Choose A Gynecologist

Unfortunately, society has placed a stigma on women's sexuality and health care; so much so, that women sometimes feel nervous and anxious about a visit to the gynecologist. Choosing a gynecologist should not be a burdensome task. It should be a joyful one.

Instructions

Decide if You Need a Gynecologist Who Is Also a Practicing Obstetrician

1. Decide whether or not you still want to bear children, or at least retain that option. When choosing a gynecologist (or any other physician), it is ideal to choose someone with whom you can establish and maintain a long-term relationship. If you want to have children, you might prefer to choose a gynecologist who is also an obstetrician, because an obstetrician can oversee your health care during your pregnancy. He can also deliver your baby.

2. Adjust your focus from choosing a gynecologist to choosing an obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn), if you have deemed that necessary. Not all gynecologists are also practicing obstetricians. It is important for you to narrow your search to the appropriate group of health care professionals.

3. Decide whether or not you prefer to see a physician who practices within a group. Some women prefer this, particularly when seeing an ob-gyn. One reason is in case a woman's personal ob-gyn is on vacation when her labor starts. In that case, a woman seeing an ob-gyn within a group would have access to several other doctors on call. Other women prefer to focus on their health care during the pregnancy, in which case they do not mind seeing an ob-gyn in private practice.

Decide if You Prefer a Male or Female Gynecologist

4. Ask yourself whether you feel more comfortable being examined by a woman versus a man. You should also make sure you would feel at ease discussing the health-related questions and concerns unique to you as a woman.

5. Consider any past sexual abuse or trauma. Some women who were sexually abused or assaulted by a male may prefer a female gynecologist. Also, although it is rare, there are some cases in which women were sexually abused by their mothers. These women may prefer a male gynecologist. Past abuse or trauma may not have any bearing on whether you prefer a male or female gynecologist.

6. Ask friends your age whether they prefer to see a male or female and why. Consider their feedback, along with your own feelings, and decide which feels more comfortable to you.

Verify Your Health Benefits and Coverage

7. Check your health insurance policy to see what coverage you have to visit a specialist. Most health insurance companies consider the gynecologist a specialist. Unfortunately, many of these companies place tighter restrictions on the amount of coverage a woman can receive for visits to a gynecologist. You get one pap smear per year, for example. Expect other claims to be scrutinized.

8. Call your health insurance company to find out whether or not you need a referral from your primary care physician to see a gynecologist. If you do not need a referral, verify in- and out-of-network benefits and coverage.

9. Obtain a list of gynecologists who you can see if you need such a list to obtain in-network benefits. If you can afford to see any gynecologist (either out of network or without insurance), you can skip this entire section.

Ask for Recommendations and Determine Which Gynecologist Is Best for You

10. Ask friends close to your age for recommendations. Take your friends' advice seriously, especially if they have had children and offer recommendations for a fantastic ob-gyn.

11. Ask your primary care physician for a recommendation. Make sure you ask your primary care doctor why she recommends a certain gynecologist. Ask for specific feedback regarding the gynecologist she recommends.

12. Determine which gynecologist or obstetrician-gynecologist you would like to see on a regular basis. Weigh your personal history and preferences most heavily. If you only feel comfortable seeing a female gynecologist, don't bother going to see one who is male. If you only want to see a gynecologist within 15 minutes from your house, do that. Keep your benefits or budget in mind. Take peoples' recommendations into account.

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What Does Georgia Medicaid Cover

What Does Georgia Medicaid Cover?

The Department of Community Health runs the Medicaid program in Georgia. Georgia Medicaid uses state and federal funding to give low-income children, families and disabled adults health insurance. People who participate in Medicaid can go to the doctor, use hospital and nursing facilities and fill prescriptions with little or no out-of-pocket cost. Georgia Medicaid reimburses providers and pharmacies for the services they give to beneficiaries. You must make sure your provider accepts Medicaid before receiving service or you will be responsible for the bill.

Doctor's Office Expenses

Georgia Medicaid will cover doctor's office fees, for regular check-ups and urgent care visits. It will cover services performed by a nurse, nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, physicians assistant or physician.

Diagnostic Expenses

Georgia Medicaid programs cover diagnostic services such as CAT scans, MRIs, X-rays, blood work and urinalysis. You must have a physician referral and your physician must have a justifiable reason for ordering the tests.

Hospital And Nursing Home Expenses

If you incur emergency, out-patient or in-patient hospital expenses, Georgia Medicaid will pay for medication, physician fees, surgery and other procedures. Medicaid will also pay for expenses related to stays at long-term care or nursing facilities.

Dental Expenses

Beneficiaries receive coverage for dental care expenses under Georgia Medicaid. It pays for regular dental visits for cleaning and to repair or remove teeth as medically necessary. Georgia Medicaid does not cover cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening or braces.

Pregnancy and Family Planning Expenses

Georgia Medicaid will pay all expenses related to pregnancy and the birth of the child. This includes prenatal care, prenatal vitamins, hospital fees and postnatal check ups. Georgia Medicaid covers birth control but will not pay for sterilization or abortion procedures.

Prescriptions

Georgia Medicaid covers prescriptions drugs to cure or treat medical problems. It does not cover drugs for impotence, hair growth, smoking cessation, acne, weigh loss or vitamins.

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Papillomavirus Warts In Animals

A common myth that warts come from handling toads is false.

Papillomaviruses are small, DNA-based viruses that typically do not pose serious health risks. The most common symptom is warts. Currently there are more than 100 identified strains of papillomavirus, which can affect numerous animal species from fish to humans. However, these viruses are breed-specific, and are only transmittable between animals of the same species. People, for example, cannot develop warts from contact with an infected animal. Warts generally develop in younger animals with immature or compromised immune systems, and are mostly an appearance problem. Treatment often means letting warts run their natural course.

Cattle

Isolating the infected animal reduces the spread of the virus.

Bovine papillomavirus produces warts in cattle, typically around the head, neck and shoulders. Warts will develop approximately eight weeks after the cow is infected, typically through a break in the skin. Calves, or cattle younger than 2 years old, are most vulnerable to catching the virus. It is rare to find warts in cows older than 2.

Horses

Papillomaviruses are breed specific and warts cannot be transmitted from animals to humans.

Horses can become infected by the equine papillomavirus and certain bovine papillomaviruses. Immature animals younger than 2 are most at risk. Warts can appear on the nose, lips, eyelids, genitals, udder or even inside the ears. The warts will typically disappear without any medical intervention, and do not otherwise make the horse sick. Besides isolating infected horses, it is also important to sterilize equipment before using it on other animals.

Dogs

Puppies are most suceptible to catching the virus from infected animals or environments.

The canine papillomavirus produces warts typically in a young dog's mouth and throat. Although these can interfere with the dog's ability to chew and swallow, they are otherwise not dangerous. Older dogs may develop single warts around mucous membranes. The disease is spread from dog to dog, with an incubation period of one to two months. Most commonly it effects newborn or young puppies, and is transmitted by an infected dog or environment.

Manatees

Mantees are known to have a highly efficient immune systems.

Manatees, which have been known to have a highly efficient and developed immune system, have also been found to be susceptible to papillomaviruses. Those that become infected can develop warts around the lips and face. This disease is known to affect animals with weakened or immature immune systems, which is contrary to the manatee. As a result, Homosassa manatees, in particular, are being closely studied by veterinarians and researchers to learn more about all papillomviruses. The hope is to develop a better understanding of how the virus works, and be able to discover a means of treatment and prevention.

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Get A Tummy Tuck Approved By Insurance

To many people, the idea of getting a tummy tuck sounds wonderful, but it can be very expensive. Since most health insurance companies will not cover the cost of cosmetic procedures, it can be very challenging to get a tummy tuck paid for by insurance. This does not mean that it isn't possible to do so, however. Here are some of the things to keep in mind if you're interested in having a tummy tuck done but are unable to afford the procedure.

Instructions

1. Visit your primary care physician. Have a routine physical, and talk to your doctor about any side effects that your tummy may be causing you to experience. If there is some type of health problem that can be linked to the need to have a tummy tuck, your health insurance company may be willing to provide some coverage.

2. Determine whether your abdominal region is causing you to experience back pain. This side effect is especially common among people who tend to carry their weight in the stomach region. Health insurance companies often cover the cost of breast reduction due to back pain, so it's not unheard of that some will provide coverage for tummy tucks when the stomach causes this same problem.

3. Allow your doctor to check you for a ventral or umbilical hernia. These are both problems that can be caused by the abdominal region. Health insurance companies may provide coverage for a tummy tuck for patients who experience either of these health problems due to their abdomen.

4. Have your doctor put you on a diet and exercise regimen that may help correct the problem. Schedule regular visits in which the doctor will record any weight that you lose, or do not lose. If you have difficulty losing weight, the doctor can send the records of your repeated visits as proof that you are having a difficult time losing weight on your own.

5. Request information from your health insurance company about coverage for tummy tucks. Some companies may be willing to provide a certain amount of coverage to patients who have health issues caused by their abdominal region. On the other hand, some health insurance companies may be unwilling to budge on the guidelines that they have for cosmetic procedures.

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Become A Medical Transcriptionist From Home

Become a Medical Transcriptionist From Home

Medical transcriptionist is an occupation that requires specialized training and skills it is always in high demand. Medical offices of all kinds--doctor's offices, hospitals, clinics, dental offices--hire medical transcriptionists who work from home. Medical transcriptionsists transcribe medical records, physical reports, doctor's notes, discharge summaries, evaluations, medical history and various reports. Learn get the skills you need in order to start doing this work.

Instructions

1. Complete a certified medical transcription training program to earn a certificate, diploma or degree in medical transcription. You can take this training online or at your local college. This training can take from six months up to two years, depending on what you want to learn before entering this career field.

2. Apply for medical transcription jobs online through various sources such as MT Jobs. It is important to beware of the many medical transcription job scams out there so use the warnings below when you are searching for a medical transcriptionist job online.

3. Earn your certification in medical transcription (CMT) after you have worked as a medical transcriptionist for two years. This is required in order to take the exam. The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity holds a national exam for those who want to earn a medical transcription certification. You must renew your certification every three years to stay certified.

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Use Long Camera Exposures

Most pictures people shoot are taken very quickly in a split second. This produces a clear, sharp image in which the occurring action is stopped in the photograph. This is perfect for the normal day-to-day pictures; but when you slow down the period of time your camera focuses on a picture, you can get some unique and creative shots. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Know what a long exposure is. The exposure time is the amount of time a camera's lens takes in light for a photograph. If is open for 1/500th of a second, it will take in just a little light very quickly and the result will be a quick snapshot in time. However, if it is open for a full second, it will take in a lot more light over a slower time period and you will get a brighter picture which is a composition of what your camera saw during that second.

2. Find the exposure settings on your camera. Exposure is measured in seconds and it will be a 1 followed by a slash and a larger number for exposures under one second and a whole number for exposures over one second.

3. Set your camera on a tripod. It is impossible to take long exposures without a tripod because any camera shake will result in a blurry picture.

4. Turn your flash off and set your ISO to its lowest setting. A long exposure will let in a lot of light and make the picture bright. This eliminates the need for high ISO settings and use of a flash.

5. Use a long exposure to capture motion lines. Set your camera to a long exposure time of several seconds and aim it an object in motion, such as a waterfall or cars moving on a freeway. The objects which stay still in the picture will be sharp, but the moving objects will come across as streaks of light. This shows motion in a still picture.

6. Take night shots with long exposures. At night, sometimes the flash is not enough to give you the light you need. When this is the case, turn off the flash and turn up the exposure time. Your camera will be taken in the existing light and create a brighter picture.

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About The Different Types Of Equipment Used By Oral Surgeons

Oral or maxillofacial surgery may be necessary in people suffering with tooth or jaw problems. Some people may have problems with impacted teeth, particularly wisdom teeth. Others may require dental implants. These are tooth root substitutes that hold false teeth in position. A screw must surgically put into the jawbone. Individuals with certain jaw or facial injuries or disorders may also need oral surgery. The surgeons who specialize in these disorders use certain equipment, much of which is similar to that of any other surgeon.

Function

Anesthesia is one of the key tools an oral surgeon will need prior to even beginning any surgery. The surgeon may have an anesthesia or medical gas systems. A patient may see a big machine, masks, tanks, hoses, monitors, and a number of other accessories. You may see equipment to be used for ventilation as well. In some cases, sedation may be used. The method of anesthesia is determined by the surgeon and may depend on the type of surgery being performed.

Identification

There will be surgical tables on which the patient will lay in order to have the procedure done. Surgical lamps will also be present in the operating room. There will likely be instruments to monitor the vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse rate and temperature as well.

Types

Oral surgeons have a number of instruments which may be used during surgery. Some of these include dental scalpels, which are used to for cutting. Bone chisels are used to cut through bone. Forceps and root elevators are used in tooth extraction. Root elevators are used to loosen teeth and may be used to remove them as well. Forceps are used to grip and remove the tooth. Curettes are instruments resembling spoons which are used in dissecting bones, and also in removing tissues or growths.

Warning

As with any surgery, oral surgery also poses a risk. Surgeons generally will have a defibrillator in the operating room, in case an emergency should arise. This machine is used in case of cardiac arrest to shock the heart into a normal rhythm.

Considerations

Some oral surgeons use a non-invasive method called a Piezosurgery, which uses ultrasonic waves, rather than a scalpel, to cut through dental bone. This method is said to cause less pain and injury to sensitive tissues, and the device is able to isolate precisely where the cut needs to be made. In addition, recovery time is quicker, and there is less risk of infection.

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Menopause & Sore Breasts

Menopause & Sore Breasts

If a woman is experiencing shifts and fluctuations in hormones, which occurs during menopause, she may experience breast pain. Breast soreness, sensitivity and even swelling are one of the symptoms of menopause. If your breast soreness only occurs sporadically, this is considered cyclic pain. Remember how your breasts hurt when you first went through puberty? Menopause is a later-in-life version of that, but instead of starting your reproductive life you are ending it.

Cyclic

The Mayo Clinic notes that medical researchers haven't pinpointed the precise hormone abnormality that is responsible for cyclic breast pain, but most women experience it. Hormones make the glandular tissues in your breast swell. When your breasts enlarge, the fibrous tissues are stretched. When tissues are stretched, this can result in tenderness and soreness, according to Healthline.com. Hormones are in full-throttle during peri-menopause and menopause, so you may experience even more severe breast soreness than you did when going through puberty or the first few months of pregnancy.

Cysts

Erratic hormones, which are common in peri-menopausal and menopausal women, can cause lumpy, tender, noncancerous cysts to develop. These cysts are filled with fluid. If you are still menstruating, even if only sporadically, you may notice the lumps and the soreness more right before your menstrual period

Water Retention

Menopausal women tend to retain fluid, which is another outcome of hormonal fluctuations. Water retention can make breasts bigger and sorer. Some women report that this problem gets much worse during menopause; others report that it becomes less problematic. Dr. John Lee explains that too much estrogen and insufficient amounts of progesterone can result in fibrocystic breasts. Lee suggests taking vitamin E and vitamin B6 to prevent breast tenderness, and he also recommends using natural progesterone.

Medications

Some medications, such as anti-depressants Zoloft and Prozac, will make your breasts sore. If you are undergoing hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, this may cause breast sensitivity because you are introducing progesterone and estrogen into your body. Estrogen increases breast tissue, whereas progesterone causes water retention and the stretching of breast tissue and the resultant soreness.

Estrogen Levels

If your estrogen levels are skyrocketing during peri-menopause as you head for menopause, this is considered estrogen dominance or overload and can really make your breasts sore. Make sure that you are wearing a brassiere that gives you good support. Some find relief by cutting back on caffeine, which also seems to help when it comes to preventing lumpy, fibrocystic breasts. Coffee, colas and tea contain methyl xanthines, which can cause breast tenderness, according to Isoflavones.info/breast-tenderness.php.

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Types Of Medicare Plans

Medicare is a United States federal program that supplies eligible individuals with health care benefits to help reduce the cost of their medical care. To qualify, an applicant must be at least 65 years old; if the applicant is younger, he must have an accepted disability or medical condition such as advanced renal disease that requires a transplant or dialysis. People who are accepted into the program then have access to four types of Medicare plans, which can be combined for maximum benefits.

Original Medicare Plan

The Original Medicare Plan is a two-part insurance program very similar in structure to a coinsurance plan. Participants can receive medical services from any available medical professional or facility that accepts Medicare. In return for this freedom, the patient must pay a deductible as well as any additional costs after Medicare covers a pre-approved amount.

Medicare Health Plans

Medicare Health Plans, or Medicare Advantage Plans, include various programs offered by independent companies yet approved by Medicare. They include some Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSAs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFSs), in addition to other programs.

The most important attributes of the Medicare Advantage Plans are that they often include a wider range of benefits, such as coverage for prescription drugs. They can range in price, premium and the amount of medical coverage. They sometimes require the Medicare participant to be referred to them by a specialist; and they frequently have unique network requirements, such as restrictions on available doctors and health care facilities for receiving services.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans provide coverage for the cost of prescriptions that results in lower prices at pharmacies after enrollment. The plans are supplied by both insurance and private companies pre-approved by Medicare, and they typically require deductibles, co-payments and coinsurance. Medicare participants can have the prescription plan in addition to the Original Medicare Plan or other types of medical coverage.

Medigap Policies

Medigap Policies, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance, are types of insurance coverage supplied by private companies to help Medicare participants acquire coverage not provided by other programs, such as the Original Medicare Plan, in exchange for a monthly premium. Medicare recipients who have a Medicare Advantage Plan don't also need a Medigap Policy, however.

Considerations

Deciding on the right combination of Medicare plans can seem daunting because Medicare participants are given complete freedom to select what works best for them based on their income, medical conditions, preferred health care and prescription provider, and current drugs prescribed. Yet an advantage of the system is that each year, Medicare recipients are allowed to choose a different combination of programs if they want to.

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Do A Fineneedle Aspiration

A fine-needle aspiration can determine whether a nodule is malignant.

A fine-needle aspiration is performed by a doctor. In most cases, it's a minor operation used to extract fluid or tissue from a nodule somewhere in the body; the nodule may be caused by infection or cancer. The doctor can have the fluid examined by a laboratory to learn what's caused the nodule to form. Many times the nodule is discovered because it's near the surface of the skin; this makes performing the fine-needle aspiration a simple process because the doctor can feel the nodule and doesn't need any type of special equipment to guide the needle in.

Instructions

1. Have the patient recline in a position that allows for easy access to the area where the nodule is located. Rub the area lightly with your fingertips to determine the precise location of the nodule. Wipe the area thoroughly with an alcohol pad or antiseptic solution. Injections of a local anesthetic may be necessary if the patient is extremely anxious about having the procedure performed. A local anesthetic will be as painful as the needle prick during the aspiration, however, so it's rarely recommended.

2. Hold the nodule motionless with your non-dominant hand. Use a syringe with a 25-gauge needle that's 1-/12 inches long. Gently ease the needle through the skin and into the nodule. Ask the patient not to breathe for a few seconds while the fluid inside the nodule is being extracted.

3. Move the needle around with a rocking motion inside the nodule to remove as much of the fluid as possible. Withdraw the needle and put pressure over the opening to prevent bleeding. Repeat the entire process until the nodule is no longer present or enough fluid and tissue has been collected to be a good sample.

4. Apply pressure to the site for several minutes after the final needle stick is finished. This will reduce swelling and bleeding. Cover the wound with a gauze pad and tape.

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How Much Does A Medical Technologist Make In A Year

A medical technologist is a health care occupation that performs clinical laboratory testing in the medical industry. These professionals use analytical skills to assist medical staff in diagnosis, treatment and patients' responses to their treatments. Work can include a variety of laboratory tests and analysis, as well as preparing specimens, reports and upkeep of laboratory equipment. PayScale, a job compensation database, reported average salaries based on 4,112 individuals employed as medical technologists in December 2010.

Average Salary

Some employers such as hospitals keep clinical laboratories operating 24-hours per day, so some medical technologists work uncommon hours and shifts. Because this occupation is often critical to diagnosing and treating patients promptly, most employers pay hourly and overtime wages. Average salaries range from $19.77 to $26.28 per hour or $41,121 to $54,662 per year. Overtime wages range from $26.78 to $38.72 per hour.

Job Requirements

Because medical technologists perform complex laboratory testing, most employers require a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a life sciences discipline from a school accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Many employers prefer the American Society for Clinical Pathology's Certified Medical Technologist (CMT) or Scientist (CMS) credential as well. Some states also require laboratory personnel to pass a state-administered exam to receive a license to work in a clinical laboratory. Those who obtained a bachelor degree earn average salaries ranging from $38,318 to $48,073 per year. Those who obtained the CMT credential earn average salaries ranging from $43,742 to $57,179 per year.

Employers

Although many medical technologists are employed by general and acute care hospitals, they can also work in other health care and scientific research industries. Acute care hospitals pay average salaries ranging from $43,409 per year to $57,283 per year, and general hospitals pay average salaries ranging from $42,224 to $55,785 per year. Professional analytical/laboratory services pay average salaries ranging from $41,204 to $54,163 per year.

Career Advancement

The skills and education of a medical technologist is often transferable to obtain a graduate degree or be promoted into higher-salaried occupations. Popular future career paths include medical/clinical laboratory supervisor earning average salaries ranging from $43,454 to $66,297 per year. Those who become clinical laboratory scientists earn average salaries ranging from $44,220 to $77,822 per year. After an additional two-years of accredited education and licensing, some medical technologists move into a career as a physician's assistant, earning average salaries ranging from $68,351 to $90,701 per year.

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Problems With Large Breasts

While some women are rushing out to get breast implants, many women with naturally large breasts face several problems related to them. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, women with large breasts can experience emotional and physical health issues. For some, the associated issues are bothersome enough to pursue breast reduction surgery to remove excess tissue and glands.

Back Pain

Women with large breasts may experience back pain as the back is strained to support the weight of the breasts. This pain can be in the lower or upper back. The pain may also be present in the neck, which can cause tension headaches, as well as extending into the shoulders. Wearing a special support undergarment on the back may help to alleviate some of the pain associated with large breasts.

Shoulder Indentations

Women who have lived with large breasts for quite some time may develop indentations in their shoulders from bra straps. The weight of the breasts can cause the bra straps to leave permanent indentations where the straps lay on the shoulders. Those with large breasts should seek a bra with wide shoulder straps and look for those with padding or gel in the straps to ease this problem.

Rashes

Large breasts typically sag earlier and more than breasts that are smaller. Because the skin of the breast lies over the abdomen, excess sweating may result. This can lead to rashes under the breasts or even a yeast infection due to the moist environment. Using powder, cornstarch or deodorant under the breasts may help this issue, particularly when the weather is warmer.

Clothing

Large breasts can make finding appropriate fitting clothing difficult. This is especially true for women who are at a healthy weight but have large breasts. They may have to increase several sizes in tops in order to accommodate large breasts which results in the clothing being too big in other areas or a trip to the tailor for alterations. Finding bras that offer support in the correct size may also be difficult in traditional department stores. Many women with large breasts have to special order bras or visit a store that specializes in these garments.

Exercise

Women with large breasts can have trouble performing simple exercise routines due to the weight and size of their breasts. Jogging or running may be especially difficult. Women may have to wear two support bras or a regular bra in addition to a sports bra to have the appropriate amount of support. For some, the inability to exercise can lead to excess weight gain, which in turn creates or adds to self-esteem issues.

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Find Low Income Health Insurance

Everyone needs health insurance, but some people don't make enough money to pay for it comfortably. In this time of skyrocketing health costs, it's difficult for everyone to find coverage, especially for that low income segment. Here's how you can get health insurance, even if you don't make a lot of money.

Instructions

1. Consult local government agencies to see if you qualify for subsidized health insurance for you and your family. Programs such as CHIP (the Children's Health Insurance Program) will take a look at your family size and finances and use other factors to decide if they can provide you with low- or no-cost coverage (see Resources).

2. Compare the different rates that different health insurance companies will give you. Health insurance is a somewhat competitive industry, and this competition can force the companies to try and outdo each other on their rates. Be sure to understand exactly the services and freedoms that will be provided by the quotes they give you.

3. Step down the insurance coverage you may already have. While this can be undesirable, you may be able to have an acceptable level of insurance while paying a little bit less. Explore wellness options your provider may have, in which they reduce your rate if you complete certain health improvement courses or lose weight, for example.

4. Invest in a Health Savings Account. You will put aside a small portion of your income, reserved for health-related uses. These usually come with a high-deductible plan, which means that you will pay low premiums, but will have to cover a great deal of charges if something catastrophic happens. These can be good options for very young workers.

5. Speak with a licensed insurance agent. These people may have tricks you hadn't thought about and can explore a number of different avenues for you. They can also help you budget your health costs while ensuring you have the coverage you and your family need.

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Keep Yourself Awake

Some days are just tiring and we may need a little wake up call to keep ourselves up and alert. Here are some methods to keep ourselves awake during the day.

Instructions

1. Keep yourself slightly uncomfortable. If you have a lot to do in the day, don't sit yourself down comfortably for any amount of time! Keep on your feet or in a uncomfortable position and you won't be tempted to fall asleep.

2. Smell some peppermint. The sense of smell can sometimes wake us. Peppermint has been proven to keep you alert and also decrease stress.

3. Take a power nap. By letting yourself sleep for 20 minutes or so, you'll wake up energized and refreshed. Don't let yourself oversleep though!

4. Listen to fast, upbeat music. There is nothing like music to keep you active.

5. Never eat a full meal if you plan to be awake for long periods of time. Snack little by little, but avoid a huge meal, as it will leave you feeling sleepy.

6. Drinking a cup of tea or coffee will help you. Caffeine exists in both drinks and will help keep you alert.

7. Do physical activities such as exercise.

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Wellness Incentive Ideas

Corporate wellness programs promote employees' holistic health including happiness at work.

Corporations large and small include employee wellness programs as part of their business models. Wellness programs decrease company health care costs and increase employee productivity. A comprehensive wellness program addresses physical health and mental health concerns including heart health, smoking cessation, stress management, and safety. Wellness program incentives provide employees with extrinsic motivation to participate in a wellness program. Incentives include tangible and intangible rewards beyond an employee's paycheck and benefits.

Host Healthy Breakfasts

Maintaining a healthy diet and weight is linked to several health benefits including reduced risk for heart disease or attack. Eating breakfast is an integral piece of a healthy diet because research has shown that a healthy breakfast can raise metabolism by 10 percent. Host an employee breakfast once or twice a month. Serve fruits, eggs, and whole grains. Invite a nutritionist to speak to employees about the importance of a balanced breakfast that boosts the body's metabolism and increases energy.

Complimentary Passes

Cash or gift incentives may need to be reported on an employee's taxes, so keep gift incentives to a minimum. However, complimentary movie passes or restaurant gift cards are typically non-taxed. Select one employee each month who has demonstrated exceptional healthy behaviors or lifestyle changes such as beginning a walking club, sharing healthy recipes or posting health research to a public bulletin board.

Company-Wide Recognition

If your company circulates a weekly or monthly newsletter, include a section that highlights an exemplary employee who has contributed to health and wellness campaigns within the company. Employees may be inspired by the success of one of their co-workers who has had success with a wellness initiative. Recognitions can also be distributed through a company email that updates workers about wellness issues or programs.

Massage Workshops

Wellness initiatives should include holistic programming that addresses mental as well as physical health. Arrange for a local massage therapist to host a massage workshop for employees; local massage schools may have students who need to record practice hours. Provide information about the health benefits of massage for relieving muscle tension and reducing work-related stress. Demonstrate stretching techniques for employees to use while at work or sitting at a desk. Purchase gift certificates for massages and award them to employees who actively work towards achieving wellness goals.

Friends and Family

Create a sense of partnership between the company and employees by inviting friends and family to wellness-related events. Host a healthy cooking class for employees and their families; provide participants with recipe cards for family-friendly healthy meals. Create a Family Health competition that instructs employees to record their family meals and physical activities; provide a prize like a gift card or a plaque to the employee who demonstrates the healthiest out-of-work lifestyle.

Wellness Bank

Provide employees with wellness tokens when they perform an act that promotes wellness, like preparing a large salad for a lunch meeting or circulating an email about ways to quit smoking. Employees turn in the tokens to a supervisor for small rewards like an extended lunch break or a day pass to a local gym.

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Prolactin & Pituitary Tumors

Prolactin signals breast tissue to make milk.

Tissues and organs in the body receive signals on when and act through electrical impulses, neurotransmitters or hormones. Hormones are created by organs called glands. The pituitary gland creates all sorts of hormones that send signals to many parts of the body. One of the hormones is prolactin. A delicate balance in hormones must be kept for the body to work properly.

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is a pea-sized organ that sits right below the brain and is the master gland. Ten hormones are produced by the anterior, posterior and intermediate lobe. The hormones control everything from growth to sexual development and kidney function. One of the hormones produces is prolactin.

Prolactin

Prolactin is produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It has several functions in the human body. It induces growth of the mammary glands. It also has a role in immune function in some mammals. Prolactin also signals mammary glands to produce milk. Any imbalance in the amount of prolactin may lead to malfunction of the tissues it acts upon.

Pituitary Tumors

Like any other organ in the body, cells of the pituitary gland can also grow and reproduce abnormally. Tumors of the pituitary gland lead to over-production of the gland's hormones. This excess in pituitary hormones also leads to a decrease in other hormones, through a negative-feedback action.

Prolactinoma

The non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland's cells that produce prolactin is a prolactinoma. Excess prolactin leads to an excess production of breast milk, or to an over-development of the mammary glands. In women, the excess prolactin may also cause infertility, irregular menstrual periods, and a loss of libido. Women who wish to become pregnant or are planning to do so must be carefully monitored and treated if they have a prolactinoma.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Simple blood tests and imaging studies can be done to detect excess prolactin or an enlarged pituitary, respectively. If the pituitary gland is found to have a tumor, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may help. In most cases, however, a simple course of treatment with dopamine-replacement drugs corrects the problem. A health care provider is the best person to diagnose and treat prolactinomas.

Tags: pituitary gland, mammary glands, excess prolactin, gland hormones, Pituitary Tumors, produced anterior

Medicare Questions & Answers

Medicare is a medical insurance program that provides coverage for more than 45 million Americans. The coverage is intended for seniors who are at least 65 years old, individuals younger than 65 but who may have a disability, and individuals, regardless of age, that may have been diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (kidney failure).

What Parts of Medicare are Available?

Medicare comprises four different parts. One part is called Medicare Part A, which provides coverage for a hospital and skilled nursing facility care. Most individuals eligible do not have to pay for this portion. Medicare Part B is optional and it provides coverage for other medically necessary services. For this coverage, most individuals must pay a monthly premium. Medicare Part C is an alternate name for the Medicare Advantage Plan. The newest part of Medicare is Part D, which helps beneficiaries with the costs of their prescription drugs.

What are the Medicare Premiums for 2009?

Most individuals who have Part A do not have to pay for it because they or their spouse have 40 or more quarters of employment that is Medicare covered. For individuals who have between 30 and 35 quarters, the premium is $244 per month. For those who have less than 30 quarters, the premium is $443 per month. The Part A deductible is $1,068 per year as of 2009.

Currently, the premium for Part B is $96.40 per month and the deductible is $135 per year. Once the deductible is met, the beneficiary will pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount.

What is Covered Under the Medicare Plan?

Medicare Part A includes coverage for nursing homes, inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It also covers hospice care and home health services. Medicare Part B helps to cover most medically necessary and preventative services for beneficiaries. Beneficiaries can receive coverage for services, such as emergency room visits, chiropractic visits, foot exams, eye exams and home health services. Part B also helps to pay for any durable medical equipment that a beneficiary might need. Medicare Part C is a blend of Parts A and B and it helps to cover all medically needed services. With Medicare Part C, individuals are required to use physicians or hospitals within their network. Medicare Part D is the prescription drug coverage that is also provided through these Medicare approved private insurance companies.

What Medicare Advantage Plans?

The Medicare Advantage Plans are also known as Part C. These plans are provided by private insurance companies who are Medicare-approved. The types of Part C plans that beneficiaries can choose from are Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). Some of the other plans that are included under Medicare Part C are Medicare Special Needs Plans (MSNP), Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs), and Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS). Every Part C plan is different, so it is important to find out the policies before enrolling. Because Medicare Part C is a combination of Part A and Part B, it is not supplemental insurance.

How Can Someone Enroll in Medicare?

If an individual is almost the age of y65 and is receiving Social Security benefits, then he will be automatically enrolled into the Medicare program. Approximately three months before the individual's birthday, he will receive their Medicare card in the mail. If he wishes to opt out of the Medicare Part B portion, he will just need to follow the instructions that were included with their card.

If an individual is almost 65, but does not receive Social Security benefits, then she would have the option of applying for Medicare and Social Security at the same time. These individuals will not be enrolled automatically. To ensure that Medicare coverage begins on time, the individual must apply three months prior to her 65 birthday.

If an individual is younger than 65 or is diagnosed with ESRD, he must make an appointment with the Social Security office in his area to speak with a representative about enrollment.

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Colleges In Miami With A Radiologic Technology Program

The State of Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation predicts that the demand for radiologic technologist in Miami, Dade and Monroe Counties will increase by more than 4 percent from 2009 through 2017. A small number of private and public colleges within the city of Miami offer programs in radiologic technology. Carrying the accreditation of the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), these schools qualify graduates for state licensing in the field as well as voluntary certification from the ARRT.

Dade Medical College

Dade Medical College is a private, for-profit institution with locations throughout the Miami and Dade counties, including one within the western portion of Miami. The college's general radiologic technology program culminates in an associate degree and lasts 121 weeks or around 30 months. To enroll in the program, only a high school diploma or GED is necessary. During the course of the program, students spend 1,020 hours in clinical sites throughout Miami and 1,320 in classroom and laboratory settings. The curriculum includes classes in developing images, radiation protection, equipment, infection control and x-ray science. Federal loans and grants are offered for eligible students. Job placement assistance is available for graduates.

Dade Medical College

3721-1 N.W. 7th St.

Miami, FL 33126

305-644-1171

dademedical.edu

Miami Dade College

Established in 1960, Miami Dade College has seven branches in Miami and more than 170,000 students, making it the largest institution of higher education in the United States as of May 2010. Admissions requirements for the college's radiography program include a high school diploma or GED and prerequisite courses in anatomy, English composition, algebra, critical thinking and ethics, psychology, speech communication, radiologic technology basics, health care computer and computing. Students who receive admission to the program then complete two, full calendar years of professional classes, such as radiation physics, x-ray technology and imaging modalities. Six clinical rotations are necessary for graduation. Federal and state loans and grants, veteran's benefits and institutional scholarships are available for eligible students. The Career Services Center provides assistance with resume-writing, interview preparation and job opening research.

Miami Dade College

950 N.W. 20th St.

Miami, FL 33127

305-237-8888

mdc.edu

Keiser University

A private, for-profit institution, Keiser University opened in 1977 and has 14 branches in Florida, including its Kendall campus within the Miami city limits. The college offers a two-year Associate of Science program in radiologic technology. Only a high school diploma or GED is necessary for admission, and a number of courses are offered during evening and weekend hours to accommodate the schedules of working adults. Classes required for the major include psychology, sociology, speech, computer science, English, literature, algebra and biology. Three clinical rotations are necessary for graduation. Qualified students can participate in federal and state loans and grants, scholarships and work-study placements to help offset the cost of tuition.

Keiser University

8505 Mills Drive

Miami, FL 33183

305-596-2226

keiseruniversity.edu

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Rn Residency Programs In Michigan

The RN professional.

Residency programs train RNs to switch from the role of student to professional in the field of nursing. The resident receives guidance from an experienced nurse who supervises him in the hospital setting; it is there that the new RN gains hands-on experience working with patients, filling out forms and performing other hospital duties.

Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center

Learning for mentors.

The duration of Oakwood's nurse residency program is one year. During this year, the RN resident learns to become a professional nurse. She doesn't go it alone, however. Rather, a qualified and experience nurse mentors her. The new RN gets a chance to watch, learn and experience nursing with the seasoned nurse; the supervisor shows the resident gain confidence and settle into her new role as a nurse through making rounds, learning to dispense medicine, caring for patients and tending to their needs, as well as other duties.

Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center

18101 Oakwood Blvd

PO Box 2500

Dearborn, MI 48124

313-593-7000

800-543-9355

http://www.oakwood.org/?id=1665&sid=10

St. Joseph Mercy Health System

Hospital experience.

The one-year RN residency at St. Joseph Mercy Health System is designed to turn student nurses into competent and confident RNs who are able to interact with and meet the needs of their patients. For eight weeks, the residents learn from one of the staff nurses, after which time they're required to take and pass their board exam. After the exam and acceptance into St. Joseph's residency, the RN enters a 10-month residency program with full benefits.

St. Joseph Mercy Health System is a network of hospitals in Michigan. The residency program may be at any of their facilities depending on the RN's area of study. The sites are: St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, St. Mary Mercy Livonia, St. Joseph Mercy Livingston, St. Joseph Mercy Port Huron, Chelsea Community Hospital, and St. Joseph Mercy Saline.

St. Joseph Mercy Health System

734-712-3456

800-231-2211.

http://www.sjmercyhealth.org/body.cfm?id=1647

Sparrow Health System

Applying skills.

According to Sparrow Health System, their 12-week residency program is unique, because it gives new RNs the opportunity to work in different specialties throughout the hospital. This gives the resident a chance to decide which unit best suits his personality and temperament before becoming a full-time staff member. During the residency, the RN engages in an array of exciting activities such as classes, meetings and support groups.

Sparrow Health System

Human Resources, Suite 235

Attn: Sara Smith, Recruiter

1200 E. Michigan Ave.

P.O. Box 30480

Lansing, MI 48909-7980

517-364-1000

800-SPARROW

http://www.sparrow.org/humanresources/Nurse~res.asp

Tags: Joseph Mercy, Health System, Joseph Mercy Health, Mercy Health, Mercy Health System, residency program

Medicare Part D And Temodar

Medicare Part D and Part B are separate drug programs.

Medicare did not cover most prescription drugs until Part D was enacted. However, Part B covered a limited number of outpatient prescription drugs and still does. Temodar is a drug that is covered under Part B--not Part D.

History

Medicare Part B has always covered drugs administered in a hospital, clinic or doctor's office, and a limited number of self-administered prescription drugs, such as oral cancer drugs. Temodar is one of the self-administered drugs covered by Part B. It's used as a treatment for brain tumors.

Features

Medicare Part D is Medicare's comprehensive prescription drug plan. It covers most prescription drugs that are self-administered at home, both in generic and brand-name form.

Functions

Medicare Part D drug plans are sold by private insurance companies. While all the Part D drug plans must carry at least two drugs in each drug category, the insurance company chooses which drugs to cover. This means that all part D drug plans are not the same. Individual consumers need to compare Part D plans and pick the one that's best for them. The drugs that are covered by Part B are determined by Medicare.

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Requirements For Radiologists

Radiologists use specialized imaging equipment.

Radiologists are licensed doctors who use cutting-edge technology and imaging equipment such as MRI machines, CT scans, X-ray machines and computed tomography to diagnose and treat illnesses in their patients. After using their medical training and expertise to interpret complex images, radiologists collaborate with other physicians to determine the best course of patient care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that specialized doctors earn a median salary of $339,738 annually as of 2008.

Bachelor's Degree

Radiologists are required to undergo the same education and training as other physicians, beginning with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Popular pre-med majors include biology, chemistry or physics, but a science-related major is not required as long as students meet the basic academic requirements necessary for medical school admission. Students should take biology, physics, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, English and statistics. Courses in anatomy, physiology and microbiology are also recommended. In addition to completing the prerequisite coursework, undergraduate students planning to apply to medical school will need to sit for the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). Out of a possible score of 45, medical schools with competitive admissions expect applicants to earn a minimum score of 30. Other requirements include a GPA of "B" or better, letters of recommendation from professors, advisors or mentors and a personal essay.

Medical School

Radiologists are required to attend an accredited allopathic or osteopathic four-year medical school program. Allopathic medical schools confer graduates with a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree; osteopathic schools award graduates the title of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). Either degree program will provide radiologists with the education and training necessary to have a successful medical career. All medical schools provide students with a similar curriculum; during the first two years, students receive classroom and lab instruction in medical laws and ethics, physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, psychology, pathology and microbiology. The final years of medical school are spent immersed in supervised clinical practice. Students apply their education and training to real-life patient care in various specialties including pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology and psychiatry.

Licensing

After obtaining an M.D. or D.O. degree, future radiologists are required to sit for a state-administered licensing exam. Examinees who pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) receive a legal license to dispense medical treatment.

Residency

Residency is the first opportunity radiologists have to focus solely on their specialty. Radiology residents work in a hospital under the direct supervision of licensed radiologists, observing, diagnosing and treating patients using various radiology methods and procedures. Radiology residencies typically last between two to four years, during which residents are paid a small salary. Residents have the option of choosing a sub-specialty within their field, including breast imaging specialist, cardiovascular radiologist, computed tomography, diagnostic radiology, emergency radiology and genitourinary radiology.

Board Certification

Following a radiology residency, physicians are required to become board certified in their specialty. Radiologists must pass a board certification exam administered by the American Board of Radiology, the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology, the American Board of Medical Specialists, or an equivalent certifying organization.

Tags: education training, medical schools, American Board, Board Radiology, Board Radiology American, computed tomography

What Classes Are Necessary To Become A Ct Or Mri Technician

What Classes Are Necessary to Become a CT or MRI Technician?

As a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT) technician, you are responsible for producing the three-dimensional images or scans physicians need to help diagnose their patients' illnesses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), you can earn $35,100 to $74,970 per year as of 2008. Although some employers will offer on-the-job training, the best way to enter either field is via post-secondary education. Thus, the coursework you take will give you the training and knowledge you need to become either a MRI or CT technician.

Taking High School Courses

You can start preparing for your MRI or CT technician career before you enter an associate's, certification or bachelor's program. Courses such as physics, biology, mathematics, chemistry and anatomy can get you prepared for a career as a MRI or CI technician.

Learning the Basics in College

However, if you've already graduated from high school, you can enroll in physics, anatomy, radiation, physics, chemistry and biology courses to complete your degree. In addition, you'll also need to take classes in use imaging equipment, conduct MRI or CT exams and computer courses. The classes will give you the knowledge you need to operate the complicated equipment you'll use.

Understanding More Advanced Coursework to Complete Your Training

According to the Diploma Guide, the minimal coursework requirements for a MRI or CT technician degree can include patient safety, medical terminology, clinical training, technology in radiology and radiographic positioning. These classes will allow you to follow safety procedures to keep you and your patients safe and give you the ability to communicate your findings to the health care staff.

Other courses you'll need to enroll in, if your particular program offers them, are principles of imaging, medical ethics, radiobiology, pathology and radiation protection.

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Medical Transcription Refresher Courses

You can complete medical transcription refresher courses online.

Medical transcriptionists assist doctors and other health care professionals by converting verbal information into written format. These professionals hold associate degrees or diplomas and may pursue professional certification from the Association of Healthcare Documentation Integrity. All graduates of recognized training programs may pursue employment in the field, but some transcriptionists may enroll in refresher courses to review and refine their skills. Refresher courses can be helpful to medical transcriptionists who have been out of the field for a few years or would benefit from updating their knowledge of medical terms.

Career Step

Career Step offers online courses for beginners and advanced students. In addition to complete courses in medical transcription and medical transcription editing, Career Step features two types of refresher courses. The Career Step Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT) Exam Prep course prepares students for the CMT exam. Students enrolling in this course must have two years of professional experience. The Career Step Medical Transcription program is designed for any health care professional or recent graduate wanting to build upon existing comprehension of medical terms. Career Step also recommends this course for students fulfilling continuing education requirements.

Meditec

Meditec provides online courses for experienced professionals and students new to medical transcription. Meditec features a cross-training course in medical transcription, billing and coding that is available to both untrained students and medical transcriptionists wanting to enhance their skill sets. This course can refresh former transcriptionists on basic medical terminology and recording. Meditec provides students with medical dictionaries, supplemental practice dictation recordings and all transcription and coding manuals necessary for work.

Andrews School

The Andrews School features a generalized medical transcription course, welcoming both experienced and inexperienced students. Students with previous transcription or other medical expertise must complete all parts of the course. Andrews expects students to work at their own pace and encourages those taking the course as a refresher to use prior medical transcription knowledge. This program provides students with the most updated medical terminology and procedural texts. Andrews also offers resources for networking prior to graduation.

Medical Transcription Education Center

The Medical Transcription Education Center specializes in technological advances such as speech recognition, featuring a course that prepares student for employment in a variety of medical records positions, including medical transcriptionist, health data technologist and medical records analyst. Students may take this course as beginners or experienced professionals seeking a refresher. Beyond the basic course, the Medical Transcription Education Center offers continuing education seminars, including grammar refreshers, legal and medical terminology updates and certified medical transcriptionist exam reviews.

Tags: Career Step, medical transcription, Education Center, medical terminology, Medical Transcription Education, refresher courses, this course

Dental Hygiene Schools In North Carolina

Study and train in North Carolina for a career in dental hygiene.

Students interested in the field of dental hygiene may appreciate knowing that employment in the profession is expected to grow 36 percent through the year 2018, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Dental hygienists may find work in dentists' offices, walk-in clinics and emergency rooms. To become a dental hygienist requires specialized training and education. Throughout North Carolina, students may earn short-term, associate degrees and bachelor's degrees in the field of dental hygiene.

University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina School of Dentistry offers two options for programs in dental hygiene: a bachelor's degree and a certificate. The certificate is a two-year program, with coursework including preclinical dental hygiene, periodontology, clinical dental hygiene, oral microbiology, special care in dentistry, histology and dental radiology. The bachelor's degree is also two years, but requires completion of two years of general electives first, either at the school or an applicable transfer university. Coursework includes dental anatomy, dental materials, community dental health, radiographc interpretation and special care in dentistry. Applicants to either program must undergo two tuberculosis skin tests and three hepatitis B immunizations.

University of North Carolina

School of Dentistry

Manning Drive & Columbia Street

CB #7450

Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7450

919-966-1161

dent.unc.edu

Wake Technical Community College

Earn an associate degree in dental hygiene in 2.5 years at Wake Technical Community College, with courses including dental pharmacology, general and oral pathology, orofacial anatomy, general microbiology, dental office emergencies, nutrition and dental health, dental hygiene theory and community dental health. All students will participate in both classroom lectures and laboratory experience, plus perform real-world procedures at the Wake County Human Services Dental Clinic. Only 24 students are accepted per year to the program; applicants must submit to a criminal background check.

Wake Technical Community College

Department of Dental Hygiene

2901 Holston Lane

Raleigh, NC 27610

919-747-0126

dentalhygiene.waketech.edu

Halifax Community College

Halifax Community College offers a two-year associate degree in dental hygiene, with classes such as materials and procedures, dental hygiene theory, infection/hazard control, dental radiography, dental hygiene clinic and periodontology. Students will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience by working in the Halifax Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic, open to members of the public who receive discounted treatments such as cleanings, scalings, occlusal films, bitewing x-rays and sealants. Applicants must provide proof of having observed dental office procedures and performed dental assisting work.

Halifax Community College

200 College Drive

P.O. Drawer 809

Weldon, NC 27890

252-536-7219

halifaxcc.edu/

Tags: Community College, North Carolina, dental hygiene, dental hygiene, Halifax Community, Halifax Community College, dental health

Medicare Insurance Rules

Medicare is the federal health insurance entitlement program for individuals over 65 years of age and those with end-stage renal failure or Lou Gehrig's disease. Medicare consists of four parts: Part A, which covers basic hospital charges; Part B, which covers physician's charges and lab fees; Part C, or Medicare Advantage, which provides a managed care structure and some additional benefits and services; and Part D, the prescription drug plan.

Eligibility Rules

Generally, you qualify for Medicare if you are over 65. You can also qualify if you have end stage renal disease requiring a kidney transplant or dialysis, and if you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States to qualify. Part A is free for those with at least 40 quarters of qualifying work history. If you have no work history, you will have to pay a premium, which is $450 per month in 2011. If you have between 30 and 39 quarters of work history, you can "buy in" to Medicare Part A by paying a premium of $248. The government periodically adjusts these premiums, so check with Medicare for the most current information.

Part A Deductibles

If admitted to a hospital while a Medicare beneficiary, you are responsible for the first $1,132 out of pocket. Part A pays your costs for the first 60 days of inpatient hospital care in a benefit period. For days 61 through 90, you will pay up to $283 per day out of pocket, and $566 per day after that. For those in nursing facilities, you are liable for a daily co-pay of $141.50 for days 21 through 100.

Enrollment Rules

You receive automatic enrollment in Part A and Part B when you turn 65 if you are collecting Social Security benefits. If you decline enrollment, however, you must generally wait until the Medicare open enrollment period, which is January through March each year. If you don't enroll at your first opportunity, you will have to wait until July 1 of the year in which you enroll for benefits to commence. In most cases, you will want to enroll during the three months before you turn 65. If you wait until after the start of the month in which you turn 65, it will delay your start date for coverage.

Premium Penalties

If you do not sign up for Part A when eligible, you will have to pay a 10 percent penalty for twice the number of years you were eligible for Part A, but didn't enroll. If you decline Part B when first eligible, you will have to pay a penalty of 10 percent of the Part B premium for each year you were eligible for Part B, but did not enroll. This is how the government discourages people from waiting to enroll until they need treatment.

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Difference In High Density Lenses

The index of refraction is an expression of how much lens material bends light.

Understanding the differences in the types of Hi-Index, or high density, lenses is not difficult once you know some basic details about the lenses. Hi-Index lenses are thinner and lighter than standard optical lenses and available in different materials and densities. The key to understanding the different choices in high index lenses involves a number, called the Index of Refraction.

Index of Refraction

The index of refraction (IR) is the difference in the speed of light as it passes through air and into lens material, and is expressed as a number. Regular plastic lenses have an IR of 1.50. High index lenses bend light more efficiently because the lens material is compressed. Thinner lenses have a higher IR number.

Plastic and Glass Lenses

Plastic is the most common material used in spectacle lenses. Standard plastic lenses have an IR of 1.49 or 1.50. Glass lenses are not as popular as plastic because glass is about twice as heavy. Standard glass lenses have an IR of 1.52. A lens with an IR higher than 1.52 is considered to be a Hi-index lens. The most common range for hi-index lenses is between 1.54 and 1.74.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate lenses are lighter than plastic and recommended for children, safety and sports because the material is impact-resistant. Polycarbonate is a hi-index material with an IR of 1.586. The lenses are lighter but, in certain types of prescriptions, the optics are not as crisp or clear as with plastic or glass lenses.

Advancements in Technology in Hi-Index

A lightweight lens, called Trivex, and manufactured by PPG is now available with clearer vision than polycarbonate. The lenses are still lightweight and shatter-resistant but because of the way they are manufactured, the lenses have crisper optics. Trivex has an IR of 1.53. The lenses are more scratch-resistant and tintable than polycarbonate but are slightly thicker.

Choosing a Hi-Index Lens

Your eye care practitioner or optician will help you select the best high density lens for your specific needs. Lens selection usually depends on the strength of your prescription and the size and type of your frame.

Tags: lenses have, lens material, glass lenses, high density, index lenses, index refraction

What Is A Simple Mastectomy

A simple mastectomy is a procedure that is sometimes known as a total mastectomy. The procedure consists of removing the entire breast, nipple, and areola.

Identification

A simple mastectomy is advised when there is a need to remove the entire breast in order to free the body of cancer cells. The procedure, if it does not include reconstruction, takes one to two hours and requires a one- or two-night hospital stay.

Features

To perform a simple mastectomy, surgeons will make a single incision across half of the chest. This will allow them to remove the breast and any lymph nodes that are cancerous.

Surgery

The final stage of the surgery consists of the surgeon placing a plastic tube which is the width of a pen into the breast area. The purpose of this tube is to drain any excess fluid, and it usually remains in the patient's body for a few days after the surgery.

After Surgery

Pain medication is usually prescribed for use for the first three to seven days after surgery. Most women do not report feelings of extreme pain, although some women do report feeling numbness for days after the surgery.

Considerations

If a simple mastectomy is performed in the early stages of cancer, then radiation is not usually recommended. Radiation will be recommended after a simple mastectomy if the tumor is larger than two centimeters, if cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes, or if cancer cells are found close to the wall of the chest.

Tags: cancer cells, days after, days after surgery, simple mastectomy, after surgery, cancer cells found

Aftercare For A Mastectomy

A mastectomy is an operation to remove a breast or both breasts and the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. The surgery is done to cut out the cancer, although some choose to have a mastectomy as a means to prevent breast cancer. After surgery, it is important to follow the doctor's orders for aftercare at home.

Medications

Pain management is important after a mastectomy, as following any major surgery, and patients are often prescribed pain medications to take at home. Pain medications work best when taken on a regular schedule, every four to six hours. Also, after a mastectomy, antibiotics are prescribed to fight infections. Take all of the antibiotics as prescribed to ensure that infection doesn't occur.

Dressing and Wound Care

Once surgery is done, a drainage tube is put in and the incision area is sutured and covered with Steri-Strips. A gauze or plastic wrap is then placed around the chest to protect the incision and tube as well as help reduce swelling. Once home, do not remove the gauze, sutures, or Steri-Strips. Keep a watch on the drainage tube and empty it every three to four hours. Keep a chart that shows the amount of drainage emptied. Watch for clogs and make sure the drain doesn't become blocked. Once the drainage tube is removed, and if you have a plastic dressing, then you may take a shower. Wash the sutured area carefully with soap and water.

Exercise

Light exercise is important after a mastectomy but only when your doctor gives you the okay. Physical therapy is often prescribed for working out the arms and shoulders so that mobility and strength are restored. Walking is also great because it helps with circulation and stiffness. Avoid heavy lifting, driving, or any strenuous activity until your sutures are removed. Performing any type of strenuous activities can result in opening up the wound or reinjury.

Counseling

Anyone who has undergone a mastectomy often become depressed and feels disfigured. Dealing with this radical change to the body can be hard so it's important that patients feeling a loss of self esteem seek the advice of a counselor.

Tags: after mastectomy, drainage tube, antibiotics prescribed, four hours, important after, important after mastectomy, often prescribed

Know You Are Close To Being Through With Menopause

When will menopause be over?

Menopause will affect most woman beginning at about age 51, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you have been experiencing vaginal dryness, mood swings, irregular periods, hot flashes, thinning hair, bloating, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and a loss of the fullness in your breasts along with a dwindling menstrual period, you are in menopause. You will notice these symptoms decreasing slowly over a period of two to 13 years. When these symptoms cease completely and you have not had a menstrual period in over a year, menopause is over.

Instructions

1. Mark your menstrual periods with a calendar, and keep track of the length of time between each period. If you have completely stopped menstruating for a year or longer, it is safe to say that your menopause is over.

2. Monitor your menopausal symptoms. Symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, menstrual spotting and vaginal dryness are clues to let you know that you are still experiencing menopause. If you can determine a dwindling of these symptoms, you may be almost finished with menopause. When these symptoms are completely gone, your menopause is over.

3. Get a blood test to determine your level of follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH). FSHs stimulate the body to produce eggs. If your FSH level is above or near 40 international units per liter, your menopause is almost over.

4. Consult your doctor. If you feel your menopause has been lasting a particularly long time (remember, the process can take up to 13 years) or you still have some symptoms but have been menstruation-free for one year, your doctor can give you an exam and determine how far along you are in menopause.

Tags: menopause over, these symptoms, your menopause, mood swings, have been, menstrual period

Employability Skills In Accounting

Applying for a job in accounting requires that you have the qualifications for the various types of positions found in different companies. Accountants work with the finances of private and public companies. Candidates in accounting must possess certain skills that are necessary to successfully complete the standard duties common in various accounting jobs. Before applying for a position, make sure that you have the skills that make you employable as an accountant.

Analytical

Analytical skills for an accountant are vital. Since you review financial data, you must be able to determine the significance of each piece of information. You should have a grasp of math concepts, as your job requires you to analyze the numbers on various reports that show your organization's financial health. You need to use your analytical skills to resolve any inconsistencies in financial documents and ledgers, ensuring that your conclusions are accurate and consistent with the data you receive.

Communication

As an accountant, you're required to communicate with team members and other employees for a variety of reasons. Working on a project with a team necessitates you discuss the requirements and goals for the end result. When requesting information from members of management and other employees to complete your financial records, you must clearly articulate what you need and why it's important for it to be accurately documented. Also, when giving reports or performing audits, you need to explain complicated financial documents to all levels of employees.

Computer

Accounting positions rely heavily on computer programs to generate reports and other financial documents. You use your computer on a daily basis to input data and other financial information. You must have the skills to navigate a computer program and have it perform the necessary functions so that you can complete your job duties. Reading and interpreting the reports that are formulated by accounting software programs is essential to making recommendations as to the financial stability of your organization.

Business

You need to possess general business skills. Your understanding of how businesses are run and the funds needed to support operations is necessary so that your reports and recommendations are useful and timely. If you're working for an organization that requires a capital improvement account, for example, your skill at ensuring the viability of these funds helps the company's financial portfolio stay strong. Alternatively, if you're an accountant for a nonprofit organization, your business skills in keeping your employer financially secure by recommending staffing requirements and budgeting wisely are important to its smooth long-term operation.

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Balance Breast Size During Breastfeeding

Balance Breast Size During Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to feed and bond with your baby. Balancing your breast size can take a little practice, though. Once you know feed your baby evenly and efficiently, you and your baby can spend this special one-on-one time focused solely on each other. Read on to learn balance breast size during breastfeeding.

Instructions

1. Start breastfeeding on the side that's least full. Your breast makes as much milk as your baby can eat. If he completely drains one side, then that breast produces more for the next time.

2. Nurse for 15 to 20 minutes. This makes sure she gets the hind milk, which has more protein in it than the initial milk your breasts produce.

3. Switch sides and nurse your baby until he's full. Don't pump extra milk from a breast that's overproducing because this causes your breast to make the same amount or more next time. Leaving the milk in your breast is the signal your body needs to slow production on that side. If you are not overproducing, pump the excess milk so the breast doesn't begin to underproduce.

4. Pump in between feedings for 15 to 20 minutes on the full breast and five to 10 minutes longer on the breast that's underproducing. You can avoid pumping if both sides are overproducing or if you're only offering your baby the breast. You can freeze the milk you pump or feed it to your baby in a bottle.

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Cheap Georgia Family Getaways

Families can vacation in Georgia for a low cost.

Many families are watching their budgets but they still want to have fun. Families can vacation in Georgia without breaking the bank. The state is filled with inexpensive family getaways that offer fun for everyone.

Atlanta

Discounts are available for many of Atlanta's most popular attractions. An Atlanta CityPass pays for admission to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, Inside CNN Center Studio Tour, a choice between the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and Atlanta Botanical Garden, and a choice between the High Museum of Art and Atlanta History Center. Discounts are sometimes offered for admission to Six Flags Over Georgia and Stone Mountain Park. A season pass to Six Flags includes five free tickets that can be used on certain dates. Atlanta Tix sells tickets to events for half-price on the day of the show. Atlanta's free attractions include the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site, Centennial Olympic Park, the Governor’s Mansion and Center for Puppetry Arts. Families can save on gas and parking by riding MARTA, the region’s public transportation agency.

Georgia Beaches

There’s no admission cost to Georgia’s public beaches, but some beaches charge for parking. You'll still need a place to stay, of course, The Cumberland Kings Bay Lodge in Saint Marys, on the Atlantic coast, was voted best family and budget accommodation by the Travel Channel website. Rooms include kitchenettes with cooking utensils, dishes, stove, refrigerator, sink, and microwave. Free wireless Internet access, storage units and boat slips also are offered.

Cumberland Kings Bay Lodge

603 San Bar Drive

Saint Marys, GA 31558

912-882-8900

www.cumberlandkbl.com

Georgia Mountains

The North Georgia Mountains are filled with outdoor activities for the entire family. There’s camping, horseback riding, fishing and canoeing. BabyLand General Hospital in the mountain town of Cleveland is home to the Cabbage Patch Kids toy empire. It's part museum and part rehabilitation hospital for the dolls. Admission is free.

BabyLand General Hospital

300 NOK Drive

Cleveland, GA 30528

706-865-2171

www.cabbagepatchkids.com

Tags: BabyLand General, BabyLand General Hospital, choice between, Cumberland Kings, Cumberland Kings Lodge, Families vacation