Nuclear Medicine Tech Schools

Nuclear medicine tech schools prepare students to enter a growing healthcare field.

The demand for nuclear medical technologists will increase by 16% through 2018, resulting in the creation of 3,800 new jobs, according to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because their work involves handling radioactive materials used for medical imaging tests, nuclear medical technologists must receive post-secondary education in the field. A small number of colleges and universities in the United States offer bachelor's degrees designed to prepare students for careers in nuclear medical technology.

University of Vermont

With more than 12,000 undergraduate students, the University of Vermont is the state's largest college. Founded in 1791, the school is located in the suburban town of Burlington. The university grants a four-year bachelor's degree in the field, requiring courses in chemistry, biology, medical terminology, psychology, ethics, anatomy, radiation, statistics, phlebotomy and pharmaceuticals. Students complete one- to three-credit clinical practicums or laboratories to gain hands-on experience and also spend one full semester in a clinical setting at an area hospital.

University of Vermont

194 South Prospect St.

Burlington, VT 05405-0160

(802) 656-3370

uvm.edu

University of Nevada at Las Vegas

The University of Nevada at Las Vegas has an undergraduate enrollment of more than 22,000 students. The public university opened in its urban setting in 1957. The university's bachelor's degree program in nuclear medicine accepts new students once every two years. Students spend the first two years at the university taking general education courses in mathematics, humanities, social sciences, computer science, fine arts, biology, chemistry and physics. At the start of the third year, students apply for admission to the professional program and typically receive admittance if they've maintained a 2.50 GPA or better. The professional courses then require four additional semesters of study and relate directly to nuclear mediicne.

University of Nevada at Las Vegas

4505 Maryland Parkway

Las Vegas, NV 89154

(702) 774-8658

unlv.edu

Barry University

Situated in suburban Miami Shores, Florida, Barry University is a private, Roman Catholic college located seven miles north of downtown Miami. The school opened in 1940 and has more than 5,000 undergraduate students. In the nuclear medicine bachelor's program, students spend three years completing courses in humanities and social sciences, life and physical sciences courses, mathematics, genetics, laboratory management, microbiology and immunology. Students then apply for internship programs and spend their final year in the program training in hospitals and outpatient clinics throughout the state.

Barry University

11300 NE 2nd Ave.

Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695

(305) 899-3100

barry.edu

Roosevelt University

A private college with no religious affiliation, Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois, has more than 4,300 undergraduate students. In addition to the core required courses, the bachelor's in nuclear medicine allows students to take special elective courses in fields such as management and methods of patient care, computer applications, radiopharmacy and nuclear physics. After completing three years of study at Roosevelt, students spend one calendar year in clinical training at either Edward Hines, Jr. Veterans Hospital or Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Roosevelt University

430 South Michigan Ave.

Chicago, IL 60605

(312) 341-3515

roosevelt.edu

Tags: more than, Barry University, more than undergraduate, Nevada Vegas, nuclear medical, nuclear medicine

Colleges In Meridian Mississippi

Several colleges in the Meridian, Mississippi, area train students for a variety of career fields.

The most common industries in Meridian, Miss., include health care, construction, public administration, educational services and accommodation/food services, according to City-data.com. Other fast-growing fields in the state of Mississippi include information technology and criminal justice, according to Education-Portal.com. Several colleges in Meridian prepare students for these and a variety of other career fields.

Meridian Community College

Meridian Community College offers several certificates and two-year degrees. Areas of study include broadcast communications technology, business and office technology, graphic design technology, hotel and restaurant management technology, emergency medical technician work and even fire protection technology. Other programs include dental hygiene technology, cosmetology, medical laboratory technology, electronics technology, construction trades, automotive technology and nursing. Broadcasting communications technology students learn audio and video production, writing style for the mass media and directing. Hotel and restaurant management students learn aspects of food handling and preparation, while medical laboratory technology students cover topics such as clinical chemistry and microbiology. Founded in 1937, Meridian Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, according to CommunityCollegeReview.com.

Meridian Community College

910 Highway 19 N.

Meridian, MS 39307

(601) 483-8241

www.meridiancc.edu/occupationaled

Mississippi State University--Meridian

Students at Mississippi State University in Meridian can choose to study a variety of fields such as psychology, history, criminal justice, gerontology, accounting and marketing. Other curricula include resort and convention, interdisciplinary studies, technology management, healthcare administration, business administration, secondary education and even counselor education. Resort and convention students study topics such as organizational communications, financial management and business policy. Interdisciplinary studies students can custom-create a program that meets their career goals. Certificates, bachelor's degrees and master's degrees are available at the university. Founded in 1972, Mississippi State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Mississippi State University--Meridian

1000 Highway 19 N.

Meridian, MS 39307

(601) 484-0136

meridian.msstate.edu

Final Touch Beauty School

Final Touch Beauty School offers certificates in beauty and cosmetology. Students in the program gain knowledge and manipulative skills in various aspects of cosmetology, according to Universities.com. Topics include hair cutting/shaping and coloring, anatomy and the latest styles, according to Educational Institutions Resource Bank. The college also trains students to become nail technicians and manicurists, according to Ed-reference.us. Through the occupational training, students learn professional standards for maintaining inter-personal relationships in addition to management skills. The private Final Touch Beauty School has a specialized accreditation in cosmetology, according to Elearners.com.

Final Touch Beauty School

5700 N. Hills St.

Meridian, MS 39307

(601) 485-7733

universities.com/edu/Final_Touch_Beauty_School.html

Tags: Beauty School, Community College, Final Touch, Final Touch Beauty, Meridian Community

Natural Cures For Cancer

Natural Cures for Cancer

The National Cancer Institute reported an estimated 1,437,180 people died from cancer-related deaths in 2008. Though these rates were lower than expected, no known cure for the disease has been found. With traditional treatment models at a standstill, natural cures provide new alternatives to those seeking a more holistic approach to healing and wellness.

Identification

With no known cures for cancer on the horizon, many are exploring alternative treatment options in the place of traditional treatments. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, while offering limited hope to cancer patients, significantly impacts one's quality of life. Natural cures include herbal, nutritional, chiropractic and energy-based approaches, with herbal and nutritional being the most commonly used. In some regards, herbal and nutritional treatments operate from the standpoint that nature's ingredients are best suited to heal the human body. Herbal treatments use the therapeutic properties found in plants, while nutritional treatments focus on the properties found in natural foods.

Features

Cancer can arise from different causes and take root within various parts of the body. What causes it is still unknown; however many factors contribute to its occurrence. For whatever reason, a specific group of cells in the body begin to lose control over their reproductive abilities. Cells start to multiply at unusual rates, causing the lump and tumor formations.

Herbalists view these cellular malfunctions as caused by a weakened immune system. The body is essentially a self-repairing entity that functions just fine until its natural mechanisms become damaged or weakened. A diet lacking in nutrition depletes the body of the vitamins, minerals and enzymes needed to repair itself.

Function

Herbal treatments are derived from plant extracts, not unlike many pharmaceutical medicines in use. The difference between the two lies in what parts of the plant are used to prepare a treatment. While most pharmaceutical medicines extract key ingredients from a plant, herbal treatments rely on the combined mix of a plant's ingredients to provide a natural therapeutic effect. Traditional medicine attempts to treat specific symptoms caused by an illness and so targets them with key ingredients. Herbal approaches view the body as a whole, so the focus is on the cause of an illness, rather than its effects.

Considerations

An article posted in the New York Times in June 2008 reports on the government's need to crack down on marketing advertisements for herbal products that claimed to cure cancer. A total of 25 companies and 125 different products were flagged for participating in fraudulent practices. Consumer warnings were posted by the Food & Drug Administration to alert them of advertisements containing exaggerated claims. As a result, the FDA is reevaluating its safety requirements for herbal products. Stricter laws on herbal product testing and approvals are under consideration as a necessary step for consumer safety.

Types

Natural cures for cancer extend beyond herbal and nutritional treatments. Reiki, massage and physical touch methods are based on restoring the body's natural energy balance. Physical touch methods, like acupuncture, work to redirect energy flow at specific points within the body's system. Both the reiki and massage methods involve the laying on of hands, with reiki being more energy-oriented. Chiropractic treatment approaches focus on the body's musculoskeletal balance as the source of immune system functioning. By restoring a person's musculoskeletal balance, the immune system is better able to combat illnesses within the body.

Tags: herbal nutritional, immune system, nutritional treatments, from plant, herbal nutritional treatments, herbal products

What Are The Dangers Of Ruptured Silicone Breast Implants

What Are the Dangers of Ruptured Silicone Breast Implants?

Once upon a time, the link of ruptured silicone implants and illnesses in women was high enough for the Food and Drug Administration to ban the use of silicone implants in 1992. Thousands of women were found to have contracted autoimmune diseases due to leakage of the silicone. Though the FDA reintroduced the use of silicone implants in 2006, many doctors still question the safety of their use as implants.

Possible Rupture

Since the FDA reinstated the use of silicone implants, it still remains uncertain if any possible harm could come from the implants if the gel leaks.

Detection

If a silicone implant ruptures, you may not be able to notice, and once a rupture is detected, multiple surgeries would be needed to remove all the contents. The gel from the silicone is viscou,s and because there is so much of it, surgery would be extensive.

Symptoms

If a silicone implant ruptures, you may experience swelling, numbness, burning, pain or knots within your breast, according to the FDA.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Very rarely does Toxic Shock Syndrome occur, but when it does happen, a leakage can cause the breast to become infected with bacteria. Left untreated, a person can experience fever, chills, nausea/vomiting, seizures and possibly death.

Difficulty in Removal

Because it is difficult to notice when you have a ruptured silicone implant, it is important to get an MRI exam every two years, according to the Mayo Clinic. The reason is that if the implant ruptures and begins to move toward other parts of the body (such as the lungs), it becomes impossible to remove the gel contents.

Fibromyalgia

Some women who have had ruptured silicone implants have had symptoms of fibromyalgia (a condition with symptoms of muscle/joint pain, and severe fatigue).

Tags: silicone implants, implant ruptures, silicone implant, Breast Implants, Dangers Ruptured

Treat Fibrocystic Breast Disease Naturally

Fibrocystic breast disease is a condition that many women suffer from, luckily there are ways to treat Fibrocystic Breast Disease naturally. Women who suffer from this disease experience painful, lumpy and even cystic breasts, especially around the time of their periods. Below are some effective ways to treat Fibrocystic Breast Disease naturally

Instructions

1. The most important thing to do to help prevent pain if you have fibrocystic breast disease, is to avoid a high fat diet. High fat diets raise the estrogen levels within the body, causing the buildup of fluid and cellular tissue in the breasts. This leads to lumpy and painful breasts.

2. Soy products help to balance out the excess estrogen in the body, so try to add lots of soy products to your diet, or take it in supplemental form. Getting rid of excess estrogen can help with fibrocystic breast disease.

3. Iodine helps to block estrogen from sticking to the receptors in the breast. Iodine is found in many sea vegetables, such as kelp and wakame. Kelp can be taken in a supplemental form as well.

4. Fiber helps to remove excess estrogen from the body, so try to make sure to get the daily recommendations of fiber, at the very minimum. Most Americans get less than half of the amount of fiber they really need.

Tags: Breast Disease, breast disease, excess estrogen, Fibrocystic Breast Disease, Breast Disease naturally, Disease naturally, estrogen from

What Is A Mainframe Computer

Mainframe computer provide enormous processing power to large companies.

Technology advances since the introduction of the mainframe computer in the mid-20th century have blurred the distinctions between mainframes and large servers, but there are still distinctions that classify some computing machines as mainframe computers -- including speed, total throughput, environmental considerations and operating systems. Mainframe computers are alive and well, evidenced by the fact that IBM announced the release the zEnterprise mainframe in July of 2010.

Mainframe Computer Definition

The classic definition of a mainframe computer is a machine that produces high computing performance that is used by large companies which have matching large-scale computing requirements. A mainframe provides greater reliability, availability and security than their smaller counterparts. Mainframes are typically used in centralized computing environments as opposed to distributed environments, and are generally considered to be much more adept at multi-purpose computing than smaller servers.

Size - Then and Now

In the early years, mainframe computers took up huge rooms of "frames" of vacuum tubes and wires, all tied to a central "main frame," hence the term "mainframe." The ENIAC computer consumed 680 square feet of floor space and contained more than 17,000 vacuum tubes. The UNIVAC computer held 5,000 vacuum tubes and introduced the ability to store data on magnetic tape rather than punched cards. The modern IBM S/390 mainframe stands in stark contrast, taking up a footprint of about eleven square feet and processing billions of instructions per second.

Processor Speed and Throughput

Processing speed requirements prompt companies to buy mainframes. Large banks and other financial institutions, conglomerate enterprises with multiple operating units and other large businesses require raw speed and transaction throughput to be able to process a day's business in less than 24 hours. While some larger servers deliver solid processor speed, it is the combination of processing capability, including the rapid turnaround of data, that makes the mainframe computer superior.

Dueling Operating Systems

One of the biggest differences in servers and mainframes concerns the operating systems that actually run the machines. Departmental servers are known for running operating systems such as Unix, Linux and Microsoft Windows Server. While these OSs have their rightful places, they do not compare to the capabilities of mainframe operating systems such as OS/390, VM/ESA, MVS, VSE/ESA, S/390 and z/OS. Modern mainframes are capable of running several of these operating systems concurrently. It is also important to remember that mainframe computer operating system writers pioneered the idea of "virtual machines."

Costs

Mainframe computers are very powerful machines that manage a vast array of resources such as multiple processors, large amounts of main memory and external storage devices, and process information at tremendous speed. Accordingly, mainframes are very expensive, costing millions of dollars, making them a major capital investment for governments, large companies and universities.

Tags: operating systems, large companies, mainframe computer, vacuum tubes, Mainframe computers, operating systems such, square feet

Compare Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic procedures require a significant amount of research.

Cosmetic procedures are becoming increasingly commonplace, with the U.S. carrying out more procedures than anywhere else in the world. It is important to compare, research, and investigate any procedure before making a final decision.

Research

Ensure that you fully research the company before committing to a salon or clinic. Compare the prices, aftercare, facilities, and doctor credentials of each company. Make a note of key points so you can refer back to what each company offers.

Consultation

Try to arrange a no-obligation consultation with the doctor, and not a salesperson. This is an opportunity to get a feel for the clinic, discuss expectations and requirements, and ask advice. Attend a consultation with more than one company, so you can compare one to the other.

Ask Questions

If you know someone who has had a similar procedure, ask lots of questions. Does that person's firsthand experience match your expectations of the treatment? Prepare a list of questions to take to the consultations so you do not forget to mention anything important.

Tags: consultation with, Cosmetic procedures, each company

Compare Broadband Vs Satellite

Satellite broadband is mainly used in rural areas

Satellite and broadband Internet can generally be compared along three different categories: price, speed and reliability. These will tend to vary with each provider, and depending on your location either option could be appropriate.

Price

In cities, broadband Internet tends to be more common and is cheaper than satellite services, as it requires less hardware. However, in rural locations broadband may not be available, and so satellite Internet makes a perfect alternative; this is especially true if your Internet connection operates from a mobile facility, such as a camper.

Speed

Satellite broadband is generally slower than traditional broadband, although it's faster than dial-up. For this reason, don't select it if speed is a key priority.

Reliability

Satellite broadband is not reliable; it can be affected by weather and can routinely experience delays (such as a time-delay when using a webcam or other communication tool with another computer). Traditional broadband's reliability will depend on the local provider, although issues such as weather interference will be less significant than the satellite alternative.

Tags: Satellite broadband, broadband Internet, than satellite

Can The Selfemployed Have Hsa & Insurance Premium Deductions

If you work for yourself, you may be wondering if you can deduct your health insurance premiums and your HSA contributions.

Self-employed people have some tax advantages that those who work for others do not. One of these is the ability to deduct the cost of health insurance if you meet the criteria spelled out by the Internal Revenue Service. When you meet those standards, you are able to deduct the amount of your health insurance premiums for you and your dependents, regardless of the type of health insurance you choose.

Qualifying to Deduct Health Insurance Premiums

The instructions for IRS Form 1040 lay out the criteria necessary to deduct your health insurance premiums. If you are self-employed, but your spouse works for an employer through which you are eligible for group health insurance benefits, your health insurance premiums will not be deductible. If you have any question about whether or not your health insurance premiums are tax-deductible, consult an accountant who specializes in working with the self-employed.

Health Savings Accounts

Health savings accounts, or HSAs, are savings accounts that are permitted when you choose a qualified high-deductible health insurance plan. Qualifying high-deductible plans meet the criteria set forth by the Internal Revenue Service. Every year, they establish the permitted deductible range for qualifying plans, as well as the amount of money that can be contributed to an HSA on a tax-deductible basis. Funds in an HSA that are used for qualifying medical expenses are withdrawn tax-free and can carry over from year to year.

Health Insurance Plan Selection

If you are self-employed and choose a qualifying high-deductible health insurance plan for you and your dependents, then you can deduct both the health insurance premiums and the amount contributed into your HSA. Most HSA-qualified plans require you to pay most of your medical costs up-front until the deductible is met. Some notable exceptions to this are preventive care and childhood immunizations. IRS Publication 969 details the services that may be paid by the insurance company before the deductible is met; however, your insurance policy will list the specific services that are covered in the plan that you choose.

Considerations

If you are in good health and have few medical expenses, you might consider purchasing a health insurance policy with a higher deductible to keep your premium costs down. Since funds in your HSA can roll over from one year to the next, you can continue to put money into your HSA to cover a higher deductible should the need arise. Like an IRA, you can contribute to an HSA until the federal income tax filing deadline, or the date you file your income tax return (whichever is earlier), and apply it to the prior year.

Tags: health insurance, your health, your health insurance, health insurance premiums, insurance premiums, health insurance

Thermal Imaging Careers

A hand shown through infrared technology

Thermographers, or people educated in thermal imaging technology, have many choices regarding the field of business in which they wish to apply their skills. Industrial companies, security professionals, police, scientists, government officials and military employees all use thermal imaging. This infrared technology is in demand on land, in aviation and at sea for applications ranging from research and development to law enforcement.

Engineering and Science

The industries that require the most technical training in thermal technology include roofing, electrical, mechanical, building, science and energy loss. For example, building inspectors use thermal imaging to perform building diagnostics. An infrared camera quickly finds any electrical problems, moisture and energy waste. Inspectors for gas companies use thermal imaging cameras to detect leaks or vaporous plumes of gas efficiently from a safe distance. Doctors and nurses also use infrared technology to recognize elevated body temperature and assist with diagnosis. Highway construction crews use asphalt thermal imaging by simply taking an infrared photograph of the asphalt mix. This practice ensures the pavement will be laid at the right temperature and will therefore retain peak endurance. Mechanics and engineers use thermal imaging cameras over the surface of various types of machinery and equipment to scan for temperature distribution.

Law Enforcement, Security and Government

Many other industries apply a more commercial use of thermography as part of a larger job. Infrared cameras allow maritime law enforcement officers to respond effectively to emergency calls at nighttime or in darkness. This phenomenon also holds true for security and police officers watching for, or in pursuit of, a suspect they would not be able to see without infrared technology. Handheld and vehicle-based devices enable an officer to assess a situation in the dark. Hunters also use infrared binoculars to see animals and track game when hunting at night. Military jet and helicopter pilots use long-range, compact and laser-targeting thermal images for target recognition in training and combat. SWAT team and military soldiers also have infrared technology as part of their weaponry and border surveillance.

Product Manufacturing

Ample opportunity exists to work with companies that manufacture thermal imaging devices. Divisions within this industry include finance, sales, quality, manufacturing and executive management. Companies such as American Technologies Network Corp and FLIR need assembly technicians, quality assurance technicians, systems engineers, business development managers, production supervisors and distribution managers.

Tags: thermal imaging, infrared technology, also infrared, imaging cameras, thermal imaging cameras

Clean Water Calcification

Hard water can create calcification stains on your sinks and bathtubs.

Have you noticed any white stains around your sinks and bathtubs? These are water calcification coming from calcium and lime deposits. They are the result of hard water, and if left too long the water calcification stains will become permanent. Permanent stains can be unsightly, so preventing them and getting rid of them will help the cosmetics of any sink, faucet or spigot. Getting a water softener can help prevent the water calcification stains. To get rid of existing stains, however, there are several methods you can try. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Scrub white vinegar on the water calcification stains with a scrub brush. Then add some water to the brush, and scrub again.

2. Make a paste with vinegar and baking soda. Scrub the paste on the water calcification stains, and let the paste set for 15 minutes. Then wash away the paste with water and your scrub brush.

3. Apply lemon juice to the calcification stains and scrub. If the water stains are not too bad, sometimes using just the lemon juice will work to get rid of them.

4. Scrub the water stains with a mixture of diluted bleach -- one part bleach to 10 parts water. Scrub the calcified area, rinse the area well, and dry it with a towel. Make sure you clean up any remaining bleach, because if you lean up against the area later you may end up with bleach stains on your clothes. Bleach stains are permanent.

5. You can also try a store-bought product that is made specifically for removing lime or water calcification build-up. Follow the product directions.

Tags: calcification stains, water calcification, water calcification stains, your sinks bathtubs, lemon juice, paste with, scrub brush

Pros & Cons Of Electronic Medical Records

Today, paper is being used less and less. Now, medical records are often stored on computers or online. These records can be accessed by those with clearance and are on a common network.

Safety Against Loss

Paper records and files can easily be lost or destroyed, such as in a fire or flood. An electronic database safely keeps your medical records.

Less Errors

According to HealthWorldNet.com, "handwritten records are subject to lots of human errors due to misspelling, illegibility and differing terminologies." Electronic medical records eliminate handwriting and offer spellcheck and other tools of standardization.

Efficiency

Electronic medical records are cost efficient, because they eliminate many expenses associated with printing, paper and other office supplies.

Not Secure

Many patients do not feel that their records are secure. With many computer hackers in the world, it is possible that your records could be compromised.

Loss of Computer

Although your medical records will be backed up, technical glitches or loss of power could occur during a doctor's appointment. This can prevent the doctor from seeing your record.

Tags: medical records, Electronic medical, Electronic medical records, your medical, your medical records

The Salary Of A Radiography Technician In The U S

Radiologic technician job growth is above average.

The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies Radiologic Technologists and Technicians as one group. According to their "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition," both technologists and technicians perform diagnostic imagining examinations. Radiologic technicians use x-rays while technologists use additional equipment such as mammography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Salary

Based on May 2008 data in the "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition," radiologic technologists and technicians earned between $35,100 and $74,970 annually. The majority earned between $42,710 and $63,010 with a median of $52,210 per year.

Industry

The industry that a technologist or technician is employed in can affect potential earnings. Data in the "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition" indicates that the difference can be as much as 10 percent. Medical and diagnostic laboratories paid the best at $55,210 followed by the federal executive branch at $53,650, general medical and surgical hospitals at $52,890, and outpatient care centers at $50,840. Offices of physicians paid the least at just $48,530 per year.

Education

Education plays an important factor in the earnings a radiologic technician can experience during her career. PayScale data from November 2010 shows that individuals with a Radiography RT (R ) ARRT Certification have approximately the same earnings, regardless of job title; Licensed Radiologic Technologist ($17.56 to $23.53 per hour), Radiologic Technologist ($17.80 to $24.90), Radiology Technologist ($17.97 to $24.50) and X-Ray Technician ($18.10 to $24.99). However, a specialist such as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist can earn significantly more at $22.17 to $30.37 per hour.

Opportunities

Consider specializing. A Registered Technologist in Mammography RT (M) ARRT has good income potential at $20.93 to $31.17 hourly. A Registered Technologist in Vascular-Interventional Radiography RT (VI) ARRT Certification offers similar potential at $20.68 to $31.17 per hour. Employees with a Registered Technologist in Cardiac-Interventional Radiography RT (CI) ARRT Certification have the best prospects at $24.92 to $39.31 per hour.

Outlook

Radiologic technicians and technologists as a group have a bright future. The "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition" estimates job growth to be faster than average. However, it's important to note that individuals that employ more than one diagnostic imaging procedure such as mammography, magnetic resonance, or computed tomography, have the greatest opportunity. Standard practice before was to take an x-ray before deciding whether a CT was needed. Presently, the CT is often used as the first choice due to its accuracy. MR is also being used with greater frequency. Radiologic technicians can expand their opportunities and income potential by obtaining credentials in one of these specialties.

Tags: 2010-11 Edition, Handbook 2010-11, Handbook 2010-11 Edition, Occupational Outlook, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Outlook Handbook

How Do Astronauts Stay Healthy In Space

Astronauts must wear space suits to protect them from radiation.

Space travel provides unique health challenges. Astronauts must protect themselves from X-rays and other radiation, keep clean while in space, and exercise their bodies to combat the effects of weightlessness. In some ways, astronauts face the same health concerns that people on Earth do but at an accelerated rate; other health concerns are unique to travel through space.

Protection from Radiation

On Earth, people are somewhat protected from ultraviolet radiation by the atmosphere. Sunlight is filtered through the ozone layer before reaching our skin; while we still have to protect ourselves from sunburn and skin cancer, the risk is not as great.

In space, there is no atmosphere to protect astronauts from ultraviolet or other radiation. Astronauts wear heavy spacesuits when outside their vehicle to compensate for this problem. Space suits shield them not only from ultraviolet rays but from gamma rays and cosmic rays that can interfere with their DNA as well as their skin. In addition, NASA crew members monitor the radiation on space stations to make sure astronauts are not taking unnecessary risks.

Muscle Strengthening Exercises

If you don't exercise your muscles, they begin to atrophy, or get weaker. This is doubly true in space, where the astronauts are weightless. The lack of gravity pulling against the astronaut's muscles or objects she is carrying makes it easier to move or carry things, but it also means the muscles don't have to work as hard to accomplish tasks as they do on Earth. For this reason, the astronaut's muscles are at greater risk of atrophying.

To combat this problem, astronauts must exercise for two hours every day. They use special exercise equipment that is designed for use in space.

Protecting Bone Mass

Exercise not only strengthens muscles, but strengthens bones. On Earth, people over the age of 50 tend to lose about 10 percent of their bone mass over a period of 10 years. In space, bone mass loss occurs at an extremely accelerated rate: 1 to 2 percent every month, regardless of the astronaut's age.

Astronauts combat this with exercise that simulates jogging or running and by eating calcium-rich foods while in space.

Hygiene

Hygiene is as important in space as it is on Earth. If astronauts do not clean their bodies regularly, they become susceptible to germs. It would be difficult to take a shower in space because of the lack of gravity. Astronauts take a sponge bath every day, using one washcloth for washing and one for rinsing, and wash their hair with rinseless shampoo.

Getting Adequate Rest

On both Earth and in space, people need enough sleep every night in order to ward off disease and think clearly. Astronauts cannot sleep in beds like we do on Earth; instead they strap themselves into sleeping bags. Astronauts try to get eight hours of sleep every night that they are in space so that they can be alert and avoid danger.

Tags: from ultraviolet, accelerated rate, astronaut muscles, bone mass, combat this, Earth people

Cohesive Breast Implants

Cohesive breast implants are different From saline and silicone implants.

Cohesive breast plants are commonly referred to as gummy bear implants because the gel that is used in the implant is more cohesive, less liquid-like and far more solid than silicone gel implants. The cohesive breast implant was invented in the early 1990s. However, the FDA has yet to approve its use in the United States.

Background

The cohesive breast implants were designed with the purpose of making an implant that was a more predictable and attractive shape, which would be maintained, as well as longer-lasting than previous implants.

History

Since 1992, the standard breast implant in the United States has been the saline-filled implant. Prior to that, silicone gel implants were popular. Cohesive implants are different from silicone gel because they are soft and solid but firmer. The cohesive implant, even if cut in half, maintains its shape and does not move greatly.

What Cohesive Means

The name "cohesive" is used because these implants reportedly maintain their shape regardless of what position a woman and her breasts are in. The shell of the implant will not fold.

Advantages

According to Cohesiveimplants.com, the advantage of this type of implant includes the fill not shifting from one area of the shell to another. The shell will not fold or collapse and these implants maintain their shape and are not subject to forces of gravity as are non-form stable fillers such as standard silicone or saline. The cohesive implant is less likely to leak than other implants. It appears that scar tissue occurs less frequently when using cohesive implants although a lot more research needs to be done on this topic.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of the cohesive breast implant include the expense. They are more expensive than saline or silicone implants. Some women may not like the teardrop shape of the cohesive breast implant, which does not look like the grapefruit type of breast that we see so many Hollywood starlets sporting, and which are extremely unnatural looking but are nevertheless very popular. The cohesive implant feels firmer than old style silicone gel implants and the incision size will be larger because these implants are not deformable and can't be squeezed through a tiny incision. The incision will be approximately 2 inches. The incision can be made either underneath the breasts, around the areola or in the armpit.

Other Risks

Because these implants are designed to be anatomically correct, they project more on the bottom side than they do on the top. If the implant should rotate, it could end up in a distorted look. If this should occur, the implant needs to be removed and replaced with a round implant.

Because the gel is nearly solid, it can crack. If there is excessive manipulation of the breast implant outside of the body, cracking can occur.

Tags: breast implant, silicone implants, these implants, cohesive breast, cohesive breast implant, cohesive implant, because these

Breast Cancer Awareness Events

Breast Cancer Awareness Events

Breast cancer affects almost everyone. According to the National Cancer Institute, 12.7 percent of girls born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at least once during their lives. With such a high population predicted to experience the disease, it is likely that most people will know someone who has been diagnosed with the disease, making breast cancer awareness more essential than ever. Thankfully, there is a variety of events, ranging from fun to inspirational to educational, that are held throughout the country everyday.

Targeted Audience

Breast cancer awareness events target many different groups of people. Fundraising events naturally target individuals and companies that are willing to donate to breast cancer research. Conferences target individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as their families and caregivers. Cancer prevention programs target women who have not been diagnosed with breast cancer but want to educate themselves about preventative measures and early detection.

Walks and Runs

A popular form of raising money and awareness about breast cancer is to host a breast cancer run or walk. These events allow participants to raise money for a breast cancer organization by securing sponsors, either individual donors or companies, who promise to contribute a certain amount of money toward the cause. Some popular runs and walks include Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, which is held in 3,400 locations throughout the country, the American Cancer Society's Green Bay Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Run, which is held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, which is held in nine locations throughout the country, and the Revlon Run/Walk, which is held in New York and Los Angeles.

Timing

Though events that raise money for breast cancer are held throughout the year, the month of October hosts the most events by far because it is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In October, however, most of the events serve to educate women of all ages on the dangers of breast cancer. Cities all over the country hold symposiums, conferences and other educational programs that teach women about early detection, prevention and treatment options. Some popular events include the CancerCare Community Education Program held in New York, the Laura Evans Memorial Breast Cancer Symposium held in Idaho, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which is held throughout the world and the Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer held in Texas.

Social Events

Many companies and foundations also sponsor social events that unite those who are affected by breast cancer, worried about breast cancer, and committed to curing and treating breast cancer. The Prevent Cancer Foundation hosts a Texas Hold'em poker tournament, Yoga Unites hosts Living Beyond Breast Cancer, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center hosts the Climb to Fight Breast Cancer, Susan G. Komen and the American Cancer Society host Latinas United for the Cure and Tubbs Snowshoe hosts the Tubbs Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer, a snowshoe walk that is held in Colorado.

Research Events

Many conferences and symposiums focus on educating women on the dangers and treatments of breast cancer. However, there are also breast cancer awareness events that target medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, oncologists, radiologists and anyone else who treats breast cancer patients. The Oncology Nursing Society Congress, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society of Clinical Oncology and National Medical Association Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly all host annual conferences to address new advancements and treatment options for breast cancer.

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Signs & Symptoms Of Staph Infection In The Lung

Signs & Symptoms of Staph Infection in the Lung

Staphylococcus (Staph) is a genus of bacteria present in many parts of the environment. Several species of Staph bacteria are capable of causing human disease. For example, Staph aureus normally infects the skin. Other species, like Staph epidermidis, are normal bacteria of the skin and rarely cause disease. However, there are times when bacteria enters the airway and causes an infection of the lungs.

Fever

Like any other infection, one of the signs of a Staph lung infection is fever. Fever is the result of the immune system's white blood cells releasing chemicals to destroy invading organisms. These chemicals raise the whole body's temperature regardless of where the infection is found.

Cough

Coughing is the normal response to irritation of the lungs. Needless to say, a Staph infection in the lung causes a lot of irritation. A person with an uncontrollable cough should seek medical advice. While there are over-the-counter medications to control coughing, you don't want to suppress the normal coughing response, which aids in getting rid of irritants.

Shortness of Breath

Because the lungs are unable to properly exchange oxygen with the blood, shortness of breath sets in as an attempt by the body to compensate. The poor oxygen exchange occurs because the bacterial infection causes inflammation of the lung tissue, making it less useful.

Chest Pain

Pain is another symptom of a lung infection. The pain may be dull and generalized in the lungs, or sharp and located in one point within the chest. Any and all chest pain should be referred to a health care provider. Never ignore chest pain or try to "wait it out" because it may be a sign of a bigger health problem.

Tags: chest pain, lung infection, Signs Symptoms, Signs Symptoms Staph, Staph Infection Lung, Symptoms Staph

Cleanse Tourmaline

Black is just one of the many colors of tourmaline.

Tourmaline is a stone that is fascinating to jewelers, scientists and metaphysicians alike. It comes in a rainbow of colors, including reds, blues, greens, brown, black, clear and even bi-color. When heated and then cooled, tourmaline takes on an electric charge and begins to oscillate. Metaphysically, it is used to enhance psychic abilities, neutralize negative energy, increase confidence, dispel grief or fear, and treat physical ailments such as arthritis, blood poisoning and heart disease. If you plan to use tourmaline in meditation or for its metaphysical healing properties, you will need to cleanse it regularly to restore its energy.

Instructions

1. Place your tourmaline in a dish of water. You can use fresh or salt water, but use sea salt if you decide to soak your crystal in salt water. Soak the crystal overnight for a thorough cleanse. For a quick boost of energy, hold the tourmaline under cool running water for several minutes.

2. Bathe your tourmaline in the light of a full moon. Place it outside at night where it is exposed to direct moonlight. Leave it out all night.

3. Bury the tourmaline crystal in the Earth for at least 24 hours in order to restore its energy. Mark the spot where you buried it so that you can find it again.

4. Smudge your tourmaline crystal with sage or cedar incense. To do this, wave the crystal through the smoke several times.

5. Place your tourmaline crystal on top of a quartz or amethyst crystal bed for 24 hours. The energy from the crystal cluster will help recharge the tourmaline.

Tags: your tourmaline, tourmaline crystal, Place your, Place your tourmaline, restore energy, salt water

Types Of Ct Scans

A Computerized Tomography scan, or CT scan, uses x-rays to form three-dimensional images of body parts and organs. CT scans can be as small as a detailed scan of the heart or as large as a more generalized full-body scan. CT scans are often paired with Positron Emission Tomography scans, or PET scans, to produce results much more quickly than with conventional CT scans.

Abdominal CT Scans

Abdominal CT scans are used to diagnose and screen patients for problems with organs in the abdominal cavity. CT scans provide more detailed visual data than traditional x-rays of abdominal organs. Abdominal CT scans can diagnose problems in, among other organs, the kidney and liver, spleen, pancreas, small and large intestines, bladder and gall bladder.

Full-Body CT Scans

Full-body CT scans cast a three-dimensional image of all bones, systems and organs. Full-body scans usually run from the chin to just below the hips, although if required they can run from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet. Full-body CT scans are usually done as a preventative measure to look for signs of disease.

Brain CT Scans

Brain-specific CT scans can provide higher resolution three-dimensional images of only the brain. These scans are commonly used to diagnose brain injuries, brain trauma, tumors or cancer and aneurysms. In addition, they can be used to locate cavities in the brain in people diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Brain scans can be very helpful in preparing for radiation therapy and helping doctors locate a brain tumor that requires a biopsy.

Chest CT Scans

A chest-only CT scan gives a doctor a three-dimensional image of the chest cavity with more image detail than provided by a traditional x-ray. Chest CT scans show details of the lungs, the ribs and other bones, the heart and the chest veins and arteries. CT scans can show a number of problems, including artery blockages, some heart conditions and some lung cancer tumors.

CT Scans of Specific Organs

In addition to general area scans and brain scans, CT scans can be made of particular organs of interest. Localized heart scans can provide visual information to help diagnose heart disease and arterial blockages. Kidney and liver scans can help diagnose kidney and liver disease. Specific lung scans can help diagnose particular conditions of the lungs.

Tags: help diagnose, scans provide, Abdominal scans, Full-body scans, Full-body scans usually, scans help, scans help diagnose

Iowa Grants For Women

Iowa women can succeed with help from grants.

Just over half of all individuals living in the state of Iowa are women, according to the United States Census Bureau. These women still face problems of inequality and lack of diversity, as the state falls below national averages in terms of women-owned enterprises and the number of African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and other minorities. Grants are available to help the women of Iowa overcome these obstacles.

IWF Grants

The Iowa Women's Foundation was founded by Gerry Felton, who desired to support social change by donating grant monies to Iowa females. The two areas of grants available include leadership and job training. The leadership category supports education and mentoring projects that encourage Iowa women to step to the forefront of their homes, workplace, or other organizations. The job training category supports projects that provide Iowa women with the skills and tools necessary to be competitive in the marketplace and to secure and maintain employment for financial stability. Grants are given to organizations only and are accepted annually in the spring. Each grant is between $500 and $5,000, and each proposal must address the underlying issues of the social problem rather than just treating the symptoms of the problem.

The Iowa Women's Foundation

320 Kirkwood Ave.

P.O.Box 3131

Iowa City, IA 52240

888-488-4293

iawf.org

Chrysalis Grants

The Chrysalis Grants are grants supported by the Chrysalis Foundation. Its goals are to create change for both women and young girls by modifying the systems in which the girls and women live. Only 501(c)(3) organizations may apply. No unsolicited applications are accepted, but interested organizations may submit a letter of intent in order to acquire an invitation to apply. These grants are specific to the Des Moines area. The first type of grant supported by Chrysalis is the After School grant for after school programs designed to educate girls about leadership, resiliance, economic empowerment and connectedness. Community grants are designed to solve issues within communities that prevent women from reaching their goals. The amount of the award varies based on the project and the amount of donations the organization receives.

Chrysalis Foundation

300 East Locust Street

Suite 150

Des Moines, Iowa 50309

512-255-1853

chrysalisfdn.org

Beaman Fund

Certain areas of Iowa have large numbers of women who are in need of basic items and services. The H.H. Beaman Fund supports grants generally in the amount of $500 to women in the Marshalltown area. The grant may be used for items such as rent, food or clothing. The grants are ongoing, with a letter to the organization serving as sufficient application. The organization may require proof of income, as the award is for economically disadvantaged women.

H.H. Beaman Fund

P.O. Box 1324

Marshalltown, Iowa 50158

641-754-5500

Tags: Beaman Fund, Iowa women, category supports, Chrysalis Foundation, Chrysalis Grants, Iowa Women Foundation, projects that

Why Do The Lungs Feel Spongy

General Overview

The lungs are part of the respiratory system in the human body. They are the essential organ in air-breathing animals and are usually located in the chest cavity. The main function of lungs is to transport oxygen into the bloodstream and to release carbon dioxide from the bloodstream into the air. This occurs due to the thousands of cells in the lungs that make up the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs that diffuse the oxygen entering the lungs from the atmosphere. The lungs are rather large, and surround the heart and important blood vessels in the chest cavity.

Why Lungs Feel Spongy

The lungs feel spongy because of the millions of alveoli inside them. The alveoli are tiny air sacs that have pores in them to allow for the diffusion of oxygen. This porous structure of the lungs makes them very similar to the actual makeup of a real sponge. Thus, the lungs take on a spongy appearance and feel like a sponge to the touch. Furthermore, the large amount of surface area in lungs that is necessary to absorb oxygen gives them that spongy feel as well.

Warnings

The lungs are extremely fragile organs that can be easily damaged. Smoking is one of the primary activities that causes damage to the lungs. In fact, lung cancer is directly correlated with smoking. The tar in cigarettes and cigars causes severe health problems such as emphysema and lung cancer in long-term smokers by accumulating in the lungs. Other lung diseases include cystic fibrosis (a disease wherein the lungs produce abnormally viscous mucus), pneumonia (a disease caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi), tuberculosis (a bacterial infection), emphysema (a disease where the air spaces in the lung enlarge), and asthma (a disease characterized by a narrowing of the bronchioles, making it harder to breathe).

Tags: chest cavity, Feel Spongy, lung cancer, Lungs Feel, Lungs Feel Spongy

About Colorado Health Insurance & Maternity Coverage

Individual health insurance policies in Colorado must cover pregnancy beginning in 2011.

In March, 2010, Colorado enacted a law requiring health insurers offer maternity health insurance coverage beginning in 2011. Previously, maternity riders to health insurance were expensive and hard to get.

Maternity Coverage Before 2011

All routine health insurance policies cover complications of pregnancy, but not pregnancy itself. Coverage of pregnancy is either available through group coverage or as a maternity rider on an individual policy. Maternity riders tend to be very expensive, and require a waiting period, as pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition in Colorado.

State-Mandated Maternity Coverage

In March, 2010, Colorado enacted a law mandating maternity coverage and coverage of contraception with all individual health insurance policies. The coverage is not available to women who are already pregnant, whose pregnancies will be excluded as a pre-existing condition.

Questions About State-Mandated Maternity Coverage

Questions still remain regarding whether insurers are mandated to accept pregnant women for coverage, excluding the pregnancy. It is also an open question as to whether maternity coverage is automatically added to coverages in effect on Jan. 1, 2011, or whether it is only added to new or renewing policies.

Tags: health insurance, health insurance policies, insurance policies, Maternity Coverage, 2010 Colorado, 2010 Colorado enacted

What Is A Binaural Headset

Binaural headsets are heavier than monaural ones but block more background noise.

A binaural headset includes a microphone and two earpieces. In the Computer Telephony Encyclopedia, author Richard Grigonis writes that headsets allow people who work on the phone, such as call center workers, to answer as many as 20 percent more calls.

Binaural

The word "binaural" literally means "pertaining to both ears." The term can be applied to headphones, headsets and hearing aids simply to distinguish models that provide sound to both ears from those that provide sound to a single ear. The contrasting term is "monaural."

Binaural vs. Stereo

According to the Handbook of Acoustics, binaural devices stimulate both ears but can deliver either the same or different signals on the two sides. If both ears hear the same signal, the binaural device is monophonic, or "mono." If the ears receive different audio, the binaural device is stereophonic, or "stereo."

Uses

Monaural headsets are popular in communications fields because they are lightweight and allow the user to monitor activity in the room while also listening to radio or telephone communications. Binaural headsets are appropriate when the level of room noise is high enough to distract the operator or make it hard to hear the call.

Binaural Recordings

The word "binaural" has a slightly different meaning when applied to recordings. A binaural recording is one that mimics the effect of hearing the original sound with two ears, such as through using microphones implanted in a plastic model of the head. Binaural recordings can be listened to with normal stereo headphones.

Tags: both ears, binaural device, Binaural headsets, provide sound, that provide, that provide sound

Continuation Of Health Coverage Act And The Emergency Amendment Act Of 2009

People between jobs may qualify for continued health insurance through COBRA.

The formal name of the continuation of health coverage act is the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA. COBRA is a federal law that provides employees and their families with health insurance after they leave their job or receive reduced hours. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or the emergency amendment act, COBRA insurance premium costs were reduced for a limited time for employees who were involuntarily terminated.

Details

COBRA, which was signed into law in 1986, provides employees the option of purchasing group health-care insurance for up to 18 months after leaving their previous job. The insurance is usually more expensive than coverage through an employer because COBRA participants pay the entire premium themselves. It is ordinarily less expensive than individual health-care insurance, however, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. COBRA usually does not apply to businesses with fewer than 20 employees. Participants must elect the option within 60 days of leaving their job or they lose rights to the coverage.

Qualifications

Participants qualify for COBRA when they leave their job voluntarily or involuntarily for reasons other than gross misconduct or if they receive reduced hours at their job. Spouses and dependent children are also eligible for COBRA if the participant becomes eligible for Medicare, or get a divorce, legally separated or dies. Participants can become eligible for extended COBRA benefits if they become disabled and the U.S. Social Security Administration determines that the disability happened within the first 60 days of COBRA coverage. Those who qualify can receive up to 11 additional months of COBRA coverage for a total of 29 months.

Benefits and Costs

COBRA participants must receive the same health-care coverage as the employees at their former workplace. They are also subject to the same rules and limitations under their former employer's plan, such as co-payment requirements and deductibles. Participants can not be charged more than 102 percent of the cost of their former employer's plan. However, those who receive the disability extension can be charged up to 150 percent of the total coverage cost during the extension period.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, COBRA participants who were eligible paid 35 percent of the COBRA premiums and the remaining 65 percent were reimbursed to the health care provider through a tax credit. The premium reduction was only temporary, however, from a coverage period of February 17, 2009, to May 31, 2010, and it only provided the reduced rate coverage for 15 months. Those eligible for Medicare or other group health-care insurance through a spouse or new employer were not eligible for the premium reduction. Anyone receiving the premium reduction who earned more than $145,000 in adjusted gross income for the year they received the benefit had to repay it.

Tags: American Recovery, American Recovery Reinvestment, COBRA participants, health-care insurance, premium reduction, Recovery Reinvestment, their former

Choose Best Medicare Part C Plan

Some Part C plans cover vision care.

Medicare Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage. These plans are provided by private insurers and provide customers all of their Medicare benefits plus enhancements, such as dental, hearing or vision care. That means that instead of getting Part A and Part B services from Medicare, they are provided by the private insurance company. Choosing the best plan is a matter of understanding how the plans work, how they offer, what your individual needs for health care are now and what you expect them to be in the future.

Instructions

Understand How Medicare Part C Plan Work

1. Educate yourself on Medicare Part C before trying to made a decision. The plans are required by law to provide all of the benefits that are offered by Medicare Part A, the hospital coverage, and Medicare Part B, the medical coverage. Beyond that, they can offer additional benefits as well.

2. Understand the differences in benefits offered by the plans. Many plans provide prescription drug coverage, and some offer dental, hearing or vision coverage.

3. Make sure you are comfortable with the structure of Part C plans. Most of the plans are health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or preferred provider organizations (PPOs). That means that to receive the full benefit of the policy, you must see only the doctors that are in the plan’s network. There is a monthly premium for the plans and you may also pay a co-pay for the services you use.

Obtain Information on the Plans

4. Visit Medicare.gov and review the "Medicare and You" handbook that all Medicare beneficiaries receive for an overview of Medicare Part C plans. These resources will also tell you what plans are available in your state.

5. Obtain a "Summary of Benefits" from the companies that you are interested in to get the most detailed and comprehensive information on their plans. These summaries compare original Medicare (Part A and Part B) with the plans that the company offers, so you can see what specific benefits are offered and what the associated costs will be.

6. Request a copy the company’s formulary if you are interested in prescription drug coverage. The formulary is the list of drugs that are covered by a company's drug plan.

Compare the Plan Costs and Benefits

7. Compare the cost and the additional benefits of the plans that are available to you. If vision services or dental coverage are important to you,narrow your search to include only those plans that offer those benefits.

8. Focus your search on plans that offer prescription coverage if that's important to you, and make sure that any drugs you take are covered by the formulary.

9. Add the monthly premium, the co-pay for the services you are likely to use in a typical month and the monthly cost under the plan of any medications you take. This will provide you with a clear indication of which is the best Medicare Part C plan for you.

Tags: Medicare Part, plans that, Part plans, additional benefits, benefits offered

Testicle Cancer In Dogs

Testicular tumors affect unaltered male dogs as they age.

Testicular cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in male dogs who have not been neutered. Fortunately, it is also one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer to affect canines. Testicular tumors occur more frequently as unaltered dogs age and do not appear to be more prevalent in certain breeds. Owners who fear their dogs are at risk are encouraged to consult with a veterinarian and consider neutering their pet for better health, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

Types

Testicular tumors are cancerous growths that develop in a dog’s testicles. Dr. Johnny D. Hoskins, DVM and founder of DocuTech Services, warns there are three common forms of testicular tumors--seminomas, sertoli cell and interstitial cell tumors. Although there are some differences between these three types, each one is treated similarly. That’s why the three are commonly referred to only as testicular tumors.

Symptoms

Perhaps the most common symptom of testicular cancer is swelling. Swelling can occur at the testicular and scrotal area or the abdominal area. Other symptoms include an enlarged prostate, hair loss, enlarged mammary glands and nipples, anemia and a tendency to attract other male dogs due to an overproduction of estrogen.

Diagnosis

A veterinarian will diagnosis this condition after an examination followed by a biopsy or microscopic examination of the removed tumor. Many dogs with symptoms of testicular cancer will also undergo abdominal and chest X-rays along with a blood count and chemistry panel, according to PetEducation.com.

Treatment

When a dog is diagnosed with testicular tumors, he is neutered, and no other treatment is typically required. In up to 15 percent of all cases, the tumors will advance to metastasis, which essentially means it has spread to other parts of the dog’s body. In this case, chemotherapy is required. Dr. Hoskins warns that dogs with metastasized tumors will have a more guarded prognosis than dogs without, who are typically completely cured by castration.

Prevention

Dr. Hoskins advises all dog owners to have their male pets neutered. Likewise, PetEducation.com argues that castration also prevents aggression, urine marking, roaming and other unwanted behaviors. It also estimates that neutering a dog while young will save its owners money in the long run, since other health problems can be eliminated before they arise.

Tags: male dogs, common forms, dogs with, forms cancer, most common

About Health Insurance Plans For Individuals In Good Health

If you're in good health, then you have a large number of health insurance policies available to purchase. The first place to look is at your place of work. Group health insurance offers lower rates for two reasons. Group insurance insures more people at one time and keeps the administrative cost lower. In addition, employers often pay a portion of the premium. If you don't have the option or find the policy unacceptable, start looking for one that fits your needs and your pocketbook. There are a number of health insurance plans for individuals in good health available.

Types

When you start to look, you'll notice fee-for-service plans called indemnity plans; managed care plans that include HMOs, PPOs and POS plans; and high-deductible plans with health care savings accounts. Managed-care plans have specific doctors or health care providers you must use to receive payment or have the lowest co-pays. Indemnity plans allow you to use any physician you choose.

Health Savings Accounts with High-deductible Plans

If you select a health savings account (HSA) with a high-deductible plan, you might save yourself a considerable amount of money if you're healthy. You can tuck away dollars to pay for medical expense and deduct it from your income at tax time. It grows tax free unless you use it for something besides medical expense, then you normally have a penalty. As of 2009, anyone with at least an individual deductible of $1,150 with $5,800 out of pocket or family deductible of $2,300 with $11,600 out of pocket could tuck away money in an HSA. Families could tuck away $5,950 in the HSA and individuals as much as $3,000. If you're over 55, then the limit increases by $1,000. Unlike flexible spending accounts through employers, the money is yours to accrue if you don't use it.

Managed Care

Managed care insurance normally is more inexpensive that traditional indemnity insurance. HMOs, the original managed care policy, are inflexible and only pay for specific physicians. Your primary care physician decides whether you can see a specialist and still have the plan pay. PPOs and POS plans are far more liberal and offer incentives such as a lower deductible or co-pays if you see a network doctor. Check the list of doctors available carefully. If your physician isn't on the list, the plan might be more expensive in the long run.

Indemnity Plans

Indemnity plans were the original types of plans available for health insurance. There's a deductible, co-pay and maximum out-of-pocket amount. You must meet the deductible first, then pay a co-pay. After that, the insurance company pays the rest. Once you meet the maximum out of pocket, the insurance company pays everything covered that is reasonable and customary. These plans tend to be more expensive but far more liberal in coverage.

Lifetime Maximum

Look for a high lifetime maximum. You may be in good health today, but it only takes one catastrophic illness to wipe out a small maximum. Consider the fact that once you're ill, normally you're stuck with the insurance plan since it's difficult to get a different one. Increases in the lifetime maximum aren't expensive since they aren't often used, but well worth the few pennies a month.

Tags: good health, tuck away, company pays, could tuck, could tuck away, deductible with, deductible with pocket

Clean A House With Homemade Remedies

Clean a House With Homemade Remedies

With the shape of the economy these days-people are trying to save as much money as they can-and home remedies are a great way to do it. You can keep your home clean and fresh without spending much money or smelling those harsh toxins in cleaning products. Here are some easy cleaning remedies-with ingredients that you may already have at home! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use dish detergent to mop your floors. Start by mixing 2 tablespoons of detergent into 1 gallon of water. This mixture will give your floors a shiny surface that is easy to rinse (I also like to add scented fragrance to the mop water to get rid of odors). Try using this to clean your windows also, and wipe with dryer sheets to avoid lint.

2. Soak 4 cups of thyme in 1 gallon of water for several days to get rid of that icky mildew that sticks to your bathtub and sinks. Use this mixture and scrub down the area. Toothpaste is also a good ingredient to bleach your bathroom tiles and sinks.

3. Immerse a damp cloth in white vinegar to wipe any chrome surfaces clean. You can also soak any chrome items in the vinegar. A baking soda and water mixture is also great on chrome surfaces and ovens. To clean an oven, scrub it with baking soda and water. Leave the cleaning solution overnight and wipe clean the next day.

4. Spray denture cleaner all over the toilet bowl and leave overnight to get rid of all the germs that collect. Scrub the bowl with a brush the next day. You can also drop three Vitamin C capsules in the bowl.

5. Freshen a room with your own air freshener. Besides mopping your floor with scented water, you can also create homemade air fresheners. Saturate a ball of cotton with your favorite scent and put it in an open container or put scented oil on your light bulbs (the heat from the bulbs will create a fragrance in the air). You can also put it in the vacuum cleaner bag while you vacuum. For a clean, outdoor scent, immerse spruce tree cones in water for 24 hours. Boil for 2 hours and put it in a humidifier. Another way to bring a natural scent to your kitchen is to boil grapefruit, lemon and oranges and let it simmer for an hour.

6. Polish and protect your furniture by creating your own polish. Mix 1 teaspoon of olive oil and ? cup of lemon juice. Put mixture in a spray bottle, spray and wipe with a dry cloth. Another way to create furniture polish is by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon oil with 4 cups of mineral oil.

Tags: baking soda, baking soda water, chrome surfaces, Clean House, Clean House With, gallon water, Homemade Remedies

Diagnostic Equipment For Human Cancer

Scanners are used to detect cancers.

The equipment used to diagnose cancer has been improving over the years, allowing earlier treatment and thus increasing the chances of a cure. Although equipment choice is often determined by cancer type, Cancer Research UK lists scanners, X-ray and ultrasound machines and gamma cameras as some of the equipment used in the diagnosis of cancer.

Scanners

CT scanners combine X-rays and computer technology to show images of the body "in slices." This equipment successfully detects very small tumors, according to Bupa Cromwell Cancer Centre. The MRI scanner does not use X-ray radiation, and still shows tumors very clearly. Cancer Research UK reports that this equipment is often used for detecting brain tumors, primary bone tumors, soft tissue sarcomas and spinal cord tumors. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners show, with precision, the function and appearance of body tissues. Cancer Research UK notes that PET scanners are often used to look for cancer in the lymph nodes or to find out if the tumor has spread to other organs.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound equipment has a microphone linked to a computer that emits ultrahigh frequency sound waves. According to Cancer Research UK, when passed over the body, the waves bounce off the internal organs and the microphone transforms the reflected sound waves into an image. Bupa Cromwell Cancer Centre states that this diagnostic method is useful for detecting cancer of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, breast, ovaries and prostate.

X-Ray

Radiography detects tumors through pictures using high energy rays, according to Cancer Research UK. It is often used in the diagnosis of lung and breast cancer. A barium X-ray is used to detect cancers of the digestive system. Cancer Research UK explains that the patient swallows a barium solution, allowing a better view of the stomach and bowels through radiography.

Gamma Cameras

According to Bupa Cromwell Cancer Centre, gamma cameras show radioisotopes injected in the bloodstream. They are commonly used to detect metastases (secondary tumors), which sometimes are difficult to detect through other methods.

Tags: Cancer Research, Bupa Cromwell, Bupa Cromwell Cancer, Cancer Centre, Cromwell Cancer

Remove Arthritic Nodules From A Hand

Talk with your doctor about options for arthritic hands.

Arthritic nodules are caused by inflamed joints. Usually, if you have it in one hand you will have it in both. It is most common in the wrist and knuckles. According to Pub Med Central, there are very few treatment options for rheumatoid arthritic nodules. Occasionally the nodules go away by themselves. Assh.org says, surgical interventions may be needed to maximize function and minimize deformity, which may include removing nodules that are putting pressure on the joints and tendons. (Reference 2) There are other options you can also try to remove arthritic nodules from your hands.

Instructions

1. There are medications to help arthritic nodules.

Talk with your doctor about prescription medications, both oral and gels, to treat arthritic nodules.

2. Injections of steroids can reduce the size of the nodules and bring relief in some cases.

3. Therapy can help. Some people have had help from soaking or exercising hands in warm water, having splints applied or hot and cold soaks. These therapies not only make it feel better but will help inflammation and muscle spasms.

4. Foods rich in oleic acid can help reduce inflammation.

Eat right. Oleic acid, a omega fatty acid, will help because it helps keep inflammation down. You will find it in olive oil, fish, nuts, fruits, garlic, herbs, chocolate and tea.

5. Vitamin D supplements may help with arthritic nodules.

Take vitamin D supplements. According to Pub Med.gov, a greater intake of vitamin D may be associated with a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Tags: arthritic nodules, arthritic nodules, doctor about, Talk with, Talk with your, will help

Signs & Symptoms Of Skin Cancer Moles

Any change in the appearance of a mole may be a sign of melanoma.

Skin cancer in moles is called melanoma and is one of the (deadliest) types of skin cancer. Normal moles appear as small, regularly shaped (usually round) brown spots. According to the American Cancer Society, melanocytes are skin cells that form moles. These are the types of cells that can become melanoma. It is important to know the signs of melanoma and to see a physician promptly for examination.

Appearance

Any changes in the appearance of a mole can be an indication of cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. For example, the border of the mole may be irregular, such as haivng edges, or the color of the mole may be different. Several shades of brown in one mole or an unusual color can occur in melanoma. Moles that have an irregular shape may be a warning sign, as normal moles are usually symmetrical. Symmetrical means that if you draw a line through the center of the mole, both halves look the same. If you have a family history of melanoma, you are at an increased risk of developing it.

Texture

Changes in the texture of a mole may be a sign of melanoma. If the mole becomes thicker, itches, bleeds, scabs over, forms a crust or erodes, you should have it checked by a dermatologist without delay. According to the American Cancer Society, the earlier melanoma is discovered and treated, the better the chances are that it will be cured. If the melanoma has penetrated the epidermis, it can very easily spread to other areas of your body.

Size

The size of a mole can indicate the presence of skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. A mole that is larger than 1/4 inch in diameter (6mm), or larger than the size of a pencil eraser, could be cancerous. It is important to note, however, that cancer can also be detected when the mole is smaller. It is important that you become familiar with your skin and any moles you have, so that you will notice if there are any changes or new moles.

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Plan A Workplace Fundraiser For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is breast cancer awareness month and strength is truly in numbers when it comes to raising money for research. Your workplace can make a tremendous dent in fundraising efforts, by virtue of sheer numbers and resources. There are a number of ways you and your co-workers can raise money for this important cause. Some methods are planning-intensive, one-time events, while others are ongoing. Either way some planning will come into play to have a great impact. Besides the obvious benefit of raising money for a good cause, an added perk is the camaraderie and good morale fostered through such events.

Instructions

1. Create an event committee. This committee will be in charge of laying out plans for an event(s), designating work duties and executing the fundraising efforts. You should tap in to your local chapter of Susan G. Komen or the American Cancer Society, and a representative from that chapter should be on hand for your introductory meetings. They'll prove an invaluable resource as they've been there, done this before.

2. Get employer permission. No workplace fundraiser can sprout legs, so to speak, without approval from management. This is where having a representative from the organization on hand comes in handy. Have a written plan in hand when you bring up the subject to your employer, and there should be a contact she can call from the organization if they have any questions regarding the execution of the event and other crucial items, such as how the fundraising dollars will be collected and spent.

3. Consider an educational fair. The venue could be one of your larger conference rooms or another space onsite. You'll have staff from your local Susan G. Komen chapter or American Cancer Society on hand, passing out literature about breast cancer awareness, prevention and detection. Employees who participate will pay an admission fee or make donations in return for this material as well as light food, music and whatever other entertainment you deem within the budget and feasible.

4. Think sports. Your friends and other colleagues could sponsor a softball or golf tournament, where those participating would raise the donations. Those in attendance would also pay either a fee or donations would be encouraged the day of the game. It's a very entertaining way to get to know your co-workers outside of the workplace and raise money for the cause.

5. Host a "wear pink" day. Those who wear pink garb would pay to do so. To encourage even more participation, you could also host a "dress down," where jeans and more casual wear are allowed mid-week. But, of course, those participating would have to pay for the luxury of weaseling out of the dress code.

6. Sponsor workplace teams for the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure. These races are held throughout the country, often in multiple locations and dates for just one city. There is ample opportunity for co-workers to band together and participate, all the while collecting donations from sponsors, such as other co-workers, friends, neighbors and family members.

7. Build up to the Breast Cancer 3-Day. This event is more intensive than the Race for the Cure. Participants walk 60 miles for research and awareness over the course of a long weekend. The 3-Day is based out of major hubs, such as Chicago and L.A.; however, your workplace could sponsor one or two employees and send them to the 3-Day. You could have several events leading up to the 3-Day, that would help to raise funds for the cause, such as a going-away party for the participants where donations are encouraged. In addition, participants could create blogs where they encourage donations.

8. Think Halloween. Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes at the same time as the holiday. Host a workplace Halloween party over lunch. Those in attendance would pay for food and refreshments, as well as the shot at prizes for such things as Best Costume and Funniest Costume. Again, a great bonding experience and a seasonal way to raise money for the cause.

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Michigan Cobra Insurance Laws

Michigan residents can benefit from federal COBRA law provisions.

A federal law known as the 1986 Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, allows many workers to retain their health benefits for a set period after they lose their jobs or in other specific circumstances.

Some states have similar provisions for smaller companies, or provisions that allow extension of federal COBRA benefits for longer periods. However, Michigan does not have any such laws. Still, Michigan residents can benefit from the key provisions of the federal law.

Who Is Eliglble

Federal COBRA law allows an employee leaving a job, for any reason other than gross negligence, to retain group health benefits for a period typically up to 18 months. Benefits for dependents can also be extended under COBRA. The law also allows for an extension of benefits in cases of reduction in work hours, divorce, or certain other events that affect health benefits. Sometimes, such as in cases of divorce from the covered employee, the benefits can be extended for up to 36 months.

The federal law applies only to employees in private, state, or local government workplaces with 20 or more workers. Eligible employees must have already been enrolled in their workplace's health plan.

COBRA Costs

Health coverage under COBRA is usually considerably more expensive than the cost a person paid while receiving health benefits directly from an employer. That's because employers typically pay a portion of the health insurance premium.

However, under federal law, people who are eligible for COBRA can be required to pay 102 percent of the premium cost--with the extra 2 percent allowed for administrative expenses.

Get COBRA Coverage

Employees who are laid off or have their work hours reduced should ask about COBRA benefits at the time of the job change. Employers are required to notify COBRA health plan administrators within 30 days of an event that qualifies an employee or dependent for COBRA coverage.

People eligible for COBRA coverage should receive a notice allowing them to elect coverage within the next 14 days. That notice allows an additional 60 days to decide whether to elect coverage and 45 days from the election date to pay the first premium.

Eligible employees or dependents are required to notify the plan administrator within 60 days of a change in family circumstance, such as divorce, which would trigger COBRA eligibility.

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