Although people can be struck with Influenza (commonly known as "the flu") any time of year, it is more common during the cooler months. Children who are in school can easily pass germs back and forth, and it's easy for them to get sick. If you are trying to discern whether a child has the flu or just a common cold, there are several symptoms that you can look for. Flu symptoms will generally start to show up two to three days after a child has been exposed to the flu virus and occur suddenly.
Fever
The most common flu symptom is a fever. Fevers occur when your body is working to fight against germs. A child's fever might reach as high as 104 degrees F. Temperatures higher than 105 degrees F. can be dangerous, and it is recommended to consult a physician if the child's temperature climbs this high. Children with fevers also commonly experience chills. Treat the fever by running a lukewarm bath for the child and adding or removing layers of clothes depending on whether he is hot or cold. You might also consider giving your child an over-the-counter pain reliever such as children's strength acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Sore Throat
When a child complains of a sore throat, it is possible that it is just part of a cold. However, if accompanied by other symptoms, it could mean that she has the flu. An itchy, scratchy sore throat can be bothersome to a child, and it might even be difficult for her to swallow. Warm liquids can help soothe the pain that accompanies a sore throat. Saltwater gargles can provide relief, as well.
Dry Cough
Because the virus attacks the upper respiratory system, children who have the flu often experience a cough. What differentiates the type of cough caused by the flu from the type caused by the common cold is mucus production. Children who have the flu will have a dry, hacking cough.
Headache
Mild to severe headaches occur frequently in children who have the flu. They can be treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever, if the child complains about pain.
Nausea
Vomiting and nausea are other flu symptoms. If your child is vomiting, it is important to keep him well-hydrated, even though it might be difficult to keep the liquid down. Drinking fluids is important to keep your child from becoming dehydrated.
Diarrhea
If your child is having diarrhea, another sign that she might have the flu, encourage her to drink water and other fluids to avoid dehydration.
Malaise
Children who have the flu are often lethargic and don't have much energy. It is best to let them rest and, if possible, sleep. Tiredness and fatigue may last for a few days as the body fights off the infection.
Tags: your child, child complains, Children have, common cold, have often, important keep
Eligible low-income seniors may receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
The Georgia Medicaid program provides insurance coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. The program is partly funded by the federal government and administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health. The Georgia Medicaid program pays the medical bills of its participants who receive medical services covered by the program. Individuals must meet eligibility guidelines to qualify for Medicaid in the state.
Basic Criteria
The Georgia Medicaid program covers several groups of low-income people. Low-income women who are pregnant or think they are possibly pregnant are encouraged to apply for Medicaid. Low-income families with children or teenagers, seniors age 65 and older, individuals with disabilities or legally blind and individuals needed nursing home care are also encouraged to apply. Applicants are required to possess U.S. citizenship to qualify for Medicaid in Georgia.
Income Criteria
Households must meet specific income requirements to qualify for participation in the Georgia Medicaid program. If you are aged, blind or disabled and receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your individual annual gross income cannot exceed $8,088 or $12,132 if you are married. Families that meet the requirements for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cannot have income that exceeds $2,820 for a one-person household, $4,272 for a two-person household, $5,088 for a three-person household and $6,000 for a four-person household. Women who are pregnant or have infants age 1 or younger may qualify the Georgia Medicaid program if their annual gross income is at or less than $21,780 for a one-person household, $29,424 for a two-person household, $37,068 for a three-person household and $44,700 for a four-person household.
Required Documentation
To apply for Medicaid, you can fill out an application in person at a local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office, at a Social Security Administration office or request a representative from a DFCS to mail you an application. Documentation you should bring when applying in person includes your birth certificate, Social Security number, most recent W-2 forms or pay stubs, federal or state identification cards, recent bank statements and letters stating you receive SSI or TANF. After submitting the completed application, you are given a response concerning eligibility within 45 to 60 days. If you are pregnant, you can receive a decision concerning your Medicaid eligibility immediately so you can receive prenatal care.
Covered Services
The Georgia Medicaid program covers specific medical services. Participants who receive services outside of the covered services are responsible for paying charges. Payment for covered services is not sent to the participant but to the medical provider. Common services covered by the Georgia Medicaid program include physician, pharmacy, dental, ambulance and inpatient and outpatient services.
Automotive technology degrees prepare individuals to work with many types of automobiles.
Automotive technology is the process of designing and building many different types of automobiles. Individuals working in the automotive technology field generally complete tasks to identify and fix problems associated with the mechanical components of consumer automobiles, diesel trucks and other vehicles. Aspiring automotive technology workers often complete formal training in automotive technology to acquire the necessary abilities and experience.
Certificate
A certificate in automotive technology combines classroom instruction and hands-on training to enable students to gain a solid understanding of how various automobiles work. Students learn use traditional and computerized tools to diagnose and repair issues that occur in various types of cars and trucks, such as engine or brake problems. Coursework varies by program, but may include fundamentals of automotive service, automotive computer systems, brake systems, electronics systems, transmissions and performance and diagnosis. Automotive technology certificate programs generally take six to eighteen months to complete.
Associate Degree
An associate degree in automotive technology enables students to acquire the necessary skills required to work in various automotive environments, such as automotive repair shops. Graduates will have a solid understanding of the various types of automotive technology used to maintain and repair automotive engines and systems. Common courses include automotive fundamentals, automotive service management, engine theory, fuel systems, welding, ignition systems, automotive electricity, and engine inspection and repair. Students also develop effective problem-solving, critical thinking, customer service, mechanical and technical writing skills.
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree in automotive technology prepares individuals to pursue careers in various -elated fields. Many bachelor's degree programs require an associate degree in an automotive field or previous experience. Students are required to complete general education courses such as English, mathematics, chemistry and sociology. Core courses enable students to develop the necessary technical skills. Coursework may include introduction to automotive technology, advanced automotive technologies, safety management, and hazardous materials and business communications. Some programs also require a practicum in the automotive technology field. Students also acquire strong communication and interpersonal skills to be able to effectively interact with team members and provide good customer service.
Professional Certification
Completion of a formal training program in automotive technology at the certificate, associate degree or bachelor's degree level prepares individuals to obtain professional certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Certifications require at least two years of full-time employment and a passing score on a written examination. Examples of certification areas include brake systems, engine performance, electrical and electronics systems, heating and air conditioning, and suspension and steering systems. Certified professionals must complete an re-examination bi-annually to maintain their certification.
When arteries that nourish the heart are clogged it can lead to a weakening of this very important muscle. That's why doctors often use an exercise stress test to identify this condition, particularly if an individual is experiencing chest pain. Early detection is key, as it short-circuit development of coronary artery disease and help maintain a strong heart.
Instructions
Test Procedure
1. Visit your doctor for a physical exam, as she can determine whether you have a heart condition and could benefit from an exercise stress test. She will measure your heart rate and blood pressure to evaluate the strength of blood flow through your body, and she may also test your blood cholesterol level.
2. Prepare for the exercise stress test by not eating, drinking or smoking for at least four hours before the test, and don't consume any caffeine during the preceding 12 hours. Let your doctor know if you are taking heart or diabetes medications. When you go to the doctor's office for the test, make sure you're wearing soft-soled walking shoes and comfortable clothes.
3. During the test visit, a doctor or a technician places electrodes on your chest to monitor your electrocardiography. These electrodes connect you to an electrocardiograph machine, known as an ECG or EKG, which monitors your heart activity.
4. Before you begin exercise, a technician performs an EKG and measures your resting heart rate and blood pressure.
5. Next, you'll exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle wearing a blood pressure cuff. The test requires that you gradually increase the strenuousness of the workout until you reach a target heart rate, all while a doctor or technician monitors your EKG and heart rate and watches for any symptoms. She will also periodically test your blood pressure. It is important to confide in the doctor about any symptoms or discomfort that you feel so she can diagnose you correctly.
6. During a cool down period a doctor or technician will take EKG, heart rate and blood pressure exams and monitor your heart rate until it returns to normal.
7. Finally, you'll learn how your heart responded to the tests and whether your body functioned in a healthy or stressed manner. Ultimately, she'll let you know about if you are at risk of developing coronary artery disease and whether further evaluation is needed.
Tags: heart rate, blood pressure, your heart, doctor technician, exercise stress
Medicare is the federally administered health care benefit for the elderly and disabled of the United States. Typically, Medicare sign-up comes at a stressful time in people's lives. They are usually either retiring around this time or have been recently afflicted with a life-altering disability or illness. Understanding the Medicare sign up process can help alleviate some of the stress and make the decision-making process easier.
Eligibility
There are several ways to become eligible for Medicare. First, those who are 65 years of age and older are eligible to enroll in Medicare. Those under 65 and disabled or have end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) are also qualified. Furthermore, you must also be receiving either Social Security benefits or have worked in the United States for at least 10 years in order to qualify for free Part A (hospital insurance) benefits.
Automatic Enrollment
Some people do not need to actively sign up for Medicare and are automatically enrolled into Part A and Part B (outpatient medical insurance) when they become eligible. This includes those who are eligible due to age who are receiving Social Security or railroad retirement benefits and those under 65 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance. Those people will receive a package in the mail three months before their first month of eligibility that explains the Medicare benefit and includes their Medicare benefit card.
Who to Contact
If someone is not automatically enrolled or has questions about enrollment, who you contact depends on whether you receive railroad retirement benefits. If you get railroad retirement benefits, then you must contact the Railroad Retirement Board. Otherwise, all inquires about Medicare enrollment can be directed to the local Social Security Administration office. Questions can also be directed to the local State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) which are a part of a national program that offers counseling for Medicare recipients.
Options
New Medicare enrollees may receive their benefits through a Medicare private health plan, also known as a Medicare Advantage plan. If they decide to stick with traditional Medicare, then they may want to look at purchasing a supplemental plan called a Medigap, which will help pick up some of the leftover costs. Finally, new Medicare enrollees should research Part D prescription drug plans to cover any prescription drugs they may need.
Selecting a Plan
Medicare.gov, the official government website for Medicare, has plan finder tools for Medicare Advantage plans, Medigaps and Part D plans. Enrollees can enter information about their health care needs, and it will give them a list of plans available in their area and at what cost according to the information they provided. Plan selections should be finalized before the end of an enrollee's initial enrollment period, which lasts seven months (three months before their first month of eligibility, the month of, and the three months following). Otherwise, they may have to wait several months before they get the chance to enroll again.
Tags: Social Security, months before, railroad retirement benefits, retirement benefits, three months
There are many foods that fight cancerous cells within the body, such as vegetables and fruits. On the flip side, there are also foods that encourage the spread of cancer and should be avoided.
Charred Foods
Blackened or charred foods and pan-fried meats contain heterocyclic amines that cause cancerous mutations in studies. Flip your burgers every 60 seconds to avoid charring.
Alcohol
Alcohol has been shown to do all kinds of evils to your body. It can speed up the delivery of cancer-causing agents into the cells, weaken the immune system, overstimulate the release of certain hormones associated with cancer and reduce the availability of a B-vitamin required for normal DNA synthesis, thus speeding up rates of cell division.
Red Meat
Consumption of high-fat animal foods is linked to an increased risk of cancer progression. If you are trying to avoid the spread of cancer, eat a diet low in animal fats.
Processed Foods
New research suggests that a diet high in inorganic phosphates, found in a variety of processed foods--including meats, cheeses, beverages, and bakery products--might speed growth of cancer tumors.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats come from animal products, such as meat and dairy, and are linked with greater spread of cancer. Fish oils and vegetable fats, on the other hand, are not.
occurs in five stages, beginning with the onset of puberty and continuing until you have reached full maturity. The age at which breasts begin to grow and how quickly they grow are determined by individual genetics.
Pubertal Buds
Puberty will normally begin in girls around the ages of 8 to 13. Breast development at this time will be in the form of a small "bud". This is just a small bump on the chest behind the nipple.
Bud and Continued Growth
During this stage, the breast bud continues to grow in size and shape. Inside the breasts, milk ducts are growing along with fat deposits. Estrogen production has started during this stage.
Further Growth
In the third stage of breast growth, fat continues to be deposited and the breast shape becomes fuller and rounder.
Separation of the Nipple and Areola
During this stage, the nipple becomes a separate mound from the areola. Some girls will skip this stage and go directly to the final stage of breast growth.
Final
The fifth stage of breast growth is the final stage. The breasts at this point have a fuller and rounder shape due to the full development of the glands inside the breasts and the deposition of fatty tissue.
Ages
Just as there is no exact age that puberty begins, there is no set time frame for these developmental changes to occur. Some girls will develop their breasts very quickly and some will take more time. In either case, most girls are done developing around five years after puberty has fully kicked in.
Tags: stage breast, this stage, stage breast growth, breast growth, During this, During this stage
If you have a growth disorder that means that you aren't growing at the same rate as others who are your age. There is a standard growth chart which your physician will check to determine if you are above average, average or below average. A growth disorder can result in many things, including the lack of breasts or developing breasts too early.
When Hormones Act Up
The glands in the body produce hormones, which are chemical messengers. Larger amounts of hormones are produced when you enter into puberty. These hormones prompt the changes in your body, such as developing breasts and pubic hair or the lowering of your voice.
Delayed or Premature Puberty
It you have delayed or late puberty, this means that the body and hormonal changes that should have occurred haven't. Some children experience premature puberty, which means their hormones have kicked in earlier than they should have.
Commonly Seen
The most common breast growth disorder seen in children younger than age 12 is a unilateral breast mass that corresponds to asymmetric breast development. One breast typically develops earlier than the other but the breasts usually end up being symmetric, according to EMedicine.com.
Types
Other breast growth disorders include athelia, which means the absence of nipples; amastia, which is the absence of breast tissue; polymastia, which is an extra breast and polythelia, which is an extra nipple.
Males
Males can have a breast growth disorder called gynecomastia, which causes them to develop breasts. Excessive estrogen in men can stimulate male breast growth. During puberty, an imbalance of hormones can result in male breast growth. When men get older, their testosterone production decreases and breast growth may occur.
Tags: breast growth, growth disorder, breast growth disorder, developing breasts, earlier than, male breast
The symptoms of breast cancer can vary depending on the stage of the cancer. However, immediate treatment is required as soon as the disease is diagnosed. If detected early enough, breast cancer sometimes can be treated successfully without the need for surgery. Even though there is no prevention for the disease, finding the cancer in the early stages is the best chance for long-term survival. There are several signs to look for that may cause you to suspect that you might have breast cancer which need to be promptly followed up with further medical evaluation.
Instructions
1. Perform a regular breast self-exam at the same time every month (see Resources below). Feel around each breast and under both arms for any lumps. Although some swelling in the breasts and under the arm is frequently caused by hormonal changes, it also can be an indication of swollen lymph nodes.
2. Look for physical changes in your breasts, particularly in the size or shape of a breast. If you notice unusual thickening, changes in skin color, puckering in the skin of a breast or nipple or a bloody discharge from the nipple, contact your health care provider to schedule a physical examination.
3. Make an appointment to see your physician if you observe that the nipple on one breast has inverted or changed in size. Putting on weight can affect the appearance of the nipples, but if you see that the skin on one nipple is darker in color or has what looks like a rash, you might need an ultrasound. Your doctor may recommend a breast biopsy following the results of a physical exam, mammogram or ultrasound.
4. Feel a hard lump in the breast. Cancerous lumps tend to be firm and usually do not move under the pressure of the fingers. Although not all lumps in the breast are cancerous, have your doctor check it. While fluctuations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can cause swelling and lumpy breasts, do not hesitate to seek medical advice if anything about your breast seems different than normal.
5. Report any pain to your doctor, especially if you experience pain or tenderness in only one breast. While pain alone is rarely a symptom of breast cancer, if it persists for more than four weeks, you should have the symptom evaluated by a physician. Information published by Merck Pharmaceuticals reports that only about 5 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer describe pain as an early symptom (see Reference 3).
6. Schedule routine mammograms. A woman who is age 40 or older should have a mammogram every year. Women who have a family history of breast cancer should begin having mammograms at an earlier age. You also should get an annual breast exam performed by a health care professional.
can swell for a number of reasons, such as a reaction to medication or as a result of diseases and conditions such as cancer. Most of the time, however, swollen breasts are a byproduct of the normal fluctuation of hormones associated with the menstrual cycle. Estrogen production peaks around the middle of the menstrual cycle, causing the breast ducts to enlarge, and progesterone peaks about a week later, causing the milk glands to grow. The result is swollen, often tender breasts.
Instructions
1. Wear a good bra. Go to a store that specializes in women's foundation garments and be fitted professionally for a bra that will provide you with appropriate support. Cotton bras will allow your breasts to breathe more freely and will dissipate perspiration more readily than synthetic materials. Avoid bras with restrictive underwires.
2. Change into a specially designed exercise bra before working out. If breast swelling bothers you at night, consider wearing a sleep bra to bed.
3. Soak in a warm bathtub to relieve the swelling. If your breasts throb or feel too hot, lay a cool washcloth over the uncomfortable area.
4. Get plenty of exercise and adjust your diet by reducing the amount of caffeine and fat you consume. Avoiding salt during the two weeks before your period also may help.
5. Look for other changes in the appearance or feel of your breasts. Lumps, discharge from the nipples, a nipple that "pulls" to one side and other unusual changes may be a cause for concern, and you should report them to your health care provider.
6. Get a medical check-up if your breast swelling is not associated with your regular menstrual cycle, if the swelling does not subside once your period starts, or if your period does not start. Swollen breasts are one of the early signs of pregnancy, but they also can indicate a number of other conditions that only your doctor may be able to diagnose.
Tags: menstrual cycle, your period, associated with, breast swelling, your breasts
The Army has five basic training camps in the U.S.
The Army has five basic training camps in the U.S. At these camps, recruits learn the basic skills that a soldier needs in the field to survive. The Basic Combat Training (BCT) program covers marksmanship, drill and ceremony, first aid, Army core values, and urban combat tactics. All five basic training camps use the same curriculum, though they vary slightly because the different camps focus on training soldiers for different tasks. BCT is the first crucial step of a soldier's career before he learns the specifics of his Army job at Advance Individual Training (AIT).
Fort Benning
Fort Benning is the home of Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT). The majority of Army soldiers attend BCT and AIT at two separate locations. But for some Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs), like infantrymen, BCT and AIT are combined into OSUT and take place at the same location. nfantry OSUT lasts 14 weeks. Recruits learn everything from BCT as well as infantry topics like defensive fighting positions, vehicle maintenance, and communications procedures. Only males attend OSUT at Benning.
Fort Jackson
Fort Jackson has one of the Army's two gender integrated BCTs. The motto for BCT at Fort Jackson is "Victory Starts Here." The program is conducted by two major units: the 193rd and 165th Infantry Brigades, each of which has five subordinate battalions. Most of the soldiers assigned to Fort Jackson BCT have MOSs in maintenance, personnel or finance. This basic training camp is the largest in the Army.
Fort Leonard Wood
Fort Leonard Wood houses many of the Army's engineering forces and as a result, many of the construction MOSs are trained here. Leonard Wood conducts traditional BCT as well as OSUT for combat engineers and bridge crew members. During OSUT, these soldiers train together on demolitions, clearing obstacles, and building bridges. Military police also have an OSUT program at Leonard Wood. All of these programs are co-ed.
Fort Knox
Soldiers in the armor branch train at Fort Knox, which is not a gender integrated training camp. The program is conducted by the 194th Armored Brigade. There are two OSUT programs at Knox, M1 Abrams Crewman (19K) and Calvary Scout (19D). 19Ks learn about tank warfare and operate the M1 Abrams Tank in battle. Calvary scouts learn perform reconnaissance missions and support armor units.
Fort Sill
Soldiers who have a field artillery MOS generally take their BCT at Fort Sill. Their training is run by the 434th Field Artillery Brigade. The 434th has three subordinate battalions and one regiment. Soldiers who graduate from BCT at Sill generally move to another training unit on base for AIT.
Tags: Fort Jackson, Leonard Wood, basic training, basic training camps, five basic
HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization. This form of insurance is often provided by employers. It is quite different from other types of insurance, such as Traditional Plans or Preferred Provider Organizations. It is important to know the pros and cons of an HMO before deciding to carry this type of health insurance coverage.
How Does an HMO Work
An HMO health plan provides coverage to doctors on the plans referral list. With most plans, the patient chooses a primary care doctor, and all health care is managed by this doctor. Most plans require a referral from the primary care doctor before a patient can see a specialist. If a patient decides to see a doctor not on his plan's list, there is no insurance coverage. There are two types of HMO plans. The first is a closed access plan. This means that you must be assigned to a specific doctor. Recently, HMO companies have added a second type of plan called an open access plan. With this plan, you are still assigned to a primary care doctor, but no referral is needed before seeing a specialist.
Pros of an HMO
There are many positives to having an HMO plan. With most insurance companies, preexisting conditions are not covered. HMOs do not have a preexisting condition clause. Traditional insurance plans have a deductible that must be met before coverage begins. With a Traditional plan, after this deductible has been met, the plan covers a percentage and the patient picks up the rest. There are no deductibles with an HMO. A patient is provided with a list of co-pay charges. The patient's coverage is 100 percent after the co-pay. This co-pay applies to primary care doctors, specialists and hospitals. In addition, there are no caps on yearly or lifetime coverages on an HMO plan. All HMO plans provide medication coverage that picks up at the beginning of the plan, as HMOs have no deductible to be met. The co-pays differ depending on the HMO's set fees for prescription coverage.
Cons of an HMO
With all HMO plans, you are limited to the doctors on your list. If your doctor of choice is not on your HMO's list, you will see that doctor at your own expense. Specialists also must be on the HMO's list. Hospitals also participate with certain insurance plans, so your hospital of choice may not carry your HMO insurance. Most HMO plans require a referral before seeing a specialist. A patient can also find that difficult or unusual medical needs or procedures may not be covered on her HMO. Prescription coverages are limited to medications on the HMO's list. Most HMOs provide a higher co-pay if the medication is not allowed on its plan, but these co-pays can be rather expensive.
Tags: primary care, care doctor, primary care doctor, access plan, before seeing
CME coordinators often have significant experience in health care and management.
Medical professionals in the Dallas area must complete regular continuing medical education, or CME training, in order to maintain licenses and other credentials. CME coordinators work in medical or training establishments, where they assist physicians and other staff with finding appropriate CME programs. They may also be responsible for developing these programs, or maintaining existing accreditation with national medical organizations that oversee CME training.
CME Salaries in Dallas
CME coordinator's at the University of North Texas Health Science Hospital in Dallas earn a median salary of $48,504, as of May 2011, according to the Texas Tribune. The Tribune reports a salary range of $35,004 to $51,468. The National Association of Colleges and Employers, or NACE, estimates that instructional coordinators in the Dallas metro area earn a median salary of $61,490 as of July 2011. This figure reflects wages for all instructional coordinators, including those in the medical field as well as other areas of education and training.
CME Salaries in Texas
A 2005 salary survey by the Texas Society for Medical Staff Services reveals that CME coordinators in the state earned between starting salaries between $35,000 and $40,000 on average. The U.S. Department of Labor's Career One Stop program estimates that medical and health services managers in Texas earn a median wage of $37.54 per hour, or $78,100 per year. Nationwide, these managers earn a median salary of $39.35 per hour, or $81,800 per year. These wages include those of CME coordinators, as well as other health and medical support managers.
Other Salary Estimates
St. Petersberg College in Florida pays its CME coordinators between $55,014 and $84,131, depending on their education and experience, as of 2011. This position requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree. The CME coordinator is responsible for developing and maintaining industry-accredited training programs at the College for EMS and Firefighters. CME coordinators at the University of Arizona fall within the school's Level 42 pay class. This indicates a median salary of $41,668, with a pay range of $33,639 to $51,299 as of 2011, depending on education and experience. This position involves responsibilities similar to the position at St. Petersburg College, but applicant's are required to have either a Bachelor's degree or two years of experience in this field. This indicates that pay for this type of career can vary widely based on education, experience and job description.
Certification
CME coordinators can pursue voluntary certification through state agencies and industry organizations. The Kentucky Medical Association offers CME coordinator certification for candidates with at least one year experience in the field. The National Committee for Certification for CME Professionals also offers credentialing for these employees.
Tags: earn median, earn median salary, education experience, median salary, 2011 This
Pectoral muscles can tear when they are stretched too hard.
A strained pectoral muscle is actually a slight tear in the chest muscles. It happens when the muscle is stretched too far and is typically experienced by people who exercise without properly warming up. You may not feel any pain when you strain your chest muscles. That comes later, once you begin to cool down and the adrenaline is no longer pumping.
Symptoms of Pulled or Strained Pectoral
Depending on how severe the pectoral strain is, you can experience swelling and bruising. The most obvious symptom is that your chest will feel sore and tender. It may hurt in your chest when you move your arms, because the pectoral muscles help move the arms. Because a strain is only minor tearing, it's not a major worry. Most strenuous workouts result in the same sort of tearing of the muscle.
Grading the Strain
There is a method for grading the severity of the muscle strain. Grade 1 causes minor discomfort but doesn't hinder your activity. Grade 2 causes more discomfort and can begin to limit your activity. You may also find some swelling and bruising. Grade 3 causes a lot of pain, swelling and bruising.
Treating the Strain
To recover from a muscle strain, your body needs rest. Stop exercising and allow the body to repair itself. Make sure your diet has enough protein in it so that the building blocks are there to repair the torn muscles.
Treating the Swelling and Pain
If you experience swelling, place an ice pack on the swollen area 15 minutes at a time. You don't even have to wait for the swelling to appear; if you can feel the muscle strain, start applying the ice pack. Anti-inflammatories will also help reduce swelling in the area and can help reduce pain.
Prevention/Solution
Don't overexert yourself during exercise, particularly if you are new to exercising or coming back after a break. Warm up your muscles before you work out to get the blood flowing to the muscle. Continue working out because the stronger a muscle is, the less likely it is to be injured.
Whether it is the stomach flu or food poisoning, you are most likely miserable. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the two illnesses, as both bring on vomiting, diarrhea, chills, dizzyness and dehydration. But stomach flu is gastrointestinal and caused by various virus strains, while food poisoning is mostly the result of edibles that were prepared or handled incorrectly.
Instructions
Identifying the Illness
1. Make a list of what you ate recently. Did you eat something or someplace you usually don't? Are others who ate what or where you did also ill? If the answer to any of these is "yes," you may have food poisoning.
2. Know your acquaintances. Have you been around someone at work or in your family who is ill? Is a virus going around the office or your children's school? Have you avoided washing your hands regularly? If the answer to any of these is "yes," you may have stomach flu.
3. Know the symptoms. Do you have respiratory problems including sneezing, congestion of the chest or head or coughing? These symptoms can (but do not always) accompany the stomach flu. If the answer is "yes," then you most likely have stomach flu.
On the other hand, if most of your symptoms involve your intestines, are you experiencing more diarrhea than any other symptoms? If the answer is "yes," then you might have food poisoning.
4. Be aware of the length of the illness. Many flu virus strains last 24 to 36 hours. The most severe complication is usually just dehydration. In food poisoning cases, there is the possibility of other damage to the body. If you are ill for a long period of time and feel worse instead of getting better, see your doctor. She can run tests that would be more accurate in diagnosing the cause of the illness.
Tags: food poisoning, answer then, answer these, answer these have, have food
A woman's breasts will undergo many changes during her lifetime due to pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and diet. In addition to breast cancers, there are benign diseases that present symptoms women should recognize and report to their doctors. (See References.)
Fibrocystic Changes
Changes in the fibrous tissue of the breast such as lumps and cysts (fluid filled sacs) are common and may cause mild pain and discomfort. They should be monitored by your doctor but are non-cancerous changes. (See References.)
Hyperplasia
An overgrowth of cells in the breast ducts or lobules (where milk is made) is diagnosed as hyperplasia. This condition may result in an increased chance of breast cancer development in the future. (See References.)
Intraductal Papillomas
Tumors (benign masses) found in the breast ducts are gland and fibrous tissue that may cause abnormal nipple discharge. (See References.)
Treatment
In addition to careful monitoring of size and shape via imaging tests, breast lumps and tumors can be biopsied by your physician if they are large enough. Pain medicines will relieve discomfort but surgical removal may be necessary.
Prevention
Breast changes frequently correspond to hormonal changes and medication usage. To increase your chance of being breast disease free practice good lifestyle habits: avoid tobacco, too much sun, eat healthy and exercise. (See References.)
Tags: Breast Diseases, breast ducts, fibrous tissue
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, families immediately face a myriad of emotional, educational and social challenges. Adding financial concerns to an already terrifying situation feels insurmountable. According to Pediatric Oncology Resource Center, a website by parents for parents, "Many families of children with cancer experience financial difficulties. Even if the family has full medical insurance coverage, they can spend a large portion of their income on co-payments, travel, motels, meals, and other uncovered items. Families dependent on two incomes or single parent families are likely to experience financial difficulties if a parent must quit their job to care for the child." Obtaining financial assistance requires a good deal of information gathering and persistence.
Significance
Every year approximately 12,000 kids and teens are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. About 2,000 children under the age of 18 die. For about 95 percent of those cases, the cause is unknown. According to the Texas Children's Cancer Center, "The ability to diagnose and treat childhood cancers has greatly improved in the last 30 years...Today, about 75% of the children and teens with cancer in the United States are cured with treatment. Even with this great success, there are more than 2000 children who die from cancer every year." Early detection and treatment stops cancer before it spreads.
Challenges
According to the American Cancer Society, "When a young person is diagnosed and treated for cancer, both the patient and the family enter the strange, complex, and often frightening world of modern medicine." Forms, medical terminology, confusion about insurance coverage and disrupted family life all create a frustrating environment that takes adjustment. Navigating the administrative and financial part of this process requires patience and mental fortitude.
Types: Government-Sponsored Aid
Depending on eligibility, different kinds of financial help are available through government-sponsored programs. The National Cancer Institute states, "Hill-Burton is a program through which hospitals receive construction and modernization funds from the Federal Government. Hospitals that receive Hill-Burton funds are required by law to provide a reasonable volume of services to people who cannot afford to pay for their hospitalization." Information is available at (800) 638-0742 (Maryland: (800) 492-0359) and online at hrsa.gov/hillburton/hillburtonfacilities.htm. The National Cancer Institute also recommends, "The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a Federal/State partnership that offers low-cost or free health insurance coverage to uninsured infants, children, and teens." To find out more about the program requirements, go to insurekidsnow.gov/states.asp or call (877) 543-7669. Check if your state has a comprehensive health insurance plan or a high risk pool. According to the Pediatrics Oncology Resource Center, "A high-risk pool is a state-created, non-profit association that offers health insurance coverage to people with pre-existing illnesses. Federal money was made available in 2002 to help states fund these plans. Benefits, premiums, and waiting periods will vary, but most states with such pools have rules that control what can be offered. " Another program to investigate is Insure Kids Now at insurekidsnow.gov, which helps link the nation's uninsured children with free or low-cost health insurance.
Dependents of veterans may be eligible for help from the The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Cancer Program to receive treatment at a Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center. Call (877) 222-8387 to inquire about benefits. The National Cancer Institute reports, "CancerCare is a national nonprofit agency that offers free support, information, financial assistance, and practical help to people with cancer and their loved ones. Financial assistance is given in the form of limited grants for certain treatment expenses." Telephone (800) 813-4673 for further information. Some organizations specialize in help for specific cancers. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) provides some services to help patients with leukemia and related disorders. Go to leukemia-lymphoma.org or call (800) 955-4572.
Types: Funds and Foundation Aid
Pediatric Oncology Resource Center recommends these funds: Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation (andreriveroflife.org); Cancer Fund of America, (800) 578-5284 or (865) 938-5281 (cfoa.org); Kelly Ann Dolan Memorial Fund for help with nonmedical, uninsured needs, (215) 643-0763 (kadmf.org); The Szott Foundation, which helps one full time working parent stay home with the child diagnosed with cancer, (szottfoundation.org); the National Children's Cancer Society at children-cancer.com; and UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation (uhccf.org). Ronald McDonald House Charities provide a free or minimal cost place for family members to stay near critically ill children in hospitals. Locate a Ronald McDonald House location through rmhc.org/who-we-are/chapter-search/ or call (630) 623-7048.
Additional Resources
According to the National Cancer Institute website, "govBenefits.gov is the official benefits web site of the U.S. Government, with information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs. The web site is maintained through a partnership of 10 Federal agencies and is designed to help users find Government benefit and assistance programs for which they may be eligible." Search according to health care programs, take a questionnaire and determine what help is available for children based on state of residence. Information sites like NeedyMeds provide people with financial resource guidance. NeedyMeds lists programs that offer free or low-cost medicine to patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Visit the NeedyMeds site at needymeds.org. Try Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (medicare.gov/Prescription/Home.asp), rxhope.com, and the Cost Containment Research Institute (institute-dc.org) for additional assistance with medications and drug reimbursement. According to Pediatric Oncology, the Consumer Credit Counseling Foundation provides 24 hour toll-free credit counseling. For help with debts, budgets and payments, call (877) 426-6363 or go to 4-creditcounseling.com.
Considerations
According to Pediatric Oncology Resource Center, "It is important to keep records of medical expenses and insurance correspondence, and carefully read your insurance policy." When investigating insurance options, trace differences in coverage. Inquire about protection against cancellations, doctor choice and premiums. Cancer is a war that could require many battles. Know what the financial deductibles and co-payments are in plans or assistance. Expenses accumulate quickly over time.
Expert Insight
The American Cancer Society offers, "Taking Charge of Money Matters," a 2 hour workshop that addresses financial concerns during or after cancer treatment, regardless of health insurance coverage. Visit cancer.org or call (800) 227-2345 for more information.
Tags: insurance coverage, Cancer Institute, National Cancer, National Cancer Institute, Oncology Resource, Oncology Resource Center, Pediatric Oncology
According to the Cosmetic Surgery Directory's website, 15 to 20 percent of women who elect to augment their breasts experience a problem known as capsular contracture. An additional operation called a breast capsulotomy is one of the primary options available for relief of this condition, and the recovery issues for this procedure are similar to those of the initial enhancement.
Significance
A breast capsulotomy is required when a patient who has undergone breast augmentation surgery experiences a capsular contracture of the breast. The body's immune system forms a capsule (protective wall) around what is perceived as a threat (the breast implant.) The result is a deformed breast that may cause pain, feels hard to the touch and is oddly shaped. A physician will choose between a capsulotomy to open up the wall or a capsulectomy to completely remove it.
Procedure
A capsular contracture may occur as soon as four to six weeks after the original surgery. A capsulotomy is undertaken to achieve a softer feel to the breast and allow more room for the implant to move. "The capsule is simply open(ed) and released with an electrocautery device," says Dr. Stuart Linder, a breast revision specialist in Beverly Hills, California. "This is often used for patients who have very thin amounts of breast tissue and if you were to remove the capsule they may have tremendous visibility, palpability and a very deformed appearance to the breast."
Time Frame
The typical procedure time for a capsulotomy is approximately one and a half hours per breast. "Postoperatively, massage, vitamin E and Accolate (an asthma medication) are often given to prevent recurrent contracture," according to the Sanctuary, a breast implant revision center in Boca Raton, Florida. The overall recovery time for revision surgery is similar to that of the initial breast augmentation; approximately one month for bruising and swelling to subside and two to three weeks before resuming extensive exercise or heavy, physical labor. Patients are advised to avoid returning to work for at least seven to 10 days.
Considerations
Surgical dressings will be removed a few days following the procedure, and utilization of a support bra is recommended. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's website says that showering is permitted one to three days after the procedure but immersion of breasts in a tub or spa must be avoided for at least four weeks. Stitches that are not self-dissolving will be removed in one week, with significant bruising and swelling to be expected initially and then slowly subsiding over the course of approximately one month.
Effects
In his book "Surgery of the Breast: Principles and Art, Volume 1," Scott L. Spears writes that pain along the incision is usually minimal due to an absence of pressure placed on the incision. However, some soreness along the pathways, as well as at the site of the capsulotomy, is likely. Muscle pain or spasms rarely occur, but extensive bruising about the breast is to be expected following the augmentation revision.
Tags: breast capsulotomy, capsular contracture, approximately month, breast augmentation, breast implant
Radiology practitioners work under the direction of radiologists.
Radiology practitioners are radiologic technologists who are often referred to as radiology practitioner assistants. RPAs are similar to nurse practitioners and physician assistants in that they can serve as primary care providers in their field of expertise under the direction or supervision of a radiologist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 216,730 radiologic technologists employed in the U.S. in 2010. The salary of radiology practitioners tends to exceed the average salary earned by all radiologic technicians.
Pay Scale
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for radiologic technologists was $55,730 per year as of May 2010. The median salary of those working in this field was $54,340, with the highest paid radiology practitioners earning $76,850 or more per year. The middle 50 percent of those working as radiologic technologists made salaries ranging from $44,200 to $65,590 per year. However, because of their expertise, radiology practitioners typically fit in the upper end of the pay scale. According to Indeed.com, the national average for radiology practitioners was $96,000 as of June 2011. Similarly, the RadSciences Group indicates that the pay scale for radiology practitioners can be anywhere from $75,000 to $140,000 per year.
Employers
Where a radiology practitioner works provides an indication of what he can expect to make. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those working in general medical and surgical hospitals earned an average salary of $55,880 in 2010, but those who worked in specialty hospitals, which is more likely for radiology practitioners, earned an average of $60,550 per year. Those who worked in physicians' offices earned $54,000, while those working in outpatient centers earned an average of $53,590 annually.
Location
Geographic location can have an effect on the salaries earned by radiology practitioners and other radiologic technologists. According to the figures published by the BLS, the highest-paid practitioners worked in Massachusetts, earning an average salary of $78,920 per year. However, this figure takes into account the salaries of both radiology practitioners and other radiologic technologists. Maryland, California and Nevada were the next-highest-paying states for this profession.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in the field of radiologic technology is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018. This job growth will parallel the faster-than-average job growth in the medical field in general during this decade. Growth of the population and its increasing age are expected to necessitate additional medical care during this decade.
Tags: radiologic technologists, radiology practitioners, According Bureau, According Bureau Labor, average salary
Breast self exam (BSE) is a method that involves inspecting and palpating your breasts to check for any existing lumps, thickness, tenderness, pain, and discoloration. Performing your own breast exam may be quite uncomfortable during the first few tries. When you are used to doing it, such method will help you determine the normal state of your breasts. A breast self exam will also make it easier for you to detect any changes that can possibly be an indication of problems. This method is recommended for women ages 20 and older. It is best to do it on a regular basis--the same day of each month, specifically a week after your menstruation.
Instructions
1. Start your breast exam by standing or sitting in front of the mirror. Keep your back straight, shoulders in neutral position and both your arms down at the sides of your body. Now examine your breasts closely. When both your breasts have their usual shape, size, contour and color, that means they are perfectly fine and healthy. If you notice that your breasts look a little bit different than normal, apply the rest of the steps below to observe and confirm such changes.
2. Remain standing or sitting in front of the mirror to continue your breast exam. With your arms from the sides of your body, flex them to bring your hands on your hips. Then examine your breasts very closely once again. Search for any unusual changes, such as dimples or bumps around the skin, redness, rashes, swelling, and whether any of your nipples appear inverted (pushed inward instead of normally pointing out). As a variation of this step, you can also bend slightly forward to examine your breasts at a different angle.
3. Proceed with the next step by elevating both your arms overhead. Clasp your hands together and bring them a little bit backward to push your chest outward. Examine the surfaces of your breasts from the front. Look on the sides and near the armpits. Check for the same odd changes on the size and shape of your breasts. Look for any changes in the color and texture of the surrounding skin.
4. Unclasp your hands. Keep your left arm elevated. Bring your right arm down. Gently squeeze you left nipple to check for any discharge. Bring your left arm down. Elevate your right arm and do the same procedure on your right side.
5. Lie supine (on your back) on a firm bed and place a pillow or folded towel under your left shoulder. Flex your left arm and position your left hand behind your head. Using the pads of the index, middle and ring finger of your right hand, begin your palpation with a soft touch. Do a gentle circular press, starting from the area near your nipple moving out. Feel until you reach the whole contour of your left breast. Keep the pads of your fingers flat and gradually increase your pressure--enough to feel your inner tissue and ribcage. After covering your entire left breast, transfer the pillow on your right shoulder. Flex your right arm behind your head. Do the same procedure on your right breast.
6. Feel the surfaces of your breast while taking a shower. Standing or carefully sitting on your tub, you may prefer to do your breast exam while your skin is wet and slithery. Fold your left arm and place your left hand behind your head. Using the middle 3 fingers of your right hand, start examining your left breast. Then do the same procedure on your right breast.
7. Stand up face the wall, elevate your left arm and rest it on the wall. Be careful not to stretch your arm too much to prevent the skin from tightening, making it difficult for you to feel the surface. Now using the three middle fingers of your right hand (index, middle and ring finger), examine the surfaces of your left armpit. Palpate for any lumps, bumps, thickening and areas with pain. Perform the same procedure on your right armpit.
Tags: your left, your right, your breasts, your breast, procedure your, procedure your right, same procedure
Most muscle tears in the shoulder usually involve the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that keeps the arm in its socket. It's the one joint in the body that has the greatest range of motion, making it one of the most susceptible to injury. If someone were to suffer a torn muscle in the shoulder, it means that some portion of the fibers in the muscle have separated, causing a division that can prompt a number of symptoms.
Pain
For most people, a torn muscle in the shoulder means pain. The intensity of this pain is influenced by the severity of the tear. It could be a small rip in the fibers, causing a more moderate amount of ache and tenderness, or a complete split of the muscle, prompting an intense and debilitating pain. For others, a muscle tear might only cause pain when certain movements are engaged, such as raising an arm over the head, reaching out to the front or placing weight on the affected shoulder.
Swelling
A torn muscle in the shoulder can also cause a person to suffer swelling. This swelling is always isolated to the area of injury, as it is a result of the body's reaction to the tear. When someone endures a torn muscle, blood will instantaneously rush to the shoulder, causing it to become inflamed. This inflammation can sometimes be seen as a swelling above the point of muscle separation.
Bruising
As the blood rushes to the muscle tear, some of it will escape through any of the blood vessels that have been damaged because of the injury. Having no place to go, the blood begins to pool and slowly form what is commonly known as a bruise. Much like the symptom of swelling, the bruise will form directly above the point of muscle separation.
Weakness
It's also not uncommon for a torn muscle in the shoulder to prompt some level of weakness. Depending on the severity of the tear, this weakness can range from subtle to marked. If it's a rather small separation, a person can not even notice any impingement in strength. But with a more sizable tear, it will typically bring on a noticeable weakness, especially when compared with the other shoulder and arm.
Immobility
When someone suffers from a torn muscle in the shoulder, he can face a change in mobility, meaning that the range of motion may lessen or the use of the arm may become limited. To a great extent, this symptom will also be influenced by the severity of the injury, ranging from restricted movement all the way to total muscle failure.
Tags: muscle shoulder, torn muscle shoulder, torn muscle, torn muscle, above point, above point muscle
Police candidates are required to run as quicly as possible to test leg muscle strength.
Police physical exams test the physical capabilities of candidates for police work. Tests vary from state to state, but Idaho's test is a good example of police physical exams, according to TopEndSports.com.
Vertical Jump Test
Idaho's police officers are given a vertical jump test. Candidates jump as high as possible next to a wall and touch the highest spot they can reach as they jump. Then they do the same thing while standing. The difference in height between the jumping and standing reach measurements are calculated for an overall score.
Curl-Up/Sit-Up/Crunch Test
Candidates' ability to do sit-ups, curl-ups, and crunches is tested. This test measures the strength of the abdominal muscles.
Upper Body
Idaho's police recruit candidates are tested for upper body strength. Candidates do push-ups to the rhythm of a metronome, stopping when they are unable to continue them in rhythm.
300-Meter Run
Candidates must run 300 meters as quickly as possible. This run tests anaerobic capacity, important in exerting short bursts of extreme effort.
1.5-Mile Run
Candidates in Idaho's police academy must run 1.5 miles as quickly as possible. Endurance and leg muscle strength are tested by this run.
Tags: Idaho police, muscle strength, physical exams, quickly possible
Evening jobs are common in a number of business professions.
There are a number of job opportunities that offer an evening shift and pay a salary that offers a comfortable standard of living. An evening job may be defined as starting the workday at 5 p.m. or later. Some businesses merely need staff to handle evening hours of operation, while others operate 24 hours a day, and are often willing to pay a premium for those willing to take the "graveyard shift."
Registered Nurse
Hospitals need registered nurses on staff at every hour since patients must be cared for around the clock. While most of the patients will likely be sleeping during the evening hours, registered nurses working the graveyard shift typically have a higher salary than their day shift counterparts, as much as $1,200 more per year, according to an online article from Forbes.
Pharmacist
Certain 24-hour drug stores, medical offices, and hospitals have pharmacies that operate those same hours or stay open late into the night. Pharmacists generally make an annual salary of $113,515 to $115,877, according to Salary.com. Those on the evening shift can expect a two to 10 percent increase in salary compared to day shift workers, according to the Forbes article.
Police Officer
Police officers, who are charged with protecting and helping people and enforcing the law, are also on duty at all hours of the day. They can make an annual salary of $50,000 or more with the proper amount of training and years of experience. Night shift officers can expect about a two to 10 percent increase in salary compared to those who work days, according to the Forbes article.
Bartender
Bartenders mix and serve drinks, so it makes sense that tending bar would be more lucrative in the evening hours, when most people choose to imbibe. Bartenders' salaries vary depending on location and the type of venue, but tending bar can be a well paying job, particularly for those in metro areas and at high-end restaurants or hotels. According to SabarSchool.com, bartenders at the latter can earn as much as $18 per hour (about $37,440 a year between salary and tips).
Tags: evening hours, according Forbes, according Forbes article, annual salary, evening shift, Forbes article
Both vegans and vegetarians choose not to eat meat from animals, but vegans extend the exclusion to all products derived from animals. Vegans do not eat meat, seafood, milk or eggs. Finding protein sources can be a difficult task. It can be even harder if they have a soy allergy or choose not to eat soy -- but they have sufficient substitutes via the vegan diet. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Soy Beans
Soy is in the bean family and traditionally appears in many Asian cuisines. Commonly find soy in vegetarian cuisine and being used to replace proteins in the diet usually acquired through meat. Soy is a versatile and healthy source of protein that a cook can prepare in many ways. Use soy byproducts in products from cookies to salad dressing to mayonnaise. Find soy oil, soy milk, soy veggie burgers and soy butter in a grocery store.
Protein
You can use soy as a meat substitute since it's so easy to prepare in many different ways, other sources of protein can make a suitable meat substitute. Beans are high in protein and the many varieties ,like black, red, kidney and garbanzo, ensure a varied flavor profile. Seeds and nuts also contain high amounts of protein and are a versatile ingredient. You can turn seeds and nuts like sunflower seeds, peanuts, pecan, and cashews into oils and butters.
Milk and Cheese
You'll find it easy to find soy-free milk and cheese substitutes for vegans readily available. Almond milk, rice milk, oat milk and coconut milk work well in recipes that call for milk, or as a refreshing drink. Read labels because some dairy-free milks may also include soy byproducts. Numerous companies make dairy- and soy-free vegetable-based cheese substitutes. These cheeses maintain the melting and stretching properties of dairy cheeses. You also can make spreadable cheeses from nuts like cashew, macadamia nut and almond cheese. Hummus made from garbanzo beans also makes a good substitute for mayonnaise or cheese spread.
Meat
Soy most commonly substitutes for meaty flavors in pre-made vegetarian foods like frozen chicken wings, hamburgers and hot dogs. Soy-free meat substitutes include mushrooms, eggplant and seitan. You can grill large mushrooms, like portobellos, to substitute for beef patties in a hamburger. Use seitan, which is derived from wheat, to substitute meat in stews, stir-fry and BBQ.
Tags: Asian cuisines, cheese substitutes, derived from, from animals, meat substitute, nuts like, prepare many
Health insurance can be a costly expense every month, and your premium can differ significantly from those of other individuals with the same plan. This may be due to your health insurance risks. These risks can make you more likely to need medical attention, and since the healthcare company deems you a higher risk, your payments are higher. To lower your monthly payments, you need to reduce your health insurance risks.
Instructions
1. Quit smoking. This is a big factor in determining your healthcare costs. Because of all the health risks related to smoking, your monthly premium can jump significantly if you're a smoker.
2. Lose weight. If you're considered obese, you're more likely to need medical attention, and the health insurance company may consider you a risk. Simply losing weight by the time your next doctor's visit rolls around may help reduce the health insurance risk.
3. Avoid injuries. If you're free from injuries and don't frequently visit the doctor, you're going to see lower health insurance costs than an individual who frequently visits the doctor or emergency room.
4. Have your tubes tied. Whether you agree with the practice or not, women often pay more for health insurance because they have a chance of becoming pregnant. If the health insurance company knows there is a slim chance to no chance of you becoming pregnant, the health insurance risk lowers.
How Soon After Radiation Treatment Will Side Effects Subside?
Radiation therapy is a technique that uses controlled doses of ionizing radiation to shrink or destroy cancer cells. The duration of the side effects of treatment varies according to a number of factors.
The Facts
According to the National Cancer Institute, radiation therapy comes in different forms that are used in different circumstances. For example, some types of treatment can be very closely targeted to the site of the cancer, while others penetrate deeply into the body.
Duration of Side Effects
According to the American Cancer Society, some of the side effects of radiation therapy will typically subside within weeks after treatment ends. However, the side effects of certain treatments may be permanent, or may not become apparent for months or years.
Short-Term Examples
If radiation therapy is administered to the head or neck, inflammation of the mouth may continue for several weeks after treatment.
Long-Term Examples
Pelvic radiation in women may cause vaginal ulcers that last for a number of months. Radiation therapy administered to the brain may trigger large-scale cell death (radiation necrosis) months or years after treatment ends.
Permanent Examples
If radiation therapy is administered to the testicles, permanent loss of sperm output may result.
Tags: after treatment, therapy administered, After Radiation, After Radiation Treatment, after treatment ends
A brochure can help you to market your public speaking service.
A professional public speaker makes a living providing a service to people or organizations that pay money to come and hear what they have to say. A brochure for a public speaker should sell both the speaker and the ideas they will be presenting. An effective brochure will target a specific audience with information that seems not only appealing but irresistible. A good brochure will show how people will benefit from attending your talk.
Instructions
1. Determine the brochure's shape and size. You can create your brochure as a traditional tri-fold piece, or use a bi-fold or single sheet of paper depending on how you wish to display the information. Start with a plain piece of computer paper and fold it different ways to see what seems easiest to read. You may want to stick to a folded 81/2 x 11-inch piece of paper, or you may find you want to cut it down to a square or other shape.
2. Prepare a headline and text. Your headline is what will initially pull your reader into the brochure, so make sure it is direct, easy to read and gives people an immediate idea of the benefit of your service. For example, if you specialize in the area of personal development, your headline could read something like, "Discover how you can have everything you want in life." The rest of the text can explain your personal story, give testimonials, and encourage the reader to take action and book a seat for your upcoming speech--or to book you to speak to a specific group. Be sure to include your contact information including email address, website, and phone number.
3. Block out the layout with text and photos. Use Microsoft PowerPoint or Word to play with the layout. Create areas for your prepared text and professional photos. Choose different fonts and color schemes and compare them to see what looks best. Try not to use too many different colors--two contrasting colors or a few complementary colors will look professional, but much more than that will just look busy. Stick to standard text types like Ariaal or Times New Roman as opposed to something cartoon-ish like Comic Sans.
4. Print your brochure. Choose a glossy or heavier weight paper. If you have a high-quality printer you can print it yourself, or you may choose to take your computer files to a professional copy center that can do the printing for you.
fix issues with bones and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating problems with your musculoskeletal system. Not only do they set broken bones and immobilize them to facilitate proper healing, but they repair torn ligaments and tendons, help alleviate issues associated with arthritis and work with oncologists to treat bone cancer. Working as an orthopedic surgeon takes up to 13 years of post-secondary education. Orthopedic surgeons in California can expect an average salary well above the national average.
Education
Orthopedic surgeons can expect to be in school for a minimum of 13 years after high school to get the necessary education and training. First, you will need to complete four years of college, then an additional four years of medical school. Orthopedic residency programs last five years, and some go on for an additional year of specialized training. When studying orthopedic surgery, you can specialize in a specific area of the body (like the spine, shoulders, or knees), pediatric orthopedics, orthopedic oncology, or sports medicine. The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS.org) has a complete list of board-certified specialties. To practice medicine in California, you will also be required to pass California's licensing exam.
Salary and Compensation
As of March 2011, Salary.com reports that the national average salary for an orthopedic surgeon is $409,405. Salaries for orthopedic surgeons in California were above the national average. For the same reporting period, salaries averaged $455,918 in Los Angeles, $498,156 in San Francisco, $439,869 in Sacramento and $445,417 in San Diego.
Job Experience
Your experience level will also impact your compensation. Salary.com estimates that an orthopedic surgeon in Los Angeles with 10 to 14 years' experience can expect to earn as much as $597,561. In San Diego, 10 to 14 years' experience can help a surgeon earn as much as $583,797. San Francisco surgeons with the same experience level earn as much as $652,922.
Where You Work
The difference in compensation for those who work for a non-profit organization, in education or for the government instead of a for-profit entity is noticeable. Salary.com estimates the salary range for an orthopedic surgeon with 10 to 14 years' experience working for a non-profit company with 500 to 1,000 employees to be somewhere between $416,470 and $545,857. The same surgeon working for a for-profit company has a projected salary range between $440,224 and $576,990.
Tags: orthopedic surgeon, Orthopedic surgeons, earn much, national average, years experience, above national
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer in the world. In the United States, it is the most common type of cancer in women and is the second leading cause of cancer death. Breast cancer occurs when cells develop mutations and begin growing abnormally. There are several factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer, including lifestyle and genetic risk factors.
Definition
Cancer is the result of otherwise normal cells developing mutations which cause them to grow too fast and uncontrollably. In the case of breast cancer, these cells are located in the breast tissue. These cells are normally responsive to certain hormones, but when they become cancerous they no longer respond normally to growth and death signals.
Who Gets Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer predominantly strikes women. This is because their breast tissue is more responsive to hormones than that of men. As a result, women are 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer than men. However, there is no difference in survival rates between the sexes.
Breast Cancer in the United States
Women in the United States have the highest risk of getting breast cancer as anywhere in the world. About 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer, and about 1 in 33 will die from it.
Risk Factors
While the likelihood of developing breast cancer varies around the world, certain factors predispose a person towards contracting it. Being female and age are risk factors, as is having children. In addition, having a high-fat diet, alcohol consumption and use of tobacco are other risk factors for developing breast cancer.
Genetic factors
While a family history of breast cancer does qualify as a risk factor, any female can get breast cancer, and 85 percent of all breast cancers are not related to genetics. However, the other 15 percent are hereditary. In particular, mutations to two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, are linked to breast cancer.
Tags: breast cancer, risk factors, United States, breast cancer, breast cancer
Genetics testing has been performed for about 100 years. The principles of the inheritance of genetics were discovered in the mid-19th century by Gregor Mendel. Blood sampling became the dominant method for genetics testing in the 1920s to the 1970s. Since the 1980s, DNA testing has assisted doctors in screening for genetic conditions. DNA analysis also provides almost irrefutable proof of fatherhood
A needle for gathering a genetic sample.
History of Genetics
Science gives credit for the establishment of genetics to Gregor Mendel and his work on the hereditary characteristics of pea plants in "Experiments with Plant Hybrids," according to AccessExcellence. Mendel's work existed for several decades before the scientific world accepted his theories on heredity. He showed that traits are either dominant or recessive and are passed down intact, not combined into a hybrid trait.
Blood Tests, 1920's -1960's
While Mendel proved that traits were inherited in the 1860s, medical science did not discover that blood came in different types until the early 20th century. Because one can determine a person's exact blood type, doctor's believed that they could ascertain a person's likely father based on similar blood types, according to DNA Diagnostics Center. Unfortunately, any single blood type can be formed by several different blood types, and the accuracy of blood testing to determine parentage is around 30 percent.
In the late 195's scientists realized they could also test newborns for inherited diseases, claims Science Progress. Phenylketonuria (PKU), which causes mental retardation, was the first disease to be widely tested for in newborns. Once identified, the disorder could be treated through a strict diet.
1970s
Blood typing was the dominant trend in paternity testing until the 1970s, when scientists found that human tissue contained some highly variable proteins, according to DNA Diagnostics Center. The protein "human leukocyte antigen" (HLA) occurs only in white blood cells, and the type of HLA varies drastically from person to person. Because of this great variance, geneticists realized that the chance of two people sharing the same type of HLA is rather low. The accuracy of this test hovers around 80 percent.
According to Science Progress, the medical community started testing for two new diseases during the 1970s: Tay-Sachs and sickle cell anemia. Both diseases were considered racially biased in that certain ethnicities had much higher rates of the diseases. Tay-Sachs is predominantly a "Jewish" disease and sickle cell anemia an "African American" disease. Tay-Sachs is a fatal disorder; sickle cell disease is not curable but can be treated. People who might be carriers of either disorder are urged to be tested before having children.
Modern Testing, 1980s--Present
James Watson and Francis Crick presented the discovery of the genetic blueprint to the human body, DNA, to world in April 1953. However, DNA testing for paternity and diseases did not become economically viable until the 1980s. Scientists learned that they could compare certain unique parts of DNA to establish an almost irrefutable link to genetic disorders and family members. DNA can prove a genetic link at numbers as close to 100 percent as possible. DNA can also now be used to identify missing or altered genes that cause conditions like Huntington disease, a neurological disorder, and breast cancer according to Science Progress.
Function
DNA paternity testing is a critically important procedure for many mothers, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The courts usually accept DNA testing as definitive prove of fatherhood. Proof of a biological relationship can gain a parent access to child support payments and other social security resources of the father.
The use of genetics testing for inherited disease depends on the results of the test. Some diseases like PKU can be easily screened and treated for, but not conditions that require repairing genes or cancer. According to Science Progress, except for the well-studied conditions, genetics testing is mostly used to allow individuals and families to prepare for the onset of a disease later in life.
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Radiology techs or technicians perform diagnostic testing, such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field of medicine will grow by 15 percent through 2016. Radiologist technicians typically require a state-issued license to treat patients, but many educational options lead to licensure. The average salary of a radiology tech depends upon a number of factors including his length of employment, industry, geographical location and education, reports payscale.com
Experience
A radiology tech's salary depends largely upon how much work experience she has in the field. In September 2009, technicians with less than one year of experience earned between $25,500 and $40,452, while those with one to four years of work experience earned an average salary of between $30,631 and $48,366. For technicians with 10 or more years of experience, salaries ranged from $47,932 to $77,425.
Industry
Some of the largest employers of radiologist technicians as of May 2008 were general medical and surgical hospitals, physicians' offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories, outpatient care centers and the federal government, where techs earned average salaries of between $50,210 and $56,260. In 2008, the highest-paying employers of radiology technicians were scientific research companies, employment agencies, colleges and specialty hospitals, where techs averaged between $56,500 and $63,580.
Geography
The area where a radiology technician worked also affected his salary range, according to BLS reports in May 2008. The states with the highest concentration of techs were West Virginia and Rhode Island, where workers earned average salaries of $41,660, and $60,970, respectively. The states with the highest annual average pay for radiology techs were Massachusetts at $41,660 and Nevada at $64,560. The cities where radiology technicians averaged the highest salaries were San Jose, California; Bangor, Maine; Oakland, California; Boston, Massachusetts; and Bethesda, Maryland.
Education
In terms of hourly rates, the average pay of a radiologist technician depended largely upon the type of degree she held. The lowest-paying techs had medical training certificates in radiology, earning between $11.88 and $21.24. Those with associate's degrees enjoyed higher hourly wages. Associates of Applied Science (AAS) degree holders made only 9 cents per hour less than those with Associate of Science (AS) degrees at $25.34; however AAS recipients had much lower starting wages at $14.74 versus the $15.72 starting wages for those with an AS.
Benefits
Many radiology techs received additional benefits that increased their overall compensation packages. Technicians earned an average of between 1.4 and 3.1 weeks of paid vacation and average annual bonuses of between $500 and $5,600. Other common benefits for radiology techs included paid holidays and sick days, 401(k) retirement plans, life and disability insurance, tuition reimbursement for educational courses, flex-time and malpractice insurance.
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While breast enlargement surgery is common, many women do not want, or cannot afford, this type of surgery. Instead, many women look to more natural ways to enlarge the breasts, by using noninvasive, inexpensive alternatives. From supplement pills to massages and creams, there are a number of natural alternatives to consider. When using supplements and creams, it is always best to consult with your physician before using any of these products. Does this Spark an idea?
Natural Breast Enhancing Supplements
These supplements are made with all-natural ingredients, and are designed to increase estrogen production within the body. As the body's estrogen levels increase, breasts naturally become larger. Supplements like Breast Activities are popular, and can be found at most supplement stores, as well as online at retailers like Healthtrition.com. Many online retailers also offer a free trial of this product, with a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with results.
Breast Enhancing Cream
This is another popular all-natural alternative to breast enlargement surgery. Natural creams like Max Enhance can be found in most supplement stores, as well as online at retailers like VitaMaker.com. These creams claim to naturally help breast tissue to grow, and expand the duct that connects to the nipple, thereby causing breast growth. By applying one to two coats of the cream each day, these creams claim to begin to enlarge the breasts within weeks (read package instructions for directions).
Massage
Massaging the breasts is also an effective way to naturally enlarge the breasts. Massaging the breasts lightly one to two times per day will increase and stimulate blood flow to the breasts, helping skin tissue to grow. An easy way to double task is to lightly massage the breast enhancing cream to the breasts, causing the breasts to increase blood flow, while the cream promotes the growth of breast tissue.
Bra Style
Different bra styles can give the appearance of larger breasts, without requiring supplements or surgical procedures. Push-up bras raise the breasts and push them together, creating a larger, firmer breast appearance. Most push-up bras have underwires, which hold the breasts in place all day, while going about your daily activities. Padded bras, on the other hand, actually add padding to the bra cups, making the breasts appear larger. The perfect combination is a padded push-up bra, which adds padding and lifts the breasts. Also look for a bra with a firm back strap, typically with two hook closures instead of one. With a tight, thick back strap, breasts will be given more support, holding them in place more easily.
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