The celestial sphere helps humans better understand the nature of the sky above their heads.
The celestial sphere is a tool astronomers have come up with in order to help people better understand objects in the sky, such as stars, planets and constellations. This tool is useful to those who just are beginning to take interest in astronomy. It is also an essential tool in the art of navigation.
Features
The celestial sphere is considered to the be the half sphere of the Earth that is directly above our heads. The point directly above one's head is referred to as the zenith. The points to the north and south are connected by what is referred to as the celestial meridian.
Misconceptions
Both the celestial sphere and the celestial meridian are imaginary tools that are only intended to help people better understand the sky humans see.
Features
As said before, the celestial sky includes the zenith and the celestial meridian. The celestial sky also includes two points that are supposed to represent east and west.
Significance
The points in the celestial sky help people to better understand the movement of the planets and stars that surround Earth. All objects located in the western section of the celestial sphere rise and set before the sun. All objects located in the eastern section of the celestial sphere rise and set after the sun. The celestial sky is also used as a tool in marine navigation that allows captains to pinpoint their coordinates by looking at the location of certain stars and constellations.
Fun Fact
The original idea for the celestial sphere was invented by Aristotle and expanded upon by Ptolemy.
Tags: celestial sphere, better understand, celestial meridian, help people, help people better
Breast cancer is said to be a silent killer. This statement becomes even clearer when it comes to inflammatory breast cancer. With no detectable lumps usually present, it can be hard to detect. Inflammatory breast cancer is even more difficult to detect in teens that may be unsure of their bodies. However, there are certain symptoms to look for and other information every teen girl should know.
Rarity
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of breast cancer.
Symptoms
According to WebMD, inflammatory breast cancer may result in swollen, red, painful, tender, warm breasts that may itch. The skin may also become thick, the nipple may invert, there may be bruises, swollen lymph nodes under the arm, and there may or may not be lumps in the breast (see Resources below).
Embarrassment
Teens are often uncomfortable about their bodies and may be too embarrassed to discuss changes in their breasts. Parents should discuss inflammatory breast cancer with their children to ensure they become more comfortable about their breasts.
More Common
Inflammatory breast cancer is more common in teens than other types of breast cancer.
Misdiagnosis
WrongDiagnosis.com states that inflammatory breast cancer is often misdiagnosed as a breast infection. It may also be misdiagnosed as a simple bug bite, which means the cancer may not be correctly diagnosed until Stage 4 (see Resources below).
Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer, inflammatory breast, inflammatory breast cancer, about their
The United States Department of Labor predicts that health care jobs in general will experience growth by 2020, and medical transcriptionists openings in particular are projected to grow by 18 percent. According to iSeek Jobs, the average wage for medical transcriptionists is $17.59 per hour. Seeking employment as a medical transcriptionist involves a combination of self-assessment, preparation for the job and putting wise job search strategies into action.
Instructions
Finding a Medical Transcriptionist Job
1. Do a complete assessment of your career skills and interests to determine if the medical transcription field is a good fit for you. Skills and interest assessments can be found on websites such as iSeek Jobs. As a baseline, you should be an organized person with computer skills, have an interest in health care, and enjoy working independently.
2. Make sure you have the educational experience necessary for the field. Complete a one-year or two-year medical transcriptionist education program. Additionally, become certified. The Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) facilitates the certification exam. Once certified, you will need to renew your certification every three years by earning continuing education credits related to the field.
3. Determine if you would like to work for a corporation or become self-employed. Many medical transcriptionists work from home and this arrangement will involve a lot of planning and self-motivation. Before considering working from home, inform yourself about the expectations and restrictions related to self-employment as defined by the IRS. Additionally, consider completing continuing education courses on business management and entrepreneurship.
4. Polish your resume and practice your interviewing skills. Be sure you have updated your education and any relevant employment history on your resume and highlight your certification if you have one. Practice interviewing with a friend or associate and let them provide you with honest feedback. For a list of common interview questions, visit Common Interview Questions (CIQ) at http://www.commoninterviewquestions.org.
5. Start your job search online. Visit the AHDI's Career Connection website (link below in Resources). You do not need to be an AHDI member to use this site. You will be able to search for medical transcription jobs, register to receive job postings via email, create a personalized website, and post your resume for employers to review. Check general job search sites such as Monster.com and Yahoo Hot Jobs as well.
6. Network with others in the field. Speak to those who are currently working in medical transcription and let them know you are seeking work. Attend local networking workshops which are often offered by Government Workforce Centers. If you are a recent graduate, ask for an appointment with your school's student career center. Networking is a highly effective means of finding employment since you will have a direct reference from someone you know and who knows about your skills and motivations.
Tags: medical transcription, medical transcriptionists, your resume, continuing education, from home, health care
A pap smear is a routine part of a gynecological checkup
A pap smear is part of a gynecological examination. A sample of cells is taken from the cervix and screened for abnormal cells and cervical cancer. The United States Preventative Task Force recommends that after three normal pap smears done annually, a smear test every two to three years is sufficient.
Gynecological Exam
The gynecological evaluation includes a pelvic examination, the collection of the specimen, preservation of the specimen and microscopic review of the specimen.
Pelvic Exam
A gynecological exam bed with stirrups helps position the patient. Various speculums are used, depending on the size of the vagina. The Grave's speculum comes in three sizes: small, medium and large. The Grave's medium will fit most women. A Pederson speculum is narrower than a Grave's and is used in women who have never been pregnant, have never used tampons, or have narrow vaginal openings because of age, radiation or surgery. Another speculum is of a disposable plastic and is used successfully in most women.
Collection of Specimen
Collection is achieved by using a cytobrush applicator and an Ayer's spatula. The specimen is then either placed on a slide or washed into a liquid solution for examination.
Preservation of Sample
There are two general methods of preserving the cervical sample, slide fixation and liquid-based cytology. To fix the specimen, a slide is used and the cytobrush and spatula are run across the glass and sprayed with a fixative solution. In a liquid-based sample, the cytobrush and spatula are rinsed through the liquid container and sealed for examination. The sample is then sent to a pathology lab for examination.
Tags: cytobrush spatula, Exam gynecological, examination sample, have never, most women, part gynecological
Breast pain alarms many women, who immediately think of cancer, but it is mostly an inconvenience that is not worrisome. The Mayo Clinic states that breast pain without other symptoms, such as lumps, does not usually indicate breast cancer, and that a large percentage of women experience breast pain, called mastalgia, from time to time. Relieving breast pain depends on the specific cause and can be done through self-care.
Instructions
1. Mark a calendar on the days you experience breast pain. Recording your pain for several months determines whether your breast pain is cyclic, connected to your menstrual cycle, or noncyclic. Some treatments to relieve cyclic breast pain will not alleviate noncyclic discomfort.
2. Apply warm or cold compresses to your breasts to relieve your pain. Using heat or cold will depend on your individual comfort. This remedy can treat both cyclic and noncyclic breast pain.
3. Take an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen to treat minor breast pain of any kind. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory that can calm irritated tissues. Your doctor may prescribe stronger medications like tamoxifen or birth control pills to eliminate cyclic pain not helped with OTC drugs.
4. Cut caffeine from your diet. The Mayo Clinic reports that while the link between caffeine and breast pain is not easily explained, many women find relief when they eliminate caffeine.
5. Consume a low-fat diet. Some breast pain is caused by an imbalance of fatty acids in the body. Reducing the total fat you eat to less than 20 percent of your daily calories can regulate the fatty acid count and relieve breast pain.
6. Wear a support bra that will keep your breasts from bobbing when you move. This is especially important for athletes whose workouts cause pain. Choose styles with adequate coverage to lend more support. Check that underwires are comfortable and not poking your skin.
Tags: breast pain, breast pain, breast pain, experience breast, experience breast pain, many women, Mayo Clinic
Skilled medical office assistants are commonly employed by podiatrists, physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors and other health care professionals. Medical office assistants assist with administrative tasks, which include medical transcription, insurance billing, medical records, appointment scheduling, customer service and clinical duties such as preparing patients for examinations, laboratory services, sterilizing medical equipment, authorizing medication refills and other duties set forth in the job description. Clinical duties for medical office assistants will often vary from state to state due to certain state regulations.
Instructions
1. Train on the job. Some employers do not require medical office assistants to obtain a certification or degree in order to be employed within their medical offices. It is rare for medical office assistants to be trained exclusively on the job without obtaining a post-secondary education or vocational training—be sure to read the employers' training and skills requirements to become a medical office assistant.
2. Get certified. Employers seek out the most qualified and skilled candidates to become a medical office assistant—completing a medical office assistant training program shows the employer that you have the necessary skills to be considered for a position as a medical office assistant.
3. Obtain a degree. Community colleges offer medical office assistant programs that focus on courses in anatomy, medical terminology, keyboarding, account principles, insurance processing and other useful courses related to performing your job as a medical office assistant.
4. Volunteer to get useful medical office assistant experience. Most employees prefer to hire experienced medical office assistants since the job requires the medical office assistant be capable of multitasking and performing crucial administrative support in order to effectively run the office. Consider volunteering at your local hospital or the American Red Cross to obtain hands on experience.
5. Practice your customer skills. Excellent customer service is a must-have skill—especially when you are working directly with patients. Medical office assistants are one of the first professionals to interact with patients before the physician sees the patient—providing superior customer service to the patients who are also customers paying for a service is a great way to ensure your success as a medical office assistant.
6. Prepare a resume. In order to be considered for employment you must have a resume to accompany your application. A well-written resume is a useful and mandatory employment tool–after you have completed your training to become a medical office assistant prepare a resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are seeking to fill.
Tags: medical office, office assistant, office assistants, medical office assistants, medical office assistant
The travel industry is one of many business opportunities available in Florida.
According to the Minority Business Development Agency, loan denial rates for minority businesses in the United States are three times higher than those for non-minority firms. This belies the fact that women owned businesses in the United States generated revenues of over $940.8 billion and contributed to payroll taxes that amounted to over $173.7 billion, according to a 2002 U.S. Small Business Administration Survey. This extraordinary contribution to the U.S economy motivates both state and federal governments to encourage minority women, in Florida and in other states, to seek assistance in starting businesses.
Access Florida
Access Florida is a state-run grant program helping minority women in Florida with business financing. Access Florida offers low-interest and flexible loans for up to $50,000 to minority women who have limited or no access to traditional business financing. One of its current programs, awarding grant money for the year's best-written business plan, is just one example of Access Florida's support for minority female owned businesses.
SCORE
The SCORE Association is a national small business assistance program funded in Florida through grants provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Florida. SCORE operates five different centers in Florida where minority women can find help in developing new business plans, finding loans, and applying for start-up financing. SCORE also hosts a volunteer mentorship program that matches professional business volunteers to new business start-ups. It also provides Spanish-speaking translators when requested.
The Disney Entrepreneur Center
The Disney Entrepreneur Center is an excellent example of how private grants help minority women to start a business. The center offers regular classes on creating, financing, and operating a business. Most classes are offered at little or no cost and the company even encourages existing businesses to provide free business services to the center. Disney also provides a centralized database of all local municipalities and chamber of commerces that support small and minority businesses in their communities.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers
States give special consideration to minority women-owned businesses that seek to do business with governments. Florida has subsidized a program, through grants, called Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) throughout the state. PTAC assists minority women's businesses to become Certified Business Enterprises through the Department of Management Services in the Office of Supplier Diversity. The PTAC program helps minority women obtain both state and federal government contracts.
Tags: minority women, Access Florida, also provides, Assistance Centers, both state
Poor cell phone reception? 2 people in 3 have experienced poor call quality and dropped calls. But there are inexpensive ways to improve your cell phone signal...
Instructions
1. Battery. Your cell phone uses a lot more power when connecting a call than when it is on standby. Often, your battery can be strong enough to attempt a call, but not strong enough to find a signal. If you find you are having signal problems, try to keep your battery charged to 2 bars or higher.
2. Landscape. Buildings and other large structures are very unfriendly to cell phone signal. Rather than making calls from deep inside buildings try moving outside or to a window to place your call. If you are having reception problems on the street try walking to the nearest intersection as they typically have better coverage.
3. Upgrade your antenna. Most cell phone manufacturers make a "Hi-gain" antenna for their handsets, which may be easily changed in-store or by the user at home. Although these won't improve signal as much as a repeater these antennas are relatively inexpensive and you are not confined to one location. They can easily be installed at home, or at your local cell phone store.
4. Install a cellular repeater. If you are having cell problems in one location, such as your home or office, then try installing a cellular repeater. Cell phone repeaters pick up low cell signal with an antenna, boost the signal and broadcast it over the coverage area. They typically need at least 2 bars of signal where the antenna is placed (usually outside or on the roof) but can substantially improve cell reception, as well as battery life and data download speeds. Check out product reviews on Froogle or www.repeaterstore.com
5. Change networks. Most networks operate independently of one another, using their own frequencies and constructing their own cell phone towers. Chances are if the signal is bad with one network you can improve by switching. Most cellular networks these days allow you to transfer your phone number when you change provider.
Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is a bustling, modern city that is also the nation's largest city. According to Lonely Planet, it stretches out for more than 12 miles from east to west. Although Montevideo does have issues with pollution and traffic, there also is a restored historic district called Ciudad Vieja that offers examples of neoclassical and art deco architecture, shops, places to eat and outdoor cafes. Uruguay also has a lively arts scene, including burgeoning music and theater. You can take in a tango performance or catch an up-and-coming rock band.
Ciudad Vieja
Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja is the section of the city where you can see colonial architecture with its collection of Italian, Spanish and art deco buildings. In the center of the Ciudad Vieja is the Plaza Independencia a wide square surrounded by palm trees. At the heart of the square is a statue of national hero Jose Artigas, whose body is buried beneath. Ciudad Vieja has been renovated with iron gates and old-fashioned street lamps and offers plenty of shopping for antique lovers and restaurants. Though it once had a reputation for being somewhat seedy, these renovations are revitalizing the area.
Iglesia Matriz
The Iglesia Matriz is Montevideo's oldest public building, built in 1804. It was elevated to the status of a cathedral 100 years ago. This national historic monument is one of the biggest centers for Catholics in Uruguay, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and the apostles Phillip and James. Visitors are welcome to tour the church that houses the bodies of many prominent Uruguayan politicians and religious leaders. Its domed bell tower is a prominent part of Montevideo's skyline.
Iglesia Matriz
Sarandi
Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
02 915 7018
Mercado del Puerto
The Mercado del Puerto is an open-air market that is open during the afternoons and on weekends. For those looking for an authentic taste of Montevideo life, this market and its array of sights and sounds should not be missed. Vendors sell Uruguayan foods like empanadas, grilled meat and seafood. It is also a good place to buy local arts and crafts. On the weekends, the Mercado del Puerto also attracts local musicians, who put on performances while you shop, eat or just hang out.
Mercado del Puerto
Piedras and Yacaré,
Montevideo, Uruguay
Museo Histórico Nacional
The Museo Historico Nacional is made up of various historic houses in the Ciudad Vieja that you can tour, allowing you a look at 19th century Montevideo. Many of these buildings once housed political and military leaders of Uruguay's past. The Museo Romantico contains many examples of antique Uruguayan furniture and paintings. The Casa Rivera was the home of Uruguay's first president, Jose Fructuoso Rivera, and contains many historical pieces of art and artifacts. Casa Garibaldi is the house where Italian nationalist Giuseppe Garibaldi lived in exile for some years after he tried to overthrow the Italian monarchs.
Museo Historico Nacional
Calle Rincon 437
Montevideo 11000
02-951-051
Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes
The Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes is the national art museum of Uruguay. It houses a collection of work that spans from colonial art to more contemporary pieces. Though it does have an impressive amount of paintings, the Museo also is home to carvings, sculpture and documents. Works from famous Uruguayan artists like Carlos Gonzalez and Juan Manuel Blanes are on display. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free.
General practitioners are doctors responsible for the care and well-being of individuals. They provide physicals, referrals and treatment for minor illnesses. A general practitioner treats all ages, and commonly is referred to as a family doctor, as she can provide treatment for everyone in your family. Most practitioners work in a doctor's office or clinic versus a hospital and generally have a list of patients they routinely see and treat.
Function
A general practitioner is the first doctor an individual comes in contact with when seeking health care. A general practitioner, or general physician, diagnoses and treats a range of conditions--typically common colds, illnesses, infections and broken bones. He also provides physicals and routine treatment and care for patients. A general practitioner sees patients with more serious conditions and refers them to specialists or for further tests to get a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
Responsibilities
A general practitioner provides routine care to ensure the patient is in good health. The physical exam includes performing a general check of the body, noting vitals such as blood pressure, weight and temperature, and ordering any needed blood tests. The physician provides care for individuals not feeling well. When an ill patient comes to the office, the physician reviews his medical chart, history and vitals and checks the symptoms that are present. The physician provides a diagnosis, a treatment plan and writes a prescription for any needed medications. If the symptoms require a specialist or more care than a general practitioner can provide, she will refer the patient to a specialist who can provide the level of care the patient needs.
Education and Licensing
A general practitioner must undergo extensive education and training prior to being allowed to practice medicine. He must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, four years of medical school and three years of residency. After completing school and residency, a general practitioner must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). A practitioner cannot practice medicine until he passes the USMLE and has become a licensed physician.
Job Outlook
Employment for a general practitioner is projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow up to 22 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than average for all other occupations. The field is expanding because of the continued growth in the population and based on the growth in the number of elderly individuals, who require more medical care than the average person.
Wages
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, primary care physicians had a median annual income of $186,044 in 2008. This ranked among the highest of any occupation.
Tags: general practitioner, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, care than, family doctor, general practitioner must, Labor Statistics
Pain in the sternum (breastbone) and ribs can be present for a number of reasons, but there is a condition that causes sternum and rib pain called costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum.
Fact
Costochondritis pain can feel like the same pain associated with various heart conditions, including a heart attack.
Symptoms
Sharp pain and tenderness where the ribs attach to the breastbone is the main symptom of costochondritis. Although the pain can occur on either side of your chest, left side pain is most often associated with it.
Causes
Clear causes for sternum and rib pain can include injury to the chest or infection in the chest area.
Diagnosis
Most sternum and rib pain causes cannot be seen on imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs, but the pain can be diagnosed by a physical examination.
Treatment
Sternum and rib pain usually will go away in about one or two weeks. Anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxers can be used to relieve pain.
Histology technicians work in a laboratory doing tasks that help pathologists diagnose disease. Histology technicians prepare tissue slides for microscopic evaluation using specialized equipment and techniques. They usually learn their skills by earning a two-year associate's degree.
Materials
Histology technicians work with human and animal tissues, bone marrow, and blood and other body fluids that have been obtained from diagnostic, surgical or autopsy procedures.
Techniques
Histology technicians use techniques including dehydrating, embedding, fixing, sectioning and staining to prepare the tissues for microscopic examination.
Preparation and Maintenance
Histology technicians prepare stains and other solutions. They maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, ensuring that everything is in good working order.
Specimen Collection
Job duties may include helping with specimen collection, including assisting during fine-needle aspiration biopsies and gathering specimens during autopsies.
Clerical Tasks
Histology technicians often are required to assist with data entry and other clerical duties essential to the laboratory. They might monitor supply inventory and order new supplies when needed.
Creating a trifold brochure is easy if you have the right software. Decide on the right font and apply basic graphic design principles to your layout.
Instructions
1. The easiest way to create a trifold brochure is to use graphic design software that already contains templates for brochures. A program like Print Shop Deluxe has several templates to choose from. Some are better than others, but all of them can be customized for your use.
2. In Print Shop Deluxe, you can sort the brochure templates by business, education, events, occasions and sports. After choosing a style, insert your own photos and text.
Anything in a template can be changed. You can alter the color scheme or change the graphics entirely. The template is a place to start.
3. The template will have built-in suggestions for fonts that go along with the graphic design. Sometimes they work well. Other times, you'll want to change the fonts.
As a general rule, stick to just two or three fonts. Use one for the title of your brochure. You can use something funky here, but make sure it's readable. Choose a second font for subheads that is bold. The third font, which will be used for the bulk of the text, should be clear and readable.
4. Apply basic graphic design principles to your layout. The eye should move in a logical, sweeping pattern from left to right and top to bottom.
Vary the sizes of the photos. Break up the text into small "bites" so the readers' eye won't just gloss over the information you want them to read.
Be sure to leave enough space where the trifold brochure will be folded, particularly on the outside, since the viewer will only be seeing one panel at a time. On the inside, the viewer will see the entire three panels at once.
5. If you are printing the brochures yourself, a program like Print Shop Deluxe is great. But if you're planning to bring the file to a professional printer, your files probably won't work. Although Print Shop Deluxe has a feature to export a file as a PDF, there are lots of glitches that will drive you crazy.
For large scale printing, you should use a professional graphic design program like InDesign. You'll have to build your brochure from scratch. You might be able to export or cut and paste elements from a template in another program into InDesign.
6. You can easily package InDesign files for uploading to a local or online printer.
X-rays are great diagnostic tools but the radiation can be harmful after long-term exposure.
Diagnostic tools such as the radiographer have helped physicians and dentists acquire far more information about the patient than they could in the past, allowing the doctor to more successfully treat patients. Advances in technology have produced more durable radiography machines and have also created digital radiography machines that allow x-ray technicians to produce more accurate x-rays.
Area of Interest
Make sure that the entire area of interest is shot when taking an x-ray. All of the details of the area of interest must be clearly identifiable so that the dentist or physician can make an appropriate diagnosis, according to Smile Mag. The x-ray should be taken at multiple angles, since one angle might have a discrepancy.
Fresh Developer
Make sure that the developer solution used to make the x-ray dark and interpretable is fresh. Solution that is not fresh might result in a dark x-ray, according to the Chiropractic Research Organization. Developers that are exposed to air or that are not properly diluted can stop working properly.
Buy Expensive Film
The most expensive film will usually produce the most accurate radiographic results. High-quality film often lacks fog and scratches, which lead the radiographer to take more x-rays, according to the Chiropractic Research Organization. This exposes patients to more radiation and increases film expenses overall when more film has to be used during retakes.
Patient Protection
Use beam restricting devices that reduce the amount of scattered radiation. Not only does this protect the patient but also leads to more accurate images, according to the Chiropractic Research Organization. Patients can also be protected by having them wear gonad shields, unless the gonad shield might restrict the area that is being examined.
Control mA
Different areas of the body need different amounts of mA in order to get an accurate image, according to the Chiropractic Research Organization. The amount of mA that the radiography machine produces can be controlled by purchasing filters.
Digital
Digital radiographer machines produce images that can often be enlarged. They can have the resolution, color and contrast changed, according to RDH Magazine. The diagnostic process is much faster. The image is processed immediately and the harsh developing chemicals do not need to be used. The digital radiographer also uses 70 percent less radiation.
Maintenance
Radiography equipment should be regularly maintained in order to ensure that it is functioning properly, according to the Chiropractic Research Organization. Film processors tend to wear down with time and often need the rollers, guide shoes and pumps to be replaced. New x-ray equipment usually does not need to be maintained very often.
Repeating
X-rays should always be repeated if the information gained from the x-ray is important enough. While exposing the patient to more radiation is bad, not diagnosing a potentially dangerous disease or condition can be even worse.
Tags: according Chiropractic, according Chiropractic Research, Chiropractic Research, Chiropractic Research Organization, Research Organization, area interest
Ultrasound techs perform diagnostic medical tests that create pictures of the internal structures of patients' bodies through the use of sound waves. The demand for professionals in the field should increase by 18 percent from 2008 through 2018, creating around 9,200 new jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Technicians make an average of $63,640 per year, explains BLS as of May 2009, and must meet training and skill requirements to secure employment.
Education
Post-secondary education is generally necessary to become an ultrasound technician, though educational requirements vary among employers. Some technicians receive certificates or diplomas from post-secondary vocational or technical schools or hospital training programs. These courses of study may last for as little as one year. Approximately 25 percent of ultrasound technicians have some college like a certificate or diploma, but no formal degree, according to the Occupational Information Network. Around 42 percent, the majority of technicians have two-year associate degrees from community, junior or technical colleges. Another 25 percent have four-year baccalaureate degrees from traditional colleges or universities. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) provides accreditation for sonography programs; as of 2008, more than 150 schools in the United States held credentials from the commission.
Skills
To be successful in the field, ultrasound technicians must possess certain skills and traits. Hand-eye coordination, arm steadiness and manual dexterity are integral in controlling the equipment used to perform ultrasounds. This equipment usually consists of a wand-like object called a transducer, which technicians typically press against a patient to produce images on a monitor. Technicians must have good oral communication skills in order to explain procedures and provide instructions to patients. Reading comprehension is necessary to understand physicians' orders for tests as well as attentiveness to detail to ensure that the appropriate part of the body receives testing. At times, sonography equipment may malfunction, making problem solving and trouble-shooting skills important for ultrasound technicians.
Credentials
Although states do not require ultrasound technicians to obtain professional, government-issued licensing before working in the field, some employers may require techs to have voluntary certification to receive employment consideration. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography oversees certification programs for ultrasound technicians. Separate designations are available for cardiac sonographers, who make images of the heart; vascular sonographers, who make images of blood vessels; and general sonographers, who may specialize in abdominal, breast, obstetric, or nervous systems ultrasound. To qualify for certification, students must complete a CAAHEP-approved education program and then pass a written examination.
Tags: ultrasound technicians, degrees from, make images, sonographers make, sonographers make images
Exposing a person to radiation is a violation of the law.
The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement, or NCRP; the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or NRC; and many government regulations demand the use of radiation grid shielding as an essential rule of safety, according to radiology website CEEssentials. Traditionally, lead, concrete and bricks are reliable elements of grid construction to eliminate or minimize exposure to radiation. Most importantly, any professional x-ray environment that causes unprotected radiation exposure is a breach of federal law.
Primary Grids
Exposure to radiation is necessary to produce an x-ray.
Radiology imaging rooms use primary grids designed as the first layer of protection to minimize a patient's exposure to radiation. Primary grid types take the brunt of radiation absorption, according to CEEssentials, and they protect any body part that may be directly exposed by the chief source of radiation. Direct radioactive energy generated from x-ray tubing or radioisotopes is an example of primary radiation. Examples of primary barriers within structures are floors and foundational walls.
Secondary Grids
Nuclear plants require primary and secondary protection.
Secondary grids capture scattered radiation. Scattered radiation are those emissions not caught by a primary barrier. The density of a secondary grid commonly functions at half the protective capacity as a primary barrier, and both primary and secondary girds are required protection by the NCRP and NRC. Ceilings and console walls are secondary barriers in buildings designed for radioactivity.
Lead Aprons
A person can also wear a radiation grid--an example is a lead apron. While lead aprons offer some protection, they do not offer the wearer complete protection from emissions. At best, most lead aprons function as equivalent secondary grids, states CEEssentials, having the benefit of only "a half value layer, allowing a small quantity of ionizing radiation to pass through."
Strained chest muscles are difficult to diagnose and treat. Whenever you receive a chest injury, it is often challenging to determine exactly what is wrong, especially since fractures are hard to see on X-rays. Even if a diagnosis is made for strained chest muscles, recovery is not going to be easy. Until you have such an injury, you don't realize that almost every activity you do during a day involves using chest muscles. Chest muscles are used to lift your arm, to bend over, even just to sit up or lie in bed. This article will explore ways of properly resting and recovering strained chest muscles.
Instructions
Determine You Have a Strained Chest Muscle
1. If you receive a chest injury, you must first rule out more serious injuries, such as a broken rib, fractured sternum, or problem with the muscles surrounding your heart. If the injury affected your heart or heart muscles, the first part of treatment would be stabilizing the heart to keep your blood pressure from falling to dangerous levels.
2. Have an X-ray taken of your chest to rule out a more serious injury. Consult your health care provider or call emergency medical services immediately.
3. Have a physician diagnose what is wrong with you by reading the results of the X-ray and by examining you and asking questions about your symptoms.
4. If you were playing sports and you pulled a muscle too far by moving or stretching too much in a certain direction, you might have a strained muscle. A strained muscle could also occur if you suddenly jerked a muscle during an activity. An auto accident could cause a strained chest muscle, too. During the collision, the seatbelt restraint can pull you back, causing the muscles to become strained. You may also receive a broken rib or fractured sternum from the seatbelt or by hitting the steering wheel, especially if the front airbag doesn't deploy.
5. Muscle strains occur when the muscle gets stretched beyond its limit. The muscle fibers are torn, usually where the muscle joins the tendon. You may hear a popping sound or a snapping of the muscle. The pain is often severe immediately, and frequently the area will bruise. Swelling generally is found in the injured area, although the chest may swell less than an area like the thigh or ankle.
6. The physician will not wrap or cast strained chest muscles, or a fractured sternum or broken rib, for that matter. It is important for you to be able to breathe normally to be able to recover properly. There is also risk of a respiratory illness such as pneumonia when your breathing is restricted to small breaths.
Treat the Strained Chest Muscles
7. If you are diagnosed with strained chest muscles, the first step in recovery is to immediately stop using the muscles any more than absolutely necessary. Eliminate any activity that excessively strains the chest muscles and limit yourself to activities of daily living until your muscles begin to heal.
8. Take any medication prescribed. You may be given instructions to take an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or Tylenol for pain. Follow dosing instructions from your health care provider or on the dosing information on the bottle. Often in the cases of severe pain, you will also be given a narcotic pain reliever. Take as necessary per instructions for the pain.
9. Use an ice pack initially on the injured chest area for the first three days. The ice pack should not be placed directly on the skin, so have some protective barrier like a thin towel. The ice will help with swelling in the chest. You may wish to continue the ice pack past the three days if the swelling persists. Typically, an ice pack is most effective if used for 20 minutes and then the injured area is given 20 minutes rest.
10. Try hot packs after the first three days or once the swelling subsides. These usually soothe the muscles and help provide further relief. Some people find that the heat is more irritating to the area. If so, discontinue use and consider continuing with brief use of the ice packs or nothing.
11. Get plenty of bed rest. For your body to be able to recover from any injury, you need rest. It is hard for the body to recover when you are still maintaining your daily activities that take up your energy.
12. Ensure you are in a proper position when resting. If you have strained chest muscles, most positions you sit or lie in will cause pain. The best position for strained chest muscles is generally lying in a partially sitting position with two or three pillows behind your back. The best type of pillows are down pillows that also offer some support to your back. A floppy pillow will cause your chest muscles to have to be used to support you.
13. Limit your activities during the resting process. You don't want to re-injure the area. Make sure not to lift anything more than a pound or two at first, and don't stretch the chest muscles too far. Stick to easy activities such as simple walking and sitting. Even activities that seem like they won't affect the area may in fact do so. For instance, imagine driving a car and suddenly having to swerve to avoid a deer or another car and pulling the muscles abruptly that are strained.
14. Start stretching out the area after you've rested for a few days. Too much stretching can make things worst, so start with simple stretches and don't do many repetitions. Do not stretch past the point of tolerable discomfort.
15. Gradually add normal everyday activities back into your routine. Continue to stretch out every day, working in weight-bearing exercises lightly. You want to make sure you have completely healed before getting back into heavier weightlifting or the sporting activities that caused the injury. The area is now more sensitive to injury, so always stretch out well and be careful when you do get to the point where you engage in sporting and other physical activities again.
16. Physical therapy may be recommended to help aid in your recovery. A physical therapist can help show you what exercises to do to help your recovery. You might receive TENS therapy, where electrotherapy helps reduce swelling and relax the muscles. Ultrasound could be used as well to promote blood flow to the area and relax muscles to help speed healing.
17.Make sure to continue care with your physician. Follow up care can be essential to make sure the area is healing and that you aren't doing anything to make the strained chest muscles worse.
Job candidate drug screenings used to be common only in certain professions, such as high-security government jobs and the pharmaceutical industry. Nowadays, however, mandatory screenings are becoming the vetting tool of choice for many employers, and they're even being used in some schools. Drug screening tends to bring up strong feelings; some feel they are necessary to weed out undesirable applicants, and others say they violate individual rights.
Encourages Appropriate Behavior
One "pro" of mandatory drug screenings is that they encourage appropriate behavior among job applicants, students and some argue, society at large. People may be less likely to use illicit substances if they may be tested for drugs before applying for a position. Screenings are also an incentive for substance abusers to get help, since they know they'll be unable to find a job (that requires screening) unless they do. Students who don't want to risk being disciplined or expelled are also encouraged by regular drug screenings to resist peer pressure and other influences that lead to drug abuse.
Weeds Out Addicts
Some employers simply don't want to hire drug users and find that mandatory screenings are the solution. They may also have regular drug tests while an individual is already employed to maintain a drug-free environment. Likewise, schools want to find student drug users so they can be removed from the student populace. School administrators fear users will encourage other students to do the same.
Invades Privacy
There is also much to be said for the "cons" of mandatory drug screenings. One argument is that they don't respect the individual's right to privacy against unauthorized search and seizure, which is part of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. Employees may resent having their personal lives intruded by mandatory drug screenings and may not want employers to know they are battling an addiction. Students may become upset when their lockers and backpacks are searched, revealing items they don't wish to share with others.
Limitations
Finally, drug screenings have limitations, especially when searching for evidence of specific chemicals. Prescription medications, legal herbal supplements and other treatments can cause false positives in drug tests. False readings can erroneously implicate an individual of using illegal drugs.
Tags: drug screenings, mandatory drug, mandatory drug screenings, drug tests, drug users
Iodine helps the thyroid glands to function properly, especially in metabolic processes. Lack of iodine leads to many cancers, among women especially. It is important to address the lack of iodine in many nutritional practices. A supplement tablet called Iodoral offers potent combinations of iodine and iodide.
Significance
Iodine deficiency is one of the major concerns in nutrition. Serious diseases such as fibrocystic disease in women and hyperthyroidism can be prevented with sufficient iodine supply in the diet. Iodoral is a popular supplement with a combined iodine and iodide formulation, which provides the necessary daily requirement.
Iodoral Facts
Iodine solution was once used as a treatment of thyroid gland ailments. The manufacturers of Iodoral sought to produce a supplement that was spill-proof and didn't cause gastric pain. The tablet form supplies the necessary amount of iodine, comparable to that of the Japanese iodine-rich diet. Taking Iodoral requires monitoring of thyroid activity by a physician. The daily recommended dosage is one to four tablets.
Functions of Iodine
The body uses iodine to keep some of the important bodily systems in good working condition. It is a primary defense against viruses and bacteria. Thyroid glands ensure regular heart rate, proper blood pressure and regulated body temperature. Iodine helps in thyroid hormone secretion that allows metabolic processes to function properly.
Lack of iodine poses risks to goiters, cancers and ovarian cysts. Pregnant women must also rely on iodine to help the baby's brain development inside the womb. Stomach tissues also use iodine to produce digestive acids, a lack of which can lead to cancer as well.
Side Effects
Use of Iodoral can cause side effects such as headaches, increased saliva secretion and acne breakouts on various parts of the body. It can also cause anxiety, heart palpitations, profuse perspiration and intolerance to heat as the body reacts to the thyroid hormones. Weight loss and added stamina are also linked to regular intake of Iodoral. It is also ideal to use Vitamin A along with Iodoral.
Misconceptions
Iodoral is often mistaken as a diet pill, as it perks up thyroid activity, which then promotes weight loss. The tablet is primarily an iodine supplement. Thus, if the body recovers fully from such ailments, iodine intake must be lessened. It should not be viewed as a standalone weight loss pill.
Breast cancer is treated with local therapies and systemic therapies. Local therapies treat the tumor without affecting other parts of the body, says the American Cancer Society. Examples of this include surgery and radiation. Systemic therapies are dispersed through the bloodstream and are effective against cancer cells that have spread throughout the body. Chemotherapy is one kind of systemic treatment.
Chemotherapy Forms
Chemotherapy can be given by mouth or intravenously, depending on which drug is chosen. Some women have intravenous chemotherapy followed by oral chemotherapy, and some women only have oral chemotherapy. Treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer and characteristics of the cancer itself, says Ramaswamy Govindan in The Washington Manual of Clinical Oncology, 2008.
Common Treatment Regimens
Chemotherapy is often more effective when a combination of drugs are used, and for breast cancer, there are several combinations commonly used, says the American Cancer Society. Three combinations that are used often include cyclophosphomide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil (CMF); cyclophosphomide, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil (CAF); and doxorubicin and cyclophosphomide (AC) (Govindan, 2008). Other combinations include epirubicin and cyclophosphomide (EC), and docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphomide, says the American Cancer Society. This is not a complete listing of combinations, so it is important that you and your doctor discuss which option is best for you.
Commonly Used Chemotherapeutic Drugs in Breast Cancer
Cyclophosphamide (brand name Cytoxan) can be given orally or intravenously, and is part of nearly every regimen for breast cancer, says Drs. Carol Turkington and Karen Krag in the 2006 book The A to Z of Breast Cancer. Its side effects can include hair loss, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth sores, diarrhea and low blood counts, which can increase risk of infection. Doxorubicin (brand name Adriamycin) is also commonly used in treating breast cancer. This drug can cause damage to the heart, so before it is given, heart function tests are done. Your heart function is also monitored during treatment with doxorubicin and even after treatment. Side effects of this drug include severe nausea and vomiting, hair loss, appetite loss, and it turns urine red for a day or two following administration. 5-fluorouracil (brand name Adrucil) is given intravenously, usually with other drugs. Epirubicin (brand name Ellence) is a drug that is given to women whose cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm after surgery. It can cause nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, and diarrhea. Methotrexate (brand name Mexate), docetaxel (brand name Taxotere), and vincristine (brand name Oncovin) are also other drugs used in treating breast cancer. These also share many of the side effects of the drugs previously mentioned.
Types of Chemotherapy Regimens
Chemotherapy is given in cycles, to allow the body to rest and repair itself. The medication is given, and then there is a break of two or three weeks, depending on the cancer and drugs chosen, before another administration. The length of treatment depends on the stage of cancer, the type of cancer, and the drugs being used.
Dose-dense chemotherapy is when cycles of chemotherapy are given closer together. If a combination is given every three weeks in the standard treatment, a dose-dense approach may give it every two weeks. While this approach has had success in improving survival in some women and reducing the risk of recurrence, it can also have more pronounced side effects.
Clinical Trials
Your doctor may mention the option of taking part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies with patients that are controlled very carefully. They test different treatments to see whether they work, and how well. Participating in a clinical trial is a good way to receive cutting-edge clinical care while being closely monitored. You have every right not to participate, and your doctors cannot treat you differently if you do not choose to participate. They are not for everyone, but if you are interested, talk to your doctor to see if you would benefit from participation, or if you are eligible to join a study.
Tags: brand name, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, Cancer Society, nausea vomiting, says American, says American Cancer
Duloxetine, brand name Cymbalta, is Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat depression, general anxiety disorder, diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia. It has numerous side effects and warnings that patients should be aware of before starting treatment.
Gastrointenstinal
According to medlineplus.com, gastrointestinal side effects of duloxetine mainly include nausea, constipation, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting.
Nervous System Effects
Dizziness, headache, dry mouth, weakness, tremors and night sweats are all common side effects associated with duloxetine use.
Additional Side Effects
Duloxetine side effects also include drowsiness, muscle pain and cramps, decreased appetite, increased urine, difficulty urinating and changes in sexual function.
Serious Side Effects
If patients experience any of these serious side effects, they should call their doctors immediately: bruising or bleeding, pain in the upper right part of the stomach or swelling of the abdomen, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-colored urine, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness or weakness, confusion, flu-like symptoms, fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, severe muscle stiffness, blurred vision, fever, blisters or peeling skin, rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs and hoarseness.
Warning
The FDA issued a black-box warning for duloxetine and related drugs regarding the potential for patients aged 18 to 24 to develop suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors. Patients should be watched closely for changes in mood.
Ecstasy pills are usually small, round and colorful.
The presence of a drug in a person's system depends on the drug itself. In the case of Ecstasy, testing must be done between one hour and three days after suspected use. All forms of drug testing leave room for human error, but it is unlikely that the tests themselves are defective because of strict government regulations placed on them.
Blood
Blood testing is an extremely accurate diagnostic testing method to determine whether or not Ecstasy is present in a person. This test can only tell if Ecstasy was in the person's system at the time the test was done.
Urine
Urine testing will find evidence of Ecstasy use within the two days prior to taking the test. This testing can be conducted in a medical setting or at home.
Saliva
Saliva testing is normally done in a medical setting. Saliva drug tests, like blood tests, can only show whether Ecstasy was in someone's system when the saliva sample was taken, and not how long or how often the drug was used.
Hair
Hair testing is unique because it can show a person's drug use history up to 90 days before testing. One drawback to this diagnostic testing method is that it cannot find evidence of Ecstasy use within the most recent weeks or days, depending on hair growth. For best results, hair that is tested should come from as close to the roots as possible.
Sweat
A sweat test is conducted by having the subject wear a patch that collects sweat over a long period of time. This method is not considered reliable because the subject is aware that he is being tested and may abstain from using Ecstasy.
An ultrasound is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce images for diagnostic purposes. In order to become an ultrasound technician, students must take an assortment of required courses. These courses vary depending on the institution at which the student is taking classes.
Required Courses
Bachelor's degrees can be obtained at a four-year institution. For those who prefer a two-year program, students can earn their associate's degree.
Topics covered in ultrasound programs focus on medical ethics, anatomy, physics, physiology and procedures. Core focus is placed on the student's choice of specialty and the use of the equipment for that area of medicine. Heavy emphasis is placed not only on use the equipment, but also on read the images produced by the equipment.
A standard ultrasound technician course curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, effective communication, physics and instrumentation, algebra, basic scan techniques, general pathology, scanning the abdomen, scanning the neck and duplex imaging, female reproduction, obstetrics, male reproduction and pediatrics.
Clinical
Students also are required to complete clinical hours at a health care facility to fulfill externship requirements.
Testing
Before being deemed a professional ultrasound technician, students must pass the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Tags: ultrasound technician, students must, technician students, technician students must, ultrasound technician students
According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, job requests for radiation therapists are expected to rise by 27 percent through the year 2018, much higher than many other professions. To attain a career in the industry requires specialized training. Schools across the country offer radiation therapy degrees, ranging from short-term certificate programs through multi-year bachelor's degrees and even further education, each providing real-world experience combined with classroom training on topics such as patient care, radiation protection and nuclear medicine.
Certificate Programs
Students interested in earning a certificate in Radiation Therapy will spend approximately two years (full-time) taking courses such as Clinical Anatomy, Principles of Radiography, Radiation Protection, Quality Assurance, Introduction to Radiation Therapy, Methods of Patient Care and Film Review. A typical year is divided into three semesters, with in-classroom training two days a week and three days of clinical teaching each spring and fall. The summer is spent entirely on clinical training; no classes or training is conducted in the winter, though students may set up internships and observations. One school offering the certificate program is the Sloan-Kettering School of Radiation Therapy, which provides students access to a library with 1,100 medical journals; students may also borrow laptops and take advantage of personal and academic counseling. Manhattan College offers a two and a half year certificate program in Radiation Therapy as well. The City of Hope's California certificate program is shorter (one year); after which, students take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam.
Bachelor's Degrees
A bachelor's degree in Radiation Therapy is available through a traditional four-year program at universities and colleges across the country. Coursework includes Radiation Therapy, Radiation Physics, Radiation Detection and Protection, Diagnostic Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy and Patient Care. Depending on the school, students may perform internships (about nine months' time) at affiliates such as Mount Sinai Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospital and Beth Israel Medical Center. Manhattan College, located in New York, offers the bachelor's degree program (plus the certificate program) and radiation-therapy related honor societies, clubs such as the Radiological Science Society, a library and computer centers. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Allied Health also offers the four-year bachelor of radiation therapy program.
Master's Degrees
Radiation therapy students who wish to further their education may seek a higher degree by pursuing a Master of Science of Medical Dosimetry, the field of determining and distributing the correct dosage of medication for cancer patients. Depending on the institution, classes may include Radiation Therapy Dosimetry & Instrumentation, Fusion Imaging, Physics of Radiation Therapy, Correlative Imaging and a multidisciplinary capstone seminar, a thesis-style project. Graduates may then sit for the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board exam. The master's of medical dosimetry is available at schools including the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Allied Health. A bachelor's degree is required, as is holding of certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist in Radiation Therapy.
Tags: Radiation Therapy, certificate program, bachelor degree, Radiation Therapy, across country
Grants for women in Florida include Dollars for Mammograms to help women detect early breast cancer.
The state of Florida provides grants for women in a variety of areas, including education, health care and social justice. Most grants are awarded for organizations and businesses, but there are a limited number that are available to individuals. For state government grants, Florida's Office of Student Financial Assistance offers grants for loan repayment, the disadvantaged, the disabled, Hispanics and the academically talented. Grants specifically for women may be offered through non-profit organizations and other foundations.
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation
As a charity dedicated to supporting women attending college, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation provides funding in nine southeastern states. The grant is available for Christian women demonstrating financial need who attend accredited institutions, and it maintains a special interest in undergraduate students within health fields such as nursing, medical and allied health care. The nine states eligible are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. More information can be found at the foundation's website and applications are provided by the institutions that the applicants are attending.
The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation
50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 1200
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-522-6755
lpwhitehead.org
Dollars for Mammograms
Established in 2000, Dollars for Mammograms is a non-profit public foundation provided for women who are uninsured or unable to afford mammograms or breast ultrasounds. Residents within the Florida cities of Englewood, Grove City, Cape Haze, Rotonda West, Placida, Boca Grande, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port and Venice qualify. Other requirements are that the applicant be over 40 years old, be a year-round resident and possess financial need, but do not qualify for a federal program. According to the Dollars for Mammograms website, this program was developed because Florida is ranked as fourth in the nation in the number of new cases of breast cancer as of 2007 and breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women.
Dollars for Mammograms, Inc.
PO Box 366
Englewood, FL 34295
941-474-2674
dollarsformammograms.org
Woman's Fund of Miami-Dade County
The Woman's Fund of Miami-Dade County has created more than 380 grants for programs that serve women and girls living in Miami-Dade County, Florida related to social change and economic justice. As of 2010, awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 and are to applied for in the fall of 2010. They will be granted in January 2011 for the full year. Organizations must be a government or non-profit educational institution, have 501(c)(3) status or have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status managing its finances. Designated representatives from the program must attend specific events, have quarterly lunches, attend an annual luncheon and become trained in the Women's Fund online evaluation tool. Applications and more information is available on the organization's website.
Women's Fund of Miami-Dade
2650 SW 27th Ave, Suite 303
Miami, FL 33133
305-441-0506
womensfundmiami.org
Tags: Dollars Mammograms, breast cancer, Fund Miami-Dade, Lettie Pate, Lettie Pate Whitehead, Miami-Dade County
The better the food we put into our bodies, the better our bodies will function.
Food quality should be important to everyone and is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. The quality of the food that we put into our bodies ultimately determines how well our bodies function; therefore, we should strive to find and consume the best quality food that we can.
Instructions
1. Foods with high fructose corn syrup are not of good quality.
Look at the packaging of your food. Does your boxed food have the ingredient "high fructose corn syrup" within the first five ingredients? If so, this is an indication that it is not a good quality food. It is very unhealthy, made with fattening sugars and has minimal nutritional value.
2. Hormone- and antibiotic-free meats are the best quality that you can buy.
Ask the person who works in the meat department whether their beef and other meat is antibiotic-free. Grass-fed meats are the best that you can buy because this means the animals were able to graze and were not treated with hormones and other medicines that can be harmful to you.
3. Buy organic fruits and veggies whenever possible to avoid health problems.
Buy organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Organic fruits and veggies are less likely to have been treated with pesticides or waxes. These are horrible for you and often will stay lodged in your fat stores, which in turn can cause severe damage, such as cancer and other health problems.
4. Hot dogs that are not kosher usually are filled with animal byproducts.
Look at labels to make sure that your food isn't made with animal byproducts. These are not fit for human consumption and include entrails and hooves. Sometimes, animal waste also is leaked into these foods, but the food companies allow it because the ratio is so minimal.
Tags: quality food, animal byproducts, best quality, corn syrup, food that
X-ray technicians or radiology technicians are the medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations and administer radiation therapy, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. They are an important part of the imaging team, as technicians ensure that patients are positioned correctly to ensure accurate testing. A majority of x-ray technicians (60 percent) work in hospital settings, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average yearly salary for an entry-level technician is between $35,000 and $45,000, reports PayScale.com.
Head start
Preparation for a career as an x-ray technician begins in high school. It would benefit you to take coursework in biology, chemistry, math and computer science. While reviewing education options, make sure any program you're interested in is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Some schools require more than a high school diploma to qualify for acceptance. Other entrance requirements for some two-year degree programs include interviews, pre-program assessment tests and an acceptable grade-point average.
Working toward degree
The two-year program is the most common route to become an X-ray technician. After application and acceptance into a college or vocational school, you must complete pre-program coursework such as anatomy and physiology, and college mathematics. Afterward, you are provided with classroom and clinical instruction in areas such as patient care procedures, radiation, medical terminology, positioning of patients, medical ethics and radiobiology. An internship or practicum in a hospital setting is a part of many of the programs. Upon completion, you are awarded an associate degree in applied science.
Solidifying experience
To work as an x-ray tech, many states require you to pass a licensing exam, according to the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians. Thirty-five states in the U.S. require licensing. Check with your state board of health for its requirements. Although the ARRT provides the state with the exam, it is not the grantor. A certificate, on the other hand, is awarded through an exam individuals take through the ARRT. Applicants must meet ethics, education and examination requirements to receive the credential.
Furthering education
The one-year certificate program is an option for individuals from other medical sectors, such as registered nurses or medical technologists, who want to change fields, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, some schools, such as Galveston College, limit continuing education programs to individuals who are already registered technicians who want to broaden their skills. The only accredited certificate program in Texas offers certificates in breast imaging/mammography, computerized tomography technology, magnetic resonance, imaging technology and radiation therapy technology.
Bachelor's and beyond
A handful of schools offer bachelor and postgraduate degrees in x-ray technology. Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., provides three types of degree programs. First, a bachelor's degree provides coursework and labs in areas such as pathology and clinical imaging. This curriculum leads to a radiology technician certification. Second, the school offers a bachelor's degree for individuals who have already earned radiology technician certification. Finally, the master's degree option is designed to produce leaders within the radiology field.
Tags: according American, according Bureau, according Bureau Labor, areas such, bachelor degree, Bureau Labor
Rad techs perform X-Rays, CT scans and computer tomography
Radiology technologists and technicians, or rad techs, perform X-Rays, computer tomography, CT scans and mammography. They prepare the patient and the equipment prior to starting the procedure. Usually these professionals must follow a doctor's instructions as to which exact procedure to use and which part of a patient's body to apply it to. They must be very careful while administering their scans to protect the patients and themselves from unnecessary or dangerous exposure.
Average Salary Breakdown
The average salary for rad techs is $54,180 per year as of 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Radiology technicians in the top earning 25 percent should expect an average salary of $64,070 to $75,440. The entry level positions in the lowest paid 10 percent make $35,700, while those who are more experienced enjoy a median range of $43,510 to $53,240.
Employer Type
The largest number of rad techs are found in hospitals, private doctor offices, labs, outpatient care centers. The average pay here varies from $50,860 to $57,250 per year. However, these are not the employers who pay the most. Technologists working in scientific R&D (research and development), scientific and technical consulting, or specialty hospitals earn anywhere between $58,320 and $64,800 a year, according to the BLS.
Pay by State
How much radiology technicians and technologists get paid also depends on the state of employment. Those living in Massachusetts, Nevada and Maryland are on top, making from $65,820 to $68,530 per year. However, states such as West Virginia, South Dakota and Kentucky, which have the highest number of employed rad techs per 1,000 workers, pay much less, averaging $41,400 to $45,840 a year.
Pay by City
Massachusetts is the highest paying state for a rad tech to live in. However, those living in Boston or Peabody get paid higher than the state average, $69,760 and $72,540 per year, respectively. California cities, such as San Jose, Oakland or Vallejo, pay the top dollar for this profession. The average pay here is between $70,030 and $78,300. Cities like Wheeling, West Virginia, Johnson City, Tennessee and Punta Gorda, Florida, which have the highest concentration of employed rad techs per 1,000 workers, pay much less on average, between $40,190 and $56,730 per year.
Tags: average here, average salary, between year, computer tomography, employed techs, employed techs workers, from year
It's hard to overestimate the impact of a good teacher. Most of us can talk at length about the teachers who inspired us. The quality of a nation's educational system depends in large part on the quality of its teachers, so it's vitally important they are trained well. That's why reputable schools are always accredited by one or more certifying body.
Accreditation
National accreditation for educational programs is provided by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). As of 2011, the two bodies are merging, which will result in a unified certifying agency to be called the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation. In each case, the role of the accrediting agency is the same: to ensure that the accredited schools meet consistent standards of quality in education.
Undergraduate Programs
There are over 1300 schools offering baccalaureate programs in various educational disciplines. Some schools offering education degrees may not offer teacher certification in a given state, so be sure to check with the local Department of Education. A sampling of schools accredited by NCATE or TEAC includes the University of Hartford, Auburn, Kansas State, University of Arizona and UC Berkeley. For complete listings, visit the NCATE and TEAC websites, with links in Resources.
Graduate Programs
Graduate programs are just as widely available as undergraduate programs. There are over 1100 Master's programs in the U.S. and over 400 doctoral programs. There are also numerous online options for those wishing to upgrade their credentials. Representative graduate schools accredited by NCATE or TEAC include the University of New Hampshire, Georgia State, Kent State, University of New Mexico and Stanford. For complete listings, see the NCATE and TEAC websites.
Alternative and Special Certifications
There are a number of educational specializations that require additional certification, like teaching Music or Special Education. There are also programs designed to take professionals with degrees in other disciplines and give them the training they need to become teachers in their area of specialty. These programs are often offered alongside conventional education programs, but are separate and distinct. Most education programs offer a variety of these certifications, so finding the one you want is a matter of contacting a number of schools or reviewing several programs online.
Having productive employees is crucial to success in the corporate world. If your workforce is healthy physically and psychologically, performance is at its peak. Wellness programs are commonplace because they benefit employers and employees alike and create work-home balance.
What is a Wellness Program?
Wellness programs are a combination of health screenings, nutrition coaching, behavioral interventions and fitness training. They are usually managed by a third party and are designed to meet the individual needs of the participants.
Needs Assessment
Your employees are the ones who will utilize these programs, so it is beneficial to create a questionnaire asking them what their health concerns are and how they would like to address them. Would they prefer individual or group activities? Are there any employees who would be willing to mentor or be useful in another way? How do employees want to receive notifications and updates -- memos, emails, wellness calendar, posters? It is imperative that your employees are the focus.
Types of Programs
The only limit to a wellness program is the amount of time and effort you'd like to invest. Smoking cessation, stress management and healthy living programs are popular. Common types of groups employees can join include walking, weight loss, yoga, cooking, nutrition and sports leagues. Caring about your employees creates a more loyal and responsible workforce.
Additional options to consider are hiring a massage therapist, instituting mandatory nap breaks or offering cash back for at-home fitness purchases (similar to tuition reimbursement). Any activity that encourages people to take steps to prevent the onset or worsening of an illness and helps build healthier lifestyles is a great addition to your program.
Environmental Support
To reinforce these healthy patterns, make sure your work environment supports success. Make your facility non-smoking, provide flextime and showers for exercising, get rid of candy and soda machines and replace with healthy alternatives. Create a core group of employees who are in charge of instituting challenges -- who can lose the most weight, share the most recipes, or log the most time in the gym. Recognizing these accomplishments, no matter how small, is a great morale booster.
Employee Benefits
Benefits of wellness programs for employees include: weight loss; improved physical and mental fitness; increased concentration and energy level; decreased stress; increased lifestyle and self-image; and decreased insurance premiums for participation.
Employer Benefits
Benefits of wellness programs for employers include: employee retention and less turnover; reduced health care costs; decreased use of sick leave; reduced employee absenteeism; improved employee relations and morale; increased productivity and work performance; and more harmonious work environment.
MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is an infection resistant to most antibiotic treatment. This highly contagious "staph" infection usually starts as small, red bumps but can quickly abscess. In the worst case scenario, MRSA is life-threatening as it invades the body, infecting the bloodstream, heart and lungs. Common in hospital settings, both medical professionals and lay people can benefit from education activities regarding MRSA and prevention of its spread.
Clinical Jeopardy
This on-demand webcast uses the popular Jeopardy! format as a MRSA educational activity.It's produced by Vemco MedEd, a company focusing on the educational needs of hands-on medical professionals. This activity, titled "Clinical Jeopardy - Addressing the MRSA Challenge!" begins with a doctor's description of a MRSA patient case. Afterward, participants use the Jeopardy! format in categories including MRSA Epidemiology and Mechanisms of Resistance, MRSA Treatment Strategies, and the Importance of an Interdisciplinary Approach to MRSA. The activity is designed for doctors, surgeons, pharmacists, epidemiologists and others who work with patients infected with MRSA or diagnosis or treat the disease. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
vemcomeded.com
MRSA Initiative
Various educational MRSA activities are available from this initiative from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Activities qualify for continuing education credits for health care professionals. Because MRSA treatment resources may vary worldwide, activities focus on the options available for medical personnel in their specific region. According to ASM, MRSA's severity depends on affected populations and the particular institution, so activities for prevention must be specific to the needs of facilities. Activities may be purchased on-line and, after completion of a test, participants fill out an evaluation form to claim their educational credit.
mrsai.org
Medscape CME
Primarily intended for primary care physicians, this on-line activity is also suitable for infectious disease specialists, nurses and others who care for those with MRSA or at-risk of contracting the disease. The activity is eligible for continuing medical education credits for medical professionals. According to the website, there are no fees for participation in the online activity, as it is supported by educational grants from several pharmaceutical companies. After having passed the test for the activity, participants can describe the impact of MRSA in a community practice setting, and choose appropriate antibiotics for combating the disease.
medscape.com
Tags: medical professionals, Clinical Jeopardy, education credits, Jeopardy format, with MRSA