Advertising is essential for every child care business and home businesses are no exception. Creating fliers to hang around the neighborhood and in local businesses shows potential customers you're serious about your child care business and tells them where you're located.
Instructions
Making Childcare Fliers
1. Type the name of your child care business at the top of the page. Use a large font that's easy to read. If you have a color printer, choose a color that stands out like red or royal blue.
2. Tell about your childcare business. In the middle of the page, explain what your are offering. This includes the days you are available, how many children you can care for and their age range, and the price of your service. You should also include any certifications and how long you have been in the child care field. Use a slightly smaller font. Keep the statements short and easy to read. Including bullets is a good way to organize the information.
3. Type your contact information at the bottom of the page. Choose the best, and safest method of communication. You may not want to include your address until you speak to the client.
4. Print the flier. Use brightly colored printer paper to draw attention. Print a copy and check to ensure the information is correct and error-free.
Tags: care business, child care, child care business, about your, Care Flyer
Your computer, at its most basic level, communicates by sequences of different voltage amounts that translate to 1s and 0s, or binary code. Input devices allow you to communicate with the processor and operating system of your computer to produce a desired result, which is translated via electrical impulses into output that you can see and hear through your monitor and speakers. There are several types of input devices: keyboards, mice, image scanners and microphones.
Keyboards
Keyboards, the most basic form of input device, allow you to type alphanumeric or other symbols into a program. Two main keyboard layouts exist: QWERTY and DVORAK. The QWERTY layout, named for the first six keys on the top row of letters, is the standard keyboard layout for most computers. The DVORAK layout is different from the standard layout in that all vowels are on the home row.
Keyboards consist of an array of buttons, each of which when pushed, triggers a switch by closing a circuit, according to PC Tech Guide. The switch beneath each key on the keyboard transfers a signal to the keyboard controller that corresponds to the appropriate letter or number.
Mice
A mouse allows you to manipulate an onscreen cursor freely through two dimensions. Older models of computer mice consisted of a plastic shell that housed a ball that rolled simultaneously against two scroll wheels: one wheel controlled movement along the x-axis, and another controlled movement along the y-axis.
Optical mice operate by sending a red LED onto the desk surface or mousepad to reflect onto a miniature camera, recording the changing position of the mouse, according to Tech FAQ.
Scanners
A scanner allows a hard copy of a photograph or other document to be scanned and converted into an image file in Paint, Photoshop or a similar image manipulation program. The most common type of scanner is the flatbed scanner, which allows one page at a time to be scanned.
According to CompUSA, the scanner works by illuminating the image from the facing side as an array of semi-conducting capacitors scan the image. When the light particles contact the capacitors, electrons are released, allowing a charge to flow. When the scanner finishes analyzing the image, it sends information about the sequence of charges to your computer, which in turn converts the sequence to colored pixels, reproducing the hard copy as an image file.
Microphones
Microphones for a computer are used to record sound. When the air vibrations contact the diaphragm inside the microphone, the diaphragm creates an electrical signal to be converted and interpreted by your computer's sound card.
Tags: according Tech, controlled movement, controlled movement along, hard copy, image file, input device, most basic
The treatment of advanced cancer depends on when it is detected. Sometimes cancer is not diagnosed until it is already advanced; in this case you may decide to undergo conventional cancer treatment. Other times a patient may not respond to standard cancer treatment and the cancer spreads until it becomes advanced. In this situation treatment may consist of an experimental procedure undergoing clinical trial or treatment of pain only.
Conventional Treatment
Since advanced cancer has spread throughout the body, surgical removal of the primary tumor will not cure the disease. You will probably be offered radiation therapy, chemotherapy or both. Radiation therapy uses high frequency beams directed at specific points on your body and chemotherapy is the administration of drugs which kill cancer cells. These therapies may not be effective on advanced cancer, but they may provide a temporary slowing of the progression of your disease. If your cancer is newly diagnosed and you will be receiving these therapies for the first time, your chance for a successful outcome may be greater than if you have undergone treatment previously.
Experimental Treatment
If your cancer has not been healed following chemotherapy and/or radiation and has progressed to an advanced stage, treatment options are limited. You can ask your doctor to help you locate a clinical trial for the type of cancer you have. You must qualify for the trial according to their regulations and travel to the study site to participate. Cancer trials are ongoing at research hospitals all over the country like the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Alternative Treatments
You can also investigate alternative cures such as Gerson therapy, which involves drinking large quantities of raw juices, or the Budwig Protocol which advocates the use of a cottage cheese and flax oil mixture.
Pain
If you have exhausted all forms of treatment for your advanced cancer you can still receive prescription medication to control unpleasant symptoms you may experience like pain and nausea. These comfort measures can be provided to you in the hospital, hospice or at home. This type of advanced cancer treatment is called palliative care and it is aimed at treating the symptoms of cancer rather than trying to cure the cancer itself.
Tags: advanced cancer, cancer treatment, advanced cancer, advanced this, clinical trial, your cancer
An electrical engineer might design a building's electrical system.
In the most general terms, electrical engineers apply electricity, electronics and computers to society's problems. They do this by transferring energy and information between sources. More specifically, you might find an electrical engineer designing a smart phone or helping operate an electric power station. In Las Vegas, two schools offer electrical engineering education: the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Prerequisites
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology at CSN has two streams: the first emphasizes slot repair, while the second emphasizes telecommunications. Other than a high school diploma, there are no pre-admission standards for an AAS progam at CSN. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Electrical Engineering Program (BS EE) at UNLV is more competitive and does have some prerequisites. Students must pass a math, ACT, and chemistry test or have taken MATH 126 and 127, ENG A and CHEM 103 in their first year at UNLV.
Program Goals
The slot repair emphasis in the AAS program at CSN prepares you to help plan, design, troubleshoot and maintain slot machines and other devices used in the gaming industry. The telecommunications stream focuses on the electrical applications you find in the high-tech telecommunications industry. The BS EE program at UNLV prepares students to practice electrical engineering throughout their lifetime and be admitted to and successfully complete a graduate program in electrical engineering. The goals of the program include giving graduates the appropriate technical knowledge and interpersonal skills, as well as the knowledge and skills to be a responsible citizen.
Curriculum
The coursework in the slot repair stream at CSN includes player tracking and slot management systems, gaming regulations, random number generators and dollar bill validators. Some of the classes you have in the telecommunications stream include digital circuits, data acquisition and fiber optics. In the UNLV BS EE program, you must complete core courses in such topics as calculus and chemistry, but you also must complete more specialized courses, such as computer logic design, circuits and engineering electromagnetics.
Graduate Studies
CSN does not offer any graduate programs in electrical engineering, but UNLV has a Master of Science in Engineering - Electrical Engineering (MS EE) program. Applicants are considered on an individual basis, but you must have a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering or in a related field and a GPA of 3.00. You must also submit your GRE scores, a completed application form, your official college transcripts and a statement of purpose. When admitted, you can choose to study Communications, Computer Engineering, Control System Theory, Electromagnetics and Optics, Electronics, Power Systems, Signal Processing or Solid State Materials and Devices.
Ecuador offers several different residency visas for people who wish to immigrate to the country. Each immigration/resident visa has different requirements that people must meet before they are allowed to enter the country. There are a few documentation requirements that remain the same, but each visa has its own demands.
Required Documentation
All of the visas require that you have some documentation that is similar. You will be required to have a valid national passport that is valid for at least the next six months, a completed visa application form, a certified copy of your police recorded from your country of residence, a medical examination sheet stating that you are not a carrier of any contagious diseases, and two additional passport photos. These documents will have to be submitted along with the additional documentation that you will need depending on what immigrant visa you are applying for. All visas are subject to a $200 fee.
Pensioner
Visa 10-I is available to those that are receiving a pension from a retirement plan in their home country. They will need to provide proof to the Ecuadorian government that they are receiving this money and they will be able to support themselves in Ecuador. The immigrant visa applicant must prove that they will be receiving at least $800 a month. More money will be required if they are immigrating with dependents.
Real Estate and Investment
Visa 10-II is available for real estate investors in Ecuador. Persons who wish to immigrate on these grounds must provided current paperwork stating that the real estate belongs to them and that there are no liens placed on the real estate. They must also be able to show a copy of the deed of the house.
Visa 10-III is available to people who hold investments in Ecuador in areas other than real estate. There are several different ways to meet the requirements to obtain this visa, but basically you will need to submit documentation that proves that you do hold investments in the country of Ecuador. The minimum investment in order to qualify for this visa is $30,000.
Employees
Certain employees are eligible to immigrate to Ecuador. These employees can fall into the 10-IV or the 10-V category for employers. Both categories are required to obtain documentation from their employers stating their necessity to the job that they perform. Additional documentation will have to be submitted directly from the employer to the Ecuadorian immigration services.
Family
If you are dependent on a family member in Ecuador, you may qualify for the immigration visa 10-VI. You must be dependent on a blood-related family member, and the relative must be able to prove that she can support your stay in Ecuador. You will need to establish documentation proving the financial stability of the family member and proving the blood relation to the family member.
Tags: family member, real estate, will need, documentation that, that they
Migraines are severe headaches that can completly disrupt your daily activities.
Migraines are severe headaches that cause vomiting, sensitivity to light and a throbbing pain in the head (often felt on one side). According to Medline Plus, 11 out of 100 people suffer from migraines. Due to their severity, most victims find little relief in regular headache medications.
Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan is prescribed to people who suffer from severe migraines. It is only available by prescription, and comes in the form of a spray, tablet or solution. Many people find complete pain relief when taking sumatriptan.
Considerations
You must tell your physician if you have allergies to any medications or if you are pregnant before taking this medication. In addition, sumatriptan cannot be taken with certain prescription drugs; notify your physician if you are taking any prescription medications.
Usage
Sumatriptan is to be taken as soon as the migraine begins.Tablet forms of sumatriptan must be taken whole with water. The injectable form will come with instructions as well as direction from your physician. Nasal solutions will also come with specific instruction from your physician on usage.
Warnings and Precautions
If the injectable or nasal-solution form of sumatriptan hasn't worked within one to two hours, or if your tablet has not worked in two to four hours, do not take any more medication during this headache; you may need prevention medication. If you have used this medication for three separate migraines with no relief, notify your physician.
Side Effects
Common side effects experienced while taking sumatriptan are burning, discharge or pain in the nose; changes in taste; discomfort in the jaw; dizziness; flushing; and nausea. Less common symptoms are anxiety, vision changes and fatigue.
Tags: your physician, come with, from your, from your physician, headaches that
A low white-blood-cell count can be caused by many different diseases. A decrease of white blood cells, called leukocytes, means a decrease in your ability to fight infections. There are different types of white blood cells and you might have a decrease in just one type. A low white-blood-cell count is called leukopenia and it can be caused by viral infections, congenital disorders, cancer, certain drugs and autoimmune diseases.
Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is a disease where damage to your bone marrow inhibits production of new blood cells. Symptoms of aplastic anemia include fatigue, pale skin, heart murmur, rapid pulse, dizziness, headache, skin rash, persistent infections, bruising and prolonged bleeding from wounds. It can be caused by radiation and chemotherapy, some drugs, an autoimmune disorder, toxic chemicals or a viral infection. Treatment can include transfusions of whole blood, red blood cells or platelets, a bone marrow transplant, immunosuppressants, antibiotics and antivirals or bone-marrow stimulants.
HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV hinders your ability to fight other conditions and diseases. HIV puts you at a higher risk of some types of cancer and infections. Symptoms that can develop over a period of 10 years or more, may begin with fever, sore throat, headache, rash and swollen glands and progress to weight loss, diarrhea, cough, fever and shortness of breath. In later stages, infections can include additional symptoms. While there is no cure, a variety of treatments exist.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a disease where too much thyroxine, a hormone that speeds your metabolism, is produced by your thyroid gland. Symptoms include sudden weight loss, increased appetite, sweating, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, fatigue, sleeping problems, bowel changes and sensitivity to heat. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder, thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid gland or hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. Treatment includes anti-thyroid medications such as propylthiouracil and methimazole, radioactive iodine, beta blockers or surgery.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer that affects your lymphatic system and bone marrow. Your bone marrow generates large quantities of white blood cells that do not function normally. Symptoms include fever and chills, fatigue, weakness, persistent infections, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite and weight loss, bruising easily, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, bone pain and petechiae. The disease can be acute, progressing rapidly, or chronic, where symptoms might not be present immediately. Treatment include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplant and other drug therapies.
Autoimmune Disorders
A low white blood count can be the result of other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect your joints, kidneys, blood cells, skin, heart and lungs. Rheumatoid arthritis is a inflammatory condition that affects your joints, causing swelling, pain and over time, deformities.
Congenital Disorders
Congenital disorders include Kostmann's syndrome and myelokathexis. Both diseases affect the neutrophils, which according to Merck, make up between 45 percent and 75 percent of your white blood cells. With Kostmann's syndrome, your production of these cells is low, and in myelokathexis, the neutrophils fail to enter the bloodstream. Both result in neutropenia, which is a decrease of white blood cells and increases the risk of infections and the chances of developing leukemia.
Tags: blood cells, white blood, bone marrow, white blood cells, weight loss, ability fight, affects your
Non-profit health care organizations may provide services, research or fundraising, depending on their mission.
Non-profit organizations have traditionally been accountable for financing and providing quality health care to the communities they serve. Any fees or investments made on behalf of the organization are reinvested to benefit the community to improve quality, service and efficiency. Types of non-profit health care organizations are medical providers, associations serving a general membership with a specific section of the industry, societies that concentrate their efforts on a disease and broad-based entities incorporated and run by private citizens.
Health Care Providers
Hospitals, nursing homes, community or federally qualified health centers serving low-income and medically underserved communities, home health care services and hospice care are often run as non-profit organizations. They may be run by local, state or government agencies, religious entities or be financed by private investors. The goal of such providers is to provide the best quality services at the lowest possible price. Many of these providers operate under umbrella organizations that administer services in a variety of categories. Examples include Advocate Health Care in Illinois, Ascension Health in St. Louis, Missouri and Banner Health in Phoenix, Arizona.
Associations
Organizations that have a broad membership, such as the American Medical Association, work to improve public health through a variety of means including continuing education for its members, public education and advocacy on health care issues. Other non-profits providing similar services are American Academy of Family Physicians, RxAssist---Patient Assistance Program Center, American Public Health Association, Research!America, The Wellness Community and Urban Institute.
Disease Specific
The American Cancer Society is arguably the most visible of all of the non-profit health organizations that fall into this category. Other entities devoted to specific diseases or conditions are the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Lupus Foundation and National Stroke Association. Organizations of this type are devoted towards finding a cure for their target diseases and have substantial fund-raising arms. Monies raised are used to fund research, clinical trials and patient and public education.
Private Non-Profits
Private citizens who found and manage non-profit organizations have a vision about providing health care to a specific group of individuals. The reach may be global as in the World Vision Foundation, which works to provide children in poverty with food, clean water, education and health care. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is another group that helps to provide global medical services. Others, such as The Mendez Foundation, grew out of a local organization in Florida into a national entity devoted to administering prevention education programs.
Tags: health care, care organizations, health care, health care organizations, non-profit health, non-profit organizations, organizations have
An ultrasound image can be an exciting moment for an expectant mother.
The ultrasound imaging procedure is often associated with fetal ultrasounds, but this imaging technique is also useful for diagnostics in the cardiovascular and nervous systems, abdominal organs and in other applications. Connecticut has a large number of ultrasound technicians per capita, and is characterized by high pay for these health care workers.
Employment
Of the approximately 51,600 ultrasound technicians working in the United States in 2009, about 1,000 were employed in Connecticut, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Connecticut, in fact, had the second-highest concentration of these workers per capita by state, second only to Florida. New Haven had the most ultrasound technicians per capita by metro area, with an estimated 380 working there in 2009.
Salary Range
Ultrasound technicians in Connecticut had an average salary of $35.41 per hour as of 2009, or $73,660 per year, finds the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was about 14 percent higher than the nationwide average for this occupation of $63,640 per year. The middle 50 percent of Connecticut ultrasound technicians were earning about $61,700 to $85,400 per year. Only the bottom 10 percent had salaries below $51,900, and the top 10 percent had pay rates over $100,000 per year.
Location
Salaries for ultrasound technicians in Connecticut vary by location. Ultrasound techs in the Hartford metro area were earning $69,090 annually on average in 2009; in New Haven, $75,000; in Danbury, $76,180; and in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk area, $76,770. The New Haven, Danbury and Bridgeport metropolitan areas all ranked in the top 25 percent nationwide for ultrasound technician salaries.
Highest-Paying Area
Although New Haven did not have the highest average pay in the state for ultrasound technicians, its top 25 and top 10 percent figures were higher than in other areas. The top 25 percent of ultrasound technicians in New Haven were earning at least $89,220 per year, and the top 10 percent $105,560 and higher.
Job Openings
Ultrasound technicians are needed to work in Connecticut hospitals, medical centers, vein clinics, cardiac units and obstetrics departments, as indicated by job listings at Indeed.com in 2011. Connecticut employers typically require the candidate to have graduated from an accredited program of ultrasound technology with an associate or bachelor's degree, and to be registered with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Although the employers typically do not divulge salary information, some list benefits they provide. Examples of benefits include medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance; long-term and short-term disability coverage; life insurance; a 401(k) savings plan; and paid time off.
Tags: ultrasound technicians, were earning, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, employers typically, Haven Danbury
Generally used as a "sweet" spice to enhance breads and cookies, ground cloves also find places in many Asian, African, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Latin American recipes, having made crossed the globe from Indonesia. Gound cloves have strong aroma and flavor, so use them sparingly to prevent overwhelming the dishes in which they appear. The introduction of cloves to your culinary repertoire will increase the flavoring possibilities in a variety of meals. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Use in baked items. Mixed with other spices, such as powdered ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg, ground cloves provide zing to gingerbread cookies, spiced muffins, breads and cookies. A sprinkling of ground cloves also works well with applesauce or baked pears.
2. Stir into soups or stews to bring out rich, exotic flavors. Ground cloves add flavor to dishes like Middle Eastern-style chickpea stew, African lentil soup or classic American beef stew. Use one to two teaspoons at a time to prevent overpowering the meal.
3. Whisk a pinch of ground cloves into homemade or store-bought gravy. The addition of this spice can brighten up standard white or brown gravy for chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, roast beef or ham.
4. Blend into beverages such as hot tea. Steep one teaspoon ground cloves in a cup of water for 20 minutes before pouring through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Sweeten with honey or combine with chai spices. Ground cloves also feature well in holiday-themed mulled wine or hot apple cider.
Tags: cloves also, ground cloves, breads cookies, Ground cloves, ground cloves also, well with, with other
Due to a number of environmental and physiological factors, an infant's weight two to three days after birth is often significantly lower than her birth weight. This weight loss is usually normal and not a cause for concern.
Average Loss
The average baby loses between 5 percent and 7 percent of his birth weight within the first 72 hours. Any loss under 10 percent is considered normal. Losses above this amount require professional evaluation of the infant's eating habits.
Regaining Weight
The majority of infants, whether breast-fed or formula-fed, regain the lost weight within three weeks of birth. If your baby does not regain the weight, your pediatrician may suggest more frequent weight checks. If you're breast-feeding, she may suggest formula supplements and an evaluation by a lactation consultant.
Excess Fluids
The loss of excess fluids is one of the most common reasons for infant weight loss after birth. This is especially true if you received IV fluids during your labor.
Meconium
The passage of the first bowel movement--a black, tarry substance known as meconium--causes a decrease in weight shortly after birth.
Breast-feeding
Because your milk does not "come in,"--that is, switch from the sweet pre-milk known as colostrum to true breast milk--until several days after birth, breast-fed babies may lose slightly more weight after birth. However, on average, these babies gain the weight back as well as their formula-fed counterparts.
Tags: after birth, after birth, birth weight, days after, days after birth, infant weight, weight loss
Having chronic back pain can be a debilitating experience. Diagnosing and treating its cause can alleviate some, if not all, of that pain. Most doctors use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-rays during diagnosis. While it's the doctor's preference which she wants to use, some differences exist between the two tools.
X-ray for Back Pain
Two types of X-rays are used on the back: discography and myelogram. A discography requires injections into the discs and is used if the source of pain is believed to be a disc. A myelogram requires a spinal injection and is used when the patient has back pain when moving and standing.
MRI for Back Pain
An MRI is not usually the first choice for diagnosing back pain problems when they appear. As a result, an MRI exam may not be covered by insurance.
When to Use X-ray
When back pain is thought to be due to disease, an X-ray is preferred. It can illustrate the progression of degenerative conditions such as arthritis.
When to Use MRI
Some factors may lead a doctor to choose an MRI to find the cause of back pain. They include the patient being more than 50 years old, having congenital spine problems, signs of fracture or tumor, spine arthritis, a previous spinal injury or surgery, steroid or drug abuse, a shooting pain down a leg and the condition not improving after four weeks of at-home treatment.
Picture Quality
MRIs have the ability to take 3-D images of the back and other parts of the body, and they provide a more precise picture of the soft tissue surrounding the vertebrae than X-rays. X-rays do a good job showing the alignment of the spine and vertebrae as a whole.
Comfort
The MRI machine is similar to a tube. The patient lays on a table that slides into the tube, and the MRI machine then rotates around the table. This setup can cause problems for claustrophobic patients and people who get headaches from the machine's loud noise. To have an X-ray taken, the patient lays on a table or stands, and the X-ray machine is positioned around him. A X-ray taken while the patient stands may be more comfortable for someone with serious back pain.
Tags: back pain, back pain, Between Back, Between Back Pain, Difference Between
Creating a flyer to advertise your benefit is an inexpensive and effective marketing strategy. Flyers can be created easily in most word processing programs. If you have a color printer available, you can print the flyers yourself to save your organization even more money. Otherwise, you can have your benefit flyers printed at a print shop for a few cents per flyer. The key to successfully promoting your benefit with a flyer is to create an attractive flyer that will catch the eye of potential attendees.
Instructions
1. Gather all the benefit details you will need to include on the flyer. All benefit flyers include certain standard information: The benefit's name, date, time and location. You should also include the cost of admission and instructions for special dress, such as black tie or gala, if appropriate. Finally, you should include contact information, including a phone number, email and website address. Make sure you have all of this information with you before you begin designing the flyer.
2. Research examples of benefit flyers for inspiration. Use the Google image search to search the term "benefit flyers" and review a few examples. Print examples of flyers that really catch your attention and review them to figure out which elements of the design captured your attention. Notice how the most eye-catching flyers use color or an interesting image as a backdrop to the basic information about the benefit.
3. Brainstorm a catchy headline for your flyer. If the benefit has a theme, the theme should be used to create the headline. Otherwise, craft a headline that will indicate the cause attendees will be supporting. Try to keep in mind the copywriter's rule of them-text should always answer the question "What's in it for me?" for potential customers. In the case of a benefit flyer, the headline should simply explain how the attendees will have fun--or gain some type of enjoyment--while also supporting a cause that provides a solution to a particular problem.
4. Design your flyer. Open a new document in your word processing program. Use a standard 8½ inches by 11 inches page format. If using a photo for the background of the flyer, insert the photo and resize it so that it covers the page with a one or two inch border around it. Format the picture so that you can add text on top of it, then begin adding your headline and other event details. If using clip art, add your headline, event details and contact information to the page first, and then insert the clip art to the page in a way that is complementary to the text.
Once you like the overall look, print a copy for editing purposes. Review the printed version to make sure the image prints correct, the text is legible and everything is spelled correctly. Once the flyer is perfect, print the final version for distribution or take it to the copy shop to be copied.
Tags: benefit flyers, your benefit, attendees will, contact information, event details, flyer benefit, Make Benefit
The HIPAA Security Rule requires health care organizations to develop administrative procedures to safeguard patient data.
As of April 2005, health care organizations have been required to develop and maintain practices and procedures that safeguard sensitive patient health information stored and transmitted electronically. These security rules support the health information privacy standards enacted in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). One task toward keeping patient information secure involves implementing technology to regulate access to information stored on workplace computers or servers.
Creating Log-ins
Designed to be technology neutral, the HIPAA Security Rule doesn't list technologies that hospitals and health plans must use to authenticate employees authorized to access the organization's protected patient data. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) requires identification for each user and encourages organizations to control access to electronically stored data using a technology that fits their needs and budgets.
Passwords and PINs
The traditional way a clinic or hospital can authenticate users involves creating a unique user name and password for each employee. Alphanumeric passwords provide greater security. Personal identification numbers (PINs), often used in combination with a bank card at an automated teller machine, are numeric passwords used to authenticate users to a data system.
Smart Cards and Tokens
Smart cards and tokens are physical devices that authorize user access when swiped or inserted into a card reader.
Telephone Callback
In telephone callback for dial-up connections, remote users register their computer with the host computer's authentication system. When users want to access their organization's files, they direct their terminal to dial the host computer. After entering a user name and password, the host system returns the call to the user's pre-registered telephone number. High-speed Internet connections are making telephone callback obsolete.
Biometrics and Behavior
Biometric log-in solutions use fingerprinting, iris recognition, retinal scan, hand geometry, facial and voice recognition and handwriting or signature dynamics to allow access to a computer network. Behavior action authentication may involve recording the unique keystroke activity of each user to make an identification.
Automatic Logoff and Audit Trail
To guard against disclosures from unattended computers, HHS requires automatic log-off features at terminals. Hospitals and health plans also may want to create an audit trail that records each log-in into the system as well as any invalid password attempts.
Securing Log-ins
Even as a hospital or health plan implements one or more of these authentication technologies, workers must develop a heightened awareness about access to their organization's files, computers and servers. If an employee jots his user name and password on a piece of notepaper and posts it near his workstation, it may jeopardize the security of the information stored on that computer.
Tags: information stored, name password, user name, user name password, access their, access their organization, authenticate users
Radiologic technologists can specialize in computed tomography (CT).
Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging modality that is used by radiologic technologists when performing diagnostic imaging examinations. Technologists who specialize in CT are trained to produce cross-sectional x-rays by using ionizing radiation. These online programs provide technologists with the flexibility to continue working while obtaining a specialization in computed tomography.
Galveston College
Galveston College has an online certificate program in computed tomography that is designed for students with at least an associate's degree. This program prepares students for the CT examination and can be completed on a full-time schedule in one semester. For the online program, students may enter into the program in the spring, summer and fall semesters and will complete two courses. These courses are computed tomography equipment and methodology and sectional anatomy for medical imaging.
Galveston College
4015 Avenue Q
Galveston, TX 77550
409-944-4242
gc.edu
Kennebec Valley Community College
Kennebec Valley Community College offers an online advanced certificate program in computed tomography that prepares students who are working radiologic technologists for the registry exam that is held by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The coursework in this program is offered in two semesters and students are required to complete required laboratory work on campus for two Saturdays. In addition to the clinical experience, students will be required to take six courses over two semesters. These courses include cross sectional anatomy; introduction to computed tomography and patient management; application, protocols and pathology for computed tomography one and two; instrumentation, safety and quality assurance for CT; and registry preparation.
Kennebec Valley Community College
92 Western Avenue
Fairfield, ME 04937
207-453-5000
kvcc.edu
Community College of Denver
The Community College of Denver offers an online computed tomography program that prepares students who are working technologists for the CT registry exam that is put together by the ARRT. The courses are conducted online and can be completed in one to two semesters including the clinical portion. The program is offered in the spring and fall semesters and students have the option of taking the courses simultaneously or consecutively. In addition to the clinical portion of the program, students will take to classes which are principles of computed tomography imaging and multiplanar sectional imaging.
Community College of Denver
1111 West Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
303-556-2600
ccd.edu
Valencia Community College
Valencia Community College offers an online computed tomography program where students will earn an advanced technical certificate. This program accepts a limited number of students each year and students must apply separately to the program when interested. All course requirements, aside from the clinical experience, are offered online. This program is designed for individuals who are certified in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology or radiography.
Valencia Community College
PO Box 3028
Orlando, FL 32802
407-299-5000
valenciacc.edu
Tags: Community College, computed tomography, computed tomography, College Denver, Community College Denver, Galveston College, Kennebec Valley
Dental radiography training programs teach students X-ray techonology.
Dental radiography involves producing a photographic image on film by allowing X-rays to pass through teeth and supporting structures. Training in dental radiography typically exists as part of educational programs in clinical dental assisting and dental hygiene as well as part of dental school programs. Dental radiography is critical for diagnosing oral conditions in patients. Dental assistants in some states must be certified to take X-rays after completing training courses or work experience, while dental hygienists and dentists must be licensed to perform many tasks, including taking radiographs.
Equipment
When studying dental radiography, students learn manipulate the three component parts of an intraoral dental X-ray machine--the tubehead, extension arm and control panel, according to the book "Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques" used in 2009 training programs. Classes also cover use a film holder, which holds and aligns an X-ray film in a patient's mouth. In addition, students learn the various parts of an X-ray film and the types of intraoral film--periapical, bite-wing and occlusal--used to examine different parts of a tooth or the jaw.
Safety
Radiation safety is a critical part of dental radiography training. Students learn that only the dentist can prescribe radiographs. They also study the importance of a collimator, or a lead plate with a hole in the middle, in restricting the size and shape of an X-ray beam as it leaves the X-ray tubehead to help reduce patient exposure to radiation. In addition, training programs cover the value of a thyroid collar and lead apron in protecting a patient's thyroid gland, reproductive organs and blood-forming tissues from scatter radiation. For protecting themselves when taking dental radiographs, students learn to stand at least 6 feet from the X-ray tubehead during exposure.
Techniques
Students in a dental radiography training program learn take radiographs using two separate methods called the paralleling technique and the bisecting technique. They also learn to take X-rays of the front teeth first before moving to the premolars and molars located farther back in the mouth. In addition, aspiring dental radiographers learn perform the bite-wing X-ray technique, which helps dentists examine the spaces between teeth to detect cavities. Dental radiography training programs cover common film placement errors and correct these problems as well.
Mounting
Mounting radiographs is an important part of dental radiography training programs. Students learn that mounted films are easier and quicker to view and interpret. They study arrange dental radiographs in anatomic order, which refers to how the teeth are arranged in dental arches. Students additionally learn pinpoint normal anatomic landmarks, dental restorations/materials and oral problems such as lesions.
Extraoral/Digital Radiography
Dental radiography training programs additionally teach students about extraoral film placed outside the mouth during X-ray exposure. These films include panoramic film used to show the upper and lower jaws as well as cephalometric film, which show the soft tissues and bones of the face. Courses also cover use duplicating film to make an identical copy of radiographs. Students additionally learn that digital radiography requires less radiation than conventional radiography, how digital radiography works and the equipment needed to take digital radiographs.
Tags: training programs, radiography training, radiography training programs, learn that, part dental
The cost of comprehensive health care has been on the rise for a number of years, as of 2011. Individuals must often get creative and jump many hurdles to afford adequate medical care for themselves and their families. In 2004, the United States government passed legislation designed to make it easier for under-insured Americans to afford adequate health care. The federal government created the Health Savings Account (HSA), a type of account specially designed for funding health care services.
What Is an HSA?
An HSA is a tax-protected health savings account, which is a type of investment account designed by the federal government as a safety net for individuals whose health care coverage carries a very high deductible. A deductible is the amount a policyholder must pay out of pocket for medical expenses before the insurance policy begins to pay for services and medication. You can make contributions to HSAs with your pre-tax dollars. Your investment sits in your account collecting interest. There is no tax penalty or fee for withdrawing funds to pay for qualified medical expenses.
Qualified Medical Expense
Under federal law, you must use your HSA funds exclusively to pay for health care expenses your health insurance doesn't cover. The federal government has compiled a long and detailed list of health care expenses for which HSA withdrawals are eligible.These expenses are known as qualified medical expenses. If you withdraw funds from your HSA for other expenses before you retire, your investment will no longer be tax-exempt and may incur additional early withdrawal fees.
Eligible Medical Services
You may use your HSA funds to pay for all visits to any primary care providers, physicians or medical specialists, regardless of whether you have referrals for these specialists. Visits to dentists, chiropractors, orthodontists, vision specialists and even some alternative medicine providers are also eligible as qualified medical expenses. Visits to the emergency room, surgeries and most major medical therapies carried out in a medical facility by a licensed health care provider are also eligible. You can use your HSA funds to pay for OB/GYN services, as well as prenatal, perinatal and neonatal services for both the mother and the newborn. Most routine checkups and preventive services, such as a mammography and pap smear, also qualify, as do radiography, ultrasound and other technical medical services. Most mental health care is eligible as a qualified medical expense for HSA withdrawals.
Eligible Medications
All medication and medical devices prescribed by a licensed health care provider qualify as eligible medical expenses you can pay for with your HSA money. This includes vitamins and over-the-counter medication, as long as you purchase them with a prescription. Vaccines and any medication you may require during a hospital stay are all eligible withdrawal candidates. In addition to prescription drugs and medication, you may also use your HSA funds to pay for medically prescribed prosthetics and assistive devices, such as a hearing aid, wheelchair or crutches.
Tags: health care, medical expenses, qualified medical, your funds, federal government, qualified medical expenses, afford adequate
A pre-existing condition is a health problem an individual suffers from before enrolling in health insurance. Pre-existing conditions may be serious, such as cancer or HIV, or relatively minor, like asthma. For many years, health insurance companies excluded people with pre-existing conditions from enrolling in their insurance, since it meant a guaranteed payout. Health insurance companies may also have put restrictions on health coverage, charged large premiums or excluded the condition from the policy. Except under certain conditions, denying a person health coverage or excluding their condition is against federal law in the United States.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law which limits the ability of a health insurance company to deny coverage to someone with a pre-existing condition. HIPAA applies in all 50 states, but is supplemented by state law in many areas. Under HIPAA, a health plan is only allowed to check back six months for a condition which was present before the individual tried to enroll for health insurance. If you have not received a diagnosis, medical treatment or medical advice about the condition during these six months, then you cannot be excluded because of a pre-existing condition. If you have received treatment or advice in the previous six months, your employer's health insurance is allowed to impose an exclusion period, although this generally cannot be longer than 12 months. People with a history of prior health coverage may be able to reduce this if they can provide proof of "creditable coverage," or prior continuous health insurance. HIPAA's main problem is that it only applies to large group health insurance plans and not to individual plans. A person buying their own health insurance outside of a group is not protected under HIPAA.
Exceptions
Under HIPAA, there are some conditions which cannot be made subject to a pre-existing condition exclusion at all. Genetic information is one item which cannot exclude you from health insurance. If a person is found to be genetically predisposed toward a disease, for example, he cannot be denied coverage if he has not yet manifested the disease. If a minor child is enrolled in health care coverage within 30 days of birth, placement or adoption, she cannot be excluded for a pre-existing condition in most situations. Pregnancy can never lead to an exclusion period, even if the woman had no prior coverage. Since these rules are a part of HIPAA, they also apply in all states.
Exclusion Periods
States are allowed to mandate their own exclusion periods if HIPAA regulations do not apply, however. Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California have laws which do not allow health companies to permanently exclude non-HIPAA eligible residents from enrolling in health insurance. States also have different exclusion and look-back periods for those not covered by HIPAA. These differ according to state and whether or not you are trying to enroll in individual insurance or small group insurance. Alaska has no limit on either the exclusion or look-back period, but New Hampshire has a maximum look-back period of three months and a maximum exclusion period of nine months.
Tags: pre-existing condition, health insurance, exclusion period, health coverage, health insurance, also have, cannot excluded
Get well notes are supposed to be encouraging to family and friends who are ill or injured, but they're sometimes difficult to write. You may be feeling anxious about the sick person, but you don't want that to come across in your note. At the same time, you don't want to make light of the situation. Try these tips the next time you have to write a get well note.
Instructions
1. Send the get well note as soon as you learn about the person's illness or accident. The longer you put it off, the less likely you are to actually write it.
2. Make your get well note brief. Just a few sincere and warm words can be uplifting to the person suffering from an illness or accident. They'll feel better knowing others are concerned. If you really can't think of anything to say, buy a nice get well card and add a short message to it.
3. Use some humor when appropriate. If your friend has broken a leg skiing, you can enclose some funny cartoons about skiing.
4. Offer to do something specific for the person. Your sick friend may feel awkward calling on you if you just say, "Let me know what I can do." Instead, say you'll pick up his mail or walk his dog three times a week. These tangible aspects of caring mean a lot.
5. Word your message carefully if you are sending it to a seriously ill patient. Mention sweet memories you share, but don't make it sound like you are writing a eulogy. Don't say you know how they feel, because you don't. Saying, "Get well soon" is not appropriate for a terminally ill person.
6. Let your personality come through your words. Make your message brief and sympathetic. Tell your friend you are thinking about him or her. You're not a minister, and you're not a professional writer. Just be yourself and let your get well note show how much you care.
Tags: illness accident, Make your, well note, well note, your friend
The amount of money you pay in premiums and co-payments and the type of medical coverage you have access to largely depends on the type of managed care health insurance you have. HMOs (health maintenance organizations) and PPOs (preferred provider organizations) are the two most common types of privately managed care coverage plans Americans use, both offering various advantages and disadvantages.
Cost
One of the primary advantages of HMOs over PPOs is cost. This includes both premiums and deductibles. According to a September 2009 "Consumer Reports" survey, those insured by an HMO paid, on average, $537 per year less in premiums. HMOs tend to cover more or a higher percentage of preventative care fees, including check-ups and immunizations, while PPOs tend to cover fewer of these services.
Freedom
The primary disadvantage of HMOs compared to PPOs is the freedom to choose health care providers. The primary care provider must make a referral to see a specialist. It is common to wait a long time to see a specialist with an HMO. Those insured by a PPO may consult with a specialist without a referral.
Red Tape
Both types of managed care plans have troublesome issues. For individuals insured by an HMO many primary care physicians are pressured to provide a limited amount of referrals to specialists and, according to the New York Better Business Bureau, some HMOs may reduce a physician's salary if he writes too many specialist referrals. PPO plans require more paperwork by the physician and the patient in order to process claims, especially for out-of-network care.
Radiographers help diagnose broken bones and other ailments.
Radiographers or radiological technicians perform X-rays and other biological scans. These scan can be used in a variety of ways to diagnose medical problems. Radiographers are also responsible for prepping patients for scans and maintaining medical records regarding the results. Many radiological technologists specialize in computer tomography (CT) scans and =magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Earnings
The average hourly wage for radiographers was $25.59 in 2008, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Annual earnings for radiographers averaged $53,230 in the same year but wages vary depending upon the worker's specialty, job location and industry. About 10 percent of radiologists took home less than $35,100 in 2008 while the same proportion of workers make more than $74,970. Workers employed in the scientific research and development services industry have the highest earning potential. The average hourly wage for workers in this field is more than $30.50.
Job Growth
Job growth for radiologists is strong, according to the BLS in 2009. There were 214,700 radiologist jobs in 2008. Experts predict that by 2018 there will be 251,700 total positions. That's an increase of approximately 17 percent since 2008. This growth rate is larger than most occupations. Experts with the BLS attribute this growth to an aging population that requires the services of radiologist to diagnose medical conditions. Advances in technologies are also making services more affordable.
Job Competition
Candidates can take steps to make finding a position easier. Candidates with cross training in multiple fields that can perform a variety of procedures will enjoy the best employment opportunities. Because of medical trends, individuals with CT and MR training are in the greatest demand. Workers that are willing to relocate will also benefit. Job concentration, or the availability of positions, varies greatly from state to state.
Possible Employers
BLS records reveal that the majority of workers are employed by medical and surgical hospitals. Employment is also available with physicians operating private practices, laboratories and outpatient care centers. Workers looking to relocate for better job opportunities may want to consider the South. Kentucky and Tennessee offer the highest concentration of jobs. There are more than 4,000 positions in each state.
Advancement Opportunities
Experienced radiologists may choose to pursue supervisor and management positions within their department. However additional credentials may be required to win these slots such as courses or degrees in business or health administration. This is especially true for director positions.
Entry-level workers can also advance to the title of radiologist assistant with additional training and experience. The American Registry of Radiologist Technologists (ARRT) offers certification for radiologist assistants. Individuals can also pursue careers as teachers or medical representatives that sell radiological equipment.
Tags: more than, average hourly, average hourly wage, diagnose medical, hourly wage
The healthcare industry is booming, and so is the popularity of healthcare management positions. Healthcare management is the administrative and executive side of a healthcare company that is responsible for overseeing finances, contracts, policies, quality management systems and clinical operations related to healthcare. There are, however, other types of administrative positions in the healthcare field that are not considered healthcare management, but are just as valuable.
Financial Managers
Finance
In the January 2007 issue of "Healthcare Financial Management," Joseph Fifer, a healthcare financial manager, states that there is an increasing need in the healthcare industry for experienced professional financial managers. As the healthcare field grows, so does the need for highly qualified individuals to handle the money. Financial managers in the healthcare field are responsible for overseeing how company dollars are spent, creating financial budgets, allocating funds across the various departments within the company and ensuring that healthcare encounter claims are billed appropriately. These positions are critical to a healthcare company's ability to manage and track profitability. Financial managers tend to have educational backgrounds in finance, such as degrees in accounting or financial analysis.
Claims Examiners
Claims
Claims examiners are assets to the healthcare field and are becoming commonly sought-after administrative positions. Claims examiners are mid-management staff who are charged with the responsibility of reviewing medical claims submitted to the healthcare company, analyzing the claims for accuracy, checking the claims for potential fraudulent documentation, resolving claim disputes and processing the claims so payment can be made to the healthcare professional who provided the service to the recipient or patient. Claims examiners are not always required to be certified medical coders, but some companies prefer that claims examiners have a strong background in medical records, billing, quality management and even finance.
According to the November 12, 2007 issue of "Modern Healthcare," Gregg Blesch discusses the significance of claims examiners in relation to the federally instituted False Claims Act. The False Claims Act, as Blesch describes, serves to protect monies that are specifically allocated for healthcare purposes from being fraudulently claimed or reimbursed. In response, corporations hire claims examiners to help identify fraudulent claims and maintain compliance.
Contract Specialists
Contracts
The healthcare field is driven by the establishment of contracts. As such, contract specialists are administrative positions that are responsible for overseeing compliance of contractual deliverables. Healthcare contracts usually exist between a healthcare company and doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies. These types of contracts spell out information related to payment agreements, reporting requirements, insurance eligibility for patients and reimbursement schedules.
Contract specialists are valuable to healthcare organizations for developing contracts, creating amendments for changes and monitoring the contracts once they are effective. There are many legalities involved with contracting, so backgrounds in business and healthcare law are helpful for these types of positions.
The Medicare coverage gap is the period between coverage limits for Medicare Part D drug coverage. Medicare Part D pays prescription drug costs up to certain point, then stops paying until a higher threshold is reached.
Deductible and Coverage
Plan D is offered by many different insurance companies, and each company sets its own deductible and coverage limits. However, no plan can have a higher deductible than the amount set by Medicare for that year.
The Gap
Once you have reached the out-of-pocket coverage limit in your plan, you enter the "gap" in the plan. Continue using your medical card so your out-of-pocket expenses can be tracked.
Catastrophic Coverage
The plan must begin paying again when you have reached the Medicare-determined threshold for "catastrophic" coverage. This amount is adjusted yearly for inflation.
Generic Drugs
Switching to generic drugs can help keep your out-of-pocket costs low all year. You also can choose to switch to generics when you reach the gap to reduce your costs until catastrophic coverage begins.
Considerations
If your income is below the annual limit set by the government, you may qualify for the Full Extra Help program, which requires no premium or deductible and limits your co-pay amount. There's also a Partial Extra Help program that uses a sliding scale to determine your premium and deductible.
Tags: catastrophic coverage, coverage limits, Extra Help, Extra Help program, have reached, Help program
If you smell sewer gas in your home, you need to find the leak right away. Sniffing around the sewer pipes can show you the approximate area of the leak, but it's important to pinpoint the faulty area. With a smoke bomb, you can do your own residential sewer smoke test to find exactly where the leak is coming from. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Rent an electric or battery-powered blower at almost any home improvement center. A leaf blower or a vacuum also works. If you use the vacuum, it has to blow air out, not suck it into the machine.
2. Punch holes in the bottom of a can. A hammer and nail is an easy way to punch some holes. The can needs to fit in the sewer line and over the end of the blower or vacuum hose.
3. Bend the top of the can so it fits over the blower nozzle or onto the end of the vacuum hose.
4. Light a smoke bomb and put it in the can. Quickly put the can onto the end of the blower. If you are using the leaf blower or vacuum, tape the can on for a tight seal.
5. Insert the can into the sewer vent pipe.The sewer vent is located on top of your roof. It can be a round polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe or a black pipe.
6. Cover the gap between the blower and the pipe with a cloth to keep the smoke from escaping back out at you.
7. Turn on the blower. While you pump the smoke through the sewer line, have someone inside your house look for smoke. Make a mark anywhere you see smoke leaking out.
Tags: blower vacuum, leaf blower, leaf blower vacuum, over blower, sewer line
When looking at your health, no doubt you want the best. Maybe that's why half a million people receive medical treatment at the Mayo Clinic each year. The clinic functions on a philosophy of cooperative medicine in which patients are evaluated by teams. Follow these steps to get treatment at the Mayo Clinic.
Instructions
1. Learn whether the Mayo Clinic specialty clinic or your health insurance requires a doctor's referral. Most of Mayo Clinic doesn't require a referral, but sometimes insurance carriers do. However, up to 90 percent of patients schedule their own appointments.
2. Schedule your own appointment if you don't need a referral. Call the appointment desk at Mayo or request an appointment online at the Mayo Clinic website. Mayo Clinic includes three health facilities. In addition to the original facility in Rochester, Minnesota, you'll find facilities in Jacksonville, Florida, and Scottsdale, Arizona.
3. Prepare to wait. Mayo Clinic medical appointments are prioritized according to need. Waiting time also depends on the specialty. Make certain the appointment scheduler knows how serious your situation is.
4. Bring previous medical information, including a list of medication, to your appointment. Copies of your medical records and medical tests will assist the Mayo Clinic team in their evaluation.
5. Be ready for a through physical examination and review of your medical records. Plan on Mayo doctors ordering extra tests or repeating tests. After the testing, meet with your doctor to discuss the results and recommendations for treatment. Most treatment at Mayo Clinic is performed on an outpatient basis, although patients are admitted for inpatient care when needed.
6. Walk in without an appointment at the clinics in Rochester and Scottsdale, but be prepared to wait up to a week, depending upon the severity of your condition and appointment cancellations. In general, waits are shorter in winter in Rochester and during the summer in Scottsdale.
Tags: Mayo Clinic, treatment Mayo Clinic, medical records, treatment Mayo, your appointment, your health
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 22,000 cancerous tumors of the brain or spinal cord will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2009. Nearly 13,000 people will lose their lives this year as a result of these malignancies. The National Cancer Institute says the most common and aggressive type of brain cancer in adults is glioblastoma multiforme. There is currently no treatment that can effectively cure this malignancy.
Causes of Brain Cancer
The causes of brain cancer remain a mystery. The NCI has launched a study on what may cause brain tumors in adults. Researchers are investigating a wide scope of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that may impact the possibility of developing brain malignancies.
The potential causes being considered are work-related exposures to pesticides, lead and solvents, the use of cellular phones, use of hair dyes and family history among others.
Gibolastoma Multiforme
A brain tumor develops due to the growth of abnormal cells in brain tissues. The NCI says at the present time giloblastoma multiforme is believed to be incurable. Most patients with this aggressive form of brain cancer live no longer than one year following diagnosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average age at which gliobastoma is made is 55. However, it can strike anyone, including children. Glioblastoma typically spreads quickly to other areas of the brain making it hard to treat.
Symptoms
According to the NCI, symptoms of a brain tumor depend on its size and on where in the brain the tumor is formed. They may include frequent nausea and vomiting, morning headaches or headaches that subside following vomiting. Other warning signs include loss of balance and problems with speech, vision and hearing. Symptoms of gliobastoma multiforme tend to begin abruptly and seizures are not uncommon.
Treating Gliobastoma Multiformes
Surgery is the main treatment for brain cancer assuming that undesirable neurological injury is unlikely.
However, in cases of gliobastoma multiformes, its progressive accumulation into tissues and cells makes it impossible to fully remove the malignancy. In cases of glibogastoma, chemotherapy is inserted into the brain during surgery.
While it's highly unlikely that radiation therapy will cure glioblastoma, the Mayo Clinic says studies show patients who undergo this treatment may live two times longer than those who receive only supportive care.
Temozolomide
The NCI says encouraging early results with the drug temozolomide prompted many U.S. physicians to following radiation treatments with temozolomide for patients who suffer from glioblastoma.
The NCI says a 2002 study conducted by the European Organization for the Treatment of Cancer and the National Cancer Institute of Canada discovered the median two-year survival of patients who took temozolomide as a compliment to radiotherapy went up 16 percent.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved temozolomide for treatment of glioblastoma in 2005.
Tags: brain cancer, brain tumor, Cancer Institute, longer than, Mayo Clinic, National Cancer
Universal health insurance is a common method of insurance in many nations. It can also be referred to as a national health plan. Nations that employ a universal health plan provide their citizens with a public health option that they are entitled to. This plan has many benefits as well as drawbacks. In the United States, the arguments that are for and against implementing a universal health insurance plan have made this topic a critical and issue politically and financially.
The Facts
Universal health insurance is a government sponsored health program that provides all eligible citizens with a basic form of health insurance including dental and vision. This type of plan is also called a 'single-payer' plan which means that one entity-the government-would be in charge of paying health care costs and collecting heath care fees. All of the industrialized countries employ some form of universal health insurance plan for their citizens. The lone exception is the United States.
Pros
Universal health insurance guarantees that everyone has the right to medical coverage regardless of income or medical condition. In the United States, it would essentially eliminate the $34 billion annually in uncompensated care provided by hospitals. People would be able to receive preventive care, which would likely lead to earlier detection of major medical conditions before they become severe and thus more expensive. It will also give those who are suffering from life-threatening health conditions the care they need that would not be affordable if they had their own coverage or were not insured at all.
Cons
Drawbacks to having universal health coverage include pay for such a health care policy. With more people able to receive medical care, the number of patients will outstrip the number of available medical professionals, which could lead to longer wait times. A single-payer system could drive out any competition from private insurers, who offer a more efficient way of providing service because of specialized health care expertise compared to a government system. Many people also point to the fact that the government-sponsored programs that are in place, Medicare and Medicaid, have significant financial troubles.
Misconceptions
Two of the biggest concerns in the United States about a universal health plan are waiting times and costs. Countries that do have government sponsored health coverage have recorded better results than many people in the United States are led to believe. Although Canada makes its people wait weeks to see a doctor if it is a nonemergency, Germany, Austria and Britain outperform the United States in waiting times. In Japan, waiting times are so minute that most citizens don't bother making appointments. The United States' managed health care and indemnity health plans are dwarfed by Germany's 200 private health plans with no increase in premiums if a person decides to switch carriers. Also, the money spent on nonmedical expenses such as administrative costs eats up 20 percent of the total health care cost in the United States. The administrative costs of Taiwan (1.5 percent), France (4 percent) and Canada (6 percent) are drastically lower. Japan, whose citizens visit their doctors three times more per year than the average American, spends only $3,400 per person annually. The average cost per person in the United States is more than $7,000.
Warning
The United States has 46 million people without health insurance and has an estimated $2.5 trillion health care price tag for 2009. Employers are cutting back because they cannot afford skyrocketing health premiums. They are paying about 70 percent of the $13,000 average premium for a family of four as the costs have grown over 119 percent this decade alone. It is estimated that 20,000 people die each year because they do not have access to medical treatment. With the swelling health costs spiraling out of control, more people will become uninsured and sick, problems that a universal health plan would address.
Tags: United States, health care, health insurance, health plan, universal health plan, waiting times, able receive
Building more muscle is one of the keys to losing fat.
Both men and women can accumulate fat in the belly and breast areas. Although you can't spot reduce, you can kick up your cardiovascular activity to lose overall body fat -- which will result in slimming down your belly and breast.
Instructions
1. Build more muscle. The key to losing fat is to burn more calories than you ingest -- building more muscle raises your metabolism. Start a weight training program that focuses on the major muscles in your body: legs, chest and back. Incorporate squats, lunges, bench presses and pull-ups in your workout. Exercises such as these work the larger muscles and will also train the smaller muscles in your body at the same time. An effective total body routine would be three sets of 12 repetitions per exercise. For example is, three sets of 12 squats, followed by three sets of bench presses, then three sets of lunges and pull-ups. By alternating between lower body and upper body exercises, you will give your muscles enough time to recover before using them again. Have a friend or trainer help design a workout to fit your needs if you are not familiar with the gym and these exercises. Plan on doing resistance training three times per week, with at least one day of rest between workouts.
2. Reduce the amount of carbohydrates you eat. Carbohydrates raise your insulin level dramatically, especially when a large amount of carbs are ingested in one sitting. Your body does not burn body fat as a fuel when your insulin level is too high, and it will store all excess carbs as fat. In addition, excess insulin in your bloodstream lowers your blood sugar, and will cause you to become sluggish and lethargic. Instead of eating large amounts of bread and pasta, eat more vegetables, fruits and nuts.
3. Eat lean protein such as chicken, fish, egg whites or low fat beef. Protein will help keep you from feeling hungry, and it is also needed to build new muscle tissue while you are on a weight training routine. Make protein smoothies if you're in a hurry or you don't like to eat solid food after a strenuous workout. Mix a high quality protein powder with some fruit and water -- and you'll have a healthy protein-rich meal.
4. Perform cardio exercises on days that you do not train with weights. Try to limit your cardio sessions to 45 minutes or less, depending on the intensity of your workout. If you do too much cardio your body will begin to burn off muscle tissue instead of fat. Walking is an excellent low impact cardio workout. Walk outside or on a treadmill for 30 to 45 minutes, three times per week. Other cardio exercises you may choose to do include jogging, elliptical machine and step aerobics. Remember to alternate your cardio with weight training days. Over-training your body will impede your progress and maybe discourage you from continuing your weight loss program.
Tags: three sets, more muscle, weight training, belly breast, bench presses, body will, cardio exercises
Safety procedures limit risks when working around radiation.
Jobs that require handling or being around radioactive materials or equipment that produces radiation pose some additional health risks. In such a position, you can reduce the risks to your health by adhering to procedures that will limit your body's exposure to radiation.
ALARA
ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. This is a fundamental concept when it comes to limiting your on-the-job exposure to occupational radiation. There are three things to consider in any situation that involves radiation. First, consider the time of exposure. Shorter exposure times mean the body receives less radiation. So, for example, if you work in a dentist's office and take X-rays of teeth, you want to activate the X-ray for the shortest time it takes to get a useful X-ray image. Second, you should consider your distance from the source of radiation. Doubling your distance from a radiation source will reduce your exposure to one-fourth of the original intensity. Finally, consider shielding. Proper shielding--such as the aprons used by dental patients during X-rays--can block radiation from entering your body.
Know Your Limits
According to international safety standards, the human body can safely withstand an average of 5 rems of radiation annually without developing long-term health problems. If you are frequently in situations that involve radiation, you should monitor your radiation levels. This is done using an optically stimulated luminescence badge. Any time you are around equipment that produces radiation or in the vicinity of radioactive materials, wear your badge. The badge tracks your cumulative radiation exposure and can help you determine if you are close to exceeding your safety limits.
Ask for Training
Only individuals properly trained to handle radioactive materials or to run machines that use radiation should be put in such situations. Make sure you are properly trained to handle the situations that you face in your job. Part of training means learning to recognize dangerous situations so that you can help to protect others in your workplace. If a dangerous situation arises, take action in accordance with your training, and carefully document the event afterward.
The prostate is a large gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It manufactures some of the fluid excreted along with semen during sexual intercourse. Prostate cancer usually affects older men and causes an enlarging of the prostate, which can cause problems with urination and sexual ability. Strategies for treating prostate cancer include removal of the prostate.
Radical Prostatectomy
If the prostate cancer is severe, the prostate gland and surrounding lymph nodes may need to be surgically removed in a procedure called radical prostatectomy. There are two surgical methods to remove the prostate.
Retropubic Surgery
In retropubic surgery, the prostate is removed via a small incision in the lower abdominal area. The incision is made between the navel to right above the penis. This is the more common method as it is possible to remove the pelvic lymph nodes via this incision. There are also fewer side effects with this surgery.
Parineal Surgery
In parineal surgery, an incision is made between the anus and the scrotum. Recovery time is faster than with retropubic surgery, but the surgeon is unable to remove lymph nodes.
Side Effects
Side effects can be quite severe depending on the surgery method. Bladder control problems are the most common side effect. Incontinence can last for a period of weeks to several months. Bladder control is usually recovered after a period of rehabilitation and drug therapy. Incontinence due to prostate removal can sometimes take form as stress-related loss of bladder control. A male will not be able to hold his urine due to laughter, sneezing or during heavy lifting.
Another possible side effect is erectile dysfunction. This is a common side effect due to the prevalence of nerve endings on either side of the prostate. It is possible nerve endings that control erections can be damaged or removed along with the prostate. Men who have problems with erectile dysfunction before surgery are more likely to see this side effect after surgery.
Tags: side effect, lymph nodes, along with, common side, common side effect, erectile dysfunction
Doctors and nutritionists advise patients on the healing aspects of food, from the "get plenty of fluids" mantra told to cold and flu sufferers to eating plenty of fiber to stay regular. Popeye even boasted about the power of food, when his quick spinach fix gave him super strength. Popular diets such as the South Beach Diet and The Zone content that food wards off disease, trims the body of excess fat and improves athletic performance. Perhaps food can do even more than that.
The Big Idea
According to women's health blogger Bree Brigham, researchers studying plant compounds found some evidence that when certain compounds were mixed with a woman's biochemistry, hormones were triggered that make breast tissue grow. Chemicals known as phytoestrogens are found naturally in the female body that aid estrogen during puberty and pregnancy to enlarge breasts. When foods containing high levels of phytoestrogen were eaten regularly, breast tissue did grow to some degree.
Miracle Workers
Fenugreek, a popular Asian spice, is one such food that contains higher than average amounts of phytoestrogen. Known in the plant-loving world as trigonella, its claim to fame comes in its supposed ability to reduce HDL cholesterol. In females, it speeds up breast milk production, which in turn enlarges breast tissue. It bares mentioning that overindulgence in the spice can cause cramping, bloating and diarrhea in many people (see References section).
Eat Your Greens
Alfalfa, a rather common salad ingredient, is much like fenugreek in its ability to increase lactation in pregnant and nursing women, although it isn't known which contains the higher concentration of phytoestrogens. Other popular and easily accessible foods that are purported to contain the compounds are nutrient-rich veggies such as carrots, soy (especially in its pure bean form), wild yams and celery.
Chinese Meds
Ginkgo biloba, dong quai and ginseng are herbs that have been used for centuries in Asian cultures as energy boosters and overall health promoters, although all have had their share of criticism from the medical community. While the herbs are readily available at nearly every health food store, some negative side effects have been reported by consumers, such as excitability, headaches, memory disruptions and intestinal discomfort.
Warning
Women who are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, are nursing or have a history of circulatory problems should consult their doctors before trying any herbal supplements.
Tags: breast tissue, breast tissue grow, contains higher, have been, pregnant nursing