What Are The Causes Of Spina Bifida Occulta

Spina bifida occulta is one of a variety of congenital defects. While the cause for spina bifida in general is uncertain, there are some habits, treatments, and resources that patients may undertake or utilize in order to decrease the chances of a baby being born with spina bifida.

Explanation

Spina bifida occulta literally means "hidden split spine", though the condition is not typically as painful as it may sound. Essentially, spina bifida occulta ranges from its most common form (a bone anomaly) to its much less-common (but more painful) forms, which range from tethered spines to extra growths or deficiencies in the spinal column.

Causes

The exact cause of spina bifida (occulta or otherwise) is unknown, but various factors play a role. Those factors include genetics and the environment.

Hereditary Causes

A child may be more likely to have spina bifida occulta if a parent or direct sibling is born with the disease. According to the Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA), a child is 5 to 10 times more likely to be born with spina bifida if a "first generation relative" also has the disease. There does not seem to be a direct correlation between specific types of defects; a sibling of an "occulta" patient will not necessarily be born with "occulta", but may be afflicted by another type of the defect.

Environmental Causes

Little is known concerning the possible environmental causes of spina bifida, but proper folic acid levels before and during early pregnancy seem to decrease the risk of spina bifida. According to www.emedicinehealth.com, children with spina bifida have an exceptionally high metabolism rate concerning folic acid, which may suggest the defect is caused by a factor other than a deficiency of folic acid.

Warning

This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Always consult the proper medical authorities if you suspect that you or someone else has any condition whatsoever. This article is not intended to trump any medical advice or input given by a medical professional.

Tags: spina bifida, bifida occulta, born with, with spina bifida, folic acid

Alternative Schools In Wichita Kansas

Alternative schools in Wichita, Kansas, help at-risk students attain their high school diplomas.

Wichita is located in the south-central part of Kansas and is the largest city in the state. It is home to a number of alternative schools, institutions which provide a nontraditional learning environment for its students. Alternative schools tend to have smaller student-to-teacher ratios and emphasize the personal involvement of its students with the learning process. Alternative schools can be tailored for at-risk students, students with special needs, or students who want to pursue a specialized area of study, including visual arts and technology.

Metro-Meridian Alternative High School

Metro-Meridian Alternative High School is geared toward at-risk teenagers who may not be able to graduate in a traditional high school setting. The school offers a full range of classes including programs in art, business, computer studies, language arts, mathematics, physical education, science, and social studies. Students with learning disabilities, aggression, or low grades are welcome to apply to this alternative school. Small class size and flexible schedules allow students to pursue their high school diploma in a more accommodating setting.

Gateway Alternative Program

The Gateway Alternative Program of Wichita Public Schools is an alternative option within a traditional school setting. Directed at students who have exhibited behavioral problems or who are otherwise unlikely to succeed in traditional classroom settings, the program encourages positive classroom behavior for at-risk teens. The Gateway program also encourages an open-door policy for teachers and administrators. Teachers keep students on task by utilizing a daily behavior report point system, available to parents.

Northeast Magnet High School

Alternative schools can also be tailored to students who have high academic standards or who wish to pursue a specialized area of study. Wichita is home to a number of magnet high schools geared to high achievers and those wishing to study art, technology, science, and mathematics. The Northeast Magnet High School in Wichita was ranked among the top high schools in the United States in 2010. Specialized studies in law, mathematics, and the arts are provided at the school.

Earhart Environmental Magnet Elementary School

While high-school students are the predominate targets for alternative schools, Wichita also has middle and elementary alternative school programs. Earhart Environmental Elementary School, for example, is a Wichita-area magnet school that allows elementary students and parents to focus on an environmentally responsible education. It has an emphasis on earth systems and environment and conservation.

Tags: Alternative schools, Alternative High, Alternative High School, Alternative Program, alternative school, alternative schools

Become A Sterile Instrument Technician

A sterile instrument technician cleans the surgical instruments prior to a surgery.

A sterile instrument technician is also called a sterile processing technician or a central service technician. In this job you will work to clean, disinfect, sterilize, assemble, wrap, store and distribute medical instruments, equipment and carts. Sterile instrument technicians also check the condition of instruments and at times work with linens. Locations that perform surgical procedures such as hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices all require a sterile instrument technician. This is considered a growing field. If you have clear written and verbal communication, a basic requirement for the job, take the steps to become a sterile instrument technician.

Instructions

1. Get a high school diploma. A basic requirement for a sterile instrument technician is a high school diploma with a grade point average of at least 2.0. A focus in math, science and biology courses will be helpful in the field.

2. Obtain an associate's degree is surgical technology. While a college degree is not a requirement for the job, it can help you to stand out from the crowd and will help you to obtain the knowledge necessary to perform the job. Alternatively, read about surgical instruments, the sterilization process and the standards of the Association of Peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN).

3. Get certified. Various certifications are available, such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation Central Sterile Certification or a Central Service/Sterile Processing and Distribution (CS/SPD) certification with the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution or the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materials Management.

4. Apply for the job. Take your resume to a local hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices. Search for job openings in newspapers and online job search engines.

Tags: instrument technician, sterile instrument, sterile instrument technician, basic requirement, Central Service

Medical Robotics

Medical Robotics

Medical robotics is am exciting and relatively new field. Robots can be used in medical facilities to perform mundane tasks like delivering patient specimens and records to various areas of the hospital. They can also be highly specialized and assist in diagnosing and treating patients. While there is still much more work to be done, using robots can enhance medical treatment in terms of both the quality and accessibility of care. Using robots can help reduce human error and bring highly specialized information to remote areas without requiring physicians to travel.

History

Medical robotics was first experimented with during the 1980s, in the field of urology. Robotic arms were developed and used to resection the prostate. Robotics was used only in a limited capacity, though, as its imaging capability as regards the prostate was of poor quality. Also during the 1980s, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-Ames Research Center, began to explore the use of robotics for telemedicine. Telemedicine involves using robots to allow a physician to monitor and treat a patient without being in the patient's physical presence. As advances were made, NASA realized the potential application of telemedicine to battlefields, and devoted large amounts of funding to its development.

From 1989 through 2003, several physicians and scientists developed medical robots to help with many types of surgeries, and the FDA began to approve their use. Advances in robotics are continually being made, as more and more products and techniques are becoming available.

Features

A medical robot is a machine that is controlled by a physician through a computerized console. The console can be in the room with the patient or at an outside location. Consoles have one or several robotic arms that are controlled by the physician to do the actual work on the patient. These arms vary greatly in size and shape, depending on the type of surgery they will perform. For the robot to work properly, the surgeon must spend time inputting information into the robot prior to surgery. In addition, the surgeon must map the individual's body through standard diagnostic tests like X-rays and MRIs, so the robot can navigate through the human body correctly. Upon completion, the surgeon must map the best route for the computer to take.

Benefits

The goal of using robots in medicine is to provide improved diagnostic abilities, a less invasive and more comfortable experience for the patient, and the ability to do smaller and more precise interventions. Robots are currently used not just for prostate surgery, but for hysterectomies, the removal of fibroids, joint replacements, open-heart surgery and kidney surgeries. They can be used along with MRIs to provide organ biopsies. Since the physician can see images of the patient and control the robot through a computer, she does not need to be in the room, or even at the same location as the patient. This means that a specialist can operate on a patient who is very far away without either of them having to travel. It can also provide a better work environment for the physician by reducing strain and fatigue. Surgeries that last for hours can cause even the best surgeons to experience hand fatigue and tremors, whereas robots are much steadier and smoother.

Considerations

Along with improved patient care, another aim of making medical robotics mainstream is to cut down on medical costs. However, this is not always the case. Some robotic surgery systems cost more than $1 million to purchase and $100,000 a year or more to maintain. This means that hospitals must evaluate the cost of the machine vs. the cost of traditional care. If robotic surgery cuts down on the trauma and healing time, there is money saved in terms of the number of days the patient stays in the hospital. There is also a reduction in the amount of personnel needed in the operating room during surgery. In contrast, extensive training time is required for physicians to learn to program and operate the machines. Another concern is that there are very few manufacturers of medical robotics. With very little competition, the few manufacturers that exist can set their own prices.

Warning

Medical robotics is still a very new idea, and there is much more work to be done. It is still very expensive, which can make it prohibitive for many hospitals and health-care centers. There are also still issues with latency. This refers to the time lapse between the moments when the physician moves the controls and when the robot responds. Also, there is still a chance for human error if the physician incorrectly programs the robot prior to surgery. Computer programs cannot change course during surgery, whereas a human surgeon can make needed adjustments. As surgeons become more familiar with using robots for surgery, and as more companies provide medical robots, there may come a day when robots are used in almost every hospital. However, this is still far off in the future.

Tags: surgeon must, controlled physician, during 1980s, during surgery, highly specialized, However this

Different Types Of Health Care Careers

There are a variety of career options in the health care field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the health care industry is one of the largest industries, with 14.3 million jobs in 2008. Career options in the health care industry range from physicians to facility managers. There is sure to be a career track in the health care field that will appeal to you and fit your objectives.

Physicians and Surgeons

Physicians and surgeons are health care professionals who examine, diagnose and perform surgeries on patients. In order to be a practicing physician or surgeon, you must posses an M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathic medicine) degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for a primary care physician in 2008 is $186,044, while a physician in a medical specialty can expect a median income of $339,733.

Registered Nurses

Registered nurses assist physicians in treating and giving advice to patients. The work can be strenuous with many registered nurses being on call with short notice. The educational requirements for a registered nurse can vary. Some institutions may require only a diploma while others may prefer an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states the median salary for nurses in May 2008 is $62,450.

Medical and Health Care Managers

Medical and health center managers are in charge of managing health care facilities or departments within a system. Large health care facilities will have assistant managers who help the executive manager run the business smoothly. Most medical and health service managers will have at the minimum a bachelor's degree but a master's degree is most likely needed to advance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for medical and health service managers in May 2008 is $80,240.

Personal Aides

Personal aides help disabled or sick people who need assistance in their home or a health facility. A personal aide tasks may include housekeeping, dressing and grooming as well as preparing meals. More than likely, these tasks will vary daily. This career path can be physically demanding and the hours can be long. There are no educational requirements and most personal aides are trained by registered nurses or experience aides. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for personal aides in May 2008 is $9.22.

Tags: Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, health care, Labor Statistics, According Bureau, According Bureau Labor, Labor Statistics median

Compare High Risk Insurance Companies

Compare High Risk Insurance Companies

Did you have problem getting auto insurance coverage? Have you been classified as a high risk driver after getting tickets for an accident or being convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol? There are only a few companies that provide coverage to such drivers. Each company has different norms for providing high risk coverage. One factor, however, remains common-the premium that is charged for the high risk driver's policy is substantially higher. When you are familiar with what factors the companies decide their premium rates, you will be better able to compare high risk driver quotes.

Instructions

1. Go online and explore your favorite search engines like Google and Yahoo. Note only those companies that provide insurance coverage to high risk drivers.

2. Check out the image and reputation of the company and collect more information on the different companies from their Web sites.

3. Remember there are certain factors that the insurance companies base the premiums on. TThe two major factors are claims experience and the cost of doing business. The companies look into the past driving history of the person seeking insurance coverage. Similarly, companies also consider their set financial targets and the cost of selling and providing services to the customers. Because of this, the premiums differ from one company to another.

4. Collect information about the quotes from different companies for the same kind of high risk coverage. This information will not be easily available online. You may have to call or meet representatives of different companies.

5. Ask specific questions of company representatives, like the clauses governing risks. The risk factor of drivers can vary. Some drivers may be involved in only one accident while others have more tickets. The premium would therefore depend on the past driving record. The higher the risk, the more the premium.

6. Classify the companies based on the premium they charge. For example, find out how much premium a company would charge someone of a particular age and the duration.

7. Get the ranking of these companies. It is easily available online.

8. Learn the impact of state laws while comparing high risk companies. Each company will have different sets of rules for insurance coverage while operating in a specific state.

9. Getting quotes and company rankings will help you to compare and choose the best.

Tags: high risk, insurance coverage, different companies, high risk driver, risk driver

Benign Tumor Symptoms

Tumors fall into two categories: benign and malignant. Malignant tumors are tumors that are cancerous and can cause death or other serious problems. Benign tumors are simply growths that do not spread beyond their borders. Benign and malignant tumors both can grow anywhere in the body. The two types of tumors share many characteristics, but there are some signs that a tumor is probably benign. There are exceptions to tumor symptoms, but for the most part, benign tumors behave in a very specific way that differentiates them from their malignant counterparts.

Borders

Benign tumors have very clearly defined borders and are well-contained, meaning they do not invade the tissues near them. Malignant tumors invade surrounding tissues. When feeling the tumor, smooth edges indicate well-defined borders. Rough edges indicate poorly-defined borders.

Containment

Benign tumors stay in one place. Malignant tumors spread, either to surrounding tissues or to other areas of the body via lymph nodes.

Growth

A slow-growing tumor is most often benign. Those that grow rapidly are at high risk for malignancy. If a tumor is visible from the outside, growth is easy to gauge by simple measurement. If it is internal, measurement by some form of imaging is the only way to tell if it is growing. Any tumor that suddenly appears is most likely fast-growing, and therefore the likelihood of it being benign is lower.

Effects

If a benign tumor is palpable, its well-defined margins and containment make it fairly easy to move around. A malignant tumor sticks to what it invades, making it very difficult to move around.

Identification

While computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are helpful in locating and analyzing the appearance of a tumor, they cannot determine whether a tumor is malignant or benign. The only way to evaluate a tumor for malignancy is by biopsy.

Misconceptions

Tumors presenting with pain are no more likely to be malignant than any other tumor. Benign tumors growing in contained areas may cause significant pain and problems. Brain tumors, gastrointestinal tumors and nerve tumors, even when benign, cause serious pain and organ dysfunction. Some malignant tumors may cause no pain or discomfort whatsoever.

Warning

Any suspected tumor, large or small, warrants a trip to a doctor. Many times, doctors recommend biopsies to ensure that the growth is benign. Malignant tumors may have all the signs of a benign tumor, and if left untreated can cause death. It is imperative to biopsy any growth to eliminate the possibility of malignancy.

Tags: Benign tumors, Benign tumors, cause death, edges indicate, Malignant tumors, move around

Authenticate An Lv Bag

Louis Vuitton bags have distinctive details that can be used to authenticate them.

Louis Vuitton bags are expensive designer bags coveted by many people. Due to high demand and high prices, many counterfeits and fakes are sold on the Internet, in secondhand stores and on the street. The trick to spotting a fake bag is all in the details. Fake bags have flaws, defects and minor tell-tale signs that most people wouldn't notice. Knowing what details to look for will prevent you from getting duped into buying a fake bag. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Date Codes

1. Look for a date code. Louis Vuitton started putting date codes on its products in the early 1980s to help categorize its products. The location of date codes varies among the different bag styles. They are three to six characters long, usually numbers but sometimes letters, that indicate the country the bag was made in and the date it was made.

2. Verify the year on the date code. If there are two letters at the beginning or end of the code, or no letters at all, and the first two numbers are between 80 and 89, then the bag was made in the 1980s. If the first two characters in the code are letters but the first two numbers are not between 80 and 89, then the second number should be a 9, 0 or 1, which indicates it was made between 1990 and 2011.

3. Verify the last number in the date code is a 3 or 4 or higher if the bag has a multicolored print. Louis Vuitton first released multicolored bags in 2003 and 2004, so if a multicolor bag has an earlier date, it is probably fake. The bag may be authentic if the second number and last number are both 1, because that indicates the bag was made in 2011.

Construction and Materials

4. Examine the stitching of the bag. Designer bags are meticulously stitched and shouldn't have any signs of mistakes in the stitching. Messy, sloppy or inconsistent stitching indicates the bag was not made by the designer's company and is most likely counterfeit.

5. Examine the material that the bag is made from. Designers use high-quality materials, such as leather, that generally contain no flaws or defects. Synthetic material indicates a fake product. If the bag is made of leather that is stiff, faded or flawed, it is probably fake.

6. Read the label. Labels inside fake bags often have misspellings, awkward wording and vague descriptions of material content. The labels are sometimes cheaply made and poorly sewn onto the bag.

7. Check the quality of the print. The print on Louis Vuitton bags is made up of small LV initials in rows and lines. The print on fake bags will often have uneven rows with letters partially obscured by seams. An authentic bag will have even, symmetrical rows that line up on all sides of the bag, and every initial is usually visible.

8. Count the number of colors on a multicolored print bag. Multicolored Louis Vuitton bags have 33 colors. If the bag has fewer colors than that and some of the colors are faded, the bag is most likely fake.

Tags: Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton bags, Vuitton bags, bags have, date code, indicates made, between then

Pilonidal Cyst Information

A pilonidal cyst refers to a defect in the sacral region (tailbone) that can contain hair, skin and tissue, according to the Mayo Clinic. The cyst can be harmless or it can become infected and cause pain, swelling, and fluid drainage. Pilonidal cysts occur most in young white men with an increased amount of hair in the sacral region (Reference 2)

Symptoms

The symptoms of a pilonidal cyst include pain and swelling over the tailbone area, and pus (fluid-like substance) leaking from the area. Call your doctor if you have these symptoms.

Population

According to the Mayo Clinic, pilonidal cysts are found in more men than women. They occur most commonly in people between the ages of 15 to 24, although any age can be affected.

Cause

Pilonidal cysts are congenital (present at birth) or acquired. According to the Mayo Clinic, disruption of loose hair on the tailbone through trauma or friction (rubbing the skin or wearing tight clothing) can lead to pilonidal cysts.If loose hair penetrates the skin, the body sees the hair as a foreign object and starts to attack it. This results in a pilonidal cyst.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for pilonidal cyst include family history, tailbone injury, obesity, and increased hair and sweating in the tailbone area.

Treatment

According to the Mayo Clinic, the first treatment for an infected pilonidal cyst includes incision (cutting) and drainage by a doctor. If the pilonidal cyst remains infected, surgery is necessary.

Tags: Mayo Clinic, According Mayo, pilonidal cyst, pilonidal cyst, According Mayo Clinic, cyst include, loose hair

Possible Signs Of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a growing concern; it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer so it may be diagnosed early. Any changes in the breasts should be discussed with a doctor, and specific changes can be strong indicators of breast cancer. However, many of the signs of breast cancer may have other causes that are less serious. For this reason, new symptoms should be addressed immediately.

Lump

A lump in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer. There is usually no pain associated with the lump. A thickening of the breast may also indicate breast cancer.

Discharge

Discharge from the nipple may indicate breast cancer. The discharge may be either clear or bloody. Any discharge other than breast milk could be a symptom.

Nipple Changes

Another sign of breast cancer may be a change in the nipple. The nipple may indent or retract as a result.

Breast Size

Breast cancer may cause a change in the size of the breast. The contour of the breast may also change.

Skin Changes

Changes in the skin on the breast may be caused by breast cancer. This may include indentation, redness or pitting of the breast skin.

Pain

Pain in the nipple is sometimes associated with breast cancer. General breast pain can also be an indicator of breast cancer.

Swelling

Swelling of the breast may accompany breast cancer. The swelling may affect the entire breast or only a portion of the breast.

Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer, associated with, breast also, indicate breast

Top Reasons For Declining Medical Coverage

The costs of health care has become a cause for concern. Without health coverage, a person can find himself in serious debt for health afflictions that aren't even life-threatening. Insurance polices help in paying the costs, but they do not always cover the expenses. Insurance companies can deny an applicant coverage and refuse payment for several reasons, such as personal medical history, family medical history, medications and profession.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Having certain pre-existing conditions doesn't automatically deny a person coverage, but if the applicant fails to list any prior illnesses that the insurance company defines as pre-existing, payments for medical services might be denied. When a person applies for medical coverage, the company will present him with a list of afflictions. If the applicant has had any history with the affliction, he needs to let the insurance company know. Some afflictions will result in a denial of coverage, while others might lead to a higher insurance premium being charged.

Family Medical History

Private insurance companies especially are reluctant to offer policies to people with family histories of cancer, aids, diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis or lupus. Group medical insurers aren't quite as strict, but an applicant still needs to disclose family medical histories to them.

Medications

Certain medications make insurance companies reluctant to offer policies. An applicant who has a history of taking certain drugs for arthritis, headaches/migraines, heartburn, angina or depression might find that her insurance claims and applications for coverage are denied. This isn't to say that the drugs are dangerous or will cause life-threatening disorders. Insurance companies fear the diseases that the medications are associated with in terms of offering coverage.

Profession

Certain professions can create problems when it comes to getting a health insurance policy. Air traffic controllers might find getting coverage difficult due to the amount of stress involved. Furthermore, anyone who works in crop dusting also may have a difficult time. Crop dusting involves exposure to chemicals that could bring about a serious illness later in life. Other professions include firefighters, police, professional athletes, window washers, sandblasters and stuntmen.

Tags: applicant history, family medical, insurance companies, Insurance companies, insurance company

Disinfect Laundry Against The Herpes Virus

Washing the right way will kill the herpes virus.

If you have an active herpes infection, you may inadvertently transmit the virus to others who contact your dirty clothing or used, damp towels. You can also spread the infection to other areas of your body. Fortunately, the herpes virus can be killed via laundering clothing and other materials. Laundering clothing, towels, wash cloths and other items that have come into contact with you is very important during an outbreak. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place a load of clothing and washable items in your washing machine. According to Chicago Help, you don't need to separate the contaminated clothes from other clothes as washing will destroy the virus.

2. Add laundry detergent and household bleach to the clothes, if the items are white and can handle bleach. For colored material, you'll be safer using a quaternary disinfectant in the wash, according to the New Mexico State University Extension. One example of a quaternary disinfectant is Lysol.

3. Wash the clothing on the hot water setting. When the load is finished, dry the laundry in a clothes dryer on the highest heat setting, or outdoors in direct sunlight. All of the virus should be already dead after washing, but you can take this extra step of drying in high heat or sunlight for extra peace of mind.

Tags: herpes virus, quaternary disinfectant

Read Your Bone Density Test

According to the Mayo Clinic, bone fracture, particularly of the hip, is one of the most prevalent causes of illness among the elderly and frequently results from a loss of bone density---osteoporosis. A bone density test, also called a bone mineral density (BMD) test can predict the risk of bone fracture in post-menopausal women. According to a 2005 study in the "Journal of Endocrinological Investigation" there is still some uncertainty whether the scoring can predict fracture in men as well as it does in women.

Instructions

1. Request a copy of the actual laboratory results from the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry bone density test, commonly called a DEXA test. It should contain two scores, a T-score and a Z-score.

2. Refer to the T-Score, which represents a statistical calculation of the number of standard deviation units above or below the average bone density of a normally healthy young woman.

3. Consider your bone density normal if it is above minus-1. Interpret the score as indicating osteopenia, that is, lowered bone density if it is a number smaller than minus-1 (for example minus-1.5) but greater than minus-2.5.

4. Read a T-Score that is smaller than minus-2.5 (for example, minus-3) as an indication of osteoporosis.

5. Note the second score, the Z-score. This compares your bone density to the average reading for other individuals sharing your age range and gender. If your Z-score equals zero, then it matches the average, placing you in the 50 percentile. That is, 50 percent of your Z group have better bone density and 50 percent have less.

6. Use the percentile table provided by the University of Washington in their Web explanatory reference "Osteoporosis and Bone Physiology" to translate your Z-score to a percentile ranking. As an example, a Z-score of minus-0.68 places an individual in the 25th percentile, which means 75 percent of the comparable group has a higher bone density. A Z-score of plus-0.68 puts a person in the 75th percentile, which indicates an individual probably at less bone fracture risk than 75 percent of the age/sex group.

Tags: bone density, bone fracture, density test, percentile which, results from, smaller than

Health Care Options For The Uninsured

Healthcare is one of the most costly and essential expense for individuals, families, businesses, and communities. Health insurance is designed to cover healthcare costs such as prescription medications, doctor and hospital visits, any necessary treatments, and any necessary lab work, tests, or scans. For those who can't afford health insurance there are many options available.

Mini-clinics

Mini-clinics are found in many drugstores such as CVS, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart. They offer clinical advice from nurse practitioners and physicians assistants for a small fee. The fees vary by illness and clinic, with some illnesses costing a flat rate. These mini-clinics offer diagnosis and treatment of minor illness such as sinus infections, bladder infections, and pinkeye. Some clinics also offer preventative care in the form of cholesterol screenings, high blood pressure prevention, and screening for diabetes, as well as vaccinations. The nurse practitioners and physicians assistants staffed at these mini-clinics are all authorized to prescribe medications and the clinics are usually open seven days a week.

Community Health Centers

Community Health Centers are publicly and privately funded health centers that provide primary care, preventative health, and gynecological services to patients of all ages. They differ from free clinics as they are overseen by the government and held to a regulated standard of care, which is not always the case with free clinics. Services include everything from routine exams, to pap smears, to STD testing and counseling, to prescriptions. Many times these medical centers provide the same or similar care to that of a standard doctor's office. The cost for all services is based on income level and patients are only asked to pay amounts appropriate to their income level. Most of these clinics are state or federally funded, but also take private donations to provide more quality care to their patients.

TelaDoc Medical Services

TeleDoc is a medical service that allows patients to speak directly, either online or by phone, with a licensed physician who can diagnosis minor symptoms and prescribe medication. The service is available 24 hours a day and is not meant to replace regular doctor's visits or a primary care physician. It is best suited for patients who recognize the symptoms of a previously treated illness, such as strep throat, and need a confirmed diagnosis and prescription. The service costs a small monthly membership fee and charges a flat fee each time the patient is connected with a physician. Physicians will usually respond to inquiries within three hours.

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood clinics are similar to Community Health Centers in that they are regulated by the government and so are held to certain standards of care. They also rely primarily on state funding and donations. Planned Parenthood was originally designed for women and their reproductive health, although services for men are available. The standard services that all clinics provide are routine pap tests, STD testing, breast exams, menopausal help, birth control counseling, and gynecological infections. Services may vary by clinic depending on funding. Like Community Health Centers, Planned Parenthood clinics charge patients on a sliding scale based on their income level.

2-1-1 Services

2-1-1 is a telephone service provided by United Way and AIRS, the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems. Available in most communities, it offers information on essential social services such as healthcare, housing options and support groups. The information offered by 2-1-1 includes community services in basic human needs, physical and mental health resources, employment support, support for older Americans and persons with disabilities, support for children, youth, and families, and volunteer opportunities and donations.

Tags: Community Health, Community Health Centers, Planned Parenthood, Health Centers, income level, free clinics

Clean Calcium Deposits

While the actual process of removing calcium buildup from tile, toilet porcelain or other common build-up areas is pretty straightforward, you will probably end up putting in a lot of work before you are done. Make sure you have all of your materials on hand before you get started, since a lot of these techniques work best in combination. Once you are ready, pull on your rubber gloves and "dive in." Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Chip away excessive scaling and deposits. Use the putty knife to chip away at heavy, built-up calcium. Be careful, since if you dig your putty knife into the porcelain you can damage the finish. Once you get most of the excess calcium off and have only a thin layer close to the porcelain, set your putty knife aside.

2. Attack the calcium build-up with a batch of lemon juice and vinegar. There is no need to dilute the mixture with water since household vinegar is already diluted, which means it will take longer to impact the calcium. You can use two cups of vinegar and a cup of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to the calcium by laying a saturated cleaning cloth over the build-up, or if the build-up is in your toilet, just pour the whole thing in. You can leave the mixture on the calcium stains for up to 24 hours.

3. Scrub off the remainder of the calcium build-up, using the scrub brush. The vinegar and lemon juice should have eaten away at the crust and loosened up the calcium deposits. At this point, you should be able to scrub most, if not all, of the remaining calcium away.

4. Sand off any remaining calcium deposits. Use the wet and dry sandpaper. Do not get too aggressive or you will sand through your porcelain's finish. Be gentle and rinse the area often so that you can tell when you have completely removed the calcium from the area.

5. Refinish the porcelain. Once the area has dried, you may notice that your efforts have left some nicks and scratches. Use a spray porcelain finish to quickly clean up the area, and your bathtub will soon be looking just like new.

Tags: lemon juice, putty knife, calcium build-up, calcium deposits, mixture calcium

Mri Technologist Certification

MRI technologists are radiologic technologists who specialize in magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic test. Certification as an MRI technologist is offered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Certification Requirements

In order to obtain MRI technologist certification, you must graduate from a program accredited by the ARRT. You must also be of good moral character and pass an exam. Most exams are formatted as multiple choice questions. The certification exam for magnetic resonance imaging is approximately four hours long.

Benefits

Becoming certified as an MRI technologist is voluntary, but many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified. ARRT certification indicates that a candidate has met a nationally recognized standard for medical imaging.

Retaining Certification

Because of advancing technology and changing job responsibilities, MRI technologists need to continually update their skills and knowledge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retaining MRI technologist certification requires completing 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

Tags: magnetic resonance, magnetic resonance imaging, resonance imaging, technologist certification

Write A Column For A School Newspaper

Whether or not you're an aspiring journalist, writing a column for your school newspaper can be a great way to gain professional experience and expertise on a certain topic. As with any endeavor, the way you approach your job as a columnist has a lot to do with what you'll get out of the experience of writing for your school newspaper.

Instructions

1. Choose a column topic that appeals to a broad student body. While airplane models or chess may be interesting to you, try to come up with a column topic that engages the larger audience of your school. While it might not interest everyone, if your column can appeal to a broad audience and is something you're knowledgeable about, then you're off to a good start.

2. Get both sides of the story. Whether you're writing about the controversy over the canceled school dance or the new dress code policy, be sure to get both sides of the story, preferably with direct--and verified--quotes.

3. Check with administration, when in doubt. You might think that your latest gossip column on two teachers that you suspect are having an affair together would make a great article, but your principal would probably think otherwise. Even if you welcome the reactions of a controversial column, remember that the school paper as a whole could suffer as a result, in loss of funding or other privileges.

4. Consider how your column could help you with future opportunities. Even if you just write your column for fun or class credit, consider how you can use the experience to your advantage after you've finished high school or post-secondary school. Be sure to keep clippings of your school newspaper column and list the experience on your resume.

Tags: your school, your column, your school newspaper, both sides, both sides story, column topic, column topic that

Cure Calcium Deposits Naturally

Calcium deposits can show up in joints, kidneys or scar tissue. The cause is unknown, but there are things you can do to help reduce the pain caused by calcium deposits. One is to flush them out of your system with magnesium citrate. Another is therapeutic massage. Always consult your doctor about health concerns before starting new treatment plans.

Instructions

Cure Calcium Deposits Naturally

1. Take magnesium citrate in the morning for one week as directed on the label or by your doctor. Do not take magnesium citrate for more than a week unless prescribed by your doctor.

2. Stretch and mobilize any joints or other body locations that may be affected by calcium deposit pain.

3. Get therapeutic massage. For those who suffer from arthritis or have excess scar tissue, therapeutic massage will help increase circulation and promote the dismissal of the calcium deposits. It will also help prevent future deposit buildup. A therapeutic masseuse who understands your condition can focus on the areas of concern.

Tags: magnesium citrate, therapeutic massage, your doctor, Calcium Deposits Naturally, Cure Calcium, Cure Calcium Deposits

Allied Health Schools And Colleges In Arizona

Nurses are part of the allied heath workforce.

More than half of the total health care workforce is comprised of allied health care workers who provide a wide range of care and services. As a critical part of health care teams worldwide, individuals in this field offer diagnostic, technical and direct patient care. Examples of allied health care careers include athletic trainers, nurses, dietitians and paramedics. For anyone pursuing this path, there are allied health schools and colleges in Arizona.

Apollo College

Apollo College has four campuses in Arizona, located in Mesa, Phoenix, Phoenix Westside and Tucson. This educational institution has been established for more than three decades and has graduated more than 50,000 students. Program options vary by campus and include medical, dental and health care professional programs. In addition, veterinary assisting is offered at the Mesa, Phoenix and Tucson campuses. Medical programs include diagnostic medical sonography, medical billing and coding, and respiratory care. Dental assisting, fitness training and message therapy programs also are available.

Apollo College

877-205-1458

apollocollege.edu

Arizona College of Allied Health

Arizona College of Allied Health is situated 11 miles northwest of Phoenix in Mesa. Associate degrees are available for students who graduate from the medical assisting and health information technology programs. Additional programs include massage therapy, phlebotomy and dental assisting. The curriculum for the Allied Health Administration Health Information Technology Associate Degree, for instance, consists of approximately 60 weeks of coursework with classes offered in the morning, afternoon and evening. Students are required to complete a five-week clinical externship.

Arizona College of Allied Health

4425 W. Olive Ave.

Glendale, AZ 85302

602-222-9300

arizonacollege.edu

Pima Medical Institute

Pima Medical Institute (PMI) has 12 campuses, three of which are in Arizona. PMI offers certificate, associate and bachelor's degree programs. Bachelor's degrees in radiological services and respiratory therapy are offered online. Seven on-site associate degree programs are offered in areas such as nursing, ophthalmic medical technician and veterinary technician. Certificate programs include nursing assistant and pharmacy technician. Each of the campuses offers different programs and degree options.

Pima Medical Institute

800-477-7462

pmi.edu

Tags: health care, Apollo College, Arizona College, Arizona College Allied, College Allied, College Allied Health

Radiology Employment Growth

Radiology professionals use several types of imaging techniques, including X-rays.

Radiology is a wide field encompassing a variety of careers. Doctors and technicians who work in radiology can specialize in a number of fields and work in a number of different types of health facilities. Those trained to read diagnostic images can even work from home in some cases.

Job Descriptions

Doctors and technicians working in radiology are trained to use imaging technology and to read its results. They also often conduct "image-based interventions like endoscopic stenting or occulsion of neurovasculature (brain blood vessels) and CT-guided biopsies," according to the MomMD website. Some of the specific fields and occupations in radiology include nursing, dosimetery (studying the effects of treatment at the tissue and cellular level), oncology, physicist, echo cardiography. Those working in oncology may administer and monitor radiation treatment for cancer patients. Others may work with imaging of the heart.

Radiology professionals work with computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, ultrasound and other technologies used in diagnostic imaging.

Job Outlook

The outlook for jobs in radiology is good in general. Radiology technician and technologists can expect opportunities in their profession to grow by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2008, which is faster than average.

Employers

Hospitals will likely continue to be the largest employer of radiology professionals. However, doctors' offices and independent imaging centers will supply more and more jobs as the focus of healthcare moves to outpatient services.

Factors

As the country's population ages, the need for radiology professionals increases. In addition, insurance companies find that imaging reduces the costs of treatment of many illnesses when it is used early in the illness' course. So, insurance companies are more likely to pay for medical imaging services, creating more jobs. Some local economies are full of radiologists, and those that are willing to relocate can find more opportunities. In addition, those trained in multiple imaging technologies can find more jobs.

Those leaving the field due to career change or retirement create jobs for radiology professionals. Those that have found positions as sales representatives for imaging companies or who are trainers and program directors in the educational field also make room for new employees in the field.

Tags: more jobs, Doctors technicians, find more, insurance companies, jobs radiology, radiology professionals

What Are The Benefits Of Going Green

Going green doesn't have to mean drastic lifestyle changes. A few simple adjustments to your daily routine can put some extra cash in your pocket, improve your health and help save the planet. Does this Spark an idea?

Fuel Efficiency

Drive slower and you'll increase fuel efficiency by at least 15 percent.

Better Air Quality

Choose VOC-free paints for your next home remodeling project. They emit fewer chemicals and keep your indoor air cleaner.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Reduce the amount of trash you contribute to landfills by choosing products with less packaging. Buy in bulk, and skip the bottled water; use tap instead.

Better Health

Walking and biking when you can has immediate health benefits. You will also save money on gas and reduce carbon emissions.

Better Communities

Buying locally supports small businesses and farms. Choose local produce whenever you can--many fruits and vegetables travel over 1,000 miles to reach your plate.

Tags:

Test Stereoscopic Vision

You can see around objects because of stereoscopic vision.

The human eyes and brain work together, in a fashion similar to speakers and a stereo. Each eye's retina picks up a pattern from light, which is then sent through the option nerve to the brain. The two images are married within the brain to create a three-dimensional view of the world. Commonly referred to as stereoscopic vision, people have ranging degrees of stereoscopic vision. Ophthalmologists and neuropsychologists often test stereoscopic vision; however this easy task can be completed right in the living room of your home.

Instructions

1. Sit in a comfortable chair in a well-lit room. Turn off the radio, television or any other distractions. Your eyes and brain work together to create stereoscopic vision; it will help to focus only on the task at hand. Put on your glasses or contact lenses if they are prescribed.

2. Hold a pencil or one finger approximately 12 inches in front of your nose at eye level. Look at a point on the wall past your finger or pencil. You should now see two pencils or fingers, rather than one, in front of your nose as you continue to look at the wall. This is what your eyes actually see--two images of every object you look at because you have two eyes. The images are married in the brain to construct a three-dimensional, or stereoscopic, image.

3. Focus again on your finger or pencil. The two images should converge into one. If they do not, try to again focus past your finger at a point on the wall and blink a few times to moisten your eyes. Diplopia, or double vision, is a normal part of stereoscopic vision. Convergence insufficiency is a condition that can be mistaken for learning disabilities, as the child or adult cannot focus his stereoscopic vision and track objects across a page.

4. Consider speaking with your doctor if you cannot either split the solitary object into two by looking past it, or if you have difficulty turning it back into one object when you focus on it. If problems with stereoscopic vision are caught early, such as within the first 10 years of life, the corrective measures may help school and learning problems from developing.

Tags: stereoscopic vision, your finger, brain work, brain work together, eyes brain, eyes brain work

Social Security Administration Medicare Benefits For The Aged

As of 2009 Medicare provides health insurance coverage to nearly 46 million individuals.

Social Security amendments in 1965 created the Medicare health insurance program and as of January 1966 Medicare covered about 19 million Americans age 65 and older. Coverage expanded in 1973 to recipients of disability benefits and kidney dialysis or transplant patients. Medicare originally had two basic parts -- Hospital and Medical Insurance. Legislation in 1985, 1987 and 2003 added optional ways to receive Medicare covered services and prescription drug benefits.

Original Medicare

Originally, Medicare had two parts: Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance and Part B Medical Insurance. Part A covers inpatient charges by hospitals and skilled nursing facilities as well as hospice care. Hospital Insurance is free for workers who have worked long enough under Social Security because 1.45 percent of Social Security taxes goes into the Medicare Trust Fund to finance Part A. Medicare Part B receives financing from both the federal government and premiums that recipients must pay, which vary yearly. It generally covers 80 percent of the costs of physician's services inside and outside the hospital, outpatient and home health-care services and durable medical equipment. It also pays for some preventative services like flu shots and mammograms.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage allows Medicare recipients to receive their Medicare-covered services from private organizations that contract with Medicare. The organizations include health maintenance organizations, preferred provider plans and fee-for-service plans, which establish fixed fees that physicians can accept or decline. The Medicare Advantage plans must provide all the same coverage as original Medicare. Most provide smaller deductibles and co-pays than regular Medicare, plus coverage of additional items Medicare usually does not pay for, such as routine dental and optometry services. To enroll, recipients must have both parts A and B of Medicare.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare offered prescription drug coverage--Medicare Part D,effective January 1, 2006. Enrollment is optional, and recipients must pay a monthly premium, which varies with the plan and insurance company. Recipients of either Medicare Part A or Part B can enroll during either their initial Medicare enrollment period, or an open season each November 15 through December 31. Failure to enroll when first eligible could result in larger premiums. Recipients choose a plan and enroll with a private carrier, which contracts with Medicare to provide the coverage. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid specify the different policies and the minimum coverage each policy must offer. Many Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part D coverage.

Help with Medicare Premiums

Social Security administers the Medicare Prescription Drug Extra Help program, which helps recipients pay their Part D premiums. Recipients apply online at Social Security's website or at their local office. To qualify, the recipient's income and assets must fall below certain thresholds. The federal government may pay all or part of the premiums for prescription drug coverage, depending on the cost of the chosen plan. If a recipient qualifies for the Extra Help program, her chosen drug plan also provides reduced annual deductibles and co-pays on covered prescriptions.

Tags: Social Security, Medicare Part, Medicare Advantage, prescription drug, recipients must, with Medicare

Recover From Breast Cancer Surgery

Surgery is a common treatment for women with breast cancer. They may remove the affected breast through a mastectomy, try to save the breast with a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, or undergo axillary lymph node removal. Breast reconstruction can also occur, which is another surgery from which women would need to recover.

Instructions

1. Care for the tubes coming out of your surgery site. These drain blood and lymph fluid that collects as you heal. Your medical team will tell you what to do, everything from emptying and measuring how much fluid is collecting. The drains usually stay connected for one to two weeks.

2. Move your arms as you recover from breast cancer surgery. Most doctors will not put your arm or arms in a sling, because they want to accelerate the healing process. You may feel pain free, but notice tingling, numbness or pinching in your underarm area.

3. Follow your doctor's instructions on recognizing infection, exercises and when to resume wearing a bra. Each case is different because of the individual circumstances.

4. Eat what the doctor advises and avoid the foods he says are not a good idea. Following the recovery plan as close as possible will speed your progress. Use pain medications and possible antibiotics if needed.

5. Understand the emotional impact of breast cancer surgery. Your body image may suffer following such a life-altering procedure.

6. See your doctor one to two weeks after surgery. He will go over the pathology report results and discuss what type of additional treatment is needed. You may be sent to a medical oncologist or a radiation oncologist for further treatment.

Tags: breast cancer, your arms, your doctor

Orthopedic Technician Job Description

An orthopedic technician is an expert in applying casts.

An orthopedic technician (sometimes called an orthopedic technologist) assists physicians and nurses with the care and treatment of orthopedic patients. An orthopedic tech specializes in casting, bracing and splinting and is an expert in applying plaster and synthetic casts. According to the National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists, an orthopedic tech can skillfully remove casts and knows the general principles of traction techniques.

Job Tasks

The job duties of an orthopedic technician might include fitting and applying pre-operative braces, crutches and other soft goods; helping prepare and apply casts and orthopedic appliances; and removing sutures, casts and splints. The tech may also assist with orthopedic procedures, including wound care, aspirations, minor surgical procedures and fracture reductions.

The tech may give patients instructions concerning cast care and the use of orthopedic appliances. The tech may prepare or set up traction as requested by the physician and can assess patients in traction, detect deficiencies in the equipment and make adjustments as needed. In addition, the tech may clean and stock the cast and soft goods room, order special supplies or equipment, and coordinate collection of patient data.

Skills and Abilities

Orthopedic techs need a strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology and expertise in the different materials and equipment involved in casts, splints and braces. The job requires physical effort, including the abilities to sit or stand for an extended time and to push, pull, squat, twist, turn, lift, bend, stoop and reach overhead. An orthopedic tech must also work effectively under stress or emergency situations.

An orthopedic technician also requires interpersonal and communication skills, including being empathetic, tactful and courteous, and an attention to detail and the ability to prioritize responsibilities.

Training

The minimum training for an orthopedic technician is a high school diploma followed by completion of a training program from a hospital, community college, technical school or the military. Some colleges offer an Associate of Applied Science in Orthopedic Technology.

Certification

The National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists offers certification for orthopedic technicians. Certification requires passing a 150-question exam that covers assessing patients; applying casts, splints and braces; applying and adjusting traction; and surgical procedures and protocols.

Salary

Education Portal reports that to a survey by the National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists found the average starting salary is $13 to $15 an hour for non-certified orthopedic technicians and $17.80 to $19.80 an hour for those who are certified. According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary for an orthopedic technician in the U.S. is $43,000.

Tags: orthopedic technician, casts splints, Orthopaedic Technologists, orthopedic tech, applying casts, Association Orthopaedic, Association Orthopaedic Technologists

Schools To Become An Xray Tech In Pennsylvania

Students in Pennsylvania have a number of schools to choose from that offer X-ray technician programs.

Also referred to as radiologic technicians, X-ray technicians are the individuals responsible for producing X-ray images of patients' bodies to diagnose a condition. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to see employment opportunities grow by 17 percent before 2018. To pursue a career as an X-ray tech, a degree from an approved training program and a state license is required. Pennsylvania has a number of schools that provide the necessary training to pass the licensing exams and obtain employment.

Drexel University

Students attending Drexel University have the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science in radiologic technology through the university's College of Nursing and Health Professions. The program requires 21 months of study to complete, with summer courses required. Students learn skills in radiographic exposure, radiologic procedures, patient care methods, anatomy and physiology, radiation biology and radiologic physics. In addition, all students must participate in seven clinical practice rotations before graduation. As of the 2010 academic year, tuition costs at Drexel University are $16,300 per year. The school offers a number of financial aid options for students to choose from.

Drexel University

3141 Chestnut St.

Philadelphia, PA 19104

215-895-2000

drexel.edu

Community College of Allegheny County

The Associate of Science in radiologic technology offered by the Community College of Allegheny County provides students with the opportunity to earn degrees in four regular semesters, with two summer semesters required. After being accepted by the community college, students have to apply separately to the radiologic technology program. Courses include anatomy and physiology, radiologic technology, physics, health science and radiography, and general education coursework. In addition to classroom training, students must also complete five clinical practice experiences to learn hands-on skills. Prospective students can expect tuition costs of $85 per credit hour as of 2010. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available.

Community College of Allegheny County

808 Ridge Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-237-2511

ccac.edu

Community College of Philadephia

Graduates of the Community College of Philadelphia earn an Associate of Science in diagnostic medical imaging that requires 24 months of study to complete. Students must attend classes during the fall, spring and summer semesters to meet the requirements for graduation. Training is provided in the fields of radiographic technology, fluoroscopic settings, emergency room procedures, operating room procedures, performing mobile X-rays, anatomy and physiology and angiographic radiology. Students must also participate in clinical practice experiences during the course of their studies. As of 2010, tuition costs at the Community College of Philadelphia are $128 per credit hour, with a number of financial assistance programs available to students who qualify.

Community College of Philadelphia

1700 Spring Garden St.

Philadelphia, PA 19130

215-751-8010

ccp.edu

Tags: Community College, Drexel University, radiologic technology, Allegheny County, anatomy physiology, Associate Science

About Alcoholics

About Alcoholics

Alcoholics are generally believed to be some kind of easily identifiable type, but the fact is that there are several different types. While alcoholism is medically defined as a disease, debate still rages over whether this is an accurate description of the effects of alcohol dependence.

Identification

For most of civilization, alcoholics were considered weak-willed individuals who did not know when to say enough is enough. In the latter half of the 20th century, alcoholism came to be defined as a disease technically known as alcohol dependence syndrome. There is still some debate over whether alcoholism should be defined as a disease. However, the American Medical Association's definition of what constitutes a disease is so vague that it makes practically every form of deviant behavior inclusive.

Misconceptions

One of the biggest misconceptions about alcoholics is the image of the main character from the 1980s film "Arthur"--the kind of person who seems eternally tipsy and always has a drink in his hand. In fact, many alcoholics can go for days and weeks and even months without having a drop of alcohol. These types of alcoholics are known as binge drinkers. These alcoholics do not make a habit of drinking, but whenever they do it is always to excess and results in the symptoms most closely associated with alcoholism.

Features

Alcoholics can exhibit a variety of symptoms. Among the most obvious are slurred speech, lack of balance and dulled reflexes. The more expansive symptoms include increased tension and anxiety and a failure to behave in ways considered normal. For instance, a person who is normally shy and reserved may become obnoxious and even aggressive. Alcoholics also tend to allow drink to interrupt their daily lives: Relationships can suffer, work suffers, and many even begin to exhibit signs that they do not enjoy the pleasures of life to the extent that they used to.

Warning

Many alcoholics will reject and deny the accusation that they have developed an unhealthy dependence on alcohol. Even when the signs that their alcoholism is destroying themselves and harming those around them, the first reaction is usually to lash out against the accuser rather than admit to the problem. For this reason, the concept of the "intervention" became popular as a way of confronting an alcoholic with as many people whom the alcoholic's behavior has negatively affected as possible.

Types

Medical research has concluded there are five distinct types of alcoholics. The most predominant type of alcoholic is the young adult subtype. Roughly one-third of all alcoholics fall into this large subtype, and they are characterized by their youth and the fact that they are least likely to seek or even accept help to treat their addiction. Another characteristic of the young adult subtype is that they tend to be binge drinkers rather than regular drinkers of alcohol.

Types

The next most common type of alcoholic is known as the young antisocial subtype. This group accounts for about one-fifth of alcoholics and must deal not only with alcohol abuse but with the fact that most exhibit some kind of antisocial personality disorder. Almost as common is the functional subtype, who are older than the first two types and more affluent and stable. These alcoholics tend to be everyday drinkers.

Types

The intermediate familial subtypes make up about as much of the alcoholic population as functional subtype. The defining characteristic of this subtype is that they tend to have family members who are also alcoholics, indicating a possible genetic predisposition for alcoholism among some people. The least common type of alcoholic, making up less than 10 percent of the alcoholic population, is known as the chronic severe alcoholic. Members of this type tend to abuse other illegal drugs and exhibit the most dysfunctional behavior.

Tags: that they, defined disease, fact that, type alcoholic, About Alcoholics, adult subtype, alcohol dependence

What Are Service Guide Dogs

Service dogs help disabled individuals perform a variety of tasks.

The help that dogs provide as service guide dogs is wide and varied. Guide dogs can be the ears for the deaf, eyes for the blind, and calm for those with mental health issues. There are many areas in which a dog can be trained to help a human companion, most notably for the blind. People who are deaf, suffer from seizures, or are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder can be helped with the use of a service dog specially trained to meet their needs.

Guide Dogs

Whenever someone talks about service animals, initially you may think of a "seeing eye" dog that is trained to service the blind. These highly trained animals are prized by their owners for their ability to stop them when they see traffic on the street or stop them when they are entering into an unsafe situation. One of the most prominent members of the seeing eye dog community, The Seeing Eye, has as its motto, "Independence and Dignity." This group, founded in 1929, helps the blind and visually impaired find the right canine for their needs. Participants in Seeing Eye travel to Morristown, New Jersey to spend a month training with their new dogs. Volunteer foster parents raise each Seeing Eye puppy until they are ready for training. Up to 93 percent of seeing eye dog owners achieve a sense of independence from having a seeing eye dog with them in their daily lives.

Hearing and Signal Dogs

Intensive training provides the deaf and the hearing impaired with a dog that can assist them in daily living. These hearing and signal dogs alert their owners to a number of sounds. The dogs are trained to recognize the sound of a telephone, a knock on the door, smoke alarms, crying babies and sirens. These dogs are trained across the nation by various charity organizations, most notably By Your Side, located in Lutz, Florida, which also trains mobility, seizure, social and therapy dogs. Fidos for Freedom trains dogs in the District of Columbia for the hearing impaired. Some owners choose to train their own service dogs and use such services as Golden Ears Hearing Dogs for assistance in accomplishin the task. The owners, in turn, are able to rely on their dogs to be their ears.

Psychiatric Service Dogs

A growing field of canine assistance is psychiatric service dogs. Canines trained as a psychiatric services dogs are sometimes referred to as "therapy dogs" and unlike service animals are not incorporated into the auspices of federal disability laws. These dogs assist those individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder, hypervigilance and even schizophrenia. Dogs trained for psychiatric care help when their owners become disoriented due to stress or a psychiatric episode in which they lose awareness of their surroundings. A psychiatric service dog can guide an individual to his car, his home or the nearest building to procure help. Psychiatric service dogs help with hypervigiliance by providing a sense of security for their owners and can be trained to make sure all windows, doors and other entrances are sealed for the owner's peace of mind. They are heavily used by Veteran's Affairs and are becoming more common in psychiatric therapy.

Seizure Dogs

Seizure alert dogs, contrary to common belief, usually do not alert their human masters that they are about to experience a seizure, but are trained instead to deal with the aftermath of a seizure. Trained to lie with their companion during a seizure, a seizure dog will lick the hands and face of their owners or try nudging or pawing to help them regain cognizant thought. It is a common misconception that a dog can be trained to spot a seizure. In many cases, dogs that alerted their owners about an impending seizure were pets that had no prior training. The University of Florida has conducted research in regards to why some dogs respond to seizures and others do not, but so far, nothing is conclusive. Seizure assistance dogs still make their owners' lives easier by helping them in the aftermath and can even help those affected by severe migraines.

Tags: their owners, alert their, dogs help, dogs trained, hearing impaired

Specifications For The Panasonic Ct35g25b Television

Panasonic produces a number of consumer electronics, ranging from personal audio to camcorders and Blu-ray disc players. One of Panasonic's most diverse product lines are its televisions. The company offers cheaper alternatives to more expensive brands. Panasonic's CT-35G25B is one of its older entries that offers a clear picture with vibrant color and clean sound.

Screen

Panasonic's CT-35G25B 35-inch analog TV requires a digital converter box because of the 2009 digital conversion of broadcast television in the United States. This standard definition TV is equipped with technologies to maximize picture quality. These include Panasonic's exclusive PanaBlack picture tube, which offers a higher contrast and more vibrant color, and its 3-Line Digital Comb Filter for enhanced picture clarity.

Audio

The television has integrated stereo speakers and a built-in audio leveler. The set also includes second audio program (SAP) reception and DBX noise-reduction technology.

Connections

The television's input and output ports are on the rear of the set. Output connections include one set of composite connectors and an RCA audio connector. Input connections include two composite connections, two RCA audio connections, one S-Video connection and an RF connection.

Dimensions

The television is 34.6 inches wide, 30.1 inches deep, 25.2 inches high and weighs 171 pounds.

Additional Features

The television is equipped with V-Chip parental controls, picture-in-picture and a sleep timer. It also features channel labels, closed captioning when the set is muted and English, French and Spanish OSD languages. It also comes with a universal remote.

Tags: connections include, connections include composite, equipped with, include composite, Panasonic CT-35G25B

Classes Required To Become A Teacher

A degree in education can provide opportunities for individuals in the teaching industry. To begin a career in education, a person has to decide on his degree, which can range from elementary education to teaching high school. All degree plans might be different at each college or university. But regardless of the various degrees in education, there are several general classes as well as some mandatory education courses a person must take to fulfill course requirements in education.

English Composition

English Composition is designed to help students become enhanced writers through the use of effective writing and reading skills. Students will use these abilities to create daily writing assignments and essays throughout the course.

Introduction to Public Speaking

This course provides teaching majors a chance to create oral presentations by using skills such as gathering research, organizing materials and planning delivery skills to grab an audience's attention.

American History I and II

American History I gives students the basic understanding of U.S. history from the times of Native Americans to the end of the Civil War. American History II provides information from the year 1865 to the present. Both courses help students understand how the U.S. was shaped into the country it is today and how society, culture and the economy played roles in the country's development.

College Algebra

College algebra covers mathematical concepts including equations, absolute values, exponent theories and binomial elements.

Science Courses

Science courses from which a teaching major can choose include general biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology and biochemistry. No matter which course a student chooses, all science courses include a lecture and a lab.

Classroom Management

Classroom Management is mandatory for all education majors. This course introduces students to the importance of classroom management and how classroom behavior, effective teaching and class participation play roles in a well-structured classroom.

Tags: American History, English Composition, help students, mandatory education, This course

Dfw Technical Schools

Dallas skyline

Dallas--Fort Worth is a metropolitan area in northeast Texas. As of the 2009 census estimate, the population of the Greater Dallas--Fort Worth Metropolitan area was approximately 6.5 million people. The Dallas--Fort Worth area is home to several excellent technical schools that offer a variety of programs and career placement assistance in a variety of fields.

ATI Technical Training Center

ATI Technical Training Center specializes in providing a high-quality technical education to adults seeking to improve their lives through career training and personal development. The Dallas Love Field campus offers programs in automotive repair, electronics, HVAC and refrigeration and welding. ATI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and offers financial assistance to students. ATI allows you to start most of its programs without a GED or high school diploma, and ATI provides career placement assistance after graduation.

ATI Technical Training Center

6627 Maple Ave.

Dallas, Texas 75235

800-209-8264

aticareertraining.edu

Remington College

Remington College trains you for entry-level employment in the Dallas--Fort Worth area. The technical school offers degrees in computer and network administration, criminal justice, digital graphic design--as well as nondegree programs in dental assisting, medical assisting, X-ray tech, medical billing and pharmacy tech. Remington College is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and offers financial aid resources to those in need. The school offers a dedicated Career Services Department that will assist you with career placement and continuing professional development after graduation.

Remington College

300 East Loop 820

Ft. Worth, Texas 76112

800-560-6192

remingtoncollege.edu

Devry

Devry Technical Institute offers a variety of degree programs in some of the fastest-growing career fields. Devry is one of the nation's most established technical schools and has built a reputation as a leader in technological development. Degree programs offered include business and management, engineering and information sciences, health sciences and media arts and technology. Devry is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Financial aid is available to qualified individuals and Devry offers lifetime job placement assistance for its graduates.

Devry

4800 Regent Blvd

Irving, Texas 75063

972-929-6777

devry.edu

Tags: Dallas--Fort Worth, Remington College, career placement, placement assistance, Technical Training, Technical Training Center

What Are Medical Transcriptionists

Medical transcription, or MT, is an allied health profession dealing with the process of converting the voice-recorded reports that physicians and other health care professionals dictate into a text format. Medical transcriptionists listen to the voice recordings of physicians and other health care professionals and create written records from these recordings.

Types of Medical Transcriptionists

Medical transcriptionists may be specialized in diverse medical departments that include general practice, dermatology, pain management, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology and radiation. Medical transcriptionists can work in hospitals, clinics, coroner's offices, medical examiner's offices and other related institutions. Specialization in a specific medical field has the benefit of increased hourly payment rates. Medical transcriptionists have the benefit of telecommuting, rather than traveling to and from the workplace each day.

Education and Skills

A medical transcriptionist's job is to listen to voice recordings dictated by physicians and health care professionals, transcribing them into medical reports, administrative material and correspondence. One of the essential skills of a medical transcriptionist is the ability to understand dictated reports that include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, treatment assessments and diagnostic procedures. Requisite knowledge to translate medical jargon and expand abbreviations is necessary. Knowledge of the style of medical reports and other administrative material is required. The employable educational level is a post-secondary training in medical transcription.

Work Environment

Medical transcriptionists find work in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, physician's offices, medical libraries, research centers, government medical facilities and transcription service offices. A large number of medical transcriptionists work from home. The health problems associated with this job are back, neck, wrist or eye problems from sitting in the same position for long periods of time. The constant pressure for absolute accuracy can be quite stressful. Regular employees work the standard 40-hour week; self-employed transcriptionists work irregular hours and part-time.

Work Methods

Medical transcriptionists transcribe recordings made on digital or analog dictating equipment. The Internet has become a popular mode to transmit documentation, and many transcriptionists receive the dictation over the Internet, transcribe and return the transcribed documents. There are hand-held personal computers and personal data assistants that use software for dictation. Transcriptionists who work in specialized fields like pathology use speech recognition technology to transcribe the documents.

Tags: care professionals, health care, health care professionals, Medical transcriptionists, administrative material, hospitals clinics, listen voice

Unable To Work Insurance

Being unable to work is more than just an inconvenience -- it can be a tragedy. You need to work to earn money to live. Fortunately, in the United States, you have a couple of options to support yourself while you cannot work. Whether you have a physical disability or can't find a job, you may have insurance covering you if unable to work.

Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance exists for people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Employers pay for this program through taxes levied on wages. After you lose a job, you must file a claim with your state employment office for benefits. If your employer does not oppose the claim, you will receive a percentage of your former wage up to a maximum benefit limit. Jointly administered by state and federal government, unemployment programs differ from state to state.

Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation is another kind of unable to work insurance. Laws on this vary from state to state, too. Many states require employers to carry some kind of insurance against employee job-related illness and injury. This can be in the form of insurance from a private provider or a state pool. Employers further have the option some states to provide evidence that they are solvent to pay out insurance claims for workplace injury and illness.

Benefits

Unemployment insurance comes in the form of cash benefits. Workers' compensation is also a cash benefit, but with a variety of types. For example, you may receive compensation for medical bills in addition to lost wages. Your employer's insurance could also cover needs like physical rehabilitation and retraining if you cannot return to your previous position. In the event that you die from a workplace-related illness or injury, your surviving family members may also receive a cash benefit.

Appeals

If turned down for either unemployment or workers' compensation insurance, you have the right to appeal. Because of varying state laws, the time frame for filing an appeal can vary from one state to another. Regardless of where you live, it is helpful to have as much evidence supporting your claim as possible. This can include attendance records, incident reports and employee evaluations.

Disability

Some workers purchase insurance to protect themselves against disability. This covers injuries that take place off the job, so it is different from workers' compensation insurance. Disability insurance comes in two main types -- short-term and long-term. These are largely self-explanatory, with short-term disability applying to injuries and illness with an end in sight, and long-term disability being a more indefinite type of policy. You might be able to buy these plans through your employer as part of your benefits package.

Tags: from state, cash benefit, compensation insurance, from state state, illness injury, insurance comes