texas. The 75th percentile earned $389,086 per year.

Geography

In February 2011, CBSalary.com reported radiologists in Dallas earn an average salary of $335,596 per year. In Houston the average salary is $280,570 per year and in San Antonio the average salary is $243,676 per year. In the Texas panhandle, the average salary of radiologists in Lubbock is $378,750 per year.

National Statistics

The national average salary for radiologists is $403,416 per year according to Salary.com in February 2011. The 25th percentile earns $335,473 per year and the 75th percentile earns $456,124 per year. Along with salary, some employers also offer bonuses. The average bonus for this occupation is $3,826 per year.

Tags: average salary, average salary radiologists, average salary year, salary radiologists, salary year, 2011 25th, 2011 25th percentile

How Does Plant Breeding Work

Plant breeding involves selecting plants for reproduction in the hopes of producing offspring that have preferred traits. Plant breeding, in its most basic form, goes back thousands of years in human history. Ancient farmers selected the seeds of the most desirable plants and saved them to grow the next season. Understanding the principles behind modern, scientific plant breeding is the key to successfully creating new desirable varieties. Does this Spark an idea?

Genes

The science of genetics forms the foundation of plant breeding. Genes, a basic component of every living cell, determine the characteristics, such as size or color, which the parent plant passes on to its progeny. Most cells contain two genes for each trait. Each parent plant contributes a gene for each inheritable trait to the offspring. For example, each parent may contribute a gene for the color red. In that case, with two red genes, the plant will have a red flower. If one parent contributes a red gene and the other a yellow gene, then the flowers will have a red color or a hue in between red and yellow, depending on how strongly the red gene dominates the yellow gene.

Quantitative Traits

Not every trait is governed by one or even a few genes. Some complex traits, such as drought resistance, have numerous genes that contribute to the desired characteristic. These types of attributes, called quantitative traits by scientists, may be quite difficult to produce since they involve the interplay of so many genes. Other quantitative traits include fruit size and yield. When attempting to select for quantitative traits, plant breeders might need to propagate many generations of plants before obtaining the desired characteristic.

Pollination

Plant breeding centers around pollination, the process by which a seed is formed. The male part of a flower, the anther, produces a substance called pollen that fertilizes the stigma, the female part of a flower. Self-pollination occurs when pollen from an anther fertilizes the female part of the same flower or a different flower that grows on the same plant, according to the University of Illinois. In cross-pollination, pollen fertilizes a flower on a different plant. In plant breeding, the pollen parent contributes the pollen, while the seed parent receives the pollen.

Reasons

Growers have various reasons for breeding plants. Farmers might want a more durable type of grain. For instance, farmers bred a specific type of sorghum to make it viable outside of its native habitat in the southwestern U.S. Growers who wish to create more desirable ornamentals might want a longer time for a flower to remain in bloom or a larger or smaller plant size. For a citrus grower, fruit size might have a critical importance.

Tags: quantitative traits, contributes gene, desired characteristic, female part, flower different, fruit size, might want

Computer Laptop Rental

Computer laptop rentals is an easy way to provide fast temporary equipment to your employees.

As computer laptops become essential equipment in business travel, more companies are choosing to rent laptops because of the ease and flexibility they provide. If you need to supply your employees with laptops for an upcoming conference or presentation or if you need to provide laptops for a temporary office or training class, renting might be the best option. If you are an individual whose main computer at home is a desktop and you need a laptop for an upcoming travel event, renting would be a convenient solution.

Instructions

1. Go to the Computer Rent website and contact them to request a quote for a laptop rental. Based in North Carolina, Computer Rent has specialized in nationwide short term computer and audiovisual equipment rentals for over 20 years. They offer delivery, setup, and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They also pride themselves on being able to handle last-minute orders. The company works with affiliates all across the nation to efficiently deliver laptops directly to your door.

2. Rent a laptop directly through the Instant Laptop Rental website. This site offers individual packages for students, businesses, professionals, and executives. Laptops can be rented by the day, week, or month. All laptops come equipped with Windows XP and WiFi. If you are located in Houston, orders will arrive in one day. All other locations will receive their laptop the next day. Rental packages include a laptop battery, power cord, and carrying case.

3. Contact Rent a Computer through the Web. After fulfilling a form listing your laptop requirements, Rent a Computer assigns a "Tech Travel Agent" provide you with a quote and guide you through the process. Rent a Computer has an extensive selection of computers, ranging from Apple Macintosh to Dell, HP, Sony, and Compaq. With a large nationwide network, Rent a Computer has serviced over 1000 cities in the United States.

4. Rent a laptop computer through the Electro Rent website. Electro Rent services all of the major metropolitan areas in the US and Canada, and is also able to ship computers overseas. The company offers a broad rental program, including the possibilities of leasing and renting with the option to buy. Electro Rent is one of the largest computer rental businesses in the nation, and acts as the short-term computer rental provider for the state and federal government. They are able to deliver your laptop immediately within 24 to 48 hours.

5. Get a rental quote from the Rentfusion website. Rentfusion has a large network of warehouses throughout the US, and offers short-term rentals throughout the country, including Alaska and Hawaii, and also services international and overseas requests. With a large inventory of the latest equipment, Rentfusion offers standard or customized configurations, a flexible program of daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly rental, free local delivery and pickup, as well as same or next day shipping within the US or internationally. When you contact them for a quote, a representative will be assigned directly to your account.

Tags: Rent Computer, Electro Rent, Computer Rent, computer rental, contact them, directly your

What Is A Colloid

Jelly is a colloid.

Many common food items (jelly) and other products (paper) are colloids. They appear to be singular components but actually are comprised of two separate things. These molecule clumps are often murky or opaque in appearance, such as fog and milk. And they do not separate while standing, such as oil and water do when they are combined. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Colloid Defined

Milk, a colloid, contains butter fat.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines colloid as being a substance. Colloid is a substance that is able to disperse its particles throughout another substance (like butter fat does in milk or rain water does in the atmospheric gases). When this dispersion takes place it is almost impossible to tell that it is two substances instead of one that is being looked at, since it appears to be just one.

Colloid: A Substance Mixture

According to the online website Science Clarified.com, there are three main mixture types: solutions, suspensions, and substances. Colloids are substance mixtures. While the particles that make up solution mixtures are approximately one nanometer in size (extremely small), and the particles that comprise suspension mixtures are larger than 1,000 nanometers---particles that make up substance mixtures (like gelatin) fall somewhere in between, 1 to 1,000 nanometers (see Science Clarified link in References Section below).

Types

There are many types of colloids. There are food colloids, plastic colloids, colored glass colloids and even paper colloids. Colloids are common and vary in type because any solid, gas or liquid combination has the potential to produce a colloid. Some examples of the different types of colloids include butter, mayonnaise, milk, jelly, gelatin, whipped cream, plaster, muddy water, paper and colored glass.

Colloid Components

Clouds are a colloid.

Two components are required to make a colloid: some type of colloid particle and some type of dispersing mechanism (medium). The particle must be able to interact within another environment. For example, when rain (a liquid) is dispersed (interacts) in a gaseous atmosphere it will produce fogs that take the form of mist or clouds. The same can be seen when bubbles (a gas particle substance) is dispersed into a liquid (like a soft drink). The colloid will foam.

Significant

Colloids look uniform to the human eye---meaning they look homogenous, or as if they automatically go together and are not two separate items. A good example of this is milk. The butter fat used to make milk (and its lumpiness) is not evidenced by the human eye at all; instead, the opaque-looking liquid milk is what you see.

Tags: colored glass, paper colloids, particles that, Science Clarified, some type

Mole Removal Method

Moles are pigmented skin growths that appear on the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people have 20 to 40 moles. While there are moles that slowly disappear after 50 years, most moles are permanent. For this reason there are many mole removal methods available. Some are homemade, while others are medical procedures. Most moles are harmless, but in rare cases, a mole becomes cancerous. Revi, the medical term for moles, come in various shapes and sizes. But in most cases, a person can find a method to remove a problematic mole.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar often is recommended as a treatment for moles. The active ingredient in the vinegar that actually removes the mole is potassium. You have several options. You can take potassium supplements or apple cider vinegar supplements. Or you can make a paste of the potassium tablets or capsules and apply it daily to the mole. Another option is to drink 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar each day or apply the vinegar directly to the mole. After several days the mole will fall off.

Garlic

Garlic is a popular folk remedy for mole removal, reports the Earth Clinic website. Fresh garlic usually is the best treatment. Cut a very thin slice of the garlic clove and apply it to the moles, holding it in place with medical tape or a Band-Aid. Leave the garlic on the mole overnight for three nights in a row. Garlic reportedly removes the mole in only three days. The active ingredient in garlic is sulfur, and it is this substance that removes the mole.

Shaving the Mole

Dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons or plastic surgeons offer a few treatments for the removal of moles. According to the Mayo Clinic, when a doctor shaves off a mole, he "numbs the area around a mole and then uses a small blade to cut around and beneath the mole." This excision of the mole usually doesn't require sutures. This method is best for small moles.

Punch Biopsy

A punch biopsy is a technique used to get a small sample of tissue to test for cancer cells. But this technique has other uses as well. It can be used to remove moles. Punch biopsies use a device that resembles a cookie cutter. The doctor places this device on the mole and is able to punch it out, states the Mayo Clinic.

Surgery

As a final resort or for the removal of cancerous moles, surgery is the most effective option. In this method the doctor excises or cuts out the mole and a small bit of the surrounding tissue. Sutures are needed to sew up the skin. This is probably the most invasive of the mole removal procedures.

Tags: cider vinegar, Mayo Clinic, mole removal, removes mole, According Mayo

Pink Poodle Birthday Party Ideas

A pink poodle birthday party can be a special day for any young girl. Make her day an exciting event by inviting her best friends and their favorite stuffed dog or bear to the party. Plan a party that the little ones will remember. Encourage everyone to wear an item of clothing that is pink. Be sure to have a cluster of pink balloons to mark the party place outside at your driveway entrance or door. Does this Spark an idea?

Decorations and Invitation

Design an invitation with a poodle or a simple pink ribbon dog collar on the cover. You can have an enjoyable time planning the decorations for the party. Select pink, purple and white pom-pom balls or ornaments to hang up with feather boas or garlands. Place pictures of pink poodles around the party area. Inexpensive dog collars can be used for curtain tie-backs in the party room. Don't forget to purchase or hand make a banner or sign for the birthday girl. Choose bright-colored tablecloths for the food and gift tables.

Poodle Kit and Activities

Assemble a pom-pom kit to make pink poodles for an activity. The simple craft requires pom-poms in any size and a bottle of white tacky glue. Simply glue two small pom-poms together for each of the four legs. Adhere the legs to a large pom-pom body, add a small neck pom-pom then a medium-size head. Make a tiny braid from fluffy pink or white yarn and glue to the back portion of the dog for a tail. Glue a tiny pom-pom to the end of the tail. Add craft eyes for the face embellishment and a piece of cording for a sparkly collar.

Make buckle bracelets that look like a dog collar by gluing craft rhinestones. Pin the tail or the collar on the poodle for younger birthday party guests. Decorate a small tote bag with sponge or rubber stamped dog or bone shapes with acrylic paint for an easy craft with younger children.

Food

Decorate the table with puffs of pink cotton candy in cones or bags set into colorful bowls. Make tea sandwiches with cream cheese mixed with maraschino cherry slivers and chopped walnuts. Prepare trays of a variety of finger sandwiches including peanut butter and jelly and a bowl of cocktail wieners in sauce. For a pre-teen party make individual pizzas shaped like dog bones, if a hot meal would be more appropriate. Serve birthday cake with pink ice cream or sherbet.

Cake and Dessert

Construct a poodle-shaped head or the entire body with round and rectangular cakes. Frost with pale pink icing and add bright pink cupcakes for the puffs at the ankles, ears and tail. Use a red or black licorice twist for the collar. Add coconut on top of the frosting for a fluffier appearance. You can make pink frosted cupcakes and place them on a round or rectangular tray, arranged in the shape of the birthday number, for a simpler cake dessert. Add a bowl of fresh strawberries or raspberries to the dessert table.

Doggy Gift Bag

Make or purchase a small gift box that looks like a pet carrier or a doggy bag. Fill the container with a layer of pink tissue before adding in the thank-you goodies for your party goers. Choose goodies that are pink or poodle themed. Place chocolate chip or dog-bone-shaped cookies that are iced with pink glaze, dog tags, pink socks, barrettes, sunglasses, novelty drinking straws and pink bubble gum into the container.

Tags: birthday party, make pink, pink poodle, pink poodles, round rectangular

Beginning Stages Of Gum Cancer

Watching for gum cancer

Gum cancer is a type of oral cancer that affects millions of people each year. The possibility of getting gum cancer is increased dramatically in those who smoke, those who chew tobacco and those who don't take care of their oral health with regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups.

Gum Cancer Defined

Gum cancer can happen to anyone, although your risk is higher when you smoke, chew tobacco or use poor hygiene. Gum cancer is cancer of the soft tissue surrounding the teeth and bones of the jaw that hold the teeth. When there is any type of cancer to this soft tissue, it is referred to either as gum cancer, gingival cancer or oral cancer.

Identification

When it comes to the symptoms of gum cancer, there are two types that you need to be aware of. The first type of symptoms are the ones you might notice yourself. You will be able to feel them or see them. The second type are the symptoms only your doctor or dentist might be able to detect.

The first type includes symptoms such as pain in your gum area, swelling of your gums (which is also a symptom of gingivitis), a mass on your gum that you can either feel or see, a gum ulceration and gum bleeding (which is also a sign of gingivitis).

The symptoms your doctor would have to notice include an ulcer that hasn't healed properly, a lump in the oral cavity that has gotten larger rather than smaller, red, white or dark areas on the gum, and an abnormal texture to the gums that may cause loose teeth or the movement of teeth.

Diagnosis of Gum Cancer

The diagnosis of gum cancer would be made after there has been a thorough examination by a dentist or oral specialist with blood tests, X-rays, a biopsy of the edge of an ulcer or lesion, a complete dental history workup and a health profile, which would include medical history, family medical history and eating, drinking, smoking and dental care habits. If the doctor thinks it necessary, you may also be given an MRI.

Treatment of Gum Cancer

If you are diagnosed with an early stage of gum cancer, you may be able to take care of it using one of three methods. Surgery is an option that might involve removing some or all of your teeth, as well as the section that has cancer growth. Radiation is another treatment option for early stages of gum cancer. The other option of treatment is chemotherapy. There is also the option of combining either radiation and surgery or chemotherapy and surgery. As with any cancer, the earlier it is detected and diagnosed, the better the prognosis and greater the possibility of successfully having less aggressive cancer treatment.

Possible Complications of Gum Cancer

If gum cancer is caught early, there is very little chance of the damage that can result from later stages. Usually it can be easily treated and taken control of. There are occasionally complications from even the early stages of gum cancer. Depending on where the cancer was located and how widespread it was, there may be problems with saliva, taste, future oral infections and sometimes problems with speech.

Prognosis: After Gum Cancer

Gum cancer caught in the early stages has a good prognosis. Oral cancer is slower at spreading and growing than some other types of cancer. It has a five-year survival rate of almost 70 percent if the cancer hasn't reached the lymph nodes.

Tags: early stages, Cancer cancer, cancer cancer, Cancer cancer caught, cancer caught

Fund Ideas For Susan G Komen 3day Race

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk helps raise breast cancer awareness.

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk For the Cure is an annual event where people from all over the U.S. spend three days walking 60 miles in an effort to raise awareness for breast cancer. Many people go beyond just raising money by asking for pledges and look to more creative fundraising ideas for the Susan G. Komen Fund.

Sell Something to Wear

Everyday, many people show their support against breast cancer by wearing a pink ribbon. Over the years, a variety of famous designers have created T-shirts, purses, beach towels and shopping bags in the signature pink color or with a creative design. Even makeup lines have created different cosmetics that use pink as the main color and donate a percentage of that sale to the Susan G. Komen Fund. Take a clue from those famous philanthropists and create a set number of T-shirts, make earrings or design something that can be sold for a profit. Donate a certain percentage of the money to the Susan G. Komen fund. These shirts can also be worn collectively as a group by a team or by a walker's supporters.

Bake Sale

Bake sales are one of the most traditional forms of fundraising as well as one of the most effective. Organizing a day and sending out an email, posting fliers and asking friends and families to help get the world out are the best way to put together a bake sale. Those interested in helping this cause can donate a variety of baked goods from which the profits of the sale of the items will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Fund.

Fundraiser At a Bar

Asking a local bar to help sponsor a fundraiser can not only help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Fund, but can also bring friends together in an entertaining environment. Many bars will offer a drink package with a percentage of the revenue going towards the set charity or fund. This is also tax deductible for their establishment. Asking wait staff to donate tips is not unheard of, although keep in mind that many of these people wait tables as their only source of income. Inquiring if volunteers can wait tables for the night and donate their profits is always a safe option.

Silent Auction

Consider hosting a gathering at a neutral spot like an art gallery, restaurant or a friend's house and throw a silent auction. Ask local businesses if they can donate a good or service that can be auctioned off, with the proceeds going towards the Susan G. Komen Fund. Examples include asking a local bakery to donate a birthday cake, asking a hair salon to donate a haircut or a local restaurant to donate dinner for two.

Tags: Susan Komen, Susan Komen Fund, breast cancer, Komen Fund, 3-Day Walk