Isoflavones are the most common type of plant estrogen. Soybeans are an abundant source of the most beneficial isoflavones known, daidzen and genestein, which both have a positive effect on breast health.
Features
Because of their chemical structure, isoflavones can mimic estrogen in the body, especially in breast tissue.
Function
Estrogen receptors exist throughout the body, especially in the breasts, vagina and uterus. Estrogen plays a crucial role in the reproductive system, but too much can trigger cancer growth.
Effects
Isoflavones attach to estrogen receptors in breast tissue cells, which prevents other estrogen from doing the same. Because isoflavones are a weaker form of estrogen, they do not stimulate cell division like stronger forms do, thereby minimizing the risk of cancer growth.
Study Findings
Frequent consumption of soy isoflavones is a major protective dietary factor against breast cancer, according to a study led by Dr. H.P. Lee of the National University of Singapore.
Sources
Soy isoflavones can be obtained by eating soy foods or taking soy isoflavone supplements.
Sacramento has several colleges ready to train students for careers in health care.
The medical field consists of a wide variety of careers that appeal to many different individuals. The technically-inclined may work as x-ray technicians, while nurturing personalities may pursue nursing careers. The city of Sacramento in California offers prospective health care professionals multiple colleges where they can earn their medical training.
UC Davis School of Medicine
Sacramento's UC Davis School of Medicine specializes in health sciences and medical education. With programs leading to degrees, certificates or even dual-degrees, the school has an option for nearly every prospective medical student. UC Davis boasts its own medical center and student-run clinics where students can fulfill the practical components of their programs while gaining a realistic understanding of what a career in medicine entails.
UC Davis School of Medicine
Medical Education Building
4610 X Street
Sacramento, CA 95817
ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
Sacramento City College
Although Sacramento City College is not strictly a medical college, it offers many programs in the field. With programs in dental assisting, dental hygiene, registered nursing, vocational nursing, allied health and occupational therapy, Sacramento City College trains students for a variety of health-related careers. Since admission requirements vary according to each program, prospective students should research which prerequisites to complete during high school.
Sacramento City College
Sacramento City College
3835 Freeport Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95822
916-558-2111
scc.losrios.edu
Kaplan College
Also located in Sacramento, Kaplan College offers diploma programs for individuals seeking careers as dental assistants, medical assistants, medical office specialists and vocational nurses. Each program combines traditional methods of instruction, such as lectures and seminars, with a practical component emphasizing hands-on training.
Please consult the list of programs for more information.
Kaplan also offers a short certificate program in pit and fissure sealants, which trains students to administer sealants such as dental fillings and bonding in a clinical setting. With courses in tooth anatomy, physiology and morphology, the program provides students with the knowledge necessary to function in a clinical setting. Before graduating, students must successfully apply pit and fissure sealants on four actual patients to obtain their certificate.
Kaplan College
Sacramento Campus
4330 Watt Avenue, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95821
916-649-8168
sacramento.kaplancollege.com/
MTI College
Sacramento's MTI College claims to be the best vocational school in the city. They offer diplomas in a variety of fields, including health care. Diploma programs include medical assisting, with or without specialization in phlebotomy, medical billing and coding specialization. After graduating, students find work in clinics, hospitals, laboratories and doctor's offices. MTI offers graduates career placement services that increase their chances of finding a job after graduating.
MTI College
5221 Madison Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95841
916-339-1500
mticollege.edu
Tags: City College, Sacramento City, Sacramento City College, College Sacramento, Davis School
Iowa dental assistants can't just perform x-rays without a certificate of qualification.
Dental assistants are dental staff members other than dental hygienists who are able to perform basic dental procedures under the general supervision of a licensed dentist. To perform dental radiographs or x-rays, dental assistants must have a current Iowa Dental Board-issued registration certificate and radiography qualification certificate. Chapter 22 of the Iowa Administrative Code outlines the dental radiography qualification rules.
Age
In order to take radiographs or x-rays, a dental assistant must be at least eighteen years old.
Status
Dental hygienists and dentists do not need a certificate of radiography qualification since their training is regulated under the IDB licensure process. Dental assistant trainees, registered dental assistants and dental assisting program graduates are eligible for and required to have a certificate of radiography qualification if they intend to take dental x-rays.
Dental Radiography Training
To qualify for a certificate of radiography qualification, an Iowa dental assistant must complete an IDB-approved program or on-the-job training as a dental assistant trainee using board-approved curriculum. Dental assistants must complete dental radiography training within two years of applying for the qualification certificate.
Exam
Dental assistants must pass either the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) exam or the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam or any other IDB-approved dental radiography exam with a score of at least 75. If a dental assistant receives a failing score twice, she will need to show proof of additional formal dental radiography training before retesting again.
Certificate of Qualification
Dental assistants must submit an application for a certificate of radiography qualification to the Iowa Dental Board. The certificate expires on Aug. 31 of every odd-numbered year. Dental assistants must complete at least two hours of radiography continuing education to renew the certificate.
Fee
As of 2010, the certificate of qualification nonrefundable application fee is $40 payable to the Iowa Dental Board.
Understanding the various signs and symptoms that precede a diagnosis of cancer can help you to accurately judge when to make a trip to the doctor. As breast cancer will affect one out of every eight women, becoming intimately familiar with its symptoms can help you get your cancer treated before it becomes an even larger threat.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can begin anywhere throughout the breast, but it most commonly originates near the area of the breast that produces or transports milk to the nipples. Breast cancer is also commonly estrogen-dependent, which means that it only grows in response to localized estrogen in the region of the breast.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of breast cancer include a lump located in or around the breast or armpit area. Other notable symptoms include discoloration in the nipple, changes in the size or shape of the breast, or the presence of a pus-like discharge from the nipple itself.
Arm Pain
According to Medline Plus and Cancerhelp.org, swelling of one arm (near the infected breast) often coupled with pain is also a symptom of cancer. Unfortunately, this is typically a sign of a more advanced case of breast cancer, wherein the cancer has already spread to the surrounding lymph nodes in the arm.
Treatment
Treatment for breast cancer is prescribed on a case-by-case basis, but the general treatment options are surgery (removal of the breast), chemotherapy (drugs used to poison the cancer cells), or radiation therapy (targeted radiation used to kill the cancerous tissue). Surgery is often not an option in advanced cases as the cancer has spread to such an extent that excising all of the infected tissue is impracticable. In these cases, chemo and radiation therapy are your best options.
Considerations
Remember that localized arm pain can be caused by a variety of factors, so do not immediately assume the worst. If, however, your arm pain is coupled with one or more of the aforementioned symptoms, it would be wise to schedule an appointment with your supervising physician as soon as possible to rule out breast cancer as a possible diagnosis.
Tags: breast cancer, coupled with, radiation therapy
is a form of breast cancer that forms primarily in the milk ducts, and may slowly spread to the surrounding tissue. According to the Mayo Clinic invasive lobular carcinoma is diagnosed in approximately 20,000 women in the United States each year. While it should still be considered a dangerous condition, patients suffering from invasive lobular carcinoma experience much higher recovery rates than other forms of breast cancer.
Skin Thickening
If you are experiencing symptoms of invasive lobular carcinoma, then one of the symptoms you may notice is that the skin on your breast may get hard in spots. It could be in one particular spot, it could be in a variety of spots, or it could be a few larger areas of the breast that are affected. Your skin will seem hard, and it may also have small pock marks or dimples in the affected area as well. The affected skin may take on the consistency of the skin of an orange or a grapefruit.
Swelling
You may begin to experience symptoms of breast swelling as a result of invasive lobular carcinoma. This swelling may be localized to specific areas of your breast, or you may notice a general swelling of one of your breasts. Most commonly you will experience swelling in random areas on your breast if it is a symptom of invasive lobular carcinoma. The area may feel as though it is filled with fluid, but it will not have the hard consistency of a lump.
Nipple
A common symptom of invasive lobular carcinoma is a nipple that is turned inward and is unable to become erect. This is referred to a nipple retraction.
Testing and Diagnosis
It is common for invasive lobular carcinoma to not have any detectable lumps associated with it, it tends to spread out over a larger region than other forms of breast cancer which normally confine themselves to areas identified by lumps. Because invasive lobular carcinoma tends to spread out, it is not always detected by a mammogram. The most effective way your doctor will use to detect invasive lobular carcinoma is through an initial physical examination where your doctor may feel an abnormality. Confirmation of the condition is usually made using an ultrasound and a biopsy with the biopsy being the definitive diagnosis.
Both Breasts
According to the Mayo Clinic, invasive lobular carcinoma differs itself from other forms of breast cancer because it is possible that a woman may have invasive lobular carcinoma in both breasts. The Mayo Clinic estimates that 2 out of every 10 women with invasive lobular carcinoma in one breast will also have the condition in the other breast.
Tags: lobular carcinoma, invasive lobular, invasive lobular carcinoma, breast cancer, forms breast, forms breast cancer
The breasts are made up of glandular tissue, fatty tissue and skin. Although the fatty tissue can shrink as a result of weight loss, the tissue itself will remain, and it might expand again if calorie intake increases. Surgery is the only way to reduce breast tissue.
Instructions
Surgical Procedure
1. Ask your physician whether you are a good candidate for this surgery, which is called reduction mammaplasty. This procedure is usually performed for health reasons rather than cosmetic reasons. You are a good candidate if you are otherwise in good health, don't smoke and are experiencing significant physical or emotional discomfort discomfort because of the size or weight of your breasts.
2. Before surgery, make sure you have a clear understanding of the cost and whether or not your insurance will cover all or part of procedure. Know and understand the potential complications and psychological aspects. Make preparations regarding post-surgery travel and care.
3. Plan time for recovery, which typically runs two to four weeks. Ask your physician what care will be required after surgery, and be sure to follow all instructions. Incisions typically are bandaged and the dressings must be changed periodically. Oral or topical medications might be prescribed to reduce pain and prevent infection. Ask your physician when normal activities may be resumed.
Tags: your physician, fatty tissue, good candidate
Massage therapy is the practice of manipulating the soft tissues in the body to improve a person's mental and physical well being. Licensing and education to become a massage therapist varies from state to state. However, it is still possible to learn massage therapy from home if you understand what to do.
Instructions
1. Contact the board of massage and bodywork therapy in your state to find out what is required to practice as a massage therapist in your state.
2. Contact schools in your area that have online massage therapy programs. Make sure the school you choose is accredited.
3. Apply to the school of your choice that has an online massage therapy program.
4. Take your massage therapy classes online from home until you have completed the program. The average duration of the courses before program completion is two to four years.
5. Complete whatever additional requirements -- such as certification or licensing testing -- to begin practicing and to maintain your certification in your state. This usually includes additional testing and sometimes even additional classes, or continuing education units, to stay up to date.
Tags: massage therapist, massage therapy, your state, from home, online massage
Cancer in dogs is as common as it is in humans, and affects every area of the body in the same ways. There are more than 100 types of cancer that can affect dogs. It often shows up in the lymph glands. Certain types of cancer are less likely in dogs, such as lung cancer, but all seem like a death sentence. However, according to K-9 Immunity, it isn't usually the cancer that kills; it's a secondary disease caused by the cancer, such as liver or kidney failure. Canine cancer treatment mirrors human cancer treatments. Dog owners must focus on helping their pets get through it by keeping them eating and hydrated.
Surgery
Where lumps are present and can be removed, surgery is usually the first course of treatment.
Chemotherapy
Treatment of cancer cells using chemotherapy can be used following surgery to help get rid of any remaining cancerous cells, or as a stand-alone procedure. Canine lymphoma is the most common type of cancer, usually treated solely with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy attacks the body's cells and destroys the DNA so they can no longer divide. This keeps cancers from spreading, and as the cancer cells die off, since they cannot duplicate, the hope is that they disappear completely. Chemo is not selective and doesn't just destroy bad cells. It attacks all of the body's cells, so the sickness that accompanies chemotherapy is systematic. However, healthy cells regenerate once chemotherapy is ended.
Radiation
Radiation therapy is used alone, or in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy to combat the spread of cancer cells. It works well on its own to destroy oral, nasal and other facial cancers in dogs.
Alternative Therapy
There are several types of alternative therapies commonly used to either supplement traditional cancer treatment or as a completely alternative means of treatment. Special cancer-oriented diets, acupuncture, holistic herbal remedies, magnetic therapy and touch therapy are a few of the methods employed in canine cancer treatment.
Cost
The total cost of cancer therapy for dogs varies depending on the animal, as well as with each type of cancer.
Care
Along with your veterinarian's treatments, your care will make a huge difference in the success of your dog's cancer care. As in humans, cancer treatments cause difficulty in eating and drinking. Both require active intervention on your part to keep your pet nourished and hydrated. Hair loss and other secondary signs of cancer treatments occur, the same as in humans.
Pain Control
Keeping your dog pain free during her treatment and recovery is of the utmost importance. Your dog's veterinary oncologist will likely prescribe sedatives and pain killers to help keep her comfortable and as pain free as possible.
Tags: cancer cells, cancer treatments, attacks body, attacks body cells, body cells
The first decade of the 21st century brought new studies into breast cancer, which uncovered possible food links. These include alcohol, caffeine, fat, meat, and soy products. However, there is no single food that has been shown to directly causes breast cancer. Instead, women should concentrate on living an overall healthy lifestyle, and consume such foods in moderation.
Alcohol
According to the American Cancer Society, alcohol consumption is linked to a risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, the ACS advises that women who are prone to breast cancer refrain from alcoholic beverages entirely. The average woman should drink no more than one alcoholic drink per day, as even a few per week has been linked to breast cancer, according to the ACS. A 1.5 oz shot of liquor, a 5 oz glass of wine, and a 12 oz beer are all equivalent to one drink.
Caffeine
Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, are thought by some to be linked to breast cancer. The American Cancer Society states that this assumption is false. Caffeine does, however, increase the risk of developing benign (non-cancerous) breast tumors, also known as fibrocystic lumps. This is where the confusion lies.
Fat
Diets high in fat, particularly in saturated fats, put you at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, according to Cancer Research UK. This increased risk is small. Yet diets that are higher in fat also contain more calories, which tends to lead to obesity that can be attributed to breast cancer.
Meat
According to Cancer Research UK, certain meats and the way in which they are cooked may cause breast cancer when consumed in large amounts. Red meats, such as beef, and meats that are fried are culprits. Instead, opt for white meats, such as chicken breasts and fish.
Soy
Soy foods are a popular alternative to foods derived made from animals. Yet the American Cancer Society warns that consuming large amounts of soy over time can increase the risk of breast cancer. Estrogen-producing phytochemicals, which are found in soy, have also been associated with breast cancer. Women who already have breast cancer should avoid soy, as it can worsen their condition.
Prevention/Solution
The best thing a woman can do to help protect herself against breast cancer is to live a healthy lifestyle, including a good diet and exercise. Certain foods have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer, including low fat dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and those with high levels of fiber, according to Cancer Research UK. Also, the American Cancer Society asserts that obesity has a link to breast cancer. Women who are overweight are strongly encouraged to lose weight to help prevent breast cancer, and other health issues.
Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, Cancer Society, Cancer Research
What is the Difference Between Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B?
Trying to navigate the world of health insurance coverage can be a daunting task, especially when government requirements are involved. Medicare is one of many federally funded insurance options to consider when in the market for health insurance. This article will cover the differences between Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B insurance plans.
History
The Medicare program was first proposed by President Harry Truman as a national health insurance plan in 1945. The political stance at that time prevented any further development on the proposal, due to its "socialist" undertones. It wasn't until 1965 that Medicare and Medicaid were signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson as part of his "Great Society" concept, which aimed to place more emphasis on public health and civil rights issues.
Identification
Both Medicare Part A and Part B are federally funded health insurance plans that carry different coverages. To be eligible, Medicare participants must be 65 years old or older, and have paid into Social Security through employment within the workforce (you, or your spouse), or paid into a Railroad Retirement Fund. Disabled individuals under the age of 22 years who are receiving Social Security benefits as a result of a retired, disabled or deceased parent are also eligible to apply. Individuals who have End-Stage Renal Disease, and require a kidney transplant or dialysis are eligible as well, regardless of age.
Features
As soon as you start receiving Social Security benefits, your enrollment in the Part A program is automatic. There are no monthly or quarterly premiums to pay, though a $1,024 deductible per illness is applied, as well as co-payment amounts depending on the length of a hospital stay. Your deductible covers the first 60 days in the hospital, then a co-payment of $256 a day is required for days 61 through 90.
Coverage under Part A applies towards inpatient hospitalization costs. This includes:
- blood transfusions (except first 3 pints)
- home health care services--skilled care, which includes catheter changes, and wound care, individual
must be homebound
Home health care agencies may have differing criteria as to what is covered by Medicare. For example, "homebound" to one agency may mean unable to drive, or seldom leaves the home except for doctor's appointments. Another agency may define "homebound" with less restrictions. If the agency you go through doesn't consider a situation as homebound, Medicare won't cover it. Always verify coverage definitions when considering a home health care agency.
Function
Medicare Part B is optional, and covers additional benefits on top of Part A. Monthly premiums as of 2008 vary according to income level and can be deducted from your Social Security check. Premiums range anywhere from $96.40 for those who make less than $82,000 a year to $238.40 a month for those who make more than $205,000 year. There's also a yearly deductible of $135. Services covered include outpatient therapy, and some expenses for medical supplies, tests and equipment. Part B pays 80 percent of the cost of an item, or service. The remaining 20 percent is your co-pay amount.
Considerations
Something to keep in mind when figuring co-pays--especially for Part B--is what is actually considered "coverable" under Medicare criteria. For example, say you go to the doctor and he charges $100 for a service that's covered under Medicare Part B. Per the guideline, 80 percent, or $80 of the service should be covered, while you pay the remaining $20. However, Medicare pays based on what's considered a "reasonable charge" for that particular service. So, if the claim is only approved for $60, as the "reasonable charge" for the service, you're responsible for an additional $20.
One way to avoid this situation is to make sure your doctor works on an "assignment" basis. This means the doctor is required to accept the Medicare approved amount as full payment once your 20 percent co-pay is paid. "Reasonable charge" decisions made by Medicare will not determine your co-pay amount in this case.
In many instances, Medicare insurance does not cover all expenses; even if you have Part A and B coverages. Additional government run programs like Medigap are available to pick up those additional expenses and medication costs as well.
Time Frame
Because Part B coverage is not automatic, there are specific enrollment periods in which to apply. There's a seven-month window that runs three months prior to the month of your 65th birthday to three months after (within the same year). For those on disability, the enrollment period begins 21 months after you receive your first disability check. General enrollment periods run annually from Jan. 1 to March 31.
Tags: Medicare Part, health insurance, Social Security, health care, Medicare Part Medicare
Vaginal dryness can be symptomatic of an infection or foreign bacteria in the body, or can result when a woman has decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone. When the vagina doesn't have an adequate amount of lubrication it can be uncomfortable and painful, causing the area to become hyper irritable (itching and burning can also occur). In addition to topical creams, water-based lubricants and moisturizers (such as Replens and Lubrin), there are herbal remedies that can be employed to combat the condition.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh herbal supplements (sometimes referred to as rattleroot, rattletop, black snakeroot, bugbane and macrotys) come from a perennial plant and can be effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness. Take in 20mg dosages two times per day.
Considerations
Black cohosh is available in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid extract and tea and can be purchased from health food and specialty stores or via an online retailer.
Other Herbs
Fennel, anise, parsley, vitamin C , Oregon grape root extract, Goldenseal, Boric acid, lavender extract, tea tree oil and St. John's Wort can be taken to ease vaginal discomfort and promote overall vaginal health; consult a health care practitioner to determine the appropriate regimen for you.
Comfrey Salve
Products that contain allantoin, such as Comfrey salve, sooth the irritated tissues as well as encourage growth of new and healthy cells.
Isoflavones
Consuming a diet rich in Isoflavones (a plant-based substance in soybeans and such products including tofu, edamame and soy milk) can be beneficial, as Isoflavones can thwart off symptoms of vaginal dryness, and its properties actually imitate the roll of estrogen.
The National Cancer Institute estimated that over 192,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and more than 40,000 will die from the disease. Radiation therapy continues to be a key treatment in the fight against breast cancer.
How Radiation Works
According to the National Cancer Institute, radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays and other kinds of radiation to eradicate cancer cells or prevent them from growing and dividing. Radiation therapy is a useful tool for treating breast cancer and many other forms of the disease because of it's proven ability fight off malignant cells.
Post Surgical Radiation Therapy
In cases of early stage invasive breast cancer when breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) is frequently performed, radiation therapy typically begins shortly after recovery. Radiation is not necessarily used to treat early stage breast cancer patients who have undergone a mastectomy. However, the Mayo Clinic states that doctors may recommend radiation therapy after mastectomy for larger breast cancers (5 cm or larger) or if its been determined that the malignancy has spread to several lymph nodes.
When Radiation Isn't Necessary
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer patients who may safely undergo a lumpectomy without radiation should meet certain criteria. The ACS says followup radiation may be unnecessary for a woman over age 70, especially if the patient has a tumor--2 cm or less across--that has been removed and has not spread to the lymph nodes. There may be additional factors to consider depending on the individual case.
While it may be tempting to bypass radiation in early stage breast cancer, the ACS says studies have shown that failing to undergo the treatment increases the odds of dying from the disease.
High Risk Cases
According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, a long term study in British Columbia found radiation treatment in high risk breast cancer cases may help prolong life. In a different study published by the same Journal, a 20-year follow-up of premenopausal patients who underwent radiation therapy in addition to a radical mastectomy and chemotherapy had a 32 percent reduction in breast cancer mortality.
Side Effects
Some side effects commonly associated with radiation therapy include fatigue and a red rash that is similar to a sunburn in the area of the breast where the radiation is beamed. Breast tissue may also appear swollen or more firm. In very rare cases, arm swelling (lymphedema) and lung or nerve damage may result from radiation treatments.
Tags: breast cancer, Cancer Institute, early stage, National Cancer, National Cancer Institute
MRI technologists perform scans on patients to diagnose medical conditions and injury.
MRI technologists work in hospitals and clinics operating magnetic resonance imaging equipment. MRI technology is used to diagnose medical conditions and injury. The technologist helps patients remain calm during the procedure and provides information about the procedure. The median salary for an MRI technologist is $62,532 as of 2009, according to Salary.com.
Education
Those seeking a career as an MRI technologist should obtain either an associate degree or bachelor degree in MRI technology. Students should choose programs with classes in MRI procedures, medical terminology and imaging principles, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The MRI technologist program should be accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists also provides accreditation for MRI programs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends that prospective MRI technologist should concentrate on math, chemistry and biology courses while in high school.
License
States may require MRI technologists to obtain a license to practice in the field. MRI technologists must pass a state license examination after completing a radiography program. Licensing requirements vary by state.
Certification
Students can seek a certificate program to become an MRI technologist. Certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is voluntary for MRI technologists, but it can lead to greater job opportunities.
Certificate programs may be completed in one or two years, according to Education-Portal. The student learns operate MRI equipment and maneuver patients in the correct position for scanning.
Skills
MRI technologists must have a good bedside manner so that they can ease patient fears when they undergoing an MRI scan.
The job of an MRI technologist can be physically demanding with long hours standing in one place. Technologists must have the physical strength to position patients on the MRI table.
Tags: American Registry, American Registry Radiologic, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, conditions injury, diagnose medical, diagnose medical conditions
Health care and insurance organizations must have secure logging protocols.
The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule came into final effect in 2006 requiring 18 safeguard standards governing how health care providers and insurers manage patient information. All covered entities must be in full compliance or they can face lawsuits, loss of business and--for Medicare participants--sanctions by the Centers for Medicare Services. In 2009, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act strengthened the push for HIPAA compliance by giving the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services the mandate to promote the development of a nationwide interoperable Health IT infrastructure
Provider Flexibility
The HIPAA Audit Controls rules establish that, "Entities have flexibility to implement the standard in a manner appropriate to their needs as deemed necessary by their own risk analyses." This leaves some gray area that each affected party or organization must decide for itself when developing computer login and logout procedures, among other information technology procedures. However, with so many facilities and companies working with the federal government to comply, common standards have emerged.
General Events
Information system servers need to be able to capture and record logging data for long-term records. In particular, events related to logging should include successful and unsuccessful login attempts, logouts, changes to user accounts, changes to privilege levels, use of privileged accounts and utilities, timeouts, instances of excessive failed logins and any events in which one user logs out and another logs in immediately thereafter.
Monitoring Activities
System administrators have special responsibilities to ensure logging compliance. Suspicious events such as multiple failed logins or any login attacks against the system require follow-up with investigation. Users should be required to have very strong and generally complex passwords. Suspicious events should be reviewed with management officials. Systems should correlate changes in systems and files to the user who performed them.
General Controls
Organizations need to have detailed records of which system is capable of logging which pieces of information. They also need to keep careful track of which users perform what tasks in which systems. Logins should provide system administrators and organization managers with an audit trail that shows what each user has done in each and every system.
Maintain eye contact with the interview as you answer his questions.
Companies ask certain interview questions to determine an applicant's intelligence, ambition and experience. Consequently, some interview questions are more common than others. Therefore, you should be well prepared to answer these common interview questions. Additionally, look the interviewer in the eye when answering questions as it makes your responses more credible. Keep your answers short and direct, but make sure you fully answer all questions. You should also sit up straight and relax.
How Would You Describe Yourself?
The interviewer does not want to hear your life's story with this question. Instead, keep your response related to your experience and the job for which you are interviewing. For example, tell the interviewer that you have five years of experience analyzing consumer research data if the job requires it. When the interviewer asks you to describe yourself, he is giving you an opportunity to match your skills and experience to the open position. Take advantage of the opportunity and make sure you provide examples of when you used certain required skills listed in the company's job description.
What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
This question can be a trap for many inexperienced job seekers. For example, a marketing research manager who mentions organizational skills as a weakness may cost himself the job. Marketing research managers need to be organized to complete various projects. Instead, if an interviewer asks you about your weaknesses, turn the weakness into a strength, as "USA Today" suggests. For example, tell the interviewer that your greatest weakness is expecting too much of others. Subsequently, tell the interviewer that you often work late and have high expectations for your employees. If you do answer the weakness question directly, mention something that is trivial. For example, say, "Filing tends to be tedious at times. However, I usually spend an hour each week updating all my files."
Do You Like Working With Others?
You need to know the nature of the position before answering this question. For example, if the job requires many hours of isolation, you do not want to say that you work best around others. However, most companies ask this question because their employees often work in team environments. Therefore, you should indicate that you work well with others and provide specific examples from past jobs.
What Are Your Salary Expectations?
The salary question can be another trick question. "USA Today" recommends that you deflect any salary questions back to the interviewer. For example, say, "I have a certain salary in mind. Do you have a salary in mind for this position?" The problem with answering a salary question directly is that you may undersell your experience. If you tell the interviewer you want $50,000 and the job pays $70,000, you may only get $50,000 if he offers you the job. Also, the interviewer may not even divulge the salary range for the job if you volunteer salary information.
Interviewing physicians (casually referred to as doctors) is a major responsibility since these medical professionals are experts in the art of healing and provide important care for people struggling with health issues. What sets physicians apart from medical specialists like surgeons is their education, clinical experience, and license to practice medicine and provide healing care for patients. Good interview questions to ask a physician should test each candidate's qualifications and interest in providing health care.
Motivation
It may sound like a cliche, but when interviewing physicians, you definitely want to understand their motivation for practicing medicine. The Job Interview & Career Guide offers "Why did you choose this career?" as a simple question to ask early in the interview. Since physicians have typically gone through several years of education and acquired advanced medical degrees, they obviously have something motivating them. Your hope in a medical practice or facility is that the physician wants to help heal people.
Career Goals
"What are you career goals? Does this hospital fit your career plans?" are also suggested by the Job Interview & Career Guide. It is common to ask about a candidate's career goals. In a medical operation, you also need to know about the stability of the physicians that you hire. Building relationships is important in 21st century health care, and clinics and hospitals want to hire physicians who are likely to stay around for a while.
Clinical Strengths
A more specific question you can ask about a physician's strengths according to the eMatchPhysicians site is "What are your strongest clinical areas?" This question gets at the match of the physician's strengths and specializations with your needs as a clinic or hospital. In a large facility, you might want to hire someone who has expertise in areas not already thoroughly covered. In a smaller facility, you may need a physician with strong experience in multiple clinical areas.
Team Orientation
While the popular ABC television show "House" depicts actor Hugh Laurie as an autonomous and egotistical dictator, most medical practices need physicians who are comfortable working as part of a team. This is especially true in hospitals or large practices in which collaboration and practical learning forums are important. Doctors in smaller clinics also rely on nurses, assistants and receptionists. A simple interview approach highlighted by eMatchPhysicians is "Describe your abilities as a team player." A good response should indicate experience in teamwork and an understanding of its importance in a medical setting.
Tags: career goals, Career Guide, clinical areas, healing care, health care
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both breasts either in full or partially. Typically, a mastectomy is performed to treat various stages of breast cancer, even in the prevention stages.
Indicators/Identifying Factors
Although advances in medicine have provided breast conservation techniques for cancer patients, there are some patients who would benefit more from mastectomies than these other techniques. Women who have undergone other surgical procedures, such as a lumpectomy, or radiation therapy but have not had all cancerous lumps removed would benefit from a mastectomy. Other ideal candidates for mastectomies include: male breast cancer victims, pregnant women, persons with connective tissue diseases, or patients with breast lumps larger than 5 centimeters who have not benefited from chemotherapy treatments.
Classifications
One type of mastectomy, the radical mastectomy, removes all contents of the breasts from the glands, to the fatty tissues, to the lymph nodes, as well as the muscles behind the breast. A modified radical mastectomy allows the muscles to be left intact. A subcutaneous mastectomy allows for the areola and nipple structure to be preserved as a whole. Removing only affected parts of the breast, along with the lymph nodes, performs a fourth type of mastectomy, referred to as the total mastectomy. The type a patient needs is dependent upon several factors, and the surgeon will discuss the mastectomy options before surgery.
Time Frame for Recovery
As with most surgeries, the first few days following the procedure will be the most painful and will normally require hospitalization. After leaving the hospital, recovering patients are restricted from lifting heavy objects and are recommended to avoid activities and situations in which the body will be bounced about---such as running, jogging or even riding across bumpy dirt roads---for 4 to 6 weeks following the surgery. After 4 to 6 weeks have passed the patient should be healed from the surgery.
Effects
Along with the removal of cancerous tumors, a mastectomy will also greatly affect the patient's self image, making it one of the most difficult mastectomy results to deal with. Some patients choose reconstructive surgery to bring their appearance back to its previous condition; this option often requires two or three more surgeries. Alternatively, patients may choose bras that include prosthetic breasts to make them appear normal when dressed.
Misconceptions
Mastectomies are used for treatment of breast cancer in both females and males. Many people only think of women as being affected by breast cancer, but this is not the case. The mastectomy procedure is considered a local therapy, targeting the cancer affected breast or breasts instead of systemic treatments affecting the entire body. This procedure benefits both men and women.
Risks and Warnings
To catch cancerous tumors early so that mastectomy intervention is a success, examine your breasts at least once a month, and schedule annual mammograms to screen for lumps. A mastectomy may not always be successful, and other therapies may need to be attempted.
There are many career options in the interventional radiology field.
Radiologists are trained in taking and interpreting images for medical diagnosis, according to the website RadiologyInfo.org. There are many areas in which radiologists choose to specialize. One is interventional radiology.
Interventional radiology is a subspecialty that uses "minimally invasive interventional techniques" to take images, diagnose and treat patients, notes RadiologyInfo.org. Examples include blood vessel imaging and treatment (angiography, angioplasty and stent placement) and biopsy procedures.
Interventional radiology technologists must be proficient in various imaging techniques, which include, according to wiseGEEK, x-rays, MRI, ultrasound and CT scanners.
Different Types of Jobs
There are several specific jobs in which interventional radiology technologists are qualified to perform. The website wiseGEEK lists them as interventional technologist, interventional radiographer and diagnostic radiological technologist. The average salary is just over $58,000 a year, according to Salary.com.
Interventional Technologist
The role of the interventional technologist is to serve as an assistant to physicians during interventional and invasive diagnostic procedures, explains wiseGEEK. Such procedures are peripheral vascular and cardiac procedures.
Other job responsibilities include getting patients ready for procedures and creating documentation on the procedures that are performed. Interventional technologists also communicate with nurses and physicians about each patient's status, notes wiseGEEK. Interventional technologists also maintain their equipment and supplies, including inventorying these items.
Interventional Radiographer
Interventional radiographers operate interventional radiography tools and equipment, such as power injectors and the Advantage Windows Workstation, according to wiseGEEK. They also help collect patient images as well as encode, edit and complete patient exams.
Diagnostic Radiological Technologist
The diagnostic radiological technologist is also a career option in interventional radiology. The main responsibility, reports wiseGEEK, is to prepare and administer contrasting agents, which is done under a physician's supervision. To accomplish this, technologists have to determine the correct amount and rate of contrast that will produce the best imaging scan of the patient.
Where to Find a Job
Interventional radiology technologists can locate career opportunities from various general online job boards. It can also be helpful to explore more industry-focused job search sites. For instance, the Association of Vascular and Interventional Radiographers (AVIR) operates its own career center for individuals seeking these specific positions.
Obtaining full physical custody of a child or children will vary in difficulty depending on each individual situation and on the laws of the court in your particular area. If the other parent is missing or unwilling to fight for custody and visitation, you will have an easier time obtaining full custody. If the other parent is willing, able and capable of fighting for custody, your task will be significantly more challenging.
Instructions
1. Consult with an attorney who specializes in child custody. Find an attorney who practices predominantly in the county of which you reside, as they will know the rules of the court better than an attorney outside the area. Most attorneys offer free consultations, so you will not be out any expenses by just meeting with them and discussing your potential case. Call your local bar association for a referral if needed.
2. Be sure you are offering your child or children a safe and stable home environment. This is often the first thing a judge will consider when dealing with a child custody case. A home visit may occur, so make sure the home is safe and offers up no hazards, such as exposed electrical parts, broken windows, etc. Also, have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the home. Refrain from moving around, and try to keep the child or children in the same school district.
3. Avoid moving in with a dating partner too soon or having them move in with you. Wait until after the custody hearing has taken place before making any drastic lifestyle changes. Keep in mind, even in doing so, the other parent may take you back to court for custody if they don't agree with your lifestyle choices.
4. Keep your work schedule around the child's needs. If you are unavailable or need to rely on daycare or sitters more than the other parent would, you will most likely not win sole custody, or full custody. Be there as much as possible for the child.
5. Create a file folder to keep track of bank records, school records and copies of all legal proceedings pertaining to the child custody suit. Keep a daily log if needed regarding events surrounding the child and children and the other parent. The more data you can show the court, the stronger your child custody case will be.
Tags: other parent, child children, child custody, child custody case, custody case, full custody
Ultrasound sonographers in the Chicago area are in high demand in today's medical field. An ultrasound sonographer, also known as a medical diagnostic sonographer, uses an ultrasound device to produce images of a patient's internal body for the purpose of diagnosing a condition or as an adjunct for performing a procedure. This profession is a multispecialty discipline that includes performing ultrasound studies in the abdominal, obstetrical and gynecologic, and neurological specialties of health care. With more advanced training ultrasound sonographers may perform diagnostic studies in the cardiac, pediatric and vascular specialties.
Instructions
1. Find an accredited medical diagnostic sonographer education program in Chicago. Graduating from an accredited program is required to be eligible for registry with ARDMS. Employers require their ultrasound songraphers to be registered. According to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs there is one accredited diagnostic ultrasound sonographer program in the Chicago area. This is Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
2. Visit the program's website (see Resources below). Review the admission requirements for entry into the program to determine if you are qualified to apply for admission. If not you may have to complete some prerequisite courses. Contact the program administrator for information about the application and process for admission. Complete the process.
3. Successfully complete the requirements of the program and graduate. Upon completion of the program graduates can enter the workforce before taking the certifying exam. A graduate of an acredited program is considered as "registry eligible" and may be acceptable by employers. However, taking the certifying exam offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) may make you become more marketable.
4. Write a resume and submit it to prospective employers of ultrasound sonographers in the Chicago area. Employers include hospitals, clinics and freestanding diagnostic centers. Search online for open positions. Search sites such as Yahoo Hotjobs, Careerbuilder and Monster
Tags: Chicago area, certifying exam, diagnostic sonographer, medical diagnostic, medical diagnostic sonographer, program Chicago
Make the night come alive with a neon-inspired party theme.
Kids' birthday parties inspire interesting decorations and crazy fun, including glow-in-the-dark and neon colors. Use plenty of neon balloons, glow-in-the-dark items and black lights to create a mood. Do not forget to include a neon theme on the cake as well. Whether you use neon colors on the cake or you use black lights or other methods to make the cake glow in the dark, a "glowing" cake is sure to bring a smile to the faces of the birthday boy and his friends. Does this Spark an idea?
Neon Icing
A neon-inspired birthday cake is made simply by using icing in a neon color. Use white icing to create a canvas for neon icing, or use neon frosting to cover the cake and a contrasting color for other elements. Neon colored frosting can be made or purchased at grocery or craft stores. For instance, create neon yellow by mixing yellow and green together. Use neon green, yellow, orange and pink to create dots, flowers and other decorative elements. Write "Happy Birthday" on the cake in neon icing as well. Smiley faces and peace signs give a distinctly 1960s or 1970s feel.
Neon Light with Cake
One way to literally create a neon lighted cake is to use glow stick lights as a cake topper. Purchase glow lights at a dollar or party store. The glow stick lights light up when they are cracked in half. Do not activate the lights until just prior to use. Use the glow sticks to create arches by putting both ends of the sticks into the cake. The sticks are flexible enough to bend, but are still enough to stand-up. Another method of using glow lights is to lay the lights around the cake, which will light the edges of the cake.
Neon Cake and Black Lights
Use black fondant to create a surface for your glow-in-the-dark neon cake. Use white and neon icing to create the words and decorative elements of the cake, and use white candles with the cake. Do not unveil the cake until it is time to cut and eat. Before bringing the cake into the room, turn off all the house lights and click on black lights you have placed over or around the cake table. The cake glows in the dark because of the black lights.
Neon Accessories
Accessorize an ordinary, off-the-shelf cake with glow-in-the-dark-stars purchased at a dollar or party supply store. Lay the stars on top of the cake and dim the lights so guests see the cake glow. There are other glow-in-the-dark items available for purchase, as well, including bugs, butterflies and items related to the solar system. Add neon candles to make an ordinary cake pop.
Tags: cake glow, around cake, black lights, black lights, cake white, create neon, decorative elements
Intermittent leg pain can appear in people of all ages and can be related to a number of causes. Some types of mild pain can be resolved by simply stretching the muscles, applying an ice pack and drinking plenty of water, while other types of pain require attention from a physician.
Leg pain can affect anyone.
Features
Leg pain can occur in varying degrees of intensity, from mild annoyance to severe pain that inhibits the ability to walk. The pain may be felt anywhere from the hips to the heels, either in one spot or across the entire leg. The feeling may be sharp, dull, aching, tingling or stabbing. Intermittent leg pain is not constant, but occurs randomly or in intervals.
Identification
A medical professional will be able to make a more accurate diagnosis of the cause of your leg pain after a thorough consultation. The doctor will need to know the specific details of the pain, such as where it occurs, frequency, type of sensation and a description of what alleviates or worsens the pain. You may need to undergo a physical exam or diagnostic test like an MRI or CT scan to get to the root of the problem.
Misconceptions
Symptoms of leg pain can often lead to a misdiagnosis of other ailments. For example, restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sleep-related disorder that includes a burning sensation in the legs, leading to the need to move the legs. Sometimes RLS is mistakenly diagnosed as ADHD or insomnia. Nighttime muscle cramps in the leg can also be a sign of diabetes, though that is not always the case. Men with prostate cancer often experience intermittent leg pain, but leg pain on its own is not necessarily an indication of prostate cancer.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, most intermittent leg pain is a result of immediate or long-term damage to a bone, muscle, ligament or tendon. However, blood clots in the legs, varicose veins and infections can also lead to intermittent leg pain. Additional causes include an ACL injury, broken leg, gout, herniated disc, muscle cramp or shin splints. Lower back problems are particularly likely to contribute to leg pain, even if there is no pain in the lower back.
Warning
If the leg pain is experienced along with other symptoms, it can indicate a more serious medical condition. These other symptoms may be a bowel and/or bladder dysfunction, fever, chills, unexpected weight loss or a gradual weakening of the legs. If you have undergone a traumatic event prior to the symptoms of leg pain, there may also be a connection. Seek medical advice if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Tags: intermittent pain, other symptoms, prostate cancer
Most insurance plans and claims payors coordinate benefits between two health plans when a patient has coverage by more than one insurance plan or carrier. Coordination of benefits is a standard practice and cost may be shared between both plans. Rules determining the order of payment and which insurer is billed first are set by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). These rules determine the patient's primary and secondary plans. The primary plan is billed and pays first and the secondary plan will likely cover the remainder of medical expenses.
Non-Dependent/Dependent Rule
The first rule in determining the order of applicable benefit plans is the non-dependent/dependent rule. This rule states that the individual is covered by his employer's health plan first. Any other plan, such as a spouse's, in which an individual is considered a dependent, would apply second.
Active/Inactive Rule
The active/inactive insurance rule may also be applicable. Health plan coverage you receive as an active employee will be considered your primary health insurance plan. If you receive health care coverage as a result of a layoff or retirement in additional to the coverage you receive as an active employee, the layoff or retiree coverage will be secondary to the active plan. For example, if you retired and receive retiree benefits but take another job with health care coverage, the retiree coverage will become secondary.
Birthday Rule
The birthday rule is followed when a child of married parents has health plan coverage from both parents' plans. The parent with the earlier month and day birthday (year excluded) is the parent who provides primary coverage to his child. If the parents have the same birthday, the parent who has had the plan longer becomes the parent providing primary coverage.
Separation/Divorce Rules
A legal separation or divorce adds another wrinkle into the coordination of benefits process. Unless specified in the divorce decree, typically the parent whom the court has established as more financially responsible provides primary coverage to the child. A remarried parent may provide the child's secondary coverage and his spouse's plan may provide a third level of coverage.
Medicare/Medicaid Rules
Non-NAIC rules apply to people with Medicare and Medicaid coverage. As a general rule, Medicare and Medicaid are secondary to any other coverage a person may have. Medicaid insurance rules are governed at the state level and Medicare rules are determined at the federal level. Any employer-sponsored coverage is considered primary to Medicare and Medicaid plans.
Tags: Medicare Medicaid, primary coverage, active employee, care coverage, coverage child, coverage receive
If the child has health insurance through his parents' jobs, he might be disqualified for CHIP.
The reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) came from the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009. The primary goal of the law is to provide adequate health care to millions of children who meet the program's qualifications, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Age and Citizenship of the Child
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a child is eligible for CHIP enrollment if he is younger than 19 years of age. To verify the age of the child and his identity, the child's school ID with a photograph or doctor's record can suffice as secondary documents.
Apart from providing proof of the child's age, an amendment in the U.S. federal law now requires parents to show proof that the child is a U.S. citizen. The most acceptable forms of documentation are the child's Social Security card and birth certificate, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship and Certificate of Naturalization if the child was born in another country.
In the absence of these documents, each state in the United States has a specific list of secondary documents that CHIP accepts as proof of the child's citizenship and identity. For instance, in the state of Iowa, a final adoption decree is considered an acceptable secondary document to show proof of the child's citizenship.
Household Income
Another thing considered whether a child qualifies for enrollment in CHIP is the income level of the parents. According to the Insure Kids Now, an information and resource website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a child is generally eligible if the household and family income amounts to $44,100 or less per year. However, certain states may impose their own income eligibility requirement policies.
Existing Health Insurance Coverage
In line with this, it is important to note that a child may not be qualified for CHIP if the he is listed as a dependent of the parents' job-based health insurance policy. In some places, like in the state of Alabama, this also applies to parents who are employed by either a state or local government office, or a public school. In the event that one or both parents no longer have health insurance from their employer, there is a waiting period of six months before the child becomes eligible.
Tags: health insurance, Health Insurance, proof child, child citizenship, Children Health
PC-Doctor tools help you test and repair your hardware systems.
PC-Doctor, Inc. is a company that specializes in diagnosing personal computer hardware system issues, and you can use these tools to run tests on your system to pinpoint where the trouble originated. The company started in 1993, and its headquarters are in Reno, Nevada. All of these tools require a fee to use, and they are designed for industry professionals.
Network Factory
The PC-Doctor Network Factory allows you to run tests and diagnostics on your products and allows you to capture testing information on specific products, which you can use for later comparisons. This program comes with a web interface, which allows you to pull up your account even from your mobile device, and it is compatible with different types of devices, including hardware, server and storage devices. The goal of this product suite is to reduce the instance of product failures after those products have been delivered to clients. It also helps you meet the client's requirements. The PC-Doctor Network Factorycomes with both test scripting and configuration tools and diagnostic libraries. You must contact the company to obtain a product quote.
Service Center Kit
The PC-Doctor Service Center 7.5 kit comes with a diagnostic testing CD, which allows you to run tests on your hardware and your Windows operating system, as well as a universal serial bus (USB) drive that you can run at start-up even if your operating system does not boot. This program also comes with a drive erase tool, which allows you to completely remove all data from your hard drive so that it's not recoverable. Other features of this tool include that you can fix issues and then run a diagnostic test on it to see whether or not the problem was actually fixed. As of 2010, this tool costs $329 and you can order it directly from the PC-Doctor website.
PC-Doctor Factory
This tool is specifically designed for assemblers and manufacturers of computer systems, and computer repair technicians. This program allows you to run diagnostic tests on your hardware to determine whether or not it is in proper working order, and you can also run tests on parts, headless units and assemblies. Other features of this tool include the ability to distinguish between hardware and software problems. You can run this system as a standalone program. It will also let you know if systems that you fixed are configured correctly. The PC-Doctor Factory program is compatible with Windows, Linux and the Disk Operating System (DOS). You must contact the company to get a product quote.
Tags: comes with, Network Factory, tests your, This program, which allows
Connecticut's Medicaid program assists women with breast and cervical cancers.
Medicaid is a United States health care program geared towards low-income families. Requirements to participate in the Medicaid program vary by state. Medicaid in Connecticut addresses issues such as pregnancy, certain cancers, uninsured children and health coverage for refugees; however, each type of insurance has certain requirements that potential participants must meet. Most Connecticut Medicaid plans also have income restrictions in proportion to the federal poverty level (FPL),
20 and Under
For children under 19, Connecticut's Medicaid assistance offers Healthcare for UninSured Kids and Youth (HUSKY A), according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For the HUSKY A program, the applicant's parents' income may not exceed 185% of the FPL. There is no asset limit. Those who range in age from 19 to 20 may join Connecticut's Medicaid programs, qualifying if their total income does not exceed 100% of the FPL. There is also no asset limit.
Adults
Parents of children enrolled in HUSKY A may receive Medicaid in Connecticut if their income does not exceed 100% of the FPL, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. There is no asset limit. Pregnant women may also apply for Connecticut's Medicaid if their income does not exceed 185% of the FPL. There is also no asset limit. Immigrants declared as refugees by Immigration and Naturalization Services may receive medical assistance in Connecticut if they are not eligible to receive benefits from any other assistance program. Aid will begin the month the refugee enters the United States and continue for a maximum of eight months. The refugee plan is 100% federally funded.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Patients
Medical coverage for women diagnosed with breast and cervical cancers is required by law, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Connecticut's Medicaid will provide assistance to diagnosed breast and cervical cancer patients, provided they are Connecticut residents and U.S. citizens or qualified aliens. Applicants may not have a primary insurance that covers necessary treatments or be eligible for other Medicaid benefits. There are no income or asset restrictions for those diagnosed with breast or cervical cancers; however, women will be required to be screened by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Breast Cancer Early Detection Program.
Tags: Connecticut Medicaid, asset limit, according Department, according Department Health, breast cervical, breast cervical cancers, cervical cancers
LPN training is offered by colleges, nursing schools and hospitals.
Licensed practical nurses who complete their education at hospitals are awarded diplomas rather than certificates or degrees. Not all U.S. states have hospital training programs, but those that do often employ the graduates to fill their own staffing needs.
Mercy Hospital
Based in Miami, Florida, Mercy Hospital prepares students to become LPNs during a 12- to 14-month training program. Students will learn to assess patient's health and wellness needs and refer them to other health-care professionals when necessary. They are taught to provide nursing support to registered nurses and physicians, as well as carry out basic nursing tasks. Courses that must be completed include Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmacology, Fundamentals in Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing, Microbiology, and Pediatric and Maternal Nursing. In total, 1439 hours and 11 college credits must be completed before the student can graduate and is allowed to take the licensure examination for the state of Florida.
Mercy Hospital
3663 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33133
305-285-2777
www.mercymiami.org
Henrico County Public Schools--St. Mary's Hospital
St. Mary's Hospital employees, residents of Henrico County (Va.) and local high school seniors with grade-point averages over 2.5 are among those eligible for this practical nursing program. The 18-month program is taught at Hermitage and Highland Springs Technical Center and supplemented with clinical experience at community health facilities including St. Mary's Hospital. Students complete courses such as Introduction to Nursing, Structure and Function, Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Geriatric Nursing, Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Maternity/Pediatric Nursing, Psychiatry/Community/Rehabilitative Nursing and Integrated Medical-Surgical Nursing. Available financial aid includes the Pell Grant and scholarships from the Mildred A. Mason Memorial Scholarship Foundation and the Virginia Health Care Association.
Henrico County--St. Mary's Hospital
School of Practical Nursing
3751-C Nine Mile Road
Henrico, VA 23223
804-781-1820 or 781-1825
http://www.henrico.k12.va.us
Blount Memorial Hospital
The 11-month LPN program at Blount Memorial Hospital comprises 600 hours of class-based sessions and 800 hours of practical, clinic-based sessions. Students must be 18 and have a high school diploma to apply for admission. Tuition fees are about $4,600 and do not cover the cost of books, insurance and incidentals such as nursing uniforms and licensure exams administered by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Blount Memorial Hospital
Joan M. Jackson Health Career Center
907 East Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, Tennessee 37804
865-273-1544
www.blountmemorial.org
Tags: Mary Hospital, Blount Memorial, Blount Memorial Hospital, Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Florida Mercy, Florida Mercy Hospital
X-ray technician in Texas see lower-than-average salaries.
No one would call an X-ray technician a magician or superhero, but people in the profession are able to do something most cannot -- look inside the human body. X-ray technicians, or as they are more formally called, radiologic technicians, make use of machinery and special films to take pictures of the body from the inside out. In Texas, radiologic technicians earned salaries slightly below the national average for the profession.
Facts
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2009 wages survey established the national average salary for the X-ray technology field as $54,180 per year. For X-ray techs in the Lone Star State, salaries statewide fell just below the national average, at $52,320, a difference of $1,860 per year.
Range
Not all of Texas' 14,680 radiologic technicians earned salaries under their countrywide counterparts. In Texas' highest earning 90th percentile, salaries reached $71,560 for the highest-paid X-ray technicians. At the bottom end of the scale, the lowest-paid X-ray technicians in Texas earned salaries in the 10th percentile averaging $35,500 per year.
Considerations
Texas seeking salaries in the X-ray technician field begin their path to employment with post-secondary education. The Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits hundreds of schools offering associate degrees and bachelor's degrees in the field. Texas is home to more than 30 accredited institutions, including The University of Texas, Paris Junior College, San Jacinto College Central, Tyler Junior College, Midwestern State University and Weatherford College.
Outlook
The BLS foresees growth of 17 percent in the radiologic technician field, expecting 37,000 jobs to be added through 2018. The BLS attributes the increased demand for X-ray techs to heightened use of medical imaging technology.
Tags: earned salaries, national average, radiologic technicians, X-ray technician, X-ray technicians, below national, below national average
Key West, Florida, is a vibrant city with a colorful arts community.
The state of Florida features vibrant artistic communities and art museums throughout the state. For artists' voices to be heard, the Sunshine State has instilled local and statewide arts associations. Nearly all of these associations are non-profit. Some organizations educate artists, while others provide information on arts news. Most Florida arts associations require an annual fee for membership.
Florida Craftsmen
Based in St. Petersburg, the Florida Craftsmen is a non-profit organization and represents artists living in the Sunshine State. This guild was founded in the 1950s and its members include seasoned and budding artists. The Florida Craftsmen host art-themed workshops and seminars throughout the year. One of the guild's premier studios is Art Lofts, an 18-studio facility in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. Every month, the guild features artists on its website (floridacraftsmen.net).
Florida Association of Public Art Administrators
The Florida Association of Public Art Administrators (FAPAP) was founded in 1998 and is a non-profit organization. This organization offers seminars, conferences and workshops for individuals and businesses in the public art field. Occupations in this field include art museum curators, gallery owners and art researchers. Varying levels of memberships are available for students, artists and companies. Fees for membership are due annually. FAPAP's offices are in Tallahassee.
South Florida Artists Association
The South Florida Artists Association (SFAA) is a non-profit arts organization and its mission is to foster artistic talent in the South Florida area. This area includes cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Every month, the organization's website (south-florida-artists.com) features an artist from South Florida. Throughout the year, the SFAA hosts workshops and seminars for the purpose of arts education and social gatherings. Annual dues are required for membership.
Florida Art Education Association
Also known as FAEA, the Florida Art Education Association is a non-profit organization for enhancing visual arts education to Florida students. The association sponsors art-based workshops and seminars for educators in grade school, high school and higher learning institutes. FAEA sponsors the K-12 Visual Art Digital Exhibition, which showcases the works of Florida students on the organization's website (faea.org). Memberships are available for educators and undergraduate students.
Florida Association of Local Arts Agencies
The purpose of the non-profit Florida Association of Local Arts Agencies (FALAA) is serving local art agencies throughout the state. Local art agencies represent artistic talent in their respective cities or counties; some local art agencies include City of Tampa Arts and Cultural Affairs, Gulf Alliance for Local Arts and Polk Arts Alliance. FALAA provides seminars throughout the year and offers a newsletter to keep agencies abreast of news in the world arts community.
Tags: Florida Association, South Florida, Florida Craftsmen, Local Arts, non-profit organization
Radiation therapy is used in cancer patients. It involves using beams of high energy X-rays or particles to kill cancer cells or shrink cancerous growths. Radiation therapy typically comes from outside the body; high beams are concentrated on areas that are affected by cancer. Radiation works by causing damage to genetic material in cells that control the growth and division of cells. Radiation therapy can be used alone or in combination with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.
Side Effects of Radiation Treatment
While the goal of radiation treatment is to kill cancerous cells, some healthy cells are also lost in the process, which is one negative side effect of radiation. However, it's important to note that care is taken to destroy as few normal cells as possible.
In addition to destroying healthy cells, radiation can cause hair loss at the treatment site, fatigue, irritability, skin irritation, dry mouth, cough, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, nausea, diarrhea, bladder problems, vomiting, earaches, sore throat and sore jaw. Additionally, radiation can affect the way food tastes to some cancer patients.
While many side effects from radiation develop immediately, some develop later in rare cases. However, no pain is felt during radiation and great care is taken to ensure that patients are as comfortable as possible during treatment.
Positive effects from radiation can occur immediately, or it can take weeks or months for the cancer to respond to treatment. Every situation is different and depends on the types and numbers of treatments as well as the severity of the cancer.
Managing Radiation Side Effects
In order to stay as healthy as possible and counteract some of the side effects of radiation therapy, there are several steps that patients can take. These things include eating a healthy, balanced diet; getting plenty of rest to avoid fatigue; taking care of skin in the treatment area by staying away from tapes, bandages, and irritating ingredients in lotions, creams and other products; avoiding extreme heat or cold on the treatment area; and avoiding sun exposure to the affected areas.
Dealing with specific side effects can be different for every patient. Those who suffer from extreme fatigue can ask family or friends for help with daily tasks, prioritize to get important things done or balance rest periods with activity periods. Those who have trouble with skin after radiation should avoid tight clothing in the radiated area, avoid creams, lotions and cosmetic products on the affected area, avoid hair removal in the area and avoid rubbing or scratching the area.
Tags: area avoid, side effects, cancer patients, care taken, effects from, effects from radiation
The average salary of janitors ranges from $21,000 to $34,000.
Whether a high-tech office, a bustling factory or a hectic classroom, every workplace shares one thing in common: it has to be cleaned. Janitors and custodians take care of this important daily task. For those already working in the custodial profession or looking to get into it, understanding average compensation levels of similar positions can help assess current job offers.
National Averages
According to PayScale's compilation of the salaries of 706 janitors across the country, the average salary for the profession ranges from $20,934 to $34,778. This breaks down to an average hourly rate ranging from $9.91 to $15.43 and average overtime pay from $14.97 to $24.68. These figures are accurate as of November 2010 and do not include any non-cash benefits.
Experience
Custodial work may not be the profession that comes to mind when one thinks of "working up the corporate ladder," but gaining years of experience in the profession does lead to significant pay increases on average. According to PayScale, janitors with one to four years of experience have a salary range from about $17,000 to $27,000, while after five to nine years of work the top of this range grows to about $35,000. At 10 to 19 years of experience, the average custodial salary ranges from $24,126 to $41,507.
Employer
PayScale's findings show that substantial variation in average pay occurs depending on the type of employer of a custodial worker. Those working for the federal government have the highest salary range -- from $25,786 to $51,031. State and local government employees are next in line with a salary range that reaches to $42,483. K-12 schools and private companies take the next two spots, with universities and non-profit organization lagging significantly behind.
Location
PayScale also finds that state of occupation has some bearing on the average pay that can be expected. New York leads the pack with a salary range for janitors from $32,316 to $57,000. California and New Jersey take second and third place, each with average salary ranges that reach to about $45,000. Georgia, Ohio and Texas take the next spots on PayScale's list.
Benefits
When thinking about taking a new job, or simply assessing one's current position, benefits offered by an employer must be considered in addition to cash compensation. According to PayScale, 73 percent of janitors receive medical benefits of some sort from their employer. Additionally, 54 percent receive dental benefits and 39 percent receive vision care.
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Everybody knows the all-too-familiar feeling of a headache coming on. Whether it strikes in the back of your head, in your neck, on your temples or right between your eyes, the pain caused from it can sometimes be difficult to cope with.
Instructions
1. Take an over-the-counter painkiller. Acetaminophen is the one doctors typically recommend for headaches, but different painkillers work better for different people. If acetaminophen doesn't work for you, try aspirin or ibuprofen to see if they make it easier to cope with your headache. Be sure to follow package dosage directions carefully.
2. Practice relaxation techniques. Deep breathing or meditation can help you to release stress and relax. Stress is the most common cause of tension headaches. Do head, neck and shoulder rolls to relax the muscles around your head.
3. Go to a quiet room, turn off the lights and lay down for a little while. Sometimes taking away stimulation such as noise and lights can help a headache go away.
4. Get a massage. Massage is a wonderful way to get rid of stress and relax tense muscles.
5. Use essential oils. Wintergreen, peppermint, lavender and ginger are well-known for their ability to help people coping with headaches. If smelling the oils does not make your headache go away, try rubbing a few drops of oil into your temples and the base of your neck.
6. Try acupuncture. Some people have found that acupuncture gives them relief from chronic headaches.
Tags: cope with, Cope With Headache, headache away, stress relax, With Headache