Cope With Breasts That Aren'T Symmetrical

Breasts are rarely symmetrical.

It is the rare woman who has symmetrical breasts. When breasts aren't the same size they are called asymmetrical. One breast might sit differently than the other one on your chest. One can be bigger or shaped differently from the other. If there is one cup size difference in the size of your breasts, they are officially considered asymmetrical.

Instructions

What Causes It and What To Do About It

1. Recognize that as a young girl develops, if her breasts are going to be asymmetrical it will be apparent early on. Non-matching breasts are generally not a reason for concern, although they might make it difficult to find bras that fit and t can be an aesthetic issue for you. However, if you have Poland's Syndrome, this can be a concern, as are tuberous or tubular breasts, both conditions requiring medical intervention.

2. Find out whether your asymmetrical breasts are caused by Poland's syndrome, which is the result of restricted embryonic blood supply. This condition is often accompanied by deformed arms and a missing pectoral muscle, explains Dr. Janet Turkle, an Indianapolis plastic surgeon. This very rare congenital condition can afflict boys as well as girls. The chest muscle and breast muscle fails to develop on one side.

Tubular breasts are caused by an inflexible inframammary fold that is very tight. If you have tubular breasts it is likely that you have a broad areola and a narrow breast tissue base, along with protrusion or herniation of breast tissue through the areola. The nipples are often plump, and the breasts can be tremendously asymmetric and distorted in shape as well as saggy. This happens because the breasts and the breast folds are not positioned where they should be. Surgical procedures can correct this by reducing the size of the areola and stretching and widening the base of the tubular breast, lifting the breasts while increasing the size of smaller breast.

3. Consider that you may have inherited this condition. However, asymmetrical breasts can also be the outcome of growth or development issues, a burn to the breast or an injury. Other causes of asymmetrical breasts can include pregnancy; fibrocystic breast changes; excessive growth of tissue, which is called hyperplasia; non-cancerous breast tumors and cysts; and inflammatory breast cancer, which is not common.

Inflammatory breast cancer is a highly aggressive kind of breast cancer in which cancer cells block the lymph vessels that are in the skin of the breast. This can make the breast red, swollen and warm. The skin on the breast can become pitted or ridged or look like an orange. If you have this type of cancer in one breast it will look different from your other breast, according to Cancer.gov.

4. Do not have corrective surgery until you are age 20 and your breasts are fully developed. Before that, you can pad the smaller breast to make it comparable in size to the other breast. Consult with a bra expert who can give you tips on what is the best type of bra to wear and get the proper size and fit. Also voice your concerns to your physician.

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Physical Therapy Technician Salary

Assist a physical therapist and make money while you help others.

A physical therapist technician assists the physical therapist in treating patients during rehabilitative care. She works under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist. There are two kinds of physical therapist technicians, and each has differing educational requirements and salaries.

Become a Physical Therapist Technician

There are two positions that can both fall under the title of physical therapy technicians: physical therapist assistants and physical therapist aides. Physical therapist assistants earn more than physical therapist aides. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the 2009 median wage for a physical therapy aide is $11.42 hourly or $23,760 annually. In contrast, the median wage for a physical therapy assistant is approximately twice as much: $22.18 hourly or $46,140 annually. If you're looking to be the physically therapy technician with the higher salary, choose to become an assistant.

Get educated. Most physical therapist aides train on the job, while physical therapist assistants earn an associate degree. Look for an associate degree from a two-year accredited physical therapist assistant program. If you do not have the education, you may choose to be a physical therapist aide in the process of becoming a physical therapist assistant. Both educators and employers view experience as essential in becoming a physical therapist assistant.

Get licensed. Licensure is not required for a physical therapist aide; however, some states require licensure for physical therapist assistants. Check your state for license criteria. This can include achieving specific education and examination goals. Additional requirements may include cardiopulminary resuscitation (CPR) or minimum number of clinical experience. Even if your state does not require any of the above, it may be a good idea to gain all licensing and certification in order to have more employment opportunities and a potentially higher pay.

Advance to higher positions. With experience and education, physical therapist aides can advance to therapist assistant. Some physical therapist assistants advance by specializing in a certain clinical area. Specialization can also help increase pay.

Look at Industries and States that Pay Well

If you've chosen to become a physical therapist assistant, look for industries and states that pay well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest paying industry for a physical therapist assistant is in home health care services where the annual mean salary is $56,460. Other high paying industries are employment services; nursing care facilities; individual and family services; and vocational rehabilitation services. The state that pays the most for a physical therapist assistant is California, where the annual mean wage is $55,730. Other states that pay well are as follows: Nevada, Texas, Florida and Tennessee.

If you've chosen to become a physical therapist aide, look for industries and states that pay well. The highest paying industry for a physical therapist aide is in home health care services where the annual mean salary is $30,620. Other high paying industries are as follows: medical and diagnostic laboratories; state governments; vocational rehabilitation services; and psychiatric substance abuse hospitals. The highest paying state for a physical therapist aide is Vermont, with an annual wage is $31,460. Other high paying states are Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

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Breast Cancer Gifts

You can purchase pink breast cancer ribbons in bulk.

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of breast cells and affects one out of every eight women in the United States, according to Breastcancer.org. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. women. Besides participating in breast cancer walks and other fundraising events, there are many gift options for friends and loved ones who are stricken with the disease.

Apparal & Accessories

There are numerous breast cancer clothing and accessory gift options. These include T-shirts, both regular and long sleeved, as well as hoodies and sleeveless shirts in an assortment of pink, white and blue colors with sayings such as "I Fight Like A Girl," "Real Men Wear Pink" and "Wondra Women: Keep Our Cups Full." Pink ribbon cycling jerseys are available at online breast cancer stores like The Pink Ribbon Shop. A baseball cap that reads "I Fight Like A Girl" is another gift option as are pink mule shoes, pink running shoes, pink ribbon boots and rain boots, pink ribbon flip flops and pink ribbon socks and shoelaces. Breast cancer awareness accessories include pink ribbon angel pins, buttons, support bracelets and pink ribbon terrycloth wrist bands. Rings, bracelets and necklaces are available on sites like The Breast Cancer Site.

Garden Decor Gifts

Not all breast cancer related gifts have to be pink or embellished with the pink breast cancer ribbon. Sites like The Breast Cancer Site Store offer a wide range of gifts for breast cancer patients including garden and outdoor decor gifts which can include the pink ribbon but many are simply lovely garden decorations. These include glow in the dark fairy pot stickers, glow in the dark hand-blown glass garden spirals, solar wind chimes and solar LED flower garden stakes. Outdoor decor gifts with a pink ribbon theme include pink gardening kits, pink ribbon fairy suncatchers, pink cotton hammocks, pink ribbon miniature wind chimes and "Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Friends" wind chimes. Proceeds from The Breast Cancer Site Store fund mammograms for women in need.

Purses & Totes

Select from stylish breast cancer awareness bags and totes at online breast cancer stores such as The Pink Ribbon Shop or The Breast Cancer Site Store. Pink ribbon and hearts hobo bags and pink ribbon themed weekend bags, canvas bags, lunch bags, messenger bags, cell phone covers, laptop totes, hanging toiletry bags, insulated cooler bags, assorted coin purses, wallets and recycled materials bags are some options.

Car Accessories

Support breast cancer research while driving with an assortment of breast cancer and pink ribbon themed car accessories, all of which make inexpensive but thoughtful gifts. Choose from pink ribbon themed key chains including solar LED options, "Fighting For A Cure" travel coffee mugs, pink ribbon car magnets, "Celebrate Courage" pink license plates, "Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Friends" car magnets and guardian angel car chimes are some of the car accessories offered by sites like The Breast Cancer Site.

Tags: Breast Cancer Site, Cancer Site, pink ribbon, breast cancer, Cancer Site Store

Colorado Ultrasound Schools

Colorado has several schools offering programs for radiography students wanting to specialize in ultrasound. Ultrasound technicians and technologists are diagnostic medical sonographers who typically specialize in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), but the field can be broader. Sonographers are also called ultrasonographers. Diagnostic medical sonographers use high frequency sounds waves to produce images under the direction of physicians to help detect and diagnose injury or disease.

Red Rocks Community College - Arvada

Red Rocks Community College offers both an Associate of Applied Science and a certificate of completion in diagnostic medical imaging (ultrasound). The five-semester program takes approximately 21 months and is available at the community college's medical imaging department at its Arvada campus. Lab instruction and practice supplement classroom time and coursework. The college has three tracks in its diagnostic medical imaging program. Diagnostic medical sonography focuses on the abdominal areas as well as obstetrics and gynecology. The other two areas of specialization are vascular technology and adult and pediatric echocardiography. The school's website says its graduates can find entry level work in doctors' offices, hospitals, ultrasound and sonography specialty offices and outpatient care centers. The program accepts 16 to 20 students per year and is highly competitive, according to the college's website.

Red Rocks Community College

Medical Imaging Education Department

Arvada Campus

5420 Miller Street

Arvada, CO 80002

303-914-6033

rrcc.edu

Pueblo Community College

Pueblo Community College (PCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science and a certificate of completion in diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound), with a focus on the abdomen and obstetrics/gynecology. Courses include vascular ultrasound, OB/GYN ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound and ultrasound physics. The community college says its program is for students who already have either a bachelor's degree or a two-year degree or certificate in a patient-care field. According to the college's website, its students are prepared for work in urgent care clinics, radiology hospital departments, outpatient imaging centers and private doctors' offices. PCC's program is four semesters.

Pueblo Community College

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Department

Health Science Annex Building

900 W. Orman Ave.

Pueblo, CO 81004-1499

719-549-3196

pueblocc.edu

University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver has a program for students who have already earned a two-year Associate of Applied Science in radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, radiation therapy and other specialties, or those who have a bachelor's degree in a medically-related field with coursework in physics, biology and algebra. It is not an entry-level program. Coursework includes a focus on abdomen and small parts, ultrasound physics, OB/GYN, carotid artery sonography, neurosonography and peripheral vascular ultrasound. It also has introductory courses in adult and fetal echocardiography.

The program is 12 months of classroom time, lab training, and hands-on experience. It accepts seven to nine applicants per year. Applicants must have taken college level biology, physics and algebra within the past seven years.

University of Colorado Denver

Department of Ultrasound

1635 Aurora Court

Aurora, CO 80045

720-848-6363

uchsc.edu

Tags: Community College, Applied Science, Associate Applied, Associate Applied Science, Colorado Denver, medical imaging, obstetrics gynecology

Causes Of Bra Line Pain Under Breasts

Do you ever experience sharp pains on your bra line under your breasts? Many women experience that feeling every day, and there are many things that contribute to it. Rather than being a serious health problem, it is most often attributed to your bra. Ensuring that your bra is fitted and sized properly will help eliminate such pain.

Poor Fit

A common cause of bra line pain is poor fit. Many women are unaware of choose the proper bra size, so they experience pain and discomfort from wearing ill-fitting bras. When a woman feels she is familiar with her bra size, she will often buy a bra off the rack without trying it on, but all bras are not created equally. In the same way that clothing fit can vary among different designers, bra fit can vary as well. Depending on the style and design of the bra, not every bra marked your size will fit you properly.

Underwire

Most large-breasted women view underwire as a necessary evil. They need the added support that underwire gives, but that underwire can sometimes cause mild to severe pain. If you are experiencing bra line pain due to underwire, check the construction of your bra. Make sure the material covering the underwire is intact and in good shape, and make sure it has not been damaged by the underwire. Worn out or damaged fabric allows the wire to poke through, causing even more pain.

Type of Bra

Wearing a poorly-constructed bra or one that is constructed from cheap materials can also contribute to bra line pain, especially if you have large breasts. Larger breasted women in particular need the extra support that a well-constructed bra provides. When a bra is not constructed correctly, it will not fit your body correctly and it will be uncomfortable to wear. You will have to spend a bit more money on a bra that is comfortable and fits properly, but you should consider it an investment in your health and wellness.

Prevention/Solution

When you go shopping for your next bra, make sure to have a professional fitting done. This will tell you your exact bra size and will help you eliminate bra line pain. Many women are unsure of their exact size, and as a result they buy a bra that does not fit properly. You can get a professional fitting performed at most lingerie and department stores.

Warning

If an ill-fitting or poorly constructed bra is causing bra line pain, consider it more than just an inconvenience. The same bra that is causing pain underneath your breasts can also cause back and shoulder pain. Before you begin to experience extensive pain from your bra, take the time to find one that fits properly, and avoid dealing with chronic pain altogether.

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What Is The Salary Of A Nurse In Florida

The salary of nurses in Florida depends on the type of education and certification they have, the type of specialty and care setting they work in, and the city in which they work. While nurse salaries for registered nurses (RNs) are somewhat lower in Florida than in some parts of the country, salaries for license practical nurses (LPNs) in Florida are actually higher than in the rest of the region.

Types

Nurse salaries in Florida vary according to the level of education and certification the nurses have. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) earn an average of about $36,000 per year in Florida. Registered nurses (RNs) earn about $48,000 per year. Nurse Practitioners (NPs), who also have the responsibility of seeing patients, treating minor illnesses and writing prescriptions, earn about $70,000 per year. Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in Florida earn about $105,000 per year.

Function

The salary of nurses in Florida varies by specialty and the type of care setting they work in. RN residents make about $42,000 per year, while those in pediatric nursing earn about $56,000 per year. Travel nurses and telemetry nurses have salaries about $64,000 per year, while critical care nurses ear about $65,000 per year. Nurses who specialize in oncology earn about $66,000 per year in Florida, while those in the intensive care unit (ICU) earn about $68,000 per year. Emergency room nurses have the highest average salaries, at about $72,000 to $74,000 per year.

Geography

Nurse salaries in Florida also vary by city, with nurses in Palm Beach, Coral Beach and Key West earning the highest average salaries of about $67,000 per year. Nurses in Miami, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale and Hialeah earn about $66,000 per year, while those in Boca Raton, Jupiter and Hollywood make about $65,000 per year. In Tallahassee and Pensacola, nurses earn an average $64,000 per year. Average nurse salaries are about $63,000 per year in St. Augustine and Sarasota, $62,000 per year in Ocala, and $61,000 per year in Tampa, Saint Petersburg and Fort Myers. Nurses make about $60,000 per year in Kissimmee and $59,000 per year in Orlando. Nurses in Daytona Beach have some the lowest average salaries in Florida, at about $54,000 per year.

Size

Florida nurse salaries are comparable to many other parts of the country, but often slightly lower. According to the website Payscale, RNs in Florida earn a median salary of about $51,000 per year, which is similar to Georgia and higher than North Carolina, where RN salaries are about $49,000 per year. Florida RN salaries are lower than in Texas and Washington, where RNs earn about $53,000 per year, and lower than California and New York, where RNs earn about $60,000 per year.

Considerations

In contrast to RN salaries, nurse salaries for LPNs in Florida are among the highest in the United States. According to Payscale, Florida LPNs earn a median salary of about $37,000 per year, second only to New York at $39,000 per year. In contrast, LPNs in Georgia earn about $29,000 per year, those in Tennessee earn about $30,000 per year, and those in North Carolina earn about $35,000 per year.

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Types Of Formative Assessment

Types of Formative Assessment

Educators use formative assessments to monitor and update classroom instruction, and these types of assessments are not used in the grade point average of the student. Types of formative assessment include informal observation, worksheets, pop quizzes, journals and diagnostic tests that enable the teacher to assess how students are performing and how well the particular lesson plan is working. In fact, some teachers like to use formative evaluation as a prompt to design courses of instruction.

Observation

One form of formative assessment is observing the students as they work on a specific project. The teacher roams around the classroom, occasionally offering guidance and encouragement as the students work. The observation works well when the teacher wishes to monitor how students work together in groups or individually. She takes notes on how students are performing and also whether or not modifications need to be made to the assignment.

Worksheets

Teachers may use worksheets as formative assessments. These can be classwork or given out as homework. This work will not be included in the student's official grade average but rather used as a means to gauge how well the student understands the material being covered. The teacher may find that the work is too easy for the students or that they are not comprehending the information well enough. Using this information, he can then make modifications as needed.

Pop Quizzes

Often teachers use pop quizzes to gauge student comprehension. Again, these quizzes are not graded. One method of a formative assessment in quiz form is to use an overhead projector to run through questions regarding the lesson and have the class answer as a whole. This form of assessment works well when reviewing for a summative test. Teachers can also give individual quizzes to students or have groups of students complete a quiz.

Journals

One effective means of formative assessment is the journal. Students are required to periodically write their thoughts and feelings about how they are progressing in the class. They can also tell what they liked or didn't like about a particular assignment. This information gives the teacher a quick look at how effective a certain lesson plan was. If the majority of the class journals that they had a difficult time with a particular lesson, then the teacher knows he needs to make changes to that lesson.

Diagnostic Tests

Generally used toward the beginning of the class term, diagnostic tests are a type of formative assessment that allows the teacher and administration to determine the proper level of instruction for students. Diagnostics can be used in almost any subject to assess the level of proficiency, comprehension and mastery of information. It is helpful to inform the students that this is a diagnostic tool that will not be graded but will be used to help them see their strong and weak areas in a subject. Informing the students reduces test anxiety and produces more accurate diagnostic results.

Tags: formative assessment, diagnostic tests, formative assessments, lesson plan, particular lesson

The Top Five Interview Questions

Many job interview questions are similar regardless of the job.

There are hundreds of possible job interview questions because employers are trying to gather a range of information: your skills and competency, your level of responsibility and need for supervision, your performance level, your interest in your own career, your compatibility with the corporate culture and the likelihood you'll stay with the company. However, certain questions appear again and again on major employment websites' top questions lists. Your job is to send key messages about your skills and strengths as you answer them.

Tell Me About Yourself

This question is on the top of many interview lists, according to the CareerBuilder website. And there's no wonder why, as it can help reveal a lot about you. Prepare for this question by creating a few "messages" about yourself that you'd like to impart, such as "I am responsible," "I am a self-starter," and "I am a consensus builder." Craft your message around your work and educational history and include some of your accomplishments.

Tell Me About Your Strengths and Weaknesses

When listing your strengths, be matter-of-fact and don't brag. See if you can wed your strengths to items on the job qualifications list, such as ability to get things done quickly, handle pressure or work as a team player. When discussing your weaknesses, be candid and move on. Don't feel like you have to give a litany of your failures, but if you've had a blunder that resulted in losing a job, don't hide it. Just explain what you learned from your mistakes.

Why Did You Want To Leave Your Last Job?

Put as positive a spin on this as possible. You could bring up wanting an opportunity to grow and learn new things, being drawn by this company's culture, hoping for better advancement opportunities and the like. If you hated your old boss and that might come out if the prospective employer calls him, explain that the two of you saw things differently and it seemed like it might be best for both of you and the company to take your skills elsewhere.

Why Do You Want This Job?

Keep the reasons for wanting this job as close to noble as you can. If you can cite the company's social responsibility program or its corporate culture, that's good. If you can talk about how this job gives you an opportunity to exercise skills or knowledge you haven't been able to use before, that's positive. Avoid mentioning pay, benefits or fewer hours as reasons.

Tell Me About a Situation ...

A prospective employer may ask about a situation in which there was a conflict with another employee, a manager, a client or a supplier. He may ask about a situation in which you were called on to solve a problem or resolve a crisis. Or, he may ask about a situation in which you had to make a hard choice. Prepare half a dozen stories to respond to all the situations that might come up.

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Limited Scope Xray Technician Salaries

Limited scope x-ray technicians may be qualified in a combination of core, chest, extremities, skull/sinuses, spine or podiatric radiography.

Radiologic technicians who perform medical imaging examinations using x-rays are sometimes referred to as x-ray technicians or radiographers. Some x-ray technicians may only be trained to perform x-ray examinations on specific parts of the body, such as the torso or the extremities. These individuals may be certified or licensed by some states as limited scope x-ray technicians. Wages for limited scope x-ray technicians may vary based on their geographic location and their type of employment.

National Wages

The median annual income for all radiologic technologists and technicians at all levels of experience, education and credentials from across the United States was $54,340 as of May 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent earned annual wages in excess of $76,850 per year, while the bottom 10 percent earned annual wages of less than $36,510. The occupation of limited scope x-ray technician is an entry level position. The Education Portal website placed the pay range for limited scope x-ray technicians at from $26,000 to $38,000 per year. Most limited scope x-ray techs earn in the bottom 10 percent for their occupational category.

Regional Wages

Demand and wages for limited scope x-ray technicians may vary by state. More radiologic technologists and technicians worked in California than in any other state in the country. The bottom 10 percent of radiologic techs who worked in California was $39,830 as of May 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10 percent of techs who worked in Massachusetts earned annual wages of $47,730. The bottom 10 percent of West Virginia-based techs earned the lowest median annual wages in the country for their occupation at $27,020.

Employment Type

Physicians' offices, general medical hospitals, surgical hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers provide the bulk of employment opportunities for limited scope x-ray technicians. The bottom 10 percent of radiologic technologists and technicians who worked in physicians' offices earned less than $33,690 per year as of May 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10 percent of techs who worked in hospital environments earned less than $38,130 per year. The bottom 10 percent of technicians who worked in diagnostic laboratories earned annual wages of less than $38,890.

Employment Considerations

The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 17 percent grow in new employment opportunities for radiologic technologists and technicians between 2008 and 2018. Job opportunities for limited scope x-ray technicians may be limited as demand is expected to be greatest for techs who have experience and credentials in multiple imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography. Limited scope x-ray technicians may improve their employment prospects by becoming certified by passing the examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Tags: scope x-ray, x-ray technicians, bottom percent, scope x-ray technicians, limited scope x-ray, annual wages, Bureau Labor

Salary With A B S In Radiography

Because post-secondary education is required to attain a job and salary in the radiography field, prospective radiographers -- also known as radiologic technicians -- who choose to pursue a bachelor's degree might set themselves up for higher wages. Many other factors affect a radiographer's salary, including place of residency and field of work. Investing two additional years of school might have a much longer resulting payout.

Summary

Radiographers numbered approximately 53,010 as of May 2010, earning countrywide median salaries of $64,380. When the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted its Occupational Employment and Wages report, it found the outlier salaries for the profession at $88,490 in the 90th percentile and $44,900 in the 10th percentile.

Location

Employers of radiographers in Massachusetts paid the highest annual average wages in the country at the time of the BLS report, with salaries of $80,000, a 50th-percentile wage close to the country's 90th percentile. Close behind were employers in Oregon, with average salaries for workers in the profession at $79,740. Colorado, California and Washington were all close to the same higher-than-average rates, at $77,880, $77,260 and $77,190 respectively. California was the state with the largest per-capita employment in the field of radiography as well.

Top Categories

None of the medical industries topped the BLS list of the highest-paying categories for radiographer employment. Instead, temporary employers led the list, paying the highest wages at $73,040. In second place were colleges and universities, paying radiographers annual average wages of $72,440. Outpatient care centers took third place, paying $70,440. While general medical and surgical hospitals and doctors' offices did pay slightly higher-than-average salaries, their wages of $65,010 and $64,740 were not high enough to get them on the BLS top-five list.

Bachelor Benefits

The BLS cites the associate degree in radiography as the most common educational path for prospective radiologic technicians. The wages report does not delineate between associate and bachelor's degrees, but radiography professionals who do seek a four-year degree over a two-year degree might command higher salaries. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists accredits 754 radiography programs at both two- and four-year colleges and universities -- the total includes schools in the United States, Australia and Canada. Employers' raises in salary for bachelor's degrees will vary.

Tags: 90th percentile, annual average, annual average wages, average wages, bachelor degrees, colleges universities, degree might

What Is Asrt Category A

The American Society of Radiological Technologists provides information for the continuing education requirements for the re-certification of members of the American Registry of Radiological Technologists. Since 1995 ARRT has required continuing education credits for its members to complete the re-certification process.

Category A

Category A is one of three categories of continuing education approved by the ARRT, along with categories A+ and B. Category A continuing education credits are approved and evaluated by a recognized continuing education evaluation mechanism.

Options

To earn category A continuing education credits, radiological technologists have a number of options including the writing of a textbook based on a radiological subject or writing a chapter in a textbook. Continuing education courses in subjects associated with radiological sciences with a passing grade can also be taken, along with CPR certification from organizations such as the American Red Cross.

Credits

To obtain re-certification to the American Society of Radiological Technologists, a member must earn 24 continuing education credits between each re-certification period. Re-certification must be completed at the end of a two-year period, with continuing education credits checked randomly by ARRT.

Tags: continuing education, continuing education credits, education credits, continuing education, Radiological Technologists, along with

What Are Potential Causes Of Dark Spot On Lung Ct

What Are Potential Causes of Dark Spot on Lung CT?

Computerized tomography, or CT, scanning can often reveal cancerous tumors or other lung problems as dark spots on the image. The Mayo Clinic adds, however, that some dark spots on a CT scan indicate no current health problems.

Harmless Findings

Dark spots in a lung CT scan may simply display natural physical structures. According to the Mayo Clinic, many of the discolorations seen on CT scans come from old scars contributed by smoking or previous infections.

Abnormalities

According to the RG Radiology Group, nodules from lung cancer may cause small black spots to show up on a lung CT scan. The Mayo Clinic adds that large dark spots or "holes" may represent bullae, distended air sacs resulting from destroyed lung tissue common in cases of emphysema or lung infections.

Considerations

Response to a dark spot on a lung CT scan depends on the size of the area and its implications. A small spot indicating a node, for instance, may require followup scans to monitor its progress before identifying it as cancer. Patients must also realize that CT scans involve a small degree of radiation exposure.

Tags: dark spots, lung scan, Mayo Clinic, What Potential Causes, Causes Dark, Causes Dark Spot

Prevent Second Degree Burns

Fire Extinguisher

There are three levels of burns, classified as first degree, second degree and third degree burns. First degree burns are the mildest with third degree burns being the most serious. Second degree burns, although they cause blisters and severe pain, are considered minor burns by Mayo Clinic and the vast majority may be successfully treated at home. However, it's obviously better to not be burnt in the first place. Here's prevent second degree burns.

Instructions

Preventing Second-Degree Burns

1. Install proper fire-safety equipment in your home. This should include fire alarms in the sleeping areas and main rooms and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and by any wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. Child safety gates around these heat sources is also critical.

2. Immerse any burns in ice water immediately after contact with heat source. Done quickly, this may prevent a first-degree burn from turning into a second-degree burn. Don't apply ice directly to the skin as this may cause frostbite.

3. Avoid scalding the skin by practicing caution around sources of hot water and steam. When boiling food, be careful not to jostle the stove area or spill hot water when draining food. Keep children away from the cooking area when in use. Turn down water thermostats to lower the temperature of tap water.

4. Practice safety to keep skin out of contact with fire or hot objects, such as irons, curling irons, hot burners and heated stoves. Keep hot items out of reach of children and unplug them when not in use.

5. Prevent second degree electrical burns by disposing of any damaged electric cords or appliances with exposed wires and covering electrical outlets with safety devices.

Tags: degree burns, contact with, second degree, third degree, third degree burns

Help A Canine Recover From Liver Surgery

Set up a warm quiet place for your dog to recover in.

The liver is the largest gland in the body. Part of the digestive system, the liver has several key functions in maintaining the health of your dog. It converts simple nutrient molecules into larger compounds that the body will use for energy, it stores vitamins and minerals and detoxifies waste. When the liver becomes distressed, diseased or damaged and surgery is needed the remaining healthy portions will continue to work harder to compensate. Following an appropriate post operative care plan will ensure your dog's recovery will be safe, comfortable and successful.

Instructions

1. All questions should be addressed before bringing your dog home.

Ask for a print out of your veterinarian's preferred after care instructions. These should include warning signs, feeding instructions, medications and incision care. Take care of all paperwork, payments and prescription fills prior to release of your dog.

2. Your dog will be thirsty, but allowing him to drink too much too fast will make him sick.

Give your dog a 1/2 cup of water one hour after after arriving home. After 20 minutes, if no vomiting has occurred, offer another 1/2 cup of water. Continue giving water in this fashion until your dog is no longer thirsty. If vomiting does occur wait another 20 minutes and try offering the water again. Stomach upset can be common in the first 24 hours after anesthesia; however, vomiting is a concern and if it continues into the next day your veterinarian should be notified.

3. Ask your vet about administering Femotidine 0.5mg orally to help with upset stomach.

Start introducing food two hours after the water has been tolerated. Offer small amounts in one or two tablespoons at a time, hand feeding if necessary. Always monitor for vomiting. Most likely your dog will show little interest in eating for the first and second days following surgery. To entice him use a highly palatable and aromatic food. You can also increase the flavor by heating, adding garlic powder or broths.

4. Space medications out to avoid upset stomach.

Follow your veterinarian's recommendations on pain medication. Do not give over-the-counter human medications such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, these can be lethal. The height of pain will be during the first two to three days. Your vet will most likely prescribe a narcotic and or anti-inflammatory medication that you will give orally. The dosage instructions will be on the vials. In addition an antibiotic, a Lactulose will be prescribed due to the nature of liver surgery. These should be started the next day.

5. Too much cleaning can lead to skin irritation

Clean the incision once a day starting the day after surgery. Moisten the square gauze liberally with Hydrogen Peroxide and gently dab the sutures and surrounding area. Take note of any excessive redness, swelling or drainage with an odor. These could be signs of an infection and your veterinarian should be notified.

6. Keeping your dog comfortable and calm will help him not scratch at the healing incision.

Use the Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from licking the sutures. A veterinarian's assistant should have one sized and put together so you can just slip it over the dog's head, larger diameter out. Thread your dog's collar through the loops at the base to secure comfortably around his neck. Alternatively a tee shirt can be used. Wrap waist of the cotton shirt around the abdomen and secure with a soft elastic band at the back.

7. You may have to crate your dog for periods if he has a hard time remaining calm.

Restrict your dog's exercise and activity for 10 days after surgery. He will then be ready for a recheck and suture removal.

Tags: your veterinarian, after surgery, hours after, should notified, These should, upset stomach, veterinarian should

Breast Cancer Lymph Node Removal

Breast Cancer Lymph Node Removal

Patients with advanced cases of breast cancer may have cancer cells present in the lymph nodes. It is very important to determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, as the nodes act as a filtering system for the body. If cancer cells are in the lymph nodes, then there is an increased risk of the breast cancer spreading to other areas of the body. A partial or full removal of the lymph nodes associated with the breast is sometimes necessary.

Location of Nodes

There are several different lymph nodes associated with breast cancer. Doctors will want to examine the supraclavicular, infraclavicular and cervical nodes for any enlargement. These three nodes are located around the neck and collarbone. The axillary lymph nodes, which are located under the arms, are also associated with breast cancer. It is the axillary lymph nodes that may need to be removed if cancer has started to spread to the nodes.

Sentinel Node Biopsy

If a doctor suspects that breast cancer has entered the lymph nodes, a sentinel node biopsy might first be performed. This procedure is less invasive than the full removal of lymph nodes. Using a special dye, doctors can locate the node that is likely to be first affected by breast cancer. By removing only that node for examination, it can be determined if further surgery is necessary. When no cancer is present, then no other lymph nodes will need to be removed. Patients who discover breast cancer in its early stages are less likely to have cancer cells present in the sentinel node.

Advantages of Sentinel Node Biopsy

Sentinel node biopsy is far less invasive than the removal of multiple axillary lymph nodes. It is an outpatient procedure with fewer side effects than traditional surgery. Swelling of the arms, known as lymphedema, is less likely to occur. It is also easier for a patient to return to normal activity when a sentinel node biopsy is performed.

Axillary Node Dissection

Axillary node dissection is the removal of all or most of the lymph nodes under the arms. These nodes are the ones most directly linked with advanced breast cancer. Women have an average of 10 to 30 lymph nodes under the arms. The nodes are buried under a pad of fat that must also be removed. After lymph nodes are surgically removed, a drain tube will be inserted to remove any fluid that forms after the surgery. Axillary node dissection is very invasive and painful, often resulting in undesired side effects like stiffening and swelling of the arms.

Candidates for Axillary Node Dissection

Axillary node dissection is not the preferred method of controlling the spread of breast cancer in the lymph nodes. The sentinel node biopsy is the ideal way to screen for cancer cells, but some patients require an axillary node dissection. Patients who are more likely to require axillary node dissection include pregnant women, women who have undergone previous axillary or breast surgery, women in advanced stages of cancer and women who have undergone radiation to the breast.

Tags: lymph nodes, breast cancer, node dissection, cancer cells, associated with, associated with breast, axillary lymph

Types Of Princess Themes For Weddings

Wear an authentic gown for a Renaissance princess-themed wedding.

Princess-themed weddings can be as grand as a royal event or as dreamy as a fairytale, depending on the taste of the bride and groom. Create a princess-themed wedding that reflects your personal style, as well as making your wedding dreams come true. String princess-related details throughout various aspects of your wedding to carry out your princess theme, from your invitations and decorations to your wedding attire and favors.

Fairytale Princess Theme

Fairytale princess themes can follow your favorite princess story, such as "Cinderella" or "Snow White," or simply play into your fantasies of a spectacular royal ball. The bride typically wears an intricate ball gown with extensive beading or detailed jewelry. You may opt to wear a tiara with a veil or by itself. Invitations are typically formal with gold or silver embossed script, though a pumpkin carriage, castle or crown image may be present. An abundance of red roses or pink tulle is typically included in the decorations.

Beach Princess Theme

Mix a casual setting with a formal idea for a beach princess wedding. The bride can wear a simpler gown with a tiara or crown made of seashells, almost like a mermaid princess. Accessorize with rhinestones or seashells on your sandals, as well. Decorate the tables with sandcastle replicas or ask your baker to create a sandcastle cake. The invitations could have an image of a beach with "Once upon a time" written in the sand on the front. Give your guests seashell necklaces or small sandcastle candles as favors.

Ice Princess Theme

Combine the season with your royal theme for an ice princess theme. The bride can wear a velvet gown or a fancy gown with faux fur trim. Accent your dress with crystal beads or wear jewelry that looks like ice. Ice sculptures, faux ice crystals or large rhinestones scattered across ice blue tablecloths will add to your theme. Spray paint large twigs silver and hang twinkling white lights and crystals from the faux tree for an enchanted look. Use silver embossed script with silver snowflakes or a silver castle on your invitations.

Gothic or Renaissance Theme

Share your dark side or your passion for years long gone with your guests by combining your princess theme with a renaissance or goth twist. Wear a corset dress in the color of your choice, such as black, dark purple or red for a goth or Draconian twist. Use dark, deep red flowers that appear black, and add stark white flowers for contrast. Ask guests to dress in theme if you want to feel like you're in another time. Host your wedding outdoors or in a castle setting if possible.

Tags: your wedding, gown with, bride wear, embossed script, princess-themed wedding, silver embossed, silver embossed script

North Carolina State Regulations For Meth Cleanup

The abuse and distribution of methamphetamines or "speed" is a serious problem in North Carolina, according to both the state Governor's Crime Commission and the National Drug Information Center. As a result of the drug's increased popularity, "meth lab" cleanup costs have significantly increased statewide.

Significance

Whenever meth is manufactured in a clandestine lab, at least five pounds of potentially deadly waste is released into the environment, according to the North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission. For public safety, only highly trained personnel are authorized to clean up such environmental hazards.

Costs

Each meth lab cleanup in the state costs at least $10,000, which directly impacts the availability of other essential public services, notes the North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission. The equipment is so high-tech and the training so thorough that local law enforcement authorities are usually unable to clean up meth labs.

Effects

Children living in homes used as meth labs or near such residences are developing asthma and other serious respiratory problems, according to the North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission. The chemicals can also cause dangerous fires; thus state and federal authorities continue to spend tax dollars to enforce safe clean-up regulations.

Tags: North Carolina, Crime Commission, Governor Crime, Governor Crime Commission, Carolina Governor, Carolina Governor Crime

Preventative Health Care Jobs

Preventive health care involves a host of occupations.

Health care employment is classified as preventive when services are provided before an illness. Preventive health care jobs include doctors, nurses, nutritionists, dietitians, dentists, health educators and staffs of these agencies, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Each career involves special education and training. The bureau predicts that the demand for all preventive health jobs is expected to increase as the population ages.

Physicians

Physicians and physician's assistants provide preventive health care. Family doctors and general practitioners, currently in short supply according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, operate offices providing a host of preventive health care, including wellness clinics and well-baby services.

The doctor of medicine license requires at least 11 years of schooling and training, including four years of college, four years studying in medical school and three years of clinical practice as an intern. The average yearly salary for general practitioners in 2008 was over $186,000.

Physician's assistants, also known as PAs, work under the direction of a medical doctor in regions where doctors are in short supply. Education requirements include a college degree and some clinical experience. The average pay for PAs in 2008 was $68,000 to $97,000, depending on the type of medical office or center and the location of the work, according to the BLS.

Nurses

Nurses constitute the largest group of people employed in the health care system. Nearly 60 percent of nurses work in hospitals, according to the BLS, but nurses also work in preventive health care, including nurse practitioners and practical nurses. Registered nurses perform preventive health tests, record medical histories and instruct patients in various preventive health measures.

While nurses may work with only an associate college degree and a nursing certificate from an accredited program, many of the 2.6 million nurses have a bachelor's degree in nursing. A master's degree in the field is necessary to work as a nurse practitioner or nurse specialist.

The BLS reports that the average hourly pay for registered nurses was over $30 in 2008. Licensed practical nurses earned nearly $19 in the same year, according to the bureau.

Dentists

Dentists and dental hygienists provide preventive health care through gum and teeth cleaning and also by taking diagnostic X-rays to identify future problems. Orthodontists and dental surgeons supply services, including tissue grafts and movement of teeth, to avoid and correct defects that may lead to future gum and tooth damage. The American Dental Association says successful dental health is based on "dental hygienists and assistants working under the supervision of a licensed dentist."

Dentists earned a yearly average of approximately $143,000 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and dental assistants averaged a wage of $15 an hour. Working as a dentist requires four years of college, in addition to graduate-level dental courses and clinical work, while working as a dental assistant requires a basic two-year associate degree. Dental assistants with advanced levels of education assist in X-ray operation, cleaning and orthodontic care and earn significantly more income.

Tags: preventive health, according Bureau, according Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, four years, health care

Tie Dye A Breast Cancer Ribbon

Show your support for breast cancer research by wearing a tie dyed ribbon.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All month businesses and famous people show their support for breast cancer research by selling pink colored products and wearing pink colored clothing. Regular individuals can show their support in the same way, or by wearing a pink ribbon pinned to their clothing. You can make a breast cancer awareness ribbon a little more interesting looking by tie dying the ribbon with fabric dyes to change the appearance of the ribbon.

Instructions

1. Tie up the ribbon in various shapes and designs using a combination of marbles, rubber bands or string. Place a marble at the end of the ribbon with several rubber bands leading off from the marble like a tail to make a starburst pattern. Tie rubber bands or strings spaced evenly along the ribbon to make tie dye lines. Use a bunch of marbles tied together with one rubber band to make circles.

2. Mix up the dye according to the package directions. Usually, the process includes heating some water, mixing in the dye and adding vinegar or some other solution to the water to make the dye soak into the ribbon rather than sliding off. Allow the dye to cool before placing the ribbon in the dye.

3. Soak the ribbon in each color that you want to add to the ribbon for at least 20 minutes. Soak the ribbons in the colors one at a time. Dark colors will show up best on the pink color of the ribbon. Yellow will probably have little impact on the ribbon's original color.

4. Rinse the ribbon in cold running water until the water runs clear and all excess dye is removed from the ribbon. Wring out excess water from the fabric.

5. Hang the ribbon out to dry in the sun or in an area that receives a lot of airflow to prevent mildew. When the ribbon is dry, twist the ribbon together into the breast cancer awareness ribbon shape, with the loop on the top with two loose ends at the bottom. Pin the ribbon to your chest to support breast cancer awareness.

Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer awareness, rubber bands, support breast, support breast cancer

Test My Credit Card

Testing a credit card can be done quickly.

Credit cards can be shut off by the credit card companies because of unpaid bills, suspicious activity on your account or because the card has expired. If you're not sure if your card is working properly, you can test it quickly and easily.

Instructions

1. Check the expiration date on the front of the card to make sure the card hasn't expired. It will show a month and year in the lower right corner. If that time period hasn't arrived yet, your card should not be expired.

2. Locate the number of the credit card company on the back of your credit card. It will be a toll-free number that you can call 24 hours a day.

3. Call the number and follow the automated menu instructions to speak to an operator. Ask the operator if your card is still active. He should be able to tell you if the card is working properly or if anything unusual is going on.

4. Make a small purchase either online or at a store that takes credit cards. If the charge goes through, your card is working fine. If it is declined, you will need to get the card reactivated.

Tags: credit card, your card, card working, card working properly, working properly, your card working

Foods High In Ldl Cholesterol

Eggs are high in "good" (HDL) and "bad" (LDL) cholesterols.

According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol is the soft waxy substance found in the fatty tissues and lipids of animals. Common foods that are high in cholesterol include chicken, beef and eggs. Cholesterol is not harmful in small amounts, but excess amounts of cholesterol can lead to heart disease by clogging your arteries.

There are two types of cholesterol, one of which is considered beneficial. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the "bad" cholesterol that influences heart disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is "good" cholesterol because it removes bad cholesterol and guards the heart. The Harvard School of Medicine advises people to choose healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, to improve heart health.

Ice Cream

Ice cream is very fatty and is loaded with LDL cholesterol. According to the Anne Collins website, 1/2 cup of ice cream has about 22 mg of cholesterol. This food should be consumed only in moderation because of its high fat content and cholesterol levels. Be sure to consume plenty of other foods that are more beneficial for your body and indulge your sweet tooth only on occasion.

Meat

Meats are very high in LDL cholesterol, so eat them sparingly. Pork and beef are much higher in LDL cholesterol than chicken, fish or turkey. Choose lean cuts of meat and keep your portions small. Nutritionists advise that a healthy portion of meat is about the size of a deck of cards.

Eggs

There is a huge debate about whether eggs are beneficial, because they contain high amounts of both LDL and HDL cholesterol. The HDL cholesterol counteracts the LDL cholesterol, so eggs are certainly a better choice than meat options. Eggs also contain high levels of essential fatty acids and other nutrients.

Butter

Butter is high in LDL cholesterol; margarine, however, is not a better option because it is loaded with chemicals. If you like butter, eat it in moderation or on special occasions. Butter does add flavor to foods. If you must have butter, consume high amounts of cod liver oil (or other foods that contain HDL cholesterol) and beneficial fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids.

Tags: fatty acids, foods that, high cholesterol, contain high, fats such

What If I Am Denied Health Coverage

A denial from a health insurance company does not always mean you cannot get coverage. Whether the denial is for enrollment in a health plan or for a requested service through your current insurer, there are options, such as appeals and government-sponsored health plans. When you receive a denial, ensure that you fully understand the reason for the denial. Do not hesitate to call the health insurer for a thorough explanation. This information will help you take the next step in searching for coverage.

Appeal the Denial

When a particular health care service is denied, you have the right to appeal the denial for reconsideration. Upon denial, your health insurance company will send an explanation of benefits stating the denial reasons. Gather supporting documents, such as medical records, letters from your doctors and correspondence with the insurer, to show why you should receive coverage. Call or write your health plan to file a formal appeal. You may have several opportunities, or levels, of appeal for the same denial. The health plan will make a decision to uphold the original determination or overturn the denial to allow coverage.

Obtain High-risk Coverage

When you are denied enrollment into a health insurance plan due to pre-existing conditions, find out if your state has a high-risk health plan. Per the Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, coverage is available to anyone receiving a denial due to pre-existing conditions. Visit Healthcare.gov or your state's insurance department's website to see if your state has a high-risk plan. If not, you will have the opportunity to receive coverage under a federally-managed plan.

Apply with Multiple Insurers

Just because you've been denied coverage by one private individual health insurer does not mean all of them will deny you. Meet with an insurance agent to help find your coverage options or go to a website, such as eHealthInsurance.com, to obtain multiple quotes. Apply with national insurers, such as United Healthcare, Aetna and Cigna. Also apply to your regional Blue Cross/Blue Shield and insurers, such as Assurant, that may offer riders to cover specific conditions.

Bottom Line

The bottom line about a health coverage denial is that you have options. No one should be without insurance. If your current insurer denies a particular service, appeal the decision until you have exhausted all levels of appeal. If you can't get coverage through private insurers, contact your state's insurance department for assistance in finding a plan that will accept you.

Tags: health plan, your state, health insurance, your state insurance, Apply with, current insurer, find your

Use Slide Boards To Move Patients

A slide board is a medical device that is used to move immobile patients from one place to another. Slide boards are useful in helping a patient move from a bed to a wheelchair or vehicle, or vice versa. It is important to use the slide board correctly so that you do not injure the patient or yourself.

Instructions

1. Gently move the patient to the edge of the bed or surface from which he is to be moved. If the patient has leg strength, have him help by positioning his hips toward the edge of the surface he is sitting on.

Kindly ask the patient to turn to his right, and place the gait belt around his waist for support.

2. Lift the patient's left leg and place the edge of the slide board underneath his leg and buttocks. The slide board should be at a 45-degree angle at the corner of the sitting surface.

Kindly ask the patient to place both of his feet flat on the floor. If he is not able, help him to do so.

Place your left foot between his feet.

3. Use your left arm to support the patient by placing your hand on the patient's right hip.

Place your right arm to hold the gait belt over his left shoulder.

Move back just slightly so that the patient has a small amount of room to lean forward. The patient should lean forward for the duration of the transfer.

4. Ask the patient to place his right hand on the surface to which he is being moved and his left on on the slide board. If he cannot do this himself, gently do it for him.

Let the patient know that he should slide or scoot on the count of three. He may take more than one slide or scoot to move onto the other sitting surface. Be patient and help him scoot as many times as necessary.

5. The patient will now be transferred. Do not let go of the patient until he is in a position that he can maintain on his own.

Carefully remove the slide board and put it back where it belongs.

Tags: slide board, edge surface, gait belt, Kindly patient, lean forward

Information About Infrared Digital Camera Filters

Applying an infrared filter to your DSLR camera can have dramatic results.

Adding filters to your DSLR camera can have dramatic results. Filters vary greatly, from UV filters to simple color overlays. Infrared filters are commonly used in medical photography and crime scene photography, but they also make for great landscape photography.

About Infrared Filters

Infrared filters remove visible light from a scene and detect the red light outside of the visible spectrum. Depending on the sizes of your lenses, you'll need to buy different filters for each lens. Most camera stores and online shops sell infrared lenses, which vary in price depending on the brand and size. Larger filters (for 62mm lenses and larger) are often more expensive than standard 55mm and 58mm filters.

Using Infrared Filters

Shooting in black-and-white mode works better for infrared photography because the infrared filter will strip most of the color information anyway. Experimentation is necessary, and it will take some time while shooting to learn the aperture and shutter settings that will give you the best results. But unlike the days of using infrared film, digital cameras allow you to adjust settings in the field with live results. Play around.

Why Shoot Infrared?

Figuring how use an infrared filter may sound like a lot of work, but the results of infrared photography soon begin to outweigh the cost and time spend learning the technique. Once you get the exposure right, you'll see stunning results beyond what your eye or camera's eyepiece can see, taking your photography somewhere new. The techniques you'll learn from shooting infrared will also translate to other photographic situations. The long-exposure method is great for night shots and astrophotography.

Tags: infrared filter, About Infrared, camera have, camera have dramatic, dramatic results

What Happens When You Have A Doctor'S Checkup

Wellness checkups keep you healthy.

Wellness checkups represent an important part of preventive health care. Wellness checkups try to identify health risks before they become illnesses or to identify illnesses at early, treatable stages. The checkups also allow you to ask questions or get health advice from your doctor. Depending on your age and gender, the tests and services performed at a checkup will vary.

Women

Wellness checkups for women include blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks and weight checks. Women 21 and older or those who have been sexually active for three years should have Pap tests, and women over age 50 should have mammograms and also be tested for colorectal cancer. Depending on risk factors, women may also be tested for osteoporosis and sexually transmitted infections. Doctors will also give women advice on diet, exercise, birth control and other lifestyle choices.

Men

Wellness checkups for men include weight, cholesterol and blood pressure checks. Men 50 years and older should be tested for colorectal cancer. Depending on risk factors, men may also be checked for sexually transmitted diseases or other conditions. Doctors will give men advice on diet, exercise, injury-prevention practices and other good habits.

Children

Health care professionals measure the height and weight of children at checkups to make sure they're growing properly. Kids also usually have their blood pressure, temperature, eyesight and urine checked at a wellness checkup. The doctor also listens to a child's lungs and heartbeat, checks reflexes, looks in the eyes, ears and throat, checks the spine and physically examines the stomach and genitals. Kids sometimes receive vaccines at wellness checkups, although most kids don't need many shots after kindergarten.

Preparation

Preparing for your wellness check-up makes your visit less stressful and ensures that your health care provider provides the most accurate information and recommendations. First, contact the doctor's office to determine whether you need to prepare for any tests. For example, you may have to fast before undergoing blood work. Consider whether your close relatives have developed any new diseases since you have seen your doctor. You should also write down any questions you have about your health as well as any changes you have noticed in your body.

Considerations

Most people get wellness checkups through their regular health care provider. Health insurance typically covers part or all of the cost of wellness checkups. If you don't have health insurance or if your health insurance does not include preventive care, you can get wellness checkups through federally funded health centers.

Frequency

Depending on your age, health, gender and risk factors, you may not need wellness checkups every year. Ask your doctor how frequently you should schedule checkups.

Tags: your health, blood pressure, risk factors, Wellness checkups, your doctor

What Happens When A Male Takes Female Hormones

Women possess the hormones estrogen, progesterone and even testosterone, which is a male hormone, and men also possess estrogen to a degree. However, an excessive amount of estrogen, which is the definitive female hormone, can have a detrimental and harmful effect on a man's body.

Why Men Need Some Estrogen

Estrogen is produced in small amounts in men. It helps in the body's conversion process of testosterone, the male hormone. In order to have an optimal libido, men need estrogen. Estrogen also helps the mail brain function property, maintains strong bones and regulates the heart rate.

Dangers

When estrogen levels are too high in a man's body, this can cause sexual dysfunction, prostate problems, loss of libido and weight gain. Testosterone actually shuts down operation if estrogen levels become too high in a man's body and that isn't good. Men need testosterone because it enables absorption of vitamin D and calcium into their body and helps with brain function. Men require very little estrogen.

Outcome

High estrogen levels and low testosterone put a man at risk for prostate cancer and brain, liver and heart problems. Too much estrogen can result in breast and bone cancer. Men can get breast cancer, too.

Feminization

Estrogen has feminizing effects and can result in the development of breasts, which is called gynecomastia, shrillness of the voice and mood swings. Gynecomastia means "woman and "breast" or abnormally big breasts on a man. If you take estrogen, expect to experience these female attributes.

Effects

There are several reasons why a man might start producing too much estrogen and not enough testosterone, according to the Mayo Clinic. Medications can be the culprit, as can health conditions as well as a change in natural hormones. Medications that can increase estrogen and result in gynecomastia include anti-androgens that are prescribed to treat cancer, prostate enlargement and other conditions; heart medications and calcium channel blockers; AIDS medications; anti-anxiety drugs, tricyclic antidepressants; ulcer medication and antibiotics. Taking steroids can increase a man's breast size as can amphetamines, heroin, marijuana and alcohol.

Contributing Factors

Health conditions that alter a man's hormonal balance can lead to feminizing characteristics, such as large breasts, include tumors; the act of aging; hypodonadism, which occurs when there is interference in testosterone production; when a man is overweight; kidney failure has occurred or hyperthyroidism is present. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine, which is a hormone.

Tags: estrogen levels, brain function, estrogen result, high body, male hormone, much estrogen

Pour Dental Models

Dental models allow the dentist to see how the patient's teeth work together or occlude.

Dental models are an essential component of dental treatment. Models help a dentist evaluate how the patient's teeth work together and can be used to create crowns, dentures, mouth guards, bleaching trays and braces. Pouring accurate dental models can help the dentist and patient make informed decisions on how to create a healthy smile.

Instructions

Preparing the Alignate Impression

1. Alginate material is added to the inside of the impression tray, which is placed in a patient's mouth.

Lightly dry off saliva from alginate impression.

2. Spray a surface disinfectant such as Birex on to the alginate impression.

3. Remove any excess liquid from the teeth occlusal surfaces of the alginate impression by gently applying a paper towel or lightly blowing air from an air-water syringe tip. The presence of excess liquid in the alginate impression will increase the water to powder ratio of the dental stone, resulting in a slower setting time in addition to chalky, fragile occlusal surfaces, according to Craig's Restorative Dental Materials.

Pouring Dental Stone Models

4. Measure out the recommended amount of cold water from the dental stone package with a graduated cylinder. Pour water into the rubber mixing bowl.

5. Add dental stone package to water.

6. Mix the dental stone and water with a metal spatula firmly against the inner part of the rubber mixing bowl until you achieve a thick, but fluid-like consistency (takes about 20 seconds).

7. Turn on dental vibrator machine. Place the rubber mixing bowl with dental stone mixture on top of the vibrator. Air bubbles will initially appear in the mixture. Vibrate the mixture until the air bubbles become fewer and smaller in number.

8. Place the alginate impression on the dental vibrating machine. With the metal spatula, add a small amount of dental stone, enough to cover the tip of the spatula to the most posterior aspect (right or left side) of the alginate impression. Allow the dental stone to slowly flow through all the indented occlusal surfaces inside the impression while you rotate the impression on the dental vibrator to remove additional air bubbles that will come to the surface.

9. Add larger amounts for dental stone to fill up the alginate impression, once the occlusal surfaces have been carefully covered. Briefly place the impression on the vibrator for 2 to 3 seconds to ensure the dental stone is evenly distributed in the alginate impression.

10. Leave the dental stone model undisturbed for 45 to 60 minutes until the material completely sets.

11. Separate dental stone model from alginate impression.

Tags: dental stone, alginate impression, occlusal surfaces, mixing bowl, rubber mixing

Find Out If Insurance Covers Cosmetic Surgery

Find out If Insurance Covers Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is expensive. On average, procedures cost from about 2,000 dollars for repeat treatment (such as fat dissolving injections) to over 10,000 dollars (for whole body reshaping). With that in mind, many people turn to their health insurance companies in hopes that they will cover the procedures, only to find out that, most of the time, they don't.

Instructions

Find Out What Your Insurance Covers

1. Start by calling your health insurance company and asking what is covered under your plan and what isn't. Every company has a list of pre-approved procedures and your surgery will be classified differently at each.

2. Read your insurance plan booklet. Here, you will find quick answers about surgeries covered, the appeals process and your expected deductible.

3. Ask about exceptions, rule changes or special considerations.

4. Inquiry about the possibility of combining your health insurance with a discount card. Sometimes both companies agree to work together and take the discount burden from each other.

5. Don't give up too quickly. You may encounter a quick no, but some insurance companies will reconsider if you present a letter from your doctor showing why you need the procedure to improve your life.

Tags: health insurance, Insurance Covers, Cosmetic Surgery, Covers Cosmetic, Covers Cosmetic Surgery, Find Insurance, Find Insurance Covers

Hold A Seance

Holding a seance can be a delicate and tricky matter, because if the seance is successful, you just never know who'll respond to your call to the other side. Since folks don't get any less flaky after they pass over, there are never any guarantees when it comes to seances, but by following a few simple guidelines, you have an excellent chance of contacting someone and having one of the most memorable times of your life.

Instructions

1. Invite a group of friends who believe that communication with the spirit world is possible. Negative or skeptical energy has no place at a seance, even if you hold the event strictly for fun. You'll also want to make sure that you can trust everyone who comes to the seance so you know any communication you receive is genuine.

2. Keep the guest list relatively small. Everyone will need to be able to fit around the table comfortably at the very least. Most experts feel that at least three people should attend and that any number larger than three should at least a multiple of the number.

3. Consider holding the seance in a neutral location. Spirits sometimes decide to hang around after a seance, so your home may not be the best location unless you're prepared to remove the spirit afterwards.

4. Use white table linens to create a positive vibration around the table. White is generally associated with light or white magic, so it is thought to be the safest color to attract positive spirits.

5. Light incense to deepen the spiritual vibration of the room. Sandlewood is a favorite scent and is believed to help those in meditation stay focused on their goals.

6. Place candles around the table in multiples of three. Leave them unlit until the appropriate time.

7. Sit around the table, and allow all the participants to relax and focus on the task at hand.

8. Charge the candles by having each participant hold one in his hands while concentrating on the positive energies the color of the candle represents. Pass each candle around the table clockwise to ensure everyone has touched and energized each candle in turn.

9. Light each candle as they are placed back on the table.

10. Join hands and close your eyes as you lead the group in a prayer or brief invocation of blessing to protect the seance and all those attending.

11. Lead your group in a deep breathing exercise to relax and focus on the task at hand. Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth, encouraging everyone to fill their lungs from the diaphragm, not just from the chest.

12. Begin to ask for the spirit's presence by chanting a simple incantation, asking the spirit to join you. Ask for the spirit by name and request that he commune with you and move among you. Have all the participants repeat this incantation until a presence is felt.

13. Ask yes or no questions and have the spirit respond by knocking once for yes, twice for no. Be sure the spirit understands this code by explaining it carefully and asking explicitly if it understands.

14. Thank the spirit and ask it to go in peace once you have finished your questioning. This is a crucial step so the spirit does not misunderstand and assume that it is welcome to stick around and haunt your house or that location.

15. Break the circle by releasing your hands.

16. Blow out the candle and turn on the lights. This completely breaks the spell and pulls the veil back down between the worlds.

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Cope With Uterine Fibroids

Cope With Uterine Fibroids

You have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Your situation doesn't warrant surgery, you have decided not to pursue surgery or you have chosen "watchful waiting." Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow slowly and may or may not cause severe pain. For women, along with their doctors, who have decided not to treat fibroids surgically or with prescription medicines, there are ways to deal with symptoms associated with fibroids. Read on to learn cope with uterine fibroids.

Instructions

1. Understand that there is no known cure for uterine fibroids, but there are treatments. See the related eHow article titled "Treat Fibroids."

2. Take over-the-counter medicine for any pain you may experience. If you have severe and constant pain, contact your doctor.

3. Have extra sanitary products with you at all times because you may experience bleeding in between your regular menstrual times.

4. Consider your childbearing situation. If you want to get pregnant, fibroids could affect your ability to conceive or carry a baby to term. Seek a thorough exam if you are having problems conceiving. Also, fibroids usually shrink as a woman gets close to menopause.

5. Get regular follow-up care every three to six months, or as directed by your doctor. Regular exams must be performed to ensure that the fibroids haven't grown or returned, and to check for any new ones.

6. Know that you may have frequent trips to the bathroom, backaches, bloating or constipation. The uterus is located between the bladder and the rectum and fibroids may press against these organs.

7. Prepare for changes in your sex life due to exhaustion from blood loss, painful intercourse or just not feeling comfortable.

8. Find support. It is estimated that over 20 percent of women under the age of 50 have fibroids. Many do not need surgery, and live healthy, productive lives despite the inconveniences of fibroids. Check the Hope for Fibroids website and the National Uterine Fibroids Foundation website for more information.

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Light Treatment For Multiple Small Basal Cell Cancers

Basel cell carcinoma is one of the most common types of skin cancer. Luckily it's usually very easy to treat and doesn't spread to other parts of the body, meaning it can be cured. One method of treatment that is especially effective is light treatment, or photodynamic therapy, which is noninvasive and works just as well as traditional treatments like radiation or cryosurgery.

Definition

Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, is a type of treatment for skin cancer that uses a focused light and photosensitizing creams or gels to target cancer cells and kill them. This works with only surface-based cancers, but it is an effective treatment nonetheless.

Types of PDT Treatment

There are several different types of lights used in the treatment of basal cell cancers. One option is laser light, which can be adjusted to focus on the single color that the photosensitizing agent is most receptive to, is very focused and can be made very bright. Non-laser light treatment is intended more for skin cancers that cover a larger area of skin.

PDT Treatment Procedure

Undergoing light therapy treatment is actually very straightforward and painless. First, a photosensitizing agent is rubbed on the affected area. A few hours are allowed to pass to let the cream penetrate the cancer cells. Then a light is shone on the cancer for a specified period of time depending on the intensity of the light. Then, the treated area is covered with a bandage, and you will be provided with care instructions.

PDT Side Effects

It is normal for some side effects to occur following your light therapy treatment. Usually, the area that was treated will feel extra-sensitive and may burn or sting. It may also itch and and turn red. A few weeks following treatment, it will appear as though you got a sunburn in the treated area, with swelling, redness and burning being the most common side effects. Your skin may also blister and peel. In rare cases, the area becomes infected, requiring antibiotic treatment.

PDT After Care

Following light treatment for basal cell cancers, you will need to follow specific after-care instructions, usually provided by your doctor. However, they typically include precautions like protecting the treated area from light for a designated period of time until the photosensitizing agent wears off, using lidocaine to relieve pain and treating blisters and peeling skin with prescribed creams.

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What Do Radiology Techs Do

As with many jobs in the medical industry, radiology technicians are in high demand. According to a 10-year study completed in 2006 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for qualified radiology technicians is expected to grow through the year 2016. The field for qualified radiology techs offers those seeking employment in the medical profession a stable job opportunity with a great income.

Radiology Technician Defined

As a radiology technician, you will be a skilled and respected medical professional, trained specifically to perform diagnostic imaging tests, X-rays, on patients. Radiology techs also administer radiation treatments to those with life-threatening diseases. Radiology technicians report directly to a licensed radiologist or other health-care professional who is trained in the reading of X-rays. You will work face to face with your patients as a radiology tech, explaining the procedures, positioning them for the X-rays and reassuring them when necessary.

Specialize Your Career

Once gaining your certification, you will be able to use your knowledge in radiology technology to specialize in certain areas, or you may choose to work as a general radiology tech. Several areas that employ radiology technicians include sonography, particularly for obstetrics physicians; mammography; cardiovascular interventional radiography, working with heart patients; bone densitometry; nuclear medicine; and radiation therapy. The latter requires administering high doses of radiation to patients and requires additional training that usually is received on the job.

Above Average Earnings

According to an August 2009 survey by Payscale.com, the median starting salary for a first-year radiology technician is up to $19.87 an hour. Radiology techs with at least a year of experience are reporting earning a median of up to $21.84 an hour. After five years of experience as a radiology technician, you can expect to earn as much as $25.51 an hour and those techs with at least 10 years of job experience can earn more than $28 an hour.

Education

Most radiology-technician programs can be completed in about two years. Qualified programs can be found in community colleges and lead to a two-year associate degree. Programs also can be found in vocational schools and generally take about a year to complete. Some hospitals also offer the program in-house. After successfully completing all class requirements, which includes an internship in a medical center, all graduates are required to pass a national certification exam. Many employers also require radiology techs to enroll periodically in continuing education courses as well.

Benefits

Many employed in the radiology tech field enjoy the flexibility of different work schedules that the career provides. For those who want strictly weekday hours, working for a specialty physician, such as an OB-GYN specialist can offer a great schedule for those with families. Others, who prefer night or weekend shifts often choose the fast-paced environment of a hospital. An above average pay also allows many in the radiology technician field to work part-time and still make a decent living.

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