Possible Causes Of Abnormal Pap Results

Possible Causes of Abnormal Pap Results

Most women do not enjoy going to the gynecologist for their annual Pap smear even though discomfort is felt for a short time during the exam. Named after George Papanicolaou, a doctor of Greek descent who first developed the diagnostic screening for uterine cancer, the Pap smear has reduced the number of deaths by cervical cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2009 approximately 11,270 American cases of cervical cancer will be identified.

Pap Smear Basics

A Pap smear is a gynecological examination that women undergo. The doctor performing the exam will take a sample of cells from the cervix and observe them under a microscope. If lab results show abnormal cell changes, then the doctor may repeat the test or he may do a colposcopy where he examines the uterus with a microscope in order to determine the cause of the abnormal Pap test. As a determining factor, a biopsy of any abnormal cells may be taken. An abnormal Pap smear may mean there is evidence of cervical dysplasia, or precancerous changes in the cervix.

Causes

The main cause of abnormal Pap smear is infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus lowers women's immunity to other serious infections such as HIV infection, and it initiates precancerous changes in the tissue of the cervix. Infections such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia and herpes can cause an abnormal Pap smear result. Inflammation of the uterus or cervix can also cause an abnormal Pap smear.

Symptoms

Generally, there are no symptoms that would point to an abnormal Pap smear. There may be symptoms of infection, and the Pap smear helps the doctor identify changes taking place in the woman's uterus that may be related to an infection or other abnormal condition. Additionally, if there are signs of an infection the Pap smear can help determine the infectious agent.

Risks

A Pap smear is not foolproof. It detects cervical cancer in the early stages, but it has a 5 percent fail rate. Roughly 1 in 20 women who receive the Pap smear will get a false-negative result. However, if a woman has an annual Pap exam, it is likely that any abnormal changes will be detected on a subsequent exam.

Considerations

Since the initiation of the Pap smear exam, deaths by cervical cancer have greatly reduced. According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer found in the early stages is almost 100 percent curable. In fact, the Pap smear prevents almost all deaths due to cervical cancer.

Tags: cervical cancer, abnormal smear, cause abnormal, cause abnormal smear, deaths cervical

Benefits Of Iodoral

Iodoral is the name of a nutritional supplement that is manufactured by an online company known as Optimox, Inc. It is known as being one of the strongest iodine supplements available. The main function of Iodoral is to supply higher amounts of iodine (an essential element) to the thyroid gland. This extra iodine is believed to encourage and raise the function of the thyroid. Iodoral comes in tablet form. It is used as both an iodine supplement as well as a weight loss supplement.

Hyperthyroidism

Iodine is believed to encourage the body's thyroid production. Low amounts of iodine are believed to lead to hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). As a result, increased iodine can often alleviate the problem. Hyperthyroidism can lead to many negative effects, including weight gain, concentration loss, low energy levels and chronic fatigue. Iodoral can help lessen the chances of hyperthyroidism of occurring by increasing iodine amounts within the body.

Common Ailments

Deficiencies in iodine can lead to a lot of other ailments and uncomfortable effects. As a result, taking Iodoral as a nutritional supplement can help with afflictions including digestion problems, low body temperature (a constant feeling of being cold), exhaustion, skin, ovarian and breast cysts, glaucoma and dementia.

Other Ailments

Iodoral can occasionally also help the body combat other common ailments that are related to deficiencies of iodine, such as loss of hair, panic and anxiety attacks, decreased ambition and motivation, unhealthy and weak nails, acne, memory loss, breaking out into hives, asthma, fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, cancer, high cholesterol, decreased sex drive, irritability, depression, allergies, fibrocystic breast disease, insomnia, headaches, migraine headaches, pre-menstrual syndrome and dryness of the hair or skin.

Endocrine

Taking Iodoral and increasing the levels of iodine is also known for assisting with the endocrine system. It particularly has a good effect on the adrenal/thyroid axis. Promoting the adrenal gland can help encourage healthier sleep patterns, higher levels of energy and a general, overall sense of well being.

Safety

Iodoral is widely considered to be a safe nutritional supplement that is both inorganic and non-radioactive (it consists of a non-radioactive type of potassium iodide).

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Are Most Items Covered By Health Insurance Plans

Some health insurance plans do not provide coverage for common illnesses or conditions.

It is very important to understand your health insurance coverage. Many health plan participants pay for insurance without thorough knowledge of what the policy will pay for in the event of a claim or medical emergency. Some insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage while others provide little or no coverage for care that is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Managed Care Plans

Managed care health insurance provide plan participants access to a network of service providers for a discounted rate. Common managed care providers include Health Maintenance Organizations and Preferred Provider Organizations. Plan participants choose their health care professional and medical facility, and receive lower costs by choosing professionals within the specified network.

Managed care plans provide a variety of services. They provide care for doctor and hospital services, including inpatient and outpatient surgery. They provide treatments for illnesses and diagnostic services, such as X-rays and mammograms. Preventative, emergency and rehabilitation care is also included in these plans.

While they do provide comprehensive levels of care, managed care plans have certain restrictions. For example, managed care plans do not provide coverage for alternative medical treatments, such as acupuncture, hypnotherapy or naturopathic medicine. Also, coverage for cosmetic procedures are excluded. Coverage for medical supplies, such as batteries or blood pressure monitors, are not included. Nor is infertility or genetic testing procedures. Individuals who require specialized tests or care must pay out of pocket for the related medical expenses.

Limited Indemnity Plans

Indemnity health insurance plans provide limited health benefits in comparison to managed care plans. These types of plans provide only basic and essential care. They generally do not offer coverage for prescription drugs, maternity or preventative care, or for treatments such as chemotherapy. For a set price, plan participants have the option to choose a health care provider. The plan participant or the health care provider is reimbursed for services rendered. Indemnity plans often impose restrictions or prior authorization on hospital care or other high cost services.

Pre-existing Conditions

Most individual health insurance plans do not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is an illness that affected the individual before receiving coverage. For example, if a plan participant was diagnosed with or treated for cancer, diabetes or asthma before receiving health insurance coverage, the participant is said to have a pre-existing condition. Most health insurance policies cover the individual for other health matters but exclude coverage specifically for the chronic health condition. Pregnancy is a health condition that is not automatically covered by an insurance provider but may be added for an additional premium with some insurance plans. General gynecological care, such as pap tests and pelvic exams, require an additional premium as well.

Prevention/Solution

The best way to ensure that you and your family are covered for your overall health care needs is to become informed about your plans inclusions and exclusions. Most policies contain complex insurance jargon that is difficult to understand. Solicit the help of a licensed, experienced health insurance professional to translate the insurance terms and explain to you precisely what you are paying for. Although health insurance premiums are relatively expensive, make coverage decisions based on the needs of your family and not how much the insurance costs. This will ensure you have the proper coverage when the time comes to file a claim.

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Definition Of Drospirenone

Drospirenone is essentially a synthetic form of the female hormone progestin. It is commonly paired with either estradiol or ethinyl estradiol, both forms of estrogen. When used in combination with one of these two estrogens, it would be prescribed as a treatment for menopause or as an oral contraceptive, respectively. Though drospirenone is an important part on these combination medications, its use is really dictated by its pairing with one or the other estrogen.

Drospirenone and Estradiol

As a woman goes through perimenopause and then menopause, her hormones will inevitably start to fluctuate. This is largely due to the decreased amount of estrogen produced by her ovaries. To bring the estrogen level back up and combat the symptoms of menopause, you may decide to go through some sort of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). But estrogen replacement alone isn't necessarily the safest method of treating menopause, as it can increase the potential of uterine cancer. By adding drospirenone to estradiol (or adding progestin to estrogen), you reduce this particular risk.

Efficacy

The combination of drospirenone and estradiol serves to treat some of the more common symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, flushing, vaginal dryness, vaginal burning and increased episodes of sweating. Some women may continue to take this medication during postmenopause, but it isn't always necessary.

Side Effects of HRT

As with almost any form of medication, there is the potential for certain side effects to occur when drospirenone and estradiol are used in hormone replacement therapy. This would include some mild to moderate breast pain, bloating, vaginal bleeding or discharge, weight gain and pelvic pain.

Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol

When drospirenone is paired with ethinyl estradiol, you get another combination medication that now acts as a form of birth control. This prescription ultimately prevents you from going through ovulation, fertilization and implantation--much like other forms of the birth-control pill. Your doctor will decide if this or another oral contraceptive is right for you. While the prevention of pregnancy is the main purpose behind this medication, it is also used in the treatment of severe cases of PMS, as it does help to regulate and lessen symptoms of more intense forms of this syndrome.

Side Effects of Birth Control

With the birth-control pill that contains both drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, there really aren't any true side effects, except that some women do experience nausea, vomiting, bloating and an increased tenderness of the breasts. But these side effects are fairly rare. The only genuine cause for any alarm would be if you were to smoke while taking this prescription oral contraceptive. When you smoke while on this medication, you are actually increasing your chances (even more so than normally) of developing cancer.

Tags: ethinyl estradiol, oral contraceptive, this medication, birth-control pill, drospirenone estradiol, hormone replacement, hormone replacement therapy

Test Intrusion Detection Systems

Intrusion detection systems, more commonly referred to as burglar alarms, are devices that are meant to alert authorities whenever security has been breached. It's important that once the system is installed, it's periodically tested to make sure that it's working properly. For this all you need are the technical personnel who set up the alarm and a volunteer to try and breach the security to make sure the alarm is doing its job.

Instructions

1. Arm the intruder detection system. Make sure that everything is in its proper place and that the system is ready to detect intruders.

2. Have someone breach the security system. Obviously you don't want to break the windows or smash open doors, but you should have someone enter without putting in the proper security code or have your volunteer put in an incorrect code a number of times to test that the security system will lock down after a certain number of wrong entries.

3. Observe the reaction of the security system as you're testing it. If you come across an anomaly, such as the alarm not going off when a door is opened without the proper password, examine what's wrong with that area. If all areas operate normally, then the intrusion detection system is working just fine.

Tags: security system, breach security, detection system, make sure, sure that

Naval School For Nuclear Medicine Technology

All hopeful Army, Air Force and Navy nuclear medicine technologists attend the same training school.

Nuclear medicine technologists from the Army, Air Force and Navy all attend the same training school. It's officially known as the Nuclear Medicine Technologist School. Enlisted personnel attending the naval school for nuclear medicine technology, as it's often called, undergo a great deal of training. In general, personnel hold ranks from E4 to E6, depending on the specific military service. High aptitude scores and completion of college or high school algebra courses are also required.

Considerations

Nuclear medicine technologist training is mostly closed off to new enlistees.

All military technologist trainees are sent to the Naval School of Health Sciences (NSHS) detachment at San Diego, California. The course isn't normally open to new enlistees directly from their basic medical training. However, each service may send new enlistees who attain the E4 rank because of prior education and experience. Also, the school conducts the training course in two phases. The first is academic, while the second involves clinical practical training.

Course Length

The school divides the course into separate academic and clinical training phases.

Training time at the school takes up 52 academic weeks. This means the course is greater than one year long. That's because students are started at square one, first learning basic concepts involving the use of radiological materials. The handling of such materials is potentially very hazardous. Without a solid grounding in their nature, harm to both patients and technicians is possible. After academic training is completed, students move on to their clinical practical training.

Clinical Practicum

Students at the school learn to safely prepare and handle radioactive isotopes.

The school is the administrative controller of the clinical practical training portion. However, the phase itself is operated and supervised by the staff at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California. The school and the medical center share the same compound. During the training, the center ensures students learn a variety of skills specific to nuclear medicine technology. This includes learning operate radioactive isotope therapy devices. Additionally, students also learn to prepare radioactive isotopes.

Prerequisites

The school requires that students be familiar with algebra, physics and chemistry before attending.

The school requires that all its students be comfortable with algebra, physics and chemistry. Navy hopefuls must take college algebra and a physical science course within 36 months prior to the start of training. The Air Force recommends trainees have "very strong backgrounds in algebra, physics and chemistry." Potential Army trainees must have the 91P military occupational specialty (radiology specialist) and a year's experience before attending. All trainees must also serve for three years, post-training.

Warning

Competition to get into nuclear medicine technologist training can be keen.

Competition for seats at the school is very keen. That's because there are a relatively few number of nuclear medicine technologists in each service. Also, completion of the school and subsequent experience gained can be very lucrative in terms of a post-enlistment civilian career. Within the military, most technologists work at large military treatment facilities. This guarantees they'll spend most of their careers in a clinical setting. That's an aspect that appeals to many service members.

Tags: algebra physics, algebra physics chemistry, clinical practical, clinical practical training, medicine technologists

Medical Schools In Pennsylvania

Choosing a medical school can be a difficult task. There are a number of factors you may wish to consider when applying, such as reputation, cost, and location. If you are planning on specializing in a particular area of medicine or conducting significant medical research, you should factor that into the decision-making process as well. There are a number of choices for aspiring medical students within the state of Pennsylvania, including one of the top medical research institutions in the world. Whether you aspire to get into a top-ranked medical school or not, the state of Pennsylvania provides ample opportunities to study medicine.

University of Pennsylvania

"U.S. News & World Report" chose the University of Pennsylvania as one of the top medical schools in the nation in 2009. The university ranked third, just behind Harvard and Johns Hopkins among all medical schools nationwide. Pennsylvania is a top-ranked research institution and is world-renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to the study of medicine. The university is affiliated with 18 different research centers and currently houses 28 separate academic departments. Because of its interdisciplinary approach to research, the university offers Ph.D. degrees in conjunction with the M.D. program for students wanting to pursue them.

University of Pennsylvania Medical School

Suite 100 Stemmler Hall

Philadelphia, PA 19104-6056

(215) 898-8001

http://www.med.upenn.edu/

Temple University

Located in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Temple University's medical school is affiliated with the Temple University Hospital and has working relationships with several other institutions such as Western Pennsylvania Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Geisinger Medical Center, St. Luke's Medical Center, Abington Memorial Hospital, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Lehigh Valley Hospital, the Reading Hospital, Mercy and Moses Taylor Hospitals, and the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Like the University of Pennsylvania, Temple offers its medical students the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary research and has seven major programs, including bone biology and disease research, cardiovascular research, substance abuse research, cancer research, molecular biology, neurovirology, obesity research and education, and thrombosis research.

Temple University School of Medicine

Medicine Education and Research Building

3500 N. Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19140

(215) 707-7000

http://www.temple.edu/medicine/

University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh school of medicine is a nationally ranked program in terms of its research funding. Its department of internal medicine is ranked 17th nationwide for National Institutes of Health funding. The university's medical school is located within the Health Sciences Research Department, which also includes the Graduate School of Public Health, the School of Dental Medicine, the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the School of Nursing, and the School of Pharmacy. The medical school itself has 28 different departments, encompassing nearly every area of medicine.

University of Pittsburgh

School of Medicine

1218 Scaife Hall

3550 Terrace Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15260

(412) 648-9636

http://www.medschool.pitt.edu/

Tags: Medical Center, medical school, Temple University, University Pennsylvania, University Pittsburgh, affiliated with, area medicine

Advanced Rectal Cancer Symptoms

Rectal cancer is cancer of the rectum. The rectum is the last part of the colon, and connects from the colon to the anus. It is approximately 12 centimeters in length. Rectal cancer is said to be advanced when it has progressed beyond the rectum and spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes (Stage III) or distant organs and lymph nodes (Stage IV). Like all cancers, rectal cancer is "staged." Stage I is the earliest form. Stage III and Stage IV rectal cancer are usually considered to be "advanced," which means treatment is more difficult or, in some cases, impossible. In Stage IV rectal cancer, the cancer is typically no longer curable, and the American Cancer Society states that the survival rate for Advanced Stage IV rectal cancer is less then 5 percent.

Incidence of Rectal Cancer

The American Cancer Society groups colon and rectal cancer together, and estimates that in the United States, one in 19 Americans is diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In the year 2009, it estimates that 40,870 new cases of rectal cancer were diagnosed, while 106,100 cases of colon cancer were diagnosed. Both colon and rectal cancer are slightly more common in men than in women.

When is Rectal Cancer "Advanced"

The American Cancer society classifies potentially advanced rectal cancers into three main groups: advanced, recurrent and metastatic cancers. An advanced stage of rectal cancer may not be metastatic, which means the cancer can be advanced even if it has not spread to other organs. Likewise, recurrent cancer is cancer that comes back after the original cancer has gone into remission. Recurrent cancer is often considered to be a more "advanced" type of rectal cancer, because it may not respond as well to subsequent treatments. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that recurrent cancers, or a relapse after cancer is cured, is more common in cancers of smaller body parts, like the rectum.

Symptoms

Rectal cancers are often asymptomatic in early stages, which is part of what makes their treatment so difficult. Typically, rectal cancer symptoms do not show up until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.

When symptoms do present at an earlier stage, they are similar to the symptoms of several other anal conditions such as fissure, piles, impacted bowel or irritable bowel syndrome.

Some of the common signs of advanced rectal cancer are rectal bleeding or blood in stools; weight loss for no apparent reason; a feeling of incompleteness when emptying the bowels; extreme conditions of the bowel such as quick and erratic swings between diarrhea and constipation; heavy loss of iron in the body, extreme weakness and fatigue that happens without any physical activity and sensations like bloating, gas and abdominal pains and cramps.

Symptoms and Check-Ups

Even at an advanced stage, many of the symptoms are similar to those that people encounter on a day to day basis, without the disease. Because of the lack of distinct symptoms, regular screenings are essential. This makes treatment easier and reduces incidence of fatality. The American Cancer Society reports that 90 percent of rectal cancer cases are curable if detected early, so waiting for symptoms to appear can be detrimental.

Treatment and Prognosis

Most advanced stage rectal cancers are only treatable, but not curable. This means the treatment process can only prolong survival. The commonly used treatment options are chemotherapy, radiology or medication or surgery.

Like most other advanced cancers, advanced rectal cancers offer little hope of survival, with less then a 5 percent long-term survival rate reported by the American Cancer Society. Surgery is usually no longer option to remove the cancer. Medication and other options are used on a case-to-case basis, mainly to alleviate symptoms and prolong life.

Tags: rectal cancer, American Cancer, advanced stage, advanced rectal, American Cancer Society, cancer cancer, rectal cancers

Preliminary Signs Of Lung Cancer

Over 161,000 people in the United States lost their lives to lung cancer in 2008, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Unfortunately, lung cancer may not begin to show signs or symptoms until the cancer is at an advanced stage. The long-term outlook is always better the sooner the cancer is detected, so keep an eye out for these preliminary signs.

Cough

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a constant cough is one of the first preliminary signs of lung cancer, especially if it never improves. See a doctor right away if you start coughing up blood.

Breathing Difficulty

Lung cancer may also cause breathing difficulties, including wheezing and shortness of breath. The NCI notes that you may also experience voice hoarseness.

Chest Pain

The NHI has also found that persistent chest pain may be another preliminary sign of lung cancer. This pain is distinguished from other forms of chest pain because it will not get better with time.

Fatigue

A general sense of fatigue or weakness is another common symptom of lung cancer, according to the NCI. Fatigue on its own may not be serious, but it should be taken seriously when combined with other symptoms.

Weight Loss

Lung cancer may also cause an unexplained decrease in body weight and a loss of appetite, as noted by the NHI.

Tags: lung cancer, also cause, cancer also, cancer also cause, chest pain, Lung cancer also

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Thermal Power

Thermal plants require drilling 10,000 feet below the Earth's surface.

Thermal power has been used as a natural form of energy for thousands of years in cooking and heating. Hot springs are just one example of this naturally-occurring thermal energy. With today's rising power demands, geothermal power plants are attractive options for their cheap, environmentally-friendly energy production. However like all power sources, thermal isn't perfect, and disadvantages temper the strengths.

Financial Costs

One of the primary advantages of thermal power is that the generation costs are extremely low. No fuel is needed to generate the power, and the minimal energy needed to pump water to the Earth's surface can be taken from the total energy yield. Even considering transport, geothermal energy is estimated to save 80 percent of the costs associated with fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas. The principal financial disadvantage of a geothermal system is its high initial installation costs. The longer a plant is operational, the more it pays for itself in the long run.

Environmental Impact

Thermal power is revered by environmental activists because it is completely renewable, does not use fuel to produce power and has virtually no emissions. It also helps reduce global warming and pollution and requires far less land than a coal mine or oil field. The only environmental disadvantage is the occasional release of harmful gases. Since thermal power operates by drilling into the Earth's mantle, some poisonous gases can escape. These gases can be a danger to plant workers, who must wear protective equipment, but have little impact once dispersed into the atmosphere.

Job Creation and Hazards

Thermal power facilities create a number of jobs for local communities. Researchers, scientists and drilling workers are among the specialists needed for safe and effective operations. Disadvantages in this area involve limited workplace hazards, such as crystalline silica dust and exposure to extremely hot steam and water mains. Fortunately, these dangers are minimal, especially compared to other energy industries, like fossil fuels.

Location

A main disadvantage of thermal power plants is that they can only be constructed in areas where temperatures below the Earth's surface allow for the production of steam over a long period of time. The type of rock in the region must also be easy to drill through. Extensive research is needed to find these key areas; and because of their rarity, plants are sometimes forced to operate in relatively remote regions. Both of these factors contribute to the high initial cost of starting up a geothermal facility.

Long-term Viability and Risks

In areas where there is long-term steam production, thermal plants can thrive and produce many megawatts of clean, renewable power. In these scenarios, plants quickly recoup initial costs. However, environmental factors can sometimes lead to a reduction in steam in a region, forcing companies to take the risk of potentially losing their investment. Lack of equipment or qualified personnel and the relative financial security of fossil fuel extraction by comparison serve as an added disadvantage, hampering the continued expansion of thermal power.

Tags: Earth surface, areas where, below Earth, below Earth surface, fossil fuels, high initial, power plants

Check An Online School'S Accreditation

Taking classes online gives you the flexibility of completing work anywhere.

An online college degree program can offer you the flexibility to complete the work on your own time while maintaining your current job and family life. This flexibility allows those who may not otherwise be able to earn a college degree to do so. However, not all online programs are of the same value. Some of the degrees you can earn online carry more weight than others. To determine if the online college is worth your time, check to ensure that it is accredited with one of the six national accreditation associations.

Instructions

1. Look at the "About Us" page for the online school you are considering. If the school is accredited by one of the national accreditation associations, the website typically features an official accreditation mark as well as a blurb about its accreditation.

2. Visit the U.S. Department of Education website (ope.ed.gov). This website gives you a full list of all colleges in the country that are accredited, including online colleges. This can help verify that the claim the college makes on its website is accurate.

3. Check the website for the association through which the college claims to be accredited. Six of these associations exist in the United States: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (neasc.org), North Central Association (ncacasi.org), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (msche.org), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (sacs.org), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (wascweb.org) and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (nwccu.org).

Tags: accreditation associations, Association Schools, Association Schools Colleges, college degree, national accreditation

Seat Belt Injuries

Many accident injuries are caused by the passenger's seat belt. Improper fastening of the seat belt or seat belt malfunction are common factors behind these injuries. The type of seat belt injury a passenger receives depends on the seat belt design and how the seat belt was worn. Despite these facts, wearing a seat belt is still much safer than failing to buckle up. The key is to sit upright, wear the entire seat belt and fasten the seat belt securely.

The Facts

Seat belt injuries are very common during a car accident. While the car comes to a sudden stop when a collision occurs, the passengers remain in motion. The passengers must also come to a stop, either by seat belt restraint or by colliding with something else. Seat belt injuries generally occur when the force of the accident is relatively severe or the seat belt is used improperly.

Function

The restraint offered by seat belts when the passenger is still in motion but the vehicle is not varies between seat belt designs. The first seat belts were lap belts, which are not as safe as harness designs. Seat belt harnesses, which include a shoulder strap as well as a lap belt, work to spread the passenger's impact more evenly over the body. This distribution of impact reduces the force of the collision felt by the body, reducing the severity of injury.

Types of Injury

Using the shoulder belt while failing to fasten the lap belt can cause the passenger to slip out under the belt, resulting in strangulation or serious neck injury. Tucking the shoulder belt under the arm can result in internal injury to the chest and related organs. Wearing the lap belt alone while neglecting to wear the shoulder belt allows the head to go forward and hit the steering wheel or create whiplash. Wearing the seat belt too loosely can also allow the passenger to slide under the belt, while wearing it too high on the abdomen can cause serious injury to the abdominal organs. Common seat belt injuries include skin abrasions and injuries to the carotid artery, throat and cervical spine. Chest, rib and shoulder fractures are also common, in addition to abdominal damage, spinal trauma and injuries to internal organs.

Seat Belt Failure

Although many seat belt injuries are caused by improper use of the seat belt or simply the force of the accident, others are facilitated by seat belt failure. As personal injury lawyers are quick to point out, a number of seat belt defects have caused or increased the severity of injury-related accidents. In some cases, seat belts are unintentionally released due to poor design, causing additional injury or death.

Prevention

The first rule to follow in seat belt injury prevention is to always wear a seat belt, and be sure it is properly fastened. Sit upright while in the car, keep the lap belt over your pelvic bones, and wear both the lap belt and shoulder harness. Do not tuck the shoulder harness under your arm, and make sure that the entire seat belt is snug. If you are the driver, make sure your passengers are securely fastened before the car is in motion. It is also prudent to do some checking on your make and model of car to see if there have been any safety issues with the seat belt design. This is particularly critical for older models.

Tags: seat belt, seat belt, belt injuries, seat belt, seat belts, shoulder belt

Facts On Universal Health Care

Universal health care extends medical coverage to everyone in a designated region or country.

Universal health care is medical coverage provided free of charge to members of a political region like a state or country by the government. In times when many people are unemployed and uninsured, and thus can't afford basic medical care, universal health care may seem particularly appealing. While some countries offer universal health care, the United States has never embraced the idea.

Cost

Universal health care costs are paid by the government, but ultimately, it is tax payers that bear the costs of universal health care through the taxes they pay. To some people, the egalitarian ideal of spreading everyone's health care costs across the population is attractive, while others feel that they should not be forced to pay for others' health care costs.

Need

While the United States is still among the countries with the best quality health care, many people are going without the medical treatments they need for lack of insurance. Between 2000 and 2007, employer-sponsored health insurance plans raised their premiums by about 73 percent, according to Business Week. As a result, many businesses have stopped offering health insurance plans. In 2007, just 63 percent of Americans had employer-sponsored insurance, notes the Business Week article.

Public Opinion

An ABC News and "Washington Post" poll revealed that Americans prefer universal health care over employer-based medical insurance by a two-to-one margin. However, that support for universal health care is conditional, and falls to less than half if switching to a universal health care system will result in a limited choice of doctors or long waiting lists for non-emergency visits.

History

The idea of universal health care isn't a new one. The United States is the only first-world nation that does not offer its citizens compulsory health care. That was the case back in December 1916 when Yale economist Irving Fisher made a speech about the need for universal health care, and it continues to be the case today, notes a "New Yorker" article. Despite the fact that legislators have taken up the issue periodically since that time, they've never universally embraced the idea.

Global View

In the discussion about universal health care in the United States, Canada often comes up as a peer country that has a universal health care system. Their program provides free health care, including basic preventive care and access to specialists, for everyone regardless of employment and income. However, people there commonly have to wait months to see a specialist or get nonemergency surgery, points out a "San Francisco Gate" article. Canada's model is often called the National Health Insurance model. This model uses tax money to pay for health care, but also uses private-sector providers.

Other countries provide different models for universal health care. For instance, Britain, Spain and New Zealand use the Beveridge Model, in which tax payments finance health care for all, and doctors are often government employees. Health care consumers never get a bill for health care services.

Change

Despite the United State's long history of putting off universal health care, some recent strides have been made. In spring of 2003, after more than a year of heated legislative debate and without a single Republican vote, President Barack Obama's health care reform bill passed in Congress. The bill does not establish universal health care but comes closer to it than the United States has ever been. For instance, it extends health coverage to millions of uninsured Americans and imposes new taxes on high wage earners to pay for the program.

Tags: health care, universal health, universal health care, United States, health care

Breast Reduction And Breast Feeding

Breast Reduction and Breast Feeding

If you've had or are planning a breast reduction, you may wonder what kind of effect it will have on your ability to breastfeed. While breast reduction surgery can pose a few problems to nursing mothers, most should be able to breastfeed their children with a few tips and tricks. If you've had a breast reduction and want to breastfeed your child, don't let anything stop you.

Is It Possible?

Is breastfeeding after having a breast reduction possible? In a word, yes. While you may not find breastfeeding as easy as a mother who has not had a breast reduction, you can still successfully breastfeed your baby. You may need some external help and a lot of patience, but it can be done.

Portential Problems

Some potential include severed nerves that were cut during the surgery. These nerves control milk let-down, which means your body could have a harder time producing milk when it needs to. This could mean a diminished milk supply or milk that doesn't come in properly when baby is hungry.

Solutions

First and foremost, make sure that you give breastfeeding a try, even if you're not sure that it will work or not. You'll never know how responsive your body is and how much supply you have until you try breastfeeding. Let your lactation consultant know about your surgery. She may suggest something like a Supplemental Nursing System, a small tube that you can attach to your breast so that your baby gets supplemental formula while nursing to help him gain weight.

Producing More Milk

The key to making sure that you have enough milk to give your baby and to making sure that your body responds to let-down is to use tricks to produce more milk. Rent or purchase a hospital-grade pump, and for the first two weeks concentrate on pumping every two hours, even if your baby isn't hungry that often. You'll build up a supply of breast milk to freeze and use, and you'll train your body to make more milk more often.

Pain

After having a breast reduction, you might feel some pain with breastfeeding. This is usually due to engorgement or ducts that are too full. To reduce the swelling, use ice packs and offer the breast to your baby as often as you can. Express a little by hand in the shower to relieve some of the pressure, but know that the more milk you extract, the more milk it makes, landing you back at square one. After the first two weeks, allow your baby to be the primary source of milk extraction.

Tags: breast reduction, your baby, more milk, sure that, your body

Oregon Health Care Plan Description

Pregnant women receive OHP benefits immediately upon verification of the pregnancy.

The Oregon Health Plan or OHP assists low-income Oregon residents by providing them with free or inexpensive health care coverage. The different plans offered are on an individual basis, and are determined by your current personal financial status.

Enrollment

In order for applicants to qualify for OHP, they cannot be eligible for any other Medicaid programs, and they must be low-income individuals who reside in the state of Oregon. People aged 19 through 65 will enroll in the Standard Oregon Health Plan unless they receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or are pregnant or disabled. These people will need to enroll in the OHP Plus program, and all children under age 19 enroll into the Healthy Kids Program.

Benefits

Each person will have different levels of coverage based upon age, finances, disability status and pregnancy. Some of the different prospective services covered are check-ups, physician services, maternity and neonatal care, family planning and newborn care, medical prescriptions and vision and dental care. Hospital and hospice visits may also be covered along with mental health services and approved alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs.

Documentation

Applicants are required to provide copies of certain documents to verify identity and income to begin the application process. These documents include proof of income, proof of citizenship, any insurance cards you or a family member has, proof of pregnancy/due date, copies of student aid reports and proof of Native American status if applicable.

Tags: Oregon Health, Health Plan, Oregon Health Plan

Surgical Tech Schools In Missouri

Surgical technologists assist doctors in the operating room.

Surgical technologists, sometimes referred to as surgical techs, prepare patients for surgery and assist doctors in the operating room. Surgical technologists can be responsible for taking vital signs, recording medical histories and passing the necessary instruments to the operating doctor during a procedure. People interested in working in the field need to be knowledgeable about medical terminology and the basics of the human body. Missouri has several schools that offer training for surgical technologists.

Sanford-Brown College

Sanford-Brown College offers medically related training at campuses across the United States. The college's St. Peters campus awards a certificate in surgical technology based on classroom lectures, laboratory work and a clinical externship. The program's curriculum includes courses on medical terminology, surgical pharmacology and surgical instrumentation. Students will also learn to think critically under pressure and manage patient cases.

Sanford-Brown College

100 Richmond Center Blvd.

St. Peters, MO 63376

636-696-2300

sanfordbrown.edu

Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University awards undergraduate degrees through a number of physical campuses and online distance education. The school's North Kansas City location has an associate's degree program in surgical technology that prepares students for work as surgical technologists and medical equipment sales representatives, among other health-related careers. Students must complete classroom curriculum and hands-on clinical rotations. The clinical portion of the program includes more than 500 hours in local hospital operating rooms.

Colorado Technical University

520 E. 19th Ave.

North Kansas City, MO 64116

816-303-7799

coloradotech.edu

Brown Mackie College

Brown Mackie College has seven health-related degree programs at its St. Louis location, including an associate's degree in surgical technology. Students will learn about the structure and functions of the human body as well as specialty surgical procedures. Other topics of instruction include taking vital signs, using instruments and recording medical histories. Student services afforded to all Brown Mackie College students include academic advising, private tutoring and career placement services.

Brown Mackie College

#2 Soccer Park Road

St. Louis, MO 63026

636-651-3290

brownmackie.edu

Tags: Brown Mackie, Brown Mackie College, Mackie College, Colorado Technical, Colorado Technical University, Sanford-Brown College

Pay Hospital Bills Without Insurance

You have a few avenues available to help pay off hospital bills.

Whether you have insurance or not, hospitals are required to give you proper care. They will bill you later, however, and you will need to make payment arrangements. These bills are often very high and hard to pay. There are a few things you can do to pay your hospital bill without insurance.

Instructions

1. Call your hospital's main line and ask for the charity-care department. To apply for charity care, you must be under a certain income level. This is determined by how many household members you have. You will need to provide proof of income, proof of identity and proof of residency. You also have to fill out an application. You will be assigned a case worker who can help you with each step. This program covers the hospital expenses, but usually not the fees for the doctors who evaluated you.

2. Apply for the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund if it is your child who incurred the hospital bills. This fund pays for any expenses related to your child's care that insurance didn't cover. If you have no insurance, it is even easier to apply. Again, you will have to provide proof of identity, proof of income, proof of residency and all applicable bills. Each state has this fund; you can find your state's application online. This fund covers all of the expenses and can even be used to pay doctor fees that aren't covered by charity care.

3. Negotiate with the hospital and doctors who sent you the bill. Sometimes you can negotiate to bring down the debt and make your total payout much less. Remind them that they don't charge insurance companies full price. (If they charge $800 for services and the insurance company gives them $500, then they call the total debt $500. But without insurance, they charge you the full $800. Most patients don't know about this.) Call the hospital's representative and let him know about your situation. State that you believe in paying what you owe; you just want to pay a fair price. See if the hospital will knock the price down for you (in most cases, it will).

4. Pay what you can. All medical facilities will take what they can get, and they don't charge interest. The important thing is that you pay something each month, even if it is only $5. It makes it look like you are making an effort to resolve the debt and doing the best you can. As long as you continuously pay on the debt, it will not go to collection.

5. Contact your local church. If you are a member of a church and you are hurting financially, church members may help. They can gather donations for the medical costs or hold a fundraiser. This is a great option because, in addition to financial support, it will also give you the emotional support you need to get through your tough time.

Tags: they charge, charity care, have insurance, identity proof, income proof, know about

Lung Cancer Prognosis By Stages

Lung cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Because the initial symptoms are not specific to this type of cancer, the disease is often diagnosed at a late stage when the chances of a cure are much slimmer.

Staging Lung Cancer

The staging of lung cancer takes into account the size of the tumor, whether it has invaded any lymph nodes or major organs in the chest in the chest, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Life Expectancy Standard

Life expectancy is usually expressed as five-year survival rates; in other words, how many people with this stage of lung cancer would still be alive in five years.

Life Expectancy by Stage for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

This is the most common type of cancer. The 5-year survival rates are: Stage 1--60 to 70 percent; Stage 2--30 to 40 percent; Stage 3--10 to 30 percent; Stage 4--two percent or less.

Life Expectancy for Small Cell Lung Cancer

For small-cell lung cancer, there are only two stages: limited, with a five-year survival rate of 20 percent. Patients with extensive disease are considered incurable, with a two-year survival rate of less than five percent.

What the Numbers Mean

Every individual is different. Statistics of life expectancy look at averages across a whole population of patients, but we've all heard of patients who sometimes "defy the odds" and live longer than what the numbers predict. Your general health before the diagnosis and the particular behavior of your tumor will help your doctor give you a better estimate of life expectancy than statistical equations can.

Tags: Lung Cancer, percent Stage, Cell Lung, Cell Lung Cancer, five-year survival

Medicaid Rules And Application In Georgia

Georgia Medicaid offers free health insurance to qualified residents.

Georgia Medicaid provides medical coverage to low-income disabled individuals, children, adults 65 and older and very low-income adults who meet Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) income limits. Applicants must be United States citizens or qualified aliens living in Georgia. When determining eligibility, Medicaid uses assets and income from all household members. Current Medicaid members must report household or income changes affecting eligibility to maintain coverage.

Disabled and Aged Income Limits

As of 2010, disabled individuals and adults age 65 or older receiving Supplemental Security Income qualify for benefits if their income does not exceed $674 monthly or $1,011 for couples. The monthly income limit for disabled or aged members residing in nursing homes, receiving community care services or terminally ill hospice patients is $2,022. Medicaid limits resources to assets valued up to $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.

Families and Children Income Limits

Income limits for pregnant women and their infants is 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Children up to age one qualify for benefits if the household income is at or below 185 percent of the FPL. Children ages one through five qualify with household incomes at or below 133 percent of the FPL, and the income limit for children age six through 19 is 100 percent of the FPL. Low-income, able-bodied adults may qualify for Medicaid based on AFDC standards if their monthly income does not exceed $235.

Application Process

Apply for benefits at a local Georgia Division of Family and Children Services office or call 1-800-869-1150 for more information. Documents required, as part of the application process, include Social Security cards, proof of residency and citizenship or alien status and proof of income and assets. Additionally, Medicaid may require cooperation with child support services. Applicants receive a response to the application within 10 to 60 days, depending on household composition.

Considerations

Medicaid may be used in conjunction with other health insurance policies. Private or group health insurance provides primary coverage, and Medicaid helps pay for additional medical costs. Individuals with Medicare may qualify for premium, coinsurance and deductible assistance from Medicaid if their income is less than 100 percent of the FPL and their assets do not exceed $6,600 for individuals or $9,910 for couples. Medicaid also offers a medically needy "spend down" option for children, pregnant women and disabled or aged individuals who do not meet income requirements. With the "spend down" option, some health care costs are deducted from a person's countable income before eligibility determination.

Tags: health insurance, adults older, below percent, disabled aged, disabled individuals, does exceed, down option

What Are The Causes Of Osteoporosis In Premenopausal Women

Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone mass that occurs more often in women than in men. About one-fourth of all middle-aged and postmenopausal women have osteoporosis. Today, women as young as 25 are being diagnosed with this condition, once believed to be associated with aging.

HIgher Risk Groups

Among premenopausal women, Caucasian and Asian women have the greatest risk of osteoporosis. Women who are underweight and have smaller frames have an increased chance for an earlier occurrence.

Lifestyle Effects

Women whose lifestyle involves minimal physical activities or exercise or whose calcium intake is low are more likely than others to develop osteoporosis early. Long-term smoking (more than one pack a day for more than five years) and drinking alcoholic beverages in excess are also risk factors.

Chronic Conditions

Many diseases and conditions are related to early diagnosis of osteoporosis. These include multiple sclerosis, thyroid problems, eating disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, lupus, kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Medications

Medications connected to osteoporosis include steroidal medications, anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, drugs used to treat depression, immunosuppressants and thyroid medications.

Personal History

Since heredity plays a role in osteoporosis, researchers are looking for genetic markers. Women are at greater premenopausal risk if relatives have been diagnosed with osteoporosis; have broken a bone of the wrist, hip, leg or spine in the absence of major trauma; or have lost more than one and a half inches in height. If you have a history of broken bones without trauma or have X-ray evidence of bone loss, your risk for premenopausal osteoporsis increases.

Tags: more than, diagnosed with, trauma have, women have

Iv Certification Training Programs

IV certification courses are offered to health care professionals.

Intravenous Therapy (IV) certification programs are provided to practicing nurses who wish to update their skills through refresher courses approved by professional nursing boards or associations. The training is available through home-based study or classroom instruction. Candidates who successfully complete the training will receive a certificate.

National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses - NFLPN

NFLPN is based in North Carolina and provides IV therapy and gerontology certification training to licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPN/LVN). The program is offered at a discounted rate to members of NFLPN. Applicants must submit a completed form, after which they will receive a CD and text-books. After completing the refresher course, candidates are required to take and pass a national examination that qualifies candidates to become certified by NFLPN. The certification is valid for two years.

National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses--NFLPN

605 Poole Drive

Garner, NC 27529

919-779-0046

nflpn.or

National Pharmacy Technician Association - NPTA

Based in Houston Texas, NPTA is the largest society for pharmacy technicians and provides IV certification training for technicians who wish to fulfill the State Board of Pharmacy training regulations regarding IV therapy. The program is only available to certified pharmacy technicians and to students who are pharmacy technicians. The courses comprises home-study, practical training and process technique validations. Candidates will receive training on the procedures for handling sterile products, quality control, aseptic hand washing and vial manipulations. Each module will be followed by an examination; candidates must score at least a 70 perdent in all three examinations in order to be certified. In addition to the home-based study modules, candidates are required to attend a two-day "sterile product training institute" in Houston Texas.

National Pharmacy Technician Association - NPTA

PO BOX 683148

Houston, TX 77268

888-247-8700

pharmacytechnician.org

Perivascular Nurse Consultants Inc.

Perivascular Nurse Consultants Inc. has been providing infusion therapy education to nurses for the past 23-years and is located in Philadelphia. The faculty at the consulting firm include registered nurses who have extensive IV administration experience and have worked at hospitals, clinics long-term care and out-patient facilities. The courses are offered on-site or as pre-scheduled seminars. Candidates who are qualified to take the IV therapy course include registered nurses, LPNs, radiologic technicians and medical technicians. The IV certification course provides broad-based training on the proper administration of IV catheters. The coursework includes topics in venipuncture theory, locating veins by palpitation, and venious anatomy and physiology. The program provides numerous opportunities for hands-on participation. A certificate of completion will be awarded to candidates who successfully complete the training

Perivascular Nurse Consultants Inc.

8013 Bingham Street

Philadelphia, PA 19111

215-742-9833

pncnurse.com

Tags: Nurse Consultants, Perivascular Nurse, Perivascular Nurse Consultants, pharmacy technicians, will receive

What Is The Desirable Ldl Level

High LDL cholesterol levels increase heart attack risk.

Physicians use cholesterol screening tests to evaluate a patient's risk of developing coronary artery disease. One value of particular interest is the low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol level. Unlike HDL, or "good" cholesterol, high amounts of LDL cholesterol increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis results when cholesterol and other substances collect on the walls of arteries. Eventually, the deposits harden and form plaque, which narrows the arteries and prevents necessary blood flow to organs such as the heart and brain. The type of cholesterol that accumulates on artery walls and causes atherosclerosis is LDL cholesterol.

LDL Levels

According to the American Heart Association, as LDL cholesterol levels increase, so does your risk of coronary artery disease. They consider any LDL cholesterol level less than 100 milligrams per deciliter of blood an optimal value. The Cleveland Clinic, ranked by "U.S. News and World Reports" as the best cardiac hospital in the country, recommends LDL cholesterol levels of less than 70 milligrams per deciliter for patients with existing coronary artery disease or other high risk factors.

Lowering LDL Levels

Eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly and avoiding tobacco smoke reduces cholesterol. When lifestyle changes fail to adequately reduce LDL cholesterol, medications are prescribed and typically include one of a group of drugs called statins. Statin drugs enable patients to achieve the exceptionally low LDL cholesterol levels now being recommended for patients at high risk of heart disease.

Tags: artery disease, cholesterol levels, coronary artery, coronary artery disease, cholesterol level, cholesterol levels increase, heart attack

Treatments For Adenocarcinoma Colon

Adenocarcinoma of the colon is a common type of colorectal cancer. According to the College of American Pathologists, there are approximately 150,000 cases of colon adenocarcinoma reported yearly in the United States. It is a slow-growing type of cancer that often does not present symptoms in its early stages. When detected in its early stages and patients get treatments for adenocarcinoma of the colon, the prognosis and survival rate can be good.

The Facts

The colon and rectum are part of the gastrointestinal system. Several layers of tissues comprise the wall of the colon and rectum. Adenocarcinoma of the colon is a type of cancer that starts in the cells in the inner tissue layers of the colon. It can spread from these layers into the colon wall and subsequently into the lymphatic system and other body organs. Before cancer develops; however, tissue growths or polyps form on the lining of the colon wall. These may become cancerous and are called adenomatous polyps. There are factors that can increase a person's risk of developing colon cancer.

Causes/Symptoms

People with family histories of colon or rectal polyps are at a higher risk of developing colon adenocarcinoma. Some other factors that may play a role in the development of this cancer are inflammatory bowel disease, not getting routine colon cancer-screening test especially after the age of 50 and an unhealthy diet (see Resources). The progression of adenocarcinoma of the colon is slow and may take years before there are some symptoms. These symptoms can include intestinal obstruction, fatigue, weight loss, anemia and rectal bleeding.

Diagnosis/Stages

Doctors usually find signs of colon problems during routine physical checkups that include a digital rectal exam, blood tests or a colonoscopy. When there are colon or rectal polyps detected, doctors remove these through a colonoscopy. A biopsy will determine the diagnosis. If the diagnosis is cancer, patients may need to undergo further testing such as chest X-rays and CT scans to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph lodes or other body organs. These exams can also establish the stage of the cancer. Treatment can depend on the cancer stage, which are stage 0 to stage IV (see Resources). The prognosis and the five-year survival rate can be good when doctors detect and treat cancer in its early stages.

Treatments

Common treatments for adenocarcinoma of the colon are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. According to the College of American Pathologists, doctors recommend surgery for 90 percent of patients with colon cancer. A surgeon can perform a procedure called a partial colectomy to remove the malignant section of the colon and some surrounding healthy tissue or lymph nodes for further examination. The two healthy colon sections are then reconnected. Doctors can perform this surgery either through an open surgery or through laparoscopic procedure.

Patients may need chemotherapy when the cancer spreads beyond the colon or for advance cases of cancer. Chemotherapy is the use of injected drugs to stop the growth of malignant cells. Chemotherapy can be administered before or after surgery.

Radiation therapy is a treatment that utilizes high-energy beams of X-ray to decrease or kill cancer cells when it spreads to other organs. Radiation therapy can be administered as either external or internal radiation (see Resources). Doctors can recommend combinations of these treatments depending on colon cancer stage.

Biological therapy or immunotherapy is also another possible treatment. This treatment involves giving patients substances to restore their immune systems to fight off infections or diseases (see Resources).

Consideration

Since adenocarcinoma of the colon can go undetected until there are symptoms, it is important to get routine medical exams that include digital rectal exams and fecal occult blood test. The American Cancer Society reports that more than 95 percent of colorectal cancers are of the type called adenocarcinoma. Early detection and treatment of adenocarcinoma can save a patient's life. The American Cancer Society also reminds people that colon growths or polyps can become cancerous and offers screening guidelines (see Resources). Early detection and treatment of adenocarcinoma of the colon can save lives.

Tags: adenocarcinoma colon, colon cancer, early stages, According College, According College American, American Cancer

What Does A Radiologic Technician Do

Accurate diagnosis of a patient's medical condition is critical to effective health care. Radiologic technicians use X-rays, MRI equipment, and related tools to create detailed images of the interior of the body to aid physicians in the diagnostic process. Most radiologic technicians work about 40 hours per week, but may work evening or night shifts or be on call at times. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the median salary for radiologic technicians in 2006-2007 was $49,170.

Function

The job of the radiologic technician involves more than just taking X-ray pictures. Depending on the diagnostic procedure they may prepare and administer materials under a doctor's supervision as part of the imaging process. They bear primary responsibility for following safety procedures and maintaining equipment in good operating condition. The radiologic technician aligns the imaging machine, makes sure patients remove jewelry or other items that block X-rays, and check to be sure that the patient is properly positioned for the process. Finally, radiologic technicians help to prepare and maintain accurate patient records.

Employment

According to the BLS, about 60 percent of all radiologic technicians work in hospitals. Some are employed by medical laboratories and imaging centers, which generally pay the highest salaries. Other employers of radiologic technicians include physician's offices, outpatient clinics, and imaging equipment manufacturers.

Education

Most radiologic technicians earn an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree from a two-year or four-year institution. Some one-year certification programs are available for people who already have training and experience in health care. Students take courses in physics, patient care, medical terminology and ethics, and imaging technology. Other courses include anatomy, radiobiology and physiology. The course of study combines academic study with extensive clinical training.

Specialties

Specialization is one route to career advancement for radiologic technicians. Some take additional training to become computer tomography (CT specialists who administer special solutions to patients as part of making highly detailed images. Others specialize in mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or in angiography, which is the use of X-rays to map blood vessels within the body. Radiologic technicians may move into management as health care administrators or heads of radiology departments. Those who follow a management path often earn a master's degree in business or health administration.

Licensing

As of 2006, 40 states required licensing of radiologic technicians, following voluntary federal guidelines. The primary licensing body is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (see link below). As of 2006, 35 sates used the AART exam. To be eligible to take the radiologic technician licensing exam, you generally have to graduate from an accredited program. Maintaining licensure usually requires 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

Tags: radiologic technicians, health care, radiologic technician, radiologic technicians, detailed images, Most radiologic

Exoffender Grants

In the United States, ex-offender grants usually do not involve direct payments to former convicts. Instead the term refers to government grants for programs that are designed to help prisoners reintegrate into society, with the ultimate goal being to reduce the likelihood of them re-offending.

Second Chance Act

As of June 2011, the most significant piece of legislation affecting ex-offender programs is the Second Chance Act of 2007. While technically a new law, the act's purpose was to authorize Congress to spend money on grants for state and local governments. Such grants are designed to promote the reentry of offenders into society through measures such as mentoring, employment services and substance abuse treatment. In 2010 Congress issued a total of $100 million under the act. This act should not be confused with the Second Chance Act of 2009, which allows ex-offenders to have non-violent convictions expunged (wiped clean) in certain circumstances.

States

Most states have at least one or two programs that receive grants for ex-offender programs. However, many of these programs are restricted to a region within the state, to ex-offenders of a specific age, or both. It is therefore not safe to assume that any individual ex-offender is certain to have access to a reentry program.

Funding

As of June 2011, funding under the Second Chance Act was scheduled to be cut for the fiscal year starting on 1 October 2012. This is part of overall cuts in federal spending. Critics have argued this is particularly unwelcome giving the increasing prison population and the associated increase in ex-offenders.

Veterans

The government issues specific grants for use with ex-offenders who are military veterans. In 2012 the U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans' Employment and Training Services issued 12 grants of up to $300,000 for the creation of Incarcerated Veterans Transition Programs. Such programs are designed to reach ex-offenders who are at risk of being homeless and can offer counseling services and work preparation schemes.

Tags: Second Chance, ex-offender programs, into society, June 2011, programs that

Choose The Right Size For A Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a popular surgery performed on thousands of women every year. While ultimately the surgeon should be consulted for correct sizing, getting an idea of the appropriate size will help identify exactly what size you will be after the surgery. Many women set out to look like a model in a magazine, or have unrealistic expectations of what the surgery will provide. Natural-looking implants require careful sizing by the surgeon and realistic expectations by the patient.

Instructions

1. Measure your breasts for width along the top of the breast along the length of the pectoral muscle. Make note of this measurement for sizing.

2. Make note of the measure from the nipple to the bottom crease of the breast, as this measurement will affect the way bras will fit appropriately.

3. Measure under your breasts along your ribcage for your band size. Round up to the nearest even number.

4. Pull on the skin in the front of the breasts to test tautness and elasticity. Only smaller implants can be placed in patients who have tighter skin. Unnatural implantation occurs in breasts with too-large implants under skin that does not stretch. Skin that stretches easily can accommodate larger implants.

5. Take your measurements to a lingerie store that provides fittings, or measure bras on the rack yourself. Measure from the center of the cup to the band to account for the nipple to crease measurement you obtained, the ribcage measurement for the band size, and the width measurement for cup size.

6. Look at several bras that are bigger than this size but within the same band size. Try them on to get an idea of how bigger sizes will look on you, and settle on a reasonable size that doesn't extend beyond your breast width measurement by more than 1 to 2 inches.

7. Take the most attractive cup size measurement with you to your surgeon. Ask about options for obtaining that size from your breast augmentation procedure. Ask about the possibility of an implant increasing to that size, and the probability of natural-looking implants.

Tags: band size, Make note, size will, that size, this measurement, width measurement

The Average Salary Of A Radiographic Tech

213,560 radiographic technologists worked in the U.S. as of 2009.

Radiographic technologists, also called radiographers or radiologic techicians, work with X-ray machines that produce specialized pictures of the human body for use in medical diagnosis. They prepare patients for examinations and maintain machines before and after use. Radiographic technologists generally report to a physician who supervises the medical diagnosis procedure. Usually, these professionals hold associate degrees in addition to state-specific licensing.

Average Salary for Radiographic Technologist

Radiographic technologists throughout the country earned an average of $54,180 annually or $26.05 per hour in 2009 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' annual salary survey. The bottom decile of radiographic technologists earned $35,700 per year while the top decile earned $75,440 per year.

Location Differences on Radiographic Technologist Salary

Massachusetts, Nevada, Maryland, Hawaii and the District of Columbia were the highest paying states for radiographic technologists. Radiographic technologists working in Massachusetts earned an average of $68,530 per year or $32.95 per hour. By comparison, radiographic technologists working in the lowest paying state, West Virginia, earned $41,400 per year or $19.91 per hour, according to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and Bureau of Labor Statistics

Employer Difference in Radiographic Technologist Pay

The top five employers in terms of salary for radiographic technologists were scientific research and development services; management, scientific, and technical consulting services; employment services; office administrative services and specialty hospitals. Radiographic technologists working for scientific research and development services earned an average of $64,800 per year, according to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Licensure and Certification

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists provide oversight for licensure and certification programs for radiographic technologists. Since each state regulates radiographic technologists, there is no national standard for licensing radiologic technologists.

Tags: American Registry, American Registry Radiologic, earned average, earned year, Radiographic Technologist, Radiographic technologists

Call And Schedule A Doctor'S Appointment For The Same Day

Getting a doctor's appointment can be difficult, especially on short notice. If you request an appointment for the same day you call, you may not be able to do so unless you are very ill. Knowing what to do in order to get an early appointment will make it much easier when you call, and the faster treatment may help you get well sooner.

Instructions

1. Call as early as possible. If you call as soon as the office opens, there will be more slots available to fit you into. Calling early also increases the chance that another appointment will cancel and create an opening for you.

2. Explain your problem clearly and in the strongest terms. Stress the urgency of your need to the receptionist, and provide clear details as to your symptoms and any other conditions you have that make the situation difficult for you.

3. Be polite to the people you speak with. Making demands or giving ultimatums will not encourage the receptionist to work you into the physician's schedule.

Tags: appointment will

Diet For Heart Surgery Patients

Those who have undergone heart surgery must be careful about the foods they eat. Managing weight, controlling blood sugar and lowering cholesterol are all goals for patients following heart surgery, and a proper diet will help manage symptoms of heart disease and decrease the likelihood of further complications.

What to Serve and How Often

A heart patient's diet should be full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. These foods are full of antioxidants and are the strongest ally in the fight against heart disease.

Choose fresh fruits and vegetables over canned, because they contain more nutrients. Whole grains include whole-wheat breads, fortified cereals and wheat bran. Fish is one of the best sources of protein because it contains Omega 3 fatty acids, which are instrumental in maintaining a healthy heart. A heart-healthy diet also might include low-fat fish like salmon, herring, tuna and trout. Avoid fish high in mercury levels like king mackerel and swordfish.

Do not skip meals because this may lead to overeating later on. Five to six small meals a day will help control weight and blood sugar levels, which in turn will stabilize cholesterol levels and aid in more efficient calorie burning.

Limit Cholesterol

Foods high in saturated fats such as animal meats and hydrogenated oils should be kept to a minimum. This includes lard, bacon, coconut oil, palm oil and whole dairy products like butter, cream and whole milk. Those who are at high risk for heart problems are particularly susceptible to heightened blood cholesterol levels from these foods.

Reduce Salt Intake

Eating less sodium can help lower blood pressure, thus lowering the risk of heart disease. A lot of excess salt comes simply from adding it to the foods you eat. Reduce the amount of table salt used for flavoring and cooking. Instead, use healthy cooking spices like garlic, basil, cinnamon and rosemary. Always read labels when shopping, too. Look for cereals, canned vegetables, sauces and crackers that offer low-sodium options. Limit the amount of fast food you consume and, when eating in a restaurant, request that salt be omitted when cooking.

Other Tips

Drink plenty of water every day--at least 32 to 64 ounces. This will help increase energy levels and reduce hunger pangs.

Do cardio exercise at least three or four days a week. Any activity like walking, jogging or swimming can help strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure, control blood sugar and maintain a healthy weight.

Do not deprive yourself of foods you enjoy. Eat a variety in moderate portions to maintain a healthy heart.

Tags: blood sugar, heart disease, will help, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, foods Reduce

What Are Tender Breasts

Tender breasts make up a large majority of breast complaints at any doctors office. With breast cancer awareness on the rise, breast pain may result in immediate alarm. However, it's important to remain calm when enduring breast tenderness and explore all of the possible causes. If you experience discomfort in your breasts, it's a good idea to play it safe and speak to your doctor.

Defined

You can describe the tenderness you feel in your breasts in a variety of ways. The pain may be localized to an area as small as one nipple or it may stretch all the way to your arm pit. Breast tenderness may occur in one or both breasts. Some women who experience tender breasts only feel pain when touched. Other complain of soreness all day long. A burning or tingling sensation may accompany the aching in your chest.

Check Your Bra

If your breasts are tender, first check your bra. The majority of women wear bras that don't fit properly. If your bra fits too snugly, your breasts can become tender. Consider getting fitted for a new bra and see if that solves your problem.

Menstrual Cycle

Due to hormonal fluctuation, your breasts may hurt around the time of your period. Since your menstrual cycle prepares your body for pregnancy, your milk ducts begin to stretch and your breasts hold water, causing breast pain. This cyclical pain should wane after you begin menstruation.

Pregnancy

Similar to what happens during your cycle, pregnancy often results in tender breasts. When you become pregnant, your body continues to release hormones that expand your milk ducts. As your breasts fill with milk, the pain increases. Pain may continue throughout your entire breast feeding period.

Menopause

When menopause nears, you may be susceptible to breast pain due to changing estrogen levels. Since hormones go nuts during menopause, your doctor might be able to help you balance your hormones with different medications. Otherwise, you may be in for a long period of time with tender breasts.

Cancer Myth

You've seen the pink ribbons and you've heard the horror stories. Now your breasts hurt and you're scared that you're the next victim. Well, don't be. The truth is, breast tenderness rarely accompanies breast cancer until the later stages and you will likely know if you have cancer way before the illness progresses that far. So take a deep breath and relax. However, continue your breast self-examinations. If you ever find anything suspicious, report it to your physician. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Your doctor is the only one who can completely rule out the possibility of breast cancer.

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Become A Safety Inspector

Become a Safety Inspector

A safety inspector is a professional who examines and inspects products, goods, structures or environments in order to protect the public. These professionals can work in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, environmental and consumer products. In 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 41 percent of these professionals work for local, state or government agencies. For those interested in a career as a safety inspector, there are various educational choices and industries to pursue.

Instructions

Become a Safety Inspector

1. Obtain a degree related to safety occupations. Degree programs can vary for these occupations, but employment opportunities will be greater for those who obtain a bachelor's degree. For disciplines related to construction or home inspection, many schools offer a certificate or associate's degree in building inspection technology.

For those interested in opportunities in occupational health and safety, bachelor's degree programs are available in occupational health and occupational safety. For those interested in a specific industry, employers accept a bachelor's degree in disciplines such as engineering, chemistry and biology to name a few.

2. Obtain certification related to your discipline. Although credentialing is voluntary, obtaining one or several certifications will increase employment opportunities. Organizations such as the National Association for Safety Professionals offer membership, 12 certifications and 29 courses related to workplace safety and safety inspection.

Professional affiliations also offer news and information on changing regulations and guidelines related to safety, industry trends and valuable insight on this profession.

3. Prepare a professional resume and highlight education, training and certifications related to safety. Workplace and consumer safety are a priority to employers because it often reduces workplace injury or harm, and can reduce insurance costs. Include goals and objectives related to assisting a potential employer reduce these injuries and costs.

Even for those who have no previous professional experience, many related occupations are entry-level and can lead to advancement opportunities with experience and credentialing.

4. Apply for safety inspector related jobs. Use sources such as professional affiliations along with Internet job boards. Employers who heavily focus on safety will often post job openings on safety organizations and associations web sites. Internet job boards such as Indeed.com, CareerBuilder.com, and Monster.com have many listing related to safety. By using keyword searches such as "safety inspector" or "quality inspector," you will be able to locate opportunities available in your metropolitan area.

Tags: related safety, bachelor degree, Become Safety, Become Safety Inspector, safety inspector, those interested

Carcinoma Cure

Carcinoma is a malignant form of cancer that generally develops in the epithelial cells present inside the body of an individual. The carcinoma can remain localized near the surrounding tissues of the epithelial cells or can metastasize to other parts of the body. Carcinomas are classified into various forms, namely adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma, among others, depending on their region of development. Fortunately, numerous effective treatment options are available to treat carcinoma.

Surgery

Surgery is one of the common treatment methods used to treat patients suffering from various forms of carcinoma. The extent of the surgery differs from patient to patient depending on the extent of the cancer. In the most common treatment technique, the damaged cells or tissue are surgically removed from the patient's body along with some of surrounding healthy tissue. However, in certain serious cases, a special form of surgery known as Mohs' surgery is performed. In this method, the cancerous cells or tissues are removed layer by layer until no further cancerous cells are left behind inside the patient's body.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is another commonly administered treatment, used to cure patients of carcinoma especially near the eyelids, ears or near the lips. In this form of treatment, the cancerous tissues are exposed to high-power, high-energy light radiation. Such exposure often results in diminishing the volume and size of the malignant cells and also eventually leads to their demise, averting potential spreading of the cancer to other organs.

Freezing

Freezing, also called cryosurgery, is a treatment form often used on patients with carcinoma. In this treatment form, the cancerous cells are removed from the patient's body after freezing them using liquid nitrogen. This form of treatment is most often used to cure patients who have multiple cancerous tumors in their body.

Creams and Ointments

Doctors often recommend certain creams and ointments such as Velban or Pacitaxel, among others. These often help to destroy cancer cells by preventing their proliferation by cutting off their blood supply.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a relatively new form of treatment in which laser radiation is used to vaporize the cancer cells. This form of treatment is generally used to treat superficial forms of carcinoma, especially near the lips.

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