Why Is My Spleen Calcified

As part of the disease-fighting lymphatic system, the spleen is an important, but not vital, organ. Abnormal calcifications are often seen in the spleen, particularly in the elderly.

Definition

In the context of disease, calcification is defined as the abnormal deposition of calcium salts in a tissue, along with some iron, magnesium and other mineral salts.

Types

Two types of pathologic (abnormal) calcifications can affect the spleen. "Dystrophic calcification" refers to mineral deposition in dying tissues, in spite of normal blood calcium levels. "Metastatic calcification" describes the deposition of calcium salts in normal tissues, usually in the presence of high blood calcium levels.

Spleen Features

Located just under the left side of the rib cage, the spleen is a spongy, fist-sized organ. It is covered with a fibrous capsule and is comprised of a white pulp and a red pulp.

Spleen Function

The white pulp of the spleen helps the body fight infections by producing white blood cells called lymphocytes, The main role of the red pulp is to filter the blood to remove unwanted substances.

Infectious Causes

Splenic calcifications may result from previous infections. In such cases, the calcification is usually diffuse. Possible causes include:

• Histoplasmosis, caused by the soil fungus Histoplasma Capsulatum

• Brucellosis, caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella

• Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis

• Candidiasis (yeast infection) in immunocompromised patients

• Pneumocystis infection, especially Pneumocystis carinii

• Parasitic cysts

Other Causes

Calcification may occur in the parenchyma, or essential tissue, of the spleen. Possible causes include:

• Phleboliths (stony deposits in veins)

• Hemangioma (benign blood vessel tumor)

• Splenic lymphoma (lymph tissue cancer)

• Hematoma (mass of clotted blood in tissue or organ)

Diffuse uniform calcification can result from impaired blood flow to the spleen and tissue death (splenic infarction). This usually happens in sickle cell patients.

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Breast Reconstruction Recovery Time

Breast reconstructive surgery is a procedure used to correct the breasts or remove them.

Following your breast reconstruction surgery, you will be given information on care for your scars, take your medication and aid in the healing process. You will also be informed of what to expect directly following the procedure.

Recovery

The process of recovery after breast reconstruction surgery takes around six weeks. This recovery process may be prolonged if additional procedures are required, such as nipple reconstruction, or an additional breast reconstructive procedure.

Weeks After the Procedure

For the first five days you will remain in the hospital following surgery. You may experience pain and discomfort for several weeks after the procedure.You will be asked to refrain from all forms of strenuous activities at this point.

First Few Months

The bulk of the pain and discomfort experienced within the first six weeks of healing will have subsided by now. This is the time where many women must mentally adjust to their breast looking different. If you find that this stage is becoming difficult for you to handle, speak to your physician.

Scaring

After the reconstructive surgery, you can expect to have scaring in one or more of the following areas: breasts, nipples, abdomen, navel, back or buttocks. You will be given a cream, ointment or gel such as Mederma topical gel, or Pro-sil scar reduction gel to put on the scars to reduce their appearance over time. These products may also be available over the counter. Your physician will suggest the best options for you.

Followup

It is important to remember to go to your followup appointments--this will ensure you have the best possible healing process. It will also show any early signs of infection, which can then be cleared up before it becomes a problem.

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Medical Front Office Assistant Salary

Medical assistants earn a living working with doctors and their patients.

Hospitals, clinics and other facilities employ medical assistants who work in the front office and may be responsible for both clinical and clerical tasks, such as taking patients' temperatures and scheduling appointments. The salary of a medical front office assistant varies based on factors such as the type of employer for which she works and the geographic location of the office.

Salary

Medical front office assistants in the United States earn an average salary of $29,450 and a median salary of $28,650 as of May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average hourly rate is $14.16. Assistants in the bottom 10 percent earn an average of $20,750, while those in the top 10 percent earn $39,970.

Medical Facilities

Most medical assistants work in the front offices of medical facilities such as clinics and hospitals. In physicians' offices, the average salary is $29,810 according to the BLS, while in general hospitals the average is $30,830. In the offices of other health practitioners, assistants earn an average income of $26,830, and in outpatient care centers the average is $29,830. Specialty hospitals and dentists' offices offer some of the highest wages for medical front office assistants at salary averages of $33,750 and $35,920 respectively, and psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals offer the highest wages at a salary average of $46,430.

Other Employers

Medical assistants also may work in the front offices of non-medical facilities performing the same duties. Those employed at colleges, universities and professional schools earn an average salary of $30,850 per year according to the BLS, while medical assistants working in the industry of scientific research and development services earn an average of $33,810 annually. The local government is also an employer of medical front office assistants, offering an average annual wage of $31,900.

Location

Due to differences in cost of living, salaries for medical front office assistants vary from one region to the next. Medical assistants in Washington, D.C., earn the nation's highest paying average annual salary of $37,790, according to the BLS. Top-paying states are Alaska at $36,400 and Massachusetts at $34,490. The top two highest paying cities for medical front office assistants are located in California: Vallejo-Fairfield offers an average salary of $43,010, and in Salinas the average is $40,970.

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Medicare Part B Limitations

Medicare Part B provides medical insurance coverage.

Medicare Part B covers doctors' services, hospital outpatient care, durable medical equipment and some medical services and supplies not covered by Part A (hospital insurance). The list of covered services is long, and each service has is own rules and potential limitations.

Deductible and Coinsurance

The annual Part B deductible in 2011 is $162. After the deductible is met, Medicare pays 80 percent of most Medicare-approved charges for eligible services and supplies. However, for clinical lab services and home health services (except durable medical equipment), you pay $0. For mental health services, you pay 45 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for most outpatient mental health care.

Exclusions

Some of the items that Medicare Part B does not cover include cosmetic surgery, routine dental care or dentures, hearing aids, vision care or eyeglasses, acupuncture, massage therapy or prescription drugs, However, you can buy prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D.

Therapy Limits

Part B also has limits, which vary according to type of therapy, on physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services.

Preventive Services

Medicare Part B covers some preventive services, but covers them only at certain time intervals. For example, Part B covers a bone mass measurement test once every 24 months, unless more frequent tests are medically necessary, for people who have certain medical conditions or meet certain criteria. Cardiovascular screenings with blood tests to test your cholesterol, lipid and triglyceride levels are covered every five years. Colonoscopy is covered once every 120 months, unless you have a high risk for colon cancer, then Part B covers the test every 24 months. For women over 40, Medicare covers a screening mammogram once every 12 months.

Premium

You pay a monthly premium, based on your income and eligibility date, for Part B coverage. In 2011, that premium ranges from $96.40 to $369.10 each month. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible and want to sign up later, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare.

Considerations

To find out if Medicare covers a service, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

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What Is The Future Of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing has already given us a way to prove paternity with almost 100% accuracy and stifle the spread of some dangerous, inherited conditions. The future of genetic testing looks to improve on the technology of today, which can only peer at small portions of DNA strands per test. In the near future, we might even be able to change certain aspects of our genetic makeup.

History

The story of modern day genetic testing begins with Gregor Mendel's pea plant experiments in 1868. Mendel proved that traits were inherited, according to the National Museum of Health. Although genetic testing for paternity goes back to the early 1920s with blood-typing, it did not take off until DNA tests allowed diagnoses of specific diseases in the 1970's, according to ScienceProgress.

Privacy Concerns

A report on the integrity of DNA testing by "The New England Journal of Medicine" claims that the increased use of genetic testing will require that governments take further steps to protect genetic data privacy. When you give a sample to a DNA technician, he often includes a waiver that allows him to use your DNA for research. Some companies are already selling personal information and DNA samples for research purposes. In the wrong hands, this could lead to discrimination by employers if you have a potentially life-threatening inherited condition.

Genome Mapping

The current state of genetic testing can look at only certain parts of a strand DNA at once. In the future, companies will have the technology to look at the entire human genome, reports the National Institute of Health. However, even if you could look at a person's complete genome at once with today's technology, not all genes are well understood by medical science. Future studies should make our knowledge of the human genome more complete.

Gene Therapy

One of the most promising technologies that could cure potentially fatal diseases with no known treatment option is "gene therapy," according to the government's Human Genome Project. "Damaged" genes cannot properly tell their proteins function normally. Gene therapy replaces faulty genes with correct ones, using a virus to carry the working gene into desired cells. Current gene therapy is not very effective and must overcome a number of limitations. Of the utmost concern is finding a way to deal with cell division. Once a round of DNA is inserted into cells, the cells have already begun to divide and grow without the new genes.

Warning

At-home DNA testing is becoming a booming business, with some possible harmful side effects, reports "The New York Times." Consumers of home test kits take their own DNA samples and send them off to a laboratory. The lab then returns with the prognosis of a person's genome. However, no current laws regulate how companies must counsel patients on DNA test results. This often leaves the person to make their own assumptions. For example, if a person was told he lacks a gene associated with heart problems, he may choose to ignore good health habits and eat fatty foods and stop exercising.

Tags: genetic testing, gene therapy, human genome

Breast Lift Pros & Con

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure in which a woman's sagging breasts are lifted and reshaped. Most women decide to have the surgery done to restore breast size and/or shape because of pregnancy, nursing, aging or muscle atrophy. In 2005, there were 92,740 breast lifts performed according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Doctor Choice

Keep in mind many factors when choosing a surgeon. It is generally suggested to use an ASPS member surgeon to ensure that he has been trained in all plastic procedures including breast lifts, has completed at least five years of surgical training and two years in plastic surgery, is bound by a strict code of ethics, and only operates in accredited medical facilities. It's also important that you have a comfort and trust level with the doctor.

Procedure

The breast lift procedure lasts from 1 to 3 hours. The surgeon makes several incisions at various points around the breasts. The excess skin from the lower section of the breast is then removed, and the areola, nipple and underlying breast tissue are pulled to a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then collected and drawn down to reshape the breast. The incisions are then sutured and bandaged.

During the days following surgery, the patient feels a manageable amount of pain, which can be eased with medication. Bandages and/or surgical bras might need to be worn for several days as tenderness and swollen breasts can last a few weeks. Within the first two weeks, the stitches are removed in gradual stages.

Cost

The cost of a breast lift surgery is based on the type and extensiveness of the procedure. Generally, most procedures will cost between $3,000 and $5,000, but this does not include pre-operative lab fees and post-operative costs such as drug prescriptions. An expensive surgery does not necessarily mean a more skilled surgeon is performing the operation. Ask for patient referrals and testimonials before selecting a doctor.

Pros

The benefits of having a breast lift include immediate improvement of breast shape and size, appearance restoration and, in most cases, more self-confidence. Depending on the case, other benefits could be improved posture and/or spinal health.

Cons

Aside from common surgical risks such as procedure complications and severe blood loss, a breast lift operation can leave permanent scars on the patient's chest. Fortunately, most scars lighten in color over time and can be covered by a bra or bathing suit. Some patients may lose some or all nipple sensitivity, but this normally subsides with recovery. The effects of the breast lift might diminish over time because of gravity and the age of the patient.

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Get Health Insurance Through The State Of New Jersey

A New Jersey health insurance plan can give you the resources you need for regular medical care.

New Jersey offers an Individual Health Coverage (IHC) program through which residents can buy health insurance from private carriers. Plans are available for single people, two adults, families or adults with children. Any New Jersey resident who is not eligible for Medicare and is not already covered under a group, government or church plan can apply for IHC coverage.

Instructions

1. Read the NJ Individual Health Coverage Buyer's Guide (see Resources) to see what insurance plans are available and what benefits each plan offers. The IHC program offers traditional full-service insurance plans and high-deductible plans as well as less expensive managed care options such as HMOs and PPOs.

2. Go to the NJ Individual Health Coverage Program Standard Health Benefits Plan Rate pages (see Resources) and review the rates, deductible and co-payment amount for each plan and each carrier.

3. When you have selected a carrier, contact that carrier for an application. The list of carriers on the IHC website includes each carrier's web address, mailing address and phone number.

4. Complete the application and mail it to the carrier. Include a check for the first month's premium if you want the coverage to begin within the next month. Your carrier will send you an identification card and a policy or contract that lists your policy's effective date.

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Breast Lifts With Implants

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures.

Cosmetic plastic surgery is an increasingly popular option for Americans who may be dissatisfied with their appearance, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. More than 10 million surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures were performed 2008 in the United States, with breast augmentation being the No. 1 surgical procedure. One type of breast augmentation procedure is the breast lift, which may be done with implants.

Function

The female breast may begin to sag as a result of a number of factors including pregnancy and breast-feeding, gravity, weight gain and the normal aging process. A breast lift, also referred to as a mastopexy, is a complex type of breast augmentation procedure that seeks to lift and reshape breasts that sag. Women may choose to have this procedure with or without breast implants.

Features

A breast lift procedure that is performed in conjunction with breast implants is more complex than a breast lift alone. The procedure will typically involve multiple incisions on the breast and around the areola in order to remove excess skin, to tighten the supporting tissue, to reshape the breast and to reposition the nipple, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. An incision also will need to be made to insert the implant.

Types

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two types of breast implants for use in conjunction with breast lift procedures. Saline-filled breast implants are approved for women who are at least 18 years of age. Women who are at least 22 years of age may choose to use silicone gel-filled breast implants during their breast lift procedure.

Benefits

A breast lift may help to restore support and firmness to the breasts. This procedure may reduce the size of the areola, which tends to enlarge with age. Many women choose to undergo a breast lift procedure in order to regain a more youthful appearance, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. A breast lift procedure performed in conjunction with breast implants can increase the size, shape and fullness of the breasts.

Considerations

There are a number of complications which may be associated with all types of breast augmentation surgery, including a breast lift procedure with implants. This surgical procedure requires incisions that will leave scars, some of which may be significant. There are risks of infection, bleeding, change in breast sensitivity, changes in skin pigmentation on the breast, persistent pain and breast asymmetry. Patients should consult with a qualified plastic surgeon prior to undergoing this type of procedure in order to fully understand all the risks and benefits, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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What Are Liquid Filled Bumps On Skin

A blister on a toe

It is human nature to poke and prod at something different that suddenly appears on your skin. If you have liquid-filled bumps that have appeared recently on your skin, it could be one of several skin conditions.

Blisters

Blisters are a common type of bump on the skin that can be filled with watery liquid. According to the Nemours Foundation, they are most likely to occur on a spot that is exposed to excessive rubbing, such as feet that are being rubbed by a pair of shoes.

Pyogenic Granulomas

The American Academy of Dermatology describes pyogenic granulomas as small, blood-filled bumps that can form after an injury or without any cause. They are more common in children than in adults, and women may develop pyogenic granulomas on their gums during pregnancy.

Creeping Eruption

Creeping eruption is a worm infection that is picked up in tropical areas from dirt or sand containing infected dog or cat feces. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that red bumps that ooze a clear liquid can appear as the worm moves through the skin.

Sebaceous Cysts

According to Medline Plus, sebaceous cysts can form in an irritated or injured hair follicle. They are usually harmless but can become infected and can drain a foul-smelling fluid or yellow material as well as blood.

Hemangiomas

Like pyogenic granulomas, hemangiomas are blood-filled bumps on the skin. They are more likely to occur on adults than on children, and they can appear anywhere on the body. Hemangiomas are not harmful, and they can be removed surgically.

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The Average Salary Of Male Doctors Vs Female Doctors

Data show that male doctors earn more than females.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2009, the average annual salary for a family or general practice doctor was $168,550 and the average annual salary for an internal medicine doctor was $183,990. These salary figures encompass both male and female doctors, in all geographic areas and in all industries. However, a doctor's salary can vary by gender, in addition to these other factors.

Male Doctors

As of 2011, males who hold jobs as physicians, of any specialty, earn a median annual salary of $161,467. If a male is a family practice doctor, he earns a median annual salary of between $123,432 and $169,327; and if he is an internal medicine doctor, he earns a median annual salary of between $126,614 and $185,657. Males who are not actual doctors themselves, but who are physician's assistants earn a median salary of between $74,008 and $94,213 each year, PayScale reports.

Female Doctors

As of 2011, females who hold jobs as physicians, of any specialty, earn a median annual salary of $144,810. If a female is a family practice doctor, she earns a median annual salary of between $107,716 and $150,853; and if she is an internal medicine doctor, she earns a median annual salary of between $117,118 and $164,913. If she is not a doctor, but a physician's assistant, the female earns a median salary of between $69,457 and $85,506 each year, PayScale reports.

Salary Gap in the Medical FIeld

In 2008, a male doctor in his first year earned $35,300 more than a female doctor in her first year. This was an increase from the 1999 salary gap, which was $21,778 for first-year physicians, according to a study published in the February 2011 issue of "Health Affairs" that's cited by David W. Freeman on CBSNews.com. Anthony Lo Sasso, study author and a senior research scientist at the University of Illinois at Chicago, says that the reason for the gap in salary may be due to the need for a more family-friendly and flexible work schedule for female doctors, including her potential inability to be on-call after certain hours.

American Medical Association on the Salary Gap

The American Medical Association (AMA) has conducted surveys and research into the earnings gap in the medical field. Since the 1970s, the proportion of female medical students has risen greatly. According to the AMA, although there are more equal numbers of male and female medical students today, their average salaries still are not equal, "even when studies are controlled for age, specialty and practice characteristics."

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What Is The Annual Income Of An Average Physician

Physicians are among the highest earning of all occupations in America.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, physicians are responsible for diagnosing diseases, illnesses and other conditions. They may prescribe medications and administer treatments. Working conditions sometimes dictate long and irregular hours for physicians, but they are typically well compensated for their time and expertise.

Types

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are two primary types of physicians. Medical doctors, also known as allopathic physicians, use drugs, surgery and all other accepted medical options to treat their patients. Doctors of osteopathic medicine also use all accepted treatment options, but are more focused on a holistic approach to treating the musculoskeletal system. All doctors work in one or more specialty area of medicine. The type of specialty may have a dramatic impact on their income potential.

Income

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2008 primary care physicians earned a median income of approximately $186,000 per year. Physicians who practiced in a specialized medical field earned a median income of nearly $340,000 during the same period. The bureau noted that self-employed physicians tended to have higher earnings than their salaried counterparts.

Specialty

According to PayScale, the type of specialty a physician chooses to practice in can have a significant impact on her income. As of April 2010, a doctor of internal medicine earned a median salary of approximately $144,700. An emergency room physician could expect to earn approximately $177,000 during the same time frame, and a plastic surgeon may earn in excess of $210,000.

Time Frame

Like many careers, physicians who have more experience tend to earn more than physicians who are just starting out. According to PayScale, as of April 2010 a physician in her first year on the job may expect to earn approximately $130,000. A physician with more than five years of experience may earn more than $152,000 per year. A physician with more than 20 years of experience can expect a total annual compensation of more than $174,000.

Employment outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physicians are expected to be in great demand through 2018 with an anticipated growth in jobs of 22 percent between 2008 and 2018. The bureau expects the greatest opportunities for physician jobs to be in rural areas and inner-city communities that have been traditionally underserved by the health care industry. Job opportunities are also expected to be good for physicians practicing in specialties that affect the elderly.

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Firm Up Breasts With Exercise After Weight Loss

Losing a large amount of weight is a wonderful thing. It boosts self-esteem, creates a healthier body and allows you to do the things you want to do. While there are many positive things that come from weight loss, there are a few little annoyances that get in the way, such as sagging or non-firm breasts. After all, weight is lost all over the body, including the breasts, leaving skin that is stretched out and, well, a little saggy. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can achieve more firm-looking breasts after weight loss that don't require an cosmetic surgery. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Do exercises that work to tone your upper chest and pectoral region. This won't firm the actual breast tissue, but it will lift your breasts and give the area around them a more toned feeling and look. Exercises such as push-ups, bench pressing and arm- resistance training are a great place to start.

2. Massage your breasts on a regular basis in order to improve your bustline. It's said that regularly massaging your breasts will help blood circulation. Improved blood circulation to your breast means that essential nutrients will have an easier time making their way to your breast tissue.

3. Maintain good posture. It sounds like an easy and perhaps silly remedy, but when you stand up straight and avoid slouching, your breasts will appear more firm. To achieve your best posture, stand or sit up straight, pull your shoulders back and keep your chin up.

4. Wear a bra that supports your breasts completely. A bra that lifts, supports and separates your breasts is key to a firmer-looking bust.

Tags: your breasts, blood circulation, breast tissue, breasts will, stand straight, weight loss

Medical Lab Technician License Requirements

Medical lab technicians analyze samples that have been sent to the lab.

Medical laboratory technicians find employment in hospitals and other medical facilities, analyzing and testing patient samples for viruses, bacteria and other pathogens as well as prescription and illegal drugs. Although they must complete a formal training program, not all states require medical lab technicians to be licensed or certified. For the states that do, requirements vary.

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent

Medical lab technicians are required to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Secondary school students interested in becoming medical lab technicians should take classes in biology, chemistry, English, computer skills and mathematics. Students should also consider learning a foreign language, as employers increasingly prefer bilingual candidates.

Associate's Degree

Medical lab technicians are required to have a two-year associate's degree from a program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). According to Allied-Health-Schools.com, students are taught laboratory mathematics, chemistry, microbiology, pathology, microscopy and immunology. Students also receive instruction on prepare laboratory specimens including blood, tissue samples and urine, monitor tests and procedures, analyze the chemical content in fluids, match blood types for transfusions and test drug levels in blood. While earning their associate's degree, students have the option of specializing in one of seven areas of medical lab technology: chemistry, hematology, cytotechnology, immunology, virology, microbiology or blood banking. Before conferring a certificate of completion, most medical lab technician programs require students to complete a specified amount of clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed or certified medical technician.

Licensing

Some states require medical lab technicians to be either licensed or registered. State requirements vary; applicants should check with their state's board of health or board of occupational licensing for specific details. Licensing requirements typically include official proof of completion of a state-approved or nationally accredited medical technician training program, as well as passing a state-administered licensing examination.

Certification

Some states and individual employers require medical lab technicians to earn professional certification. Even where that isn't required, many medical lab technicians choose to earn professional certification as proof that they have knowledge and expertise in their field. There are several certifying bodies, including the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Medical Technologists, the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel and the American Association of Bioanalysts.

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Information On Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is used to permanently connect two or more vertebrae to stop pain from vertebral injuries, disk degeneration, infection, scoliosis or tumors. This type of surgery is used when back pain does not respond to more conservative, non-surgical treatment and is usually only recommended after other types of therapies are unsuccessful.

Before Surgery

Your doctor will request that you undergo several types of tests before proceeding with a spinal fusion. X-rays, computerized tomography (CAT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans may be used to evaluate the condition of your spine. A myelogram can be helpful if your doctor suspects that your problem originates in a disk between the vertebrae. During a myelogram, dye is injected into the disk, allowing it to be viewed on an X-ray. You may experience pain in the disk during this procedure, which can help your doctor confirm that the disk is causing your back problems.

The Fusion Procedure

The goal of spinal fusion is to eliminate movement between two vertebrae, reducing or eliminating pain. Fusion is performed by placing a bone graft in the space between the vertebrae. Bone for the graft can be supplied by the patient or a donor. If bone is supplied from the patient, it is usually taken from the hip. Once the bone is in place, metal rods and screws are put in place to allow the area to fuse. In some cases, casts or braces are needed to keep the area immobile during fusion. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, spinal fusion reduces spinal flexibility, but most patients won't experience a significant loss of motion because only a small segment of the spine is fused.

Recovery

You will probably experience pain for several days following your surgery and will require pain medication. Part of your recovery will involve learning sit, walk, stand and move while keeping your spine in alignment. When you leave the hospital, you will need to arrange for transportation that will allow you to lie down or lean back. Staying active is an important part of your recovery and your doctor will probably suggest that you begin improving your strength and stamina by walking. As you heal, you will be able to advance to other forms of exercise, such as using a treadmill or swimming.

Warning Signs

As with any type of surgery, there are risks associated with spinal fusion. You will need to be alert for the signs of infection or blood clots in the first weeks following your surgery. Pain in your calf, redness or tenderness below or above the knee and swelling in your ankle, foot or calf can indicate the possibility of a blood clot. If your wound becomes infected, you may notice that it is red, tender and somewhat swollen. Pus may start to drain from the incision. You may experience a fever and chills. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.

Long Term Results

Depending on the severity of your problem, you may not be completely pain-free after you heal from your surgery, although you will probably experience a significant reduction in pain. The areas of your spine immediately above and below the fusion will experience more stress as a result of the fusion and it is possible that you may need another procedure in the coming years due to the additional stress on your spine.

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Breast Enlargement Options

Increase your breast size through surgery or the use of supplements.

Many women feel embarrassed or shy regarding the size of their breasts. Plenty of women would like larger breasts but can't afford surgery or are leery of herbal supplements. Learn the pros and cons of these breast enhancement methods to help you have a better understanding of your options.

Herbal Supplements

Natural breast enhancement is not a new concept, though the Western world recently has discovered the many benefits of using herbs for certain health purposes, one of which can be breast enlargement. Unfortunately, there are several herbal products on the market that claim to help enlarge breasts. These products often are just scams waiting to take advantage of innocent, young women. Not all, but many of these companies, especially those on the internet, have false before and after photos and tend to make claims that are untrue. These products also are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but don't let that be the sole reason for dismissing them, as vitamin supplements are not approved by the FDA and they still are healthy for our bodies.

Be wary of any product that has too long a list of ingredients, contains silica or ethylene glycol; both are artificial chemicals and in large amounts are harmful to the body. Do not buy these products online unless you specifically know the brand and are able to read the ingredients list on the website.

Using the right herbal breast-enhancement supplements may work well for some women but not for others. The challenge is not only finding one that works, but finding one that will work specifically for you. This method is best for women who don't want surgery. It's natural, painless and less expensive.

If you stop taking some supplements, your breasts will either return to their original size or you'll have issues with sagging breasts earlier in life than you should. The results from taking supplements is not permanent, which in itself is enough to cause many women to opt for surgery.

Breast Enhancement Surgery

For many women who feel insecure about their breast size, breast enhancement surgery is the option they choose. The surgery is permanent, though women do have to have their implants periodically replaced, typically every 10 years to prevent the onset of complications.

Complications, though rare, can occur with breast augmentation surgery, so it's best to tell your surgeon ahead of time about any underlying medical conditions, if any. When complications do occur, additional surgery may be needed. Complications are atypical. Twenty-five percent of all augmentation patients need re-operation as a result of complications.

Though breast augmentation surgery does increase breast size, it causes the breasts to look and feel unnatural. There is a period of recovery involved with surgery, typically one day before you can walk and two to three days before you can resume daily activities. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks. The surgery is incredibly expensive, costing on average between $4,000 to $10,000 total as of September 2009.

Both options have their pros and cons. Deciding which option is right for you is a task that should be handled with great consideration.

Tags: breast size, augmentation surgery, breast augmentation, breast augmentation surgery, breast enhancement, finding that

Taking The North Carolina State Bar

The North Carolina State Bar Exam is the exam that qualifies individuals to practice law in North Carolina. The first day of the exam consists of twelve essay questions from subject areas that are established in Rule .0903 of the Board of Law Examiners' rules. The second day of the exam is the Multistate Bar Examination. Once you have passed the bar exam in this or any state, you are licensed to work in the state indefinitely.

Instructions

1. Attend an accredited law school. The law school does not need to be in the state of North Carolina.

2. Find out when the State Bar Exam is being held for that year. The state of North Carolina Board of Law Examiners administers the test twice per year, once in February and once in July.

3. Register for the State Bar Exam. Ensure that you allow enough time to register. For example, the 2011 Bar Exam was held in early February, 2011; individuals could register for the test between October 5 and November 2. Ensure that your application is complete, as it may not be accepted if any supporting documents are omitted or if parts of the application are incomplete. Most of the documents must be notarized and some must be provided in duplicate. Ensure that you read and abide by all rules.

4. Verify your registration before the last day of the registration period to ensure that you have a reserved space. Gather the correct information regarding the location and time of the exam.

5. Study for the exam. The Board of Law Examiners of the State of North Carolina offers Selected Answer Booklets for study and review for a small fee. You can also download copies of old versions of the Bar Exam to help you prepare.

6. Get plenty of rest the week before the examination to ensure that you are at peak physical condition for the test.

7. Arrive at the testing location at least one hour in advance to ensure that you can be verified before the test begins. Do not attempt to bring purses or cell phones into the testing room.

8. Take the North Carolina State Bar Exam.

9. Wait until the results are posted on the Board of Law Examiners of the State of North Carolina's website. The results cannot be released until the official release date.

Tags: North Carolina, Board Examiners, State Exam, Carolina State, North Carolina State

Breast Clinics For Early Diagnosis

Breast clinics specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

A breast clinic is a place where women's health specialists diagnose and treat issues related to breast health such as breast cancer, breast disease and conditions related to pregnancy, breast feeding and menopause.

Considerations

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Survival rates improve if cancer is detected early. The American Cancer Society recommends three steps that every woman should take to help detect cancer early -- get an annual mammogram, get a clinical breast exam and perform monthly breast self-exam.

Location

Specialists at a breast clinic use breast imaging techniques such as mammography, ultrasound and MRIs to detect breast cancer and breast disease. Biopsies and genetic testing might also be used to assess and diagnose disease. Specialists also provide counseling and education about breast health and self-examinations.

Contact

To find a breast clinic near you, contact you primary care physician or gynecologist. You can also contact your health insurance provider to find a clinic within your health insurance network.

Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer breast, breast clinic, cancer breast, your health insurance, breast disease, breast health

Definition Of Lung Consolidation

Definition of Lung Consolidation

Consolidation is an old term for lobar pneumonia, which describes the appearance of the lung in autopsy studies. Consolidation denotes pneumonia so serious that William Osler (an early American physician) called it in 1901, "the captain of the men of death." The outlook for severe pneumonia has improved since then with vaccinations, antibiotics and early detection with x-rays. According to the CDC, there were 55,477 deaths from pneumonia in the United States in 2006.

Pathological Origins

When the body reacts to infection or other process in the lung, inflammation causes fluid, pus or debris to leak into the lung tissue and change its density, consolidating it and making it thicker and heavier. This pathological process originally described the appearance of affected lungs at autopsy. Before stethoscopes or x-rays were invented, doctors searched for ways to correlate these postmortem findings with those in living patients.

History of the Physical Examination

Leopold Auenbrugger, an early Austrian physician, learned that tapping on the chest with the finger (percussion) allows detection of fluid or solid structures, a technique he reportedly learned from tapping on kegs in his father's hotel wine cellar. Consolidation produces a duller note than a normal lung when the chest is tapped.

Physicians learned to suspect consolidation when they found certain other subtle clues while examining patients which are now of mainly historical interest. The chest may rise and fall less on the side that has consolidation, known as reduced expansion.

In the presence of consolidation, sounds from the larger airways near the voicebox are transmitted and heard more easily in the chest with a stethoscope, known as bronchial sounds. A whispered sound may be heard louder in the stethoscope, known as "whispered pectoriloquy" or vocal resonance. When the hand is held against the chest and a patient with consolidation says "bee," it sounds like "bay"; this change in pitch of the sound became to be known as increased tactile vocal fremitus or egophony.

Symptoms and Signs

A loose productive cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, night sweats and fatigue, and rust colored or red sputum may all be signs of a lobar pneumonia. Patients who have severe pneumonia may breathe more rapidly (tachypnea), appear sweaty (diaphoretic), cough frequently, have difficulty speaking and appear pale.

Radiology

Doctors now diagnose consolidation or pneumonia with x-rays. A lung that is consolidated absorbs more radiation and appears like an obvious white puffy cloud on an x-ray. A patient with a less severe atypical pneumonia may not have signs of consolidation on the x-ray. An x-ray picture is taken as if the person is standing in front of you, so the patient's right side is on the left side of the picture. Bones and structures like the heart and esophagus appear white; a normal lung usually is filled with air and does not absorb radiation so it appears dark, or radiolucent.

Infectious Causes

Bacterial infections such as streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) or klebsiella commonly cause lobar pneumonia or consolidation, both of which may cause a more typical or severe pneumonia. Other "atypical" bacteria such as mycoplasma or legionella are less likely to cause consolidation, athough this is not always the case. Viral infections such as influenza also cause pneumonia.

Treatment

Because pneumonia is caused by bacteria, measures like hand washing and coughing into the arm can prevent its spread. A doctor will advise whether vaccination to prevent the most common bacteria responsible for severe pneumonia (pneumococcus) is appropriate.

A physician evaluates a patient to decide whether to use a breathing machine to help support the lung or to admit the patient to the hospital for oxygen, breathing treatments and intravenous antibiotics. Some patients with "walking pneumonia" or "atypical pneumonia" are treated with antibiotics at home; usually these patients do not have consolidation. The presence of signs of consolidation may predict a more severe pneumonia.

Tags: severe pneumonia, lobar pneumonia, atypical pneumonia, chest with, Definition Lung, Definition Lung Consolidation

Perform Breast Enhancement Exercise

Breast enhancement exercise is perhaps the least expensive and most natural way to promote a toned, firm and "perky" bust. While exercise is no quick fix, it can provide very good results over time. Enhancing the breasts through exercise requires dedication and time, but it can be done if you're determined. Try these two proven breast enhancement exercises and you should notice results in 2-4 weeks.

Instructions

1. Perform a modified push-up, one of the best breast enhancement exercises available.Kneel down on your knees in a comfortable place, such as an exercise mat or the carpet. Cross your ankles, and bend forward. Place your palms facing down on the ground about level with your shoulders and a few inches out from the body on each side. The elbows should be pointing up in the air and slightly back just like in a normal push-up pose (see picture).

2. Raise your torso up with your palms. Keep your ankles crossed while performing this breast enhancement exercise, so you don't lift too much weight. Also, don't straighten the elbows all the way as you rise, but keep them slightly bent to prevent damaging the joints.

3. Slowly lower your body back to the ground, but don't lie all the way down. Keep moving down until your elbows are parallel to the floor. Repeat 8-10 times per repetition, and try not to exceed 1-2 repetitions per week. This breast exercise will firm, lift and tighten the chest.

4. Clasp your wrists together behind your back, so that your arms form "wings." Flap your wings back and forth 32-48 times per repetition. Do not exceed 1-2 repetitions per week. According to Deborah Davis, author of Women's Qigong for Health and Longevity, this breast enhancement exercise lifts the bust and prevents sagging breasts, while shaping an attractive chest.

Tags: breast enhancement, enhancement exercise, breast enhancement exercise, breast enhancement exercises, enhancement exercises, exceed repetitions

Medicare & Dental Benefits

Medicare & Dental Benefits

Many people don't realize that Medicare covers some dental procedures; however, the coverage is very limited. Of course, Medicare does not cover regular preventative treatments, but the program does pay for costs of other in-depth procedures that are related to a medical condition and result in hospitalization. As a general rule, though, you will probably have to pay 100 percent for your regular dental procedures.

The Statutory Dental Exclusion

The Statutory Dental Exclusion basically says that Medicare does not cover any routine dental exam or procedure such as cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions or dentures. However, it will pay for hospitalization related to a dental emergency.

Background

The website for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports that the Statutory Dental Exclusion has not been amended since 1980, when it made the exception for inpatient hospital services when the dental procedure made hospitalization necessary.

Difference Between A and B Coverage

Medicare A is the main plan that all people get when enrolling in the Medicare program. Part A covers hospital stays, nursing home stays, home health and hospice. Part B is an optional plan that covers medically necessary procedures. Even though the plan is optional, many people choose to take it. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient visits, therapy services and additional home health services. In general, each covered dental procedure performed by a dentist will be paid by Medicare Part A. If a physician performs the service, it will be paid by Medicare Part B.

What's Covered

The website for The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports that coverage for dental procedures is determined by the type of service that is provided and the body part involved. It is not determined by the cost of the services provided. The types of services covered are services that are an essential part of a covered procedure or for extractions that are done in preparation for radiation treatment due to diseases involving the jaw. Other procedures, such as reconstruction of a jaw after an accident, may also be covered. Medicare also pays for oral examinations (but not treatment) due to a kidney transplantation or heart valve replacement, but the determination will be left up to Medicare.

What's Not Covered

Certain services are excluded under Medicare Part B (which is the plan that pays for medically necessary procedures). These services include primary services (no matter how complex) provided for the care, treatment, removal or replacement of teeth or structures directly supporting teeth. For example, for people needing dentures due to diseased teeth or infection, Medicare will not pay for services involving the removal of teeth. The other types of services that are excluded are secondary services related to teeth or structures directly supporting the teeth unless it involves treatment for a medically related condition such as a tumor removal. This service must be performed at that same time the primary services were done and by the same physician and/or dentist. Also, Medicare will not cover the cost of dental appliances such as dentures or implants even if they are necessary due to the medical condition that required the extractions.

Tags: Dental Exclusion, dental procedures, Medicare Part, plan that, Statutory Dental

Characteristics Of Lobular Carcinoma

Lobular carcinoma in situ may sound like a form of cancer, but it's really a sign that you have a greater chance of developing invasive (cancer has spread to the surrounding breast tissues) breast cancer in the future. LCIS is an area of abnormal tissue growth that remains confined to the lobules or milk glands at the base of the breast ducts, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma

According to breastcancer.org, invasive lobular carcinoma, also known as infiltrating lobular carcinoma, is the second most common type of breast cancer after invasive ductal carcinoma, accounting for 10 percent of all invasive breast cancers. ILC most frequently occurs in women older than 60.

Causes

The Mayo Clinic says researchers aren't sure whether lobular carcinoma in situ is caused by genetic mutations or whether there is a connection between LCIS and a family history of breast cancer. As of 2209, no particular genes had been connected to the development of LCIS.

Symptoms

Lobular carcinoma in situ offers no signs or symptoms. The condition may be stumbled upon during a biopsy to examine a breast lump. Because LCIS is symptomless, the American Cancer Society says it's important for women to have routine mammograms and regular clinical breast exams.

Diagnosis

Lobular carcinoma in situ is most commonly diagnosed in women in their 40s. Your doctor may perform a needle biopsy to remove tissue samples that will be examined under a microscope. In some cases, imaging equipment such as ultrasound or mammography is used to help steer the needle during a biopsy.

Treatment

Careful observation is among the treatment options available for LCIS. The chances of developing invasive breast cancer in the first five years after diagnosis are small. You and your doctor may decide to keep a close watch on your breasts.

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) has been proven to notably lower the risk of developing invasive breast cancer. Raloxifene (Evista) has also been shown to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer including women with LCIS.

Surgery

A more radical approach to LCIS is to undergo a preventive (prophylactic) mastectomy. This surgery removes both breasts to lower your risk of developing invasive breast cancer.

Outlook

The National Cancer Institute says most women diagnosed with LCIS will never develop invasive breast cancer.

The Mayo Clinic says women with LCIS have a 10 to 20 percent chance of developing ILC during their lifetime.

Tags: breast cancer, invasive breast, invasive breast cancer, carcinoma situ, developing invasive

Long Term Side Effects Of An Epidural After Childbirth

Epidurals are one of the most popular options for pain relief for laboring mothers. This type of anesthesia, according to americanpregnancy.org, is requested by more than half of all women in labor.

Definition

According to americanpregnancy.org, epidural anesthesia is a numbing medicine used to supply pain relief to the lower half of the body. This makes childbirth less painful.

Administration

To insert the epidural, an antiseptic solution is used to wipe your back and a needle with numbing medicine will be inserted. Another needle will be inserted into the area around the spinal cord in the small of your back and then the needle is removed, leaving a catheter.

Long Term Effects

According to childbirth.org, some mothers may experience long term effects from receiving an epidural that may linger well after the baby is born.

Neurological Difficulties

Neurological difficulties can arise after having a epidural. Feelings of regret can linger and not go away, causing depression.

Backache

Backaches often occur after an epidural, usually at the injection site. According to pubmedcentral.nih.gov, 69 percent of women who had epidural backaches reported having the pain for more than a year.

Incontinence

According to childbirth.org, fecal and urinary incontinence or the inability to urinate is also a problem. Paresthesia, which feels like "pins and needles," and the loss of perineal feeling and sexual function are other effects.

Tags: According childbirth, Long Term, more than, numbing medicine, pain relief

The Advantages Of Wellness Programs For Employees

Your employee wellness program could pay for your yoga classes.

Wellness programs are increasingly included as part of the benefits package employees receive as part of their compensation. Some of these wellness programs are more comprehensive than others. However, trend spotters will observe that companies are paying more attention to the well-being of their employees as a way to keep employees healthy, happy, and productive and also as a way to keep costs down in the long term.

Lower Long-Term Health Care Costs

A Harvard School of Public Health article on employee wellness programs cited a national survey's findings revealing that over 90 percent of employers thought that encouraging employees to live healthier lives would help the company save on health care costs. So while a new healthy living initiative at work might have you thinking your company's CEO has become a fitness or health fanatic, remember that she's also thinking with the bottom line in mind.

Improve Productivity

Medical literature in recent years has also revealed that those with a higher body mass index (BMI) are more likely to develop costly and debilitating diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. An employee who exercises regularly and follows a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in fat exhibits a lower risk of these diseases. Employers thus may draw the conclusion that an employee will be more productive -- and help the company be more successful --- if he is living a healthy, active life, possibly thanks to a bit of encouragement from his employers.

Improve Morale

Offices that encourage and provide incentives to employees to go to the gym or enroll in wellness programs often see morale boosts, too. Employees who are friends with colleagues outside the office thanks to a shared activity such as going to the same yoga class will be happier to go to the office than those who see the office as just a place to clock in to get paid.

Hiring Benefits

Companies may make the decision to institute wellness programs based on likely benefits to the bottom line. However, from the outside, prospective clients and employees may be attracted to a company that takes the extra step of encouraging and supporting wellness programs. Thus, human resources representatives may also find themselves lobbying for a wellness program to help give the company a competitive advantage when it comes to attracting the most qualified people to the company.

Tags: wellness programs, bottom line, employee wellness, help company, wellness program

Find Emagazine Articles About Young Women With Breast Cancer

Articles about young women with breast cancer are on the Young Survival Guide website.

Breast cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of the breast. According to the National Cancer Institute, "12.7 percent of women born today (as of 2010) will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their lives." Although there are many sources of information to learn about cancer in general, E-magazine articles from reputable sources as the National Cancer Institute and specialized websites such as Young Survival Guide, a component of the Young Survival Coalition offer focused articles about young women with breast cancer.

Instructions

1. Access the Young Survival Guide website (see Resources.) Click on the search bar located on the upper right of the website. For example, If you are looking for breast cancer surgery articles, type in "Surgery" and click "Search." Search for more specific information by clicking on "Advanced Search." Type in the search text and choose from the list of specifications such as search "With the exact phrase." Click "Search."

2. Click the "Research & Trials" link to read articles that define clinical trials and offer information on find and possibly partake in one.

3. Click on "Ask the Expert" to read interactive blog articles about various breast cancer topics such as breast reconstruction and specialized dietary concerns.

4. Receive E-magazine articles to your email account about young women with breast cancer by signing up for "YSC Weekly." This is an E-Newsletter covering up-to-date articles on events, clinical trials, fund raising and other related topics.

Tags: with breast cancer, Young Survival, Survival Guide, Young Survival Guide, young women

Types Of Dental Forceps

Dental forceps, showing beaks closed on extracted tooth, neck and handle.

In dentistry, there are two different types of forceps: those for forcefully removing teeth, a process known as exodontia, and those for moving instruments from the sterilizer to the tray, known as transfer forceps. All forceps for removing teeth have several features in common, namely, the beaks, which are intended to grasp the tooth, the neck and the handle.

Dental Forceps for Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction using dental forceps should not affect the surrounding area of the mouth and face.

Forceps for the removal of teeth are designed to be grasped by the palm and might have a hook as an aid to greater leverage. The tips, known as beaks, are designed to fit snugly around the crown of the tooth intended for extraction. The surrounding area of the mouth and face should not be affected by extraction. There are several distinct types of forceps for tooth extractions, depending on the type of tooth to be removed.

Types of Human Teeth

There are several different varieties of human teeth,

The types of human teeth are the maxillary teeth of the upper jaw or jawbone, and the mandibular teeth of the lower jaw or jawbone, whether whether incisors, cuspids and pre-molars, or molars and third molars. The incisors are the four upper and four lower front teeth; the upper and lower cuspids, or canine teeth, are the single teeth found on either side of the incisors; the upper and lower premolars or bicuspids, are the two teeth found on either side of the cuspids; while the upper and lower molars are the three back teeth, the third of each set being known as wisdom teeth.

Forceps Used for Different Types of Teeth

For the safe extraction of teeth, the right kind of forceps must be used.

The forceps to be used for the various types of teeth are as follows: For the maxillary teeth of the upper jaw, no. 99-C forceps or No. 150 Cryer, or Universal forceps, should be used for the incisors; no. 286, or Bayonet, forceps for the cuspids and pre-molars; and no. 24, no. 88R-2, no. 18R, no. 88L-2 and no. 18L for the molars. For the mandibular teeth of the lower jaw, no. 151 Cryer forceps should be used for the incisors; no. 103 forceps for the cuspids and premolars; no. 16 and no. 287 for the molars; and no. 222 for the third molars or wisdom teeth.

Tags: forceps should, teeth upper, upper lower, area mouth, area mouth face

Ultrasound Technician Online Training

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce an image.

Ultrasound Technicians, also known as ultrasonographers or diagnostic medical sonographers, use high tech sound wave equipment to generate images of parts of the body. Physicians use these images to assist in the diagnosis of illness and disease. Students interested in an ultrasound technology career can choose from several programs varying in length and scope, with coursework that can be completed online. Clinical training is completed at a local medical facility.

Uses of Ultrasound Technology

Ultrasound technology uses sound waves to generate images for the assessment of a medical condition. Ultrasounds are used to locate kidney stones, monitor the growth of a fetus during pregnancy and collect images of the intestinal tract, lungs and heart.

Program Courses

Students in an online ultrasound technology program will take a combination of medical, administrative and technological classes such as anatomy, physiology, obstetrics and gynecology, patient care, physics, abdominal sonography, vascular sonography, medical terminology, health and society, ultrasound administration and patient care.

Delivery of Courses and Clinical Study

Coursework for online Ultrasound Technology programs is delivered in an online classroom environment using message boards, web conferencing, videos and email. The clinical portion of the program is completed at medical facilities in the student's local area.

Program Length

Ultrasound Technology programs can be completed as a nine-month or one-year certificate program, a two-year associate's degree, and a four-year Bachelor's degree. Options for programs vary by school, and all three options are available through online programs.

Certifications

After graduation from an Ultrasound Technology program, students are eligible to apply for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography examinations in physics, the abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiovascular principles, vascular technology and echocardiography. Technicians who pass the examination will be registered diagnostic medical sonographers (RDMS).

Tags: Ultrasound Technology, diagnostic medical, diagnostic medical sonographers, generate images, medical sonographers

What Is The Difference Between Base Salary & Starting Salary

Salary refers to the compensation rewarded by an organization to an employee for his work. Salaries vary given company type, job type and type of work an employee provides. Base salary and starting salary represent two different types of compensation.

Starting Salary

Starting salary represents the pay rate that an employee starts at upon her initial hiring by a company. Starting salary fluctuates due to the factors that include cost of living, including geographic area, population density and standard of living. Like base pay, starting salary may not include performance-based bonuses; it does, however often include a benefits package including employer contributions to health insurance and 401k.

Base Salary

Base salary refers to the main compensation offered to an employee prior to the addition of ancillary performance incentives, bonuses or other allowances and reimbursements. Base salary is often used as a barometer to calculate the rate of other standard inclusions, such as employee deductions for health and life insurance premiums. Base salary is also independent of company-wide salary additions, including profit sharing, company 401k contributions, as well as food, travel and lodging expenses.

Hourly Rate

Salaried employees receive their starting salary and base salary regardless of hours on the job, unless particular incentives are included in a hiring contract that grant a salaried employee overtime wages. This differs from those employees who are non-salaried and work for an hourly rate. Hourly rate jobs are most common in retail and manufacturing settings.

Factors Affecting Salary Type

Starting salary rates are customarily reserved for new hires such as those in entry-level professional positions as well as for those entering a particular profession or workforce for the first time, such as after a career change or lengthy volunteer or military service. Base salaries are predominantly found in professions that reward employees primarily on performance results, such as sales, entertainment and professional athletics.

Tags: Base salary, Salary Starting, Starting salary, Starting Salary, type type

Negative Things Regarding Xrays

X-rays can have negative consequences on your body.

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen accidentally discovered X-rays in 1895 while experimenting with a Crookes tube. Covering the tube with black cardboard and providing the electric current, Roentgen noticed that there was a light on a cardboard screen that was sitting on a chair just a few feet away. He then noticed that the screen showed the letter A. He found out that the letter had been written by a student on the cardboard using liquid barium platinocyanide.

Cell Mutation

Excessive exposure to X-ray radiation can result in changes in chromosomes. Chromosomes are the body's blueprints for new cell creation. These changed chromosomes can result in mutated new cell growth. Mutated cells do not function as a normal cell would, and can lead to a variety of health issues. These issues may be as minor as dry skin or as horrifying as cancer.

Cell Death

The radiation from the X-ray can hit a cell in its weak area, causing that cell to die.

Hydrogen Peroxide Levels

X-rays can cause a breakdown of hydrogen oxygen in the human body which can result in higher levels of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is extremely toxic to the cells in the body. This can lead to massive cell death and be detrimental to a person's health.

Molecule Structure

Ionizing radiation from X-rays can cause adverse effects in the atoms and molecules within the body's cells.

Fetal Damage

X-rays are a larger danger to children inside the womb. Because a fetus develops so quickly and has such rapid cell creation and growth, the effects of X-rays on those cells can cause birth defects or even heighten the possibility of leukemia in the child later in life. The effects of the radiation to the fetus depend largely on the amount of radiation the fetus is exposed to and the stage of pregnancy. Exposure can cause miscarriage or mental damage. Regardless of the amount or time of exposure, there is an increased risk of childhood cancer from DNA damage.

Tags: cell creation, noticed that, radiation fetus, radiation from, X-rays cause

Women'S Issues In Prison

Women in prison experience difficult obstacles.

The United States has the highest rate of incarceration in the world. In 2009, 7.1 percent of prisoners were female. While both women's and men's prisons experience their share of problems, female prisoners also face certain challenges not faced by their male counterparts. Statistics show that female inmates suffer grave injustices based on their gender. Shocking reports of mistreatment and discrimination are happening in our own back yards.

Sexual Assault

In the United States, 70 percent of the guards in federal women's prisons are men. It is well documented that female prisoners have been subjected to rape, sexual coercion and groping at the hands of their male correctional authorities. Many of these incidents go unreported, as women fear retaliation from their aggressors. Guards are often granted access to inmates' records and can use personal details about them to retaliate against their accusers. Correctional officers can threaten to deny an inmate visitation rights or other privileges. On the other hand, they have been known to bribe female inmates for sex in exchange for extra food or toiletries.

Lack of Quality Medical Attention

Female prisoners are routinely denied quality gynecological and reproductive services. Those who suffer from treatable diseases or late-term miscarriages are often denied access to medical attention, resulting in permanent injury and even death. In 1994, only half of state prisons offered mammograms, pelvic exams, and other services specific to women. Pregnant women are shackled during labor, which can cause hemorrhaging and severe brain damage in the baby. In almost all states, women are separated from their babies immediately after delivery.

Overmedication for Mental Health Issues

Female inmates seeking mental health counseling are often prescribed a medication to erase her symptoms, rather than addressing her underlying condition. More than half of all female prisoners are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of past physical or sexual abuse. But therapeutic counseling services are not available in most prison systems.

Damage to Parent-Child Bond

Incarcerated women are often sent to prison facilities in the countryside, far from their homes. This makes it difficult for a woman to maintain contact with her children or to fulfill the frequent visitations necessary for a healthy reunification at the end of her term. Few states offer community-based facilities that would allow women to carry out their sentences while remaining with their children.

Abortion

In other parts of the world, a woman can be imprisoned if she is found guilty of seeking an abortion. Women's prisons in Mexico, for instance, where abortion is still largely illegal outside of the capital city, are filled with women whose only crime was seeking to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. These women are subjected to horrible mistreatment at the hands of their male correctional officials. Also, there is no guarantee that they will have access to legal aid or be heard in front of a judge. Many of these women became pregnant as a result of rape, but Mexican legislation has a history of allowing rapists to walk away with impunity, while their pregnant victims are imprisoned for wanting an abortion.

Tags: female prisoners, from their, their male, abortion Women, female inmates, hands their

Register For Moonwalk

The MoonWalk is a charity event organized by the Walk the Walk organization to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. It is held once a year in London, England and Edinburgh, Scotland. The walking marathons take place at night, and all participants (both men and women) wear colorful bras during the event. Participants can sign up for a "Full Moon" marathon of 26.2 miles or a "Half Moon" marathon of 13.1 miles. As of March 2011, the registration fee is 43.40 pounds (or about $69.60).

Instructions

1. Go to the Walk the Walk website, and click the "Enter Online" button on the bottom-left side.

2. Click the "Enter Online--Click Here!" button at the bottom-left corner of the page.

3. Enter your email address in the appropriate fields (you must type it twice to verify that it has been entered correctly).

4. Choose which marathon challenge you want to participate in, and click the "Continue" button.

5. Enter your name, address, regular contact information and emergency contact information in the appropriate fields.

6. Answer the 12 questions in the "Other Personal Details" section (located below your personal information) by clicking on a selection for each question. Click the "Continue" button at the bottom.

7. Read the "Rules of Entering the MoonWalk."

8. Click on the box next to each section of the document to verify that you have read the information, and click the "Continue" button.

9. Add your debit or credit card information to the appropriate fields on the "Checkout" page to pay your entry fee.

10. Review your personal information that appears on the page to verify that it's correct before clicking the "Finish Your Registration" button.

11. An email verifying your registration will be sent to you within 24 hours. The registration fee will be billed to your card under the name "ACT Walk the Walk."

Tags: appropriate fields, Continue button, verify that, Walk Walk, button bottom-left, click Continue, click Continue button

Breast Cancer Month Events

Breast Cancer Month Events

Breast Cancer Awareness Month observed its first event in October of 1985. A consortium of sponsors including CancerCare, Inc., the American Academy of Family Physicians and AstraZeneca Healthcare Foundation spent a week publicizing the disease to the public, the news media and elected officials. The primary focus of the event was to emphasize the need for women to have greater access to mammograms for early detection of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues to be observed each October.

Fundraiser

One of the largest one-day national fundraisers for breast cancer research is the Lee National Denim Day. This year the event will occur on October 2, 2009.

Walk/Run

Numerous Walk/Race for the Cure events will be held across the country on October 2 and 3, including San Francisco's 3-Day Walk, Houston's Susan G. Komen Race and Atlanta's 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer.

Symposium

Breast cancer survivors, medical professionals, lawmakers and community leaders will gather in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on October 14 for the annual Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition Conference.

Ride

Cyclists can participate in the Las Vegas, Nevada's Breast Cancer Network of Strength Ride to Empower which is scheduled for October 22 to 25, 2009.

Conference

The 12th Annual Vermont Breast Cancer Conference in South Burlington, Vermont, is a free event held October 24 that is open to the public.

Tags: Breast Cancer, Awareness Month, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, Breast Cancer Month, Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Metastasis To Liver Symptoms

Weight loss can be a symptom of cancer in the liver.

Breast cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to other areas, especially the bones, lungs, liver and brain. If you have a history of breast cancer and have unexplained symptoms that do not go away after a few weeks, talk to your doctor.

Loss of Appetite

A tumor in the liver may cause a change in metabolism, which results in loss of appetite and weight loss.

Fever

Fever can be the result of infections caused by cancer or a result of the cancer itself.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin can be caused by bile buildup in the blood, when drainage from the liver is blocked by a tumor.

Nausea

Certain types of liver tumors can cause high blood calcium levels. The result may be nausea or constipation.

Pain

According to the Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals, cancer may cause the liver to become hard, enlarged and tender. A lump on the right side of the body, just below the rib cage, may also be present.

Itchy Skin

The skin may become itchy, due to the accumulation of bile in the blood.

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Breast Cancer Metastasis Prognosis

Metastatic breast cancer is a condition in which breast cancer has spread to another part of the body. Metastasis, or spreading of the cancer, can happen at any time and may occur even after a breast cancer treatment that was deemed successful. Cancer Monthly reports that almost half of all women diagnosed with breast cancer will have their cancer metastasize. Once the cancer has metastasized, breast cancer survival rates for metastatic breast cancer patients range from 82 percent for Stage II cancer down to 14 percent for Stage IV cancer. There are many different treatment options for metastatic breast cancer; however, the prognosis for women with the condition varies based on several conditions, called prognostic factors.

Extent of Metastasis

When metastatic cancer is diagnosed, doctors can run tests to try and determine how many different parts of the body the cancer has spread to. Women with fewer metastatic sites have a better prognosis than women who have many tumors spread throughout their bodies. A woman's prognosis is affected not only by the number of metastatic sites but also their location. Cancer that has spread only to areas of the body close to the breast have a more favorable prognosis than breast cancer that has spread to more distant parts of the body.

Organ Involvement

Breast cancer can metastasize to any part of the body. Tumors that are located on vital internal organs such as the liver, stomach or lungs contribute to a poor prognosis. On the UpToDate website for patients, Dr. Daniel F. Hayes reports that the prognosis is better if the cancer has spread to tissue that is not part of the viscera, such as the chest wall or the lymph nodes. Bone tumors are also more desirable than tumors on internal organs.

Recurrence Interval

Some women are diagnosed with breast cancer, treated and then later experience a relapse wherein the cancer returns. It is very common for breast cancer to metastasize when it reappears. The longer a woman has gone between her initial cancer treatment and a relapse, the better her prognosis. A woman who has been cancer free for 2 years has a better metastatic breast cancer prognosis than a woman who has only been cancer free for 2 months prior to relapse.

Hormone Receptors

Some cancer cells have hormone receptors that enable a cell to receive chemical triggers from certain hormones. Estrogen receptors tell cancer cells to grow in the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors tell breast cancer cells to grow in the presence of progesterone. Breast cancer cells can be tested to see if they have hormone receptors. If they do, hormonal treatments may allow a woman's body to produce much less of the hormone that causes the cancer to grow. This will improve a woman's metastatic breast cancer prognosis. Women whose cancer cells are hormone receptor negative will not benefit from hormone therapy.

HER2 Protein

HER2 is actually the short name used to describe the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 protein. When high levels of this protein are present, it means that the cancer is particularly aggressive, which traditionally has indicated a fairly poor prognosis. However, according to Dr. Sandhya Pruthi of the Mayo Clinic, HER2 positive cancers have been shown to respond very well to a drug called trastuzumab, which kills HER2 positive cancer cells. HER2 positive cancer can indicate a better prognosis if the cancer responds positively to HER2 treatment.

Tags: breast cancer, cancer cells, breast cancer, metastatic breast, metastatic breast cancer, better prognosis, breast cancer

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cure Rate

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cure Rate

According to the Mayo Clinic, squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinomas can develop anywhere on your body, although they typically occur on skin that gets regular sun exposure. The cure rate for squamous cell carcinoma generally depends on which treatment is utilized as well as on how early the tumor is diagnosed.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

During Mohs micrographic surgery, the doctor uses a scalpel or curette to remove the visible cancerous tumor as well as a thin layer of tissue surrounding the tumor. If the thin layer of tissue is not cancer-free, she repeats the procedure until she has removed the entire tumor. Mohs boasts a cure rate for squamous cell carcinoma of about 94 to 99 percent, the highest of any treatment for this particular skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Excisional Surgery

As the Mayo Clinic explains, during excisional surgery your doctor removes the cancerous tumor as well as some of the healthy skin surrounding the tumor. In some cases, he may remove a substantial amount of healthy skin. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, excisional surgery has a cure rate of about 92 percent for primary tumors; for recurrent tumors, the cure rate is only 77 percent.

Curettage and Electrodesiccation

During curettage and electrodesiccation your doctor scrapes off the squamous cell carcinoma with a curette and then burns the base of the tumor with an electric needle. Cure rates may be similar to the 92 percent achieved with excisional surgery when the doctor uses the procedure on superficially invasive tumors lacking high-risk characteristics. As the Skin Cancer Foundation explains, cure rates are lower for invasive, aggressive or high-risk tumors.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery treats squamous cell carcinomas by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, in selected superficial cases cryosurgery can produce a cure rate for squamous cell carcinoma of 95 percent or higher. The overall cure rate, however, is lower than for surgical methods.

Radiation

Radiation therapy directs X-rays at the tumor to kill skin cancer cells and prevent future growth. Cure rates for radiation therapy vary from about 85 to 95 percent, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Doctors use this procedure mostly in cases that likely would not benefit from surgery.

Early Detection is Key

Get an early diagnosis and prompt treatment for a squamous cell carcinoma. If squamous cell carcinoma escapes detection for awhile, it may invade a great deal of surrounding tissue and in some cases may metastasize to other organs. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, somewhere between 2 and 10 percent of tumors metastasize, an occurrence that often puts the patient's life at risk.

Tags: squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer Foundation, Skin Cancer Foundation, squamous cell, cell carcinoma