Cars donated to a charity make a lasting difference.
Donating a car is a valuable way to help a charity. Many charities accept car donations directly. Finding a car donation agency is a helpful alternative to selling your car and then making the donation. A car donation agency will pick up your car, truck, RV or motorcycle---usually free of charge---and donate the cash they receive from selling the vehicle to your chosen charity. Cars can be donated in Boise, Idaho through a car donation agency.
Instructions
1. Find a car donation agency that supports the charity of your choice and who provides pickup services in Boise, Idaho. The agency acts as an administrative agent for non-profit organizations. They sell the vehicles and donate the proceeds to the charity you have chosen, minus an administrative fee.
2. Complete the online car donation form to start the donation process. You will be asked to supply your contact information and information about the vehicle to be donated. The vehicle information needed includes the car's year, make, model, mileage, VIN number, condition---and you must indicate if you have the car title.
3. Choose the charity you would like the donation to go to. The charity must be a 501-C3 non-profit charity organization and be pre-qualified to ensure your donation is tax deductible. The charity must also be supported by the car donation agency you have selected.
4. Prepare for the car to be picked up. The car donation agency will send a towing agent to pick up your car. The towing will be free of charge. You will sign over the title to the car donation agency and receive a receipt that the car was picked up.
5. Receive a letter from the charity you selected acknowledging your tax deduction and the amount.
A medical diagnostics technician operates ultrasound equipment.
Medical diagnostics technicians operate equipment used to image blood flow, organs, tissues and bones. The diagnostician might use an X-ray, MRI, sonogram or electrocardiogram (EKG).
Types
Medical diagnostics technicians use a variety of equipment; thus, job titles based on diagnostic media include ultrasound technician, cardiovascular technician, EKG technician and nuclear medicine technologist.
Training
Training requirements vary. For example, an EKG technician must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and on-the-job training, while an ultrasound technician must attend a training program lasting two years.
Average Salaries
According to Simply Hired, as of January 2010, the average salary for a diagnostic technician is $38,000.
Salary Justification
Salaries vary based on location, industry, company and experience. For example, a cardiovascular technician with an associate's degree may earn from $38,571 to $66,797, according to Health Jobs Start Here.
Outlook
The outlook for diagnostician jobs is excellent, says Explore Health Careers, and the U.S. Department of Labor predicts faster than average job growth through 2018.
Forensic science technicians work primarily in a laboratory analyzing physical evidence.
Career opportunities for forensic science technicians are expected to increase by 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A forensic technician works primarily in a laboratory analyzing physical evidence and writing reports. According to the BLS, forensic science technicians may be required to appear and testify in court as expert witnesses. Forensic science technicians also go to crime scenes to help reconstruct a crime or accident and gather and preserve physical evidence.
Alfred State College
Alfred State College offers a Bachelor of Science degree in forensic science technology. To earn a bachelor’s degree in forensic science technology, students must complete at least 124 credit hours including a minimum of 45 credit hours of upper-division coursework and either a semester-long direct study/research project or a minimum 45-hour-long internship in a forensic laboratory. Students focus on either the biological or the chemical applications within forensics. Biological applications include DNA, fingerprinting, genetic analysis and microbiology. Chemical applications include physiochemical analysis and identification of drugs, fibers, soils, glass and other types of physical evidence. Students majoring in forensics select three technical electives and two open electives as well as a core curriculum that includes advanced training in organic chemistry, biochemistry, instrumental methods, criminalistics, law, criminal justice, technical writing and an internship and/or independent research.
Alfred State College
10 Upper College Drive
Alfred, NY 14802
800-425-3733
alfredstate.edu
Michigan State University
Michigan State University offers a master's degree in forensic science. Three areas of specialization offered include forensic chemistry, forensic biology and forensic anthropology. Forensic chemistry concentration focuses on trace evidence, drugs and alcohol, explosives and arson evidence. The forensic biology and forensic molecular biology concentration focuses on DNA and serology. In forensic anthropology, the focus is on skeletal analysis, trauma, evidence recovery and human identification, including coursework in facial reconstruction. To earn the master’s degree in forensic science, students must complete one required course, Survey of Forensic Science, four to 12 credit hours of elective study, 17 to 25 credit hours in the area of specialization and six credit hours of master’s thesis research. They also must write a thesis and pass an oral exam in defense of their thesis.
Michigan State University
School of Criminal Justice
Forensic Science Program
560A Baker Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-7133
forensic.msu.edu
International Forensic Science Institute
International Forensic Science Institute (IFSI) at Florida International University offers four academic programs in forensic science. IFSI offers a certificate program, a master's degree program and an online master's degree program in forensic science as well as a Ph.D. program in chemistry with forensic science emphasis. The certificate of forensic science and master's degree program are accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Students must complete 90 credit hours for a Ph.D., 32 credit hours for a master's degree or 18 credit hours for a certificate in forensic science.
International Forensic Science Institute
Florida International University
University Park
Miami, FL 33199
305-348-6211
www2.fiu.edu
National University
National University offers a master's degree in forensic sciences. To earn the master's degree, students must complete eight core courses and four courses in one of two areas of specialization: criminalistics or investigation. Core courses include principles of forensic medicine; forensic pathology; forensic psychology, psychiatry and the law; forensic and crime scene photography; major case investigation; crime scene investigation; profiling; and a graduate research project. To specialize in criminalistics, students also must complete coursework in trace evidence, advanced forensic toxicology, advanced forensic serology and DNA, and forensic anthropology and archeology. Students specializing in investigation must complete courses in advanced criminalistics, electronic crime scene investigation (computer forensics), constitution and criminal procedure and advanced fingerprint analysis. The master's degree program is offered online and on NU's California campuses in Costa Mesa, Henderson, Sacramento and Spectrum Business Park.
Male breast cancer is very rare, and it generally occurs among men who are between 60 to 70 years of age. Some reasons that could cause male breast cancer include family history of breast cancer, radiation exposure and having higher levels of estrogen than is average for men. Many people believe that breast cancer can only happen to women, but that is not true since men also have tissue that can deal with cancerous changes.
Symptoms
The most common sign of male breast cancer is a thickening or a lump occurring in the breast. Other very common symptoms of male breast cancer are nipple indentations, skin puckering or dimpling, new retractions on the breast, redness or scaling in the nipple area or skin around the breast, and nipple discharge.
Causes
Some common causes and risk factors for male breast cancer are radiation exposure, having high levels of estrogen (also called hyperestrogenism), Klinefelter's Syndrome (men who have inherited an extra X chromosome; this occurs in approximately 1 per 1000 men), liver cirrhosis (scarring), and genetics.
Types
There are several different types of male breast cancer. The most common male breast cancer is infiltrating ductal carcinoma (also common in women dealing with breast cancer). This is a cancer that begins in the breast ducts. Infiltrating means that the cancer has spread beyond the breast ducts into the tissue surrounding them. Other male breast cancer types are lobular cancer (milk gland cancer that is rare in men since most men don't have lobules in their breast tissue), ductal carcinoma in situ (cancer in the breast ducts that have not spread), cystosarcoma phylloides (connective tissue cancer surrounding the ducts), and breast Paget's Disease (nipple skin cancer).
Diagnosis
Men usually don't get routine mammograms as male breast cancer is an extremely rare condition. However, men who have a very strong history of breast cancer should consult their doctor about possible breast screenings. Men can undergo a mammogram, clinical breast exam, ultrasonography (breast ultrasound), nipple charge examination, fine needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy, traditional biopsy, surgical biopsy, progesterone and estrogen receptor test, and HER2 testing. All of these testing methods could determine whether or not a lump in a man's breast is cancerous.
Treatment
As with female breast cancer, male breast cancer treatment depends on the patient's overall health as well as the severity of the cancer. The treatments are the same for male breast cancer as they are for female breast cancer. Men are generally initially treated by surgery (modified radical masectomy) to remove the breast or lining over the chest muscles. Other treatments are chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.
Tags: breast cancer, male breast cancer, breast cancer, male breast, breast ducts, breast cancer radiation
Colorado state law guarantees a cluster of rights for the medical insurance consumer. These rights depend on what kind of insurance you have or are eligible for. Managed care (HMOs and PPOs), which is what most people have, has its own set of state regulations, but general rules govern all classes of care with one exception.
Requirements for Every Plan
The person insured (insuree) has a number of specific rights that the state protects. Typically, these take the form of obligations that the company must fulfill. The law requires insurance companies to pay any of their clients' claims promptly. The company must give a written explanation to its clients for any denial of coverage. In addition, the company has to allow you to appeal to the company and to an impartial third party if you are denied coverage. As for coverage, every insurance company must provide emergency room coverage. The company has to inform you of all the coverage options in your plan as well as provide you with a standardized comparison of its own plans against those of other companies. (See References, Health Insurance Laws.)
Exception--Self-Insured Company
Any company that pays its own employees' medical bills is called a "self-insured company." These companies are exempt from Colorado state regulations on medical insurance claims. But the self-insured do have to adhere to standard federal regulations.
Your Rights in Managed Care Plans
The most common types of managed care are HMOs (health management organizations) and PPOs (preferred provider organizations). Colorado law regulates both in the same ways. According to law, your doctor must inform you of all treatment options regardless of their expense. Your plan must provide emergency room care, even if you go to a hospital that is outside of your healthcare network. You also have the right to an adequate network of healthcare professionals. The insurance company has to notify you immediately if your primary care physician is no longer a part of your managed care network. If you are a woman, the company must provide direct access to an OBGYN practice. You also have the right to a complete review of your access plan, which describes the company's network, referral procedure, and its method for ensuring continuity of care.
Right of Appeal
Most appeals are against an insurance company's denial of care. The company usually claims that the care is not medically necessary. Colorado law requires the company to provide a two-stage process for the hearing of your appeal as well as an independent reviewer.
Pre-Existing Condition
Pre-existing conditions that will likely get you a polite decline from an insurance company are AIDS, diabetes, recent heart attack and cancer. If you have a pre-existing condition, group health plans can only decline you for up to six months, and individual plans only for up to 12 months.
If You Leave Your Job or Can't Get Coverage
If you leave your job, or are fired, you have the right to continue to use employer health insurance for 18 months. Your employer cannot legally prevent you from keeping your insurance. If you can't get coverage through an insurance company (usually because you're too sick), you can get it through ColoradoCovers, a government sponsored program, but you'll pay 30 percent more than for regular plans.
Tags: insurance company, company must, have right, must provide, also have
LCD projectors are the modern versions of slide and overhead projectors, and can display images such as video and computer data on a flat surface such as a screen. Many people refer to all types of computer projectors as LCD projectors, but this is a misconception, as there are many different types of projectors in the market, and a projector can technically only be called an LCD projector if it uses liquid crystal display technology.
History
In 1968, Gene Dolgoff, an inventor based in New York, wanted to build a projector with a brighter display than what the 3-CRT projectors available at that time had to offer. In 1984, he finally reached his goal using clear liquid crystal display technology. In 1988, he started a company called Projectavision, Inc., and the technology was later licensed to Panasonic and Samsung (see Resources below).
Development
Early LCD technology didn't come with a light source of its own, and so had to be combined with standard overhead projectors--the LCD screen basically sat on top of the space designed for transparencies in a regular overhear projector. Since home computers were not yet widely used, this use gave early LCD projectors only a limited market, but once personal computers began utilizing LCD technology, LCD projectors became very popular and created a huge market for LCD projectors. LCD projectors are also use in some rear-projection TVs (see Resources below).
How It Works
LCD projectors project a light beam from a metal halide lamp that passes through a special kind of prism that contains liquid crystals to help control and direct the intense light beam supplied by the metal halide lamp. The prism splits the light onto three panels made out of poly silicone. The first panel receives all the red-colored components of the image, the second gets all the green components and the third one gets all the blue components. When a polarized light is passed through these panels, individual pixels open up to allow the light to go through, or else they close down to block it--like the pupils in our eyes, which contract or expand to block light or let more in. This action of rapidly opening and closing pixels is what actually produces the images seen in LCD projectors (see Resources below).
The Future of LCD Projectors
With the introduction of more advanced projection technologies like DLP (Digital Light Processing), which offers better image contrast, the popularity of LCD projectors began to wane. LCD technology saw a small resurgence in popularity around 2005 with the introduction of a dynamic iris that could match the greater contrast offered by DLP technology. However, there are several other competing technologies that are poised to challenge LCD's popularity, such as plasma and LCoS, and it remains to be seen if LCD technology can keep up with these challengers.
Build Your Own
LCD home projectors can be built by hobbyists from a few basic parts that include a regular overhead projector, a cooling fan, an LCD panel (removed from an old or unwanted computer screen), a high CRI HID lamp and a fresnel lens (see Resources below).
You can pursue radiologic technology training in Colorado.
Radiology technicians are allied health professionals who produce visual images of bodily tissues, bones and organs using complex X-ray equipment. Post-secondary education followed by a certification examination directed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is required to seek employment as a radiology technician in Colorado.
Accreditation
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits all training programs in both Colorado and across the United States.
Programs
There are currently nine accredited schools in Colorado that offer training in radiologic technology: Red Rocks Community College, Concorde Career College, Memorial Hospital’s School of Radiography, St. Anthony Central Hospital’s School of Radiologic Sciences, Pima Medical Institute, Community College of Denver, Mesa State College, Aims Community College and Pueblo Community College.
Admission
Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent designation. Applicants typically require prerequisite high school or college-level coursework in English, math, biology, physics, chemistry and social science.
Duration
Radiologic technology training in Colorado is typically in the form of an associate degree that ranges from two to three years in length. One four-year baccalaureate program, a Bachelor of Applied Science, is available at Mesa State College.
Curriculum
Radiology technician training in Colorado typically consists of prerequisite and general education coursework in the liberal arts and sciences in addition to theoretical and hands-on instruction in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, radiographic procedures, imaging development and analysis, patient positioning and radiation protection. A practicum or internship in a professional clinical setting is also often required.
Prospects
The U.S. Bureau of Labor finds that the demand for well-trained radiology technicians will grow by 17 percent through 2018. As of 2010, the average salary of radiologic technologists or technicians was $52,210.
Tags: Community College, Colorado typically, high school, Hospital’s School, Mesa State
The torque of a Lazy Susan describes its tendency to turn, measured in Newton meters.
A Lazy Susan is a circular platform that rotates about a pivot. The device is common in restaurants, particularly Chinese restaurants where several people share multiple dishes. It moves dishes around a table easily. The torque of a Lazy Susan describes its tendency to turn, measured in Newton meters. This value is related to the size of the device, the size of the force turning it and the angle at which the force acts.
Instructions
1. Find the sine of the angle between the force turning the Lazy Susan and the wheel's radius. For example, if the force is completely perpendicular, the angle is 90 degrees: sin (90) = 1.
2. Multiply this answer by the size of the force. For example, if a force of 200 Newtons turns the Lazy Susan, then 200 --- 1 = 200 Newtons.
3. Multiply this adjusted force by the wheel's radius. For example, if the radius is 0.15 meters, then 200 --- 0.15 = 60 Newtons. This is the Lazy Susan's torque, measured in Newton-meters.
Tags: Lazy Susan, describes tendency, describes tendency turn, example force, force turning, Lazy Susan describes
When you write a radio ad, the most important thing to remember is that you are writing for a listener, not a reader or viewer. Plus, you have a limited amount of time to convey the message because the advertisements are just fifteen, thirty or sixty seconds. Here are some tips in writing an effective radio commercial.
Instructions
1. Know your audience. Ask your client what sort of customer they want to target. A commercial selling yachts will definitely be different than a commercial promoting specials at the local sports bar.
2. Formulate your idea. Bounce some creative ideas off other writers or with the client. The commercial will be short, so pick one idea and stick to it.
3. Begin your first draft. Radio ads are either fifteen, thirty or sixty seconds in length. Find out which, and then write the advertisement.
4. Insert the business name into the draft. Do this twice for a fifteen second commercial, three times for thirty second commercials and at least four times for a sixty second commercial.
5. Read the draft out loud with a stopwatch. Read at an even, realistic pace, and time how long the script runs. Add or delete words to get the commercial to the right length. Do not try to read faster, just read it as you would any script.
6. Let the script sit for awhile, take a break, and then return to it with fresh eyes. Edit it as necessary, but remember to time it again once you are done.
7. Present the script to your editor or client for final approval.
Equine supplements may be beneficial to horses and may be used as a dietary supplement. Horse owners may purchase supplements from veterinarians, Internet retailers or pet supply stores. Equine supplements are not intended to treat disease and may not have undergone the stringent testing for safety and efficacy that federal law requires for new animal drugs. Congress has authorized the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate animal food and drugs. This authority includes equine supplements that are regulated by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM).
Animal Drug Regulation
For regulatory purposes, a drug is considered a substance that is designed or intended for disease treatment or prevention or a substance that alters the structure or function of an animal's body. In some instances, equine supplements may be considered drugs under the Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), the law authorizing FDA to regulate food, drugs and cosmetics. For example, an equine supplement manufacturer is not allowed to make claims of disease treatment or prevention that would make it a drug and subject to prior FDA approval. A new animal drug must be approved by the submission of a new animal drug application (NADA) to the CVM.
Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990
The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 mandated the FDA permit certain health claims on human food. CVM encompassed many of these policies to permit certain labeling and health claims on animal food products. Prior to marketing of an animal food additive as known safe and effective, with certain labeling and health claims, CVM asks a manufacturer to submit scientific data or studies demonstrating a basis for the claim.
NASC Guidelines and Adverse Event Reporting
The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) is a nonprofit organization created by a group of animal supplement manufacturers to regulate the animal supplement industry, including equine supplements. NASC has developed good manufacturing practice guidelines for manufacturers. NASC members must undergo a facility inspection to ensure they are in compliance with the guidelines. NASC members must also report and investigate adverse events involving their dietary supplements to the NASC. This information is available to other NASC members and the FDA.
Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act
The Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act, commonly known as DSHEA, amended the FFDCA to define dietary supplements and allow certain labeling claims by dietary supplement manufacturers. In an April 22, 1996 Federal Register Notice, CVM indicated the law applied to human food products and not to animal food products. In the April 1996 notice, CVM noted that DSHEA's legislative history did not suggest the Act was intended to encompass animal food products. In contrast to many human dietary supplements, CVM noted that little testing has been conducted on dietary supplements for animals to determine their safety and efficacy.
What Is the Recuperation Time After Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Breast reconstruction is a common procedure done to rebuild the breasts after tissue has been removed. Recovery time is based on which type of reconstruction a patient has, but generally a patient should recover after several weeks.
Description
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure in which doctors use a breast implant, or a patient's natural skin, fat and muscle (known as autogenous reconstruction), to recreate a breast mound that resembles a natural breast.
Significance
Breast reconstruction is most commonly done on breast cancer patients. In those patients who have had a mastectomy to remove the breast tissue, breast reconstruction is done.
Time Frame
If an implant is used in the reconstruction, the patient will probably remain in the hospital for one or two days. A drain will be placed in the area of the mastectomy to remove excess fluids, which will be removed one or two weeks after surgery.
Considerations
Autogenous recovery time is usually slightly longer. The patient will stay in the hospital for several days. Drains will be placed in the area of the mastectomy as well as where the tissue was harvested. These will be removed one or two weeks after the surgery.
Recovery Time
It may take several weeks to recover from breast reconstruction. Generally, patients should avoid strenuous activity for three to six weeks. Scars from the surgery will fade over time, and some normal sensation in the area may return.
Tags: After Breast, After Breast Reconstruction, after surgery, area mastectomy, Breast reconstruction
Proactive and reactive are two ways for a company to handle its public relations.
In general, companies see being proactive as more beneficial than being reactive, according to Pan American Health Organization.
Definition
Proactive public relations planning is about taking active steps to plan an organization's strategy to achieve a certain goal. Reactive public relations planning is about passively responding to a happening or inquiry after the event occurs, says Pan American Health Organization.
Features
When a disaster strikes, a proactive approach for a health care organization is to organize and make available information to the public. A reactive approach is to merely respond to questions that the media poses. For instance, the Pan American Health Organization, an affiliate of the World Health Organization, prefers that in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, officials involved in disaster planning should take the opportunity and responsibility to anticipate the needs of the public and help the public cope with a disaster through the media.
Benefits
A proactive approach gives an organization more control over their public relations planning and enables them to set the agenda. They decide how best to present the image of the company. A reactive approach gives control to someone else, with the company merely responding, according to Pan American Health Organization.
Tags: Health Organization, American Health, American Health Organization, public relations, public relations planning, relations planning, according American
Private organizations offer grants for women each year.
Grants are funding given by an individual or organization to assist others in financing an activity, business or other venture. Most grants have specific guidelines for what they can be used for and applicants must meet those requirements. Grants usually do not have to be re-paid if the money is used for its intended purpose. Many grants are targeted specifically toward helping women and women's organizations achieve a specific goal. There are private businesses and organizations around the country that offer the grants.
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America offers grants to young women aged 12 to 18 who have started businesses. These entrepreneurship grants are aimed at helping the grantees achieve financial independence and affect their schools and communities in a positive manner. Winners can use the grants to further their business pursuits or to pay for college.
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
7 Hanover Square
New York, NY 10004
212-598-8000
guardianlife.com
Chicago Foundation for Women
Chicago Foundation for Women is one of the world's largest source of women's grants in the world. Serving women and girls in the Chicago area, grants are awarded to non-profit organizations that support women's freedom from violence, women's economic security and women's access to health care. Past grantees have used approaches in areas including arts activism, grassroots organizing, policy advocacy and education. All grant applicants must demonstrate how their work specifically benefits girls and women in order to qualify.
Chicago Foundation for Women
1 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1620
Chicago, IL 60601
312-577-2801
Cfw.org
Open Society Institute
Open Society Institute is a private grant-making foundations aimed at promoting human rights, social reform, economic reform and democratic governance. Grants that benefit women are offered through the organization's International Women's Program. The program administers small grants to assist members of women's rights organizations in paying for travel costs to attend relevant events and conferences. Grants are also given to support organizations that work to reduce violence and discrimination against women, organizations that support women's leadership and organizations working to increase women's access to justice.
Open Society Institute
400 W. 59th St.
New York, NY 10019
212-548-0600
soros.org
Tags: Chicago Foundation, Chicago Foundation Women, Company America, Foundation Women, Guardian Life
Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids, rarely require treatment and when they do, treatment options for fibroids are usually more severe, such as surgery or harsh prescriptions drugs. Most fibroids and fibroid symptoms can be treated successfully with more natural options, making homeopathy a great, effective, way to treat the symptoms of fibroids. Below are the more effective ways to use homeopathic remedies to treat your fibroids.
Instructions
1. Take the homeopathic remedy known as Calcarea Carbonica if you have fibroids and suffer from fatigue or the chills. It also should be used for uterine fibroids that are characterized by uterine hemorrhage.
2. Take the homeopathic remedy known as Sabina for fibroids that cause pain in the lower back. It also works well for patients with fibroids that suffer from heavy uterine bleeding with clots.
3. Take the homeopathic remedy known as Pulsatilla for fibroid pain and symptoms that seem to improve with fresh air.
4. Take the homeopathic remedy known as Phosphorous if you have heavy bleeding caused by fibroids with clotting.
Tags: homeopathic remedy, homeopathic remedy known, remedy known, Take homeopathic, Take homeopathic remedy, fibroids that
Guidelines for drug approval are set by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Whenever a pharmaceutical company invents a new drug, a new drug application must be sent to the United States Food and Drug Administration. The application is reviewed thoroughly and the drug must be found safe and effective for people to consume. In order for the drug to become validated, several requirements must be met.
Three Phases Of Clinical Trials
In order for drugs to become validated, three phases of clinical trials must be conducted. Phase one determines how the drug is metabolized. During the trial, the optimal dose involves fewer than 100 people. Researchers can find the proper dose of the product. During the second trial, safety, effectiveness and side effects are evaluated. The final clinical trial determines if the drug is effective and examines the long-term safety and efficacy of the drug. Thousands of patients across the nation are involved in the trials.
Toxicology Testing
To determine the potential risks a new drug poses to the environment and humans, toxicology and safety testing must be conducted. The tests involve the use of tissue cultures and animals to observe the relationship between factors such as frequency of administration and long-term survival of living organisms. Testing provides information on the dose response pattern of the drug and toxic effects associated with it.
Label and Drug Sample Review
When the required clinical trials are completed the drug sponsor must submit another drug application. to the Center for Drug and Evaluation Research. Labels for the drug and samples must be reviewed. The drug has to be approved for marketing. Since this is the final stage of approval for the new drug, marketing, production, advertising, and distribution can begin.
Tags: become validated, clinical trials, determines drug, Drug Administration, drug application, Food Drug, Food Drug Administration
Protecting your country is one pro of serving as a Marine.
Joining the U.S. Marine Corps is a big decision, so you must weigh both the pros and cons of doing so. On the pro side, officers and enlisted men get the opportunity to learn new things, meet new people, see the world, and serve their country. On the con side, Marines serving in war zones are often in danger and may meet an untimely death. Marines also get excellent benefit packages, but sometimes find it difficult to access them because of the red tape associated with working for the government.
Pro: Education and Training
One pro of being in the Marine Corps is the training available. Enlisted personnel are given technical training that's either expensive or unavailable in civilian life; what's more, this training is free. Marine Corps recruits can learn be electricians, construction workers, or computer technicians in the course of their tour of duty.
Officers can have the Marine Corps partially fund their studies through ROTC or the Platoon Leaders' Course if they go to a participating university. Alternatively, they can attend the competitive-entry U.S. Naval Academy, which is fully funded, and they can study at the post-graduate level, again funded by the Marine Corps.
Pro: Retirement and Healthcare
The Marine Corps has a very generous retirement plan that pays its retirees a 50% lifetime, adjusted-for-inflation pension after 20 years. This means that Marines can potentially retire as early as age 37, and it's fairly common for "retirees" to be in their 40s.
While on active duty, Marines can take advantage of Corps-provided medical and dental care, and they receive subsidized healthcare upon retirement.
Pro: Experience and Travel
The Marine Corps provides its enlisted men and officers the opportunity to travel. There are Marine bases around the world, in places like Japan, Korea, Germany and Hawaii.
In addition to this, the Marine Corps provides a unique life experience that will make ex-Marines' resumes stand out. This is particularly applicable to officers, who run teams of 20-40 people in their early 20s, an opportunity that's not usually afforded people of this age group in the private sector.
Pro: Serving Your Country
A final pro is the intangible idea of serving your country. This is why many Marines join--to defend the U.S. and protect the freedoms we hold so dear.
Con: Death or Injury
A major con for everyone in the Marine Corps is the fact that they're placed in harm's way on a regular basis. The odds of dying while young are high for Marines, particularly the lieutenants and privates who join in their late teens and early 20s.
Marines can escape death but be seriously injured, too. This can happen whether you're deployed in a warzone or not--even training exercises, when carried out with weaponry and explosives, can end in disaster.
Con: Unpleasant Locations
As of 2010, the U.S. is involved in two wars, in Iraq, a desert, and Afghanistan, a landlocked country featuring a harsh continental climate. Marines can expect to find themselves in places like this, which can be dreary, lonely, and generally unpleasant.
Con: Bureaucracy
The Marine Corps is a government entity, which means it comes with a great deal of bureaucracy. Red tape, waiting in line, and significant paperwork are common when dealing with the Marine Corps, and some Marines find this frustrating.
Tags: Marine Corps, Corps provides, Marine Corps provides, places like, your country
Finding health care without insurance can be challenging.
Unemployment is a problem for many people. The loss of health insurance can occur with the loss of a job. People with limited income are reluctant to seek health care even when it is needed. But free health care options exist.
Federal Health Centers
Additional services such as pregnancy care and substance abuse treatment are available.
The U.S. government funds health care programs with sliding-scale fees based on what you can afford. Examples of services include, "treatment when you are sick, dental care, prescription drugs, immunizations, and checkups for your children."
Locations
A federal website offers locations for national treatment programs.
To find your local federal health care treatment center, visit the Health Resources and Services Administration website at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Retail Clinics
You can find low-cost healthcare at your drug store.
You can find walk-in programs in pharmacies and retail stores like Walmart. Nurse practitioners offer preventive care, perform assessments, and offer medication for conditions like the flu. The costs for these services are minimal and may even be free.
Preventive Care
Community hospitals, clinics and pharmacies offer health screening options.
Local hospitals and community health clinics offer free testing for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer. Testing is easy, cheap or even free. Contact your local hospital, community center, pharmacy or local newspaper for details.
Considerations
Take the time to learn about free or low-cost treatment in your area.
Those with limited income and no health insurance must make painful choices about spending money. Deciding not to seek medical care is a common choice. Preventive care can save your life. Free or low-cost health care may be nearby.
Tags: health care, even free, health insurance, limited income, with limited, with limited income, your local
There are about 2500 surgical instrument technicians employed in Michigan, and job projections say 70 more jobs per year through 2014 will be added. This field is expected to grow faster than the average for all jobs in Michigan. Surgical instrument technicians, among other duties, sterilize and place the tools and instruments on trays doctors use during surgery and hand them the ones they need as they need them. If you're good at dealing with objects, processes, and stressful situations and you want a job that allows you to help others in a state that needs employees in this line of work, you might want to learn to become a surgical instrument technician in Michigan.
Instructions
1. Take classes at an accredited college in Michigan that offers a one or two year surgical instrument technician program. Take classes in surgical specialty procedures, medical terminology, general surgical procedures, operating room techniques, physiology, anatomy, microbiology and clinical practice. Learn to use diagnostic equipment, suction machines, lighting equipment, and computer software programs like photo imaging, internet browser, and e-mail.
2. Check with these Michigan colleges to see if they have openings in their surgical instrument technician programs. Baker College places 94% of their graduates in jobs and has schools in Flint, Jackson, Clinton Township, Allen Park, Muskegon, or Port Huron, that offer two year associate's degrees. Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers a two year associate's degree. Call 269-488-4400 and ask for Pat DeHaan. For information about Macomb Community Colleg's two year associate's degree program in Clinton, call program director Elizabeth Ness at 586-286-2192. You can get a one year associate's in Applied Science degree from Oakland Community College through William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.
3. Learn to work as part of a team, be calm in stressful situations, understand medical terminology, keep confidential information to yourself, and work under supervision using step by step procedures. You will be assisting anesthesiologists, surgeons and nurses as needed during surgery, preparing patients for operations by washing, shaving, and disinfecting them, transporting patients to and from the operating room, helping the surgical team scrub up and put on gloves, masks and other surgical clothing, handle drugs and blood supplies, hand surgical supplies and tools to the surgeon as requested, and clean and sterilize the operating room and equipment after surgery.
4. Graduate with an associate's degree and pass a national certification test to become a surgical instrument technician. Get recertified every four years if you have a one year degree and every six years if you have a two year degree. to be recertified you have to take 72-80 credit hours of education during the years between your original certification and recertification. Get credits by taking classes, attending seminars, and retaking exams.
5. Join the Association of Surgical Technicians. For a membership fee, you can take more classes and the price you pay to take tests is waived. You'll come out ahead.
Tags: surgical instrument, surgical instrument technician, year associate, associate degree, instrument technician, operating room, become surgical
Radiology technicians work in hospitals and other medical facilities taking x-rays and helping individuals with physical ailments. Advances in healthcare and science and a growing demand for radiology services have created a significant demand for radiology technicians in Oklahoma and around the United States.
Instructions
1. Find a radiology technician program in Oklahoma. Northern Oklahoma College, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, University of Oklahoma, Rose State College, Carl Albert State College, Tulsa Community College and Western Oklahoma State College all offer some type of degree program in radiology technology, with most offering an associate’s degree for individuals aiming to become technicians. You should review the program requirements as well as the admissions criteria to determine which program is best for you.
2. Complete the prerequisites needed for entrance into the program of your choice. Each college requires different classes to be taken prior to beginning their program, thus it is important that you find specifically which ones apply to you. Some classes you may have to take include English, public speaking, college algebra and human anatomy and physiology.
3. Apply for admissions and get accepted to the program. Most colleges and universities only accept students into their radiology technician programs once a year, in the fall. This generally means that applications are due anytime from October through May of the preceding year. It is important that you get your application in early and meet all the admission requirements, since most programs only accept 10-20 students each year.
4. Complete the program successfully including clinical requirements. Clinicals are a required aspect of most radiology technician programs, and many students find them to be very valuable. They provide you with the opportunity to actually work in radiology labs at hospitals, doctor’s offices and other healthcare facilities.
5. Pass the national certification exam. The national certification exam is required in order to become certified in the state of Oklahoma, and it is administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Due to the fact the test is given at Pearson Education Testing centers, you can take it almost any time within three years after graduating from a radiology technician program.
6. Meet the minimum hour requirement for safety and on-the-job training. Oklahoma requires that all radiology technicians complete a minimum of 200 hours of training with radioactive materials and 120 hours of training using x-ray machines. In addition, each person applying for certification as a radiology technician in Oklahoma is required to take a 40 hour safety course on radiation.
7. Get your license and keep it renewed. After you have passed the national exam and completed the safety and job training, you can become a fully-certified radiology technician in Oklahoma. Of course, it is important to keep your license updated, which requires continuing education and certification through the ARRT.
Tags: radiology technician, State College, certification exam, demand radiology, hours training
Taking control of your health by having a regular physical exam and undergoing various screening procedures is an important responsibility of every adult. Health screens can help detect or prevent illness and disease. Several types of health screens are recommended, but here are a few of the most important.
Cholesterol
A cholesterol screening is a blood test that should be done at least every five years. This screening measures the fats in your blood and determines your total cholesterol levels. A cholesterol test is essential for both men and women because a high amount of the triglyceride or "bad" cholesterol raises your risk for a stroke or heart attack.
Blood Pressure
A licensed professional should take your blood pressure at least every two years, or annually if your reading has been either too high or too low in the past. A cuff, which measures the amount of pressure in your heart and arteries, is wrapped around your upper arm. This health screening for both men and women can detect high blood pressure early, and reduce your risk of kidney damage, stroke or heart attack.
Weight
Both men and women should be aware of their healthy weight range in relation to their height. Monitor your weight at least annually, and have your doctor record your body mass index to determine whether you need to lose weight. Overweight or obese people are often at a higher risk for injury or disease.
Prostate
An annual prostate exam is necessary for men over 30 years of age. This health screening involves a rectal exam and/or a blood test and can detect an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
Breast
Screening for breast health usually begins after a woman turns 40, but is recommended for younger women if you have a family history of breast cancer or other breast health issues. This health screen is typically done by mammogram, which takes X-rays of your breasts to detect any problems. Your health professional may also recommend a breast ultrasound or MRI to screen for breast health issues.
Tags: breast health, This health, blood pressure, blood test, both women, breast health issues, health issues
For low- to moderate-income residents of Kansas, assistance may be available to help purchase food, medical services and other necessities. In most cases, recipients of any of the welfare programs in Kansas must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, and also be residents of Kansas. Applying for any of the available assistance programs can be done online or in person.
Cash Assistance
Cash assistance, also known as Temporary Assistance for Families, or TAF, is available for low-income families in Kansas through the Successful Families Program. Along with providing a monthly cash benefit, which can be used to help pay utility bills or for purchasing necessities, the program also provides help finding a job and support services such as child care. Applicant's must have at least one child under the age of 18 living in the home. The family must be considered to have low income and less than $2,000 in assets. The amount of the assistance will depend on the household size and income. As of 2011, a family of four can receive up to $497 in TAF per month. Adult recipients must cooperate with child-support enforcement efforts and be employed or be involved in a work activity, unless caring for a child under six months of age or someone who is disabled.
Food Assistance
Assistance in purchasing food may be available to Kansas residents who are considered low income. The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides a Vision card to recipient which operates in the same way as a debit card. Benefits are transferred to the card each month for recipients to use at grocery stores or farmer markets. Income and recourse limits apply. As of 2011, a family of four would qualify for benefits if its income is less than $1,838 per month.
Medical Assistance
Kansas offers a number of medical assistance programs for low-to moderate-income individuals and families. The Medicaid program in Kansas covers low-income children and families. For those who do not qualify for Medicaid, Kansas offers the Healthwave program, which has higher income limits. Children, pregnant women, adult caregivers of children, and elderly or disabled individuals may qualify. The income limits range from 100 percent to 241 percent of the federal poverty level, depending on the medical-assistance category into which an applicant falls. Small monthly premiums ranging from $20 to $75 per family may apply to Healthwave coverage.
Apply
You may apply for food and cash assistance online through the Social and Rehabilitative Services, or SRS, online website (see resources). You may also complete a self-assessment prior to applying to see if you may qualify. You cannot apply for medical assistance online. To apply for either Medicaid or Healthwave, you can request an application over the telephone (see resources). If you need help, or prefer to apply in person, you may apply at one of the many SRS office locations (see resources).
Tags: 2011 family, 2011 family four, assistance online, assistance programs, child under, family four, income less
Space has fascinated humans and spurred our collective imagination since time began. While the astronomers of the Renaissance began to unlock the secrets of the heavenly bodies, until the 20th century humans could only look to outer space. While humans succeeded in putting people into space, most space exploration is done by unmanned space probes. These probes present a number of issues for government-run space agencies.
Cost
Sending human-made objects into space is always a costly venture. However, in comparative terms, unmanned space probes will cost less than manned missions because the design of the vehicles do not have to accommodate and sustain human life, which includes provisions for breathable air, a livable interior temperature, and the ability to safely re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. Cutting out these additional engineering challenges makes space missions cheaper, which lets the space agency do more missions with a limited budget.
Conditions
Unmanned space probes can go where astronauts could not. These include missions that get close enough to the sun to where heat and radiation levels would kill a human as well as long-term voyages that go farther than a craft could store food to sustain life. These allow such missions as Voyager I and II, which not only visited the outermost bodies in the solar system, but continue to journey out into space, and send data back to Earth, until power or signal strength fail.
Malfunctions
While space probes can undertake missions that would preclude human involvement, they are not perfect. Whereas humans can adapt to changing situations and repair malfunctions, probes can only execute their programming. If this programming is flawed, such as the ill-fated Mars Climate Orbiter that crashed into the Martian surface because two different teams used different measurement systems, then the mission is doomed the moment the probe lifts off. These can lead to costly and embarrassing public failures.
Enthusiasm
While space probes conduct good science and undertake useful missions, they do not capture the human imagination or ignite the same kind of excitement that a human physically exploring space does. Government space agencies are dependent upon the budgetary politics of the moment for funding, and a lack of public interest in space exploration makes space agencies an attractive target to cut. While manned missions are more limited from a scientific standpoint, they are far more effective at capturing the public opinion necessary for funding space exploration.
Tags: into space, space agencies, space exploration, space probes, makes space, manned missions, missions that
A lump under your skin or anywhere on or within your body could be a cyst or a cancerous growth. Cysts are common, and most are harmless. Depending on their location, however, they can cause pain and discomfort. When you see or feel any new growths on or in your body, contact your doctor or other health care provider.
Characteristics
An enclosed, saclike structure forming on body tissue is a cyst. Cysts usually contain a liquid, gaseous or semisolid substance. The size varies from microscopic to large enough to cause organ displacement, reports MedicineNet.
Types
There are hundreds of types of cysts, many named after their host body part. Some are true cysts encapsulated by cells secreting fluid. Others are pseudocysts containing no specialized boundary cells.
Sebaceous cysts form within the glands in the skin. Fibrocystic cysts form in the breast. Ovarian cysts are a type of ovarian tumor, which may contain other body tissue as well. A Baker or popliteal cyst forms behind the knee, and ganglion cysts occur on tendons and joints. Chalazions are cysts forming in the eyelid gland. Pineal cysts grow within the brain's pineal gland. Pancreatic cysts contain fluid and are in the pancreas. Tarlov cysts are located in the fused bones at the base of the spine, according to MedicineNet.
Causes
Infection, clogging of glands or obstruction of fluid flow can cause cysts. Cysts can also form around foreign bodies in the skin or develop as a byproduct of tumors, chronic inflammatory conditions, genetic conditions, defects in embryo organ development, and wear and tear. Some parasites cause cysts within muscle, brain, eye, lung and liver tissue.
Signs and Symptoms
Cysts of the skin and the tissues just beneath the skin are usually noticeable. Cysts in the breasts may be detectable through touch. Cysts of internal organs, such as the kidneys and liver, may produce symptoms only when they are large or inconveniently positioned.
Diagnosis
Although it is rare, cysts may be associated with serious infections or malignant tumors. The first discovery of cysts in internal organs is often the result of ultrasound, computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Doctors recommend and order diagnostic tests to determine the presence of a cyst and its cause.
Treatment
The cause, size and location of a cyst determine its treatment. Very large cysts causing symptoms may require surgical removal. Sometimes, however, the simpler procedure of collapsing a cyst by inserting a needle into its cavity and draining the fluid may be all that is necessary. It is important to address the underlying medical condition when a cyst results from treatment for a chronic condition.
If a doctor has concerns that a cyst could be cancerous, standard treatment involves surgical removal, according to MedicineNet. The surgeon also collects the aspirated fluid from the cyst and biopsies the cyst wall to determine whether cancer cells are present.
Tags: according MedicineNet, body tissue, care provider, cause cysts, cysts form
If you're having trouble remembering the list, consider looking for very intense boldly colored veggies, as well as dark-green ones
Who doesn’t want to be the healthiest they can be? One way is to take advantage of the latest research and begin to incorporate veggies rich in antioxidants into your daily diet. If every day seems too ambitious, you can introduce yourself and your family to antioxidant-rich veggies slowly, but commit to eating at least five of these vegetables a week and build to more days as you learn to prepare them in your favorite way.
Instructions
1. Researchers at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University measured vegetables for ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), which translates into antioxidant power. You can find most of these vegetables in your local grocery store, but there's an extra added advantage if you have a local farmer's market and are able to get them at their freshest, and even better, organic.
2. Here’s a list of the veggies to look for and further incorporate into your diet. These are the top 10 in antioxidants.1. Kale (Kale is the number one vegetable for fighting cell-damaging free radicals. Eat kale with a little fat to better absorb the carotenoids and vitamin A.)2. Spinach (Spinach is one of the lowest calorie foods of all. Researchers have found that it may be critical in lowering blood pressure.)3. Brussels sprouts4. Alfalfa sprouts5. Broccoli flowers (Broccoli is a celebrity in the nutrition world for its proven cancer-fighting abilities. As with kale, eat them with a little fat to better absorb the carotenoids and vitamin A.)6. Beets7. Red bell peppers8. Onions9. Corn10. Eggplant
3. Anti-oxidants are essential. They are the disease-fighting compounds found in certain fruits, veggies and grains that keep help bodies healthy. Choosing veggies with the most antioxidants is very important, because given the state of the environment, humans need all the help they can get to fight disease-causing free radicals. Antioxidants stop free radicals from damaging other cells in the human body. Almost all veggies contain one or more of the following: vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and beta carotene, which all have high antioxidant properties.
4. If you don’t have “the” list of the veggies with the highest antioxidants, think bold colors: dark-green vegetables (such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, watercress, asparagus, green peppers), red peppers, yellow peppers and tomatoes are all excellent sources of vitamin C. Dark leafy green vegetables, are also an excellent source of vitamin E. Dark orange, red, yellow and green vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, red peppers and yellow peppers, are fantastic sources of beta carotene. Most vegetables contain selenium.
5. Heart Center from the Cleveland Clinic Suggests the following:For Vitamin C -- Citrus fruits and their juices, berries, dark green vegetables (spinach, asparagus, green peppers, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, watercress, other greens), red and yellow peppers, tomatoes and tomato juice, pineapple, cantaloupe, mangos, papaya and guava.For Vitamin E -- Vegetable oils such as olive, soybean, corn, cottonseed and safflower, nuts and nut butters, seeds, whole grains, wheat, wheat germ, brown rice, oatmeal, soybeans, sweet potatoes, legumes (beans, lentils, split peas) and dark leafy green vegetables.For Selenium -- Brazil nuts, brewer's yeast, oatmeal, brown rice, chicken, eggs, dairy products, garlic, molasses, onions, salmon, seafood, tuna, wheat germ, whole grains, most vegetables.For Beta Carotene -- Variety of dark orange, red, yellow and green vegetables and fruits such as broccoli, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, red and yellow peppers, apricots, cantaloupe and mangos.
6. This study from the American Botanical Council (note that the study is quoted on the Whole Foods website) analyzed vegetables and herbs for their antioxidant properties raw, after steaming and after boiling. Highlights include:"Among the vegetables showing the highest phenolic content were the artichoke, beetroot, cabbage, broccoli, red chicory, red chili, and yellow pepper. Steamed vegetables retained about 80 percent of the phenolic and ORAC values of raw vegetables; boiled vegetables retained only 30 percent of antioxidants. The preferred cooking process for vegetables should be steaming at the mildest temperature and for the least possible time to protect phenolics and vitamins. Among the aromatic herbs receiving high ORAC values were garden sage, marjoram, rosemary, and garden thyme. Their values are many times greater than those of the vegetables studied. Introducing aromatic herbs into salads markedly increases the phenolic and ORAC values of the whole salad. Lemon balm and marjoram at a concentration of 1.5 percent w/w increased by 150 and 200 percent, respectively, the antioxidant capacity of a salad portion. Cumin revealed the highest ORAC value, although its phenolic and flavonoid content were not the highest. Fresh ginger also made a significant contribution to the antioxidant capacity."
Common Rail Injection (DCI) systems make diesel leaner, meaner and greener.
Compact Recreational Vehicles (CRVs) are trimming down in size and producing more efficient engine power. Major automakers are manufacturing new models using Diesel Common Rail Injection (DCI) systems for fuel injection. DCI is a systemic way of channeling more pressurized fuel loads into multiple, customized doses. An electronic monitor maintains common pressure, while improving fuel atomization in each engine cylinder. The bottom line is power, efficiency and stability for CRVs.
Controller
The backbone of CDI injection systems is a single automated controller, or pump, that governs the time, quantity and pressure of fuel injection events, according to Automotive Diagnostics and Publishing. Generally, automated control is aimed at reducing noise and emissions while fuel is being injected to the engine valves. In older, cam-driven engines, the duration and pressure of all injection was based on the parameters of each singular combustion event. The older systems applied generic fuel injection to engine valves regardless of combustion variables. By design, clean diesel fuel injection addresses each engine cylinder with its own injector.
Injection Array
A "fuel injection event," the process of injecting fuel to the engine cylinder, is a three-stage process in CDI systems. "Pilot" injections occur just before the main "event" is administered to a cylinder, followed by a "post" injection -- a final top-up supply. CDI contains three injections per event, per cylinder as detected by electronic monitor while fuel circulates through the CR-V's diesel engine. Common Rail Diesel engines allow controllers to apply specific quantities of injection based on variations in fuel performance. CDI systems can perform up to four fuel injections per engine stroke, according to Transport Canada.
Sustained Pressure
Prior to CDI, fuel injection pressures were dictated by engine speed, according to Automotive Diagnostics and Publishing. The highest fuel injection occurred at the highest speed, and fuel injection declined as a vehicle slowed. Common Rail Injection (DCI) systems monitor fuel valve pressure, limiting that pressure in the "common rail" pipe. Instead of opening fuel injectors with preloaded springs (as in the past), DCI engines store up to 29,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of fuel pressure in a reservoir. This way, individual injectors add smaller amounts of fuel as mechanically or electronically defined by CDI's technology. That pressure stays the same, even when fuel injectors are in "stand-by" mode. This produces balanced, or "square," injection patterns that stabilize fuel supply and efficiency.
Cleaner Air
In a Clean Air Task Force report, Dr. L. Bruce Hill contends that reducing "black carbon," the black particulate smoke that is emitted by diesel engines, would more quickly impact world temperature patterns than an equivalent reduction in carbon dioxide. U.S. Class 8 trucks (those exceeding 33,000 pounds, such as tractor-trailers, waste haulers and large buses) contribute significantly to U.S. diesel pollution, according to Dr. Hill. However, technology is readily available to bring black carbon emissions under control. Common-Rail Direct Injection engines reduce particulate emissions by 60 percent, according to Autozine. If so, truck fleets could reduce their environmental impact by retrofitting with the CDI fuel injection systems that have taken hold in Compact Recreational Vehicles.
Tags: fuel injection, Common Rail, Common Rail Injection, engine cylinder, Injection systems, Rail Injection, Rail Injection systems
Outcomes in mental health are difficult to measure.
Outcomes are increasingly more important in the mental health field. Insurance companies and accrediting agencies want to see data that a patient suffering from a mental illness is improving. This is difficult to document in many cases, and most agencies are developing their own outcome assessment tools using self-report measures. There are some general outcome assessment tools that more and more mental health agencies and counselors are beginning to use.
Activities of Daily Living
Outcomes can be measured by noting a client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). ADLs are basic tasks that people perform such as bathing, dressing or eating. IADLs are more complex tasks such as money management, cleaning or meal preparation. These assessments are often a checklist based on client's self-report and the counselor's or doctor's observation. The checklist includes questions about a client's ability to take his own medication, prepare meals, go shopping, and pay bills. Different types of forms are used by different agencies. Doctor's offices will use a checklist to determine if a patient can live alone. Courts use them to determine fitness for guardianship among other things, and the Social Security Administration has a checklist of ADLs to determine disability. It is believed that if a client is improving, they will be able to perform more ADLs and IADLs.
Camberwell Assessment of Needs
The Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN) is a needs assessment for the severely mentally ill. It is a 22-item interview-administered instrument that looks at various domains of an individual's life. A psychologist or therapist gives the assessment by talking to client. Each domain, such as sexuality, accommodation, food, transport, is discussed by client and therapist to determine if there is needs are being met or unmet. This is used as an outcome assessment tool in some mental health settings, which is evaluated by mental health providers. Mental health providers periodically give the CAN to see if clients are increasing the amount needs being met, which is a sign of improvement.
MOS Core Survey
The MOS Core Survey is an outcome assessment tool in mental health. It was created for a two-year study of patients with chronic conditions, such as schizophrenia, diabetes and major depression and has been tested for validity and reliability. It includes 116 questions on outcomes and quality of life relying on the self-report of patients. Clients complete the survey at every visit to their health care practitioner or at a designated interval. The survey asks patients to rate questions on a Likert scale, such as "Do you feel worn out?" with 1 being all of the time and 6 being none of the time. Other questions assess activities, general pain, feelings and social activities. The survey instrument is available online for agencies and practitioners to use.
Practitioner's Report
The practitioner's report is one of the more common outcome assessment tools used in the mental health field. Agencies design short forms in order to track specific outcome measures, and practitioners fill out the form during every visit. Mental health therapists, social workers or psychologists use the report to ask clients specific questions. Oftentimes, mental health agencies will measure data such as how many days a client has worked or how many days client has been hospitalized since the last visit. These are routine outcome measurements that are recorded at every appointment in order to track a client's progress. The results are entered into a database for tracking, and the agency evaluate the client's progress.
Toenail fungus usually gains entry to the toenail bed when there has been an injury to the nail, such as a crack or a split. Once the fungus has entered, the warm, dark environment that it finds in the shoes and socks encourages it to grow and spread. According to the Foot Health Network, the standard treatment for toenail fungus involves prescription medication or partial to full nail removal. Many people want to avoid harsh medications and painful treatment and are turning to a remedy for toenail fungus you may not suspect: Vicks VapoRub.
The Proof
It seems as though Vicks VapoRub has been a cure for almost everything, from coughs to chest congestion to stuffy noses. Now Vicks is emerging as a cure for nail fungus. What may have started as an accidental home remedy now has a medical study to back it up. Researchers at Michigan State University studied the effects of Meijer medicated chest rub on toenail fungus and found the ratio of camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol to be effective in treating the fungus. While the brand was Meijer, it has the exact same ratio of ingredients that Vicks VapoRub has, which explains why people are having so much success with Vicks.
Application
To treat toenail fungus with Vicks VapoRub, clean and trim your toenails. Wash them well and make sure they are completely dry. Coat the toenail with the Vicks, and be sure to get the gel deep into the sides of the nail and as far underneath as possible. If you have any cracks in your nail, rub deeply into them. Once the nail is covered, then wrap a light gauze bandage or adhesive bandage around the nail to protect the Vicks from rubbing off on to socks or something else. Leave it on and let the gel absorb into the nail. Repeat daily. The time it takes to notice results can be anywhere from 10 days to six weeks, depending upon how deep your fungus is.
Hypothyroidism is a chronic condition caused by an iodine deficiency due to a lack of thyroxine produced by your thyroid gland. Common symptoms associated with the condition include excessive weight gain, hoarseness, fatigue, muscle weakness or depression. Prescription medication can be taken to provide synthetic thyroids, which balances out your hormone levels and reduces symptoms. You can also add iodine to your diet, which can help reduce hypothyroidism symptoms and balance your iodine levels.
Instructions
1. Add seafood to your diet. Salmon, tuna and shellfish are just a handful of healthy choices of seafood that provide plenty of iodine. According to the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD), seawater fish contain higher amounts of iodine than freshwater fish.
2. Drink one glass of milk daily. Milk is also a high source of iodine, which can prevent the risk of developing a goiter due to a lack of thyroxine being produced by the thyroid gland.
3. Avoid certain vegetables. Some vegetables can neutralize iodine, which can exacerbate hypothyroidism. These vegetables include cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli and turnips. Potatos are the only vegetable source of iodine.
4. Include table salt in your diet. Look for iodized salt when grocery shopping, as most salts have iodine added to prevent iodine deficiency. The recommended daily allowance for iodine is 150 micrograms (mcg). You can also find iodine in processed foods and canned vegetables.
5. Take iodine supplements. Iodine supplements are available at most health and vitamin stores, but are not guaranteed to work, according to the Mayo Clinic. Follow the package directions carefully to avoid too much iodine intake, which can cause iodine toxicity.
Given America's aging population and high death rates from diseases that are diagnosed too late to offer patients an opportunity for treatment, few medical professions are as critical to the future of medicine as are those in the field of radiological medicine. In particular, a check of Illinois radiology techs in hospitals, clinics and private practices across the state found practitioners enjoying satisfying careers and competitive salaries. Whether you are already enjoying a career in this vital field or thinking about establishing one in the Land of Lincoln, review the following information before you make your move.
Function
The responsibilities of radiology technicians include shooting X-rays of patient's bodies to assist diagnosticians as they try to figure out why a patient is suffering from certain symptoms. They monitor and control the amount of radiation to which a patient is exposed. Radiology techs are on the front lines of the battle for early diagnoses and while they do not make treatment decisions, they are often the first health care professional to spot abnormalities. The radiological tech oversees a patient's care from start to finish, preparing them for exams, positioning them for images and answering questions about the process. Many attain certification in specialty areas and find work in a diverse number of settings from labs to hospitals, clinics and doctor's offices. The field is growing and employment opportunities are plentiful. In Illinois the job market is dynamic.
Features
The range of jobs covering the umbrella field of radiology technician is vast and growing. Sub-disciplines include bone densitometrists, radiation therapists, nuclear medicine techs, sonographers and MRI specialists. Some practitioners may prefer oversight-driven professions in quality control management rather than direct patient care. Salaries are closely tied to level of expertise, the area of Illinois in which the job is located and years in the profession.
Identification
Professional organizations serving U.S. radiology technicians conduct regular salary surveys to keep members abreast of contemporary wages. In general, the more exotic the radiological specialty, the higher the wage. On average a tech can expect to earn $48,682 in an entry-level position. Those specializing in mammography, cardiovascular and interventional radiology average $54,000. MRI technicians and nuclear medicine professionals can expect $67,000 per year. At the top of the food chain, radiation therapists command $73,000, while those certified to practice the most highly skilled work of all -- medical dosimetry -- could earn more than $95,000 per year. Given a range of from $35,000 to $86,000, an industry survey set the average wage for a radiological tech in the state of Illinois at $55,000. For purposes of comparison, average Illinois wages fall below those earned in California (nearly $76,000), Massachusetts (around $72,000) and Washington, D.C. ($69,000).
Benefits
Illinois' radiological technicians enjoy excellent benefits including life and dental insurance, retirement and/or pension plans and tuition reimbursement. Members of the profession encourage continuing education. Overtime in hospital settings is widely available and while shift work may play havoc with one's circadian rhythms, off-hour shifts can boost a tech's salary to $38 per hour.
Potential
While an Illinois radiology technician can count on an ongoing supply of job openings coming from employment standard-bearers like CareerBuilder, Monster, Indeed and Hot Jobs, many professionals prefer to go directly to hospitals in their area to conduct their job search or they might prefer to deal with the Websites hosted specifically for jobs in the profession. Get in touch with the Radiological Society of North America and the American Society of Radiology Technicians, the field's two major professional membership organizations, for more information.
Humans have speculated about life on Mars for centuries.
The Elysium "pyramids" are a series of formations found in the Cydonia region of Mars that resemble artificial structures. The nature of these formations has been debated since their discovery in the late 1970s.
History
In the late 1970s, Vincent DiPietro and Gregory Molenaar examined photos taken by Mariner 9 in 1971 and Viking 1 in 1976. The pictures depicted the giant formation called the "face" and several angular structures which they considered artificial because they looked geometrically regular.
Features
The pyramids form a loose arc just to the north of the structure known as the "face on Mars". They have three to five sides and are about 500 meters tall.
Theories/Speculation
The Cydonian Hypothesis proposed by DiPietro and Molenaar suggests that Mars once had a climate similar enough to Earth for an advanced civilization to arise and build structures such as pyramids. This theory is championed by conspiracy theorist Richard C. Hoagland who claims that NASA has covered up the evidence of this civilization.
Criticisms
Critics of the Cydonian Hypothesis dismiss it as a mixture of wishful thinking and bad science. For instance, Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews and James Doeser, archaeologists who founded the website "Bad Archaeology," point out that the supposed geometric evidence that the pyramids are artificial constructs is based on poor examinations of the photos and faulty math. Astronomer Philip Plait considers the famous "face on Mars" the result of "pareidolia", the phenomenon that makes people see shapes in the clouds.
Nursing assessments evaluate the condition of the heart.
Cardiac nursing is a specialty area that involves caring for patients suffering from cardiac conditions. According to the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association, nurses play a leading role in identifying and implementing cardiovascular risk reduction strategies using various nursing skills and techniques. A cardiac nurse performs assessments by evaluating the condition and performance of the heart and circulatory system. There are important techniques to follow for an accurate nursing assessment.
Evaluation
The heart performs many cardiac functions, and abnormalities in function produce symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness and heart palpitations. Inspect the patient for symptoms of cardiac discomfort and ask if he is experiencing any cardiac or respiratory symptoms. Watch for nonverbal clues, such as excessive perspiration, hand gestures and facial expressions of discomfort or pain. Use a pain scale, from one to 10, to help the patient describe the level of pain he is feeling.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure remains a consistent risk factor for cardiac disease. Blood pressure readings indicate how much pressure is applied to the walls of the arteries when transporting blood throughout the body. The top systolic number represents the amount of peak pressure when the heart is beating at full capacity. The bottom diastolic number represents the amount of pressure for the heart at rest. According to Drugs.com, systolic blood pressure readings should be less than 130 and diastolic readings should be less than 85. Monitor the patient for signs of high blood pressure, defined as systolic readings above 140 and diastolic readings above 90. People often report no symptoms with hypertension, so blood pressure readings are an important part of cardiac assessment.
Vital Signs
Vital signs are an important cardiac nursing assessment technique and provide an overall picture of the person's health. These appraisals include heart rate, breathing rate and body temperature. Assess for cardiac valve abnormalities by listening to the patient's heart sounds with a high-quality stethoscope. Hospitals and physicians' offices have a standard by which they judge vital signs as normal or abnormal. Some circumstances affect vital sign readings, such as medications, age, weight and physical condition. A pacemaker is a small device placed under the skin near the heart that may also affect certain vital signs. If a cardiac patient is diabetic, include regular glucose readings as an important vital sign for the patient.
Specialized Care
Patients with compromised heart function must be monitored closely for changes in condition. Cardiac nurses often perform tests using various diagnostic machines to determine the condition of the heart. Electrocardiograms, or EKGs, are probably the most commonly recognized heart monitoring device. An EKG measures the electrical activity in the heart and can reveal early signs of distress. Mayoclinic.com reports that stress tests reveal how the heart functions under stressful conditions and can reveal heart problems that are unnoticeable otherwise. For this reason, cardiac nurses should monitor cardiac testing results as an important assessment practice.
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