Breathing from the belly is a technique that allows a deeper, more calming and regulated breathing cycle. You also can use deep stomach breathing to alleviate pain in your back or chest injury or near a rib. Follow these steps to learn to breathe from the belly.
Instructions
1. Sit or stand upright, with good posture. Put your hands at your sides or in your lap. Relax your shoulders. Make sure that your lower back is supporting your upper back, and your upper back is supporting your shoulders so they don't sag or roll forward. Keep your head back and chin facing forward.
2. Take a few minutes to monitor your breathing so that you begin to breathe with intention. Close your eyes and feel which part of your body each breath affects. Notice if you feel more pressure on your upper body, near your chest or by your belly.
3. Breathe in through your nose. As you inhale, expand your belly. Continue to inhale and let your belly expand until you start to feel a slight pressure on your chest. Stop inhaling and hold the breath for a moment.
4. Open your mouth slightly to exhale. Gently blow air out through your mouth while tightening your belly in order to "supply" your mouth with the air to push out. Exhale slowly while paying attention to air moving through your body. Stop exhaling once you feel that there is no more pressure on your belly.
Tags: your belly, pressure your, through your, your mouth, your upper, back supporting, back supporting your
Technology is an important aspect of education from students' earliest years to high school graduation and beyond. Budget constraints can make it tough for school districts to update technology as often as needed. There are sources for teachers, school administrators and even parent groups to find money to fund technology in the classroom.
Function
Grants are available for classroom technology through federal and state governments.The U.S. Department of Education provides grant money for classroom technology. The money is given to states which give it to local school districts. The goal of these government grants is to make students technologically literate.
Find listings of government grants, including federal and state, for classroom technology at schoolgrants.org. You will have to sift through listings that include many types of grants for school funding.
Identification
The Teachers Network has lists of classroom grants for technology from sources including the government and companies such as Microsoft, Toshiba and IBM. There also are grants from nonprofit groups such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation and Share the Technology.
Lists of opportunities for classroom grants for technology also are available through TeachersCount. There are grants targeting all kinds of technology uses in the classroom from buying computers to other digital technology.
Considerations
Look to technology companies as possible sources for grants. The Apple computer company, which has products in many schools across the country, will help educators find grant money to buy Apple products. Microsoft also has a variety of products available for classroom use and will help educators find grants. The company has a variety of philanthropic efforts, including working with the U.S. Department of Education. Dell Computers provides grant money through the U.S. Dell Foundation. Information for all these programs is available at the websites in the Resources.
Prevention/Solution
If you cannot find government grants for classroom technology, look to the private sector for help. There is private funding through groups like the SMARTer Kids Foundation, which offers a chance to gain classroom grants for technology purchases for the classroom. Grants are for use on SMART products. Grants are given for K-12 classrooms, higher education and research.
Expert Insight
When seeking government grants for technology, you have to follow set guidelines. Know the deadlines and follow all directions to the letter. If not, you are likely to be denied. Help writing grants or letters of inquiry seeking grants is available through the Parent-Teacher Organization at ptotoday.com or through schoolgrants.org.
Don't get discouraged if you are rejected in your quest for government grants for classroom technology. Ask the grant reviewer for comments and keep trying.
Tags: classroom technology, government grants, grant money, grants technology, available classroom, available through, classroom grants
Teach teens the difference between a normal and abnormal menstrual cycle.
Adolescence is a turbulent time for teenagers, particularly for menstruating girls. Although the menstrual cycle is a sign that a girl is becoming a woman, it can also be confusing and scary if she has problems with her period. A long menstrual cycle with excessive bleeding that soaks through at least one pad an hour or lasts longer than seven days is known as menorrhagia. Consult with your daughter's doctor if she experiences these symptoms.
Causes
The most frequent cause of menorrhagia is an imbalance between the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which allows the lining of the uterus to keep building up. When the endometrium sheds during menstruation, the resulting bleeding is particularly heavy and may contain large blood clots. Because teens naturally experience hormone imbalances, heavy bleeding may be common. However, heavy menstrual bleeding can also be caused by fibroid tumors, thyroid conditions, clotting disorders or inflammation or infection in the vagina or cervix.
Effects
Menorrhagia can cause other physical effects such as iron deficiency anemia, which results when blood is low in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin enables the red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues. Signs of iron deficiency anemia include pallor, weakness and fatigue. Severe pain or heavy menstrual cramps may accompany menorrhagia. Long, heavy bleeding not only interferes with daily activities, but it can also be stressful for girls who worry that they cannot control the bleeding in public.
Treatment
In order to treat menorrhagia the doctor will ask questions and do a physical exam that may include a pelvic exam, a Pap smear, urine tests or blood tests to check hormone levels. If a structural problem is expected, an ultrasound or CAT scan may be performed. Treatment for menorrhagia is based on the causative factor. For example, fibroid growths are surgically removed, hormone imbalances are treated with birth control pills or other hormone medications, and clotting disorders or thyroid problems may be treated with medications.
Tips
Assist your daughter if she is having long and heavy periods. Encourage her to get rest, especially if it is disruptive to her normal schedule or lifestyle. Girls should change tampons regularly and keep a record of the number of pads or tampons used. This provides a physician with an idea of how much bleeding is occurring. If your daughter has cramps, offer anti-inflammatory medications, but avoid aspirin because it interferes with clotting. Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen also relieves cramps.
Tags: menstrual cycle, your daughter, clotting disorders, deficiency anemia, heavy bleeding, heavy menstrual
Sonographers operate diagnostic ultrasound equipment that assist physicians in diagnosing patient ailments.
Ultrasound technicans are referred to as diagnostic medical sonographers. Sonographers operate diagnostic ultrasound equipment that assists physicians in diagnosing patient ailments. Diagnostic medical sonography programs are often found at community and private colleges, and on occasion, at universities. According to indeed.com, the average salary for anultrasound technician is $64,000, as of May 2010.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and is the official medical center of the University of Nebraska, which just west of Omaha in Lincoln, Nebraska. UNMC offers a fully accredited diagnostic medical sonography program that is about 12 months long (not including any prerequisites you may need). However, unlike many DMS programs (which are associate degree programs), UNMC offers you the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in radiology science. Graduates of this program will also qualify to to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography certification exams in sonographic principles and instrumentation, abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology, and neurosonography. Some of the classes you will take in this program include applied ultrasound technology, diagnostic film review, gastrointestinal ultrasound, ultrasound physics and diagnostic film review. According to the school's website, you can expect to spent 40 hours a week at school in this program.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
986605 Nebraska Medical Ctr
Omaha, NE 68198-6605
402-559-1189
unmc.edu
Keiser University
Keiser University has 14 campus locations throughout the state of Florida in cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tallahassee, and Tampa. Keisar offers a fully accredited diagnostic medical sonography program that leads to an associate degree in DMS. Some of the classes you will take in this program include practical aspects of sonography, acoustic physics and instrumentation, abdominal sonography and vascular sonography. Graduates of this program will be eligible to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography certification exam to become a licensed sonographer. This is a 91-credit program that will take about two to three years to complete.
Keiser University
1500 West Commercial Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
888-534-7379
http://www.keiseruniversity.edu/
West Coast Ultrasound Institute
The West Coast Ultrasound Institute has campus locations in Beverly Hills, California; Phoenix; and Ontario. All three campus locations offer a fully accredited diagnostic medical sonography program. Some of the classes you will take in this program are abdominal ultrasound, physics and instrumentation, introduction to imaging science and vascular ultrasound. These classes are offered in the daytime, evening and weekends. This is a certificate program that will take about one to two years to complete. Graduates will qualify to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography certification exam to become a licensed sonographer.
West Coast Ultrasound Institute
4250 E. Camelback Road
Building K - Suite158
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-954-3834
wcui.edu
Tags: this program, will take, diagnostic medical, Nebraska Medical, program that
Your baby's one-year checkup is a significant milestone.
A baby's first birthday is a big milestone. During the first year of life, a baby experiences many developmental changes -- physically, emotionally and socially. Your pediatrician is available to ensure that your baby is hitting all of those milestones at the appropriate times. When you see the doctor for your baby's one-year checkup, you can find out which milestones your child is hitting, and whether there are any concerns you need to address.
Physical Guidelines
Doctors use height, weight and head circumference to determine whether young children are on track for physical development. Doctors measure head size to chart brain development. By their first birthday, girls typically weigh between 18 to 25 pounds, are 27 to 31 inches tall and have a head circumference of 17 to 18.5 inches. Average measurements for boys range from 19 to 27 pounds and 28 to 31 inches in height, with head circumference of 17 to 19 inches.
Motor Skills
Doctors would like to see that children have mastered certain skills by their first birthday. One example is bearing weight on their own legs; some children have even taken their first steps by their first birthday. If your baby hasn't, don't worry. This particular milestone can vary for different children. As far as fine motor skills go, one-year-olds should be able to point at things and use both hands equally, according to Baby Center.
Social Development
Your baby should look at your when you're speaking and should engage in smiling, laughing and cooing. One-year-olds should also enjoy playing games such as peek-a-boo and patty-cake. Children this age probably experience separation anxiety when you leave the room. If your baby doesn't express himself socially in at least several of these ways, you might want to ask your doctor whether you should be concerned.
Sleep
If your baby is still getting up several times overnight, ask your pediatrician whether you need to implement more rigorous sleep training. Similarly, if your baby isn't napping well during the day, she can become irritable and not sleep well at night. Insufficient sleep can snowball for children, so it's beneficial to check on this vital issue.
Tags: your baby, first birthday, their first, head circumference, their first birthday
Ultrasound technicians often work in obstetrics, making ultrasound images of the fetus.
Ultrasound technicians, officially known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use equipment that emits sound waves to create an image of a patient's body part based on the reflected waves. Sonographers explain procedures to patients, use a transducer to create the ultrasound images and observe these images on a screen. They choose images to show a physician for diagnostic purposes and also take various measurements and calculations. No license is required, but many employers prefer ultrasound technicians who are certified and registered.
Instructions
1. Obtain a high school diploma. Focus on math, science and health classes during high school to increase your chances of being accepted to a sonography training program following graduation.
2. Complete an ultrasound technician program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Visit the CAAHEP website for a list accredited schools in your state. The ultasound technician program can be part of a two-year associate degree program or a four-year bachelor's degree program. A 12-month certificate program also is available for those already trained in the health-care field and want to learn sonography as well.
3. Obtain certification to become a registered sonographer. States do not license ultrasound technicians, but employers prefer registered sonographers. To earn certification, meet the education standards, usually an associate or bachelor's degree, and pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Visit the ARDSM website for examination registration requirements. Once you pass the test, you become registered in the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Apply for positions at hospitals or private physicians' offices.
4. Consider further certification to advance in your career. Ultrasound technician specialties include cardiac, vascular, breast, obstetric or neurosonography. Multiple credentials increase a technician's chances of advancing to managerial or supervisory positions. Visit the ARDMS website for certification options.
Tags: American Registry, bachelor degree, become registered, degree program, employers prefer, high school
A tummy tuck is a procedure known by plastic surgeons as abdominoplasty. During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal area. It can dramatically reduce the size of a stomach. A tummy tuck is recommended for people that are unable to lose the fat in their stomach through diet and exercise.
Instructions
1. Set up an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon. Let the surgeon know that you are interested in getting a tummy tuck and allow them to evaluate if you are a good candidate for the surgery.
2. Find out the risks of the surgery. Infection and blood clots are complications that can arise following a tummy tuck surgery. Following all instructions will reduce the risk of these occurring.
3. Follow pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. Most surgeons request that you stop smoking and limit your sun exposure. Your doctor may also recommend that you discontinue taking certain medications.
4. Be put under anesthesia. Most tummy tuck surgeries involve the patient being put under general anesthesia. A local anesthetic can be used, but it is rare.
5. Expect the surgery to take several hours. If there is a large amount of fat and skin that needs to be removed, the surgery can take up to five hours to complete. An incision is made and the excess fat is removed by the surgeon.
6. Perform the recommended aftercare instructions. Your doctor should let you know take care of your dressings and sutures. You'll also be given a prescription for pain medication.
Tags: tummy tuck, surgery take, Tummy Tuck, Your doctor
Laws exist that allow drug testing for students under categories of "cause or suspicion." Beyond that, random drug testing for all students has remained unconstitutional. Many supporters of random drug testing believe that the potential deterrent it offers outweighs the legal justifications against it. Objectors to random drug testing often use these legal justifications to defend the privacy of students, and, in the past, have always won with this defense. However, the tides are beginning to shift politically as the incidences of substance abuse among adolescents remains disturbingly high. Thus, the problem of drug abuse in schools remains while the moral and ethical continue to battle the legal and empirical.
The Controversy
Drug testing within public and private school environments has long been debated. The controversy seems to stem from the basic issues of personal privacy under constitutional law and the question as to whether random drug testing is, in fact, an effective deterrent to drug use.
In a study cited in the Journal of Drug Education (2005), several test groups of adolescents, ranging from kindergartners to 12th-graders, were asked to voice their perceptions of random drug testing for extracurricular activities. Researchers discovered that students were more likely to advocate drug testing if they were involved in an after-school activity and not using drugs and/or alcohol. Most students also believed that drug testing would not affect participation in extracurricular activities.
However, upper-level high school students were hesitant about mandatory drug testing as a prerequisite for extracurricular activities. These same students had less apprehension when it was suggested that all members of the school (students, administrators, teachers, coaches) had to undergo drug testing.
These results would seem to indicate that the controversy over drug testing in schools for students exists more with the inherent violation of privacy than with the fear of being caught for drug abuse. The moral, ethical and legal controversy over mandatory drug testing in schools is a valid argument; many legislators and school administrators are hesitant to enforce random drug testing because it infringes upon the individual's right to the presumption of innocence, as well as the right to be free from unreasonable and unwarranted searches.
So, if there is so much protest against the implementation of random drug testing, why the debate? What is the other side of the argument that keeps this issue at the forefront of educational and constitutional platforms?
Pros
Despite the tremendous and costly effort by local and national drug-prevention programs, the incidences of drug-use in schools remains high. Dr. Oscar G. Buckstein, a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh and psychiatrist with the Western Psychiatric Institute, relays that random drug testing is being considered by schools out of desperation for an alternative solution.
Nothing seems to be working--all the education and "scare tactics" do not seem to have any statistical affect on the use of drugs among adolescents. This desperation forces schools to make imperative, and often controversial, choices to combat suspected drug use. Dr. Buckstein notes that while "the random testing of all students is unconstitutional, the Court recently held in a five-to-four decision that a mandatory drug-testing program for students involved in extracurricular activities is permissible." This has wide-reaching implications for the future of random drug testing in schools, and it seems to suggest a shift in the logic behind the existent laws. Supporters of these laws feel that the benefits that random drug testing can provide, such as a reduction in drug use as well as early intervention for identified substance abusers, far outweigh the potential negative litigation surrounding the issue.
Cons
The main objection to random drug testing in schools continues to be the violation of constitutional rights: laws of presumable innocence and laws that free individuals from unwarranted search and seizure. Many students feel that their civil liberties are at risk and that if random drug searches are allowed, this potentially opens a flood-gate for other forms of surveillance and monitoring that infringes upon their rights at citizens.
Many school administrators feel the same way; quite frankly, many school administrators fear the legal ramifications of even attempting to implement a random drug testing policy. A firestorm of individual legal battles could result, which would cost the district tremendously, in both time, reputation and finances.
In addition, little to no evidence has been published to actually validate the effectiveness of measures such as random drug testing.
Dr. Buckstein observes that because "until recently the constitutionality of random drug testing was uncertain, there has been little time to implement studies of its effectiveness." Many experts, including Dr. Buckstein, feel that the issue of random drug testing has less to do with empirical evidence of its effectiveness in combating drug use and more to do with political agendas. Dr. Buckstein concludes his article by asserting that "government and school districts should continue to focus on evidence-based practices rather than politically expedient ones."
Compromise
While the issue of random drug testing for all students remains unconstitutional, educators and parents should focus on what is permissible by law, to help those students most at risk for drug abuse. Student drug testing has always been allowed for those adolescents who fall under the category of "cause or suspicion," and it is often determined on a referral basis by students, teachers, parents or administrators. Most schools have Student Support Teams, which are groups of trained educators, psychologists, guidance counselors and administrators who can initiate and manage such requests. These requests often require a parent signature of permission in order to test the minor.
Experts agree that the one aspect evidence does support is that early intervention of suspected drug abusers and early referral to substance abuse programs helps the student overcome substance abuse. While the political, legal and moral debate over random drug testing continues, parents must cooperate and communicate with other teachers, coaches, administrators and students to monitor the warning signs of substance abuse and intervene without hesitation when a child exhibits these signs.
Public Opinions
When asked about random drug testing in schools, a mixture of positive and negative responses were voiced--proving, once again, that the controversy remains as fevered and relevant as ever.
"Students must be tested for drugs, due to increase in the level of addiction among students and I think this will help most of the worried parents."
"Students drug testing is very important as it is the students who are addicted at an alarming rate, and we should first save our younger generations."
"Random drug testing is bad, but maybe a random drug test of the whole school or college, not just individual students. Although a mammoth task is fairer and less of an invasion of personal privacy if it is recognized as an official event."
In an article published by the Beaufort Observer, the North Carolina Court of Appeals called into question the drug-testing policy of the Beaufort County Schools. An attorney representing the teachers and community in the legal debate voiced his concerns in a simple analogy: "For those who are not into legal mumbo-jumbo, let us close with an analogy. Beaufort County's policy, and that used by Graham County Schools, is analogous to you going to answer a knock on your door one day and a law enforcement official is standing there. He says to you, 'We have decided to search every fifth house on this block, and yours is the 10th house. Open up and we're going to go through your stuff.' When you ask what they believe you have done wrong they say, 'Oh, nothing actually, we just want to see if you have any illegal controlled substances in your house.' Let's hope they don't find something in your house they can charge you with."
Tags: drug testing, random drug testing, random drug, drug testing, extracurricular activities, substance abuse
Australian sonographers are highly skilled and educated medical professionals.
Medical ultrasound is known globally as a diagnostic instrument used by physicians and medical personnel. Australian sonographers are highly trained and skilled medical ultrasound professionals. A sonographer must be registered by the Australasian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) while performing ultrasound exams for a medical practitioner who accepts Medicare from the examined patient. A bachelor's degree is commonly awarded before taking the medical ultrasound courses. Key professional competencies must be demonstrated in all fields of ultrasound: competent clinical and interpretive skills, knowledge in theoretical and applied physics and the principles of ultrasound instrumentation and Doppler before becoming a candidate for registry.
Instructions
1. Find a postgraduate program in medical ultrasound in Australia that is accredited by the Australasian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (see Resources). A diploma in medical ultrasonography is offered in cardiac, vascular, general and OB/GYN specialties. Also, master's degrees in medical sonography and several other academic degrees are accepted sonography programs for registry eligibility.
2. Contact each school to find out what their eligibility requirements are; the entrance requirements vary between institutions. Most candidates for postgraduate ultrasound programs must have health-care degrees in nursing, nuclear medicine or medical radiation technology.
3. Become a registered student by the ASAR while in clinical training. Accredited student sonographers (ASS) are able to perform ultrasound examinations in Medicare-designated patient locations under the direct supervision and clinical guidance of a registered sonographer. This credential is necessary for the student to legally acquire the hands-on training needed in sonography.
4. Satisfy all requirements for the Registry of Accredited Medical Sonographers as an applicant by providing proof of Australian/New Zealand citizenship, permanent residency or a valid working visa.
5. Take the registry exam with ASAR. Credentials are issued in one of three specialties: Accredited Medical Sonographers (AMS), Accredited Cerebrovascular Sonographers (ACS) or Accredited Breast Sonographers (ABS).
6. Follow the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program which ensures the registered professional maintains a quality standard. A minimum of 40 points must be accrued every three years in 13 valid groups of activities or educational courses. Accredited student sonographers (ASS) are not required to maintain CPD points; they are actively involved in learning which is a continuing education replacement.
Tags: medical ultrasound, Accreditation Registry, Accredited Medical, Accredited Medical Sonographers, Accredited student
Technical schools prepare students for careers in welding, cosmetology and more.
Technical colleges offer vocational training for a number of careers, including welding, carpentry, culinary arts and cosmetology. These programs take generally two years to complete and result in the certificate, GED or diploma necessary for a student to pursue a career in a technical field. Many technical schools also offer distance learning, career counseling and job-placement services.
Albany Technical College
Albany Technical College, located in Albany, Georgia, offers a variety of diploma, GED, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and technical certificate programs. These programs include culinary arts, early childhood education, electronics, fire science technology, cosmetology, commercial truck driving, air conditioning, accounting, construction, dental assisting, drafting, welding and more.
The college also offers ample financial aid and scholarships to eligible students. Available job positions and internships are also listed on the college's website and updated regularly to aid graduates and current students in the job market.
Several programs, including accounting and marketing management, also offer distance learning that enables students to work from home. Prospective students may also take a virtual tour of the campus on the college's website.
Albany Technical College
1704 S. Slappey Blvd.
Albany, GA 31701
229-430-3500
229-430-6180
albanytech.edu
Turner Jobs Corps
Turner Jobs Corps, located in Albany, Georgia, is a no-cost education and career technical training program, according to the program's website. This program helps young adults from ages 16 to 24 gain education and technical skills through vocational training.
Students enroll in programs in culinary arts, facility maintenance, plastering, welding, landscaping, brick masonry, asphalt paving, carpentry, health occupation and more. The program pays each student a stipend twice a month to cover recreation and travel expenses, and meals and housing in the campus dormitories are provided to all students.
Students also have access to the program's wellness center, which offers health information and care for medical, dental and optometrist concerns, as well as emergency medical services, weight management and pregnancy prevention, according to the program's website.
Graduates receive $1,200 upon graduation to establish housing and transportation outside of the program and receive career counseling and relocation counseling. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Turner Jobs Corps
2000 Schilling Ave.
Albany, GA 31705
229-883-8500
turner.jobcorps.gov
Darton College
Darton College, located in Albany, Georgia, offers a number of two-year degree programs, including more than 51 certificate programs. Students may obtain technical degrees in speech communication, cancer registry management, medical billing and coding, phlebotomy, criminal justice and more.
The college is also building a new student center, which will feature an aerobics room, table tennis area, racquetball courts, bowling alley, food venues, cafeteria, food court, commercial kitchen, pool, gaming areas and more.
More than 25 programs also offer distance learning, with video conferencing and web instruction, for students who need to work from home. The college also offers career counseling and job placement assistance, as well as tutoring services and learning support.
Darton College
2400 Gillionville Road
Albany, GA 31707
229-317-6000
darton.edu
Tags: Albany Georgia, Albany Technical, Albany Technical College, also offer, also offer distance
If you have an interest in medicine and radiology, specifically in taking x-rays or using radiation to treat cancer, you should consider becoming a radiologic technician. Unlike becoming a radiologist, which takes up to 12 years of education and residency combined, a radiology technician license can be obtained in two years at an accredited school. In North Carolina, there are many schools for radiology technicians that offer certification programs, combined with a broader range of courses and offering observation experience.
Instructions
1. Choose a school based on their certification program. For example, the University of North Carolina and Duke University offer good programs for obtaining a radiography certificate. The associate degree programs in North Carolina last for about 2 years, and bachelor programs up to 4 years.
2. Enroll in the program you chose and learn about radiology and radiation. During this period, you are usually required to observe and assist in real hospitals and medical centers to build your experience. North Carolina universities have partnerships with various types of hospitals in North Carolina, so you will be able to gather diverse experience.
3. Take as many courses as you can to educate yourself in various fields regarding radiology. Choose different subjects such as nuclear medicine, ultrasound, MRI, CT, fluoroscopy and angiography. The more knowledgeable you are in the field, the easier it will be to find work in North Carolina.
4. Obtain your associate (or bachelor's) degree from the school or university in which you enrolled. Consider continuing education, professional development or getting more clinical experience because North Carolina medical institutions are competitive and selective.
5. Pass the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) exam to become a licensed and certified North Carolina radiology technician. Without this license, you will be able to work only as a limited scope North Carolina radiology technician. Note that you have to re-certify your ARRT license every two years.
Tags: North Carolina, radiology technician, Carolina radiology, Carolina radiology technician, North Carolina radiology, will able
Psoriasis is defined as an immune system disorder that affects the skin and occasionally the eyes, nails and joints. The treatment for psoriasis is mostly focused on relieving inflammation, itching and reddening of the skin. At the initial level, psoriasis can be treated by applying creams and similar skin care products. Oral medication is the best solution for more severe cases.
Causes
Psoriasis has become a commonly occurring skin disorder now. It is caused due to external agents like laundry detergents, soaps, household chemicals, perfumes, etc. Whatever the cause may be, it becomes an altogether difficult and complicated problem if one gets psoriasis. Knowing what things one is allergic to will eliminate much guess work. The word psoriasis comes from the Greek word "psora" which means "to itch." Incessant itching is the primary characteristic of psoriasis.
Facts
There are different types of psoriasis and each is characterized by its own symptoms and dermal problems caused by it. Most of the problems are similar but the severity and the pattern of skin infections are what distinguishes one from the other. No complete cure for psoriasis has been discovered yet.
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis is the most predominant form of psoriasis that is found in people. The lesions caused due to itching are clearly demarcated and often a clear ring is formed around the lesion. The worst part of psoriasis is that it can affect any part of the body. Scratching it continuously leads to the appearance of small droplets of blood. The thickness of the plaque also varies remarkably. It is redder at the edges and lighter toward the center.
Guttate Psoriasis
With Guttate Psoriasis, the pattern of the lesions is totally different. Unlike other types of psoriasis, the lesions are scattered and in small red spots that look like drops of liquid splattered on some surface. This form of psoriasis is most commonly found among children and young adults. If it is left untreated, it can lead to plaque psoriasis so medical attention is highly recommended. Besides skin related disorders, other infections related to the throat are also likely to be contracted if this condition is left unchecked.
More Severe Forms
There are two other forms of psoriasis that are serious and at the same time difficult to treat. They are pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis. In the first type, the person develops pustules on his body in the place of lesions. The palms, soles, fingers and nails are the parts that are more likely to be infected by pustular psoriasis. Erythrodermic psoriasis is equally problematic. It affects most of the body and the lesions turn bright red in color.
The Cancer Walks in Massachusetts is a single-day event for fundraising that happens to be the largest of such gatherings in Central Massachusetts. It benefits the University of Massachusetts Memorial Cancer Center in the Massachusetts Medical School University. The funds raised from this event will be used to support advanced research and widespread behavioral and preventive studies on cancer. The sole aim of this event is to achieve superior cancer care for oncology patients.
Research Center
The University of Massachusetts Memorial Cancer Center serves to integrate significant treatment and research activities available in the medical world today. Another major function is to encourage the innovative collaborations and to enthusiastically promote the activities for treatment available today. It also promotes the projects that have the potential to bring the work from the bench to the bedside.
Beginnings
The Walk to Cure Cancer was started in 1999 on Labor Day by a team of charitable working women and men of Massachusetts. The team was supported by local, state and regional government, various colleges and businesses as well as other community advocates. The idea was initially introduced by the UMass Memorial Cancer Center, and due to the substantial backing it received, the idea became a reality.
Today
The event is a 5-mile-long walk-a-thon. The walk has raised more than $6 million over the course of its existence. It has successfully enabled cutting-edge research on cancer and brought treatment techniques a step closer to discovering a cure. These walks are not only instrumental in helping the cancer care societies, they also help take the research to a higher level.
Effects
After the start of the Walk to Cure Cancer, the University of Massachusetts Medical School's landscape underwent changes. Now the campus sports a 10-story research facility, which was completed in 2001. The focus in the first several years was to establish a concrete, visible realization of the planned research facility on the campus. As a result, for the past few years, the things happening inside the facility are motivating the people walking for a cure for cancer. The building is enabling the progress of cutting-edge research on cancer, and the possibility of a cure is not ignored by the walkers. These are the major factors that keep the people walking for a cure for cancer motivated.
Results
The Cancer Walks in Massachusetts have been on track for the past 11 years, and thanks to the philanthropy of thousands of walkers, the UMass Memorial Cancer Center has made exceptional advancements in the field of cancer research. The center has also achieved many milestones in understanding and giving treatments for leukemia, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and colon, prostate, breast, stomach and pancreatic cancers.
Get Involved
If you would like to contribute to this cause, you can form a group of walkers and designate a leader of the group. The foundation is always looking for new teams to help them reach their fundraising goal each time around.
Tags: Cancer Center, Cancer Walks, Cancer Walks Massachusetts, Memorial Cancer, Memorial Cancer Center, Walks Massachusetts
Freelancing as a website developer or blogger can generate quick income.
For some businesses, it takes money to make money. If you invest your own funds to spend money on marketing and personnel, it may help you start generating income. Or, you could build your business one day at a time with little to no investment and make money at a slower pace. To determine how long it takes for your business to start making money is to understand how much money you need to get your business started and the amount of money available to you to meet your needs. When you get to the point where your income surpasses your debts, you are making money.
Freelance
If you do not have any capital for your business and want to start generating an income as quickly as possible, you need a business that has little to no startup costs. A freelance business of online services allows you to work from home using a tool you already have -- a computer. Writing blogs as a freelancer, web designing and online writing are some of the ways you can start making money. You can start earning from seven days to 30 days depending on the company you are working with. Many online companies send payments conveniently through the popular merchant PayPal account.
Artistic Skill
You have a small budget of up to $500 to get a business started. If you have artistic flair, websites like Tatstore have kits to help you get off the ground including help with marketing and pricing. Your efforts in marketing your services to gain clients during Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, Christmas, Easter and other special occasions as well as sporting events and birthday parties help you generate income as quickly as you are confident to show off your artistry.
Buying a Business
If you have enough money or qualify for a loan to invest in buying an established and profitable business, you can make money as quickly as you take ownership of the business. From the monthly income generated, after deducting your loan and operating expenses you should be able to afford a reasonable salary and have a profit. This is a far cry from starting a business from scratch, which may not generate an income for a few years.
Earning at Your Leisure
Starting a business may not be for the purpose of immediate cash flow, It could be about long-term planning in which you have a job and are building a business on the side doing something you love. If you love golf, for example, and are experienced at putting together sales meetings and conferences, you could consider starting a business as an event planner for companies specializing in golf tournaments as a charitable event. Your control over the aggressiveness of your marketing determines your volume of clients and income.
Tags: your business, make money, making money, business started, generate income
Nonprofit executives focus on increasing donations to their organizations.
Nonprofits are organizations that focus on improving the state of communities through volunteer work, civic engagement and charity. However, nonprofits also include educational institutions, universities and hospitals. Executives who work for these organizations -- often referred to as directors, presidents or chief executive officers -- are responsible for overseeing organizational initiatives, interfacing with media and donors, and managing financial resources. It is important that nonprofit executives are effective leaders, since a majority of nonprofits receive their revenue from private contributions. Based on a January 2011 PayScale report, executive directors in nonprofit organizations earned average salaries ranging between $44,328 and $81,245 per year.
Time Frame
PayScale showed that there was nearly a $50,000 spread between executive directors with less than one year of experience compared with executives with more than 20 years of work experience. For example, executive directors working in nonprofits for less than one year only averaged salaries ranging from $33,830 to $55,041 per year. However, professionals with more than 20 years of experience made average salaries that ranged from $59,282 to $100,790 per year. Executive directors with five to less than 20 years of experience reported average salaries of $42,253 to $84,230 per year.
Location
The salaries for nonprofit executives working in California differ from nonprofit executives working in New York or Washington. For example, PayScale showed that California executive directors made average salaries ranging from $53,922 to $93,763 annually. In comparison, professionals averaged salaries of $50,542 to $99,846 in New York and $46,898 to $74,577 in Washington. Workers in Florida received average salaries ranging between $48,011 and $80,549 per year. Texas executive directors averaged salaries similar to their Washington counterparts, reporting annual wages of $41,160 to $75,642 per year.
Gender
Average salaries for male and female executive directors in nonprofit organizations differ significantly. Male executive directors reported average salaries that fell within the $50,528 to $90,085 pay range. However, their female counterparts reported average annual wages that ranged between $41,592 and $74,406 a year.
Type
The type of nonprofit an executive works for can have a substantial impact on her salary potential. PayScale revealed that executive directors working for a foundation or trust organization averaged salaries ranging between $47,956 and $91,925. Local and state government organizations paid executive directors average salaries of $48,956 to $90,016. Nonprofit executive directors working at colleges and universities earned average salaries that fell between $56,686 and $97,625 per year. Executives who were self-employed earned salaries that ranged from $49,264 to $90,982. Hospitals paid nonprofit executives the highest average salaries at $71,017 to $121,578 annually.
Becoming a provider for the United Health Care Insurance Company is mostly a matter of presenting the company with your credentials and jumping through the proper insurance company hoops. For most insurance companies, the process of becoming a provider takes between 3 and 6 months. During that time, a medical provider providing services for a patient insured by that company must bill as an out-of-network provider, and will generally receive a lower level of reimbursement for his expenses, which means he must charge more directly to the patient.
Instructions
1. Gather copies of all your pertinent credentials. This should include medical licenses, state business licenses, association memberships and information regarding your college education.
2. Call United Health Care Insurance Company and ask to speak to someone in the provider services department. Most insurance companies have a specific application process that must be followed to become a provider for that company. Many will also assign medical providers a liaison within their offices to help with the application process. The provider registration hotline is (877) 842-3210.
3. Complete the application online at United's website (see Resources) or fill out the application that is mailed to you. Make copies of everything that the company has requested. Because the health insurance company will want original signatures, save the copies for yourself and send the application to United Health Care via certified mail, return receipt requested. This will guarantee that your application is received and allows you to trace it in the event the company claims later it does not have it.
4. Wait. The insurance company will need approximately 3 weeks to verify information, including your license, and to consult local regulatory agencies to make certain that you have not been sanctioned or have your license withdrawn. In addition, the insurance company will check with federal agencies to be certain that you are eligible to provide care to its insurance clients.
5. Check back. If you have not heard back from the company approximately 1 month after submitting your application, call the provider services department and ask for the status of your application. While it may be tempting to let a lesser member of your staff make the call for you, you will have better results if you call yourself.
Tags: Health Care, United Health, United Health Care, Care Insurance Company, company will, Health Care Insurance, insurance company
Binaural devices are preferred for serious audio listening.
Binaural and monaural devices are commonly available on the market. Deciding between the two is fairly straightforward if you know what you are looking for. Binaural devices are excellent for music listening and surround sound systems whereas monaural devices are better suited for communication and simple tasks that don't require extreme clarity of sound.
Channels
Recordings have the option of splitting into several channels. The most common division is into two channels, commonly known as binaural. With advancements in technology, it has become possible to create surround sound systems that can divide into many more channels than two. However, a speaker system designed to play these multiple channels is preferred, as each channel directs to a separate speaker. When a device has only two channels and a particular movie or song uses more than two channels, the device will reroute each channel and divide it between the number of available channels.
Monaural Devices
Monaural appears on devices not capable of splitting the left and right channels of a stereo recording. These are generally the cheapest devices and are suitable if the goal is simply to listen to the spoken word. They are not suitable for listening to music, as music divides into two channels. With speeches and lectures, it is not necessary to split the speech into two separate channels. Most often, monaural devices are used on headsets that you might find in a drive-through or telephone. The receiver of a telephone is typically a monaural device since it is only capable of splitting information one way.
Binaural Devices
Binaural are stereo devices have speakers that split into two different channels. Each channel directs to a specific ear -- left or right. The brain then combines these two channels as if they were coming from one source. By differentiating the sounds into two channels, the listener gets a more realistic sound. Binaural devices more commonly will be marketed as stereo devices. These devices are suitable options for listening to music as they correctly route most music to the appropriate channels. Only with DVDs is it even possible to route to more than one channel. The reason for this has to do with bit rates and data space available on the disk.
Surround Sound
Another category of devices are surround sound devices. These devices require several different channels and speakers to work properly. Many people have seen systems that boast 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. These systems are capable of breaking up and splitting audio from binaural and monaural devices into five or seven different speakers. The .1 refers to a subwoofer that provides an enhanced bass experience. Both 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound uncommonly occur in music recordings, but they are common in movies. Media designed for surround sound devices will automatically trim down to work on a binaural or monaural device.
Professional picture framers spend years perfecting the art of preserving prints.
Picture framing is a deceptively difficult skill to master and requires a very steady hand. Framing a piece of artwork or a photograph is tough to do without harming it. You must be able to accurately manipulate the picture, keeping the edges safe from damage, then carefully apply a semi-permanent adhesive to keep the art firmly secured within the frame. Most professional picture framers started out as apprentices, generally doing between two and four years of on-the-job training with a master picture framer.
Instructions
1. Search out a nearby framing company that specializes in pictures and artwork. Schedule a meeting to speak with one of the master framers about the job. Picture framing is a career path with few formal training options, so master framers are generally very excited to help people get started on their own framing careers.
2. Ask the picture framers you meet with if they have any apprenticeships open. Have them direct you to other framing businesses that may have openings. Apply for a part-time job at department stores that offer picture framing, and use this as a ground-level opportunity to learn about job skills needed.
3. Take classes in art preservation and art history to learn more about the techniques preservationists use to frame pictures properly. Begin your on-the-job training as an apprentice framer. Keep a small notebook on you at all times to jot down notes and observations. You may have to work for free as an apprentice until you have the experience to expertly mount a picture. Use this time to soak up as much information as possible about the profession.
Insurance coverage is important in essentially any case where you can find yourself paying large, unexpected costs. Health is first and foremost: Care is expensive, and you cannot live without it. Next is your life: Unexpected death is already an emotional burden for family members, and you do not want to make it a financial one as well. Finally, your car and your house can be subject to large unexpected costs.
Health Insurance
Your health is the most important thing you have. While there are other insurance options to cover your health care, such as some auto insurance and worker compensation programs, these are specific to circumstances--if you get a life-threatening disease, your auto insurance is not going to cover your hospital bills.
Health-care costs are on the rise, with surgeries costing thousands of dollars, so health insurance is very important to ensure that these always unexpected costs can be handled by you and your family.
Life Insurance--Funeral
The first reason life insurance is important is fairly clear-cut: Death is often unexpected and funerals are expensive. Even if nobody depends on your income, somebody is going to have to pay for your funeral, which, like surgery, can cost thousands of dollars. Life insurance can save someone from this financial hassle during a time of already great emotional turmoil.
Life Insurance--Income
Life insurance is also important if others depend on your income. If you have a spouse or children you provide for, you are going to need to provide for their financial security in the event of your death. A good rule of thumb is "20 times your pretax income." The reason for this is that if the money is invested in a low-risk annuity that pays 5 percent per year, the interest income will be equal to what your income was when you were alive.
Auto Insurance
Most people in North America have cars. Cars come with unexpected costs, especially if you get in an accident. What's more, if you cause a car accident you can be liable for not only the repair of your car but also anyone else who was involved--this includes auto repair and bodily injury. Finally, it is illegal to drive without auto insurance in North America.
Homeowners and Renters
These kinds of insurance are important because they protect your house. Again, like auto insurance, they also cover liability, which is particularly important when it comes to renters--if you cause a great deal of damage to a house that you do not own, you can be forced to pay if you do not have insurance. Homeowners' insurance also covers your belongings, whether they are in the house or not, and pays for alternative accommodation should something happen to your house.
Tags: unexpected costs, auto insurance, your house, your income, costs Health, cover your
When US citizens turn 65, they become eligible for Medicare. Medicare is divided into several parts. Medicare Part A is hospital insurance, while part B covers the medical side. Medicare Part C plans, also known as Medicare Advantage, allow people with Parts A and B coverage to opt for for coverage through a provider organization if available in their area. Part D pays for some prescription drugs and medications.
Coverage
Medicare Part B covers preventive and medically necessary services. Preventive services totally or partially paid for by Medicare Part B include such items as annual flu shots, breast cancer screenings, biannual bone mass measurement, cardiovascular screening every five years, and a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm screening. Medicare defines medically necessary services as those needed for diagnosis or treatment of a medical condition meeting generally accepted medical practice standards, as well as any required supplies.
Eligibility
Upon turning age 65 and collecting Social Security payments, recipients automatically get Part A and Part B Medicare insurance on the first day of the month in which that birthday falls. Those over age 65 still at work and not collecting Social Security benefits do not automatically receive Medicare, but must contact Social Security to enroll in Medicare. Patients of any age suffering from end-stage renal disease and requiring either dialysis or a kidney transplant are also eligible for Medicare Parts A and B.
Payment
Most Medicare recipients do not pay for Part A insurance, but do pay monthly Part B premiums. The total costs of Part B premiums are subsidized by the federal government. Higher-income individuals pay higher Part B premiums. In 2011, the standard premium is $115.20 for individuals with incomes of less than $85,000 annually and couples earning less than $170,000 --- the same payments as the previous year. Individuals and couples with higher incomes based on federal tax returns pay between 30 and 85 percent of the the total Part B costs with less of a government subsidy.
Enrollment Periods
After becoming eligible for Part A Medicare, individuals have an seven-month "initial enrollment period" for Part B sign-up. Enrolling for Part B in the initial enrollment period, which begins three months before the 65th birthday with coverage starting the month of the birthday and lasting for three months after the birthday, results in lower premiums and faster coverage eligibility. Those who miss the initial enrollment period may sign up for Part B annually between January 1 and March 31, but must pay premium increases of 10 percent for each year the person was eligible for Part B Medicare but chose not to enroll.
Tags: Medicare Part, enrollment period, initial enrollment, initial enrollment period, Part Medicare, Part premiums
Some radiation technicians perform CT scans or MRIs.
There are different careers available to you if you have a radiation technology certificate. Most accredited educational programs for radiation technologists result in an associate's degree, however, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 213 accredited programs in 2010 that provide a certificate to students. Your career choices will vary depending on your training and areas of specialty. Most states require radiation technologists to be licensed through the state health board and there is also a voluntary certification program.
Instructions
1. Become licensed or certified through your state health board after you complete your certification program. You will need this credential in order to find a career in radiation technology.
2. Contact the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to become voluntarily certified. If you graduated from an ARRT-approved program, you will be eligible for certification. Many employers prefer to hire certified radiation technologists and technicians. To maintain your ARRT certification, you will have to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
3. Update your resume to include your certificate in radiation technology, training, and any licensing or certification credential you have obtained. Be sure to include any internship or volunteer positions you held while in the radiation technology field.
4. Apply at local hospitals.The majority of radiation technologists work at hospitals and outpatient surgical centers. E-mail or drop off your resume at potential employers in your community.
5. Search through online job databases and classified ads. You may have missed a company in your area or a local physician's office may be hiring. Apply for any additional job openings you have found.
6. Follow up with job leads. If you don't hear from a potential employer after you applied, you can call to check the status of your application after a week. Attend all interviews and dress professionally. You may have to accept a lower salary in the radiation technology field because of your lack of experience but you will advance fast with experience.
7. Continue training after you are employed. Take voluntary and mandatory training in order to maintain your skills. If you became ARRT-certified, be sure to have at least 24 hours in continuing education every two years.
A Medical technologist is responsible for performing diagnostic tests that help to diagnose illness and monitor treatment. A medical technologist is also known as a clinical-laboratory scientist, and the terms are often used interchangeably. The majority of medical technologists work behind the health-care scenes in clinical laboratories or in the biotechnology industry. You must complete a 4-year degree in a related field of study and be nationally certified to become a medical technologist.
Instructions
1. Apply for the accredited training program that best meets your needs and learning style. Though most medical technologist programs last for 4 years, the ratio of required classroom time to years of clinical-based rotation is variable. For someone who learns better through on-the-job experience, a two-plus-two program, featuring 2 years in the classroom and 2 years of clinical rotation, may be a good option.
2. Matriculate in your chosen program and obtain a bachelor of science, with a major in clinical-laboratory science. A bachelor of science in life science will also qualify you for the field, but it will be necessary to complete additional training to be eligible for certification. The rotation provides hands-on training during which interns learn the disciplines of the laboratory and perform diagnostic testing.
3. Choose a specialty area. Though it's not required, many medical technologists complete further education in a particular field, allowing them to obtain additional certification and add credentials to their names. The choices of specialties are vast, including hematology, urinalysis, virology, toxicology and immunology.
4. Take one or more of the certifying exams. The American Medical Technologists (AMT) certification, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification and the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel's (NCA) certification each provide a different credential. Certification by the ASCP allows you to use "MT" after your name while those certified by the NCA use "CLS" (Clinical Laboratory Scientist).
5. Check with your state to see whether you need to apply for a license in addition to a certificate. Approximately one-third of the states require MTs to fill out paperwork and show proof of certification from a national accrediting agency in order to become licensed. Florida, New York and California require applicants to take a state exam in addition to a national one.
6. Look for your first job in medical technology. Using a specialized website, like MedHunters.com, can show you where the need for medical technologists is highest (see Resources below).
Tags: medical technologist, bachelor science, medical technologists
Georgia programs offer scholarships for adults attending private and public colleges.
Government programs, universities and nonprofit organizations offer scholarships to help adult Georgia residents and nonresidents pay for their college educations. The state of Georgia offers need-based and merit-based student aid for Georgia residents, along with funding based on field-of-study and personal background. Georgia universities administer scholarships for in-state and out-of-state students, and certain programs provide renewable funding. Award amounts can depend on the type of school attended or enrollment status.
State-Sponsored Scholarships
The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) administers multiple scholarship programs, which base eligibility on academic achievement, personal background or field of study. The Hope Scholarship, for example, bases eligibility on academic qualifications and offers funding to Georgia residents attending technical schools and private and public four-year postsecondary institutions. The Hero Scholarship provides funding for certain military reserve and Georgia National Guard members and their spouses and children. The GSFC also awards non-need-based grants, including the Leap Grant for students with a financial need for support and the Hope Grant for students enrolled in diploma and certificate programs.
Federal Scholarships
Federal scholarship programs offer funding based on field of study and applicant merit. For example, the Smart Scholarship offers full-tuition funding for graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in technology, mathematics, engineering and science programs. Past Smart Scholarship recipients have included Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Georgia students. The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship program offers funding based on academic achievement. While the federal government funds the program, the GSFC administers Byrd scholarships in Georgia. The federal government also sponsors need-based student aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
Institutional Scholarships
Georgia colleges and universities often sponsor scholarships for their students. The University of Georgia in Athens (UGA), for instance, administers numerous scholarships, which base eligibility on academic achievement, personal characteristics, financial need or a combination of criteria. UGA's Foundation Fellowship extends eligibility to students with a minimum grade point average of 3.75 and offers up to $9,000 per school year, as of the time of publication, to students who hold Georgia residency. The Shaw-White Family Scholarship provides support for students who graduated from high schools in Northwest Georgia and bases awards on academic achievement and financial need. The Goizueta Foundation offers multiple scholarships for UGA students and extends eligibility to individuals fluent in Spanish. As of June 2011, Goizueta Foundation scholarships pay between $3,000 and $7,500 per school year.
Nonprofit Organizations
Certain Georgia nonprofit organizations sponsor scholarship programs for college students. Scholarships offered by private organizations often extend eligibility only to certain types of students or students enrolled in specific fields of study. The Georgia Executive Women's Network (GEWN), for example, awards the Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship to female students, 24 years of age or older. The GEWN program requires full-time enrollment and pays up to $3,000, as of the 2010 to 2011 school year. The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) in the State of Georgia awards two scholarships each year to students pursuing studies in historic preservation and American history. The NSCDA Georgia program pays up to $1,500 per award, as of the time of publication.
Qualified military veterans receive health benefits from the Veterans Administration.
The Veterans Administration, or VA for short, is a government agency that assists prior members of the United States military. According to the official Veterans Administration website, the VA was founded in 1930, and has a mandate to "coordinate government activities affecting war veterans." One of the services provided by the VA to veterans is health care assistance. Veterans must meet certain criteria to be eligible for this assistance.
Discharge Status
To be eligible for VA health care benefits, a veteran must have an honorable discharge from the military. This discharge indicates that an individual performed their duties properly and has earned veteran benefits. Other types, such as "dishonorable" and "less than honorable" discharges, are automatically disqualifying. These discharges occur if a veteran violated military law while serving. Veterans do not need to be prior members of the Army. All military branches, including the Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force, are eligible.
Time Served
The amount of time that a veteran served in the military is relevant for qualification. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs notes that soldiers discharged from active duty after September 7, 1980, need at least two years of service to qualify for VA benefits. Only time spent on active duty counts toward years of service; reserve or inactive duty does not. For older veterans discharged before this date, the minimum time requirement does not apply and any length of service qualifies.
Duty Type
While VA health benefits are intended for veterans who served in the active duty military, people who served in the National Guard or military reserve can also be eligible if they meet certain duty conditions. Guardsmen or reservists must have been called to active duty, and must have served for the entire time of the activation.
Income Level
Individuals applying for VA health benefits must meet certain income level requirements. These qualifications help ensure that government assistance goes only to veterans who truly need help. The exact minimum income level varies from year to year and is also influenced by the number of dependents in a veteran's household. For fiscal year 2011, a veteran with one dependent must have an income that is no greater than $35,284 to qualify for free VA health care, states the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Tags: active duty, must have, health benefits, meet certain, Veterans Administration
A health insurance agent is not necessary for finding and purchasing health insurance. If you have the option of participating in group insurance through an employer, you should, as you will not be subject to policy denial of coverage or excessive premiums. If you are unemployed or self-employed, or your employer does not offer health benefits, seeking an affordable plan for you and your family is achievable through insurers' websites and sites that feature multi plan comparisons. Additionally, your state department of insurance and several federal government resources can also assist in your health insurance quest.
Instructions
1. Check with your human resources department to inquire about group health insurance. Your employer may offer health insurance to employees. Ask about open enrollment periods as you can enroll annually only during this time, unless you have a qualifying event such as divorce or newborn. Employers that offer group insurance often contribute a percentage toward the premium, making this an affordable option.
2. Visit websites, such as eHealthInsurance and GoHealthInsurance.com, that allow you to obtain information about health insurance options. Answer a few basic questions about yourself including ZIP code, gender and birth date. The site will display a list of insurance plans that may be available to you. You can further narrow your search down to specific plan types such as HMO or PPO or deductible amounts, among other criteria.
3. Make a list of national and local health insurance companies and visit each insurer's website. On the insurer's website, you will find information about individual health insurance plan features. These sites allow you to compare each plan, obtain a preliminary quote and apply for coverage. Start your search with insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and your regional Blue Cross plan.
4. Check to determine whether you may qualify for government-sponsored health insurance. Medicaid is a state-sponsored plan primary for those with no or low incomes. Medicare, federally managed insurance, is for those over age 65. Federal mandates requires state and federal insurance programs for those with pre-existing health conditions. Go to the GovBenefits,Healthcare.gov and BenefitsCheckUp websites to access tools to help find out whether you may qualify for government-sponsored health insurance.
5. Contact your state's department of insurance for help in finding, applying and buying affordable health insurance. Every state maintains consumer information on health insurance and may have representatives, available in person or by phone, to assist you with your insurance inquiries. Go to your state's department of insurance website or call the consumer phone number to speak to a representative. Your state will provide additional resources and can help you apply for Medicaid or other state-sponsored insurance programs as needed.
Tags: health insurance, health insurance, department insurance, health insurance, state department, state department insurance
Ultrasound technicians, also called sonographers, are medical professionals that use diagnostic medical sonography to capture images of certain parts of patient's bodies to assist in diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Completion of a certificate or associate degree is required. A Certified Ultrasound Technician has completed a certification examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. A variety of programs for ultrasound technicians are located around the country that prepare individuals to sit for the certification exam.
Northeast U.S.
Bradford Institute has a campus located in Elizabeth and Paterson, New Jersey. It offers a one-year ultrasound technician certificate program. The program is intended to provide ample education for students to perform general and vascular diagnostic ultrasounds that will be interpreted by physicians. The curriculum meets the standard of the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine and includes classroom instruction, laboratory components, case students, practice sessions and clinical experiences.
Middlesex Community College located in Bedford, Massachusetts, offers a diagnostic medical sonography Associate in Science degree. The program enables students to gain a solid understanding of the field including traditional and modern techniques. Students also develop and hone critical thinking skills, clinical skills, ethical practices, and oral and written communication abilities to successfully interact with patients and other health care professionals. The curriculum includes classroom instruction as well as an extensive clinical portion. The program also includes general education requirements.
Midwest U.S.
Central Ohio Technical College offers a diagnostic medical sonography technology program at the Associate of Applied Science level. Students can select the general or cardiovascular option. The general option emphasizes sonography of abdominal, obstetrical and gynecological regions. The cardiovascular area focuses on cardiac and vascular sonography. The degree requires general education courses, sonography courses and rotations in clinical settings. The college has four campuses in Newark, Pataskala, Knox and Coshocton, Ohio.
Argosy University Twin Cities in Eagan, Minnesota, offers an diagnostic medical sonography associate degree. The Associate of Applied Science program is designed to prepare individuals to work as part of a health care team and to professionally and ethically interact with patients. The curriculum includes general education courses, program-specific classes and a six-month clinical training requirement. Students are required to choose a specific focus: general sonography, vascular sonography or echocardiography.
Southern U.S.
Pitt Community College is located in Winterville, North Carolina. It offers a medical sonography Associate of Applied Science program. The program provides students with the knowledge and clinical abilities to perform a variety of sonography procedures and develop patient interaction abilities. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, laboratory components and clinical experiences. Besides program coursework, general education requirements are also required.
Alvin Community College in Alvin, Texas, offers an associate degree and certificate program in diagnostic cardiovascular sonography (DCVS). The Associate of Applied Science degree option enables students to pursue careers in vascular technology or echocardiography by enabling them to develop and hone necessary clinical abilities. Students can choose the non-invasive vascular technology focus or the echocardiography focus and general education prerequisites are required. The Advanced Technical Certificate program is an abbreviated form of the associate degree program that is intended for students who have a degree in an allied health care-related area. Students pursuing the certificate program select pediatric echocardiography, diagnostic cardiovascular sonography-vascular technology or diagnostic cardiovascular sonography-echocardiography.
Western U.S.
West Coast Ultrasound Institute in Beverly Hills, California, offers a diploma program in diagnostic medical sonography. It provides training in a variety of sonography areas including vascular ultrasound, obstetric and gynecology ultrasound and abdominal ultrasound and superficial structures. Students also learn patient assessment and interaction techniques. The program consists of classroom lectures, laboratory components and externship rotations at clinical sites.
Pueblo Community College in Pueblo, Colorado, offers an associate degree and certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography. It prepares individuals for careers in diagnostic medical sonography that focus on abdominal and OB/GYN sonography. Both the Associate of Applied Science and Certificate of Completion program require general education courses, and core requirements. The core requirements include laboratory and clinical observation and internship components.
Tags: diagnostic medical sonography, medical sonography, general education, Applied Science, Associate Applied, Associate Applied Science, associate degree
Women over 50 may be eligible for grants to further their education.
More and more women over the age of 50 are returning to school to pursue a new career or continue in their established careers. Universities, private organizations and companies offer grants to further the continuing education of such women. In addition, organizations in a specific field like the Association for Women in Science offer grants for women who have achieved success in their field.
University Grants
Grant funding for women over 50 is available from colleges and universities. The Alma Baron Second Chance for Women is awarded to women over the age of 45 who are recently admitted or continuing University of Wisconsin-Madison students in good academic standing. Eligible applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents, and must demonstrate financial need. In addition, applicants must show evidence of probable academic success based on experiences of the previous five years.
Grants for Women in Science
The Association for Women in Science has an array of grants for women in the sciences who may be over 50 years of age. The American Society for Microbiology awards grants to scientists in research, education and service, including women over 50. The Funderberg Research Scholar Award in Gastric Biology Related to Cancer supports established investigators who are working toward a cure for the disease. The Society for Neuroscience Mika Salpeter Lifetime Achievement Award grants $5,000 to individuals with outstanding career accomplishments in the field who have promoted the careers of women. The Women in Technology Leadership Awards honor women who act as role models and demonstrate leadership in technological fields.
Private Scholarship Funds
Private scholarship funds like the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund Scholarship grant money to women over 50. The Margaret McNamara Fund grants $11,000 for women toward tuition for a graduate program located in the United States or Canada. Eligible applicants must provide documentation demonstrating that they have worked with women or children and will continue this type of service upon graduation.
Company Awards
Companies like Talbot's offer scholarships for women over 50. The Talbot's Women's Scholarship Fund, offered by the Talbot's Charitable Foundation, grants an award to women over the age of 27 who earned a high school diploma or GED at least 10 years before. Eligible applicants must be seeking a college degree at a two-year college, a four-year college or university, or a vocational/technical school. The Talbot Scholarship grants a minimum of $1,000 to 50 recipients and a maximum of $10,000 to five recipients. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academics, an essay, leadership qualities, community service, honors and employment. The applicant may be asked about her career goals.
Tags: applicants must, Eligible applicants, Eligible applicants must, women over, Women Science, Association Women
Because each state is responsible for its own insurance laws there is no one set of government regulations that auto insurance companies must follow, but rather each company must comply with the laws of each state in which it wants to do business. The department or bureau of insurance in each state is responsible for a handful of primary oversight roles, including regulation of an auto insurance company's financial solvency, underwriting guidelines, compliance with unfair trade practices laws, policy language and in some cases premium rates.
Financial Solvency
Each auto insurance company must prove to its state regulators that it is financially solvent enough to conduct business in that state. A detailed financial statement including the insurer's balance sheet, income statement and a number of schedules and exhibits must be delivered to the department or bureau of insurance in every state annually. In many states, smaller quarterly reports are also required. The regulatory agencies track financial patterns to determine which insurance companies are at risk of insolvency so action can be taken appropriately.
Underwriting
State laws dictate how auto insurance companies may underwrite risks. For example, in certain states including California it is not legal to use a person's credit rating to determine his auto premiums, though this practice is common elsewhere. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), consisting of the regulators of all 50 states, Washington D.C. and several U.S. territories, exists in part to establish certain consistencies between the various states' regulations including underwriting.
Unfair Trade Practices
Each state defines what it considers to be "unfair trade practices" in how insurance companies deal with their customers. The state's insurance commissioner is responsible for executing this oversight in two primary ways: through routine monitoring of the business operations of auto insurance companies, and through investigation of complains received from customers. Imposing financial penalties against insurance companies that violate the unfair trade practices is one of many administrative powers of oversight given to the commissioner.
Policy Approval
An insurance company must submit its auto policies to each state's department or bureau of insurance for review before selling those policies through its agents. The state reviews the policies to verify the policies are competitive and fair, in compliance with the state's laws, and do not have large gaps in coverage that may mislead or confuse the public. The state can refuse to allow a policy to be sold if it does not meet these criteria.
Premium Regulation
Many states require approval of each insurance company's premium rates for auto insurance. Where this applies, proposed premium increases or decreases that apply to all customers uniformly must still be competitive in the state's marketplace, and the state reserves the right to disapprove rate changes if competition will be compromised.
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