Equipment Used To Perform Breast Cancer Surgery

There are a number of procedures designed to treat breast cancers.

If you have discovered a lump in or on your breast, the next step is diagnosis. Your doctor will have a mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), breast biopsy or ultrasound taken to examine the lump. If your are diagnosed with cancer, then surgery may be necessary. There are a number of different breast cancer surgeries, but all of them use the same basic tools, such as anesthetic, a scalpel, retractors, drain tubes and sutures.

Anesthetic

Anesthetic causes numbness and a lack of awareness, making it possible to operate on someone who is "under" anesthetic without hurting them. There are two types of anesthetic. Local anesthetic causes numbness in one part of the body. It is applied in a number of ways, including to the skin in cream or gel form, and by injection. A general anesthetic puts the patient to sleep and is usually administered in gas form or by injection.

Scalpel

A scalpel is a steel instrument that is used to make incisions and cuts. While traditional scalpels have a convex blade fixed to the handle, modern examples have a number of detachable blades to be used for different purposes. In the case of breast cancer surgery, one scalpel blade will be used to make an incision in the skin, and another to separate the tumor or the breast from the surrounding tissue. An electrosurgical scalpel severs tissue using an electrically heated wire. This causes less bleeding, as the heat closes the wound as soon as it is made.

Retractors

Retractors are curved instruments used to hold tissue aside during surgery. In breast cancer surgery, retractors are used to hold the incision open so that the tumor or breast tissue can be removed.

Drainage Tube

A drainage tube is a tube that is inserted into an incision after surgery in order to draw fluids away from the wound and allow it to heal more quickly. Drainage tubes may be necessary for up to a week after most breast cancer surgeries, and your doctor will attach them to an easily portable, pocket-sized suction device that drains off the fluids in the wound. You will be taught maintain the particular suction device with which your doctor supplies you.

Suture

A suture can be made of a number of different materials and is used to stitch the incisions made during breast cancer surgery. You body tissue eventually will dissolve some types of sutures, while others need to be removed later; some are made deep in the wound so that they cannot be seen on the surface, while a doctor makes others on the skin. After breast cancer surgery, your surgeon will use sutures to close the incision on your breast and in your armpit on the same side if the lymph nodes there also needed to be removed, as is often the case due to infection with the cancer.

Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer surgery, cancer surgery, breast cancer, breast cancer surgeries

Use A Boat As A Tax Deduction

Many personal recreational boats qualify as second homes and the interest paid on those boat loans can be deducted from your taxes. Boats purchased and used for business purposes also come with a few tax deductions. There are some requirements that you and the boat have to meet to take these deductions. Make sure you check them before using your boat as a tax deduction to avoid a tax audit.

Instructions

1. Identify the interior boat requirements. To qualify as a second home tax deduction, your boat must have the following: sleeping quarters (this can be as simple as a platform with a mattress), bathroom facilities (at least a port-a-potty), cooking facilities and a sink.

2. Recognize your time requirements. You must stay overnight on your boat at least a total of two weeks during the year to use it as a tax deduction. The IRS states that you must provide "proof" that you stay overnight for a total of two weeks, but is vague about what type of "proof" is needed.

3. Use "Accelerated Depreciation" as a tax deduction for your boat. If you purchase a boat through a company you own, you can deduct half of the total amount you paid for the boat as an accelerated depreciation loss.

4. Purchase a corporate yacht. You are allowed to deduct all of the expenses that pertain to owning and operating the yacht if you own a corporate yacht. You must, however, provide proof to the IRS that the yacht was used for business purposes.

Tags: your boat, business purposes, corporate yacht, deduction your, deduction your boat, proof that

Choose A Radiology Technician Program In Georgia

Radiology is a growing field in medicine, and the job market for radiology technicians is expanding right along with it. Georgia has more than 20 different colleges that offer radiology technician training programs. While it's good to have so many options available, sometimes it also makes it confusing. Here is a step-by-step process to help you narrow down your choices and find a program that fits your needs.

Instructions

1. Choose potential schools with an easy commute from your home. Georgia has quite a few technical schools and colleges that offer radio technician training programs. Emory University, Athens Technical College, Heart of Georgia Technical College and DeKalb Medical Center are a few of the schools that offer radiology technician training programs. For a complete list of available schools, see the Resources section below.

2. Research the selected schools to see if they have a program that fits best with your current schedule. Some programs offer night classes before you start clinical study, and others offer strictly day schedules.

3. Contact the schools, either via phone or email, and request more information and a program application. Find out if the prospective schools interview applicants. Learn more about the actual training. Does the school only focus on X-ray technology, or does it offer sonography and MRI training as well?

4. If possible, arrange a visit to the school. Some schools have special orientations and tours for potential students. If the school does not offer one, try to visit it anyway. Get a feel of the campus and meet some of the staff.

5. Apply to at least two schools, preferably three. The more applications you have out there, the better the chances you will have in getting accepted into a good program. Also, it's always better to have options when it's time to officially select a school.

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Salary Of Radio Traffic Directors

When you turn on the radio and your favorite song just happens to be on the air, you can thank your local radio traffic director. Radio traffic directors handle scheduling of radio airtime programming. They determine when music is played and when commercials, along with any other programming. The salary of radio traffic directors tends to vary by location and is typically less than that of senior-level directors.

Average Salary

The average salary of a radio traffic director was $46,000 per year, as of July 2011, according to SimplyHired. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that producers and directors of radio, film and television earned an average salary of $88,610 per year, as of May 2010. However, this number is likely skewed somewhat by the inclusion of film and television producers and directors. The agency also notes that the average salary for those in radio and television directing and production was $72,030 per year.

Pay Scale

Placing the average salary of radio traffic directors within the larger pay scale for producers and directors nationwide provides some additional context. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for all producers and directors nationwide was $68,440 per year in 2010. The middle 50 percent of those working in this field earned salaries that ranged from $45,470 to $111,720 annually. The highest paid producers and directors made more than $166,400 per year. At the low end of the pay scale were those who made $32,140 or less per year.

Location

The salary of radio traffic directors also tends to vary by location. For example, SimplyHired indicates that the average salary for a radio traffic director in New York was $54,000 per year in 2011, while the salary of those working in California was $52,000 per year. Salaries were significantly less in other states like Texas where radio traffic directors made $43,000 per year. Those working in Florida made an average of $42,000 per year, while those in Ohio and Pennsylvania made average salaries of $44,000 and $45,000 per year, respectively.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for producers and directors was expected to grow by about 10 percent during the decade from 2008 to 2018. The bureau indicated that competition for all jobs in the radio, television and film worlds will be fierce. Even so, there should be some opportunity available given the slow but steady job growth.

Tags: radio traffic, producers directors, salary radio, salary radio traffic, traffic directors

About Going To The Gynecologist

Going to the gynecologist is an important part of a woman's health care routine. Annual visits help ensure the female reproductive organs are healthy and functional, and that any present sexually transmitted diseases are treated.

Function

Women go to the gynecologist annually as part of preventative medical care. There, through a pelvic exam and tests such as pap smears and mammography, the gynecologist makes sure a woman's reproductive organs and breasts are healthy and functioning well. The visits can also include screenings for sexually transmitted diseases. Blood pressure, pulse and weight are taken and recorded, and sometimes a urine sample is collected to test for pregnancy.

Significance

Gynecological exams are useful for determining whether a woman has any health concerns regarding her reproductive organs, such as cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, sexually transmitted diseases, fibrocycstic disease or breast cancer, among other illnesses.

Time Frame

Women are advised to have routine annual exams starting at age 18, but visits can begin earlier if a girl becomes sexually active. Pap smears are advised for women 21 years and older. If a pap smear test comes back abnormal, most gynecologists indicate a return visit in 6 months to perform another test.

Effects

Some women experience anxiety about going to the gynecologist due to the invasive nature of a routine exam, and being tense can result in discomfort during the pelvic exam portion. The exam is necessary in order to discover any medical problems. But seeing a gynecologist at regular intervals helps ensure the health of your reproductive organs.

Benefits

Early detection of medical issues such as sexually transmitted diseases or cancer of the reproductive organs leads to early and more successful treatment, so it is advised that all women have an annual gynecological exam. Routine visits are part of keeping healthy.

Tags: reproductive organs, sexually transmitted, sexually transmitted diseases, transmitted diseases, pelvic exam

Do Anticellulite Massage

Massage is one of the oldest forms of healing arts known to man and can help to reduce stress, improve circulation, promote healing and activate the lymphatic system. Additionally, certain forms of massage can be used to break up unwanted tissue, such as deep scars and cellulite. With a few simply steps you can learn to perform anti-cellulite massage on yourself or your clients. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Be aware that anti-cellulite massage can activate the lymphatic system and increase circulation, therefore it is extremely important that you always work towards the heart. Begin your massage on the arms and legs, moving up towards the torso and back.

2. Use a quality massage lotion or oil, as anti-cellulite massage requires friction and twisting which can cause pain when performed "dry." There are a number of anti-cellulite creams and lotions available on the market which you may use for the massage if desired; however, be aware of the ingredients and possible skin allergies.

3. Warm up the tissues by kneading the tissue. Pick up as much of the skin as possible, pinching and rubbing as you would knead bread dough. If working on a client, keep the lines of communication open at all times, making sure that the pressure is okay and that they are relaxed and comfortable.

4. Pinch the skin between your thumbs and forefinger and slowly pull your hands away, rubbing deep into the tissue to help break-up and smooth cellulite. Remember that your motions, however small, should always move towards the heart.

5. Place one hand on the skin to hold the area taught and then use the palm, heel of your hand or thumb to rub the cellulite in circular motions. Begin at the bottom of the affected area and slowly work up towards the heart.

6. Complete the anti-celluite massage by applying long, smooth and light strokes moving towards the heart. It is extremely important to drink lots of clean, fresh water after an anti-cellulite or any kind of massage, as it releases various toxins trapped in the tissue into the bloodstream. In order to feel your best and detox after the massage, drink at least 32 ounces of water.

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Michigan Ultrasound Colleges

The job of an ultrasound technician or sonographer is to capture internal images that can then be analyzed by a physician. As a result, ultrasound technicians need to be well versed in the operation and maintenance of all the equipment required to create ultrasound images. The training for an ultrasound technician takes two years and is available at a number of community and technical colleges in Michigan.

Ferris State University

Ferris State University is located in Big Rapids, Michigan. The university offers a 2-year associates program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Students in this program complete a general education curriculum that includes English, math, history and science courses before moving on to the more technical career related courses. Once these prerequisites have been completed, introduction sonography classes are offered. Finally, students move on to advanced sonography classes and participate in clinical internships that teach them operate the imaging equipment.

Ferris State University

1201 S. State Street

Big Rapids, MI 49307

(231) 591-2000

ferris.edu

Lansing Community College

Lansing Community College is located in Lansing, Michigan and has a student population of around 19,000. The college offers an Associates of Applied Sciences degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This program takes around two years to complete and includes both general education and technical classes. Some of the classes included in the curriculum are Sonographic Scanning, Sonographic Physics, Instrumentation, and Sonographic Positioning. In addition to these courses, students must participate in two internships at a hospital or other health clinic.

Lansing Community College

419 N. Capitol Avenue

Lansing, MI 48901

(517) 483-1957

lcc.edu

Oakland Community College

Oakland Community College is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and offers an Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree. However, unlike traditional Associate programs, the Oakland Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography program requires two and a half years to complete. This is because the program requires 73 completed credit hours instead of the usual 60. While the program does take longer than most to finish, the extra 13 credit hours allow students to further master Sonography. Some of the additional courses include Cross-sectional Anatomy, Medical Law and Ethics, Professional Communication, and Physics Applied to Health and Anatomy.

Oakland Community College

2480 Opdyke Road

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

(248) 341-2000

oaklandcc.edu

Tags: Community College, Diagnostic Medical, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Sonography, Oakland Community, Oakland Community College

Claim Domestic Partners On Health Insurance Coverage

State laws dictate whether health insurance plans can be extended to domestic partners. Other factors such as the type of funding arrangement between the employer and the health insurer may impact whether an employer is required to follow state laws about domestic partner coverage. While some states mandate coverage, other states allow coverage to be extended, and still others do not have any specific rules regarding coverage. In states with no laws, the decision is left up to the wishes of the employer.

Instructions

1. Review your state's laws relating to coverage of domestic partners. Some states require that coverage must be extended to the domestic partner of a member covered under certain types of group health plans, but some states do not. You can usually find this information on your state's department of insurance website.

2. Ask the benefits representative in the human resources department at your company if they extend coverage to same sex and opposite sex domestic partners. Depending on the state law and the type of health insurance plan offered, the company may or may not extend this coverage. Also, ask what kind of proof is required to show the partnership is valid.

3. Review any open enrollment materials from your company and health plan for information about coverage for domestic partners. You should also look for information about claim a domestic partner on your plan as your dependent.

4. Complete the enrollment application for the health insurance plan and include your domestic partner as a dependent, if coverage is allowed. You will need to provide your partner's name, date of birth and Social Security number, at a minimum, on the enrollment form.

Tags: domestic partner, domestic partners, health insurance, coverage domestic, coverage domestic partners

The Best Exams To Check The Heart

There are a variety of exams and tests that can be performed by a doctor to ascertain the overall health of the heart. First, the doctor will record a medical history. He or she will then perform a physical examination that will help determine the exact condition of patient and what medical problems may exist. The best physical exam of the heart will usually consist of four parts. Also, there is a variety of excellent tests that can be performed to determine heart health.

Inspection

The doctor will begin by looking at the various parts of the body. When inspecting the eyes, he will be able to determine if there is a thyroid condition that is leading to a rapid heartbeat. He will also look for growths on the eyelid that point to high levels of cholesterol, which is a contributor to coronary artery disease. During this stage of the exam, the doctor can also look for enlarged neck veins, a bluish tint to the tongue and nails, and pallid complexion; of which could be indicators of a heart problem.

Palpation

During this phase of the examination, the doctor will use his hands to feel for any abnormalities. He will be able to determine if there is a problem with the heartbeat as well if the heart is enlarged. A severe heart murmur may be discovered through touch, without the use of a stethoscope. The doctor will also take the patient's pulse and feel his or her legs and feet for excess fluid.

Percussion

A percussion examination of the heart is defined by the doctor using his fingers to tap on various areas of the body. Because hollow and solid areas produce different vibrations, the doctor can ascertain whether the heart or liver is enlarged. He can also tell if there is fluid gathering in the abdomen or chest.

Auscultation

This simply refers to the portion of the exam where the doctor listens to the heart, lungs and blood vessels by using a stethoscope. He will listen for murmurs as well as signs of turbulent blood flow. Listening to the sounds of the heart, lungs and blood vessels will help the doctor diagnose if there is a problem with one of the heart's valves or if there are blockages within the arteries.

Tests

After the physical examination, the doctor may decide he needs further information to make a diagnosis. In that case, tests may be required. The most effective and common tests include: coronary angiography, CT scan, electrocardiogram, MRI and echocardiography. An angiography will involve a dye being injected into your body, followed by an x-ray. This will determine if there are any blockages of the arteries. A CT scan is a series of x-rays that will be put together to create a cross section of your body that will help the doctors better diagnose the heart problem. An electrocardiogram will record the electrical activity of the heart, while an MRI is simply another method of taking internal pictures of the body. Lastly, an echocardiography uses sound waves to take a real-time picture of the movement of the heart.

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About Concorde Career College

Concorde Career College offers students a chance to study subjects in health-care technology areas such as dental assisting, massage therapy, medical assisting, physical therapy assisting and surgical technology. Exact program offerings may vary by campus location.

Locations

As of March 2010, Concorde Career College has 13 campus locations in Colorado, Texas, California, Florida, Missouri, Tennessee and Oregon.

Length

Program durations can range in length from just a few months to two years, depending on the area of expertise you choose to pursue.

Associate Degree Programs

Concorde Career College offers associate degree programs in the following areas: nursing, respiratory therapy and radiological technology.

Program Composition

The health-care career training that Concorde Career College provides combines traditional classroom learning with practical application learning time that focuses on specific everyday career duties, like taking x-rays.

Considerations

Concorde Career College accepts federally funded financial aid grants and loans. This institution also provides graduates with job placement assistance, resume creation services and interview technique coaching.

Tags: Career College, Concorde Career, Concorde Career College, Career College offers, College offers

Pain In Cancer Victims

Pain is often one of the most troubling side effects of cancer. It can be mild, moderate or severe. Almost all cancer patients experience some kind of pain. Keeping the cancer patient as comfortable as possible is always optimal.

Causes

Pain caused by cancer comes from blocked blood vessels, bone fractures, infection, inflammation, chemotherapy and/or a tumor pressing on a nerve. Emotional pain is also experienced, and it is as very real as physical pain.

Symptoms

A cancer patient may show visible signs of pain that can include grimacing, rapid heartbeats, sweating and rapid breathing. Communication with the patient and the doctor is imperative in treating and controlling the pain.

Prevalence

About 30 percent of all cancer patients feel pain, and 90 percent of patients with advanced cancer experience severe pain, according to an article on Oncology Channel.com, reviewed by Dr. Stanley J. Swierzewski III in December, 2007. But, the article goes on to say, as many as 50 percent of cancer patients are under-treated for their pain.

Effects

Cancer pain can effect the patient in many ways. It can disrupt daily life and activities, it can cause changes in personality and mood swings, and it can affect a person's ability to function.

Breakthrough Pain

Breakthrough pain is a brief but painful flare up of pain even when the patient is being treated for pain. It usually comes on quickly and lasts from a few minutes to an hour. Some experience breakthrough pain several times during a 24-hour period.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the pain can sometimes be difficult. It can often take several weeks before a tumor can show up on an X-ray. Every case and every patient is different.

Tags: cancer patients, cancer patient, percent cancer, percent cancer patients

Colleges In Huntsville Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama, is located on the northern border of the state. High school students and adults have four colleges to choose from, including Bible studies, community college and four-year institutions. The nearest major city is Chattanooga, Tennessee, which is about 102 miles to the east. Huntsville is home to about 172,000 people and a lower-than-average unemployment rate.

Huntsville Bible College

Huntsville Bible College offers evening and online classes for students who wish to earn a degree in biblical studies or theology. The college grants certificates, associate degrees and bachelor's degrees. In addition to biblical studies, students take general education and professional courses before graduating. Applications for admission can be filled out online, but must be printed and mailed to the office of the registrar with an application fee for admission.

Columbia College

Columbia College offers both two-year and four-year degrees. Students can also obtain a Master of Business Administration degree from the college. The main college campus is located in Columbia, Missouri, but a campus at Redstone Arsenal is available for Huntsville residents. The Redstone Arsenal campus specializes in the education of adults and military personnel. Classes are held in eight-week blocks with two meetings per week. Five class sessions start each year, as of 2011. The application process can be completed online. Students will be asked for a high school diploma or GED.

Virginia College at Huntsville

Virginia College on Drake Avenue is a career and technical college offering diplomas, associate and bachelor's degrees. Areas of study for diplomas and associate degrees include health, business and computer technology. Bachelor's degree programs are limited to business, criminal justice and computer technology. College credits earned while attending Virginia College may not transfer to other colleges, so prospective students are encouraged to contact the school they wish to transfer credit to before applying for admission. Applications are accepted online.

Calhoun Community College

Calhoun Community College is a two-year college offering online and on-campus courses. Students can study humanities, mathematics, science and nursing, among other courses. Dual enrollment and early college enrollment are supported. Dual enrollment allows students to attend both college and high school simultaneously. Calhoun Community College offers college athletics for men and women who want to participate in baseball or softball. Applications can be submitted online. Prospective students need to create an account on the Calhoun Community College website in order to submit an application.

Tags: Calhoun Community, Calhoun Community College, College offers, Community College, Virginia College, associate degrees, bachelor degrees

Radiologic Technician Salaries In California

Radiologic technicians check for broken bones, tumors and other growths.

Radiologic technicians train to use specialty medical imaging equipment to see past the human skin, muscles and tissue into the body. In California, the majority of radiologic technicians, or X-ray techs for short, earned salaries (as of 2009) much higher than their colleagues in other states, but salaries varied widely within the large western coastal state.

Career Prep

To earn their places in California's radiologic technology offices, prospective technicians prepare for their careers through post-secondary education programs. While radiologic technology is taught both through short-term certificates and four-year bachelor's degrees, the most common path is the two-year associate's degree from a community or technical school. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits more than 20 of California's educational options teaching the profession, including Cabrillo College, Los Angeles City College, Moorpark College, Foothill College, Antelope Valley College and Fresno City College.

X-Marks the California Spot

In 2009, the country's 213,560 radiologic technicians earned an average nationwide salary of $54,180 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For California's 15,870 radiologic technicians, the statewide salary of $62,740 beats the national average by a significant amount. In fact, radiologic technicians at California's highest 90th percentile earning level received salaries of $89,780, while those in the state's bottom 10th percentile earned $37,210.

Highest Salaries

Radiologic technicians in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area received the highest 50th percentile salaries in the state, earning $80,500 per year. The Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville area earned the state's second highest 50th percentile salaries, at $72,040. Techs in Modesto, earning $70,900, also received higher-than-average wages, as did those in Vallejo-Fairfield, earning $71,730. The San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara areas also paid the state's highest 90th percentile salaries, at $105,590. The second-highest-paying area for radiologic technicians was San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, paying $102,420 at the 90th percentile.

Lowest Salaries

Not all of California's average salaries in the radiologic technician field beat the national averages. Redding was California's lowest-paying city for the profession, at $51,730 for average yearly salaries. El Centro's average salary of $54,130 also fell below the national average. El Centro paid the state's lowest 10th percentile by far, at $22,040, almost $10,000 lower than any other area of the state.

Tags: 90th percentile, percentile salaries, Radiologic technicians, radiologic technicians, 10th percentile

Radiography Technique

Radiography refers to the process of x-raying bones. X-rays are non-invasive medical tests that doctors use to view the inside of the body to diagnose specific conditions. Radiography can make images of all the bones in the body including the wrist, hand, foot, arm, spine, leg or ankle. X-rays are helpful because they can detect broken or fractured bones, joint dislocation, locate foreign objects around bones, detect bone cancer and detect medical conditions such as arthritis or infection.

Radiography Technique

Generally speaking, a trained radiography technician will complete a radiography procedure. Because radiography uses either x-ray film or digital recordings to record images, the technician must ready the film holder or digital plate by placing it under an x-ray table. The technician will then position the body or body part on the table so that the best image can be obtained from the patient. Lead aprons are placed over other exposed body parts to ensure that they are not receiving unnecessary exposure to radiation. If the patient is confined to a bed or unconscious, a portable x-ray machine may be used. A portable machine uses a flexible arm and a compact design to allow radiography technicians to take x-rays where necessary.

The technician will the record images of the specified area of the body by turning the machine on after leaving the room, to limit personal exposure to radiation, repositioning the patient when necessary to gain several views of the area. The process takes about five to ten minutes.

Radiography Procedure

X-rays are radiation rays that pass through body in controlled circumstances. After an x-ray machine is positioned and turned on, it produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image of the inside of the body on film or a digital image recording plate.

Because different parts of the body absorb x-rays in varying degrees, types of body parts each appear differently on an x-ray. Bone absorbs most of the radiation, which is why it appears light or white. Soft tissue such as muscle, fat or organs allow more of the x-rays to pass through them, resulting in shades of gray. Once an x-ray is completed, it is examined by a physician trained in radiography to help determine a diagnosis and subsequent course of treatment.

Limits of Radiography

While radiography is helpful for some organ or bone-related diseases or conditions, it provides limited information about tendons, muscles or joints. For these reasons, other types of imaging may be necessary for patients. For example, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be used to identify tears in tissue or joints as well as bone bruising. A CAT scan (CT) is used when viewing complicated injuries; they can often be turned in to 3D images when a more complete view is needed. Ultrasound imaging is another type of imaging that involves the use of sound waves to create diagnostic images and provide views of many different body conditions, including pregnancy.

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Alternative Treatment For Fibrocystic Breast

Fibrocystic breasts are marked by round or oval lumps in the breast tissue, with texture varying from soft to very firm. These lumps tend to be rubbery and move freely under the skin. They are due to overproduction of estrogen or insufficient production of progesterone, the two main female hormones. Herbal remedies help inhibit excess estrogen production and estrogen sensitivity.

Herbal Treatments

Although most herbal medicines are safe and non-toxic, consult with your doctor about any supplements you are taking, especially if standard hormonal therapies are taken for this condition. The following herbal medicines are safe to use with these treatments. In order for these supplements to be effective, they must be taken through several menstrual cycles before achieving full benefit, so consistent use is important.

Dioscorea, also known as wild yam, relieves pain and swelling. Take 20 drops of tincture in ¼ cup three times daily after meals. Ginger is an effective pain reliever and halts production of hormones that cause swelling. Prepare ginger tea by adding 1/3 tbsp. of powdered ginger to 1 cup of water and drink as often as desired. Green tea prevents existing cysts from becoming larger and new ones from forming. Take 240 mg of catechin extract three times daily or drink as tea two or three times a day. Kelp assists in keeping bowel movements regular by reducing the amount of estrogen that is reabsorbed from the stool. Kudzu and soy isoflavone concentrate both keep estrogen from activating cysts. Take 10 mg of kudzu three times a day or take 3,000 mg of soy isoflavone daily; you do not need to take both. Soy isoflavone may cause upset stomach; if this occurs, take kudzu. Vitex has a long history of traditional use regulating female hormones, and balances estrogen and progesterone production as well as inhibits excess testosterone production. Take 1/2 tsp. in 1/4 cup of water three times a day.

Women with this fibrocycstic breasts must avoid herbs that stimulate estrogen production, including cordyceps, dan shen, fennel seed, licorice and peony.

Traditional Chinese Formulas

Augmented Rambling Powder can lower estrogen levels and is useful if excess estrogen causes dry mouth, blurry vision, pressure sensation in the lower abdomen, difficulty urinating and increased menstrual flow. Two Cured Decoction lowers estrogen production. These Chinese formulas help manage the fibrocystic breast condition.

Do not use Augmented Rambling Powder if trying to become pregnant. Avoid Two Cured Decoction if fever is present.

Other Suggestions

Estrogen is produced by body fat; thus, excess body fat produces excess estrogen. Follow a diet low in fat but high in good fats like omega 3 fatty acids found in cold water fish, and flaxseed oil. These fats stop the production of hormones that are known to cause pain and inflammation. Eat a minimum of 20 g of fiber daily to keep bowels regular and flush out excess estrogen through the stool rather than it being reabsorbed by the body. Avoid taking birth control pills as these can aggravate the condition, or ask your doctor about the low dose forms that are available.

Tags: three times, excess estrogen, estrogen production, your doctor about, Augmented Rambling, Augmented Rambling Powder

Importance Of Administrative Skills For Medical Assistants

Medical assistants' specific duties are determined by the doctors they work for.

Medical assistants are important not only in the clinic, but also in the front and back offices of a doctor's practice. They perform clinical duties like taking blood or giving injections, and administrative assignments like bookkeeping, answering phones and updating files which help the office run smoothly. Medical assistants work for different kinds of doctors, and each doctor chooses the duties that his medical assistant has to perform.

More Important

Clinical duties may not be more important for a medical assistant than his administrative duties. The balance of responsibilities depends on the particular doctor the assistant works for. In bigger offices medical assistants may also report to an office administrator and to a department administrator if he works in a large, multi-doctor practice.

Administrative

Administrative skills are essential in making a physician's office run effectively. Some medical assistants are known only as administrative medical assistants. Their tasks revolve mainly around the paperwork and other office-related responsibilities of the physician's office. They may fill out insurance forms, update medical records and file them and schedule lab tests or hospital admissions. They may also schedule appointments, do billing, handle the mail, serve as receptionist for patients, answer the phones and do bookkeeping.

Clinical

If a medical assistant does mostly clinical work, she may be known as a clinical medical assistant. Some of the tasks may include taking and recording vital signs, getting medical histories from patients, helping doctors during exams and explaining how treatment procedures work to patients. They may also collect samples for lab tests and run basic tests. They may also prepare and give medications, call in prescriptions to pharmacies, take out stitches or get patients ready for x-rays. A medical assistant's clinical duties will vary, depending on the particular state in which she works.

Both

Sometimes medical assistants have to handle both clinical and administrative tasks for a doctor's office. Between billing, scheduling, preparing patients for procedures and taking vital signs, these medical assistants have a wide range of specialized skills to their credit. They have more variety in their days than a medical assistant that works primarily either as an administrative or clinical medical assistant.

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Vitamin E For Skin Healing

Although it has been claimed for many years that vitamin E is effective for skin healing, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. A recent study suggests that vitamin E can lead to increased risk of contact dermatitis when used as a wound dressing. However, the lack of double-blind clinical studies supporting the effectiveness of vitamin E to aid in skin healing is not evidence that it is ineffective, only that there are very few clinical studies to support this claim.

Fact

Vitamin E is the main fat-soluble antioxidant in the skin.

Types

Naturally derived vitamin E is labeled D-tocopherol. Synthetic vitamin E is less expensive and only half as bio-available as natural sources of vitamin E. Synthetic vitamin E is labeled D, L-tocopherol.

Natural Sources

The top five foods rich in vitamin E are wheat germ, almonds, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil and safflower oil.

Interesting Fact

Current research indicates that vitamin E combined with vitamin C does aid in skin healing (see Resources below).

Warnings

Vitamin E has anti-coagulant effects, and high doses can lead to bleeding. Most physicians recommend stopping vitamin E supplements at least one week prior to surgery.

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Get Broadband Access

Broadband Internet access is often referred to as "high speed" because it allows computers to communicate with the Web at much higher speeds than the previous standard method, dial-up. If you want to get broadband Internet access in your home you will need to find a company that acts as a service provider in your area. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use the "Check Availability" or "Availability Locator" function on the website of a broadband service provider to find out if that company offers service at your address. For example, Verizon FiOS and AT&T both offer online utilities that can check for availability of broadband at your address in seconds. This can help narrow down your service provider choices as some may not be available where you actually live.

2. Look for package deals to help decrease the overall monthly price of your service. Internet service providers often offer package deals that decrease the price of broadband Internet if you also sign up for cable or satellite television and/or home telephone service at the same time. Signing up for a bundle will be cheaper than if you purchase multiple services individually from different companies.

3. Call the customer support service for your chosen broadband provider (available on the provider's website) and set up an appointment to have service installed. Inform the customer service representative of exactly how many computers are in your home, as this will affect the overall price of your installation. Installing a modem for one computer, for example, will be cheaper than installing a modem, a router and connections for five computers.

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About Breast Enhancement Cream

Many women want to increase their breast size in order to improve their body image. The most common way to increase breast size is to have breast implants. However, this is not always an option for women, as it is an extremely costly procedure. Not to mention, it can often produce undesirable results and cause severe health complications. Breast enhancement cream is an alternative treatment, and a much cheaper and safer way to increase breast size.

Identification

Breast enhancement cream usually includes ingredients that are found in effective herbal enhancers. These ingredients are black cohosh, wild yam, fenugreek, kelp, burdock root, extract from a Thai plant called White Kwaotip Krua and others. White Kwaotip Krua has been found to contain natural plant estrogen, which can assist in breast growth.

Function

How exactly is breast enhancement cream used? It is supposed to be applied to the breasts and rubbed in two times a day over a period of approximately three to six months. Though users will not notice immediate results with breast enhancement cream, they also won't have to deal with unattractive surgery scars or have to go through recuperation time.

Considerations

Many of the ingredients found in breast enhancement cream simply do not contain enough active ingredient to actually have any noticeable effect on the breast tissue. Therefore, breast enhancement cream is often not potent and strong enough to actually increase the size of the breasts. Some creams also do not have the delivery system that is inessential to deliver the stimulating extracts across the skin barrier.

Theories/Speculation

Breast enhancement cream is a lot cheaper than having breast augmentation surgery done. The price of the cream depends on the brand. Five ounces of MD Science Lab Max Breast Enhancement Cream should set you back about $20 while 2 oz. of New Curves Breast Enhancement Cream will cost you much more, approximately $55.

Benefits

Breast enhancement cream often offers the benefits of not only not having to have invasive plastic surgery or pay a lot of money for larger breasts, but the cream also makes the breasts more firm, decreases sagging in breasts and improves the overall tone and contour of the breast area.

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Dermatologic Staph Infection Symptoms

Staphylococcus is a term for a group of bacterial diseases that result in severe infections of tissues in the body. Dermatologic staph infections are diseases and infections of the tissues of the skin. Staph infection is most commonly acquired at hospitals and other health care facilities; however, the bacteria can be acquired by anyone and anywhere in the general public.

Types

Dermatologic staph infections are most commonly found on the nose and the skin. These types of infections are found in 20-30 percent of adults.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dermatologic staph infections are pus found on or around an infected area that may be red or swollen and quite painful. It is not uncommon to experience drainage of the pus. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, groin and neck are also symptoms of staph infection.

In young children and infants both peeling and blistering skin are symptoms of staph infection.

Diseases Caused

Dermatologic staph infections can lead to other serious diseases of the skin. Some of these skin diseases are impetigo, cellulitis, scalded skin syndrome and mastitis. Impetigo is skin crusting over; cellulitis occurs when the tissue under the skin becomes inflamed and leads to severe swelling and redness; scalded skin syndrome is a more severe form of cellulitis; and women who are breast feeding and are experiencing dermatologic staph infection can result in mastitis, which is an inflammation of the breast. Mastitis can also lead to bacteria in the milk.

Who Does Staph Affect?

While anyone can contract it, people who are most at risk of contracting dermatologic staph infection are newborn infants, or people with skin injuries,recent surgical incisions, weak immune systems, chronic illness such as diabetes and lung disease and breastfeeding women.

Prevention/Solution

Ways to prevent contracting dermatologic staph infection are by washing hands frequently, especially after accessing high-traffic areas like public transportation.

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About Walkin Health Clinics

Walk-in clinics are usually used for minor health care issues

Walk-in health clinics can be a cost-effective choice when it comes to health care. However, they lack the services you can get from a doctor or hospital visit.

Use

Walk-in clinics are usually used for minor health care issues, such as colds, flu, rashes or sinus infections. More serious health problems may be referred to a hospital.

Services

The services walk-in clinics are allowed to perform is regulated by the state. Most do not offer any kind of x-rays or lab work.

Cost

Walk-in health clinics are generally cheaper than visits to a doctor or emergency room. Clinics also take most kinds of health insurance.

Staff

The typical medical staff at walk-in clinics are nurse practitioners rather than doctors. However, nurse practitioners can perform medical care and prescribe basic drugs just like doctors.

Locations

Some walk-in medical clinics are located in standalone buildings, but many of them are affiliated with and located in malls, large stores and pharmacies, such as Wal-Mart and CVS.

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Proton Theory For Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is characterized by unrestrained multiplication of cells lining the prostate glands. According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 217,000 patients are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually in the United States. Approximately 32,000 deaths each year are attributed to prostate cancer.

As with most types of cancer, no complete cure is available for prostate cancer.

How it Works

Atoms carrying a positive charge are called protons, and doctors use a beam of these particles to irradiate tumors, including prostate tumors. The beam is delivered by a cyclotron---or synchrotron. Magnets guide the protons toward the prostate tumor. Proton particles destroy prostate cancer cells by damaging the DNA, interrupting their growth and spread to other body parts. The proton particles release the majority of their energy on the prostate'a cancerous tumors, minimally affecting the surrounding cells and tissues.

Benefits

The most important feature of proton therapy is its accuracy. In proton therapy doctors have a more precise treatment method for prostate cancer. Because of its precision, doctors may use a higher dose of radiation to treat prostate cancer patients without damaging the nearby rectum and bladder. Proton therapy is noninvasive, requires no incision and is painless.

Time Frame

Proton therapy sessions are generally administered on an outpatient basis, with each session lasting between 10 and 15 minutes. The number of sessions varies from patient to patient depending on the spread and stage of the cancer, however according to radiologyinfo.org, the average duration of the treatment is five to seven weeks.

Side Effects

Patients undergoing proton therapy for prostate cancer experience minimal side effects as compared with those undergoing other forms of treatment. Among general side effects that you might experience are nausea, fatigue and skin irritations.

Warnings

Proton therapy is fast becoming a widely preferred form of treatment for prostate cancer. However similar to other radiation treatment forms, during the course of the treatment you may be warned by your doctor to reduce exposure to the sun and environmental pollutants.

Tags: prostate cancer, prostate cancer, Proton therapy

Find A Doctor'S Credentials

Research doctors to make sure they are well-educated in their fields of practice.

In the rapid changing state of health care it can be beneficial to research the current credentials of your physician. Researching a doctor's credentials can provide information relevant for choosing a doctor to suit your medical needs. Some doctors have affiliations to hospitals with teaching responsibilities or membership affiliations from fellowship training and are committed to continuing education. This type of useful information can be found by calling your state medical board.

Instructions

1. Log onto the website for the Federation of State Medical Boards.

2. Locate the state in which you reside or are searching for a doctor.

3. Dial the telephone number provided at the bottom of the address for the state medical board you wish to contact.

4. Tell the receptionist the information you seek, and ask the appropriate person to speak with.

5. Write down the doctor's credentials with pen and pad for future reference and personal record.

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Pain In Lymph Nodes Shingles

Painful lymph node swelling can be a symptom of shingles.

Shingles (herpes zoster) refers to a painful rash caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella zoster). You are at greater risk for shingles if you are over the age of 60, if you had chickenpox before you were a year old or if you have a weakened immune system. Painful swelling of the lymph nodes is one of the symptoms of shingles.

Early Symptoms

According to eMedTV, swollen or tender lymph nodes are among the early symptoms of shingles, and occur in most people two or three days before the appearance of the characteristic rash. Itchy, tingling skin and burning or shooting pain on one side of the face or body are other early symptoms. Others may include chills, fever, headache and upset stomach.

Rash

The rash starts as small, fluid-filled blisters that resemble the chickenpox appearing in a band, called a dermatone. The band usually goes around from the spine to the chest or belly, according to MedlinePlus. The rash can appear anywhere, often around the face, mouth, nose, eyes and ears, but the blisters are usually limited to the dermatone, says eMedTV. The blisters usually break open, ooze and crust over.

Causes of Swelling

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, an important part of the body's immune system. The lymph nodes that most commonly swell are found in the neck, under the chin, in the armpits and in the groin, according to eMedicineHealth. The cells in the lymph nodes include white blood cells that fight infections. When the body is attacked by a virus, the white blood cells in the lymph nodes multiply, causing them to swell.

Considerations

Swollen lymph nodes occur with many conditions, not all of which need medical attention, according to eMedicineHealth. If the cause is an ordinary cold or other minor infection that does not need antibiotic treatment, they can be given up to two weeks to resolve before medical advice is sought. In most cases swollen lymph nodes are only a concern when they appear with other symptoms of a condition that needs physician treatment.

Solution

Pain in the lymph nodes from swelling can be an early, pre-rash symptom of shingles, although you will not know without other symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of shingles you should consult your physician.

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Radiology Technician Salary Vs Nurse Salary

The majority of radiology technicians and nurses work in general medical hospitals.

Radiology technicians -- also known as radiologic or X-ray technicians -- and nurses are two important positions within the health-care industry. While radiologic technicians administer imagining procedures using X-ray machinery to help physicians diagnose illness and injury, nurses provide day-to-day therapeutic care to patients. Both work under the supervision of physicians and surgeons and both require post-high school training and state licensing. The salary for each position is affected by factors including location and industry sector.

Average Salary

In 2009 the Bureau of Labor Statistics carried out a national survey of employment and salaries throughout the United States. It calculated that the average yearly wage for a radiology technician was $54,180, equivalent to $4,515 a month or $26.05 an hour. Those in the top 10 percent of earners received $75,440 while their counterparts in the bottom 10 percent earned $35,700. For nurses, the average annual salary was reported to be $66,530, which equates to $5,544 per month and $31.99 an hour. The top 10 percent of earners achieved an average of $93,700 while the bottom 10 percent earned $43,970.

Salary by Industry

The sector of the health-care industry in which medical practitioners work affects their salary levels. For radiologic technologists the BLS listed scientific research and development services as the most lucrative sector, paying an average of $64,800. The private offices of physicians were listed at $50,860, outpatient care centers at $52,950 and general medical and surgical hospitals offered pay rates of $54,770 per year. For nurses, such hospitals paid an average of $67,740, while the offices of physicians were listed at $67,290. Outpatient care centers offered salaries averaging $65,690.

Salary by Geography

The BLS listed Massachusetts and Nevada as the states in which, across all industry sectors, a radiology technician was likely to receive the highest wages, with average of $68,530 and $66,420 respectively. In contrast, West Virginia offered an average salary of $41,400. SalaryExpert.com, in its analysis of salaries in major cities, put Boston, Massachusetts at the top of the table with $73,143, while Orlando, Florida was listed at $43,302. For nurses, SalaryExpert.com also listed Boston as the most lucrative city -- $97,167 -- followed by New York, New York State with $84,538. Orlando again trailed, this time with $60,239. At the state level, the BLS listed California as the best-paying state for nurses, averaging $85,080 across all industry areas. South Dakota, however, was listed at just $53,520.

Outlook

For both nurses and radiology technicians, the immediate future looks bright for employment opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that over the decade from 2008 to 2018, employment for nurses will increase by 22 percent, while for radiology technicians the growth rate will be 17 percent. Both are significantly higher than the national growth rate across all occupations, expected to be between 7 and 13 percent. For both roles, the increasing, aging American population will fuel demand for their skills as the health-care industry as a whole expands to meet demand. For that reason, salary levels for both nurses and radiology technicians should remain very competitive.

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Pain Patches For Back Pain

Pain Patches for Back Pain

Four out of five people will suffer from back pain at least once in their lives and it is among the top reasons why people miss work. Treatments for this condition range from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) to potent narcotics. For those who prefer to treat their back pain with topical treatments, patches and gels are available.

Types

The pain patches that require a prescription treat moderate-to-severe or chronic back pains. These patches may contain pain medication such as an NSAID, local anesthetic or narcotic painkiller. In contrast, over-the-counter (OTC) patches provide relief for mild-to-moderate back pain.

Ice/Heat

OTC pain patches alleviate pain associated with simple backache, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, muscle strains, sprains, bruises and cramps by cooling or warming the painful areas. Icy Hot and ThermaCare are popular OTC treatments for mild-to-moderate back pain.

Menthol-containing Icy Hot has a cooling and warming sensation when applied, and larger back patches are available. Due to Icy Hot's far-reaching potent smell, it may not be ideal to use the product immediately before leaving the house.

ThermaCare HeatWraps contain natural heat-generating ingredients to deliver low levels of heat for up to eight hours to relax muscles, alleviate pain and increase circulation. While these patches do not smell, misuse of the product may cause burns. Diabetics and individuals with poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis or who are pregnant should consult a doctor before using the product.

Magnet Therapy

Certain patches contain high-purity zinc and copper inside a magnetic field. Use of magnets can help promote the body's own healing processes and circulation by stimulating electrically charged substances such as salt ions and the iron-rich hemoglobin found in blood.

NSAID

Salon Pas (with methyl salicylate and menthol) is an OTC NSAID treatment that offers temporary pain relief. Because of the NSAID component, there is a small chance that it may cause stomach bleeding. In contrast to ThermaCare and Icy Hot, larger Salon Pas back patches are not available.

The Flector patch is a prescription NSAID patch that contains the NSAID diclofenac epolamine. Flector treats acute pain due to minor sprains, contusions and strains and has the same side effect profile as those of other NSAID treatments.

Local Anesthetic

Lidoderm patches contain the local anesthetic lidocaine, which works by blocking nerve signals in the body. The FDA originally approved this medication to treat pain associated with shingles, but health care providers prescribe it for back pain as well. The most common side effect of these patches is an allergic skin reaction.

Narcotics

Sold under the brand name Duragesic, fentanyl patches contain a potent Schedule II opioid painkiller. Duragesic manages persistent moderate-to-severe chronic pain in individuals who require around-the-clock treatment and who have not found relief from combination narcotic or non-narcotic pain treatments.

Direct exposure to Duragesic's fentanyl gel can cause serious adverse events such as respiratory depression and possible overdose, which may be fatal. Continued incidences of death and overdoses with Duragesic and generic fentanyl products led the FDA to issue a second Public Health Advisory in 2007 stating, "The FDA has continued to receive reports of deaths and life-threatening side effects after doctors have inappropriately prescribed the patch or after people incorrectly used it."

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Dental Promotional Ideas

Keep your patients smiling with engaging promotional campaigns.

Dentists are often challenged to demonstrate to customers how their services are unique. Patients may choose a dentist based on a referral from a friend, or from family, rather than based on sampling his work. Take advantage of word of mouth advertising by starting engaging promotional campaigns for your dental practice.

Riddler

Starting a monthly riddle contest is a great way to create excitement around your dental practice. Find riddles online and post them in the front desk area for customers to see. In a trophy display case, present a prize giveaway for the patient who guesses the riddle. Inform patients that you will make the announcement via your website since patients only visit the dentist twice in the year. Optimize your website with coupons and company information in addition to your announcement of the winner of the riddle contest.

Samples in the Mail

Most of your patients are used to receiving coupons in the mail from a variety of retailers and restaurants. Send a small thank-you card to your patients following their visit, with two samples of one of your products enclosed. Be sure to hand write your 'thank you' in the note so that it appears more personal. Inform your patient that one of the samples is for her and the other is for a friend who would be interested in receiving your services. If you have a new product or service, this makes the promotional idea even more relevant to your patient.

Two For One

If you offer cosmetic services, offer your patients a 2-for-1 special on a service like teeth whitening or other treatments. Advise your patients that you can only give the discount if they bring a friend on a designated day. Ask the patient's guest to fill out his contact information so that you can keep in touch with him regarding your upcoming promotions and services.

Tags: your patients, dental practice, engaging promotional, engaging promotional campaigns, patients that

Perk Up Your Breasts

Find weights at your local retailer or fitness supply store.

While there are assorted creams and lotions that claim to perk up the bustline or increase breast size, nothing short of exercise or plastic surgery will make the breasts appear any perkier. The breasts fall naturally over time due to the forces of gravity as they contain only fat and no actual muscle. Performing certain chest exercises will keep the entire chest area toned and can therefore improve the look of sagging breasts. Try performing chest exercises on a regular basis before resorting to surgery. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Perform chest or "pec presses." Lie down with your weights (5 pounds is best for beginners) on either side of you. Hold the weights next to your armpits with your elbows pointing out on either side and push the weights straight up until you have completely straightened both arms. Slowly bring the weights back down and repeat for 3 sets of 12 reps with 30-second breaks in between each set. Remember to contract your abs for a strong core to help you balance.

2. Do regular or modified versions of push ups, which help strengthen the chest area. Modified versions involve using the knees to hold your bottom half up. Perform 3 sets of 10 reps. Gradually increase the number of reps until you are performing 3 sets of 20.

3. Perform isometric chest contractions. Stand with your knees bent and slightly apart. Contract your ab muscles to keep your core strong. Take each end of a hand towel and hold it in front of you, keeping the arms straight and at shoulder level. Pull the towel in opposite directions at the same time. Use small pulsing motions and refrain from letting the towel go limp in between pulses. Perform this exercise for 1 minute. Perform 3 sets and take 30 second breaks in between each 1 minute exercise.

4. Wear push-up bras to keep the bust appearing perky as you wait for the results of performing these exercises, which should take about 2 to 4 weeks. Perform the above exercises 2 to 3 times a week for best results.

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Colleges Near Yuba City California

Yuba City is located in the north of California.

Yuba City is located minutes away from the California State Capitol in Sacramento, California and is the main city in the Yuba City Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city also hosts a yearly celebration to recognize the global cultural influences on the city. If you are interested in higher education options in the area, Yuba City and its environs are home to several colleges.

Cambridge Junior College

The only accredited junior college in Sutter County as of 2011, Cambridge is a small institution offering the following programs: medical assisting, medical office reception and an associate degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. The application process at Cambridge Junior College begins with an interview with admissions personnel. As part of your application, you must present a high school diploma or the GED equivalent, complete an application and submit your financial aid documentation. The school also features a Placement Assistance Program which aids in your employment search.

Brandman University

Brandman University is a branch of the Chapman University System. The Yuba City campus offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, graduate certificates and credential programs, both via classroom education and online. Doctoral degrees are solely available through the school's online program. As of the 2010-2011 academic year, the cost of tuition is between $445 and $550 per credit. If you are in the military or are the spouse or dependent of military personnel, you enjoy reduced tuition rates.

Sierra College

Located to the southeast of Yuba City, California, Sierra College's main campus is in the city of Rocklin. You need not have a high school diploma to apply. As of 2011, the cost of tuition is $26 per credit and you can take up to 18 credits per semester. Sierra College offers distance learning as well as in-class courses. Some of the college's sports teams include basketball, golf, soccer, water polo, wrestling and tennis. Sierra features two on-campus residence halls.

Yuba College

Yuba College is located in Marysville, California, to the immediate northeast of Yuba City. Spanning 160 acres, the community college opened its Marysville campus in 1962. The school offers programs in business, technology, fine arts, social sciences and other fields. Yuba College is an accredited two-year institution and features support services for disabled students. Some of its student groups include the chess club, computer club and the Punjabi Students Association. You can participate in softball, basketball or baseball; athletic department scholarships are also available.

Tags: Yuba City, Sierra College, Yuba College, Brandman University, Cambridge Junior, Cambridge Junior College, City California

What Is A Matrix Organizational Chart

A matrix organizational chart

Every organization has a structure that defines how it operates. This can be either a formal or informal structure. When it is a formally defined structure, an organizational chart shows who reports to whom and at what level they function. Top-level management is normally at the top of the organization chart with lower levels flowing down under the person to whom they report. A matrix organizational chart is a specialized organizational chart that defines more complex structures.

Definition

A matrix organizational chart describes the areas of communication on a matrix-shaped chart. It couples hierarchy with multiple levels of communication responsibilities. This structure is more complex than traditional structures, but allows for better understanding of organizations where various levels may answer to more than one department head. The matrix contains two axes of power--one vertical and one horizontal.

Compared to Traditional Organization Charts

While most organizational charts are pyramid shaped, a matrix organizational chart describes levels of hierarchy in a matrix-shaped diagram. Traditional organizational charts keep authority positions higher on the pyramid, where the matrix organization chart may keep authority levels on similar lateral lines. This is to better illustrate lines of communication rather than authority.

Usefulness

In organizations where there are multiple departments that share authoritative responsibilities, a matrix organizational chart is the most effective way to demonstrate communication. An example of this is a company that may have a a sales force that answers to legal departments, corporate management and advertising executives.

Streamlining Teams

Project management often requires a variety of departments and teams to work in conjunction with each other to effectively complete the task. Without a clear level of how department leaders interact with each other and lower-level team members, time is lost, mistakes are made and clients go elsewhere. A matrix organizational chart maintains the quality of functional performance through streamlining team structure.

Disadvantage

Because a matrix organizational chart is working with a more complex communication structure and hierarchy, it needs to be structured properly. One that isn't properly thought out and executed can be dysfunctional by creating confusion rather than clarity. Confusing communication is always a detriment to the organization or a team.

Tags: organizational chart, matrix organizational, matrix organizational chart, matrix organizational chart, more complex, organizational chart

About Individual Health Insurance In Colorado

Individual health insurance plans in Colorado offer coverage for residents.

Individual health insurance policies are available in Colorado through several companies. As of 2008, only about 54 percent of Colorado employers offered insurance coverage to employees, leaving about 14.6 percent of Colorado employees working for companies that do not offer group health coverage. Before applying for individual health insurance, take the time to review all available options.

Writing Companies

The following companies are eligible to write individual health insurance in Colorado: Aetna, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, CIGNA, Celtic Insurance Company, Companion Life Insurance Company, Golden Rule, Humana, Kaiser Permanente and Rocky Mountain Health Plan. If you prefer one company over the others and know the benefits you want included in your policy, contact that company directly to apply. Most people are uninformed about the differences in available insurance policies. If this is the case, consider using an independent health insurance agent to guide you through the enrollment process.

Finding an Agent

Purchasing health insurance can be complicated. The Affordable Care Act, passed in March 2010, created broad healthcare reforms throughout the United States; however, most of the provisions do not become law until 2014. An independent health insurance agent can help you choose a company and plan that best suits your coverage needs. An experienced agent will help you understand which parts of the Affordable Care Act are currently in effect.

Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have pre-existing health conditions that may prevent you from acquiring a standard health insurance policy, Colorado offers a high-risk insurance pool, known as CoverColorado. CoverColorado is available for people who are otherwise unable to obtain health insurance in Colorado. CoverColorado offers several different plan options, all of which cover routine preventive care and offer prescription drug coverage. Applicants with household incomes below the qualifying threshhold may qualify for a premium discount.

Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus

Low-income Colorado residents may be eligible for Medicaid coverage. To qualify for Colorado Medicaid, you must meet income requirements. Applications can be found on Colorado's state website. Uninsured dependent children and pregnant women can explore insurance options through Child Health Plan Plus. Infants born to women covered by Child Health Plan Plus are also covered until they are 60 days old. Child Health Plan Plus is available for children 18 and under whose parents make too much to qualify for Medicaid but still can't afford private insurance.

Considerations

Explore the available options for individual health insurance. Colorado has programs for people who are unable to afford private insurance. People without health insurance can suffer devastating financial consequences if they become ill. Consider that a short hospital stay with a surgical procedure can easily cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. Carrying individual health insurance can protect you and your family.

Tags: health insurance, Health Plan, Child Health, Child Health Plan, Health Plan Plus, individual health

How Do You Calculate Net Sales

Calculate sales effectively with the simple tips below.

The net sales of a business are an estimate of the cash flow coming into the business. In accounting, net sales are basically the operating revenues of a business and are designated as such on the income statement of the business. It is important to distinguish between net income and net sales. Net sales takes into account reductions that are directly associated with the sale of the goods, while net income is the net sales of the business that is then further reduced by other business expenses (such as overhead, cost of the materials and employee salaries). Understand calculate sales to more fully grasp business accounting and profitability.

Instructions

1. Add up your income from all sources to determine your total gross sales, including cash and credit card receipts.

2. Deduct returns. It is inevitable that a business will experience some amount of returns. Manufacturers and distributors usually have an open return policy for retailers. When finding net sales, you need to keep a running total of all the returns that you receive over the course of the business year. Subtract that dollar amount from your gross sales figure.

3. Deduct allowances for damages and losses. Allowances are similar to returns, with one important difference. In the case where items are damaged in transit or have a quality issue (such as a batch of books that have warped covers), the buyer will usually accept an adjustment in the selling price instead of returning the item for a full refund. So after deducting returns, subtract the dollar amount of any adjustments you've made to your sales price because of a problem with the goods.

4. Deduct any discounts that you gave on the sale. If you were running a special for customers or offered one specific customer a discount as an incentive (in business-to-business transactions it is common to give a discount when the invoice is paid early) then figure out the dollar amount of the discount extended, and subtract it from your previous balance (after returns and allowances). The final amount is your net sales.

Tags: dollar amount, business accounting, from your, gross sales, income sales

Breast Cancer Run For A Cure

The Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure promotes breast cancer awareness.

What began in 1980 as a cancer awareness group created in honor of breast cancer victim Susan G. Komen has since become the largest and most progressive breast cancer charity organization in the world and the brains behind the globally recognized Race for the Cure. The Komen Race for the Cure raises funds and awareness to help eradicate breast cancer. It is the largest series of 5-km runs and foot walks of its kind, and is held at hundreds of locations worldwide.

Organization History

The annual Race for the Cure draws more than one-million participants worldwide.

In 1980, at the tender age of 36, Komen died after a three-year battle with breast cancer. Komen's distraught younger sister, Nancy Brinker, vowed to help defeat the disease that claimed the life of her beloved sibling. In 1982, she founded a breast cancer charity organization now known as The Susan G. Komen For the Cure Foundation. In 1983, the registered nonprofit staged a five-kilometer Race for the Cure in Dallas, Texas, aimed at raising breast cancer awareness and funds to fuel cancer research programs. Some 800 racers took part. Since the inaugural event, the Race for the Cure has grown to include more than one million participants and 100 races each year at locales throughout the U.S., Europe and the Americas.

The Cause

Breast cancer reportedly kills more than 500,000 people every year.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of female cancer patient deaths, according to The United Nations World Health Organization, and kills in excess of 500,000 people every year around the world. Of those cases, the UN claims, almost one-third are preventable with access to early detection screening programs, such as mammograms.

The Races

The Race for the Cure began as a vehicle to raise money for cancer research. Over the years, as the number of families affected by breast cancer grew, so too did the event. Today men, women and children alike participate in the Race for the Cure not only to help raise much-needed funds for finding and developing a cure, but also to celebrate the lives of those who defeated the disease, to honor those less fortunate who died fighting the dreaded scourge and to educate the masses about the value of life-saving preventative medicine.

Myriad locations throughout the U.S. and abroad host races during various months each year. Distances, though traditionally five kilometers, do vary and can surpass the 26.2-mile marathon, but the USA Track and Field (USATF) governing body sanctions all domestic routes.

Fundraising

Funds help support valuable cancer research programs around the world.

Monies raised by the Race for the Cure support community outreach programs in thousands of communities worldwide, including breast health educational programs, treatment centers and breast cancer screening projects. A portion of the funds also helps sustain a grant program that provides financial assistance to research programs in a bid to end breast cancer once and for all. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants for finding a cure.

Corporate Sponsors

Several organizations support The Susan G. Komen For the Cure foundation and their cause by pledging annual donations to help ending the breast cancer fight, including Ford, Kentucky Fried Chicken, American Airlines, Bank of America and Yoplait yogurt manufacturers. The foundation also boasts an impressive and lengthy list of corporate sponsors.

Tags: breast cancer, Race Cure, more than, Susan Komen, cancer awareness, cancer research

Train To Be An Ekg Tech

Technicians who perform electrocardiograms, known as EKGs, are expected to be in demand as the population gets older, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most work in hospitals and earn between $29,900 and $55,670 a year.

Although most EKG technicians working today were trained on the job, two-year programs are becoming the more frequent path to this career, according to the Society for Vascular Ultrasound. Employers are beginning to prefer two-year and four-year programs at community colleges and universities. Typically, people with health-care experience working as nurse aides, paramedics or other similar jobs are chosen for the hospital training programs that are available.

Instructions

Training

1. Expect to take at least a year of preparatory courses in human anatomy and other core science coursework in a training program. Taking science and math courses--particular advanced biology courses--in high school will prepare your for this work.

2. When selecting a two- or four-year program, look for one that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU). Many of these programs are part of an allied health department at medical schools, community colleges or hospital-based colleges.

3. To find a program in your state, contact CAAHEP at (727) 210-2350 or go online at www.caahep.org. You can also contact the SVU at (301) 459-7550 or go online at www.svunet.org. Another organization that could help is the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which can be reached at (301) 738-8401 or online at www.ardms.org.

Tags: community colleges, Society Vascular, Society Vascular Ultrasound, Vascular Ultrasound