Cancer Treatment With No Insurance

Cancer treatment can create a heavy financial burden for families and individuals without insurance. If you find yourself in this difficult situation, be sure to address your financial concerns with a hospital social worker, the social-services office or your doctor's business office. Although applying for financial assistance can feel like an arduous task, it can be beneficial to have relief from the financial implications of cancer treatment without insurance.

Government Programs

Government agencies are often the first place to consider for financial assistance. Medicaid is often one of the first programs considered at social services. This program covers medical expenses and often leaves nothing for the family or individual to pay out of pocket. Other programs, such as aid to the needy and disabled, social security or social security disability, might be able to offset some treatment costs.

Veterans and Cancer Treatment

If the patient was a veteran, seek out cancer-treatment programs that provide veterans and their dependents with access to services for early detection and treatment for cancer.

Indigent Care Programs

Some states offer indigent care programs or financial assistance programs based on the ability to pay. These programs offer health care on a sliding-scale fee. Note, however, that not all states or hospitals offer indigent care.

Hill-Burton

Hill-Burton is a federal program that provides money to hospitals, which in turn provide reduced or free services to those who cannot afford them. Online directories list hospitals and clinics participating in the Hill-Burton program.

Hospital and Physician Assistance Programs

Discuss your finances with the billing department at the hospital and doctor's office, and see if they can reduce the cost or write off the cost of treatment. Larger hospitals and university hospitals often have a budget to support more robust financial-assistance programs. Many hospitals donate care to improve their image within the community, so become familiar with what programs they have available.

Private Foundations

Private foundations often provide programs that offer financial assistance. Cancercare.org, the American Cancer Society, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation provide assistance or offer resources to help those who cannot afford the cost of their medical expenses.

Considerations

There are numerous ways to get financial assistance. By contacting associations with a specific diagnosis, you will increase your chances of finding appropriate funding sources. Even though the cost of cancer treatment has risen, it does not mean you or your loved one should avoid treatment.

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What Do You Have To Take To Become An Mri Technologist

MRI technologists usually work in hospitals.

MRI technologists are radiologic technicians who specialize in magnetic resonance imaging. The majority of MRI technologists work in hospitals, but some work in medical buildings and doctors' offices. The Bureau of Labor Statistics's Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition states that employment for MRI technologists is expected to grow because of advancing medical technology and increasing need for medical care as the population ages.

Education

Aspiring MRI technologists must enroll in a formal radiology program leading to a certificate, associate degree or bachelor's degree. Associate programs typically take two years. Certificate programs take one year, and bachelor's degree programs take four years. Employers like to see individuals who enrolled in longer programs because they received more training.

Certification

Some radiologists get voluntary certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians. The majority of employers prefer hiring certified MRI technologists. People eligible for certification must have graduated from an accredited program and pass a test. After certification, people must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education credits once every two years to maintain their certification.

Licensure

The majority of states require MRI technologists to be certified, but some don't, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition. Many states have licensing examinations that individuals must pass to obtain their licensure as an MRI technologist. Individuals that graduate from an MRI technologist certification program should check with their state for specific licensure requirements.

Salary

The median salary for radiologic technicians, which includes MRI technologists, was $52,000 as of May of 2008, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job Outlook

Employment for radiologic technicians and MRI technologists is expected to grow by 18 percent through 2018, faster than most jobs in the United States, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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What Are The Causes Of Fibroid Pain

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. While most do not cause any symptoms, they can cause pain for a variety of reasons. If you have fibroids and experience any sort of pain, see your doctor.

Size and Location

Most fibroids do not cause symptoms because of their size. Bigger fibroids can cause pain and other symptoms. The location of the fibroid will also affect the type of pain you have.

Pressure on Organs

Fibroids can press on organs in the pelvic region. This pressure results in pain in the pelvis and surrounding areas like the abdomen.

Backache

Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer part of the uterus. Fibroids that grow on the back of the uterus and bulge out press on the spinal nerves causing back pain.

Dying Fibroids

In rare cases, fibroids grow to a point that they outgrow their blood supply. As the tissue dies, it typically causes pain and fever.

Pendunculated Fibroids

Pendunculated fibroids have a stalk attached to them either on the inside or outside of the uterus. These fibroids can twist the stalk; this interferes with its blood supply resulting in pain.

Tags: blood supply, cause pain, cause symptoms, fibroids cause, fibroids grow

Write A Humor Essay

Write a Humor Essay

Essay writing helps to present an idea through an organized set of paragraphs. Injecting humor into an essay may seem complicated when you have never tried to pair expository writing with humorous observations or ideas. Though some believe that people are born funny, Mary Emma Allen of Humor Writers suggests that all people have the ability to write humorous pieces once they recognize the humor in situations. So, if you believe you have an interesting and funny take on a subject, you may want to consider writing a humor essay.

Instructions

1. Figure out the basic idea of your essay, humor aside. You will want to determine your essay's thesis, or the goal of the essay before you worry about the injection of humor into the piece.

2. Think of funny moments you've experienced or ideas you've developed throughout your life that lend themselves to the essay. For instance, if you are writing about the Death of Good Television Shows, think of specific scenes in television shows that were really stupid or trite.

3. Combine facts as well as observations as you write. As humor writer Sarah Smiley suggests, surprise your readers with specific details that people often overlook. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld has often left people laughing by presenting very mundane situations and making them seem ridiculously irritating or annoying.

4. Use comedic timing in your essay. Sarah Smiley suggests the method of surprise; take a piece of information and add something that catches the reader off-guard. You need to develop a rhythm throughout the piece. As the sample essay in the Resource section shows, timing is everything. The writer of that piece, Hugh Gallagher, wrote an admissions essay to gain admission to NYU. His piece listed countless things he'd done with his life that were obviously untrue, and after several paragraphs of hyperbolic statements, he ended the essay with one sentence: "But I have not yet gone to college." The comedic timing demonstrated in that essay works well, and is a great example of keeping readers' attention and keeping them laughing.

5. Exaggerate your opinions or observations. For instance, you could say that "Television has become rather boring", but that statement is pretty boring in itself. Instead, you could say, "Watching television for me is like watching my dear old granny get burned alive at the stake. Too painful to watch, but too horrifying to look away."

6. Bring it all together in the ending paragraph. The conclusion should restate your idea and tie up any loose ends. End your essay with a bang; write a humorous last sentence that gives the reader one final, and hopefully long, laugh.

Tags: your essay, that people, comedic timing, essay with, Humor Essay

Prevent A Foreclosure In Texas

Foreclosure is a dreaded and unfortunate crisis for any homeowner. A variety of uncontrollable circumstances can cause you to fall behind on your Texas home mortgage. No matter where you live, a foreclosure can be devastating. Unfortunately, Texas homeowners are at a disadvantage. According to RealtyTrac, foreclosure laws in Texas make it extremely easy to foreclosure. Therefore, foreclosure occurs rapidly when compared to other states. To prevent foreclosure, you must act immediately.

Instructions

1. Communicate with your Texas mortgage company. You will need to call to discuss your options at the first sign of payment struggle. Explain why you are unable to pay your mortgage. The lender may work out a repayment plan or grant you a forbearance, depending on the hardship.

2. Contact an approved foreclosure prevention counselor in Texas. HUD provides a list of nonprofit counseling agencies throughout the state. A counselor will be able to negotiate your loan and determine your eligibility for federal programs, such as the Making Home Affordable loan modification. The counselor will need your loan details and financial information.

3. Refinance your loan. If your loan interest rate is higher than the current interest rate, you may qualify to refinance the loan and lower your monthly payments. Your credit will need to be fairy good in order to be approved for a refinance. If your lender does not approve your refinance request, you can still apply through the Home Affordable Refinance program.

4. Seek services from the Texas Foreclosure Prevention Task Force. The task force provides services such as counseling, budget planning, initiating communication with lender and identifying mortgage assistance programs. They provide information on the most current programs available. For example, the Streamlined Modification Program is designed to help struggling homeworkers by having Fannie Mae team up with mortgage lenders to modify loans into more affordable terms for Texas residents.

Tags: your loan, will need, counselor will, Home Affordable, interest rate, your Texas

Brain Cysts Treatment

A cyst is a fluid-filled sphere that can contain blood, minerals or tissue. Cysts can occur anywhere in or on the body, including the brain. Usually, brain cysts are considered benign but can be found inside malignant tumors. The danger from brain cysts comes from the possibility of rupture. Rupture can cause the fluid to leak and cause irritation of the brain, affect parts of the brain that control vital functions and even cause death. Treatment for brain cysts varies depending on type, size and location.

Arachnoid Cyst

An arachnoid cyst, one of the four types of brain cysts, contains cerebrospinal fluid and usually affects infants and adolescents. These cysts are typically found in the space between the membrane and the brain. They can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures and vertigo. Diagnosis with an MRI or CT scan will verify the presence of an arachnoid cyst. Treatment depends on the size of the cyst. If the cyst is small, most doctors will take a wait-and-see approach, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. A larger cyst or one that is showing an increase in size will require surgery to drain the cyst and remove the outer layer of the cyst.

Colloid Cyst

Colloid cysts typically begin in embryonic development of the central nervous system. They contain a thick substance called colloid and may not cause symptoms or problems until adulthood. Colloid cysts can block fluid to the brain, which results in a condition known as hydrocephalus. This can cause headaches, confusion, brief interruptions of consciousness and even death. Treatment for a colloid cyst consists of a shunt being placed in the cyst to drain the fluid and surgery to remove the outer layer of the cyst.

Dermoid Cyst

A dermoid cyst typically forms in fetal growth. They are relatively rare but consist of hair follicles and sebaceous glands which produce oils and fats. These types of cysts, sebaceous cysts, are typically found on the face, neck and ovaries but can be found on the brain. Typically located on the lower back portion of the brain, they require surgical removal.

Epidermoid Cyst

An epidermoid cyst is similar to the dermoid cyst. The main distinction between them is that the epidermoid cyst doesn't contain hair follicles or sebaceous glands. They are located in the same place typically and contain a thick yellow substance. They require surgery to remove.

Considerations

If diagnosed with a brain cyst, it's vital to keep up with scheduled scans and testing. Your doctor will want to evaluate the cyst at regular intervals to measure its growth rate. If a small cyst that required no surgery begins to grow, the treatment plan may need to be changed. There is nothing that can be done to prevent a cyst and no solid guidelines for treatment. Constant evaluation is important to ensure the patient's safety and to prevent rupture.

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Brain Cysts Symptoms

Brain cysts symptoms can be difficult to confront and a diagnosis of brain cysts can be very scary for most people. Brain cysts are called neoplasms and may have been present since birth and made up from natural brain matter, or they may represent more serious problems in the brain that need the attention of a neurologist. In either case, the symptoms of a neoplasm can be disruptive and cause problems in everyday life. Symptoms include headaches, changes in mental status, paralysis, balance problems, seizures and vision problems.

Headaches

According to an article by J. Stephen Huff, MD, on Medscape, headaches are one of the most common early symptoms of brain cysts. For many individuals, the only indication they may have of a brain cyst is that they have frequent headaches. These headaches may be clustered in the same area of the head and happen every day or several times a day. The nature of the headache may be similar to a tension headache and start out as mild and gradually turn more severe with the passage of time.

Changes in Mental Status

Brain cysts symptoms that involve changes in mental status may be more difficult to pin down precisely, according to the article by J. Stephen Huff, MD. This is because often mental status is related to thought process and personality. Example of changes in mental status include confusion, difficulty in going to sleep or remaining asleep, general apathy and feelings of depersonalization. A person who is feeling depersonalized may describe that they simply do not care about anything any longer or they may talk about feeling as if they are distanced from events or they are outside themselves watching events occur.

Paralysis

Paralysis symptoms from a brain cyst may be temporary, transient or permanent in nature. Often, brain cysts symptoms of paralysis are the result of the cyst pushing against a motor function region of the brain. Many patients present with symptoms of paralysis that may appear similar to those of a stroke, particularly if the patient is elderly. Paralysis may be localized to a specific muscle structure or part of the body, like a hand, or present to the entire side of the body, depending on the size and location of the cyst.

Balance Problems

Because brain cysts symptoms often have the superficial appearance of other illnesses, including stroke and Parkinson's, balance problems may be easily overlooked as a person ages. However, it is important to note if a person is having difficulty walking in a straight line, falls down frequently or appears to have weakness on one side of the body making them more prone to leaning to either side. These can all be symptoms of a brain cyst neoplasm and should be examined by a neurologist.

Seizures

It is possible for brain cysts symptoms of seizures to be present for many years before detection. Seizures can manifest in a number of different ways. They may present by starting in one area of the body and travelling across or up or down the body as they progress. Usually this is an indication of a cyst that is present in the brain cortex. However, patients who are middle-aged and present with symptoms of seizures that appear similar to stroke should be also checked for a brain cyst. Additionally, individuals who display other significant symptoms of a brain cyst including a seizure should be considered at high risk for brain cyst activity.

Vision Changes

Changes to vision and gaze can be considered significant when detecting brain cysts symptoms. A change to the upward gaze can be an indicator of a pineal tumor or cyst. In children, loss of vision is often a strong indicator that a brain cyst should be considered and a neurological MRI should be undertaken. In older patients, loss of vision or blurry vision can also be indicators of a brain cyst that is pressing against the ocular nerve or located in the ocular center of the brain.

Tags: brain cyst, cysts symptoms, brain cysts, Brain cysts, brain cysts symptoms, changes mental

Detect Childhood Cancer

Childhood cancer, Capital Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Alliance

Although cancers are often associated with old ages, there are a small number of cancers occurring in children. In the United States, there are about 10,000 to 11,000 new cases of childhood cancer every year and about 1500 deaths due to cancers in children aged between 0 and 14. Treatment of childhood cancers, like cancers in other age groups, benefit greatly from early detection. Learn to detect cancer in your child here.

Instructions

1. If your child has unexplained joint pain, fever, bleeding and weakness, check for leukemia (cancer of white blood cells). Leukemia accounts for almost 1/3 of childhood cancers.

2. If your child has swelling or lumps in the abdomen, he may have neuroblastoma, which is a type of cancer of the nervous system or Wilms tumor, which is childhood kidney cancer.

3. Consult your doctor about the possibility that your child has brain cancer if he has headaches, vomiting, blurred vision, dizziness or troubled walking or handling objects. Brain cancer accounts for about 20 percent of childhood cancer.

4. If you child has swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin, neck or armpit and fever, he may develop non-Hodgkin or Hodgkin lymphoma.

5. Do not panic if your child has one or some of the symptoms of childhood cancer. The above cancer symptoms are shared by many non life-threatening conditions. However, you need to consult your doctors if any of the symptoms persists or occur frequently with no clear explanation.

Tags: your child, childhood cancer, child swelling, childhood cancers

Art Colleges In Wichita Kansas

Studio art degrees are available in Wichita, Kan.

Graduates in studio art find careers in galleries, art administration, illustration, book design and as educators and self-employed artists. Degree programs in art are available in Wichita, Kan., at Newman University and Wichita State University.

Newman University

Newman University offers the degree program Bachelor of Arts in Art. Course study includes art appreciation, sculpture, photography, computer graphics, printmaking and graphic design. The university also offers a minor in art program.

Wichita State University

The College of Fine Arts at Wichita State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art. Course work includes drawing and painting, ceramics, printmaking and sculpture. A degree program with a focus on graphic design is available from the university's School of Art and Design. Course work includes typography, illustration, photography, book design, advertising and computer graphics.

Graduate Course

Wichita State University offers the Master of Fine Arts degree for graduates seeking careers as artist-teachers at the art school or college level and those seeking professional careers in the field of art. The course work focuses on drawing and painting, ceramics, printmaking or sculpture.

Fine Arts Scholarships

Students involved in the fine arts program at Newman University may apply for fine arts scholarships. Requirements include a portfolio review or audition. Scholarship amounts are awarded at the discretion of each program's director. Wichita State University's School of Art and Design awarded $85,000 in scholarships in 2011 for high school graduates and transfer students. A portfolio of nine to 15 images is required, along with a completed application.

Tags: State University, Wichita State, Wichita State University, Newman University, University offers

Lung Cancer Detection & Treatment

Lung cancer refers to the growth of abnormal cancer cells in either one or both of the lungs. The abnormal cancer cells do not perform the necessary functions and do not become normal lung tissue. Eventually, these abnormal cells grow into tumors, which prevent the lungs from properly oxidizing the blood. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer that afflicts both men and women, affecting men slightly more frequently then women. It accounted for 15% of all cancers in 2007, and 29% of cancer deaths. As a slow-growing cancer, lung cancer is often found in the elderly, with an average age of 69 at diagnosis.

Causes

The majority of lung cancers are caused by smoking cigarettes. Other causes include exposure to environmental factors, secondhand smoke, asbestos or radon. Lung cancer may also develop for no apparent reason, perhaps due to genetics or other external factors that are still unknown.

Symptoms

The major symptoms of lung cancer include persistent or intense coughing; back, chest or shoulder pain; hoarse voice or throat; a harsh rasping sound when breathing; coughing up phlegm or mucus that is excessive or has blood in it. While these changes may indicate other illnesses, such as bronchitis, they should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out lung cancer.

Metastatic lung cancer (lung cancer which has spread to the lymph nodes, brain, bone, liver or adrenal glands) may also cause other symptoms including fatigue, weight loss, bone or joint pain, headaches, memory loss, swelling in the face or neck, unexplained bleeding or unexplained bone fractures.

Diagnosis

There are a number of tests to diagnose lung cancer. These tests include a general physical, x-rays and/or chest exams, CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs. Specialized tests designed to diagnose lung cancer include a sputum cytology or bronchoscopy. A spuctum cytology involves the analysis of phlegm for abnormal cells; a bronchoscopy involves the use of a lighted tube that is passed through the nose into the lungs to allow the doctor to examine for tumors. If abnormal tissue is apparent within the lungs, it is removed by the bronchoscope and biopsied to test for cancer cells.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is one specific type of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancers that have not spread beyond the lungs are treated by surgery. There are three main types of surgery: a wedge resection, in which only a small portion of the lung is removed; a lobectomy, in which an entire piece of the lung is removed; and a pneumonectomy, which removes the whole lung.

Non-small cell lung cancer often spreads to the lymph nodes, or other body parts. If the lung cancer has spread only to the lymph nodes, surgery is still possible. Chemotherapy administered prior to surgery (called neo-adjuvant chemotherapy) may be used to shrink the cancer cells to make surgery possible.

Adjuvant chemotherapy, or chemotherapy after surgery, is usually recommended for all patients with non-small cell lung cancer to ensure that any cancer cells that linger after the surgery are removed.

Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell lung cancer is typically considered to be a more dangerous form of lung cancer. Patients with small cell lung cancer are treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. New drugs, called signal transduction drugs, are being tested at Sloan Kettering in 2009. These drugs block the signals that help cancer cells to grow, thrive and spread. Antifolate drugs are also being used to block the cancer cells access to folic acid, which is necessary for the cancer cells to grow. Finally, drugs called kinase inhibitors may also be able to prevent new cancer cells from developing.

Tags: cancer cells, lung cancer, cell lung, cell lung cancer, cells grow

Factors Affecting Compliance On Diabetic Diets

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that impedes the body's ability to make use of its primary fuel: glucose (blood sugar). This causes sugar to build up in the blood stream. High levels of sugar in the blood can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, gum disease and blindness. A carefully planned, wholesome diet is central to diabetes management. Many diabetics, however, struggle to comply with recommended dietary guidelines.

Dietary Knowledge

Mary A. Johnson, a certified dietitian and certified diabetes educator who works directly with patients, claims that people with diabetes often do not understand that all carbohydrates--not just sugar and white bread--can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. They may also not be aware of all the foods that contain carbohydrates. If you are a caregiver for someone with diabetes, take the time to make sure she really understands the carbohydrate content of various foods as well as serving sizes. If you have diabetes, set aside some time to learn enough basic nutrition to regulate your own carbohydrate consumption. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends 45 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per meal, but your individual needs may require you to consume more or less. Talk with your health care provider to discover what is right for you.

Visible Results

Johnson recommends "carbohydrate homework" to her patients. For the homework, patients record their blood-sugar levels 90 minutes before and 90 minutes after nine separate meals--three each for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also record what they eat and how much. Johnson has found that when patients discover for themselves the direct connection between what they eat and their blood sugar, they are more likely to comply with their diets. This approach also helps people with diabetes obtain more precise measurements for how many carbohydrates they can safely consume at each meal. This is important since individual carbohydrate needs can be difficult to assess.

Measurement Tools

To successfully count carbohydrates, you need to find a measurement tool that works for you. For some, counting individual grams at each meal allows them to prepare healthy meals or to know when they've had enough. Others will do better by tracking how many servings (or "exchanges") of carbohydrate are in a meal. Some people may require a highly structured menu plan for each meal of the day. The most effective approach is the one that best helps you maintain stable blood-sugar levels.

Other Considerations

Carbohydrates are not the only foods that should be regulated on a diabetic diet. Because people with diabetes are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, it is also important for them to reduce their intake of saturated fat. High intake of saturated fat further increases this risk. The ADA recommends limiting saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of total calories. They do, however, encourage the consumption of "good fats." Good fats are the unsaturated fats found in nuts, olive oil, tofu, avocado and salmon. Whether trying to exchange one kind of fat for another or trying to control carbohydrate intake, forming new dietary patterns can be difficult. It requires commitment and a willingness to try new foods. For greatest success, learn new recipes, so you can add as many (or more) foods to your diet as you are taking away.

Tags: with diabetes, blood sugar, each meal, people with, people with diabetes, blood-sugar levels

Who Invented The Mri

One of the most recent inventions to have changed the way medical diagnostics is the Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine, commonly known as the MRI, Its inventor, Dr. Raymond V. Damadian received the 2007 National Inventor of the Year Top Inventor Award for the MRI, even though the Nobel Prize for discoveries that depended on the MRI went to Paul Lauterbur and Sir Peter Mansfield in 2003.

Identification

Dr. Raymond V. Damadian was born on March 16, 1936 in Melville, New York. He trained as a medical doctor, even though his musical talent allowed him to study violin at Juilliard. After he invented the MRI, he started the FONAR Corporation, also in Melville, New York, to produce MRIs for commercial use in medicine.

History

Damadian's invention came from his observations that the tissue in a cancerous tumor looked differently than healthy tissue, after both tissue samples had been exposed to nuclear magnetic resonance. He published these findings in 1971. Then, he collaborated with two other doctors, Dr. Larry Minkoff and Dr. Michael Goldsmith, to investigate the potential for the MRI technology to give doctors the ability to observe soft tissue without having to do exploratory surgery.

Time Frame

The first MRI device for a full body scan was built by 1977. Dr. Damadian named it the "Indomitable." You can see it when you visit the Smithsonian Institute. The first MRI examination was performed on July 3, 1977. The next year was when Dr. Damadian started the FONAR Corporation. The first commercially available MRI machines were for sale by 1980.

Features

The earliest MRI devices look like a long horizontal tube in which a person lies down. The tube is positioned inside a large magnet. The tube can be moved back and forth, so that the part of the patient's body which needs to be scanned is in the exact center of the MRI's magnetic field. A magnetic force of up to 1 tesla or 10,000 gauss is safe for medical use. To put this in perspective, a regular horse-shoe magnet exerts a magnetic force of several hundred gauss. The information gained by passing the magnetic force through the patient's body is displayed on a map which can be viewed either in two or three dimensions. Doctors use the map to diagnose conditions that affect the soft tissue areas of the body which do not show up on X-rays.

Warning

Patients who have metal implants in their body must disclose this information to the MRI technicians and to their doctor before submitting to an MRI scan, because the implants may be moved, damaged or cause harm to the patient. The doctors must evaluate the type, position and stability of any metal that has previously been placed inside a patient's body, including dental work, before prescribing a scan.

Tags: magnetic force, patient body, body which, even though, FONAR Corporation, Melville York

Cons On Universal Health Care Plan

Universal health care is an idealogical system with many flaws.

Universal health care is a popular buzzword on the political scene as a result of the health care legislation that was passed in America during the summer of 2010. While the proponents of universal health care tout the system as a means of expanding health care coverage, decreasing health care costs and being budget-friendly, an in-depth investigation of universal health care around the world reveals some drawbacks to the universal health care plan.

Rationing of Health Care

Proponents of universal health care claim that the system expands free and discounted health care to more people. This claim, when vetted against the universal health care systems of the world, is naive at best. For example, the "Wall Street Journal" reported in July 2009 that the British National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) decided to not pay for two vital medications in the fight against kidney disease. Britain's health care system has been praised by proponents of universal health care, yet in some instances, the system rations care rather than expanding it to more people.

Exploding Health Care Costs

Proponents of universal health care often point to the Canadian health care system as a model of cost containment. However, the reality of the situation reveals that Quebec is taxing health care visits, as of 2010, and may actually begin to charge a small fee for going to the doctor. Costs related to their health care system are expected to consume up to 70 percent of the Canadian budget in 2022, with that number projected to increase to 80 percent by 2030, according to an article published on DigitalJournal.com.

Budget-Busting Costs

Universal health care requires an exorbitant amount of money to fund and operate such a program. Most countries, including Canada, must carry high budget deficits to finance their version of universal health care. As a means of paying for the interest that is resultant of these deficits, Canada has a high income tax rate, as of 2010, and is contemplating instituting other revenue-increasing taxes and fees in the near future, according to DigitalJournal.com.

Tags: health care, health care, universal health, care system, health care, health care system

Measure Diaper Rise

Your baby's rise determines how long the diaper should be from end to end.

Although two different cloth diapers or diaper covers may claim to fit a 12-lb. baby, you might find that one is too big for your child while another is too small. This is because, like other articles of clothing, cloth diapers can have the same tag size but have different measurements. To ensure a proper fit, you must measure your baby's waist, leg and "rise." The rise is the distance from navel to mid-back, which determines how long the diaper or cover must be from end to end.

Instructions

1. Put your baby in a prefold diaper, if you are using prefolds and covers. A diaper cover has to stretch to accommodate a prefold's bulk, which means that the presence of a prefold will affect the rise.

2. Place one end of the tape measure about 1 inch below the belly button or at the top of the prefold diaper, whichever is higher. Pull the rest of the tape measure between your baby's legs, through the crotch area and up toward the back.

3. Hold the end of the tape measure in place over the baby's belly button with one hand. With the other hand, gently tug the other end to eliminate slack. Lightly pinch the part of the tape measure on your baby's back that touches the top of the prefold or is across from your baby's belly button, whichever is higher.

4. Pull the tape measure out from under your baby, keeping it pinched in the same place. Check the number that you are touching; this number is your baby's diaper rise.

Tags: your baby, tape measure, belly button, baby belly, baby belly button, cloth diapers, determines long

Prevent Cancer Due To Hpv

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a virus that causes cervical cancer in some women. It is highly contagious and is one of the most common STDs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As many as nine out of ten people will contract HPV at some point in life, but not every woman who catches HPV will develop cervical cancer. HPV infections tend to occur most often in younger women and are not commonly seen in women over the age of 30 years, according to the American Cancer Society.

Instructions

1. Learn all you can about HPV, safe sex and cervical cancer. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor. While family history, age, diet, a history of multiple pregnancies, and other factors may increase your risk for developing cervical cancer, the American Cancer Society states that HPV infection is the most important risk factor.

2. Wear condoms every time you have sex. HPV is transmitted sexually, and proper condom use can help prevent infection with HPV and significantly lower your risk of cervical cancer. However, condoms provide only partial protection against cervical cancer caused by HPV, according to the American Cancer Society. This is because HPV can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with areas of the body that are not covered by a condom.

3. Get regular pap smears. These gynecological tests check for abnormal cell changes on the cervix. Pap smears should be done every three years in healthy women, and they should be done every year in anyone with a history of abnormal test results.

4. Follow up with your doctor if your pap smear comes back abnormal. An abnormal pap smear does not necessarily mean you have cancer. It simply means changes have been detected in your cervical cells that require treatment. If your pap smear is abnormal, your doctor may also perform a specialized test for HPV.

5. Ask your doctor about being vaccinated against the HPV virus. The HPV vaccine protects against two strains of HPV that are responsible for nearly three-quarters of cervical cancer. Only one vaccine against cervical cancer and HPV has been approved for use in the United States, but more HPV vaccines are currently being developed, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Tags: cervical cancer, your doctor, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, Cancer Society, your risk

Common Medical Terminology

Communication is an extremely important element in the medical field, and understanding common medical terminology can be beneficial for doctors, nurses, patients and family members. No one expects individuals who don't work in the medical field to become an expert in all medical terminology. Not only is it important to recognize common terms, but it is also important to understand what they mean.

Blood Pressure

Developing high blood pressure can be a serious medical condition, and is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps by the amount of blood flow resistance in the arteries. When more blood is pumping through the heart, the arteries become narrower, and this raises blood pressure in the body. High blood pressure symptoms don't usually occur until it has reached an advanced and possible life-threatening level. The best way to control high blood pressure is to change lifestyle through exercise and diet. If this isn't enough, a doctor may prescribe medication to lower blood pressure.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, soft substance that is found in the fats of the bloodstream and located in all of the body's cells. While cholesterol is an important part of a health body, because of its capability to form hormones and cell membranes, a high level of cholesterol in the blood can lead to a heart attack. There are two sources of cholesterol, the liver, which produces about 1,000 milligrams a day and foods. Foods, such as eggs, meat, dairy products and shellfish contain cholesterol, while fruits, nuts, vegetables and grains do not.

Privacy

Medical privacy is highly sensitive information, and deserves strong protection under the law. Medical records are created anytime a patient receives treatment from a health care professional, and it includes details on lifestyle, pre-existing conditions and family medical history. Informed consent is the practice of allowing a patient to have a say in their health care decisions. Before an intensive medical procedure can be performed, a patient must be informed of the nature of the procedure and any possible alternatives, risks and benefits. The Office for Civil Right enforces a HIPPA Privacy Law, which is designed to protect individual health and privacy information. Patient confidentiality protects a patient and ensures that their medical professional does not disclose any of their medical information with any other parties.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are performed with a blood sample that is extracted from a vein using a fingerprick or needle and analyzed in laboratory. Medical professionals use blood tests for a variety of purposes, including discovering biochemical states, physiological states, drug use, prescription drug effectiveness, mineral content, organ function and diseases. A basic blood test does this by measuring the amount of glucose, magnesium, chloride, potassium, sodium, bicarbonate and blood urea nitrogen in the body.

Procedures

Medical procedures are designed for diagnostic purposes and to improve the health of patients by making them feel better and curing various ailments. A mammogram is an x-ray exam that is used to evaluate changes in the breast of women of have no complaints or symptoms, such as a lump or nipple discharge. Prostate exam is when a medical professional inserts a finger or electronic device inside the rectum to examine the prostate gland for any abnormalities. Blood sugar tests are responsible for measuring the amount of sugar in the body with a machine called a blood glucose meter, and is used for individuals diagnosed with diabetes. A pap smear test is when cells are taken and examined from a woman's cervix, and used to monitor any changes in the cells that may lead to cervical cancer. Appendectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the appendix, which is a small tube connected to the large intestine. Cesarean section is the surgical delivery of a baby through an incision through the mother's uterus and abdomen. A hysterectomy is when woman's uterus is surgically removed through an abdominal incision or vaginally.

Tags: blood pressure, amount blood, health care, high blood, high blood pressure, measuring amount, medical field

Blood Tests For Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Prevention and early detection is key in lowering the risk of a fatal heart attack. Blood provides many details about what is going on in the body and is an important diagnostic tool. Blood tests can be used to predict the chances of heart disease or confirm a suspected diagnosis by looking at the levels of different substances.

Cholesterol

A cholesterol test measures the amount of fat in the blood and is one of the most common tests used to predict the chances of heart disease. There are three types of fat evaluated during a cholesterol test. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered "bad" cholesterol because it causes fatty deposits to build up in the arteries, which can lead to blockage and reduced blood flow. This number should be below 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often called "good" cholesterol because it reduces the amount of LDL. Levels should be 60 mg/dL or higher. A high level of triglycerides, another type of fat, may indicate that you eat more calories than you burn, which causes food to be stored as fat and increases the risk of heart disease. If it is above150 mg/dL, it is considered too high.

C-reactive Protein

When injury or infection occurs, the body initiates an inflammatory response. This response leaks fluids into the damaged area and causes swelling, which helps isolate the threat. C-reactive protein (CRP) is made in the liver as part of the inflammatory response. Although it can't pinpoint the location, an elevated level of CRP indicates that there is a problem somewhere in the body. Combined with other test results, this can indicate heart disease. You are considered high risk if your CRP level is above 3 milligrams per liter.

Fibrinogen

Fibrinogen is a blood protein that aides in clotting. While clotting is a vital process in the body--without it we would bleed out from a minor cut--too much clotting can be dangerous. It can lead to blockage in the arteries or worsen existing damage, which can cause a heart attack. An elevated level of fibrogen in the body increases the risk of heart disease. A normal level of fibrogen is between 200 and 400 milligrams per liter.

Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid that helps make protein and build new tissue in the body. High levels can increase your risk of stroke, peripheral artery disease (disease of blood vessels in the limbs) and certain types of heart disease. A test measuring the level of homocysteine is usually ordered if you suffer a heart attack without having any of the traditional risk factors, which include smoking and obesity. It may also be ordered if you have a history of heart problems developing at a young age in your family. Normal range is five to 15 micromoles per liter.

Brain Natriuretic Peptide

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a protein produced by the heart and blood vessels to help eliminate fluids, relax the blood vessels and send excess sodium to the urine. The body secretes high levels of BNP into the blood stream to help reduce the strain on the heart when damage occurs. BNP is useful in determining whether heart failure has occurred and in diagnosing a new heart problem. A level between 100 and 300 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) can be a sign of possible heart failure. Over 300 pg/mL indicates you most likely currently have heart failure.

Tags: heart disease, blood vessels, heart attack, heart failure, chances heart, chances heart disease, cholesterol because

Course Requirements For A Medical Lab Technician

Course Requirements for a Medical Lab Technician

Medical lab technicians, also called clinical lab technicians, mostly work in medical clinics, hospitals and medical laboratories. They prepare specimens of body fluids and tissues for testing, examine the specimens for microorganisms and then analyze the chemical or hormonal content. Course requirements vary somewhat by school, but are generally similar across the board.

Associate Degree

The minimum requirement to become a medical laboratory technician is an associate degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory technology. Many states require these technicians to become registered or licensed.

General Education

General education requirements might include algebra, English composition, psychology and interpersonal communication.

General Science

Science course requirements typically include 2 semesters each of chemistry and microbiology, along with a semester of anatomy and physiology.

Medical Science

Course requirements for a medical lab technician also include immunology, parasitology and 2 semesters of hematology.

Technical Courses

Prospective medical lab technicians also will need courses in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, phlebotomy, urinalysis, clinical instrumentation and clinical experience.

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Build An Xray Viewbox

A homemade X-ray viewbox can be a great conversation piece.

There are a number of reasons to build your own X-ray viewbox. Perhaps you wish to light up and view X-rays at home, or perhaps you would like to use the box as a creepy Halloween decoration. No matter what the reason, constructing an X-ray viewbox is simply a process of constructing a wooden box that can house a number of lights, and filtering it through tracing paper for a nice filtered glow. The end result will be very similar to a professional X-ray box.

Instructions

1. Measure the plastic sheet that will be the main surface. It can be almost any dimension you desire.

2. Cut the wood that will make the back side of the box to the same dimensions as the plastic sheet. Cut the two sides to the same height as the plastic sheet and cut the top and bottom to the same width minus the thickness of the side boards. Make sure the depth of the box is at least 6 inches to accommodate the light bulbs when assembled.

3. Assemble the back and sides of the box along with the plastic sheet to make sure all dimensions are correct. Drill two wood screws through the side of each corner so that they go through the side piece and into the top or bottom piece, which the sides are flanking. Turn the box over and drill two screws into each edge of the back piece so that they go into the frame, securing the back piece in place.

4. Drill a one-inch hole at the bottom of the box for the lighting kit wires. Thread the wires through the hole and connect them to the lighting adapters. Center the lights vertically, and space them evenly along the width of the box. Screw the light fixtures into the frame with small wood screws that won't pierce your frame.

5. Glue the tracing paper to the underside of the plastic sheet with spray adhesive. The tracing paper will help filter the light and make it more even across the surface.

6. Put the plastic sheet in place, aligning the edges to the edges of the frame and drill two holes for the screws through each edge. This will keep the plastic from cracking. Screw the wood screws into place to secure the plastic sheet.

Tags: plastic sheet, tracing paper, wood screws, X-ray viewbox, back piece, each edge

Become An Insurance Claims Representative In North Carolina

Insurance claims representatives must be experts on their company's policies.

Insurance claims representatives handle and review claims for life, health, auto, property and other types of insurance to make sure the claims are reasonable and guidelines are being followed. They are experts on their company's policies and have the power to authorize or decline claims from clients. Insurance claims representatives who want to work in North Carolina must make sure that they have fulfilled all the training and licensing requirements for that state.

Instructions

1. Prepare the career while still in high school. You need a high school diploma or GED equivalent for this career. Take accelerated classes in mathematics, computer science, economics and other related academic areas. Start planning your academic future.

2. Choose a college degree program and apply for admission. Consider important factors like tuition and living costs, student-teacher ratio and career services when making your decision. North Carolina State University is the largest university in the state, according to US News, and offers a wide range of programs.

3. Obtain a college degree. No specific degree is required for claims representatives in North Carolina. Pursue a degree related to the field of insurance you plan to go into. For example if you plan to work in finance-related claims, obtain a degree in accounting or business.

4. Complete an internship to gain practical experience in the field. Use your personal and professional network to find internships. Check local classifieds sections too, such as those found in the Charlotte Observer, the Herald Sun of Durham and Chapel Hill News. Search online classifieds.

5. Apply for a license in the state of North Carolina. The National Insurance Provider Registry offers licenses for insurance claims representatives in many states, including North Carolina. Consult the NIPR North Carolina rules page for specific requirements and regulations.

6. Keep your skills and qualifications up to date by taking continuing education classes. The North Carolina Department of Insurance lists continuing education course offerings and other useful information on its website.

Tags: North Carolina, claims representatives, Insurance claims, Insurance claims representatives, college degree, company policies

Black Rot Apple Tree Disease

Apple trees are susceptible to black rot, which is a fungal disease.

Home apple growers often find their trees affected by many diseases that affect fruit production and quality. Black rot is a disease that commonly affects both apple and crabapple trees. All apple varieties are susceptible to black rot. The disease causes apples to turn black and shrivel, which is where the disease got its name. Does this Spark an idea?

Identification

Black rot is caused by the fungus Physalospora obtusa, which affects the tree in two phases. When fruit is infected, the disease caused by this fungus is known as black rot. If the leaves of the tree are infected, the disease is called frogeye leaf spot. Both diseases are caused by the same fungus. Black rot is responsible for fruit rotting prematurely and weakening the apple tree. Frogeye leaf spot affects the leaves of the apple tree and causes canker to develop on its trunk.

Fruit Symptoms

Black rot begins when the fungus enters the fruit. This is most often caused by injury from weather or insects. Early symptoms of black rot include one light brown spot on apples, which enlarge and run in concentric rings around the apple. Black bands join the brown spots, and eventually the entire apple is black and rotted. Rotted apples remain intact and mummify. This mummified fruit can remain on the apple tree for a long time.

Leaf Symptoms

Frogeye leaf spot symptoms occur primarily on the leaves of the apple tree. This disease causes leaves to develop purple specks, which form lesions that can measure an 1/8 to a 1/4 inch in diameter. Lesions begin to take on a "frogeye" appearance, and black fruiting bodies develop on infected leaves. As the disease progresses, cankers develop on apple tree trunks. Cankers often extend down the tree trunk and are sunken. Older cankers develop black fruiting bodies that are fungal spores, and the wood around the cankers cracks and falls away.

Control

Black rot overwinters in infected leaf tissue, making cultural control methods extremely important. Pruned branches should not remain on the ground, but should be removed or burned. Rotted apples should be removed from the tree and the dead wood pruned out. Keeping your apple trees healthy and vigorous is important to avoid the development of cankers, as they most commonly affect trees under stress. Apply fungicides recommended for the treatment of black rot in the fruit stage of the disease. Fungicides are not helpful in controlling the leaf phase of the disease.

Tags: apple tree, leaf spot, black fruiting, black fruiting bodies, cankers develop, disease causes, Frogeye leaf

What Are The Duties Of A Physician Office Receptionist

The receptionist in a physician's office is the first person a patient or visitor to the office meets. She is responsible for moving patients through the office in an efficient manner while attending to other office duties. Employers typically require a minimum of a high school education for this position. The average salary for a front desk receptionist in a medical office is between $21,589 and $29,648 as of December 2010, according to PayScale.

Greeting Patients

The receptionist greets patients when they are checking in for an appointment with the doctor. While the receptionist does not provide any direct care to patients, she does ensure the patient moves through the check-in process efficiently. Receptionists may pull patient files after patients check in for an appointment and re-file patient files after the appointment.

Scheduling

A physician office receptionist schedules appointments for patients calling in to the office and for patient checking out after an appointment. The receptionist may call to verify appointments with patients as a part of her daily activities. A receptionist may call patients to make changes to the schedule as necessary. For example, if a patient cancels an appointment, the receptionist may attempt to fill the slot with another patient. Receptionists may maintain an appointment schedule for multiple doctors in a medical practice.

Insurance Verification

During the check in procedure, the receptionist may verify the patient's insurance information and make copies of insurance cards. The receptionist also verifies that the patient information is up to date and accurate during the check in process. A medical office receptionist may also pre-certify procedures or treatments with an insurance company.

Data Entry and Office Duties

The receptionist may be responsible for ordering supplies for the office, maintaining the office equipment and performing data entry. A receptionist receives mail and packages for the office.

Payments

Medical office receptionists accept co-payments or payment for services from patients during the checkout process.

Tags: after appointment, appointment receptionist, files after, patient files, patient files after, receptionist also, receptionist call

Read A German Digital Electric Meter

A German digital electric meter works similarly to any other electric meter. The device measures your electricity usage and enables you to predict your utility bill. You can use a couple of simple principles of translation in order to understand the reading on your German digital electric meter.

Instructions

1. Read your total usage. The top portion of a German digital electric meter represents your total usage of electricity. This number doesn't yield much help; however, because the amount you will be billed varies based upon day and night usage.

2. Read your daytime usage. The meter below the top meter represents "DT," or daytime usage. Multiply this value by your daytime rate to predict your daytime bill.

3. Read your nighttime usage. The bottom meter represents "NT," or night usage. This generally costs more than daytime usage. Multiply this value by your nightly rate to predict your nighttime bill. You can then add together your daytime and nighttime readings to calculate your actual total bill.

Tags: electric meter, your daytime, daytime usage, digital electric, digital electric meter, German digital, meter represents

Rapid Weight Loss Exercises

No longer your enemy

There is no specific exercises to bring about rapid weight loss. However, there are many changes that, when applied to a regular exercise program, will have a great impact on weight loss efforts. The bad news: These changes involve working harder and longer than most people are used to working. The determined will see this as a challenge and opportunity to tweak their personal fitness program for fantastic results on the scale.

Increased Intensity

Greater intensity, applied to exercise, will help boost the metabolism and burn fat. This does not mean the full workout has to be at maximum effort. Mixing in intervals of harder work, and then returning to an average level of exertion will have a positive effect.

While it is possible to chart these intervals out according to precise measurements and times, it is far simpler to apply them informally. Execute what your body can handle in a session. Choose a specific part of the daily exercise routine to play with the intensity of the effort or pick a couple of days per week to add intervals.

Increased Duration

Longer exercise sessions are another way to increase caloric burn. Twenty to thirty minutes, three times per week is the accepted minimum for exercise. Any length of time added to that will give you a bonus. Longer sessions tax the major muscle groups more thoroughly but also call upon the secondary muscle groups to pitch in when fatigue occurs.

If time is short, add a minute, add a lap or a set. Small amounts of exercise throughout the day have the same cumulative effect as one long session, so break your routine into a morning and evening session if one large block of time is not available.

Weight Training

Weight training alone will build more calorie burning muscle, increase your power and strength for other exercises, and help the body to look toned. Adding weights to any exercise will increase the workload and intensity and burn more calories. For athletes in a specific sport, using weight during training can help the body respond faster and more effectively.

More Muscle

Engaging more muscle groups during exercise will build muscle tissue and crank up the metabolism, burning more calories while active and at rest. This can be done through exercise combinations (such as jump squats), by choosing exercises that naturally engage more parts of the body (such as skiing instead of biking) or by incorporating additional movement or work into traditional exercises (such as lifting hex weights while stationary biking or carrying weights on a run).

Combinations

Exercise combinations are quite effective at keeping the mind and body challenged and engaged. A recent principle of fitness suggests that muscle confusion caused by switching routines often keeps the muscles from adapting and experiencing fewer gains with each subsequent workout.

Cross training allows the body to recover somewhat while remaining active. Swimming instead of running twice per week, for example, relieves some of the stress on joints and lets muscle begin to rebuild. Pursuing several different forms of exercise helps the body develop well-rounded fitness and may help prevent injury.

Tags: exercise will, muscle groups, help body, more calories, will build

Side Effects Of Radiation For Breast Cancer

Breast cancer patients may undergo radiation therapy after a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Radiation therapy helps eliminate cancer cells that remain in the breast after the initial lump is removed. According to the American Cancer Society, radiation damages the DNA of the cancer cells so they can't multiply. While radiation therapy is physically easier to handle than chemotherapy or other breast cancer treatments, a woman may experience some side effects during and after receiving radiation.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is administered with an external machine. A radiation team marks target areas with ink or temporary tattoos and aims the beam to penetrate those internal areas, similar to an X-ray, according to the American Cancer Society. These marks will stay on your body for the duration of the radiation treatment period. Each appointment takes about 30 minutes, but treatment is usually given five days a week for up to seven weeks, according to BreastCancer.org.

Skin

Radiation therapy has some side effects on the skin, including discoloration or pinkness, irritation, especially in the armpit area and the fold of the breast, extreme dryness in the radiated areas, soreness, peeling and blisters.

After therapy is complete, affected skin should start to grow back. This can take a while and the skin can continue to be irritated and sore. According to the American Cancer Society, it usually takes six to 12 months for the skin to go back to normal after receiving radiation therapy.

Chest Pain

A combination of surgery and radiation therapy can cause the nerves in the breast area to swell and become irritated, according to BreastCancer.org. This can result in brief shooting chest pain. See your doctor if you are experiencing chest pain. It can usually be treated with hot and cold packs or medication.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common side effect during or after radiation treatment. It can be an all-the-time feeling, or a sudden overwhelming feeling. Nine out of 10 women experience fatigue from breast cancer treatment, according to BreastCancer.org.

Breathing

Radiation therapy can contribute to breathing problems. Mild problems are shortness of breath and a dry cough, BreastCancer.org says. More severe symptoms relate to a pulmonary embolism (when a blood clot travels to the lung), such as swelling, redness, discomfort and a warm feeling in the legs. Talk to your doctor if you have breathing problems, especially if you have symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate medical treatment.

Tags: radiation therapy, Radiation therapy, according BreastCancer, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, Cancer Society, after receiving

The Definition Of Universal Health Coverage

Universal health coverage is government-sponsored healthcare for all citizens.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 45 million Americans do not have health insurance. Those without health insurance often do not receive the health care they need because they cannot or will not pay the cost of care, or they run up huge medical bill--which can lead to bankruptcy in some cases-- treating a serious illness or injury. Universal health coverage aims to prevent these situations from occurring.

Universal Health Coverage Defined

Universal health coverage is defined as free healthcare that is available to all residents of a particular country. Universal health coverage is funded by the government, through taxes. In a universal health coverage system, the government determines which healthcare services are available to citizens, and how much providers will be paid for services. In some cases, such as in the health care law passed by the United States government in 2010, universal health coverage is achieved through a combination of government programs, a mandate that residents must purchase health care and regulations on how much insurance can cost.

Benefits of Universal Health Coverage

The main benefit to universal health coverage is that everyone is covered, regardless of income. A serious illness or injury will not lead to bankruptcy or financial hardship due to medical bills. Proponents of universal health coverage also argue that better access to health coverage will help keep people healthy, since they will see doctors for preventive screenings and minor illnesses before they become major problems.

Drawbacks of Universal Health Coverage

The major drawback to universal health coverage is cost. It is expensive to offer health insurance to millions of people, and opponents of universal health coverage in the United States argue that the cost will covered by either increases in taxes or cuts to important programs. In addition, access to healthcare services may become more limited, as those who have not traditionally visited doctors will be more likely to do so. Other opponents argue that because price limits will be placed on drugs, medical equipment and services, there is less incentive to pursue medical research and advancements.

Health Coverage in America

According to the Connecticut Coalition for Universal Health Care, the United States is the only industrialized country in the world that does not offer universal health coverage. Most Americans who have health insurance get it through their employers, who generally cover a portion of the premiums for employees. Some Americans purchase health insurance on their own, or receive Medicare or Medicaid coverage from the government.

Tags: health coverage, health insurance, health coverage, universal health, argue that

Binaural Hearing Aids

Hearing works best with two ears.

Binaural hearing aids consist of two hearing aids, one for each ear, with the dominant ear tuned to recognize higher frequencies. The auditory signal from one side is delayed before being sent to the brain, allowing the person to locate the sound's origin and providing a sense of balance. The three types are CROS (contralateral routing of signals), BiCROSS (Binaural Contralateral Routing of Signals) and MultiCROS (Multiple Contralateral Routing of Signals).

CROS (Contralateral Routing Of Signals)

A CROS (contralateral routing of signals) hearing aid works for people who have normal hearing in one ear but are deaf in the other. It consists of a microphone worn on the deaf ear that captures sound, briefly delays it, then sends it by FM transmitter to a receiver and amplifier on the good ear. These two signals reach the brain, one slightly after the other, allowing the person to locate the sound's direction or origin.

BiCROSS (Binaural Contralateral Routing Of Signals)

People who are deaf in one ear and also have mild to moderate hearing loss in the other are better off with a BiCROSS (Binaural Contralateral Routing of Signals) hearing aid. It consists of a microphone worn on the deaf ear that sends sound by FM transmitter to a microphone, amplifier and receiver on the usable ear, which also acts as a hearing aid. It provides an auditory signal to the brain from the deaf ear and also amplifies the signal from the usable ear.

MultiCROS (Multiple Contralateral Routing Of Signals)

A MultiCROS (Multiple Contralateral Routing of Signals) hearing aid is best when the person doesn't want to pick up noise from the deaf or bad ear, such as wind noise when riding in a car. It is a BiCROSS hearing aid with a toggle switch that turns off the hearing aid on the bad side, allowing the person to use it as a single hearing aid.

Binaural Hearing Aid Advantages

Binaural hearing aids provide better understanding of speech, better understanding in group and noisy situations, localization (ability to locate the direction or origin of sounds), better sound quality and smoother tone quality with less distortion and better sound reproduction. They also provide a wider hearing range, reduced feedback and whistling, better distinguishing between similar noises and words, and they prevent deterioration of hearing in the weaker ear by keeping it active.

Tags: Routing Signals, Contralateral Routing, Contralateral Routing Signals, allowing person, BiCROSS Binaural

Buy Discount Health Insurance

Discount health insurance plans offer low cost access to health insurance.

Discount health insurance plans help meet you and your family's medical needs without breaking the bank. Without access to affordable health insurance, people may needlessly forgo important medical procedures and treatments. Finding the right health insurance is vitally important. While most health insurance plans can be costly, options exist to protect you.

Instructions

1. Research your health care needs. Different situations call for different types of discount health insurance. A family with young children will have different insurance needs than those of a single person. A person with preexisting conditions which require multiple prescriptions will need a different type of discount health insurance than someone who has no current health problems.

2. Compare providers. Health care providers vary greatly. Some offer only a handful of plans while others provide many options. Your employer may have multiple health care plans to research and individual health care companies can offer multiple plans depending on your budget and medical conditions. A private insurance broker can also work with health insurance companies on your behalf to help you find the right plan for you and your family.

3. Shop online. Online searches can offer you multiple forms of discount health insurance. A website should have health information about many health care options including mini-med plans and catastrophic health insurance. Mini-med plans cover doctor's visits and prescriptions but have a limitation on what can be spent. A catastrophic health care plan offers no coverage for minor illnesses but will cover many of your bills if you get a chronic illness. Look for online providers that provide of list of the pros and cons for each type of discount health insurance they offer.

4. Work with an insurance broker. An insurance broker serves as a middle man between buyers and insurance companies. Insurance brokers are helpful for small businesses and individuals. An insurance broker should have a list of satisfied clients. Any insurance broker should take multiple factors into account when searching for discount health insurance for you. The lowest priced plan may have other hidden costs such as a high deductible. An insurance broker should outline all costs for you as well as other issues such as access to doctors in your area.

5. Watch for insurance scams. Any discount health insurance plan should have a list of all costs in writing. Costs should include co-pays, deductibles and conditions that are excluded. The insurance company should have a list of doctors you can see. Look through the list carefully. Contact one or more doctors to verify the terms of the plan.

Tags: health insurance, discount health insurance, insurance broker, health care, should have, broker should

Compare Digital And Analog Answering Machines

New technology for electronics has given consumers many choices in answering machine models. It used to be that your standard machine was a mechanical device that recorded messages onto a tape. Now, with the advent of digital sound, the customer can choose from elaborate digital machines, remote "voice mail" storage, or a number of other options. When thinking about a new machine, you'll have to decide if you want to go high-tech with a digital device, or stay old-school with an analog machine.

Instructions

1. Think about your message storage space needs. With an analog machine, you're limited to what the tape can hold. Digital machines generally have much more space. If you're a busy mailbox holder, you may want to go with digital to be sure all can leave their messages at once.

2. Think about sound quality. Most digital machines have better sound quality than analog ones, although it does depend on the mechanics of a specific machine. "Test drive" the machine to hear how good the sound is.

3. Consider flexibility. Many digital machines can "handle" separate messages, deleting one or more, or even compartmentalizing messages or "sorting." With the old analog, you're stuck with an unwieldy tape if you want to start organizing messages.

4. Take the machine's "structure" into account. When looking at machines, evaluate how much energy they will use to work and how quickly they may break down. Another drawback to analog machines is that all of the mechanical parts are prone to failure: over time, the tape as well as all the reader parts and swivel arms, etc. may be difficult to fix when they break. A digital machine is much more self-contained.

5. Decide what kind of record-keeping you like. One advantage of analog is that you have the messages all on tape. Some tapes are portable, most can be easily stored away from the machine in case of theft (or paranoia) issues. Also, some digital machines lack a backup battery power, and messages can theoretically get lost.

Tags: analog machine, digital machines, digital machines, much more, sound quality, they break, Think about

Make A Laser Beam In After Effects

The laser beam affect is very versatile.

Theorized by Nikola Tesla, who believed in a light so intensely focused it could cut through mountains, and finally created in the 1960s, the laser beam has captured the imaginations of many filmmakers. Film series such as the James Bond franchise, the Star Wars franchise, and the X-men franchise have used this versatile effect. Lasers have been portrayed as being shot out of eyes, emitted from futuristic guns, used in torture devices, and used in swords. This effect is only limited by the imagination. Fortunately, for the average filmmaker on a budget, this effect is readily available through After Effects.

Instructions

Alien invasion setup

1. The laser beam effect is more fun when you have a finished project to add it to.

Drag both photos, which you have selected for your alien invasion movie, onto the Photoshop CS3 icon.

2. Select the 1950s Alien Spaceship file and make and delete the background. Do this by using the Quick Selection tool. This tool can be found under the Lasso tool in the toolbar, behind the Magic Wand tool. Select your spaceship. Go to "Select" > "Inverse," and press "Delete." You should now have only your spaceship.

3. Select the spaceship picture and drag it onto the city picture. Save these as Photoshop files.

Alien Invasion

4. It is time to move the ship across the scene.

Open After Effects, and import the city Photoshop file you just saved. Do this by going to "File" > "Import" > "File." Then find the City PSD file. Click on it and click "OK." Another window will open.

5. Select "Composition-Cropped Layers" from the "Import Kind" scroll-down menu.

6. Make sure "Editable Layer Styles" is selected, and then click "OK." This will create a composition in your Project panel with a folder.

Double click on the composition in your Project Panel. This will open the composition in the timeline and in the window.

7. Select the Spaceship layer and press "P" to reveal your Position Property. This will allow you to animate the position of the layer. Select and move the alien spaceship off screen. "Click" on the Stopwatch Icon to add a key frame. Go to the timeline and move the Time Indicator to the end of the Timeline. Move your spaceship to the opposite end of the screen. This will automatically add a key frame. "Press" the Space Bar to view your animation. The spaceship should glide across the screen

Laser Beams

8. It is time to add the laser beam effect to your ship.

Go to "Layer" > "New" > "Solid." Make this Layer Comp Size by clicking on the corresponding button and then pressing "OK." This will allow you to create a solid color layer that will be the same size as your composition.

9. Go to "Effect" > "Generate" > "Beam." Move the time indicator to the middle of the timeline. Place the start point on your ship by "double-clicking" the cross hairs next to the start point word. Move your cursor over your ship and click on where you want the beam emitted from. Do the same for the end point, and make sure this hits the ground.

10. Click on the time stopwatch icon. Double click the percentage and type 0. Move the time indicator two seconds forward, then type 100 here. The ship should now shoot.

Tags: This will, laser beam, After Effects, your ship, your spaceship

Diagnostic Testing Methods

Your physician might order one of several diagnostic imaging tests.

Diagnostic imaging tests are tools your doctor uses to help determine a diagnosis of a medical condition. The type of disorder your doctor suspects dictates which type of test will be ordered. These tests are usually conducted in a hospital or clinic and are interpreted by a physician called a radiologist. The radiologist reads the tests and reports his findings back to the physician who ordered them. Most diagnostic imaging tests are non-invasive and therefore not painful. The most common tests are X-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, ultrasound and nuclear medicine scans.

X-Rays

.A common X-ray test image is called a radiograph.

The most common and well know diagnostic imaging test is the X-ray. X-rays typically image bones to look for fractures. The chest X-ray might be ordered if the doctor suspects damage to or disease of the lungs. The image is formed from a small amount of radiation projected into the specific body part to be imaged, and the rest of the patient's body is covered with protective draping. The resulting images are "negatives" of the internal structures. An X-ray does not show soft tissues or organs.

CT Scans

A CT scan is useful in imaging bone structures.

To better image bone structures, your physician might order a CT scan, or a CAT scan. This stands for Computed Axial Tomography. In this test, the patient lies down into a cylinder that then rotates around the body to capture the images. These images come out as "slices" of the section being imaged, much like slices of bread. A CT scan is particularly useful also in imaging the brain and the inner ear. At certain times, a contrast agent might be injected into the patient to provide better results. These agents are iodine-based, so let your physician know if you are allergic to iodine or shellfish.

MRI

An MRI is used to vary images of tissues, similar to those of a CT scan.

Another diagnostic test used by physicians is the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This test is useful in providing more detailed images of soft tissues. The patient is placed inside a cylindrical tube that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce the images. The machine can be noisy, and patients are required to lie still, so a mild sedative might be prescribed beforehand for people with claustrophobia. Like the CT scan, an MRI images tissues in slices; a change in the radio waves and the magnetism of the machine provide different image contrasts. Contrast agents might be used in conjunction with an MRI, but they are not iodine-based.

Utlrasound

Ultrasounds are most commonly used to image the developing fetus in the womb.

An ultrasound is mostly used to let the physician see an unborn fetus as it develops in the womb. The test uses sound waves to produce images, and there is no harm to either the baby or the mother. Ultrasounds are used to image other "hollow" organs as well, such as the bladder. The test can be performed with three-dimensional images, or four-dimensional, which is an ultrasound in motion. To image blood flow through arteries and veins, the doctor might use an ultrasound with Doppler capability.

Mammography

A mammogram is a test used to study breast tissue. It is similar to an X-ray but images the density of the breast to look for any abnormalities. This test uses no contrast agents and is relatively painless.

Nuclear Medicine

A doctor will order a nuclear medicine test to scan the bones, thyroid or heart. A contrast medium is injected, and the test is conducted over a period of time as the contrast moves through the body. The doctor might order a cardiac stress test, which will include the use of the radioisotope thallium during the test. The test itself is painless.

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Iowa Community Colleges

The state of Iowa serves as home to 15 community colleges. These two-year public institutions offer programs at a low cost per credit to help students prepare to enter traditional four-year colleges or universities or to begin a technical or vocational career. The colleges, which are located throughout the state, grant degrees, certificates and diplomas in areas that can lead to employment in some of the occupations (health care and computer sciences, for example) that, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, will be the fastest growing from 2006 through 2016.

Iowa Western Community College

Iowa Western Community College, with its main campus in Council Bluffs, serves as home to approximately 5,500 degree- and certificate-seeking students. The college also operates branches in Clarinda, Atlantic and Shenandoah. The school offers 84 academic programs, including some in less-commonly taught fields such as veterinary technology, technical theater, turf management, radio, fashion marketing and aviation maintenance. Online courses are available in numerous majors. Students can receive course credit for completing volunteer work and community service through the school's service-learning program. On-campus housing is available.

Iowa Western Community College

2700 College Rd.

Council Bluffs, IA 51503

712-325-3200

iwcc.edu

Northeast Iowa Community College

Northeast Iowa Community College has campuses and satellite learning centers in the towns of Calmar, Peosta, New Hampton, Cresco, Dubuque and Oelwein. The school serves as home to roughly 5,400 students, approximately 52 percent of which study only part time. Among the college's more than 75 degree and certificate programs are rarely taught majors such as grape growing, wind turbine repair, electroneurodiagnostic technology, dairy science and cabinetmaking. Online degrees are available in fields such as agricultural business, criminal justice and health information technology. The Calmar and Peosta campuses have housing for students. An on-campus daycare provides low-cost child care for students' children.

Northeast Iowa Community College

1625 Highway 150

P.O. Box 400

Calmar, IA 52132

nicc.edu

Hawkeye Community College

Hawkeye Community College, established in 1966, has its main campus in Waterloo as well as satellite campuses in Cedar Falls, Independence, Waverly and Holland. The school has approximately 6,200 students enrolled in its courses and offers more than 52 academic programs. The college offers degrees and certificates in fields such as agriculture and natural resources, business, health sciences, human services, industrial and engineering technology, information technology and power technology. The main campus has student housing available and operates a health and dental clinic for both resident and commuter students. The Waterloo campus also has a daycare center.

Hawkeye Community College

1501 East Orange Road

P.O. Box 8015

Waterloo, IA 50704

319-296-2320

hawkeyecollege.edu

Des Moines Area Community College

Des Moines Area Community College, serving the capital of Iowa, has locations in Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Newton and downtown and western Des Moines. Founded on March 18, 1966, the college has an enrollment of more than 65,000 credit and noncredit students, but still manages to maintain a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1. The college has 125 academic programs, including some in rarely taught fields such as American sign language interpreting, dietary management, winemaking, farm management, sports management, gerontology, mortuary science and optometrist assisting. Online courses are available. Each year, the college organizes a study abroad trip, such as its 2009 excursion to London, England. The Boone and Ankeny campuses have residence facilities. Health and dental care are available for students, and the Ankeny campus has a daycare center.

Des Moines Area Community College

2006 South Ankeny Blvd.

Ankeny, IA 50023

515-964-6200

dmacc.edu

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