How Much Does A Radiographer Earn

Radiography can be used to view bone, muscles and other tissue.

A radiographer is also commonly referred to as a radiologic technologist or radiography technician. Radiographers conduct diagnostic imaging examinations like X-rays, mammograms, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRIs. A radiographer typically works in a hospital or doctor's office, but some may also work in laboratories, veterinary clinics, or for government agencies. The salary for a radiographer can vary significantly and may depend on several factors including level of expertise, location and work schedule.

Entry Level

According to x-raytechnicianschools.org, an entry level radiographer technician may expect to receive a lower starting salary than in individual who is more experienced in the field. If you are just starting as a radiographer, or if you are working underneath a more senior radiographer, your salary may be around $32,000 per year as of 2008 data.

Average

Typically, an average radiographer has been working in the field for a minimum of two years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary of radiographers was approximately $52,219 as of May 2008. According to BLS.gov, the middle 50 percent earned between $42,710 and $63,010, while only the lowest 10 percent of radiographers earned less than $35,100.

Specialists

You could expect to earn more than an average radiographer if you become a specialist in your field of radiography. Many radiographers are trained to work in a hospital or doctor's office, where they see dozens of radiography patients on a daily or weekly basis. A specialist is highly trained in a particular field and may be better skilled at producing and interpreting sonogram, mammography, or MRI images. Highly skilled radiographers are often sought after for diagnostic consultations by their colleagues and peers. A specialist may command a higher salary upwards of $68,000 or more if her skills are in great demand.

Hourly

Your earnings as a radiographer may vary greatly depending on the number of hours you work. If you work a full-time schedule of at least 40 hours a week, you will typically earn a fixed salary, but part-time radiography professionals are often paid on an hourly basis. Payscale.com reports that the average hourly rate for radiographers as of 2011 is between $17.52 and $23.46, with overtime boosting the hourly rate to as much as $34.94 per hour. Additionally, you may expect to earn a travel fee or other type of bonus if you travel for a consultation or fill in for another radiographer.

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What Causes Water In The Lungs

What Causes Water in the Lungs?

The lungs are the organ responsible for bringing oxygen into the body. While the membranes that line the lungs and chest cavity need fluid to lubricate them, the air sacs of the lungs need to stay dry.

When the air sacs get filled with water, the body can no longer absorb oxygen from the lungs. This condition is called pulmonary edema and it can devastate the body if left untreated.

What Is Pulmonary Edema?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pulmonary edema (water in the lungs) is caused by fluid building up in the air sacs of the lungs.

In order for the lungs to work properly, the air sacs must remain dry, so when fluid begins to enter the air sacs, the lungs must work harder to transport oxygen to the body. If it is left unchecked, this condition can lead to respiratory failure.

What Causes Pulmonary Edema/Water in the Lungs?

Pulmonary edema most typically happens because the heart or circulatory system is not functioning properly. There are four different ways to get pulmonary edema, but the most common is cardiogenic, which is an internal condition.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema, or congestive heart failure, according to the Mayo Clinic, occurs when the left ventricle of the heart is diseased or overworked. As a result, it stops pumping out enough oxygenated blood from your lungs, which increases pressure first on the left atrium of the heart, and then the pulmonary veins and capillaries. This forces fluid into the air sacs, and fills the lungs up with water.

The left ventricle can become weak or diseased due to a number of medical conditions, including coronary artery disease (hardened arteries), cardiomyopathy (when the left ventricle of the heart is damaged), heart valve problems and hypertension (high blood pressure).

What Else Causes Pulmonary Edema?

Apart from the cardiogenic conditions, there are outside forces that can contribute to water in the lungs. These outside forces are non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, alveolar and finally, unknown/multiple factors.

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema can be caused by obstructions in the upper airway, seizures, overload of intravenous fluids, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Alveolar conditions include aspiration (drowning), inhaling toxic gases, severe infections and possibly multiple blood transfusions.

Finally, the unknown or multiple causes are typically when things like severe head trauma, car accidents, hemorrhage or some other outside force causes the pulmonary edema. Some people may experience pulmonary edema due to sudden increases in altitude as well.

Symptoms

The initial symptom of water in the lungs is a shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. The NIH also lists a feeling of "air hunger" or "drowning" as a symptom, as well as excessive sweating, coughing up fluids, pale skin, restlessness, shortness of breath, wheezing and grunting or gurgling sounds when breathing. If you are coughing excessive amounts of phlegm, fluids or even the slightest amount of blood or bloody froth, seek medical care immediately.

Treatment

Pulmonary edema, no matter what the cause, is generally treated the same way. The first priority is to get enough oxygen into the body, so the immediate therapy is oxygenation. After that, the second priority is to flush out the water from the lungs and improve cardiac function. If an infection is causing the problem, then it is treated with antibiotics; however, if the problem is circulatory then the typical therapy treatments include water pills (diuretics to flush excess water from the body) and intravenous nitrates.

Tags: pulmonary edema, left ventricle, sacs lungs, Water Lungs, water lungs

Diagnose Network Slowness

Upgrade network equipment to speed up network connections.

A slow network, particularly when accessing network drives, impedes your ability to work. This can be a frustrating experience especially when you are working under a deadline or trying to connect with other users for urgent work. It is important to realize that there is no one way to diagnose network slowness. Sometimes upgrading to a high-speed Internet may be your only option if you are using a dial-up connection. If you already have a high-speed connection, you have more options to diagnose a slow connection.

Instructions

1. Disconnect the power cords from your modem and router. Wait for about 10 seconds, and then plug them back in. A restart can boost the speed of your slow network connection.

2. Upgrade your modem and router if either or both are more than five to six years old. Cable modems and wireless routers are available in almost all electronics stores. You may also choose to buy networking equipment online or from your Internet service provider.

3. Clear your Web cache. Click the "Start" menu and choose "Control Panel." Click to switch to "Classic View." Double-click "Internet Options." Click the "General" tab. Click the "Delete" button under "Browsing History." Check "Temporary Internet files" and "Cookies." Click the "Delete" button.

4. Remove "Remote Differential Compression" to stop transferring data over network in a compressed format. Click the Start menu and choose "Control Panel." Click "Programs." Click "Turn Windows Features On or Off" under "Programs and Features." Click to clear the check-box next to "Remote Differential Compression" and click "OK."

5. Update your network adapter driver. Click the "Start" menu and type "Device Manger" (without the quotes) in the search box. Press the "Enter" key. Scroll down and locate "Network Adapters." Right-click your wireless network adapter and choose "Update Driver Software."

6. Use a wired connection (as opposed to a wireless connection) to diagnose network slowness. A wired connection transmits more data while connected to a network.

7. Choose a faster Web browser to browse the Internet. Google Chrome, Safari or Mozilla Firefox offer better browsing speeds than Internet Explorer. All browsers are free to download.

8. Right-click the "Network" icon at the bottom right corner of the screen and choose "Diagnose and Repair." Windows will find errors in your network connection and fix such errors automatically.

Tags: Click Start, Click Start menu, Start menu, choose Control, choose Control Panel, Click Delete, Click Delete button

Scholarships And Grants For Christian Colleges In South Carolina

Over a dozen Christian colleges can be found in South Carolina.

As part of the Bible Belt of the South, it is expected that South Carolina would be home to a number of Christian colleges and universities. Christian colleges in South Carolina offer a Christian atmosphere of learning along with a variety of degree programs. Several Christian colleges in South Carolina also include seminaries and advanced degrees in ministerial positions. Students wishing to attend a South Carolina Christian college will find that many of them offer scholarships.

Bob Jones University

One of the most well-known Christian universities in South Carolina and the United States, Bob Jones University in Greenville offers its students a number of scholarships. Scholarships from the university may be open to all students, like the BJU Founder's Grant worth $2,500 a year, or may go to specific majors, such as the Jim Martin Scholarship Fund for business majors or the Helen Johnson Scholarship Fund for a ministerial student. Other scholarships help students who are the children of BJU alums or the children of Christian school faculty or staff.

Charleston Southern University

Also offering a Christian college education, Charleston Southern University in Charleston gives away scholarship money each year to students based on academic merit, athletics, financial need and other qualifications. Merit Scholarships are awarded based on the student's high school grade point average and ACT or SAT scores. Scholarships are also designated for certain majors, like the ASPIRE Scholarship for computer science students, and for the dependents of pastors, like the Minister's Dependent Scholarship.

Columbia International University

Offering undergraduate to seminary programs, Columbia International University in Columbia offers a number of private donor scholarships for its students. Donor scholarships go to students in all program areas at CIU and many require a student to demonstrate financial aid to qualify. Students of all different types qualify for scholarships, including international students, students pursuing missions as a career and those working while in college.

Erskine College

Located in the small town of Due West, Erskine College gives away scholarship money to students with strong academic talent. Scholarships award varying amounts, from the $1,000 Child of Alumni Scholarship to the full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. While academic merit is the main criteria for an Erskine College scholarship, scholarships are also designated for out-of-state students, Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church members and athletes.

Anderson University

Affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Anderson University can be found in the city of Anderson. Nearly 90 percent of Anderson University students receive financial aid of some kind, including several scholarships offered directly by the university. The First Choice Scholarship awards $1,000, $2,000 or $3,000 to high school seniors who commit to attend Anderson early in their senior year. Students may also earn major specific scholarships through each college or degree program.

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Genetic Testing & Obesity

Obesity is now acknowledged as a medical condition that can occur in families and is possibly caused by one or a combination of 11 very rare genetic traits that increase a person's chance of developing obesity. Genetic testing for obesity, while still a highly unusual procedure, can provide valuable information to aid both sufferers and their carers.

Obesity

An obese individual is one who has a body mass index exceeding 30kg per square meter, and it is thought that by 2015, the number of individuals who fall into this category will increase to more than 700 million. At least 32 percent of Americans are obese, and annually, at least 100,000 deaths are associated with the condition. Obesity in adults is a concern as it puts the individual at greater risk of more complicated and severe secondary medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers and osteoarthritis.

Genetic Causes

Obesity that occurs in families is thought to be due to the effects of one or more genes, which can be inherited. In the case of a single gene causing rare genetic conditions including Cohen syndrome and Prader Willi syndrome, deficiencies such as leptin or leptin receptor deficiency and mutations such as that found in the melanocortin-4 receptor gene, obesity can begin in childhood. More commonly, it is traced back to a collection of single variations in the DNA, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), of which 11 have now been identified and associated with hereditary obesity.

Genetic Testing for Obesity

Genetic testing does not test for obesity itself, since the condition is not classified by a single genetic trait. Instead, it involves detecting the genetic conditions (Prader Willi. for example) that are associated with the obese physical trait. Clinical genetic tests are best carried out by trained medical geneticists, and the results are interpreted in collaboration with genetic counselors, who will eventually help the patient understand the test results. The geneticist performs an experiment called a whole genome scan, which looks for SNPs in the patient's genome that may be associated with obesity or the medical conditions related to obesity.

Issues

It is crucial to note that scientists, clinicians and medical geneticists consider genetic testing for obesity to be useless and medically irrelevant as far as obesity is concerned, since this disorder is linked to too many genetic factors with unavailable treatments and unknown causes. Instead, health-care professionals regard genetic testing for obesity as merely informational, and do not factor the test results highly in their treatment procedures, unless and until the patient displays more severe complications that may be linked to obesity. Another issue is the availability of home-testing kits. These kits do not provide a diagnosis of any medical condition, and are only capable of detecting whether a gene is present or absent. They are highly inaccurate, often detecting the wrong genes or detecting variants of disease-causing genes. Few kits provide diagnosis and/or genetic counseling services, which tell the patient what to do to get help if he possess or is missing a gene. Furthermore, simply because a person has a genetic deficit does not mean that he will develop a disease or a severe version of the disease.

Sources of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing for obesity is not recommended. However genetic testing for the secondary and associated conditions is supported by hospital clinics and several private companies, such as deCODE, Navigenics and 23andMe. These companies do offer genetic counseling, but again, the counseling falls short of medical recommendations and therapeutic interventions, only informing the patient whether she has a genetic risk for a particular condition. All university medical centers will either have their own genetics testing facility or links to one, such as the University of Kansas' Clinical Genetics Services, Clinical Genetics at Yale University School of Medicine, the Genetic Counseling Clinic for Minority Women at the San Francisco General Hospital and the Center for Human Genetics at Boston University School of Medicine.

Tags: associated with, Clinical Genetics, genetic conditions, genetic counseling, kits provide

What Is A Ppo Health Insurance Plan

PPO health insurance plans offer the greatest flexibility.

Health insurance carriers offer a variety of policies to suit the needs of employees and individuals, and specific characteristics of each plan can be customized to fit within budget constraints. Preferred provider organization plans, or PPO’s, cover approximately 50 percent of the insured people in the United States, and such plans are often considered the most advantageous types of policies.

Managed Care

PPO insurance plans are a form of managed health care, and they represent one of several plan types designed to reduce unnecessary expenses and to keep premiums reasonable. Managed care health insurance policies operate on a network infrastructure of existing groups of physicians and facilities that see the policies' patients. Prenegotiated costs and fees typically make treatment by providers in the network the least expensive and most efficient option for patients. But members are still covered for treatment from roviders who aren't in the network.

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network

Customer expenses for medical treatment are constrained to the limits set forth in their PPO health insurance plan. They are divided into two major categories--in-network and out-of-network. The patient's payments for services by doctors or facilities in the network will be at the lowest levels; typically the co-pay or an office visit ranges from $10 to $50. Visits to out-of-network providers, those not currently contracted with the health insurance carrier, will still be paid by the carrier, but at rates set below those for in-network physicians. The result is a higher cost for members who receive treatment outside the established circle of providers.

Deductibles

Although the majority of the cost for treatment from non-network physicians will satisfied by the insurance company, no benefits are paid until the member fulfills a deductible. At the time out-of-network services are rendered, the patient is responsible for the entire cost of treatment until this predefined threshold has been met. Only after the customer has paid the deductible will the insurance carrier pay its portion of the bill. Deductibles have typically existed only for out-of-network services, but recently they have started becoming part of in-network services as well, acting as another method of premium reduction. Common deductible amounts range from $500 to $5,000.

Co-Insurance

Out-of-network services received by members of a PPO insurance plan are also subject to co-insurance limitations with regard to the maximum benefit payable by the carrier. Even after the patient has fulfilled the required deductible, the carrier might not pay the entire balance due for services provided.

The insured member’s plan specifically details a "co-insurance" amount, short for "cooperative insurance," that describes how the carrier and member will share in all costs for out-of-network treatment. Any balance remaining after the deductible amount has been paid will be split between the patient and insurance company, leaving the customer responsible for another portion of the bill. Common co-insurance amounts range from 70 percent to 90 percent, requiring contributions from patients ranging from 10 percent to 30 percent.

Maximum Out-of-Pocket

Medical bills can result in financial devastation without the presence of some type of stop-loss system. PPO policies are designed to protect the customer from overwhelming debt from out-of-network services, through a maximum out-of-pocket amount. This amount represents the absolute financial ceiling a PPO member should pay for medical services. If, during the course of the insurance plan year, a customer’s spending meets or exceeds the maximum out-of-pocket amount, all treatment costs from that point forward become the responsibility of the carrier.

Referrals

Freedom and flexibility represent an important characteristic to many health insurance customers, and PPO policies offer members the most unrestricted access to care compared to other managed care plan designs. PPO health insurance plans allow members to visit any physician at any time, without the need to first visit a primary care physician for approval and referral. This flexibility reduces expenses for members by saving them the normal co-pay for office visits, and it means serious ailments can be treated more quickly and more efficiently.

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Radiology Technician Grants

Eligible radiology technician students can apply for grants to help them finance their educations.

Radiology technicians must attend a formal educational program to obtain national certification. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, requires at least two years of formal college education along with 24 hours weekly of clinical study in hospitals and imaging centers. Going through radiography school can be mentally and physically difficult at times, but students that meet the requirements may be eligible for educational grants to help alleviate some of the financial hardship.

Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarship

Siemens, a medical imaging devices manufacturer, awards four radiologic science students annually with $5,000 dollar scholarships for educational excellence. Eligible students must be members of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, registered by the ARRT as technologists and working towards a bachelor's degree or specialized field of study in radiologic science such as radiation therapy or medical dosimetry. Students must also hold a 3.0 G.P.A. (Grade Point Average), or B average, and be legal citizens of the United States.

ASRT Education and Research Foundation

15000 Central Ave. SE

Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909

800-444-2778

asrt.org

Jerman-Cahoon Student Scholarship Program

The Jerman-Cahoon scholarship is awarded annually to academically outstanding students within entry-level radiography programs. Entry-level programs are defined as the first one to four years of classes in any radiography school. The scholarship award is $2,500 annually. A 3.0 G.P.A. is required and all students must be citizens of the United States.

ASRT Education and Research Foundation

15000 Central Ave. SE

Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909

800-444-2778

asrt.org

Royce-Osborn Minority Student Scholarship

Academically outstanding minority students may apply for acceptance to the Royce-Osborn scholarship program. All students that apply must be entry-level students in a basic radiologic science educational program. The scholarship awards each student selected with $4,000 dollars each year. A 3.0 GPA is required and all students must be United States citizens.

ASRT Education and Research Foundation

15000 Central Ave. SE

Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909

800-444-2778

asrt.org

Varian Radiation Therapy Student Scholarship Program

Varian is a manufacturer of linear accelerators and other equipment used in the field of radiation therapy and oncology. Each year they present $5,000 dollar scholarships to academically outstanding students enrolled in an entry-level radiation therapy educational program. A 3.0 G.P.A. is required and all students must be United States citizens.

ASRT Education and Research Foundation

15000 Central Ave. SE

Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909

800-444-2778

asrt.org

Oliver Joel and Ellen Pell Denny Healthcare Scholarship

The Oliver Joel and Ellen Pell Denny Healthcare Scholarship is open to all allied healthcare and radiography students who are residents of North Carolina and legal citizens of the United States. Students must maintain a 2.5 G.P.A and be current students of a North Carolina allied healthcare educational program. The annual award is $1,200 and applicant's annual household income must not exceed $80,000.

Winston-Salem Foundation

860 W. Fifth Street

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

336-725-2382

wsfoundation.org

Tags: United States, 15000 Central, 15000 Central Albuquerque, 800-444-2778 asrt, 87123-3909 800-444-2778, 87123-3909 800-444-2778 asrt, Albuquerque 87123-3909

Damage Due To Radiation Treatment

Damage Due to Radiation Treatment

Radiation treatment uses high-energy rays to fight cancer cells. Specifically, the radiation damages the cancer cells' DNA, which prevents them from growing and dividing. Healthy cells nearby, however, can also be damaged, and the extent of this damage depends on the radiation dosage and the treatment area.

Hair Loss

Hair loss occurs when radiation damages hair roots. However, only roots in the treatment area will be affected, and hair will generally regrow after the treatment ends. Curlers, curling irons and hair dryers can irritate the scalp and cause hair loss early, so patients should stop using them. They should also avoid hair products such as hair spray, gel and mousse.

Mouth Problems

Mouth problems occur when cancer damages the mouth lining or salivary glands. Consequently, these problems are most common in patients receiving radiation treatment to their head or neck. Some problems go away after the treatment ends, such as mouth sores. Some last months or years, such as changes in taste. Others can be permanent, such as dry mouth.

Patients should check their mouths daily. That way, they can detect problems before they become serious. They should also sip water throughout the day, keep their mouths clean and eat soft foods.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea occurs when radiation damages healthy cells in the bowels. Consequently, diarrhea is most common in patients undergoing treatment for stomach, intestinal or colon cancers. Patients with diarrhea should keep themselves clean, drink plenty of water and eat small, frequent meals of easily-digested foods. The National Cancer Institute suggests the BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

Patients with diarrhea should also inform their doctor. Their doctor may recommend medications such as Imodium.

Urinary Problems

Urinary problems occur when radiation therapy damages the urinary tract. Patients undergoing treatment for bladder or prostate cancer are at the greatest risk. They may experience painful urination, bloody urination, frequent urination, bladder cramps, incontinence or cystitis, an inflammation of the urinary tract. However, most problems go away within two months after treatment ends.

Patients with urinary problems should drink plenty of water. They should also avoid tea, coffee and tobacco.

Sexual Difficulties

Sexual problems occur when radiation damages the sexual organs. The most serious of these problems is infertility or impotency, so patients who wish to have children should inform their doctors. Doctors can collect healthy eggs and sperm before treatment starts.

Radiation damage can also cause hormonal changes, lack of libido and other sexual problems. Before they occur, patients should sit down with their partners and discuss intimacy.

Skin Problems

Skin problems can occur in any treatment area. Common problems include redness, swollenness, dryness, blistering and peeling. One severe type of skin peeling is called moist reaction, where the skin peels off faster than it can regrow.

Patients undergoing radiation treatment should wear soft fabrics, keep their rooms cool and humid and only use skin products recommended by their doctors. They should also protect their skin from the sun.

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Salary Of A Radiology Practical Technician

Radiology technicians must observe strict safety ordnances.

Radiology technicians -- also known as radiologic techs -- perform the practical tasks of preparing patients for X-ray procedures, which may include dressing them in medical gowns, positioning them correctly with relation to the equipment and taking the pictures. Salaries for practical radiology technicians vary by industry and location.

Average Salary

For the purposes of its May 2010 national survey of employment trends, the Bureau of Labor Statistics classified practical radiology technicians alongside their close colleagues, radiologic technologists, who may have experience with other imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans. The BLS concluded that the mean annual wage across the profession was $55,730.

Salary by Industry

The largest number of radiology technicians work within general medical and surgical hospitals, according to the bureau's figures. It gave the mean yearly wage within this sector of the health-care system as $55,880. Individuals working within the offices of physicians earned slightly less, with a mean of $54,000, while those in medical and diagnostic laboratories were better-compensated, receiving a mean of $58,240 per year. Positions in outpatient care centers paid $53,590, while techs employed by scientific research and development services earned a mean annual salary of $66,910.

Salary by Location

The bureau listed Massachusetts as the state in which, across all industry sectors, a radiology tech was likely to earn the highest wages, with an annual mean of $78,920. Maryland and California were also given as comparatively lucrative states, with respective means of $68,940 and $66,040. Rhode Island and Delaware were listed with similar wage rates -- $62,890 and $61,460, respectively -- while West Virginia was among the states with the lowest pay levels, a mean of just $42,920.

Prospects

Radiology technicians should experience a 17 percent growth in employment opportunities from 2008 to 2018 if Bureau of Labor Statistics predictions prove correct. This compares to a growth rate of between 7 and 13 percent across all occupations in the U.S. during the same period. An expanding, aging population will see demand for diagnostic imaging rise, spurring demand for qualified personnel to conduct the procedures. As such, wage levels for technicians should remain competitive.

Tags: Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics, mean annual, practical radiology, practical radiology technicians, Radiology technicians

How Much Earn As A Radiology Technologist

Magnetic resonance imaging is one technology used by radiology technologists.

Radiology technologists prepare patients for imaging procedures such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and computed tomography. Technologists perform more complex procedures than an x-ray technician under the direction of a physician. According to PayScale, the average salary for a radiology technologist is between $37,242 and $52,803 as of December 2010.

Location

Radiology technologist salaries vary according to the state in which the professional practices. For example, technologists working in California earn an average salary between $45,000 and $76,291 while those in Georgia earn salaries between $32,960 and $43,541, according to PayScale. Salary differences between states may be due to cost of living differences. According to My Salary, the cost of living is 30.3 percent higher in Los Angeles than in Atlanta.

Experience

Experienced technologists earn higher salaries than those just starting out in the field. Radiology technologists with 20 years or more in the business earn salaries between $41,916 and $67,075. Workers with less than a year on the job earn an average salary between $26,451 and $42,729. Technologists may advance in the field and specialize in a specific area such as mammography or computer tomography scanning.

Type of Employer

Radiology technicians can work for a variety of employers such as a hospital, private practice or a government employer. According to PayScale, technologists working for a hospital earn salaries up to $53,660 and those working for a private practice can earn up to $48,605, as of December 2010.

Benefits

In addition to an annual salary, employers offer radiology technologists benefits to retain skilled workers in the position. Some benefits offered to technologists include 401k plans, health insurance, paid holidays, paid sick time and vacation time. Employers may also offer technologists education assistance to help the professional advance in the field. Benefits add to the value of a position with an employer and should be weighed along with the annual salary when considering a position.

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Why Is Radiology Important

The field of radiology was originally oriented on using X-ray radiation for imaging of the body. Current radiology is not limited to X-rays; it also uses magnetic fields, radiation and sound waves. Radiology can be used both for diagnostic purposes, as well as a form of treatment for some diseases.

Identification

Radiology is a medical specialty that uses imaging equipment to examine the human body for the purposes of diagnostics and to treat certain diseases. Radiology deals with such techniques as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and ultrasound. Although historically limited to using X-rays for diagnostic purposes, radiology has expanded to using a variety technologies for diagnosis, treatment and guidance of other medical techniques.

History

The field of radiology began with the discovery of X-radiation by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895. As a result, the field of X-ray imaging is known as roentgenology. For 50 years X-ray imaging was the only form of radiology available, and it is still commonly used for examination of bones, the heart and lungs because it is relatively inexpensive and fast.

Types

The use of radiology for diagnosis is still very common, though the tools involved have changed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and radiological dyes are all used. Diagnostic radiology can be used to look for broken bones, detect growths and unusual tissue and to monitor the effects of treatment.

Considerations

Radiology can also be used to guide other, more invasive medical techniques. Many procedures, especially those that are classified as "minimally invasive," involve careful guidance of instruments through areas of the body that are not visible. Interventional radiology involves helping guide these techniques. Special fluorescent markers, ultrasound and MRI can be used to assist in such procedures as angiograms and angioplasty.

Expert Insight

Some aspects of radiology can even be used as a form of treatment. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves, which can in turn be used to break up and disrupt blockages, such as kidney stones. Additionally, radiation therapy is a commonly used to treat cancer and is done under the supervision of an oncology radiologist.

Tags: commonly used, diagnostic purposes, field radiology, form treatment, medical techniques, resonance imaging, sound waves

Florida Aftercare Grants

There are various grant opportunities that benefit Florida aftercare programs.

Although after-school or extended-day programs in Florida vary in terms of what types of activities are offered, these organizations strive to offer programs that are beneficial to youth. From tutoring programs to art enrichment organizations to health initiatives, funding is typically needed to successfully carry out a project. Florida funding sources help support the Sunshine State's aftercare by providing grants.

BankAtlantic Foundation

Since 1994, the BankAtlantic Foundation has been supporting nonprofit organizations that promote programs correlating with education, the arts, human services and economic development. After-school programs with any of these focus areas may qualify for funding. Typically, grants range from $1,000 to $3,000, according to the foundation. More than $16 million has been awarded to nonprofit organizations in Florida since 1994. The foundation reviews applications from March 30 to October 31 annually.

BankAtlantic Foundation

2100 West Cypress Creek Road

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

954-940-5058

bankatlantic.com

A.D. Henderson Foundation

Founded in 1959, the A.D. Henderson Foundation has supported nonprofit organizations in Broward County, Florida, and the state of Vermont. The foundation primarily supports organizations that promote education among children, especially programs that focus on improving literacy among families and youth, according to the foundation. Before submitting a grant proposal to the foundation, an organization must contact a foundation program director to ensure the proposed project is an appropriate fit for the foundation's funding interests. Typically, projects are funded over a time period of one to three years, according to the foundation.

The A.D. Henderson Foundation

P.O. Box 14096

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302-4096

954-764-2819

hendersonfdn.org

Helios Education Foundation

The Helios Education Foundation supports programs in Florida and Arizona that strive to improve education and help children reach overall success, according to the foundation. Public and private sector organizations are funded by the foundation, and funded organizations have proven results-driven programs in early childhood education and elementary, middle and high school. Only solicited organizations are funded, and the Helios Education Foundation staff members seek out organizations to submit proposals. Foundation staff also seek out individuals in need of postsecondary scholarships, according to the foundation.

Helios Education Foundation

100 N. Tampa Street, Suite 1625

Tampa, FL. 33602-5842

813-387-0221

helios.org

Tags: according foundation, Education Foundation, Helios Education, Helios Education Foundation, BankAtlantic Foundation, Henderson Foundation, nonprofit organizations

How Long Is Xray Tech School

Radiography is a career that involves taking X-rays and mammograms. Many hospitals cross-train their radiographers in computed tomography (CT). Nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are two possible career paths beyond radiography school.

Preparatory Year

The first year of college is spent taking basic courses, such as math and writing. A specific curriculum is required to enter into a radiologic technician program, so consult an advisor. During this year, you will need to apply to a radiologic program. Be sure to choose an accredited program.

Didactic Learning

Two to three semesters may consist of classroom work. Basic health care skills, along with radiographic procedures and precautions, are studied.

Clinical Experience

Two to three semesters consist of clinical work. Radiography students are paired with clinics and hospitals for hands-on experience.

Variations

Three years is a common time frame for radiography education, but that may vary between schools. One year may consist of classroom work followed by one year of clinical training, or the didactic and clinical work may be combined throughout the program.

Certification

Most hospitals require that radiographers sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification exam. Upon passing this exam, the radiographer will receive the credentials of registered technologist.

Continuing Education

All registered technologists are required to earn a certain number of continuing education (CE) credits within a given time frame. The purpose of CE credits is to keep technologists updated with their changing field.

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Airport Xray Security Training

At the airport, safety is a must.

The importance of airport x-ray scanners has increased since Sept. 11, 2001. The threat of someone bringing a bomb or weapon on a plane, to use on the plane or at the destination, is present. This kind of threat could be stopped with identification of possible suspects. But what if the person does not have a criminal background? The next step is to take X-ray images of passenger's bags. Yet, what an X-ray image shows is not easily discernible.

Types

X-ray screener training can be taken in a classroom setting or online. Training guidelines are set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). An X-ray screener does not operate an X-ray machine alone, but uses many detection devices. Air Safe lists three levels of training, from a beginning to advanced screener.

Features

Half of screener training focuses on the use of detection devices and machines. A trainee is instructed on operate the X-ray machine, and use the software program that filters the transparent images. There is instruction in the use of hand-held and walk-through metal detectors. The other part of training focuses on human eye and hand detection, which comes through physical baggage checks and passenger pat-downs. Throughout both portions of training, a screener is instructed on human behavior and suspicious actions.

Qualifications

Federal Aviation Regulations requires a screener to have a high school or general equivalency diploma. There is also a regulation that requires a background check to be performed on each trainee. A trainee will only be disqualified if the background check finds within someone's criminal history a reason for insanity, or a mental trait that could lead to job interference. Air Safe does state that, according to the Federal Regulations, having been convicted for a crime is not an automatic disqualification.

Time Frame

There is not a set amount of time to complete online training courses. The training company may supply recommended times, with the average length of a complete course being 40 to 60 hours. The time to complete classroom sessions can range between one day, of about eight hours, to a week of instruction for training in single devices, such as hand-held scanners, up to a multiple-week, more extensive, program.

Cost

The average fee for a day of instruction is between $250 and $500. Full training courses can be as much as $1,500. These courses are offered through private companies, such as Quadratica, or can be found through training announcements on site forums, such as that found on X-Ray Screener.

Job Outlook and Salary

There is a projected increase of 14 percent to 19 percent in the number of transportation security officers from 2008 to 2018. This increase is stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as being faster than average. The average hourly wage is $14 and the yearly salary around $29,000.

Considerations

As X-ray and detection technology advances, so does the training required for the screener position. A screener, who is at level 1, 2, or 3, must be retrained yearly, to account for any advance in technology.

Tags: background check, detection devices, operate X-ray, operate X-ray machine, screener training

Lose Weight Naturally On Your Breast

Push-ups can help you lose chest weight.

Breasts that weigh more than average can cause back pain and postural and respiratory problems. For that reason, some big-chested women want to lose weight in the breast area. Finding bras in larger sizes can also be difficult, and they usually cost more than smaller sizes. While surgery is one option for reducing your breast size, weight loss is also possible through natural methods like exercise and diet.

Instructions

1. Start a weight loss plan that includes eating less calories than you burn everyday. Incorporate cardio exercises. General weight loss will affect your chest. In fact, many women report losing weight in the breasts before other areas. Try to lose no more than one to two pounds a week. Losing more than that can lead to saggy breasts.

2. Perform chest exercises. Target the chest to build muscle and lose fat in that area. This will make sure the area stays toned through weight loss and, as muscle looks visually smaller than fat, your chest will look smaller. Examples of chest exercises include push-ups, pull-ups and some types of weight lifting.

3. Eat healthier foods to help your weight loss program. Healthier foods will give you more energy to perform your workout.

Tags: weight loss, more than, chest exercises, your chest

Get Rid Of Stomach Fat

A proper diet and regular exercise work in tandem to fight stomach fat.

Stomach fat is arguably the biggest reason people work out and try to lose weight. People hate how they look and feel when they're dealing with fat around their bellies, and many strive for "six-pack" abs. Getting rid of belly fat isn't something that can be done simply with crunches, though. You must work hard in several ways to burn off the fat and keep it off.

Instructions

1. Eat a healthy, low-fat diet. The two main causes of stomach fat are poor diet and lack of exercise. You can run a mile every day, but it won't make much difference if you're eating a pound of red meat that same evening. Your diet should consist mainly of fruits, vegetables and low-fat proteins such as chicken breast. Read food labels to find nutrition information, and stay away from oils, sweets and items high in fat.

2. Go for long walks or runs every day. Cardiovascular exercise is an absolute necessity when it comes to burning calories. You don't have to run miles every day to get rid of stomach fat. Walking to and from work, if possible, is a good way to integrate exercise into your daily life.

3. Swim a few times a week. Swimming works out your entire body, builds cardiovascular fitness and works muscles in the abdomen, where you're trying to lose fat.

4. Perform upper, lower and oblique abdominal exercises. Simply performing stomach crunches will not burn stomach fat. Combine stomach-crunch exercises with abdominal leg lowering and lying oblique exercises.

5. Increase your metabolism. Your metabolism is what causes your body to naturally burn fat. Exercising increases your metabolism, as does eating properly. Many experts recommend eating five small meals a day instead of three large meals.

6. Avoid eating before you go to bed. Eating late in the evening is believed to slow down your metabolism. A good rule of thumb is to avoid eating for three hours before you lie down for the night.

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New York Elderly Medicare Laws

Before you leave a hospital, New York State law requires the facility to give you a written discharge plan.

Medicare has many rules and regulations. While many of these remain consistent from state to state, it's still important to learn the laws for your coverage area. Whether you're currently enrolled in a New York Medicare program, or are considering applying, knowing some basic New York Medicare laws will help you along the way.

Nursing Homes

According to New York state regulation and federal law, nursing homes are required to post a written policy of your rights as a resident in a clear and visible area of the facility. This policy, which protects your civil and legal rights, should also be explained to you by the nursing staff. If you have concerns during your stay, you should contact New York's advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living (more commonly referred to as an ombudsmen).

Medigap Open Enrollment

As a resident of New York, you are entitled to apply for Medigap (a separate policy that covers certain expenses when Medicare falls short) at any time throughout the year. The state's open-enrollment and portability provisions offer protection whether you are eligible for Medicare by reason of age or disability. Additionally, no insurance company in New York state can reject a Medigap applicant or make any premium-rate distinctions based on prior claims or medical condition. It is also illegal to deny an applicant because he is already receiving health care services. It can take up to six months before pre-existing conditions are covered by Medigap. However, under New York regulations, this waiting period may be reduced or waived, depending on your situation.

Hospital Discharge

Before you are discharged from a hospital, New York law requires the facility to give you a written discharge plan. You or your representative have the right to be involved in your planning. The discharge plan must detail the arrangements for any future care you may need, but you may not be able to leave the hospital until all of the requested services are secured. The hospital also must give you the state Health Department's contact information so that you may file a formal complaint if you disagree with the discharge plan.

Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program

As of October 2010, New York's Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program (EPIC) was affected by the New York State Elder Law. The change resulted in lower program costs and reduced out-of-pocket expense for EPIC members with Medicare Part D. According to the new law, a member who presents prescriptions for drugs not covered by his Part D plan will no longer be covered by EPIC, but will have the option to change his prescription to a drug that is covered under this plan.

Tags: discharge plan, Coverage Program, Elderly Pharmaceutical, Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance, facility give, facility give written

Definition Of Quality Health Care

Everyone wants quality services, whether it's for auto service, repairs or health care. Quality health care is a measurement of the health care received at your doctor or dentist's office, your local emergency room or during a hospital stay. Quality goes way beyond the manners or attitude of health care providers. Quality health care encompasses all aspects of both traditional therapies and protocols to Human Resources development.

Definition

Quality health care can be more exactly described as striving for and reaching excellent standards of care. It involves assessing the appropriateness of medical tests and treatments and measures to continually improve personal health care in all fields of medicine, from the aides that help you eat to the surgeon who removes a tumor from your brain.

Features of Quality Health Care

Some of the aspects involved in providing quality health care in any number of facilities include accrediting or approving physicians, offices, hospitals or other health care providers. This is achieved through accreditation or inspection standards that ensure that proper procedures and staffing ratios are met. It also ensures that medical records are continuously reviewed in order to assess the effectiveness of treatments or procedures. Improving patient care is the driving force behind standards and regulations in quality health care, and is now known as performance improvement.

Accrediting Bodies

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) inspects medical care providers to make sure they're offering quality and reliable services and facilities and specific standards are met. They make sure there is accountability in health care scenarios and excellence in customer service is provided. The committee also helps to create and define ways to improve methods of health care for customers and providers. Another health care industry advisory board is called the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Quality Standards

Standards of quality for accrediting institutions in the health care industry are grouped into categories. These categories of health plan systems include Access and Service, Staying Healthy, Getting Better, Qualified Providers and Living with an Illness. Standards and protocols found within each major heading cover most care scenarios. These standards also provide health care personnel as well as institution guidelines for minimum standards of care that must be followed for accreditation.

Types of Accreditation

Long-term care facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics and health care providers---from ambulance services to home health nursing offices---must follow standards of care to be accredited and receive reimbursement for services from Medicaid or Medicare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) devises and defines most of the laws, regulations and standards for care. Acute care hospitals are required to follow somewhat different guidelines than an ambulance service in order to be certified, but all strive to offer quality care and patient safety regardless of circumstance or scenario. That's the basis of quality of health care: a standard of excellence, patient safety, risk management as well as continually striving to improve techniques, procedures and methods involved in every aspect of health care.

Tags: health care, standards care, care providers, health care, health care

Cancer Treatment For The Elderly

Waiting for God

If you are coping with cancer treatment in an elderly family member, or if you are the elderly person diagnosed with cancer, there is hope for a positive outcome for this condition and a normal life afterward by carefully managing the care received.

Important Considerations About Treatment

Although more than half of all cancers occur in people above the age of 65, the good news is that elderly people can benefit from cancer treatment to the same degree as younger patients. While some treatments may have not been considered for the care of older patients formerly, things have changed. The elderly are getting healthier and living longer, and are entitled to benefit from the many life-saving medical advances new to Oncology.

Cancer treatments today can range from minor surgical procedures to the use of chemical or alternative therapies. Treatment for the elderly is usually prescribed for those with early-onset cancer who are in overall good physical and mental condition; age is not always the primary factor when deciding who should receive cancer care. Once cancer is diagnosed in an elderly person, the best approach it is to work closely with a medical team that specializes in cancer treatment in older adults. The elderly have special medical, physical, nutritional, spiritual and emotional needs that can make the difference in how well they respond to treatment. They are typically already undergoing some treatment for other serious health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and arthritis. They are also more likely to be receiving drugs for these conditions, and the potential for drug interactions and complications require thorough medical histories, accurate information about current medications and close monitoring following any treatment.

Providing Support During Treatment

Cancer in an elderly person is not a death sentence. It is well known that in treating cancer, mind over matter is often the key to a successful response to treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and nutritional therapy, even surgical removal, if needed. Keeping the patient in good spirits and providing adequate support will often lessen the fears associated with having the disease. This will in turn improve the response and recovery time of the cancer treatment. Despite a desire to live independently, the elderly person may need some assistance with normal household duties or errands like getting to and from doctor appointments and scheduled treatments. It's important that either the elderly person's family get involved or that a nursing care plan be put into effect that supplies whatever extra support is needed. An elderly person should not be left to face cancer alone.

Cancer Treatment in the Elderly Is the Best Choice

Close physician-managed cancer treatment is the best, most effective choice. This is to offset any potential hazards associated with treatments for any other health conditions. Quality of life is an important factor that needs to be taken into account before starting a new regimen of treatment of an elderly person.

Many traditional and alternative treatments are very successful in providing a cure or keeping the cancer in remission for years, giving the elderly person an excellent outlook on the future and a good quality of life. A carefully managed medical plan carried out by a supportive Oncology team and loving friends and family will help make this challenging time turn out for the best for the elderly person dealing with cancer.

Tags: elderly person, cancer treatment, with cancer, associated with, benefit from, Cancer Treatment, Cancer Treatment Elderly

Administrative Clerk Job Description

An administrative clerk typically works in an office environment and is responsible for general administrative tasks. These professionals support the overall function of an organization by processing and accomplishing clerical duties.

Education and Skills

Most employers require a high school diploma or GED to be considered for this role. Skills include basic computer software knowledge, as well as good typing skills. Many employers hire a candidate for this role with little or no previous professional experience if skill requirements are met.

Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of an administrative manager, general administrative responsibilities include typing, filing, faxing, and organizing files and documents.

Function

These occupations assist other administrative staff to accomplish daily responsibilities to ensure all assignments are successfully completed in a timely manner.

Occupational Outlook

A 2008-2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics report clerical occupations, such as secretaries and administrative assistants, are expected to increase 13 percent through 2016 because of increasing technology, expanding office automation and consolidating administrative support tasks.

Average Salary

In December 2009, Indeed.com lists an average salary of $32,000 per year.

Tags: general administrative, this role

Positive Effects Of Space Exploration

Space exploration has resulted in many discoveries that have benefited society.

While it has been a costly endeavor, space exploration has produced substantial rewards. Many of the radical technological advancements that we take for granted today were the by-product of the race to explore space. Cellular phones and satellite television are just two of these notable achievements.

History of Space Exploration

Exploration of outer space has likely been desired for many centuries. However, actually using outer space did not truly begin until 1957, when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the first space satellite. Explorer 1, launched in 1958, was the first U.S. space satellite. American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon in 1969. NASA achieved major advances in space but today NASA's role in developing and exploring space is gradually eroding in favor of commercial exploration. The enactment of the Space Tourism Act has spawned renewed interest in space exploration by individuals with emerging new companies such as Space Adventures and Virgin Galactic offering sub-orbital tourism flights scheduled to begin in 2012.

Search for Other Life Forms

Space exploration offers the opportunity to potentially discover other life forms. Reasons for the importance of this are not confined to the mere satisfaction of people's curiosity. Historically, we have seen communication with different newly discovered cultures produce many commercial, sociological, technological and other advances.

Technological and Sociological Benefits

NASA has identified more than 1,600 technologies that have benefited society. These include development of artificial hearts, rescue tools, improvement of automotive and home insulation, land mine removal devices, prosthesis materials and infrared cameras.

Commercial Benefits

The 1950s and 1960s were decades of economic prosperity in the United States. This prosperity was due in large part to the space race between the United States and the former Soviet Union. Aerospace-related industries employed millions of workers and supported a great number of profitable companies. Many experts believe that space tourism and development of space could result in an economic boom.

National Security and Military Defense Benefits

Development of space has become an important issue in terms of national and international security. Satellites are just one aspect of the "Stars Wars" space defense program developed by the United States. During the first Gulf War, satellites provided allied forces with information about troop movements, navigation (using GPS technology), imaging, remote sensing and early warning of enemy missile attacks.

Tags: United States, benefited society, first space, first space satellite, have benefited

Program The Symbol Barcode Scanner

Barcodes are a series of black and white striped lines that contain information. In order for that information to to be useful, it needs to be read by a device that is able to translate the data from the barcode. Symbol is a manufacturer of barcode scanners that can read and store data from barcodes, then upload that information to a computer file or database. However, in order for the barcode scanner to accurately understand the data that it is reading, it must first be programmed.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button in the lower left corner of the screen, then click the "All Programs" option.

2. Select "Accessories," then click the "Notepad" option.

3. Click "File" at the top of the screen, then click the "Save As" option. Note that you are saving a blank document.

4. Type a name for this file into the "File Name" field, then add the suffix ".dat" to the end of the file name and click the "Save" button.

5. Click the "Start" button in the lower left corner of the screen, then select "All Programs" and open the program that you use to communicate with your scanner.

6. Click the "Send" button, then type the location of the blank .dat file you created earlier. For example, if you saved the document to your "My Documents" folder and named it "scanner.dat," the path would be similar to "C:\Users\Your Name\Documents\scanner.dat," where "Your Name" would be replaced by your user name.

7. Press the "Func" button on your scanner, followed by "*," then "Func," then "Bk."

8. Use the arrows on the scanner to select "App. Control," then choose the "Load App/File" option. Press the "Enter" button on the scanner, then wait for the scanner to prompt you to connect it to the computer.

9. Connect the smaller end of your serial cable to the scanner, then connect the larger end to a serial port on the back of the computer.

10. Click the "Confirm" button in your barcode scanner communication software to complete the programming of your scanner. The scanner will now be able to scan and record your information.

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What Degrees Do Obstetricians Need

What Degrees Do Obstetricians Need?

Obstetricians are physicians who have specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN). The most common education pathway to become a physician requires two degrees for a total of 8 years of education beyond high school. The first degree is usually a Bachelor of Sciences from an accredited four-year college or university, followed by four-year Doctorate degrees of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine.

However, the education does not stop there. All physicians, including obstetricians, must complete a one-year post-graduate program of internship. As a medical specialty, obstetrics requires a minimum of an additional four-year training program called a residency.

Specialized Training in Obstetrics

The residency training for licensed physicians to become OB/GYN's is designed to provide broad-based knowledge in all aspects of health care for women. Comprehensive obstetrics education includes the management of women's health during pregnancies (prenatal), deliveries of infants and follow-up care (postpartum). It will include everything from routine outpatient management of normal pregnancies to rapid decisions and intervention in cases of emergencies.

Pregnancy Management

Along with physical changes a woman experiences during pregnancy, the obstetrics resident physician will learn all aspects of normal and abnormal development of the fetus during pregnancy; the actions and effects of drugs, analgesics and anesthetics on both mother and developing fetus. Skills for safe delivery of the baby will include normal spontaneous vaginal delivery, recognition of the circumstances and surgical training necessary for performing vaginal or abdominal surgical deliveries. Training in postpartum care will include knowing the physiological and psychological changes that occur in new mothers.

Additional Areas of Education

Other areas of obstetrics-specific training and education are the following:

 Ultrasonography - identifying pelvic tumors, ectopic pregnancies and other pelvic pathology through ultrasonic technology.

 Genetics - knowledge of the indications during pregnancy for genetic amniocentesis, fetal blood sampling.

 Family planning and psychosexual counseling -- familiarity with issues of infertility; the pharmacology of contraception; prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases; prevention and treatment of abortion complications.

 Diagnostic and therapeutic surgery

Advanced Areas Specialization

Obstetrician/gynecologists may receive more specialized training for two to three additional years in the following areas: high-risk obstetrics (a management plan for medical and surgical complications of pregnancies); female reproductive system pathology (diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility); gynecologic oncology (diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancer in its early stages and management of more advanced diseases); breast disease; infectious diseases specific to obstetrical and gynecological patients; pediatric and adolescent gynecology.

More Streamlined Pathway

A recent development in physician education, a more streamlined pathway begins immediately after high school graduation. Students participate in a six or seven-year program, earning bachelors and doctorate degrees simultaneously. This route to becoming a physician requires higher SAT scores than most college and university undergraduate admissions, and students must be in the upper 10% of their high school graduating classes. A listing of most medical and osteopathic school listings, including the six-year programs, may be found at Medical Help Net (www.medicalhelpnet.com).

Tags: during pregnancy, high school, will include, college university, Degrees Obstetricians

How Is Radioactive Dating Used To Date Fossils

How Is Radioactive Dating Used to Date Fossils?

Radioactive Decay

Many rocks and organisms contain radioactive isotopes, such as U-235 and C-14. These radioactive isotopes are unstable, decaying over time at a predictable rate. As the isotopes decay, they give off particles from their nucleus and become a different isotope. The parent isotope is the original unstable isotope, and daughter isotopes are the stable product of the decay. Half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of the parent isotopes to decay. The decay occurs on a logarithmic scale. For example, the half-life of C-14 is 5,730 years. In the first 5,730 years, the organism will lose half of its C-14 isotopes. In another 5,730 years, the organism will lose another half of the remaining C-14 isotopes. This process continues over time, with the organism losing half of the remaining C-14 isotopes each 5,730 years.

Radioactive Dating of Fossils

Fossils are collected along with rocks that occur from the same strata. These samples are carefully cataloged and analyzed with a mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer is able to give information about the type and amount of isotopes found in the rock. Scientists find the ratio of parent isotope to daughter isotope. By comparing this ratio to the half-life logarithmic scale of the parent isotope, they are able to find the age of the rock or fossil in question.

Isotopes Used for Dating

There are several common radioactive isotopes that are used for dating rocks, artifacts and fossils. The most common is U-235. U-235 is found in many igneous rocks, soil and sediment. U-235 decays to Pb-207 with a half-life of 704 million years. Due to its long half-life, U-235 is the best isotope for radioactive dating, particularly of older fossils and rocks.

C-14 is another radioactive isotope that decays to C-12. This isotope is found in all living organisms. Once an organism dies, the C-14 begins to decay. The half-life of C-14, however, is only 5,730 years. Because of its short half-life, the number of C-14 isotopes in a sample is negligible after about 50,000 years, making it impossible to use for dating older samples. C-14 is used often in dating artifacts from humans.

Tags: C-14 isotopes, parent isotope, radioactive isotopes, Date Fossils, Dating Used

What To Do To Prepare For A Pap Smear

What to Do to Prepare for a Pap Smear

A pap smear is a test used to discover irregular cells on the cervix. Although this is routine test, there is some anxiety surrounding the issue of what to do to prepare for it.

Appointment

Make your appointment on a day you are sure you will not be menstruating, about a week or two after your next period. If your period starts before your appointment, call and try to reschedule within the next two weeks.

Cleanse

Before heading out the door to your appointment, it is important to take a shower. However, the National Institutes of Health suggests refraining from douching for at least 24 hours before a pap smear.

Intercourse

Avoid intercourse within one day of your appointment.

Inserts

Tampons, birth control jellies and birth control foams should be put aside for 24 hours before a pap smear.

Questions

Write down a list of questions or issues that adequately address any important concerns you have. This will help you to avoid forgetting those questions when you are on the spot.

Answers

Be prepared to answer questions on previous sexual health issues, such as an irregular pap smear, birth control methods and whether or not you could be pregnant.

Tags: your appointment, birth control, before smear, hours before, hours before smear, Prepare Smear, What Prepare

Become A Radiography

Radiographers work in a hospital or lab, and their primary responsibility is to administer X-rays, CT scans and other imaging tools. Becoming a radiographer requires specific skills, which include good communication and the ability to pay attention to details. Imaging devices are used to detect and identify different medical conditions. Radiographers examine the images and help doctors diagnose the problem.

Instructions

1. Complete high school. Before you can pursue a career as a radiographer, you must finish high school and receive a diploma or pass a high school equivalency test.

2. Decide whether to study diagnostic or therapeutic radiography. Persons who study diagnostic radiography work with X-rays and other imaging tools to diagnose a medical condition. Persons who study therapeutic radiography administer radiation treatments to cancer patients.

3. Choose a 2-year or 4-year radiography program. Community colleges and technical schools offer 2-year certificates and associate degrees. However, future radiographers can complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree radiography program.

4. Inquire about the school’s accreditation before enrolling in a radiography program. The school should be accredited by the Joint Review Committee of Education in Radiologic Technology. Talk with an admissions counselor or browse the school’s student handbook to learn this information.

5. Pass the state’s license examination upon graduation from a radiography program. The test is called the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist examination.

6. Look for employment as a radiographer. Many employment options are available to radiographers. Individuals with certificates and degrees can apply for employment with hospitals, diagnostic centers, doctor’s offices and nursing facilities.

Tags: radiography program, high school, imaging tools, other imaging, other imaging tools, Persons study

Insurance Check Cashing Laws

If you make an insurance claim for damages to your home or vehicle, the insurance company often pays your benefits by check. As of 2011, if you don't have a loan out on your property, you can use the check for whatever you wish; otherwise, you have to get your lender's endorsement and use it for repairs. You can cash insurance checks either at the bank or a check-cashing store.

Check-cashing Fees

Check-cashing fees vary from state to state. However, in most states, check-cashing stores are allowed to charge a higher fee for cashing a check from insurance than for cashing other types of checks. For example, in Michigan, check-cashing outfits may charge up to 7 percent of the face value of the check if you cash an insurance check, while they may only charge up to 5 percent of the check's value if you cash a payroll check.

Home Repair Checks

If your insurance company gives you a check for covered repairs, state law may prevent you from getting the money for several days. If you have a mortgage, your lender may have to endorse the check before you can cash it because the home belongs to him until you completely pay off your mortgage. State laws usually leave it up to your lender and your bank to work this out; many lenders require such a policy to make sure that the benefits are used to repair the home.

Use of Check

If you own the property you have insured outright -- that is, if you do not have any outstanding loans on it -- then you are not obligated to use insurance benefits to repair the property. If you wish, you can cash the check and use it for other purposes; once the insurance company issues it to you, what you do with it is your business. However, you should consider whether you can safely use your vehicle or home without repairing it.

Considerations

If you receive a large insurance settlement, cash it at a bank instead of a check-cashing facility. The process can take longer but is ultimately more safe than carrying around large sums of money. In addition, if you don't own the insured property outright, you won't be able to get the cash immediately since you have to get your lender's endorsement, and banks won't charge you a check-cashing fee so you will keep more of your money.

Tags: your lender, insurance company, cash insurance, charge percent, have your

Radiation Burn Treatments

Preparing for Radiation Therapy

Changes in the skin because of exposure to radiation are often classified as burns. The damage to the skin is caused by the ionizing effects of radiation rather than heat. The depth and severity of the wound, burn or irritation depends on the intensity and frequency of the exposure. While accidental radiation exposure is possible, most cases of radiation burns are among patients who are undergoing radiation therapy as part of cancer treatment.

Cleanliness

Keeping your skin clean is the first step to minimizing and treating skin irritation caused by radiation. Use a gentle, non-alkaline soap, avoid oily or perfumed soaps, and use warm water rather than hot water. Gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it and don't be alarmed if your skin may be reddened--this is normal. For radiation treatments or exposure to the head, choose a gentle, non-medicated shampoo like baby shampoo.

Comfort

Your skin needs moisture to heal properly. Radiation damages your skin and compromises its ability to retain moisture. To soothe your skin, apply skin preparations that contain no petroleum products, alcohol or menthol. Hydrophilic lotions or creams are effective choices, as is natural aloe vera gel. Your doctor can also recommend a brand of lotion or cream, or even prescribe one for you. Pat the lotion or cream gently onto your skin; do not rub. If your skin is unbroken, you can use powder on your skin, but powders tend to be drying rather than moisturizing, so use sparingly.

Inflammation and Infection

If your skin is inflamed, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream. These creams should be used only as directed to prevent further damage to your skin. Steroid creams cannot be used on skin that is broken. If your skin is broken, your doctor may provide special treatment to help prevent infection, particularly since your immune system may be compromised if you are undergoing treatment for cancer. In the case of open wounds, broken skin, or broken and weeping skin, your doctor may prescribe silver sulfadiazine cream or suggest treatment in a hyperbaric chamber. If you develop a break in your skin while using a steroid cream, notify your doctor right away.

Tags: your skin, your skin, rather than, your doctor, broken your, doctor prescribe, lotion cream

How Is A Bone Biopsy Performed

What is a Bone Biopsy?

A bone biopsy is the removal of a small piece of bone that can then be tested for the presence of cancerous cells. There are two types of tissue in your bones. The outer layer is called "compact tissue" and is the hard material that you may normally associate with bones. The secondary layer is the cancellous tissue, which is a sponge-like material that contains the marrow. The physician takes samples of the hard outer layers of bone rather than taking marrow from the center of the bone. There are different types of bone biopsies, including a needle aspiration biopsy and open biopsy.

Needle Aspiration Biopsy

Your physician may give you a mild sedative to help you relax during the procedure, and in some cases, he may give you a spinal block to numb you from the waist down. Needle biopsies are generally done in bones that are near the surface, such as the hip, although a biopsy can be performed on any bone in the body. Your doctor will use an aspiration needle, which looks like a regular syringe with a larger needle. Because it is important that you hold still during the procedure, if the bone to be biopsied is in a difficult location, your doctor may employ a strap or a belt to help you remain motionless.

After he swabs the area with antiseptic to clean it, you will be given a shot that numbs the area where he will make the incision. Your doctor will then cut the small incision, usually around 1/8 inch, through which he can pass the aspiration needle to reach the bone. He will twist the needle to push it into the bone. He draws the sample into the syringe and then twists the needle to remove it from the bone. Your physician will apply pressure to the incision, and once it has stopped bleeding and is bandaged, the procedure is complete. Your sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Open Biopsy

Open biopsy is surgery to remove a larger piece of the bone than can be done with an aspiration needle. You will be given a general anesthetic so that you will be completely asleep and unaware during the procedure. Once you are in the operating room, the site of the biopsy will be cleaned and sterilized. An incision will be made along the bone to be biopsied, and the skin and muscle held open with clamps. The doctor then uses a bone saw to take a section from the exposed bone. Your muscle and skin will be sutured back together with small stitches and bandaged. You will be sent to the recovery room to awaken from the anesthetic.

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Side Effects Of Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is typically performed on patients with thyroid nodules that are both cancerous and benign, goiters (or large thyroid gland) and overactive thyroid glands, known as hyperthyroid. A biopsy or lumpectomy removes a small portion of the thyroid gland. A lobectomy will remove half of the gland. A total thyroidectomy removes the entire thyroid gland.

Bleeding

Bleeding is the main complication that surgeons are concerned with following a thyroid operation. Bleeding can cause respiratory distress and is the main cause of death after this type of procedure.

Nerve Damage

Some patients have permanent or temporary hoarseness, or problems projecting the volume of their voice following thyroid surgery. Damage to the laryngeal nerve during surgery can also cause difficulties swallowing.

Parathyroid Damage

Patients with invasive tumors and lymph node complications are at an increased risk for developing hypoparathyroidism. The parathyroid glands control calcium production.

Hypothyroid

If the purpose of your surgery was to treat thyroid cancer, you may become hypothyroid following your surgery. Thyroid hormone therapy is a common treatment for this condition.

Inexperienced Surgeon

There are negative side effects and complications in only about 2 percent of thyroid surgeries performed by a surgeon with little experience with this procedure. Prior to surgery, it is important to find a surgeon who had special training in this area of medicine. (To find a surgeon near you, see Resources section of this article.)

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Look 30 At Age 50

Look 30 at Age 50

There's no reason to run to the plastic surgeon to get a Botox injection or even a face lift just because you've reached the wonderful age of 50. There are practical inexpensive things you can do to help you look years younger and regain your youthful appearance. Here are a few sensible tips to help you to look 30 at age 50.

Instructions

1. Start with the basics. Gravity has a way of directing body parts to travel in non-flattering directions. One way to regain control is to wear the appropriate undergarments. The right underwear will give a perky youthful appearance to the various parts that seem to have given in to gravity's relentless pursuit.

2. Dress appropriately. The way to look 30 at age 50 is not to dress like you're 20. Dressing too young for your age not only draws unnecessary attention, but it makes you look older than you are. Find an age appropriate style and add your own flair. It will make you look years younger.

3. Find the right hairstyle. Shorter is better. Wearing your hair no longer than shoulder length can take years off of your appearance. Beware of cutting it too short because, depending on your features, very short hairstyles can make a mature face appear harsh or masculine.

4. Whiten your teeth. If you have spent many years drinking coffee, tea or smoking your teeth may not be as white as they used to be. There are many products on the market that whiten teeth quickly. Research a few of them and use the one best suited for you. The whiter your teeth, the younger you look.

5. Modify your makeup. Don't get stuck in a makeup time warp. If you've been applying your makeup the same way for the past 30 years, its time for a fresh younger look. Visit the makeup counter at the mall for a makeover.

6. Weigh yourself. Carrying around excess weight not only makes you appear older, it weighs you down and makes you feel older.

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Convert 16mm Film To Digital

Motion Picture Film

If you want to convert your 16mm film (either standard size or Super 16) into digital and maintain the quality of the film format, you have only one option: telecine. This process converts the 16mm film into a digital format and minimizes the amount of quality you lose during the process. You keep your original audio quality, and the video quality determines on what recording format you want to use. If you want to record onto a DVD, you lose video quality; however, recording onto an HD digibeta tape maintains the higher quality image of 16mm film.

Instructions

1. Take your 16mm film into a telecine center near you. If you live in a larger city (such as New York, Chicago, Miami or Atlanta) there is at least one facility nearby. If not, you need to call such a facility and make arrangements for you to send your 16mm film to the company.

2. Select the digital output format you want to have the 16mm film on. This is going to depend on how you want to view your footage, and what you plan on doing with it. You can receive the recorded content on anything ranging from a DVD, miniDV tape, Blu-ray disk and HDdigibeta (just to name a few).

3. Pay the processing fee. You are usually either charged by the reel or by the hour. All in all you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars to have your product transferred over.

4. Sit in on the film transfer if you are in the same city as the telecine center. Doing so allows you to actually make color corrections (by instructing the engineer) to your 16mm film. Do note that any color correction is applied permanently to the film and the digital format.

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