Staphylococcus Aureus Pyogenic Infections

Staphylococcus Aureus (S. aureus) is also known as the Golden Staph and is the most common cause of many staph infections. These infections often come from stays in the hospital and contact with health care officials, their instruments and other patients. S aureus can lead to several pyogenic infections that can become very serious or even life-threatening.

Endocarditis

S. aureus can lead to the infection of the inner lining of your heart, a condition known as endocarditis. This condition occurs when bacteria or germs spread from the body into the bloodstream and typically attach to previously damaged parts of the heart. This can lead to the damage or destruction of heart valves. These complications can be life-threatening if not treated properly with antibiotics or surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Septic Arthritis

Although occasionally caused by a fungal infection, the usual joint infection that leads to septic arthritis is brought on by S. aureus. Septic arthritis happens when bacteria infects the joint--most commonly the knee--and causes severe pain. The condition is most commonly found in young children and older patients, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Treatment for septic arthritis usually involves antibiotics and the draining of infected fluids from the joint.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that spreads from another part of the body through the blood. The infection is commonly caused by S. aureus and usually affects the leg or upper arm bones, and sometimes the spine or pelvis.

This condition was once considered incurable but can now be treated with antibiotics and surgery. Recurring chronic osteomyelitis can be a very serious condition that could lead to bone death and collapse, and could possibly require amputation in some cases, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia contracted during hospital stays is common and is often caused by S. aureus. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that affects many people each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Symptoms of this infection include cough, fever, chills and shortness of breath.

Serious staph-induced pneumonias are commonly associated with patients on ventilators. In resistant strains such as MRSA--methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus--this kind of infection can be fatal if antibiotic treatment does not work. Usual treatment involves strong antibiotics, rest and NSAID medications (nonsteroidal Zntiinflammatory) .

Preventing Staph Infections

According to KidsHealth.org, the best way to avoid a staph infection is good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and take daily baths or showers. Keeping injured areas such as cuts, rashes or poison ivy blisters on the skin clean and covered is also important.

If another family member has staph, do not touch them or share towels or clothing or sleep on the same surfaces. Wash the infected person's clothing and linens in hot water to prevent the spread.

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What Happens When You Go To The Er Without Insurance

Every emergency room in the United States is required to treat patients with life-threatening injuries regardless of the patient's ability to pay or the type of health insurance he carries. Outside of these circumstances, there may be certain emergency rooms across the country where a patient with low income or no health insurance can be turned away from care.

Assess and Administer Stabilizing Care

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) requires any hospital in the country that accepts Medicare and maintains a facility dedicated to emergency room care to administer a screening exam and stabilize care to all patients who enter the ER. This means the hospital is required to determine the extent of injuries or illness and administer a level of care where your discharge from the hospital will not cause a dramatic deterioration in your condition. Basically, the ER is required to make certain your injuries won't claim your life if and when you are discharged from the hospital.

Waiting Period for Treatment

A hospital that participates in Medicare with a dedicated emergency room cannot delay the screening or treatment process to ask about the status of your health insurance or to inquire how you plan to pay for treatment, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This means you should receive no questions about your health insurance when you walk into an emergency room for treatment. The hospital is, of course, free to inquire about your insurance status once an assessment of your condition is made and stabilizing care is administered.

Transfer of Patient

If a hospital emergency room does not have adequate facilities to administer stabilizing care, the doctor is required to immediately request a patient transfer to another hospital with adequate facilities. This transfer may be done to satisfy the ER's obligations to administer stabilizing care under EMTALA regulations. A physician or other certified health care professional must certify that the risks of transfer outweigh the risks of remaining in the current emergency room. The receiving hospital is also required to consent to administer stabilizing care to the patient and have adequate space to treat him.

Refuse to Treat

An emergency room that does not participate in Medicare and is run as a for-profit business has the right to refuse to treat you if your condition is not life-threatening. This means that if you enter the emergency room with a condition that does not require stabilizing care, such as a cold, small abrasion or the flu, you may be refused treatment if the hospital believes you will not be able to pay for services. In this event, you may consider visiting a free health clinic provided by a non-profit hospital in your area.

Tags: emergency room, stabilizing care, health insurance, administer stabilizing, This means, your condition, about your

Get Rid Of Man Breasts

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Man breasts" is a very common problem. The condition -- when a man's breasts are much larger than they should be -- tends to affect pubescent and middle-aged males the most, but it can be a problem at any age. It can be very embarrassing, as breasts are considered a sign of femininity. But there are things you can do to get rid of man breasts.

Instructions

1. Follow a well-balanced diet. Losing weight will reduce the size of man breasts. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains is best. Try to stay away from foods that are high in fat, sugar and sodium.

2. Create a cardiovascular aerobic exercise routine. The best way to lose weight is to do cardio exercise at least two to three times a week for thirty minutes each time. Some of the best types include jogging, dancing, swimming, and using an elliptical trainer.

3. Begin weight lifting and strength endurance exercises. Remember that muscle helps burn fat. The more muscle that you have, the easier it will be to get rid of man breasts. When you lift weights, that is likely to tone up your chest. It is ideal to do upper-body strength endurance and weight lifting exercises every other day.

4. Visit your primary-care physician if your man breasts do not seem to decrease with proper diet and exercise. There is a possibility of a medical condition, such as gynecomastia. A medication that you are on also might be the cause.

5. Talk to your doctor about hormone therapy. One cause of man breasts is a testosterone deficiency. Ensuring that your testosterone levels are greater than your estrogen levels is a way to reduce the problem. Hormone therapy is often considered a last resort. So your doctor probably will want to know what you have made to reduce the size of your breasts and will put you through various tests before deciding to try this.

Tags: reduce size, strength endurance, weight lifting, your breasts, your doctor

Ultrasound Colleges In Ohio

Ultrasound colleges in Ohio prepare students to work as medical sonographers.

Colleges that offer ultrasound programs, also known as diagnostic medical sonography programs, prepare students to become sonographers or ultrasound technicians in a variety of settings. Students may pursue an associate degree, bachelor's degree or certificate, but regardless of the program, they must pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers exams in order to work as sonographers.

Cinncinnati State Technical and Community College

Cinncinnati State Technical and Community College offers degrees in diagnostic medical sonography. Students can choose between two concentrations: cardiac and vascular sonography; or abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology sonography. Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science with a major in diagnostic medical sonography or, if they already have an associate degree in another health-related field, may earn a certificate in sonography. The associate degree program lasts two years and includes a clinical component, although some students may need to complete prerequisite coursework before beginning the program.

Cinncinnati State Technical and Community College

3520 Central Parkway

Cincinnati, OH 45223-2690

(513) 569-1621

cinncinnatistate.edu

Kettering College of Medical Arts

The Kettering College of Medical Arts, located near Dayton, Ohio, offers an associate degree and bachelor's degree in diagnostic medical sonography. The Kettering associate degree program lasts three years total; students spend one year completing prerequisite coursework prior to entering the program, then spend one year studying abdominal and vascular technology and the next year studying gynecology/obstetrics and echocardiography. After three years, students receive their associate degree and may sit for the national registry exam. However, they may also choose to continue the program for one more year to get a bachelor's degree in health professions with a major in medical sonography.

Kettering College of Medical Arts

3737 Southern Blvd.

Kettering, OH 45429

(937) 395-8601

kcma.edu

Central Ohio Technical College

The Central Ohio Technical College has four campuses in Ohio: in Newark, Knox, Coshocton and Pataskala. The college offers an Associate in Applied Science degree, and students may choose between two concentrations: general sonography (abdominal, obstetrical and gynecological) and cardiovascular (adult echocardiography and vascular). The program lasts two years and has accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Central Ohio Technical College

1179 University Drive

Newark, OH 43055

614.292.4094

cotc.edu

Tags: associate degree, medical sonography, diagnostic medical sonography, bachelor degree, Central Ohio

What Are Side Effects Of Iodine

What Are Side Effects of Iodine?

According to Dr. David Brownstein's book, "Iodine: Why You Need It Why You Can't Live Without It," iodine is an essential nutrient required by every cell in the body. However, due to diet and environmental factors, individuals can become deficient in iodine.

Function of Iodine

Maintaining proper iodine levels in the body is important for the production of all hormones in the body and for proper immune system function. Dr. Brownstein believes that iodine may have antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and anticancer properties as well.

Iodine Deficiency

Iodine deficiency can result in mental retardation, infertility, goiter, and an increase in infant/child mortality. Dr. Brownstein believes iodine also plays a part in ADHD, fatigue, fibrocystic breasts, infections, headaches, prostate disorders, liver disease, sebaceous cysts, and vaginal infections.

Side Effects of Iodine

According to MedicineNet.com, side effects of iodine include digestive upset in the form of stomach pain or diarrhea. If you develop a rash, joint pain, fever, face swelling, throat swelling, breathing trouble, taste of metal in the mouth, symptoms of a head cold, an enlarged thyroid or sore teeth and gums, you should notify your doctor.

Managing Side Effects

Side effects can be managed and alleviated by adjusting the dosage of iodine appropriately unless it is due to an actual iodine allergy, which is rare.

Iodine Amounts

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for men and women in the United States is 150 mcg per day. However the Japanese ingest about 13.8 mg per day according to Dr. Brownstein's book, "Iodine: Why You Need It Why You Can't Live Without It." This is 100 times more than the RDA.

Testing for Iodine Levels

There are several ways to test for iodine levels. One is a basic urine test which measures how much iodine is in the urine. Another test is the iodine-loading test which measures how much iodine stays in the body after ingesting iodine. The concept here is that the more iodine the body retains, the higher the deficiency or need for it.

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What Does An Xray Show

An X-ray shows an image of dense substances within the human body. These are primarily bones. However, an X-ray is also useful for spotting tumors, infections and some blood clots. X-ray machines are a valuable diagnostic tool for medical professionals. They allow doctors to see inside a person without resorting to invasive procedures.

Benefits

An X-ray very clearly shows the condition of bones within a body. Since bones are very dense, they appear prominently in X-ray images. Doctors use X-rays to determine whether a bone is broken. If it is, the X-ray shows the doctor where the bone fractures are located so she can determine the best way to repair the bone. X-rays are also valuable for seeing deformities of the spine, problems with joints and bone spurs. Dentists are some of the most frequent users of X-rays, which allow dentists to see beneath the gums and inside the teeth.

Features

An X-ray of the torso reveals the features of the heart, lungs and digestive system in addition to the bones surrounding them. Doctors often use chest X-rays to look for problems with human organs. X-rays can reveal some heart conditions, blood clots, intestinal blockages, scar tissue and tumors such as cancer. Tuberculosis and pneumonia can be spotted in X-rays when the lungs swell or fill with fluid.

Considerations

There are limitations to consider with X-rays. They are two-dimensional images of a three-dimensional body. An X-ray shows only the densest materials inside. Soft tissue injuries can be hidden behind dense matter such as bone. X-ray technicians take images from multiple angles but it is easy to miss small tumors and blood clots. Doctors often order an X-ray for an injured area of the body, then follow up with a secondary image such as an MRI, ultrasound or CT scan.

Function

X-rays are short wavelength electromagnetic rays that pass through most matter less dense than lead. They are projected through a human body part with a photographic plate on the other side. The X-rays that pass through the body expose the photographic plate, producing the X-ray image. The denser parts of the body, such as bone, block more X-rays than the less dense parts. Doctors often inject dense liquids into the body so certain areas show up better on X-ray images. This can reveal cavities of the body that leak or the shape and size of an internal organ.

History

X-rays have been used since 1896. German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen won a Nobel Prize for his work with X-rays. In fact, another term for X-rays is Rontgen rays. It was Rontgen who first suggested a medical use for X-rays. He accidentally exposed his wife's hand on a photographic plate with X-rays, revealing the bones in her hand.

Tags: blood clots, Doctors often, photographic plate, with X-rays, X-ray shows

Sacramento Tech Schools

People attend technical schools to get training for occupations that require a significant amount of manual labor. At Sacramento, the capital city of the state of California, students at technical schools gain skills to prepare them for opportunities in the medical, industrial, information technology and culinary fields.

Anthem College

A member of the college campus conglomerate Anthem Education Group, Anthem College has a location at Sacramento that was established in 1992. The Sacramento campus focuses on health care training, with the following associate degree programs: dental assistant, massage therapy, medical assistant, medical billing and coding, pharmacy technician and surgical technologist. To complete any of these programs, students need at least 40.3, 46, 31.5, 30.5, 35 and 57.1 credit hours, respectively.

Bryan College

Bryan College's Sacramento campus also focuses on training for health care professions. Three of its four programs are: advanced health and fitness training, advanced therapeutic massage and bodywork and health information management and coding. There is a court reporting program, however, for those interested in transcribing audio and producing transcripts of legal events such as court hearings or depositions.

Kaplan College

The Sacramento location of Kaplan College -- named after the education-focused corporation of which it is a subsidiary -- has about half of its programs in the health care sector. Students who wish to become dental assistants, medical assistants or medical office specialists can get their diplomas from Kaplan College Sacramento. The campus, however, also offers diplomas for aspiring computer support technicians and licensed vocational nurses, and an associate's degree in criminal justice.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

Le Cordon Bleu, a hospitality education institution, has more than a dozen locations throughout the United States. Its Sacramento campus offers two certificate programs: the traditional Culinary Arts and the pastry-focused Pâtisserie and Baking. A less extensive study option is the "Chef's" series, a mixture of step-by-step demonstrations and hands-on training from the school's instructors that is particularly designed for food-lovers and enthusiasts.

Tags: Sacramento campus, College Sacramento, health care, Kaplan College, Anthem College, assistants medical

Radiography Flagging Requirements

Diagnostic devices such as the x-ray help physicians diagnose medical problems.

The human body develops various symptoms when they contract certain illnesses. However, these symptoms often indicate a broad range of possible conditions, so healthcare professionals have to rely on radiography to look inside the bodies of their patients in search of abnormalities. To avoid medical malpractice lawsuits and to ensure that they catch some diseases early, medical professionals must perform radiography techniques when they notice certain indicators.

Radiography Communication

Radiography departments must have effective communication with other areas of the hospital to ensure that other members of the department know of any abnormal results found in x-rays so that other professionals can conduct diagnostic tests so that the professionals can identify the source of these abnormalities. Poor communication can lead to the professionals forgetting some patients, which can lead to some patients going without further exploration. Follow-up screenings are crucial since many health problems are more easily resolved if the healthcare professionals catch the problems early on. Also, poor communication can lead to patients receiving the wrong tests, which can lead to wasted money and unnecessarily exposing patients to radiation. Professionals must not only interpret the results of the diagnostic screening, but must also flag the interpretation in a computer system so that other professionals are aware of the interpretation.

Abnormal Results

Flagging refers to situations under which professionals should provide certain types of screening, such as in radiography. Doctors who do not perform health screens when patients show signs of potentially dangerous health conditions can be sued for medical malpractice. However, some diagnostic screening methods such as X-rays produce radiation that can cause health problems if the healthcare professional uses these screening methods too often. Also, these diagnostic devices are often abused, since professionals can make a profit by requiring screenings that are not necessary. The red flag situations under which professionals should conduct diagnostic screenings vary from procedure to procedure and are based off the latest medical research.

Red Flag Requirements

The red flag rule requires that professionals develop identity theft mitigation programs. The red flag rule once applied to doctors, because doctors allowed patients to establish accounts that allow the patients to make multiple payments, but in 2010, president Barack Obama signed into law legislation that states that doctors do not have to abide by the red flag rule.

Patient Consent

Research published in the Journal of Chiropractic Education in 2006 reported that 60 to 100 percent of interns reported that they would perform diagnostic screenings for their patients. However, when they get into practice, many professionals run into both cost issues and concerns with patients over radiation exposure. They must understand the flagging requirements and report them to the patients.

Tags: flag rule, that other, when they, communication lead, conduct diagnostic, diagnostic screening

Framing Consultant Job Description

A framing consultant recommends innovative choices to frame art and photos.

Picture frames attractively display photographs, drawings, certificates, paintings and mirrors. A framing consultant advises clients on the best frames to enhance the materials showcased. According to PayScale, United States framing consultants earned annual salaries between $19,877 and $29,320 as of 2010.

Job Duties

A framing consultant must clearly understand clients' needs and budgets. She typically provides several choices to customers and explains the pros and cons of each. Framing consultants often deliver or package the finished product for shipment.

Skill Requirements

To properly frame material, a framing consultant must have skills in glass cutting, frame construction and alteration. She must be adept at using cutting and matting tools. It is helpful for a framing consultant to have a good eye for creatively combining textures, colors and different frame styles.

Preferred Background

Although not a solid requirement, most employers prefer that framing consultant candidates have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Completed courses in photography or picture framing techniques are beneficial, and experience working with physically sensitive artistic materials is an asset.

Tags: framing consultant, consultant must, framing consultant, framing consultant must

Prevent Brown Discharge Caused By Birth Control

Brown discharge caused by birth control is an embarrassing medical problem that many women deal with monthly. It is important to remember that brown discharge is not always a sign of infection or a serious medical problem. According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, brown discharge is usually old blood that is often a sign that you are ovulating, or a breakthrough of blood before the start of a menstrual period. If you are a woman who has experienced brown discharge before or during your monthly cycle, there are steps that you can take to stop the unwanted discharge.

Instructions

1. Take all birth control medication as prescribed. Do not skip pills or take more pills than prescribed in an attempt to alter your monthly cycle. Failure to take birth control pills as prescribed can change the hormone levels in the body which can affect your monthly cycle.

2. Only take birth control that has been prescribed to you by a physician that you have seen personally. Birth control dosages are prescribed based on the level of hormones needed to regulate the menstrual cycle of an individual patient. Taking birth control pills that have not been prescribed for you could cause poor control of your monthly cycle.

3. Stay hydrated and cleansed. Drinking at least six, eight-ounce glasses of water each day (along with a glass of cranberry juice at a meal) will help keep your system cleansed and hydrated. Staying completely hydrated and cleansed will often help prevent brown discharge while taking birth control as prescribed.

4. Discuss increasing the strength of your birth control or switching birth control brands. In some situations, taking birth control that is not strong enough to regulate a woman's period could cause brown discharge and irregular periods. If taking a stronger dose of your current birth control pill does not prevent brown discharge, discuss switching birth control medication. In many cases changing birth control medication will stop brown discharge from occurring.

Tags: birth control, brown discharge, birth control, monthly cycle, your monthly

Prevention Of Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities can occur any time, from birth to maturity around the age of 22. These chronic conditions may be due to mental or physical impairments. Prevention depends on early detection and treatment. Some developmental disabilities, however, are inherited and cannot be prevented.

Pregnancy

The risks of birth defects and developmental disabilities can be reduced by proper nutrition during pregnancy. Folic acid has been identified as crucial to the proper development of the brain and nervous system. Avoiding alcohol eliminates the occurence of fetal alcohol syndrome. If there is a family history of genetic disorders, ask for genetic screening. Avoid illegal drugs and consult a medical professional before taking any over-the-counter medication. Maintain regular prenatal care to reduce risks.

Signs and Symptoms

Infant development progresses in a predictable pattern. Each child matures at his or her own pace but general guidelines are available. Infant development focuses on large motor skills and movements. Consistent delays in rolling over, sitting up, crawling or any other physical skills may indicate a developmental disability. Once large motor skills such as walking are mastered, the focus on smaller muscle movements begins. Learning to button and zip or color with a crayon are some of the first small muscle skills. These fine muscle skills are refined throughout childhood. Passing objects from one hand to another is an important physical skill as it requires movement across the median of the body. Difficulty with this task may be one of the first signs of a problem.

Prevention and Treatment

The causes of many developmental disabilities are unknown. Environmental factors can be managed to eliminate some physical disabilities. Avoiding loud noises, such as headphones turned up, can prevent deafness. Eating a nutritious diet can reduce the risk of problems owing to malnutrition. Gluten intolerance or other food allergies can create symptoms similar to some developmental disabilities such as ADHD. Many disabilities, such as Spina bifida or Down syndrome, are not preventable. Some of these conditions can be treated effectively with behavioral, occupational or speech therapy.

Early treatment can reduce or eliminate the effects of some developmental disabilities. Autism may be treated with behavioral, occupational and social therapy to reduce some of the behaviors. If treatment begins in early childhood, the symptoms may disappear as the child learns to manage the sensory inputs he or she receives. Chiropractic treatment is another therapy that may improve some developmental disabilities such as Asperger syndrome. Changes in diet to eliminate gluten, additives and preservatives are alternative methods of treatment that have received attention.

Tips

Join an organization specific to the developmental delay of your child. Talk with other parents to understand what services are available locally and to create a sense of community. Research current treatment options and stay informed. Research is conducted on many disabilities, and new treatments may emerge that benefit your child.

Warning

Preventing developmental disabilities may not be possible. Preventing some of the underlying causes and treating the symptoms may be the best outcome possible.

Tags: developmental disabilities, disabilities such, behavioral occupational, developmental disabilities such, Infant development, large motor, large motor skills

Read An Xray With Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are several things to look for when reading an X-ray for rheumatoid arthritis.

Doctors use X-rays and blood tests to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation and damage to the joints. While X-rays alone are not usually sufficient to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, they can provide doctors with good clues so they can order blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Reading an X-ray for rheumatoid arthritis involves looking at the joints and surrounding tissues to determine if swelling and deterioration are present. Do not try to self-diagnose by reading your own X-rays. If you suspect rheumatoid arthritis based on an X-ray, consult with your doctor.

Instructions

1. Look at the spaces between the joints in your hands or feet to see if the space between the bones is bigger or smaller than the space on a previous X-ray. Increased joint space indicates swelling in the joint, a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Decreased joint space is a sign of joint erosion, which could be a result of rheumatoid arthritis. Deteriorating bones may look like a big lump instead of distinct bones.

2. Examine the color of the white area on the X-ray. The white areas showing your bones should be even through each bone. Areas that vary in intensity (ranging from dark to light) can indicate eroding or deteriorating bones.

3. Check for bone abnormalities and deformities. Advanced stages of rheumatoid arthritis can cause extensive deformities, especially in the wrists and hands. Compare current X-rays with previous ones to check for bone deformities and examine the differences between X-rays of each hand to spot any differences.

Tags: rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests, diagnose rheumatoid, diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, joint space

Forensic Advanced Degrees

Working in forensics requires advanced degrees in different disciplines.

Forensics is the application of sciences to investigate and establish facts about a subject, crime or culture. Forensic science includes chemistry, anthropology, computer data recovery, crime scene investigation techniques and psychology, as well as other laboratory sciences and photography.

Forensic Psychology Degrees

An advanced degree in forensic psychology typically is a doctorate. The course of study licenses the forensic scientist as a psychologist and trains the individual in clinical forensics. The coursework includes the combining of psychology, research, law and criminology. An emphasis is on applying mental health techniques to legal arguments.

Computer Forensic Degrees

Advanced computer forensic degrees teach the student additional programming techniques. These techniques are used for advanced data recovery, crime scene investigation and computer surveillance. Careers at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security or private investigation firms are common for individuals with this degree. Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, has one of the leading advanced computer forensic degree programs, a Master of Science degree in computer technology specializing in cyber forensics.

Forensic Science Degrees

Advanced degrees in forensic science are offered at numerous criminal justice colleges and universities. The program consists of scientific methods used in legal matters, including chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology. This advanced forensic degree combines forensic anthropology, forensic biology and crime scene investigation techniques. A student can advance to a doctorate degree upon completion of the master's program in forensic science.

Forensic Chemistry Degrees

Forensic chemistry utilizes chemistry to investigate crimes. Michigan State University has one of the more prominent advanced forensic chemistry programs available. The courses are laboratory and research intensive as well as an internship program. The degree is taught through the School of Criminal Justice and the students must enroll in a doctorate program in chemistry as well as the master's degree program in forensic chemistry. Forensic chemists concentrate on DNA analysis, materials make-up and a variety of chemical analysis found at crime scenes.

Tags: crime scene, crime scene investigation, scene investigation, advanced forensic, data recovery, data recovery crime

Screening For Cervical Cancer

Screening for cervical cancer helps identify and prevent cervical cancer from spreading. Early detection is the key to a higher survival rate. Having regular pap smears and checking for HPV are successful ways to locate cervical cancer in its early stages.

Significance

Screening for cervical cancer is crucial for quick recovery. Identifying it early allows doctors to treat it before it spreads, preventing cancer in other organs.

Identification

Cervical cancer is identified by locating abnormal cell growth in the cervix. A doctor scrapes the inside of the cervix and observes the sample through a microscope.

Types

A pap smear is used to locate abnormal cell growth, the main indicator of cancer. A HPV screening is used to indicate if a person is at a higher risk of developing cancer.

Time Frame

Women should have a cervical cancer screening every six months.

Misconceptions

Many women assume they cannot get cervical cancer at a young age. Jade Goody, a Big Brother UK contestant, died from cervical cancer at the age of 27.

Tags: cervical cancer, abnormal cell, abnormal cell growth, cancer screening, cell growth, Screening cervical

Food For A Stomach Ulcer

Ulcers are lesions in the stomach lining caused by penetration by acids and juices produced by the digestive system. Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is the culprit in the majority of ulcer cases. While specific foods are no longer thought to cause ulcers, sufferers should follow a diet that avoids stimulating these acids and fluids. Spicy foods are not the only irritants; trigger foods vary among individuals.

What to Avoid

Ulcers can be aggravated by cigarette smoke, caffeine, NSAIDs (usually in the form of aspirin or ibuprofen) and excessive alcohol intake. Spicy foods may be a problem for some, but so might any other food, regardless of its heat, acidity or richness.

The Milk Myth

For years, people have been drinking milk to "cure" ulcers. Milk may provide temporary relief from ulcer symptoms, but it does more harm than good. While coating the stomach lining, which in theory should help, milk also steps up the production of stomach acids and other fluids involved in digestion, worsening the problem.

Identifying Trigger Foods

It might seem difficult to discover which foods are problematic for the individual. One possibility is as simple as not consuming anything that causes heartburn.

Food Allergies

When antibiotic treatment fails to eradicate H. Pylori, food allergies might be to blame. Sandy Newmark, M.D., of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, suggested in an interview with Dr. Andrew Weil that patients try one of a variety of elimination diets for four to six weeks. Eating foods free of soy, wheat, peanuts and tree nuts, fish, shellfish and cow's milk will help to determine if a food allergy exists.

Vitamin C

A study done at the San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center found a link between vitamin C deficiency and the presence of H. pylori. While the evidence is inconclusive, eating foods rich in the vitamin might be helpful.

Soothing Teas

Two types of tea, peppermint and chamomile, can be comforting to those with ulcers. These herbal elixirs are not just psychologically healing; they actually calm the stomach lining.

Numbing Tea

Another type of tea can be helpful, but for a different reason. Drinking red pepper tea, made from hot water and cayenne pepper, may seem counter-intuitive. However, it helps numb stomach pain caused by ulcers.

Tags: stomach lining, Spicy foods

Get Stage 3 Breast Cancer Information

Breast cancer has become so common nearly everyone that hasn't had it knows someone who has. Everyone has healthy cells making up the body's tissue that grow, divide, and replace themselves. Sometimes cells can't control their growth. They begin growing too fast, make too much tissue, and form tumors. Some are benign and aren't a threat, but others are malignant and can kill nearby healthy tissue and organs. After your doctor diagnoses cancer, tests will be done to find out the size of the tumor and how far it has spread. In Stage III breast cancer, the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters (around 2 inches) and may have spread to lymph nodes under the arm or in the chest.

Instructions

Get Stage 3 Breast Cancer Information

1. Ask an oncologist for information. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. Your doctor will refer you to an oncologist after your diagnosis, and your oncologist will be your best source of information. If you have a preference for a certain specialist or medical facility that has an excellent success rate in treating Stage III breast cancer, ask your doctor to refer you.

2. Call one of the many organizations that provide free information on Stage III breast cancer. The National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organization (888-80NABCO) provides information and assistance to anyone with questions about breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (800-462-9273) is a national organization that provides research, education, and culturally diverse information about breast cancer. The American Caner Society (800-227-2345) is a national community-based voluntary organization that tries to eliminate cancer through prevention, research, education, and service. The National Cancer Institute (800422-6237) offers a description of clinical trials available for women with breast cancer.

3. Read one of the many books written to help people with breast cancer understand the disease. "The Breast Cancer Epidemic" by Dwight Thomas, M.D., "The Breast Cancer Journey Planner" by Carrie S. Sanders, and "Be a Survivor: Your Guide to Breast Cancer Treatment, Third Edition" by Vladimir Lange are just a few of the books that can give you information on Stage III breast cancer. Check your library for no-cost information.

4. Visit a support group. Since 1 of 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, support groups to help people deal with cancer are available in almost every community. Other people who have been through Stage III breast cancer treatment can often give you the best information. Health care providers can help you find a support group in your area.

5. Ask a social worker at your hospital or clinic for breast cancer programs near your home. They can refer you to local and national groups that can help you with information, financial aid, home care, transportation, and emotional support. Other staff members can also help you find information.

Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer, Stage breast cancer, information Stage, with breast, with breast cancer

Making Barcodes

If you want to sell and ship products on a national or international scale--whether it be a CD, book or T-shirt--you have to make barcodes for them. A barcode is a part of a larger system that retailers, distributors and other similar parties use to get automatic information about a product using a computer and a scanner. It is fairly easy to create barcodes online in a matter of minutes.

Gather Your Identifying Numbers

Before you create a barcode you have to have your identifying number handy. This is the information that will be associated with the barcode so that whenever someone scans the item the product name, price and other details will be displayed on a computer.

There are several different types of bar codes that you might need to make for different types of items, with the most common ones being for books and magazines (ISBN and ISSN), other retail products (UPC, EAN-13 and EAN-8), distribution channels (ITF-14) and shipments (EAN-128).

You have to contact the various authorities who regulate these numbers. For ISBNs and ISSNs, for instance, you would go to isbn.org or issn.org. The Uniform Code Council (uc-council.org) is your source for UPC, EAN-13 and EAN-8 code information (ITF-14 codes are also based on UPC information). EAN-128 (which is a variation of what are called Code-128 barcodes) are maintained by AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers) at aimglobal.org.

Generate the Barcode Online

Once you have your identifying information, whether it be an ISBN or a UPC code, you can then go forward to create your barcode. Go to createbarcodes.com, which charges $10 per barcode and allows you to generate the image instantly on your computer. Enter in your identifying number, price and other information using the easy-to-navigate wizard. When you're ready to generate the code click "Proceed" at checkout to create the file. The finished barcode image will be delivered to your email.

There are also some free services available for creating a barcode, but they have less options and the output file can be very small. There could be trouble scanning the barcode if it is used on an actual product.

Convert the Barcode

The barcode will be delivered to you as a high-resolution EPS (encapsulated postscript) file. You may be able to simply insert the EPS file as is into your graphic design document for your packaging, or you may have to convert the file to a .TIF or .JPG format. Use Adobe Photoshop or another similar image editing program to do this conversion. Finally, "Insert Picture" will adapt the converted file into whatever program you are using to create your packaging. You can then go forth to print the packaging--retail stores and distribution networks will be able to to scan the barcode to get instant information about the item.

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Radiation Procedures For Prostate Cancer

According to information from the medical website Medline Plus, the threat of prostate cancer looms larger as one ages, becoming a viable threat for men over the age of 50. Detecting prostate cancer is important for maximizing survival rate, so become attenuated to the early symptoms, including changes in your urinary habits, pain while ejaculating or localized pain in the prostate region or the lower back. Where prostate cancer appears, radiation therapy is one of the more accepted means of fighting the disease.

Radiation Theory

Understand the theory behind radiation therapy in order to grasp its importance in treating prostate cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, radiation therapy consists of the emission of focused beams of radiation into the body through internal or external sources. This radiation acts to damage the cancer cells at a genetic level, corrupting their DNA and rendering them unable to continue dividing. Unfortunately, radiation therapy is not an incredibly precise procedure, so some collateral damage to healthy tissue occurs during the procedure as well. This can lead to side effects such as nausea, fatigue, impotence and incontinence problems through both the bladder and bowel.

External Radiation

Know that external radiation therapy is the preferred method for dealing with prostate cancer of all stages. External radiation therapy consists of radiation applied from an outside source, such as a machine that emits gamma or X-rays. According to the American Cancer Society, external radiation therapy is usually applied daily (five days out of the week) for a stretch of seven to nine weeks at a time before giving the body a break from treatment. More advanced methods of external radiation treatment are able to minimize damage to surrounding tissue by providing more targeted radiation. These methods include proton beam therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and 3D conformal radiation therapy.

Internal Radiation

The other primary method of applying radiation therapy for prostate cancer is internal radiation, or brachytherapy. According to the ACS, internal radiation therapy is really only used for cases of prostate cancer that are detected early and have yet to spread outside of the prostate. During this form of treatment, small pellets containing radioactive material will be injected into the prostate gland and left there permanently. Over time, the radioactive material in these pellets will decay, releasing radioactive energy to kill the cancerous cells. The major advantage of this form of treatment is that it is much less likely to affect surrounding tissue. Oftentimes, internal radiation therapy is combined with external radiation therapy, increasing your odds of forcing prostate cancer into remission.

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Implanted Morphine Pump & Mri Safety

MRIs use strong magnetic fields to create their images.

Although magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, can give doctors important diagnostic information, patients with implanted morphine pumps or other devices may need to avoid MRI procedures.

MRI

An MRI scanner generates a powerful magnetic field, instead of the radiation used by X-ray methods, to reveal soft-tissue abnormalities within the patient's body.

Morphine Pump

A morphine pump, also called a "spinal infusion pump," injects continuous painkiller medication through a catheter directly into the spinal fluid of patients who cannot control their pain through traditional methods, according to MedCentral Health System.

MRI and Implants

According to the UCSF Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, patients with drug infusion pumps or similar devices should avoid MRI scans because the scans could affect the pump's magnetic components and programming.

Emergency Exceptions

Whereas UCSF states that morphine pump recipients should absolutely not undergo MRI procedures, the MedCentral Health System website states that in an emergency, technicians may decide to follow special protocols to perform an MRI on such a patient.

Considerations

Infusion pumps make up just one category of implantable devices that can cause problems during an MRI scan. Patients with pacemakers could die of an MRI-induced malfunction.

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Symptoms Of Paget'S Disease

The symptoms of Paget's disease of the bone can be unpredictable. Some people never experience symptoms, some have symptoms only in very localized areas of the body and others suffer symptoms all over the body. Once symptoms appear, a bone scan and blood tests are taken to diagnose the condition. Treatment involves medication designed to address the painful symptoms and put the condition in remission.

Tendons

Paget's disease can have an effect on the tendons that surround the affected bones. The condition may accelerate the wear and tear on tendons and joints until arthritis begins to set in. When this occurs, the joints may begin to swell and moving can become painful. The joints also may become stiff and difficult to move.

Nerve Symptoms

One of the effects of Paget's disease is bone enlargement. As the bones expand, they can begin to put pressure on surrounding nerves by pressing them against internal organs or pinching the nerves in between two bones. When this occurs, there initially will be sharp pain in the affected area that may evolve into a constant burning pain. If this is left untreated, the burning pain may develop into a tingling sensation and then eventually into a numbness. The nerve pain can combine with bone pain generated by Paget's disease to create an extremely uncomfortable condition.

Skull Symptoms

When Paget's disease starts to affect the bones of the skull, pressure is put on the brain. This can create symptoms including severe and persistent headaches, vision problems such as double vision or blurred vision that could turn to a complete loss of vision, and hearing problems that start as tinnitus and could develop into total hearing loss.

Bone Pain

Paget's disease attacks the bones and creates a constant, dull and aching pain. It is possible that this pain is most severe during the night. As the condition progresses, the bone pain may become powerful enough to wake a person from a sound sleep. The bones also may become brittle if the condition goes untreated, and this could result in fractures.

Expert Insight

According to Mayo Clinic, Paget's disease normally shows symptoms later in life and many people dismiss this bone pain as a part of growing older. As with any condition, the earlier Paget's disease is detected, the more successful treatment may be. Mayo Clinic recommends reporting bone pain to a doctor right away to prevent Paget's disease from causing long-term damage.

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Hmo Vs Ppo Advantages & Disadvantages

Negotiating the choices that come with health insurance can be a complicated and frustrating process for individuals who simply want to visit the doctors they trust and receive the care they need. One way to break through the confusion surrounding health care is to understand the key differences between two of the major types of health care providers: HMOs, or health maintenance organizations, and PPOs, or preferred-provider organizations.

Similarities

HMOs and PPOs are similar in some key ways. Both allow you to choose from among multiple doctors and specialists when you need care. Both HMOs and PPOs include networks of primary care physicians and specialists such as dermatologists, cardiologists, gynecologists and ear, nose and throat specialists. This means that you can get all of your care through your HMO or PPO coverage, eliminating the need for additional insurance or a second health plan for your family.

Differences

One of the major differences between HMOs and PPOs is the way insured members pay. With an HMO, you make a co-payment each time you visit a doctor or receive service. The HMO pays for the additional cost of your treatment. PPOs operate like other forms of insurance by including a deductible. If you or someone in your family needs medical care, you're responsible for paying the deductible before the PPO begins to contribute.

The other major difference involves the choice of doctors. With an HMO, you must choose an approved primary care provider who will then need to refer you to an HMO member specialist. With a PPO, you can see any specialist within the network without the approval of your physician.

Pros and Cons

HMOs offer the savings and convenience of no-deductible health care. However, insured members are restricted to doctors within the HMO network. They must also wait for approval before seeing a specialist except in emergency situations. In contrast, a PPO can potentially cost more since families mush first pay their deductible before the insurance pays for their care. PPOs allow insured members to choose any doctor, including those outside the network. However, with outside doctors the PPO covers a much smaller percentage of the cost.

Considerations

Many health insurance customers don't have a choice between an HMO and a PPO. Instead, their employers offer one or the other through employee benefit group coverage. Employers make a choice between HMOs and PPOs based on availability, cost and the size of their workforces. Both options generally cost less than individual health plans because the risk of health costs is spread across all members of the group, and everyone's coverage costs the same amount.

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Foods That Help Prevent Cancer

Research Lab

Messages abound telling us we may stave off cancer by eating certain foods, and the scientific community believed it could document links between foods and cancers. In truth, the science is complex, and, "the strength of the message is not matched by the strength of the evidence," according to Dr. Barnett Kramer, of the National Institutes of Health. That said, there are several foods that are thought to help reduce the risk of cancer.

Top 10 Health Foods

The Mayo Clinic developed five criteria for health foods:

High in nutrients vitamins, fiber and minerals

High in antioxidants and phytonutrients such as beta carotene and Vitamins A and E

Foods believed to reduce the risk of health conditions

Low calorie density

Readily available

For anyone wanting to eat healthy and prevent disease, Mayo believes including these 10 foods in our diets is our best bet: almonds, apples, blueberries, broccoli, red beans, salmon, spinach, sweet potatoes, vegetable juice and wheat germ.

More Cancer Fighters

Japanese scientists tell us that Popeye had it right all along. By eating our spinach we can knock out the "Blutos" within our environment who would do us harm. They found that the glyconutrients in spinach inhibited the growth of tumors and cancer cells as well as protecting against DNA destruction. Their findings were replicated by studies at Harvard and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

The American Cancer Society recommends a broad range of plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans.

The Cancer Cure Foundation studies "alternative and integrative therapies" for preventing and curing cancer. They recommend a varied diet, including avocados, broccoli, carrots, hot peppers, figs, ground flax, garlic, grapefruit, red grapes, green and yellow leafy vegetables, kale, licorice root, mushrooms, oranges, raspberries, rosemary, green and black tea, tomatoes and turmeric.

Color Me Healthy

Dr. Mack Ruffin, from the University of Michigan's Comprehensive Cancer Center, tells us to look to color as a means of boosting our intake of foods that may protect us from cancer. His recommendation is to eat foods naturally rich in color, such as spinach, broccoli, carrots, blueberries and strawberries. Canned and frozen foods are fine, but we should stay away from processed foods.

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Radiologic Technician Salary In Oregon

A radiologic technician took this X-ray of a hand.

A radiologic technician conducts routine X-rays on patients. These employees explain the procedure to patients, prepare patients and position them to achieve the best angle. Radiologic technicians also take safety precautions by utilizing protection devices to prevent radiation from harming the patient and themselves. Salary data for radiologic technicians and for radiologic technologists are typically combined. Approximately 2,250 radiologic technologists and technicians were employed in the state of Oregon as of May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Oregon

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists and technicians earned an hourly mean wage of $29.06 and an annual mean wage of $60,000 in Oregon as of May 2009.

National Comparison

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists and technicians earned a national hourly mean wage of $26.05 and an annual mean wage of $54,180 in May 2009. The national hourly wage was $3.01 below Oregon's hourly wage. The national mean salary was $5,820 below Oregon's annual mean.

Metropolitan Areas

Salaries for radiologic technologists and technicians in Oregon vary across metropolitan areas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Metropolitan areas may stretch across multiple states. In May 2009, radiologic technologists and technicians in the Bend, Oregon metropolitan area earned a mean annual wage of $60,530; Corvallis, Oregon, $58,060; Eugene-Springfield, Oregon, $59,450; Medford, Oregon, $53,130; Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Oregon and Washington, $62,720; and Salem, Oregon, $57,540.

Regional

Salaries for radiologic technologists and technicians in Oregon differ across regions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In May 2009, radiologic technologists and technicians in Coastal Oregon earned a mean annual wage of $60,950; Southern Oregon, $55,570; and Eastern Oregon, $57,500.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, national employment for radiologic technologists and technicians is expected to increase at a rate of 17 percent from 2008 through 2018. The need for employment will be much higher in the state of Oregon. Employment for radiologic technologists and technicians in Oregon is projected to experience a 28 percent increase through 2016.

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Foods Promoting Fingernail Health

Keep fingernails healthy by eating protein.

Fingernails say a lot about overall health. If your nails suddenly change check with a doctor to rule out health issues such as anemia, iron deficiency, heart, liver and thyroid disease. The nail is made out of a protein called keratin. Foods high in protein will benefit the nails the most. It is necessary to eat a well-balanced diet that includes good quality proteins, fruits, vegetables and essential fatty acids for overall health.

Protein

The hair and nails are made from protein. Proteins work to repair tissue and are the building blocks for bones and muscles. The body does not make protein so it is important to get 10 to 35 percent protein from your total calories. Foods beneficial to the nails include eggs, crab, chicken, turkey and chickpeas. Dairy products are also a good source of protein.

Vegetables

Vegetables regulate all body systems. Eating 2 to 3 cups of vegetables a day may reduce cancer and heart disease. Green leafy vegetables are rich in carotene that converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A makes the nails healthy and strong. Foods beneficial to the nails include spinach, asparagus, onion and garlic.

Fruit

Fruit is high in potassium, fiber and vitamin C. These nutrients contribute to lowering glucose levels and cholesterol and may reduce cancer risk. Eat 2 to 3 cups of fruit a day for best results. Foods beneficial to healthy nails include avocados, prunes, raisins and bananas.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids, also called omega-3 fats, are best known for lowering cholesterol and promoting heart health. It supports the immune function by reducing inflammation. Fats give the nails a healthy glow. Foods beneficial to the nails are salmon, flaxseed and olive oil, and nuts. Eat 1 tbsp. fat from oils and 1 oz. fat from solid food for the best benefits.

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Foods For Rheumatoid Arthritis

More than 2.5 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease that damages the tissues that connect bones and joints. Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of function and eventual, long-term joint damage are the most common effects. The condition typically strikes similar joints on both sides of the body--most often the fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and feet. Because the severity of symptoms can vary from day to day, there is a belief that certain foods may cause the condition to flare up or worsen. Scientists say there is no definitive proof of this, although nutrition can play a role in how patients manage the condition.

The Facts

Researchers have long studied the relationship between food and arthritis. Some studies suggest eating two or more weekly servings of oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel may help reduce joint inflammation, but there is no concrete evidence. What scientists do agree on, however, is that patients with rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from eating a balanced, nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in fats and salt. In addition to giving you the vitamins and nutrients your body needs, a healthy diet helps you maintain a healthy weight, avoiding the added joint stress and inflammation that excess weight can cause.

Malnutrition Risk

Side effects of several rheumatoid arthritis medications can lead to a decreased appetite or gastrointestinal problems, which may cause a person to shy away from food. Poor nutrition and vitamin and mineral deficiencies are often the results. Many rheumatoid arthritis patients, in fact, suffer from lower-than-recommended levels of vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Although the best way to ingest needed vitamins and minerals is through food, your doctor may recommend you take a daily multivitamin or certain dietary supplements.

Food Hypersensitivity

Studies show that some RA patients believe certain foods--dairy products and processed meats, especially--worsen symptoms or cause the disease to flare up. However, there is no widespread or concrete evidence to back up this claim or to say it's applicable to all people with the disease. Talk with your doctor if you believe your joint inflammation worsens after you eat certain foods. You may want to avoid that food for a while and monitor the results.

Other Management Techniques

Successfully managing arthritis requires following your doctor's recommended treatments and living an RA-friendly lifestyle. You can help reduce the impact of flare-ups and keep them under control by: performing regular, moderate exercise; listening to your body and resting when you're tired or in pain; getting enough sleep; avoiding caffeine and alcohol; and identifying and managing stressors.

Expert Insight

Because RA is a progressive condition that can, in severe cases, lead to severe disabilities, depression is common among RA patients. This can also lead to a decreased appetite and problems with eating and nutrition. Discuss the correlation between food and RA with your doctor, asking whether changing your eating habits might help you manage the disease.

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What Is An Mri

What Is an MRI?

A magnetic resonance imaging test, also commonly called an MRI, is a test that employs the use of a magnetic field along with radio waves to create an image of the inside of the human body. An MRI can provide different kinds of information than normal X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound examinations. A special machine is used during an MRI and the entire process is painless. The images that are produced can be stored on computers and accessed from other locations, making an MRI an extremely useful test to help in the diagnosis of many conditions.

What an MRI Does

An MRI does not use radiation to produce an image of the body. It depends on a very powerful magnet and radio waves. The magnetic field in most MRI machines is caused by passing an electric current through a series of wire coils in the machine. Other sets of coils transmit and receive radio waves around the person in the MRI unit. A computer then can produce a series of images that depict an extremely thin slice of the body, which can be looked at from various angles by a doctor to determine if there is a problem. Diseased tissue shows up in an MRI much clearer than with other imaging tests.

Usages

The MRI can scan the brain for tumors, nerve problems, bleeding and aneurysms. Optic nerve trouble in the eyes, and nerves that are crucial to the ears, can be observed. An MRI of the chest can show the heart and surrounding vessels, along with the lungs. Blood flow through the vessels can be documented and organs such as the liver, pancreas and kidneys can be examined thoroughly. Joints and bones can be scanned and checked for arthritis and torn tendons, among other conditions. Broken bones, bulging discs and spinal problems can all be seen by an MRI examination.

The Machine

A typical MRI machine looks like a large cylindrical shaped tube that is open at both ends and encompassed by a circular magnet. A movable examination table can slide a patient into the center of the magnet where he receives instructions from the technologist operating the machine. There are short-bore MRI systems that are made so that the magnet does not go all around the patient while still others are open on all sides. MRI machines of this nature are used when a patient is either very obese or afraid of tight spaces. The station that processes the images transmitted from the MRI are in a separate room close by.

Before an MRI

Prior to having an MRI examination a patient will be asked a variety of questions about her health. Often a special contrast material is injected intravenously during an MRI exam and any potential allergies to this will be discussed, as will such topics as pregnancy and recent surgeries. People with certain conditions such as severe kidney disease may not be able to have an MRI. The patient will be wearing a hospital gown and all jewelry, watches and anything else that may contain metals such as credit cards or hearing aids are not allowed in the area of the MRI machine. People that have had metal implants can normally safely have an MRI but there are exceptions. People who have certain kinds of pacemakers and cochlear ear implants for example cannot have an MRI.

The Test

The patient will lie down on the examination table and be positioned so that the test can be started. The table will move into the MRI machine and the person will have to remain quite still. The machine produces a great deal of noises such as thumping and tapping sounds. The technologist will tell the patient to hold still as long as a few minutes and then instruct him to relax. The contrasting material is capable of making a person feel warm, but the test is normally not at all uncomfortable. The usual MRI lasts about 45 minutes to an hour and when it is completed the IV line will be removed if a contrast material was required. The patient must wait for the results from his own doctor at a later date.

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Diagnostic Medical Sonography Careers

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Careers

Diagnostic medical sonography involves using non-invasive, high-frequency sound waves, called ultrasound, to generate images of the human body for diagnostic purposes. Diagnostic medical sonographers are responsible for operating the ultrasound equipment that produces dynamic visual images of tissues, blood flow and organs for the attending physician to review. Diagnostic medical sonography careers typically require specialized training.

Job Duties

Diagnostic medical sonographers are responsible for explaining diagnostic procedures to patients as well as positioning the patients to receive the best images. The sonographers then use specialized ultrasound equipment to perform the scan, keeping their eyes open for subtle visual cues that contrast unhealthy areas with the healthy ones. Diagnostic medical sonographers must then analyze the images and decide which ones will help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis. Sonographers are typically responsible for keeping accurate patient records and maintaining their ultrasound equipment.

Specializations

Diagnostic medical sonography professionals can specialize in various sonography areas. Obstetric and gynecologic sonographers focus on imaging the female reproductive system, frequently helping obstetricians examine the growth and health of a fetus. Abdominal sonographers evaluate the organs and soft tissues in the abdominal cavity, including the liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and gallbladder. Neurosonographers evaluate the brain and spinal cord, while echocardiographers inspect the heart and related blood vessels. Breast sonographers, sometimes called mammographers, use ultrasound equipment to evaluate breast abnormalities.

Education

A majority of diagnostic medical sonographers earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or an AAS in Diagnostic Ultrasound. Associate's degree programs take about 2 years to complete and are offered through community colleges, technical institutes, vocational schools or junior colleges. Some universities offer a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Diagnostic medical sonography training programs should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP; see Resources section).

Certification

Diagnostic medical sonographers can register with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) after passing a credentialing examination (see Resources section). The examination is about 2 hours long and contains about 120 multiple-choice questions about sonography instrumentation and principles. The ARDMS also offers credentialing examinations in the specialty areas of obstetric and gynecologic sonography, breast sonography, neurosonography and abdominal sonography. Sonographers must attend continuing education (CE) classes, workshops or seminars to maintain their ARDMS registration.

Required Skills

Diagnostic medical sonography professionals should possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills because they must be able to explain technical diagnostic procedures to patients and imaging results to diagnosing physicians. Sonographers must also possess excellent hand-eye coordination to capture quality images. A sonographer should be in good physical shape because they have to stand on their feet for long periods of time. They should also be able to shift patients and help them on and off the examining tables.

Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts employment opportunities in the diagnostic medical sonography field to grow more quickly than average. This job increase is due to the continued development of new medical technologies and the increased use of non-invasive diagnostic procedures. While hospitals will remain the primary employer of diagnostic medical sonographers, the BLS predicts there will be more job openings in diagnostic clinics, medical laboratories and doctors' offices. According to the BLS, the median annual salary of diagnostic medical sonographers was about $57,000 in 2006.

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The Cme Requirements For A Medical License

A physician is required to continue her medical education to maintain her state license.

Medicine and treatment of illnesses is an ever-evolving field. Licensed physicians in the United States are required to complete a set number of hours of continuing medical education throughout their careers to remain up-to-date on developments in medicine and to maintain their medical licenses. CME courses are administered through the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). Requirements vary greatly from state to state but continuing medical education (CME) generally must be completed upon a physician's license renewal date.

Time Frame

The time frame in which a physician is required to complete his CME can range from every year to every two or three years, depending on the state. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) maintains a list of each U.S. state's requirements on its website. A physician who is an ACEP member is required to complete 150 hours of continuing medical education credits every three years with at least 60 of those credit hours completed in Category 1 (more on that below) to maintain membership.

Credits

The amount of credits needed to be completed every year or two or three years also varies greatly from state to state. Most states require the continuing medical education hours to be accredited by the ACCME or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The American Medical Association (AMA) offers a variety of CME activities where a physician's involvement will count toward her state requirements due to the learning aspect. These activities include reviewing journals, collaborating with other physicians to write journals and scheduled activities and appearances, such as workshops and conferences. More information on these CME activities can be found on the AMA website.

Categories

Continuing medical education credit hours are broken into Category 1 and Category 2, a determination made by the AMA. Within the varying state requirements, some may request a minimum number of hours to be completed in Category 1, with it being acceptable to devote remaining hours to Category 2 study. Category 1 consists of all CME hours earned from an accredited program that is in accordance with the standards of the ACCME. Category 2 comprises self-directed learning outside an accredited program that can include independent research projects, teaching medical students and reading authenticated and approved medical literature.

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Training & Certification Programs In Crime Scene Cleanup

There are several ways to train for a career in crime scene cleanup.

Training for crime scene clean-up duty covers a variety of circumstances. Technicians may want to know everything from simply learning mop up blood to working in environmental suits and dealing with the hazardous materials left behind at the contaminated site of a methamphetamine lab. Even simple courses in cleaning up mold or water damage can help the crime scene clean-up worker.

Biological Materials

The National Institute of Decontamination Specialists offers a four-day course for field technicians. The course teaches students about pathogens and decontaminating a crime scene, including scenarios involving blood, tissue, maggots and chemicals. At the conclusion of the course, students are certified as American Bio-Recovery Association-approved bio-recovery technicians. There are no prerequisites. The course is $1,595 as of April 2010.

Owners and Operators

NIDS also offers a five-day course for owners and team supervisors on run a decontamination business successfully while meeting legal requirements. The course includes the field technician information. However, it goes further in teaching make decisions from a remediation and administration point of view. Legal issues, licensing and tax requirements are all part of the course as well, as is general business sense such as marketing, advertising and pricing. The course costs $2,095.

Drug Lab Clean-Up

Cleaning up after "cooks" is also a dirty business. The remains of a meth lab can be extremely hazardous as possible combinations of the chemicals can result in explosions, fire or can lead to death if inhaled. NIDS offers a two-day course on the dangers of "cooking" meth and clean up the hazardous waste. Students should look into further HAZMAT training to meet federal and state requirements to work at a former meth lab site. The NIDS course costs $1,300.

Other NIDS Training

NIDS also offers training in cleaning up at the site of chemical or bio-hazard incidents such as an outbreak of SARS, Anthrax or another contaminant.

Restoration Training

Technicians may also be interested in Restoration Industry Association courses in restoration of a scene or dealing with mold or water damage to a site.

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How Does Lung Cancer Affect The Body

How Does Lung Cancer Affect the Body?

Lung Cancer Causes Excessive Coughing

When a patient develops lung cancer, a tumor grows inside the lung and presses on the chest. This causes the patient to develop a frequent and severe cough. Lung cancer patients tend to produce a lot of sputum during coughing. In severe cases, lung cancer patients may cough up blood. If the tumor puts pressure on the nerves controlling the voice box, the patient may experience voice hoarseness. The tumor may also block the windpipe and lead to wheezing.

Lung Cancer Causes Chest Pain

The tumor can also invade other organs in the chest. For instance, lung cancer patients often experience chest pain due to the tumor pressing on the walls of the chest. The tumor can also fill the chest cavity and surround the heart with fluid.

Lung Cancer Metastasizes Quickly to Other Organs

Compared with other cancers, lung cancer tends to metastasize much earlier. In fact, a significant number of lung cancer cases are detected due to symptoms of metastatic lung cancer. The most frequent metastatic sites for lung cancer are glands, the brain, bone and the liver.

The spreading of lung cancer to the bones causes tremendous pain and can make affected bones break more easily. Lung cancer that metastasizes in the brain causes several neurological disorders including seizures, reduced vision, loss of control and sensation in certain body parts. Due to its ability to metastasize quickly, lung cancer is very challenging to treat. The survival rate of patients with metastatic lung cancer is 2 percent to 5 percent at five years after diagnosis.

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Scholarships In Health

Scholarships are available for students in the health care field.

Because of rising education costs, many aspiring health care professionals struggle to pay for school. Medical school students, for instance, graduate with an average debt of $157,944, according to the American Medical Association. Likewise, nursing students at private schools can spend about $80,000 to gain their degrees. These realities led to the establishment of scholarships which aim to help health care students afford their education and also improve the quality of health professionals across the country.

Medical Doctors

Students preparing to become medical doctors can take advantage of a variety of scholarship opportunities. One such scholarship is the Herbert W. Nickens Medical Scholarship, which gives $5,000 to minority recipients. It is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges. To qualify, candidates must be American citizens in their third year of medical school.

Similarly, the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program also provides money for medical school. Provided by the U.S. Department of Health, the scholarship gives money for tuition, books and other related costs for four years. Recipients also get $1,289 as a monthly stipend for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Nurses

Nurses are an integral cornerstone of the American health care system and unfortunately, there are not enough nursing professionals to meet demand. Consequently, scholarships like the Karen O'Neil Memorial Scholarship from the Emergency Nurses Association Foundation were created to encourage more people to get a nursing degree. The scholarship gives one student $5,000 for education-related costs. Applicants must be ENA members with a 3.0 grade point average or more.

Students at the University of North Carolina's School of Nursing can apply for the Martha Bumgarner Nursing Scholarship. It gives money to those who plan to enter the fields of end-of-life or oncology nursing. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA.

Anesthesiologists

Anesthesiologists are also an essential part of the health care system, and there are specific scholarships to help them pay for school. The Army Nurse Corps Association, for example, gives $3,000 to anesthesiology students who are attending an accredited school. To be eligible for the ANCA Scholarship, applicants must plan to enter the U.S. Army, the Army National Guard or the Army Reserve. The scholarship is also available to veterans of these military outfits and members of the Army Nurse Corps.

Radiologists

Like other health professionals, radiologists help to keep patients safe. And with an eye towards increasing the education and skills of future radiologists, the Radiological Society of North America provides the Research Medical Student Grant. It gives $3,000 for a 10-week research project. Recipients also get a $6,000 stipend.

Offered by the Society of Gastrointestinal Radiologists, the Howard S. Stern Research Grant program gives $15,000 to medical doctors to expand their knowledge and the field of radiology through research. The annual scholarship has been available since 2000, and it is open to SGR members.

Tags: health care, American Medical, Applicants must, Army Nurse, Army Nurse Corps, care system, gives money

The Lives Of Women In The Early 1900s

Women fought hard for the right to vote.

The early 1900s in the United States was a time of change in many ways. Until that time, women had been confined to the home in the traditional roles of wife and mother, but their lives began to reflect the growing trend of industrialization and technological change. As a result of these developments, women started entering the workforce in larger numbers, demanding better working conditions and wages, seeking higher education and demanding the right to vote.

Women in the Workforce

At the start of the 20th century, 18.8 percent of women were employed outside the home, with many working in factories, as retail sales clerks, typists, nurses and schoolteachers. They often worked very long hours, were poorly paid and their daily working environment could be difficult and even unsafe. This led to the establishment of the Women's Trade Union League in 1903, according to the Discovery Education website.

Women's Suffrage

The women's suffrage movement was making more inroads in the early 20th century. More than 20 states had already granted partial suffrage to women. That typically meant that voting rights were only granted to certain classes of women, who could only vote on certain matters, such as local issues concerning schools and bonds. They were barred from voting in congressional and presidential campaigns. More states began to grant women full voting rights later in the 1900s, according to the Library of Congress.

World War I

Greater numbers of women started working during World War I. They began to work in nontraditional jobs as mechanics, police officers and truck drivers as necessary replacements for men who had left to fight in the war. The end of the war and the return of the men displaced women from these jobs, but only after they had gotten a taste of new opportunities.

Resistance to Reform

Many women breaking out of their traditional roles in the early 20th century faced enormous resistance from all levels of society, not the least of which came from other women who insisted they should remain in their traditional roles. Women who demonstrated and fought for labor reform, voting rights and birth control often faced arrest and discrimination. In 1916, Margaret Sanger was arrested after opening the first birth control clinic in the country.

Tags: 20th century, traditional roles, voting rights, birth control, early 20th

Online Learning For Teachers

Online classes allow teachers to improve their resumes at their own pace.

Good teachers commit themselves to learning and teaching. Online classes are convenient and effective ways for teachers to help them fulfill that commitment. Teachers can take credential classes, pursue master's degrees and take continuing education classes. There are complete credential programs available. One of the advantageous of online courses for teachers is the flexibility and diversity of the classes that are offered.

Benefits

Online credential classes can be an accommodating way to earn a credential.

Those living in rural areas often find an online class to be much more convenient than traveling to a university. It is frequently easier for urban students to go online for classes than dealing with traffic and parking.

Parents study when children are occupied. They don't need a babysitter.

Online classes are often accused of being impersonal, but the teachers and university do their best to foster a sense of community. Classes are interactive and take advantage of technology and attend to student's learning styles. Lectures, readings and presentations are still a part of the program--they just look differently.

Some programs are offered through prestigious universities. These names look great on resumes and catch an administrator's eye.

Difficulties

Online classes are flexible. That means you must have discipline. You still have deadlines and assignments but have the privilege of deciding when and how you complete your work. If you are a procrastinator, online education is probably not a good option for you.

Less-focused students, and those who have learning disabilities might do better with the face-to-face interaction found in a traditional class room.

Home environments might not be conducive to study. Children want attention, spouses want dinner and the bathroom needs cleaning. Unless you are ready to prioritize your education, is going to be difficult to give your classes the concentration you need.

Technology is not always reliable. A virus or a power outage makes it almost impossible to complete your work.

Some subjects tend to be better in a regular classroom. If a credential-candidate struggles with math or English skills, a more traditional program where she can meet with the professor in person would probably be more appropriate.

What to expect

You'll find your course’s online delivery system, commonly called the Blackboard, useful. There you will find the syllabus, calendar, requirements and more information you need to know.

A professor should check her email at least once a day. She should be available via phone and computer.

Expect vigorous classes. Online does not equal easy.

Prepare

Have a computer in your house. Relying on a computer lab or library's irregular hours is not something you want to contend with.

In many programs you will need to carve 20 hours a week, or more, out of your schedule in order to complete the classes.

Make sure you have a place you can work uninterruptedly.

If you are having problems with the classwork, you need to say so.

Log in at least once a day.

Enjoy

There is a huge need for well-educated teachers. These online classes will prepare you for all you hope to be and all you hope to learn.

Tags: Online classes, complete your, complete your work, credential classes, least once