How Long Does It Take To Become A Radiologist

Radiologists are physicians who specialize radiology, which uses ionizing and nonionizing radiation to diagnose and treat disease. The American Medical Association claims that about 1% of all physicians in training choose this field.

The field of radiology is further divided by the areas of the body studied or the types of diagnostic methods. For example, some radiologists specialize in reading X-rays while others inject radioactive materials into the body then use equipment to follow the material within the body. Radiologists may specialize in breast, chest, or gastrointestinal images, as well.

Considerations

Radiology is considered a medical specialty. To practice in this field, you must become a full-fledged physician. Begin with a strong undergraduate education with an emphasis on the sciences. Once you are in medical school, you will spend the first half in science-related courses on anatomy, pharmacology, biochemistry, psychology, and more.

Time Frame

Becoming a radiologist requires four years at the undergraduate level, two years in medical school classrooms and labs and two more in rotation in a hospital. A five-year residence in radiology is also required. Overall, it takes about 13 years of training to become a radiologist.

Benefits

While 13 years may seem like an enormous commitment to make, the benefits are worth the effort. First, radiology pays well. On average, radiologists earn around $350,000 per year. They also do not have as much stress in their jobs as other medical specialties, such as surgeons, nor are they constantly on call from patients like obstetricians. Most radiologists work set schedules in clinics and hospitals, so they have more personal time to spend with their families.

Significance

Radiologists also play an important role in the treatment of patients. Because they have knowledge of some of the most advanced technology used in diagnostic medicine, they can discover the causes of injuries or illnesses missed by a normal examination. Through an X-ray, for example, radiologists can determine the severity of a bone break and can make treatment recommendations. Radiologists can spot brain functioning problems with CAT scans and MRIs.

Potential

The field of radiology has a promising outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in radiology should be faster than in other fields. As the population ages, more people need diagnosis and treatment.

Becoming a radiologist requires patience and money. Those 13 years of schooling can cost more than $150,000.

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High School Health Projects

Health projects bring awareness to high school students.

In high school, students go through a variety of health, biology and human anatomy classes, taking notes and memorizing information. Teachers can create a fun project for students to make learning easier and help them retain information. Health projects might make high school students more aware of their choices, such as eating better, getting more exercise and improving body image.

Eating Habits Project

For high school students, eating nutritious food might be the last thing on their minds. LessonsPlansPage.com suggests making a project in which students track their nutritional intake, in addition to learning how obesity affects those around them. Have each student write down who makes meals in the family, what type of food or snacks are eaten and how often the student goes out to eat fast food. Next, have the students survey the class and combine results to determine the overall eating habits of the group. To finish the project, have students share how they will try to incorporate nutritious choices into their daily meals, instead of eating junk or fast food.

Go Green

One way to make students more aware of their health is by creating a project to offer the school or community a place to garden or get exercise. If you are able to set aside a small area for a garden, have the students come up with nutritious and easy-to-care-for vegetables to sell for a school-sponsored farmers' market. For all portions of the garden, have students research nutritional information for each vegetable, and also create a pamphlet or brochure to hand out to students and parents who purchase the goods. If you are unable to plant a garden, have the students turn a small area of the school into an exercise location where classmates can do sit-ups, push-ups or other exercises. Let the class monitor other students and then ask for a short report on what they think the fitness levels of fellow students are and how fitness can improve in the school.

Preventing Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are not uncommon in high school. To help high school students understand how eating disorders are harmful to the body, have them watch an educational video on the condition. Review the video as a class. Use this opportunity to explain body image. To help students understand body image, have each student draw what they feel they look like, along with writing a brief paragraph about what they drew. Have students pair up and explain drawings if they are comfortable, and if not, have them evaluate how they can improve a low body image.

Tags: high school, high school students, school students, body image, have students, garden have, garden have students

How Safe Are Breast Implants

How Safe Are Breast Implants?

There are two types of breast implants used for augmentation and breast reconstruction; silicone gel-filled implants and saline-filled implants. Although risks are present, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both styles as safe and effective.

Age Restrictions

Gel-filled implants are available to women aged 22 and up for breast augmentation. Saline implants require a woman to be at least 18. Either type is available for reconstruction purposes at any age.

Screenings

Breast implants may inhibit detection of cancerous tissues during a mammography. Additional images or specialized testing not covered by insurance may be necessary.

Contamination

In rare cases, implants may come in contact with contaminants in the operating room. This may cause a serious infection and the breast implant will need to be removed.

Rupture

Previous silicone implants were filled with a liquid that would leak when punctured. In 2006, the FDA approved a gel-filled implant that is impervious to rupture.

Monitoring

The FDA requires the breast implant manufacturers to conduct a large post-surgery clinical survey to monitor adverse affects (if any) and general implant safety.

Tags: breast implant, Breast Implants, Safe Breast, Safe Breast Implants

Ballistics Tech Classes

Ballistics experts need to take a wide variety of classes.

Ballistics technicians or experts examine firearms and related evidence. Ballistics experts test firearms, which includes shooting them and examining the spent bullets and fragments. Ballistic experts often have a bachelor's degree, but Peterson's states that a master's degree is the preferred degree for ballistics experts. Because a ballistics expert analyzes and investigates crimes related to firearms, ballistics experts need an educational background that requires taking many different types of classes.

General Classes

Chemistry, biology, physics, psychology, mathematics, anthropology and sociology are some of the general classes required for a ballistics expert. A knowledge of clerical procedures, customer service and administrative functions are also necessary classes. Geography, history, archeology, philosophy, theology, therapy and counseling are also essential courses for a ballistics expert, according to O-NET. Transportation methods and principles, production and processing are also classes ballistics experts need to take. Classes in information and techniques used to treat illnesses and diagnose conditions are also required.

Ballistics Classes

A ballistics expert needs a solid knowledge of building and construction. Classes in design principles and practices and mechanical knowledge of machines and tools are required to become a ballistics experts. Ballistics expert training can include classes in ammunition, crime scene investigation, proper handling of evidence, testimony training, law, assembly and dis-assembly of firearms, identification of firearms, residue from firearms, microscopy and wound ballistics, according to Career Requirement.

Work Skills

Skills necessary for a ballistics expert are organizing information, gathering information, identifying problems, critical thinking, decision making, monitoring operations and testing, according to O-NET. Good reading, writing and speaking skills are essential skills for a ballistics expert.

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Cure Tingling Pain In The Foot

Foot pain can arise from a variety of causes ranging from trauma resulting from injuries to neurological problems and something as seemingly innocent as wearing shoes that don't fit correctly. Foot health care is essential to overall bodily comfort. Nerve pain and tingling pains experienced by many people greatly affects their daily activities, causing down time at work and limiting many activities. Foot pain requires prompt attention by a doctor or health care practitioner. If you suffer from neuropathy, nerve pain and other incapacitating foot pain, there are ways to deal with it.

Instructions

Cure Tingling Pain in the Foot

1. Check your shoes and make sure they fit properly. Shoes that are too tight, or have heels that are too high, can cramp the toes, cutting circulation and creating foot pain, blisters, bunions and deformities.

2. Uncross legs when sitting. Crossing legs decreased the flow of blood to the feet and can cause foot and nerve pain. Sit with both feet on the floor and if you must cross your legs, do so by placing one ankle on the other knee rather than crossing knee to knee.

3. Change your exercise routine. High-impact exercise in which the foot pounds the pavement in activities such as jogging can contribute to loss of feeling in the feet, decreased circulation, green-stick bone fractures and other injuries, adding to foot pain.

4. Talk to you doctor about your medications and look into side effects. Certain medicines have side effects, causing tingling and burning sensations in the feet and creating foot pain that mimics peripheral neuropathies.

5. Check your thyroid levels through blood tests. Hypothyroidism creates many bodily symptoms and sensations and can also be the culprit in painful feet and cold feet with pins and needles. If blood levels indicate low thyroid, prescription medicine will help cure foot pain.

More Tips

6. Check for diabetes. Tingling and burning in the feet is one of the symptoms of diabetes. Your doctor will ascertain whether you need to be on medication if you are positive for diabetes. Diabetic foot pain can be treated with insulin and changes in your diet.

7. Rule out diseases such as gout, Raynaud's phenomenon, and frostbite when looking for causes of tingling in the feet. These diseases all have poor circulation in common and can be helped by improving blood flow through gentle exercise, medication and keeping the feet warm at all times.

8. Wear compression hose or socks to stimulate circulation to the feed and increase blood flow.

9. Keep feet warm and well-protected throughout the year and avoid wearing open toe slippers or going barefoot in chilly weather.

Tags: foot pain, blood flow, Check your, creating foot, creating foot pain, Cure Tingling, Cure Tingling Pain

Get Cancer Treatment While In Remission

There are two types of cancer remission--partial and complete. In both types of remission, the cancer has responded to treatment, but in partial remission, cancer cells still exist and may require treatment.

Two Types of Cancer Remission

A cancer remission that is partial, according to the American Cancer Society, is the period of time when a cancer is responding positively to treatment and under control. In cancer remissions that are considered complete, all symptoms and signs of cancer disappear; a complete remission may last years and may eventually be considered a cure.

After Chemotherapy and Radiation

If your cancer has been treated with chemotherapy and radiation and is declared in remission, but not in complete remission, it is vital to realize you still have cancer, even if there are no symptoms and existing tumors have shrunk. Unfortunately, chemotherapy and radiation are rarely able to kill all cancer cells.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy

A type of chemotherapy known as adjuvant chemotherapy can be given, sometimes during partial remission, following radiation therapy, to prevent remaining cancer cells in the body from growing and spreading. According to the chemotherapy.com website, these stray cells are often not detected in routine tests, such as CT scans.

Alternative Therapies

The same alternative therapies that helped you through chemotherapy and

radiation--acupuncture, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, hypnotism and yoga, to name but a few--should be continued while your cancer is in remission, according to the Mayo Clinic website.

Time, Testing and Remission

According to tirgan.com, a cancer care/second opinion website, time and testing are critical factors in any cancer remission--the longer the remission lasts, the better the prognosis. Cancer remissions must therefore be monitored regularly via tests and exams, by a medical oncologist.

Tags: cancer cells, chemotherapy radiation, complete remission, partial remission, remission cancer

The Disadvantages Of Medicare Advantage Plans

The Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare is federal health insurance, available to seniors and disabled persons in the United States. Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans are private insurance companies that provide Medicare services and some additional benefits such as prescription drugs, dental or vision, or home care. Varieties of MA plans are Health Management Organizations (HMO), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), Private Fee for Service Plans (PFFS), Special Needs Plans and Medicare Medical Savings Accounts.

HMO Disadvantages

Beneficiaries of HMO plans are restricted to doctors, specialists and hospitals in the plan network, which are assigned to the policy holder. According to Physician Assistant Mitchell Claire, of Nueva Clinica California, the HMO pays the primary care physician every month whether the policy holder is seen by him or not. It may be difficult to get appointments with some providers. Lengthy approval processes are discouraging to many participating doctors and patients. If a physician or specialist drops out of the HMO network, patients must find another provider and transfer records. Continuity of care is compromised.

PPO Disadvantages

PPO plans also have a network of physicians, specialists and hospitals, but patients have the freedom to choose out-of-network providers. Coverage is less and out-of-pocket costs are higher for those providers who are outside the PPO plan's main network, however.

SNP Disadvantages

Special Needs Plans pertain only to certain low-income populations, those with severe chronic conditions or residents of nursing homes. SNP coverage is not available in all areas.

PFFS Disadvantages

Private Fee for Service plans decide how much patients pay for care and services, and fees can exceed standard Medicare co-pays. Any doctor that accepts the plan can be seen, but prescription drug coverage may not be part of a PFFS Plan.

MMSA Disadvantages

Medical Savings Accounts combine high-deductible private health insurance with a tax-advantaged savings account. Patients pay for routine care out of the savings account until deductibles are met, when insurance takes over. The annual deductible may reach $6,000.

General Drawbacks

Enrollment in Medicare Advantage Plans is limited to an annual period from mid-November to the end of each year, except in special cases, such as moving into a nursing home. Changing plans can be done during the open enrollment period. If the patient changes her mind at a later date, however, the previous coverage may not be restored once a plan is left . People with End-Stage Renal Disease are not eligible for Medicare Advantage Plans; however, they cannot be kicked off an MA plan because they develop that condition.

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Tertiary Prevention Social Work Activities

Tertiary prevention can help to prevent hospital stays for individuals with illnesses.

Medical professionals and health insurance companies are looking toward preventative care as a route to manage patients, rather than waiting until illness strikes. If illness is prevented, it not only saves money, but also prevents patient disability, emotional distress and possible deterioration into long-term medical crises. Prevention is split into three types: primary, secondary and tertiary. All three types of prevention are used in the medical field, with tertiary prevention being important for individuals who have already been diagnosed with an illness.

What is Tertiary Prevention?

Tertiary prevention focuses on assisting people in managing long-term, complex health problems. Examples of illnesses in which tertiary prevention is used are diabetes, heart disease, cancer, chronic pain and mental illness. The goals of tertiary prevention include prevention of further deterioration, negative consequences or anything that prevents maximizing the quality of life for the individual. Social workers are vital members of tertiary prevention teams because they can provide psychosocial activities that enhance prevention of further negative issues associated with the illness or disability.

Health Management Programs

Social workers may lead health management programs while working in conjunction with other health care professionals. The aim of health management programs is to reduce disability and restore functioning in individuals affected by disability or illness. Examples of health management programs are cardiac care management, diabetes management and chronic pain management. These programs usually involve a doctor, a nurse, social worker and physical or occupational therapist. The purpose is get the patient stronger, prevent further injury and learn to maximize their lives, even with their chronic conditions.

Support Groups

As trained helping professionals, social workers can lead support groups for those who are dealing with chronic illness. Social workers are able to provide psychosocial support, assist patients to learn about their disease, provide education and maximize the potential of social and group support. If an individual feels he is not alone and others are going through a similar situation, he may feel more supported and likely to feel more positively about changing his behaviors or actions to increase his health and well-being.

One-on-One Assistance

Social workers work with patients to understand their disease by providing education, conducting biopsychosocial assessments and formulating interventions appropriate to patients' needs. Interventions may include referring patients to classes, setting up patient in psychotherapy, helping to formulate daily schedules and activities, or signing up patient for groups or management programs. Social workers may also work as a case manager for some patients, meaning they meet with patients on a regular basis to discuss medical condition, housing, nutrition and other needs that the patient may have.

Tags: health management, health management programs, management programs, Social workers, chronic pain

Make & Print A Free Brochure

Brochures introduce your business to your prospects.

Brochures generate interest in your business. Desktop publishing software such as Microsoft Publisher and Adobe Photoshop makes it easier for a business to create its own brochures. Quality in desktop publishing software has improved so that no one ever has to know that it was created on a home desktop unless you tell them.

Instructions

Planning

1. Review the brochures of your competitors and businesses in other industries. Take notes on what you like or dislike about their brochures.

2. Plan your brochure. Make a list of things that are important to your target market. List your strengths and ways that you can highlight them. Decide on size and paper folds. In "Marketing for Dummies," Alexander Hiam suggests, "Consider printing the brochure on a single sheet of legal-sized paper that you then fold three times. Larger formats and multipage pieces tend to fill up with the worst, wordiest copy, and people rarely read them."

3. Take photographs of your establishment, your products and your employees. If you don't have any of these, find royalty-free photographs on sites like Stock Exchange and iPhoto. Send the photographer an email and let him know you intend to use his photo in your brochure.

Design

4. Find templates. Microsoft Word has templates that you can download from the Brochure Wizard or from their website. Brother, the company that specializes in printers, also has free templates that you can download. Most desktop publishing software has free templates. You can also perform a search online for "free brochure templates."

5. Choose colors that represent your business. Select colors that grab attention and match. Match colors with the photographs that you plan to upload into the document.

6. Insert your pictures into the templates. You may have to test the different photographs in different locations on the template before you find the most aesthetically pleasing positions. Start with the boldest pictures on the front fold. In "Create Your Own Powerful Ads and Promo Pieces," Larry Mersereau writes, "Your photograph should show people just like your prime prospect, enjoying the prime benefit your are promising in your piece."

7. Create the text box areas. Leave room for larger headline and subline text. Use X's in place of text to get an idea of how the text will be offset by the pictures.

8. Print a test run. Viewing on a computer screen isn't always the same as the physical product. Make sure all your photos and text boxes are within the printable margins.

Content

9. Write an attention-grabbing headline based on the list of things most important to your customers that you made earlier. Your headline should speak directly to the most important topics. For example, if you run a restaurant, write a headline that paints a picture of the dining experience in your restaurant or your best dish.

10. In the text box area, tell your customers who you are, what you do, where you're located, why they should choose you and how you can make their lives easier.

11. Keep it short and stay within the text box area. Less is more. Don't try to use language that's too technical or colorful. Be straigthforward and simple.

12. Proofread your text and headlines. Ask a friend to proofread it after you have done. It's easy to overlook your own mistakes.

13. Print another test run. Re-read the physical copy and double check for errors and accuracy. Get opinions from friends and colleagues. Once it's done, print it on high-resolution glossy or matte printer paper.

Tags: publishing software, your business, colors that, desktop publishing, desktop publishing software

Facts On Breast Lumps In Children

As your children reach puberty, they may develop one very unsettling characteristic---breast lumps. Breast lumps are normally innocent in nature as they are caused by the influence of the hormones that are now in their bodies. Visit your children's doctor so you can receive a definite diagnosis of what is happening in your child's body.

Influence of the Menstrual Cycle

Fibrocystic changes take place because of the influence of estrogen and progesterone. During the normal course of your daughter's menstrual cycle, her breasts swell as her milk glands and ducts grow larger and as her body retains water. After her period ends, her breast swelling will go down and her breasts will return to normal.

Cysts will be influenced the same way by your daughter's menstrual cycle. They will grow before and during her period and when her period has ended, the cysts will go down in size. (If she presses on the cyst, it may feel like an eyeball.)

Benign Lumps

Some teen girls develop fibroadenomas, or solid tumors in their breasts. These tumors are made up of structural and glandular tissues, thus the name fibroadenomas. Two characteristics of fibroadenomas are: they are easy to move around upon manipulation and they feel rubbery. The lump will not cause pain. These can develop in girls who are in their late teens or early 20s. While most fibroadenomas are benign, surgeons believe it is a good practice to remove these tumors in order to ensure they are truly benign.

Breast Lumps in Boys

Preadolescent and adolescent boys are not immune to breast lumps. Your son will experience his own surge of hormones that exert an influence on his breast tissue. This condition is not serious, but the boy who has noticeable breasts might develop some real concerns about how it makes him look. This tissue might disappear within two months to two years. You should have your son's pediatrician keep a close eye on this additional breast growth to ensure it is benign and that it remains this way.

Gynecomastia

The breast tissue your son is developing is called gynecomastia. This is a firm lump that appears under one nipple or even both of his nipples. They may be tender, especially when they are growing. They may be uneven in size. Gynecomastia can run in families. It is most common in boys who are bigger teens (taller or heavier or both). Gynecomastia may develop as a result of obesity.

When to Worry About a Lump

For both male and female adolescents, you should worry about a lump when it is growing, hard, unmovable and causing deformities. If the lump makes its presence known before your child reaches her 10th birthday or if there is an ulceration of the skin or dimpling above the lump, if the lump is more than 1 1/2 inches in size, or if your child's nipples are leaking milk, blood or another fluid, take her to the doctor immediately. If the lump does not go away within two years or if she has other symptoms such as weight loss and night sweats, go to the doctor.

Tags: your child, Breast Lumps, breast tissue, daughter menstrual, daughter menstrual cycle, hormones that

Maine Health Physics Jobs

Health Physicists often work in laboratories.

Health physics is the field of science involved with radiation biology and radiation physics. It is the function of health physics professionals to report on the safe use of ionizing radiation. Health physicists are normally employed at government laboratories, medical institutions and nuclear power plants. A number of sub-specialties exist in the field of health physics, including environmental assessment, radioactive waste management, and radiological emergency response.

Health Physicist

The health physicist employed by the Department of the Navy in offices throughout Maine is responsible for the protection of both human lives and the environment regarding unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation. Depending on the individual health physicist's level of seniority, the person will execute a variety of duties related to emergency preparedness. The health physicist is primarily involved with both environmental and radiation health monitoring. This person is also responsible for the maintenance or decommissioning of nuclear support facilities, in the area under their jurisdiction. According to American Job, as of May 2010, a health physicist with the Navy field offices in Maine earns between $26,461 and $141, 224 per year.

Technician 1, Nuclear Pharmacy

Nuclear Pharmacy is involved with radiopharmaceuticals and other drugs. The incumbent in the position of Technician 1, Nuclear Pharmacy, at Cardinal Health in Maine, is expected to demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of radiopharmaceutical compounding. This person needs to understand dispensing procedures for these compounds and is required to adhere to fundamental radiation safety principles. A nuclear pharmacy technician in Maine prepares prescriptions, draws doses, and performs quality assurance tests on instruments and radiopharmaceuticals. These tests need to be performed in accordance with the company, State and Federal regulations. The incumbent documents and stores pharmaceuticals in accordance with the Department of Transportation guidelines. The Technician 1 also performs clerical and administrative services and makes deliveries. At Cardinal Health in Maine, the Technician 1, after completing a 90-day probationary period, is enrolled in the company's Nuclear Pharmacy Technician (NPT) training program. Under the supervision of a pharmacist, the Technician 1 completes ten self-study modules, including radiopharmaceutical drugs, radiation safety and health physics. As of October 2010, according to PayScale, a technician 1 in nuclear pharmacy earns between $28, 095 and $39,135 per year.

Associate I, Pharmacy Services and Delivery courier driver

The Associate 1 is responsible for distribution of oncology pharmaceuticals and radiopharmaceuticals. The Associate 1 is responsible for preparing doses for transport in accordance with the Department of Transportation (DOT). People in this position verify the accuracy of labeling on outgoing shipments, and handle the disposal of waste and used materials in accordance with safety standards. The Associate 1 develops implementation plans regarding cultural sensitivities and evaluates the effectiveness of protocols. The person in this position tests laboratory equipment. The Associate 1 requires a high-school diploma and must possess strong verbal and written communication skills. According to Simply Hired, as of October 2010, the average salary for an Associate 1 Pharmacy Courier is $27,000 per year.

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Lower Dental Cleaning Cost

Dental Cleaning cost

If you don't have dental insurance then dental cleaning cost needs to be as low as you can get it. This usually happens when you lose a job and as a result lose benefits. It just so happens that right now we are in a recession and many who thought their job was not in danger found out that it is. As a result, there are a lot of people looking for ways to save money on dental cleaning.

Instructions

1. It just so happens that I am one of those people who lost their job and benefits. As a result, I went on the hunt for ways to lower dental cleaning cost and found them. I hated leaving my dentist, but there was no choice, she was too expensive.

The first thing I did was buy one of the dental hygiene kits at the drugstore. They have all the dental tools needed for a basic cleaning. This serves as a bridge between cleanings, so that you don't have to do professional cleanings as often.

2. The dental hygiene kit works great; however, you do need a deeper cleaning done at least twice a year. One of the best resources for this is dental schools. They need someone to practice on and you need teeth cleaned. Of course, they aren't as experienced and it may hurt a bit more, but if you can get it done free then it may be worth it.

3. To save on dental cleaning cost you can also go to the neighborhood dental clinic. The clinics charge a minimal fee and many are a step up from the dental school. They are graduates and therefore more experienced so there's not as much discomfort. This is a great place to also do fillings and other more expensive dental work.

4. Then there are the dentists who are starting their first dental practice and need to build a clientele. They advertise discounts every so often to lure in new patients. The only problem is that their prices will fluctuate and go higher as time goes by.

The good part is it doesn't take as long. The dental students are really slow and the wait is notoriously long, as is the dental clinic. Both of these tend to have long waiting periods, but the price is right so a little inconvenience is okay.

5. Health fairs are another great way to reduce dental cleaning cost. In addition, you can take advantage of other good deals and services offered. Not to mention, health fairs are fun you may even get a free massage!

As you can see dental care doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg there are options available you just need to do your homework. The best thing to do is give them all a try then decide which one best meets your need.

Tags: dental cleaning cost, cleaning cost, dental cleaning, dental cleaning, Dental Cleaning

What To Expect At A Gyno Exam

Every girl and woman needs to have a gynecological exam. The first visit is usually after the start of the first period or the first sexual encounter. You should know what to expect at a gyno exam so that you feel a little more at ease.

Personal Questions

Whether it is your first exam or a return visit, the doctor will talk with you and answer any questions you may have about your body or birth control. The doctor wants to make you feel as comfortable as possible before the physical exam.

Routine Checks

The nurse will check your blood pressure, weight and height. Any changes in weight or blood pressure will be addressed with the doctor.

Breast Exam

The breast exam is done at each visit. If the doctor feels a lump or something that doesn't feel right, he or she may send you for a mammogram to see if there is anything to be concerned about.

Pelvic Exam

The pelvic exam is invasive and requires the doctor to check your cervix and vulva to make sure that everything looks healthy. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to check the cervix.

Pap Test

After you have had your first sexual experience, you will need to have a pap smear. The doctor takes a swab of the cervix that is examined under a scope for any abnormalities.

Tags: blood pressure, check your, first sexual, visit doctor, your first

Volunteer For Ultrasound Jobs

Volunteering as an ultrasound technician can be a rewarding experience.

If you are a medical student, graduate, or retired from the medical field, you may consider volunteering as an ultrasound technician. This is often a requirement for most medical students majoring in sonography, and it looks great on any resume. Depending on where you live, the need for ultrasound volunteers may vary widely. Although, with a nationwide shortage of medical professionals, free work rarely is turned down.

Instructions

1. Start your search at your local hospitals.

Contact your local hospitals and inquire about any available volunteer ultrasound positions. Depending on the size of the city you reside in and the need for ultrasound technicians, you may have to wait a substantial period of time before a local volunteer opportunity becomes available. Sending a copy of your resume to the radiology departments of your local hospitals is not always necessary, but recommended.

A candidate who is currently in medical school or who has prior experience in sonography will have the best chance of being contacted for an available volunteer position. Calling to follow up your resume submission will bring attention to your qualifications more quickly.

2. Register with ACRIVS (American College of Radiology International Volunteer System). This website is devoted to connecting people who wish to volunteer in radiology to those who need them.

Access the ACRIVS website (https://internationalservice.acr.org/) and click the "register" link at the top right corner of the page to create a user name and password. You also will be required to provide your full name, home address, as well as a short biography detailing your experience in the radiology field. This listing will include any experience you may have in radiology, as well as your education qualifications.

3. Travel abroad to increase your opportunities in finding volunteer positions. As ACRIVS is a worldwide service, you are likely to be more successful in obtaining an ultrasound volunteer position if you are willing to travel. You will find available overseas volunteer positions listed on the "Projects" page. Place the cursor over the "Projects" link. This will open a box. Move your cursor over to the box and click "Search for Projects."

Many other organizations, such as Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders, either will take volunteers to developing countries to practice radiology or connect them with other organizations that will provide the means to assist those in need.

Tags: local hospitals, your local, your local hospitals, available volunteer, cursor over

Mastectomy Affect A Woman

Introduction

A mastectomy affects a woman in various ways. When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer she may have one or both breasts removed as treatment for the cancer. Other women who are at a high risk for breast cancer may opt to have a preventive or prophylactic mastectomy to avoid getting breast cancer. Whatever the reason for the surgery, there are changes to a woman's body image, self-esteem, libido and sex life. But in time as a woman heals from the breast surgery her life can return to what it was before the surgery.

One Study on the Effects of Mastectomy

A study on how women react to a mastectomy in the "Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease" found that women showed lower self-esteem months after a mastectomy. In this study women were given questionnaires to rate their body image and self esteem. There were three groups in the study--a control group, a group who had a breast biopsy and a group who had a mastectomy. The questionnaires were distributed 1 day before the biopsy or mastectomy, then 6 days after the procedures and then several months later. The self-image of the control group did not change over the time period. But for the mastectomy group, their self-image was lower several months after the operation rather than 6 days after the operation. Researchers felt that immediately following the operation a woman is in denial about having the mastectomy. This is a coping mechanism. But as the months passed a woman began to accept her situation and this resulted in lower self-esteem and poor self-image months after the operation.

Emotional Issues

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a scary and depressing time for most women. They feel they have little control over their bodies and that their femininity is at risk. After the surgery, these fears are magnetized. Many women see their breasts as a symbol of nurturing motherhood and sexuality. The mastectomy dramatically changes a woman's identity because she no longer has two breasts. Women have different feelings about their bodies following a mastectomy. They may no longer feel very feminine. A sense of grief follows the loss of one or both breasts. There is anxiety and worry about future health issues or the return of the cancer. A woman may suffer from clinical depression. In cases like this it is suggested that a woman joins a support group for breast cancer survivors so she will not feel isolated or alone. Being with other women who are facing the same challenges will help a woman who has had a mastectomy.

The Libido and Sex

A mastectomy affects a woman's sexuality. A woman may feel less attractive or desirable after the operation. She may be unwilling or extremely anxious and self-conscious about her partner seeing her naked. This affects her libido. The sex drive in mastectomy patients decreases immediately after the operation as does the amount of sex she has. There may also be physical pain in the chest or shoulders or muscle or joint pain. Not feeling well also reduces sex drive. But with healing, and support and reassurance from her partner and family, a woman becomes more accepting of her new body. In time her sex drive can return to what it was before the mastectomy.

Tags: after operation, breast cancer, months after, affects woman, body image, both breasts, breast cancer have

Signs & Symptoms Of Hereditary Ovarian Cancer

Hereditary ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly cancers and should be caught as soon as possible. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes cause ovarian cancer to pass from generation to generation. If your family has a history of two or more cases of ovarian cancer, two or more cases of post-menopausal breast cancer, ovarian and breast cancer in the same woman and one of more cases of ovarian cancer or male breast cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing hereditary ovarian cancer.

Appetite

A woman who has hereditary ovarian cancer has a loss of appetite. This may be from a tumor pushing on the abdomen or stomach and causes significant weight loss.

Bleeding and Discharge

Women who have hereditary ovarian cancer may experience abnormal bleeding or discharge from the vagina. During sex she may also feel pain or bleed.

Pains

It is common that woman with hereditary ovarian cancer have pains in the lower back, pelvis and abdomen. Cramps may also occur.

Lumps and Bloating

Lumps are often the first sign of a tumor, and women who have hereditary ovarian cancer may have lumps on their stomach or the stomach may be enlarged. These women may also experience abnormal bloating.

Changes

A change in bowel movements and bladder control are symptoms of ovarian cancer. Women with hereditary ovarian cancer will also have greatly decreased energy.

Tags: ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer, hereditary ovarian cancer, breast cancer, hereditary ovarian, more cases

Herbal Cancer Treatments

The herbal treatment of cancer, among other various ailments, has been taking place for five thousand years. Unlike modern radiation treatment, holistic or herbal supplementation does not have major side effects resulting in hair loss, loss of appetite or fatigue. It also focuses on the body as a whole unit, instead of targeting a small area of attack. Here is a brief introduction to the nature of herbal treatments and a few of the most highly recommended herbs.

Why Choose Herbal Treatment?

Though 80 percent of the world's population relies on only plants and natural remedies for healing, in the Western world, we depend on pharmaceutical medicine and surgery to alleviate most ailments. However, as the limitations of modern medicine are becoming more apparent, a large part of the population is choosing to supplement traditional treatment with holistic and herbal remedies. Many of these remedies are especially beneficial for those seeking support during or even as an alternative to cancer radiation treatments. Unlike chemotherapy, herbal treatment promises to remove the bad without harming the good.

Iscador (Mistletoe Extract)

In a study published by "Alternative Therapies" in June 2001, more than 35,000 participants reported that extract of mistletoe greatly improved survival rate for a wide variety of cancers, including breast cancer. Study participants who supplemented their conventional therapy with mistletoe extract survived 40 percent longer as opposed to those relying on conventional treatment alone. Shown to kill cancer cells while simultaneously stimulating the immune system, the extract of mistletoe is highly potent. Only the European variety of the plant is used in the treatment of cancer. It has been proven to reduce tumor size and increase survival rate of cancer patients. The three components of mistletoe responsible for it's effects are lectins, alkaloids, and viscotoxins.

Treatment usually consists of subcutaneous injections, three to seven times a week. This treatment may last anywhere from a few years to a few months, depending on the patient response.

Betula Alba (Birch)

First used by the indigenous peoples of North America in the treatment of diseases of the alimentary tract, birch has a long history of holistic healing purposes. It was used in the frontier days as a cure for cholera, and has been a recognized medicine of Russia since 1834. When applied externally, birch can be used to alleviate eczema.

By 1995, the betulinic acid extracted from birch was found to successfully exterminate human cancer cells implanted in mice. This was the work of Dr. John Pezzuto of the University of Illinois, and he stated the compound "worked better than the drug most commonly used in people to treat melanoma." This compound causes no side effects and is inexpensive.

Aloe Vera

Although most well known for the ability to miraculously reduce the pain and damage of burns, aloe vera has received much attention in recent years for the potential capacity to treat not only cancer, but also AIDS. Aloe contains a substance called acemannan, which is both immunostimulatory and aggressively antiviral.

This derivative has no side effects even when injected in high doses and no resulting toxicity.

Tags: side effects, cancer cells, extract mistletoe, herbal treatment, holistic herbal, survival rate

Prevent Weeds

Prevent Weeds

Fighting weeds is a constant battle during the growing season. The key is to get them under control and then prevent them from returning. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Dig, chop, hoe or remove any weeds that have invaded your garden. You need to start with a clean slate in the war against weeds.

2. Place a thick layer of mulch over the clean soil. Mulch can be anything that covers the surface of the soil, including ground bark, newspaper, leaves, rocks or even old carpet. It prevents weeds from germinating by shading the soil and keeping it cool. A 3- to 4-inch-thick layer will prevent all but the most noxious weeds from growing.

3. Encourage shrubs to grow to full size by fertilizing during the growing season. Shrubs will shade the surface of the soil and choke weeds before they become established.

4. Use fast-growing ground covers such as vinca or hypericum to choke weeds out of existence. Once the surface of the soil is covered with foliage, the weeds won't have anywhere to grow.

5. Pull stray weeds as they appear, and never allow them to go to seed in your garden.

Tags: surface soil, choke weeds, during growing, during growing season, growing season

Job Description Of Transcription From Home

Transcription work such as that done at home typically involves either typing from dictation or typing content from a source, such as a television program's soundtrack or a videotape of a lecture.

Types

Transcription categories include general, medical and legal, according to Worldwideworkathome.com. While the medical profession accounts for the most transcription work, especially for home-based transcriptionists, medical transcription also requires both a higher level of typing skill than other types and a knowledge of medical terminology.

Work from Home

Some experienced transcriptionists choose a home-based working environment. Typically, home-based transcriptionists work as self-employed freelancers, but some work through agencies that employ transcriptionists on a per-project basis.

Duties

Work for a home-based transcriptionist may include picking up source material and returning the completed work to the client; alternately a client may use a Web-based portal or a courier service to provide source material.

Process

Once a transcriptionist has the source material, she types out the material from the audio source, proofreads the manuscript and returns typed documents using the same means with which the client provided the source material.

Starting Out

Starting out with home-based transcription first requires transcription experience gained by similar work done at an employer's office. The next step in establishing a home-based transcription career is to locate one or more clients.

Earnings

As with any freelance or independent consulting business, the earnings vary greatly depending on how full a schedule the individual chooses to work and how specialized, such as medical or legal versus general transcription. Also, the client often pays per recorded time versus by the page or hour, meaning the faster a specific transcriptionist's typing speed the higher the hourly rate. Representative hourly rates, however, include $12 or $18 an hour according to Workfromhomeguide.net; or $10 to $20 an hour, according to Transcription.net.

Tags: source material, home-based transcription, home-based transcriptionists, hour according, medical legal

Help For Lowincome Families In Florida

Providing healthcare for children is a major objective of the Florida Department of Children and Families.

For many low-income families in Florida, various state agencies provide a variety of needed services and products. Programs available to low-income families include access to health care, low-cost or free food, affordable housing and even educational opportunities. Access to these programs is available through local government agencies or various online resources. Many state agencies also provide assistance in connecting low-income families with support programs.

Health Care

Uninsured, low-income families in Florida can take advantage of a variety of health-care support programs, each dedicated to a specialized product or service. State programs such as Medicaid and the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan assist families with a variety of health-care issues, such as regular checkups, dental care, immunizations and pregnancy. Florida KidCare and Medicaid for Children are focused on providing these services to children in Florida, regardless of parent or guardian eligibility.

Food

Florida provides several food assistance programs for low-income families, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SUNCAP. Through the SNAP program, families receive state assistance to purchase healthy foods such as breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and dairy products. These benefits are provide by means of a state-issued debit card, which can be used at most retailers. The SUNCAP program is designed for individuals or families who receive Supplemental Security Income, but still require assistance to purchase food.

Cash

Under the Florida Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program, qualified low-income families with children can receive a monthly cash allowance from the state to help the family become self-supporting. Under a similar program--the Relative Caregiver Program--eligible relatives with custody of a child under the age of 18 can also qualify for a monthly cash allowance. The amount of money given out each month is dependent on the number of children in the household as well as their age, and can range from $242 to $298 per child as of 2010.

Telephone Service

Under a program administered by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), low-income families may qualify for discounted telephone service through the Lifeline Service. This program was designed to assist low-income families obtain basic telephone service as well as cellular phone service (SafeLink Wireless in some cases. The PSC provides this service through private telephone service carriers such as Sprint and Verizon.

Home Heating and Cooling

Administered by the Florida Department of Community Affairs, Florida offers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to qualified families. This program provides federal money to low-income families through various nonprofit agencies and local government entities that assist them in heating or cooling their home.

Tags: low-income families, families with, assistance purchase, cash allowance, families Florida

Help For Kids In Poverty

Establish authentic connections with the young people in your anti-poverty program.

Young people in poverty struggle with numerous social and economic handicaps and they require substantial support to overcome those handicaps. Those working in an institutional capacity to help kids in poverty must use every resource available to ensure success. It's also important for organization and program leaders to know what objectives to prioritize when helping kids in poverty.

Establish Lasting Relationships

Those who work with anti-poverty organizations need to commit to forming lasting relationships with the young people with whom they work. It's important that kids in poverty be able to count on the social service workers and other aides that support them. Young people in poverty may become distrustful and complacent if they experience too many undependable adult "helpers." In that case, anti-poverty organizations will have done more harm than good.

Fight for Appropriate Space

According to Professor Gary Evans of Cornell University, there is a definite relationship between "crowding, noise, housing and neighborhood quality" on the one hand, and a young person's academic and personal achievement on the other. Fight for a spacious and quiet location for your anti-poverty youth organization. Insist on space conducive to physical and mental safety. It's important that young people experience calming surroundings as they learn to improve their lives.

Collect and Evaluate Data

Programs that keep records of methods, techniques, and results are more effective at producing long-lasting change than those that don't. Choose benchmarks of success that are easily recorded. Record as many aspects of your process as possible and employ an internal evaluation of your methods periodically. If you have the resources, consider hiring an outside data-evaluation and consulting company to advise you on improving your results.

Increase Program Comprehensiveness

According to Dr. Anne Brady, et al. of the Harvard Family Research Project in an article about parenting programs and long-term interventions for improving child development and family economics, comprehensive programs are more effective than those that send people to various other services. Include as many in-house services as possible. Connect with other organizations such as medical clinics, schools and career training services. When necessary, refer young people to service providers with whom you already have a collaborative relationship.

Tags: kids poverty, anti-poverty organizations, important that, more effective, people poverty, than those, than those that

List Of The Top Charities

Every year the American Institute of Philanthropy rates over 500 charities and assigns them a letter grade; these grades range from A+, the best rating a charity can receive, down to F, the worst. The criteria used by the American Institute of Philanthropy includes percent of budget spent on programming, ratio of dollars spent per dollar raised, reserve asset holdings and disclosure of financial information.

Animal Welfare Institute

The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) was founded in 1951. They originated as an organization focused on eliminating the use of animals as test subjects in laboratories. Today they have expanded their focus to include abolishing animal factories, the elimination of traps that inflict pain on animals such as steel leghold traps and wire snares, the preservation endangered species and improving the conditions required when transporting animals. Of the money available to them, the AWI spent 96% of that funding on their programs; only 3% was spent on administrative expenses and 1% on fundraising expenses. Beyond having an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy, they also received a four star rating (out of four) from the Charity Navigator and qualify for the Combined Federal Campaign.

The Conservation Fund

The main focus of The Conservation Fund is to preserve America's land, water and natural ecosystems. The Fund was started in 1985 and has since grown to have a staff of 140 full time employees and over six million acres in property holdings spanning all fifty states. Beyond land holdings, The Conservation Fund also puts on educational programs that are built around efficient water usage, green methods of building and support of sustainable businesses. They received not only an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy but also four stars from the Charity Navigator. It should be noted that, per dollar, The Conservation Fund has protected more land than any other organization.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentoring foundation that focuses on providing youths with one on one time with an adult who will be a positive influence on their lives. Some of the benefits from Big Brothers Big Sisters are improvements in schoolwork, reduced likelyhood of skipping class and reduced usage of drugs. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, over 92% of their funding goes directly to their programming with the remainder going to administration costs. Big Brothers Big Sisters received a four star rating from the Charity Navigator, an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy, they meet all the Standards for Charitable Accountability and have been awarded the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence.

Tags: American Institute, American Institute Philanthropy, Brothers Sisters, Institute Philanthropy, Conservation Fund, rating from

What Is The Cyclic Method Of Birth Control

The cyclic method of birth control, also known as the symptothermal method, is a process in which a woman tracks her own fertile period through the study of body temperature and her own biological processes in order to determine when she is least, or most, likely to get pregnant during intercourse. This method, when properly used, is effective. However, proper use and mastery of the techniques involved entails a long, difficult process.

Significance

Sometimes known as the rhythm method, the cyclic method of birth control is favored by women who don't want to use medical birth control or who, for religious reasons, cannot take medication in order to regulate their fertility.

Function

The practice behind the cyclic method involves the study of basal body temperature and the discharge of vaginal mucus throughout the month. This requires a basal body temperature thermometer and the ability to accurately catalog your cervical mucus. The slight changes in basal body temperature and vaginal discharge can act as an indication of fertility.

Method

A woman must take her temperature before getting out of bed each morning, then write down the number. Keeping track of the change in body temperature over the course of a month is an effective way to get a baseline reading of exactly what the fertile cycle is. Monitoring the cervical mucus is essential to ensure an accurate estimate, as the mucus drastically changes color and consistency throughout the cycle. This is contingent upon your cycle being regular and predictable, as even a slight miscalculation can easily lead to pregnancy. This method is not effective at preventing sexually transmitted infections.

Testing

The cervical mucus will be heaviest and most viscous in the days immediately before and immediately after the period of ovulation. By tracking the cervical mucus for at least 6 months before switching to the cyclic method, a baseline can be achieved in which the woman will be able to quickly tell when she is ovulating and when her safe and unsafe days for intercourse occur. Taking the basal body temperature around the same time every morning is vital; immediately before ovulation, the body temperature will decrease slightly, then increase during ovulation by up to 1/2 of a degree. After three days of consistently higher temperatures, the infertile time begins.

Warnings

It is impossible to effectively use the cyclic method of birth control without at least 6 months of close monitoring of basal body temperature and cervical mucus. Because the entire system is based on these two factors, without accurate readings, a sudden switch can easily lead to an unwanted pregnancy or the failure to conceive when desired. Accurate mapping of both components should be done on graph paper to ensure the greatest accuracy.

Tags: body temperature, basal body, basal body temperature, cervical mucus, birth control

What To Expect From A Prostate Exam

A prostate exam, also known as a digital rectal exam (DRE), is an initial screen for growths and other abnormalities in the prostate and other glands of the lower body. The American Cancer Society recommends annual digital rectal exams for all men over the age of 50.

What the Exam Checks

A DRE checks the prostate for enlargement, growths and other abnormalities that can indicate serious conditions such as prostate cancer. The examining physician also checks for rectal and internal bleeding.

Before the Exam

The patient being examined will undress completely below the waist. Typically, the examining physician will provide the patient with a relaxation method such as deep breathing to ease exam discomfort.

How the Exam Is Performed

With the patient standing but bent slightly forward, the examining physician will first inspect the rectum visually for any bleeding or abnormalities. Then, he will insert a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum. Often, the physician will also place a hand on the pelvic area to check for tenderness, inflammation, hardness and other problems.

How the Exam Will Feel

Many patients experience slight physical discomfort during the exam.

Further Tests

If the exam reveals problems such as tenderness or bleeding or abnormalities such as enlargements or tumors, the physician may suggest additional exams such as a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test or a colonoscopy in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

Tags: examining physician, physician will, bleeding abnormalities, digital rectal, examining physician will, growths other

Heart Health Fair Experiments

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that about every 25 seconds an American suffers a coronary event.

Create interesting and engaging hypotheses for heart health fair projects that will entice visitors to want to know more. Heart health is one of the most important topics in America, since heart disease is the No. 1 killer of people in the U.S. today. Experiments should be well-researched and tested thoroughly.

Does Being a Vegetarian Lessen Your Risk of Heart Problems?

Because too much meat can be bad for you, doctors say a healthful, vegetarian diet rich in fruits and vegetables may lower your risk of heart problems, such as heart disease. Take a large-scale survey of vegetarians and omnivores and ask them about their health. Interview a variety of people of different ages and ask them about their blood pressure readings, weight cholesterol levels and other factors that may contribute to heart problems. Relay the results at the fair and explain how visitors may incorporate more vegetarian meals into their everyday lives.

Does Viewing Pictures of Animals Positively Affect Cardiovascular Health?

A student in the California State Fair in 2008 tried this experiment with positive results. Try it with friends and family and relay the results or do it "live" at the fair with booth visitors. Participants should be in good health and able to exercise for a set period of time. This experiments calls for a cardiovascular recording device and images of different animals.

Heart Rate Increases From Different Energy Drinks

Determine the increases in heart rates from different energy drinks. Let participants try several different energy drink samples. Allow enough time between drinks for effects to begin and to wear off. This experiment requires a cardiovascular recording device. Record rates of increase in a chart and decide which drink has the fastest and which has the slowest effect on the heart. Come up with a conclusion about whether energy drinks can negatively or positively affect the heart.

Heart Disease in the Family

Heart disease is known to be more prominent in patients with a family history of the disease. Decide what other factors make heart disease more likely if relatives in the family have it. Decide how eating habits and environment affect the chances of heart disease in relation to relatives having heart disease. Use your results to offer simple consultations to visitors about their chances of getting heart disease. Explain that this is not equivalent to a medical consultation but just an overview of results.

Tags: about their, heart disease, cardiovascular recording, cardiovascular recording device, different energy, energy drinks

What Is Child Poverty

What is poverty?

Child poverty, as with poverty itself, is complex to define, and this is particularly the case when attempting to gain an holistic, world overview of the subject. The vast differences in socio-econmic resources and expectations from one nation to another prevents an all encompassing definition.

Definition

Governments, children's charities and commentators have no commonly accepted definition or measurement of child poverty nationally or globally. However, a generally accepted understanding is that any child living in any part of the world, who does not have access to a nutritional diet, basic health care, and a safe, secure environment, for economic reasons, is living in poverty.

UNICEF Measurement

Poverty in America

UNICEF uses infant and under-5-years mortality rate (U5CMR), as a key indicator of differences and changes in world poverty. Their statistical tables published in "The State of The World's Children 2010" compare and rate 193 countries across five years, from 2003 to 2008. The 2003 figures showed Sierra Leone as the country with the highest infant mortality rate and Afghanistan with the fourth highest. By 2008, Afghanistan ranked first and Sierra Leone ranked seventh. War, economics and politics play a role in the way that countries rise and fall in the UNICEF poverty rankings. The United States, ranked 157 out of 190 countries in 2003 had moved to 149 out of 193 in 2008.

U.S. Measurement

In the U.S., debate remains surrounding the statistics used to measure poverty. The National Center for Children (NCC) in Poverty claims that official U.S. poverty figures are flawed due to "low income" as a primary indicator. NCC indicates the number of children living below the poverty threshold vary according to source but range from 11.4 million to 29 million.

Poverty Threshold

Keeping an eye

The U.S. Census Bureau uses poverty threshold tables to calculate and define poverty. The calculation considers income and defines a measure of need or "dollar amounts used to determine poverty status." Each member of a family is assigned one of 48 possible poverty thresholds. The Census Bureau then computes several factors to see if the total family income is less than the threshold that would create poverty for a particular family.

The following example illustrates how an assessment is made:

• Family A: two children, mother, father and great-aunt.

• The Census Bureau determines that their threshold was $26,338 in 2008.

• The familly's income in 2008 were:

Mother: $10,000

Father: $7,000

Great-aunt: $10,000

First child: 0

Second child: 0

Total family income: $27,000

Since their income was greater than their threshold, Family A is not "in poverty" according to the official definition.

Worldwide View

According to Global Issues, the 2010 edition of " State of the World's Children" from UNICEF indicates the following statistics about child poverty around the world:

• 1 billion children are deprived of one or more services essential to survival and development

• 148 million under 5s in developing regions are underweight for their age

• 101 million children are not attending primary school

• 22 million infants are not protected from diseases by routine immunization

• 8.8 million children worldwide died before their 5th birthday in 2008

• 4 million newborns worldwide are dying in the first month of life

• 2 million children under 15 are living with HIV

• More than 500,000 women die each year from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth

Tags: Census Bureau, million children, family income, mortality rate, poverty threshold

Free Online Laptop Training

Numerous online laptop training methods exist.

Laptop and netbooks are the fastest growing segment of the computer market. But it takes additional training for some people to become familiar with laptop computers. Numerous free online laptop training methods exist.

Usability Training

Laptop manufacturers such as HP, Apple and Acer offer free online videos and courses that can help familiarize users with their computers. Online video sites have numerous tutorials for users. Publishers such as O'Reilly offer a host of free tutorials and training for laptop customers on their website.

Ergonomic Training

The smaller size of laptops and the alternate mouse/keyboard/function key arrangements can make it difficult for some users to adjust to laptops. Thinktanks, manufacturers and educational institutions post information on the Internet about ergonomically-friendly laptop use. Proper weight, positioning and placement (hint: not in the lap) are crucial for new laptop users.

Repair Methods

One of the fastest-growing segments of free online laptop training is in the area of repair. Internet video sites have thousands of videos showing repair laptops. Manufacturers and peripheral/accessory manufacturers also put laptop training information on the Internet to help educate users.

Tags: free online, laptop training, online laptop, free online laptop, information Internet, laptop training methods, methods exist

Health Technician Distance Learning Information

Technicians work in a variety of health professions.

A health technician is a general description of a person trained in the technical aspects of a health-related job. Health technicians are also referred to as heath-care assistants or aides.

Technician Types

The health field offers technician careers in rehabilitation therapies, mental health, emergency medical services, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, medical records (health information), laboratory services and general practice as a medical assistant.

Choosing a Field

The Bureau of Labor Statistics website offers descriptions of technical jobs in each of the above mentioned areas. Volunteering with a technologist in any area of interest will give you the best exposure to what a particular job entails.

Distance Learning

Most health-technician jobs require an associate's or bachelor's degree or certification. Some foundational coursework such as medical terminology and basic sciences may be accomplished through distance (online) learning; however most health-technician degrees require clinical training that can only be accomplished on site.

Tags: Distance Learning

Who Is Eligible To Purchase An Individual Health Insurance Plan

Families may be insured under individual health insurance plans.

Health insurance provides coverage for medical expenses. Individual health insurance differs from group coverage because people who purchase individual plans must meet underwriting criteria, while group health participants do not. Insurance companies selling individual policies ask questions regarding medical history and current health. They charge higher rates due to the increased risk involved in insuring individuals over groups. Sometimes insurers deny coverage to individuals considered too much of a risk.

Self-Employed

Self-employed people are eligible to purchase individual health insurance plans. Unlike individuals employed by private institutions, people who are self-employed do not have the opportunity to benefit from company-sponsored health and medical plans. They're responsible for finding and paying for their own plans.

One of the major benefits for self-employed people who purchase individual insurance is their premiums are a tax-deductible business expense. They have the opportunity to recover some of the expenses related to buying and maintaining individual health insurance.

Unemployed

According to the Department of Labor, individuals who participated in a group health insurance plan and lose their benefits because of termination or layoff are protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The act gives individuals the opportunity to purchase individual coverage if group coverage is not available.

In addition, unemployed individuals who need insurance to protect themselves, a spouse or small children may also purchase individual plans. Many individual health plans are available to those without jobs who need insurance for preventative care, emergency situations or long-term illness.

Pre-existing Conditions

A pre-existing condition is an illness or other health issue diagnosed or treated prior to the issuance of a health insurance policy. Most health insurers exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage. For example, an individual with diabetes or cancer who has been diagnosed or treated for the condition prior to obtaining insurance will not receive coverage for that condition under the policy. In many cases, the company will exclude the condition for at least twelve months after the policy has been in force. After this initial period, the condition is usually covered.

Individuals with pre-existing conditions may be eligible for state or federally-issued high risk individual health plans. The Federal "Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan" (PCIP) is available to people who have been denied health insurance by private insurance companies.

Insurance Carriers

Insurance carriers who provide group health benefits also provide individual health insurance plans. Insurance carriers such as Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care and Anthem provide a variety of health insurance plans for individuals.

Individuals can purchase insurance to cover the cost of prescription drugs. They also have the option to pay into a health savings accounts over time to cover the high cost of medical expenses or insurance plans with high deductibles. Other plans, such as Preferred Provider (PPO) and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) insurance are organized networks of hospitals and health care providers who offer their services at a discount in exchange for the plan participant paying the health insurance premium. These types of plans cover health-care costs associated with doctor's visits, emergency care and hospital stays, as well as inpatient and outpatient surgery.

Tags: insurance plans, health insurance, health insurance plans, group health, health insurance, individual health, individual health insurance

Post Operative Symptoms After Lasik Surgery

After Lasik surgery, patients might experience a range of common, post-operative symptoms. Dry eyes, watering eyes, blurred vision and irritation are generally mild and temporary. Most individuals can return to work within two or three days, although the entire healing process might take several months, and both eyes might not heal at exactly the same rate.

Vision

Your vision will likely be hazy immediately and for about a day after surgery. While vision should stabilize to the targeted correction measurements within three to six months, glare, halos or starbursts around bright lights, especially at night, are common.

Dry Eye

Dry eye is the most common symptom after Lasik, and can cause a gritty feeling and intermittent blurred vision. Although usually temporary, if dry eye becomes chronic and left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision problems or blindness.

Red Spots

During the procedure, tiny blood vessels might burst, leaving a red spot on the white of the eye. These are harmless and disappear within a few days or weeks.

Treating Symptoms

After Lasik surgery, your doctor will have you use preservative-free artificial tears, a topical anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops. Do not rub your eyes after Lasik surgery; use an over-the-counter pain reliever if necessary and consult your doctor if any symptoms become severe.

Recommended Care

Drink water to stay hydrated and avoid diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol. Protect your eyes from wind or blowing air, extreme cold or heat, and irritants such as smoke and dust.

Tags: Lasik surgery, After Lasik, blurred vision, Symptoms After, Symptoms After Lasik, within three, your doctor

Problems After Prison

Release from prison brings up many challenges.

Serving a prison sentence is a life experience that cannot be compared with many outside the prison walls. Prison has its own culture, characterized by heightened alertness to attack and aggression, and a hardening of emotion in order to adapt. Release from prison demands the ex-prisoner rejoin society, often with very little preparation for what the outside world expects of him. Adjusting to freedom and to the demands and expectations of other people can be difficult. The U.S. Department of Justice supports a Prisoner Reentry Initiative to help inmates to reintegrate back into a productive, non-offending lifestyle.

Relapse into Addiction

Whether a prisoner has an addiction prior to sentencing or not, she is vulnerable to becoming addicted to drugs while serving her sentence. According to a 2009 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, "addicted persons will experience challenges to their sobriety through multiple stressors that increase their risk of relapsing to drug use." After release, some prisoners must spend time in a halfway house that may house people with alcohol and drug addictions. Being outside of the prison routine can provoke anxiety, which the ex-prisoner may try to mask with drugs and alcohol.

Family Breakdown

The prisoner's family may or may not have stayed involved in a supportive way while he has been in prison. If the former prisoner's relationship survives the sentence, it is still vulnerable to breaking down when he is released, as he gets used to living in a domestic setting with family members again, and adapting to their routine. It is difficult to make the transition from isolation in prison to being with family again on release. A Fall 2010 article in "The Future of Children," research shows "that incarceration contributes to family breakup and adds to the deficits of poor children."

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The prisoner may have been a victim of violence, rape or other traumas while serving her sentence. She will have had to defend herself, either passively or actively, against chaotic personalities around her. This can often leave the prisoner with post-traumatic stress disorder after release. Post-traumatic stress disorder is characterised by traumatic memories and flashbacks, emotional numbing or episode of anxiety and depression, difficuties managing mood and behavior, and problems with normal daily activities such as eating and sleeping. An article by violence and addictions expert Terence T. Gorski explains that it can be "caused by constant fear of abuse from both correctional staff and other inmates."

Low Self-Esteem/Self-Acceptance

Former prisoners often need counseling and therapy for long periods of time to re-adapt to living in society after serving a prison sentence. An ex-offender may have thoughts of not deserving to belong in society, not feeling equal to others, or no longer being able to recognize himself. According to the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, low self-esteem and disorientation is are "typical after prison" and can make the ex-prisoner vulnerable to reoffending.

Difficulty Finding Employment

There is a huge stigma associated with people who have served time in prison. Resettlement support helps prisoners to find work before they leave prison, but some may have difficulty keeping a job while others may have difficulty finding a job. Ex-prisoners with high-level skills and abilities may end up working in menial jobs because they are discriminated against if they apply for anything higher. Others may find that they have become de-skilled while serving their sentence. The Georgia State Pardons and Paroles explains that "prison punishes the offender but does not teach him or her deal successfully with society."

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What To Do When You Can'T Afford Private Health Insurance

The cost of private health insurance can be too expensive for some working Americans and those who are on fixed incomes. Several alternatives exist for those who wish to obtain lower-cost coverage. These can include employer-funded health care, health coverage pools and certain government programs if the applicant is old enough or has a low income.

Employer-Sponsored Health Care

If you are unable to afford private health insurance on your own you may be able to afford coverage through employer-sponsored health coverage. Many larger businesses offer health benefits to full-time workers. If you are eligible for such a plan it may be a smart financial decision to take advantage of what benefits are offered. Employer-based health insurance can be cheaper than private health insurance coverage because businesses are able to negotiate group rates for coverage, which can lower premiums for all participants. The funds required to participate in this program is usually deducted from your paycheck so you don't have to worry about setting money aside to pay for it.

Preferred-Provider Organization

A preferred-provider organization network, or PPO, is a health plan where a group of consumers pool resources to create negotiating power in getting lower fees for medical services like visits to the doctor and prescription drugs. According to Counselling Resource's website, a PPO is not a health insurance plan, so anyone young or old can participate in a network without the need of a physical or submitted medical history. As of February 2011, the cost of participating in a PPO can vary from as little as $20 to $70 monthly.

Medicaid Programs

If you have a limited income you may be eligible for Medicaid coverage. This health insurance coverage pays your health care provider directly. Depending on the rules in your particular state, you may have a small co-pay associated with your Medicaid coverage. This means you may be required to pay a small portion of your total medical costs. Each state has its own income requirements for Medicaid eligibility, so it's important to check with your state's Medicaid Services department to determine if your income is low enough to qualify for benefits.

Medicare Coverage

If you are an older American who can no longer afford the high premiums associated with private health insurance, it may be time to switch to Medicare as your primary health care provider. Medicare is a federally funded program that provides health care to senior citizens who are 65 and older. Medicare is broken up into four parts: A,B,C and D. Medicare part A provides hospital coverage and is guaranteed to all Medicare recipients. Parts B and C provide additional medical coverage for things like doctor's visits for a small monthly fee. Medicare part D provides prescription drug coverage for an additional monthly fee. Your eligibility for all parts of Medicare is determined by the Social Security Administration.

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