Keep A Cat Healthy

When you are "adopted" by a cat, you accept certain responsibilities for your new feline family member. While cats are independent creatures, they also need humans to set up an environment which is safe and healthy. You want to have a home which is safe for exploration, so your cat can satisfy its natural curiosity. Some things you do to protect your cats are common sense, such as keeping poisonous items locked away from your cat's explorations. Other precautions are not as well known. These include keeping some human foods away from cats, keeping your cat away from poisonous plants, keeping your cat indoors and making sure your cat doesn't eat too much and become overweight.

Instructions

Keep a Cat Healthy

1. Keep poisonous objects locked away from your cat. If it is a naturally curious cat, don't leave the bug spray, bleach or food items within reach. Store all dangerous items in a cabinet that has been fitted with a child-safety latch. If your cabinets have pull handles, you can wrap a short bungee cord around the handles, making it difficult for your cat to pull the cabinet door open.

2. Cats are vulnerable to poisoning from some human foods, such as onions, tomatoes and coffee grounds. We know that milk, cheese and chocolate are bad for cats. Your cat can become seriously ill (or die) if it nibbles a piece of onion that fell to the floor. Other human foods which are dangerous include grapes, raisins, alcoholic beverages, baby food, canned foods, eggs, nuts, human vitamins, root plants, such as potatoes, mushrooms, canned tuna (for human consumption), sugary foods, table scraps, yeast dough, moldy or spoiled foods, marijuana and tobacco. Do everything possible to keep your curious and hungry cat away from these foods. The same goes for house plants. Other poisonous plants include garden plants, shrubs, trees, ornamental plans and plants in moist or wooded areas. The list is large and includes every plant.

3. It's safest to keep your feline indoors. So many people believe that it's cruel to keep a cat indoors, but the dangers to cats who are allowed to roam outside are many. For starters, cats can be exposed to many of the dangerous plants, trees and shrubs. It can be run over, poisoned by radiator fluid or get into a fight with another cat and come home with painful injuries, which can lead to infection. In addition, cats who are allowed to roam outdoors experience increased stress, which can make them sick and shorten their lives.According to Dr. Robert Holmes and Dr. Leslie Larson Cooper, every time a cat is facing a fight, it releases "fight or flight" hormones, which helps it respond to the dangers it is confronting. If the exposure to danger is prolonged, the cat's fight or flight response is destructive instead of protective. It will begin to experience a breakdown in its body system, which will lead to increased illness and early death. In general, cats are happier living indoors.

4. Your indoor cat will have less opportunity for exercise, which can lead to an overweight issue. You can take some easy steps, which will keep your cat slim and fit. First, don't keep the food bowl filled to the brim all day long. Even though your cat is a nibbler, it won't starve if the bowl is empty at times. This might be the most convenient way for you to keep your cat fed, but it's not healthy. If necessary, put the bowl away after meals. If your cat is one of a multi-cat household, buy more than one bowl and feed each cat in a separate room and put all the bowls away after meal times. This does require more attention, preparation and work for you, but the end result is worth it. Good weight control cat foods are sold at pet stores and in grocery stores. Look for the higher-quality foods and check with your cat's veterinarian.

5. While you are ensuring that your cat isn't eating too much, make sure it is getting plenty of exercise and play. Pam Johnson-Bennett, a feline behaviorist, says you can find inexpensive kitty toys, such as a fishing pole toy. Some of these toys come with feathers attached--great for hunting prey games. Just be careful that you don't leave the toy out for your kitty to get tangled up in. Keep the toys put away until you have a play session. Other wonderful cat toys are toy mice. Any toy that will entice your cat to use its hunting and stalking instincts has great exercise potential. You want to make its weight-control efforts fun. When you realize that your cat can easily sleep for 18 hours out of a 24-hour day, you begin to see the importance of exercise, play and fun.

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Eating For Healthy Eyes

Healthy eyes are an important aspect of healthy living. Approximately 43 million Americans suffer from two leading causes of vision loss: age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. In the light of this information, can anything be done to promote healthy eyes? The answer is a definitive yes. The American Optometric Association (AOA) reported that multiple studies showed a strong link between good nutrition and the prevention of eye diseases. A diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants can lower your risks of eye-related diseases and poor vision.

Vitamins A, C and E

If you think that carrots are good for vision, you're not far off---carrots contain Vitamin A, which is needed for the proper functioning of the retina. Not only does vitamin A prevent age-related macular degeneration, it also prevents night blindness (vision becomes unclear at night) by helping the eyes to adapt between bright light and darkness. Richly pigmented fruits and vegetables boost high levels of vitamin A: carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, mangoes, red peppers, kale and spinach. Other sources include beef, liver, chicken, dairy products and eggs.

Vitamin C is multi-faceted---it promotes bone and muscle health, boosts the immune system, keeps teeth and gums healthy and is essential for eye health. This stellar vitamin also reduces risks of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Vitamin C can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables: citrus fruits, strawberries, peppers, berries, sweet potatoes, papayas, peppers and broccoli. However, one particular fruit stands out as a super eye guardian: bilberry. It not only strengthens blood vessels in eyes, it helps to regulate intraocular pressure in the eyes, preventing risk of glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in people over 65.

Fat-soluble vitamin E is another essential eye health nutrient. According to Eyehealth.tv., vitamin E can reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration by up to 25 percent. It is also effective in preventing cataracts and delaying cataract growth. Examples of vitamin E include nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), green leafy vegetables, monounsaturated oils (olive oil, safflower oil, corn oil) and cereals fortified with vitamin E.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

What are lutein and zeaxanthin? They are powerful antioxidants found in colorful fruits and vegetables. They act like sunscreen for your eyes, protecting your retina from the harmful effects of UV rays by absorbing the harsh blue light from the sun. They also act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals from causing cellular damage to the eyes. As such, they play crucial roles in reducing age-related macular degeneration and cataract growth.

Many of the colorful fruits and vegetables mentioned above also contain lutein and zeaxanthin. Other notables include tomatoes and yellow corn, which are rich sources of lutein, and goji berries, which are packed with zeaxanthin.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, help to protect cell membranes, and that goes for cells in the eyes, too. Include essential fatty acids in your diet by eating tuna, salmon, mackerel, whole grain foods, baked beans, chicken and eggs.

Selenium and Zinc

Selenium and zinc play a key role in helping the body absorb the antioxidants listed above and utilize them for eye health. Selenium can be found in seafood, nuts, legumes and poultry, while zinc can be found in dairy products, red meats and seafood.

Tags: macular degeneration, age-related macular, age-related macular degeneration, fruits vegetables, cataract growth, colorful fruits, colorful fruits vegetables

Breast Reduction Information

Breast reduction and breast lifts are among the five types of reconstructive plastic surgeries most often performed in the United States. They both are usually done through the same procedure, reduction mammaplasty.

Breast reduction is usually done for medical purposes and most medical insurance companies will pay for the procedure. It's alway best to check with your insurance provider before scheduling any elective surgery.

A candidate for breast reduction surgery is anyone whose breast size causes physical discomfort. It is advised that surgery is put off until the breasts have fully developed.

Reasons for Breast Reduction

Overly large breasts can cause medical and social problems. Not only do the breasts hinder some sport activity and make it hard to find properly fitting clothes, the weight of the excess breast tissue can cause problems.

Shoulder strain, poor posture and resultant neck and back pain can be traced to excessively developed breasts. Sometimes a skin irritation leading to infections can occur.

Risks of Breast Reduction Surgery

The possibility that one may not be able to breast feed after breast reduction is a risk that all women should consider before scheduling the procedure. As with all surgery, unfavorable response to anesthesia may occur.

Other risks associated with surgery can include nerve damage and loss of sensation, blood clots, infection and scarring. Asymmetry of the breast also may occur.

The Breast Reduction Procedure

If only fatty tissue is to be removed, breast reduction can be accomplished through liposuction.

Incisions usually must be made for skin and glandular tissue to be removed. This type of breast reduction is usually done under general anesthesia.

These incisions can form a circular pattern around the areola, or be made in an inverted keyhole or anchor shape from above the nipple to the crease at the bottom of the breast.

Sometimes the areola is also reshaped by the procedure.

Recovery from Breast Reduction Surgery

A surgical bra or elastic bandage will cover gauze that is wrapped around the breast area after surgery. The gauze can be removed after several days, but the elastic bandage or surgical bra will continue to be worn.

Soreness and swelling can linger for several weeks while the breasts heal. Depending on the individual, it may take several months to heal.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Although the need for breast reduction is usually thought of as a female concern, men can be afflicted with overdeveloped breast tissue by a condition known as gynecomastia.

While diet and exercise can sometimes reduce the excess tissue in the male breast, sometimes surgery is used as a last resort.

Male breast reduction is generally done with liposuction, and the tiny incisions cause very little scarring.

Tags: Breast Reduction, breast reduction, Reduction Surgery, reduction usually, usually done

Skin Lesions On Cows

Disease is often spread through physical contact.

Like humans, cows are susceptible to infection from bacteria, fungi and viruses. Some infections produce visible and characteristic skin lesions. Knowing what type of infection is affecting your cattle allows you to react appropriately. If you notice skin lesions on a cow, separate it from other animals and contact a veterinarian for a professional diagnosis.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects a cow's skin and is not considered a serious illness. It causes crusts to form and may cause hair loss. The name "ringworm" comes from the ringlike appearance of the lesions. Ringworm is commonly found on the head and around the eyes, but it can appear anywhere on a cow's body. This fungal infection spreads through physical contact between cows and contaminated equipment, such as rope and utensils. Ringworm can also spread to humans. Cows subjected to high humidity, poor nutrition and close quarters are more susceptible to infection. Cows with poor immune systems and those that do not get enough sunlight are also at risk.

PLSD

PLSD is a virus that insect bites cause and is spread through infected saliva. The virus is a superficial condition that does not affect a cow's health. It causes oval or circular plaques to form on the skin. The plaques are hard and have red edges. Three days after the appearance of the plaques, they enlarge and form a brown crust in the center. After two weeks, the plaques peel off, revealing new skin.

Dermatophilosis

The bacteria dermatophilus congolensis causes dermatophilosis, also called rain scald. It causes scabs to form on the muzzle, ears and withers, but it can cover up to half of a cow's body. Hair loss and hair matting also occur. Dermatophilosis is spread through physical contact between animals and through contaminated equipment. A cow's condition may worsen if it lives in a humid or wet environment. Keep infected animals dry, separated from other animals and exposed to sunlight.

Pseudocowpox

Pseudocowpox, also known as milker's nodules, is a mild skin infection that affects the udder and teats. Infected cows are hard to milk due to the location of the infection. A virus causes pseudocowpox and affects cows worldwide. Lesions start out as small, red papules and may turn into scabs. The scabs fall off seven to 10 days after first appearing, leaving a ring or horseshoe area behind. The virus can spread to humans, causing itchy purplish-red nodules to form, usually on the hands and fingers.

Tags: physical contact, spread through, through physical, through physical contact, contact between, contaminated equipment

How Much Money Is Saved With Corporate Wellness Programs

Wellness programs help organizations improve employee health and productivity while reducing health care costs.

The purpose of corporate wellness programs is to improve employee health and productivity. First introduced by Halbert Dunn, M.D., a public health official in the 1960s, wellness programs were ignored until the 1990s when the cost of health care started to skyrocket. Now, organizations want to know if these programs will help reduce their health care costs, 50 percent of which attribute to preventable illness, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary disease.

Definition

Dr. Dunn defined wellness as an integrated approach to maximizing an individual's potential that requires a balanced lifestyle. Wellness programs help employees improve their health and quality of life so that they can be more productive. In this context, wellness is more than just the absence of disease; it is about achieving and maintaining an optimal level of health.

Description

Typically, corporate wellness programs focus on health-related areas over which employees have control, such as weight, smoking, alcohol use, exercise and stress management. These are also areas in which employees are most likely to develop health issues that lead to increased absenteeism, insurance claims for work-related accidents, reduced productivity and higher employee turnover. For example, although many government agencies and businesses ban tobacco smoking, it is still the number one cause of premature death in the U.S., according to a 2010 report by Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, M.D.

Corporate wellness programs focus on helping employees change their behaviors to prevent disease and injury rather than treat it. The program's scope depends on the organization's needs; for example, some programs may target tobacco use, exercise or obesity while others offer comprehensive programs including health management, employee education and disease management support for patients and doctors.

Cost Savings

Corporate wellness programs operate on the premise that it is necessary to spend money to save money. So, savings associated with these programs are expressed as a return on investment, or ROI, ratio. According to US Corporate Wellness, the average ROI programs ranged from 3:1 to 5:1 in 2009. Organizations saved $3 to $5 in health care and other costs for every dollar they spent on wellness programs. In some instances, the ROI can be as high as 13:1.These saving resulted from reduced sick leave, health care, workers' compensation and disability management costs.

Savings Notes

The savings levels depend on a number of factors, including the size of the organization, the nature and extent of the program, and the incentives offered to employees for participation. Organizations with comprehensive programs, such as The Bank of America and California Public Employee Retirement System, reported savings ranging from $5.50 to $6.50 for each dollar spent in 2008. There may not be a correlation between the cost of the program and the ROI. According to a 2008 study conducted by Corporate Wellness Companies, some of the most expensive programs produced the lowest ROIs, although comprehensive programs tend to save employers more than targeted programs. Wellness programs with negative returns on investment are less likely published; consequently, the average ROIs may be inaccurate. In addition, organizations did not make adjustments for inflation or for the changing value of money over time. Therefore, both costs and savings may be overstated.

Tags: health care, wellness programs, comprehensive programs, Wellness programs, care costs, Corporate Wellness, corporate wellness

What Is The Difference Between A Cat Scan & A Bone Scan

What Is the Difference Between a Cat Scan & a Bone Scan?

A CAT scan and a bone scan are very different tests that allow doctors to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat medical diseases.

CAT Scan

In a Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scan, specialized x-ray machines and high tech computers are combined to give the doctor a two- or three-dimensional view of the inside of the body.

Purpose of a CAT Scan

CAT scans are used to find internal abnormalities, such as tumors, infections, blood clots and certain fractures that might not show up on a regular x-ray. Organs also are often examined for size and shape abnormalities.

Bone Scan

A bone scan is an imaging test in which a radioactive substance is injected into the patient, and then travels to the bones. A specialized camera takes pictures of the bones, and the health of the bones is assessed by which areas gather more radioactive material.

Purpose of a Bone Scan

A bone scan is used to show bone density. It also can locate damage caused to bones by infection, breaks or traumatic injury, and is helpful in finding bone cancer.

When a Test is Necessary

These are very specialized procedures used only in specific situations. Your doctor will order the scan for you, and explain the benefits, risks and precautions.

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Mole Laser Removal

A mole is an irregularity on the surface of the skin. Most people have at least a few moles on their skin. Some moles are present at birth, while others develop over time. They can appear anywhere on the body. Moles vary in size and color, although many are brown or black. Some women develop moles after pregnancy, due to the changes in hormones. Some people may be bothered by the number or the size of their moles, and sometimes they have to be removed for health reasons. There are a few different techniques for removal, including using lasers.

Instructions

1. Find a board-certified dermatologist in your area by visiting the website of the American Board of Dermatology. A physician experienced in laser mole removal will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Small, flat moles are easier to remove by laser than raised moles.

2. Ask about biopsy. Depending on the characteristics of the mole, a physician may want to have a biopsy done to determine if it's cancerous. If the mole needs a biopsy, a small piece will need to be cut off before the laser procedure, or the doctor may recommend a different form of mole removal.

3. Have the skin numbed. Although molel aser removal is not considered extremely painful, it can be uncomfortable. Depending on the number of moles and size a doctor may decide to apply numbing ointment prior to the procedure.

4. Undergo the laser procedure. Have the laser beam directed at the mole. The laser breaks down the pigmentation of the mole. The beam will be directed at the mole and a series of pulses will penetrate the skin. The procedure will usually take less than an hour.

5. Expect to develop a scab. The mole may initially appear red and the skin may be sore. After a few days the mole may develop a scab, which will fall off in a few days. Keep the skin clean to prevent infection. Using sunscreen on the area for a few weeks is also recommended to prevent sunburn.

6. Discuss follow-up appointments. Depending on the size of the mole, more than one session may be needed. For larger moles, three sessions may be required. Most doctors will charge fees per session. Moles which will take more than one session will likely cost more.

Tags: develop scab, directed mole, laser procedure, mole removal, more than, more than session, than session

Medicare Modifiers Used For Eye Surgery

Coding and billing professionals use modifiers to show that a procedure deviated from normal circumstances (but not enough to change the procedure definition or CPT code) and to secure appropriate payment. Here are some common eye surgery modifiers.

Anesthesia Provided by a Surgeon

Many eye surgeries require only sedation or topical or regional anesthetic, which doesn't need to be administered by an anesthesiologist. When the ophthalmic surgeon does this, attach modifier --47.

Surgeries on Both Eyes

Attach modifier --50 when a service has been provided bilaterally---that is, to both eyes during the same surgical session.

Multiple Procedures

If a surgeon performs more than one discrete procedure during the surgical session, attach modifier --51 to procedures two through five.

Deciding to Perform Surgery

Attach modifier --57 to the bill for the office visit during which the surgeon decided surgery would be performed.

Need More Than One Modifier?

Attach modifier --99 if more than one modifier is necessary to fully describe what has taken place during the surgical session.

Tags: surgical session, Attach modifier, during surgical, during surgical session, more than

Grants For Womenowned Businesses In Wisconsin

Wisconsin has established a wealth of resources designed to assist in the development of women-owned businesses. Wisconsin has agreements in place with organizations that are committed to providing funding resources. Therefore grants are available that are specifically designed to assist women entrepreneurs at all levels of the business development process.

Wisconsin.gov

Wisconsin.gov provides access to grant programs that are applicable to women along with loan programs, development funding programs, special initiatives, subsidies, as well as many other financial assistance programs. It is a portal for citizens of Wisconsin to gain access to governmental services online. Using this portal, women business owners are able to search out grant funding opportunities throughout the entire state. Moreover, women entrepreneurs can locate and use many other supportive tools using this web portal.

Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network (WEN)

The Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network is another resource that women business owners can refer to in order to gain access to grants. WEN is made up of more than 400 program providers from all over Wisconsin that work together to assist in the promotion of minority-owned businesses. The network also provides a venue for entrepreneurs to collaborate with one another and gain recognition for their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute (WISELI)

Formed in 2002, the Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute conducts scientific research based out of the University of Wisconsin. WISELI provides grants to promote the involvement of women in the fields of Science and Engineering. The center is funded by a wide range of sources, including the University of Wisconsin, national scientific funding agencies, gift funds, as well as WISELI's own income-generating activities. Given the institute's wealth of resources, it represents the perfect opportunity for women business owners engaging in science- and engineering-related activities to gain access to grant funds.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The purpose of Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources is to preserve, manage, and maintain Wisconsin's natural resources. The DNR is fully responsible for coordinating programs necessary to provide a clean environment. The DNR offers a wide range of environmental-based grant opportunities for women business owners as well as all other entrepreneurs. The Department of Natural Resources allows the public to view its grant opportunities directly from its website.

Tags: business owners, women business, women business owners, Department Natural, Department Natural Resources, gain access

Topics For Argument Persuasive Paper

Persuasive essay topics should engage readers in a unique and compelling way.

In order for an essay to be persuasive, the writer must develop a clear, logical argument that is substantiated by facts and strengthened with a voice of conviction. Readers should be able to follow the argument easily, with a clear sense of its importance and possible urgency. In order to be persuasive, the writer must first engage the reader and hold his attention. Thus, the essay topic should be relevant, thought-provoking, and different from the many overused and uninspired topics.

Current Event Topics

Topics that focus on a particular current event are usually a good choice for a persuasive essay because they are highly relevant and unlikely to be overused. Readers are more likely to relate to a topic that matters to them and effects their life in some way. For example, choosing the topic "gun control" may be too broad and common to engage readers in any meaningful way. However, framing the topic around a current event, such as a recent school shooting, will give the essay context and a sense of urgency.

Ignored Topics

Framing an argument around an idea, event, or situation that has been widely ignored by academics and the media is likely to grab the reader's attention in a way that overused topics do not. By choosing a topic that has been noticeably absent from the current societal discourse, a writer can open the reader's eyes to an entirely new subject. Writing on an ignored topic requires the writer to have insight on an uncharted subject and the opportunity to engage in first-hand research. For example, a writer may choose to write about the unprecedented number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a particular elementary school in the area. However, the writer must conduct his own extensive research to ensure the article is accurate and fair.

Paradigm Changing Topics

A writer can choose a well-known and commonly discussed subject but frame it in a way that is unique and shifts the paradigm. This type of essay topic draws the reader in with a familiar subject but forces him to think differently about it. For example, a writer may choose to write on the failings of the United States education system. Rather than writing on the financial failings of the nation's public schools, a topic that has been and continues to be debated in academic, political and media circles, the writer can discuss it from a historical or philosophical perspective.

Tags: that been, topic that, writer choose, writer must, choose write, choosing topic, current event

How Does An Mma Athlete Spend A Workday

Working Out

A fighter begins the day with a protein rich breakfast, which helps him build muscle without adding weight, and then heads to the gym for an early morning workout with his trainers. This is only the first training session of the day. He will also have an afternoon or evening workout and sometimes even a third late night training, especially when it gets close to fight day. A lot of fighters have two trainers: one for grappling, or "groundwork," and one for punching and kicking, or "stand up." In addition to sparring with their trainers, or other fighters, to work on technique, an MMA athlete lifts weights and medicine balls for strength and does cardio work, such as side shuffles and standing leaps, to improve his footwork and agility.

Marketing

A fighter spends at least an hour every workday on activities related to self-promotion. This is important for two reasons: to get booked to bigger name, and hence more profitable, fights and to score product endorsements. Depending on the day, a fighter could spend this time attending photo shoots for sports-centric magazines, talking to his agent, signing autographs for fans, interviewing with a newspaper reporter or updating a blog.

Fighting

When fight day comes around, the regular work schedule goes out the window. The athlete spends the entire 24 hours preparing for that all important 10 to 20 minutes. He spends the morning fasting so that he can make weight for the fight. (If he's too heavy, he can't qualify for his class.) If this doesn't work, he sweats off the rest of the weight he needs to lose by sitting in a sauna in heavy garb. After the weigh-in he meets his opponent and may have a photo shoot with him. Then he fills up on carbs to get his energy level where it needs to be so that he can perform. (Once weigh-in is done, it doesn't matter if he gains every pound back.) Five minutes or so before the fight, the fighter tapes up his hands and puts Vaseline on his face, which helps prevent cuts in the sensitive skin around his eyes. Finally, he spends a few minutes alone or with a trainer mentally preparing for the match and visualizing a win.

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Interpret A Dna Test

Looking at a DNA test can be confusing to any layperson. It involves charts of long strands of loci (plural for locus) in which the two sets of alleles are located. It also involves numbers and percentages that are confusing. But a degree in biology isn't required to interpret a DNA test. All that is needed is a general understanding of certain terms and what each number on a DNA test represents.

Instructions

1. Compare the two columns that are listed on the test. Both of these columns indicate the 16 loci that have been tested. The columns that are marked "allele" contain the numbers that indicate the two alleles that are found in each locus. Sometimes there will only be one number if the alleles are the same size. If the number between the two tested allele sets is a direct match, the probability of a relationship will not be excluded.

2. Notice the fragment length of each allele. Each locus has a variable number of repeated short sequences of bases. These bases are represented by the letters A, C, T and G. Each allele will have a different number of repeated bases, such as ACGACGACGACG, which will determine its fragment length. The fragment lengths are then compared between the different DNA strands being tested. These lengths signify comparisons or noncomparisons between the different strands. The numbers found in each fragment length will also signify matches.

3. Check for any matches that are tested in the report. The child will have 2 alleles that match both of her parents. The mother will pass on two sets of alleles that will be 12.1 and another set that might match or be close to the mother's, for instance an 18 for the child and a 16 for the mother.

4. Compare the tested alleles of the child and the other parent. This will determine within probability whether a person is the biological father. The child's alleles from the father must be 18. This is called the "obligate paternal allele" and will determine whether he is the biological father.

5. Look at the percentage number below the chart. This number indicates a combined "direct" relationship of all the alleles that have been tested. This calculates the probability of relationship between the tested alleles. If the DNA of the alleged father is compatible with the child's, the report will read that the alleged father cannot be excluded as the biological father. This of course is within a degree of mathematical certainty, which the percentage number below the chart will indicate.

Tags: alleles that, biological father, fragment length, will determine, alleged father, allele will

When To Take The Next Step After Abnormal Mammogram Results

A mammogram is a test that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine the breasts for early signs of breast diseases, specifically breast cancer in women. The National Cancer Institute recommends all women ages 40 and older have a mammogram performed at least once every two years. Most of the time your mammogram will come back normal, but it is important to know what to do if your results are abnormal.

Notification

If your mammogram is clear, it is possible that the radiologist will let you know immediately after your procedure. However, the ordering physician may want to look at the X-ray first, in which case he will likely call you with the results. Some radiology centers send the results of the mammogram directly to you through the mail.

A Normal Report

If the report is normal, you will be instructed to schedule your next mammogram in one to two years, depending on your age and other risk factors. If you haven't received any results within a few days, you should not automatically assume everything is fine. Call your physician and request your results.

An Abnormal Report

If you receive an abnormal report, do not panic. There are many reasons for a mammogram to come back with irregularities and most of them do not indicate cancer. If there is anything unusual or suspicious revealed by your mammogram, your physician will arrange an appointment for further evaluation. Most abnormalities turn out to be benign conditions, such as cysts, fibroadenoma or just unusually dense breast tissue.

Follow-up

It is important to follow up as soon as possible to either confirm or rule out the possibility of serious breast disease. Follow-up testing may include ultrasound, additional mammograms, needle biopsy or in some cases surgical lumpectomy. According to the American Cancer Society "most doctors feel that early detection tests for breast cancer save many thousands of lives each year," so the sooner you follow up on an abnormal mammogram, the better.

Tags: your mammogram, breast cancer, come back, your physician, your results

The Disadvantages Of Visible Light

Visible light has significant advantages and disadvantages to the human body.

Visible light is undoubtedly a vital part of human life as it allows you to see the world using your eyes. This type of light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum of waves that the human eye can detect. While the essential need for visible light is very clear, it also has disadvantages in certain conditions or when not used properly.

Eye Health Problems

The light you see has a wavelength within the range of about 380 nm to 780 nm and a frequency range of about 405 THz to 790 THz. The human eye can suffer from retinal injury due to overexposure to visible light. Although some damage can heal, more serious overexposure to visible light may lead to permanent eye damage or even blindness. This type of eye problem is caused by looking directly at something too bright like the sun.

Vision-Related Accidents

The human eye's primary defense to damage due to overexposure to light is for it to close through the help of the eyelids. In some cases in which a person doesn't close her eyes right away prior to exposure to very bright light, this can cause temporary blindness. One vision-related accident that can happen is when a person is driving during the night, then another vehicle with high beams passes by from the opposite lane. This can cause the driver to close his eyes or experience temporary blindness if his eyes remain open during the incident. This can lead to a road accident.

Film Exposure Problems

Visible light affects films including those used in X-rays, film photography and movies. A film creates an image by using its chemical characteristics, which change according to how light strikes its surface. An X-ray machine or a film camera controls the light used for them. These films are protected from light through their containers. Accidentally removing them from these containers would result in exposure of the films, which would render them useless or cause permanent damage on the supposed image that should appear on them.

Deterioration of Materials

Visible light can cause chemical changes to different materials, which typically result in deterioration of their quality. Prolonged exposure to the light can result in a more weary look to these materials -- due to how light affects a material's molecular and chemical properties. This condition is especially evident in very old documents and photos like those historical ones archived in museums that tend to fade over time.

Tags: visible light, Visible light, close eyes, light affects, overexposure visible

Support Ovarian Cancer Patients

Support Ovarian Cancer Patients

Ovarian cancer is a malignancy found in the ovaries. When a loved one who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it is common to feel helpless. An ovarian cancer patient does not have to go through it alone, however, because there are things that you can do to offer your support that will make her life a little easier.

Instructions

Support Ovarian Cancer Patients By Learning About the Disease

1. Be knowledgeable about ovarian cancer. Do your research so you know what is happening to an ovarian cancer patient biologically and can understand why she is experiencing certain symptoms and side effects.

2. Talk to your loved one's doctors. While patient information is confidential, a doctor can tell you what an ovarian cancer patient is experiencing, making it easier for you to provide the care she'll need.

Support her Throughout Her Treatment Regimens

3. Be aware of her comfort. If you live with someone battling ovarian cancer, do your best to plan meals that you know she can eat. Avoid reminding her of things that she can no longer do.

4. Communicate with the ovarian cancer patient. Establish a ratings system so that you can understand the severity of her pain or symptoms and provide help when possible.

Be Emotionally and Physically Available

5. Support your loved one physically. Let her reserve her strength to endure treatments. Offer to do household chores and run errands that could take away the energy she needs.

6. Show emotional support for someone with ovarian cancer. Be aware if she wants to talk about her illness or would rather turn to you as an escape from life at the hospital, and respond accordingly. You may want to ask her directly what she needs, so that you are able to provide support as soon as possible.

7. Join an ovarian cancer support group for families or friends. Often there are specific groups for parents, children or spouses of ovarian cancer patients.

Tags: ovarian cancer, cancer patient, ovarian cancer patient, ovarian cancer, Ovarian Cancer Patients

Maryland Insurance Laws

Maryland auto insurance laws are designed to protect the public.

Maryland drivers pay average auto insurance premiums of $1,550 annually (as of 2011), landing the state in the number 17 slot for most expensive states for automobile insurance. This is significantly less than the most expensive state, Louisiana, where the average premium, as of 2011, is $2,510. To keep costs low, the state of Maryland vigorously enforces its automobile insurance laws. Vehicle owners must purchase an insurance policy that provides not only liability coverage, but uninsured motorist and personal injury protection as well.

Mandatory Auto Liability

Maryland law requires drivers to purchase an insurance policy from a company approved by the state. The policy must provide at least $30,000 in bodily injury protection for one person, $60,000 bodily injury protection for all people in an accident and $15,000 in property damage liability. Liability insurance does not cover your own medical expenses and damage to your vehicle.

Other Mandatory Coverage

By law, Maryland drivers must also carry uninsured motorist and personal injury protection (PIP). PIP pays medical expenses for you and your passengers up to $2,500. If you are already covered by hospitalization and medical insurance, you may opt for limited personal injury protection, which excludes coverage for yourself and your family members who are 16 years or age or older. Uninsured motorist insurance will cover your damages, up to your policy limits, when you are involved in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance. The amount of your uninsured motorist coverage cannot exceed your policy's liability limits.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If you do not provide at least the minimum mandatory insurance, the state may penalize you. You may have your plates confiscated and lose the right to register not only the uninsured vehicle but all other vehicles you own or may purchase until previous violations have been cleared. Even break-in coverage can subject you to a fine of $150 for 30 days or less, plus an additional $7 per day for every day beyond 30. You will have to pay a $25 penalty to restore your vehicle's registration. In addition, if you falsify proof of insurance, you may be fined as much as $1,000, incarcerated for one year or both. Additional penalties and fines may be assessed in a court of law.

Proof of Insurance

The only proof of insurance the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will accept is the FR-19 Maryland Insurance Certification. The identification card the insurance company provides, nor the policy itself, will be accepted as a valid proof of insurance under Maryland law. You must provide your proof of insurance to the Motor Vehicle Administration if you change insurance carriers, since your new provider will not automatically notify the MVA, although your former carrier will notify the agency that your policy is no longer in effect. The MVA may also request proof of insurance if you accumulate three or more points on your driving record.

Tags: injury protection, personal injury, personal injury protection, proof insurance, your policy, auto insurance

Medicare D Programs

Each U.S. state sells around 30 different Part D plans in 2011.

Medicare was made up of two parts when it was created in 1965. Part A covered inpatient hospital benefits, and Part B mainly covered outpatient hospital care and preventive services. Later, Medicare added two more parts, C, usually called Medicare Advantage, and D. Medicare Advantage lets beneficiaries get their Parts A and B benefits from private companies, while Part D covers prescription drugs. Part D can be bought either as a stand-alone plan or as part of Medicare Advantage.

Enrollment

You must join a Part D when you first become eligible for Medicare. If you do not, and you had no other drug coverage, you will be responsible for paying a late-enrollment penalty later. The late-enrollment penalty will be added to your Part D monthly premiums.

Service Area

Part D plans, like Medicare Advantage, are sold by service area, usually by county. You may not be able to find the same Part D plans offered across service areas, although some of the larger insurance companies do sell the same Part D policies throughout a single state. You might also be able to find the same plan sold under different names in different areas. Nevertheless, if you move from one country to another, or one state to another, it is likely you will have to switch Part D plans.

Benefits

Not all Part D plans cover all drugs. The exact drugs covered, at what amount and whether you get benefits for both generic and brand-name medications differ by plan and company. Many Part D insurance companies sell their plans in "tiers." The cheapest tier has the least coverage for the fewest drugs, generally generics only, while higher tiers cover brand names at higher percentages. Medicare.gov offers a national Part D plan finder, which allows users to search for plans that will cover their medications.

Deductibles

Part D plans generally come with an annual deductible. Deductibles are what users must pay before insurance begins offering benefits. Part D benefits you get through Medicare Advantage may not have a separate deductible, but stand-alone Part D plans almost always do. In 2011, companies cannot set a Part D deductible higher than $310, but this amount can change yearly. Some Part D plans have lower or no deductibles in exchange for higher premiums, copayments or coinsurance costs.

Doughnut Hole

One of the most confusing features of Medicare Part D is what is often called the "doughnut hole." After you meet your deductible, you pay only a portion of the Medicare-approved amount for medications, while Part D insurance pays the rest. However, after your drug costs total up to more than your initial coverage limit, you must pay all costs yourself until you meet the catastrophic coverage level. You must still pay monthly premiums to keep your insurance during this time. In 2011, reforms meant to help close the hole went into effect. Beneficiaries immediately began receiving discounts on both generic and name-brand drugs while in the hole. Additional discounts are to be rolled out every year until 2020, when users only pay 25 percent of drug costs while in the hole.

Tags: Part plans, Medicare Advantage, able find, able find same, benefits Part, both generic

Am I Eligible For Medicare Benefits Based On Disability

When you suffer from a disability, coming up with money to pay for medical bills can be difficult. Because of this need, the federal government has made Medicare available to certain people who are disabled, regardless of how old they are. Understanding how this program works can help you obtain benefits if you become disabled.

Starting Medicare Benefits

When you have a disability, you could start receiving benefits from the Social Security Disability program. This is another government program that provides you with monetary compensation every month after you become disabled. When you have received these benefits for 25 months, you then become eligible to start receiving Medicare benefits. During the two years leading up to eligibility, you have to pay for medical expenses through private insurance or with cash. In some cases, you may qualify for Medicaid as well.

Medicare Parts

Medicare is broken down into several different parts of coverage. The most basic form of Medicare coverage is Medicare part A. This is a type of hospital coverage that will pay the majority of your bills if you have to go into the hospital. This portion of Medicare is paid for by the government, and you will not have to pay a premium for this coverage. You can also get Medicare part B in this situation. Medicare part B provides you with doctor coverage and it requires a small monthly premium.

Medigap

When you become eligible for Medicare, you may notice that there are some gaps in coverage. For example, Medicare part A only covers 80 percent of covered costs when you have to go into the hospital. If you do not want to have to come up with 20 percent of the bill out of pocket, you could buy a Medigap policy. Medigap is a type of insurance that is designed to fill in the gaps in coverage left by Medicare. You can choose which type of policy you want and pay for the premium out of your own pocket.

Qualifying for Coverage

When you become disabled, this does not necessarily mean that you will automatically qualify for benefits under Medicare. Medicare has a list of disabilities that will qualify someone to receive benefits. For example, if you injure your spine and you become paralyzed, this would count as being disabled. If you injure your leg and have complications during the surgery, this could also lead to disability. Losing your sight or hearing could also qualify you for disability. If you have one of the disabilities on the list, you can start to receive benefits once you are eligible to do so. You may also have to prove that you are still disabled from time to time if you wish to remain on the benefits.

Tags: Medicare part, become disabled, that will, become eligible, could also, gaps coverage

Become A Radiology Technician In Illinois

Radiology technicians work in radiology and imaging labs performing a variety of tasks. Taking x-rays for injured patients and providing radiation therapy for people afflicted with cancer are just two of the tasks that are part of their job. Since radiation can be hazard to a person’s health in large dozes, it is critical that radiology technicians have the proper training. This is why there are several steps involved when learning become a radiology technician in Illinois.

Instructions

1. Find a radiology technician program at a college or university. Completing an educational program in radiology is a requirement to become certified in the state of Illinois. There are four colleges that offer radiology in Illinois, which generally is a two-year program. These include Rend Lake College, Lewis and Clark Community College, Southwestern Illinois College and Kishwaukee College. While it is not mandatory to graduate from one of these four schools to become a radiology technician in Illinois, it can save money for students who are already residents of the state and qualify for in-state tuition rates.

2. Apply for admission to the program of your choice. Once you have decided which of the four colleges in Illinois to attend to get your degree in radiology, you can apply for admission and work towards completing the admission requirements. For most programs in Illinois this includes completing prerequisite classes and passing a physical exam. You should apply early since admission to Illinois radiology programs occurs only in the fall.

3. Complete radiology program including clinicals. Some states require graduates of radiology programs to complete clinicals before becoming licensed. The state of Illinois is different as they have built clinicals into their radiology programs. This allows students to be ready for licensing after graduation without any additional steps.

4. Apply for an Illinois radiology license and register to take the state exam. Illinois is one of the states where a license is required for radiology technicians. The application to become licensed in Illinois is the same form used to register for the state licensing exam. Registering for the exam must be done at least 40 days before the actual date of the test. You can register and pay the $100 exam fee and the $100 license application fee through the website of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, which oversees the licensing and registration for radiology technicians in Illinois.

5. Pass the state exam and become a radiology technician in Illinois. The final step after applying for a license in Illinois and registering for the state test is to actually take and pass the test. Once this is complete you can become a licensed radiology technician and begin working in Illinois.

Tags: become radiology, become radiology technician, radiology programs, radiology technician, radiology technicians, become licensed, four colleges

Become A Kindergarten Teacher In California

Kindergarten teachers play a special role in the education of children by preparing them for the more formal academic environment of grade school. It’s a challenging job but a rewarding and fulfilling one. If you want to become a kindergarten teacher in California, you must meet the same standards as grade school teachers. These are different from the requirements for preschool and daycare teachers, which is not true in all states.

Instructions

1. Start your preparation to become a kindergarten teacher in California while in high school. Take courses in psychology, sociology and/or health to prepare you for the college courses you’ll be taking. Other courses that are also useful are physical education, music and art. These are subjects that you will teach in kindergarten. You may want to volunteer with after-school or summer programs for young children to gain experience working with children in this age group.

2. Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year teacher training institution (normally a university). There are various degrees in education you can pursue, but for reaching kindergarten the best choice is early childhood education.

3. Complete a year of postgraduate coursework at an accredited teacher training institution. This program completes the academic requirements to receive a Preliminary Teaching Credential. To get a “Clear Credential,” you must complete specific additional courses within 5 years.

4. Take the California Board of Education Skills Test (CBEST). This is one of two types of tests that are required to become credentialed as a K-12 teacher in California. In some cases, you will also take competency tests in subject areas unless you have equivalent college coursework. All teachers moving from other states must take the CBEST even if they are certified to teach in another state.

5. Consider an alternate route to become a kindergarten teacher in California through an internship. An internship allows you to begin teaching for 1 to 2 years while you are completing your training. At one time, California also issued waivers for some teachers but no longer does so because this conflicts with the provisions the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Tags: become kindergarten, become kindergarten teacher, teacher California, grade school, kindergarten teacher, kindergarten teacher California, teacher training

Ira Withdrawals For A Health Care Savings Account

HSAs are "health savings accounts." These accounts allow you to contribute money to a tax-free account. This money can later be used to pay for your health care costs. These accounts are purchased in conjunction with a high-sdeductible health plan (HDHP). Along with paying for health care costs, your HSA account can be used to pay for the high deductibles on these plans. But, getting an HSA up and running requires initial funding. Fortunately, you can make a contribution from your IRA.

Significance

By contributing to your HSA through your IRA, you can use existing money from your retirement savings. This is significant if you end up using your health insurance in the first year you have the plan. Because deductibles are high, your IRA may provide you with the initial startup funding needed in order to pay for medical costs of your new plan. The contribution to your HSA from your IRA is a tax-free rollover.

Limitation

You may only contribute $3,050 as an individual and $6,150 if you have a family. This limitation is adjusted upward by $1,000 if you are over 55. The contribution from your IRA is a one-time contribution. You may not make regular contributions from your IRA to your HSA.

Warning

If you make more than the maximum contribution to your HSA, you will be subject to a penalty of 6 percent for each year that you make an excess contribution. If you remove the excess before the last day of the filing period for your taxes, you may avoid the penalty. Additionally, any money that is not used for health care expenses is treated as income and is subject to income tax. But, it is also subject to a 10 percent penalty.

Consideration

Before contributing to an HSA, think carefully about whether you will use the money. A one-time contribution amount from your IRA may help you get started in your HSA, but don't contribute more than you think you'll need for your health care. By taking money out of your IRA, you are reducing the amount of money you have to invest for your personal retirement. So, you should think carefully before contributing to your HSA from your IRA. This transfer is irreversible.

Tags: from your, health care, your health, care costs, contributing your

Omniscan Contrast Dye Side Effects

Omniscan is a dye used in patients undergoing an MRI.

Omniscan is a medicinal dye used to help medical personnel view internal organs and blood vessels during MRI testing. As with any drug, there are side effects associated with the use of Omniscan. Some of these side effects are severe and extreme caution should be used in patients who are given Omniscan.

What is Omniscan

Omniscan is a contrast dye that is administered via intravenous drip in patients just before they receive an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging. It is used so that your doctor and medical staff can view possible lesions or areas of inadequate blood supply in your brain, spinal cord, thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Most Dangerous Side Effects of Omniscan

The side effects associated with Omniscan can be severe in certain individuals. Cardiovascular failure, myocardial infarction (heart attack), convulsions (seizures), irregular heartbeat, respiratory failure (inability to breathe), acute kidney failure (renal insufficiency or failure) and symptoms of allergy to Omniscan (hives; shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips or throat) are the most dangerous side effects that may be experienced by patients who are administered Omniscan.

These side effects are greatly increased in patients who have had prior histories of severe drug allergies, existing renal insufficiency and existing cardiovascular diseases.

Less dangerous side effects of Omniscan

About 3 percent of patients who are administered Omniscan for an MRI procedure experience dizziness, nausea and headaches.

These symptoms usually occur infrequently and alleviate as the Omniscan dye is metabolized by the body.

Pregnancy Category C

Pregnant women are strongly advised not to use Omniscan for MRI procedures. It is classified as a pregnancy category C drug by the FDA, meaning that it has been shown to induce birth defects in laboratory animals. It has not, however, been tested extensively on pregnant humans. Because of this, Omniscan should only be used in pregnant women if the benefits of the drug strongly outweigh the risk to the fetus. Talking to your doctor can help you weigh the benefits and risks.

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a debilitating disease that causes immobility and malfunction of bodily organs, skin and internal tissues. In some cases, it is fatal.

There are known links between Omniscan and NSF.

The risk of developing NSF increases substantially if patients who have existing renal failure are given Omniscan contrast dye. Due to this, patients with renal insufficiency should not be given Omniscan.

Tags: side effects, given Omniscan, renal insufficiency, administered Omniscan, associated with, associated with Omniscan

Improve Physical Exam Results

Doctors typically recommend an annual physical for their patients.

Doctors usually recommend that a person undergo a complete physical once a year. Physical exams are particularly crucial when a person gets older, as their risk of certain conditions, like high blood pressure and heart disease, increases. However, if an individual maintains a healthy diet, exercises regularly and takes care of themselves, they will likely improve the results of their next physical exam.

Instructions

Improving Your Next Physical Exam Results

1. Eliminate junk food such as potato chips, ice cream, and donuts from your diet. Substitute products with no trans-fatty acids or saturated fats. Use sugar substitutes like saccharine instead of real sugar. Lower your salt intake by cutting back on table salt and eating foods with less sodium, recommends Webmd.com. Cut back on red meat. Instead, eat more lean meat such as tuna, chicken, turkey and fish. Eat plenty of fresh and cooked vegetables, including lettuce, carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, celery and green beans. Eat several helpings of fruit per day. Drink lots of water.

2. Obtain a weight chart from your doctor or through an online search on Google.com or Yahoo.com. Look to see how much a person your height is supposed to weigh. Determine is you are overweight. If necessary, create a diet plan to cut calories. Try to lose one to two pounds weekly until you reach your ideal weight. (See resource 3)

3. Take multivitamins with minerals as a dietary supplement. Make sure you are getting enough calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. Take a cal-mag supplement with vitamin D if you are not getting enough. Take a probiotic supplement as a digestive aid.

4. Start a regular exercise program of weightlifting and cardiovascular training. Work out with weights three or four times per week and build strength in all muscle groups. Walk, jog or use a treadmill or exercise bike about 20 minutes per day. Start off slowly and gradually build your endurance by moving at a faster pace. (See reference 2)

5. Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep at night. Stay on a regular schedule. Try to control your stress levels at work and home. Do fun things with your family to make yourself happy. Avoid long periods of depression.

6. Do regular self breast examinations if you are a female and regular testicular examinations if you are a man. Find out what to look for if you are not familiar with these types of examinations. Follow up with any pap smears, colorectal exams or stress tests if your doctor recommends them (See reference 1). Quit smoking and drinking or imbibe in small amounts.

Tags: Exam Results, from your, getting enough, Physical Exam, Physical Exam Results, your doctor

About Breast Fibroids

Breast fibroids, also known as fibroid breasts, mammary dysplasia or fibrocystic breast disease, are non-cancerous, rubbery nodules that result in cyclic pain and swelling in or near the surface of the breasts. Breast fibroids are believed to be caused by hormonal changes that occur during menstruation and the accumulation of fluid in the breast cells. Because some women with fibroid breasts are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, the condition requires evaluation and frequent mammograms.

Significance

Breast fibroids are fairly common, occurring in one-third of women over the age of 30 years. The pain and discomfort associated with fibroid breasts may limit activities and interfere with the quality of life for many women. The cyclic pain caused by breast fibroids can be severe in some cases. Moreover, women with breast fibroids are at an elevated risk of developing breast cancer, which can potentially be fatal. Because of this, breast fibroids are a significant health concern that should be evaluated and treated by a doctor.

Features

Evidence shows that hormones are responsible for the development and growth of breast fibroids in most women. Normal monthly fluctuations in a woman's levels of estrogen and progesterone are the most significant contributors, as these hormones directly affect breast tissue, cell growth and cell multiplication in the breasts. Other hormonal influences include prolactin, the hormone responsible for lactation, growth factor, insulin, and thyroid hormone. When hormones are produced in the breasts' fat and glandular cells, the hormones send signals to neighboring cells to trigger growth and cell division. If an error occurs in this process, proper cell growth may be disrupted and breast fibroids may result.

Identification

Breast fibroids cause a number of symptoms, all of which may be worse just before and during menstruation. Symptoms typically become less severe or disappear when menstruation stops. Women with breast fibroids may experience a feeling of heaviness in the breasts, burning sensations, aches or pain, swelling, and sensitivity to touch. The breast tenderness may come and go and there may be changes in sensation or itching in the nipples. Some women may find irregularly shaped, lumpy areas when performing a breast exam. Nipple discharge may also be present. Because nipple discharge can be a sign of cancer or another serious condition, it is important that this symptom be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

Prevention/Solution

Treatment of breast fibroids involves a combination of therapies, including dietary modification, medications and possibly surgery. Dietary changes, such as switching to a low fat diet and avoiding caffeine, are effective for many women. Medicinal therapy involves the use of oral contraceptives to reduce the severity of symptoms caused by the fibroids, and may include the use of synthetic androgens if oral contraceptives are not effective. Surgery is typically a treatment of last resort and involves removing the fibroids from the breast. Women may also benefit from wearing a supportive bra to alleviate discomfort associated with swelling and nipple soreness.

Warning

Breast fibroids may increase the risk of breast cancer for some women. This is because the cells responsible for forming the fibroids do not respond correctly to the signals that control cell division and growth, indicating a genetic error that is also responsible for the development of cancer cells in the breast. This genetic error appears to affect only about 5 percent of women with fibroid breasts, but any woman with breast fibroids should receive regular mammograms and perform monthly self-examinations of the breasts.

Tags: breast fibroids, Breast fibroids, fibroid breasts, breast cancer, with breast

Gwinnett County Georgia Trade Schools

Automotive maintenance is one of many courses at Gwinnett County trade schools.

Gwinnett County, Georgia, a northeastern suburb of Atlanta, is home to many trade schools, including a large two-year college, a dental academy and a beauty school. The trade schools are focused on training students in specific tasks that they will apply to jobs in the workforce after graduation.

Gwinnett Technical College

Gwinnett Technical College is located in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The school first opened in 1984. The two-year college offers diploma programs and technical certificates of credit for students interesting in studying a trade. Students can choose a variety of programs, including automotive technology and maintenance, cosmetology, machine tool and welding and visual arts, fashion and design. Gwinnett Technical College is a member of Georgia Work Ready, a worker job training and certification program that's focused on highlighting a worker's skills so he can be more marketable to employers when searching for employment.

Gwinnett Technical College

5150 Sugarloaf Parkway

Lawrenceville, GA 30043

770-962-7580

gwinnetttech.edu

Gwinnett Dental Career Academy

Gwinnett Dental Career Academy in Suwanee, Georgia, offers a basic dental assisting course that lasts 10 weeks. The program covers a wide range of areas, including the role of the dental assistant, basic oral health, tooth anatomy and supporting structures and dental radiography. According to Gwinnett Dental Career Academy's website, the trade school is one of the only schools in the country offering private courses with American Heart Association Healthcare Providers certification included in the curriculum. After completing the course, students receive a completion certificate, Georgia Department of Human Resources Radiology certificate and American Heart Association Healthcare CPR certificate. Gwinnett Dental Career Academy is certified by the Georgia Non-public Postsecondary Education Commission.

Gwinnett Dental Career Academy

2566 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road

Suwanee, GA 30024

678-730-0779

gwinnettdentalcareeracademy.com

Empire Beauty School

Empire Beauty School is located in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The Gwinnett County location is one of 96 Empire Beauty School campuses across the country in 18 states. According to its website, Empire Education Group, the parent company that operates Empire Beauty School, dates back more than 70 years. The Gwinnett County, Georgia, trade school offers students courses in cosmetology, hairstyling, nail technology, teacher of cosmetology and esthetics. Students who complete the programs are eligible for licensure in the five different fields. Students who complete their studies at Empire Beauty School work as hair stylists, make-up artists, manicurists and other professions in the beauty industry. They find employment at beauty salons, day spas and other shops that specialize in beauty services.

Empire Beauty School

1455 Pleasant Road, Ste. 105

Lawrenceville, GA 30044

1-866-232-2771

empire.edu

Tags: Beauty School, Empire Beauty, Empire Beauty School, Career Academy, Dental Career

Medical Coding Training Programs

Medical coders assign codes to medical procedures and diagnoses in order to determine the amount of reimbursement a health care provider will receive from a patient's insurance company for services rendered. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that through the year 2018, the demand for trained and certified medical coders is expected to increase by about 20 percent. Prospective coders should seek out programs accredited by organizations such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

CODEMED School of Professional Coding

The Los Angeles-based CODEMED School of Professional Coding offers a training program that prepares students to become certified as medical coders. CODEMED's curriculum is AMIHA-approved. Students learn about health care record keeping, medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacology, and office procedures. They are also introduced to basic, intermediate and advanced coding. A virtual practice experience gives a student a sense of the tasks he will face on the job.

CODEMED School of Professional Medical Coding

8939 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 302

Los Angeles, CA 90045

310.645.9415

codemedschool.com

North Carolina Health Information Training Institute

The medical coding program at the North Carolina Health Information Training Institute (NCHITI) teaches students properly apply codes to a variety of medical records. Students take classes in medical terminology, anatomy, health information management, diagnosis and procedural coding. They are also trained in office procedure and hospital billing. Students at NCHITI can also take a preparation course that readies them to take the AHIMA national certification exam and become licensed as coding specialists or coding associates. Classes are taught by certified coders who have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

North Carolina Health Information Training Institute

1910 Sedwick Road, 400 Suite C

Durham, NC 27717

919-544-3171

nchiti.com

Herzing University

Herzing University's medical billing and insurance coding program is available in several locations including Atlanta, Orlando, Minneapolis and Madison, Wis. The diploma program prepares graduates for entry-level employment as coders. The program covers topics including medical office procedures, medical terminology, medical billing procedures, anatomy, and basic and intermediate diagnosis and procedure coding. An internship is required of students in the diploma program, as are two professional development courses, such as financial management or customer service. Herzing also offers an associate's degree in medical billing and insurance coding, which adds general education classes to the diploma curriculum.

Herzing University

525 North 6th Street

Milwaukee, WI 53203

866-508-0748

herzing.edu

Santa Barbara City College

The Medical Coding Specialist Certificate offered by Santa Barbara City College can be completed entirely online and prepares students for certification as coding associates. An online orientation is available to students during the first week of the program. Courses cover such topics as computer applications, medical terminology and anatomy, medical insurance, diagnosis and procedural coding, and the legal aspects of health care. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 in order to successfully complete the program. The program's website notes that students must be familiar with Internet use, word processing programs and upload and download files because the certificate program is administered entirely online.

Santa Barbara City College

Health Information Technology

721 Cliff Drive

Santa Barbara, CA 93109-2394

805-965-0581 ext. 2851

sbcc.edu

Tags: medical terminology, Santa Barbara, Barbara City, Barbara City College, Carolina Health

Health Career Salaries

Health Career Salaries

Health career salaries vary by region, specialty and service environment. Allied Physicians Inc., an organization that educates and supports health care professionals, conducts ongoing salary surveys of its members. These surveys burst the bubble of critics who feel that doctors, nurses and pharmacists make more than their fair shares each year. The constant demand for medical care by an aging population means that skilled doctors and nurses will be able to command higher salaries in the future. A review of the Allied Physicians salary surveys will illuminate the financial benefits of working in health care.

Physicians

The annual salary for a physician can fluctuate wildly depending on the doctor's area of specialty. Pediatricians surveyed by Allied Physicians were found to make a maximum of $271,000 between 2003 and 2008. In contrast, spinal surgeons were able to make a maximum of $1.35 million during the same period. Spinal surgeons are paid higher salaries than pediatricians due to the delicacy of their work as well as the limited number of surgeons with that specialty in the United States.

Registered Nurses and Dietitians

Nursing schools around the country have experienced higher matriculation rates to fill the 2.2 million jobs available in this health care field. The base pay for a registered nurse was $39,000 between 2003 and 2008. Dietitians made average annual salaries of $37,000 while nurse managers made $65,000 during the study period. The average pay for nurses with at least three years of experience was $45,000 with the potential to reach nurse management salaries with additional education and experience.

Physician Assistants

Physician assistants work in urgent care units and doctors' offices in under-served areas throughout the United States. These assistants work on physicals, simple tests and patient histories delegated by their supervising physicians. While physician assistants act as the primary care giver in small towns and urban areas, their annual salaries are not comparable to physicians. Assistants are paid an average annual salary of $65,000 but can make as much as $105,000 in major metropolitan areas. These assistants make less than their supervisors because they have not gone through comparable education and certification processes.

Pharmacists

Entry-level pharmacists earn an average starting salary of $62,000 and established pharmacists earn up to $87,000 per year. This health care career can be difficult to pin down due to the diversity of clinical and retail settings where pharmacists work. Pharmacists working in chains like CVS and Walgreen's pharmacies make more than their colleagues in locally-owned pharmacies. The advent of supermarket pharmacies has opened up a more lucrative path for pharmacists who are frustrated by low-paying hospital jobs.

Pharmacy Technicians

The lowest of the health career salaries in this list are given to pharmacy technicians. These technicians assist pharmacists in doling out prescription medicines, creating bottle labels and taking prescriptions over the phone from physicians. Pay rates for pharmacy assistants vary based on location with hospital technicians making $7.75 per hour to start and retail technicians earning at least $8.95 from day one.

Tags: health care, Allied Physicians, than their, 2003 2008, annual salaries

Seizure Driving Laws In Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania has specific laws for drivers who have had a seizure.

A seizure is a an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that can cause symptoms as mild as an "aura" or as severe as convulsions. An individual may experience a single seizure in his lifetime or have them chronically. This condition is called epilepsy. In the state of Pennsylvania, drivers who are epileptic or have recently had a seizure are subject to specific laws aimed at keeping everyone on the road safe while preserving the dignity and independence of the driver.

Pennsylvania's Medically Impaired Driver Law

According to Section 1518 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, all health care professionals authorized to diagnose or treat disorders as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Medical Advisory Board must "report to PennDOT within 10 days, in writing, the full name, address, and date of birth of any patient 15 years of age or older who has been diagnosed as having a condition that could impair his or her ability to safely operate a motor vehicle." Section (a) of the Code specifically addresses drivers who have "lost consciousness." This statute includes seizures, seizure disorders and epilepsy.

Restriction of Driver's License

Physicians or other health care providers who have come in contact with a person who has had a seizure must fill out the "Physicians Reporting Form" which is reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board. Unless the Board determines that the person is exempt from restrictions, PennDOT will contact the person to recall his driver's license for a period of six months.

Restoration of Driver's License

If a driver is seizure-free for six months, his physician must complete a medical report and send it to PennDOT certifying that the seizure was either a single, isolated incident or that the driver's seizure disorder is controlled by medication.

Exemptions

A doctor or physician can file a waiver to the PennDOT Medical Advisory Board if the driver who had a seizure meets any of the following criteria:

--The seizures occur immediately upon waking and have an established pattern for at least two years preceding.

--The driver experiences a prolonged aura or significant warning period preceding each seizure and this pattern has been established for at least two years.

--The driver's seizures had been previously controlled by medication and the subsequent seizure occurred as a result of a change in prescribed medication authorized by a licensed physician.

--The seizure occurred as a result of a toxic ingestion or other nonrecurring illness or trauma.

Tags: Advisory Board, Medical Advisory, Medical Advisory Board, controlled medication, Driver License

Causes Of Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Fibrocystic breast disease is a condition that can result from factors such as a woman's lifestyle or a hormonal imbalance. The disease causes lumps in the breasts, and while it is not considered dangerous or life-threatening, it is still very painful and extremely uncomfortable for the woman experiencing the symptoms.

Identification

Fibrocystic breast disease is a non-cancerous condition that is characterized by lumps found in the breasts. These lumps are able to move freely in soft tissue of the breasts, and they cause tenderness, pain and, sometimes, discharge from the nipple. The sensitivity to the pain and discomfort increases during menstruation. This is a very common condition that affects approximately 1/3 of the female population in the United States. It is primarily found in women in their child-bearing years, and it does not increase the chances of contracting breast cancer.

Effects

A woman who is pre-menopausal experiences a fluctuation in the hormones estrogen and progesterone during menstruation, and her breasts will expand with the increase in hormone production. When menstruation ends, the hormone level goes back to normal and the breasts contract. Over time, this expansion and contraction of the breast tissue can cause the milk glands within the breasts to swell and retain water. This is one of the causes of fibrocystic breast disease.

Types

In some cases fibrocystic breast disease can be caused by a diet that is too rich in salt, saturated fats or an excessive consumption of caffeine. All of these cause the retention of water in the body, and this can work together with the hormonal change during menstruation to cause water retention in the breasts and result in fibrocystic breast disease.

Considerations

There are hormones aside from estrogen and progesterone that may contribute to the onset of fibrocystic breast disease. During menstruation, the breasts are influenced by hormones such as insulin and thyroid hormones, which stimulate the blood vessels and cause the breasts to swell. This process is similar to what happens in the uterus. However, the uterus is able to flush the dead cells when menstruation is over. The breasts rely on enzymes to help break down and eliminate the excess cell material, and if these enzymes fail to keep up with the production of excess cells each month, then scar tissue will result, and fibrocystic breast disease can develop.

Potential

In some cases it has been found that introducing synthetic estrogen into the woman's system through oral contraceptives or other means increases the risk of developing fibrocystic breast disease.

Tags: breast disease, breast disease, condition that, during menstruation, fibrocystic breast disease

What Are The Benefits Of Insurance Regulation

Car, health and life insurance are subject to regulation.

In the United States, insurance companies are subject to the same laws and regulations as any other business with regard to zoning and property laws, labor and wage laws as well as tax laws. In addition, the insurance industry is regulated at both the state and federal levels. Insurance regulations are designed to protect the financial integrity of the insurance company as well as the needs of its customers.

Business Solvency

One of the main reasons for insurance regulation is to protect the financial solvency of the insurance company. An insurance company is in the business of spreading risk across a large number of individuals. The risk continuously shifts, and the insurance premiums paid by policyholders who are not accessing insurance benefits help cover the cost of benefits paid out to those who are currently drawing on the pool of funds. Insurance regulation limits the amount of benefits paid out to a policyholder in a calendar year and adjusts the cost of premiums, depending on a policyholder's risk factors. These regulations help the insurance company spread its risk and keep costs lower so the company can make a profit and remain in business.

Consumer Rights

Insurance regulation also helps protect consumer rights with respect to privacy and insurance coverage. Insurance regulation maintains a balance in the insurance industry, ensuring that the companies which provide insurance benefits are doing so in accordance with the law. Insurance regulation also sets a standard for the quality of medical care a patient can expect to receive, ensures that policyholders receive the benefits they paid for and protects a policyholder's account information and health status from being shared with unauthorized individuals.

State Economy

Another benefit of insurance regulation is the protection offered to the health of a state's economy. Private insurance companies must be licensed and chartered by the states in which they do business. If an insurance company becomes financially unsolvent and stop doing business in a particular state, that state can lose revenue paid by the insurance company and also lose physical jobs. In addition, if an insurance company should close its doors and fail to meet its obligations to policyholders, the state would be obligated to provide coverage to those policyholders through state-run insurance programs. The increased burden could threaten the financial health of the state.

Tags: insurance company, Insurance regulation, addition insurance, benefits paid, health state

The Effects Of High Cholesterol Levels On Thyroid Cancers

The Effects of High Cholesterol Levels on Thyroid Cancers

While there is a significant correlation between high levels of cholesterol and thyroid disease it cannot be said that elevated cholesterol, in any documented way, contributes to the growth of thyroid cancer. Instead, the relationship concerns a damaged thyroid gland causing extreme cholesterol levels.

Significance

The effects of high cholesterol levels on thyroid cancers are non-existent. There are four primary types of this carcinoma, and excessive cholesterol consumption or high blood cholesterol level does not play a role in any of them. The exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown but some risk factors display a significant pattern. "Previous radiation therapy to the thyroid area (for acne, enlarged thymus gland, tonsils or adenoids) is a significant risk factor, especially if it was administered during infancy or early childhood," according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Malignancies may appear as early as five years or as late as 30 years after radiation."

Misconceptions

High levels of cholesterol do not bring about malignancies in the thyroid. Instead, thyroid disease itself, including cancer, causes dangerous amounts of cholesterol to accumulate. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) says that hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is the most common secondary cause of high cholesterol, after diet, with 90 percent of those suffering from hypothyroidism also experiencing an elevated level of cholesterol. That benchmark is considered to be a total blood cholesterol level of 200 mg/dl or higher. A person with a thyroid disorder typically sees her cholesterol level resting between 30 percent and 50 percent higher than the norm.

Effects

The connection between cholesterol and thyroid disease relates to the thyroid gland's production of hormones regulating metabolism within the body. This affects bodily organs, including the liver, the body's production plant of cholesterol. "If the thyroid gland produces too little hormone, metabolism can slow, having a direct impact on the body's ability to clear cholesterol from the bloodstream," according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. "As a result, the risk of cholesterol being deposited in the arteries, and especially around the heart, is increased, thereby increasing the risk for heart disease." This is especially problematic considering that thyroid disorders are prevalent in older women and coronary heart disease is the cause of death in more than 50 percent of females over age 70.

Considerations

An individual faced with any thyroid disorder, including cancer, and experiencing high cholesterol levels as a result should make every effort to minimize the consumption of cholesterol in his diet. Cholesterol-reducing medications, known as statins, can be prescribed to help in this effort.

Types

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common, comprising 80 percent of all thyroid cancers. It may occur at any age but is most typical in those between 30 and 50. Follicular thyroid cancer generally affects those above 50 years of age. Medullary thyroid cancer is usually a result of inherited family genetics, while anaplastic thyroid cancer occurs rarely but is very aggressive and often fatal, usually impacting those above age 60. It often produces mortality within six months of diagnosis.

Tags: thyroid cancer, cholesterol level, cholesterol thyroid, thyroid disease, thyroid gland, blood cholesterol, blood cholesterol level