The American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggests that the average national rate of breast implants costs $3,000 to $4,000, however, that figure does not include fees for pre- and post-operative care and anesthesia.
Types
The types of breast implants that can be chosen, such as round, anatomical, smooth or textured, each have a specific reason for their designs, and therefore vary in cost.
Benefits
Breast implants are known to have a positive effect on patients' self-esteem and confidence level.
Misconceptions
Breast implant surgery costs involve more than just the one-time surgery and aftercare, and some may not realize that there is upkeep involved with breast implants later on in life.
Considerations
Because breast implants are an elective procedure, women should consider that their insurance will not cover the cost of their surgery or the anesthesia involved, as well as the aftercare and maintenance.
Warning
Insurance providers have declined to pay for any breast health care in a patient with breast implants, even if the care being given is not associated with the implant.
Tags: breast implants, with breast, with breast implants
care may serve more people but possibly at a quality cost.
Health care in the United States is largely inefficient. Physicians for a National Health Program asserts that even though the nation spends more than twice what other industrialized nations spend on health care, the system still performs poorly and leaves more than 50 million without coverage. These inefficiencies are largely what stimulated health care debate during the 2008 presidential election and which have led some to propose a more universal health care. Universal coverage does have advantages like economic stimulation, but it also has drawbacks.
Quality
Under universal health care, everyone is entitled to receive care. Theoretically, this increases the number of people who can get help. However, universal health care does not necessarily proportionately increase the number of physicians available. The physicians that are licensed and qualified to treat patients therefore inevitably have a larger care burden. Quality of care may suffer as doctors become burned out. Even if doctors could handle the increased physical and mental demands of universal health care, patients still might have to deal with long waits for care as doctors try to accommodate more people.
Funding
Universal health care is not free care. Funding must come from somewhere and usually the burden of the cost falls on taxpayers. Typically, this means a rise in taxes. In times of economic turmoil, this can be difficult for a people to sustain. If a nation wishes to pay for universal health care without raising taxes, other federally funded programs have to be cut. This creates the problem of prioritizing all the other programs that exist.
Lack of Competition
American doctors and other health care workers are motivated to provide excellent care because of competition. If one company is unreasonably slow in providing care, for example, patients can seek out a company that doesn't make them wait so long. Universal health care systems eliminate much of this competition. Some people who oppose universal health care assert that it will make health care providers lazier and contribute to lower quality of care. This is not necessarily true. The government and public can develop a watchdog system that maintains and validates a minimum standard of excellence.
Tags: health care, health care, universal health, more people, more than, universal health, Universal health
Taking care of your teeth is very important part of personal hygiene. Brushing twice a day and seeing a dentist once a year can keep your teeth in good condition so they'll last a lifetime. Sometimes, though, even good dental care doesn't prevent the need of oral surgery. This can include root canal, tooth extractions or periodontal gum exploration. Taking care of the teeth after surgery is important to minimize pain and promote healing of the area.
Instructions
After-Care of Dental Surgery Helps Healing
1. Understand that it is not unusual to have pain after the anesthesia starts to wear off. Take a prescription pain pill an hour after the surgery so that it overlaps the injection. Continue to use as directed. The following day, Tylenol might suffice if the pain has subsided.
2. Do not smoke, use a straw or rinse your mouth. Each oral surgery might be different but the instructions for after-care is mainly the same.
3. Rest with little or no activity for about two days. This is to make sure that there is no residual bleeding. You probably will not feel like doing more than watching TV anyway.
4. Place an ice pack (frozen peas works), immediately over the area for 20 minutes-on and 10 minutes-off for the first day. This will minimize swelling.
5. Have a liquid diet for the first day, and a soft diet the next day, avoiding chewing on the area of surgery. Foods such as cooked cereal, mashed potatoes, applesauce, jello, puddings, mashed bananas and sour cream are acceptable. Avoid all hot drinks or soups.
Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug that may decrease breast cancer risk.
Benign breast disease is a term used to describe non-cancerous breast conditions that, according to the American Cancer Society, are common and experienced by most women. Some benign breast conditions may increase breast cancer risk. Aspirin therapy may reduce breast cancer incidence in those cases.
Benign Breast Disease
Benign breast conditions are divided into three groups, differentiated by hyperplasia or cell growth and microscopic appearance. Non-proliferative lesions consist of cells that do not cause overgrowth of breast tissue. Proliferative lesions without atypia exhibit hyperplasia and normal-looking cells. Proliferative lesions with atypia show hyperplasia and cells with an unusual appearance.
Breast Cancer Risk
A study conducted at the Mayo Clinic found no increased risk of breast cancer in women with non-proliferative benign breast disease who lacked a strong family history of breast cancer. Women with proliferative lesions but no atypia displayed a relative breast cancer risk of 1.88 when compared to women in the general population. Cell proliferation and atypia increased relative breast cancer risk to 4.24.
Cancer and Aspirin
A study conducted at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests a correlation between decreased breast cancer risk in women with benign breast disease and aspirin use. It claims risk reduction appears to depend upon dose, frequency and duration of aspirin use. A study published in the "British Journal of Cancer" found no association between low-dose aspirin therapy, defined as 100 mg every other day, and reduced breast cancer risk, further supporting the hypothesis that risk reduction is dose and frequency-dependent.
Tags: breast cancer, cancer risk, breast cancer risk, breast cancer risk, breast conditions, Benign Breast Disease
The field of radiology, also known as medical imaging, requires highly skilled individuals adept at working with sophisticated equipment and with managing people. A radiology manager has many responsibilities that involve everything from budget organization to ensuring that her department maintains certain federally mandated guidelines.
Education Requirements
Radiology is the medical field more commonly referred to as X-ray, and requires the completion of an accredited radiology program in order to become a technician (required before becoming a manager). Many prospective employers also require a bachelor's degree before hiring at large hospitals. In addition to being certified in radiology, a candidate for employment must also be registered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The time it takes to complete radiology programs varies from program to program, but on average, most programs last at least two years.
Level of Danger
Technicians operate radiation-producing equipment daily, but are never directly exposed to the radiation. They receive protection from separate alcoves and wear lead-lined vests, gloves and aprons, and thus are very minimally exposed. Residual radiation levels are also tested monthly and must fall within government standards for safe exposure amounts in order to continue operating in good standing. With all these safeguards in place, working in the field of radiology is considered a very safe occupation.
Job Responsibilities
In addition to being familiar with administering and processing X-rays, though they may no longer do this themselves, radiology managers oversee radiology departments, including organizing patient education opportunities, staff development, acting as liaison between radiologists (medical doctors) and radiology technicians, as well as maintaining official department files.
Projected Salary
During the first four years of employment, a radiology manager can expect to make between $53,000 and $74,000, and can expect to advance to $67,000 to $90,000 with 20 years or more experience. Hourly rates for radiology managers translate to between $25 and $36 per hour for the first four years, and between $32 and $43 with 20 or more years experience. Additional compensation packages including benefits vary from company to company.
Employment Opportunities
Radiology managers can work anywhere radiology departments exist. From hospitals to off-site medical labs to medical universities, there is no shortage of options. Radiology managers are needed all over the world in big cities and small towns, so it's fair to say one could work almost anywhere.
Considering a career in radiology administration is a noble, fulfilling pursuit. The field continues to grow, and employers always seek skilled, dedicated professionals. Consider surfing job hubs to learn more.
Tags: addition being, field radiology, first four, first four years, four years
Obtaining a Master's degree in photography allows you to pursue a career as a professional photographer in a variety of fields, including media and advertising, fashion, photojournalism or working as a landscape photographer. There are several educational programs available both online and offline to complete the Master's degree in photography; here's where you can complete the program in order to pursue a professional photography career.
Instructions
1. Review the Master's degree program options at the School of Visual Arts. This educational institution offers a 1-year program for aspiring professional photographers and visual arts professionals (see Resources below).
2. Review the Master's degree program at Brooks Institute. This world-renown photography school offers a 2- to 3-year Master's program for professional photographers, and allows students to learn key principles in photographic arts, imaging art and develop their creative talents (see Resources below).
3. Consider the Master's degree in fine arts program at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. This educational institution offers a mentor-based degree program that includes photography, interactive media and graphic design disciplines (see Resources below).
4. Review graduate programs at the California College of the Arts. The Master's degree in fine arts program is an interdisciplinary approach to media arts, photography, social practice and other disciplines. This intensive course of study offers both laboratory sessions and projects that are completed in the student's individual studio (see Resources below).
5. Consider obtaining a Master's degree in photography online. Online degree programs give you the flexibility to study on your own schedule and work with instructors and students from around the globe. A complete listing of Master's degree programs available in an online format can be reviewed on photographyschools.com (see Resources below).
Waiting for Pap smear results can be a headache. This important test tells you a lot about your health, so you may be anxious just to know all is well. If you have had an abnormal Pap smear results in the past, waiting is even more stressful. The good news is that most Pap results arrive reasonably quickly, so you can get the information you need to know and act accordingly.
Significance
Pap smears, sometimes referred to simply as "Paps," are tests used for detecting cancer cells in the cervix. This test is named for its developer, George Papanicolau. Pap smears are a part of most routine gynecological exams. During the test, the doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina and uses a cotton swab or a small brush to pick up some cells from the cervix. These cells are transferred to a slide when the doctor wipes the swab or brush across the surface of the slide and fixes them in place with a special solution. The slides are sent to a lab where the cells are examined. The lab reads the slide, searching for abnormal, pre-cancerous or cancerous cells.
Some Pap smears are read without technology, while some are scanned using a computer program; PAPNET and FocalPoint are two common programs for reading Paps.
Result Times
The amount of time you have to wait for results depends on where you live and where you had your Pap done. In some cases, results come as soon as two days later, while some women may face a wait time of up to two weeks. The workload of the lab that reads the results determines how quickly they're returned. At the time of your exam, your doctor will tell you when you can expect the results and how they will be delivered to you. Often, doctors mail a card advising a patient of normal results and make a phone call if the Pap smear indicated abnormal cells.
Extended Waiting Times
There are things that can delay your Pap smear results. If the doctor did not collect a sufficient supply of cells for testing, your results will be returned and the test will need to be repeated. Semen can make the smear difficult to read, so if you have had sex without a condom within 24 hours of your exam, your results could take longer than normal or the test may need to be repeated. The same holds true for smears taken during menstruation.
To reduce your chance of delayed results or repeated tests, abstain from sex at least one day before your exam and reschedule your appointment if you begin menstruating the day of the smear.
Understanding the Results
Normal results mean you're in the clear. Otherwise, your tests may indicate that you have an infection, cervical dysplasia (abnormal cells that may or may not be pre-cancerous) or cancerous cells. Your doctor will advise you on the next step to take.
Repeat Smears
Pap smears are generally done annually, unless there is an abnormal result. If you have abnormal cells, your doctor may want another exam in six months.
Tags: abnormal cells, your exam, cancerous cells, doctor will, exam your
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the partial or complete removal of the breasts and surrounding tissues. Women who suffer from breast cancer that doesn't respond to chemotherapy or radiation therapy can opt to get a mastectomy. The type of mastectomy a woman needs depends on the type and stage of the breast cancer and her age and medical history. Typically, it takes between two to three hours to perform a regular mastectomy.
Radical
The most extensive type of mastectomy is the radical mastectomy, which involves the removal of the whole breast, as well as the areola, pectoral muscles (located under the breast), some fat tissue and the lymph nodes (located underneath the arm). This type of mastectomy is not performed as frequently as it was in the past. It is typically reserved for extreme cases where the breast cancer spreads to other muscles in the chest. The most commonly performed type of mastectomy is the modified radical mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, areola and most of the lymph nodes under the arm.
Simple
A simple mastectomy, also called total mastectomy, involves the removal of the entire breast, including the nipple area. In some cases, a sentinel lymph node biopsy might be required; it removes some of the lymph nodes around the breast.
Skin Sparing
Women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer can undergo a preventive measure called subcutaneous (nipple sparing) mastectomy, which involves the removal of the breast tissue but not the skin, areola or lymph nodes. A skin- sparing mastectomy (where 90 percent of the breast skin is left untouched) can be an option for patients undergoing reconstructive surgery immediately after the mastectomy.
Partial
Sometimes, the cancer is concentrated in a specific part of the breast. In such cases, the majority of the breast can be preserved by performing a partial (segmental) mastectomy, which only removes the cancerous part of the tissue.
A qaudrantectomy removes a quadrant or a quarter of the breast, the skin and some surrounding tissues. In addition, some lymph nodes might also be removed by an axillary node dissection. A lumpectomy (wide excision) removes a larger portion of the breast tissue than a qaudrantectomy.
Excisional Biopsy
For small tumors that don't exhibit signs of growth, an excisional biopsy might be enough. It involves removing the cancerous lesion in the breast and some of the surrounding healthy breast tissue. Further surgery may not be required if the excisional biopsy is successful.
Tags: lymph nodes, breast cancer, mastectomy which, type mastectomy, breast tissue, involves removal, biopsy might
Treating a cut on the bottom of a toe is just like treating a cut anywhere else, with one significant difference. Since so much pressure is put on them during the day, they need extra protection to keep from getting re-opened or infected. Here's do it.
Instructions
1. Examine the cut. Is it deep or shallow? Is it long or short? Is it clean, or dirty? is there anything in it? Is it bleeding and, if so, how badly.
2. If the cut is bleeding badly, the first matter is to stop the blood flow. Wrap a bandage moderately tightly around it, and elevate the foot by putting it up on a table or chair. Sterile gauze is the best way to stop the bleeding, but a paper towel or even a T-shirt will do in a pinch.
3. Once the bleeding has slowed, or if it was not bad to begin with, walk to the bathroom, taking care to put as little pressure on the wound as possible. If possible, have someone else support you so you don't have to walk on the toe.
4. Clean the cut with a cloth. Wipe gently around the surrounding area and the cut itself, cleaning away any blood or dirt. Pat it dry.
5. Sterilize the cut with an antiseptic. This will hurt, but you need to do it to avoid an infection. Rubbing alcohol works well. Hydrogen peroxide is excellent, but it will hurt a lot.
6. Put on some antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin. Be sure to cover the cut completely.
7. Apply a Band-aid, or other adhesive bandage. Make sure that the pad covers the wound, and wrap the bandage all the way around the toe.
8. Wrap a layer of bandage tape around the bandage. This will serve to provide some added cushioning to the wound, and also stop the bandage from moving around.
9. Change the bandage every morning and every evening. Cut it off with a scissors, wash the wound gently, and re-apply the antibiotic ointment. Then, put on a new bandage.
10. Particularly if you do a lot of walking, consider wearing two pairs of socks until the cut has healed somewhat. This will cushion it, making it less likely that you will irritate and re-open it.
Tags: This will, antibiotic ointment, bleeding badly, will hurt
The discovery and knowledge of infrared radiation is at the heart of the thermography method, but thermography has many applications across several different scientific disciplines. The technology has advanced significantly over the years, from military sensors and guidance systems to diagnostic tools for improving buildings and for medical purposes.
Identification
The thermography method is a technique that involves using infrared sensors to detect variances in thermal energy. According to IRinfo.org, an infrared thermography resource, the thermography method is nondestructive and can be used to detect structural flaws in buildings and create norms for quality control. In the medical field, the thermography method is used to detect variances in heat.
History
Since the thermography method involves infrared light, the history of thermography begins with astronomer William Herschel's discovery of infrared radiation in the early 1800s. The Infrared Training Institute also notes several important military advancements that furthered infrared science. In 1917, the British used infrared sensors to detect enemy aircraft. By World War II, thermography was being used as a missile guidance system. And by 1965, thermographic imaging sensors were being developed into commercial applications for scientific and medical fields.
Breast Cancer
Breastthermography.com notes that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women. The thermography method is perhaps best applied in the early detection of heat variations that can lead to the formation of cancerous breast tumors. In fact, approximately 20 percent of cancerous tissues are not detectable by mammography alone. According to the breastthermography.com, studies show that "the single most important marker of high risk for developing breast cancer" is an abnormal infrared image.
Passive and Active Thermography
IRinfo.org suggests that the thermography method can be best classified as either passive or active. In passive thermography, instruments are used to analyze and record data without applying additional heating or cooling techniques. This method is ideal for detecting stress fractures in buildings where thermal energy might be escaping. Active thermography involves a deliberate change in temperature in which a stimulus is directly applied to cause a subject to heat or cool. An example of active thermography can be found in the medical field where heat is directly applied to areas of the body to detect subtle changes in tissue growth.
Printing
The thermography method can be directly applied to the printing process to create products with enhanced texture and visual quality. The method can be used to make anything from business cards to wrapping paper. Thermographers.org gives a detailed description of the process. The printed paper is run through a conveyor system with a coating of sticky, wet ink on its surface. A special powder is shaken onto the paper and attaches itself to the wet ink. The printed paper along with the thermographic powder are placed in a high temperature oven, where they take on an embossed, raised print texture.
Home Improvement
The thermography method is a valued technique when applied to the inspection of buildings and homes. In this application, the thermography method saves time, energy, and money. A home inspector uses thermography to passively examine a building's interior without damaging the property walls. By utilizing infrared cameras to detect heat loss, the thermography method is useful in pinpointing insulation leaks and plumbing defects.
Calcium deposits, an ailment known as calcinosis, are the aggregation and clumping of calcium phosphate crystals in the tissues of the body. There are three main types of calcinosis. The most common type is dystrophic calcification, which mainly occurs after soft tissue damage. Soft tissue damage is generally a bruise or injury to muscle; the calcium deposits form in the injured tissue. The second type, metastatic calcification, results from an excess of systemic calcium that can be caused by kidney failure, excess or lack of certain minerals, and a host of other causes. Metastatic calcium deposits most often form in muscle and connective tissue. Tumoral calcinosis--or globular calcifications near the joints--is rare and the cause is not entirely understood. Calcium deposits begin as soft, toothpaste-like globules on bone, skin and other collagen-containing tissues. The longer the deposits persist, the larger they grow and harder they become. With growth, they can become inflamed and painful. The only treatment to reduce calcium deposits is arthroscopic surgery. However, in some cases the pain caused by calcium deposits may be reduced without complete removal of the deposit.
Instructions
1. Consume the recommended dose of an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine and apply ice packs to the area of the calcium deposit. Temporary immobilization of the joint may also provide short-term pain relief.
2. If pain continues and becomes more frequent, seek out a physical therapist to get an evaluation and a range-of-motion exercise program. Range-of-motion exercises prevent stiffening of the joints afflicted by the calcium deposits, increasing mobility and reducing pain.
3. If pain persists after physical therapy treatment, see a physician. The physician will inject the calcium deposit with cortisone or a similar drug. This injection should relieve the pain within a couple of hours. If the problem persists, the physician may recommend arthroscopic surgery.
4. Schedule an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to have arthroscopic surgery for treatment and removal of the calcium deposit. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure during which the physician removes the calcium deposit through an arthroscope by way of a small skin incision. In most cases once the deposit is removed, it does not return. However, new calcium deposits may form around the same joint or area. Take the recommended dose of anti-inflammatory medication and apply ice packs to the incision site after the surgery to reduce pain and swelling.
The type of water chosen during chemotherapy matters.
The purest forms of water provide for hydration and waste removal, helping to prevent against fatigue and thirst. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have a more specific battle: they are much more susceptible to nausea, fatigue and illness from diminished immune function, making hydration all the more vital. Choosing distilled water which has been cleansed of impurities will allow for water to hydrate without creating additional risks to the chemotherapy patient.
Water's Role in Chemotherapy
Distilled water is the safest type of water to drink when undergoing chemotherapy. Common contaminants in water may present a risk to chemotherapy patients's weakened immune systems. Bacterial contaminants could cause chemotherapy patients to feel worse by causing nausea and abdominal pain. The bacteria E.Coli, found in unpurified drinking water, can cause diarrhea, cramps and headaches. Since distilled water has been heated to extremely high temperatures that kill both bacteria, contaminants and many volatile organic compounds, the risks can be avoided by drinking distilled water.
Well Water Contaminants
Beside making chemotherapy patients feel ill, some contaminants hold potential for further harm by enabling cancer growth. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes three compounds--alpha emitters, beta/photon emitters and combined radium 226/228--known as RadioNuclides that could encourage cancerous growths if consumed over time at large doses. These come from natural deposits such as those found in unpurified well water. Some other chemicals which have been found in water and tied to cancer risk are Acrylamide, which comes from herbicides, and Toxaphene, sourced from pesticides.
Why Not Ionized Water?
A huge market has developed for machines which can ionize water. Highly appealing as a "natural, alternative" treatment, the theory behind the claims says that ionized water acts as an antioxidant, which should have an inhibitory effect on the development and multiplication of malignant cells. Since cancer patients are so attentive to any health claims which promise protection from malignancies, it sounds like the perfect solution to rid their bodies of toxins. Still, little evidence exists that ionizing water rids water thoroughly of harmful organic and bacterial contaminants.
Considerations
Since distilled water removes the essential nutrients iron and copper from the water supply, chemotherapy patients should take supplements or consume whole food sources to supply them. According to the EPA, you should contact the bottler to ask for recent testing results when concerned that certain contaminants may be present within distilled water. Beware that BPA can be leeched from plastic bottles and may cause a resistance to chemotherapy treatment. To keep distilled water in its purest state, avoid placing it in direct heat or in the microwave.
Sources
Distilled water is available from online retailers and some local grocery stores; check availability by calling your local location. Distilled water doesn't have to be boring--try mixing yours up with organic, fresh-squeezed juices or squeeze your own citrus fruits into it. Decaffeinated coffee or tea made with the water can provide variety while maintaining the health benefits to chemotherapy patients.
Vitamins Associated With a Decrease in Breast Cancer
Second only to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most-commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the United States. More than one in four cancers are breast cancer, and the breast cancer rate for U.S. women is 13 percent, or one in eight. While researchers battle over the exact details of a cancer-preventing lifestyle, there are vitamins associated with the disease which may offset the risks.
The Role of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are harmful molecules in the body that steal electrons from healthy molecules, damaging a cell's membrane as well as genetic material. Vitamin C saves cells by offering free radicals their own electrons, and offers a protective effect against breast cancer.
According to the Nurses' Health Study, premenopausal women with a family history of breast cancer who added slightly over 200 mg of vitamin C a day to their diet had a 63 percent reduced risk of breast cancer than women who ingested 70 mg daily. In addition, the Swedish Mammography Cohort reported that overweight women who consumed 110 mg of vitamin C daily through food had a 39 percent reduction of developing breast cancer compared to overweight women who just consumed 31 mg daily.
Excellent Vitamin E
Like vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant. In another study by the Nurses' Health Study, 83,234 women who did not have breast cancer were assessed over a period of 14 years. The research indicated that while vitamin E may protect against environmentally induced breast cancer, it has far more benefits in reducing genetic-predisposed breast cancer. In the study, premenopausal women with a family history of breast cancer who consumed higher doses of vitamin E had a 43 percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer compared to a smaller 16 percent risk reduction for women who did not have a family history of breast cancer.
Vitamin D Defense
Women with vitamin D deficiencies have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The vitamin appears to stimulate a protein that reduces the growth of breast cancer cells. According to the Journal of Biological Chemistry, women with vitamin D levels exceeding 53 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) have a 50 percent reduction in developing breast cancer as women with level of 13 ng/ml.
Beta-carotene for the Breast
Beta-carotene, the yellow pigment found in fruits and vegetables, is a powerful antioxidant similar to vitamins C and E. According to the Department of Biochemistry at Tufts University School of Medicine, large doses of beta-carotene can decrease cancerous tumors. Just by eating one-third of a carrot daily, postmenopausal women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by 50 percent.
Dosages
The Cancer Treatment Center of America recommends not taking vitamin C if you are prone to kidney stones. Otherwise, 250 to 1,000 mg is recommended, taken in divided doses of two or three times a day.
Overloading on vitamin D can be toxic, so do not take more than 600 international units (IU) daily unless prescribed by your physician.
Vitamin E recommendations indicate 400 IU daily. Consult your physician if you take blood thinners.
Beta-carotene can be taken in daily amounts of 10,000 to 25,000 IU.
Tags: breast cancer, developing breast, developing breast cancer, women with, family history, family history breast, history breast
While the most visible function of the female breast might appear to be to attract the male of the species, its primary purpose is to nourish and feed babies. The breast is composed of perfectly designed tissue to enable milk production and transference to babies, and all other changes are secondary to this purpose.
Anatomy
Female breasts contain lymph nodes, blood vessels, lobes, ducts, and also fat. There is no muscle in the actual breast; the pectoral muscle lies behind all of the breast tissue over the rib cage. The areola--the darker skinned area around the nipple--contains Montgomery glands which lubricate the area during breastfeeding. The nipple is connected to a series of lobes and lobules via ducts; the lobes are arranged circularly around the center of the breast like the spokes on a wheel. The breast also contains blood and lymph vessels, while the rest of the space is filled in with fat cells.
Breastfeeding
A breast's primary function is to nourish babies. During pregnancy the body begins preparing the breasts for milk production, and after childbirth, once the baby is stimulating the breast by sucking, the pituitary gland releases the hormones prolactin and oxytocin which begins milk production and release. For the first 3 to 5 days after child birth the mother's body produces small volumes of "early milk," colostrum, which is yellowish in color. These small amounts are the vitally perfect first meals for newborns and contain important antibodies and nutrition for the start of life. While breasts are made to store milk, and sometimes become painfully engorged once breast milk production begins, they also produce milk on-demand during feeding. When the lobules are stimulated by the release of hormones from the baby's sucking, the "milk ejection reflex" begins, more commonly known as the milk "let down" which releases the breast milk from the lobes, through the ducts, and to the nipple. The baby latches on to both the nipple and a portion of the surrounding tissue--the areola. Milk production works by demand and supply; the more the baby sucks, the more milk is produced. When the baby is not given access to breastfeeding as needed, milk supply can decrease.
Other Changes
Breasts change depending on the hormones present in the woman's body. During a woman's menstruation when the hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone change, the ducts enlarge, therefore retaining water and causing swelling. This swelling may even become uncomfortable or painful, and lumps may be present. A week after menstruation is the ideal time to perform self-breast exams to check for any changes in tissue. During and after menopause, a woman's breasts also undergo more changes. The glandular tissue that enables milk production shrinks and makes the breast less dense, leaving it easier to detect potentially cancerous tissue on a mammogram. Sometimes, because of the loss of the hormones during and after menopause, a woman's breasts become sore or lumpy, and sometimes they form internal fluid-filled cysts. Regular self-exams and mammograms are required to detect and lumps that might be cancerous.
Tags: milk production, after menopause, after menopause woman, breast milk, breast primary
Food technologists hdlp ensure that the food supply is safe.
Food technologists work in the food processing industry developing new packaging, preserving, and preparation methods for food processing organizations. The technologist researches the content of food to determine the nutrition value and find new sources of nutrition. Food technologists earn an average salary between $39,638 and $59,152 as of November 2010, according to Payscale.com.
Education
Food technologists may have a bachelor's or master's degree in biology, chemistry or agricultural science. The technologists working at universities in research may be required to have a master's degree or doctorate. According to Payscale.com, food technologists with a bachelor's degree in foods and nutrition earn salaries between $45,199 and $53,437 while those with a master's degree earn salaries between $37,500 and $51,190 as of November 2010.
Location
The cost of living and demand for food technologists factor into the salary a technologist may earn in different states. Food technologists in New York earn average salaries between $42,074 and $65,100 and those in California earn between $40,344 and $64,445 as of November 2010. Technologists in Minnesota earn lower salaries by comparison, between $38,381 and $49,506.
Industries
A food technologist may work in food manufacturing and processing or research. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 the median salary for a technologist working for a scientific research service was $71,710. Dairy product manufacturing employees earned a median salary of $53,870 and those working in universities and colleges earned $54,680. The top-paying industry for food technologists is miscellaneous nondurable goods merchant wholesalers, with median salaries of $97,440, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Experience
Technologists earn higher salaries with experience in the field. For example, food technologists with 20 years' experience or more earn average salaries between $53,013 and $81,389 while those with less than a year in the field earn salaries between $38,567 and $49,982 as of November 2010, according to Payscale.com.
Tags: salaries between, between November, between November 2010, November 2010, earn average, earn salaries, earn salaries between
Breast cancer is one of the most feared diseases by women today. In the United States, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 180,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed yearly. Almost 1 out of 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Among them, more than one-fourth will die of the disease, making breast cancer the second most common cancer killer of women in the country, next only to lung cancer.
In the normal human body, the increase in number and size of your cells is tightly regulated. Every day, a certain number of cells die, and these dead cells are replaced by an appropriate number of new cells.
In certain conditions, it might be necessary for your body to regenerate an additional number of cells. For example, when you get pregnant, your body will release hormones and other growth factors that will instruct your breast glands to enlarge and to regenerate more cells in preparation for breastfeeding your baby. Once your breasts have sufficiently enlarged and are able to produce an adequate supply of milk, the proliferation of new breast cells also slows down until it reaches baseline level.
Breast cancer disrupts the normal growth cycle. An abnormal group of cells in your breast tissue begins to grow uncontrollably. These breast cancer cells increase in size and in number, even if your breast does not need to grow new cells. They also don't respond to your body's signals that should trigger cell suicide, causing them to live longer than normal cells do.
When enough of these abnormal cells have proliferated, they would form a lump that you might be able to feel on your breast. The mass might also be detected by your doctor during examination or seen on conventional and magnetic resonance mammography. But if undetected, this group of abnormal cells grows even more.
The breast tumor forms blood vessels that deliver nutrients stolen from your normal cells, and releases chemicals that might cause weight loss, fever or fatigue. It will invade adjacent structures such as your nipple, the skin overlying your breast, the ligaments that attach your breast to your chest wall and the lymph nodes that normally clear harmful microorganisms from your body. In advanced cases, breast cancer cells spread to distant structures such as your lungs and brain by traveling through your blood and lymph vessels.
There are several risk factors that lead to the transformation of normal breast cells to abnormal cancer cells. Genetic abnormalities in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are the best-known causes of hereditary breast cancer. You have a higher risk of developing breast cancer if you inherited mutations in these genes.
Women who had their first menstruation before age 12 or who had menopause after age 55 are also at a higher risk for breast cancer. The same is true for women who have never given birth or those who delivered their first child later than age 35. The roles of hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, obesity, a high fat diet, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking in the development of breast cancer are less established and are still under debate.
Tags: your breast, breast cancer, breast cancer, your body, cancer cells, number cells, abnormal cells
Radon gas can enter homes through their foundations.
Radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Lung cancer is the only proven symptom of radon exposure. Besides lung cancer, there are no other radon exposure signs or symptoms. You will not experience other bodily symptoms such as gastrointestinal problems, joint pain, headaches or rashes.
The Agency for Toxic Substances & Diseases (ATSD) reports that no effective screening tests have been created for early diagnosis of lung cancer, including those cases caused by radon exposure. Radon decay products can be detected in bone and lung tissue and urine, but the tests cannot be used to predict the development of adverse health conditions.
ATSD does publish a system, however, for evaluating radon exposure and a patient's possibility of developing lung cancer.
Exposure History
Radon exposure is higher for certain workers, such as miners.
Evaluating how much radon a person has been exposed to can alert doctors to possible increased risk for lung cancer. A work history and home evaluation can provide clues to the amount of radon exposure a person might have encountered. Certain occupations, such as mining, result in increased radon exposure.
Asking questions about the age of a patient's home, the number of gas appliances in the home and how they are vented, average time spent in the basement of the home and the types of foundation and ventilation can help make create estimates of radon exposure. Tests may be done to detect radon levels in the home.
Medical History
Cigarette smoking greatly increases radon effects and lung cancer risk.
Family history of lung cancer and the presence of smokers in the home can help doctors make an evaluation of radon exposure and lung cancer risk. Cigarette smoke increases radon health effects.
Lung function is the most important thing to consider when compiling medical history, according to ATSD. Although no radon exposure signs or symptoms have been documented, problems with lung function may point to increased risk over the long term.
Lung Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Chronic coughing may be a sign of lung cancer.
Although there are no irritating or warning effects linked to radon exposure, signs of lung cancer may include chest pain, coughing up blood, persistent coughing and shortness of breath or wheezing. Lung cancer can cause changes in fingertip shape, chronic pneumonia or enlarged lymph nodes. About 25 percent of people with lung cancer do not exhibit symptoms when diagnosed.
Radon Exposure Research
A combination of tests may one day detect early radon exposure.
Future tests for radon exposure and lung cancer may include chest X-rays, low-dose computerized tomography, sputum tests or some combination of these tests, reports ATSD, but it's unclear whether early detection will help prevent lung cancer deaths caused by radon exposure.
Tags: lung cancer, radon exposure, radon exposure, radon exposure signs, cancer include, cancer include chest, cancer risk
Car donation has become extremely popular in recent years.
A growing number of foundations and other charitable organizations accept cars as donations (and almost any other kind of vehicle), working or not. In most cases, there is no cost to the donor. They also process all the paperwork required by the Department of Motor Vehicles, including smog certificate issues, and provide a receipt to the donor for his tax deductible donation.
National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
The National Kidney Foundation helps people with kidney disease
The National Kidney Foundation's "Kidney Cars" program has been in operation since 1983 and receives more than 100 cars per day. Over 650,000 people have donated vehicles and raised over 250 million dollars to help fight kidney disease. Cars can be dropped off or the NKF will pick up the car at no cost. More than 81 cents out of every dollar goes directly to programs, such as Patient and Community Services, Patient Advocacy, Kidney Research and others.
Purple Heart Foundation
The Purple Heart Foundation has been helping disabled veterans for 75 years
Proceeds from car donations to the Purple Heart Car Donation Program go to support combat wounded and disabled veterans. Over 500,000 people have donated cars to the program. They pick up the car within 24 hours.
United Breast Cancer Foundation
The United Breast Cancer Foundation provides housekeeping and grocery shopping services for those with breast cancer.
The United Breast Cancer Foundation helps those afflicted with breast cancer through prevention, screening, treatment and health and well-being programs. They welcome the donation of any property, including cars and other vehicles. There is no cost to the donor.
Children's Wish Foundation
The Children's Wish Foundation was founded in 1985 and has fulfilled thousands of wishes for terminally ill children
The Children's Wish Foundation helps grant the wishes of terminally ill children. Pledges to their Vehicle Donation Program are taken over the telephone and they handle all the necessary paperwork and pay all fees to pick up the car. A live operator is on duty 24 hours a day. Donations are accepted from all 50 states if they are within 50 miles to their closest facility.
The American Relief Foundation
The American Relief Foundation has responded to the fact that 1 in 50 children in America faces homelessness.
The American Relief Foundation gives assistance to children in need nationwide. Based on the condition of the car being donated, the person making the donation will be given a Visa gift card. Cars and other vehicles will be picked up within 24 hours at no cost.
The Polly Klaas Foundation
The Polly Klaas Foundation is dedicated to the safety of all children
The Polly Klaas has helped over 6,900 families find missing children. They provide counseling, organize volunteers, make and distribute posters through their network of volunteers and assist law enforcement. They also lobby lawmakers for legislation to protect children. They were instrumental in getting the Amber Alert Program enacted and maintain a 24/7 hotline.
Habitat For Humanity
Natural disasters, war and civil unrest displace millions of families around the world.
Habitat For Humanity helps build and rehabilitate homes in partnership with families that need or lost a home. Over 80 cents out of every dollar goes directly to help families. Since its foundation in 1976, Habitat For Humanity has built over 350,000 houses and helped more than 1.75 million people. They accept all vehicles in any condition at no cost to the donor.
Tags: American Relief, American Relief Foundation, Breast Cancer Foundation, Cancer Foundation, Children Wish, Children Wish Foundation, cost donor
Firefighters must pass physical tests to continue in this career.
In recent decades, more and more workers have chosen to continue working later in life or find part-time employment during retirement, bucking the trend of retiring early and spending many years idle or pursuing leisure activities. The choice to work may seem like a basic right, but some types of jobs enforce mandatory retirement, which forces workers to retire when they reach a certain age or fail to pass a physical exam or ability test.
Legal Factors
In the United States, age discrimination is illegal and employers cannot establish or enforce mandatory retirement policies. However, there are several types of jobs and industries that are exceptions to this law. In general, these are jobs that require a special sort of physical or mental ability. Airline pilots must retire at age 60 to ensure that passengers have a pilot with adequate reflexes and critical reasoning abilities. Teachers also face mandatory retirement ages that are designed to provide students with the highest quality instruction. Police officers and firefighters may be subject to mandatory retirement if they fail to pass a physical evaluation that older members must submit to, which helps ensure that they have the necessary strength and dexterity to meet the high demands of the job.
Results
Mandatory retirement policies result in a predictable, regular flow of retirements, which, in turn, opens up new job opportunities for less senior workers. This, by extension, opens up new entry-level positions and creates new jobs while bringing fresh workers into the field. It also ensures that older workers, who may no longer have the ability to perform the job efficiently, are not given the taxing responsibilities associated with public safety and education, for instance.
Economic Costs
There are far-reaching economic consequences to mandatory retirement. Besides creating new jobs, mandatory retirement policies remove senior, high-earning workers and replace them with entry-level workers, which may save a company money in terms of payroll. However, retirees who are forced out of their jobs lose their earning power and may become reliant on social security and other publicly funded programs.
Plateaued Workers
Mandatory retirement also reduces or eliminates the phenomenon known as plateaued workers. According to Trinity College, this occurs when workers reach a level of pay or responsibility with no room for further advancement. These older workers may have little motivation to continue working hard. This can decrease morale, while clogging promotional channels for lower-ranking workers. Plateaued workers also contribute to greater absenteeism, thus hurting a company's bottom line.
Age Discrimination
Mandatory retirement can have the negative effect of creating an image of older workers as inept and unable to contribute to society. Workers forced to retire may cite age discrimination as a factor in the situation, but proponents of mandatory retirement note that similar regulations apply to young workers, who may only be allowed to work a certain number of hours on school nights or may not be allowed to operate certain machinery under state laws. In order to avoid charges of age discrimination, employers not involved in one of the industries associated with mandatory retirement must allow older workers to retain their jobs unless their performance suffers or they opt for voluntary retirement.
Medicaid is the largest insurance program in the United States. Medicaid is offered to eligible low-income individuals and families that cannot otherwise afford health insurance. Medicaid sends payments for covered medical and dental services directly to health-care providers. Medicaid is a state-administered program, and states set the eligibility requirements for receiving benefits.
Medical Benefits
The medical benefits offered by Medicaid differ among states. However, every state offers some common benefits to Medicaid participants. They include preventive services, treatment of certain diseases, hospital inpatient and outpatient services, nursing home care, home health care, clinic services and prenatal care. Check with your local Medicaid office to get a full list of the medical services covered.
Dental Benefits
Dental benefits are optional coverage for individuals 21 and older, and are determined by states. Less than half of states provide comprehensive dental coverage for those 21 and older; however, most states provide emergency dental care. Individuals who are younger than 21 years old must receive dental care as part of their Medicaid coverage. Dental care for minors is a part of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) service. Dental services include oral examinations, relief of pain and infections, restoration of teeth, and dental maintenance.
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT)
Medicaid offers the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) service as a preventive child health-care program for children and those under the age of 21. EPSDT offers screening services such as laboratory tests and lead toxicity screening, along with immunizations. The EPSDT program includes at least minimum vision benefits such as diagnosis and treatment of basic vision ailments. Dental services, hearing services, and diagnosis and treatments are available in the EPSDT program.
Eligibility
Some individuals are automatically accepted into the Medicaid program. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify to receive Medicaid. Babies born to mothers who receive Medicaid are automatically covered. Children under the age of 6 and pregnant women whose families earn 133% or below the national poverty level qualify to receive Medicaid. Recipients of foster care and adoption assistance are automatically eligible. States have discretion on who is eligible for mandatory benefits if they do not fit in the mandatory group.
Tags: Diagnostic Treatment, Diagnostic Treatment EPSDT, Early Periodic, Early Periodic Screening, Periodic Screening, Periodic Screening Diagnostic
X-ray technicians are medical professionals, and as such, they must have an education in their chosen fields of radiography. Vocational schools offer certificates of completion, community colleges offer Associate degrees and standard four-year colleges reward your studies with a Bachelor's degree. The more advanced your degree, the higher your chances for employment and potential for career advancement. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) accredits schools in radiography. See Resources for a current listing of Canadian and American schools.
Take and Pass the ARRT Certification Exam
After graduating from an accredited radiography program, take the ARRT certification exam. Although this is a voluntary certification---it is not mandated by the federal or state governments as precondition to your employment as an x-ray technician---its results are used by 35 states when you apply for a license. The ARRT publishes eligibility guidelines (see Resources) for certification candidates.
Apply for Your State License
The ARRT certification is different from the state licensure. Even if you are certified, you still need to become licensed in the majority of states. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) posts links to each state's licensing requirements (see Resources). For example, the state of California requires a 2-year license and will accept either a state administered exam or the ARRT certification exam. Every 24 months, candidates for renewal need to provide proof of 24 hours of continuing education.
Find Employment as an X-Ray Technician
The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that more than half of American x-ray technicians are employed at hospitals. Use search engines, such as Top USA Jobs (www.usajobs.com), to find open positions in your area.
U.S. military personnel and veterans receive assistance from a variety of charitable organizations.
United States military personnel--whether veterans, reserve or active--often face hardship during or after their military careers. Several top military charities exist to help these individuals, serving as advocates to provide more personalized care than the government can afford. These charities assist with things like counseling, grants, medical assistance and legislative advocacy.
Armed Services YMCA
The Armed Services YMCA is a nonprofit organization that works in conjunction with the government to care for American troops, particularly younger enlisted men and women. The organization, given the highest ethical and financial marks by Charity Watch, is based in Alexandria, Virginia, but has more than 160 centers across the world, working closely with the Department of Defense. The organization offers local care for military families, providing counseling and support to wives and children, as well as international relief for personnel.
Armed Services YMCA
National Headquarters
6359 Walker Lane
Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22310
202-346-8803
asymca.org
Fisher House Foundation
The Fisher House Foundation, also given the highest level of approval by Charity Watch, is a nonprofit organization built to meet the needs of American military personnel, providing care beyond what the government is able to provide. One of the organization's major efforts are "comfort homes", comfortable homes located near military and veterans hospitals for use when being treated. Because military or veterans must often travel great distances to receive medical attention, these homes provide a comfortable place to stay. According to the website, the Fisher House serves more than 11,000 families annually, and there is at least one house near every major military hospital nationwide.
Fisher House Foundation
111 Rockville Pike
Suite 420
Rockville, Maryland 20850
888-294-8560
fisherhouse.org
Homes for Our Troops
Homes for Our Troops is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization--given the highest rating for a military charity by Charity Watch--that takes care of injured veterans of the Iraq war. The organization raises money and awareness in order to build homes that cater to the disabilities of injured veterans. Veterans are not charged a cent for the service, and eligible veterans can be given up to $63,780 for a new house. Charity Watch gave Homes for Our Troops high marks based on money spent directly on programs, overhead costs and ethical use of finances.
Homes for Our Troops
6 Main Street
Taunton, MA 02780
866-7-TROOPS
homesforourtroops.org
Tags: Fisher House, Homes Troops, Armed Services, Armed Services YMCA, Charity Watch, Fisher House Foundation, House Foundation
Ultrasound technicians must undergo specific classes to understand operate sonography machines.
An ultrasound technician is a medical professional whose main duties consist of recording internal images of a patient to assist physicians in diagnosing ailments or monitoring the progression of an unborn child. Those interested in becoming an ultrasound technician, also known as a sonographer, must enroll in an ultrasound technician program, which are available in technical schools and universities across the United States. This program includes courses that cover general medical training and different types of sonography, and provides hands-on training.
General Medical Curriculum
Ultrasound technician programs require students to take general medical classes before starting ultrasound-specific coursework. These classes may vary from institution to institution, but some of the most common include: anatomy and physiology (I and II), introduction to health care, medical terminology, cross-sectional anatomy, and basic ultrasound physics and instrumentation.
Ultrasound Coursework
Once the general medical coursework has been completed, the student will begin taking ultrasound-specific classes. These courses may consist of foundations of sonography, abdominal sonography, pelvic sonography, pediatric sonography, vascular sonography and high-resolution imaging techniques. These classes are designed to give students in-depth information taught through practical experience and theoretical courses.
Clinical Sonography/Ultrasound
To graduate from an ultrasound technician program, students must complete several clinical sonography courses. These classes provide hands-on learning in a medical setting based on the information taught during coursework. Students work with actual ultrasound machines and perform various tasks under the direct supervision of a clinical sonographer. The average ultrasound technician program consists of at least five clinical sonography courses.
Tags: technician program, These classes, ultrasound technician program, clinical sonography, clinical sonography courses, general medical, information taught
Lifting safety procedures are always the primary consideration when performing any exercise involving weights or moving equipment. There are many devices on the market to make an inherently dangerous activity safer. Proper planning and execution for any given exercise is the key to prevention of injuries.
Preparation
Several steps that need to be completed prior to beginning and executing any exercise. They are selecting, inspecting and preparing your equipment and surroundings, using good body position and equipment handling during the movement and knowing how much weight you can safely lift.
Selecting, Inspecting and Preparing Equipment
Select the equipment to be used to perform an exercise, inspect it for any material defects such as missing parts and stability and attach any available safety devices. Report any defective equipment to the fitness center staff immediately. Do not attempt to use defective equipment.
Good Body Position and Equipment Handling
When performing any exercise, using good body position and equipment handling is critical to a safe lift. Back and joint injuries are typically caused by bad positioning or mishandling of equipment. When performing any exercise keep your back straight, your head and neck facing forward and your feet planted firmly on the ground. Always maintain a firm grip on any weights being used, do not perform a suicide lift, there is no benefit to this practice and will ultimately end up in disaster. Practicing good breathing techniques will also help in performing a safe lift.
Know Your Abilities and Limitations
Knowing what you are capable of lifting and any limitations you may have will ensure a safe workout. Establish a baseline of the weight you are capable of lifting for any given exercise and work within these limitations. Over time, with a solid lifting program, you will be able to lift more weight and do more repetitions. Use a friend or gym employee as a spotter if you are attempting to lift a weight that you have never attempted before.
Considerations
Always return any equipment that you have used to its proper place. This is not only a safe practice, but shows consideration for others in the gym. Always perform a good stretch and warm-up period prior to beginning any workout. Always consult with a physician before starting any fitness program.
Tags: performing exercise, body position, body position equipment, capable lifting, defective equipment, given exercise, good body
Make a simple projector by mounting an LCD screen on top of an overhead projector.
You can make a simple LCD overhead projector from readily available parts to enjoy the big-screen experience at home. Building an LCD overhead projector entails mounting a stripped LCD screen on top of a standard overhead projector. This allows the setup to project the images on the LCD screen on a wall, similar to how transparencies are projected. Although a homemade projector may lack many of the advanced features or options of a branded projector, building a projector at home will be considerably cheaper than buying one. Before you begin, make sure the LCD screen and the projector's bed -- the light window -- are the same size. If you have either one of the two devices (the projector or the LCD screen), obtain the other according to the size of the device you already have.
Instructions
1. Disassemble the LCD screen. The process will depend on whether you are taking apart an old laptop computer or a desktop monitor you no longer use. If it is a laptop, remove the screen bezel by undoing screws from the frame holding the screen. For a desktop monitor, remove the back casing first.
2. Disconnect the power and video cables from the screen. The LCD screen is attached to cables that have to be undone before the screen can be pulled out. Locate the connecting ports on the screen and gently pull out the cables, taking care not to break the plastic assembly at the end of the cables. You may have to maneuver or unclip the cables.
3. Remove the screen. Once the screen bezel or plastic casing is removed, and the cables are unplugged, you can dismount the bare screen by pulling it out. Hold the screen from the edges and carefully remove it from its shell. The inverter board --- a rectangular green component --- will be attached to the base of the screen. Rest the screen face down on a cushion.
4. Install insulating spacers on the edges of the projector's light window. This will prevent heat from the light window from damaging the LCD screen when you lay the screen on top. Place the insulating foam pads on either side of the light window, and tape them to the sides of the projector to hold them in place.
5. Lay the LCD screen on top of the light window. Align the edges of the screen to the projector's window and carefully lower it onto the foam pads. The distance between the light window and the LCD panel should be at least 8 mm, when the screen is placed over the pads. Next, reconnect the power and video cables. Plug in the cables to the appropriate connecting ports on the screen and inverter board.
6. Install the cooling fan. Tape the plastic assembly around the fan to the side of the projector so that its air flow is directed toward the small gap between the LCD screen and the light window. Installing the cooling fan properly is critical because if it is not mounted properly, the heat generated by the light window would not be removed and could damage the screen.
7. Plug in the power cord from the cooling fan to a wall outlet, and connect the LCD screen to a video source, such as a computer or a DVD player through the XGA port. Start video playback.
Fibroids, benign tumors that grow on the uterus, usually appear during a woman's childbearing years and almost never become malignant. Most often, fibroids do not cause symptoms, and as many as three out of four women may have them. However, if they grow too large, fibroids can cause some problems. Though surgery is only required for problematic fibroids, some dietary changes may help as well.
What to Take Away
Foods made with white flours increase levels of insulin in the body. When this occurs, the body begins to metabolize estrogen differently, making compounds that inflame cells and aggravate fibroids. Pre-existing fibroids may also grow after ingesting too much flour. Foods to avoid include white bread, pasta made from wheat, cookies and other desserts. Alternative flours, such as spelt, rice and tapioca can all safely replace white flour. Also, it is good to cut out alcohol since it can raise levels of estrogen as well.
What to Add
Phytoestrogens, plant-based hormones found in foods such as flax and soy, are beneficial to a woman's health. These hormones, a safer substitute to man-made hormones, block estrogen from affecting the cells in fibroids by blocking estrogen receptors. When a woman eats soy or flax, the body produces lower levels of unhealthy estrogen. Also, the fiber and omega-3 fats in flaxseed cut down inflammation throughout the body, including tumors, and flush extra estrogen from the body.
Supplements
Certain dietary supplements can help in women with fibroids. Chasteberry has a progesteronelike effect and helps in a whole array of women's issues. Cat's claw, an antioxidant, reduces the build-up of toxins that lead to abnormal cell growth. Grapefruit seed is antifungal and antibacterial, which helps fibroids by destroying unwanted cells. Another antioxidant that may prevent fibroids is oleuropein, found in olive leaves.
Send FREE eCards With Care2 and Help Generate Donations
Need to send a personalized card to a relative, friend, co-worker, neighbor, or anyone at all? When you decide to send an e-card, you not only save yourself a trip to the store, ink, paper, or money, but you can also contribute to generating donations to save the rainforest. For every e-card that you send through Care2.com, Care2 donates "to an environmental nonprofit to save a square foot of rainforest." Here is how you can send a free e-card, help produce donations to preserve our rainforest, and make the recipient of your personalized greeting feel special in the process!
Instructions
1. Visit the Care2.com website by clicking on the link in the resources below. Sending an e-card through Care2 is completely free and no membership or signup is required, unless you want reminders to send e-cards or wanted to add recipients to a Care2 address book. Find the "send an ecard" button on the horizontal menu bar at the top of the site. Click on it.
2. Browse through the e-cards by doing a keyword search on the left sidebar. You can also find an e-card by searching through the categories available (e.g. Birthday Cards, Celebrations, Holidays, etc.).
3. Once you have decided on an e-card that you want to send, click on the "Personalize" button. You'll be taken to a page where you can write a private message, add a card greeting, and enter in the sender and recipient's email addresses.
4. Choose your delivery options. Select a day no earlier than the current date to have the e-card delivered. Also, choose to be notified when the card is sent and picked up. If you would like a reminder to send a card the following year, you can join the Care2 community for free.
5. Check or uncheck the options to be sent free Care2 Newsletters delivered to your inbox.
6. You can choose to send the e-card or preview it one more time with your personal message included. Ready to send? Click on the "Send now" button. Congratulations! Your Care2 e-card will be delivered on the date you have specified. Plus, you have just contributed to saving a piece of the rainforest!
Tags: Care2 Help, Care2 Help Generate, date have, e-card that, Generate Donations
You may qualify for cash aid to pay for emergency hospital care.
Dealing with a disability can be challenging enough without having to consider how you plan to pay for medical bills and other expenses. Federal, state and private programs offer a variety of cash aid programs to help low-income people who are disabled. In most cases, the application process is as simple as filling out a single form and providing supporting documentation, such as financial and medical records.
Instructions
1. Phone the Department of Human Service or the Department of Social Service in your county of residence. Explain that you are disabled and need immediate cash aid. States like California offer Supplemental Security Income / State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP). The Social Security Administration's SSI program provides cash aid to individuals who are disabled. Contact the Social Security Administration at 800-325-0778 to check eligibility.
2. Apply for state aid. Medicaid is a state insurance program for disabled and low-income individuals as well as other groups. Contact Medicaid at 800-633-4227 to receive emergency assistance with your medical bills.
3. Apply for federal aid. Medicare is a federal insurance program for low-income, senior and disabled individuals. Contact Medicare by phone at 800-633-4227 to check eligibility. A representative can help you find and compare hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes and dialysis facilities in your area that can provide emergency care.
4. Request emergency help with rent costs. Contact the Department of Human Services and apply for State Emergency Relief (SER). You must demonstrate financial hardship and show proof of income. Include a copy of your Social Security card with your application.
5. Visit a local office and speak with a Salvation Army worker about obtaining emergency relief funds. Complete a short in-person or over-the-phone interview. Explain your needs and check eligibility.
Tags: check eligibility, Social Security, Department Human, insurance program, medical bills, Security Administration
Medical technologists and technicians both perform diagnostic tests, but with different levels of education and responsibilities.
Medical technologists and technicians share many similarities in their chosen health care field of helping to detect, diagnose and treat disease by examining and analyzing cells and body fluids. Both perform diagnostic scientific tests--bacterial, chemical, biological, immunologic, hematological and microscopic. The main difference between technologists and technicians is their level of education. Medical technologists and technicians are also known as clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, clinical laboratory scientists and medical laboratory technicians.
Education
Medical technologists usually have either a bachelor's degree in medical technology or in a life science discipline. Technicians usually earn a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or certificate. Both technologists and technicians study microbiology, biology, statistics, mathematics and more. Students in bachelor's degree programs often take courses for three years and perform clinic duty for one year. Prospective students can search the website of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences for schools offering medical technology programs. Several national organizations certify both medical technologists and technicians, including the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
Duties
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says medical technologists usually perform more complex procedures than technicians, using techniques such as clinical chemistry, immunohematology, genetics, electron microscopy and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Technicians may prepare specimens and perform automated or manual tests.
Work Environment
Technicians often work under the direction of technologists or laboratory managers. Both can work in hospitals, laboratories, doctors' offices, research laboratories, universities and blood banks.
Specialization
Technologists and technicians can specialize in a certain area of laboratory science, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says. Technologists often choose an advance discipline such as immunohematology--the collection, typing and preparation of blood for transfusion--and cytotechnology, the preparation and examination of cells for cancerous growth. Technicians can specialize in fields such as phlebotomy, which is the collection of blood samples, and histotechnology, the collection and preparation of tissue for examination by pathologists.
Salary
The median annual wage of medical technologists is more than $50,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For medical technicians, the median annual wage is about $15,000 less.
Job Prospects
The bureau expects job growth of 14 percent between 2008 and 2018 for all clinical laboratory workers, including medical technologists and technicians. "The volume of laboratory tests continues to increase with both population growth and the development of new types of tests," the bureau says. Hospitals will be among the largest employers.
Flexibility
Though many medical technologists and technicians work in hospitals, "more and more students are branching out into other arenas such as industry, sales, research labs, fertility clinics, information systems, forensics, environmental health, public health and education," says the Ohio State University Medical Technology Division.
Tags: technologists technicians, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, clinical laboratory, Labor Statistics
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, one out of every six men in the U.S. has prostate cancer at some time in his life. Radiation therapy kills cancer cells but also damages the urethra, bladder, bowel, and rectum.
Effects
All forms of prostate radiation can cause temporary side effects, and occasionally long-term problems. However, some forms affect quality of life more than others. For example, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) causes the most disruption in sexual functioning.
Time Frames
Radiation therapy can impact quality of life during and immediately after treatment cycles. It may also contribute to problems that don't show up until later. For example, urinary or bowel problems may occur as long as three years after radiation. Erectile dysfunction may get worse one to two years after treatment.
Significance
A man who loses bowel control may isolate himself from social contact, and erectile dysfunction can impact intimate relationships.
Solutions
Medications, exercises, and lifestyle changes can improve symptoms. For example, erectile dysfunction often responds well to prescription medications and other interventions.
Considerations
According to the National Cancer Institute, men with prostate cancer need an accurate picture of anticipated quality of life and potential side effects so they can participate in informed decisions about treatment options.
Tags: quality life, after treatment, erectile dysfunction, Radiation therapy, side effects, years after
Lumpectomies are performed to spare the breast when early-stage breast cancer is diagnosed. Typically, radiation follows a lumpectomy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Most lumpectomies are performed on an outpatient basis, but the surgery still causes major trauma to the body. It may take weeks or months to fully heal from a lumpectomy.
Instructions
1. Apply an ice pack over your bandages for 20 minutes at a time, every few hours, for the first day or two after you return home from the hospital. Icing your wound will reduce swelling and help with pain. Ice packs are available at most grocery and drugstores.
2. Avoid lifting anything weighing more than five pounds for several days after your lumpectomy. If you also had axillary lymph nodes removed during your surgery, your activity may be limited even more. Because each surgery is different, ask your doctor or check your discharge documents for instructions specific to your procedure.
3. Wear a support bra for a week after your surgery or longer, depending on your surgeon's orders. The bra is designed to support your breasts, prevent your stitches from pulling, and ease swelling and discomfort. The bra should be worn during the day and while sleeping.
4. Take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate your discomfort. If OTC medications are not effective at controlling your pain, ask your doctor for a prescription-strength pain reliever.
5. Avoid getting your incision wet. Take sponge baths until your sutures are removed or your doctor says showering is allowed. Have someone help wash your hair in the sink, if necessary.
6. Keep your surgical wound covered. Depending on the size of your incision, you may have both internal, disposable sutures and external staples or stitches. Your doctor will tell you if these need to remain covered. Generally, your incision should remain bandaged for the first 72 hours after surgery.
7. Empty any surgical drains inserted into your incision, and make a note of the amount of fluid emptied. Your drain will need to be emptied several times each day, and you can do this by detaching the bulbs located at the end of the drain tubes. Not all women will be fitted with drain tubes after surgery.
8. Sleep on your back during your recovery period to avoid placing pressure on your breast. This will help with swelling and pain. Use pillows to prevent rolling over in the middle of the night or sleep upright in a chair.
9. Report any symptoms of possible complications to your doctor immediately. Fever, increased swelling, discharge from your nipple or incision line, increased pain or bruising and bleeding all require medical attention.
10. Follow up with your surgeon as ordered. Make certain to discuss any concerns with your doctor at your appointment and inform him of any fever or pain you are experiencing.
Tags: your doctor, your incision, after surgery, after your, drain tubes
The thyroid gland is a small gland located in your neck that plays a vital role in regulating a number of important bodily functions. With weight loss, the function with which you should be most concerned is control over metabolism -- in this, the thyroid can literally make or break your dieting efforts, enabling you to quickly lose weight or slowing your progress to a crawl. As the thyroid is fueled through consumption of iodine in the diet, supplementation can help to improve thyroid function and therefore possibly boost weight loss.
Instructions
1. Consult with your physician. Your physician can set up a time for testing to determine whether you have an underactive thyroid gland. This can consist of blood tests used in conjunction with imaging tests such as CT scans or x-rays to determine whether you are suffering from hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) as a result of iodine deficiency.
Even if you are deemed to have hypothyroidism, not all cases are caused by iodine deficiency. Keep in mind that iodine supplementation will not help you lose weight (and might even hurt your cause) if you are not otherwise deficient, so speak with your doctor first to ascertain whether there is a problem.
2. Supplement your diet with additional iodine (following the dosage recommendations provided by your physician) either through natural means or direct iodine supplementation.
You can purchase a standalone iodine supplement either online or at your local pharmacy.
Or increase your consumption of iodine-rich foods. Generally speaking, the most iodine-rich foods are those found in the sea, including sea salt, seaweed and kelp.
3. Continue with your regular diet and exercise plan. Remember that curing an underactive thyroid through iodine supplementation is not an invitation to forgo your regular diet and training regimen.
Instead, you should use iodine supplementation to buttress the effectiveness of your disciplined eating and hard training, enabling your body to lose weight once again at a "normal" rate.
Tags: iodine supplementation, underactive thyroid, with your, your regular diet, determine whether, iodine deficiency, iodine-rich foods