Do I Have To Have Health Insurance For My Employees

Small business employers receive tax incentives for offering group health insurance.

As health insurance premiums rise year after year, outpacing the U.S. inflation rate, many small business employers wonder whether or not they should offer health insurance to employees for the sake of business expenses. Though approximately 98 percent of large business employers provide some sort of health insurance benefits to employees, U.S. trends show a decline in small-business employer-sponsored health insurance availability, with eight percent fewer small employers offering coverage in 2006 than in 2001.

Requirements

The law -- even with the passage of the Affordable Care Act -- does not require that any U.S. employer offer health insurance to its employees. As of 2011, there are no penalties for choosing not to do so. However, beginning in 2014, employers with more than 50 full time employees that do not offer group health insurance may have to pay penalties of up to $2,000 per employee, depending on how many employees take advantage of government-subsidized insurance.

Incentives

If you choose to offer your employees a group health insurance plan to which you pay a portion of each qualifying employee's premiums, you may qualify for tax benefits and incentives. Most businesses can deduct the portion of business income used to pay for employee insurance premiums on their federal taxes. Additionally, if you own a small business of 25 or fewer full-time-equivalent workers, and you pay for at least 50 percent of each employee's health premiums, you may qualify for an additional tax credit worth up to 35 percent of your annual premium expenses. In 2014, the maximum credit will increase to 50 percent.

Exception

Massachusetts enacted state health reform in 2006 that requires almost all state residents to purchase health insurance or face a fine. Part of the law causes employers in Massachusetts to face narrow restrictions regarding health insurance availability for employees. While very small businesses do not have to provide health insurance to employees, employers with more than 11 employees must provide all employees with access to a Section 125 Plan, as well as make reasonable contributions toward each employee's Section 125 Plan to enable employees to purchase health insurance on a pre-tax basis.

Considerations

As an employer, if you are undecided whether to offer your employees health insurance coverage, you may want to consider t/hat employees value health benefits, and qualified health insurance may deter your employees from accepting other jobs with better benefits. According to Mercer, a human resources consultation firm, nine out of 10 employees with insurance coverage value medical benefits equally as they do monetary pay.

Tags: health insurance, business employers, group health, group health insurance, health insurance employees, your employees

Can Blue Cross Deny Me Health Insurance

Private health insurers can deny coverage to diabetic applicants.

Americans regard health insurance as a financial safety net that ensures they will have access to affordable health coverage no matter what medical uncertainty comes their way. Unfortunately, coverage is not equal for everyone, and some Americans with existing medical conditions cannot acquire health insurance coverage at all without paying high insurance premiums or enrolling in a policy that has benefit exclusions.

Coverage Denials

According to HealthReform.gov, private health insurance companies in 45 states reserve the right to deny health insurance coverage to any person who applies for coverage if the applicant has a medical condition that is likely to affect the profit of the insurer in the future. Because insurers are for-profit companies, many applicants receive insurance denials because of medical conditions as minor as asthma and as serious as diabetes. However, as of September 23, 2010, the act of rescission, or revoking insurance coverage after a policy-holder becomes ill or develops a medical condition, is illegal with the exception of insured individuals deemed guilty of insurance fraud.

Children

September 23, 2010, was also a milestone for children, who have greater protections than adults with regard to insurance coverage denials. No health insurer can deny new insurance coverage to a child under age 19 because of a pre-existing medical condition. Federal law does, however, allow "grandfathered" health plans that existed prior to the passage of The Affordable Care Act on March 23, 2010, to deny coverage to children because of pre-existing conditions until January 1, 2014.

Employer Plans

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulates the group insurance plans that employers offer to employees. According to the law, insurers cannot deny health insurance coverage to any employee that qualifies for coverage in accordance with his employer's insurance eligibility requirements. However, if the employee has a pre-existing health condition that was not covered by another health insurance plan for at least 63 days prior to enrolling in the employer's group plan, the new insurer may exclude benefits for the medical condition for up to 12 months after enrollment unless the employee enrolls late, at which time the insurer can exclude benefits for the condition for up to 18 months.

The Affordable Care Act

On January 1, 2014, The Affordable Care Act will enact one of its biggest changes to health insurance industry practices, prohibiting insurers from denying health insurance coverage to anyone because of an existing health condition or medical history. Additionally, insurers will have to provide coverage to those with medical conditions at the same price as policy-holders without medical conditions that carry the same insurance coverage. However, insurers will be able to deny coverage to anyone guilty of insurance fraud, such as falsified age or citizenship information used to obtain coverage.

Tags: health insurance, insurance coverage, health insurance coverage, medical condition, medical conditions, Affordable Care, deny coverage

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Breast Cancer Awareness Day is observed every fourth Monday in October. While breast cancer is a serious illness, celebrating the recovery of many whose lives it has touched and gaining the awareness of others is how a cure is going to be found.

Instructions

1. Wear your breast cancer awareness ribbon pin on your lapel for everyone to see. You may want to carry extra pins for co-workers, friends, family and people working in the businesses you visit.

2. Arrange with your employer to let employees wear jeans to work to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Day. In return, collect a $5 donation from each participant for breast cancer research. Your employer may even want to match (or double) the employee contributions.

3. Hang a breast cancer awareness wreath on your front door. Bring one to your office as well. Ask everyone to tie one ribbon on the wreath for themselves and one for someone they know or love who has fought breast cancer.

4. Host a dinner and collect donations for breast cancer research. You can increase the amount of money you can send to the breast cancer organization of your choice by asking guests to bring a dish instead of paying for a catered affair. Pink-frosted cupcakes and cookies for dessert are a good way to tie in the breast cancer awareness theme.

5. Write a letter to the editor sharing information on breast cancer and the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Ask the newspaper to cover breast cancer in the health section of the newspaper.

6. Make Breast Cancer Awareness Day the day you remind the women you love to have a mammogram. A postcard or e-card reminding them to get their yearly mammogram and to do monthly self breast exams is a fast, non-invasive way of getting your point across.

7. Write a letter to Congress, asking them to support legislation improving treatments for women with breast cancer.

8. Call local or national radio talk shows and discuss Breast Cancer Awareness Day. You might want to draft a list of points you wish to mention before calling in.

9. Volunteer to speak to the local high school or college health classes and present information on breast cancer. You can pass out take-home materials on self breast exams for young women in the class.

Tags: breast cancer, Cancer Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, breast cancer, Breast Cancer, breast cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness

History Of Thermal Imaging

History of Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging is borne from thermology, a science that has been in existence for over 3,000 years. Thermal imaging is used in many industries, including personal safety, military and law enforcement, astronomy, firefighting and medicine. The imagery is produced by using different colors for hot vs. cold, with red being hot and blue being cooler. The sensors will read the heat being emitted from an individual or object and translate that heat into a visual color scheme that the human eye can read.

The Beginnings of Thermography

Ancient Egyptians used thermology to sense changes in body heat. Hippocrates knew in 400 BC that wherever the body's heat was elevated, disease would be found. Greeks, meanwhile, would put their patients in mud. Whatever part dried faster would be indicative of where the illness was.

The First Equipment

The original form of thermology would last well into the Renaissance Era, until Galileo would discover the thermoscope---a glass tube device that measured temperatures. This would be the grandfather to thermometers. The Celsius measurement system came into being in 1742, and would be revamped by Linnaeus and Wunderlich in the 19th century.

More Modern-Day Advancements

In 1877 Lehmann would discover cholesteric esters, and the use of liquid crystals would begin. Astronomer Sir William Herschel and son John would discover the infrared radiation and the subsequent manner to colorize the images, so that the hottest temperature would be red and the coolest would be blue, giving way to current military equipment.

Military & Law Enforcement

The military originally developed thermal imaging so that soldiers can easier find combatant troops in the dark, allowing for less casualties in war and skirmishes. From the 1950s through the '70s and into the 21st century, advancements have been made in the use of goggles, cameras and hand-held devices to allow military and law enforcement to find people hidden in buildings or brush.

Other Modern-Day Uses

With the general public becoming aware of thermal imaging and infrared technology, medicine and science have been able to flourish in aiding those who are sick and exploring the unknown. MRIs, CT and PET scans have given way to thermal imagery, allowing even more detail to be seen by doctors to better facilitate cures and treatments. Institutions such as NASA can use thermal imagery to locate fires, plot out the geography of a planet or photograph heavenly bodies.

Tags: would discover, body heat, have been, History Thermal, History Thermal Imaging

Cataract Surgery Recovery Do'S & Don'Ts

Cataract surgery involves removing the eye's natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens, or an intraocular lens (IOL) implant. Post-surgery instructions are important, since the eye requires proper healing to function correctly with the new implant.

Rest (Do)

On the day of surgery, as well as the day following surgery, it is important that the patient only rest and relax to promote healing.

Eye Drops (Do)

Strictly follow the doctor's instructions with the eye drops that will be provided after surgery. Eye drops require multiple daily applications for a few weeks after the procedure.

Swimming (Don't)

Do not swim or use a hot tub for at least two weeks after surgery. A splash of water in the eye makes it susceptible to infection, according to AllAboutVisiton.com, so avoid water contact with the eye while bathing as well.

Strenuous Activity (Don't)

Avoid heavy lifting (over 25 pounds) and any strenuous exercise or activity for at least the first week after surgery. AboutCataractSurgery.com says that the eye requires about a month to fully heal, so it may be safest to avoid strenuous activity during this time.

Dust (Don't)

AllAboutVision.com suggests that any activity that exposes the eye to dust or dirt should be avoided. Patients in dry, dusty climates should avoid the outdoors (or use protective eyewear), and those who live near the ocean should avoid the beach, since sand particles can scratch the eye's surface and make the eye more prone to infection.

Eye Shield (Do)

A protective shield will be provided by the surgeon, and it should be worn over the treated eye for the full day after surgery. The eye shield should also be worn during sleeping and napping times for about a week. Special eye shades are also provided for the patient to wear outdoors.

Tags: after surgery, should avoid, weeks after, will provided

Treat Direct Trauma To The Abdomen

Treat Direct Trauma to the Abdomen

Abdominal contusion is an abdominal trauma involving injury to the soft tissues and muscles around the abdominal wall. This condition results from direct application of force to the area, such as a kick, punch, or a direct hit from sports equipment. Bleeding around the surface of the soft tissues and muscles may lead to bruising or discoloration, which is usually accompanied by tenderness, swelling, and pain. Apply the following measures to treat this type of abdominal trauma.

Instructions

Treat Direct Trauma to the Abdomen

1. Wrap the ice pack with a towel and place on your abdomen. Apply ice on the area for 30 minutes.

2. Stop the icing for about 15 minutes to allow the skin to get warm. Repeat the icing and warming cycle again 2 to 3 times.

3. Take some medication for pain, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

4. Avoid strenuous activities and be cautious with your body positions as you move.

5. Drink plenty of fluids and add fiber to your diet.

6. Allow yourself to rest so that your injury can heal.

Tags: Direct Trauma, Direct Trauma Abdomen, Trauma Abdomen, Treat Direct, Treat Direct Trauma, abdominal trauma

Communication Activities For Staff Development

Help develop your staff by hosting communication activities.

Communication is a key component in developing a successful team or department within an organization. As such, managers conduct staff development activities focusing on communication when they suspect that coworkers are not demonstrating effective communication skills. Such activities should be stimulating for staff so that they retain the information and enjoy the learning process.

Interviews with Colleagues

Interviewing a colleague is a communication activity that allows employees to learn about one another. It also helps them practice paying attention to details and accurately communicating what they find out about their colleagues. In this activity, staff are paired up into teams of two, and each person receives an interview tool, such as a questionnaire, that is written on paper. The colleagues take turns interviewing one another and writing the responses down on the questionnaire. After a few minutes, the staff development trainer or manager calls the group back together. One-by-one, the employees stand up and introduce the colleague that they interviewed, being sure to communicate the information the way it was shared with them.

Role-play Activities

Role-play activities include skits that require employees to listen and respond to each other.In a role play activity, two employees might be assigned to act out a scene between an angry customer and a customer service representative. The performers have to make the outcome of the interaction successful by using verbal and nonverbal communication tactics. Each team of "actors" performs the skit before the rest of the group.

The Human Knot

The human knot is a physical activity that involves touching. This game is often played to build staff communication skills, because it requires employees to communicate how they will untangle themselves from a human knot. To play, each employee holds hands with two other employees. The host of the activity tangles up the employees until they form a human knot. The object of the game is for the staff to shout out their ideas and work together so that they can undo the knot without letting go of anyone's hand.

Mini-projects

Assigning small teams of employees to work on small-scale projects can build their communication skills. To make the activity more exciting, turn it into a competition whose goal is for a team to finish the project first and communicate with fellow team members in the process. Give each person on the team a role to play in the project. This activity teaches employees communicate to accomplish a common goal. Examples of projects include going on a challenging scavenger hunt, building a model airplane or inventing a proposal for a new machine.

Tags: communication skills, human knot, that they, activity that, each person, employees communicate

Understanding Dexa Scan Results

Understanding Dexa Scan Results

Considerations

Since you can have osteoporosis and not have any symptoms, it is important to get tested on a regular basis to make sure you are not losing bone density. A Dexa scan measures the bone mineral density in your hips, spine, wrists and heels. The results of this test predict your likelihood of suffering from a fracture. Those with moderate to severe osteoporosis can get a fracture from simply sneezing, bending forward or twisting movements.

T-Score Numbers

Your Dexa report will have a series of numbers. The most important is the T-score. A T-score between +1 and -1 is considered normal. A T-score between -1 and -2.5 indicates that you are beginning to lose bone density. This is the beginning stage of osteoporosis, called osteopenia. A T-score of -2.5 or lower confirms that you have osteoporosis. Scores of -3.8 or more is considered severe osteoporosis.

Z-Score Numbers

Your Z-score is a comparison of your bone density to what is normal for someone your same age and body size. The Z-scores is not used to diagnose osteoporosis in those over age 50. Among older adults, low bone mineral density is common, so Z-scores can be misleading. An older person might have a "normal" Z-score but still be at high risk for breaking a bone. Z-scores are be more helpful in younger men, premenopausal women and children. A Z-score above -2.0 is normal

Tags: bone density, bone mineral, bone mineral density, Dexa Scan, Dexa Scan Results

Understand My Osteoporosis Score & Risks

Osteoporosis literally means the condition of having porous bones. This condition causes bones to become brittle and weak to the point that even ordinary, everyday stress on the skeleton can lead to bone fractures. Osteoporosis is essentially an advanced stage of decreased bone density. As such, a common test for osteoporosis is a bone mineral density (BMD) test.

The most frequently used and most highly recommended of these tests is a DEXA, or dual energy x-ray absorption, test. This test is non-invasive: you'll remain dressed, you won't receive any injections, and the entire x-ray process will only take 15 minutes. The results of the DEXA test are given as two numbers: your T-score and your Z-score. Understanding these results will be helpful in determining your risk of osteoporosis.

Instructions

1. Compare your DEXA test T-score to normal scores. The T-score is based on optimal bone density for your gender. A score of -1 or higher is considered fine. Between -2.5 and -1 is indicative of low bone density or osteopenia, which is reversible but dangerous. Lower than -2.5 means that you have full-on osteoporosis. In general, the lower the bone mineral density, the higher the risk of a fracture.

2. Look at your DEXA test Z-score. This score is weighted to consider factors like age, weight and ethnicity. If your Z-score is less than -1.5, that indicates your bone density is significantly lower than others in similar circumstances. This suggests that other factors like diet or underlying medical conditions may be afoot.

3. Know which score is most appropriate for you to consider. It's recommend to use Z-scores rather than T-scores for children, younger men, and premenopausal women. T-scores are most often used for perimenopausal women.

4. Consult your doctor. He or she may want to perform further tests, suggest lifestyle changes such as new dietary patterns or changes in physical activity, or prescribe medications to help build bone density.

5. The National Osteoporosis Foundation has treatment guidelines for men 50 or older and postmenopausal women. Most patients who have T-scores of -1 and above don't need an osteoporosis medication. People with T-scores ranging between -1 and -2.5 might need to consider taking an osteoporosis medication, depending on additional risk factors. Everyone who has a T-score of -2.5 and below needs to consider an osteoporosis medication.

Tags: bone density, DEXA test, osteoporosis medication, bone mineral, bone mineral density, factors like

Dress For A Radiology Job

Dress for a Radiology Job

Working in radiology is a great career. With the baby boomer generation aging, the amount of people needed to work in health care will continue to boom as well. If you have recently gotten a job in radiology and aren't quite sure how you need to dress, here are a few tips to help you out!

Instructions

1. Buy specific work clothes. Working in a radiology is a fairly neat job, meaning unlike working in the kitchen of a restaurant, your clothes should stay in fairly good condition. But since you will be handling and assisting patients, it's always a good idea to have a separate wardrobe.

2. Wear comfortable clothes. Since you'll be moving around quite a bit, it's important to wear something comfortable. Some hospitals or medical offices have dress codes when it comes to radiology jobs. Obviously be sure to check those restrictions first. Some radiologists wear nursing clothes or scrubs while others prefer to wear casual attire. Really it's up to you, as long as you feel comfortable and appear presentable.

3. Purchase comfortable shoes! This is the most important part of dress for a radiology job. You will be on your feet for a large portion of the day; it is imperative that you make sure you are comfortable. If you invest in nothing else, invest in a great pair of comfortable sneakers that will support your arches and make you feel like you are walking on air. It will make your job much more pleasant to do!

4. Keep an extra set of clothes on hand. Because you will be assisting people who have wounds or are ill, it may be best to keep an extra change of clothes in the car. While no one intends for them to happen, accidents do happen. Many patients who are very sick can no longer control their faculties. While this will most likely be a rare occurrence, it's better to be prepared than not!

Tags: Working radiology

Kindergarten Readiness Checklist For Parents

The kindergarten experience can be unpleasant for unprepared children.

Determining whether your child is ready for kindergarten is a challenging task, as you have to evaluate a series of qualities first. You don't want your child to feel out of place and form a negative attitude toward kindergarten. A checklist can help you check regularly your kid's readiness and work on issues you may feel they are behind in. Don't worry if your kid does not fully meet the checklist's requirements, as teachers can help them overcome minor drawbacks.

Motor Skills

Children of kindergarten age must be able to put a small puzzle together, hold a pair of scissors firmly and cut paper and hold a crayon or marker to draw lines on paper (not necessarily letters and numbers). Since children take part in many physical activities and games in kindergarten, you must ensure your kid can walk properly, run, jump, climb stairs and handle a ball.

Academic Skills

The term "academic" in reference to the skills of kindergartners does not mean your child has to read, write and do mathematical operations but rather refers to the most basic of conceptual skills. Kindergartners must recognize different colors, even if they cannot name them yet, match items by shape and count four to ten objects, as well as compare items based on their size to be able to perform the academic tasks teachers assign to them. In addition, kids should be able to identify a few letters of the alphabet, speak in complete sentences, express simple thoughts and ideas and be able to comprehend directions (left, right, under, behind) to communicate with educators and their classmates (See Reference 1).

Social Skills

One of the most important factors to determine whether your child is ready for kindergarten is the development of social skills. These include their ability to express their anger or fear at classmates or teachers with words rather than physical violence and their ability to obey rules during a lesson and during games with other children. Furthermore, they must learn to wait for their turn during tasks and games, ask questions to teachers when they are confused, sing nursery rhymes along with other children and understand that tantrums have no result.

Personal Skills and Information

Personal skills are abilities required by kindergartners to function without their parents' direct supervision and help. Such skills include students' ability to button and unbutton their clothes, manage their bathroom needs and care for their personal hygiene without needing an adult to remind them (clear mud off their hands after outdoor activities for example). In addition, kids must know their full name, their age, their address and --- if possible --- their phone number, as well as their parents' given names in case of an emergency in the kindergarten.

Tags: your child, addition kids, child ready, child ready kindergarten, kindergarten must, other children, ready kindergarten

How Does Cancer Start

Cancer begins when an abnormal cell grows and does not stop dividing. Cancerous cells typically divide more quickly than normal, healthy cells. Once cancerous cells begin, they rapidly invade surrounding tissue.

The human body is composed of trillions of cells, which constantly grow, divide and die. For the most part, cells are healthy and perform vital functions. Sometimes, however, cells do not form or behave properly. In a normal cell, this causes self-.

Cancerous cells differ because they continue to reproduce in spite of abnormalities or faulty information. Cancer cells also do not obey the laws of contact inhibition, which means that cancerous cells propagate when they touch another cell. (Normal cells stop dividing when this happens.) This proliferation of cancerous cells enables the disease to quickly form tumors and spread throughout the body.

Without contact inhibition to stop their progress, cancer cells are free to grow. Nutrition is required for growing, so the cells feed off the body's systems, robbing it of much needed nutrients. When cancer cells invade surrounding tissue and organs, they can inhibit or completely stop normal processes. Because they do not accomplish any useful function, cancer cells can be thought of as parasitic.

Angiogenesis growth factor is secreted by cancer cells. This growth factor causes new blood vessels to form, surrounding the cancerous growth. These vessels provide the cancer with a blood supply. The blood provides nutrition for the cancer to grow and sustain itself. Angiogenesis is a normal process when used for reproduction and tissue repair. In the case of cancer, it becomes a nightmare as tumors grow and spread around the body.

There are certain characteristics that all cancer cells share. They continue to divide and grow continuously, do not die or adhere to each other and they do not specialize. If you were to look at cancer cells under a microscope, you would see hundreds of cells that are exact copies of each other. There is no differentiation. Because cancer cells do not adhere to each other, it is easy for cells to break away and move to another part of the body. When the cells reach a new destination, they begin dividing and invading again. This process is called metastasis.

The causes of cancer are contributed to smoking, genetic mutation, immunity disorders such as HIV, and exposure to chemicals and radiation. This is why it is so important to lead a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Because people who are stressed are more likely to get sick due to lowered immunity, get eight hours' sleep every night. Do not smoke, limit your exposure to sunlight and always have protected sex. In cases where cancer is genetic, the same principles apply. People who are genetically inclined to have a disease do not necessarily get that disease. Leading a healthy life goes a long way in protecting yourself from cancer.

Tags: cancer cells, cancerous cells, each other, adhere each, adhere each other, cancer cells

The Average Salary Of An Mri Technologist In Mobile Alabama

Doctors order magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, to obtain images of the interior structures of the body to help diagnose and treat illness. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies a professional who operates this equipment as a type of radiologic technologist. The average salary of an MRI technologist in Mobile, Alabama, is lower than the nationwide average for this occupation.

Job Features

An MRI technologist interviews the patient, explains the procedure and answers questions. She provides an oral or injected contrast agent, a substance necessary for imaging. During the imaging procedure, the technologist monitors the patient's comfort and safety while viewing the scanned area. MRI technologists update information in computer records as well.

Salary Range

The median salary for an MRI technologist in Mobile was $59,720 per year as of February 2011, according to Salary.com. The middle 50 percent of those on the earnings range were making $54,630 to $64,730 per year. The bottom 10 percent had salaries at $50,000 and below, and the top 10 percent were making more than $69,280 per year. In comparison, the median salary nationwide for MRI technologists was about $64,920. The middle 50 percent range nationwide was $59,380 to $70,360. The bottom 10 percent had annual salaries at $54,355 and below, and the top 10 percent were making more than $75,310 per year.

Potential

With several years of experience, an individual can advance to the position of chief MRI technologist and earn a significantly higher salary. In Mobile, a chief MRI technologist had a median annual salary of about $70,550 as of February 2011, according to Salary.com. The middle 50-percent range for this occupation was $63,660 to $76,130. The top 10 percent were making more than $81,210 per year, and the bottom 10 percent had annual salaries below $57,400. Nationwide, the median salary for a chief MRI technologist was $76,680 per year.

Outlook

The BLS says employment in radiologic technology should have fast growth and increase by about 17 percent from 2008 to 2018. Techs who are proficient in more than one diagnostic imaging procedure will have the best opportunities. Job listings at Indeed.com show that some employers require or prefer candidates who can operate computed tomography and mammography equipment in addition to MRI scanners.

Tags: more than, were making, bottom percent, chief technologist, making more

Radiologic Technician Programs In Fort Worth Dallas

Radiological technicians work in many hospitals and clinics.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for radiologic technicians will grow 17 percent from 2008 to 2018. An associate's degree is a minimum requirement for those wishing to enter the field. In the Dallas, Texas area, there are several programs available for prospective radiologic technicians.

Tarrant County College

The Northeast campus of Tarrant County College (TCC) offers a two-year associate's degree in radiologic technology. The program includes rotations at local hospitals and clinics for hands-on training. TCC has selective admissions for their radiologic technology program; applicants must have a C grade point average in their general education college requirements and have completed the basic college science courses within five years of applying.

Health Sciences Department

Building NHSC, Room# 1118

828 W. Harwood Rd.

Hurst, TX 76054

817-515-6691

tccd.edu

Brookhaven College

Brookhaven College's Radiologic Sciences program focuses on preparing students both academically and experientially, in the field of radiology. Upon graduation, all students are prepared to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam. Brookhaven offers a two-year associate's degree. Courses include patient care and medical imaging basics.

Brookhaven College

3939 Valley View Ln.

Dallas, TX 75244-4997

972-860-4700

http://www.brookhavencollege.edu

El Centro College

El Centro College has three on-campus labs dedicated for training in their two-year associate's radiologic science program. Class size is about 20 to 25 students and include courses such as basic health profession skills and pharmacology for health professions. Clinical training locations include Parkland Memorial Hospital and Children's Medical Hospital. Clinical locations may require students to pass a background check and drug screening.

El Centro College

801 Main St.

Dallas, TX 75202

214-860-2000

elcentrocollege.edu

Tags: associate degree, Brookhaven College, Centro College, two-year associate, County College, hospitals clinics, offers two-year

The Average Cost Of Breast Implants In Canada

Canada is known for its lower-cost medicines and medical care. Unfortunately, that doesn't extend to breast augmentation. And if the Canadian government deems the surgery to be unwarranted, you'll have to cover the cost yourself. According to the Cost of Breast Augmentation Plastic Surgery website, the average cost of breast implants in Canada is $5,000 to $7,000 for saline and $7,000 to $9,000 for cohesive gel, about the same as in the U.S. The factors that determine the cost of breast implants tend to revolve around whether the surgery will be in an outpatient surgery center or the surgeon's office; what type, style and manufacture of implants will be used; and the fees of the surgeon and anesthesiologist.

Considerations

Before you plunk down the money to get the job done, be sure that the fee you were quoted by the surgeon's office includes the implants, anesthesia and any hospital charges. Priced separately, the cost of breast augmentation can quickly increase by as much as 35 percent.

Potential

Some would assume that the cost of having the surgery done would be lower in rural Canada, but costs for the surgery generally remain level.

Considerations

Your doctor's experience and history, along with his past and present clientele, can also have an affect on the final cost. If your surgeon is in high demand, you can bet that the popularity will be reflected in the price.

Significance

Be on the lookout for boob jobs that seem to good to be true. While fees associated with the surgery are in themselves not an indicator as to the physician's professional worth, it's important to note that some of Canada's best plastic surgeons can also be found where prices are most affordable.

Requirements

If you have family or friends who have also had the surgery, make certain that you seek out their recommendation. Finding a board-certified surgeon for your breast enhancement surgery is extremely important to ensure the overall safety and satisfaction of the breast augmentation surgery. In Canada, surgeons are certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Significance

The cost of the surgery will also have to come out of your pocket if the Canadian government decides that the surgery is not vital to your health. Be sure to do plenty of research on the subject and consult your insurance provider. However, the amount of your insurance premium is determined on the basis of your income and your personal or family situation.

Tags: also have, breast augmentation, breast implants, Canadian government, cost breast, cost breast implants, surgeon office

Cook A Parsnip

Parsnips resemble carrots with a lighter color.

A parsnip is a white or ivory colored root vegetable that resembles a carrot. It has a mild, nutty flavor that is high in fiber, folic acid and potassium. Parsnips work well in stews, soups or side dishes. Parsnips are rarely eaten raw as they are quite fibrous. However, you can cook them in a handful of different ways. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Peel your parsnips with a standard vegetable peeler, and then wash them well under cold water.

2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place whole or cut up parsnips in a covered baking dish for 20 to 30 minutes, until tender.

3. Bring a pot of water to a boil on your stovetop and add cut parsnips. Allow the parsnips to simmer for 5 to 15 minutes, until tender. Pour the parsnips and water into a colander in your sink when they are finished cooking.

4. Add an inch or two of water to a saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat. Place a steamer basket on top of the pan, and add your parsnips to the basket. Place a lid on top of the basket, and let whole parsnips steam for 20 to 30 minutes, and cut up parsnips for 5 to 15 minutes. Remove when tender.

Tags: minutes until, minutes until tender, until tender, whole parsnips, your parsnips

What Are The Treatments For Advanced Breast Cancer

What Are the Treatments for Advanced Breast Cancer?

According to the non-profit organization Breastcancer.org, approximately one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in her life. In 2008 alone, 182,460 cases of invasive breast cancer were predicted to occur in women. Of those, 40,480 were expected to die because of breast cancer-related problems. As scientists across the globe work on new treatment methods, and as more women become aware of the risks of breast cancer, the number of deaths continues to decline. Even in later stages of breast cancer, there are now treatment options available that may still help save a patient's life.

Surgery

Surgical removal of the cancer cells is one of the first options that many doctors give to patients with advanced forms of breast cancer. In early stages of cancer development, a lumpectomy---which removes only the breast tissue affected by cancer---is often enough to successfully remove the cancer. In later stages of cancer development, a mastectomy is often required. This procedure involves the removal of most of the breast tissue and, in many cases, the removal of surrounding lymph nodes.

Radiation

Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatment methods. In this procedure, beams of radiation are aimed directly on cancer-infected tissue. This intense application of radiation allows the localized deactivation of cancer cells by damaging their DNA. Once the DNA has been damaged, the cancer cells are unable to reproduce and spread.

Chemotherapy

When dealing with advanced breast cancer, oncologists also commonly use chemotherapy as a treatment option. Like radiation, chemotherapy works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, leaving them unable to grow and divide. However, unlike radiation, chemotherapy medications are given in ways that introduce the chemicals into the bloodstream, sending the chemicals throughout the body. This is especially effective for cancer that have begun to metastasize (spread) beyond the breast, as it targets all cells dividing at an accelerated rate, not just the cells in one specific area.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy, though relatively new to the treatment market, is an option that works specifically with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. According to Breastcancer.org, approximately 80 percent of all breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive. The growth rate of this type of breast cancer is directly affected by the levels of estrogen in the body. To combat this, hormonal cancer therapies use medications ---such as aromatase inhibitors (medications that lower the levels of estrogen in the body such as Arimidex) or estrogen receptor downregulators (medications such as Faslodex that block the effects of estrogen on the breast tissue)---to both decrease the amount of estrogen being released in the body, and temporarily stop the production of estrogen.

Targeted Therapies

Targeted therapies attack the specific factors that help cancer cells proliferate. For example, Tykerb is a medication that pinpoints and focuses on the protein that breast cancer cells rely on to grow. Another example is Avastin, which makes it difficult for cancer cells to grow new blood vessels around their cells in order to multiply. Herceptin is another targeted therapy designed to neurologically affect breast cancer by blocking the nerve signals that "tell" cancer cells to grow.

Tags: cancer cells, breast cancer, breast tissue, Advanced Breast, breast cancer

Ohio Health Insurance Law

The health insurance laws of Ohio contain several key provisions. State law provides for an open enrollment period for individual health insurance, limits the length of time when coverage of pre-existing conditions can be excluded, and requires coverage of routine well-child benefits. In addition, Ohio law requires coverage for treatment of biologically based mental illness. State law also regulates the marketing of discount medical plans in Ohio.

Group Health Insurance

Many individuals receive group health insurance coverage through their employers. Ohio law, however, does not require employers to offer group health insurance. Employers who do provide group health care coverage are permitted to require a waiting period before offering the coverage to an employee. A health insurance policy might exclude coverage of pre-existing conditions, but the exclusion period can last no longer than 12 months. A group help insurance provider can review the six-month period before an individual joined the group plan for pre-existing conditions. Group health plans are prohibited from requiring an exclusion period for pregnancy, newborns or newly adopted children.

A self-employed individual without employees is not eligible to purchase group health insurance in Ohio. Small group health insurance is available for small businesses with up to 50 employees.

Individual Health Insurance

Ohio law provides for standard and basic individual health insurance plans, and state insurance regulations specify what must be covered by those types of plans. Ohio law also provides an open enrollment period for individual health insurance. Although state law ordinarily does allow an insurance provider to deny coverage based on an individual's health status, standard or basic health plan coverage can not be denied during the open enrollment period. The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act permits individuals to maintain health care coverage if they change jobs. An individual who is eligible for HIPAA protections is also eligible to purchase a basic or standard plan.

Insurance providers in Ohio cannot cancel insurance coverage if the covered individual becomes ill. This guaranteed renewability of health insurance applies so long as the individual makes insurance premium payments.

Coverage of Children

Health maintenance organizations in Ohio provide wellness coverage for children. Other health insurance plans that offer coverage of families must also cover routine well-child benefits for children from birth through age 8. These benefits include items such as immunizations, developmental assessments, physical examinations and laboratory tests. Health insurance plans are not required to pay more than $500 for these types of benefits from birth to age 1, or more than $150 from ages 1 to age 8.

If a family is covered by two health insurance plans, Ohio's coordination of benefits law allows both plans to be used to pay for insurance claims involving children. The plan that is designated as a child's primary insurance coverage will pay the claim first while the secondary plan will pay the amount remaining to be paid.

Group insurance plans geneally cease coverage of dependent children when they reach the ages of 19 to 23. However, a plan must continue coverage for a medically impaired or handicapped child for so long as the child depends on parents for support.

Mental Health Coverage

Health insurance plans in Ohio are required to cover diagnosis and treatment of mental illness that is biologically based. Except in limited situations, mental illness coverage must be on the same terms as the coverage of other illnesses. If the plan provides coverage for prescription drugs for physical illnesses, the plan must also cover prescription drugs for mental illness. The deductibles and other requirements for prescription drug coverage must be the same for mental and physical illness.

Discount Medical Plans

Ohio law (Ohio Rev. Code Title 39, Chapter 3961) regulates discount medical plans. Section 3961.04 requires discount medical plan organizations and marketers to make a series of disclosures in all their advertisements, brochures and marketing materials. The disclosures must also be included with the plan enrollment forms. Among other things, the discount plan organizations and marketers must advise the public that the discount medical plans do not constitute health insurance, that the range of discounts provided for by the plan will vary, and that enrollees in the plan are required to pay for all discounted medical services.

Tags: health insurance, insurance plans, group health, discount medical, individual health

Calculate Cubic Meters Of Lumber

Determine the amount of lumber available in a tree before you cut it down.

When selling lumber for commercial use, you must determine the volume of lumber in cubic meters to know the tree's worth. Because a tree's girth changes along the trunk, and because some of the tree is not usable lumber, you must apply a formula to make the calculation. To use the formula you'll need to take a few measurements of the tree. With measurements in hand, just a few calculations will determine how much lumber you have. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Obtain the tree's diameter at breast height by locating a point exactly 4 1/2 feet from the ground and wrapping a tape measure around the trunk at that point. Record the measurement. When measuring trees sitting on a slope, locate breast height by measuring up 4 1/2 feet on the uphill side of the tree.

2. Mark a piece of lath with a pencil line across its width every four inches. Move 50 feet from the center of the tree so that you can view the entire tree without it leaning toward or away from you. Hold the lath 25 inches in front of you and align the wood with the tree trunk. Position the wood so that the bottom appears to be about 1 foot from the tree's base. Count the number of 4-inch marks that the tree rises along the stick. Record this number.

3. Multiply the number of marks the tree measured on your lath by 8 to estimate the merchantable height of the tree. This is the amount of commercially usable lumber the tree possesses.

4. Calculate the area of the tree at breast height by dividing the diameter at breast height by two, squaring that number, and then multiplying the result by 3.1415. Multiply the area by the merchantable height of the tree. Take the result and multiply by 0.7 to allow for the natural tree taper to get the cubic volume of the tree in feet. Multiply that by 12 to calculate the board feet of lumber available in the tree.

5. Divide the board feet of lumber by 424 to obtain the number of cubic meters of lumber in the tree.

Tags: breast height, available tree, board feet, board feet lumber, cubic meters, diameter breast

Lose 10 Pounds Of Weight In 10 Days

A good scale can help you monitor your weight loss.

Even if you are severely overweight or obese, losing 10 lbs. in 10 days is not considered healthy. According to the National Library of Medicine, healthy weight loss is losing approximately 1 to 2 lbs. per week and can be achieved by reducing the calories you consume by 500 to 1,000 per day. Losing 10 lbs. in 10 days is not impossible, but requires drastic lifestyle adjustments. Before starting a new diet or exercise regimen you should consult your doctor.

Instructions

1. Consume 1,200 calories per day if you are a woman and 1,500 calories if you are a man. According to the National Library of Medicine, these are the lowest recommended daily intakes of calories for medically unsupervised diets.

2. Avoid foods high in fat and sugar, processed foods and fried foods. Replace full-fat products with low-fat and nonfat products to reduce calories. Get up to 15 percent of your calories from lean protein such as chicken and fish. Consume 55 to 70 percent of calories from slow-digesting carbohydrates such as brown rice and whole grain products, and get 10 to 30 percent of your calories from unsaturated fats such as olive oil and raw nuts.

3. Step up your exercise routine to 60 minutes per day for five days per week to burn calories and fat and increase your metabolism. Perform interval training, where you switch back and forth from several minutes of high-intensity cardio to several minutes of low-intensity cardio. Add weight training in which you work out all the muscle groups and increase your muscle mass; this results in a speedier metabolism all day long, which burns more calories.

4. Fill up with water by drinking half an ounce of water for every pound of body weight. Drink water when you feel hungry, because sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger.

5. Consume three to five cups of green tea per day to ramp up your metabolism and increase your caloric burn, for just 70 calories per day.

6. Take fiber supplements and a multivitamin daily. Fiber will make you feel full and keep you from overeating, and a multivitamin supplies you with the nutrients your body is lacking because of your diet.

7. Avoid eating late at night. Because your metabolism slows down at night, whatever you eat then ends up getting stored as fat. Don't eat anything three hours before bedtime.

8. Sleep eight hours per night so your body can rejuvenate itself and function properly. According to the Sleep Education website, ghrelin is released in the body if you don't get sufficient sleep. This hormone increases your appetite.

Tags: calories from, increase your, your metabolism, According National, According National Library, Library Medicine, National Library

Phlebotomy Courses In Western Colorado

Health care workers can take courses in phlebotomy to learn to draw blood for laboratory use.

Although there are several phlebotomy programs offered in eastern Colorado, programs in the western half of the state are rare. There are several schools, however, that offer courses covering phlebotomy as part of their nursing or other related medical programs. Students or practicing health care professionals may be able to take part in these courses to enhance their health care skills.

Mesa State University

Mesa State University (MSU) is four year public school located in Grand Junction, Colorado. MSU offers an Advanced Patient Care course as part of their Radiologic Technology (RTEC) program. The course includes instruction in phlebotomy in addition to other skills necessary for handling patients with acute or chronic disabilities.

Mesa State University

1100 North Avenue

Grand Junction, CO 81501

970-248-1020

mesastate.edu

Colorado Mountain College

Located in Glenwood Springs, Colorado Mountain College (CMC) is a two year public school offering associate's degree and certificate programs. As part of the nursing program, students take an IV Therapy course which includes instruction on venous blood withdrawal and other intravenous therapies.

Colorado Mountain College

831 Grand Avenue

Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601

970-945-8691

coloradomtn.edu

Intellitec College - Grand Junction

Intellitec College is a two year, private, for-profit school offering associate degrees and certificate programs. The Grand Junction campus offers a Medical Assistant Degree Training program. Students learn phlebotomy procedures in addition to EKG skills, taking vital signs and giving injections.

IntelliTec College - Grand Junction

772 Horizon Drive

Grand Junction, CO 81506

970-245-8101

intelliteccollege.com

Tags: Grand Junction, College Grand, Colorado Mountain, Colorado Mountain College, Mesa State, Mesa State University, Mountain College

Make Homemade Gifts For Cancer Patients

Cancer patients have an incredible battle going on. A cancer patient may be barely recovering from surgery when a treatment series will begin. The patient is tired, cold, sick, scared and can be depressed. At times she can feel inhuman with the doctor visits, hospitalizations and days of feeling sick. Homemade gifts for cancer patients will mean so very much. You can make simple, comforting gifts for someone who has cancer. It will be a wonderful symbol of comfort, caring and hope.

Instructions

1. Search for patterns for chemotherapy caps, small pillows, prayer shawls and stuffed animals. Choose a project that you can do.

2. Shop for supplies that are soft, hypoallergenic and colorful.

3. Sew a pillow, lap robe, quilt or stuffed animal according to your level of experience. These cuddly, soft items will give a great deal of comfort.

4. Crochet or knit warm and stylish chemo caps. Make a cap from yarn that looks like fluffy hair to give the patient a boost of humor.

5. Glue decorative paper to a composition book for a low-cost journal for a cancer patient. Journaling helps many cancer patients to cope with day-to-day experiences and feelings.

6. Print off an original or meaningful poem of encouragement. You could choose to use a Bible verse that is appropriate instead.

7. Fold decorative paper in quarters and glue the poem or verse inside of it.

Decorate the cover with a rubber stamped image, stickers or drawing. This greeting card will remind a patient that he is in your thoughts.

Tags: cancer patient, decorative paper

What Are The Dangers Of Tooth Implants

Tooth implants are effective options for people who have missing teeth. A tooth implant involves the use of a metal "root" to which a replacement tooth is attached. This root is surgically inserted into a patient's jawbone. Good candidates for tooth implants include those with enough bone in their jaw to support an implant, those with healthy gums and non-smokers. Although tooth implants have a high success rate, there are still potential dangers associated with the procedure.

Infection

As with any surgical procedure, patients who receive tooth implants may face the danger of infection. Infections can develop in the gums around the implants or in the bone itself. If an infection develops in the lower jaw, it may also infect soft tissues in the mouth and neck. Infection may also develop in a patient's sinus cavities. Most infections, however, can be treated successfully with antibiotics. A patient who develops an infection should see his dentist immediately.

Breakage

Occasionally a tooth implant or the metal implant "root" may break. In some cases, an entire tooth implant may loosen or come out completely. Tooth implants that break are in danger of creating additional damage. Therefore, damaged tooth implants often need to be removed. To help avoid tooth implant breakage, patients should refrain from eating hard foods that may damage the implant. Dentists recommend that patients eat only soft foods for five to seven days after tooth implant surgery.

Nerve Damage

Although rare, there is a slight danger that patients may experience nerve damage during tooth implant surgery. The risk of incurring nerve damage is greatest while the dentist is working on the back of the lower jawbone. Damage to a nerve in this area can cause numbness, a tingling sensation or pain in the jaw, gums, teeth, chin or lips. Depending on the patient, these sensations may be temporary or permanent.

Osteointegration

After tooth implant surgery, the tooth implant fuses with the surrounding bone in a process called osteointegration. However, it is possible that an implant may fail to integrate properly with the jawbone and neighboring natural teeth. If an implant does not integrate correctly, it may also fail to function correctly, causing some discomfort for the patient. Osteointegration failure can occur if a patient exerts excessive pressure on the jawbone before the tooth implant has successfully fused.

Sinus Damage

During tooth implant surgery, it is possible for the tooth implant to extend into a patient's sinus cavities during the drilling process. This can potentially damage the sinus cavity or lead to an infection. If a patient is at risk for a sinus-related complication, she can undergo a sinus lift before having tooth implant surgery. A sinus lift involves increasing the height of the maxillary bone, making it easier for the dentist to insert the tooth implant.

Tags: tooth implant, implant surgery, tooth implant surgery, into patient, nerve damage, patient sinus, patient sinus cavities

Medical Sonography Schools In The District Of Columbia Virginia And Maryland

You can study medical sonography at a school in D.C., Virginia or Maryland.

Medical sonography, also referred to as ultrasound technology or diagnostic medical sonography, is an allied health field that uses high frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the human body for the diagnosis and treatment of various health conditions, diseases and injuries. According to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), there are six schools in the District of Columbia (D.C.), Virginia and Maryland that offer training in medical sonography. Before seeking employment, graduates of these programs must sit the certification examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

The George Washington University

The George Washington University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in sonography that consists of theoretical and practical training in all aspects of sonographic procedures and analysis as well as advanced coursework in health care policy, leadership, ethics and management. Applicants must complete two years of coursework in anatomy and physiology, physics, medical terminology, math, psychology, humanities or social science and English before transferring to the two-year degree completion program. For their clinical training, students must choose one or two of the three specialty areas of general, cardiac or vascular sonography.

The George Washington University

900 23rd St. NW

Washington, DC 20037

202-994-3650

gwumnc.edu

Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree program at its Virginia Beach campus location. Students must complete one semester of general education coursework in anatomy and physiology, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), medical terminology, math, physics and introductory health care before proceeding to major courses. This five-semester program trains students in ultrasound procedures for the abdominal area, small body parts, female reproductive system and vascular system through both didactic classroom instruction and clinical education.

Tidewater Community College

1700 College Crescent

Virginia Beach, VA 23453

757-822-7271

tcc.edu

Southside Regional Medical Center

The School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Southside Regional Medical Center offers a four-semester training program. Applicants must hold a two-year credential in allied health or completion of a one-year training program with 20 months of work experience. Candidates also need coursework in biology, math, physics, communication, medical ethics, pathophysiology, patient care and medical terminology with a GPA of at least 2.5 or higher. Course topics include physics, cross-sectional anatomy, abdominal and small parts imaging, vascular ultrasound and clinical training.

Southside Regional Medical Center

801 South Adams St.

Petersburg, VA 23803

804-862-5171

srmconline.com

Johns Hopkins Hospital

The School of Medical Imaging at the Johns Hopkins Hospital offers a full-time, 14-month training program in diagnostic medical sonography (DMS). Students receive hands-on training in all aspects of ultrasound examinations and procedures in the concentration areas of abdominal and small parts imaging, gynecology, high-risk obstetrics, pediatrics and neurosonology. The school also offers specialties in peripheral, cerebral and abdominal Doppler technology, endocavity imaging, intraoperative ultrasound and intraventional ultrasound.

Johns Hopkins Hospital

School of Medical Imaging

720 Rutland Ave.

Baltimore, MD 21205

410-528-8208

jhmi.edu

Montgomery College

Montgomery College offers both a certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree in DMS with three available tracks: general, cardiac and vascular. Students must complete general education and preparatory coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, disease concepts, English and behavioral science before being formally admitted into the DMS major. In addition to theoretical instruction in acoustical physics, instrumentation and sectional anatomy, students complete several hands-on practicum courses.

Montgomery College

7977 Georgia Ave.

Silver Spring, MD 20910

240-567-5000

montgomerycollege.edu

UMBC Training Centers

The University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Training Centers offers an accelerated certificate program in DMS. Applicants must complete college-level courses in English, math, anatomy and physiology, physics, biology, medical terminology, ethics, psychology and computer applications with a grade of "C" or better. This full-time, 13-month program consists of both didactic and hands-on instruction in three available concentrations: cardiac, general or vascular. Course topics include ultrasound physics, cross-sectional anatomy, patient care skills, scanning fundamentals and clinical applications.

UMBC Training Centers

1450 South Rolling Road

Halethorpe, MD 21227

443-543-5400

umbc.edu

Tags: medical terminology, anatomy physiology, must complete, Applicants must, Community College, coursework anatomy

Radiation Therapist Career

Radiation is used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to combat various forms of cancer. Serving as an integral part of the cancer-treatment team, the radiation therapist administers radiation to patients as treatment for the disease. Radiation therapists obtain specialized training in administering radiation, and most states require therapists to become licensed.

Job Responsibilities of a Radiation Therapist

The primary responsibility of the radiation therapist is to administer the radiation treatments as prescribed in the patient's treatment plan following set standards and practices. The therapist also is responsible for maintaining the radiation equipment, particularly the linear accelerator which is the machine that projects the X-rays used to kill the cancer cells. Therapists also maintain patient records and review records with other oncologist team members. The therapist is usually the person who explains the treatment to the patient.

Radiation Therapy Process

The radiation therapist first uses a computer tomography, or CT, scan to locate the cancer and then positions the linear accelerator to target the specific area. Then, the therapist works with the radiation oncologist and dosimetrist to create the treatment plan. During treatment, the radiation therapist positions the patient, administers the radiation and monitors the patient's condition

Training and Education

There are two common education tracks to become a radiation therapist. Students might pursue an associate or bachelor degree in radiation therapy. Or they may complete a degree in radiography followed by a certificate program in radiation therapy. Students study physiology, physics, anatomy and research methods in addition to radiation therapy practices, safety and theories. Students should consider completing a program accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Certification and Licensure

Moe than half of the U.S. states require radiation therapists to be licensed. While each state has its own requirements set by the state licensing board, many require therapists to pass the certification examination administered by the ARRT. Even if the state does not require ARRT certification, many employers prefer it, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Continuing Education and Career Advancement

Continuing education is important for radiation therapists to stay on top of changing theories, practices and technology. To maintain ARRT certification, radiation therapists must complete 24 credits of related coursework every two years. Many radiation therapists who maintain certification move into management positions with greater responsibility. Some continue their education and become dosimetrists.

Employment Opportunities and Outlook for Radiation Therapists

As with many careers in the health care field, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects radiation therapists to see faster than average job growth through 2016. This is attributed to both an increase in the number of patients seeking care as well as technological advances in radiation therapy making it applicable to a wider range of cases. Most radiation therapists work in cancer-treatment centers and hospitals with a small number working in physicians' offices and out-patient care centers.

Salary Information

According to the BLS, median annual wages for radiation therapists were $72,910 as of May 2008. Salaries ranged from $47,910 for the lowest ten percent to $104,350 for the top ten percent.

Tags: radiation therapists, radiation therapy, radiation therapist, radiation therapists, administers radiation, ARRT certification

What Are The Risks & Benefits Of Xrays

X-rays can detect problems with your joints.

X-rays are tools used for diagnosing a patient's medical condition. They work by sending radiation through the patient's body. The radiation is absorbed differently, depending on whether it is passing through bone, muscle or air. This allows doctors to see if there are any medical problems. X-rays are painless and quick. There are some risks associated with the radiation; however, Medline Plus advises that the potential benefits typically outweigh the risks.

Diagnosis

X-rays are helpful for providing a patient with an accurate diagnosis. They can detect fractures, tooth decay and arthritis. They can, even, pinpoint an infection in your bones, teeth or lungs. X-rays can tell you if you are at risk for osteoporosis or if you have developed bone cancer. Some x-rays can help detect problems with the blood vessels. They can also tell your doctor if you have an enlarged heart. Women may have an x-ray called a mammogram, which helps detect breast cancer.

X-rays can even help your pet. If your dog has swallowed a key or other inedible object, your vet can pinpoint its location with an x-ray.

Radiation

X-rays use radiation to detect abnormalities. Radiation may result in cell mutations, which increase the risk for cancer. However, the Mayo Clinic assures its patients that the risk due to radiation exposure is very small. Possible damage to the cells is minimal, due to the very small amount of radiation that is used. According to NHS Choices, an x-ray targeting your head gives you a one in a 100,000 to a million chance for resulting in cancer. However, NHS Choices cautions that an x-ray that uses a contrast dye has a higher risk of resulting in cancer (one in 1,000 to 10,000 chance).

Contrast Dye

Some x-rays may use a contrast fluid to help detect any abnormalities. Not all people experience side effects from them. However, the Mayo Clinic lists these possible side effects: nausea, hives, itching, warmth or flushing, lightheadedness, and a metallic taste in your mouth. More serious reactions are rare; they may include cardiac arrest, extreme low blood pressure and anaphylactic shock.

Pregnancy

According to the Mayo Clinic, x-rays pose a small risk of radiation exposure to an unborn child. This is not generally a cause for concern. However, a doctor may try to avoid using an x-ray on the womb or abdomen area. She may use an ultrasound test instead. Before having an x-ray, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Tags: Mayo Clinic, cancer However, detect abnormalities, detect problems, detect problems with, help detect

Free Government Grants For Cancer Patients

Free Government Grants for Cancer Patients

For those suffering with cancer the cost of medical treatment can obviously add more stress and burdens to an already difficult and challenging situation. Even with health insurance, cancer patients can still end up paying out of pocket for treatments that are not entirely covered by their insurance plans. This can in turn bring even greater grief to persons battling their cancer diagnosis.

Cancer Grants

Fortunately there are grants available to help cancer patients pay for and cover their medical expenses. Whether the patients have health coverage or not, these grants are made available to people who qualify. And with the medical cost of cancer treatments skyrocketing these grants can help to alleviate unnecessary pressures on cancer patients who are already dealing with enough physical and emotional pressures because of their illness.

National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society Grants

One of the places that people can go to in order to find grants for cancer treatments and related medical costs is the National Cancer Institute. It is a great resource for finding whatever government grants are available for individuals in need of financial assistance. It is an excellent site for all kinds of information relating to cancer for patients and researchers alike. The American Cancer Society also provides information on grants available for cancer patients to assist them with covering their medical costs.

Komen Foundation Grants

Another resource that provides grants for cancer patients is the Komen Foundation. This foundation provides financial assistance in the form of grants for breast cancer patients to receive treatment through the Greenebaum Cancer Center of the University of Maryland. They assist breast cancer patients financially who need treatment through their cancer center. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America also provides financial assistance for patients who need help in covering their medical costs.

Medicaid

There is also the option of applying for state grants to cover medical costs through Medicaid. Each state has a Medicaid office through which you should be able to access an application to apply for medical grants to help pay for medical treatments. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), special provisions are made for patients who specifically suffer with breast and cervical cancer. Patients with these particular forms of cancer can apply for grants to assist them with their cancer treatments.

Lance Armstrong Foundation Grants and Elsa U. Pardee Grants

Then there is the Lance Armstrong Foundation which provides grants to help individuals to pay for their health care services in the battle against cancer. Another foundation that assists cancer patients with paying for their medical costs for cancer treatment is the Elsa U. Pardee Foundation. These foundations are renowned for providing financial assistance to cancer patients with limited finances so that they can cover their medical bills due to treatment.

Tags: cancer patients, medical costs, their medical, financial assistance, cancer treatments

About Breast Cancer Awareness Week

About Breast Cancer Awareness Week

Chances are, no matter where you live, at least once a year you will hear about Breast Cancer Awareness Week. Breast cancer is given a lot of attention, and for good reason. Here's a brief introduction to why awareness is so important.

Time Frame

Many health organizations, universities and schools host a Breast Cancer Awareness Week, often choosing to host their events in October to coincide with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Significance

Breast cancer has a high incident rate among cancers, accounting for about 10% of all cancer diagnoses, meaning that most people will know someone with breast cancer or a breast-cancer survivor.

Features

Breast Cancer Awareness Week activities will often include informational lectures, personal stories from breast-cancer survivors, free screenings and fundraising events and dinners for ongoing research.

Benefits

Breast cancer has higher survival rates with early detection, so a week of heightened awareness can be critical in getting more women to get checked regularly.

Famous Ties

Breast-cancer awareness is often extolled by celebrities who are breast-cancer survivors themselves. Notables include: Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge and most recently, Christina Applegate.

Tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Cancer Awareness, Awareness Week, Cancer Awareness Week, Breast Cancer, About Breast, About Breast Cancer

Side Effects Of The Yasmin Birth Control Pill

Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Yasmin.

Yasmin (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is a birth control pill. Like all oral contraceptives, Yasmin's main purpose is to prevent pregnancy in women as well as to regulate menstrual periods, according to MedicineNet. If taken as prescribed, Yasmin will successfully prevent you from getting pregnant. Like all medications, however, Yasmin has side effects that you should be informed about before beginning the drug. In general, if you are in good health, you should not experience the more serious side effects of Yasmin.

Common Side Effects

Yasmin has various side effects that patients commonly experience. These effects are not serious and usually go away within three months of starting the medication, according to the Yasmin patient package insert. The side effects that women typically experience include nausea, vomiting, digestive discomfort, vaginal bleeding (spotting) between periods, weight and appetite changes, trouble wearing contact lenses, vaginal discharge or irritation and changes in skin condition and hair growth.

Rare Side Effects

Because Yasmin contains drospirenone, an ingredient that raises potassium levels in your body, it can cause complications especially in patients who have cardiovascular, kidney, liver, adrenal or chronic inflammatory disease. Taking Yasmin may very rarely cause the following in patients: blood clots in the legs or lungs, stroke, high blood pressure and cardiac problems such as heart attack; being 35 years of age or older and a regular smoker could increase your chances of experiencing these serious side effects.

If you already have any of the aforementioned medical conditions, taking Yasmin could worsen the condition. However, these side effects may also occur as a result of taking Yasmin in patients who do not already have one of the conditions listed.

In addition, allergic reactions may occur in some Yasmin users. According to Drugs.com, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms upon taking the medication: hives, problems breathing or swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.

Breast and Liver Cancer

Yasmin may also affect the liver, causing the development of liver tumors that could rupture and bleed. However, liver cancer is very rare and getting liver cancer while on Yasmin is even more unlikely.

Some studies indicate that breast cancer may result from using Yasmin or any hormonal oral contraceptives because breast cancer is a "hormone-sensitive tumor." Your risk of getting breast cancer from taking Yasmin is increased if you've had breast irregularities, abnormal mammograms or a family history of breast cancer. However, your chances of acquiring breast cancer decrease once you discontinue Yasmin, according to the patient package insert.

Effects on Babies

If you are pregnant, taking Yasmin may cause birth defects in your unborn child, according to Drugs.com. Yasmin could affect you and your baby if you are breast-feeding in one of two ways: the hormones in Yasmin could pass through the breast milk and harm your baby or your production of breast milk may slow down as a result of using Yasmin. Therefore, you should inform your health care provider immediately if you discover that you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Tags: breast cancer, effects that, side effects, side effects that, taking Yasmin, using Yasmin

New York State Insurance Laws

The most substantial area of law in New York pertaining to insurance relates to automobile insurance. In order to register a vehicle in New York State, you must fulfill certain statutorily mandated insurance requirements. These include no-fault insurance, uninsured motorist insurance and liability insurance. In addition to automobile insurance, New York has broad statues applicable to health insurance, homeowner's insurance and life insurance.

No-Fault Automobile Insurance

New York State requires automobile owners to obtain no-fault insurance protection. No-fault insurance, frequently referred to as "personal injury protection," covers personal injuries to a passenger, pedestrian or driver of your car in the event of an accident. You must show proof of no-fault insurance in order to obtain a New York automobile registration and license plates.

Uninsured Motorist Protection

New York State law also requires uninsured motorist protection. This type of insurance applies to both the driver and passengers in the car. It covers bodily harm that comes about due to negligence involving an uninsured automobile or due to a hit-and-run accident. Uninsured motorist protection doesn't apply to property damage of any kind, including but not limited to damage to the vehicle.

Automobile Liability Insurance

New York drivers must also have liability insurance for property and bodily injury. This insurance applies when another person or persons files a claim against you due to an accident. Certain limits are required. According to the New York State Vehicle and Traffic law, a motorist must have "$25,000 for bodily injury (not resulting in death), or $50,000 for any injury resulting in death, sustained by any one person in any one accident; $50,000 for bodily injury (not resulting in death) sustained by two or more persons in any one accident, or $100,000 for any injuries resulting in death sustained by two or more persons in any one accident."

Health Insurance

New York State law prohibits insurers from denying a potential insured based upon his health record. In addition, HMOs and health insurers must provide family coverage. Moreover, for small business owners (those who employ fewer than 50 but more than 2 employees), group health insurance cannot be denied by an insurer based upon the size of the group. In addition, the small business group insurance cannot be terminated based upon an illness of a person in the group.

Homeowner's Insurance

New York homeowner's insurance providers are competitive and can offer various rates. Once the insurance has been obtained, an insurer may cancel the policy within the first 60 days of the policy, but only if the notice provides the specific reason for the cancellation. Following 60 days, the insurer cannot cancel a policy unless the policyholder fails to pay the premiums, is convicted of a crime, has damaged the property to the extent that the property cannot be insured, or obtained the policy by providing false information.

Life Insurance

New York State also has regulations applicable to life insurance. Based upon the laws, you can purchase either a term-of-years life insurance policy or a whole life insurance policy. In addition, the law requires the insurer to base the policy's cost only on three items: mortality, interest and expense. Mortality refers to consideration based upon the life expectancy of a particular person's age. Moreover, an insurer may consider the interest to be gained from a policy. Finally, the law allows the insurer to include expense issues, such as the costs to the insurer for designing and implementing the insurance plan.

Tags: York State, based upon, resulting death, bodily injury, death sustained, injury resulting

Get The Beast Dolls In "Metal Gear Solid 4"

Obtaining the Beast Dolls in "Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots" takes finesse and creativity. Each of the dolls is a prize for using non-lethal weapons to defeat the beast form of a specific boss in the game. There are four Beast Dolls to collect from their corresponding bosses: the Laughing Octopus, the Raging Raven, the Crying Wolf and the Screaming Mantis. During each boss fight, you'll have to employ a specific strategy to earn the doll.

Instructions

Laughing Octopus Doll

1. Play through the game until you've reached the Laughing Octopus boss at the Research Lab in South America. Equip the V-Ring ammo for the Shotgun before the fight. When the battle begins, approach quickly, hit her with the Shotgun and then back away.

2. Keep your distance if Laughing Octopus falls down; a homing missile attack will be on the way. After you've reduced her life by half, she will begin using her tentacles for long-range attacks. Avoid taking damage by staying on the move and keeping out of sight. Enable night vision to locate her when she transforms, and continue the Shotgun assault until she falls.

3. Grab the Laughing Octopus Doll from the bottom-left corner of the top-right room. Pick it up quickly; you won't have much time to spare.

Raging Raven Doll

4. Continue through the game to the boss fight with Raging Raven at Echo's Beacon in Eastern Europe. Equip the Mosin-Nagant sniper rifle and the P90. Climb to the roof of the tower as soon as the battle begins.

5. Stay in motion as you roam the area, avoiding Raging Raven's grenade attacks and shooting the P90 to destroy Sliders. Keep your eye on Raging Raven. Hit her with the sniper rifle when she perches on a building and when she pauses after rising from the other side of the roof. Continue the attack until you have defeated Raging Raven.

6. Get the Raging Raven Doll after the battle by returning to the roof. Take a right when you reach the entry to the ledge walkway, and you will see the doll.

Crying Wolf Doll

7. Proceed through the game to the Crying Wolf boss fight at the Shadow Moses Snowfield and Communications Tower. Equip your FaceCamo, Mk 2 Pistol and sniper rifle. Begin the battle by lying down and using the snow for cover.

8. Enable night vision to locate Crying Wolf, and then hit her with a sniper shot. Follow her movements by staying in a crouch-walk when you're in motion, and continue hitting her with the sniper rifle when you're in position. Shoot the Mk 2 pistol to eliminate any Frog Soldiers that get in the way. Avoid taking refuge behind trees or in the watch towers when you take your shots, and Crying Wolf will eventually fall.

9. Turn and head to the wall after the battle. Look to your left when you arrive to obtain the Crying Wolf Doll. You will find it between two sections of the wall.

Screaming Mantis Doll

10. Continue to the Screaming Mantis boss fight at the Outer Haven Command Center. Inject the Syringe to enable offensive action, and then prepare the Mk 2 Pistol and Saiga-12 with V-Ring ammo.

11. Stay low, keep moving and avoid Screaming Mantis' attacks. Hit her Psycho Mantis Doll a few times to trigger a cut-scene. When Screaming Mantis drops the Psycho Mantis Doll, quickly grab it. Equip the Psycho Mantis Doll to take control of Screaming Mantis, and shake her around until the fight is over.

12. Run past Screaming Beauty as soon as you regain control of Snake. Go through the corridor behind her. You will find the Screaming Mantis Doll at the end.

Tags: Raging Raven, Screaming Mantis, Crying Wolf, Laughing Octopus, Mantis Doll, boss fight