State Colleges In Minneapolis Minnesota

Minneapolis has over two million residents living in or around its borders.

Minneapolis, Minnesota is the largest city in the state of Minnesota. Although Minneapolis has many colleges located within its borders, only four of them are "state colleges," which is a college that receives funding from the state's government and is not privately owned.

Metropolitan State University

Offering over 50 degree programs and 10 graduate programs, Metropolitan State University is one of the larger and more prestigious universities in Minneapolis. Metropolitan State University has over 9000 students enrolled annually and offers over 20 sports and numerous other extracurricular for its students. MSU also has three other campuses in the surrounding area.

Minneapolis Community and Technical College

With an average of over 14000 students every year, Minneapolis Community and Technical College is included in Minnesota's State College program. First established in 1996, Minneapolis Community and Technical College is actually the product of the merger of two community colleges. The Minneapolis Community and Technical College is a diverse campus, with 45% of its students being of color, 53% being female and 48% coming from low income houses, as of 2010.

North Hennepin Community College

North Hennepin Community College has over 10000 students enrolled each year with 70 programs of stydy. North Hennepin Community College also offers high school students and continuing education students the opportunity to take night and co-op classes for additional credit. North Hennepin Community College also offers flexible weekend schedules for non-traditional students that might work during the week.

University of Minnesota: Twin Cities

A state college of Minnesota, the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities campus was first founded in 1851. Since then, five campuses all around the state have cropped up offering international programs to students from countries around the world. As of 2009, the University of Minnesota had a total of 14,000 students with nearly half of those students receiving aid through a special scholarship program. The university itself has over 60 course programs and areas of study including education, English and chemistry.

Tags: Community College, Community Technical, Community Technical College, Hennepin Community, Hennepin Community College

What Type Of Diseases Do Gynecologists Treat

Gynecologists are medical doctors who specialize in a woman's reproductive system and are trained to treat potential problems affecting the reproductive organs. Most women have a gynecologist they visit on a regular basis for a pap smear test and pelvic examinations. Women usually begin to see gynecologists as early as 13.

STD

One of the main issues gynecologists deal with is sexually transmitted diseases. The gynecologist is able to test for various STDs using cervical swabs. Some of the most common STDs that can be detected are HPV, trichomoniasis and chlamydia.

PID

One of the more common diseases treated by a gynecologist is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). According to the Doctor's Lounge, the disease is actually a term that represents a range of different infections that can occur in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the uterus. In the United States, more than a million women are diagnosed with PID each year. The largest demographic of women with PID are teenagers.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is another issue that can affect menstruating women. It is a condition that causes the tissue lining in the uterus to migrate to other parts of the body. This can be extremely painful and cause damage to other internal organs.

Breast

The breasts are another reproductive organ that is checked by the gynecologist. A gynecologist can diagnose a woman who is experiencing problems with her breasts, such as lumps, bumps or discharges.

Menopause

A gynecologist is also there to help their patients deal with menopause, which can cause physical and psychological changes in a patient. During menopause, the production of estrogen slows down, causing the reproductive system to gradually shut down.

Tags: deal with, reproductive system

Famous Beaches In Mexico

Unwind in upscale and picturesque Puerto Vallarta.

Mexico is a country of many moods and faces including the Mayan temples, densely populated Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta. Mexico offers a vibrant mix of ancient history, world-class cuisine, jungles and palm-lined beaches. For a truly relaxing getaway, make the most of Mexico's coastline where beaches have earned well-deserved reputations.

Puerto Vallarta

Unwind in upscale and picturesque Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta, known to some as "the soul of Mexico," is a popular resort destination for relaxation and pampering along the Bay of Flags (Bahía de Banderas). This area offers luxury and stunning natural beauty. Palm-lined beaches, blue waters and a mountainous backdrop create a dream setting to which tourists flock. A number of resorts and villas cater to a broad range of travelers, but families and honeymooners are an especially devoted following. People traveling in groups or with children will appreciate the exhaustive inventory of activities offered, including diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, sport fishing and world-class golf. Couples and honeymooners will find the level of pampering at the local resorts to be superior.

Puerto Escondido

Swim with the dolpin in Puerto Escondido.

"The Hidden Port" has become so well-known and appreciated that the nickname risks becoming a misnomer. Still, Puerto Escondido carries a laid-back and unfussy vibe that, for many, is a different experience entirely from the more refined Puerto Vallarta. Famous above all for its surf, Escondido's break has been termed the Mexican Pipeline. In spite of this, calmer waters are plentiful. Take a break from sunning to swim out and observe the dolphin and turtles in the clear water. Culture has made its way softly here, entering in an unobtrusive way that does not affect the easy-going character of the area. As a result, good food and nightlife exist in accord with Puerto Escondido's restful mood.

Playa del Carmen

Take a break from the beach and take the few steps into the quaint and charming Playa del Carmen.

Subtropical Playa del Carmen is a haven for those seeking peace and quiet. A network of beaches leading from it, like Coco Beach, offers spectacular diving and snorkeling. While the area is sought-after, it manages to escape the overcrowding that can happen at other famous beaches. Stroll La Quinta (Fifth Avenue) and remain close to the sea, as the avenue runs parallel to the ocean. The large pedestrian walkway is hemmed with food stalls and craft booths. In general, prices and crowds dip the further away you go from the ferry docks and the center of town.

Tags: Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Escondido, Playa Carmen, break from, diving snorkeling, picturesque Puerto, picturesque Puerto Vallarta

Global Warming Thesis Statement Ideas

A thesis statement should express a persuasion based on facts presented in the paper.

A thesis statement is a single sentence which makes a claim based on evidence to be presented within the paper. The thesis is an essay supported by facts, so the preliminary statement should touch on some facet of this body of work rather than express an unsubstantiated opinion. You might think of it as a tiny thumbnail sketch of the article's persuasion. Global warming offers a legion of opportunities for thesis study as the body of available data covering it is very large.

Arctic Ice

Arctic ice trends offer a great thesis topic.

Arctic sea ice has been tracked since 1979 by U.S. government satellites and shows a steady decline during more than three decades. A proposed thesis statement addressing this topic might be "Global warming and arctic sea ice trends are strongly linked with mounting evidence man-made pollutants are at least partially to blame".

Glacial Retreat

Hard data from around the world shows the majority of the earth's glaciers shrinking over the past 100 years. There's a lively dialogue continuing between those who say it's caused by man-made climate change, and those insisting it's a result of drier weather patterns. A statement outlining this topic could read as "Glacial retreat and climate change is a contested issue in the popular literature, but the scientific data shows an undeniable relationship between them".

Global Temperatures

There's little debate within the climate and weather community that the earth has warmed since 1860. What's hotly debated is why these higher temperatures are happening. The majority of scientists with credible knowledge of physics or meteorology attribute at least a portion of it to human-produced industrial emissions. A proposed thesis statement addressing this issue is "An examination of the links between human activity and global temperature trends suggests a clear cause-and-effect relationship".

Atlantic Hurricane Increases

National Hurricane Center data shows a clear trend of increased hurricane frequency in the Atlantic Basin since the mid 1990s and this has been linked to human-induced climate change in the media. The body of evidence points to a natural oceanic cycle as the primary cause. A solid thesis statement expressing this idea might be "Hurricane increases in the Atlantic Basin since the mid 1990s are probably not the result of global warming".

Greenland Ice Cap

Not only is arctic sea ice retreating, but so is land-based ice on the immense Greenland ice cap. This is a different topic than arctic sea ice as the data and research is in a whole different direction. Whereas sea ice is tracked by submarines and satellites, land-based ice relies on ice cores and pollen analysis. The case with Greenland would make a fine thesis as the data shows both growth and shrinkage in different regions of the cap during the past 50 years. A potential thesis statement is "The Greenland ice cap is both shrinking and expanding, and climate change can be linked to both trends".

Tags: thesis statement, climate change, data shows, addressing this, Atlantic Basin, Atlantic Basin since

Types Of Alternative Doctors

Alternative medical doctors often use acupuncture.

According to the National Institute of Health, there are four major categories of alternative medicine. They include practices that are biologically based, energy medicine, manipulative and body-based practices, and mind-body medicine. Practitioners who utilize healing techniques which have developed outside the Western-model of medical theory include alternative doctors in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In the West, Homeopaths and Naturopathic doctors rely on healing approaches that diverge from standard medicine.

Homeopaths

The field of homeopathy was established by a German physician named Samuel Hahnenmann. During the 1800's, immigrant doctors from Europe introduced homeopathy to the United States. Homeopathic doctors regard illness as the body's attempt to heal itself, and try to investigate the underlying causes of a symptom.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), homeopathic doctors diagnose patients based on a classificatory system called "constitutional types," which are based on factors such as an individual's physical appearance, temperament and emotional history. Homeopathic doctors stimulate the body's natural ability to heal itself by administering low doses of herbs and minerals.

Ayurvedic Doctors

Aurveda, based on a Sanskrit term, it is an indigenous healing system that is more than 5,000 years old, and is widely practiced in India and surrounding regions like Sri Lanka. The Ministry of Indigenous Medicine in Sri Lanka helps to preserve and develop Ayurveda by training highly qualified Ayurvedic doctors.

In Ayurveda, a doctor diagnoses patients based on their individual constitution using a classificatory system called "doshas." Ayurvedic doctors treat the whole person rather than the symptoms of a disease, by prescribing lifestyle and dietary changes. Ayurvedic doctors prescribe healing herbs that are known for restoring balance and well-being to individuals with chronic health problems. In the United States, licensed practitioners in fields like naturopathy, nutrition, massage therapy and acupuncture who receive Ayurvedic training at institutions that are accredited by the National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine (NIAM) can practice as Ayurvedic doctors. In Sri Lanka, Ayurveda is a highly esteemed indigenous healing system that is supported by the national government.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been widely practiced in China for the past 3000 years, and has grown rapidly in other parts of the world. Unlike Western medicine, which has a biochemical approach to treating illness in humans, TCM differs fundamentally by having an energetic orientation to the human body and its connection with the universe.

According to the "Classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine," illness occurs in individuals due to the imbalance or stagnation of their qi or life force. TCM doctors use various treatments to restore the proper flow of qi in a patient by using therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine and qigong exercises.

Tags: Ayurvedic doctors, Chinese Medicine, Traditional Chinese, Traditional Chinese Medicine, According National, classificatory system, classificatory system called

Do Waitresses Get Benefits

Most waitstaff receive benefits such as health insurance just like other employees.

Waitresses and waiters may not receive the federally mandated minimum hourly wage, as other hourly wage workers do, but they are privy to benefits such as health insurance if other workers within the same company are eligible. In fact, the federal government requires restaurants to extend benefits to waitstaff or run the risk of violating fair labor laws.

Wages

Because of the difference in how tipped employees, such as waitstaff, are paid compared with other employees, it is reasonable to think that they aren't eligible for the same benefits. The fact is, waitresses and waiters fall in a unique work category. Instead of receiving an hourly minimum wage, they receive an amount that is about $5 per hour less than minimum wage. That's because they receive tips, and the tip money is supposed to make up the difference between their base salary and the minimum wage.

Eligibility

If a restaurant offers benefits, it cannot discriminate by choosing who can receive benefits and who cannot. For that reason, waitresses and waiters cannot be denied benefits, even though they are paid differently. Most restaurants and other eating establishments that hire waitstaffs are aware of this. However, if you work as a member of the waitstaff at an establishment where you've been passed over for benefits, you should contact your local labor department.

In addition to enforcing the laws regarding how tipped employees are paid, the U.S. Department of Labor ensures that certain benefits are extended to all workers.

Health Plans

The most common employee benefits offered are health care plans. The federal labor department defines the plans as employee welfare benefit plans established or maintained by an employer or by an employee organization such as a union, or both, to provide medical care for participants or their dependents directly or through insurance, reimbursement or otherwise. These plans are typically private and are covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). It is ERISA that makes it unlawful for waitresses or waiters to not be extended the opportunity to sign up for a company's health plan.

Employee Benefits Security Administration

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is responsible for administering and enforcing ERISA. Part of its responsibilities include

giving employers information about health plans, compliance assistance and health-care service providers.

Other Benefits

Other benefits, such as those for life insurance, long-term-care insurance, medical insurance accounts, pensions and wellness benefits are not governed by the federal government. Instead, they are left up to agreements between an employer and its employees, including the waitstaff. The National Restaurant Association has led the way in educating restaurants about the positive effects they can experience from having a waitstaff with several benefit options available to them.

Tags: benefits such, minimum wage, benefits cannot, Benefits Security, Benefits Security Administration

Symptoms Of Breast Cancer Bone Metastisis

Breast cancer bone metastasis is essentially a secondary form of bone cancer, in that the cancer originated in the breast and has spread to the bone, according to the Mayo Clinic. While most people who have breast cancer bone metastasis will suffer from some of the common symptoms of breast cancer, including the formation of a lump in or around the breast or chest, a discoloration to the skin above the "original tumor," an inverted nipple in the affected breast or chest, a discharge from the nipple or a change in the contour and size of the breast or chest, they can also begin to experience other symptoms that would indicate that the cancer has metastasized into the bone.

Pain & Discomfort

More often than not, someone suffering from breast cancer bone metastasis will experience pain or discomfort in and around the affected bone. Anywhere within the body that contains a bone can be affected with this secondary form of cancer, but it will typically develop and be felt within an arm or a leg.

Swelling & Inflammation

When the cancer has metastasized near a joint within the body, the tumor that forms will generally cause some swelling or inflammation of the affected joint. As the joint swells, many people suffer a certain amount of tenderness to this area of the body as well as the pain and discomfort already mentioned.

Frailty & Fractures

Many times, the bone metastasis will cause a weakening within the affected bone, making it more frail and vulnerable to fractures. A trauma or impact to the bone that wouldn't normally cause a break will often times result in a fracture when the cancer has metastasized to this area of the body.

Fever & Fatigue

If you were to develop breast cancer bone metastasis, you may also begin to suffer from both fever and fatigue. It all depends on how your body reacts to the spread of the cancer. You may become extremely tired or easily exhausted and could begin to run a fever of over 100 degrees F.

Anemia

As the breast cancer metastasizes to the bone, some people will begin to undergo some level of anemia, in that the blood will begin to lack healthy red blood cells, prompting a deficiency in oxygen to the organs and tissues of the body.

Tags: bone metastasis, cancer bone metastasis, bone metastasis will, breast cancer, breast cancer bone

Career As A Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgeons often perfom medical procedures in their private offices.

Plastic surgeons are specialized medical doctors. Many plastic surgeons provide their cosmetic surgery procedures in private medical facilities as opposed to traditional hospitals. Some procedures offered by plastic surgeons are purely cosmetic such as breast enhancements for otherwise normal and healthy breasts. Some procedures provide medical relief as well such as a nose job that allows the patient to breathe easier.

Education

As medical doctors, state licensed plastic surgeons are required to pass medical school. The University of Michigan Medical school offers a curriculum of four or more years for students interested in becoming a doctor of medicine or MD. Medical school education includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on internships and clinical experience.

Board Certification

The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc, is responsible for certifying plastic surgeons. According to the board, plastic surgeons are eligible for certification if they comply with the moral and ethics standards of the board; can provide proof of solo plastic surgery operations; and have a medical or osteopathic degree from an accredited U.S. school or Canadian school or, for foreign medical school graduates, possess a valid standard certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc, also requires that plastic surgeons complete residency training and pass written and oral examinations. A board certification is not a license to practice medicine.

License

According to the Federation of State Medical Boards, all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia have medical boards that license, investigate, discipline and survey physicians. Plastic surgeons must be licensed in the state they practice in order to legally perform surgical procedures. A license to practice medicine requires successful passage of a national medical exam, medical school graduation, post-graduate training and a satisfactory work history. Physicians, including plastic surgeons, periodically re-register and take continuing education courses in order to maintain a valid medical license.

Duties

The day-to-day activities of a plastic surgeon depends on the plastic surgeon's specialty, such as breast augmentation, face lifts or ethnic rhinoplasty. Common duties across all the different types of plastic surgeons include consulting with patients, monitoring staff members behavior and compliance with the law, performing surgery, following up with patients after the surgery and promoting their plastic surgery practice.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physicians who practice medical specialties---including plastic surgery---earn an annual median income of $339,738. The actual income of individual plastic surgeons varies by location, specialty within plastic surgery and the capabilities and capacity of the practice.

Tags: plastic surgeons, medical school, plastic surgeons, plastic surgery, American Board, American Board Plastic, Board Plastic

Radiologist Technician Average Salary

Salaries are developing for radiologist technicians.

Radiologist technicians, also called radiologic technologists, radiographers and radiologic technicians, work in the medical field to create and translate X-rays. A single day may include protecting a patient from harmful X-ray beams, analyzing computer scans (called tomography) of cross-sectional X-rays and working specialty radiology equipment such as magnetic resonance imagers.

The Facts

Radiologic technicians are usually paid on an annual salary basis. Laboratories (both medical and diagnostic) were the largest employers of technicians as of May 2008, with an average salary of $55,210 per year. That salary is slightly above the general national average of $52,210. Other places radiologic technicians find employment include outpatient care centers (average salary $50,840) and doctors' offices (average salary $48,530).

Location

For radiologic technicians looking to earn the highest salary, certain states are better than others. As of May 2009, the highest-paying state was Massachusetts, topping out at an average of $68,530. Nevada ($66,420) and Maryland ($65,820) were close behind, far above the national average. Both Hawaii ($63,470) and the District of Columbia ($63,270) also paid higher than average. Technicians looking for the best place to break into the field may want to explore West Virginia, South Dakota and Kentucky, offering (respectively) the highest number of radiologic technicians employed per capita.

Considerations

The first step in earning a salary as a radiologic technician is to complete a training program in the field of radiology, available through short-term certificates, two-year associates degrees and four-year bachelor's degrees. Each state in the country has a separate licensing board for radiologic technicians and employers may require certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Radiologic technicians can increase their salaries by studying specializations such as bone densitometry, mammography and CT scans. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites another option for increasing radiologic technician salary, becoming the chief technologist or supervisor, which traditionally requires a master's degree in business or healthcare administration.

Outlook

Like the images on their X-rays, salaries in the radiologic technology field are continuing to develop. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 17 percent growth in the number of jobs in this field through 2018, higher than many other professions. This is partially due to an aging population who will require more scans and healthcare as well as an increasing reliance on X-rays as diagnostic tools.

Tags: radiologic technicians, average salary, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, higher than

Strap A Wheelchair In A Wheelchair Van

Getting ready to go on the van.

Safety is the top priority when transporting wheelchair users in a wheelchair van. If the wheelchair slides in the van, both the user and the people riding with him or her could be hurt. Securely strapping the wheelchair into the wheelchair van helps lessen the chance of the wheelchair moving while in the vehicle.

Instructions

1. This symbol lets you know the van is handicap accessable.

Push the wheelchair onto the wheelchair lift or ramp to enter the van with the wheelchair. Make sure that the individual is safe on the ramp by locking the wheelchair's brakes. Watch the user while the lift is operating, and hold on to the arm of the wheelchair so that you can help stabilize the chair.  

2. Out and about on a wheelchair van.

Position the wheelchair in in the van as close as possible to the safety straps bolted in the floor. Check that the wheelchair's locks are in place and that four straps with hooks are bolted on the floor, as well as the regular seat belt that goes around the person who is in the wheelchair. The most common wheelchair straps in vans are adjustable. The adjustable straps have a mechanical device near the floor. Pull on the strap to make it longer, like a seat belt in the car. Push the button on the device to roll the strap in. Or manually roll in the strap by using the wheel on the side of the device.

3. Place the hook on the end of the strap on the bars that go across the bottom of a wheelchair. Secure all four hooks in the same fashion. Two of the straps hook to the front of the wheelchair, and two straps hook to the back.

4. Tighten the strap with the mechanical device at the bottom of the strap. Use the wheel for this task. Put the seat belt across the individual's lap and chest and fasten it. Adjust the seat belt so that it fits comfortably. Try to move the wheelchair to make sure it is stable. Pull on the straps until they are tight but not uncomfortably so for the passenger.

Tags: seat belt, belt that, bolted floor, mechanical device, roll strap, seat belt that

What To Do For Night Time Leg Cramps

Legs

Leg cramps can attack seemingly out of nowhere and ruin a good night's sleep. They begin mostly in the calf muscle and pull tighter and tighter until you are in immense pain. If you experience this painful condition, you should know that they can happen to anyone, and there is no one, definitive cause. However, there are ways to deal with them so that you can get back to sleep in peace.

Eat Potassium

One potential link that the U.S. National Library of Medicine cites as the cause of night time leg cramps is a deficiency in potassium. Especially prevalent in pregnant women, a potassium deficiency can result in painful leg cramps that have lasting effects. The easiest way to combat this problem is to eat a banana daily. However, if you are allergic to or simply dislike bananas, you can take a potassium or multivitamin supplement to get the daily recommended dosage.

Massage Techniques

If you've ever woken in the middle of the night to the searing pain of a night time leg cramp, then you know that there isn't much you feel like doing other than writhing in pain. However, if you think quickly, you can head off the leg cramp and stop any after effects. Once you begin to feel your muscle tighten, reach down and grab your calf with one hand and begin kneading it. While doing this, reach down with your other hand and grab the foot of the leg that is being affected. Pull the ball of your foot so it is as close to your shin as possible, therefore stretching out your calf muscle. This should stop the cramp immediately.

Ice and Heat

If you have had a leg cramp and find that the next day you are having trouble walking or feel residual pain, try icing the leg until you feel the pain subside. Alternate between an icepack to dull the pain and a heat pad to relax the muscles. You can also take a pain reliever to help deal with the pain. If the cramps happen often, say more than once a month, mention it to your doctor and he can look for other risk factors that may be making you susceptable to night time leg cramps.

Tags: calf muscle, deal with, know that, night time, night time cramps, reach down, time cramps

Killer Job Interview Questions & Answers

Preparing can help you avoid looking flabbergasted during an interview.

You don't want to be gaping and wordless, during a job interview after being asked a zinger question. Killer job interview questions are designed to throw you off guard so that employers can see whether you think clearly on your feet or garble nonsense. Preparing appropriate, focused answers to tough interview questions can help you score the job.

"Tell Us..."

Many interviews start with the prompt, "Tell us a little bit about yourself." This may lure some interviewees into telling charming stories about their childhood or revealing their penchant for outer-space video games and homemade ice cream. Steer clear of these responses in favor of an answer that briefly and succinctly melds your education, previous work experience, most recent work experience and goals. Spend the most time highlighting your recent work experience with a few examples of your success.

Salary

Discussing salary during an interview can be a conversation-killer. Some employers ask about salary expectations in the hopes of screening out candidates naming too high a salary. Others may hope that you'll name a bargain-basement salary far below their budgeted figure. Defer salary conversations for as long as possible by stating that it's too difficult to name a salary without a deeper understanding of job expectations. Turn the tables by asking interviewers to share their expected salary range for the job.

Weakness

Naming your greatest strength and weakness an oldie but goodie for killer interview questions. This isn't the time to admit that you're hopelessly disorganized and have been known to misplace key files or miss crucial meetings. Don't attempt to pass off the question with false modesty by stating that your greatest weakness is "working too hard" or being a perfectionist. Instead, pick an improvement area with an easily identifiable target and describe your plan for meeting that target. For example, a teacher might state, "I understand that many students at this school come from Spanish-speaking backgrounds, and I'm not a native Spanish speaker. But my strong linguistics background helps me understand language acquisition, and I'm currently enrolled in a community college Spanish course."

Weekends

Employers may ask whether you're comfortable working weekends and long hours. Don't look visibly frightened at the possibility of losing your Friday night cocktail hour or Sunday golf course session, but don't fearlessly commit to working every weekend and midnight brainstorm session if that's not possible. Employers may hold you to your commitment. Instead, explain that you're comfortable working unusual hours but have a track record of "working smarter, not longer" and not procrastinating to avoid last-minute work sessions in the first place.

Tags: during interview, interview questions, work experience, comfortable working, recent work

Types Of Xrays

X rays have been useful in identifying internal physical abnormalities.

Medical professionals rely on X rays to spot the root causes of symptoms such as pain and swelling. As the Mayo Clinic website points out, doctors can find many fractures, infections and tumors by taking such pictures and examining them closely. With other aids such as barium enemas and injectable contrast materials such as iodine, X ray pictures can show up clearly, helping doctors diagnose disorders and to save lives.

Barium

According to the X Ray Schools website, medical professionals use barium X rays to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum. They use barium as a contrast agent, to coat the walls of the upper digestive system. This will aid doctors to more clearly be able to see any tumors, ulcers, hernias or other abnormalities which might lead to symptoms, such as difficulty in swallowing, that can be a sign of a deadly malignancy such as stomach cancer.

Bone Density

A bone density test, or bone density scan, is another type of X ray doctors use in examining a patient's bones. According to the X Ray Schools website, the goal of doctors is to measure how many grams of calcium and other vital minerals are present in a certain part of the bone. In so doing, the examining physician can tell whether the patient has osteoporosis. As the website points out, doctors usually use the spine and the lower hips as points of examination for bone density scans.

Fluoroscopy

Doctors use fluoroscopies to study the movement of an organ or an object within the body. Fluoroscopies are X ray movies that help doctors study how certain medical instruments such as syringes, or contrast agents such as barium, are working inside the body. Physicians can use this procedure to find objects in the body that children have swallowed, such as coins or toy parts.

Dental X-Rays

There are two main types of X-rays that dentists use: intraoral and extraoral radiographs. According to the Colgate website, intraoral radiographs study the inside of a patient's mouth, examining the roots of a tooth in order to locate the existence of decay, or the progression of periodontal diseases. The extraoral X-rays are called the big picture radiographs. As the Colgate website says, although they do show a patient's teeth, their main focus is the jaws. They help dentists study how the jaws work together, and they aid in looking for abnormalities in that area. They may help dental professionals pinpoint the causes of difficulties in opening and closing the mouth.

Tags: bone density, According Schools, According Schools website, Colgate website, points doctors, Schools website

Compare Pharmacy Prices

Compare Pharmacy Prices

Many people do not conduct pharmacy price comparisons. However, the price of a particular drug can vary considerably between online pharmacies, brick-and-mortar pharmacies, discount chain stores, Canadian pharmacies and even mail-order pharmacies. Read on to learn compare pharmacy prices from a number of different sources.

Instructions

1. PharmacyChecker.com and Destination Rx (www.drx.com) are good resources to compare a number of online pharmacies such as drugstore.com, canadadrugs.com, medsforless.com, Blueskydrugs.com, walmart.com, and costco.com. Click on the drug you are interested in or type the drug name into the search engine box listed. Click on the dosage you are interested in purchasing. The result will be a chart that will provide the list of prices, applicable shipping fees, estimated shipping time and more.

2. Compare brick-and-mortar pharmacies. You can do this by calling some of your local pharmacies to inquire about the price of a particular medication.

3. Check to see whether your state has a drug comparison website. Check a search engine for "your state drug comparison website." Below are a few that might be helpful if you live in one of the states listed.

*Florida - www.myfloridarx.com/

*Indiana - www.rxforindiana.org

*New York - www.nyagrx.org

*Maryland - www.oag.state.md.us/Drugprices/index.htm

*Minnesota - www.minnesotarxconnect.com

*Michigan - www.michigan.gov/mdch

*Ohio - www.agrx.ag.state.oh.us/secured/landing.aspx

*New Hampshire - www.egov.nh.gov/medicine-cabinet

*New Jersey - www.njdrugprices.nj.gov/

*New Mexico - www.ago.state.nm.us

*Vermont - www.atg.state.vt.us/display.php?smod=185

*Washington - www.rx.wa.gov

*West Virginia - www.wvagrx.com

4. Log onto Rxaminer.com. This website can tell you whether there is a generic version of your drug as well as provide a comparison on generic and nongeneric prices.

5. Review mail-order prescription costs. Call your health insurance company and ask them about the details of their mail-order prescription price plan. Some insurance companies will provide a three-month supply of a medication for the cost of a two-month supply.

Tags: your state drug, brick-and-mortar pharmacies, Compare Pharmacy Prices, comparison website, drug comparison, drug comparison website

Definition Of Cytohistological

Cytohistological methods combine cytology and histology to analyze human cells and tissues.

Methods used in the study of the human body cover a wide range of technologies and focuses. Scientists and laboratory technicians analyze human cells and tissues to uncover abnormalities that can help in the diagnosis of specific ailments. Cytohistological study involves the combination of two clinical disciplines --- cytology and histology --- and can best be defined through an analysis of both methods, including types of tests.

What is Cytology?

Understanding cells requires a full knowledge of not only cell structure and function but also cell origin and pathology. Cytology studies all aspects of cell and is used to identify variations in any or all categories of cell life. Cytologic exams are frequently used in medical settings to analyze the cells in body fluids for evidence of disease.

Types of Cytological Tests

Cytological tests can be performed on a variety of fluids, including discharge, urine and sputum. The common gynecological test the Pap smear is the most commonly used form of cytological testing. However, there are other forms of cytology test methods, including exfoliative cytology, bile cytology, ocular cytology and urine cytology that examine certain types of cells. For example, exfoliative cytology removes cell samples from the skin surface to detect microbial changes or malignancies in the skin.

What is Histology?

Histology is concerned with the analysis of tissue function, structure and composition on a microscopic level. In laboratory tests, tissue samples are treated with chemicals and dyes to prompt a chemical reaction that is analyzed to detect abnormal behaviors in tissues and organs. Subfields of histology include pathologic histology which involves the analysis of diseased tissue.

Cytohistological Tests

Cytohistological testing is similar to cytological and histological tests, requiring staining and preparation of cell and tissue samples prior to analysis under a microscope. The type of test depends on the location of the cells and tissue under study. For example, testing for thyroid-related issues may involve fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) which is the first step in analyzing individual nodules or lesions. Physicians remove samples of tissue using a small aspirated needle inserted into the abnormal tissue. Fine needle aspiration cytology allows physicians to collect samples of tissue with minimal complications.

Tags: analyze human, analyze human cells, aspiration cytology, cells tissues, cytology histology

Access Broadband High Speed Internet

Broadband is fast, always on Internet.

You can sit at your computer watching the clock go by as you download pictures of your grandkids or you can be downloading movies, games and photos in mere seconds. Broadband Internet access has come down significantly in price and websites and services are geared for broadband users. Without broadband, there is much you can't do online. For the price and simplicity of accessing broadband, it's worth looking into getting access.

Instructions

1. Check your house to see what type of connections you have available. Most people at least have a phone outlet that can be used for DSL. Look for cable outlets that can be used with a cable modem.

2. Find a broadband provider. Ask your utility company, such as phone and cable providers, if they sell broadband. You can also use website lists of Internet providers (see Resources).

3. Contact the provider of your choice. If you have a condo or apartment, your unit may be pre-wired by certain providers. Order Internet and set up your broadband modem. Put your modem near your computer, plug it into the phone or cable line with the correct cable and plug a network cable from the modem to your computer's network card. Your provider may have additional instructions.

Tags: your computer, Internet your, modem your, phone cable, provider your, that used

How Does An Inclinometer Work

How Does an Inclinometer Work?

Basic Inclinometer Function

An inclinometer is a device used to measure the tilt of an angle. It is also called a "tilt sensor." The device can be used to measure an angle to a point, such as a star, or to track the shift of an object, such as a building. Inclinometers can be used for both vertical and horizontal angle measurements, and devices designed for easy use in either orientation are available.

Different technologies can be used within an inclinometer. These include electronic, gas, and pendulum designs.

Electronic Inclinometers

An electronic inclinometer is able to read angles to very precise degrees. These models use an internal gyroscope to measure the direction of gravity's pull. The gyroscope stays in one position, no matter the orientation. When placed against a solid object, the inclinometer compares the angle of the object to the gyroscope, and displays the result on an electronic readout.

A mercury inclinometer works in a similar way. Instead of a gyroscope, however, mercury liquid is used. When the device is operated, liquid mercury stays level, just as water in a glass stays level when the glass is tilted. Because mercury conducts electricity, contacts can detect the device angle compared to the liquid level. This is displayed on a screen.

Manual Inclinometers

An older type of inclinometer is the gas bubble type. This holds a glass tube with liquid and an air bubble inside. As the instrument moves, the bubble stays level. Its position shows the incline angle on a scale.

Another common design uses a pendulum. Here, a weight is placed on a rod. The rod is able to move freely. A scale is used as a guide. No matter the orientation, the weight is kept down by gravity, while the scale moves. The number indicated by the rod is the angle of difference, measured in degrees.

Tags: stays level, device used, device used measure, Does Inclinometer, Does Inclinometer Work

Medicare & Dentures

Dentures are never covered under Medicare.

Medicare does not provide coverage for ordinary dental care. Some private Medicare plans offer such coverage. However, the federal Medicare program does not offer dental coverage except in a few situations where dental problems have contributed to other medical conditions.

Misconceptions

Medicare will never pay for dentures. It will pay for dental procedures needed to treat some medical conditions during a hospital stay. However, the cost of dentures does not qualify under that allowance.

History

The U.S. Congress passed Medicare in 1965. Section 1862(a)(12) of the enabling legislation excluded dental coverage from the covered services and procedures. In 1980, Congress amended that section to provide for the coverage of some dental services. The amendment did not include coverage for dentures.

Solutions

One solution to the lack of dentures coverage in Medicare is to purchase a private dental insurance policy. Another option is to purchase a Medicare Advantage Plan from a private insurance company. Some of these private plans will allow you to add dental coverage, including benefits for dentures.

Tags: dental coverage, medical conditions, provide coverage

Cardiac Myxoma Histology

Electron microscopes are used in histology.

Histology is the part of biology that focuses on studying microscopic tissue structure. A scientist who studies such structures using an electron microscope is called a histologist. "Histogenesis," a subsection of histology, is a study of the origins of adverse conditions in tissue structure. Histology studies conditions that adversely affect tissue structure, including cancer. One type of cancer examined in histology is known as a "cardiac myxoma."

Definition

A cardiac myxoma is a cancerous neoplasm, or tumor, occurring in the heart muscle tissue, according to a Medscape article on cardiac neoplasms by Dr. Mary C. Mancini. It is also known as an "atrial myxoma." This condition is considered to be the most frequently occurring cardiac tumor, representing some 40 to 50 percent of all cardiac tumors. Cardiac myxoma can present histologists and physicians who treat the condition with diagnostic and treatment challenges.

A Challenging Diagnosis

According to the article by Dr. Mancini, a cardiac myxoma is often asymptomatic while growing within the heart muscle tissue. When symptoms exist, they are often mistaken for other heart conditions. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, or tachycardia, fever and rapid breathing, or tachypnea. If the cardiac myxoma or cancerous tumor begins to increase in size, it can cause internal cardiac obstruction, resembling heart disease or congestive heart failure. Using histology to study changes in the microscopic tissue structure of the heart can help diagnose cardiac myxoma more accurately.

Histology Diagnosis

Histology can diagnose and also help locate cardiac myxomas because the tumors in heart tissue structure will appear "gelatinous" and differ from other cells when examined under an electron microscope. Histology is also used to tell the difference between two types of cardiac myxoma, according to an article in the journal "Cardiology Rounds" entitled: "Clinical and Genetic Aspects of Cardiac Myxomas" by Dr. Craig T. Basson of Brigham and Women's Hospital. Examination of tissue structure may also diagnose malignancy.

Histology Lab Test

Another laboratory test mentioned by Dr. Mancini in her article is the "Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate" or ESR. Erythrocytes are the red blood cells that circulate in the blood stream. If lab test results show higher than normal levels of erythrocyte sedimentation, the detritus left from dead red blood cells, it may indicate that a cardiac myxoma is present.

Histogenesis

According to Histopathology-India.net, cardiac myxoma tissue structure is also studied by histologists to discover the type of already-existing cells from which it can develop. Histology studies have found that cells known as "mesenchymal," or embryonic cells present at birth, and "sub-endocardial" cells, which exist in the inner lining of the heart wall, can develop into cardiac myxomas.

Treatment

Surgical intervention, including resectioning to remove the cardiac myxoma, is the prescribed treatment, according to Medscape. When the cardiac myxoma is malignant, chemo and radiation therapy may also be prescribed. Some patients with co-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and paraganglioma-a tumor in the adrenal gland tissues-will require beta blocker therapy before surgery. While histology is not used in the surgical treatment of a cardiac myxoma, the heart's tissue structure must be monitored before and after treatment, particularly during chemo and radiation therapies.

Tags: tissue structure, cardiac myxoma, cardiac myxoma, according Medscape, blood cells, cardiac myxoma

Hipaa Technology

HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a federal ruling by the U.S. Congress to provide security and privacy to protected health information (PHI). Due to technological advancements in health care, HIPAA standards must be integrated into electronic systems.

Password Protection

Computers should be password-protected so that only authorized users have access to the information stored on the hard drive. Technological safeguards must be available to automatically lock computers after being idle for a few minutes, in case the user forgot to lock the computer. Sharing passwords with other people is considered a HIPAA security breach.

Encryption

PHI is shared and exchanged electronically, sometimes over email. Emails containing PHI must be encrypted with a special code that can be broken only with the correct pass-code. The sender of the email sets the pass-code, which can be shared with recipients so they can open the email message. PHI that is electronically exchanged without being encrypted is at risk for being interfered by cyber-hackers and qualifies as a security breach.

Audit Controls

According to the U.S. Health and Human Services website, HIPAA requires audit controls to ensure technological safeguards for electronic PHI. The rule states that hardware, software and other procedural mechanisms must be implemented to record and examine all activity within information systems that house PHI. Audit controls reveal to security teams who is accessing and retrieving information to determine if there are unknown security breaches.

Tags: security breach

About Augmentation Mammoplasty

Augmentation mammoplasty can produce a larger or better-shaped breast.

Augmentation mammoplasty, more commonly referred to as breast implant or breast augmentation surgery, is the process of creating fuller breasts using an implant. People may choose augmentation mammoplasty to create larger breasts, to restore lost volume after pregnancy or major weight loss, or to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. The process is fairly safe and performed on a regular basis, but not without some risk.

Types

There are several types of breast implants available. Silicone implants, filled with an elastic silicone gel, are the most traditional, but may leak and cause health problems. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, women must be 22 years or older to receive silicone implants. Saline breast implants, filled with sterile salt water, are considered a safer alternative. Types available are smooth, textured and anatomical, which are more naturally shaped.

Incision

Implants may be placed using several different types of incisions, depending on the patient's existing anatomy and the desired outcome. An inframammary incision, positioned under the breast, is common. Other techniques include the transaxillary incision, in the armpit, which produces little scarring but has a higher chance of asymmetry and a periareolar incision, around the nipples. This last technique creates a less noticeable scar, but raises the risk of lost nipple sensation and causes the most trouble with breastfeeding.

Placement

After the incision has been made, the surgeon inserts the implant into a pocket. This pocket may be located under the pectoral muscle or over the pectoral muscle and immediately behind the breast tissue. Subpectoral implants are less realistic, but more stable. Implants placed behind the breast tissue produce more normal results, but are more likely to result in wrinkles, rippling and implant visibility in people with thin, soft tissue on the chest.

Risks

Breast augmentation may result in complications. These include bleeding, infection, poor healing and unattractive scarring, changes in breast and nipple sensation, and formation of scar tissue around the implant. Implants may also rupture or leak, and some people experience fluid accumulation or persistent pain. In serious cases, blood clots, anesthesia side effects, and heart or circulatory problems may occur.

Considerations

Breast implants are not meant to last for the patient's entire life, and may need replacement or removal after some years. They may also change appearance, based on the patient's body shape. Pregnancy, menopause and weight loss may all cause implants to look different. Some implants will wrinkle, distort or even migrate as the body changes.

Tags: Augmentation mammoplasty, behind breast, behind breast tissue, breast tissue, filled with, implants filled

Pay Health Care Premiums With Hsa

HSAs provide a tax-preferred means of paying for qualified medical expenses.

A health savings account (HSA) is a relatively new savings account for healthcare purposes that comes with special tax advantages. There are requirements, or qualifications, associated with the HSA that must be met to receive those tax benefits; however, this is a very flexible healthcare option, as opposed to a health flexible spending account.

What is a Health Savings Account?

A health savings account is an employee-owned savings account for qualified medical expenses. The account can be used to pay for your current medical expenses or future ones, as well as current or future expenses for your spouse or qualified dependent(s).

What Are the Rules for an HSA?

You must be enrolled in a high-deductible healthcare plan to have an HSA. For 2011, a healthcare plan is considered a high-deductible healthcare plan if it has a deductible equal to at least $1,200 for self-only coverage or $2,400 for family coverage. Annual out-of-pocket expenses are capped at $5,950 for self-only coverage and $11,900 for family coverage.

What are the Benefits of an HSA?

The benefits of an HSA are that contributions your employer makes to your HSA account are not included in your gross income and your contributions are made on a pretax basis, which reduces your taxable income. One unique benefit of HSAs is that the account is portable; once an account has been established for you, you own it and can take it with you if you change jobs. The only requirement is that you maintain high-deductible healthcare coverage. Finally, the interest you earn on the account can be distributed tax-free, along with the principal, provided that the proceeds are used for qualified medical expenses.

For What Purposes Can You Take a Distribution From an HSA?

You can take tax-free distributions from your HSA for qualified medical expenses. Paying your healthcare premiums, including COBRA premiums if you have lost your coverage, constitutes having a qualified medical expense. IRS Publication 502 addresses medical and dental expenses and has a list of qualified medical expenses. If you take a distribution and use it for something other than qualified medical expenses, you must include the distribution in your taxable income; the distribution may be subject to an additional 10 percent penalty.

Tags: medical expenses, qualified medical, qualified medical expenses, healthcare plan, high-deductible healthcare, savings account, your taxable income

Start A Cancer Support Group

Cancer patients often find that connecting with others who are going through a similar situation can help to reduce stress and improve quality of life. Support groups provide more than emotional support. They provide resources and education, as well as offer members tips on cope. If you are thinking about organizing a cancer support group in your area, following some basic guidelines can help get the group off to a more successful start.

Instructions

1. Decide whether group will meet in person or be an online forum. For rare cancers, online participation provide outreach to a greater number of people. When developing an online support group, visit www.thefreesite.com for information on a variety of free Web-related services. Contact the Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR) at www.acor.org if you need help starting a new online cancer support group.

2. Affiliate yourself with a reputable organization. This can be a local cancer center or other medical facility. Begin by contacting the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the Website at www.cancer.org for more information. National advocacy organizations such as the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) or the National Cancer Institute Office of Advocacy Relations (OAR) are other sources of outreach.

3. Determine criteria for group members. For example, you must decide if the group will offer membership to individuals with any type or only certain kinds of cancers. Another factor to consider is whether the group will encourage participation by family members and caretakers of individuals who have cancer. Some support groups welcome anyone who has an interest.

4. Create a name that reflects the support group's purpose. When people hear the name, you want them to be able to identify with what the group does. Keep in mind that you are reaching out to a particular population of individuals.

5. Choose a place to meet. Find a location that is easy and convenient to find. The meetings should be somewhere that offers privacy since people will be sharing personal experiences. Local churches, senior centers or community recreation centers often offer rooms where people can gather informally. Most allow nonprofit support groups the use of a meeting area at not cost. However, you will need to reserve the room in advance.

6. Schedule a calendar of meetings. Many groups start out with once monthly or bimonthly meetings. Some groups only meet quarterly at first. Meetings are typically scheduled for a weekday evening in order to accommodate more people; meeting on Saturday mornings may be another option.

7. Select a group facilitator. It is also a good idea to have a backup person. Find a trained health care professional who has experience working with cancer patients and is willing to volunteer his or her time to manage the group. A cancer survivor who is no longer undergoing treatment can also lead the group. The facilitator must possess both good listening and verbal skills, and know when to intervene to keep the group on track.

8. Recruit members. Because confidentiality is involved, you may want to begin with a public awareness campaign in the community. This will allow you the opportunity to provide contact information should anyone be interested in joining the support group. You can also advertise the meetings in local newspapers or on local radio stations. Many local news media run public service announcements for free. You can also get permission to post flyers in physicians' offices, at local businesses, and on community bulletin boards.

9. Pick a topic for each meeting. Then, invite guest speakers who are experts in those areas for an open forum discussion. Meetings should be planned in such a way as to keep participants informed about proper care, any medical advances in treatment, clinical trials, local health care providers, and coping strategies. Guest speakers can be an advantage by encouraging new members to attend, as well as add to the quality of the meetings. The key is to keep people interested and coming back.

Tags: support group, group will, cancer support, group facilitator, health care

Pros On Having A Career As A Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists treat cancer by using X-ray technology.

Radiation therapists work as part of a radiation oncology team to carry out radiation treatment through the use of a linear accelerator, which targets cancerous tumors with X-ray beams. Before performing radiation therapy, professionals in this field use a CT scan to determine the exact location of the cancer, so a radiation oncologist can determine the duration of radiation exposure a patient needs per treatment session. Radiation therapists can begin working in this highly paid profession as soon as they complete at least a two-year program. The good salary, along with a promising career outlook, are among the pros of becoming a radiation therapist.

Employers

Hospitals, physicians and outpatient cancer treatment centers employee the majority of radiation therapists in the United Sates, with 70 percent of all professionals in this field employed by hospitals, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Job opportunities may also exist in teaching radiation therapy and in laboratories. Radiation therapists normally work a total of 40 hours per week, often during day shifts. An employer may require that a radiation therapist remain on call in the event a rare radiation therapy emergency happens.

Training

Employers of radiation therapists often require at least an associate degree in radiation therapy or an associate degree in radiography and completion of a 12-month program focused on radiation therapy. Therapists interested in management positions may decide to complete a bachelor's degree program in radiation therapy. Certification qualifications vary by state and employer, but most radiation therapists need to complete a written and clinical exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists to attain certification before seeking employment.

Duties

Radiation therapists work directly with patients suffering from cancer, and many therapists find providing radiation treatment rewarding, according to the BLS. The radiation therapist performs treatment sessions lasting 10 to 30 minutes and interacts with patients frequently via an intercom system to calm them and make sure that no adverse reactions occur during the treatment session.

Salary

Radiation therapists earned an average annual salary of $75,450 and an average hourly wage of $36.28 as of May 2008, according to the BLS. Radiation therapists employed in states that include California and New Jersey earn higher than the national average wage, with the average salary ranging between $86,620 and $92,260, as of May 2008.

Promising Career Outlook

The BLS predicts that job opportunities in radiation therapy will increase by 27 percent from 2008 through 2018, which is higher than the national average for other occupations. As U.S. citizens age and technological advances in radiation therapy advance, the medical profession will need more radiation therapists to perform treatment on patients with cancer. Radiation therapists holding bachelor degrees may have an easier time finding employment.

Tags: radiation therapy, Radiation therapists, associate degree, higher than, higher than national

Measure Nurse Staffing

Nurse staffing can be measured several ways.

Hospitals, insurance companies, government agencies and citizen groups are always trying to figure out interpret what is going right and wrong in health care. Nurse staffing is critical to patient care delivery and achieving quality outcomes. However, no one has developed a singular, effective way to measure nurse staffing. In truth, there are several lenses through which hospital managers view nurse staffing. Therefore, quantifying your nurse staffing requires several approaches.

Instructions

1. Calculate your nurse to patient ratio. This is fairly easy. Simply tally the number of patients in a particular department, ward or in a medical facility at large, then divide that number by the number of nurses on duty. Most institutions consider a lower nurse to patient ratio a sign of quality care. The fewer patients a nurse has to tend, the more attention she can give each one.

However, many nursing researchers feel that nurse-to-patient ratios are not necessarily the best way to measure nurse staffing because often, patients are discharged and admitted during the course of a shift. Therefore, while a nurse may only have five patients at one time, she might actually have had eight or ten patients in her care during the course of her day.

2. Determine your nurse workload or utilization. While there is no one formula for a workload measurement, the idea is to figure out how much of a nurse's working time is occupied with patient care tasks. According to a 2004 study by the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation, nurses should spend no than 85% of their workday being "utilized" for direct patient care or a facility faces higher costs and poorer patient care outcomes.

3. Research your nurse retention. Look through personnel files to determine when each nurse began working with your institution. The median years worked is the most relevant number for understanding retention, though some people use average years worked for a retention measure. Obviously, the greater your retention, the stronger your overall nurse staffing situation.

4. Calculate the number of full time equivalent nurses (FTE) you have on staff. Technically, an FTE works 40 hours each week. Therefore, a nurse who works 36 hours per week is a .9 FTE. Hospitals usually have their ideal number of nurses and can tally up their FTEs to see how closely they match their targets. Because of alternate scheduling, such as the increasingly common 12-hour nursing shift, many facilities have changed their definition of an FTE to 36 hours per week since that is what a full-time nurse actually performs. This gives managers a clearer perspective when evaluating their nurse staffing.

5. Tally all nurses you have on your payroll. Most health care facilities have many more licensed nurses than they do FTEs. This stems from efforts to keep up staffing using per diem and part-time nurses. So, while some nurses may be infrequent workers, so long as they are active on your payroll, they are part of your total headcount.

Tags: nurse staffing, patient care, your nurse, during course, facilities have, health care, hours week

Radiology Programs In Minnesota

Radiography programs are for individuals wishing to pursue a career as a radiology technician.

Radiology technicians operate x-ray machines and other diagnostic equipment that assist doctors in diagnosing ailments that patients may have. Many radiology programs in Minnesota are found at private and two-year community colleges. According to Indeed.com, the average salary for radiology technicians is $68,000 annually as of May 2010.

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Minnesota State Community and Technical College is a public college located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota near the Minnesota/North Dakota state line. MSCTC offers a fully accredited radiologic technology program that will lead to an associate degree in radiography. This is an 89-credit hour program that usually can be completed within two to three years. Some of the classes you will take in this program include principles of radiobiology, radiographic imaging, imaging equipment, radiographic pathology and radiographic procedures. Graduates of this program will qualify to take the national certification exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

1414 College Way

Fergus Falls, MN 56537

877-450-3322

minnesota.edu‎

Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College in located in Duluth, Minnesota, which is in north Minnesota. LSC is a public two-year college that offers a fully accredited radiologic technology program. This is an 82-credit program that offers an associate degree in radiology technology. Graduates will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification exam to become licensed radiographers. Some of the classes include image production, clinical radiography, radiographic procedures and quality assurance in radiology. Generally, it will take two to three years to graduate from this program, not including prerequisite classes.

Lake Superior College

2101 Trinity Road

Duluth, MN 55811-3399

218-733-7600

lsc.edu‎

Normandale Community College

Normandale Community College is a public college located in Bloomington, Minnesota, just outside of Minneapolis, the state's biggest city. NCC offers a radiologic technology program that will lead to an associate degree in radiologic technology. This 72-credit program includes 38 credits of general education and is fully accredited. Some classes include principles of radiography, physics for health technologists, chemistry for the health sciences and anatomy and physiology. It takes about two years to complete this program. Once you graduate, you will be able to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification exam to become a licensed radiographer.

Normandale Community College

9700 France Ave S

Bloomington, Minnesota 55431

952-487-8200

normandale.mnscu.edu

Tags: program that, radiologic technology, this program, American Registry, American Registry Radiologic

Identify An Authentic Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas

Identify an Authentic Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas

Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has been in the business of manufacturing and distributing high-end, couture accessories. One of his most popular purses is the Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas. You can find what seem like Louis Vuitton purses everywhere you go these days, but chances are, only a small percentage of them are authentic. Most of the purses are knock-offs or copycats. If you are interested in purchasing a Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas handbag but are concerned about authenticity, you're not alone. It's difficult to keep track of the tell-tale signs of knock-offs. Telling the fake Louis Vuitton from the real McCoy takes a good eye, some patience and a little product knowledge. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Look to see if your Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas purse comes with a yellow authenticity card, a tag or canvas sample swatch attached anywhere to the item. Louis Vuitton has never used a yellow card, nor has it ever attached tags or canvas swatches to any item in any of their lines. If your purse has any of these items, it's a fake.

2. Look at the handle of your purse. Louis Vuitton never covers the handle with tissue paper or plastic.

3. Look at the leather details on the purse. It should be a pinkish-flesh color when new and a light, honey brown when aged. It should never be yellow or dark brown. Any leather trim will also have yellow stitching.

4. Check to see if your purse has a base or bottom that has been sewn on. Authentic Louis Vuitton purses are made from one single, unbroken piece of leather or canvas.

5. Look very closely at the seams of the purse. Are any of the "LV" monogram symbols cut off? Louis Vuitton never cuts into the "LV" on a monogram canvas item. Regardless of where the individual monogram symbols appear on an item, they should all be whole. One possible exception is on the Ellipse.

6. Turn the handbag around and look at the back. The monogram symbols should be upside down. If they're not, the bag is not an authentic Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas.

Tags: Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton Monogram, Vuitton Monogram, Vuitton Monogram Canvas, Authentic Louis Vuitton

Vocational Schools In Renton Washington

Incorporated in 1901, Renton, Washington, is approximately 12 miles southeast of Seattle and has a number of post-secondary educational institutions, including vocational schools. These private and public career schools prepare students for careers in a variety of fields, including some identified by City-Data.com as the largest industries in the areas in 2010, such as transportation equipment and automotive services, construction, healthcare, and finance and business.

Everest College

Everest College is a private, for-profit vocational school with locations throughout the United States, including a branch in Renton. The college is accredited by the Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The school grants certificates and degrees in dental and medical assisting, medical office administration, medical insurance building and coding, and pharmacy technology. Internships are included in some courses of study. Classes are held during daylight, evening and weekend hours. Everest schedules field trips and guest lecturers to enhance student learning experiences. Federal and state financial aid is available for eligible students. Job placement assistance is available for all graduates.

Everest College

981 Powell Ave. Southwest

Suite 200

Renton, WA 98057

425-255-3281

everest.edu

Pima Medical Institute

Pima Medical Institute is a private, for-profit health care vocational school with a campus in Renton that opened in 2004. Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, the school offers associate degrees in occupational therapy assisting, respiratory therapy and veterinary technology, as well as certificates in dental and medical assisting, pharmacy technology, phlebotomy and veterinary assisting. Online courses are available in many subjects. The school also offers baccalaureate degrees in radiologic sciences and respiratory therapy, and associate degrees in radiology and healthcare administration entirely online. All students complete an internship before completing their respective courses of study. The college participates in federal loan and grant financial aid programs, and provides job placement assistance.

Pima Medical Institute

555 South Renton Village Place

Suite 110

Renton, WA 98057

800-477-7462

pmi.edu/locations/renton.asp

Renton Technical College

Founded in 1942, the Renton Technical College is a public, two-year vocational school with more than 15,000 students. Among the more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs offered by the school are automotive technology, business technology, construction management, welding, culinary arts, education, anesthesia technician, massage therapy, band instrument repair technology, appliance and refrigeration technology, computer programming and land surveying. Day and evening classes are available, and some programs are offered on a full or part-time basis. The school also offers more than 15 courses online. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the school offers federal and state financial aid programs, institutional scholarships and work-study placements. Job placement assistance is available. An on-site daycare provides low-cost childcare for students' children.

Renton Technical College

3000 NE 4th St.

Renton, WA 98056

425-235-2352

rtc.edu

Tags: Everest College, Medical Institute, more than, Pima Medical, Pima Medical Institute

What Do You Need To Sell Insurance

Insurance is a broad field. Those interested in selling insurance can specialize in fields such as term life insurance, health insurance, malpractice insurance and casualty insurance. To become a sales agent in an insurance field, applicants must possess the requisite level of education and become licensed in their state.

Education and License

A college degree typically is not required but is often preferred by employers seeking to hire insurance agents. Those who have a high school education may be able to find work if they have the requisite sales experience or skill set. To better an applicant's chances of finding a job as an insurance agent, a degree in finance, math, economics or business helps.

Beyond education, sales agents must be licensed to sell insurance. Licenses are specific both to the state and to the insurance field. Applicants must pass a state exam to become licensed. An agent wishing to sell both life and casualty insurance must be licensed by the state for each separate field. Additionally, if the agent intends to sell insurance in different states, she must have a license in each state.

Sales Experience

Previous sales experience is very helpful to becoming an insurance agent. Further, sales experience can make up for a lack of formal education and training. Additionally, it helps if the agent has some degree or background in the insurance field he has chosen. For example, underwriters of insurance policies who want to sell insurance would make good candidates selling policies with which they are familiar.

Skills and Traits

Insurance agents often meet with clients face-to-face and spend time speaking to clients on the phone. Good interpersonal skills are necessary for success in this field. Additionally, a good agent will not look at the client as simply a mark or the means to an end for a commission. Insurance agents must be able to analyze a client's position and tailor an insurance policy that best meets those needs.

Job Prospects

A person can possess all of the previously mentioned traits but not make it as an agent if they have no job prospects. A Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report shows that many agents become employed by large insurance companies or independently-owned agencies. Becoming affiliated with a company greatly reduces the time and effort needed to become a successful insurance salesman. According to the BLS, this field is expected to grow by 12 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Tags: insurance field, sales experience, sell insurance, agents must, become licensed

Ultrasound Technologist Schools In Georgia

Georgia is home to a number of accredited ultrasound technologist schools.

A number of schools in Georgia offer programs in diagnostic medical sonography, a field the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts will grow by 18 percent from 2008 through 2018. Carrying the approval of the Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), these schools allow graduates to take the examinations necessary to gain voluntary certification in the field. The ultrasound technologist schools in Georgia are found in a variety of settings, including two and four-year institutions and hospitals.

Medical College of Georgia

Founded in 1828, the Medical College of Georgia is a public school of medicine. The school's urban campus in Augusta is home to approximately 600 students. In order to receive admission to the school's Bachelor of Science program in diagnostic medical sonography, students must first spend two years studying completing general education requirements at a community or traditional college with required courses of study including composition, mathematics, critical thinking, life and physical sciences, social sciences and anatomy. Once accepted in the program, students spend two years taking classes that focus only on sonography and gain experience in the specialty fields of obstetrics and gynecology, abdominal ultrasound, vascular sonography and echocardiography. Students complete six clinical rotations in area medical centers and clinics during the course of the program, and gain practice working with both adults and children.

Medical College of Georgia

987 Sebastian Way

EC-2424

Augusta, Georgia 30912

706-721-2759

mcg.edu

Grady Health System

Located in Atlanta, Grady Health System is a 110-bed medical facility that opened in 1892. The hospital functions as a teaching hospital for physicians and other allied health professionals; approximately 25 percent of the physicians licensed in Georgia received at least some of their training at Grady, according to the hospital's website. The hospital's School of Radiation and Imaging Technologies offers a 12-month certificate in the program. The school accepts only ten students into the program each year, and admission is highly-competitive. To be considered, students must submit SAT or ACT scores, previous college-level coursework in anatomy, physics, biology, information technology, communications, psychology, statistics and algebra. In addition, students must have graduated from a radiologic technology program, have an associate degree or higher program in an allied health profession, or a bachelor's degree in any field with proof of previous work experience in a healthcare-related field. Students admitted to the program complete clinical and laboratory training on-site and study obstetrical, gynecological and abdominal sonography.

Grady Health System

P.O. Box 26095

80 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive Southeast

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

404-616-5032

gradyhealthsystem.org

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public, two-year institution with a number of branches, including its Rome campus, which is home to approximately 2,300 students. The school offers its diagnostic medical sonography program at the Rome facility and grants both a 27-month Associate of Applied Science and a 24-month diploma in the field. Before taking classes in sonography, students in the associate program must take pre-requisite courses in rhetoric, humanities, algebra, psychology, physics public speaking, anatomy and computing. Five clinical rotations are included in the degree requirements. Students in the program study vascular, abdominal, and obstetrical and gynecological ultrasound specialties.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College at Rome

1 Maurice Culberson Drive

Rome, Georgia 30161

706-295-6970

gntc.edu

Tags: College Georgia, diagnostic medical, diagnostic medical sonography, Georgia Northwestern, Georgia Northwestern Technical, Grady Health, Grady Health System

Signs Of Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer is a comparatively rare--but deadly--form of breast cancer. It occurs when cancer cells block lymph vessels in the breast. Inflammatory breast cancer spreads faster than other forms of breast cancer, which makes it so deadly, so it's important to know the signs of the disease.

Inflammation

The most significant signs of inflammatory breast cancer include swelling and warmth in the breast, and changes in skin color, such as redness, bruising, or a red-purple or pink tint to the skin.

Skin Texture

The skin on the breast may also become ridged or pitted, like the skin of an orange, because of built-up fluid in the breast.

Other Symptoms

Other symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include a burning, heavy or aching sensation, tenderness and increased breast size. The nipple may also invert.

Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes can also be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer, although this symptom by itself can be a sign of numerous other medical conditions.

Time Frame

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer show up comparatively quickly--over a few weeks or a few months.

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Post Mastectomy Chest Wall Pain

Women often experience chest wall pain after a mastectomy.

It is not unusual for a woman to experience chest wall pain following a mastectomy. A mastectomy is an invasive procedure during which nerves are injured. Undergoing chemotherapy and radiation can further aggravate chest wall pain. According to Cancersupportivecare.com, as many as 10 to 30 percent of women who have had a mastectomy will experience post-surgical pain.

Post Breast Therapy Pain Syndrome

Those who have had a mastectomy can develop post breast therapy pain syndrome (PBTPS), the symptoms of which include chest wall pain, arm and shoulder pain, as well as numbness, edema or swelling, allodynia and dysesthesia. Allodynia means that a stimulus that normally doesn't cause pain will cause pain (hypersensitivity to pain). Dysesthesia means a painful and unpleasant sensation.

Identification

The pain is described as burning or continuous aching and can be mild to debilitating. The pain may crop up immediately after the procedure, or it may not occur until six months post-surgery. Women report experiencing frozen shoulder syndrome, increased pain when they move and restricted movement of their arms due to the pain they experience when they do move their limbs. Sleep disturbances can result due to the chest, arm and shoulder pain.

Neuropathic Pain

This type of pain and these sensations are considered neuropathic pain. The pain is the result of nerve damage that occurs during the procedure. When nerves are cut or damaged, abnormal growth of the nerve tissue will result. The tissues become thick and neuromas develop, resulting in pain in the chest wall and other areas affected by the surgery as well as hypersensitivity.

Regeneration of Nerves

After a surgical procedure, your nerves start to regenerate. When this occurs, the connections that are made by these regenerating nerves are sometimes abnormal or irregular and this results in hypersensitivity and pain.

Intercostobrachial Nerves

During the mastectomy procedure, the intercostobrachial nerves are often injured. These are sensory nerves that exit through the muscles in the chest wall and provide sensation to the upper arm and shoulder. Unfortunately, these nerves are injured in approximately 80 to 100 percent of mastectomy patients who have axillary dissection (when the armpit is opened and lymph nodes or other tissue is removed). Undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also result in poly-neuropathies, which make the post-surgical pain worse.

Treatment

This type of pain, as miserable as it can be, is not an indication of recurrence of breast cancer. Your doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and anti-depressants, both of which are effective in reducing pain. Topical treatments are also available. Corticosteroid injections or a local anesthetic can reduce the pain of neuromas. Some women opt for acupuncture, and physical therapy may also bring some relief.

Tags: wall pain, chest wall, chest wall, cause pain, chemotherapy radiation, chest wall pain