Major Radiology Schools

Several university hospitals offer education and training programs for radiology residents.

Radiology is a medical specialization that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions through radiologic imaging. Individuals interested in becoming a radiologist must complete a residency program, which educates students on interpret radiologic images of organs, bones and tissues inside the human body. Residents who complete a training program must become board certified with the American Board of Radiology. According to AuntMinne.com, the following schools were semifinalists for having the top radiology training programs in the country.

New York University

The New York University Department of Radiology offers a four-year residency radiology program. The program focuses on various radiology specialties and requires residents to complete rotations in emergency radiology, radiology pathology, nuclear medicine, MRI, neuroradiology, abdominal radiology and breast imaging. These rotations are conducted at Tisch Hospital, Manhattan Veterans Administration Hospital, and Bellevue Hospital. Residents are also required to spend a year in a clinical rotation involving emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics or internal medicine.

New York University

530 First Avenue

New York, NY 10016

212-263-7300

med.nyu.edu

University of Pennsylvania

The four-year residency program at the University of Pennsylvania offers three different radiology programs. The programs include clinical radiology, research and interventional radiology. The clinical program requires students to spend the first three years focusing on rotations in neuroradiology, nuclear cardiology and nuclear medicine physics. The fourth year is spent focusing on a particular area of radiology. While the research track requires residents to spend the first three years in clinical rotations, the fourth year is devoted to research in radiology. Interventional radiology is five years and educates residents in image-guided therapy. While residents must complete three years of rotations, two years are spent learning about medical and surgical electives, research and vascular imaging.

University of Pennsylvania

3400 Spruce Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

215-662-4000

pennmedicine.org

Wake Forest University

The four-year radiology residency training program offers clinical and educational instruction on the diagnosis of conditions and diseases. During the first year, residents complete rotations in the basic areas of radiology, including emergency room, neuroradiology, musculoskeletal, thoracic and gastrointestinal. The second year continues to educate students in first-year rotations, but includes new rotations in nuclear medicine, body computer tomography and breast imaging. Third-year rotations include cardiac radiology, magnetic resonance imaging, visceral angiography and obstetric ultrasound. Residents in their third year also spend six weeks at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology to participate in case studies. The final year offers refresher rotations in the different areas of radiology.

Wake Forest University

Medical Center Boulevard

Winston-Salem, N.C. 27157

336-716-2011

wfubmc.edu

Tags: nuclear medicine, three years, University Pennsylvania, York University, areas radiology, breast imaging

Be A Mri Technician

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses computers to generate an image of the interior of the body by processing data from the interaction of radio waves with magnetic fields. MRI technicians are responsible for preparing and positioning patients and the proper operation of MRI machines. They produce the images physicians need for diagnosis of health problems. To be a MRI technician, you need an associate's or bachelor's degree in radiographic technology and specialized training in MRI technology.

Instructions

1. Enroll in an associate's or bachelor's degree program in radiologic technology accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Most MRI technicians have associate's degrees from vocational-technical or community colleges. However, career advancement into management or teaching usually requires a bachelor's degree.

2. Take the required courses to earn your degree in radiographic technology. Radiography (X-rays)and MRI technology require knowledge of physics, anatomy and physiology. Students also take courses in patient care, radiobiology and imaging technology.

3. Complete a certificate program in MRI technology. The specialized training for MRI operation includes advanced courses in anatomy and computers. Students must also understand the physics of atomic structure, magnetic fields and radio as they apply to magnetic resonance imaging.

4. Pass the licensing examinations. Most states require licensing. A few do not, but many employers in those states require certification. Radiologic technology certification exams are administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART). The final step to be a MRI technician is to pass the MRI certification exam given by the American Registry of MRI Technologists.

Tags: bachelor degree, American Registry, associate bachelor, associate bachelor degree, degree radiographic, degree radiographic technology, magnetic fields

What Is An Ibm Mainframe Mips

IBM's produces fast mainframe computers, whose speeds are measured in MIPS.

IBM mainframe speed has long been measured in MIPS, although the term fell out of favor even at IBM for awhile. Many IBM customers came up with alternate meanings for the acronym, poking fun at the world's largest builder of mainframes. The relative inaccuracy of using the MIPS measurement for anything meaningful prompted the humorous definitions, but MIPS as a measurement, while not accurate for measuring true throughput, is back in vogue as IBM's pricing measurement.

MIPS

MIPS, an acronym standing for "Millions of Instructions Per Second," is a measurement of the speed of a mainframe computer's central processors. Customers invented their own meanings, such as "Meaningless Indicator of Processor Speed," and "Marketing Indicator of Processor Speed," among others. The reason the alternate meanings were invented was that MIPS is not an accurate indicator of total throughput capability, which consists of more than raw processor speed.

Processor Speed

Mainframe computer processors are capable of billions of instructions per second, as are modern personal computers. Personal computers are typically measured in gigahertz, which is actually a measurement of machine instruction cycles per second. As any PC user knows, a slow hard drive can drag a really fast processor to a crawl. An old adage states that all processors, no matter how fast, wait at the same speed.

Total Throughput

Total throughput capability includes several factors, including processor speed, input/output device speed, memory speed, work load type and transaction volume. Work load type can be online, batch or a combination of the two. All of these other functions are a part of the total work load that the mainframe has to manage. Slow or insufficient memory can slow down the total throughput, which brings into question the practice of capacity planning by using only the MIPS rating.

Future of MIPS

Although the term fell out of favor for awhile, even at IBM, it has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over the first decade of the 21st century. IBM is using MIPS in its pricing model, and the company has made it easy for its customers to "turn up" the speed on a mainframe by purchasing more MIPS on the fly. While not a great solo measurement for mainframe performance, MIPS has found its place in the IBM marketing model.

Tags: alternate meanings, fell favor, Indicator Processor, Indicator Processor Speed, load type

Forensic Science Schools In La

Bloodstain

Forensic science, commonly known as forensics, is a group of scientific fields applied to the investigation and prosecution of criminal acts. These areas include a broad array of subjects including DNA analysis, ballistics, toxicology and even anthropology. As a major center of crime in the United States, it should come as no surprise that Los Angeles is also a major center for the study of crime with several forensic science schools in the area.

California State University, Los Angeles: Criminalistics

Cal State's Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center offers a Master of Science degree in Criminalistics. Subjects include DNA, controlled substance, and trace-evidence analysis. Other topics include crime-scene reconstruction, validity of courtroom testimony, and individualization of physical evidence. The school has nine full-time faculty members and modern laboratory facilities. Besides teaching, professors collaborate with graduate students to produce original scholarly publications as well as policy papers on forensic science.

California State University, Los Angeles

Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center

1800 Paseo Rancho Castilla

Los Angeles, California 90032

323-343-4613

calstatela.edu

The Chicago School: Forensic Psychology

The Chicago School offers a Psy.D in Clinical Forensic Psychology in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Irvine. The degree usually takes four to five years of full-time study to complete. The graduate program integrates the traditional core competencies of the standard NCSPP model (National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology) with empirical and applied research in forensic settings and populations such as correctional institutions and psychiatric facilities. Graduates often find employment as head practitioners and senior administrators in both educational and forensic settings.

The Chicago School

617 W. 7th St.

Los Angeles, California 90017

213-615-2700

thechicagoschool.edu

University of California, Riverside: Forensic Nursing

West of Los Angeles, UC Riverside offers a certificate in Forensic Nursing. Enrollees in this program are trained to work with detectives in preserving, documenting, and collecting evidence at crime scenes. As nurses, they also learn treat survivors of assaults and violent accidents. Additionally, the program looks at the sociopolitical implications of violence and how it relates to the criminal justice system. The program is designed for registered nurses and other medical professionals who would like to pursue career opportunities in law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, and specialized hospital units.

University of California, Riverside

UCR Extension

900 University Avenue

Riverside, California 92507

951-827-1012

extension.ucr.edu

Tags: Chicago School, Angeles California, California Riverside, California State, California State University

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools In Illinois

Diagnostic medical sonography programs are available in Illinois.

Diagnostic medical sonographers use complex ultrasound equipment to capture visual images of the body to assist physicians in identifying and treating medical conditions and diseases. According to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, there are currently seven schools in Illinois that provide training in diagnostic medical sonography. Graduates are prepared to sit the licensure examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Harper College

Harper College offers an associate in applied science degree program in diagnostic medical sonography. Prerequisite course work in English, chemistry, anatomy, physiology and math with a grade of C or better is required for admission. This is followed by three semesters of course work, including medical terminology, ultrasound physics and instrumentation, vascular sonography, ECG and stress testing, pharmacology, pharmacology and laboratory techniques.

Harper College

1200 W. Algonquin Rd

Palentine, IL 60067-7398

847-925-6991

harpercollege.edu

College of DuPage

Two program options are available at the College of DuPage: an advanced certificate in diagnostic medical imaging sonography and an advanced certificate in diagnostic medical imaging vascular sonography. Both programs are designed for graduates of two-year allied healthcare programs, such as clinical laboratory science, radiologic technology or physical therapy. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 is also required for admission.

College of DuPage

425 Fawell Blvd

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

630-942-2436

cod.edu

John A. Logan College

The John A. Logan College offers both an associate in applied science with a specialization in diagnostic cardiac sonography and an advanced certificate in cardiac sonography. Both programs are designed specifically for candidates interested in careers as cardiac ultrasound specialists. Course work includes cardiac anatomy and physiology, medical physics and instrumentation, cardiac imaging and practical laboratory training.

John A. Logan College

700 Logan College Road

Carterville, IL 62918

618-985-2828

jalc.edu

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

The School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Northwestern Memorial Hospital offers an 18-month certificate of completion program. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science degree or two-year credential in a field related to patient care, such as nursing or respiratory therapy, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students receive extensive on site training in both general sonography applications and obstetric and gynecological ultrasound.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

541 North Fairbanks Court, Suite 950

Chicago, IL 60611

312-926-1196

nmh.org

Rush University

Rush University offers a Bachelor of Science with a major in vascular ultrasound for students interest in specializing in the imaging of arteries, veins and blood flow. This program consists of two years of general education and prerequisite coursework in liberal arts and sciences. Upper-level course work includes vascular anatomy, venous and arterial procedures, cerebrovascular sonography, transcranial procedures, abdominal vascular ultrasound and practical training in a clinical setting.

Rush University

600 S. Paulina, Suite 1019A

Chicago, IL

312-942-7286

rush.edu

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

A diagnostic medical sonography specialization is available during the final year of the four-year Bachelor of Science in radiologic sciences degree program at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. After completing prerequisite course work in the liberal arts and sciences and major course work in radiology and radiography, students receive training in ultrasound physics and instrumentation, sectional anatomy, obstetric and gynecological sonography, abdominal sonography and clinical applications.

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

1220 Douglas Drive

Carbondale, IL 62901

618-453-4980

siuc.edu

Triton College

Triton College offers both an associate in applied science degree and a certificate in diagnostic medical sonography. Candidates must complete prerequisite course work in biology, math, physics and chemistry with an average grade of C or higher. Students receive extensive theoretical and clinical training, with course work in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, ultrasound physics, abdominal sonography, obstetric and gynecological sonography, first aid training, imaging, pathology, ultrasound interpretation and hands-on practice.

Triton College

2000 Fifth Ave

River Grove, IL 60171

708-456-0300

triton.edu

Tags: course work, diagnostic medical sonography, Logan College, advanced certificate, anatomy physiology

Tourmaline Healing Properties

Used in alternative medicine, tourmaline is a protective stone that detoxifies your body, eliminates paranoia, improves dyslexia and hand-eye coordination, and treats bronchitis, diabetes, emphysema and pneumonia. A powerful mental healer, tourmaline balances the right and left hemispheres of the brain, author Judy Hall says. You can choose from a wide range of colors of tourmaline, and each variety provides additional healing benefits.

Physical Properties

Tourmaline becomes electrically charged at both ends when heated and allowed to cool. This is known as "pyroelectricity," the International Colored Gem Association says. When it is under pressure and creates a charge, it is called "piezoelectricity" and attracts dust and dirt particles, Minerals.net says. Tourmaline is found throughout the world and has a hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale. In the U.S., the stone is mined in California and Maine. Other large deposits are in Sri Lanka, Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania.

Benefits

Tourmaline helps you reduce levels of stress, anxiety and confusion. It calms your nerves, removes toxins from your bloodstream, reduces lower back pain, relieves migraines, helps with constipation, heals burns and reduces arthritic pain and swelling. Individual colors of tourmaline have additional healing properties.

Types

Pink tourmaline heals your inner child and children who suffered abuse and is a fertility stone, Gemstone Gifts says. Black tourmaline, or "schorl," protects you from harmful radiation and deflects negative energy, including anger and jealousy. Green tourmaline relieves chronic exhaustion. Rubellite, a dark pink or red stone, brings emotional balance and stimulates fertility, Gemstone Gifts says. Watermelon tourmaline contains red and green and improves the immune system, heals life-threatening illnesses and balances your metabolism and endocrine system. Dravide tourmaline, a brown stone, improves intestinal disorders and skin diseases.

History

In an ancient Egyptian legend, tourmaline is considered the "gemstone of the rainbow" because it passed through a rainbow on its way up from the center of the earth, the ICA says. Black tourmaline once was used as a stone of mourning because of its gray to black hues, Minerals.net says. Paraiba tourmalines are blue to blue-green and were discovered in 1987 in Paraiba, Brazil. Canary tourmalines, which are yellow and come from Malawi, Africa, were discovered in fall 2000.

Methods

Wearing tourmaline as jewelry, meditating with tourmaline stones or drinking tourmaline-charged water--also known as an elixir--are some of the ways you can infuse tourmaline's many healing properties into your body. Carrying a tourmaline in your pocket or placing it strategically in your home or office also will provide benefits. Burying a tourmaline in the soil of a plant will keep pests away and encourages growth.

Tags: additional healing, Black tourmaline, colors tourmaline, Gemstone Gifts, Gemstone Gifts says, Gifts says, healing properties

Medical Insurance Specialist Training

Medical insurance specialists process the claims paperwork for a health practice.

Medical insurance specialists are responsible for coding insurance claims to ensure that physicians, health care providers and hospitals receive reimbursement from insurance companies for the services they provide. These specialists are an important link in the chain between patients, the health care provider and insurance companies. The available training and certification provide the necessary background and professional credentials to enhance proficiency and professionalism for individuals in this occupation.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are for those who want to enter the workforce quickly.

Certificate programs for medical insurance coding are designed to provide graduates with the basic skills needed to pass a certification exam and obtain an entry-level position as a medical insurance specialist. Some of the core competencies covered are medical terminology, office administration and medical insurance procedures. Certificate programs are often less than a year in length with some programs lasting six months. Certificate programs are best suited to indiviudals wanting quick placement into an entry-level position.

Associate Degree Programs

An associate degree can help you look better in an inteview.

Associate degree programs for medical insurance specialists are often up to two years in length and provide graduates with a more in-depth view of medical coding and processing. Associate degree programs also offer opportunities for a wider selection of coursework, including business, computer science and liberal arts courses. Schools often offer internship opportunities in connection with these programs to give students real-world experience in an office setting. Additionally, students completing an associate degree will be able to apply credit courses toward a baccalaureate degree if they pursue further education. Associate degree programs are best suited to individuals who do not wish to pursue a baccalaureate degree immediately, but wish to enter the workforce with the option of later pursuing additional education.

Baccalaureate Degree Programs

Get a bachelor's degree if you want to enter a management position.

Minimum requirements for entry-level medical insurance management positions are often a baccalaureate degree in business administration, management, accounting or finance. Should a medical insurance specialist want to make a career move to management, the transition will often require obtaining a baccalaureate degree. Some baccalaureate degree programs allow credits an individual earned through their associate degree to transfer to the baccalaureate degree program. The number of courses or credit hours allowed for transfer may vary by institution.

Medical Insurance Certification

Professional certifications add professional expertise to your education resume.

Several national organizations administer certification exams for professionals in medical insurance coding industry, including the American Health Information Management Association and the American Association of Professional Coders. These certifications provide professionals within the industry a sign of their commitment and skills. Certification can also provide professionals with increased earning potential and advancement opportunity. These certifications require continuing education to maintain, which can often involve taking industry-related courses.

Tags: baccalaureate degree, Certificate programs, Associate degree programs, insurance specialists, medical insurance

Stage 4 Breast Cancer Alternative Treatment

Breast cancer originates in the cells of the breast tissue. This type of cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, bloody nipple discharge or an inversion in the nipple. The term "stage four breast cancer" means the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. Alternative treatments and complimentary treatments may help women with this condition, according to the American Cancer Society.

Licorice Root Treatments

According to the American Cancer Society, licorice contains glabridin and licochalcone-A, which are substances that may prevent DNA mutations. These substances may also prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells in breast cancer patients. Licorice is available at most health foods stores in extract and capsule form.

Flaxseed Extract

Flaxseed extract has been used for several decades in cancer patients. According to the American Cancer Society, a diet rich in flaxseed or flaxseed extract may reduce the stickiness of cancer cells. The reduced stickiness may prevent cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body.

Flaxseed can be found in grains, such as cereals and breads. It's also available in liquid extract at health stores.

Ginseng Extract

Ginseng extract contains substances called "ginsenosides." These substances are similar to steroid hormones, according to the American Cancer Society. They may also have an anti-inflammatory effect on cancer patients. Increasing the strength of immune cells may prevent and slow the growth of cancer cells in breast cancer patients.

Mushrooms

Asian medicine has used mushrooms in tonics for thousands of years. However, certain types of mushrooms, such as the Maitake mushroom, may have anti-cancer qualities. The Maitake mushroom contains the ingredient polysaccharide. This substance is believed to activate the immune system and t-cells, which naturally kills cancer cells. Shiitake mushrooms may also be helpful in preventing the spread of cancer cells, according to the American Cancer Society.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids may prevent the spread of tumor growth in hormone related cancers, such as breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Omega-3 fatty acids also have other health benefits, such as protecting against heart disease.

Tags: cancer cells, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, Cancer Society, breast cancer

The Georgia Healthcare Freedom Act

The Georgia Health care Freedom Act failed to pass.

The Georgia Healthcare Freedom Act was a proposal to exempt the state of Georgia from health care reform legislation. In response to federal health care reform, conservatives in many states advocated legislation to exempt states from having to comply with all or part of the reform measures. Virginia, Idaho and Arizona enacted similar health care freedom acts in 2010. Several conservative groups, including the Tea Party, have advocated such legislation.

Health Care Freedom Act

Gerry Purcell, 2010 candidate for Insurance Commissioner of Georgia, proposed the Georgia Healthcare Freedom Act as a ballot initiative. He hoped to gain enough signatures on petitions to have the act put on the 2010 ballot. The act affirms the right of citizens of Georgia to make this own decisions about health care and states, in part. "No law shall interfere with a person's or entity's right to pay directly for lawful medical services, nor shall any law impose a penalty or fine, of any type, for choosing to obtain or decline health care coverage or for participation in any particular health care system or plan."

Gerry Purcell

Gerry Purcell, who sponsored the Georgia Health Care Freedom Act, ran for Insurance Commissioner in 2009 and 2010. He was one of six candidates for the office and was defeated in the primary by fellow Republican Ralph T. Hudgins, who eventually won election as insurance commissioner. Purcell ran on a platform of "free market health care" which proclaimed the right of everyone to make their own choices about insurance, including not having health insurance.

History

The Georgia Health Care Freedom Act is one of several proposals in response to passage of the federal Affordable Health Care Act. The federal act, passed in March 2009, has a provision that requires most people to buy health insurance, beginning January 1, 2014. Conservatives and others have objected to this requirement of health care reform. In addition to the Georgia Health Care Freedom Act, the Georgia Legislature considered legislation in both the state house and senate for a constitutional amendment that would have allowed Georgia to opt out of participation in the federal program. Other states, including Arizona and Idaho, have enacted similar legislation, although the legality of such a move has not been tested.

Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment

Senate Resolution 794, also known as the Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment, stated that "no law shall compel any person to participate in any healthcare system." Sponsored by a number of Georgia Republican senators, the senate voted to reconsider the proposal in March 2010. The proposal failed to garner enough support to make it onto the November 2010 ballot.

Tags: Health Care Freedom, Care Freedom, Georgia Health, health care, health care, care reform

Schools In California That Have Xray Technician Programs

California provides academic and clinical training opportunities in radiology technology.

Radiologic technicians are trained medical professionals and are responsible for performing diagnostic radiologic examinations. Technicians must be able to operate X-ray equipment, position patients, produce images, and provide radiation safety and care for patients. Graduates of a radiologic technology program are eligible for the certification examination through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and California State Certification. Career opportunities for California radiologic technicians are available in hospitals, imaging centers and clinics.

Cabrillo College

Cabrillo College offers students a 2-year radiologic technology program. The program combines academic training with off-campus laboratory experience at local medical facilities. The associate degree program offers courses in radiographic positioning, principles of radiographic imaging, fluoroscopy, medical imaging pathology and radiation physics. Not only do these courses teach students the practical applications involved in radiologic technology, but ensure that students have the critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills to work in this field.

Cabrillo College

6500 Soquel Drive

Aptos, CA 95003

831-479-6100

cabrillo.edu

Los Angeles City College

The radiologic technology program at Los Angeles City College teaches students to perform diagnostic and interventional procedures. Students study the foundational principles involved in radiographic exposure, patient positioning, imaging equipment and patient care. In addition to core radiologic technology courses, students must spend one year, 36 hours per week, in a clinical education program at a local medical facility. These facilities include Good Samaritan Hospital, Saint Vincent Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center--West Los Angeles and Kaiser Permanente Medical Center--Sunset.

Los Angeles City College

855 N Vermont Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90029

323-953-4000

lacitycollege.edu

Santa Barbara City College

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits the 24-month radiologic technology program at Santa Barbara City College. Students in this program are taught to perform all the diagnostic procedures within an X-ray department. The program requires students to complete four clinical rotations to ensure that they are prepared to work in a professional setting, are able to communicate with other medical professionals and can effectively prepare and perform radiologic procedures on patients.

Santa Barbara City College

721 Cliff Drive

Santa Barbara, CA 93109

805-965-0581

sbcc.edu

Tags: City College, radiologic technology program, Santa Barbara, technology program, Angeles City, Angeles City College, Barbara City

Science Project On The Body For The 3rd Grade

Help 3rd-grade students learn more about the body through science projects.

It's important to teach 3rd-grade students about the human body. Education is key to helping children develop healthy habits that will keep their bodies strong and healthy as they grow. Engage students in science projects on the body to help them understand more about their bodies and how they work.

The Five Senses

Have third-grade students learn more about their five senses through science projects. Set up five tables in the classroom that will be stations representing the five senses: sight, taste, touch, smell and hearing. At each station, put various items that will help the students learn more about that sense. Put pictures of landscapes at the sight station; soft fabric, a smooth rock and a prickly hairbrush at the touch station. Provide flowers for students to smell, food items such as pickles and sugar cubes for kids to taste, and musical instruments for kids to hear. Have the students visit each station and record their observations in a science journal.

Nutrition

Teach third-grade children about nutrition through a science project. Show students a variety of foods that are commonly found at supermarkets, such as cereal, candy bars, frozen pizza and yogurt. Help children read the ingredients and the nutritional information on each label. Have children identify the food that has the most sugar, the highest amount of sodium and is the most natural.

The Skeleton

Help students learn more about the human skeleton through human body-themed science projects. Provide card stock, glue and a variety of dried pasta and rice for students. Have the 3rd-graders make a skeleton out of the pasta pieces and glue them to the card stock. Use twisted pasta for the spine and shell or tube pasta for a skull. Use elbow macaroni for ribs. Use spaghetti pasta or dry rice for fingers and toes. Have children label the bones of the skeleton.

Other Science Projects on the Body for the 3rd Grade

Have children trace their hands or feet onto paper. Then have them draw a picture of the bones in their hands and feet and label them. Other 3rd-grade body projects include making the likeness of various organs, such as the heart or the brain, out of modeling clay. A student can also make a poster with a diagram of the body's muscles.

Tags: more about, learn more, learn more about, students learn, students learn more, Have children, science projects

Probiotics Used To Cure Cancer In Rats

Probiotics are organisms that help to maintain a healthy human digestive system, including, possibly, decreasing the incidence of colon cancer. These bacteria are usually found in fermented foods such as yogurt. According to an article in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, more than 1 million cases of colon cancer are reported worldwide, and half a million deaths, every year. While the journal article stresses that more studies are needed to determine a definitive link between probiotics and cancer reduction, some promising studies have shown that some probiotics can prevent or cure mild colorectal cancer in rats.

Bifidobacterium Longum

Bifidobacterium (B.) longum is a type of bacteria that multiplies in the human gut and is considered to have a beneficial relationship with humans. B. longum can be found in dairy foods or nutritional supplements. This bacterium can also be passed to infants through breast milk. According to the Molecular Sciences article, J. Singh and his associates conducted a 40-week study using male rats exposed to carcinogens. When B. longum was fed to rats, this study--published in 1997--showed that colon tumor development and the number of tumors were reduced. B. longum also reduced the size of tumors. According to the article, it is theorized that bifidobacteria bind to carcinogens, which are then removed from the body via feces.

Lactobacillus Casei

I. Wollowski and associates conducted a study in rats using lactobacillus casei, commonly found in fermented milk products, in order to determine the protective effects of this probiotic in the prevention of colon cancer. This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2001. In this study, lactobacillus casei was found to reduce the incidence of cancer lesions in colon cells of rats when administered at a high rate. Other lactobacillus probiotics, including acidophilus, gasseri and confusus, showed the same effectiveness in rats. A human study of 223 patients with advanced cervical cancer showed that L. casei provided protection against the further development of tumors. L. casei was found to activate human macrophages to destroy tumor cells.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are indigestible food components that help increase the growth of probiotics in the gut. The synergistic relationship between prebiotics and probiotics is known as synbiotic. According to a study conducted by D.L Topping and P.M. Clifton and published in 2001, the probiotic bacteria lactobacillus rhamnos and bifodobacterium lactis, when fed to rats in conjunction with prebiotics in the form of cereal bran, reduced the incidence of cancer in rats more than probiotics alone.

Tags: colon cancer, According article, associates conducted, cancer rats, casei found

Front Medical Office Management Procedures

To manage a medical front office effectively, whether a small practice or large clinic, comprehensive, clear procedures must be developed and implemented that address necessary tasks and responsibilities. Office procedures should highlight various employees' duties, such as describing what receptionists should do when the office opens and closes. You should understand how the medical office works to tailor procedures appropriately.

Basics

Office procedures should convey interact with clients. Relevant topics include standard client greetings (e.g., in person and over the phone), the management disgruntled or angry clients, client confidentiality (e.g., HIPAA regulations) as well as appointment setting and notification. Strong customer service skills are required for most medical office employees. Thus, the procedures should distinguish "good" from "inadequate" customer service. Standard procedures in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, like a fire or flood, are needed. Create a separate employee handbook to discuss policies about dress code, attendance, sexual harassment, payroll, vacation and benefits.

Records

A successful medical office manages its patient records efficiently. Backup procedures should be mandatory for paperless offices (e.g., with patient information stored online or on a computer program). The front office manual needs to explain create, update and store client records. The manual also should include procedures about make records inactive, such as when patients move. Another important aspect involves physician calendars. For instance, by scheduling two patients each hour, a physician might have 20 to 30 minutes of free time. The procedures should explain schedule an appropriate number of patients on an hourly and daily basis. Procedures also might depict a standard way of assigning exam rooms.

Billing

Front medical office procedures should detail collect payment from patients. If a patient uses insurance, the procedures should explain what information is needed to verify the insurance and to collect a co-payment, if needed. The procedures should explain whether to obtain payment before or after the visit when a patient is paying out of pocket. Also, describe the necessary steps to get timely reimbursement of insurance claims. For instance, explain who will code or identify medical procedures for patient records as well as billing. Procedures should specify handle past due accounts, such as those that remain outstanding for 6 months or 1 year.

Tags: procedures should, medical office, procedures should, procedures should explain, should explain

What To Expect At A Breast Exam

What to Expect at a Breast Exam

The Basics

A breast exam is a medical exam performed by a licensed doctor to look for any lumps and other irregularities in or around a woman's breast. Prior to the exam taking place, a woman will be asked to remove any clothing she has on above the waist. She will then be made to put on an opened-front hospital gown. She will then be ushered into a dimly lit mammogram room where the exam will take place. The room will feature a few pieces of computer equipment that are relevant to the exam. The dim lighting in the room is important so the doctor can properly see any results from the computer portion of the exam.

Sitting Up

During the clinical portion of a breast exam the doctor will view a woman's breasts while she is sitting up on a table. The doctor will be looking for any irregularities with the shape of the breasts as well as the skin and nipple area. The doctor will then request the woman raise her arms above her head and put her hands on her hips so he can observe the breasts at these positions. Finally the doctor will check a woman's lymph nodes (under her arm and near her collar bone on both sides of her head) for any swelling that may be present.

Lying Down

Next, the doctor will ask the woman to lie down on her back while on the exam table. The doctor will then move his hand all around both breasts, one at a time, looking for any lumps or irregularities. He will use his fingers to thoroughly examine these areas. At this point, a doctor may or may not request a mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of a woman's breast that will be used to make sure no irregularities have gone undetected. Once this is done, this will conclude the clinical portion of a breast exam.

Tags: doctor will, will then, clinical portion, clinical portion breast, doctor will then, Expect Breast, Expect Breast Exam

Prevent Colon Cancer Recurrence

It's important to prevent colon cancer recurrence after dealing with colon cancer. To do this, it's important to pay attention to colon health. Below are some effective methods in helping to prevent colon cancer recurrence.

Instructions

1. Yogurt: Yogurt contains healthy bacteria which can help to work in the colon to create a healthy environment that can prevent tumor growth. Add yogurt to your daily diet, and opt for more natural, plain and organic yogurts. Make sure it's yogurt that is labeled as either live or active.

2. Bromelain: Bromelain is an enzyme in pineapple that is known for being anti-cancer. It helps to break down tumors and prevents them from growing. Eating it in pineapple isn't enough to make a drastic difference, so it's best to take it in supplemental form.

3. Colostrum: Colostrum is a substance found in some female mammals. It's been studied multiple times, and has been proven to help prevent the recurrence of colon cancer.

Tags: colon cancer, cancer recurrence, colon cancer recurrence, prevent colon, prevent colon cancer

Learn Basic Computer Skills For Beginners

Basic computer setup with mouse, monitor and keyboard.

Learning basic, and then advanced, computer skills allows you to take advantage of your system and the Internet to find a wealth of information and perform a wide range of tasks. Knowing use your computer and operating system is crucial, especially since many jobs and professional careers require computers. A few basic skills that beginners should learn include opening applications and programs, navigating the Internet and sharing files with other network computers.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a basic computer course at a local community college or technology center. Bring a spiral-bound notebook to the class. Take detailed notes during the course so that you'll have a reference when performing basic tasks, such as locating electronic files and folders. Store these notes next to your main computer at home or work, and review them as needed.

2. Turn on your computer and explore the system. Ask a computer-savvy friend or family member to sit with and guide you through this learning experience. Check out your computer keyboard for buttons that may help control your system features, such as volume and screen brightness. With your mouse, click the "Start" menu in the lower left-hand corner of your computer screen if using Windows XP, Vista or 7. Move your mouse, and click on programs and other sub-menus to explore what's inside the "Start" menu.

3. Locate the Internet browser. All computers running Microsoft Windows contain Internet Explorer as the default Internet browser, which is represented by an icon of a blue, lowercase "e." The browser allows you to use Internet resources and view Web pages. Double-click the Internet browser icon to open the program.

Look for the address bar --the long, horizontal bar near the top of the program that contains the website address. Website addresses, or URLs (uniform resource locators) begin with "http://" in most cases. Type URLs in your address bar that will take you to free computer learning material. Type in GCFLearnFree.org, CompTechDoc.org or TechTutorial.net in your Internet address bar. Press "Enter" on your keyboard to be taken to these sites to view computer tutorials and learn about operating systems and popular computer applications.

4. Go to the support website for your operating system. For Microsoft operating systems, type in windows.microsoft.com in your Internet browser. Click on the appropriate operating system in the "Help and How-To" list in the top right-hand corner of the site. To find what version of the Microsoft operating system your computer is running, right-click on the "My Computer" folder in Windows XP, and click on "Properties" in the menu. In Windows Vista and 7, right-click on the "Computer" folder, then choose "Properties."

Type in apple.com/support/osfamily if using a Mac operating system; click on your particular operating system listed on the site. Click on topics such as setup and maintenance, Internet and networking and accessibility to read and learn about your operating system. To find the version of your Mac operating system, click the "Apple" icon in the top of your computer next to the "Finder" menu. Click on "About This Mac."

5. Review your computer's electronic help manual. To open the manual, click on the "Start" button if using Windows XP, Vista or 7. Click on "Help and Support" in the right-hand column of the "Start" menu. Click on the "Learn about Windows Basics" or "Browse Help Topics" buttons to read about operating computer hardware, Windows desktop fundamentals and working with files. Type in a keyword in the search box, and press "Enter" on your keyboard to locate specific topics.

Tags: operating system, your computer, Internet browser, Start menu, Windows Vista

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Wellness Programs

Employers and schools: The ball is in your court.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases are the most typical, expensive and avoidable health issues. Heart disease, the cause of death for almost 1 million Americans annually, is one example of the devastating impact preventable diseases can have. With such a threat to public health, employers and schools are being called to action. Wellness programs are among the weapons used in today's battle against preventable health issues.

Increased Productivity, Decreased Absences

Try to lower the absence rate at work through wellness programs.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) states that mental and physical health are important parts of a "healthy workforce." In response to this, programs that promote improvements in mental and/or physical health are being rolled out in companies and schools across the nation (i.e., Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign for schools). Improvements in employee and student performance are another benefit that these programs aim for.

Easy Access to Wellness Perks

On-the-job wellness benefits make wellness a convenient option for workers.

Wellness initiatives offered through work and school make it easier to pursue healthier living. Clarian Health, for instance, hosts on-site wellness services for its employees. These services range from a tobacco cessation program to a mental health workshop titled "Stress, Crisis and Burnout," which introduces ways to prevent workplace exhaustion.

With programs of this nature on the rise, employees and students need not travel far to reap the rewards that stem from employer/school--sponsored wellness initiatives.

Programs Can Be Customized

Soliciting participant feedback ensures wellness initiatives are welcomed.

Gordon Shea and Adolf Haasen, co-authors of "The Older Worker Advantage: Making the Most of Our Aging Workforce," write that organizations wanting to design a good wellness program for their employees (or students) must take a survey of what the intended participants' needs and interests are.

Organizations can then use this information to create wellness programs that weigh "costs against anticipated results and organizational resources." 



Cuts Employee/Employer/Healthcare Costs

A dollar saved (on healthcare costs) is a dollar towards that dream vacation.

When employers offer patient advocate programs such as 24/7 nurse availability and telephone therapy sessions, these programs allow plan participants to call or click for answers to health-related questions in real time.

By encouraging participants to engage in better practices such as limiting ER visits made for non-emergency care, patient advocacy programs are one way healthcare costs are lowered for all involved.

Could Be Seen as Invasive

With the government already having access to personal emails, phone records, and so on, privacy is in short supply, and mandatory health screenings can lead to low program participation.

According to CNN's David S. Martin, Lincoln Industries, in Nebraska, requires its employees to take part in checkups that measure health statistics such as "weight, body fat and flexibility." These mandatory testings would not appeal to job seekers who are hesitant to disclose health vitals to an employer.

Wellness Initiative Results Are Participant-Driven

If participation in wellness initiatives is low, the return on investment (i.e., health improvements leading to better school/work performance) would be minimal, if at all.

Although promotional materials and incentives such as free fitness products may generate excitement, wellness programs only work when the intended participants take part in the program's offerings.

Tags: employees students, health issues, healthcare costs, intended participants, mental physical, mental physical health, physical health

History Of The Personal Digital Assistant

The personal digital assistant has changed greatly in its short history.

The earliest personal digital assistants (PDAs) were used to maintain calendars, store contact data and keep notes. PDAs today offer added functions, including phone services and GPS tracking.

Early PDAs

One of the earliest PDAs was the Casio Business Organizer Scheduling System, which debuted in 1989. It offered basic functions, including handling appointment scheduling and storing contact information. Apple's Newton was a huge leap forward for PDAs and was the first machine labeled "personal digital assistant." It was able to learn and recognize handwriting and could synch to a computer.

Palm PDAs

In the 1990s, the Palm Pilot became virtually synonymous with the idea of the personal digital assistant. Palms had rechargeable batteries and greater memory capacity than previous PDAs.

The Blackberry

The Blackberry, made by Research in Motion, became so widely used and seemingly addictive that fans began to call the devices "crackberries." Blackberries are both cell phones and PDAs, with email and instant message capability as well as the standard calendar and data-storage functions.

The iPhone

Apple's iPhone, released in 2007, introduced touchscreen technology to the PDA, and the ability to display full web pages onscreen. It is also a full iPod in addition to its phone and PDA functions.

Tags: personal digital, digital assistant, personal digital assistant, functions including

Prepare For The Board Of Preventive Medicine Certification Exam

The American Board of Preventive Medicine is the certification body for physicians who study the health of individuals and select populations. The board offers a national certification exam every year for physicians who wish to demonstrate competence in preventive medicine. Divided into two parts, the exam questions feature clinical cases, administrative problems, epidemiological situations and definitions encompassing biostatistics, legal and regulatory systems, aerospace medicine, occupational health and public health. The board recommends careful preparation months in advance for the six-hour, 300-question test.

Instructions

1. Take a board review course. Professional organizations for preventive medicine physicians offer conferences throughout the year to help prepare for the board exam. The American College of Preventive Medicine and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine host multiday board review courses, where expert physicians lead course attendees through practice exams, exam content outlines and review exercises. Although fees for these courses vary based on the location, length of the course and host organization, you can expect to pay between $750 and $1,000, as of October 2010. Fees include all course materials, including study guides.

2. Use the board's study guide and outlines to prepare. Some candidates for the board exam prefer to prepare on their own with study guides. The American Board of Preventive Medicine publishes a detailed exam study guide, which provides sample questions, content outlines, lists of scientific journals test takers should read and textbooks that writers use to create the exam. The board also provides a breakdown of the distribution of test items, noting how much emphasis test takers should place on specific topics. The board's study guide is free and downloadable from its website.

3. Try the board's exam tutorial and demonstration exam. Test takers can prepare for the board exam by downloading the American Board of Preventive Medicine's tutorial and sample exam from its website. The board's tutorial helps test takers who are not familiar with computer-based exams get a feel for the pace of the exam, and the demonstration exam lets you take a sample test on your computer to identify areas where you need further study.

Tags: board exam, Board Preventive, Board Preventive Medicine, American Board, American Board Preventive, Preventive Medicine, study guide

Prepare For A Radical Mastectomy

Prepare for a Radical Mastectomy

A radical mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all of the lymph nodes under the arm, the chest muscles and the entire breast. While this procedure was standard for years, it is only used today in cases where the cancer has already metastasized (spread) to the chest muscles, and no other treatment option is advisable. It may require removal of additional skin and fat in the chest area in order to remove all involved tissue. Read on to learn prepare for a radical mastectomy.

Instructions

1. Recognize the importance of taking drastic measures to remove all traces of metastasized cancer. In a radical mastectomy, all possible cancerous tissue is removed, including the extension into and around the chest wall. A doctor will typically not recommend this procedure without thorough consideration and elimination of all other less invasive options.

2. Prepare to have chemotherapy or some type of hormone therapy prior to a radical mastectomy to shrink the tumor. This may make it possible to have a less dramatic procedure than a radical mastectomy.

3. Prepare for a radical mastectomy to require a longer surgical time than any other type of mastectomy. It is a more complex surgery because of the amount of tissue involved.

4. Expect all lymph nodes in the breast area and under the armpits to be removed during a radical mastectomy. The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system which circulates lymph (a fluid that helps fight disease and infection).

5. Anticipate an adjustment to activities following a radical mastectomy. Protection of the surgical side (especially the arm and hand) may be necessary for months. It is important to understand the extent of nerve involvement in removal of massive amounts of tissue.

6. Discuss with your oncologist the possibilities of chemotherapy and radiation following a radical mastectomy. Prepare in advance for the lengthy recovery and continuing treatment that may be required to recover from surgery.

7. Learn the difference between a radical mastectomy and a modified radical mastectomy. In a modified radical mastectomy, as much of the chest wall and muscles as possible will be left.

8. Know that the stage of cancer involvement will determine if a radical or modified radical mastectomy is most likely to give the best opportunity for cancer control. Patients with Stage I and II cancer may be offered the option of a modified radical mastectomy. Stage III breast cancer is better controlled with a radical procedure.

Tags: radical mastectomy, modified radical, modified radical mastectomy, radical mastectomy, radical mastectomy, lymph nodes

Which Cellphones Read Barcodes

Bar Code

Many cellular phones available today are capable of reading barcodes. For a cell phone to be capable of reading barcodes it must have a camera and a barcode reading application. Barcode reading applications are available for download from application stores such as the Android Marketplace, iTunes App Store, or the BlackBerry App Word. Users can utilize barcode scanning applications to check and compare prices of products.

Motorola Droid X - Verizon Wireless

The Motorola Droid X from Verizon Wireless is an android-powered handset capable of reading bar codes. The Droid X comes with an 8.0 megapixel camera, 4.3-inch touch screen, 3G mobile Internet, Wi-Fi, and is capable of accessing the Android Marketplace. Users can download applications like Barcode Scanner from the Android Marketplace.

Apple iPhone 4 - AT&T Wireless

The Apple iPhone 4 from AT&T Wireless is a viable barcode reading device. The iPhone 4 comes with a 3.5-inch touch screen, Wi-Fi, 3G mobile Internet and 5-megapixel camera, and is capable of downloading applications from the iTunes App Store. Owners can download barcode reading applications such as the Shop Savvy Barcode Scanner for free from the iTunes App Store.

Blackberry Storm 2 - Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless's BlackBerry Storm 2 is capable of reading bar codes. This model comes with a 3.2-megapixel camera, 3.25-inch touch screen, 3G mobile Internet, Wi-Fi, and is capable of accessing BlackBerry's App World. Users can download barcode reading applications such as the ScanLife Barcode Reader for free from BlackBerry's App World.

HTC EVO - Sprint

Sprint's HTC EVO is an Android powered phone capable of reading barcodes. The HTC EVO comes equipped with a 4.3-inch touch screen, 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, 4G mobile Internet, 1.3 megapixel front facing camera, 8.0 megapixel camera, and access to the Android Marketplace. Owners can download barcode reading applications like the ixMAT Barcode Scanner for free from the Android Marketplace.

Tags: Android Marketplace, barcode reading, capable reading, mobile Internet, reading applications, touch screen

How Do Poor People Get Health Insurance

Providing family coverage is important.

Health insurance is a major part of most budgets, but if you've lost your job or are simply struggling to pay the rent, you might be tempted to go unprotected. There are many different alternatives, depending on your income and the state in which you live. If you have children, every state has free or low cost health insurance for children. Some states also have plans for families in need of insurance.

Alternatives

If you need health care immediately, don't wait to find an affordable health plan. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an arm of the United States Department of Health and Human Resources, has free clinics in most areas (see "Resources"). You simply put in your address and you'll find those closest to your home. The clinic bases your cost on your income. Hill-Burton Facilities, one's that received grants from the government, provide reduced-cost or free health care also.

Child Insurance

Your state participates in CHIP, the Children's Health Insurance Program. It's a partnership between the states and the federal government to provide low cost health insurance to the working poor, families that make too much for Medicaid but can't afford the cost of private insurance. Every state has a program that differs in qualifications based on income. All states, however, provide insurance that includes routine checkups, immunizations, dental, lab services, X-rays and both in and out patient services. All preventive care is free, but some services might require a copayment. Newer legislation, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA), signed in 2009, extends the coverage to more children.

Family State Programs

Many states offer programs for not just children but for low-income families. These, too, are for those who do not qualify for Medicaid, but still can't afford the high premiums of a private insurance plan. You'll find some of these plans for your state by using the state map shown on at the Foundation for Health Coverage.

Organizations

Many organizations offer supplemented health insurance. The Foundation for Health Coverage Education, for example, has organized all the options for free or subsidized health insurance and located the information on its site (see "Resources"). The site features a test that helps you discover the best option for health insurance based on your income, state of health and family age and size.

The U.S. Uninsured Help Line

The U.S. Uninsured Help Line offers 24-hour service 7 days a week to help families find free or low-cost health insurance options. It tells you what options are available, connects you to the plans you qualify for and provides additional resources that might benefit you. The insurance help line receives its funding from the WellPoint Foundation, Inc. You can contact it by calling the toll free number: 1-800-234-1317.

Medicaid

Medicaid covers people of all ages who have an income within specific guidelines. Those who receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) get Medicare automatically. Medicaid income guidelines vary from state to state but may range between $700 and $800 monthly maximum for single individuals.

Tags: health insurance, your income, Children Health, Children Health Insurance, cost health, cost health insurance, Foundation Health

Treat Pulled Rib Muscles

Pulled rib muscles can occur from overextending yourself during a workout, from excessive coughing during an illness or from reasons that you may never be able to determine. Chest pain that comes from pulled rib muscles will be sore and tender when you touch the affected area. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), in most cases, you can treat muscle pain in the ribcage in your own home (see Resources).

Instructions

1. Apply ice to your pulled rib muscles to reduce the level of inflammation you're experiencing from a fresh injury. Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time up to three times a day. The ice may also temporarily numb the pain.

2. Get some pain relief from over-the-counter medications. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen ease the pain and may also reduce inflammation. These medications may upset your stomach--if they do, ask your doctor for an appropriate substitute.

3. Rest as much as you can to help your rib muscles heal. Limit heavy lifting and other vigorous physical activities that may aggravate your injuries.

4. Treat pulled rib muscles with heat after the first couple of days. A heating pad or warm, moist compress can take the edge off the soreness and stiffness you feel. Make sure to use the low setting on a heating pad to avoid burning yourself.

Tags: pulled muscles

Drug Used In A Colonoscopy Procedure

A colonoscopy procedure allows your doctor to closely examine the inside of the colon and rectum for abnormalities such as polyps. Several medications may be used before and during the procedure.

Before the Exam

Before the examination, your doctor will prescribe a bowel preparation that acts as a powerful laxative to cleanse the patient's insides. Any stool can obscure the colon and allow polyps and other growths to escape detection. Over-the-counter laxatives and/or an enema may also be prescribed.

Minor Complications

Heavy bowel movements could lead to skin irritation around the anus. Over-the-counter preparations such as Vaseline and Desitin may be used to help relieve those symptoms.

During the Procedure

Doctors administer a sedative and a pain reliever intravenously. A common painkiller used is Demerol. The tranquilizer Versed is commonly used as a sedative.

During a virtual colonoscopy, no sedatives are used. However, if your doctor discovers polyps, he may perform a traditional colonoscopy with a sedative.

Side Effects

Some people may develop adverse reactions to the sedatives (4 in 100,000), including breathing problems and low blood pressure. In addition, all patients will need additional time to recover from the sedatives after the procedure.

After the Colonoscopy

Patients will require someone to bring them home from the procedure, as the sedatives can take several hours or longer to completely wear off. The sedatives will impair driving.

If polyps have been removed, patients may be advised to avoid painkillers such as aspirin and NSAIDs for up two weeks following the procedure to decrease the risk of bleeding. Acetaminophen products such as Tylenol may be allowed.

Tags: your doctor

Determine Dcis With Palpable Mass

Breasts lumps are often not cancerous.

Ductal carcinoma in situ is a form of breast cancer that forms inside the milk ducts of the breast but has not infiltrated other body parts. According to breastcancer.org, DCIS usually has no signs or symptoms, although a small number of women may have a lump in the breast or experience some nipple discharge. If a palpable mass is detected during a breast self-exam exam, a woman should make an appointment with a health care provider for a clinical examination. To confirm DCIS, further studies must be performed. It's important to remember a palpable breast mass does not necessarily mean breast cancer.

Instructions

1. Prepare for a mammogram. A physician who confirms a palpable mass and suspects DCIS will likely order a mammogram as the next step in diagnosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, mammography is X-ray imaging of your breasts. In mammograms DCIS often shows up as clusters of white, hardened material in the breast ducts called calcifications. To detect the extent of a mass seen on a mammogram, an ultrasound is usually ordered.

2. Make an appointment for an ultrasound. Ultrasound radiologists use reflected sound waves to define the shape, density and size of DCIS matter. Ultrasounds are useful for seeing all areas of the breast including areas closest to the chest wall. If the DCIS has spread, or if another form of breast cancer is present, an ultrasound may detect this.

3. Ask your doctor to refer you to a surgeon for a biopsy. Biopsies are the only way to get a definitive diagnosis of DCIS. There are various types of biopsy procedures. A fine needle aspiration biopsy uses a thin, hollow needle to extract a small sample of cells for examination. A core needle biopsy uses a larger needle to remove a larger sample of breast tissue for microscopic examination. If results from either of these biopsies are inconclusive, a surgeon may perform an incisional or excisional biopsy. An incisional biopsy is similar to a core needle biopsy. An excisional biopsy is more like a lumpectomy, as it attempts to remove the suspicious lump in its entirety. If a biopsy confirms DCIS, a woman must mentally prepare herself for further surgery to remove the cancer completely; and for the possibility of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to prevent recurrence.

Tags: breast cancer, biopsy uses, core needle, core needle biopsy, excisional biopsy, form breast, form breast cancer

Careers In Thermography

Thermography careers may allow for early breast cancer detection

Thermography is the study and interpretation of collected results of small temperature differences, which have been taken with a thermographic device. Thermographic equipment typically works by means of an uncooled infrared system, and is used for many different professional uses. A thermographer receives and analyzes the results that have been emitted by the thermographic device, and determines any significant changes or information from the temperature mapping. There are numerous fields open to thermographers who can use these thermographic devices.

Surveillance and Monitoring

Thermographers may work in surveillance and monitoring. Infrared cameras are thermographic devices that may be mounted and wired to monitors, allowing security personnel to observe any heat-based movement in the area. These thermographic security devices are installed by people with experience in thermography, and allow security personnel to be alerted to intruders long before they would have been otherwise been.

Building Inspection

Individuals with knowledge of thermographic devices and tools may also work with building inspectors. Thermography tools allow inspectors to detect defects that may release heat. For example, with thermographic sensory units, an inspector can note thermal changes, and proceed accordingly. Also, thermographic equipment can be used to inspect the facility's wiring as well, using similar thermal-based instruments.

Breast Cancer Specialists

Using thermography, breast cancer specialists have found a more effective way to detect abnormal cells. When thermal images are read correctly, they can detect as few as one breast cancer cell. Taking thermal images is also much less invasive for a woman, and they involve much less radiation than traditional mammography technologies, since an average mammogram equates to an amount of radiation comparable to roughly 1,000 chest x-rays, while thermal technologies provide no exposure to radiation.

Tags: have been, thermographic devices, breast cancer, much less, security personnel, thermal images, thermographic device

Prepare For An Excisional Breast Biopsy

An excisional breast biopsy is performed when an unknown lump or mass is discovered during a routine breast exam. The doctor removes the mass for testing to determine if it is benign or cancerous. The biopsy procedure is performed in the operating room under anesthesia and involves a short recovery time after the procedure is complete. A small scar will be visible after the procedure. Depending on the amount of tissue removed, the shape of the breast may be altered.

Instructions

Prepare for the Procedure

1. Complete preliminary tests. Before an excisional breast biopsy can be completed, the doctor will order several tests. Tests that will be performed include blood work as a general precaution before any surgical procedure. The doctor may also request an ultrasound and mammogram to further identify the mass as well as pinpoint the location of the mass. These diagnostic tests can also provide a baseline against future test that can indicate any changes that have taken place in the breast. These tests may be performed from a few weeks before the surgery date to just a few days before the procedure.

2. Prepare for surgery. The excisional breast biopsy involves removal of the entire lump or mass in the breast. Depending on the type of anesthesia that will be used, there may be different instructions to prepare before the surgical procedure. If general anesthesia will be required, no food or liquids are generally allowed after midnight of the night before the procedure. If medicines are required the morning of the procedure, check with the doctor before administration. Smoking as well as taking any blood thinners, such as aspirin, should be eliminated before surgery to avoid excessive bleeding risks. An IV will be administered during the surgery to deliver medications as well as fluids. Being well hydrated before the procedure will make it easier to insert the IV.

3. Ask for help. Monitoring will be completed in the operating recovery room for several hours following the procedure. When cleared to leave, it will is best to have a driver available for transport, particularly if general anesthesia was used. There may be some soreness around the area as well as redness and slight swelling. The stitches that were used to close the incision will be removed in the doctor's office one to two weeks after the procedure. The pathology results from the procedure should be available within a few days. Depending on the results, the doctor will discuss the next steps that may be necessary.

Tags: after procedure, before procedure, breast biopsy, excisional breast biopsy, before surgery, before surgical, before surgical procedure

Prepare For An English & Math College Assessment Test

Preparing for college assessment tests can help you achieve a better score.

Colleges and universities require entering freshmen to take assessment tests to determine placement in English and math courses. These specific tests vary from school to school, but they typically contain multiple-choice questions and require students to write a short essay that assesses writing skills. A high enough score allows you to skip certain courses, and a low score may indicate you need to take preparatory classes before being allowed to take college-level composition and algebra. Some preparation increases your chances of doing well on the assessments.

Instructions

1. Call the assessment office at the college you plan to attend and ask what assessment tests you will have to take. Many colleges use COMPASS or ACCUPLACER, but many exist. Knowing which tests the college uses and which portions you need to focus on will help you use your study time more efficiently.

2. Ask the assessment office about study materials. They may have study guides or offer workshops to help you prepare for the exam.

3. Review test-taking strategies. With multiple-choice exams, try to narrow options by eliminating choices that seem outlandish. If you will need to write an essay, look over suggestions for timed writing assignments and essay exams. For instance, remember to budget your time to allow for revision and proofreading and decide on ways to organize before you begin to write.

4. Review appropriate math concepts. Depending upon the type of assessment test and the areas you need to take, the test may ask about fractions, decimals, ratios and percentages, geometry and algebraic equations. In a math textbook, read through the portions you feel comfortable with first as a quick review. Then spend more time on the ideas you do not remember as well. Do the practice exercises that have answers in the back of the book.

5. Read punctuation and grammar rules in a writer's handbook for the English assessment. Do the exercises in the book to get practice applying the concepts, since these are the kinds of questions multiple-choice sections about writing usually contain. Practice writing essays to brush up on your skills.

6. Find a tutor if you want more assistance. High school and college students and teachers sometimes tutor during their free time. Call local schools and educators to find out about individuals, programs and classes that can help you prepare.

7. Take practice tests. Publications and websites, such as the New England Institute of Technology, offer sample questions that make you more comfortable with the format and content of test questions.

8. Get a good night's sleep the night before your exam. You will be better able to concentrate if you are well rested. Eat breakfast before you go to the testing center, and do not overdo the caffeine, as too much can make it difficult for you to pay attention to details.

Tags: assessment tests, assessment office, comfortable with, help prepare, need take

Prepare For An Endometrial Biopsy

Preparing for an endometrial biopsy isn’t difficult. Planning ahead can help minimize your discomfort during and after the procedure. Although an endometrial biopsy only lasts a few minutes, preparing for the procedure will make it more tolerable.

Instructions

Instructions:

1. Preparing for an endometrial biopsy should be both mental and physical. Before you leave for your appointment, remember this procedure is to help your doctor diagnose a possible problem. It does not imply you have a problem already. There can be many reasons a doctor requests an endometrial biopsy. If you have questions, talk to your doctor before the procedure.

2. Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin approximately one hour before your endometrial biopsy procedure. You will want to lessen the pain of the procedure by taking medication. By preparing well in advance, you will minimize the pain.

3. Plan to wear clothing that is not restrictive around your waist, and is quick and easy to take off and on. You will be asked to undress from the waist down at your endometrial biopsy appointment. A loose fitting sun-dress, skirt or pants with a loose waist would be good options.

4. Bleeding or mild spotting can occur after an endometrial biopsy. This is normal. Plan ahead for your procedure by taking a feminine pad with you in your purse. After the procedure, you will be allowed to use the restroom to get dressed, and can apply the pad at that time.

5. Take additional pain killing medication and a bottle of water with you in your purse. If your appointment runs long, you don’t want your pain killing medication to run out as you prepare to head home. Be ready to take another dose.

6. After the doctor has preformed the endometrial biopsy, you may feel mild to moderate cramping for a few hours. Plan to have a friend or family member drive you home from your appointment.

7. Taking the afternoon off work, or planning for a babysitter for the rest of the day would be advised. Although all women respond differently to this procedure, it is best to plan ahead in case you feel a great deal of discomfort.

Tags: endometrial biopsy, procedure will, your appointment, killing medication, pain killing, pain killing medication

Honor Someone Who Has Died

Let the deceased's personality inspire her memorial.

Paying tribute to a deceased loved one is a way to keep her memory alive long after her funeral. Honoring her life will also help you find closure and remember all the positive things she brought into your life instead of focusing on her death. Unlike a funeral, the steps you take to honor her life should make you smile and bring joy to others too. Through memorials and acts of kindness, you can help other people remember and appreciate the person who has died.

Instructions

1. Hold a memorial service sometime after the funeral. Choose a date a week later or a year later; it's up to you and the other people closest to your passed loved one. Invite the person of honor's family and friends to a park, restaurant or your home to share food, drinks and memories of the deceased. Display photos and other mementos of the person's life for guests to admire.

2. Make some tribute to the person of honor at the end of the memorial service. Light candles and have a moment of silence or release butterflies or Chinese sky lanterns into the air.

3. Donate money in the name of the deceased. Ask others to do the same, in lieu of funeral flowers, if you're the one writing the person's obituary and getting it printed in the local paper. Choose a foundation that the person supported or would have liked; for instance, if she was an animal lover, choose a local animal shelter.

4. Volunteer your time or services to an organization that had meaning for the deceased. Drop off homemade cookies to the retirement home where she lived, volunteer as a fundraiser for a charity she supported or donate supplies to needy people in her neighborhood. Make your volunteer work a standing appointment so you can honor her regularly throughout the year.

5. Fill your home with mementos that remind you of the deceased. Hang framed photos of her in central areas of your home. If you have any of her personal items in your possession, display them in a prominent way. Place trophies, medals, flags, books or whatever you have of hers on a shelf in your living room or bedroom so you'll think of her whenever you walk through.

6. Tend to her burial spot. Visit once a month to clear debris away and leave flowers. Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch and spend some time "visiting" with her.

Tags: your home, after funeral, memorial service, other people, person honor

What Are The Benefits Of Digital Mammography

Mammograms made by taking X-rays of the breasts have saved lives by detecting breast cancer tumors before they were visible to the naked eye or even felt upon physical examination of the breast. But traditional mammograms don't always give a clear picture of breast tissue, requiring follow-up exams and tests for many women. Digital mammography has several advantages over film technology.

No Waiting

Traditional mammograms require a wait while films are developed. The images from digital mammography can be viewed immediately.

Magnification

The images on digital mammograms can be magnified to get a closer look at any suspected problem areas. Technicians can zoom in for a close up.

Contrast

The technician can easily adjust the brightness or contrast of the digital image. This is a plus when viewing dense breast tissue, since dense tissue and tumors may both appear white on traditional mammograms. By adjusting the contrast or brightness the technician can more readily distinguish healthy tissue from problem cells.

Speed

The digital mammogram equipment makes an image of the breast in a fraction of a second, meaning the woman receiving the mammogram spends less time with her breast compressed, a position that's quite uncomfortable.

Storage and Transmission

Film mammographies are stored in envelopes filed on shelves, which takes up a lot of room. If you want a different physician to see your old films for comparison to a new mammogram, the films have to be physically transported to the new doctor, which can be expensive and isn't always practical. Digital mammograms are stored on computer disks and can be transmitted quickly via computer to a doctor anywhere in the world.

Better Results

A 2001 study of more than 49,000 women in the United States and Canada found that digital mammograms were 15 to 28 percent better at detecting tumors in women with dense breast tissue, women who were pre or peri-menopausal, and in women under age 50.

Tags: breast tissue, dense breast, dense breast tissue, digital mammograms

Pop Your Gum Tons Of Times In A Row

Dispose of gum properly once you finish with it.

Chewing gum actually helps individuals deal with stress, according to a study by Andrew Scholey, professor of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia. It also relieves anxiety and helps people be more alert. Popping gum while chewing it is socially unacceptable and considered uncouth. If the goal is to get on a co-worker's or an acquaintance's nerves, then learning pop gum a ton of times in succession is a skill to acquire. The remorse you experience while deliberating trying to rattle someone else may be soothed by the knowledge you are relieving your stress at the same time.

Instructions

1. Place two or three fresh pieces of stick chewing gum into your mouth.

2. Chew the gum for about one or two minutes to make it pliable and moist. If you can stretch it out with your tongue without it breaking, it is ready. During the last few chews, be gentle and don't place your teeth all the way together. This prevents the gum from getting holes.

3. Roll the gum into a small, cylinder shape with your tongue.

4. Press the gum against the back of your teeth with your tongue. This is similar to getting the gum ready to blow a bubble.

5. Open your mouth slowly; push the gum through your teeth and flatten the gum up around your upper front teeth.

6. Attach the lower section of the chewed gum to the back of your lower front teeth with your tongue. Keep your mouth open slightly, with the majority of the gum over your upper front teeth.

7. Suck in air through your mouth, which leads to a popping noise. Bring more gum down to the lower back section of the front teeth and suck in again. Keep repeating this method until the wad of gum is popped out.

8. Chew the gum quickly into a cylinder shape and begin the gum popping process again, repeating it until someone complains about the noise.

Tags: front teeth, with your, with your tongue, your mouth, your tongue, your teeth

Define Turnover

Employee turnover is a subject that business managers and corporate executives must deal with continually. Simply speaking, employee turnover is the percentage of a company's total number of employees that must be replaced at any given moment. Most managers will say that the higher the rate of employee turnover, the higher the cost to the company itself. All companies keep an eye on their employee turnover rate because it is a major cost of doing business. When an employee is to be replaced, the company will incur the cost of advertising the job, possible headhunting fees, costs accrued by the human resource department, lost productivity and training, just to name a few. These costs can amount to as much as the worker's salary, or more, depending on the industry and the level of employee being replaced. High employee turnover is a reflection of the way the company views employees. Here are a few things to consider.

Instructions

1. Prepare a company-wide questionnaire in which you ask all employees, anonymously, what represents the company's most important asset and if the company can be considered the Employer of Choice. You might be very surprised by the results.

2. Act on the results of the questionnaire, if you want to maintain credibility as a manager. Failure to do so will only increase your company's employee turnover.

3. Recognize that employee relations is not just a job for the folks in the personnel department. The company's culture and environment is in the hands of senior management.

4. While you might succeed in reducing your company's employee turnover rate, you will always find yourself in the position of recruiting and retaining good people. That responsibility becomes easier if you are successful in making your company the employer of choice, although that will take both time and money.

5. Always be on the lookout for good people to work at your company. In most cases, the best candidates already have a job and are reasonably satisfied. Making contact with them for the future will make your job easier when the time becomes appropriate.

6. Recognize that companies with the highest job satisfaction ratings are not necessarily those with the highest salaries. Recognition, praise for work well done, a sense of belonging are all more important to most people.

7. If all your efforts fail to stem the outward flow of employees, look for outside help to create to create the kind of company culture and environment that will result in improved employee turnover.

Tags: employee turnover, your company, employee turnover, company culture, company culture environment, company employee, company employee turnover