A proper bra will help aid in the healing process after a breast reduction.
Breast reduction surgery (also called reduction mammaplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reduces the size of the breasts. People get breast reduction surgery for many reasons, including back pain, breast discomfort, and dissatisfaction with breast appearance. After a breast reduction surgery, it's best to purchase a bra that provides the comfort and support you'll need to heal properly. It's easy to find a store that carries this type of garment if you know where to look.
Instructions
1. Ask your plastic surgeon to help you find a store that carries bras for people who have had breast reduction. He or she will most likely have a few good recommendations.
2. Find an online store that carries specialty bras. Simply type "bra for breast reduction" into your favorite search engine. The same bra that is made for people who have had any sort of breast augmentation can usually be used by those who have undergone breast reduction.
3. Visit your nearest medical supply store. Medical supply stores often carry post-operative products. You can find the nearest medical supply store by looking in your local yellow pages. If the store near you doesn't carry this type of garment, ask them if they know of any stores in the area that do.
Tags: breast reduction, reduction surgery, store that, store that carries, that carries, breast reduction surgery, find store
Pain in the upper right chest is usually not an indication of a cardiac event but more likely the result of a pulled rib muscle, gallbladder problems or liver inflammation. When the pain is felt only on the right or left side of the chest and not in the center of the chest, it is not likely to be cardiac ischemia, according to Utdol.com. If a patient is capable of pointing his finger at one specific area of pain, that is an indication that the cause is not cardiac ischemia. However, if you are experiencing any type of chest pain, you should contact your physician.
Subluxation
One cause of right upper chest pain is rib subluxation, according to Babyboomercaretaker.com. Subluxation of the rib means that one or more of the ribs have been slightly displaced, which causes pain. The pain may come from your back around to the front and can get worse when you are breathing deeply. If you lean over, the pain will get worse. Usually this condition will resolve itself in a week or two.
Considerations
Inflammation of the liver or hepatitis can result in right-side chest pain. Hepatitis attacks the liver. Right-side chest pain can also be indication of a problem with your pancreas or gall bladder. Both the gall bladder and pancreas are situated in the upper abdomen. When either organ becomes inflamed, this can cause pain that radiates from the front of your chest around to your back.
Gallstones
When bile and cholesterol crystallize in your gallbladder, gallstones can form. When you have gallstones, the pain will ascend to your chest. This pain can be severe. If you already have heart problems, gallstones can prompt chest pains.
Features
Familydoctor.org explains that gallbladder problems can create a feeling of pain and fullness under your breastbone or in the upper right side of your abdomen, which is right underneath your right chest area.
Possibility
Right-side chest pain can be caused by costochondritis, which impacts the sternum between the chest bone and the ribs. Costochondritis is one of the outcomes of a condition called fibromyalgia. If you have costochondritis, you will be able to feel pain when you move your upper torso or when you make contact with your ribs. The pain is usually felt in the left side, but it can occur on the right side or both sides.
Tags: chest pain, cardiac ischemia, chest pain, gall bladder, gallbladder problems, left side, pain that
Send a sympathy card as soon as you learn of the person's passing.
Sending a sympathy card to someone who recently lost a loved one is a warm and kind gesture. During the difficult time of someone passing, you may be at a loss for words. However, it is important to let your loved one know that you care and are supportive of her during this time of bereavement. Writing a personal message will let her know you are thinking of her during this difficult period.
Instructions
1. Think about what you would like to express before you write it on the sympathy card. Place your ideas on a separate sheet of paper.
2. Start the sympathy card by acknowledging the person or persons to whom you are writing the card. Begin with "Dear" and the person's name. If it is a family, you can write "Dear Scott Family." Place a comma after the name. Sympathy cards should be neatly handwritten.
3. Convey your sympathy on the first line by writing how sad you are about the passing of the person who passed. For example, "We are saddened to learn of Rhonda's passing."
4. State a happy memory you have of the person who passed. For example, "I remember the time we all went to Disney World and Harry kept us laughing the entire time."
5. Inform the grieving person that you are thinking of her and her family during this difficult time and are available in their time of need. For example, "I'll call you soon to see if I can be of any assistance with the children."
6. End with another offering of sympathy such as "We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time."
7. Close with a heart-felt phrase such as "With deepest sympathy" or With sincere thoughts." Place a comma after the closing phrase and sign your first and last name underneath.
Tags: during this, difficult time, during this difficult, this difficult, comma after, family during
A registered nurse provides skilled nursing care to patients after creating a plan based on her initial assessment and consultation with the doctor. She monitors patient progress, communicates with the family and updates patient records. Some registered nurses supervise other nursing staff. The average salary of a registered nurse in Kentucky is lower than the national average for this occupation.
Requirements
Like all other states, Kentucky requires registered nurses to be licensed. To become licensed, the prospective nurse must graduate from an accredited school of nursing with an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. He also must pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse. In addition, all license candidates must apply to the Administrative Office of the Courts for a criminal history report in all names ever used, and include a fingerprint card.
Salary Range
The average nationwide salary for registered nurses as of May 2009 was $32 per hour or $66,350 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only those in the bottom 10 percent were making less than $21.20 per hour, or $44,000 per year. The top 10 percent of registered nurses nationwide had pay rates of at least $45 per hour, or $93,700 per year and higher. Those in the middle 50 percent of the earnings scale were earning hourly pay rates of $25.25 to $37.50.
Comparisons
The average salary of a registered nurse in Kentucky in May 2009 was $27.94 per hour, or $58,110 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those in the middle 50 percent of the earnings scale had hourly pay rates of $22.59 to $31.43. The top 10 percent were making more than $37 per hour, or more than $77,000 per year, and the bottom 10 percent less than $19.70 per hour, or less than $40,900 per year.
Opportunities
The job search website Indeed.com shows over 1,700 job openings for registered nurses in Kentucky in January 2011. Positions were available in hospitals, medical centers, surgical units and operating rooms, trauma centers, acute care centers, obstetrics-gynecology clinics, home health care and correctional institutions. Full-time and part-time positions were available, in a variety of shifts such as a standard eight-hour daytime schedule and 12-hour shifts from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Travel nursing jobs also were available.
Tags: registered nurses, hour year, less than, registered nurse, than hour, were available, 2009 hour
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) was enacted in 1986 to protect the health insurance benefits of U.S. workers and their dependents when they lose or change jobs.
Features
COBRA is designed to temporarily protect workers' ability to maintain health coverage at group rates. Upon losing or changing jobs, workers would no longer qualify for any subsidies from the employer, thus making the premium for coverage entirely the individual's responsibility. As of 2009, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, COBRA recipients paid only 35 percent of their COBRA premiums for up to nine months.
Function
COBRA coverage is intended to continue health insurance coverage while you find other employment or move to Medicare. COBRA benefits will cover 18 months, though extensions may be applied for.
Availability
COBRA coverage is only available under certain circumstances, such as voluntary or involuntary termination of employment or the reclassification of employees to part time after a reduction of hours.
Eligibility
COBRA covers employees who worked for a company with 20 or more full-time employees and offered health insurance for the entire calendar year before a qualifying event, such as a job loss.
Time Frame
You must elect COBRA coverage within 60 days of the qualifying event.
Tags: COBRA coverage, health insurance, qualifying event
An obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) doctor specializes in childbirth and pregnancy, and plays a vital role in helping to maintain a woman's reproductive health. The On/Gyn doctor does everything from performing gynecological exams to educating her patients about pregnancy health and sexually transmitted disease. Salaries for Ob/Gyns vary based on numerous factors, and are generally high because of the education and experience required to become an Ob/Gyn.
Resident Salaries
During residency, salaries are considerably less for the Ob/Gyn. According to Glassdoor.com, an Ob/Gyn should expect a salary that ranges between $35,000 and $64,000 per year. Resident salaries are low because the Ob/Gyn hasn't yet fulfilled all requirements to practice fully as a professional doctor. The resident's salary is also contingent on where the Ob/Gyn completes his residency.
Average Salary
After residency, the average salary for the Ob/Gyn is $204,470 per year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Ob/Gyns have a mean hourly wage of $98.31, and wages increase an average of 1.4 percent each year. Top industries that employ Ob/Gyns include physician offices, surgical hospitals, general medical hospitals, outpatient care centers, educational institutions and the local government. Most Ob/Gyns work in a physician's office, where they should expect an average salary of $210,000 per year, the highest of any industry. On the lower end, Ob/Gyns who are employed by colleges, universities and professional schools earn $102,580.
Benefits
In addition to salary, it isn't unusual for Ob/Gyns to receive benefits such as medical care, life insurance, disability plans, paid vacations and holiday pay. According to PayScale.com, 85 percent of Ob/Gyns have medical care. Approximately 60 percent have dental insurance, 39 percent have vision and only around 14 percent have no health benefits at all. Resident Ob/Gyns should also expect core benefits such as medical, dental and vision plans.
Increasing Salary
The Ob/Gyn doctor also has the potential to move into future positions that would bump salary expectations. For example, the Ob/Gyn could transition into the position of Chief Obstetrician and gain a salary increase. Chief Obstetricians earn up to $246,000 annually. The Ob/Gyns can also advance and increase their salary if they develop a reputation of excellence and increase their demand in the healthcare industry.
Tags: percent have, average salary, average salary year, benefits such, benefits such medical, doctor specializes
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that can cause serious or even fatal infections. Because the bacteria are constantly evolving, they have developed resistance to antibiotics commonly used to fight them. This evolution has produced resistant strains of bacteria, which are difficult to treat.
Staphyloccocus infections are caused by bacteria and can be difficult to treat.
About Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that is often found in the nose and on the skin of normal, healthy individuals, according to Todar's Online Textbook of Bacteriology. Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus can range from pimple-like pustules to life-threatening meningitis or blood infections.
In the early days of antibiotics, Staphylococcus aureus was treatable with the antibiotic penicillin, according to information from the National Institutes of Health. However, the bacteria evolved to resist the antibiotic. Doctors moved to more potent antibiotics to combat the bacteria. The bacteria continued to evolve, becoming resistant to those antibiotics as well. This cycle of evolution continues today.
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common multi-antibiotic resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Methicillin is an antibiotic. As of 2009, about 50 percent of Staphylococcus aureus found in hospitals was resistant to methicillin, according to information from the NIH.
MRSA is not just present in hospitals, however. Many people are becoming infected with Community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA), or MRSA acquired from somewhere in normal life, not a hospital. Because MRSA is very contagious, it is easily passed from person to person in the community.
MRSA is very contagious and can be life-threatening. Often, it can be treated with other antibiotics, like doxycycline or tetracycline.
VRSA
Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) is an extremely resistant bacterium, according to information from the NIH. It has developed resistance to one of the most potent antibiotics in modern medicine's arsenal - vancomycin. As of 2009, VRSA had not developed complete resistance to vancomycin; however, scientists expect that a completely-resistant strain may evolve soon.
This is concerning because vancomycin has been considered a "last line of defense" drug - that is, the drug of choice when other, less potent drugs have failed. As they evolve, vancomycin-resistant bacteria may become increasingly difficult to treat.
VRSA infections are generally found in patients who have spent time in a hospital.
Prevention
Much of preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections is rooted in good hygiene, according to information from the NIH. Wash hands frequently, especially when visiting hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Don't share razors or towels with someone else; the bacteria can contaminate these items. Clean sports equipment, like weight machines in the gym, with an antiseptic solution. Avoid whirlpools and saunas if other users have open sores. Cover all open sores with bandages, and don't touch other people's dirty bandages.
Treatment
Treatment for Staphylococcus aureus infections depends on the manner of infection, according to information from the NIH. For some infections of the skin, like those that resemble pimples, simple drainage at the doctor's office may be all that is needed. For more serious infections, aggressive antibiotic therapy and hospitalization may be necessary.
Warning
Staphylococcus aureus infections are not to be ignored. They are very contagious and can be fatal. If an infection is suspected, seek medical attention.
Tags: Staphylococcus aureus, according information, according information from, information from, aureus infections, difficult treat, Staphylococcus aureus
Trade schools can help you advance in your career.
Obtaining training for a trade has never been easier. Every trade school has a focus and offers hands-on training for real-world experience in those particular fields. If you are looking for a fresh start or are interested in learning more for advancement, trade schools offer the training in the skills needed to pass certifications and licensing exams. With easy-to-access locations in the Miami area, trade schools offer you a concentrated curriculum based on specific training guidelines.
ATI Career Training Center
The ATI Career Training Center in Miami is a branch location of the ATI school and offers training in HVAC, electronics and automotive repair. ATI offers financial assistance for those who qualify and has after-graduation career placement as well as agreements with employers to place graduates. It also has partner schools in other states, including Texas and Arizona, for those interested in transferring to those areas. With day and night classes available, you can learn a new trade while keeping your current job.
ATI Career Training Center
7265 NW 25th St.
Miami, FL 33122
888-209-8264
aticareertraining.edu
ABC Bartending School
The nightlife in Miami offers many opportunities for bartenders. The ABC Bartending School offers hands-on training in mixology and pouring. While many schools do not have the accreditation to issue certificates in bartending, the ABC school does and has a full-time job placement specialist. Not only does it offer these perks, but it also has classes in English and Spanish. With more than 30 locations nationwide, the ABC Bartending School was founded 30 years ago and is one of the largest of its kind.
ABC Bartending School
7329 W. Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33139
305-267-1446
abcbartending.com
The CDL School
With schools across the country, the CDL School offers hands-on training in a fully equipped training facility in Miami. Founded in the early 1960s, the CDL School can train you on a part-time or full-time basis so you can keep your job while you learn the basics about trucking. Its courses allow you to pass the Class A, B or C licensing exams to get an entry-level job driving a truck. With classes starting often, there are options to start quickly to gain the training you need to enter into the field of truck-driving.
The CDL School
7900 NW 27th Ave.
Miami, FL 33147
305-835-6656
cdlschool.com
Tags: Bartending School, Career Training, Career Training Center, hands-on training, offers hands-on, offers hands-on training, Training Center
Academic success can begin in a community college.
Community colleges provide an introduction to college life and a transition to the university system. Core courses for transfer and a subsequent associate degree can be achieved at community colleges. Many campuses also offer two-year vocational and technical programs. Mississippi has over a dozen community colleges with campuses conveniently located in various regions throughout the state.
Northeastern Mississippi
Northeastern Mississippi has five community colleges. Northeast Mississippi Community College is located in Booneville, Mississippi. It offers distance learning classes, as well as a wide variety of health related classwork. Some of those courses include radiology nursing, and respiratory therapy. The school also has an interesting program in bed and breakfast management.
Itwamba Community College has campuses in three locations: Fulton, Tupelo and Belden Center. This community college has many preprofessional programs, including architecture, dentistry, engineering, law and medicine.
Northeast Mississippi Community College
101 Cunningham Blvd.
Booneville, MS 38829
(800) 555-2154
nemcc.edu
Itwamba Community College
602 W. Hill St.
Fulton, MS 38843
(662) 862-8000
iccms.edu
Northwestern Mississippi
Students in the northwestern region of Mississippi may want to consider Holmes Community College. This college has four campuses and several satellite locations, and its main campus is in Goodman, Mississippi. Programs of interest include conservation law enforcement and forest technology.
Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, also located in the northwestern region of the state, has a wide variety of vocational/technical programs and prides itself on work force development.
Holmes Community College
No. 1 Hill St.
P.O. Box 369
Goodman, MS 39079
(662) 472-2312
holmescc.edu
Coahoma Community College
3240 Friars Point Road
Clarksdale, MS 38614
(662) 627-2571
ccc.ms.us
Southeastern Mississippi
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is in Gulfport, and has other campuses in Perkinston, Biloxi and Jackson County. This school is a good choice for students transferring to Gulf Coast colleges and universities. The college is especially proud of their academic achievements and cites the high grade point averages of its students. Additionally, the school offers over 60 different vocational and technical programs and concentrates on work force development.
Pearl River Community College offers a program in media production, which includes opportunities for students to intern in television, radio and electronic publishing.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
2226 Switzer Road
Gulfport, MS 39507
(228) 896-2519
mgccc.edu
Pearl River Community College
101 Highway 11 N.
P.O. Box 5090
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 403-1000
prcc.edu
Southwestern Mississippi
Hinds Community College, which is the largest community college in the state, is located in Raymond, Mississippi, in the southwestern region of the state. Hinds boasts over 12,000 students and a fast track program that allows busy students to compress their schedules in order to suit their lifestyles. The school also has partnerships with four-year colleges and universities and offers junior and senior level coursework in some areas.
Hinds Community College
P.O. Box 1100
Raymond, MS 39154
(601) 857-3352
hindscc.edu
Tags: Community College, Community College, Community College, Gulf Coast, technical programs, vocational technical
If Blue Cross, a well known insurance carrier, won't pay your medical provider for treatment you have received, you could be stuck with a huge bill. Instead of paying the bill, you can do certain things to help the denied claim go through. Insurance appeals are a common occurrence and in many cases, the monies owed will be covered or reduced.
Instructions
1. Make sure you have all of your insurance paperwork in order. For instance, if you need a referral from your doctor to receive treatment from a specialist provider, ensure that you have a copy of this before contacting Blue Cross.
2. Call Blue Cross to discuss the denied claim. Ask for the reasons for the denial and see if the claim can be resubmitted. For example, if you were denied because you did not have a referral and now do, the claim can be resubmitted and paid.
3. Prepare an appeal. Many Blue Cross affiliates have a form that you can download online in order to make an appeal and convince the carrier to pay your medical providers. You will need to provide the claim record number as well as your reasons why the claim should be paid.
4. If you have your coverage through work, speak to your company's case manager for assistance in getting a Blue Cross claim paid. Companies with numerous employees often have advisers that can help resolve claim denial issues.
5. Contact a patient advocacy group for help. If you have a serious illness, these advocacy groups can help with the negotiations between you and Blue Cross. One example of this type of group is the Patient Advocacy Foundation.
Tags: Blue Cross, carrier your, carrier your medical, claim resubmitted, denied claim
MRI equipment exposes patients to a low amount of radiation.
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists (MRI techs) are radiologic technologists who have specialized in the use of MRI equipment. Radiologic technologists use various types of imaging technology and radiation to produce images of internal parts of the body. These images are used to diagnose medical conditions. Techs specializing in MRI use non-ionizing radiation waves to create detailed, three-dimensional images of a particular organ or body structure, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education
Magnetic resonance imaging is just one specialization in the field of radiography. Most MRI techs complete a post-secondary educational program in radiography or radiology technology. Although there are certificate and bachelor programs available, most techs earn a two-year associate degree from a community or technical college. These programs will include coursework in anatomy, physics, patient care, radiation, imaging and ethics, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can search for an accredited educational program in your area on the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology's (JRCERT) website.
Clinical Practice
A major component of medical training programs is hands-on practice. Most programs require clinical practice during the year you plan to graduate. You will observe radiologic or MRI staff in a hospital or other health care facility. In addition, you will perform duties-including imaging procedures and general patient care-under the supervision of staff at your clinical training site. You should expect to perform procedures such as taking patients' vital signs, cleaning MRI equipment, maintaining quality control standards and assisting with MRIs. These clinical activities are not only required to graduate but also are mandatory for certification.
Licensure & Certification
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most states do require licensure to be an MRI tech. However, each state has different regulations and you will need to contact your state's board of health for more information. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) maintains information on their website regarding each state's licensing requirements as well.
Certification may not be mandatory for MRI techs, but your job prospects will be more likely to improve if you obtain certification. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers certification examinations for a variety of careers in this field. In addition, many states that require licensure use ARRT examinations as part of the license requirements. You must complete an application available on the ARRT website in order to get approval to take the exam. Providing documentation of your accredited educational program and clinical experience is required to get application approval. The MRI certification exam covers patient care, data processing and imaging. Pearson VUE administers the exam at testing centers throughout the United States. You can find a testing location near you by visiting pearsonvue.com. Once you pass the exam you will earn certification in magnetic resonance imaging. The ARRT requires that you complete 24 continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain certification.
Tags: Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, educational program, Labor Statistics, resonance imaging
Finding the right doctor is important to maintaining good health.
Finding a general practitioner can seem like a daunting challenge, especially since there are so many doctors in most major cities that are all seemingly qualified and competent. However, finding a general practitioner does not have to be an overwhelming task if you know where to look and what to look for. The most important thing to remember is that you need to trust your general practitioner, and if you don't, you need to look for a different doctor.
Instructions
1. Ask friends or colleagues whom you trust for a referral to a general practitioner they have been visiting. Ask them about their experiences with the doctor, and if they have ever had negative interaction with him or her. While you will still need to set up a consultation with the doctor, a referral from someone you trust can be a great place to start.
2. Contact a medical professional you know but who is not a general practitioner. Most doctors, whether they are orthopedic surgeons, ophthalmologists or dermatologists, know a general practitioner they trust and will refer their clients to. Asking a doctor you know well for a referral to their general practitioner also is a good idea, as doctors tend to scrutinize other doctors pretty closely before visiting them. Again, you will need to set up a consultation of your own to make sure the doctor is right for you.
3. Check websites like Health Grades and Physician Reports to see what others are saying about doctors you are interested in visiting or having a consultation with. While one or two negative comments for a very busy general practitioner are to be expected, a doctor with an overwhelming amount of negative feedback from patients is probably one you want to stay away from.
4. Review the list of doctors in your health plan if you are limited to using doctors who are covered by your insurance carrier. Check their location, hospital affiliations and, of course, check with your local state medical board to make sure their license is valid in the state you are living in.
5. Look for a general practitioner through a website like DocBoard if you cannot find a general practitioner through a friend, colleague and other doctor or health plan. While you may need to do a bit more research into the doctor's background, and a consultation will be especially important, it is possible to find a competent, qualified doctor over the Internet.
Tags: general practitioner, consultation with, general practitioner, general practitioner they, general practitioner through, health plan
When you want a girl (a hot one), do it the right way. Don't try to be a pimp, girls like it when you're being yourself. Learn some great tips from some girls instead of pretend tips telling you to be something you are not!
Instructions
1. Know the girl you like. Don't randomly ask out someone and hope it'll work. You need to have complete and total confidence in yourself around this girl, but be careful you don't cross the line to a cocky, arrogant guy who thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread.
2. Talk to this girl. Ask her questions like
What's your favorite...?
What do you do after school/work/other?
What's your name? (ask this only if you don't know her name) (you wouldn't believe how guys forget girl's names when they are nervous)
What's your favorite movie?
Think of some of your own. Girls like it when guys are smart and sincere.
3. FLIRT! All girls know that when guys tease, they like them. BUT DO NOT TEASE TO HARD. Playfully tease only when you don't have the confidence to flirt.
4. I know you're getting anxious to ask her out, but not yet. Wait until you know her a little, but not too much or she'll move on without giving you a chance. Make it a dream date. If you don't know what that is, ask a friend of hers, or better yet, her herself! Give her some signal like a wink when you leave. It'll keep her thinking about you all day!
5. Alright, you guys are now on the perfect date. What now? After some hard core flirting, look into her eyes and tell her she's beautiful (don't say hot, cute, sexy, fine, etc.), or if you don't want to say beautiful (but I strongly suggest you do), tell her she's amazing, wonderful, gorgeous, etc. Then, and only then, you may ask her out.
6. Now you are on your own. You have officially scored your hottie, but if you need more advice, please contact ramalama_dingdong_mam@yahoo.com. Have fun!
Tags: What your, like when, this girl, What your favorite, when guys, your favorite
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income work together to provide a basic income to low-income individuals who qualify. Qualification for one benefit does not qualify for the other as they have different standards and derive from separate funds. Social Security comes from taxes paid over a lifetime of work; SSI funding is from general revenue taxes.
Ex-Spouse's Social Security
To qualify for your ex-spouse's Social Security retirement, you must have been married ten years and divorced at least two years. You must be at least age 62 and unmarried to collect Social Security benefits on your spouse's work history. The spouse must also qualify for Social Security retirement benefits but does not have to file for benefits. Your ex-spouse must have a minimum of ten years or 40 credits of work history, paying into the Social Security system, to qualify for benefits. If you both qualify, you may be entitled to receive Social Security retirement benefits. As an ex-spouse, you may receive 50 percent of his full retirement benefit when you are of full retirement age. Full retirement age is 66 for individuals born between 1943 and 1954. You receive 35 percent if you collect spousal benefits at age 62.
SSI
You must have low income and few resources to qualify for SSI, since the basis for this program is need. If you qualify with less than $2,000 in resources and income less than about $1,400 a month, you may receive SSI benefits. Social Security subtracts any income you receive from your ex-spouse's Social Security from SSI benefits to give you the total available benefit. Some states supplement the SSI benefit, and the calculations depend on state supplements in addition to the federal base amount. You can calculate possibilities without the state benefit.
Calculations
The federal SSI benefit is $674. Social Security subtracts your earned and unearned income from that amount. If you have earned income, the first $65 is exempt and other earned income counts at 50 percent. For example, if you make $200, $65 does not count, but you divide $135 by two to arrive at the subtracted amount of $67.50. Unearned income is where Social Security applies your spousal benefit from your ex-spouse. The first $20 of unearned income each month does not count. All other unearned income counts at 100 percent. Assume you receive $400 in Social Security spousal benefits. Twenty dollars does not count, and Social Security subtracts $380 from your $674. You receive $294 in SSI benefits and $400 in Social Security benefits unless you have other income each month. This does not account for the state supplement to SSI.
Advantages
You receive more money by combining the two sources; you also qualify for some benefits you do not receive with Social Security alone. As an SSI recipient, you may qualify for food stamps in all states except California. You may receive Medicare if you are age 65 as a Social Security recipient, but several programs assist with Medicare payments if you qualify for SSI. In general, Medicare is associated with Social Security and Medicaid relates to SSI. You should have inexpensive medical coverage through these sources with payment assistance for Part B medical care and Part D prescription coverage.
Tags: Social Security, does count, from your, must have, Security retirement
Indigent care provides medical help for the homeless.
Hospitals generally are not allowed to turn away any person who needs emergency medical care. For hospitals located in areas of high poverty and homelessness, this can create a burden with large amounts of unreimbursed medical care expenses. Funding for the care of patients who cannot afford to pay for their healthcare is available, coming from a variety of sources, and is awarded to hospitals that document a track record of uncompensated medical care they have provided to indigent patients.
Indigent Care Trust
An indigent person is considered someone who lacks enough food, proper clothing and other life necessities, such as adequate healthcare, due to poverty. The Indigent Care Trust fund (ICTF) was established by Georgia's Department of Community Health in 1990 to bring Medicaid and other services to a broader base of indigent recipients, as well as to provide additional support to hospitals and other healthcare providers serving medically indigent patients.
Coverage
The ICTF receives financial assistance from state funds, voluntary funds transferred from some public hospitals, fees from nursing home providers, revenues from breast cancer tags, license fees for ambulance licensing and Certificate of Need penalties. Georgia laws require ICTF contributions to be matched with funds from the federal government, charitable organizations or other public sources.
Patient Qualification
Each state has its own indigent care fund similar to the ICTF, and qualifications may vary between states. As an example, the Texas Department of State Health Services requires recipients of indigent care funds to live in the same county in which they applied for benefits, and the person must remain in the same county. The person must also not be eligible for Medicaid. The total resources a person has in his household may not exceed $2,000 in value, or $3,000 if the person has a legal responsibility to provide support for an elder who lives in the home. Additionally, a person's net income per month must be less than 21 percent of the federal poverty guideline. Federal poverty guidelines start at $10,890 of income annually for one person, increasing approximately $3,820 for each additional member of the family or household.
Hospital Qualification
To qualify for support funds from the ICTF, hospitals must provide Medicaid recipients with obstetrical services in non-emergency situations. They must also have a utilization rate for Medicaid inpatients of at least 1 percent. A formula is used based on the hospital's estimates of uncompensated Medicaid costs and uninsured care provided. The state's division of financial management uses this information to determine how much funding each hospital can receive and distributes funds each year to eligible hospitals.
Tags: Care Trust, Indigent Care Trust, medical care, funds from, Indigent Care, indigent patients, must also
Florida's Medicaid program provides dental benefits to low-income children.
The cost of health insurance can prove a burden for financially-strapped families who struggle to pay for daily living expenses. According to a report published by Families USA, more than 38 percent of Florida residents under age 65 were uninsured at some point between 2007 and 2008. The Medicaid and CHIP programs provide some relief to low-income families, and future federal tax credits will help make insurance affordable for all residents.
Medicaid
The Medicaid program in Florida consists of two regulating departments. Low-income families with children must consult with the Florida Department of Children and Families to determine whether they qualify for benefits. Applying families cannot have more than $2,000 in cash assets and cannot have household incomes that exceed 100 percent of the federal poverty limit. Families with incomes above the poverty limit may still enroll their children ages one to five in Medicaid so long as household income doesn't exceed 133 percent of the federal poverty limit. Infants under age one receive benefits with expanded income limits of 200 percent of the federal poverty limit.
CHIP
Florida's CHIP program operates under the name KidCare. Children who do not qualify for Medicaid due to household income can instead enroll in KidCare, which charges a low monthly premium that averages between $15 and $20 per month for most families. The program provides comprehensive coverage in exchange for small copayments at the time services are rendered. Florida's KidCare income limits cap at 200 percent for all children under age 19 that do not qualify for Medicaid.
Coverage
Florida's Medicaid program provides all of the federally-mandated Medicaid benefits, such as emergency transportation, diagnostic testing and physician services. However, the state also elects to provide additional benefits to its residents, including prescription drug coverage and hospice care. Children enrolled in Medicaid and KidCare have access to the same coverage as adults, as well as pediatric care, routine immunizations and comprehensive dental benefits.
Considerations
Since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act in March 2010, Florida accepted a federal grant of $1 million to begin research and formation of a state health insurance exchange. Affordable private health plans will be available through the exchange no later than January 1, 2014, at which time low and middle-income Florida residents without access to group coverage or Medicaid may purchase a plan from the exchange in return for a federal tax credit to help offset the costs of monthly premiums. The tax credits will be available to families with household incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty limit.
Tags: poverty limit, federal poverty, federal poverty limit, percent federal, percent federal poverty, Medicaid program, program provides
As you age and your hormones change, you sometimes experience tenderness in your breasts called fibrocystic breasts, fluid-filled sacs. With a few diet changes, you can eliminate or decrease the tenderness.
Instructions
1. Give up caffeine. Beverages with caffeine contain methyxanthines which can cause lumps in the breasts to become inflamed. It will take a few months to see the difference.
2. Give up the high fat diet. High fat diets cause increases in estrogen which can cause growth of lumps in the breasts. Again, it will take at least 2 if not 3 months to see the difference in your breasts.
3. Increase your fiber intake. Fiber can help reduce swelling and tenderness by absorbing excess estrogen. Try for at least 25 grams/day of fiber.
4. Take large doses of Vitamin E. Now, before doing this, talk with your doctor. The usual dose is 400 I.U. You may have to take as much as 800 I.U. to see a difference in breast tenderness. Again, talk to your doctor about taking a large dose of Vitamin E.
Several hospitals in the state of Maryland deserve recognition for excellence in patient care and research. Amongst these hospitals, three in particular stand out for their reputation and achievements.
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
The Johns Hopkins Hospital is a research and teaching hospital named after philanthropist Johns Hopkins. In its annual rankings, U.S. News and World Report has named Johns Hopkins Hospital the best hospital in America for almost 20 years now. The hospital is known for many specialties in medicine, including cardiology, urology, neurology, endocrinology, pediatrics and pediatric psychiatry, rheumatology and ENT (ear, nose and throat). Over the past 25 years, researchers at The Johns Hopkins Hospital have made advances in several medical areas, including enzymes, the brain, the polio virus and cardiology.
The University of Maryland Medical Center is located in the center of the University of Maryland campus in downtown Baltimore. The hospital serves western Baltimore and maintains more beds for intensive care patients than any other hospital in the state of Maryland, according to The Joint Commission, a hospital accreditation body. The hospital has received several awards and accolades, including The Leapfrog Group award for top hospital in the area and The Joint Commission's "Gold Seal of Approval" for its pediatric asthma center. The hospital provides patient care in several specialty areas, including cancer, organ transplantation and advanced orthopedics.
University of Maryland Hospital
22 S. Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(800) 492-5538
umm.edu/
Union Memorial Hospital
The Union Protestant Infirmary first opened in 1854 and was renamed Union Memorial Hospital in 1920. Over the years, Union Memorial Hospital has grown from a hospital with 20 beds to a hospital with 301 beds. Union Memorial Hospital has several specialties, including cardiology research and treatment at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Heart Institute, vascular disorders at the Union Memorial Vascular Institute, hand abnormalities at the Curtis National Hand Center and sports medicine.
Union Memorial Hospital
201 East University Parkway
Baltimore, MD 21218
(410) 554-2000
unionmemorial.org/
Tags: Union Memorial, Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins, Memorial Hospital, Union Memorial Hospital
You depend on your answering machine to answer calls and take messages when you're not there. So, when your answering machine doesn't do its job, it can be very frustrating. Analog or tape answering machines are often hard to troubleshoot since the majority of answering machines now are digital, but don't give up.
Instructions
1. Make certain your auto answer LED light is on to pick up messages. If your machine is in greeting mode, it only plays your greeting and then disconnects.
2. Find out if you or the person you're trying to talk to have other equipment like modems or fax machines on the line if your calls keep disconnecting. Try a two-wire line cord to connect your answering machine and other analog devices to the same line.
3. Remember that analog items like answering and fax machines are incompatible on digital lines. If you or your phone company recently upgraded to digital lines, your analog answering machine won't work.
4. Check what telephone services you have for your phone line. Occasionally, extra services like call waiting and call blocking disconnect calls. Your answering machine thinks the signal is an interrupt. If you don't use the services (sometimes they were part of an introductory bundle offer), consider canceling.
5. Install new tape if you notice fuzzy sounding messages or messages not playing. Analog answering machine tapes wear out after repeated use.
6. Stop before pushing that delete button to make certain you're deleting the correct message and not another. If you accidentally delete a message from an answering machine tape, you might be able to recover it with magnetic data recovery services as long as you don't allow any messages to record over the lost message.
7. Reboot your answering machine by unplugging it from the outlet. After a minute, plug it back in. See if this solves your problem. Power surges may play havoc with your answering machine. Try plugging your answering machine into a surge protector that plugs into the outlet.
Tags: your answering machine, answering machine, answering machine, answering machines, your answering, your answering
Bruised ribs can be hard to deal with as they heal, largely because there is little that you can do to accelerate the healing process. Many different types of activities and accidents can result in this painful condition. If you suspect that you have bruised ribs, you should consult your physician immediately so that you do not cause greater damage or pain to yourself as they heal.
Function
Your ribs are the bones in your body that protect your heart and lungs. Twenty-four ribs form your rib cage. Rib injuries can be extremely painful because your ribs move each time you breathe.
Significance
When your ribs are subject to impact from a hard object, the muscles that surround them get bruised. In fact, the actual injured part of your body is the muscles around your ribs rather than the bones themselves.This bruising can be very painful and can seriously impact your level of physical activity as well as your long-term respiratory habits.
Identification
Injured ribs are fairly easy to identify. The real question will be whether they are bruised, cracked or broken. You may need to get a chest X-ray to determine this, or your health care provider may be able to palpate (feel) a fracture or the absence of one. Bruised ribs are characterized by serious pain with every breath because your ribs move every time you breathe. As a result, bruised ribs will hurt almost constantly and may make it difficult for you to draw a deep breath. Also, there may be visible bruising on your rib cage where you experienced the original trauma, as this type of blow is generally fairly severe.
Your health care provider will want to listen to your lungs to be sure no damage was done to the lungs when the injury occurred. He will also check whether the injury caused damage to the liver and spleen, which are also protected by the rib cage.
Prevention/Solution
Once your ribs are bruised, there is very little that can be done to make them heal faster. Your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever. It is important that you continue to breathe regularly even though it hurts, because taking shallow breaths can easily become a habit during the healing process. That can lead to serious respiratory problems and even pneumonia over time.
Time Frame
When you sustain injury to your ribs, you will likely know it immediately because of the pain. You should see a doctor as soon as possible to ascertain whether your ribs are bruised or actually broken. Injured ribs--bruised or broken--will likely take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks to heal.
Expert Insight
Generally, doctors do not recommend that you wrap an injured rib cage--as had been traditional practice in treating rib injuries--because wrapping restricts breathing. However, you can ice the ribs for 20 minutes at a time over the first three to four days of the healing process. Also, ask your physician about wearing a rib belt, which will support your ribs without restricting your movement. If you wear this type of support, however, you must be very careful not to limit your breathing unconsciously.
Warning
If you suspect that you have a rib injury, do not attempt to "play through it" or treat it yourself without being examined by a doctor. Broken or cracked ribs can seriously injure your lungs and heart if you do not take care of them. Excessive exercise during this time or lifting weights can not only delay the healing process, it can also result in ribs that do not heal in alignment, a permanent health issue that cannot be repaired and can cause intermittent or constant pain and respiratory problems throughout the remainder of your life.
Tags: your ribs, healing process, About Bruised, About Bruised Ribs, because your, because your ribs
clerical and technical skills, familiarity with medical terminology is vital.
Medical terminology is a standardized language used throughout the health care arena. For medical receptionists to fulfill their tasks and communicate with doctors, insurance providers, patients and like personnel, they're required to know a range of medical terms.
Considerations
Medical terminology has a set linguistic structure. Each term consists of two or more elements (word root, prefix, suffix and combining vowel) that can be separated and identified by their parts. Medical terminology is used to depict procedures, protocols, pharmacology, anatomy, conditions and diseases.
Anatomy
It's important to know the medical terms pertaining to the body's parts, structures and systems (musculoskeletal, integumentary, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, lymphatic, reproductive, digestive, excretory, nervous and urinary).
Health Insurance
Aside from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), it's important to be aware of the various insurance plans patients have and the specific plans that the doctor accepts. Insurance plans generally fall into two large categories: indemnity plans and managed care plans.
Billing & Payments
Fundamental terminology in billing and payments includes benefits, claims, co-payment or out-of-pocket expense, deductible, pre-authorization, premium, network, revenue code, national provider identification and reimbursement.
Coding Systems
Coding systems are used to detail the medical services or procedures provided to a patient. Insurance companies also use the codes for reimbursement purposes. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPSC) are the systems used.
Tags: Medical terminology, Aside from, Health Insurance, medical terms, systems used
If you default on a mortgage loan, foreclosure takes away your ownership rights to the property and gives them to the lender. The lender then sells the property for repayment of the debt. Foreclosure is not repossession of the property. When foreclosure occurs, the lender initiates legal proceedings because the loan is in default.
How the Process Begins
The foreclosure process begins with letters from the lender to the borrower stating that payment has not been received and must be remitted immediately. A borrower should not ignore letters from the lender, but should contact the lender immediately. Not opening your mail will not excuse you from impending legal action. If you fail to reply after 60 days of default, you will receive a Notice to Accelerate that demands payment to bring the loan current. The entire delinquent amount must be paid in addition to any late fees. A partial payment will not be accepted.
The Demand Letter
At this point, if a borrower does not respond with payment by the date indicated in the Notice to Accelerate letter, an attorney will be hired to forward a demand letter. The demand letter is formal notice that if the loan is not brought current, the lender will file foreclosure proceedings with the court system.
Leading to the Notice of Sale
A Notice of Default is a court document indicating the entire amount of the debt that needs to be paid. The borrower is given 20 to 30 days to respond to this judgment notice. After that, the attorney will file a Notice of Sale, which will set a sheriff's auction date. It should be noted that at any point throughout this process, foreclosure can be stopped or postponed. Lenders usually are willing to work with the borrower for repayment of the loan whether by refinancing the loan, reinstating the mortgage loan, the borrower filing for bankruptcy, deed in lieu of foreclosure or selling the property to recover equity in the home.
Beware of Foreclosure Scams
Be aware that there are foreclosure scams out there. If a company contacts you claiming that it can stop foreclosure proceedings immediately if you sign a document appointing that company to act in your behalf, you could be signing over the deed to your property. Never sign any document without reading it carefully and fully understanding the terms. Seek the advice of an attorney. You should never make mortgage payments to anyone other than your lender. Be particularly cautious about any company that offers to lease back your home as a way for you to buy it back over time. While there are legitimate foreclosure buyback companies out there, they are in the business of making money. Even though you may be offered a lower monthly lease payment in exchange for transferring your title of ownership, often you will be buying back your home at market value, which will cost you a whole lot more money in the end.
Tags: attorney will, back your, back your home, demand letter, foreclosure proceedings, from lender, letters from
Australia's numerous institutions of higher learning offer graduate degree and doctoral programs that span the entire spectrum of medicine, including clinical psychology, health-care administration, nursing, physics and biotechnology. Australian medical school programs place emphasis on providing students with hands-on clinical experience during each year of study. More than a dozen medical schools in Australia have been accredited by the Australian Medical Council.
The University of Notre Dame Australia
The University of Notre Dame Australia offers a bachelor's and post-graduate degree program in medicine and surgery. Students can choose from several specialization units including medical business, medical law and bioethics. The institution is home to procedural and clinical skills laboratories and 15 problem-based educational labs. The School of Medicine's graduate-entry MBBS degree also includes options in bioethics, disaster medicine, trauma and critical incident reporting in addition to the school's core curriculum.
The University of Notre Dame Australia
School of Medicine
160 Oxford St.
Sydney, NSW 2010 Australia
001-61-3-9919-7659
nd.edu.au/sydney/schools/medicine
The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland School of Medicine offers bachelor, graduate and doctoral programs across nearly a dozen medical disciplines ranging from anesthesiology, medical education and psychiatry to medical imaging, pediatrics and surgery. The institution is organized around a dozen clinical schools, each of which is supervised by a senior academic clinician and provides students hands-on educational opportunities in their chosen field of study. The school is also home to the Queensland Center for Rehabilitation Medicine and the Burns Trauma and Critical Care research center.
The University of Queensland
School of Medicine
288 Herston Road
Brisbane, QLD, 4006 Australia
001-61-7-3346-4780
som.uq.edu.au
The University of Sydney
The University of Sydney offers four-year graduate degree programs in brain sciences, refractive surgery, psychotherapy and more. Admission to the school's post-graduate medical programs requires an undergraduate medical degree, but some programs, such as health policy and public health, are open to graduates of science, the arts and other fields. Situated in the heart of downtown Sydney, students are offered research and clinical training at more than 40 teaching hospitals.
The University of Sydney
Sydney Medical School
Regent Street, A27
Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
001-02-9351-3132
medfac.usyd.edu.au
Tags: School Medicine, Dame Australia, Notre Dame, Notre Dame Australia, University Notre
Understand the laws specific to New Jersey before buying health insurance.
Health insurance laws in New Jersey differ from laws in many other states. New Jersey offers laws that help to protect you and your family by providing a choice between state standardized policies and privatized ones. Before buying health insurance in New Jersey, know the laws specific to your state.
Guaranteed Renewability
New Jersey laws mandate that residents be allowed to renew their health insurance policies as long as the premiums have been paid on time. Under this provision, New Jersey health insurance companies cannot refuse coverage for any reason.
Pre-existing Conditions
New Jersey's list of exclusions for pre-existing conditions is shorter than in most states. For New Jersey, health insurance companies can exclude pre-existing conditions for 12 months. This means that if you have a pre-existing condition when you are accepted for insurance, you may need to wait 12 months before the insurance company will treat you for that condition. A pre-existing condition is one that was diagnosed prior to applying for health insurance. However, if there is no lapse in coverage, pre-existing conditions will be covered without having to wait for the exclusion period to end.
Standardized Health Insurance
Unlike most states, New Jersey offers government standardized health insurance policies. These policies are offered alongside private health insurance and provide consumers a choice in health insurance that private insurers may not be willing to offer. If you want standardized policies, you have the option of choosing one of six policies and can make the decision based on what is best for you and your family.
Tags: health insurance, states Jersey, buying health, buying health insurance, health insurance
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure in which excess breast fat is removed along with some glandular tissue and skin in order to to reduce the size of the breast. This procedure is usually done for health reasons because overly large breasts can place undue stress on the muscular and skeletal systems. It may also be performed for cosmetic reasons to help bring the breasts into proportion with the rest of the patient's body. Breast reduction is a surgical procedure and will involve some recovery time.
Breast reduction surgery requires up to a year for complete recovery
Post-op Care
Dressings or bandages will need to be applied to protect the surgical incisions from stress and infection. The surgery will likely cause the breasts to swell and there will usually be some pain associated with it. The surgeon may recommend wearing a support bra or elastic bandage to provide support for the breasts while the healing process takes place. A drainage tube may also be inserted.
Day 1
Breast reduction surgery patients are encouraged to get out of bed several times on the day following surgery for a brief time in order to encourage circulation and flexibility. Although there may be some pain associated with this, movement will become easier after a few days. Patients are typically encouraged to sleep on their back in order to alleviate stress on the incisions.
Day 2
Surgical drain tubes will usually be removed on the second day following breast reduction surgery. The dressings and bandages will also be changed at this time. There will likely still be considerable swelling and bruising. The surgeon will probably give instructions regarding the continued use of a support bra until the breasts are healed.
Month 1
Patients will typically have a number of followup visits during the first month following breast reduction surgery. The healing process will be evaluated and the stitches removed in stages. The first set of stitches is usually removed after one week. Additional rounds of removal will continue until all stitches are removed, usually by the end of the third week. Sexual activity may be resumed once the stitches have been removed although care must be taken to treat the breasts gently for at least six weeks after surgery. Other normal activities, including mild exercise, may be resumed after the first month.
Full Recovery
Every patient is different and will have different recovery times. The scars from the surgery will typically begin to fade from red to your normal skin tone after several months. However, the scars from breast reduction surgery are permanent and will never fade completely away. Sensitivity in the nipple and areola usually begins to return to normal after a few weeks, but for some women it takes up to a year and some patients never regain full sensation.
Tags: reduction surgery, Breast reduction, breast reduction, breast reduction surgery, Breast reduction surgery
Government grants for rural development aid small or economically deprived areas with job creation or retention and build community facilities. Grants are competitive, with all proposals evaluated thoroughly to determine which projects offer the most benefit to a given area. Government grant application should demonstrate a detailed plan to accomplish a project in a designated time frame. The amount of funding awarded depends upon the specific grant and is given on an annual basis.
Rural Development Business Industry Guaranteed Loan Program
Rural Development Business Industry Guaranteed Loan Program provides funds to develop business or commercial opportunities in economically disadvantaged rural areas. Projects, which typically receive funding through this governmental grant, include financing and development of new business and aiding in economic or environmental developments in rural areas. Guaranteed loans to business owners reduce the risk associated with traditional or secondary market high-interest loans. This grant requires that at least one of the following initiatives are a part of the project: increased employment, improvement of the environmental or economic in the community, enhancement of conservation or development of water infrastructure or reduction of nonrenewable sources. Grants can be awarded to both profit or nonprofit entities.
Rural Development Business Industry Guaranteed Loan Program
Room 205-W Mail Stop 0107
1400 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20250
(202) 720-4581
rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/b&I_gar.htm
Rural Development Business Enterprise Program
The Rural Development Business Enterprise Program offers funding for rural areas to develop small businesses and create distance-learning options for residents. Eligible applicants include municipalities, state agencies, rural nonprofit organizations and Indian Tribes. Individuals seeking grant funding to aid with business development must gain approval from and work through a local city or state agency. Award amounts vary depending upon both the size of the project and the annual amount allotted to the grant program. Programs which have previously been awarded grant funds include land acquisition projects, building renovation and construction, purchase of easements or right of ways, pollution control, road and parking area creation or repair, adult job training, public transportation, start-up loans and equipment purchases.
Rural Development Business Enterprise grant Program
Room 205-W Mail Stop 0107
1400 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20250
(202) 720-4581
rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbeg.htm
Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program
Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program primarily aids with projects geared to creating or enhancing public facilities in rural communities. Funds are used to create community-based programs or facilities that bolster the quality of life in rural areas. Projects, which typically receive funding, include green spaces, shelter houses, parks, transportation initiatives, assisted living facilities, community centers, fire and police departments, hospitals and schools. Funds are distributed through grant awards, direct loans and guaranteed government loan plans. Non-profit organization, Indian tribes and municipal or country departments are eligible applicants for this type of competitive grant program.
Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program
Room 205-W Mail Stop 0107
1400 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20250
(202) 720-4581
rurdev.usda.gov/rHS/cf/cp.htm
Tags: Rural Development, Rural Development Business, Development Business, rural areas, 0107 1400, 0107 1400 Independence, 1400 Independence
You don't have to be a scientist to enjoy astronomy. The basics are easy to learn, and you can apply them to your own stargazing. The sun, the moon, the planets and the stars are all available for observation in your own backyard.
Features
Astronomy is the study of any body outside the Earth. This includes stars, planets, the sun, the moon, comets, asteroids and galaxies. The astronomer's most common tool is the telescope, although you can use other instruments such as binoculars, maps and cameras. Telescopes range from small, portable instruments, to giant telescopes on mountaintops, to space telescopes orbiting the Earth.
History
Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences, with observations made by the Babylonians more than 3,000 years ago. Although almost every culture in the world had some astronomical study, the basis for modern astronomy appeared among Greek scholars between 700 BC and 100 AD. Astronomy developed among the Arabic scholars of the Middle East and later among European scholars of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The invention of the telescope in the early 17th century and the observations of the subsequent Scientific Revolution helped bring about the astronomy of today.
Types
Modern astronomy has several branches of study. Some astronomers focus on our solar system, observing objects close enough for detailed study. Other astronomers use physics and mathematics to learn about the structure of distant stars and galaxies. Astronomy even deals with the age and structure of the universe. Amateur astronomers study many of these same objects in space, but they typically do not use as much math or physics in the process.
Size
Modern astronomy is characterized by extreme distances and times. Space is vast, with the distances between stars nearly incomprehensible to us. Our nearest star, the sun, is 93 million miles away. But that's nothing compared to the distance to the next nearest star, Proxima Centauri. That star is about 4 light years, or 25,000,000,000,000 miles, from us. The ages of objects studied in astronomy are incredible as well, with stars living and dying over the course of billions of years (the sun is about 5 billion years old).
Identification
In order to get started in astronomy, you need to be able to identify some stars, constellations and planets. Use sky maps to find stars and constellations. Make sure your maps are accurate for your location (you will need to know your latitude) and for the time of year (stars rise and set at different times throughout the year). Planets change their positions in the sky constantly, so you need to look up a planet's location each night in order to find it. Online resources provide up-to-date information on planets.
Reliable and affordable health insurance is on the forefront of everyone's minds. With recent economic concerns, many people who formerly had health insurance may now find themselves completely uninsured. If you have always been covered through your employer, it may seem very difficult for you to find health insurance. This guide will help you determine the best way to find and keep affordable and dependable health insurance.
Instructions
Understand Your Needs
1. Research your previous health care plan so you know exactly what was covered. Did you find that there were some expenses that you had to pay out of pocket for because they weren't covered by your insurance plan? If they were substantial, make sure to record them so you can try to get them included in your next plan. For example, if you have vision problems and regularly need new contacts or glasses, make sure that you are properly covered or it can cost you quite a bit down the line.
2. Determine if you had coverage for items that were unnecessary. There may have been some items you were paying for that you never used. If you don't foresee needing them in the future, this might be an area where you can cut back on expenses.
3. Plan for the future. If you are expecting some major life event, such as a surgery or a pregnancy, make sure that you keep this in mind when you are reviewing your policy.
4. Think about whether you felt properly covered during previous medical needs. If you went through a major life event under your previous insurance plan, did you feel as though your needs were properly met and that you were provided with excellent service? If so, you may want to keep that company on your short list for potential carriers later down the line.
Comparison Shop and Buy Your Policy
5. Utilize your resources as much as possible. Many websites such as ehealthinsurance.com and insureme.com (see Resouces below) will allow you to quickly compare policies with a variety of companies based on your specific needs and your budget. This is an invaluable source of information and much less intimidating than calling each individual company.
6. Contact your old insurance company if you had an insurance plan that was satisfactory. People often think that it is impossible to afford these plans when they're paying individually instead of as part of a group plan. However, great service is extremely important when it comes to insurance, so contact your old company to see what it has available.
7. Be honest and up front when applying for a new health insurance policy. Even if you have a condition that comes and goes, include it. It could be a tragic situation if your insurance company refuses to cover a condition later down the line because you did not disclose it in the initial application process.
8. Conduct the proper follow-up. Make sure you get all the exams your policy requires, if this applies. Do this in a timely manner, and make sure your paperwork is returned to the company and that you are properly and adequately covered.
Keep Your Insurance Policy Valid
9. Always pay your insurance premiums on time. You don't want to be stuck with a huge bill because you accidentally let your policy lapse.
10. Notify your insurance company if you have a major change in your health condition. Full disclosure is important as it may refuse to cover you if it is not aware of conditions.
11. Shop around--even after you buy. If you find that your insurance policy doesn't provide great service or that your lifestyle and health has changed, don't be afraid to shop around again. You should not stay with one provider if it is not flexible and helpful for your personal situation. There is nothing more important than your health, so give yourself the best care possible.
Tags: health insurance, make sure, down line, insurance company, insurance plan
Do you have aching pains, irritation and swelling on the bottom of your foot? If so, you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis, and you need to avoid the wrong kind of shoe.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is described as inflammation of the muscles and ligaments on the bottom of the foot, causing pain in the heel and arch of the foot. This inflammation is caused by excessive stretching of the fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot, called plantar fascia.
The arch of your foot and the shoes you wear are important factors when treating plantar fascitis. If you are wearing shoes without enough support and cushioning, you may be doing more damage.
Foot Arch
Knowing the arch of your foot is necessary to determine which types of shoes to avoid for plantar fasciitis.
To determine your foot arch, do the wet test. You will need a piece of construction paper or paper bag. Dunk your foot in water and while seated, place the paper on the floor beneath your feet. Do not stand or walk while your feet are wet. Place your foot on the paper and push down on your knee with your hands to simulate standing. Next, lift your foot off of the paper, wipe it off dry and do the same thing with your other foot. Now look at the imprint of your feet on the paper to determine your arch type.
You have a flat arch if the paper has a nearly complete imprint--the entire sole or bottom of your foot shows on the paper. You have a neutral arch foot if the imprint has a flare but shows the forefoot and heel still connected by a wide band. If there is a a lot of space between the forefoot and heel, you have a high-arch foot. It will look like there is only a narrow band connecting the two.
Shoes to Avoid for Your Arch
If you have high arches, avoid shoes that have thin, hard soles and flat to the ground. You will need plenty of cushioning to correct the underpronation your high arch is causing. Pronation is defined as the the rotation when the heel strikes the ground.
If you have flat feet or low arches, you will tend to overpronate as the weight of your body will tend to rotate too much toward the ball of your foot. To correct this, you will need shoes that are rigid and well supported. Avoid shoes without sufficient motion control. Stay away from high heels and instead opt for lower ones with firm, durable heels and cushioned padding.
If you have a neutral arch, your choices are not as limited. Simply avoid shoes that are too heavy, do not provide enough stability, and are painful or uncomfortable to wear.
Ill-fitting Shoes
To relieve pain caused by plantar fasciitis, strictly avoid shoes that do not fit you well. The toe box should have enough space and comfortable enough for movement. Shoe designs and brands most often have variations in sizes, which makes it sometimes necessary to go for a size higher or lower for a better fit. Do not insist on always getting your usual size simply out of habit.
If you have narrow or wide feet, choose shoes that are made specifically for it. Ill-fitting shoes can further damage your joints and muscles leading to more plantar fasciitis pain.
Worn Out Shoes
Shoes that are worn out may no longer be giving you stability, cushioning and control. Normal wear and tear decreases the functionality of shoes and may lead to causing you more muscle aches and pains. Replace them immediately to help reduce plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Tags: your foot, arch your, avoid shoes that, plantar fasciitis, Shoes Avoid, shoes that, will need
Building church parade floats can be a good way to hold fellowships and strengthen relationships.
If your goal is to get your church involved in the community, taking part in a parade can provide some publicity. A church float not only raises the visibility of the church in the community, but it also raises the spirits of the people of your church. When treated like a ministry, building church parade floats can be a good way to hold fellowships and strengthen relationships.
Multicultural Float
Show the community that God loves everyone of all cultures with a multicultural float. Place a papier-mache world in the center of the float. Make it large, about 4 feet in diameter. Build the paper world on a spinning motor. Have your float riders wear traditional dress from people of different countries. You could name the float "God's Big World" or "God Loves the Whole World." This float would be suitable for just about any parade.
Christmas Dreams
Take your Christmas float a step beyond the norm with a Christmas dreams idea. It's based an old Christmas poem that describes someone dreaming about dancing sugar plums. Place a small child's bed in the center of the float on a raised platform, then decorate the rest of the float with candies. Have someone dressed as an angel stand at the head of the bed. In addition to candy, you can display other things a child might wish for, such as peace on Earth or an end to hunger.
Fishing Float
This float is an evangelistic float that can be used during any parade event. This float explains the mission of the church in the world--fishers of men. Place a small boat in the center of your float, raised a bit on a platform and secured to stay in place. Decorate the sides of the float with nets and fake fish and sea creatures. Make some imitation waves out of painted cardboard to surround the boat. Inside the boat, seat two characters who are pretending to fish. Put crosses at the end of their fishing poles rather than fishing hooks.
Lifeguard Float
A central theme of the Christian faith is the belief that Jesus came to save the world. A lifeguard float is a tongue-in-cheek play on this thought. A lifeguard sits atop the head of the trailer; make sure the ladder or lifeguard stand is secured. Attach a lifesaver ring to each side of the ladder and mark it with the words "Jesus Saves." Beach-goers should be enjoying the day at the base of the float. Play beach music in the background.
Tags: This float, center float, church parade, church parade floats, fellowships strengthen
According to the Mayo Clinic, an X-ray is "a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body." X-rays can be used for a variety of purposes; they are helpful in the medical, dental and aerospace industries.
Diagnosis
X-rays are commonly done to diagnose a variety of medical problems, such as broken bones, fractured bones, arthritis, infections, enlarged organs, problems with the digestive tract and tumors. Additionally, X-rays can be used to locate an item that has been accidentally swallowed.
Treatment
Occasionally, X-rays are also used to treat a disease. For example, some forms of cancer are treated by delivering strong doses of X-ray radiation to the cancer cells, thereby killing them.
Evaluation
After an X-ray has been used to diagnose a problem, it can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. For example, an X-ray can be done to scan the chest to see if antibiotics have effectively treated a chest infection.
Dental Health
According to the American Dental Association, X-rays allow dentists to examine the structures underneath the visible oral tissues. In doing so, dentists are able to discover hidden dental problems at an earlier stage.
Science
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) explains that X-rays can be used to study astronomy. In fact, many things in space, such as black holes, comets, the Sun and the stars, emit their own X-rays that can be detected by satellites.
A brain stroke occurs when a part of the brain is deprived of oxygen. This results in the death of brain cells, which can result in a variety of impairments in motor function, speech, and reasoning. There are a number of possible causes for brain strokes, and these vary depending on the type of stroke being considered.
Narrowing of the Blood Vessels
A major cause of brain strokes is the blockage of a blood vessel that brings blood from the heart to the brain, called an artery. The blood carried by the artery contains the oxygen needed for proper functioning, and a blockage that is massive enough to disrupt blood flow can therefore result in oxygen deprivation. Blockage usually results from a narrowing of the arteries in the brain that can be caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking.
Embolic Stroke
Embolic strokes are also caused by a blockage that occurs within the arteries of the brain; however, this is caused by a foreign body mass becoming lodged in an artery rather than a narrowing of the artery itself. The foreign mass is typically either calcium and cholesterol deposits that line the muscles of the heart and then break free and travel through the arterial system. This is typically called a blood clot. The most common risk factor for this type of stroke is high cholesterol, which leads to an excess of deposits, greatly increasing the chance that some will break free. Calcium deposits may also break off following trauma or damage to the heart, caused by a heart attack or surgery. Other causes can be fat entering the arteries after a bone is broken somewhere in the body, infection of the arteries by bacteria or virus, or cancer of the blood that results in increased blood cells that can clog the artery.
Cerebral hemorrhage
A cerebral hemorrhage, or the bursting of a blood vessel in the brain, can lead to stroke. After the vessel disrupts, the brain will bleed, meaning that areas of brain cells may become deprived of blood or oxygen. The accumulation of blood also leads to swelling of the brain, and its expansion then causes pressure to be exerted upon the brain by the skull, further increasing damage. Risk factors for cerebral hemorrhage include head injury, abnormalities in the blood vessels of the brain that are present at birth, hypertension, and thickening of the blood vessel walls due to age.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding caused by a burst blood vessel that results in a build up of blood between the layers of the arachnoid membrane that protects the gray matter, which surrounds the brain. The bleeding affects the brain in a manner similar to cerebral hemorrhages, depriving cells of oxygen and creating pressure. Subarachnoid hemorrhages are typically caused by an aneurysm, which is a weakening of a blood vessel's wall that can cause it to burst. There appears to be a genetic root in whether or not a person is at risk for aneurysm, though this is not yet completely understood by researchers. Inherited diseases like polycystic kidney disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan Syndrome, and neurofibromatosis all increase a patient's risk of experiencing an aneurysm. Other risk factors include advanced age, smoking, high blood pressure or cholesterol, and alcohol abuse.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis is a group of diseases that causes blood vessels to become inflamed. This inflammation leads to damage of the arteries, which disrupts blood flow, causing a stroke. As vasculitis is a very rare disease, it is not a common cause of strokes, but for a patient experiencing vasculitis, stroke is a very likely consequence. Many of the diseases which cause vasculitis have undetermined causes, but of those that are fully understood, a list of risk factors for developing vasculitis can be created. This list includes hepatitis B, abuse of amphetamines or cocaine, lymphoma and myeloma cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.