Checklist For A Physical Assessment

Nurses use a checklist to perform a physical assessment.

A physical assessment is an important tool for a doctor prior to examining a patient for any illnesses. The assessment is an overview of the patient's general condition, as well as a verbal history of major illnesses, medical procedures and allergies. The assessment is generally done by a nurse who has a checklist of items to document.

Preliminary Work

Begin by knocking on the door for entry and explaining the procedure to the patient. Wash your hands, remove the bed railing and raise the bed to a height that is comfortable for you and the patient. Take down vital statistics such as name, age, and the patient's reason for being there. Assess his consciousness level by asking if he knows where he is and who is the current president of the United States.

History

Ask the patient about any allergies or reactions to medicine. Find out if he has had any major surgeries, chronic illnesses or physical or mental impairments. Ask if he is currently on any type of medications, prescription or otherwise, and for what reasons. Document any findings in the medical chart or input them into a computer used specifically for documenting physical assessments.

Physical Exam - Upper Body

Using a penlight, examine the pupils for size and reaction. Examine the mucus membranes and note any excess mucus, color other than clear and fluidity. Take note of the patient's skin color, any abnormalities, temperature and moisture. Take the patient's temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Press your finger on the end of the patient's finger and time how long it takes for the color to return. Tell the patient to grasp your fingers to test for strength, and then have him take deep breaths as you check lung function.

Physical Exam - Lower Body

Inspect the patient's stomach and check for intestinal and bowel sounds. Press your finger against the foot's dorsum for several seconds to assess any swelling or restriction of blood flow. Have the patient press his feet against your hands to gauge foot strength.

Closing

Thank the patient for his cooperation and inform him that the doctor will be in shortly. Return the bed to the initial position and wash your hands before leaving. Finish placing the information into the computer and move on to the next patient.

Tags: your hands, into computer, physical assessment, Physical Exam, Press your

What Questions Should I Ask When Looking For Personal Health Care

Choosing a doctor is more of an art than a science. Even though physician-referral networks are abundant, narrowing the list can be challenging. The process can be considerably less difficult if you ask careful questions about the doctor and the nature of her practice.

Physician Qualifications

Ask where the doctor received his medical degree, and what board certifications he may have. Is he a general practitioner? A doctor of osteopathic medicine? An internal medicine physician? What did your physician do before going into practice? Has he received any specialized training in particular procedures, or has he done research that might suggest an openness to new forms of treatment?

Physician Attitude

Ask questions about how she practices medicine. Does she think chiropractics is helpful? Would she ever diagnose someone with general fatigue syndrome, for example, or refer the patient for a psychological evaluation? Is she comfortable with patients who have unusual religious practices or lead non-traditional lifestyles? Do you have any pre-existing conditions or injuries that may present a challenge for the doctor to manage effectively?

Financial/Insurance Conditions

Find out what forms of insurance and payment the physician accepts--not all doctors participate in all insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Does the practice offer discounts for private-pay patients? How will the practice handle a patient who is dropped from insurance? Will the doctor accept payment plans?

Resource Availability

Are nurses available to answer routine questions? Does the physician or his practice participate in an after-hours call service? If you need a referral or routine diagnostic testing, does the doctor have a network of specialists to whom he will refer patients?

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Answer 6 Common Interview Questions

Prepare for an interview by practicing answers for commonly asked questions

The trickiest aspect of preparing for an interview is anticipating the questions and formulating your answers. Although it's impossible to predict every question, you can pick up clues from the job description. When preparing responses to any interview question, bear in mind that the best answers are the ones that relate directly to the job and how you will perform in it.

Selling Yourself

"Tell me about yourself" is your opportunity to sell yourself for the job, so stick to your professional characteristics, qualifications and experience rather than going into personal details. This question is often used to open the interview and enables the employer to evaluate you in an unstructured situation before the more formal questions begin.

Interest in the Company

It may be tempting to respond to "Why have you applied for this job?" with the absolute truth, which might be: "Because I need to earn more money" or "It's much closer to home." However, remember this question is about how much research you have done on the company and whether you are a good fit for their team and are committed to their goals. Focus on the values and objectives of the company and explain how your values are in line with theirs.

Teamwork

Being able to work as part of a team is critical for most jobs, and it's likely you will be asked to describe a situation in which you worked as part of a team. If your previous roles were solitary rather than team based, try using an example from your personal life, such as playing a team sport. Alternatively, think about all the people who depended on your previous job being done well and focus your answer on how you helped to achieve specific organizational goals through your job.

Management Skills

When asked to describe your management style, try not to be too rigid in your response: Employers prefer their managers to be flexible. Being able to use a range of styles interchangeably according to the situation shows you are an experienced and skilled manager. Rather than describing one particular management style, give some examples of how you successfully managed various scenarios using different approaches.

Strengths and Weaknesses

"What is your greatest weakness?" is a direct question, but just because the interviewer has asked about them does not mean he'll make allowances for them. This question is about self-awareness and ability to grow. Ideally, you don't want to reveal any weakness unless you can turn it into a strength. For example: "My biggest weakness is being a perfectionist, but I know my attention to detail always ensures accuracy." Alternatively, suggest you are always improving yourself and are taking steps to develop in a particular area.

Your Questions

The last question is almost always: "Do you have any questions for us?" Have at least one question ready, ideally several in case your only one is answered during the interview. Keep questions relevant to the job and your role in the organization. For example: "What are the key challenges of this post?" or "Presuming I meet the requirements of the job, where can I go from here within the company?" Practical questions might include: "When can I expect to hear from you?" Avoid asking about salary or benefits at this stage. Think in terms of what you can do for them rather than what they can do for you.

Tags: rather than, asked describe, Being able, management style, part team

How Much Money Does A Stewardess Make

Stewardesses provide amenities to passengers.

Stewardesses, usually referred to as flight attendants, are important members of any major commercial airline. Federal law requires air carriers to have flight attendants on board for the safety and security of passengers. Flight attendants provide information and instruction to passengers regarding the aircraft's safety features and emergency procedures. They also work to provide a comfortable and enjoyable trip for passengers. Stewardess jobs are highly competitive. Benefits typically include free air travel in addition to wages.

Wages

The mean annual income for stewardesses at all levels of experience from across the country was $43,350 as of May 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of stewardesses in the U.S. earned in excess of $71,280 per year, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $25,420. The median annual wage for stewardesses was $40,010.

Regional Wages

Stewardesses tend to live and work in and around the regional hubs for major airlines. The greatest number of stewardess jobs were located in California and Texas as of May 2009, according to the BLS. Stewardesses who were based in Arizona earned the highest mean annual wages in the country at $51,140. Stewardesses who were based out of Colorado earned the lowest mean annual wages at $28,360.

Employer

There were 95,810 flight attendant jobs in the United States as of May 2009, according to the BLS. More than 94,000 of those jobs were with the schedule air transportation industry. Stewardesses who worked in this industry earned a mean annual wage of $43,290. Stewardesses who worked for companies that provide support activities for air transportation earned the highest mean annual wages for their occupation at $72,520.

Considerations

Basic qualifications for employment as a flight attendant include a high school diploma, but the BLS notes that many airlines prefer to hire candidates who have completed college. All flight attendants must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Flight attendants may be either male or female. Female flight attendants are sometimes referred to as stewardesses, while male flight attendants are sometimes referred to as stewards.

Tags: mean annual, flight attendants, 2009 according, annual wages, mean annual wages

What Is The Reason For An Underactive Thyroid

What Is the Reason for an Underactive Thyroid?

If you are suffering from an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, your thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone in order for your body to maintain its normal daily functions. If you think you may have an underactive thyroid, see your doctor to have your thyroid gland checked.

Types

Primary hypothyroidism happens when too little thyroid hormone is produced. You may also have secondary hypothyroidism. This is when the pituitary gland is malfunctioning. If your hypothalamus, the part of the brain that maintains body systems balance, is malfunctioning, you could have tertiary hypothyroidism. Late stage hypothyroidism is myxedema.

Statistics

About 5% to 10% of the U.S. population is afflicted with hypothyroidism. If you are over 50 years of age, the risk goes up to 13%. Hypothyroidism is the most common form of thyroid disorder in the U.S.

Risks

You are at an increased risk for hypothyroidism if you have a family history of thyroid disease or thyroid cancer. If you have an autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia (a vitamin B12 deficiency), or Addison's disease, you are at an increased risk for an overactive thyroid.

Causes

Stress can trigger a thyroid imbalance by acting as a catalyst. When you are under stress, your brain emits chemical messages that cause responses from your endocrine system. Over time, your endocrine process response to a great deal of stress can cause an immune system disturbance, which makes you more vulnerable to a thyroid imbalance.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis causes your immune system to lose the ability to tell the difference between the self and the foreign. Your immune system begins producing antibodies to attack the thyroid gland.

Tags: immune system, Hashimoto thyroiditis, increased risk, Reason Underactive, Reason Underactive Thyroid

Tech Schools In Connecticut

Considered part of the tri-state region, many people who work in New York live in Connecticut.

Connecticut is a northeastern state of the United States, located in New England. Known for its seafood and close location to New York City, it has become a highly populous state. The region is home to many technical schools, which are traditionally two-year programs with an emphasis on preparing students for careers in trained labor such as welding, culinary skills and office management.

Porter and Chester Institute

The Porter and Chester Institute offers eight locations in Connecticut to ensure that you are not left behind the curve. The institute provides instructors who have worked in the field that they teach, with a hands-on approach preparing you for every situation that occurs in your field of work. Offering 10 different programs for those enrolled, students find opportunities in many different fields such as HVAC training, assisting dentists, automotive and computer programs. If you do not think you can afford going to Porter and Chester, they also provide financial aid for those who qualify.

Porter and Chester Institute

800-870-6789

porterchester.com

Lincoln Technical Institute

Lincoln Technical Institute offers a full catalog of programs that cater to the needs of students. Most classes can be taught either in the classroom or online. The institute offers programs in automotive, culinary, skilled trades and business and information technology. Lincoln is unique in their offering of spa and cosmetology; cosmetic school has never been so affordable. Beyond teaching you what you need, they also offer career services to give you a head start on the competition. They offer career planning, job assistance and graduate placement assistance.

Lincoln Technical Institute

lincolnedu.com

Industrial Management and Training Institute

Located in Waterbury, the Industrial Management and Training Institute (IMTI) has three programs that will result in a rewarding career. Electrical, plumbing and HVAC training are all offered by the IMTI, an accredited intuition by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology, and the National Center for Construction Education and Research, according to their website. When pursuing their programs, students are prepared for success in residential, industrial and commercial areas. Upon graduation from IMTI, graduates can expect to qualify for entry level job opportunities such as burglary alarm installation, cable installation or maintaining the electric system in large commercial buildings. While the institute offers day classes, it also provides a multitude of night classes so those pursuing an education after work have the opportunity to succeed.

Industrial Management and Training Institute

233 Mill St.

Waterbury, CT 06706

800-598-IMTI

imtiusa.com

Tags: Porter Chester, Chester Institute, Industrial Management, Industrial Management Training, Lincoln Technical, Lincoln Technical Institute

Detecting Bone Cancer

Pain Location

The first step in detecting bone cancer is locating the pain. The most common symptom for bone cancer is an inconstant pain in the affected bone that worsens at night or when the bone is used. The once infrequent pain will become constant as the cancer begins to spread through the bone.

Swelling

The next most noticeable symptom that can lead to the detection of bone cancer is swelling. Swelling usually does not take place in connection with the first signs of pain; it may take several weeks for the swelling to begin, in fact. Depending upon where the tumor is located the swelling may be accompanied by a lump beneath the skin.

X-Rays

Once pain and swelling has taken place to alert a doctor to the potential for bone cancer, detection may take place with X-rays. Bone cancer usually shows up in an X-ray as a result of the bone no longer appearing solid. The cancer may be exhibited either as a hole in the bone on the X-ray, or the bone may appear to be frayed. The X-ray is used to indicate malignancy in a tumor, but that malignancy can only be confirmed through a biopsy.

Computer Tomography Scan (CT Scan)

A CT scan is a form of X-ray that creates a far more detailed cross-section view of the body. Several images of the inside of the body are taken and then a computer is used to piece them together into a three-dimensional image. The CT scan is more useful than traditional X-rays for detecting the spread of cancer throughout the bone.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI uses radio waves and magnetic technology to offer a glimpse inside the body. Magnetic imaging is particularly useful for providing a broader outline of the state of a bone tumor. Unfortunately, this method for detecting bone cancer is not for everybody; it can be too intense for those suffering from even mild claustrophobia and often requires patients to remain still for prolonged periods, occasionally up to an hour.

Biopsy

After all the imaging tests have been done to detect the potential for a cancerous tumor, a biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is a simply the process of taking extracting tissue from the tumor so that it can be analyzed with a microscope to completely confirm that cancer is present and the pain and swelling are not being caused by some other disease or infection.

Tags: bone cancer, detecting bone cancer, inside body, pain swelling, take place, tumor that

Get Records Expunged In New York

Erasing records of misdemeanors and felonies in New York is not possible.

New York law provides for expungement of records in very limited circumstances. For any non-criminal disposition such as traffic infractions or cases classified as violations, like a disorderly conduct charge, the court automatically expunges the record for you. Misdemeanor and felony convictions cannot be expunged. A special provision exists for expungement of DNA records that were taken as a result of a misdemeanor or felony conviction if the conviction was overturned on appeal, vacated by the court or a pardon granted. Even DNA records obtained in connection with a plea agreement may be expunged. However, the records related to the conviction or plea agreement cannot be expunged.

Instructions

1. Obtain the necessary documents to support your request for expungement of your records from the DNA databank. If your conviction was overturned on appeal, vacated by the trial court or you received a pardon, you must obtain a certified copy of the final order to support any of the applicable situations. If your information was included in the DNA databank due to a plea agreement, you must provide sufficient documentation that you complied with all the terms of the plea agreement, such as probation.

2. Prepare a written request for expungement of your records from the DNA databank to the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Your request should include all relevant identifying information--your full name, date of birth, current address and case number of criminal records--and include with the request the certified copies or other documentation you obtained in Step 1.

3. Review the response you receive from the DCJS to your request as soon as it arrives, which may require signing for a certified letter. If there are any discrepancies between the information you provided and the information the DCJS located, you will have to respond to the DCJS to clarify the discrepancies. If the DCJS finds that the information you provided entitles you to expungement, the DCJS will indicate by what date you can expect the records to be sent to you, which must be within 120 days.

4. Destroy the records the DCJS sends to you in such a manner that the records can never be found. The DCJS is responsible for destroying the DNA samples taken from you. The DCJS is required to keep a catalogue of the records sent to you for three years, after which it must be destroyed by the DCJS.

Tags: plea agreement, appeal vacated, cannot expunged, conviction overturned, conviction overturned appeal, expungement records, expungement your

Health Insurance Laws For Employers

Health insurance laws for employers vary by the size of the employer. Smaller employers are exempt from certain requirements of larger plans. Every year, congress passes new legislation regarding the requirements for employers to follow on health coverage. As of August 2009, there's a pay or play reform proposed for larger employers. There are legal requirements for all plans that span all sizes of companies. Even an oversight might be very expensive if the employer doesn't know group health insurance laws. There are some laws that are Federal mandates and others come from state insurance law.

No Discrimination

Supply all employees with the information and paperwork necessary to purchase medical, disability, life or dental insurance if you offer it. Do not discriminate because you believe it might cause your premiums to escalate. Discrimination isn't about race, but more often, due to age, disability or ability have children. Make certain that you give all employees information about your plan and equal benefits. Non-discriminatory practices are federally mandated.

Required Coverage

Check with your state laws. Some states require all employers with over a specific number of employees carry group health insurance. If your business is in Massachusetts, that number may be as low as 11 employees.

Maternity Coverage

Find out if you need to include maternity coverage. Not all states require that you offer maternity coverage as part of your health package. In some states, such as Indiana, the requirement for maternity coverage is only for companies that employ over a specific amount of workers. This number might be as small as five people, so you need to check with the insurance carrier to see if you need maternity coverage in your state.

Participation in Premiums

You may be responsible for a partial portion of the bill. While many insurance companies don't offer group plans if the employers don't participate in premiums, some states require it by law. The amount varies according to the insurance statutes of the state.

COBRA

Notify terminated employees about their right to sign up for COBRA coverage if you had more than 20 full time employees the previous year. Federal law allows these employees to carry coverage with your group plan for up to 18 months if they pay for it. There are penalties for non-compliance with notification requirements concerning COBRA coverage. COBRA laws are federally mandated and effective in all states.

HIPAA

Check the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). You must offer new employees health insurance with no preexisting conditions applicable if they had continuous coverage, or no longer than a 63 day lapse in coverage before they sign up for your health benefits. Some states allow for a longer lapse in coverage. If the employee had no treatment for a condition and none suggested six months before enrollment, the pre-existing condition clause is not applicable. The longest a preexisting conditions clause lasts, according to federal law is 12 months. State law may shorten this waiting period.

Tags: health insurance, states require, COBRA coverage, employees carry, federally mandated, group health

How Much Money Do Athome Medical Transcriptionists Make

Typing skills are vital for earning a good income as a work-at-home medical transcriptionist.

Medical transcriptionists have the responsibility of turning a doctor's recorded voice notes into a paper or computer record using transcribing equipment. This job can be done in a doctor's office, at a transcription office or from home. Many medical transcriptionists work from home as telecommuting employees or independent contractors.

Earning Method

Medical transcriptionists that are employees of a doctor or medical service almost always receive hourly pay. Independent contractors or employees of transcription services usually are paid on a production level, such as a per-word, per-line or per-record basis.

Starting Wages and Income Boosters

Career Step, an online medical transcription training program, lists average starting salary for a 50 WPM typist working 40 hours a week, whether in office or at home, at $24,960. The site notes this varies greatly depending upon location, typing speed, accuracy, hours worked, etc. It suggests at-home transcriptionists should try to find their own clients and work independently to make maximum levels of income.

National Income Estimates

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a medical transcription employee in the United States in 2008 earned an average hourly wage of $15.84 or a yearly income of $32,960. This number includes both work-at-home employees and in-office employees, but it does not include self-employed transcriptionists.

The medical industry with the highest average income for medical transcriptionists is medical and diagnostic laboratories, at over $18 an hour. The lowest medical industry for transcriptionists is business support services, such as billing, with an average $14.99 per hour.

State Variances

Massachusetts has the highest-paid medical transcriptionists, with an average hourly wage over $20 an hour. The highest-paying metropolitan area for medical transcriptionists is the Bethesda, Gaithersburg and Frederick, Maryland area, at over $23 per hour.

Benefits

Benefits are dependent upon the classification of the medical transcriptionist. If the transcriptionist is an employee, she may have true employee benefits, such as health insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, etc. A part-time employee is less likely to have these benefits. An independent contractor will usually not receive these. A portion of the health insurance purchased by an independent contractor can be considered a business expense for tax purposes.

Expenses

Depending upon whether the medical transcriptionist is an employee or an independent contractor, her expenses may vary and the way expenses are handled is different. A work-at-home employee will often have her expenses, other than home utilities, paid for by her employer.

An independent contractor generally has to pay all or most of her expenses. Since she is considered to be self-employed, these items will be deducted from business profit on her tax return. This deduction reduces the taxable earned income of a self-employed medical transcriptionist.

Tags: independent contractor, medical transcriptionist, over hour, average hourly, average hourly wage

Advanced Breast Cancer Symptoms

Advanced breast cancer is called metastatic breast cancer. This means that the breast cancer disease has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body, such as the liver, brain, skin, lungs or bones. Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of breast cancer, as the cancer continues to grow and multiply in the other areas of the body. Most commonly, advanced breast cancer spreads to the bone and then to the liver and the lungs.

Common Symptoms

Some common symptoms associated with advanced breast cancer include shortness of breath (possibly indicating lung metastases), appetite loss, weight loss (most likely related to liver metastases), headaches, neurological pains and weaknesses and bone pain (possibly a sign of bone metastases).

Considerations

The aforementioned symptoms could be associated with advanced breast cancer, but also could indicate something else entirely. One or two of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate that someone has advanced metastatic breast cancer. Also, symptoms generally do not tend to show up until the disease is very extensive.

Types

There are two different types of metastatic breast cancers. When the cancerous cells move from the breast area to the lymph nodes of the underarm, it is still considered "early" and curable metastasis. If the cancer has traveled further in the body it is referred to as "distant" metastatic breast cancer and far less treatable.

Warning

It is important to try to catch the advanced breast cancer as soon as possible, because in the "distant metastasis" stage of advanced breast cancer, it is considered to be uncurable. For treatment of distant metastatic breast cancer, the focus is on keeping the breast cancer from spreading out even further while trying to alleviate and soothe the side effects of the treatment process.

Prevention/Solution

If you experience advanced breast cancer symptoms and discover that you have the condition, it is important to ask your doctor extensive questions regarding treatment, including questions regarding the exact location of the cancer in the body, whether your cancer would be responsive to traditional hormonal cancer treatment and also if the cancer has moved beyond the breast and lymph nodes.

Tags: breast cancer, advanced breast, breast cancer, metastatic breast, advanced breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer, advanced breast cancer

Cinderella Birthday Cake Ideas

Little girls love Cinderella; she is the epitome of princess style and grace. Celebrate a birthday with your little Cinderella fan by making a Cinderella cake that she will adore. Using some simple ideas and creative construction, you can build a cake that is worthy of any princess. Does this Spark an idea?

Cinderella's Cake Dress

One way to bake a Cinderella cake is to make Cinderella into the cake. In this case, you should make a dome-shaped birthday cake using a bundt pan or something similar. The cake can be any flavor your little princess desires.

Cut a portion off a paper towel roll and stick it inside the Bundt cake hole; use this to hold a Cinderella doll in place. The goal here is to get the doll's waist to line up with the top of the cake, so you should cut the tube to be as tall or short as needed for her to stand at the correct height.

You will now combine the cake and the doll using icing. Use blue icing to match Cinderella's dress and ice your cake, so that it becomes an extension of the doll; the cake is now her skirt, and her head and torso stick out on top. Add sparkly sprinkles or white icing around the edges for trim.

Castle Cake

You can build a cake castle in a similar fashion to the way you would build a sand castle. Start with some basic sheet cakes; bake three of them. Layer two for the base of your castle, and cut the third into two smaller squares to make castle tops (you're kind of making a Mayan pyramid-style cake now). Frost the whole cake, and then add ice cream cones for towers; you can paint icing around these to match the cake as well. Use candies in your cake colors to decorate, and you can even get a little image of Cinderella to stick in one of the windows.

Paint a Cake Scene

You can also go with a traditional rectangular cake and decorate it with a movie scene. Use Cinderella figurines (possibly with her mice friends or her prince) to add interest. Paint the cake blue and green to make an outdoor background, and add a circle of light blue icing for her pumpkin carriage. Add darker blue piping icing to make the wheels and details.

For an even simpler idea, purchase a Cinderella tiara and wand at your local toy store. Ice your cake with white frosting and pink and blue roses, and then place the crown and wand on top. Your little lady can keep the accessories after she blows out the candles (and washes the icing off them).

Tags: cake that, your cake, blue icing, build cake, Cinderella cake, icing around

Become A Food Inspector

Become a Food Inspector

If you're interested in food safety, becoming a food inspector might be the career for you. Food inspectors provide inspections of organizations that handle and prepare food, including restaurants, supermarkets and even slaughterhouses. Food inspectors make sure food producers meet proper guidelines to ensure food is safe for human consumption. If this sounds interesting to you, follow these steps to become a food inspector.

Instructions

1. Obtain an undergraduate degree in food safety or a related field such as agriculture, biology or chemistry from an accredited college or university.

2. Take certification classes offered by your local bureau of food and meat inspection. Becoming certified in the area of food inspection looks great on your resume and helps you qualify for better-paying food inspector jobs.

3. Enroll in the USDA Inspection Training Program. Complete the necessary application, which you can download from the United Fresh Produce Association website. The program is available at both the introductory and senior levels.

4. List at least one year's experience in the food industry on your resume, particularly in an industry that processes and handles food. This is necessary if you haven't obtained at least a bachelor's degree in the fields listed in the first step.

5. Apply to companies and agencies seeking food inspectors. Both state and federal agencies employ food inspectors. Private food companies have jobs as well. Choose the path you feel is right for you.

Tags: food inspector, Become Food Inspector, food inspectors, food safety, your resume

Can Health Insurance Companies Drop You Due To A Change In Health

Your insurance company can't drop you if you get sick.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act became law in early 2010, outlawing a key health insurance practice ---- discontinuing health insurance coverage to customers who become ill while covered by their company's plans. The new healthcare law was a hallmark of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who died of brain cancer months before the bill was passed and signed into law.

New Limitations on Insurance Companies

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act protects you if you already have health insurance and you become ill. This new law forbids your health insurance company from dropping your health insurance coverage, even if your illness is serious, states the Family Doctor website.

The coverage implications for you and your insurance company are that the company is required to continue offering the same benefits to you, regardless of the severity, length or eventual cost of your illness.

If You Get Sick

If you buy your own insurance plan instead of paying for an employer-provided plan and you decide to keep your plan, your insurance company has to keep you as a customer if you get sick.

If you are covered under an employer-provided plan, this same restriction holds for the insurance company ---- it is required to continue providing healthcare coverage, regardless of the cost, length or severity of your illness, reports "The New York Times."

New Federal Requirements

Before the enactment of the new healthcare law, health insurance companies were able to drop your coverage if you became ill. They were allowed to charge you as much as they felt the market would bear, within limitations established by individual state insurance commissions; in addition, they were free to refuse to sell an insurance policy if they chose to do so.

Under the new law, every health insurance company is required to keep you on its rolls. If you are not able to afford an insurance plan, you may qualify for a tax credit to offset the cost. Health insurance companies also are not allowed to increase your monthly premiums unexpectedly if you get sick, states Food Consumer.

Effective Date

Pres. Barack Obama signed the healthcare act into law in March 2010, marking a laundry list of changes to benefit Americans. Despite the fact that healthcare reform is now law, opponents say they are determined to repeal it, or at least, weaken it as much as possible by removing key provisions, states "The New York Times."

Tags: insurance company, health insurance, health insurance, your illness, Affordable Care

Ge Online Training

General Electric offers several professional development courses that you can take online to enhance your technical skills. The benefit of taking these courses includes easy access to courses, 24-hour online support and instruction from a qualified instructor. A live operator is available between 9am and 5pm EST.

GE Lighting and Electrical Institute

Electricians learn circuit breaker basics.

GE's Lighting and Electrical Institute offers free eLearning courses. Courses include circuit breaker basics, switchboard basics and value selling. After successful completion of the courses you can print out a certificate and earn CEUs. Prior to taking the courses a system diagnostic test should be taken directly from their website to ensure computer compatibility.

GE Water and Power Technologies

Water professionals advance their skills online.

For water professionals, GE Learning Source offers online training that teaches all aspects of water treatment. The courses are designed for management, operators and engineers. The Learning Source curricula include fundamentals of water treatment, cooling water fundamentals, and waste water and boiler programs. Each course takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

GE Healthcare

Healthcare professionals can test their knowledge.

GE Healthcare offers comprehensive training for clinical and technical professionals. The eLearning formats incorporate both tutorials and online clinical cases. Course categories include radiology online education, mammography online education and digital x-ray online tutorials. You can also test your knowledge by taking several online quizzes.

Tags: breaker basics, circuit breaker, circuit breaker basics, Electrical Institute, Learning Source, Lighting Electrical, Lighting Electrical Institute

Echocardiography Schools

Echocardiography is the use of diagnostic ultrasound to examine the heart and blood vessels, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Schools teach echocardiography, also called noninvasive cardiovascular technology, as part of a formal training program in cardiovascular technology. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs notes that there are 25 programs in the U.S. that focus on noninvasive cardiovascular technology. Although there are no schools that focus solely on echocardiography, two-year colleges and teaching hospitals offer training programs that include this field of study.

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences

The Mayo Clinic's School of Health Sciences offers an 18-month program in echocardiography at both its Rochester, Minnesota clinic and its Scottsdale, Arizona location. The Rochester location is the headquarters for the program; classroom lectures happen "live" there, while students in Scottsdale view lectures via interactive video link. Topics of study are cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, special procedures, Doppler technology and ultrasound physics. Hands-on, clinical experiences throughout the 18-month training program give students a chance to practice what they learn in classroom lectures. Tuition for the program costs approximately $16,000, and additional costs for books, uniforms, lab fees, exam fees and health insurance contribute another $1,000 to $2,000.

Mayo School of Health Sciences

Echocardiography Program

Siebens 11

200 First Street SW

Rochester, MN 55905

507-266-3799

www.mayo.edu

Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg Area Community College, a two-year technical college in southeastern Pennsylvania, offers an associate's degree program in cardiac sonography that trains students in echocardiography. The six-semester program combines classroom lectures, laboratory work, field trips and clinical rotations woven throughout each semester. Students will balance classes in the humanities and social sciences along with in-depth coursework in cardiovascular pathophysiology, Doppler physics, anatomy and hemodynamics. Program costs range from $13,000 to approximately $18,000, depending on the student's residency status and sponsorship by an employer. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification registry examinations.

Harrisburg Area Community College

Lancaster Campus

1641 Old Philadelphia Pike

Lancaster, PA 17602

717-293-5000

www.hacc.edu

Northeast State Technical Community College

Part of Tennessee's community college system, Northeast State Technical Community College offers an associate's degree program in noninvasive cardiovascular technology. Students will learn echocardiography through a 2-year program that exposes them to topics, such as anatomy, physiology, cardiovascular diagnostic procedures, medical terminology, chemistry, physics and statistics. The program also combines elective classes in the humanities, rounding out the clinical aspects of training with coursework in composition, public speaking, psychology and fine arts. Clinical rotations in echocardiography labs in area hospitals provide a hands-on aspect to the training program. Upon completion of the program, graduates receive a degree in applied sciences and eligibility to take national examinations for certification and registry.

Northeast State Technical Community College

Cardiovascular Technology--Non-invasive

2425 Highway 75

P.O. Box 246

Blountville, TN 37617

423-323-3191

www.nstcc.cc.tn.us

Tags: cardiovascular technology, Area Community, Area Community College, classroom lectures, Community College

The History Of Radiography

Radiography, the use of X-rays to view unseen or hard-to-see objects, began in 1895 when the first X-ray machine was built by Wilhelm Roentgen. This technology was almost immediately taken up by medicine, and became an important medical speciality called radiology. Radiography is also used industrially, to detect faults or welds in piping. X-rays began to be used in airports for bomb detection in the 1960s.

Discovery

X-rays were discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, a professor at Wurzburg University, Germany. He was experimenting with cathode-ray tubes and noticed a kind of light being emitted, one that could pass through most--but not all--solid objects.

This discovery received extraordinary interest from the scientific community and the press. Other scientists dropped what they were working on in order to follow up on it.

Medical Use

"Within a month after the announcement of the discovery, several medical radiographs had been made in Europe and the United States, which were used by surgeons to guide them in their work," says the Center for Nondestructive Testing. "In June 1896, only 6 months after Roentgen announced his discovery, X-rays were being used by battlefield physicians to locate bullets in wounded soldiers."

Radiography--in the medical context, called radiology--is essential to modern medicine and dentistry, where it is used to detect cavities in teeth.

The Thermionic Tube

Various methods were at first used to produce X-rays. U.S. engineer William Coolidge devised, in 1913, the type that is still being used today. It involves the cathode rays being produced by a tungsten filament, whose current can be changed to adjust the intensity of the X-ray beam.

Industrial Use

Coolidge's thermionic tube allowed X-rays with much higher penetrating power to be used, operating at power levels up to 100 kilovolts. In 1922 a 200 kilovolt X-ray tube was produced, and in 1931 General Electric developed generators that could produce 1,000 kilovolts of power.

At high-enough power levels, X-rays can see through certain types of metal. Industrial X-rays are very useful for inspecting welds in areas that would otherwise be very difficult to access, such as in pipes. They're also used for probing through concrete (to find rebar or conduits), and through pipe wall.

Security

In the 1960s, X-ray screening machines were introduced alongside metal detectors at airports to detect bombs in luggage.

Since then, they've become a standard fixture not only in airports, but in many government buildings.

Dangers

Exposure to X-rays leaves very small residual amounts of radiation in the subject. These build up cumulatively over a lifetime, causing cancer at high-enough levels.

Because it does take a long time for this damage to happen, X-rays were not immediately suspected as the cause. The first recorded death from X-ray radiation damage was Clarence Dally, one of Thomas Edison's assistants.

Through the first half of the Twentieth Century, intensive research was done into the effects of this radiation, and protective measures (such as lead shielding) developed to reduce exposure to it.

Interesting Fact

Before radiation dangers were fully understood, X-rays were used for fitting shoes. These machines--"shoe-fitting fluoroscopes"--were popular from the 1920s through the 1940s.

Tags: X-rays were, also used, being used, power levels, that could

Dental Radiography Regulations

Dental radiography regulations help to protect patients and radiographers during X-ray procedures.

Dental radiography involves radiographs of teeth and surrounding structures by the exposure of film to X-rays. Dental radiographs are important tools dentists use to diagnose oral problems they otherwise cannot detect during a basic examination.

Radiation Legislation

Radiation safety legislation exists at the state and federal level to protect people from the hazards of radiation, according to Dental Radiography Principles and Techniques. Major effects of radiation exposure include cancer or even cataracts. The Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act was made official in 1968 to standardize the performance of X-ray equipment. The Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act in 1981 began to cover education and certification of professionals who use dental radiographic equipment.

In some states, dental radiographers today must pass a radiation safety examination before exposing dental X-ray films.

Practice/Equipment Regulations

Dental radiographs must be performed only at the suggestion of a dentist and only by a legally qualified health care professional, according to Tufts University. The American Dental Association, in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has adopted guidelines for prescribing the number, type and frequency of dental radiographs taken of patients. The ADA also discourages the use of short, closed, pointed X-ray cones---or position-indicating devices---because these devices can result in higher amounts of dangerous scatter radiation.

Rectangular collimators---or lead plates with a hole in the middle that fit over X-ray machine openings---actually reduce the area of a patient's body that is exposed to radiation. Federal regulations require that X-ray beams be collimated to a diameter of no more than 2.75 inches when a dental radiographer is using less-preferred circular collimators.

Exposure Protection

A dental X-ray unit operator must stand at an angle of 90 to 135 degrees to the primary beam of an X-ray or behind a protective barrier with a window that allows the operator to still view the patient. These operators essentially should stand 6 feet from the tubehead of an X-ray machine. No one should be in the exam room during dental radiograph exposure except for the patient. In addition, dental radiographers should place lead aprons with thyroid gland collars on patients to reduce their exposure.

Dental radiographers additionally must monitor dental X-ray machines for leakage radiation by using a film device available through state health departments or dental X-ray equipment manufacturers.

Permissible Dose

The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements defines the "maximum permissible dose" as the greatest amount of radiation a person should receive in a particular period without causing injury. Dental radiographers should not be exposed to more than 5.0 rems a year, with a rem being a special unit of measurement used in dental radiography. For members of the general public who do not work regularly around dental X-ray equipment and pregnant women who work as dental radiographers, the established maximum permissible dose is 0.5 rems a year. Dental radiographers can track their exposure using a film badge, a personnel-monitoring device available through film badge service companies.

Tags: dental X-ray, X-ray equipment, available through, Dental radiographers, Dental Radiography

Find Legitimate Work At Home Medical Transcription Jobs

Are you like so many work at home moms or job seekers who have tried to find legitimate work at home medical transcription jobs to no avail?

There's good news. Although being able to find this type of at home work can be difficult, legitimate companies that hire home based medical transcribers do exist. Knowing how and where to find these jobs is the key.

Instructions

1. Understand medical transcription work. You'll need to accurately transcribe reports dictated by healthcare professionals. Generally, you'll use a foot pedal and headset to type the transcription into your computer. The healthcare professional will then check the transcription for accuracy before approving its contents.

2. Get medical transcription training. Whether companies hire in-house or home based medical transcription employees, most require related training, certification and experience. Since medical transcriber courses are offered through most vocational schools, community colleges and distance learning programs, many at home job seekers consider this profession as a new home-based career choice.

3. Protect yourself from work at home medical transcription scams. Remember that a legitimate work at home job will never be advertised as an "income opportunity." More importantly, a legitimate employer will always require you to fill out an employment application or submit a resume but will never ask you to pay any fees as a condition of being hired.

4. Find legitamate work at home medical transcription job listings. Such job listings could be found at MedQuist (medquist.com), PayLinkPal.com and TrueScribe (truescribe.net/medical_trancription_jobs.html).

5. Apply for jobs. Always apply for work at home and home based employment as you would traditional jobs. As such, complete and submit professional applications and resumes. Competition for home based jobs can be tough. Thus, getting your application and resume noticed is important.

6. Follow up. After applying, wait for about a week or so and then contact the company you applied to. Request the status of your application. This will help you to get noticed and stand out among other applicants. By doing so, it will also let the company know that you are enthusiastic and eager to fill one of its medical transcription positions.

Tags: medical transcription, work home, home based, home medical transcription, work home medical, based medical, home based medical

Georgia Colleges That Offer Pest Control

There are 31 colleges in Georgia that offer the Georgia pest exam.

To be certified as a licensed pest control technician for commercial application in Georgia, you must pass an exam administered by the Georgia Technical Colleges. The exam is $45 and can be taken at numerous technical colleges throughout the state. The certification is awarded by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. A passing test score is 70 or higher. The license costs $90.

Coastal Region

The coastal region of Georgia runs along the southern coast and has eight colleges that offer the Georgia Pest Exam. They are: Altamaha Technical College, Heart of Georgia Technical College, Okefenokee Technical College, Ogeechee Technical College, Savannah Technical College, Southeastern Technical College -- Swainsboro, Southeastern Technical College -- Vidalia and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

Piedmont Region

The Piedmont region of Georgia includes Atlanta and runs along Interstate 20 east to the coast at Augusta and west to the Alabama border. The Piedmont region includes Athens Technical College, Atlanta Technical College, Augusta Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College - North Metro Campus, Gwinnett Technical College, Southern Crescent Technical College - Griffin Campus and West Georgia Technical College -- Carroll.

Highlands Region

The highlands region of Georgia is north of Atlanta and along with the Piedmont region with the fewest colleges that offer the Georgia Pest Exam. Those colleges are: Chattahoochee Technical College - Appalachian Campus, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College - Rome Campus, Lanier Technical College and North Georgia Technical College.

Plains Region

The nine colleges in the plains region of Georgia that offer the exam are: Albany Technical College, Bainbridge College, Central Georgia Technical College, Columbus Technical College, Moultrie Technical College, Moultrie Technical College - Tifton Campus, Sandersville Technical College, South Georgia Technical College, Southwest Georgia Technical College and West Georgia Technical College -- LaGrange.

Tags: Technical College, Georgia Technical, Georgia Technical College, region Georgia, Chattahoochee Technical

What Is Medical Technology

Medical technology is the use of a device or invention to extend the life of patients, relieve pain and reduce risk of disease. Examples of medical technology include medical and surgical procedures, medications, medical devices and diagnostic tests. It is difficult to think of modern medicine without medical technology.

History

The use of medical technologies in diagnosis and treatment started in the nineteenth century. The sphygmomanometer was invented by Samuel Siegfried Karl Ritter von Basch and was used to measure blood pressure. The spirometer was invented by John Hutchinson in 1846 and was used to measure the vital capacity of the lungs.

The last half of the twentieth century witnessed a tremendous growth in the use of technology in medicine. It is estimated that the growth of medical technology in the past five decades exceeded all advances made during the previous two millenia. One major factor responsible for the growth of medical technology is the integration of science and engineering with medicine. For instance, imaging devices such as X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are based on advanced physics principles and specifically engineered for medical applications.

Types

Examples of advanced technologies used in medicine include: medications such as targeted therapies for cancer, antidepressants, medical and surgical procedures, medical devices such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, screening tests such as fecal occult blood test for colorectal cancer, electronic support systems such as telemedicine, and electronic medical records.

Function

The applications of medical technologies include diagnosis of diseases (e.g. X-ray), treatment of diseases (e.g. chemotherapy for cancer), prevention of diseases (e.g. immunization), screening for diseases (e.g. mammography), rehabilitation (e.g. physical therapy), automation and reducing errors (e.g. computerized order physician entry ) and improving quality of life of patients (e.g. artificial legs and arms).

Effects

The United States invests $130 billion annually on research of new medical technologies. One-third of this investment is paid by the government. The pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device industries contributed about half of the cost of research and development for new medical technologies. The cost of research and development for new drugs has skyrocketed in the past decade, reaching more than $1 billion.

Expert Insight

It is believed that medical technology is partly responsible for the rising cost of health care. In the United States, the total cost of health care increases with an annual rate of roughly 10 percent and currently accounts for 18 20 percent of GDP. It is estimated that medical technology is responsible for at least half of the increase in medical costs.

It is therefore important to evaluate the cost effectiveness of a new medical technology. Such analysis will allow health care providers to make an informed decision about which medications or procedures should be paid for.

Tags: medical technologies, health care, medical technology, medical technology, cost health, cost health care

Signs And Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer After Menopause

Ovarian cancer occurs most often in women over 50; however, it can affect the younger generation too. Women most at risk for getting ovarian cancer are those who have already experienced menopause. While the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer after menopause are as limited as those found in younger women, some do exist. But these symptoms, such as bloating and abdominal pain, can be easily attributed to other conditions as well, making ovarian cancer diagnosis a difficult task.

Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Since a "sign" of any medical condition must be observable by others in some way to warrant that label, ovarian cancer has limited "signs," hence why it is known as the "silent killer." One sign--an enlargement of one (or both) of the ovaries--can sometimes be detected during a pelvic exam performed by a doctor. However, this is a rare occurrence, because the enlargement must be fairly big to be felt during an exam.

Significant

Enlargements noticed during exams might be due to a cyst rather than ovarian cancer. A transvaginal ultrasound test may only confirm that the mass is present, not whether it was due to a cyst or ovarian cancer.

The Sign of Awareness

Probably the most important sign of ovarian cancer is the one women detect themselves: the realization that something is not right. This is especially true with this disease, given its "silent killer" label.

When women begin to experience certain symptoms (i.e., bloating, abdominal pain, persistent gas or indigestion, constipation, or pain during intercourse) that they have not experienced before--and these symptoms are not relieved over time or after treatment--they may begin to wonder if something else is wrong and should seek medical attention.

Important

Their concern, along with details of how they have made efforts to address the problem but with no successful outcome, can be a significant sign to their physician during their next physical exam that ovarian cancer may be the cause, especially if they are post-menopausal.

Symptoms

The symptoms experienced with ovarian cancer can mirror those experienced with so many other ailments, including minor ones. However, there is one key difference: ovarian cancer symptoms do not come and go; they generally remain constant over a significant period of time, even when treated. This, therefore, helps the medical community in their efforts to confirm or rule out ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include bladder habit changes (especially more frequent urination or constipation); continued lack of energy or loss of appetite; pain in the pelvic area, especially during intercourse; an expanding waistline, contrary to the norm; bloating or fullness in the abdominal area; and continuous indigestion, nausea or gas.

Warning

According to the Mayo Clinic, a woman who has sought medical attention and been diagnosed with something other than ovarian cancer but whose treatment has not being effective should either seek another appointment with her health care professional or get a second opinion elsewhere.

Tags: ovarian cancer, abdominal pain, bloating abdominal, bloating abdominal pain, during intercourse

Nurse Practitioner Spend A Workday

How Does a Nurse Practitioner Spend a Workday?

Off and running

A nurse practitioner's day usually begins when the practice she works for opens up. Typically this is around 8:00 a.m. The first order of the day is to check for messages, both written and voice mail, and to check for email as well.

Once that has been taken care of, the nurse practitioner will then check the labs that she was presented with the previous day. At this point, she will write lab letters to the patients, which will contain instructions.

The nurse practitioner will then see the first patient of the day and will continue to see new patients approximately every 30 to 45 minutes. Once the patient is called back to the examining room, the nurse practitioner will get the patient's history, including family, medical and surgical history. She will then ask the patient about her symptoms and give the patient a complete physical exam. During this time the practitioner will address any chronic or new symptoms and write or refill any prescriptions that the patient needs.

After the prescriptions are written, the practitioner must educate the patient about the disease process, what the prescriptions will treat and how they should be used. The nurse practitioner will also question the patient as to what preventative care has been taken, such as colonoscopy, pap smear, bone density or mammogram.

The practitioner must then put in a request for records release so that she can review the patient's prior records. Once all of this is done, the nurse will then ask the patient if there are any other concerns that she needs to address. If there are, then they are addressed. If not, the patient is released and finished with her examination.

The examination process continues throughout the morning.

Break time

Once the nurse practitioner is finished examining the morning round of patients, he will return to his office and check messages, write referrals, do paperwork, review records and return patients' calls in an effort to answer any questions they might have. After this has all been accomplished, the nurse is then free to go to lunch, which is around noon, or later, depending on nurse coverage.

Most of the time, a nurse will only take half of his lunch break to actually eat lunch, which is about half an hour. The other half hour is used to finish up paperwork that was not finished during the morning examination time.

Round two

When lunch is over, the nurse will return to the office and start the process all over again. Patients will be seen throughout the day, until closing time. Usually, a nurse practitioner will examine patients that range from geriatric to pediatric, in addition to emergencies that are deemed minor.

Around 4:30 or 5:00 p.m., the nurse will call her collaborating doctor to discuss the events of the day, to include any difficult or unusual cases. This is also the time that the nurse will return any phone calls from other doctors or patients. If any have been received, she will also read through the consultation notes.

The last order of the day is to talk to the intake nurse and discuss the day's cases. This offers the nurse and nurse practitioner time to swap ideas and address any concerns that may have arisen during the course of the day.

Tags: nurse practitioner, practitioner will, nurse practitioner will, nurse will, will then

Xray Technician Programs In Houston

X-ray technicians produce images of different parts of the human body for diagnostic purposes.

X-ray technicians are also referred to as radiographers or radiologic technicians. These trained professionals produce X-ray images of different parts of the human body so a physician can diagnose the medical problem the patient might have. Houston has programs that prepare students to become X-ray technicians.

Academy of Health Care Professions

The Academy of Health Care Professions offers radiologic technologist training to students who seek opportunities for technical and highly focused medical positions. This program provides students with the education and training needed to take the licensure examination after graduation. Students will then be able to enter this profession in settings that include hospitals, medical offices, digital imaging centers and chiropractor's offices. Some of the topics covered include medical foundations such as medical terminology and radiographic terminology, radiographic science such as radiographic biology and physics, and radiographic examination such as anatomy and physiology and radiographic positioning.

Academy of Health Care Professions

8313 Southwest Freeway

Suite 300

Houston, TX 77074

800-487-6728

ahcp.edu

Cy-Fair College

Cy-Fair College has a medical radiology technology program that lasts for two years and leads students toward earning an Associate of Applied Science degree. Students will learn anatomy and physiology, radiographic techniques, patient care and positioning, radiation biology, and protection and equipment operation. Students will also learn various sophisticated computerized technologies which include computed tomography and mammography. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to render services in imaging centers, hospitals or physician offices.

Cy-Fair College

14955 Northwest Freeway

Houston, TX 77040

832-782-5000

lonestar.edu

Houston Community College

Houston Community College has a radiography program that prepares students for entry into the field of radiography. This program educates and trains students on working with the equipment that produces X-ray images. The program begins every summer for a 10-week semester and students are accepted into the program once per year. The program prepares students to work in diagnostic areas, computed tomography, mammography, fluoroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. Students will also participate in clinical experiences at sites that include St. Joseph Hospital, Shriners Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, Spring Branch Medical Center, Baylor Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Kelsey-Seybold Clinics.

Houston Community College

3100 Main Street

Houston, TX 77002

713-718-2000

hccs.edu

Tags: Students will, Academy Health, Academy Health Care, Care Professions, Community College, Cy-Fair College, Health Care

About Cdphp Healthy New York

Medication is covered under CDPHP health insurance.

Capital District Physicians' Health Plan (CDPHP) is one of many New York state insurers that participates in offering medical insurance to low- and moderate-income persons, small businesses and families, through the Healthy New York program.

The Company

CDPHP is an Albany, New York, based private insurance company founded in 1984. The physician network includes 5,000 doctors and 3,000 mid-level practitioners from whom to choose services.

The Plan

Healthy New York is a state-sponsored health insurance plan for low-income residents of the state. The coverage includes drug options, hospitalization, doctor visits, maternity care, health screening, diagnostic and emergency services.

The Rates

Rates for Healthy New York vary between providers. As of 2010, rates set by CDPHP, depend on four classes of insured, the area of residency and the options chosen with the policy.

CVS Card

The CVS ExtraCare Card is offered to participants of this plan. The card provides a 20 percent discount at CVS Caremark stores for items such as allergy and cold remedies; baby, eye and ear care; home diagnostics and first aid.

Coverage Area

CDPHP offers the Healthy New York plan in 24 counties. These counties are divided into four geographic coverage areas, which are Capital, Central and North, Eastern Hudson Valley and Western Hudson Valley.

Tags: Healthy York, health insurance, Hudson Valley

Reverse Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition in which the macula, located in the retinas' centers, begins to deteriorate. The two types of macular degeneration are "wet" and "dry," with the "wet" category being the most serious. Common causes of macular degeneration include age, circulatory problems, atherosclerosis, too much exposure to electromagnetic fields and poor nutrition. Symptoms may be experienced gradually or come on all of a sudden. If you want to find ways to stave off or reverse macular degeneration, consider trying these remedies and treatments.

Instructions

1. Take 500 mg of taurine daily to help protect your retinas. It is an amino acid that aids in regenerating cells and tissues of the eye and in maintaining general eye health. Although there are no known drug interactions or side effects, consult your doctor before taking taurine if you are taking prescription drugs, are being treated for a serious medical condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Taurine supplements can be found at health food stores.

2. Increase blood flow to the retinas by talking standardized ginkgo biloba extract. Ginkgo biloba is derived from a tree found in parts of Europe, Asia and North America. Your vision may be improved by supplementing with 80 mg of gingko biloba twice each day. You can find it at any health food store. Do not use ginkgo biloba if you are taking prescription blood thinners, MAO inhibitors, anticonvulsants, diuretics, trazodone, thiazide, cyclosporine, papaverine or NSAIDS, as there may be dangerous interactions.

3. Eat some green leafy veggies. They contain zeaxanthin and lutein, two compounds that are highly beneficial to eye health. Start eating more collards, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens and spinach on a regular basis.

4. Make sure to consume more fruits that are rich in beta-carotene to help strengthen your eyes. These include cherries, nectarines, peaches, apples, cranberries, blueberries, mangoes, bananas, apricots, watermelon and cantaloupes.

5. Consider getting microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation, also known as microcurrent therapy. It uses a machine that emits tiny pulses of electrical currents to the body to increase circulation and blood flow, as well as normalize cells and diminish pain. Ask your ophthalmologist if this kind of treatment is available, or consult a holistic practitioner in your area to find out if he offers microcurrent therapy. You may be able to get your own microcurrent therapy machine for home use, but it can only be prescribed by your doctor, ophthalmologist or practitioner.

Tags: microcurrent therapy, blood flow, health food, macular degeneration, taking prescription, your doctor

What Is Inside Of Dental Xray Cylinders

Dental X-ray cylinders, or tubeheads, produce X-ray beams to take radiographs.

A dental X-ray cylinder, also called an X-ray tubehead, is a tightly sealed, heavy metal housing that contains the radiograph tube used for taking X-rays of patients' teeth, according to "Torres and Ehrlich Modern Dental Assisting." The X-ray tubehead produces the beam that passes through the dental patient and reaches the dental film in his or her mouth to create an image. Dental X-rays are important because they allow the dentist to see conditions that aren't clinically visible in the patient's mouth. The X-ray tubehead is one of the primary components of a dental X-ray machine, which also features an extension arm and control panel, according to "Dental Radiography."

General Components

Inside a dental X-ray tubehead is an aluminum or leaded-glass covering called the tubehead seal that allows X-rays to exit from the tubehead. It serves as a filter to the X-ray beam. The tubehead also contains the heart of the X-ray generating system--the X-ray tube. Also in the tubehead is the transformer, a device that alters the voltage of incoming electricity, as well as aluminum disks that filter out nonpenetrating, longer wavelength X-rays. These aluminum disks are about 0.5 mm thick. In addition, a lead collimator--or lead plate with a central hole--fits directly over the opening of the metal housing where the X-rays leave. It restricts the size of the X-ray beam.

Oils

The dental X-ray tubehead additionally contains insulating oils that surround the X-ray tube and transformers inside the tubehead. These oils prevent overheating by absorbing the heat created when X-rays are produced. The oil actually absorbs about 99 percent of the X-rays generated in the X-ray tube, with the remaining 1 percent exiting the tubehead as a beam toward the dental patient.

Lead

A leaded-glass housing is part of the X-ray tube, which is a glass vacuum tube from which all air has been removed. This dental tube is about 6 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. The leaded-glass housing keeps X-rays from escaping in all directions. One part of the leaded-glass tube directs the X-ray beam toward the aluminum disks, lead collimator and another part of the tubehead called the positioning-indicating device (PID). The PID is a lead-lined cylinder that extends from the opening of the tubehead's metal body and aims/shapes the X-ray beam.

Cathode

The cathode, or negative electrode, in the X-ray tube includes a tungsten wire filament in a cup-shaped holder. The cathode basically supplies the electrons needed to generate the X-rays. The electrons produced in the cathode are accelerated toward the positive anode when a dental radiographer pushes the exposure button on the dental X-ray unit.

Anode

The anode, or positive electrode, in the X-ray tube has a wafer-thin tungsten plate embedded in a solid copper rod. The anode's responsibility is to convert the electrons from the cathode into X-ray photons. The copper rod dissipates the heat away from the tungsten plate/target, thus preventing wear on this target. At this point is when the X-rays travel through an unleaded glass window, the tubehead seal, the aluminum disks and the lead collimator before entering the tube through the PID.

Tags: X-ray tube, X-ray tubehead, aluminum disks, X-ray beam, dental X-ray, aluminum disks lead

What Is Preventive Medicine

Preventive medicine aims to prevent disease.

Instead of finding a cure, preventive medicine focuses on efforts to prevent disease and health conditions before they occur. Preventive medicine has been separated into four areas: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary. Doctors, nurses, physician assistants, public health officials and other medical professionals compose the health-care teams that offer preventive medicine.

Types

Regular brushing of teeth can prevent cavities.

Preventive medicine has been separated into four categories. Primary prevention are measures taken to avoid disease. Immunizations, hand washing, condom use and dental care are all examples of primary prevention. Secondary prevention involves disease detection and screening, such as Pap smears and mammograms, before a health concern develops. Tertiary prevention are steps taken to help decrease complications and restore function of a diagnosed disease. For example, depressed patients will take anti-depressant medication to control their symptoms. Quaternary prevention is defined as "a set of health activities that mitigate or avoid the consequences of unnecessary or excessive interventions in the health system," according to Prevented.org. A healthy, balanced diet and daily exercise are the cornerstones of this level of prevention.

Health-care Certification

Checking blood pressure can help prevent disease.

Prospective physicians can obtain board certification in preventive medicine by participating in a two to three year residency in the field. The residency also includes obtaining a master's of public health degree, according to the American College of Preventive Medicine.

Benefits

Studies have repeatedly shown preventive care measures, such as proper hand-washing, vaccinations, eating a healthy, balanced diet and daily exercise, all contribute to a longer health span.

Controversy

The cost of universal preventive care for diseases is limited by financial, staff and equipment resources. Controversy often results among the medical community, health insurers, and the public about the best way to save lives most cost effectively.

For example, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggestion to increase the recommended age that women should receive annual mammograms from 40 to 50 years old caused significant outcry among the medical community and public.

Health Insurance

Health insurers now recognize that preventive medicine can cut costs in the long-run. From reimbursing breast pumps for working breastfeeding mothers to covering health club memberships, many health insurers offer reimbursement for preventive health measures.

Tags: prevent disease, among medical, among medical community, balanced diet, balanced diet daily

Prepare Visual Aids

Good visual aids make presentations clearer and more memorable. Whether for a school project, a club meeting or a business presentation, following a few guidelines will help you create detailed visual aids. Many people prefer to use PowerPoint for their visual aids, but that is not always practical or desirable.

Instructions

1. Choose the information from your topic that will make the strongest impression. Pick something interesting, unusual or complex.

2. Decide on the visual form for your information. A picture is worth a thousand words, especially if you are trying to describe something your audience has never seen before. Diagrams, maps, graphs and charts are all excellent visual aids. (A list of bullet points is not a visual aid.)

3. Make it big. It isn't helpful if only the first row can see your visual aid. You can use an overhead projector to help turn a small image into a big, beautiful visual. Use simple shapes and lines and only include essential details.

4. Make it colorful. Two or three colors make visual aids more interesting to look at. Depending on the subject matter, anything from two to six colors is considered attention-getting; more than that can get distracting.

5. Make it easy to display. Create your visual aid on, or attach it to, a rigid surface, such as foamcore. Consider ways to make it freestanding, unless you are sure of having an easel. You can make a support for any rigid, flat display by cutting two long, thin triangles from the the same rigid material and taping them vertically to the back of the panel, the short end flush with the bottom edge.

6. Consider using some authentic objects. For example, place a sombrero and maracas on a small table in front of the podium when talking about mariachi music. Real objects can be impressive attention-grabbers, but consider also if they are fragile, valuable or too big or small to be used.

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Gadolinium Risks In An Mri Of The Liver

When a doctor orders a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver, he usually also requests "contrast," which means the injection of certain chemical agents that will improve the image created by the procedure. Several of these agents contain gadolinium, a toxic rare-earth element that is rendered temporarily safe for use through chelation (binding with safe ingredients). Gadolinium contrast agents are administered through injection. They were first approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in 1988. As of 2009, there are five gadolinium-based contrast agents approved for use, all of which carry some safety risks for certain patients.

MRIs are performed for the diagnosis of conditions and disease.

FDA Warning

In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration recommended that gadolinium-based contrast agent manufacturers add a risk warning to their packaging. The statement must include the information that the use of the agent causes a risk of NSF, "nephrogenic systemic fibrosis" or "nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy" (NFD). The first cases were diagnosed in 1997.

Risk Factors

The body eliminates gadolinium through the kidneys. For this reason, the use of gadolinium in an MRI procedure poses a risk of NSF or NFD for those already undergoing dialysis for the treatment of kidney disease of for those already undergoing liver transplants or who are suffering from chronic liver disease.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of NSF include swelling in the legs, abdomen and extremities; a burning or itching sensation; yellowing of the eyes; discoloration and thickening or tightening of the skin; and/or pain in the joints, hips and ribs. The symptoms may begin to appear anywhere from several days to several months following the procedure. They may result in limited, painful movement as well as muscle weakness and scarring of the body's internal organs.

Prevalence

There have been more than 200 cases of NSF or NFD attributed to the use of gadolinium over the past ten years. Some cases may not have been properly diagnosed. The risk of contracting these diseases in those with kidney or liver problems and undergoing an MRI with gadolinium contrast are about 4 in 100. The disease can result in permanent disability and/or death.

Screening

Patients undergoing an MRI with contrast should be screened for kidney or liver problems before the procedure. MRI technicians should never exceed the recommended dosage of the contrast agent, and ensure that it has been completely eliminated from the body before being used again.

Litigation

In May 2010, the case of Bullock v. GE will be heard in federal district court in Cleveland. This is a multi-district class-action lawsuit on the subject of product liability for gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents. There have been many other civil lawsuits filed against manufacturers who allegedly distributed these agents knowing of the health risks.

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Cure A Neuroma

Neuromas are benign growths that can develop anywhere within your body. The two main types of neuromas are Morton's neuroma and acoustic neuroma. Morton's neuromas are growths that form within the nerves of your feet. Acoustic neuromas grow within your brain. The treatment for a neuroma depends on the type. In order to help treat your condition, you'll need to confer with a physician.

Instructions

Morton's Neuroma

1. First, try non-invasive approaches such as resting your feet or arch supports for your shoes. Also, try shoes that may provide more support for your feet. Stop wearing tight-fitting shoes that push your toes together.

2. Consult with a physician on the possibility of receiving corticosteroid injections at the site of the neuroma. Speak with your physician about possible side effects you may experience as corticosteroids can cause weight gain and high blood pressure.

3. Speak with your physician about alcohol injections. Alcohol injections reduce the size of neuromas, as well as minimize pain.

4. Get surgery if other options fail. The removal of a growth provides you relief. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, your physician may choose surgery as a last effort because surgery can also remove nerves, which may permanently damage your affected toes.

Acoustic Neuroma

5. Undergo stereotactic radiosurgery if your physician recommends it for your acoustic neuroma. You'll be put under local anesthesia. If you have any known allergic reactions to anesthesia, notify your physician.

6. Undergo imaging scans prior to your stereotactic radiosurgery procedure in order to pinpoint the exact location of your growth. Prior to the stereotactic radiosurgery procedure, your head is numbed while a frame is placed to your scalp. Radiation is then delivered directly to your growth.

7. You'll need to see your physician several times to ensure that the growth has been completely removed. You'll also need to take hearing tests to see if the growth has caused any possible damage to your hearing.

8. Undergo surgery if your physician feels that this is your best option. Surgery may be necessary to prevent a growth from damaging your facial nerves. Without surgery, it's possible for a growth to result in facial paralysis or hearing loss.

9. If you undergo surgery, stay in the hospital for the necessary amount of time, which can be up to one week. Follow up with recovery and additional visits to your physician to ensure that you're healing well.

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