Reparagen Side Effects

Arthritis is a chronic condition caused by inflammation in the joints.

Reparagen, a dietary supplement manufactured and marketed by Park Labs, is a natural supplement designed to facilitate joint health through a type of gene therapy. The two main compounds in Reparagen act on the genes responsible for joint tissue degeneration and assist in the regeneration of joint tissue. Because of this regenerative function, Reparagen is seen to be at the forefront of medical developments in joint health.

Effects

Reparagen's main function is reduce inflammation in the joints and rebuild cartilage tissue. According to Park Labs and clinical trials conducted by Komal Mehta of Vedic Lifesciences and Dr. Mark Miller of the Center for Cardiovascular Sciences at Albany Medical Center, Reparagen has no known side effects, either in its complete formula or as a result of either of the two main ingredients of the supplement. The manufacturer also claims that Reparagen does not have any known interactions with other dietary supplements or drugs available over the counter or with a prescription.

Benefits

In addition to the advertised benefits of facilitating joint health through regenerating cartilage tissue, the makers of Reparagen also speculate that the supplement could help prevent the negative side effects of other anti-inflammatory drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs can upset the stomach and potentially cause ulcers or other damage to the stomach, and Reparagen's natural ingredients may protect against these side effects.

Active Ingredients

The active ingredients of Reparagen are two plant extracts from South America: Vincaria, which comes from a vine in Amazon rainforests, and RNI-249, which comes from a turnip-like potato found only in the Andes Mountains. These natural ingredients regulate the genetic causes of inflammation and related joint pain, and have not been found to have any adverse side effects among those participating in clinical trials. Furthermore, these ingredients have not been found to upset the stomach and do not need to be taken in conjunction with food.

History

Reparagen was developed by Dr. Miller, a pharmaceutical industry researcher and consultant for the supplement's manufacturer, Park Labs. Miller conducted randomized, controlled clinical trials in 2007 that found Reparagen to be effective among 94 percent of test subjects and reported no observable side effects. While Reparagen is a relatively new product, research on its effects and related gene therapies for joint health is ongoing and can expect to generate new insights in the future.

Considerations

Reparagen is a dietary supplement, not a drug, and as such belongs to a class of health products that are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has not approved the ingredients of Reparagen or verified any claims made by the manufacturer regarding effectiveness or safety.

Tags: joint health, clinical trials, Park Labs, side effects, been found

What Are The Causes Of Atypical Pap Smear

The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 55 million Pap smears are performed in the United States every year. Of those, about 6 percent return results that are considered atypical or abnormal and require follow-up or re-testing.

Annual Pap smears help screen women for cervical disease.

Dysplasia

Abnormal or atypical cells may take the form of dysplasia. These non-cancerous or pre-cancerous cells, which look abnormal under a microscope, are classified in four degrees, depending on their severity or appearance: mild, moderate, severe or carcinoma in situ.

Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions

Squamous intraepithelial lesions, or SILs, are flat, thin cells that appear on the outer surface of the cervix. SILs can be classified as low grade or high grade depending on the number and spread of the cells.

ASCUS

Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) are one of the most common reasons for an atypical Pap smear. These non-cancerous or pre-cancerous cells can be caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), a common and often silent sexually transmitted infection.

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) describes an atypical growth of cell groups along the cervix. CIN is assigned a number, 1 through 3, that describes how much of the cervical lining contains these kinds of cells.

Other Atypical Cells

The lab may alert your doctor to the presence of atypical glandular or squamous cells. These are cells that appear slightly atypical or abnormal, but their significance requires further testing.

Tags: atypical abnormal, cells that, cells that appear, non-cancerous pre-cancerous, non-cancerous pre-cancerous cells, pre-cancerous cells, squamous cells

Different Kinds Of Jobs In The Medical Field

Medical Professions

The medical field is a vast industry. Many who endeavor to pursue a medical career, do so out of a desire to help others. Depending on what you want to do, there are different lengths of schooling and training involved. Here is an overview of some different medical positions.

Doctor

A medical doctor is licensed to diagnose and treat ailments. As a doctor you can work for a hospital, volunteer with a missionary organization, or work independently, opening a practice. There is a broad range of doctors that focus on a particular age group or specialize in a specific field. For example, if you enjoy working with kids you can become a pediatrician, and if you want to specialize in cardiology, you can become a cardiologist. A general practitioner is required to go to school for about eight years; a specialist needs 12 years of education.

Nurse

A nurse works closely with doctors and patients to assist in patient care. Though doctors diagnose, nurses do most of the hands on work when it comes to administering medications and taking care of patients directly. You can become a licensed vocational nurse with two years of schooling or become a registered nurse, which requires additional training.

X-ray Technician

X-ray technicians are responsible for performing x-rays ordered by doctors. This training takes about two years, longer if you want to become a radiologist.

Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists are doctors that are in charge of administering anesthesia for surgery. To become an anesthesiologist, obtain your bachelor's degree and then transfer to a medical school; this process takes about 11 years.

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants gather patient information and take vitals: blood pressure and respiration, for example. Medical assistants perform secretarial and clerical tasks as well as medical assistance. You can become a medical assistant in one to two years.

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Ideas For A Health Science Fair

The discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA would make a great project for a health science fair.

Because the health sciences affect everyone, they make a great focus for a school science fair. Each class could be assigned a different subtopic to investigate, such as lifestyle choices, public health, diseases and treatments, nutrition, ethnobotany, toxicology, and environmental health. The health science fair can then feature clusters of subtopics featuring student projects and displays.

Vital Information Area

Though most people know the term "blood pressure," many don't understand precisely what the numbers mean.

One option you can give students is to put together a booth or area where visitors to the health science fair can learn about basic health markers like weight, blood pressure, white blood cell count and cholesterol--what the markers represent, normal ranges of numbers for people of different ages and sizes, and potential health consequences of unhealthy levels.

This booth should also feature strategies and tips for improving those health markers, focusing on low-cost and non-pharmaceutical interventions.

Nutrition Area

A student could put together a display about what makes spinach (and other vegetables) a so-called "superfood."

Everyone needs to eat, and what you eat affects your health, so nutrition is relevant to everyone. Create a nutrition area at your health science fair. Student projects should survey the field of nutrition--answering basic questions such as what a calorie is and the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats--and delve into interesting subtopics, like "superfoods" and traditional eating patterns around the world.

Environmental Health Area

Green chemistry is being used to formulate chemicals that are nontoxic and do not persist in the environment.

Another important topic for a booth or area is environmental health. Environmental health is the study of how environmental factors affect peoples' health, factors such as air pollution, contaminated water, exposure to heavy metals like lead and mercury, and exposure to synthetic hormone-disrupting chemicals. Such an area educates visitors to the health science fair about what environmental health is, potential health effects of different chemicals, ways to avoid exposure and regulatory issues around chemicals.

Individual projects could cover topics like the history of DDT (which went from miracle pesticide to banned substance whose metabolite, DDE, is nevertheless present in the bodies of many Americans), the field of toxicology (explore what toxicologists do and why their work is important), and the emerging field of green chemistry.

Public Health Area

Mosquito nets are a simple public health measure that help control the spread of malaria.

This area of the health science fair shares the history of public health and related disciplines, including epidemiology (the study and control of the spread of disease). Individual projects could cover topics such as malaria, the eradication of polio, the fascinating field of tropical medicine, and the discovery and refinement of vaccination.

Tags: science fair, health science, health science fair, about what, blood pressure, booth area, control spread

Ultrasound Technician Programs In Houston

Top grossing diagnostic medical sonographers on average earn $83,950 annually.

According to projections data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, career prospects for those in ultrasound technology and diagnostic medical sonography related fields are steadily increasing. Certificate-granting training programs at Houston community colleges and technical schools prepare graduates for entry-level positions as ultrasound technicians through coursework, practical training and clinical externships in diagnostic medical sonography.

Houston Community College

Houston Community College offers a 16 month Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program through the Coleman College of Health Sciences. The program's extensive curriculum includes courses like Basic Ultrasound Physics, Sonography of High Risk Obstetrics and Sonographic Pathophysiology, as well as practicums that allow students to gain field experience through placements in various clinics throughout Houston.

Admissions requirements include successful completion of coursework in biology, physics, college algebra and as well as in other fields prior to being matriculated into the four-semester program. Upon graduation, students receive a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate, and are eligible to take an examination to gain Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonography credentials.

Houston Community College

3100 Main St.

Houston, TX 77002

713-718-2000

hccs.edu

The Academy of Health Care Professions

Houston's Academy of Health Care Professions features comprehensive training in diagnostic medical ultrasound studies within their Sonography School. Students matriculated into AHCP program study ultrasound sciences and patient examination techniques, as well as gain clinical practice that help prepare students for careers in hospitals, private practices or in diagnostic imaging centers as ultrasound technicians. AHCP is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Students will be prepared to pursue examinations to gain credentials from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography upon completion of the program. The school's career services department assists students with developing valuable job search skills and resources, as well as assistance with externship placement. Financial aide is available to qualified students.

The Academy of Health Care Professions

8313 Southwest Freeway

Suite 300

Houston, TX 77074

800-487-6728

ahcp.edu

Sanford-Brown College

With locations throughout the country, Sanford-Brown College offers programs in various health-related fields, including diagnostic medical sonographer. Houston area students can train to become ultrasound technicians by enrolling in Sanford-Brown's Certificate Program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Combining coursework in classes like Proper Protocols or Survey Organs and Sonographic Patterns of Organs with on-campus lab work and field study in Houston clinics, Sanford-Brown's comprehensive training program also includes an externship requirement. Upon graduation, Sanford-Brown graduates can pursue credentials with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and entry-level job opportunities in sonography related fields.

Sanford-Brown College

10500 Forum Place Dr.

Suite 200

Houston, TX 77036

713-779-1110

sanfordbrown.edu

Tags: Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Sonography, Academy Health, Academy Health Care, Care Professions

What Are The Benefits Of Professional Licensing & Certification

When workers have certification or professional licenses, it makes them look more credible to the people they serve and it also protects them in the event of legal issues that occur on the job. In addition, professional licensing helps workers increase their salaries and advancement opportunities.

Adds Credibility

When a registered nurse works with patients, she has to know the right dosage of medicine to prescribe to them, which meals are right for them, and the proper way to bathe them. Because she has been trained in these areas, it makes the patients more comfortable with her work.

Increases Salaries

In jobs where certification is not required but encouraged, this can increase the workers' salaries. For example, an executive chef isn't required to be certified by the state, but if he or she chooses certification, it may improve his or her salary in the culinary arts field.

Advancement Opportunities

When you have a professional license, you open the doors to better opportunities within your career. For example, when a social worker receives a master's degree and passes a certification exam that's sponsored by The National Association of Social Workers, he or she may be in a better position to have his or her own private practice.

Misconceptions

Some jobs that require certification do not always bring salary increases or higher advancement opprtunities. For example, certified nurses assistants do not earn high salaries, and they would have to receive more education in order to move up. And although teachers must be certified, they don't always earn the best salaries in certain states.

Considerations

It's beneficial to have professional licensing and certification, but they don't guarantee immediate advancement. Instead, certification offers more credentials and trustworthiness for workers.

Tags: have professional, professional licensing

Qualify For Low Income In California

Low-income residents of every state can get help with food purchases, energy bills and other necessities. Most states base low-income guidelines on the federal poverty guidelines, which are calculated based on how much an average family of a particular size spends on food.

Instructions

1. Gather evidence of your income for this year and last, such as your W2 forms, pay stubs and last income tax return. Compare your income to the monthly and annual income limits for various government services listed on their websites, such as the income limits for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or food stamps programs.

2. Get the legal names and Social Security numbers of any other adults living in the household with you who help you purchase and make food or who you provide over half the support for. These people can be counted towards your household size. If any members of your household earn income, get their proof of income.

3. Make copies of all W2s and other proof of income forms.

4. Visit your local California Department of Human Services, and apply for governmental assistance. Provide the names and Social Security numbers of all those living in your household. Give the copies of income documentation forms with your application. Attend an interview with your human services representative regarding your situation. Your representative will tell you if you qualify for low-income services at the end of the interview.

Tags: your household, income limits, names Social, names Social Security, proof income

Illinois Insurance Law

In Illinois, vehicle owners must comply with the Mandatory Vehicle Insurance Law.

Illinois insurance law touches all types of insurance, whether through insurance company regulations or consumer regulations. All vehicle owners in Illinois are required to minimally insure the vehicle against personal liability in the event of an accident, for example. While new health insurance laws continue to change due to the National Health Insurance Reform Act, there are many laws governing insurance companies and aimed toward protecting consumers. Homeowners insurance, unemployment insurance, and worker's compensation insurance are just three more areas of insurance affected by Illinois law.

Mandatory Vehicle Insurance

In Illinois, vehicle owners must comply with the Mandatory Vehicle Insurance Law by purchasing minimum dollar amount coverage in three areas of a policy: personal liability for the damage of another person's property (minimum coverage---$15,000), personal liability in the injury or death of one person in an accident (minimum coverage---$20,000) and personal liability for the injury or death of more than one person in an accident (minimum coverage---$40,000). Proof of insurance must be in the vehicle (including cars, trucks, buses, vans, motorcycles, and RVs) it covers at all times and demonstrated to a police officer upon request. The minimum fine for driving an uninsured vehicle is $500.

Health Insurance

Due to the National Health Insurance Reform Act, health insurance law in Illinois has recently changed. Currently, Illinois law does permit insurers to deny an individual coverage based on preexisting conditions. According to Individual-health-plans.com, these "conditions can be excluded for a maximum period of 24 months." This law is set to change by early 2014.

There are no laws which limit monthly premium prices, although recent changes have required premium increases to be examined and "insurance companies are required to post information justifying premium increases on their websites," according to the Illinois Department of Insurance. If a policy holder becomes ill, state law forbids insurance companies from canceling the policy. Also, parents of young adult dependents (up to age 26, or 30 for military veterans) are allowed by law to add their young adult children to their existing insurance coverage.

Homeowners Insurance

A homeowner is not required by Illinois law to buy a homeowner's policy, however, nearly all mortgage companies require that a buyer purchase insurance because property is a very large investment which is bank-owned until the mortgage is paid in full. Illinois law doesn't require insurance companies to provide coverage for floods, earthquakes or pest infestations, and this coverage must be purchased in addition to the main policy. Most policies cover fire damage, storm and lightning damage; smoke, theft and vandalism damage.

Insurance companies may raise their homeowners' insurance premiums for whatever reason; there's no law which governs rate increases.

A homeowner's credit report is taken into account when insurance companies process an application, but an application cannot be denied based solely on the credit report, by law.

Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance is provided in the state of Illinois under a variety of circumstances. If a worker quits a job due to sexual harassment, unbearable conditions, abusive behavior, a detrimental cut in hours or pay, or the supervisor breaks a labor law, unemployment insurance will, by law, cover the quitting worker. Fired personnel qualify for unemployment insurance in the state of Illinois unless they were fired due to misconduct. By law, an applicant who is denied unemployment insurance may appeal the decision.

Worker's Compensation Insurance

According to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, the law in Illinois "requires employers to provide workers' compensation insurance for their employees. Section 1(b)2 provides that almost everyone who is hired, injured or whose employment is localized in Illinois is covered by Illinois law. ...[It's] estimated that 91 percent of Illinois employees are covered under the Act." Although it is required that employers protect their employees with this insurance, some employers do not comply with the law. If an employer is negligent in obtaining workers' comp insurance, it's a Class A misdemeanor; however, if an employer knowingly doesn't purchase insurance, it's a Class 4 felony.

Tags: personal liability, comply with, Health Insurance, insurance companies, Mandatory Vehicle

The History Of The Paris Opera

The Paris Opera, also known as the Palais Garnier and the Opera Garnier, is a 2,2000 seat opera house in Paris, France. Designed by architect Charles Garnier, it is known as one of the great architectural feats of its time. When the Paris Opera opened, it was officially named the Academie Nationale de Musique---Theatre de l'Opera. In 1978 it was renamed the theatre National de l'Opera de Paris, and again in 1989, to the Palais Garnier. Still, most know and refer to it as the Paris Opera.

History

The Paris Opera was commissioned by Napoleon III after an assassination attempt on him and Empress Eugenie as they were leaving the Theatre de l'Academie Royale de Musique. The Emperor decided to have a design competition for the new opera house, which Charles Garnier won in 1860. In 1870, due to complications arising from the Franco-Prussian war, construction was abruptly stopped and the unfinished building was used warehouse and military observation post. The Paris Opera was finally completed in 1875, 15 years after Garnier won the design competition.

The Phantom of The Opera

When the Paris Opera first opened, writer Gaston Loius Alfred Leroux was so moved by the beauty of the building that he asked if he could explore the entire building alone, including the parts not open to the public, and he was granted permission to do so.

In 1896, one of the counterweights from the chandelier fell from the ceiling, killing one of the opera patrons. This event, along with Leroux's knowledge of and love for the building, inspired him to write "The Phantom Of The Opera."

Size

When the Paris Opera was completed, it was one of the largest theatre venues in the world. The Paris Opera encompasses nearly 120,000 square feet. The stage was built to be 185 feet high, 568 feet long, and 333 feet wide, allowing nearly 500 players on stage at one time.

Architecture

Designed in the typically ornate Beaux-Arts style, the Paris Opera contains elaborate multi-colored marble columns and statues depicting the deities of Greek mythology. Between the columns in the front entrance of the building there are bronze sculptures of some great composers including Mozart, Beethoven, Rossini, and Meyerbeer. A group of statues on the central roof were designed by Aime Millet depicting Apollo, poetry, and music, and sculptures by Fracois Juoffroy and Jean-Baptiste Claude Eugene Guillaume represent harmony and instrumental music.

The interior of the Paris Opera is made up of many corridors, stairwells, alcoves and elevated landings, making it an ideal place to socialize and talk during intermission. With velvet and gold leaf as far the eye can see, the inside of the Paris Opera is typically Baroque in its interior design. The main chandelier weighs nearly six and a half tons, and it took nearly 100 sculptors, painters, and stucco experts to complete the artwork inside.

Architectural Influence

The Paris Opera has become an important prototype for opera houses all over the world. The Juliusz Slowacki Theatre in Krakow, Poland was built in 1893, and very much resembles the the Paris Opera, as does the Warsaw Philarmony, built in 1901. The Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. was also modeled after the Paris Opera.

Tags: Paris Opera, When Paris, When Paris Opera, Charles Garnier, design competition

Choose The Right Type Of Brochure For Your Message

Get your information out with an engaging brochure.

A brochure provides an effective way to disseminate various types of information. The type and depth of the message you intend to send out will play a large part in determining the type of brochure you create. From a simple one-sheet flyer to a more complex trifold or even quadfold brochure, you have a lot of format options at your disposal. By putting careful thought into your brochure's purpose, you can improve its overall quality and effectiveness.

Instructions

1. Consider your audience.Think about who will be reading your information. Design the brochure to fit this audience. If you are creating a brochure for skilled doctors, for example, you may select a more complex and information-rich format than you would were you preparing one for schoolchildren.

2. List the basic information you are going to feature. Use this rough draft to determine the size of your brochure. If your list is lengthy, a trifold or quadfold brochure may be the best option, because these formats give you the most space. If the list is short, a simple flyer would likely function just fine.

3. Decide upon a method of distribution. The way in which you will distribute your brochure will play a part in the format you select. If you intend to mail the brochure, creating a simple postcard-sized option may be the best choice. If, on the other hand, you are going to hand deliver the brochure, you need not feel constrained in your format selection.

4. Have fun with shapes. To make your brochure more engaging, consider adopting an uncommon shape. For example, if your brochure is about the health benefits of fruits, creating a brochure shaped like an apple could make your flyer more engaging.

Tags: your brochure, creating brochure, flyer more, make your, more complex, more engaging, quadfold brochure

Prepare A Microscope Slide

One of the most basic parts of working with a microscope is preparing a slide. The microscope slide holds the specimen you will be examining through the microscope. In order to see your specimen clearly and observe it for any appreciable length of time, you must know prepare a microscope slide properly.

Instructions

Prepare a Flat Slide for Your Microscope

1. Make sure your slide, cover slip and medicine dropper are all clean, dry and dust-free.

2. Place your flat slide on a clean, dry surface.

3. Use your medicine dropper to suck up a few drops of your liquid sample.

4. Squeeze one drop of your liquid sample out onto the direct center of the flat slide.

5. Gently lower your cover slip onto the flat slide. Put one edge of the cover slip down first, before lowering the rest of it. Do not press down on the cover slip once it is in place.

6. Pick up the slide and cover slip combination and gently place it in the viewing tray of your microscope.

Prepare a Well Slide for Your Microscope

7. Suck up a few drops of your liquid sample into your medicine dropper.

8. Pick up your well slide with your free hand. Use two fingers to do this and grasp only the outer edges of the slide.

9. Squeeze three to four drops of your liquid sample out of the medicine dropper and into the depression on the well slide.

10. Place the well slide on the viewing tray of the microscope.

Tags: cover slip, liquid sample, medicine dropper, your liquid, your liquid sample, drops your

Colleges That Offer Radiography

X-rays can diagnose medical problems.

Radiography uses X-rays to diagnose and treat medical problems. Radiographers may specialize in computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology. This in-demand profession is expected to grow by 17 percent by 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The starting salary of a radiographer ranges from $30,000 to $40,000, according to the Mayo Clinic, with specialists making more money. Radiographers need to have at least an associate's degree, although some complete a bachelor's program.

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences

Students at the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences can earn a bachelor of science degree in radiologic sciences or an associate of science degree in radiography. They also offer a bachelors through a distance-learning program geared toward working professionals. Courses for the associate degree include radiobiology, radiographic pathology and patient care for the health sciences. Five clinical rotations are required during the two-year program.

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences

671 Winyah Drive

Orlando FL, 32803

800-500-7747

fhchs.edu

Argosy University

Argosy University gives students an associate of science degree in radiologic technology. The program qualifies graduates for an entry-level radiology job. Over two to three years, students takes courses like computer science, radiologic procedures, medical terminology and fundamentals of image analysis. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalency. Two semesters of clinical training are required.

Argosy University

1515 Central Parkway

Eagan, MN 55121

1-800-377-0617

argosy.edu

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri's bachelor of health science degree in radiologic science is offered entirely on-line. A mix of general education and major-specific courses are required, including human physiology, clinical ethics, community health education and problems in medical imaging. Students must meet the university's requirements by completing two intensive writing classes and maintaining a 2.5 G.P.A. Graduates will be prepared to take the certifying examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists..

University of Missouri

230 Jesse Hall

Columbia, MO 65211

1-800-856-2181

missouri.edu

Tags: science degree, Argosy University, College Health, College Health Sciences, degree radiologic, Florida Hospital

What Are The Benefits Of Annual Physicals

A patient's medical history is used to determine the screenings performed at an annual examination.

Annual physical examinations once checked all patients in the same way, however today the exams have been tailored to each individual patient. Medical science has determined that it is better to examine patients for illnesses where there is a high risk factor for developing the condition. For instance, younger patients are not screened for conditions such as cancer, which are a regular part of an older person's annual health examination.

Early Cancer Detection

Cancer is one of the diseases that doctor's can test for in an annual physical depending on your risk factors. Doctors recommend that patients begin screening for colon cancer at age 50. Some patients with risk factors, such as a family history, may begin screening for this cancer earlier. Doctors have a better chance of stopping the disease when it is caught in the early stages. Women age 40 and above should have a breast cancer screening annually to detect the disease in its early stages. The doctor may recommend screenings for younger women with a family history of the condition.

Health Maintenance

An annual physical also provides an opportunity for doctors to make recommendations to patients regarding lifestyle habits such as diet and smoking. Your physician can counsel you on the benefits of a healthy diet and weight loss if needed.

Pre-diabetes Detection

According to the American Diabetes Association, patients who develop type 2 diabetes almost always have pre-diabetes first. These patients tend to have high blood glucose levels, which are not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis, but can be detected in an annual physical exam. If detected early enough, patients can begin modifying diet, losing weight and exercising, which can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes or prevent the condition from occurring.

Heart Attack Risks

Patients with a history of high blood pressure are at an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure does not present any symptoms in most patients and is found only during the annual physical examination. Your doctor can recommend lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of a heart attack if high blood pressure is detected at your annual exam.

Tags: annual physical, blood pressure, begin screening, doctor recommend, early stages, family history, heart attack

Medicare Health Insurance Plans That Pay Part B Premiums

The Medicare Savings Program pays for qualified seniors' Part B premiums.

There are three Medicare plans available to beneficiaries that pay for the Medicare Part B premium. These plans, which are state-managed federal programs, are part of the Medicare Savings Program designed to assist low-income seniors and others on Medicare with their health care costs. Some know the Medicare Savings Program as the Buy-in. Medicare Part B is the part of Medicare that pays for doctors and other medical costs, while Part A pays for in-patient hospital care.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program provides the highest level of benefit under the Medicare Savings Program. To qualify for QMB, applicants must have household income and asset levels below that set by the state and federal governments. The income level is generally 100 percent of the federal poverty level. Recipients have their Medicare Part B premium paid as well as Part A and Part B co-payments and deductibles. For qualified beneficiaries who pay a premium for Medicare Part A because they did not work enough years to receive premium-free Part A, the QMB program pays for that, as well. In some states, payment for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is also a benefit of the QMB program. Specific premium cost levels are set, and if you enroll in a plan that falls below the limit, the state will pay the premium. The program generally subsidizes drug costs as well, with very low co-pays for branded and generic drugs.

Specified Low-Income Beneficiary (SLMB)

To be eligible for SLMB, Medicare recipients must have income between 100 and 120 percent of the federal poverty level. You qualify based on an evaluation of your assets, but some states waive the asset requirement. SLMB beneficiaries have their Medicare Part B premium paid. However, they get no assistance with Part A and Part B co-payments and deductibles. SLMB beneficiaries may also get help paying the Medicare Part D prescription drug premium for plans under a certain cost, and they may get help with drug co-pays.

Qualifying Individual (QI)

The Qualified Individual (QI) benefit mirrors that of SLMB in that recipients have only their Medicare Part B premium paid. They must pay their own Part A and Part B co-pays and deductibles. As with SLMB and QMB, some states include coverage of Medicare Part D costs as part of the QI benefit. To qualify for QI, you may have income up to 135 percent of the federal poverty level. You must apply annually for QI benefits as the program has limited funding.

Tags: Medicare Part, Medicare Part premium, Medicare Savings, Medicare Savings Program, Part premium, Savings Program, federal poverty

Performance Appraisal Goals For Patient Access Employees

Appraisal goals for patient access employees include billing proficiencies and patient interactions.

Evaluations of health care employees who interact with patients consider the overall patient experience. For instance, slow service and poor communication cause patient satisfaction levels to plummet. In addition, when patient data are recorded incorrectly, a medical office's financial solvency suffers because of delayed payments. Performance appraisal goals for patient access employees typically lead to assessments of these staff members according to their billing and data collecting proficiencies, as well as the quality of their patient contact.

Data

A medical practice's revenue stream depends on patients and their insurance companies making on-time payments for services, according to Ron Kelley and Romina White in a white paper published by Conifer Health Solutions. A patient access employee must be diligent when gathering patient information so she can determine how much the insurance policy will cover. When a patient owes out-of-pocket expenses, the medical office is vulnerable to collections actions and payment delays. Administrators use registration metrics to trend their revenue cycles and implement steps to improve their rates of liability collections. For instance, a small hospital that performs elective procedures usually attempts to collect payments or establish payment schedules in advance of the surgeries. Because of this criticality in early billing, patient access employees' job performance often hinges on timely and accurate data collection.

Wait Times

Health care executives closely monitor patient wait times, Kelley and White report. Wait times include how long it takes for medical personnel to call a patient to schedule a follow-up visit, as well as the amount of time a patient spends checking in with a patient access employee upon arrival at a medical office. Another time factor doctors measure is the time that elapses from the moment a customer arrives for a clinical procedure until the start of the appointment. All of these wait times represent opportunities to improve the overall patient experience and often are performance objectives for employees with patient access.

Satisfaction

Patient satisfaction scores are valuable indicators for health care professionals. The Everett Clinic outside Seattle, Washington watched its overall scores soar by 20 percent after shifting from a physician-focused culture to a patient-centered environment, according to the American Medical Group Association. As part of this renewed commitment to patients, new employees attend advanced communication training to promote positive interactions with patients and among staff members. All physicians and support staff members --- along with senior executives and the board of directors --- are accountable for customer service goals and were targeted to show another 10 percent jump in customer satisfaction levels, the AMGA reported. This emphasis on patient ratings translates into individual performance goals through Everett Clinic's Patient Access, Safety and Satisfaction program.

Tags: medical office, patient access, staff members, access employee, access employees, Everett Clinic

Pros And Cons Of Health Insurance

Health insurance is an important coverage to have. Although most see health insurance as a necessity as adequate coverage can lead to a healthier life, many cannot afford it. Skyrocketing premiums, doctor bills, and prescription drugs prices have led to millions of people unable to purchase health coverage. Every year, health care reform is one of the top arguments in the country, and it seems like more Americans are choosing between having insurance living with the dangers of not having it.

Types

There are two main types of health insurance, managed care and fee for service or indemnity plans. Indemnity health insurance is a plan that reimburses you for your payments. Three types of indemnity plans either pay you 100 percent of your costs, partial costs or by each day you receive health care up to a maximum amount of days. Managed care plans use a network of doctors to provide care and keep the costs low. HMO, POS and PPOs are different types of managed care plans. Another way people are paying for their health care is the use of a Health Savings Account or HSA. The funds in the account are tax free like an IRA, but the account holder can access the funds to pay for medical expenses. There are also government health plans such as Medicare and Medicaid.

Pros

Having health insurance gives you the opportunity to maintain or improve your health by providing a low cost way to attend physician visits and buying affordable prescription drugs if needed. Some plans are flexible as you can customize them to keep it affordable by eliminating services you don't need. If you become seriously ill or injured, your health plan will cover emergency and some or all of your surgery bills. It also gives people a peace of mind knowing that they have access to medical attention and are able to live life without worry.

Cons

The high premiums of individual health plans can make insurance unaffordable. The policy can be confusing with wordy disclaimers, options and waiver information. Some of the less expensive insurance plans have limitations on office visits, high deductible amounts, and a predetermined doctor network. Also there is a concern if your plan doesn't cover the illness or surgery you need, or it doesn't cover enough of the bill you would have to pay the remaining balance. And in certain instances, you may apply and be denied coverage altogether.

Significance

As of 2007, nearly 46 million Americans are without some form of health insurance. Without insurance, many cannot afford to seek medical attention for simple ailments that over time can manifest to more serious problems. Expensive medical bills become delinquent and unpaid, which drives up the costs of doctor and emergency visits. Those who have or develop severe complications because of the lack of medical attention become unable to get covered in the future because of that.

Warning

Although premiums can be expensive and many with excellent health don't see a reason to pay for something they rarely use, it is a huge risk to not carry some type of health insurance. At any moment, a sickness or an accident causing injury can create a huge financial burden if the costs escalate. Also not going for yearly physicals can derail any hopes of preventing or curing diseases that can be caught with early detection.

Tags: health care, health insurance, medical attention, cannot afford, care plans

Become A Nuclear Med Tech

Nuclear medicine technicians are special technicians who use imaging technology to see inside a patient. They use their skills and imaging technology to diagnose diseases, disorders and injuries. To become a nuclear med tech, you must complete a nuclear med tech program, meet state certification requirements and find a job.

Instructions

1. Find a nuclear medicine technician program to enroll in. Hospitals offer certificate programs in nuclear med technology, community colleges offer associate-degree programs and traditional 4-year universities offer bachelor’s degree programs. Some of the schools that offer degree programs in nuclear medicine technology include Keiser University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa; and South College in Knoxville, Tennessee.

2. Complete your degree program. Nuclear med tech programs can last 1 to 4 years. The subjects that will be covered include computer applications, imaging technology, physical science, radiation protection, radiation procedures and the biological effects of radiation.

3. Check with your state’s professional licensing board to see what certification you need. Many states require their nuclear med techs to be certified by either the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (see Resources for links). Certification by both of these agencies involves a comprehensive exam and a fee.

4. Apply for a job at a local hospital or radiology center. These companies post openings on their websites and in local newspapers, and they also work with nuclear med tech programs to scout raw talent. If you want to get a jump on your career, you can gain experience via an ultrasound tech position or some other entry-level imaging tech position.

Tags: imaging technology, nuclear tech, degree programs, nuclear medicine, programs nuclear, tech position

Salary Schedule For Radiology

Radiologist reviewing a radiograph

When you consider the importance of radiology as applied to the medical and health care professions, it is understandable why the related salaries are extremely attractive. Radiology technologists, technicians and radiologists use modern imaging machines to perform important functions that significantly assist in diagnosing and treating many health problems.

Salary Schedule for Radiology Techicians and Technologists

Radiologist reviewing radiographic image.

Salaries for those who are radiology technicians fall into the upper middle class income level. The starting salaries for radiology technicians range from $30,000 during training, to $100,000 after some level of experience is reached. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, in May of 2008 the median annual income of radiologic technologists was $52,210 with the top 10 percent earning more than $74.000. Those working in medical and diagnostic laboratories had the highest median income at $55,210.

What Radiology Technicians and Technologists Do

Both radiology technicians and technologists perform routines called "diagnostic imaging examination." The radiologic technician performs x-rays while the technologist performs more complex procedures such as CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and mammography imaging. Technicians perform duties such as preparing patients for x-rays, ensuring the correct body part or parts are imaged and configure the X-ray machine to produce radiographs (X-rays) of the required quality.

Salary Schedue for Radiologists

Patient in MRI unit.

Radiologists, medical doctors who diagnose and treat diseases using radiologic imaging procedures, earn fairly impressive incomes. For those classified as diagnostic radiologists the average annual income was $379,140. Those classified as interventional radiologists earned an average yearly income of $471,428. These earnings are for the year 2009.

What Radiologists Do

Radiologists (MDs) use technology--computers, medical imaging equipment such as MRIs, CTs and ultrasound--to assist other doctors in diagnosing health-related issues. They play major roles in the diagnosis and follow-up of various cancers. They also employ MRIs, radiographs and ultra-sound to evaluate sports-related injuries.

Future of Radiology Professionals

There is currently a shortage of radiologists, but according to Leslie Winter, MS, RT(R), CEO of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) the opposite exists for radiologic technology positions: "We've flooded the market... our programs are having problems placing students. Their job placement rates are not as good as they were back in '05."

Those interested in radiologic technology should consider Ms. Winter's added observation: "People were looking for career changes or lost their jobs and were looking for a second career," she says. "They flooded to the community colleges, and we saw a huge influx of new programs."

Tags: annual income, Radiologist reviewing, radiology technicians, Salary Schedule, Salary Schedule Radiology

Joint Commission On Inpatient Diabetes Certification Requirements

Certification is a mark of distinction for hospitals that improve outcomes for diabetes inpatients.

The Joint Commission issues certificates of distinction for inpatient diabetes care to hospitals that improve outcomes for diabetic patients. Jointly developed in 2006 by the Joint Commission and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), certification recognizes health care facilities with successful inpatient diabetes programs. The certification requirements are closely linked with commission's standards and the ADA's clinical practice recommendations. Reviewing these resources is the first step toward inpatient diabetes certification.

Staff Criteria

Diabetes inpatient certification's require that staff members be educated in diabetes management procedures to allow them to perform tasks knowledgeably and successfully. Staff members must know monitor blood sugar according to written blood monitoring protocols, effectively treat high and low blood sugar, collect hypoglycemic data and provide instruction programs for patients to self-manage. Staff members must have good leadership and communication skills.

Program Measurement

The hospital must meet diabetes program management standards, including designing and implementing diabetes programs, defining leadership roles, making programs relevant to patients, running diabetes programs ethically and ensuring patients have reasonable access to good care.

Care Measurement

Delivering care is another area of criteria, which involves using competent, qualified staff, an evidence-based approach to care and individualizing care plans. Under self-management standards, hospitals must assess and support patients' ability to care for themselves, involve them in developing a personal care plan and educate them on manage diabetes.

Systems Measurement

Standards also cover clinical information management, which involves coordinating with a community of providers who will help diabetic patients, while maintaining confidentiality and upholding privacy rules. Performance measurement standards deal with how a hospital collects data and evaluates the management and outcomes of its diabetes programs.

Appying for Certification

After becoming familiar with the commission's certification standards, a hospital seeking Inpatient Diabetes Certification should conduct a self-assessment of internal policies, practices and protocols to identify existing areas of compliance with certification standards and make changes where needed. To apply, the hospital must request a logon identification from the commission's website and complete the online application form.

Replays of audio conferences offering technical assistance on the application process are available for review online. The application includes scheduling a comprehensive on-site review. Reviewers provide preliminary findings the same day as the review, which might include recommendations for needed changes to qualify for certification--60 days are allowed to implement changes, after which certification may be awarded.

Tags: diabetes programs, Joint Commission, blood sugar, certification standards, Diabetes Certification

The Best Hospital For Cancer Treatment

When hope and help are two things you or a loved one need most, it's time to get serious. Cancer patients need all the help they can get, and finding the best hospital becomes top priority.

Defining "the best" isn't easy. Various hospitals have different specialties within the oncology field. However, overall, here are three of your best options, in different parts of the country.

Johns Hopkins University Hospital

Although this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, as No. 3 in the country, it has consistently held a top-three ranking for decades.

Besides being a National Cancer Institute-ranked Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hopkins is a research and teaching hospital with both federal and private money funding clinical trials. For a patient with few options left, clinical trials using new and experimental drugs, procedures and treatments may be the last, and only hope.

Hopkins also has a high nurse-to-patient ratio, highly rated patient services, high customer satisfaction, high standard of advanced technology and most assuringly, a low mortality rating.

University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, is not only the best in the west, but according to U.S. News & World Report, it's the best in the country. Specializing not just in adult oncology, but also in pediatrics, Anderson has the highest ranked reputation among the medical community.

Like Hopkins, it's an NCI rated Comprehensive Cancer Center and conducts the latest clinical trials. More importantly, U.S. News & World Report gave it a 100 percent score for its quality and patient care. And like Hopkins, Anderson also boasts a low mortality rate.

Mayo Clinic and Others

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is famous in many specialities. Lucky for Midwesterners, it's ranked fourth in the country for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. Of the hospitals outlined here, it has the highest nurse staffing rating, and perfect scores on patient care services and level of advanced technologies. Mayo Clinic conducts clinical trials, is NCI recognized and has a low mortality score.

However, these aren't the only great choices. In the West, University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, University of California Los Angeles Medical Center and Stanford Hospitals and Clinics in Stanford, California, all rank in the top 10. In the East, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center ranks No. 2 two in the nation. Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General, both in Boston, follow shortly thereafter.

Tags: Cancer Center, clinical trials, News World, News World Report, World Report, Mayo Clinic, Medical Center

What Is A Rad Tech

Rad techs produce images of bones, organs and vital body systems.

Rad techs, short for radiologic technologists, run X-ray and nonradioactive imaging equipment for medical purposes. The job requires mechanical expertise and the ability to work with and communicate directly with patients.

Function

Radiologic technologists prepare and position patients for X-ray examinations. They operate and maintain the equipment for such examinations in medical facilities. They often work in hospitals but occasionally work in physicians offices or in specialty imaging centers.

Types

Some rad techs specialize in specific fields of X-ray imagery. These include technicians who perform mammograms, test bone density, guide catheters and other tools through the bloodstream and produce complete imagery of organs.

Size

About 196,000 rad techs worked in the United States as of 2006, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than 60 percent of those jobs were in hospitals.

Requirements

Most rad techs complete a two-year associate degree. Those experienced in other medical fields can complete training in a year. A four-year bachelor's degree is required for supervisory rad tech positions.

Potential

Rad techs earned a median income of $48,170 per year as of May 2006, while those who worked in diagnostic laboratories earned slightly more. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts a 15 percent growth rate for rad tech jobs through 2016.

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Digital Mammography Vs Analog Mammography

Mammograms help detect breast cancer.

Mammograms are used to help detect breast cancer in women. A mammogram is a breast x-ray, and is used for both screening and for diagnosis. Diagnostic mammograms involve more pictures than screening mammograms.

Recommendations

The National Cancer Institute recommends that a woman who is 40 or older should have a screening mammogram every one to two years. If you are at a higher risk of breast cancer, you should speak with your doctor about getting a mammogram sooner.

Analog Mammogram

During an analog mammogram, the breast is pressed between two plates and x-rays are taken. The film is used to take the picture and to view the picture, which is a fixed image.

Digital Mammogram

Digital mammograms were first cleared by the FDA for use in 2003. The process is the same as the analog mammogram for the patient, except that it takes about half the time. The digital nature of the mammogram allows the image to be viewed on a monitor or printed in high resolution.

Advantages

Digital mammography offers the advantages of electronic film archiving, faster results, fewer patient callbacks and more shades of gray for analysis.

Cancer Detection

Cancer detection rates are about the same when using either digital or analog mammography. However, the digital does seem to work better at detecting abnormalities in a dense breast, according to the Emory Winship Cancer Institute.

Tags: breast cancer, analog mammogram, Cancer Institute, detect breast, detect breast cancer, help detect

After Care For Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is cosmetic surgery that involves removing excess fatty tissue and tightening abdominal muscles. Patients need good aftercare to help speed their healing process and to keep them as comfortable as possible. Proper aftercare also lowers the risk of complications.

Medications

Pain and swelling are normal after having a tummy tuck, but medications are available to ease any discomfort. A few patients only need acetaminophen, but most people need something stronger. Some doctors use a small pain pump to decrease the pain of tummy tucks. Other medications administered are antibiotics, intravenous fluids and anti-nausea drugs. Antibiotics are usually continued for a while after surgery to decrease the chances infection. The surgeon usually provides a list of medications for patients to take at home.

Surgical Drains and Bandages

Surgical drains are inserted in the wound to keep blood and fluid from building up between abdominal muscles and abdominal skin. Drains will help speed the healing process. Patients will be shown take care of the drains if they need to keep them in for a few days after they go home. It's important to call the surgeon if there's excess drainage or the fluid has an unusually strong odor. Incisions are bandaged after a tummy tuck, and a compression garment used to support the abdomen, improve blood circulation, decrease fluid collected under the skin and lessen the amount of swelling. Patients usually feel more comfortable wearing a compression garment, and it is usually recommended for a month.

Resume Activities

It's best to bend forward a bit while standing or walking for the first several weeks after a tummy tuck. It will ease the strain on the incision. Start taking very short walks as soon as possible after surgery to prevent blood clots or other problems. This will also increase the blood flow throughout the body and expand the lungs. Don't overdo your walking, though, because it can prolong swelling. Most patients can return to work from two to four weeks after a tummy tuck. It takes about six to eight weeks to completely recover, so strenuous or demanding activities should be avoided during this time. This includes heavy lifting or overexerting exercise. The healing process depends on individual healing characteristics and pain tolerance.

Tags: tummy tuck, after tummy, after tummy tuck, healing process, abdominal muscles, after surgery

Ultrasound Programs In Michigan

Find yourself in a new career as an ultrasound technician.

Michigan offers a wide variety of opportunities for those interested in the Allied Health field to pursue a career in ultrasound technology. An ultrasound technician, otherwise known as a sonographer, uses a variety of ultrasound equipment that uses high frequency sound waves to take pictures of areas inside the body. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Ultrasound Tech career field is expected to increase by about 18 percent by 2018 for reasons such as the aging population and technical advances making it more efficient and cost effective compared with other radiological procedures. Why not look into a new career that is expected to be in high demand?

Providence Hospital School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The Providence Hospital School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers a program for students wishing to pursue an education in ultrasound technology. The program lasts 18 months and, as of spring 2010, costs a total of $3,000, not including text books. The program offers students the opportunity to expand their knowledge within the classroom setting and through affiliations with St. John Hospital and St. John-Macomb enables students to put this knowledge to work in real life settings through a rotating clinical internship schedule. The program focuses primarily on OB-GYN, ultrasound physics, superficial anatomy, vascular physics and vascular ultrasound. This is very competitive program,with only four to five students selected each year. Students complete classroom education and an internship for a total of 40 hours per week.

Providence Hospital

16001 W. Nine Mile,

Southfield, MI 48075

248-849-5385

248-849-3000

stjohnprovidence.org/default.aspx

Lake Michigan College

Lake Michigan College offers an 18-month program of 60 credit hours in diagnostic medical sonography providing both in-class education as well as in-the-field training at local health care facilities. Lake Michigan College is able to reach a wide variety of students with four different campus locations; two in Benton Harbor, one in Niles and one in South Harbor. Required courses include general sonography in abdomen studies, OB/GYN studies, lab applications, clinical experience and an introduction to vascular sonography. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to participate in the ultrasound national credentialing exam and apply for their Associate in Applied Science through Lake Michigan College.

Lake Michigan College

Napier Avenue Campus

2755 E. Napier Ave.

Benton Harbor, MI 49022

800-252-1562

269-927-8100

lakemichigancollege.edu

Henry Ford Hospital - Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Henry Ford Hospital works toward its mission of providing a thorough and challenging experience in medical sonography to prepare students for the profession. The program focuses primarily on general practices including abdominal, obstetrical and gynecologic sonography. The program also places great emphasis on developing the understanding of anatomy as well as the major organ systems.This course begins in September and runs for 18 months. As of spring 2010, tuition rates were $2,500 for the program with an additional $800 toward books and related materials. It's important to note that this is not an entry-level program and some courses are needed before a prospective student can be admitted into the program.

Henry Ford Hospital

Ultrasound/Radiology

2799 W. Grand Blvd.

Detroit, MI 48202

313-916-3519

henryford.com/

Tags: Lake Michigan, Lake Michigan College, Michigan College, Diagnostic Medical, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Ford Hospital, Henry Ford

Remember The Phylum For An Animal

There are three phyla of animals represented here. Can you name them?

There are millions of plant and animal species on Earth. Scientists identify different species according to a classification developed in the early 18th century by Carl Linnaeus. In this Linnaean system, all the animals fall under one enormous kingdom -- animalia. Within this kingdom, all animals fall under one of 36 phyla, the plural of phylum. The vast majority of species are members of only nine of these phyla. The other 27 contain only a small number of species each.

Instructions

1. Remember the phylum Chordata. This does not contain the largest number of species, but it does contain the entire subphylum Vertebrata, which includes every animal with a backbone. That's every reptile, amphibian and mammal, including humans. There are thousands of species of mammal, broken down into 19 orders, all under the phylum Chordata. Most chordate species, including all of the common ones, have a backbone. Some do not possess a backbone, but all have a notochord, a related structure that may be seen only in embryonic development in some species. Remember the word "chord" if you are trying to identify an animal with a backbone and you should have no trouble coming up with Chordata.

2. Don't worry about the difference among insects, arachnids and crustaceans, not to mention whatever that creepy thousand-legger is. They all fall under the phylum Arthropoda. Anything with an exoskeleton and more legs than you is an arthropod. The insect class within this phylum contains more than half of all identified animal species. Statistically speaking, if you pick an animal at random, it's probably an arthropod.

3. Look a little closer to identify the phyla for animals that are neither chordates nor arthropods. If it isn't a fish or a crustacean, but might be classified by some as "seafood," it's probably a mollusk. The phylum Molluska includes snails, clams, oysters, octopuses and squid.

4. Separate the worms. There are three phyla of worms -- flatworms, Platyhelminthes; round worms, Nematoda; and segmented worms, Annelida, which includes earthworms.

5. Catch a rising star with the phylum Echinodermata. This includes starfish and sand dollars, animals with fivefold radial symmetry. If the animal could be divided into five roughly identical pieces that all meet in the center, that's Echinodermata. Not that you should do this. Echinodermata is Greek for "spiny skin." You can probably remember that "derma" means skin from its appearance in such other words as "dermatologist."

6. Distinguish between the last two phyla -- Cnidaria and Porifera -- that, along with the ones already mentioned, make up the vast majority of all animal species. Cnidaria are jellyfish, which are not, fish (those are all chordates). Porifera are sponges, which you might have a tough time recognizing as animals at all. But they are, and it's easy to remember if you think of the word "porous."

Tags: animal species, fall under, animal with, animal with backbone, animals fall

How Much Does A Radiographer Get Paid Throughout His Or Her Career

Radiographers earn competitive wages that may increase with experience and education.

Radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists and technicians, perform diagnostic imaging exams such as X-rays in hospitals, clinics and laboratories. The amount of money a radiographer will get paid throughout his career depends on factors such as his continuing education, the facilities he works in, his location and whether he chooses to specialize in a particular area.

Salary Scale

Experience is one factor that affects the salary of a radiographer, and like most workers, a radiographer is likely to see an increase in wages as he gains experience. According to May 2009 figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiographers in the 10th percentile earn $35,700 annually, while those in the 25th percentile earn $43,510. The median salary is $53,240, and the wages for those in the 75th percentile jump to $64,070. The highest wages are $75,440 for those in the 90th percentile, and the average salary is $54,180 annually.

Industry

Throughout her career, a radiographer may move from one type of employer to another. Most are employed in hospitals, earning an average salary of $54,770, while those in the offices of physicians earn $50,860. In medical and diagnostic laboratories the average income is $57,250, and in outpatient care centers the average is $52,950. Higher wages can be found in other industries, though job opportunities are more scarce and may require more training or experience. In employment services a radiographer makes an average of $59,620 a year, and in management, scientific and technical consulting services the average is $61,970. The industry of scientific research and development is the highest paying for radiographers at $64,800.

Location

Cost of living or the demand for radiographers may cause a worker to make a move during his career. Wages are highest for radiologic techs in Massachusetts at an average annual salary of $68,530. Nevada, Maryland, Hawaii and Washington D.C. also offer above average wages at between $63,270 and $66,420. The high cost of living in the San Jose metro area of California is reflected in its high salary average of $78,300 for radiographers.

Certification

Entry-level radiographers typically begin their careers with an associate degree. Obtaining a bachelor's degree will usually help a radiographer earn higher wages, as well earning a certificate from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Additional certification is available through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Radiographers may become specialists in areas such as mammography or bone densitometry, which will bring in higher wages. Other opportunities include being promoted to chief radiologic technologist or department administrator.

Tags: average salary, higher wages, percentile earn, wages those, while those

Signs Of Sleep Walking

People walking in their sleep are not awake.

Somnambulism or sleepwalking commonly occurs in children 4 to 8 -- although it can happen at any age. Some people sit straight up in bed, mumble a few words and lie back down and return to sleeping a position. Others walk outside or eat an entire meal. Sleepwalking tends to run in families. If you were a sleepwalker, don't be surprised if your daughter follows in your "shoes."

Symptoms of Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking occurs early on in the sleep cycle.

Sleepwalkers walk or move about during sleep. People who sleepwalk do so with their eyes open. They are often staring with a glazed look in their eyes. They may speak to you if questioned but often their speech is slow and incoherent. In the morning sleepwalkers usually do not remember walking in their sleep. They are extremely difficult to arouse during an episode. A typical sleepwalking episode lasts one to 30 minutes and usually occurs one to two hours after falling asleep.

Sleepwalking in Children

Most children who sleepwalk don't have health problems.

First and foremost is safety. Keep any objects that your child can get hurt on out of her reach. Lock the doors and windows as this will deter your child if she tries to get outside. Persistent sleepwalkers who attempt to escape may have to sleep on the ground level of the home to avoid life threatening injuries. Avoid waking your child while she is sleep walking -- this can be extremely frightening to your child. Children who sleepwalk generally are in good health and outgrow the problem. If the sleepwalking persists for an extended period of time, talk to your doctor about possible treatments.

Causes of Sleepwalking

The origin of sleepwalking in children is unknown but may be caused by being overtired, anxious or sleep deprived. Sleepwalking in adults can be a reaction to drugs or alcohol. Other causes include a mental disorder or a medical condition such as partial complex seizures. Sleepwalking in the elderly may be a symptom of REM behavior disorder or an organic brain syndrome, which refers to diseases other than psychiatric disorders that cause decreased mental function.

Contacting a Medical Professional

Sleepwalking will often abate on its own. If you have other symptoms reducing the quality of your sleep, see your doctor. Contact your health care professional if sleepwalking is persistent and frequent. Also see your doctor if you find yourself doing things such as walking down the street, awaking in strange places or driving a car. These can be life-threatening.

Prevention

Avoid alcohol or other central nervous system depressants if you sleepwalk. Try to avoid becoming overtired and, if possible, take steps to prevent insomnia. Minimize the stress, anxiety and conflict in your life as much as possible as these can trigger sleepwalking episodes.

Tags: your child, your doctor, their eyes, their sleep, walking their

Pre Operative Treatment For Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is an extremely serious form of cancer that usually has a poor prognosis. Surgery is an option for some patients, as well as treatments used before an operation.

Pancreatic Cancer

The pancreas is a vital organ essential in digestion and metabolism. Pancreatic cancer affects the tissues of the organ, and can spread throughout the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's usually difficult to detect early and spreads rapidly, hence the poor prognosis.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to eliminate the cancer, when possible, or prevent it from growing. Treatment depends largely on the stage, and the Mayo Clinic states that surgery works only in a small amount of cases. Non-surgical treatments are more common.

Radiation

Radiation involves the use of high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Doctors often use radiation before surgery, to prevent the cancer from growing.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs--taken orally or directed into a vein--are given to stop the growth of cancer. Occasionally, chemo will be combined with radiation as a treatment for cancer that has spread beyond the pancreas.

Targeted Drug Therapy

Targeted drug therapy is a newer form of treatment for pancreatic cancer, reports the Mayo Clinic. These drugs focus on abnormalities inside cancer cells, blocking chemicals that stimulate cell growth and division.

Tags: Mayo Clinic, cancer cells, cancer that, from growing, poor prognosis

Thermography Cons

Thermography is a highly effective imaging protocol for detecting breast cancer.

Thermography is a diagnostic procedure that employs an infrared imaging technique to measure heat produced by the body. The technique monitors blood flow and detects tumors. In recent years, thermography has become a popular means of breast cancer detection that is thought to be extremely effective.

How It's Performed

After the client disrobes from the waist up, she then is given time to adjust her body temperature to room temperature. She then raises hands above head or to a bar. Imaging then begins from all angles. The client then holds onto a cold object until her body temperature cools, and imaging resumes. This measures her neurological response to the temperature change. This protocol presumes that healthy tissue cools, while cancerous tissue remains warm. The two sets of images are compared.

Safety and Accuracy

According to the Women Health Zone, estimates say that the rate of accuracy for thermography is as high as 96 percent and that it provides more thorough imaging than any other means of breast cancer screening. It is believed to pick up suspicious areas significantly earlier than other imaging methods. Since the imaging detects "hot spots," it is also useful in detecting angiogensis --- warming of the tissues indicates when tumorous tissue has become malignant. It is even thought to be highly effective on dense breast tissue, which has up to now been problematic. No radiation is used with the examination, and no pressing of the breast tissue, and these factors increase safety over mammogram. Thermography can be used as often as necessary to periodically reassess the health of the breast or the effectiveness of treatment.

Drawbacks

While thermography is highly accurate at identifying hot spots, it does not pinpoint the exact location of the tumorous tissue. For this reason, thermography coupled with a mammogram provides a well-rounded picture of breast health. There is virtually no health risk with this imaging technique. While hormonal activity does alter the body temperature, it is not believed to be a significant enough effect to skew the results. The examination is estimated to produce 10 percent false positives. It is also estimated to miss 10 percent of tumors. Most of the cancerous tissues missed are slow-growing and have a low metabolic rate; therefore, the patient is likely to have a high rate of survival.

Cautions

To ensure accurate results, thermography must be performed by accredited facilities and competent staff. Thermography is not meant to be a replacement for mammogram or self breast examination.

Tags: body temperature, breast cancer, breast tissue, highly effective, imaging technique, means breast

Find Testing Irregularities

Test taking irregularities can be attributed to a variety of factors.

Testing irregularities are difficult to categorize or even locate as each test type and test taker are different. Irregularities are important to find, however, as they can reveal holes in education or work practices that can potentially compromise job or educational production. Find test irregularities through common practices such as observation and moderator and student education. Naivety is a common contributing factor to test irregularities. Before any type of test is administered, make the test takers aware of the test rules and regulations.

Instructions

1. Check that you have been given the correct test to give the takers. If the test packet was confused with another packet, then the scores of the test takers will vary far from expectations. Check the subject matter and look at possible practice tests that you may have given the test takers. If these two are similar, you most likely have the appropriate tests.

2. Compare the number of actual test scores, with the number that of scores that were expected. Any missing test scores should be recorded, and the test should be administered to the missing parties on a later date. Incomplete numbers can be attributed to test taker absences or to the moderator withholding the test from certain individuals. Some businesses or schools try to withhold the tests from some students or workers in order to skew numbers so that the business or school appears to be more successful.

3. Hire professionals or use computer programs to interpret test scores versus question difficulty. Irregularities occur when the test questions vary in difficulty between test takers. If test takers 12 and 14 have a more difficult essay question than test takers 5 and 7, irregularities are bound to occur in performance. The same principal applies for multiple choice questions. Test questions should be at the same degree of difficulty for all test takers.

4. Check each test to ensure that it is complete before handing the test out to the test takers. If some tests have only been partially printed, this will affect scoring. Make sure the same test is being given to all test takers. Though the actual questions may vary to prevent cheating, all tests should be of the same year and model.

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What Are Calcium Deposits On Bones

Calcium deposits are unabsorbed amounts of calcium deposited on soft tissues around the body and appear when you aren't getting enough calcium.

Who Gets Deposits?

The most common people with calcium deposits are women between 35 and 55 who are also the highest at risk for osteoporosis.

Causes

Calcium deposits can form when a bone has been stressed or damanged. Your body will send extra calcium to the affected area and if your body isn't responding properly; then excess calcium can start to build around the damaged area.

Preventing Calcium Deposits

There are two simple ways to help prevent calcium deposits from forming; diet and exercise. Consistant exercise and daily doses of dairy products will help reduce your chances of getting calcium deposits.

Treatment

If you already have calcium deposits, then your physician might suggest lowering your calcium consumption. Since the body absorbs calcium, the premise is that the deposits will go away on their own. However, this isn't always the case and you might need surgery, physical therapy and medication.

How Bad Is It?

If you aren't physically affected by the calcium deposit, then chances are your doctor won't recommend anything rash. If you don't have pain and your daily life isn't being altered, then hopefully nature will run its course. Deposits most commonly form on the shoulder and can restrict movement, in which case your doctor will work with you to find the best remedy.

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Yasmin & Acne Benefits

When you suffer from acne, it's common to try and seek out remedies and cures from any and everywhere. Cleansers and creams are the most commonly sought-after treatments, but sometimes, other medications can help drastically improve your skin. Beyond antibiotics and vitamin A, some birth control pills are surprisingly effective in eliminating acne. Does this Spark an idea?

What is Yasmin?

Yasmin is a type of birth control pill. A combination of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, it is a low-dose pill that is intended to prevent pregnancy without the side effects of the higher-dose contraceptive pills. While not approved for the treatment of acne, it might be prescribed in an effort to bring balance to the patient's skin and reduce oil production.

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that can appear as a variety of blemishes, including whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules. It can range from just the occasional pimple to constant breakouts with cysts that can leave disfiguring scars. Acne can occur in anyone at any age for a variety of reasons from allergies to hormones.

Yasmin for Acne Treatment

Yasmin has not been approved by the FDA to treat acne, though doctors will sometimes prescribe it for that reason. Another brand called Yaz, which is very similar to Yasmin with just slightly different amounts of ingredients, has been approved by the FDA, meaning Yasmin likely provides similar results on acne as Yaz. Since both of these drugs include an ingredient called drospirenone, they work to lower the amounts of androgens in the body, which decreases acne breakouts.

Side Effects

While Yasmin has shown to be effective as both a birth control pill and an acne treatment, it does carry a few side effects with it. Common side effects include breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, yeast infections, diarrhea and back pain. In some cases, Yasmin can cause acne, though that is rare.

Precautions

As with any birth control pill, you should not make the decision to take this medication lightly. If you have diabetes, headaches, breast cancer, adrenal insufficiency, blood clotting problems, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or liver tumors, you shouldn't take this drug. Likewise, if you smoke, you shouldn't take Yasmin, because the risks outweigh the benefit of clearer skin.

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