Kidney Cancer Prognosis

A kidney prognosis doesn't have to be confusing.

When someone receives a kidney cancer diagnosis, they instantly want to know what the prognosis is for their survival. In diagnosing cancer, the prognosis is normally given in five-year increments and the doctor will use a staging process to help a patient understand what her chances are of surviving five or more years after treatment.

Stages

When a doctor attempts to give a kidney cancer prognosis on how effective treatment may be, she will traditionally use the TNM staging system for identifying the various stages of kidney cancer. The T stands for tumor size and whether or not the tumor has spread to any of the surrounding tissue. The N stands for the lymph nodes, and this is a determination as to whether or not the lymph nodes have been infected with the cancerous cells. The M stands for metastases and this is an indication of whether or not the cancer has spread to any organs or bones that are surrounding the affected area. The letter is followed by a number to indicate how advanced that particular part of the staging is, and an X means that the exact advancement cannot be determined.

The TNM classifications are grouped together into an overall stage that is indicated by a Roman numeral. Stage I is a less developed stage of kidney cancer while Stage IV indicates very advanced kidney cancer that has spread to other organs in the body.

Average Life Expectancy

When creating a kidney cancer prognosis based on the overall stages of kidney cancer, doctors use information from previous cases to predict the likelihood that a person will survive for up to five years after treatment. In the case of kidney cancer, the average number of patients who will survive five years or more is approximately 60 percent.

Stages

Stage I kidney cancer generally means that the cancer has been diagnosed early enough that it is still confined to the kidney, and has not yet affected the tissue or organs surrounding the kidney. It is expected that approximately 95 percent of the people diagnosed as Stage I will survive five or more years after treatment.

Stage II is still considered an early form of the disease, but the more advanced phases of Stage II begin to show a dimmer prognosis. In Stage II, it is expected that around 70 out of every 100 patients will survive five years or more.

Stage III starts to show more advanced phases of kidney cancer, and the survival rate can vary depending on where the cancer has spread. People in Stage III run a wide five-year survival rate from 40 percent all the way up to 70 percent.

People diagnosed as Stage IV stand a less than 10 percent chance of surviving five years or more.

Expert Insight

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 28,000 Americans learn that they have kidney cancer.

Physical Reaction

Each person with kidney cancer reacts differently to the disease as it progresses. However, doctors are able to use certain common indicators that can help them see which patient's body is fighting the cancer better than other patients in the same stage. Patients displaying symptoms such as a fever, extreme fatigue, and noticeable weight loss are showing signs that their body is not able to fight the infection as well as other people. These symptoms generally indicate a more grim kidney cancer prognosis and a shorter life expectancy than other patients in the same stage.

Tags: kidney cancer, cancer prognosis, five years, kidney cancer, survive five, will survive, will survive five

Synonyms For A Bilge

The bottom part of a ship's hull houses the bilge.

A bilge is the rounded, bottom part of a boat's hull. Dirty water -- bilge water -- collects in this recess. Consequently, "bilge" has developed a connotative association with dirtiness. Depending upon the context, therefore, bilge might refer to the physical ship's component, dirty garbage water or the protruding shape of the bilge well on a boat. Additionally, bilge can be used to refer to words or actions that are considered "rubbish" or nonsense.

Bilge as Ship Component

To nonseafarers, the bilge might rightly be referred to as simply the bottom, bottom curve, side or hull of the boat. In some boats, the bilge denotes a space between the bottom interior of the boat and the exterior hull of the bottom exterior of the boat. In this case, a bilge might also be rightly referred to as a drainage well or subhold in the interior of the boat.

Bilge as Garbage

As a ship's bilge where fetid water tends to collect, to refer to something as bilgeish, bilgelike or bilgey is to point out its garbagelike qualities. In circumstances such as this, words such as grime, slop, waste, filth, trash or sewage apply with equal accuracy, emphasizing bilge's meaning of rubbish, garbage or filth.

Bilge as Nonsense

Operating in much the same denotative manner as referring to words or actions as "trashy" or "garbage," referring to words or actions as "bilge" or "bilgey" indicates their utter lack of merit or believability. Words such as balderdash, malarkey, hooey or baloney suggest similar meanings, emphasizing the fact that a synonym of bilge is "nonsense."

Bilge as Protrusion

Likely stemming from the fact that a ship's bilge is a protruding component of the exterior of the ship's bottom, bilge has also come to suggest an outward projection, much as with the similar-sounding word "bulge." Terms such as balloon, bloat, protrude or swell suggest this definition of bilge and act as appropriate synonyms.

Tags: bilge might, words actions, bottom part, fact that, interior boat, nonsense Bilge, referring words

Save Money On Braces

Save Money on Braces

When you find out your child needs braces, it can be overwhelming. Orthodontic work isn't cheap, but you want to do what's best for your children. You can easily save some money on braces if you're prepared and you do your homework.

Instructions

1. Get dental insurance. Talk to your benefits specialist about enrolling in your company's dental plan. Most companies have one and while most dental plans don't cover cosmetic work, a lot of them cover necessary orthodontic work. While your insurance won't cover the entire cost of braces, most pay a significant percentage up to a lifetime maximum.

2. Buy into a dental discount plan if you don't have access to dental insurance. A dental discount plan allows you to pay into it, and when you go to a plan covered dentist or orthodontist, your services will be discounted a set amount. It's different than dental insurance in that you don't have to meet a deductible. You simply pay the dentist or orthodontist directly instead of having them bill the insurance.

3. Apply for a medical flexible spending account or FSA through your company if you can. A medical FSA allows you to have a specific amount taken out of each paycheck pre-tax. You are then reimbursed from this FSA when you submit receipts from your medical expenses. Setting aside a couple thousand pre-tax dollars is a good idea if you know you have upcoming orthodontic expenses.

4. Visit several orthodontists. A child's orthodontic treatment, from beginning appliances to full braces, can run anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000 dollars. Prices depend on where you live and individual orthodontists, as they all set their own prices. Most orthodontists offer free evaluations, at which time they'll provide you with the exact price of the treatment, as well as any payment plans they offer.

5. Talk to your family dentist. Some dentists can do orthodontics as well, so if your child's case is a mild one, you can ask your family dentist to do it for you. He may give you a discount since he's already doing your family dental work.

Tags: dental insurance, your family, dental discount, dental discount plan, dentist orthodontist

Breast Cancer Rates In Dogs

Dogs, like humans, are at risk for breast cancer. However, the chance of your pet getting the disease can be greatly reduced through some basic precautions. If detected early enough, dogs have a good chance of surviving breast cancer.

Susceptible Dogs

Female dogs that have not been spayed are at the highest risk for breast cancer or mammary tumors. Unspayed female dogs between the ages of five and 10 are the most common victims of breast cancer.

Risk Rates

A dog spayed after her first heat has an 8 percent chance of getting the disease. That figure increases to 26 percent if she is spayed after the second heat. In contrast, dogs that are spayed before their first heat have a 0.05 percent chance of experiencing breast cancer.

Symptoms

Canine breast cancer can be detected by monitoring any abnormal lumps around the mammary gland area. If you notice a quickly growing or irregularly shaped lump, irregular bleeding or a lesion, bring your dog to a veterinarian for a biopsy.

Treatment

The first step to eliminating mammary cancer is through surgery. If detected and treated early, surgery can completely eradicate the disease in 50 percent of cases. Chemotherapy and radiation, while not completely reliable and effective in dogs, can be applied on the advice of a veterinarian.

Male Dogs

Male dogs very rarely acquire breast cancer. Although occasional cases have been documented, treating male dogs for this disease is more difficult because the cancer is typically of a more aggressive nature.

Prevention

The single biggest thing you can do to prevent breast cancer is spaying your female dog. If you want to breed the dog, then have it spayed after the first litter or as soon as possible. There is a clear correlation between spaying a dog early and avoiding incidences of breast cancer.

Tags: breast cancer, spayed after, after first, breast cancer, dogs that, first heat, getting disease

Make A Sign Stand

You can make your own sign stand in an afternoon

Whether advertising a yard sale, lemonade stand, birthday party, outdoor wedding reception or any other function, you might need a sign stand-sturdy enough to last for at least a few days. With the right tools you can make a sign stand in just a few minutes. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine the location of your sign stand. Check the approach to the location for good visibility-look out for low-hanging branches or other obstacles that might obscure your sign.

2. Dig a narrow hole one foot deep, and place the post in the hole. Fill the hole in with loose dirt.

3. Straighten the post with a level, and pack the dirt at the base when the post is straight. Tamp the ground around the post with a soil tamper.

4. Attach a 1 x 2 inch wooden board to the top of the post so that the center of the board is aligned with the post. Hold the board in place with a single galvanized screw.

5. Level the board and secure it with a second galvanized screw. Measure the height of your sign, and attach the second board below the first at a distance that corresponds to your sign’s height. Check the second board for levelness before attaching.

6. Attach cardboard or plastic signs to your stand with a staple gun. To attach heavier signage, insert screw eyes into the back of the sign, and tie the screw eyes to the sign boards with wire.

Tags: your sign, galvanized screw, post with, screw eyes, second board, sign stand, your sign stand

Apply For Medicare Part B Online

Apply for Social Security Medicare Part B.

Medicare insurance is available for qualifying persons when they reach the age of 65, and there are four different parts to Medicare. Part A is the hospital coverage; Part B is outpatient care; Part C is Medicare Advantage; and Part D is prescription medicine coverage. Each Medicare part has different rules and requirements for registration. You can apply for Medicare Part B online, or automatic enrollment may occur at the age of 65.

Instructions

1. Review the Medicare rules before registering for Part B. Register for Part A within three months of your 65th birthday. Consider whether you should apply for Part B. You may not want to apply for Part B if you are still working and have health insurance coverage for outpatient services, unless your employer has less than 20 employees. Most literature recommends Part B if your employer has less than 20 employees, since the Part B coverage is your primary insurance under that circumstance. You have eight months after you quit working or after your employee insurance coverage ends to apply for Part B coverage without additional penalties.

2. Qualify to apply for Part B. Anyone eligible for free Part A (Medicare hospital insurance) can apply for Medicare Part B and pay the monthly premium to continue coverage. The minimum cost of Part B coverage for new enrollees in 2010 is $110. There is also a yearly deductible and 20 percent coinsurance payment. If you are not eligible for free Part A coverage because you do not meet the 40 quarters of work, you may still apply for Part B coverage if you are a U. S. citizen or have lived in the United States at least five years as a lawfully-admitted noncitizen.

3. Apply for Part B online only if you are not otherwise registered. If you receive Social Security prior to age 65, you will receive a card in the mail notifying you of Part A and Part B Medicare coverage. If you do nothing, you automatically enroll for these two coverages. If you do not want to register for Part B at that time, you may return the card, following the instructions to refuse Part B coverage.

4. Go to the Social Security website to apply for Part B if you are within three months of your 65th birthday (see Resources). Have your date of birth, Social Security Number and address available. Your Part B coverage will start when you reach 65 if you apply before your 65th birthday. If you apply within three months after your 65th birthday, coverage is delayed.

Tags: Part coverage, apply Part, 65th birthday, Part Medicare, Social Security, your 65th, your 65th birthday

Document Imaging Interview Questions

Job seekers must prepare for every interview they schedule. Document imaging involves technology to store electronic versions of documents and reduce the amount of paper documentation in storage. Job seekers who are invited to interview for a document imaging position should review standard interview questions as well as job specific questions prior to the interview.

What Methods of Document Imaging Have You Used?

Document imaging has gone through tremendous technological changes in the past several years. Interviewers ask this question to find out how familiar the applicant is with both current methods and traditional methods.

Companies use different techniques for different documents. Microfilm has been used for many years and is preferred by many companies and managers. Microfilm lasts for up to 500 years and is clearly legible. The technology is easy to use.

Modern document imaging systems offer mass storage capacity and easy retrieval of documents. Technologically savvy employees prefer these systems. Hardware and software technology changes rapidly. Companies using document imaging systems must have a strategy for maintaining these records in an accessible state, even when the technology surpasses the current system.

What Was The Worst Aspect Of Your Previous Position?

Document imaging requires preparing documents for scanning by removing staples or paper clips and stacking the documents. Document imaging also involves scanning documents into the computer. Employees who crave a variety of activities throughout the day will not be a good fit for document imaging. Employees who enjoy listening to their headphones while repeating the same process during the day will fit in well. The interviewer asks this question to determine if the applicant and the position will be a good fit.

What Process Would You Use For Indexing?

Indexing provides a method for finding the desired image from the system. Planning is critical to creating a usable index where users can find the image they need when they need it. The first step that should be taken when indexing is to find out how the users typically request and use the documents. This information can be used to optimize the indexing used for document retrieval. Interviewers ask this question to determine how successful your indexing process would work in their company.

Tags: document imaging, Document imaging, this question, Document Imaging, document imaging systems, imaging systems

Help A Wife With Menopause

Help a Wife with Menopause

Many a marriage has suffered when the wife goes through menopause. At some point of a woman's life, she will go through this change. It is important that a husband supports and helps her through this time. It is the beginning of the rest of their lives.

Instructions

1. Know the signs and symptoms of menopause. The more a husband knows about menopause, the better he can help his wife. If a husband knows to expect decreased libido, weight gain, depression, forgetfulness and hostility, as well as hot flashes and mood swings in his wife, he will be more prepared to handle menopause.

2. Communicate with your wife in a positive way. Joking about menopause is not a positive method of communication. Encourage her to talk about how she is feeling. She needs someone to talk to about the changes taking place and her options.

3. Persuade your wife to seek medical attention. Her health care provider will be able to discuss medical ways to handle her symptoms of menopause. She can ask advice and all questions she may have.

4. Support whatever decision she makes as to handle her menopause. Find out more about the variety of options she has. Support the option that she chooses.

5. Encourage your wife. Many women go through depression at this point of their lives. Their reproductive cycle has ceased and this is hard for many to manage. Showing your wife that she is still a vital beautiful woman will help her immensely.

6. Show your wife that you love her. A woman dealing with the changes of her body will need all the love you can give. The times that she will need your love will usually be the most difficult times.

Tags: your wife, your wife that, about menopause, handle menopause, Help Wife

Exercises For Neuroma

People who suffer from neuromas endure sharp pain and numbness in their forefoot and toes. Often called Morton's Neuroma (named for the doctor that first diagnosed the condition), it is described as a noncancerous mass of nerve tissue that has been irritated by metatarsal bones rubbing together. This movement in the bones pinches the nerves causing inflammation, forming the neuroma.

Treating a Neuroma

Once a neuroma is diagnosed, a doctor suggests that the affected foot is rested. In order for the neuroma to heal, the metatarsal movement needs to be corrected with orthotics or a metatarsal pad and shoes with a wide toe box. Limit weight bearing, as the stress on the neuroma prolongs recovery. A podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon will prohibit high impact activities until the size of the neuroma is decreased and pain has subsided.

The affected foot cannot endure the pounding of running, jogging or jumping. You need to avoid any high impact activities until the foot has completely recovered. Testing for full range of motion and strength can help you and your doctor assess how far along you are in your recovery. Until you have no pain or limping while walking, you should modify your workouts to low to no impact activities such as swimming and biking.

Exercises to Help Recovery

As you begin the recovery process, exercises can help to ease some of the foot pain and discomfort. These exercises will strengthen the supporting muscles in the foot and ankle and increase the space between the metatarsal bones. While supporting yourself, use a bottom step to exercise your foot. Place your forefeet on the step and let your heels hang free. Raise your toes and then drop your heels below the step creating a deep stretch.

The second stretch can be done against a countertop or wall. Stand about two to three feet from the counter or wall. Then lean forward using your hands to brace yourself. Slowly bend your right knee and lift you heal from the ground. Repeat this movement on the left side and continue to repeat this motion, feeling an ease in the forefoot tightness.

The last exercise is done in the seated position. Using a sturdy chair with a straight back, seat tall. Extend one leg and lift it until the leg is not touching the seat. Flex your foot and move it in a circular motion. Repeat this exercise on the other foot. If any of these exercises cause you pain, stop immediately. The goal of these stretches is to relax some of the tightness that you feel in your foot.

Tags: impact activities, your foot, activities until, affected foot, high impact, high impact activities, impact activities until

What Causes Breast Enlargement With Thyroid Medicines

An incorrect dosage of thyroid medication can play a role in male breast enlargement.

An imbalance of the thyroid gland can affect the body's ability to control its production of several hormones that affect weight, mood and sexual characteristics. Excessive thyroid activity can cause breast enlargement in males. Medications can correct the hormonal imbalances, but taking these drugs at incorrect dosages could either perpetuate this breast enlargement or even cause the conditions for it to develop.

Thyroid Problems

The thyroid gland regulates such factors as weight, body temperature and metabolic rate. When the thyroid becomes hyperactive it can cause such symptoms as trembling, palpitations, weight loss, irritability and a constant feeling of uncomfortable warmth, according to Endocrineweb. The Armour Thyroid website's page on hypothyroidism describes that condition as causing depression, pain, impaired sex drive, weight gain and a constant feeling of coldness.

Medications

Medications exist to correct thyroid hormone imbalances. Armour Thyroid, for instance, concentrates natural thyroid hormone taken from pigs into tablet form to boost thyroid levels in patients suffering from hypothyroid. For hyperthyroid problems, Endrocrineweb lists proplythiouracil and methimazole as two medications that reduce thyroid activity.

Breast Enlargement

Thyroid or other hormone imbalances can cause gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, according to an article by Dr. Edward M DeSimone II of Creighton University. In cases of hyperthyroidism, testosterone levels drop, disturbing the balance between testosterone and estrogen, a hormone related to female features such as breasts.

While studies do not show a direct correlation between gynecomastia and thyroid drugs, the Armour Thyroid website points out that an incorrect dosage of thyroid medication can either fail to address the thyroid problem or overcorrect for it, resulting in symptoms that imitate either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. It follows, then, that a hyperthyroid state resulting from (or unresolved by) an incorrect dosage could lead to gynecomastia.

Solution

Removing the underlying cause of gynecomastia can cause the condition to reverse itself. In the case of an incorrect thyroid treatment, this reversal would involve adjusting the dosage level of the medication. Dr. DeSimone points out that if a medication is causing the condition, the pharmacist may need to find an alternative to that drug to address the illness it originally treated.

Considerations

Dr. DeSimone states that in addition to thyroid trouble, gynecomastia may indicate other serious health conditions such as liver failure, kidney disease or a tumor. He adds, however, that it can also appear as a natural byproduct of the aging process, and that in one out of four cases gynecomastia has no clear cause at all.

Tags: Armour Thyroid, incorrect dosage, Armour Thyroid website, breast enlargement, cause gynecomastia, constant feeling, dosage thyroid

The Effects Of Gamma Radiation

Gamma radiation is the most penetrative type of energy currently known. Similar to X-rays, gamma rays can get past even some of the densest materials in use, making them both a great benefit and a hazard. Because the photons comprising gamma radiation are so energetic, their effect on human health is profound.

History

Research in the late 1890s produced much new information about gamma rays and their behavior. French scientists Henri Becquerel, Marie Curie and her husband, Pierre Curie, all experimented with materials such as uranium, polonium and radium, leading to the first observations of gamma radioactivity and its unique properties. It was determined that gamma rays far exceed the energy of alpha and beta radiation, and by the 1920s large-scale applications of gamma radiation became widespread.

Ironically, many of the scientists working on gamma radiation in those early stages became radiation sickness patients themselves due to poor shielding and little understanding of possible health ramifications.

Significance

Gamma radiation became even more important during WWII research into nuclear weapons. The release of intense gamma energy from nuclear explosions was noted as one of the most important and far-reaching consequences of such weapons.

Positive applications of gamma rays include cancer treatment through radiation, measurement and tracking of fluid flows, resource exploration, sterilization of medical equipment, pasteurization and geodesic surveys. All of these make use of gamma rays' high energy and ionization levels -- especially useful for ranged applications because gamma photons can travel long distances before decaying.

Conversely, it is these properties that make shielding against gamma radiation so difficult. Similar to X rays, gamma rays go through most materials and cause significant cell damage at even low dosage.

Exposure

Gamma ray exposure is measured in millirem, or mrem. One-time exposure on a daily basis for most people is 25 mrem at most, while people working in radioactive environments with adequate protection may absorb up to 5,000 mrem at once. Anything more than 10,000 mrem is considered dangerous even if exposure is short. Beyond this point, health concerns become immediate and the risk of illness is very high. These numbers reflect studies into populations that survived the Japan bombings of WWII.

Unlike other types of radiation, gamma rays travel so fast they pass through the entire body very quickly, affecting all organs and tissue. Their ionizing patterns mean exposed body parts can become ionized, their properties changed even after the gamma radiation itself has long evaporated.

Sources

Soil and water, and therefore food sources, are primary vectors for gamma ray exposure, although levels are typically very low and do not pose a major risk. Most other sources are medical or industrial in nature. The general public may be exposed to gamma radiation through the use of medical scans and other investigative technology. Of course, nuclear detonation and accidents can be large-scale sources.

Effects -- Acute

The most immediately apparent effect are burns. Close contact with radioactive materials of an especially significant size causes damage to skin tissue. The burns are very painful and deep, making them hard to treat.

Acute effects of intense and sudden radioactive exposure are known as non-stochastic effects and are mostly related to skin damage. However, several other symptoms may occur -- nausea, hair loss and organ failure. In the event of acute exposure that causes these symptoms, treatment is well-nigh impossible and death is very likely.

These effects are associated with very close proximity to a gamma ray-emitting source such as handling of raw radioactive materials or literally touching a nuclear device.

Effects -- Long Term

The stochastic effects of gamma ray exposure are well-known to the public from coverage of nuclear fallout. The primary concern is cancer as a result of cell ionization and mutation. These cancers may appear months and years after exposure has occurred.

For women, birth defects when carrying to term is also a major concern, and a particularly long-lasting manifestation of radiation exposure that can take place even in subsequent generations. Genetic mutation can arise as a result of gamma ray poisoning, affecting people years after exposure.

Time Frame

Because building blocks of the human body such as calcium and iodine retain radiation for long periods of time, it's hard to clear the body of radiation poisoning and thus slow the damage. This is why people exposed to gamma radiation over time are more likely to develop thyroid and bone cancer.

Generally, burns occur almost instantly while nausea, fatigue and vomiting take hours to appear after exposure. Hair loss, incontinence and bleeding may take up to a few weeks to months. Doses of more than 1 million mrem are almost certain to kill a person within a couple of weeks, while 2 million mrem can do so in hours by destroying the central nervous system.

Tags: gamma rays, gamma radiation, after exposure, years after exposure, applications gamma

Breast Lump After Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation requires careful consideration.

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, reports that breast augmentation has become one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery among women in the United States. The procedure is designed to enhance the breasts by placing implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles---though the result has the potential to produce lumps about the breast area. Any potential lump should be investigated, yet some are a normal part of the healing process.

Types

Two forms of implants are used; saline and silicone, both of which have an outer silicone shell. Silicone implants are filled with a thick, sticky silicone gel, and saline implants are comprised of a thinner, saline fluid. Rupture of either of these types of implants will cause a distinct change in the appearance and feel of the breast. "A ruptured silicone breast implant may eventually cause breast pain or changes in the contour or shape of the breast," writes Dr. Molly Walsh, a plastic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic. Such a rupture could be construed as a lump on the breast.

Examination

Women who have undergone breast augmentation should ask their surgeon for assistance in determining the difference between the implant and breast tissue, then conduct a monthly self-examination. "Press firmly inward at the edges of the breast implants to feel the ribs beneath, checking for any lumps or bumps," suggests Mentor Corporation, a manufacturer of breast implants. "However, be careful not to manipulate (i.e., squeeze) the valve on the implant excessively, which may cause valve leakage and make the breast implant deflate." The company suggests that any new lumps should be evaluated by a physician.

Identification

While any lump is cause for concern and should be tested, Dr. Howard Rosenberg, a cosmetic surgeon in Mountain View, California, says that some lumps, especially recently after surgery, may be inconsequential. These could be inflammatory reactions to dissolvable sutures, scar tissue, a small accumulation of blood clots that will eventually be replaced by scar tissue or an infection or abscess. Once again, it should be stressed that any lump on the breast should be viewed with suspicion and evaluated by a physician.

Research

The National Cancer Institute reports that significant research has been conducted evaluating the potential relationship between breast cancer and breast implants. The findings suggest a reduced risk of cancer among those with implants. "Most have shown that the risk of developing breast cancer is less among women with implants compared with women without implants. In several of the studies, the size of the reduced risk was as much as 50 percent to 60 percent," says the Institute.

Risks

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that risks and possible complications following breast augmentation surgery include scarring, bleeding (hematoma), infection, an increase or decrease in nipple sensation, a buildup of hard scar tissue around the implant, implant leakage or rupture, wrinkled skin on top of the implant, general risks associated with anesthesia, persistent pain and the possibility of additional surgery.

Tags: breast implants, scar tissue, among women, breast augmentation, breast cancer, breast implant, breast tissue

Make Rays Of Light In Adobe Photoshop

Add light rays to your photos.

With the creation of computer graphics programs like Adobe Photoshop, it became possible to make significant changes to your photographs. Photoshop is used to restore old, damaged photos, retouch images for publication and fix any number of mistakes. Often, changes made using Photoshop are fairly subtle. For example, if you have a forest scene, you might decide that you would like to have faint rays of light coming through the branches. This is quickly and easily done using Photoshop.

Instructions

1. Load the image that you want to add light rays to onto your computer.

2. Open Photoshop. Select "File" from the menu and choose "Open." In the dialog that appears, go to the image that you loaded and open it.

3. Click on the "Create New Layer" button at the bottom of the "Layers" palette. Select the "Polygonal Selection" tool and use it to select a cone-shaped area where you would like the first rays of light.

4. Use the "Paint Bucket" tool to fill the selection with a yellowish white.

5. Select "Filter" from the menu and choose "Noise." From the options, choose "Add Noise." In the dialog, choose "Uniform" and "Monochromatic" and make the "Amount" 100. Click "OK."

6. Select "Filter" from the menu and choose "Blur." From the options, choose "Motion Blur." In the dialog, adjust the "Angle" to match the angle of your cone and make the "Distance" 240. Click "OK."

7. Go to the top of the "Layers" palette and reduce the "Opacity" of the layer to roughly 25 percent. The exact number will depend on your image and the result you want.

8. Repeat steps 3 through 7 to add more rays to your image. Save your work.

Tags: from menu, from menu choose, menu choose, Adobe Photoshop, choose Noise, Filter from

What Is Consolidation In The Lungs

Chest x-rays are valuable tools for the diagnosis of diseases like lung consolidation.

The lungs are two sac-like organs in the chest that allow the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the blood. Lung consolidation occurs when the lungs are infected and become filled with fluid. Pneumonia is the main cause of consolidation.

The Lungs

In humans, the lungs are located in the thoracic cavity (the chest). They are sac-like organs whose thin, membranous tissues aid in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air breathed in and the blood. Like other organs, the lungs are susceptible to infection from viruses, bacteria and fungi, a condition commonly referred to as pneumonia.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia, the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, occurs when the lungs are infected by microbes or otherwise damaged. As the body reacts to the infection or inflammation, the lung tissue secretes a fluid. This fluid is made up of water, protein, white blood cells and microbial debris. Coughing and spasms aid in getting rid of the fluid. However, there are times when the fluid builds up faster than it can be eliminated, causing lung tissue damage.

Consolidation

Consolidation in the lungs occurs when the fluid accumulated causes the lung tissue to become stiff and unable to exchange gases. The symptoms of this include chest pain, cough and fever. A health care provider may use a physical examination to check for consolidation. However, chest x-ray technology makes diagnosing consolidation a more accurate science.

Tags: lung tissue, occurs when, exchange gases, lungs infected, lungs occurs, lungs occurs when

Ekg Technician Training

One of the most important job duties of an EKG technician is to monitor a patient's cardiovascular system during surgery.

EKG technicians can specialize three different areas of this profession: vascular technology, echocardiography and invasive cardiology procedures. Technicians assist doctors that diagnose and treat the cardiovascular system and peripheral vascular problems. Holter monitor procedures are used by EKG technicians in order to record and measure heart activity. Procedures within this field involve the use of high-tech mechanical equipment and individuals must be trained and certified before they can enter into this line of work.

Job Description

EKG technicians will be trained to use a Holter monitoring machine, which is used to perform stress testing and observing the heart. After gathering important data on the heart, they report the information to a physician before they begin surgical procedures. While surgery is taking place, EKG technicians also monitor the progress of a patient’s heart rate and breathing to ensure that the patient does not have any complications during the process. Other tasks that are related to the EKG technician position include taking notes after performing diagnosis, cleaning equipment after surgery procedures, and updating a patient’s medical file.

Training

Hospitals and clinics will employ an EKG technicians without a degree, but an individual who works in this field must have a high school diploma and an EKG certificate. There are EKG schools that offer this type of training, and programs can usually be completed within one year. Hospitals usually offer on-the-job training, which normally takes up to four to six weeks to complete. Further instruction is usually required after an individual is employed in order to keep EKG technicians current with any technological or occupational changes.

Education

There are EKG technician programs offering associate's degrees that take two years of study to complete, but four-year bachelor’s degree programs are becoming more commonplace for EKG technicians. Qualified health professionals can also receive specialized training within a one-year time period. Education programs for EKG technicians must be accredited from organizations such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals (CAAHEP). Coursework for EKG programs will include Holter monitoring, medical courses and noninvasive vascular or cardiovascular technology. EKG technicians with degrees often command higher pay and are more likely to be promoted into supervisory roles.

Certification

Employers who hire EKG technicians desire them to possess credentials that prove that they are competent and knowledgeable employees. Having certification is becoming a necessary requirement for EKG technicians if they want to increase their chances with gaining employment. Even though having credentials is voluntary it is becoming a standard by employers who hire EKG technicians within the cardiovascular profession. Certification is achieved by completing education requirements at an accredited program and passing an exam that is given by a credentialing organization such as the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

Exams

Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) is the name of one type of test that evaluates the knowledge and skills of an EKG technician. Exams are computerized and they’re offered at Pearson Vu Testing centers throughout the United States. Holter monitoring, proficiency with performing EKGs and treadmill stress tests are some of the major areas that are covered on the exams. Cardiac medications and electrophysiology are some of the other parts that are contained within the test.

Tags: Holter monitoring, before they, cardiovascular system, hire technicians, this field

Stage Four Breast Cancer Treatments

Stage IV breast cancer is the final stage of breast cancer. A person is said to have stage IV breast cancer when the primary cancer, originating in the breast, spreads (metastasizes) to a site in the body distinct from the breasts. The liver, lungs and bones are common sites for breast cancer metastases. Stage IV breast cancer is not a curable illness. However, treatments exist to improve quality of life and increase longevity for those diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer.

Stage IV Breast Cancer

Stage IV breast cancer is invasive. The cancer, which originates in the ducts, tissue or glands, of the breast, extends beyond the breast and the lymph nodes near the breast. The primary cancer cells have moved through the body to a secondary area, and cancer cells have developed in this secondary area in the body. Some women are diagnosed with an earlier stage of breast cancer, and the breast cancer becomes stage IV after earlier treatment fails to stop the growth of the cancer. Other women are metastatic at presentation, which means the breast cancer has already spread into lymph nodes near the breast when the woman is first diagnosed with breast cancer.

Treatment

Once breast cancer reaches stage IV, it is not curable. Treatments are systemic and designed to maximize the patient's quality of life, minimize symptoms of metastases and extend survival. New drugs have proven successful at minimizing the pain and increasing the longevity of breast cancer patients. Treatments may include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation or a combination of these treatments.

Trastuzumab

Trastuzumab is prescribed for women with HER2-Positive Stage IV breast cancer. It is given intravenously, through an IV in a vein in the arm or hand. Its purpose is to extend quality of life, and it is usually given with chemotherapy and possibly hormone therapies or in conjunction with other treatments. Potential side effects include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, cough or fever, lightheadedness and headaches. Weakness, pain at the site of the tumor or skin inflammation are also possible.

Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab is a relatively new treatment designed to slow the progression of metastatic stage IV breast cancer. It works by blocking the blood vessels in tumors necessary for tumor growth and slows the growth of the cancer. It is most successful when combined with chemotherapy, especially Taxol.

Radiation and Surgery

In certain cases, surgery or radiation may be used to treat small areas of local metastases. For example, surgery and radiation may be used to treat a patch of cancer cells on the bone or liver in order to present a bone fracture or liver blockage. Surgery and radiation can also eliminate secondary cancer cells from small areas in order to minimize pain. Generally, this does not provide a lasting cure, as the cancer cells will return to the area of metastases or metastasize to other areas.

Treating Symptoms of Metastases

In addition to attempting to slow the growth of cancer tells, treatment for stage IV breast cancer involves pain management and the treatment of the symptoms of the metastatic cancer. Bisphosphonates are used to treat pain from bone metastases, and external beam radiation therapy has also proven effective at treating metastatic bone pain. Opiote-based or NSAIDs (non-steroidal pain relievers) have also been prescribed to deal with pain associated with metastatic stage IV breast cancer.

Tags: breast cancer, cancer cells, diagnosed with, growth cancer, quality life

Fda Registration Requirements

Restaurants that serve directly to customers are exempt from registration.

Food facilities that handle food for U.S. consumption are required to register with the FDA as part of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. In addition, food facilities must give the FDA advanced notice of shipments of imported food. This rule applies to domestic and foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption. There are some exemptions.

Facilities that Must Register

Food production and storage facilities must register.

Any establishment that processes, manufactures, packs or holds food for consumption in the United States, including foreign establishments, must register. Examples of food include fruits, vegetables, fish, dairy products, eggs, raw agricultural commodities for use as food or as components of food, animal feed (including pet food), food and feed ingredients, food and feed additives, dietary supplements and dietary ingredients, infant formula, beverages (including alcoholic beverages and bottled water), live food animals, bakery goods, snack foods, candy, and canned foods.

Registration

The owner, operator or agent of a facility that manufactures, processes, packs or holds food for consumption in the United States has to register. Violations may incur withholding food from the facility. To register, go to: http://www.fda.gov/furls

Exempt Facilities

Restaurants and charitable food establishments that serve food directly to customers do not have to register. Retail food establishments are exempt from registering. Farms that produce and process food that is consumed on the farm are exempt. Facilities that are wholly regulated by the U.S.D.A.'s Federal Meat Inspection Act, Poultry Products Inspection Act or Egg Products Inspection Act are not required to register. Fishing boats that process fish only for storage purposes are exempt. Foreign facilities that send food for further processing to other facilities are exempt. Any facility that does not manufacture or process, pack, or hold food as designated in 21 CFR 1.227(b)4 are exempt." For exempt facility definitions, see Resources.

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Alleviate Sore Nipples

The one thing that will probably arrive shortly after your newborn is a period of really sore nipples. Sore nipples are sometimes caused by positioning or an incorrect latch. However, even if you do everything correctly when it comes to breastfeeding, you may still experience a period of sore nipples. The soreness will go away in time and with experience, but the following steps may help to alleviate it sooner.

Instructions

1. Check your nursing position. Make sure that your baby is tummy to tummy with you, which makes it the optimal position for feeding. Try alternating positions (football hold, side lying, cross cradle, etc.) when feeding if one particular position is too uncomfortable.

2. Make sure that she has a very wide latch when she attaches to the nipple. One way to encourage a wide latch is to stroke her chin. Her lips should be outward on the breast and not sucked in. Her tongue should be down under the nipple and you should not hear any clicking sounds.

3. Try massaging your breasts to help stimulate the let-down reflex before putting baby to breast. Expressing a little bit of breast milk before your baby attaches softens the nipple and makes it easier for him to get a good latch.

4. Begin nursing on the least sore side first. And when you do begin to nurse on the tender side, do some relaxation techniques like breathing or visualization to help you through the first few minutes.

5. When the baby is finished feeding, take her off the breast. Do not let her nurse for comfort on a sore nipple. This will only make it worse.

6. Never just pull the baby off the breast. If you have to break the suction for any reason you should stick your pinky finger in the corner of his mouth and gently pull to break the suction before taking him off of the breast.

7. If you continue to have sore nipples that don't seem to be getting any better, or seem to get worse, contact your local lactation expert. You can check at the hospital or with the La Leche League.

Tags: baby breast, break suction, Make sure, Make sure that, sore nipples, sure that

Grants For Women Over Forty

Women over 40 years have higher education award options.

Women over 40 years of age who contemplate a return to school to resume their interrupted studies or to pursue a higher education degree have choices in grant assistance. Grants are available subject to specific criteria that apply to various awards. These grants come from a number of sponsors that include professional associations, educational organizations and foundations.

American Association of University Women

Career Development Grants provided by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) give women who have a bachelor's degree the opportunity to pursue graduate studies. These grants open doors to a master's degree and to career advancement or career change or reentry to the workforce. These awards are for studies at accredited colleges, universities or technical schools in the U.S. Women of color and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields receive preferential consideration. As of 2011, the value of the award was between $2,000 and $12,000.

Philanthropic Educational Organization

The Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Program for Continuing Education allows students to return to higher education after being away for a minimum period of 24 consecutive months. Going back to school equips these students with job skills that enhance their career prospects and quality of life. The award covers tuition, books, transportation and childcare. Sponsorship by a P.E.O. chapter is a requirement. Applicants must be citizens of and study in the United States or Canada, and be within 24 months of achieving an educational goal. As of 2011, the maximum grant value was $3,000 for this one-time-only award.

Jeannette Rankin Foundation

Applicants to the Jeannette Rankin Foundation Women's Scholarship Fund must be mature, low-income women of at least 35 years of age. They must also be U.S. citizens, and accepted to or enrolled in an accredited school to pursue a technical or vocational education, or an associate's or first bachelor's degree. The Foundation goes by estimated household income guidelines in offering this award, also taking into account the applicant's goals and plans for achieving them, life challenges and financial need.

Association for Women in Science

The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) provides a range of awards that enable women to complete their studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Satter Award is specifically for doctoral students returning to school after an absence of three or more years due to family obligations. Applicants must submit a resume, research plan, certification of eligibility and two letters of reference. Undergraduate and pre-doctoral applicants must be American citizens and enrolled in a STEM field at a U.S. college or university. They must also be planning a science-based future in research or teaching in the United States.

Bernard Osher Foundation

The Bernard Osher Foundation provides the Osher Reentry Scholarship Program. Undergraduate students are eligible for this award when they return for part- or full-time studies after an interruption of at least five years. Ideally this award targets women between 25 and 50 years. Financial need, academic promise and resolve to obtain a degree are scholarship requirements for this tuition award. The Foundation also offers reentry students access to services like career counseling, familiarization with new information technology and balancing the needs of family and work. As of 2011, grants of up to $50,000 per year with the possibility of renewal for a second or third year or for an endowment valued at $1 million were available to colleges and universities through the foundation.

Tags: higher education, this award, American Association, American Association University, Applicants must

Ekg Technician Career & Salary Overview

EKG technicians play a key role in diagnosing heart conditions.

EKG technicians, also known as cardiographic or cardiovascular technicians, perform tests that measure the strength and electrical impulses of the heart. Their work is preferred by patients because of its noninvasive quality--unlike more complicated and uncomfortable procedures involving surgically entering the body. Technicians play a critical role in uncovering heart abnormalities so physicians can administer proper life-saving treatment and prevent heart attacks or other complications.

Education

Proper EKG administration is commonly taught during four to six weeks of on-the-job training, states the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Testers typically hold other positions in the hospital, doctor's office or other medical facility, such as a nurse's aide, or are students studying to become cardiovascular technologists or other medical professionals. Additional advanced training in Holter monitoring and stress testing leads to greater employment opportunities. Alternate education is a one-year certification or degree from a college, university or medical career institute program providing formal training. X-Ray Technician Schools recommends programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals. Not all U.S. states require certification or degrees, although it is preferred.

Character Traits

Technicians must enjoy close interaction with the public and have a pleasant, professional demeanor that comforts nervous patients. They must be very astute and demonstrate quick thinking skills. Instant preparation and response is needed when patients experience a heart attack or other complication during testing. This is always a possibility, since some patients have serious heart conditions.

Job Skills

Good communication skills are needed to explain procedures and answer patients' questions. It is necessary to communicate effectively with physicians as technicians pass on EKG results. Upper body strength is needed to assist in transferring elderly and overweight patients. Skill in the use of computers and applicable technological equipment is required. Correct and precise testing can mean the difference between discovering and treating heart problems and not finding any, resulting in further complications.

Duties

As the title indicates, EKG technicians administer EKGs (or electrocardiographs) during routine exams, before or after surgery or in reaction to a patient experiencing chest discomfort or palpitations. Electrodes are placed on the body. The EKG machine then records heart activity, and a printout is given to the doctor.

For Holter monitor testing, electrodes are placed and attached to a portable EKG monitor to be worn at home for at least 24-hours. After prolonged heart activity is recorded, the technician scans the information onto a computer, verifies its quality and passes on the results.

For stress tests, technicians record a patient's medical history, attach him to an EKG monitor, take his resting blood pressure and carefully collect data of heart activity as the patient exercises on a treadmill and gradually increases physical activity.

Other tasks include accurate recordkeeping of EKG results and maintaining the care and cleaning of equipment.

Job Outlook and Pay

Faster than average job growth is expected---increasing 24 percent through 2018 due to a higher elderly population and wider presence of heart disease among Americans, maintains the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although pay varies according to location, knowledge and experience, X-Ray Technician Schools records 2008 average annual salaries between $30,000 and $41,000.

Tags: heart activity, X-Ray Technician Schools, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, heart conditions

Side Effects Of Colonoscopies

There are certain medical procedures that can cause side effects, which may be of inconvenience to patients. One of these procedures is colonoscopy. The medical procedure of colonoscopy is the method of examining the colon and rectum by inserting a colonoscope or a long, flexible tube into the rectum.

Significance

Colonoscopies are done to determine whether a patient has inflamed tissue, ulcers or abnormal growths on the rectum and the colon. Colonoscopies can detect early signs of colorectal cancer and can, moreover be a method for diagnosing change in abnormal bowel habits, abdominal pain, weight loss as well as anus bleeding.

Expert Insights

According to a study by the Telemark Polyp Study I, colonoscopies have resulted in mortality rates of approximately 57 percent. Furthermore, the study implies that this procedure can be fatal for some and the risk of colorectal cancer may arise a side effect. The Annals of Internal Medicine, on the other hand, states that 0.5 percent of patients develop serious complications.

Common Side Effects

The patient may experience a feeling of bloatedness and may release gas once in a while. Discomfort will definitely be felt by the patient, which may be neutralized by walking. A small amount of blood will also appear in the first bowel movement after the procedure. Even though these are minor side effects, it is wise to stay on alert, especially if bleeding increases after the colonoscopy. Other possible complications may arise if these are not addressed as soon as possible.

Serious Side Effects

As stated before, colonoscopies can bring serious ailments to patients. One of these is the disruption of the intestinal condition. Before undergoing a colonoscopy, the patient is required to take a laxative to release all feces stored in the large intestine. Naturally, this may disrupt the usual condition of the intestines, causing more constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory bowel diseases. Moreover, if the patient is already experiencing irritable bowel syndrome, the intake of laxative may worsen the condition.

Addressing Side Effects

After the colonoscopy, a fiber diet and water intake are required to restore the water lost during the bowel purging and to help with recovery.

Tags: Side Effects, bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, irritable bowel, irritable bowel syndrome, patients these

Breast Reduction Surgery As A Medical Necessity

Breast reduction surgery, commonly referred to as reduction mammaplasty, removes glandular tissue, excess fat and skin from breasts. Breast reduction surgery is done for several medically necessary reasons. Insurance companies have strict criteria in order to not consider this a cosmetic surgery; documentation along with pictures have to be submitted in order for the procedure to be covered as medically necessary.

Medical Necessity

Patients generally seek breast reduction due to physical discomfort caused by the weight of large breasts. According to the American Medical Association, reduction surgery is medically necessary if it is performed on an abnormal structure of the body to improve the body's function. Breast reduction is done on candidates for several different reasons, such as breasts are too large for the body frame; one breast is larger than the other; shoulder, back and neck pain from the weight of the breasts; skin irritation under the breasts; indentations from bra straps in the shoulder; heavy pendulous type breasts where nipples point downward; the inability to perform certain activities due to the size and weight of the breasts; and even being self-conscious of large breast size. Plastic surgeons generally perform breast reduction surgery. An evaluation will be done, which will document the reasons for needing a breast reduction. The surgeon's office staff can assist you in working with your insurance company to see if the breast reduction surgery will be covered as medically necessary.

Insurance Coverage

Obtaining approval from your insurance company can be a difficult process--if they cover the procedure at all. Most insurance companies have strict guidelines that must be met in order to have the procedure approved. For example, according to Aetna Insurance Company, a member must have at least two of the following symptoms for one year: pain in upper back, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches or painful kyphosis (hunchback)--documented by x-rays, or bra straps cutting into shoulders. Members also must have photographs showing severe breast hypertrophy and have documentation from a physician stating that symptoms are primarily due to large breasts and the reduction will likely improve the chronic pain. Pain symptoms have to be documented for at least three months and the member must use supportive devices, medication and physical therapy. Another criteria the patient must meet is if she is over 40 years of age, she must have a mammogram performed within one year of the planned breast reduction surgery. The last criteria is based on Aetna's table of body surface versus weight removed from each breast. The patient must fall into the defined category. Some states are getting involved in mandated legislation to ensure that insurance companies must cover the procedure if it is medically necessary. For example, Maine has a law ensuring that coverage for breast reduction surgery is provided by insurance companies that operate within the state. The cost for breast reduction without insurance averages between $6,500 to $10,000.

Tags: medically necessary, breast reduction, reduction surgery, breast reduction surgery, must have, reduction surgery

What Does A Pap Test Detect

It's important for women of reproductive age to have regular pap smear tests performed.

A pap test, also called a pap smear, is performed by a doctor to check cervical cells for abnormalities. A swab of cervical cells is taken and sent to a lab to be diagnosed.

Cervical Cell Abnormalities

Pap tests can detect abnormalities such as inflammation or a change in the normal shape of cervical cells. Often, any abnormalities found will result in further testing to determine the cause.

Cervical Cancer

A pap smear can find cancerous or precancerous cells in the cervix. Cervical cancer or precancerous cells may be detected in the squamous cells lining the cervix or the glandular cells that produce mucus at the cervical opening.

Yeast and Bacterial Infection

Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, both common vaginal infections, can be diagnosed in a pap smear by the technician finding specific types of inflammation and possibly seeing the microorganisms in the sample.

Viral Infections

The pap test can detect the possible presence of viral infections, such as human papilloma virus, since some viruses cause recognizable changes to cervical cells.

Considerations

False negative results sometimes occur, indicating that there is no problem when the woman actually has cancerous or precancerous cells present. False positives are also possible and for these a repeat test is usually done.

Tags: cervical cells, precancerous cells, cancerous precancerous, cancerous precancerous cells

Ohio Contract Labor Laws

A contract, by law, is any agreement made between two individuals or groups, otherwise known as parties. Ohio has several laws to ensure labor contracts made between contractors and unions are not designed to exploit workers.

Public Contractors

If a company has a contract with a government organization to provide a service, and has entered an agreement with a labor organization, any company that takes over that government contract must carry out the agreement with the labor group for as long as that agreement lasts. Exceptions include government organizations themselves or employers controlled by the National Labor Relations Board (such as companies registered in another state but do business in Ohio).

When a government organization gives a construction contract to a private company, it may not require the company to enter into any agreements with a labor organization (such as a union), nor force the company employees to join a union or pay union dues.

General Employees and Unions

The state will not recognize any agreement not to join a labor union. State labor codes, like Ohio's, often stand against this practice to protect the employee. Employers have in the past required those applying for a job to agree not to join a union (self-organized group) of employees in exchange for work.

The labor code lists many guidelines for agreements between an employee union and an employer, usually called collective bargaining agreements. State officials protect anyone reporting a law broken during collective bargaining, called whistleblowing. On several occasions (such as section 4111.12), it clarifies that no part of the code should be interpreted as doing away with an employee's right to join with other employees and bargain for new terms of employment.

Public Employment Contracts

Employee unions in government workplaces, along with their employers, are mediated by the state employment relations board (ERB). This board enforces public sector labor laws. Public educators (such as teachers in public schools) may not bargain for the right to pay less of the premiums on their employer-provided health insurance. The ERB decides whether a bargaining uni" (a group of employees negotiating work terms) is appropriate for the interests of the state. If not, its decision is final and may not be appealed in court. Security teams in public workplaces and police officers may not bargain with any other public employee group (which does not imply that these groups may not negotiate terms of their own work). General bargaining, involving employees at more than one public workplace, is not allowed. Agreements between employees and an employer must be in writing; they may include an agreement that the employees themselves decide by peer review who keeps work or is fired.

Tags: with labor, agreement with, agreement with labor, collective bargaining, government organization, group employees

Market Yourself As A Medical Transcriptionist

A medical transcriptionist.

Because of the highly competitive nature of finding a job in the medical transcriptions field, it is important to be able to market yourself to stand out from the crowd and land a job. Starting marketing efforts in your own city or town is a good idea, with the opportunity to branch out to other regions later. It also helps to have the right materials that will set you apart from others.

Instructions

1. Design and purchase business cards for yourself. Place your name, address, e-mail address, website address (if applicable), and telephone number on the cards. Also include any certifications that you hold, such as a Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT). You may also have room on the cards for a short tag line, such as "Guaranteed 24-Hour Turnaround" to grab a person's attention. Give your business card to your family doctor, as well as anyone in the family who is in the medical profession to hand out for you.

2. Send a professional business letter that introduces you as a top-quality medical transcriptionist to local doctor's offices. Include only information that details your medical transcriptions experiences and abilities. Be sure to highlight your skills, the equipment you own, the place where you completed medical transcriptions training, and any certifications you may hold, such as being a CMT. Include a business card with all of your letters. Make follow-up calls to these places in two weeks to see if your letter was received and to ask if you can make an appointment to discuss job opportunities.

3. Create a personal website to market yourself as a medical transcriptionist. This website should include a bio about yourself and your medical transcriptions experience, as well as the same basic information you would include on a resume. When someone is reading your website, you want them to feel confident that you are familiar with this field and are available to begin working when needed. It may also be beneficial to write an article at least once a month to place on your website to keep the content fresh and updated. These articles can be targeted to discuss the kind of dictating equipment you use and why it is good or to talk about new drugs that have been FDA approved to show that you keep up with such topics.

4. Place your resume on medical transcription directory websites. Places like MTDaily, MTStars, and MT Jobs (see References), allow transcriptionists to post their resumes and search for jobs. These are well-known websites where doctors will come and look through resumes to find a transcriptionist in a particular area. These directories also have lots of information to help medical transcriptionists improve skills, chat with other medical transcriptionists, and find valuable information regarding the medical transcriptions field.

Tags: medical transcriptions, medical transcriptionist, also have, business card, hold such, market yourself, Medical Transcriptionist

Mqsa Educational Requirements For Radiologists

MQSA Educational Requirements for Radiologists

The Food and Drug Administration oversees the Mammography Quality Standards Act and Program, originally passed by Congress in 1992. The program's standards for medical facilities are designed to ensure that women receive quality mammograms to detect cancer in its early stages. Its regulations provide facilities with the personnel standards required for MQSA certification. These standards apply to physicians, radiologists and medical physicists.

Radiology Education

Radiologists must have licensure in their states or certification from an FDA-approved institution in order to meet MQSA standards. Although every state board has different regulations, many of the states that require licensure follow the guidelines established by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. ARRT requires successful completion of a radiology academic program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these programs require students to take courses in the sciences, patient care, medical ethics, radiation procedures and diagnostic imaging principles. Accredited programs also require students to complete practical training in a clinical setting, which allows them to work with patients under the supervision of experienced radiologists in a medical facility.

Mammography Training

The MQSA's regulations state that certain radiologists must also complete specific mammography training in addition to their radiologic technology education. According to the FDA, those that met MQSA radiology education requirements after April 28, 1999, must obtain at least 40 hours of supervised mammography training. This training should include at least eight hours of instruction in each type of mammography technology, as well as education in anatomy, breast positioning, quality control, and proper imaging procedures for patients that have breast implants. MQSA regulations also state that the radiologist must perform at least 25 supervised mammograms during this training.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is a major component of maintaining licensure in many medical professions. Radiologists must further their education to maintain state licensure or ARRT certification, as well as meet MQSA standards. They must complete at least 15 units of mammography continuing education every three years between MQSA facility inspections. According to the FDA, six of those hours must involve the mammography technology the radiologist uses. Radiologists can also obtain continuing education credit through teaching-related courses. However, teaching credit can be counted only once during the three-year period, even if the radiologist teaches a course multiple times.

Tags: According those, Educational Requirements, Educational Requirements Radiologists, mammography technology, mammography training, meet MQSA, meet MQSA standards

The Job Description For A Radiology Clerk

Radiology clerks help schedule appointments.

Radiology clerks handle filing and other office-related duties for a healthcare facility's radiology department. Radiology clerks work under the supervision of x-ray technicians, doctors and nurses, performing important functions related to patient care. They answer phones, greet patients, help schedule appointments, fax and make copies of documents, and file imaging exams and films.

Basics

Radiology clerks often provide important links between patients and x-ray technicians. They call patients to remind them of upcoming appointments or perhaps pass along results of an examination. They often record patient information, such as name, address and medical history, and enter it into a computer database. Some might even keep track of billing. On top of those things, radiology clerks must organize results of various x-ray exams, quickly locating them and passing them on at the request of a physician or technician.

Skills

Radiology clerks must be accomplished typists and possess strong organizational skills. They need to be strong communicators, relaying pertinent medical information to doctors, patients and co-workers. Most also need basic computer skills, along with a strong work ethic and positive attitude. Radiology clerks should value customer service, conducting themselves in a professional and friendly manner. In most instances, they also need decent math and grammar skills, and an understanding of basic filing procedures.

Background

Most radiology clerks are entry-level employees who can learn on the job. Usually, no more than a high school diploma (or the equivalent) is required. That said, many healthcare facilities favor candidates who have worked in a similar position, such as a receptionist for a family doctor or dentist. Some radiology clerks may have worked previously as general office secretaries or administrative assistants, and some might have obtained an associate degree or certificate in clerical-related studies from a community college or vocational school.

Prospects

Opportunities for radiology clerks are likely to fluctuate with the rest of the industry, which is expected to flourish for at least the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiologists is expected to grow by 17 percent through 2018. Also, jobs for general office clerks are projected to increase by 12 percent during the same span.

Earnings

Most radiology clerks earn wages in line with other types of office workers. Much of it depends on the healthcare facility and the clerk's experience. According to PayScale.com, clerks in the healthcare industry made anywhere from $9 to just more than $12 per hour in May 2010.

Tags: also need, clerks must, general office, have worked, healthcare facility, help schedule, help schedule appointments

Average Salary Of A Radiologic Tech

Radiologic, or radiology, technicians and technologists operate equipment that produces x-rays and other images doctors use for diagnostic purposes. They also keep patient records and maintain equipment. Most radiologic techs work in hospitals. Demand for this profession is expected to increase by 17 percent between 2008 and 2018, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Average salary varies depending on experience, skill level and type of employment.

Job Features

Radiologic technicians concentrate on x-rays for imaging, while radiologic technologists have acquired further training so they can use additional forms of imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The techs explain the procedure to the patient, position the patient for the exam and record the images. Over 60 percent of these techs worked in hospitals as of 2009, and most others in doctors' offices, outpatient care centers and medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers, as reported by the BLS.

Salary by Experience

Aspiring radiology techs can complete formal training in vocational schools, universities and hospitals. Most radiologic technicians and technologists hold an associate's degree, while some obtain a one-year certificate or a four-year bachelor's degree. Most states mandate licensing for these workers, with requirements varying by state. Median hourly pay for radiologic technicians with up to four years of experience as of December 2010 was $12.90 to $20.40, and for technologists $16.70 to $22.40, according to PayScale.

Salary Range

The BLS includes technicians and technologists together in its salary figures for this profession, finding an average salary as of May 2009 at about $26 per hour or $54,200 per year. The middle 50 percent of these techs on the earnings scale were making about $43,500 to $64,000 annually, and the top 10 percent had incomes over $75,400.

Employment Types

PayScale shows popular employment situations for radiologist technologists and technicians in hospitals, orthopedic surgery, medical services and general radiology. Technicians were earning about $15.80 to $25.30 per hour as a median range and technologists about $17.90 to $25.60.

Employment Outlook

Although salaries are not significantly different for radiologist technicians and technologists at this point, those who can conduct more than one type of procedure will have better chances for employment, advises the BLS. Employment outlook is good because of an aging population likely to experience more illness and injury that calls for diagnostic imaging.

Tags: technicians technologists, about hour, diagnostic imaging, Most radiologic, percent these, percent these techs, radiologic technicians

Associate Degree Programs In Radiology Technology

Enroll in a program designed to train radiology technicians.

Radiology technology professionals take radiographs (x-ray films) of patients' body parts and relay them to a physician for diagnosis. They may also inject non-radioactive material into a patient prior to taking the x-ray to aid in diagnosis. These technicians also prepare patients for the procedure by explaining the steps, properly positioning the patient and covering certain body parts to limit patient exposure.

Houston Community College--Coleman College for Health Sciences

Coleman College for Health Sciences combines classroom theory with experiential learning in an actual medical facility. In this two-year program, students learn about radiology law, medical terminology, radiographic biology and physics as well as film processing and quality control. Later on they will learn proper patient positioning and safety around the equipment. Many students gain employment directly from the medical facility where they complete their practical training. Graduates will earn their Associate of Applied Science degree and are qualified to sit for the state certification exam.

Houston Community College

Coleman College for Health Sciences

3100 Main St.

Houston, TX 77266

713-718-2000

coleman.hccs.edu

Kent State University

The program at Kent State University takes most students three years to complete. Students must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average while completing the required 71 credit hours. Each of the six semesters in this program includes hands-on practical training at an actual medical facility in addition to classroom training. Students who successfully complete the program will earn an associate of applied science degree. The challenging course of study prepares students not only for a career as a radiologic technician, but for the possibility of later earning a bachelor of science in the field.

Kent State University

Salem Campus

2491 State Route 45 South

Salem, OH 44460

330-337-4223

salem.kent.edu

Pasadena City College

Pasadena City College radiologic technology program takes two full years to complete and graduates earn an associate of science degree in the field. Students must enroll full-time in the program and register for classes in sequential order. The school recommends that participants work no more than 15 to 20 hours per week to ensure that they have the time necessary to dedicate to their studies. Prior to applying, prospective students must have already taken the prerequisites of college level chemistry, physics, math, and anatomy and physiology. Completing these courses requires at least one year, and students must pass them with a grade of C or higher. The school requires students to purchase uniforms for the practical training portion of the program as well as have access to reliable transportation.

Pasadena City College

Health Sciences Department

1570 East Colorado Blvd.

Pasadena, CA 91106

626-585-7123

pasadena.edu

Tags: College Health, College Health Sciences, Health Sciences, City College, Kent State

What Causes Calcium Deposits In The Breast

It is worrisome for any woman to find she has a breast lump. It's relieving to know that most lumps are benign calcifications, but it's still best to consult a physician if you notice anything abnormal.

Types

Calcium deposits can result from many things such as a previous injury or a noncancerous growth. Problems with the milk ducts can also occur, such as breast cysts or mammary duct ectasia.

Causes

Breasts cysts, which are fluid filled sacs, occur from a buildup of glands and tissue blocking the milk ducts. Mammary duct ectasia occurs when the nipple becomes blocked with milk. Fibroadenomas are benign growths, which the Mayo Clinic believes are likely linked to hormones as they shrink after menopause.

Significance

Breast lumps are usually benign, but can cause some problems. Breast cysts can become sore, and mammary duct ectasia can cause discharge from the breast and irritation.

Treatment

Though calcifications like fibroadenomas can disappear after a certain time, others require medical treatment. Pain from breast cysts can be alleviated by draining the fluid, but mammary duct ectasia may require surgery.

Worst Case Scenario

Smaller calcium deposits that are clustered together and irregular in shape may be indicative of breast cancer. At this point it is recommended that you speak with a doctor about getting tests and treatment.

Tags: duct ectasia, mammary duct, breast cysts, from breast, mammary duct ectasia

What Is Digital Media Art

This is an example of fractal art

Artistic expression has evolved through the ages of human civilization based on the tools we have at hand. Ten thousand years ago our ancestors painted on cave walls with natural pigments. Early Mediterranean peoples in Crete painted frescoes on the walls of their palaces. The development of art has progressed throughout the course of human history. The advent of computers and software art programs has simply created yet another set of canvases and tools through which artists can express themselves.

Digital Media

According for the Centre for Digital Media in Canada, "media experiences made possible by the advent of primarily computer-mediated digital technologies" belong to category of media experiences known as Digital Media. In other words, Digital Media includes any picture, music file, video game or website produced using computerized or digital technology.

Digital Art

Works of Art which are created using computerized or digital technologies also belong to the Digital Media family. This Digital Media Art, or Digital Art as it is commonly called, presents itself everywhere in our society. The clip art used in printed fliers, the emergence of digital photography and the development of photopainting all serve as examples of Digital Art.

Digital Photography

According to the digital artist behind WithDigitalEyes, digital art falls into three formats: Digital photography, digital painting and fractals. Digital Photography involves the use of photographs, whether digital or from film, and computerized technology. "The artist uses image editing and special effects software to perform darkroom type manipulations." Photopainting represents another form of Digital Photography, one that involves using painting software that allows the artist to infuse the picture with additional artistic expression.

Digital Painting

Works of art created completely within the bounds of computerized digital technology and image editing or painting software represent works of Digital Painting, the second main format of Digital Art. Images produced wholly within the computer environment may present as either two-dimensional or three-dimensional pictures, depending on the artist's intent. According to SurrealPixelStudo, this form of art includes "hand-illustrated artwork which has been created by drawing brushstrokes with a pressure sensitive pen onto an electronic canvas, called a tablet."

Fractals

The third main form of digital art involves the use of mathematical algorithms to create fractal images involving repeating patterns of geometric shapes. According to Fractalus, a FractalArt FAQ website, Fractal art "seeks to reflect and emphasize the eternal expressions of order and chaos that permeates Nature's structures and behaviors as well as the intricacies of humanity through the use of self-similar patterns and shapes."

Tags: Digital Media, computerized digital, computerized digital technology, Digital Painting, Digital Photography, digital technologies, digital technology