Address The Fear Of Mammogram Screening For Patients

Every woman should have a mammogram at regularly scheduled intervals.

The National Cancer Institute reminds women that getting a high-quality mammogram provides one of the best strategies for detecting breast cancer early. Yet many women postpone this painless procedure and risk missing the possibility of an early diagnosis and effective treatment. Health care professionals should know about these fears and address them head-on.

Instructions

1. Discuss the physical aspects of what a mammogram entails with the woman. Some women may believe that the mammogram will hurt. During the mammogram, the mammogram machine compresses each of the woman's breasts for a few seconds. The discomfort lasts for no more than five seconds for each breast, and many women don't feel the discomfort at all. A numbing gel can help for especially sensitive women.

2. Explain the importance of early mammogram screening in providing expanded treatment options in the event that the mammogram discovers a tumorous growth in the breast. Some women delay doing a mammogram because they worry that a positive reading of a mammogram will result in surgery, amputation and drug therapies. Women should know that frequently, when the physician "sees something" on a mammogram, it only indicates that he has detected a small cyst or some other kind of abnormal tissue in the breast. Mammograms have a high false-positive reading, but follow-up tests will ensure clarification as soon as possible. In the event that the mammogram does indicate the presence of a cancerous growth, a woman has more treatment options and more options for less invasive treatments if the physician detects the tumor in its early stages.

3. Talk to women to dispel the rumors that circulate about breast cancer. Many people believe that only women who feel a lump in their breast or who have a family history of breast cancer need to worry about mammogram screening. In fact, feeling a lump in a breast or having a family history of breast cancer does increase the chances that a woman will develop breast cancer. However, about 70% of women who receive a positive diagnosis of breast cancer do not have any identifiable risk factors for the disease. In addition, many women who receive a positive diagnosis of breast cancer never felt any breast lumps before their diagnosis. Mammograms still provides the best tool that medicine has to give an early diagnosis of breast cancer and thereby effect the least invasive and least severe treatment.

Tags: breast cancer, diagnosis breast, diagnosis breast cancer, many women, that mammogram, believe that

Topical Use Of Premarin Cream

According to the Premarin Vaginal Cream website, Premarin is a low-dose drug therapy that primarily consists of conjugated estrogens. Conjugated estrogens are estrogen hormones that treat basic symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal burning, irritation and hot flashes. This type of therapy is used on women that have vaginal and urethral dryness after menopause. The use of Premarin also helps maintain the muscle tone of the vagina and urethra, and reduces urinary tract infections. There are, however, some significant side effects people may experience when using Premarin Vaginal Cream.

Premarin Vaginal Cream

Premarin is a topical cream, applied externally to the vagina. Premarin connects estrogen with the tissues in and around the vagina. It also reverses vaginal thinning to help restore the vaginal tissue's elasticity and lubrication. As a result, this helps with vaginal discomfort and painful experiences during sex. Based on the severity of your symptoms, the cream can be applied to the outside areas of the vagina, or it may be inserted into the vagina using the applicator. Premarin should be used every three weeks, followed by one week off.

Premarin Isn't For Everyone

Premarin should not be taken if you are pregnant or allergic to conjugated estrogen or to any other ingredients in the medication, or if you have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding. The use of this type of hormone therapy may also lead to serious complications if you have constant migraines, endometrial hyperplasia or any type of family history of liver disease, stroke or heart attack. Women with a history of breast cancer in their families should not use any type of estrogen hormone therapy including Premarin.

Side Effects

Some side effects of using Premarin include abdominal cramps, breast tenderness, hair loss, headache and nausea and vomiting. More severe side effects include vaginal or genital itching, redness or stinging in the genital area, and unusual bleeding or spotting. With these types of symptoms, a doctor should be contacted. In extreme cases, severe leg pain or numbness of any part of the body, shortness of breath, tightness of the chest and sudden vision changes may occur. If these severe effects happen, you should stop taking the medication and immediately seek medical attention.

Since Premarin is an estrogen hormone drug, using it may increase your risk of getting uterus cancer. Estrogen could also lead to blood-clotting disorders and breast cancer. Blood clots could form in the lungs and the legs. Some long-term side effects include heart disease and stroke, kidney disease and fibroids. The use of Premarin or any estrogen hormone therapy could obviously lead to serious complications. Premarin may also react negatively with other medications. It's important to make sure that your doctor is fully aware of any medications you may be taking to help prevent any negative interactions with Premarin.

Tags: estrogen hormone, hormone therapy, Premarin Vaginal, Premarin Vaginal Cream, Vaginal Cream, also lead, breast cancer

Take A Shower After A Breast Reduction

If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you probably have a lot of questions about what the surgery consists of, how painful the procedure is and how quickly you will be back to your normal activities after surgery. The good news is that for most patients, recovery is quick and a return to normal activities--such as bathing and showering--is often possible in a matter of days.

An Overview of Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery involves the surgical removal of fat, glandular tissue and skin, with the expected result of reducing both the physical size and the weight of the breasts.

Breast reduction surgery is often recommended for people--yes, men as well as women--whose large breasts are interfering with their health or daily activities. People with overly large breasts can experience back and shoulder pain, persistent rashes, grooves in the shoulders caused by bra straps, and can even find it impossible to participate in certain athletic and other activities. For these people, the risks and pain associated with surgery are often outweighed by the benefits of reduced breast size.

Breast reduction surgery can be either an outpatient or an inpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Full recovery can take several weeks to a couple months.

Post-Surgery

After a breast reduction surgery, the breasts will be dressed with gauze or elastic bandages to protect sutures and alleviate pain. Additionally, tubes may be inserted under each arm in order to drain blood or fluids to reduce swelling and pain.

The surgeon will typically remove the initial dressings, sutures and any necessary tubes in a post-operative office visit, typically scheduled within a couple of days to a week after the surgery. Until this post-operative visit, normal activities such as bathing, showering may not be recommended.

Resuming Normal Activities

Resuming your normal activities after breast reduction surgery often depends on what your normal activities are. While you can expect to return to bathing and showering within a week after surgery, at the most, other activities may have to wait.

Your surgeon may advise you to avoid strenuous exercise and activity, such as swimming, basketball, golf or other sports, for up to 2 months. Less strenuous exercise may be resumed within a couple of weeks, depending on your condition and your doctor's orders, and the medications you have been prescribed.

You will probably be advised not to drive for 48 hours to 7 days after your procedures, depending on your condition and the medications you are taking.

Tags: reduction surgery, after surgery, breast reduction surgery, Breast reduction surgery, normal activities, surgery often

Radiology Programs In Michigan

Michigan colleges and universities offer several radiology programs.

The College Board reports that nine colleges and universities in Michigan offer at least an associate’s degree in one of the fields related to radiology. Students interested in a degree in one of these fields have the choice of mid-size and large schools from different parts of the state.

Wayne State University

Detroit’s Wayne State University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in both radiologic technology and radiation therapy technology, as well as a Master of Science (MS) in radiologist assistant. The radiologic technology program suits the needs of those who want to provide medical images to assist in diagnosis. Those who wish to administer radiation for treatment of illnesses such as cancer should select the radiation therapy technology program. The MS program offers advanced education for those who work in diagnostic imaging. The College Board considers Wayne State a large university, with a Fall 2009 enrollment of 20,765 undergraduates and 11,021 graduate students.

Wayne State University

656 West Kirby Street

Detroit, MI 48202

313-577-2424

wayne.edu

University of Michigan-Flint

The University of Michigan Flint’s BS program in radiation therapy includes clinical rotations at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, as well as local hospitals. According to the College Board, the Fall 2009 enrollment included 6,581 undergraduates and 1,192 graduate students. The Fall 2009 total annual cost of attendance for students living on campus, according to the College Board, amounted to $19,681 for in-state students and $27,195 for out-of-state students. At that time, financial aid packages totaled $10,481 on average, meeting an average 78 percent of student need.

University of Michigan Flint

303 East Kearsley Street

Flint, MI 48502-1950

810-762-3000

umflint.edu

Northern Michigan University

A student at Northern Michigan University may earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in the field of radiography, which will serve as preparation for an entry-level position in diagnostic imaging. The College Board reports that Northern Michigan enrolled 9,258 students in Fall 2009, of whom 8,578 were undergraduates. The Fall 2009 total cost of attendance reported by the College Board for on-campus students came to $17,480 for in-state students and $21,854 for out-of-state students. The university website states that, as of 2010, tuition and fees include the cost of a ThinkPad or iBook notebook computer issued to each full-time student. The average financial aid package of $7,596 in Fall 2009 met an average 60 percent of student need, according to the College Board.

Northern Michigan University

1401 Presque Isle Avenue

Marquette, MI 49855

906-227-1000

nmu.edu

Tags: College Board, Fall 2009, Northern Michigan, Wayne State, Michigan University, Northern Michigan University

Alegent School Of Radiologic Technology

Alergent offers an accredited program in radiologic technology.

The Alegent School of Radiologic Technology offers an associate degree in applied science in radiologic technology in a 23-month program. Graduates are eligible to take the certification exam through the American Registry of Radiologic Technology.

Program Accreditation

The School of Radiologic Technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and the State of Nebraska Department of Education.

Admissions

Applications for the program must be submitted between September 1 and February 1. The application must include four references as well as transcripts and ACT, or American College Testing, scores. The ACT is a standardized college entry exam. In March, the school conducts interviews and the applicant must take the Keystone Allied Health Entrance Exam administered by the school. If accepted into the program, the student must pass a health physical by the Occupational Health department before classes begin in the fall.

Prerequisites

The Alegent School of Radiologic Technology has several pre-requisites for entry into the associate degree program. According to "Course Requirements for 2009," applicants are required to complete two semesters of medical terminology, intermediate algebra and a cultural diversity course. In addition, the applicant is required to have six credits of English, six credits of humanities and nine credits of mathematics. The courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Curriculum

The academic portion of the curriculum is four semesters. It includes courses in anatomy and physiology, radiology, imaging, pharmacology, ethics and pathology. The second portion of the curriculum is the clinical portion. Clinical experience is gained in the Radiology Departments of Immanuel and Bergan Mercy Medical Centers in Omaha, Nebraska and Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This is a full-time program. Classes and clinical hours will take up 40 hours per week.

Withdrawal

Students can withdraw from the program in the first three days after signing the enrollment agreement. After the start of classes, the student must submit a letter of resignation and a portion of the tuition will be refunded. Students who are pregnant may not participate in the program due to the danger to the fetus.

Tags: Radiologic Technology, School Radiologic, School Radiologic Technology, Alegent School, Alegent School Radiologic

Breast Building Exercises

Some women of all ages are looking for ways to enhance their bustlines, whether they are looking for increases in size or ways to give themselves a lift without going under the knife. Plenty of gimmicks, ranging from pills to push-up bras, are on the market for these women, but if you have a little patience and dedication you can use exercise to help you achieve your goal.

Work Out at Home

A few simple exercises you can do at home will give you the results you are looking for over time. A simple push-up is a great way to build your pectoral muscles, which in turn will give your breasts a lift and make them firm. Two variations of the push-up, a declined push-up and a pectoral push-up, also will help develop the muscles in your chest.

For a declined push-up, elevate your feet on a flat bench or some other flat surface that will allow you to do a push up with your back flat. You can also vary how far you keep your hands apart to increase or decrease intensity.

For a pectoral push-up, position yourself in the same position as you would for a regular push-up except keep your forearms on the floor and your arms bent at the elbows. Your palms should also be flat on the floor. This type of push-up puts more focus on your chest instead of your arms.

Gym Exercises

The equipment available at the gym is a great way to work on your chest, but make sure a trainer is available to show you use them correctly. Two sets of 15-20 repetitions on the dip bars and the pec deck will show you results.

You can also use weights to build your chest muscles, like doing two sets of 10 repetitions of dumbell flys. While lying on your back on a flat bench, have a spotter hand you a set of weights, one in each hand. You can start with light weights and work up to heavier weights. With your arms bent at the elbows and your palms facing away from you, lift your arms and pull them together until the weights touch, moving slow and controlled. Bring your arms back down and repeat for two sets of 10-12 repetitions.

Tags: your arms, your chest, arms bent, arms bent elbows, back flat

Late Enrollment Penalties For Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D offers optional drug coverage.

Traditional Medicare, which is government-sponsored health insurance for individuals age 65 and over as well as the disabled, includes Part A, which covers hospitalization, and Part B, which covers doctor visits. Newer Medicare programs include Part C that offers Part A and Part B coverage through private insurers, and Part D, which covers prescription drugs. If you choose to enroll in Part D after turning 65, you can expect to pay a penalty in addition to your regular premium.

Prescription Drug Options

You can enroll in Medicare Part D to obtain prescription drug coverage, which is not offered under Medicare Part A or Part B. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) instead of Parts A and B, prescription drug coverage may be covered under the plan. Medicare Part D may sometimes work in conjunction with other types of prescription drug plans you may already have, such as employer-sponsored health care coverage or VA benefits.

Enrollment Period

The best time to enroll in Medicare Part D is when you first become eligible for Medicare upon turning 65. You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to be eligible for Part D enrollment. You can also join a Part D plan, switch from one plan to another or drop Part D completely during the annual open enrollment period. As of 2011, the open enrollment period lasts from October 15 to December 7, and any changes you make will go into effect on January 1 of the following year.

Late Enrollment

If you choose not to enroll in Part D upon turning 65, you can still do so at a later time, but you will need to pay a penalty. You can expect to pay roughly 1 percent of the average national Part D premium per each month you were not enrolled or 12 percent per year. The penalty will stay in effect for as long as you are enrolled in Part D. If you enroll late, you can only do so during the annual open enrollment period.

Creditable Coverage

You can avoid paying the Part D penalty if you already have what is known as "creditable coverage." This is defined as previous coverage that meets the minimum standards required for any Part D plan. In general, coverage is creditable if it pays at least 60 percent of the participant's cost for generic or brand name drugs, and coverage must be available at a variety of retail drug outlets. Individuals having creditable coverage can switch to Part D without penalty during the annual open enrollment period.

Tags: Medicare Part, enrollment period, open enrollment, open enrollment period, annual open, annual open enrollment, drug coverage

Medical Assistance Courses

Medical assistants help physicians and nurses.

Medical assistants perform several different roles within the medical field. Depending on the setting, a medical assistant's responsibilities may include collecting lab specimens and conducting lab tests or preparing patients for medical procedures. Medical assistants often manage medical offices and oversee other assistants. Education and training covers administration, clinical procedures, lab procedures and radiography. Courses for certification can take as little as nine to 12 months at a vocational school or two years at a community college.

Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology

Anatomy and physiology courses include the study of circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems. The endocrine, lymphatic and nervous systems are also covered in introductory courses. Medical terminology is the foundation of any position in the medical field. Since many medical terms originate in the Latin form, suffixes and prefixes receive a strong focus in medical terminology courses.

Administrative

Courses addressing administrative tasks may include medical billing, insurance coding and medical law. Administrative medical assistants are also expected to learn keyboarding and medical bookkeeping software. Smaller offices may require more skill sets from medical assistants, such as secretarial, receptionist and office management. Community colleges offer elective business courses that prepare medical assistants for administrative responsibilities.

Labs

Lab courses cover clinical chemistry and diagnostic testing equipment. Courses also include instruction in basic pharmacology, cell functions and administration of medications. Students also learn detect abnormal blood cells in lab specimens.

Clinical Procedures

Courses in clinical procedures include materials and practices related to assisting the practitioner directly. Medical assistants work with doctors and other medical personnel during emergency procedures or in preparation for medical treatments. Courses include principles of infection control, electrocardiography and handling medical equipment.

Radiography

Radiography courses focus on proper handling of patients' film and X-ray equipment. Students learn prepare patients for X-rays and learn about X-ray safety and precaution. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some states allow medical assistants to take X-ray films once they complete additional courses.

General Education

Vocational schools tend to focus on courses pertaining to medical assistant training. Community colleges usually incorporate the medical assistant education into a two-year associate degree. In addition to courses related directly to medical assistance, associate degrees require the completion of general education courses, also referred to as core classes. These include English composition, college math and world history. Each state has different general education requirements.

Tags: medical assistant, clinical procedures, Community colleges, medical assistants, Medical assistants, medical field

Why Is An Organizational Chart Used

Organizational charts visually represent the formal structure of an organization. Typically, a pyramid shape is used, with the organization's leader at the top and subsequent members listed below their supervisor.

Benefits

An organizational chart works on the premise that visual pictures often make concepts easier for the mind to sort and grasp. It would be much more difficult to remember lists or tables of an organization's divisions and its members.

Org charts also make the hierarchical structure more apparent. Someone external to the organization can quickly see where responsibilities and decisions lie. Because org charts often have names, titles and phone numbers, they can be a quick reference tool. It is one of the first documents new members to the organization should become familiar with.

With the military, and other organizations with a more formal culture, it's important to know the proper chain of command. In some cases, such as an internal grievance an employee may have, it's key to start at the lowest supervisor and not the top leader. At other times, knowing where someone falls in the formal hierarchy identifies the level of decision-making responsibility he has.

Organizational charts can also depict relationships between different groups---such as identifying subordinate or associate units for various divisions. Businesses that must make decisions quickly often prefer a flat structure, without various levels of supervision. Military and formal organizations have a more traditional structure, and an org chart would depict managers at each level, with their subsequent employees.

For organizational leaders, an org chart provides order, which helps with planning, management and resource allocation.

What It Doesn't Do

One downfall of an organization chart is the false sense of understanding it provides. Even when an org chart is easy to understand and accurately portrays the formal hierarchy of the unit (and this isn't always the case), it still does not show the informal relationships and power structures that develop within an organization. Org charts don't identify the culture or formality of the organization; it's important to find out the role the organization's hierarchy plays in everyday activities.

Power structures indicate who has the ability to make decisions or get the job done. Going to the supervisor of a unit, for example, may not be the fastest way to accomplish a task or get approval. The real work may be getting done by someone at a lower level. Discovering true power structures takes time, observation and insight.

Social relationships play a large part in every organization and often defy formal hierarchy. Knowing who knows, and communicates regularly with, whom is key to making things happen.

Tags: formal hierarchy, charts also, make decisions, Organizational charts, power structures

Explanation Of Medicare Coverage

83 percent of Medicare users are 65 or older.

Medicare was created under the Social Security Act of 1965. The program, which offers health insurance coverage to people 65 years of age and older, was originally made up of only two parts, called Part A and Part B. In time, two more sections were added to Medicare: Part C, or Medicare Advantage, and Part D, covering prescription drugs. People who qualify for the program can choose from among the four plans, which all feature their own benefits, deductibles, premiums and copayments.

Part A

Part A, along with Part B, is often called original or traditional Medicare. Part A is mandatory, and you cannot enroll in any other part of Medicare without also enrolling, or already being enrolled, in Part A. Part A is premium-free for senior citizens who have paid Medicare taxes for 40 quarters, or ten years. Part A benefits help cover inpatient hospital care as well as hospice care and home health services. As of 2011, Part A has a deductible of $1,132 for hospital stays up to 60 days and coinsurance payments of $283 per day for stays of 61 through 90 days. You also have to pay $141.50 per day for days 21 through 100 in a skilled nursing facility.

Part B

Part B, unlike Part A, is optional. Part B always requires a monthly premium. In 2011, the premium was $115.40 for new members, $110.50 for existing members and $96.40 for beneficiaries who have their premiums deducted from their Social Security benefits. Part B offers coverage for outpatient hospital services and preventive services such as mammograms, smoking cessation programs and cancer screenings. Many preventive tests are free, but you will have to pay a 20 percent copay for other services. In 2011, the Part B annual deductible was $162.

Part C

Part C Medicare is more often called Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage was created in 1997 and allows Medicare beneficiaries to get their Part A and B benefits through a private insurance company. Medicare Advantage offers all the same benefits as Parts A and B, except for hospice care. MA plans generally offer additional benefits such as hearing, vision or prescription drug coverage. MA plans take the the form of standard indemnity plans, HMO plans, PPO plans or special needs plans for people with certain health conditions. There are also MA policies designed to work with health savings accounts. The premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for Medicare Advantage vary by company.

Part D

Part D offers benefits only for prescription drug coverage. If you already get prescription medication benefits through Medicare Advantage or some other coverage outside of Medicare, you do not need to sign up for Part D. The rules regarding what kinds of drugs Part D will cover and the cost of monthly premiums varies depending on your plan, your income and your insurance company. Part D is optional, but if you do not sign up for it when you are first eligible and you have no other prescription drug coverage, then you will have to pay a late enrollment penalty for enrolling at a later date.

Tags: Medicare Advantage, Part Part, drug coverage, prescription drug, prescription drug coverage

How Does Candida Cause Cancer

How Does Candida Cause Cancer?

Understanding Candida

Candida is a fungus also referred to as Candida albicans, a yeast infection, and monilia. It is a fungus that generally grows in the mucous membrane areas like the mouth, the vagina and rectum. The Candida fungus can also travel into the blood stream affecting the intestines, the heart valves and the throat. This fungus becomes infectious when it grows out of control within the body. Over 100 years ago, a Candida infection was very uncommon. It was uncommon because, during that era, people ate foods that were fresh and alive with energy. People were also not exposed to the antibiotics, fast foods and processed foods that are high in sugar and corn syrup content. They were also not open to the elements of excessive pesticides, herbicides and other toxic materials. Most of the foods produced for consumption today are 50 percent away from its original, natural state. One hundred years ago, foods were free from herbicides, pesticides, chemical processing and microwaving. Eating foods as such causes an overgrowth of Candida in the body resulting in a weakened immune system.

Candida and Cancer

Eating foods that are processed and very high in sugar and syrup content on a daily basis will feed and encourage the Candida yeast fungi to grow in the body. When these types of foods are eaten on a daily basis, it creates an excessively acidic environment in the body causing the Candida albican yeast to produce a substance referred to as mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxins that are actually the fecal waste of the Candida albicans. The mycotoxins travel into the cells of the body, the blood and lymph fluids which are located all over the human body. When the immune system is weakened due to the overgrowth of Candida, it can not function as it should which results in excessive growth of bacteria and cancer cells.

Prevention of Candida Growth in the Body

The kidneys, liver, immune system and digestive system are not capable of processing the chemically processed foods that so many people eat on a daily basis. Due to daily intake of these types of foods, it is becoming more difficult for the various defense systems within our bodies to filter and clean out all of these noxious, toxic invaders. As a result, the more unnatural foods that we intake that are high in sugar and chemical content, the more we feed and encourage the Candida bacteria. The Candida, therefore, continues to feed off of the human body's vital fluids and tissues. However, there are ways to prevent Candida from excessively growing within the body. One major way is to avoid ingesting certain types of foods and substances that create and sustain Candidiasis. The foods and substances to avoid to discourage Candida include white sugars, white flours, white potatoes, corn syrup, high fructose, sorbitol, dried fruits, honey, processed beets, fruit juices and refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates convert very quickly to sugar within the blood. Sugar is a major culprit in encouraging Candida overgrowth. Stored grains are also a concern in regards to Candida overgrowth. This is because stored grains ferment within three months and begin to produce mycotoxins. Alcohol, tobacco, antibiotics and birth control pills also have a negative effect on the body and can encourage the overgrowth of Candida. Therefore, these foods types and substances should not be taken on a daily basis.

Tags: foods that, daily basis, high sugar, immune system, overgrowth Candida, types foods

Certification As An Orthopedic Technologist

Certification testing makes sure you understand casting and splinting procedures.

In course of a normal day, an orthopedic technologist works with doctors, patients, bones and joints. Job duties range from putting on and removing casts, splints and braces to counseling patients and, depending on the technologist's expertise, may involve time in the operating room. The technical nature of this work and a common certification requirement by employers make certification a necessity to obtain employment and advance within the field.

The Facts

Two organizations important in orthopedic technologist certification are the National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists (naot.org) and the National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists (nbcot.net). The NAOT sets formal education requirements for both the Orthopaedic Technologist and Orthopaedic Technologist-Surgery Certified certifications, while the NBCOT administers the exams. As of 2011, these organizations are the sole certifying bodies for OTs.

Education Requirements

The educational program you follow on the road to becoming certified OT must adhere to NAOT standards. As a result, choosing a school the NAOT approves and recognizes is crucial. Programs range from one to two years of full-time study, depending on whether you take a certificate or associate's degree program. Core coursework includes instruction in ethics, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient assessment and hands-on training in casting, splinting and traction. An associate's of science in orthopedic technology degree program includes additional general education requirements. Qualifying for the OT-SC certification requires completing educational requirements and an additional one year of operating room experience.

Options

Although the NAOT prefers formal education, the organization provides three additional options for meeting the education portion of certification eligibility requirements. The first option is appropriate if you are already working in the field as it allows you to sit for the certification exam if you can document two years of experience under the direct supervision of an orthopedic doctor. The second is appropriate if you get training while serving in the U.S. military. If you submit a military-issued certificate of course completion or a certified DD214 listing your orthopedic technologist training, you will be eligible to register for the exam. The third option is appropriate if you are a certified or licensed athletic trainer working under the direct supervision of a doctor who specializes in the musculoskeletal system. In this case, 1,040 hours or six months of full-time employment will qualify you to take the exam.

The Exam

The three-hour OTC certification exam includes 165 multiple-choice questions, 150 of which count toward your grade and 15 that are research questions and therefore do not count. Also three-hours in length, the OT-SC exam includes 150 questions, all of which count toward your grade. Both exams are available through Iso-Quality Testing centers (isoqualitytesting.com) at select locations in each state. Testing is only available on business days during February, June, August and November of each year. Prior to registering for the exam you must apply for and receive a letter of eligibility from the NBCOT, along with a password that allows you to enter the ISO site and register for your exam. The fee as of 2011 is $375 for either exam.

Tags: casting splinting, certification exam, count toward, count toward your, degree program

Steps To A Breast Exam

.Breast exams can be an important tool for early detection of breast cancer

Breast self-examinations (BSE) were once considered to be an essential tool for the early detection of breast cancer. Today, according to the American Cancer Society, it is acceptable for women to choose not to do a breast self-exam, or to choose to only do BSE occasionally. However the American Cancer Society still recommends women be aware of how their breasts look and feel at different times during their menstrual cycle and different stages of life. This process is called breast self-awareness. For women who choose breast self examination there are five steps to follow.

Preparation

According to the Mayo Clinic, the best time to do a self-exam is a few days after the end of your menstrual period. Women who are pregnant or in menopause should choose a particular day of the month to do their BSE. Although it is not necessary to do an exam every month, it is advisable to maintain a record of your observations in a notebook.

Observation

The first three steps of a self-exam involve observation. For Step One, stand bare-chested in front of a mirror. Keep your shoulders straight and put your hands on your hips. Note the size, shape and appearance of your breasts. If you observe changes in the way your breasts look, including any puckering, swelling, rash or redness, inversion of the nipples or any other distortion, contact your physician. In Step Two, raise your arms over your head and and look for the same anomalies. Step Three involves examining your nipples for any fluid that may secrete from one or both nipples. If you observe fluid, whether it is clear, milky, yellow or bloody, contact your physician.

Physical

The last two steps involve examining your breasts with your fingers to check for any unusual lumps or anomalies under the breast skin. Lay flat on your back for Step Four. Raise one arm above your head and examine the corresponding breast with the opposite hand, i.e., use your right hand to examine your left breast. Use the fingertips and press down on the breast and make small circular motions, then move on to the next area of the breast. Begin at the top and work your way down. Cover the entire breast. Change sides and repeat the procedure. Step Five repeats the procedure performed in Step Four, only this time you will be standing up. If you find any changes from your previous self-exam, contact your physician.

Tags: contact your, contact your physician, your breasts, your physician, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, breast cancer

Hilo Hawaii Nursing Schools

Careers in nursing are expected to grow.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook predicts that the demand for registered nurses (RNs) will grow much faster than average. Prospective students who live in the Hilo, Hawaii, area have educational options available at local colleges.

University of Hawaii Community College

Clinical work must be completed on site at an approved location.

Located in Hilo, the University of Hawaii Community College offers programs for licensed practical nursing (LPN), nurse's aide (CNA) and registered nursing (RN). The school requires applicants for the RN and LPN programs to take the National League of Nursing Pre-Admission test. Students should demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and math by completed coursework or placement testing. LPN and RN students must complete a clinical portion of the program in order to graduate. The associate's degree in nursing leading to the RN is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the Hawaii Board of Health.

University of Hawaii Community College

200 W Kawilli Street

Hilo, Hawaii 96720

(808) 974-7540

hawaii.hawaii.edu

University of Hilo Baccalaureate Program

A key component of nursing education is the clinical work.

Students may apply for admission to a baccalaureate nursing program after completing the prerequisites. Some states want to require nurses with only an associate's degree to complete a bachelor's degree within ten years. For students interested in studying for a bachelor's degree, the University of Hawaii Hilo has a State of Hawaii Nursing Board approved program. Applicants must first take the pre-entry Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam. The University considers new students as pre-nursing students until they successfully complete the prerequisite courses. With the help of a nursing advisor, students enroll in

upper-level coursework.

University of Hawaii Hilo

200 W Kawilli Street

Hilo, Hawaii 96720

(808) 974-7414

uhh.hawaii.edu/depts/nursing/admission_information

University of Hawaii Manoa Online Masters Degree

Prospective students from Hawaii have good nursing schools in their own state.

Nurses who have already completed a bachelor's degree may want to obtain a master's degree in nursing (MSN). An RN who also has graduate-level training may become a nurse practitioner and specialize in pediatrics, neurology, adult practice or any number of other areas. When funding is available, RNs can study online for an MSN through the University of Hawaii Manoa. The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene at the University of Hawaii Manoa offers this degree program online so that nurses may continue with their professional and personal lives. University of Manoa policies and procedures for on-ground students also apply to distance-education students. Graduate students may also study for a Ph.D. in nursing via distance learning.

University of Hawaii Manoa

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

2528 McCarthy Mall

Webster Hall

Honolulu, HI 96822

nursing.hawaii.edu/distance-learning

Tags: University Hawaii, Hawaii Manoa, Hilo Hawaii, University Hawaii Manoa, bachelor degree, Community College

Ccd Camera Damage

CCD chips make digital cameras possible.

Digital cameras, astronomical cameras and powerful microscopes all depend on CCD chips to capture incoming photons and generate images. These sensitive devices are vulnerable to many forms of damage. While professional camera shops have the tools and expert staff people to repair many camera issues, purchasing a new camera is often the more economical decision.

Water Damage

Unless advertised as waterproof, your CCD camera is not intended for use underwater. Salt water, once it penetrates the housing of a camera, renders all electrical components useless. Salt also ruins the CCD chip, effectively totaling the camera. Chlorinated pools can be equally damaging. Your camera may still be salvageable after a dip in fresh water, provided you take quick action. Get the camera out of the water and remove the battery. Take the camera to a repair shop as soon as possible.

Damaged Housing

Camera manufacturers strive to produce high-performance cameras for the consumer market that can stand up to moderate amounts of wear and tear. Everyone drops a camera eventually. However, drop your expensive camera down a flight of stairs of over a balcony and you'll probably exceed its design limitations. Superficial scratches and dings may not affect optical performance, but physical jarring can damage sensitive internal components. Use a neck strap at all times to prevent your camera from leaving your protection.

Focal Issues

The optical elements of your CCD camera are finely tuned. There is literally no tolerance for error, because the tiniest misalignment between lenses may prevent proper focus. High-end cameras and lenses have auto-focus technology, but sometimes this feature malfunctions as well. A professional camera shop can inspect your optics and possible put elements back into alignment. However, if the problems with focus go beyond misalignment, it may be time to consider investing in a new device.

Image Quality Issues

Defective or damaged CCD chips can have obvious effects on image quality. Warning signs of a problem include images that are too dark, too bright or have colors that are too warm or too cool. Grey spots and streaking on the images are likewise indications of a bad chip. CCD chips can go bad for a number of reasons. Dust build-up can interfere with images, but is easily addressed. Moisture seepage may also impair the proper functioning of the CCD chip.

Tags: professional camera, your camera

Information On The Use Of Ivermectin For Mange Cure

Dogs with mange are itchy and uncomfortable.

Mange is caused by microscopic mites. Demodectic mange is either localized, with fewer than five isolated lesions, or generalized, with five or more lesions covering a region or the entire body of the dog. Dogs with sarcoptic mange have red, scaly skin and are extremely itchy as female mites burrow under their skins. Dog owners' home treatment of choice is ivermectin, but this extremely toxic medication carries risks. Owners must consult their veterinarians before using it.

Ivermectin Mange Treatment

Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic dog medication used against lice, intestinal worms and heartworms. It successfully kills mange mites, but it's not approved for this purpose by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. Ivermectin is administered orally or via injection daily or every second day.

High doses eradicate mange quickly. However, "This does not mean that a pet owner should experiment with ivermectin doses on their own, as there is some potential for lethal toxicity if this drug is not used appropriately," warns the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Ivermectin is sold under various brand names including Ivomec, Heartgard, Iverhart Plus, Tri-Heart, Acarexx, Stromectol, Mectizan and Ivexterm.

Fatal For Some Dogs

Ivermectin can be fatal to dogs of any breed or crossbreed. However, sensitivity is most common in herding breeds. The highest sensitivity rates are in collies, Shetland sheepdogs, Australian shepherds, Old English sheepdogs, long-haired whippets, McNabs, Silken windhounds, border collies, English shepherds and German shepherds, according to the website for the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Drug sensitivity results from a mutation in the multidrug resistance gene MDR1. Mutant MDR1 genes can't pump some drugs out of dogs' brains, resulting in neurologic problems and sometimes, death.

Pre-Use Testing

It's prudent to try low test doses of ivermectin on dogs before administering the high doses required for mange treatment, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Ideally, owners can test their dogs for ivermectin sensitivity and the mutant MDR1 gene by ordering and submitting a test kit to Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. No special training is required to collect the cheek-swab DNA samples.

Veterinary clinics can also submit dogs' DNA samples--2 cc of blood--to Washington State. Test results generally are available within two weeks.

Incompatible Drugs

Ivermectin should not be used with Valium or related tranquilizers. It shouldn't be used with Mitiban or Amitraz mange dips, or with Amitraz (Preventic) or other tick collars. These medications are members of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor group. Their efforts accumulate, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, creating sedation and adverse neurologic effects.

Ivermectin is also not compatible with the commonly used flea product spinosad, marketed as Comfortis.

Expert Insight

The Mar Vista Animal Medical Center advises, "While we recognize that it is possible to buy large-animal formulations of ivermectin (such as Ivomec) through catalogs, we strongly discourage this practice because of the potential to easily give a toxic dose. ...Large-animal formulations are much more concentrated, and it is extremely difficult to measure a dose appropriately for a small animal." Owners are safest contacting their veterinarians before measuring and administering ivermectin to their dogs.

Tags: Animal Medical, Animal Medical Center, Medical Center, Vista Animal, Vista Animal Medical

The History Of Microscopes

The History of Microscopes

When humans realized that certain things cannot be seen with the naked eye, a device had to be developed to do so. The modern microscope therefore marks humankind's progress against optical limitations.

Antecedents

Getting its name from a combination of the Greek words "mikros" ("small") and "skopein" ("to look" or "see"), a microscope is an instrument used for viewing objects that are too small for people to see with regular eyesight. Magnifying glass, spectacles and glass lenses can be considered predecessors to the microscope, as they sought to expand the possibilities of human eyesight.

Discovery

The first microscope was invented in 1590. Drawing from the innovations made so far, plus experience gained in their spectacle-making business, the father-and-son team of Hans and Zacharias Jansen (or just one of them, depending on which questionable historical account one believes) placed a lens on each end of a tube and discovered that objects were enlarged when they used the device--much more than through the glasses they produced. The tool got its name from doctor Giovanni Faber (1574-1629) in 1625 after observing his friend Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) use it for his scientific experiments. By then, several workshops had been set up throughout Europe to manufacture the new invention.

17th and 18th Centuries

By the 18th century, the microscope had been greatly improved on and used for several applications in its role as a scientific tool. Robert Hooke (1635-1703) used the microscope to discover the basic unit of life and coin the term "cell," one of the observations he published in his work "Micrographia" (1665). Microscope maker Antoni van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) is credited with developing lenses with shorter focal lengths to increase the level of magnification, an innovation that greatly assisted his discovery of bacteria, capillary systems and insect life cycles, thus earning him a reputation as possibly the first microbiologist. The title "Father of Microscopy" is usually shared between Hooke and van Leeuwenhoek for their groundbreaking work with the microscope.

19th Century

By the mid-19th century, the microscope had gone through a few more mechanical improvements, such as the creation of stages and slides for the examined sample to be placed in, and the development of objective lenses to control the sample's magnification and resolution. Key figures of microscopy at this time were surgeon Joseph Lister (1827-1912), who used several weak lenses together at certain distances to give acceptable magnification without sample blurring, and physicist Ernst Abbe (1840-1905), who introduced the importance of resolution in microscopy. Microscopes were now mass-produced mainly in Germany and the United States.

20th Century to the Present

In 1903, Richard Zsigmondy (1865-1729) developed the ultramicroscope, which enabled him to study objects below the wavelength of light. In 1932, Fritz Zernike (1888-1966) invented the phase-contrast microscope to study colorless and transparent biological materials. In 1938, Ernst Ruska (1906-1988) developed the electron microscope. And physicists Gerd Binnig (born in 1947) and Heinrich Rohrer (born in 1933) invented the scanning, tunneling microscope to view objects at the atomic level.

Today, the microscope--from the simplest to the most sophisticated designs--is one of the most indispensable tools in science.

Tags: century microscope, History Microscopes, name from, used several

Pros And Cons Of Neutering

Neutering prevents animal overpopulation.

We are inundated with information about why it is important to neuter dogs. Neutering your dog helps keep it healthy and avoids unwanted litters of puppies. There are some health risks associated with the procedure, though. While the benefits far outweigh the possible negative side effects, it is best to fully understand the pros and cons of neutering.

Health Pros

Neutering a dog reduces the risk of testicular and prostate cancers. The risks of perianal tumors and hernia also are reduced. These diseases and physical ailments tend to affect older dogs, so neutering your dog gives it a better chance at healthy senior years.

Behavioral Pros

Unneutered dogs tend to be more aggressive and have trouble concentrating, making them harder to train and control than their neutered counterparts. One particularly dangerous habit that tends to wane after neutering is running out of the house. Dogs do this for a number of reasons, including being drawn to an activity outside or a possible "mate." Having your dog run into a busy street is one of the worst fears an owner has, and neutering helps reduce the risk of this happening.

Population Control Pros

The main benefit of neutering your dog is sterilization. This is clearly a negative if you intend on breeding your dog. If you're like most owners, you have no intention of breeding and the prospect of an unwanted litter of puppies is disconcerting. Neutering eliminates this possibility and helps reduce overpopulation, which reduces the number of dogs without homes.

Health Cons

The biggest health problem associated with neutering is obesity. Neutering causes a dog's hormones to change. One side effect of this change includes a slight reduction in activity and the need for less food. Your dog will gain weight if you feed it normal amounts. Speak with your veterinarian to determine how much your dog should be eating each day to prevent overfeeding and obesity.

Surgery Cons

Putting your dog through surgery is another con to neutering. There are risks involved even though the procedure is quick and simple. As with humans, there are dangers when general anesthetics are used, although the possibility of anything life-threatening occurring (e.g. negative reaction to anesthesia) is remote. The benefits of neutering far outweigh any surgical risks.

Tags: associated with, helps reduce

Online Ultrasound Technician Schools

Ultrasound technicians can specialize in certain types of body imaging.

A degree as a medical assistant or in a health sciences discipline from an accredited institution provides training using ultrasound equipment and allows the graduate the flexibility to pursue various avenues in health care. While no online degrees specifically grant certification as an ultrasound technician, it is possible to become an ultrasound technician by enrolling in a online health-related degree program and completing the program's in-person clinical training. This training prepares students to sit for certification exams. No ultrasound technician program can be completed solely online.

Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers online degrees in medical assisting, which will allow a student to perform a variety of functions in the medical field including working as an ultrasound technician. Curriculum in medical assisting will take a student through human anatomy, medical systems operation, and procedures. Classes are offered exclusively online, however students must complete a clinical element to the degree program which will give them the hands-on work experience necessary to pass certification exams and to be marketable to hospitals and other health care institutions. Kaplan University is accredited though the Higher Learning Commission as a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kaplan University

Davenport Campus

1801 East Kimberly Road

Suite 1

Davenport, IA 52807

563-355-3500

kaplanuniversity.edu

South University

South University's online bachelor of science degree in health sciences or an associate's degree in medical assisting prepare students to work in a variety of roles in the health care industry, including as a general ultrasound technician. The program's core curriculum will give the student a proper foundation in math and science, with more focused training in the areas of health care systems and equipment which will prepare a graduate for entry-level positions (such as an ultrasound technician) in hospitals, private health clinics, and other medical institutions. South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

South University

9 Science Court

Columbia, SC 29203

800-799-9082

southuniversity.edu

Rasmussen College

Online associate's degrees in medical assisting are available through Rasmussen College. Curriculum in anatomy, science, and non-critical medical procedures will prepare a student for an entry-level position in a hospital or other medical facility as an ultrasound technician or other assistant level position, and to take national certification exams to become a certified medical assistant. To complete the program, students must complete a portion of study in-residence at a hospital or participating medical facility to qualify for certification. Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Rasmussen College

8565 Eagle Point Circle

Lake Elmo, MN 55042

651-259-6600

rasmussen.edu

Tags: ultrasound technician, health care, Kaplan University, medical assisting, Rasmussen College

Qualify For Medicare Under 65

Typically, Medicare provides health insurance only to those who are 65 years of age or older, but certain people younger than 65 may qualify. People of any age who suffer from certain disabilities or diseases may be eligible for Medicare hospital insurance. Here's qualify for Medicare if you're under 65.

Instructions

1. Get diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in order to qualify for Medicare before the age of 65 years.

2. Be a disability beneficiary for at least 24 months prior to qualifying for Medicare.

3. Complete the work requirements to qualify for early Medicare. Those who have worked for a long enough period in a federal, state or local government position will meet the requirements set forth by the Social Security disability program (see Resources below).

4. Qualify to receive a disability annuity from the Railroad Retirement Board. Those who meet this criterion will be eligible for Medicare hospital insurance after a predetermined waiting period (see Resources below).

5. Be a disabled widow or widower under the age of 65; a disabled divorced widow or widower under the age of 65; or a disabled child. In most cases, eligibility follows a 24-month waiting period.

6. Meet the criteria for a diagnosis of permanent kidney failure. Medicare allows for special rules for those who receive maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant, but to qualify you must be insured or receive monthly benefits from Social Security or the RRS, or have worked in a government position for a length of time required to be insured for Medicare.

Tags: eligible Medicare, eligible Medicare hospital, government position, have worked, hospital insurance, Medicare hospital, Medicare hospital insurance

Eligibility Rules For Medicaid For Seniors

Senior with medication

It is common for many senior citizens to take part in the United States funded Medicare insurance program, but many may not realize that some seniors are also eligible for Medicaid. The Medicaid insurance program pays medical costs to health care providers for people with low incomes. Seniors who are not poverty stricken may be unaware that many of them are still eligible to take part in the program. The high costs for prescription drugs and long term care make many seniors eligible for different types of Medicaid.

Long Term Care Medicaid Eligiblity

Although many seniors have never considered themselves financially eligible to receive Medicaid, many have trouble covering the costs of long term care. Medicaid is available to cover the expenses for seniors who are living with chronic illness or disability, need long term care, or are having trouble paying for their health expenses. In order to receive Medicaid for long term care, senior citizens must meet specific medical and financial requirements. These medical requirements are regulated by the Division of Family Assistance and The Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services. After an application process the senior's financial and medical situations are evaluated by the DFA and BEAS.

In a long term care facility where nursing is required, the facility may require a separate in-house evaluation procedure performed by a registered nurse. This assessment must be approved by the Legislative Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. However, it can only be conducted after the DFA finishes determining the senior's financial eligibility based on their application and separate assessment. To apply for long term care Medicaid, contact the Department of Health and Human Services.

Duel Eligibility

While financial eligibility requirements may confuse some senior citizens, their participation in Medicare programs may hinder them from applying for Medicaid coverage. However, certain Medicare recipients can receive duel eligibility from both insurance programs. One common eligibility requirement in duel recipients is the authorization for them to receive Supplemental Security Income. A majority of these people are at the federal poverty level or spent excessive amounts of money on health care. The duel eligible seniors are able to acquire Medicare premiums with Medicaid benefits. Seniors who are above the federal poverty level may receive Medicaid that covers their Medicare premiums.

PACE

The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 gave way to a program that created the opportunity for seniors to receive both Medicare and Medicaid funding. This is known as The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. The PACE program is an option for Medicare users, giving them the option to utilize Medicaid benefits. While eligibility varies by state, interested individuals must be 55 years or older and be eligible to live in a state appropriate PACE certified nursing home.

Tags: long term, long term care, receive Medicaid, senior citizens, term care

Natural Herbs & Menopause

Menopause is a transitional time with unpredictable hormone levels and uncomfortable symptoms. The changes that are common during menopause are caused by abrupt drops in estrogen levels. Many organs in the female body depend on the presence of estrogen, and when the level falls, symptoms are plentiful. Rather than resorting to conventional medicines that can include hormone replacement therapy; choose an herbal solution to treat and ease symptoms of menopause.

Sage

Hot flashes are a prevalent symptom during menopause. Treat hot flashes by making an herbal tea with everyday sage. Sage is a good choice for limiting the high level of sweating that is often part of hot flashes. While sage has a drying effect on hot flashes, conversely, it has a moisturizing effect on other parts of the body. Namely, sage helps to re-invigorate vaginal lubrication that may be lost during menopause. In this manner, sage can be considered somewhat of an anti-aging herb. Make sage tea by combining 2 tsp. of the dried herb with 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and drink. Drink one cup of tea three times a day. Sage is also available in tincture form. Add 3 to 15 drops of the tincture to 1 cup of water and take 3 times a day for relief of hot flashes.

Tincture Tonic

Make a custom herbal tincture tonic to treat various symptoms of menopause. This mixture can help to regulate menstrual cycles as well as relieving the occasional hot flash. You will need 4 oz. of black cohosh tincture, 2 oz. of partidgeberry tincture, 2 oz. of motherwort tincture, 1 oz. of chasteberry tincture and 1 oz. of wild yam tincture. Pour these tinctures into a small glass bowl, and mix together. Use a funnel to pour the mixture into a new bottle. Use a dosing syringe to accurately measure the dose, about 1/3 tbsp. or 5ml three times a day. Tinctures have a strong taste; to offset the taste, mix the tincture in an 8-oz. glass of water or juice.

Red Clover

Red clover has high levels of phytoestrogens. These plant-based components are not exact substitutes for the body's hormones, but they have very similar effects. Sometimes their mild properties are just enough to reverse bothersome menopause symptoms that result from too little estrogen. Red clover is also high in isoflavones, naturally occurring chemicals that are also found in soy foods. Look for red clover capsules with a dosage range of between 370 and 435mg. at health-food stores. Take two capsules three times daily or drink red clover tea throughout the day. Make one serving of red clover tea by mixing 1 to 2 tsp. of dried red clover with 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink. It is safe to drink as much of this tea as you want.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is widely used to treat a range of menstrual and menopausal symptoms. Like red clover, black cohosh contains phytoestrogens. Black cohosh lowers levels of LH or luteinizing hormone. This hormone is responsible for opening up blood vessels and sending waves of heat to the surface of the skin, also known as a hot flash. By lowering the levels of LH, black cohosh eases symptoms of hot flashes in menopausal women. Black cohosh in tincture form is most effective. Add 1/2 tsp. to 4 oz. of water and take two to four times a day for six weeks. Take a month off and repeat the cycle, if desired. Look for black cohosh in health-food stores.

Horsetail

The herb horsetail is thought to improve absorption of calcium in the bones. It can help to reverse bone loss that is associated with menopause. Look for horsetail in health-food or herbal stores and follow dosing instructions carefully.

Tags: Black cohosh, during menopause, three times, black cohosh, black cohosh, boiling water

Breast Implant Problems

Women who do not have the size breasts they desire, breast implants can be an option. There are complications that can arise from this though, and knowing what these possible problems are may make you think twice before attempting to enhance the size of your bra.

Pain

Though this is a problem that can be expected with any type of surgery, the pain from breast implant surgery can vary in its duration and intensity. There are determining factors, such as the size of the implant and whether it's been placed under a muscle.

Infection

Infection is another problem to be anticipated with any type of surgery, though when it occurs with breast implant surgery, it can occur at any time. The first course of action is treatment with antibiotics. If the infection doesn't go away, the implant may need to be removed. Once the tissue has healed, the implant can be replaced if the woman chooses. In rare cases, a woman can contract an infection called Toxic Shock Syndrome, which is life-threatening. Symptoms of this infection include fainting, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, dizziness and a sunburn-like rash.

Change in Sensation

An increase or decrease in breast and nipple sensitivity can occur once the surgery has been completed. It can range from increased sensitivity to a complete loss of sensation. The changes are usually temporary, but they sometimes can be permanent. No matter how long they last for, these changes can have an affect on erotic responses.

Rupture

An implant rupture is more likely to occur with older implants, but they can happen with any, especially if the woman has suffered a traumatic chest injury such as a car accident. A rupture with a saline implant is easier to detect than a rupture with a silicone implant. If a silicone implant rupture goes undetected, it can remain inside the scar capsule--the area of scar tissue surrounding the implant--and an MRI may be required to diagnose it. Though there are rarely any symptoms accompanying a silicone rupture, some women may experience tingling, swelling, a change in the size or shape of their implant and pain.

Capsular Contracture

This problem occurs when the scar tissue around the implant begins to tighten, squeezing it and causing pain. It can also distort the implant and the breast, cause the implant to harden and cause it to rupture. If a contracture forms, the doctor can either release or remove the tightened capsule. In some cases, the woman may need to have the implant replaced at the same time.

Tags: breast implant surgery, cases woman, implant replaced, implant rupture, implant surgery, rupture with, scar tissue

Thyroid Tumor With Vascular Invasion

The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 37,000 Americans received a diagnosis of thyroid cancer in 2009. Vascular invasion makes the disease more difficult to battle as it ranges throughout the body.

Identification

Vascular invasion is the process of cancerous cells spreading from the main malignancy by way of the vascular system. The damaged cells enter the blood system, travel to the heart, and then are distributed to other areas of the body through transport in the blood flow.

Significance

A thyroid tumor with vascular invasion indicates that cancerous cells of the thyroid gland have spread (metastasis) and are growing and damaging another part of the body.

Types

Of the two most common forms of thyroid cancer, papillary and follicular, vascular invasion occurs more frequently with follicular carcinoma, as the malignant cells easily move into the veins and arteries inside the thyroid gland.

Effects

Follicular cancer is more aggressive than papillary. The lungs, bone, brain, liver, bladder and skin are the most common destinations for this spread with lymph nodes being affected less often.

Considerations

Age usually determines the prognosis. "Young people rarely die of their disease regardless of whether the surrounding lymph nodes were affected, tumor is left behind, or the tumor extends into the veins or outside of the tissue that encapsulates it," according to the New York Thyroid Center at Columbia University Medical Center. "However, for older patients all of these factors play a significant role."

Tags: cancerous cells, into veins, lymph nodes, most common, thyroid cancer

Causes Of A Spot On The Lung

Causes of a Spot on the Lung

If a doctor discovers a spot on your lungs, your first reaction may be panic and concern. Though you may immediately associate this spot with lung cancer, there are actually many different reasons it could have occurred.

Cancer

Cancer is, of course, one possible explanation. However, according to the National Jewish Medical Research Center, this is only the case less than 40 percent of the time. If you are a smoker, its is more likely. Your doctor will complete the necessary test for a diagnosis and a treatment plan will be discussed.

Infection

A fungal infection can cause a nodule on the lung. According to Mary Pickett, M.D. (see References), you might not even notice the mild infection, but your body will create a barrier around it to contain the infection, creating the nodule.

Inflammation

Certain diseases that cause inflammation can also cause singular nodules on the lungs. Some examples of these diseases are rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis.

Irritation

According to the National Jewish Medical and Research Center, a spot on the lung could also be caused by a previous injury. This could be anything from a car accident to a punch in the ribs. Previous bruising or scarring could leave some inflammation.

Benign Growths

It is not uncommon to have a benign growth of healthy lung cells appear as a spot on your lungs. This happens when normal lung cells grow, but don't have a pattern of organization that arranges them in their usual tubular shapes. They can't fill with air, so they just form a clump.

Prevention

If the spot on your lung is not cancerous, it should still be watched. Sometimes non-cancerous nodules can become cancerous. Frequent X-rays and scans can catch this in the earlier stages, resulting in a better chance at survival.

Tags: spot your, Causes Spot, Causes Spot Lung, Jewish Medical, Jewish Medical Research

What To Expect During The Stages Of Pregnancy

What to Expect During the Stages of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is exciting but can also be scary when you're not sure what to expect. Every trimester is a little different, as are experiences with labor, childbirth and the postpartum period. Besides the amazing growth of the baby during pregnancy, a pregnant woman undergoes extraordinary physical and mental changes.

First Trimester

Although a woman's physical appearance doesn't undergo any major changes, there is still quite a bit going on during the first trimester. Significant hormonal changes lead to a variety of different physical symptoms including: swollen breasts; change in size or color of nipples; fatigue or extreme tiredness; nausea and/or vomiting; mood swings; frequent urination; constipation; and headaches. However, these discomforts happen for a good reason, as the baby makes remarkable developments during this time. The baby's brain and spinal column form and the heart begins beating. All other major body organs and external structures begin to form during this trimester as well.

Second Trimester

Many of the physical discomforts of the first trimester begin to dissipate during the second trimester. Unfortunately, as some discomforts lessen, new discomforts may arise. Body aches and pains may start occurring, particularly in the back, groin and thigh regions. Feet, ankles and hands may also begin to swell during the second trimester. The abdomen begins expanding more, and this is usually the trimester most women are forced into wearing maternity clothes. The baby continues to make great progress during this trimester. Muscle tissues, bones and skin of the baby continue to form, and the baby finally becomes big and strong enough for the mother to feel kicks and movements.

Third Trimester

As the baby continues to get bigger, things become a bit more uncomfortable during the third trimester. Breathing and moving around becomes increasingly more difficult as the trimester progresses. Swelling in the feet, ankles and hands may also continue to worsen, and heartburn may also become an issue. However, the baby is busy finishing all of the important developmental tasks. The baby "practices" breathing during this trimester and continues to put on needed fat.

Signs of Labor

Two fairly reliable predictors of true labor are red or pink discharge and water breaking. If either of those occur, there is a good chance of labor beginning shortly. However, determining whether or not a person is in labor by early contractions alone can be a bit trickier. Contractions can happen without labor being imminent, so it's important to be able to learn the difference between true labor and "false" labor. True contractions eventually start to get stronger and closer together and have some sort of pattern to them, whereas false contractions remain sporadic and eventually peter out on their own. A good test in determining whether the contractions are real or not is to drink a big glass of water and lie down for a while. If the contractions don't slow down or stop after this, there's a good chance it is true labor and a visit to the hospital may be in order.

Stages of Labor

The childbirth process usually occurs in three stages. The first stage of childbirth includes the cervix opening up to 10cm and becoming fully effaced. This stage of childbirth is usually the longest, and most women choose to stay at home for at least the first portion of this stage. Once the woman starts actively pushing out the baby, the second stage of childbirth has begun. This stage typically lasts less than 2 hours and ends when the baby is born. The third stage of childbirth includes pushing out the placenta. This stage is the shortest of all the childbirth stages, typically lasting less than 30 minutes.

Cesarean Section

There are instances in which a Cesarean section is done instead of a vaginal delivery. A Cesarean delivery is considered major surgery and has risks, including infection, blood clots and dangerous bleeding. The recovery period is also usually longer and more difficult than with a vaginal birth. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider these points when deciding whether or not to pursue a Cesarean delivery. However, in many cases, a Cesarean delivery is the best or safest option for the mother or the baby. Most Cesarean deliveries take about an hour and take place in an operating room. Usually, only an epidural or spinal block is administered by a doctor, and the woman can be fully conscious during the entire process.

Postpartum

Finally, the baby is born and the last stages of pregnancy have been officially completed. Now is the time to start bonding with the baby and recovering, physically and mentally. Although there will be the new physical change in breasts as they begin producing milk, the rest of the woman's body starts the journey of returning to its pre-pregnancy form. The uterus begins contracting immediately after the baby and placenta have been delivered. Although the physical process of returning to normal takes 6 to 8 weeks, being able to mentally adapt to life with a newborn may take longer or shorter or than that. During this process, if there are any sign of postpartum depression or any thoughts of the woman wanting to hurt herself of the baby, she should seek the help of a health care provider or doctor immediately.

Tags: stage childbirth, Cesarean delivery, during this, during this trimester, This stage, this trimester

Determine Proper Staff Levels

Staffing levels are subject to growth, strategies and technological change.

Staffing levels are highly dependent on the stability of the organization. Determining those levels requires understanding growth, strategies and technology changes planned. Plans should include outsourcing and temporary resources. An understanding of employee capabilities and learning curves also assists the staffing process.

Instructions

1. Determine the business process areas that will be part of the staffing project. Clearly define the business processes required. Divide the business processes into categories that an individual can perform.

2. Determine resources required to perform the processes. Resources include people, software, paperwork and equipment. Identify the labor hours required per day and per week to perform the processes. Include time for breaks and interruptions that normally occur.

3. Design positions that use a normal eight-hour work day and 40-hour work week. Calculate the hours required to perform the positions per day and per week and identify the number of employees needed. For example, if business processes for one position take 80 hours per week to perform, then two people will be needed.

4. Consider whether hours required per day or per week change because of seasonality, month-end or quarter-end activity. Plan for outsourcing or temporary resources to absorb these fluctuations or consider redesigning positions and the business processes they perform in low- and high-requirement situations.

5. Consider how future technology changes will change business processes. Software implementations can increase efficiency of business processes requiring less time to perform. Plan for using these extra hours by redesigning positions to do higher-value work, such as analysis, negotiation and business process improvement.

Tags: business processes, hours required, business process, growth strategies, hours required week

Breast Yeast Infection

Yeast infections--from candida, a parasitic fungus--can occur in warm, moist environments on the body, including the mouth, vagina and breasts. Candida infections that target the nipples can be uncomfortable and should be treated.

Identification

Yeast infections commonly occur on the nipples through being passed from a baby to his breast-feeding mother. Such infections can also occur under the breasts, where the two folds of skin come into contact.

Cause

Mothers often get yeast infections from babies with oral thrush, which is basically candida that appears as velvety white lesions on the tongue and sides of the mouth.

Symptoms

Dry, itchy and burning nipples suggest a yeast infection. Underneath the breast there may be redness and swelling. In addition, there may be shooting pains in one or both breasts.

Treatment

Yeast infections can be treated by applying an over-the-counter antifungal cream to the affected area or by taking the prescription medication fluconazol.

Prevention/Solution

Because candida breeds in warm, moist areas, the body should be thoroughly dried after bathing, and synthetic, tight clothing should be avoided.

Tags: warm moist, Yeast infections

About Ssdi Health Insurance Coverage

Individuals who suffer severe disabilities can apply for financial assistance through the Social Security Administration.

Individuals can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, which is sponsored by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI is an entitlement program for U.S. citizens who paid into Social Security while they were working. Payment amounts depend on several factors, including the applicants' earnings histories and the length of time they worked. However, there are several eligibility requirements outlined by the SSA that applicants have to meet or they will be denied coverage.

Benefits

SSDI is an alternative way for individuals to receive financial assistance because of illnesses or injuries if they cannot afford or qualify for private disability insurance policies or if they have no access to group-sponsored plans. Unlike disability policies that are sold by insurance companies, there are no premium payments for SSDI. This program also pays benefits to the beneficiaries' family members, including their spouses, dependent and disabled children, and their ex-spouses.

Payments and Taxation

Benefit amounts are determined by how much the applicants earn over their working careers. The SSA sends out yearly statements to those who are eligible to receive SSDI detailing what their benefit amounts would be at the time each statement is issued. Benefit payments from this program aren't considered taxable income unless the incomes of the beneficiaries exceed the program's guidelines. For individuals, benefits are taxed if their total incomes surpass $25,000, and for married couples, it's $32,000. However, taxes cannot exceed 85 percent of the Social Security benefits.

Disability Requirements

Not all disabilities qualify individuals for SSDI. Social Security doesn't cover medical conditions for short periods of time. Applicants must have medical problems that are scheduled to last for a year or longer. SSDI also does not pay benefits to those who are only considered partially disabled. Disabilities that are covered must prevent applicants from doing work that they were previously hired for and inhibit them from doing other work.

Misconceptions

SSDI beneficiaries are able to receive full disability benefits while attempting to work again. Initially, beneficiaries are given trial periods, which are nine months completed within 60-month periods. Qualifying trial months are defined as when beneficiaries (A) earn $720 or more a month or (B) work 80 hours or earn $720 per month after expenses if they're self-employed. After trial periods, SSA will provide beneficiaries with 36-month windows where they collect benefits for any month their earnings dip below certain amounts. As of 2010, that amount is $1,000 per month ($1,640 if blind). Beneficiaries can also keep their Medicare coverage under these work incentive rules as well.

Warning

SSDI beneficiaries must satisfy waiting periods of five months before payments are made to them. The Social Security Administration will request updates from beneficiaries detailing their current medical statuses. These requests are to determine whether they're healthy enough to not be considered disabled. It is also the beneficiaries' responsibility to report any changes to their health. Individuals who make more than $1,000 on a monthly basis are generally ineligible to receive SSDI benefits.

Tags: Social Security, Security Administration, Social Security Administration, disability benefits, financial assistance

Apply For Help With Medicare Premiums

Medicare is the federally administered health care program for the elderly and disabled. While it is designed to be affordable, the elderly and disabled populations cannot always keep up with some of the extraneous costs such as premiums. Luckily, there are several programs for those with low incomes that can offer some assistance.

Instructions

1. Gather documentation such as proof of your income, assets (bank accounts, deeds to any property, cars, etc.) and identification. Keep this information in one spot or envelope in case you need to reference it quickly on an application or if you need to take it with you on any program eligibility interviews.

2. Apply for Medicare Savings Programs. Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are a state-administered program designed to help low-income populations pay for some of the extra costs of Medicare. Those enrolled in MSPs do not have to pay their Part B premiums. Eligibility for this program is based on how much money you bring in every month (income) and, in many states, your assets. Most states have three different levels: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI) Program. Each level has its Part B premium paid for. Contact your local Medicaid office to apply.

3. Apply for Extra Help. Extra Help is a federal program that helps Medicare recipients with their drug costs. Those who qualify for Full Extra Help pay no Part D premium, and those who qualify for Partial Extra Help pay a sliding-scale-based Part D premium. In addition to premium discounts, Extra Help can also assist you with co-insurances and deductibles. Eligibility for Extra Help is based on income. If you receive Supplemental Security Income or if you are applying for a Medicare Savings Program, you will get Extra Help automatically. To apply for Extra Help, apply directly through the Social Security Administration's website.

4. Apply for a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP). If your income is too high for Extra Help, you may qualify for an SPAP. Not every state has an SPAP and not all SPAPs work the same. Some SPAPs give Part D premium assistance, while others do not. For more information and to find out apply, contact your state health insurance assistance program.

5. Keep copies of all applications you send out, and keep the dates of when you submit anything. If you speak to any officials at Medicaid, Medicare or the Social Security Administration, write down his name, the time and date when you spoke and what the outcome of the call was. This information may come in handy if you receive an unfavorable decision that is in conflict with anything someone else has told you. In many cases, you can appeal when you aren't accepted into a program.

Tags: Extra Help, Part premium, Medicare Savings, elderly disabled, Medicare Beneficiary, Medicare Savings Programs