What Are Interesting Facts About James Chadwick

James Chadwick advanced knowledge about the atom.

James Chadwick was born in 1891 in Manchester, England, and went on to become an accomplished physicist after studying at Manchester University and Cambridge. He is most notable for having discovered the existence of the neutron in 1932. The field of nuclear physics evolved because of his eye-opening discovery, and many questions about the atom were addressed by his research. Chadwick led an interesting and storied life before his death in 1974.

Nobel Prize

James Chadwick received the Nobel Prize in physics in 1935. He gave his recipient lecture on Dec. 12 of that year, titled "The Neutron and Its Properties." In it, he discussed past physics scholars who helped lead him to his own discovery by pursuing answers to the weight and mass of the atom. He described the nature of the neutron and structure of the nucleus, illustrating his talk with graphs and equations. Chadwick concluded his speech by stating: "These ideas thus explain the general features of the structure of atomic nuclei and it can be confidently expected that further work on these lines may reveal the elementary laws which govern the structure of matter."

Civilian Prisoner of War

Chadwick was granted a scholarship to study in Germany in the year 1913, just before the onset of World War I. He arrived to study with academic Hans Geiger in Berlin but was interned in a prisoner of war camp with other British citizens until 1918 when the war ended. Despite archaic materials and a lack of scientific literature, he kept pursuing his research to the best of his ability while imprisoned, and he was allowed to visit with German colleagues from time to time.

Knighthood

Chadwick was officially knighted in 1945 by King George VI in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to the scientific community. He was known as Sir James Chadwick from that moment on. In 1970, the Order of the Companions of Honour was bestowed upon him. He was inducted due to his advancement of culture and service to his nation in the field of academics.

Manhattan Project

During World War II, Chadwick collaborated on the British atomic bomb project. He also acted as a scientific adviser to J. Robert Oppenheimer on the Manhattan Project, which officially began on Sept. 17, 1942. Chadwick helped to conduct research leading to the development of the atomic bomb and the production of fissile material, like special strains of uranium and plutonium. No atomic bomb had yet been produced before the Manhattan Project.

Tags: James Chadwick, atomic bomb, Manhattan Project, about atom, Nobel Prize

What Is The Starting Pay Of A Surgical Tech

Surgical technicians are an important member of the operating room team.

Surgical technicians, also called surgical technologists or operating room technicians, are an important member of the surgical team. Duties include preparing tools for surgery, assisting in surgery by giving tools to surgeons, and caring for specimens during surgery. After operations, they clean and restock the operating room.

Starting Salary

The median starting salary for a surgical technician in 2010 was $32,903, according to Payscale.com. Surgical technicians earned between $27,000 and $46,000 annually on average in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Starting surgical technicians, with less experience, can expect to earn wages on the lower end of the spectrum.

Specialties

Starting surgical technicians can earn more income with more training to specialize in specific types of surgeries, or by becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist. Becoming certified requires extra training and an exam.

Places of Employment

Some starting surgical technicians make more money than others depending on many factors, including work environment. Surgical technicians at specialty hospitals tend to make the most income. Technicians at general hospitals make more than those at physician or dental offices.

Tags: operating room, important member, make more, Starting surgical technicians, Surgical technicians

Side Effects Of Radiation Cancer Treatment

Radiation cancer treatment is a local therapy, meaning that its side effects are dependent on the location of the cancer, your general health and other treatments you are receiving. Short-term side effects of treatment can appear within weeks, while long-term effects may not appear for months or even years afterward.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common side effect that can fluctuate from mild to severe when undergoing radiation treatment. Finding ways to meditate, relax and balance a more moderate schedule are keys to reducing the stress fatigue can cause.

Hair Loss

Hair loss is one of the most recognized side effects of radiation treatment; however, this occurs only at the area being treated. Only individuals receiving radiation treatments to their head should lose hair in that area; hair growth resumes after you complete the treatments.

Skin Irritation

Skin located over the area being treated can become red and irritated within weeks after beginning treatment; the area may become dry, and peeling may occur. Avoid creams and lotions that contain harsh chemicals, to prevent the irritation from spreading.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of your esophagus and mucous membranes can occur if you receive radiation treatment in your chest/lung area. This can cause throat soreness, coughing and difficulty swallowing. These effects usually subside a few weeks after treatment.

Blood Count

People rarely develop a low blood count, or low levels of platelets. This effect is more likely to happen while receiving chemotherapy in addition to radiation treatment. A low blood count may delay your treatments.

Tags: radiation treatment, area being, area being treated, being treated, blood count, side effects, weeks after

Job Description For Chief Radiation Therapist

Job Description for Chief Radiation Therapist

Radiation therapists administer treatments for cancer using focused beams of radioactive energy. A chief radiation therapist is the professional who oversees all of the other therapists that work in a hospital or outpatient care facility.

Function

Chief radiation therapists monitor the quality of patient care in order to prevent mistakes and ensure that all staff follow necessary safety regulations. Chief radiation therapists rarely perform therapies, but must be prepared to so in case of a staff shortage.

Features

Chief therapists typically hire, train, schedule, coach, evaluate and discipline radiation therapists. The chief therapist serves as a resource to subordinates and is available to answer questions that arise about treatments and communicate any concerns about patients' progress to their respective physicians.

Education and Experience

Most employers require chief radiation therapists to have several years of experience working as a basic radiation therapist. To enter the field, therapists typically must have a minimum of an associate's degree in radiation therapy.

Licensure and Certification

Most states require all radiation therapists to take a written licensing examination before working in the field. Additionally, employers typically prefer chief therapists to have certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, which requires the completion of an additional written exam.

Compensation

As of February 2010, the average annual salary of chief radiation therapists was $120,000, according to Indeed.com.

Tags: radiation therapists, chief radiation, Chief Radiation, Chief radiation therapists, Description Chief, Description Chief Radiation

Annual Salary Of A Radiologist Tech

Mastery of different imaging technolgies increases earning potential.

A radiologist tech, more often called a radiologic technologist or technician, works to create images of the internal structures of the human body. Using techniques such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans and mammography, and reporting to a radiologist, a radiologic technician's salary will reflect his skills and experience.

General Pay

The latest figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, placed the average yearly salary for a radiology tech in America at $52,210. This is a reflection of basic pay, not accounting for the individual package of benefits and bonuses the technician may be offered as part of his contract, and can vary according to a number of factors.

Pay by Location

The state in which a radiologic technician practices the profession can influence income. In a survey by PayScale.com in December 2010, California offered the broadest range of average salary, as well as the highest, stretching from $35,000 to $75,000. Arizona had the lowest wages at $24,566 to $40,695.

Pay by Employer Type

A further factor influencing average pay is the nature of a technician's employer. While PayScale.com lists fairly commensurate high average salaries for technicians working in hospitals and those in private practice -- $50,480 and $51,883 respectively -- the range is broader for those in the latter category, starting at $25,434 compared to $31,315 for hospitals.

Pay by Experience

As a radiologic technician gains experience (and, possibly, expertise in a number of imaging techniques), earning potential increases. While the PayScale.com survey puts the average salary for those with less than one year's experience at between $29,833 and $49,791, that for a technician with between 10 and 19 years of experience is placed between $75,987 and $90,000.

Training

There are specific courses that an individual can undertake in order to become a radiologic technician. It requires good grades at high school to be accepted onto a course, run either through a university or a hospital. Courses take, on average, between 21 and 24 months to complete, qualifying the technician to use X-ray technology. Other technologies require further training, usually undertaken on-the-job.

Certification

Another factor that may play a part in determining a radiology technician's income will be whether the tech is a certified member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This is voluntary for those who have passed an ARRT-approved training program, but the system has become an industry-recognized standard and employers will look favorably on a certified practitioner.

Prospects

Demand for radiology technicians is expected to rise considerably in the near future, a trend that should see salaries for qualified practitioners remain very competitive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 17 percent rise in demand until 2018. Radiology technicians trained and experienced in several forms of image generating techniques should be able to secure the best compensation packages.

Tags: radiologic technician, average salary, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, earning potential, Labor Statistics

Why Do Tomato Plant Leaves Turn White When Set Outside

White leaves on tomato seedlings can indicate a disorder.

Tomatoes are one of the most common garden plants. Tomatoes are cold-sensitive plants with long growing seasons, making them suitable for starting indoors in many climates. These fruits grow well in average garden soils and containers. Unfortunately, their fragile nature can make transplanting difficult. White leaves in new transplants can signal a disorder that requires treatment. Does this Spark an idea?

Sun Damage

The most common cause of leaves turning white in young tomato transplants is due to intense sunlight. Tomato plants require full sunlight for optimal growth, but going directly from the inside environment to the outdoor setting can shock the plant and damage the tender leaves. Damage due to the sun usually appears as white borders around the leaf edges, especially along the most exposed leaves. The edges may curl and break, leaving a plant with minimal foliage.

Soil Nutrients

Poor soils with inadequate levels of nutrients can lead to pale leaves with white spots. This can show up within two to three weeks of transplanting tomato seedlings outdoors. Nitrogen and phosphorous deficiencies are the likely culprits in plants with white leaves. Previously green leaves that gradually turn white is a common symptom of a nutritional deficiency.

Disease

Like many other varieties of garden plants, tomatoes may suffer from illness. Alternaria is a type of blight that can cause healthy leaves to turn yellow or white. Too much moisture in the soil can lead to fungal conditions that slow the growth of the plants and cause the leaves to lose their color. Leaves that display dark borders around the white spots can signal the presence of Septoria leaf spot.

Care

Quick treatment is imperative to the health of young tomato seedlings. These plants seldom have adequate reserves to withstand environmental challenges. Tomato seedlings require hardening-off, a process that gradually acclimates young seedlings to outdoor environments. Placing the seedlings in the sun for a few hours each day over the period of one or two weeks helps minimize transplantation shock and sun damage. Amending poor soils before transplanting the tomatoes helps ensure adequate nutrients. Work vegetative compost into the top 8 to 12 inches of soil to help provide a healthy environment. Keeping the soil slightly moist, not wet, encourages optimal growth and helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases. If treatment is necessary, select fungicides labeled for use on tomato plants.

Tags: borders around, cause leaves, garden plants, most common, optimal growth

Vet Surgery Instruments

Veterinarians need to have superior manual dexterity to operate on small pets.

Just as the field of veterinary medicine has advanced over the years, so has the sophistication of the instruments used during animal surgeries. As with the field of human medicine, some of the most frequently used veterinary surgical instruments include scalpels, forceps, scissors and needle holders. However, the small size of certain increasingly common household pets, such as guineas pigs and fancy mice, often requires some of the more specialized surgical tools that are available.

Scalpel

Scalpel

A mainstay of all operating rooms, for both humans and animals, the scalpel is an extremely sharp instrument used to cut through skin and tissue. The use of a scalpel signals the beginning of a surgical procedure, and there are a number of blade varieties and sizes to accommodate many surgical needs. Despite the availability of lasers designed for veterinary surgery, most practitioners still prefer the scalpel because of its ease of use and lower cost, according to an article on the Veterinary Practice News website.

Scissors

Surgical scissors

Scissors are another common surgical instrument, and they are available in a variety of sizes, with varying degrees of sharpness and curvature in the tip. Veterinarians use them during most surgical procedures, from a simple spay or neuter to more complicated operations. According to the book "Veterinary Surgical Instruments: An Illustrated Guide" by the College of Animal Welfare, they are primarily used to cut through soft tissue, not skin, and to remove sutures.

Forceps

Forceps

Veterinarians use several types of forceps, depending on what they need to do during operations. For example, artery forceps are used to tightly clamp off blood vessels. This type of forceps features a serrated blade and is designed to lock into place and maintain a closed position until manually released. Thumb forceps are more tweezer-like in appearance and are typically used to hold tissue together during suturing.

Needle Holders

Needle holders are also used in most animal surgeries because they hold the needle in place while the veterinarian sutures the incision closed. They come in a variety of sizes, designs and weights, which makes them useful for delicate procedures, such as the removal of an external tumor on the abdomen of a pet mouse. Their various dimensions and weight also make them ideal for deep tissue surgery that limits the range of motion the veterinarian can use when suturing something closed.

Specialty Instruments

Veterinarians who specialize in a particular field of medicine, such as dentistry or ophthalmology, use special instruments during delicate surgeries. For example, periodontal probes may be used during an extensive canine oral surgery, and a special speculum might be used to hold open a cat's eye during a cataract surgery.

Tags: animal surgeries, used during, used hold, used through, variety sizes

Get The Last Line Of Defense In "Mushroom Men" For Ds

Nintendo's fantastical world of plumbers, princesses and anthropomorphic fungi has given rise to fictional worlds and colorful characters. "Mushroom Men" is a game for Nintendo's DS platform and is based on the premise of good mushrooms warring with evil ones. You must navigate through different levels and face off against a variety of enemies, using different tools and resources at your disposal, and solving puzzles to advance. Use your innovation to amalgamate random pieces of refuse into usable weapons, one of which is the "Last Line of Defense."

Instructions

1. Defeat the General in the first level. You'll have a chance to wander back through the level after your victory.

2. Pick up a fish hook, crankshaft and small metal rod.

3. Use the leaf parachute to float down to the next level.

4. Advance toward the puzzle icon, where you will be able to solve the puzzle.

5. Assemble the fish hook, crankshaft and rod in the puzzle. Ignore any other objects you have collected. These three objects comprise the Last Line of Defense weapon.

Tags: Last Line, Last Line Defense, Line Defense, fish hook, fish hook crankshaft

About Photo Booths

A photo booth is a commercial stand that takes, develops and prints a set of four passport-sized photographs within three minutes. One or two people may fit comfortably inside, and they are typically located in shopping malls, amusement venues, grocery centers and travel points such as train stations and airports. Photo booths are present in cities around the world, especially in Japan, the United States, Australia and Western Europe.

History

The photo booth was first patented in 1889 by Mathew Stiffens as a small room that included a manual photography device that required several individuals to participate in the development and operation of the camera. By 1925, the concept had evolved into a form similar to modern photo booths, featuring a small kiosk curtained off from the public, though the process was still manually driven by an operator. Fully automated booths did not appear until the 1960s.

Function

After inserting money into the booth, an individual steps inside and draws the curtain closed. A light or auditory signal will sound approximately 30 seconds after money has been inserted, indicating that the first picture is about to be taken. This signal will fire a few seconds before each of the four photographs is taken. When all the shots are finished, the booth will automatically develop the images and print them.

Considerations

Specific aspects of the process may vary based on the booth or booth manufacturer. There are currently both digital and traditional film booths in use around the world, and likewise there are both color and black and white only booths. Depending on the machine, the four pictures may be printed one on top of the other, or in two rows of two. Also, the booth may either take four distinct pictures or produce four copies of one picture.

Digital Photo Booths

Digital photo booths have started to replace traditional film booths over the past 10 years. Not only do they develop the images faster, but they also offer the customer more control over the look and design of the photos. Most digital booths allow the customer to decide if they want the image to appear in black and white or color, as well as add a computer border to the image, add text or adjust the lighting. Some include a blue-screen feature that allows users to select a themed background. The most advanced digital photo booths also allow users to print their images as stickers or postcards.

Significance

Photo booths can serve several purposes, depending on their location. In most countries photo booths are utilized as professional tools to create the identification photographs used in passports and driver certificates. However, in the United States, where most identification pictures are taken by the associated agency, photo booths are most often used as an amusing activity. They are most often found in entertainment venues such as movie theaters, arcades, malls and amusement parks, and are frequented by teenagers and couples looking for a fun, inexpensive and light-hearted diversion.

Tags: around world, black white, develop images, film booths, malls amusement, most often

Humorous Motivational Techniques

Laughter can make motivational talks and trainings better.

Motivating a team, employees or students can often be better if you mix in humor. If your students or team members are motivated, they perform better and possess focus for goals and actions. With humor, the message is remembered better than just giving traditional motivational techniques. If you mix in these simple yet effective techniques during meetings or speeches, you not only tickle your audience's funny bone, but you also give effective ways to stay focused.

Funny Motivational Quotes

When choosing a quote to share, don't just go for wisdom; look for a fair amount of wit as well. It won't even matter if it was by someone famous or by Anonymous. Case in point, "Motivation: If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm." This quote has three key characteristics: short, smartly worded, and straight to the point. Another one written by an anonymous writers states that "If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito." When you want to perk up your team members or raise up their spirits after a bad performance, use some of these quotes to get them back up in the game. To make these quotes memorable, always say them the moment after you were really serious about what happened. This makes the quote more effective as it seemed that it came out of nowhere.

Creative Motivational Posters

Motivation can also come in funny photos, posters and images. These things can come in handy especially when you want to break the monotony of just speaking with your members or students. During your speech, pulling out photos by projecting them onto a whiteboard or placing them in front for everyone to see can definitely get their attention, but be sure that the poster can speak for itself. A good funny poster should show about people making mistakes or people becoming "lucky" because of their actions, or pictures such as a case of beer secured with a seat belt in front of a car with a word such as "Priorities." Always relate the picture to the topic that you are talking about to make it more effective.

Imparting Motivational Stories

If you want a different approach during motivational speeches, let your team members or students watch or hear a successful story. You can do this through two different ways: find a funny story and tell it yourself, or find a short funny film that can show what you want to impart to your team. The best stories are true stories. For example, think of funny things that happened to you in the past few months or ask a friend or a team member to share a story. Even if the story is not related to performance or goals, you can always find ways on integrate it with your team goals. For example, a story about a funny mistake can be related to the idea that your team members should always make informed decisions to avoid embarrassment and unnecessary mistakes. Short funny films are also available on the internet and the possibility of finding one to relate to your topic can be easy.

Doing Ice-Breakers and Warm-Ups

Humor plays a crucial role in ice-breakers, as it gets rid of any conscious or unconscious barriers between people. Many forms of humor are universal, making it an easy way to get people to relate to each other. Keep your ice-breakers light, fun, and only slightly, if at all, competitive. One fun example is challenging a planning/organizing team to learn juggling, with small incentives offered for the first to figure it out. They begin independently, then start working with each other as they figure out the right techniques, which are, ultimately, what you want to achieve.

Tags: your team, team members, your team members, each other, fired with, fired with enthusiasm, members students

Bluecross Blueshield Of North Carolina V Aetna

Knowing the details of your health plan will help you minimize costs.

There are many types of health plans, each with different advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right health plan for you will depend on your needs, the needs of your family or the needs of your business. Knowing the details of the plan you choose will help you maximize your benefits and decrease out-of-pocket costs.

Health Insurance

In her textbook about insurance and billing, Marie Moisio defines health insurance as a "legal contract" between an individual (or group) and the insurance company. As long as the individuals pay their premiums, a fee paid to maintain the policy, the insurance company will "pay bills generated by illness."

HMOs and PPOs

The Health Maintenance Organization is a popular insurance plan. The insurance company enters into contracts with certain physicians, groups and hospitals. The physicians who take part in HMO contracts may also be involved in profit-sharing. This is sometimes an unpopular plan because doctors run the risk that their patients will believe they will refer them only to other physicians and facilities within the plan to increase their profit margins.

The Preferred Provider Organization is also common. The PPO choice also has a selection of physicians, groups and facilities from which to choose. Unlike the HMO, however, the physicians agree to be paid a discounted fee for the services they provide and they are not allowed to benefit from profit sharing.

BCBS of North Carolina

BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina is one type of insurance plan. It provides a variety of options for health insurance plans. It has HMO options (like BlueCare and BlueMedicare HMO) as well as PPO options (BlueOptions and BlueMedicare PPO). It also has other plans like BlueOptions 1-2-3, a lower-cost plan with three levels of choice so enrollees can select the program that best fits their needs. The BCBSNC website boasts of its "comprehensive plans to our large provider network." According to the site information, its focus is on providing services to employers, regardless of size.

Aetna

Aetna's focus, according to website information, is on individual and family coverage. The company says its mission is to "get everyone covered." It, too, provides benefits for small, mid-sized and large businesses. While BCBSNC has plans directed at serving the Medicare population, Aetna's site offers "health care management services for Medicaid plans." It does not, however, exclude Medicare enrollees.

Cost

It is difficult to determine the cost of plans for both companies. Premiums will depend on what kind of coverage is necessary (individual, group) and what services are needed (hospitalization, eye, dental). Each website provides information on get a quote specific to your needs.

Tags: insurance company, North Carolina, health plan, health plan will, individual group

Use A Voting Machine

Before going out to vote on election day, learn use a voting machine, especially if you're a first-time voter. Voting machines vary depending on the county and the state, so check with the local elections office or state department to verify the voting system used in your area.

Instructions

1. Check in at your polling place. Show some identification, such as your driver's license, to an election official.

2. Sign in next to your name on the check-in list. Follow another official to the appropriate voting booth.

3. Close the curtain behind you, if one is provided, after entering the voting booth. Read the list of political candidates before making a decision. The candidates' names are shown in boxes highlighted by blinking red lights.

4. Vote by touching the "X" shown next to the candidate's name. The blinking red light becomes solid once you pick the candidate.

5. Press the "X" again if you change your mind. Repeat Step 4 to vote for a different candidate.

6. Pick all candidates in one party by pressing the "X" next to the political party name. The party name is listed at the top of the electronic ballot, followed by the candidates' names in that party.

7. Evaluate all of your choices before placing the vote. Press the green "Vote" button at the bottom of the machine to cast your electronic ballot. Open the curtain to exit the voting booth. Depending on the system, you may need to hand a confirmation stub or receipt to a poll worker before exiting the polling place.

Tags: voting booth, candidates names, electronic ballot, party name, polling place

4h Booth Ideas

Showcase kids' interests with a creative 4-H booth.

A 4-H booth lets club members display their hard work in public. Check with 4-H booth guidelines to ensure that you include mandatory items in your 4-H booth, including the display of the 4-H clover and the club name prominently displayed. With the 4-H criteria met, center your 4-H booth around a creative theme, since points are awarded for creativity and originality. Think of a slogan that goes with your theme and promotes 4-H. Let Chris Clover, the 4-H mascot, direct the show.

Up Up And Away

Incorporate a space theme in your 4-H booth for a display that is out of this world. Hang stars from the ceiling and cover paper stars with glitter. Make planets by covering balloons with paper mache and painting them different colors. You can build a spaceship using a tall box covered in aluminum foil or wrapping paper. Make the ground look like the surface of the moon with bubble wrap or newspaper painted white. Place the American flag and the 4-H flag on the surface of the "moon."

Baking For Success

Bake your way to a winning 4-H booth. Make the booth look like a kitchen by covering the walls in wallpaper and placing a kitchen table and chairs in the center of the booth. Place cookies or cakes on the table. Incorporate baking utensils such as spatulas and rolling pins. Display 4-H projects on cookie sheets. Make a refrigerator out of a large box and tape cloverleaf "magnets" onto the box. Take pictures of members of the 4-H club wearing a chef's hat and place them around the booth or next to their project.

Under the Sea

Dive into 4-H with an underwater booth. Cover the walls in blue cling wrap or paper to represent water. Cut out sea creatures such as fish, sharks, and crabs from construction paper and attach them to the walls. Create a 3-D octopus with a large balloon for the head and pieces of a hose to make the tentacles. Paint the octopus, give him googly eyes and let him hold a 4-H clover. Stick a 4-H flag in a pan of sand on the bottom of the ocean floor.

Down on the Farm

Get lassoed by 4-H with a western farm booth. Paint a mural of a farm scene complete with a fence, fields and a farmhouse. Staple the mural to the walls of the booth to create the back-drop. Show Chris Clover, the mascot, lassoing a giant 4-H with a rope that is suspended from the ceiling. Set up stuffed animals around the booth such as horses, cows and pigs. Take pictures of 4-H members wearing a cowboy hat and place them in the booth.

Tags: your booth, around booth, Chris Clover, Chris Clover mascot, Clover mascot, from ceiling

About Proactive Training Solutions

Proactive Training Solutions

Proactive training solutions help organizations adapt to changing environments and markets. Historically, American businesses remain competitive because of innovation and quick retooling which is supported by proactive training. Proactive training improves employee performance, which, in turn, increases productivity, competitiveness and ultimately the bottom line.

Types

Human Resource Development

Proactive training solutions recognize the natural progress of an employee's career within an organization.

In the intake process, the organization must find the people with qualifications that match organizational needs. Once found, the staff are oriented to the culture and expectations of the organization.

During the development phase, workers receive ongoing training and work performance feedback. Training for promotion or additional compensation are good retention tools.

When employees move on, the succession phase ensures availability of a pool of qualified candidates.

Features

Growth Through Proactive Training

The primary goal of proactive training is to assist workers with the skills needed for the current job and for positions workers might aspire to in the future. In addition, proactive training solutions help workers understand corporate culture and structure to build a more aligned organization. As employees become more productive and comfortable in the organization, quality is improved and the corporate bottom line improves.

Potential

Core Mission and Direction

Proactive training solutions help the organization focus on its core mission and ensure all departments and employees support the corporate direction. Proactive training professionals act as change advisers for the organization. Advice on training, communications and overall organizational development can benefit the employees and the financial well-being of the organization.

Considerations

The Best Teams Work Together

Users of proactive training solutions constantly review external and internal organizational challenges.

Imagine a football game, where the team runs only one play. The team is does not score many points. Organizations that continue to do the same thing will not be successful.

Back at the game, players execute the play haphazardly. Timing is off and the entire play suffers. When an organization introduces a new strategy implementation is disorganized, the organization suffers.

Proactive training solutions look at what should be happening and what is actually happening both inside and outside the organization.

Expert Insight

Training for the Future

The 2009 Corporate Learning FactBook predicts that collaborative strategies and social networking tools will be major growth areas in proactive training solutions. Consolidating training programs will reduce overall training costs and better align the training outcomes with the organizational mission. The FactBook also predicts that proactive training solutions will continue to grow as assessments for the added value of training to the organization's mission becomes more sophisticated and accurate.

Tags: Proactive training, Proactive training solutions, solutions help, training solutions, training solutions, training solutions help

About Pet Health Insurance With Preventive Care

If you feel your pet is a member of your family, you might want to get her health insurance.

If your family views pets as members of the family, then it might be worth it to sign up for insurance. Pet health insurance with preventive care covers different things depending on the company but usually covers accidents, illnesses, routine shots, spaying and neutering and medications. If you are considering enrolling your pet in this type of insurance, it is a good idea to know all the facts and compare the companies available to you.

Companies

There are many pet insurance companies that offer pet health insurance with preventive care plans. These companies that are available in the United States include but are not limited to: Pet First, Pets Best, Hartville, AKC, PurinaCare and Embrace.

Monthly Charge

The monthly charge for pet health insurance with preventive care depends upon many factors: the company, how many pets you are enrolling, your pet's health, your pet's age and potentially other factors.

There might be discounts on your monthly bill if your pet is a service animal, you enroll multiple pets, your pet is microchipped, you pay in full or you are in the military full-time. Again, this depends upon the company.

It also depends on whether you are insuring a dog or a cat, and all the prices listed are as of 2010. Pet First with preventive care typically costs $29.95 a month for a dog and $41.95 a month for a cat. Pets Best with preventive care typically costs $38 a month for a dog and $13.58 a month for a cat. PurinaCare with preventive care typically costs $46.88 a month for a dog and $15.21 for a cat. Hartville with preventive care usually costs $30.50 a month for a dog and $47.31 for a cat. AKC typically costs $33.75 a month for a dog and $45 a month for a cat. Embrace typically costs $53.85 a month for a dog and $42.99 a month for a cat.

Deductible

Deductibles also range from company to company, and the prices are as of 2010. Pet First with preventive care has a $50 deductible. Pets Best has a $75 deductible. AKC has a $125 deductible. PurinaCare has a $250 deductible. Hartville has a $100 deductible. Embrace has a $200 deductible. Typically speaking, the higher the deductible, the lower the monthly cost is going to be and the lower the deductible the higher the monthly cost is going to be.

Coverage

Pet health insurance with preventive care usually covers between 80 percent of any accident, illness, routine shots, microchipping, spaying and neutering, behavioral therapy, physical examinations, medications and sometimes dental care. Embrace covers 90 percent.

All pet insurance coverage has a cap for various treatments. The amount of the caps, or how many caps there are, depend upon the company. None of the pet insurance companies listed will cover pre-existing conditions, experimental treatments or cosmetics.

How it Works

You can go to any veterinarian you want. Print out the claim form from the pet health insurance company website. Fill it out with your veterinarian. Pay the vet bill in full at your time of visit. Send in the claim through the mail or fax it if your company allows. Receive a rebate for 80 percent to 90 percent of the bill in the mail.

Tags: with preventive care, with preventive, costs month, preventive care, typically costs, typically costs month

Medicaid Eligibility Income Limits

Medicaid is federally funded health insurance for low-income individuals and families. Each state regulates its own unique Medicaid program and sets specific age, income and resource requirements for applicants. Although states have some discretion, there are mandatory eligibility groups. The federal government has specific income guidelines the state must follow when offering Medicaid to the mandatory eligibility categories.

Pregnant Women and Infants

Income limits are typically higher for pregnant women than other eligibility groups. In many states, including California and New York, pregnant women are allowed to earn 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). In Florida, pregnant women are limited to 185 percent of the FPL. Services may be limited in some states. Pregnant women usually receive coverage for up to two months after delivery. No resource limits usually apply since coverage is temporary. Infants born to Medicaid-eligible women will be covered for the first year of life, provided the mother remains within the income guidelines for the household.

Children

States are required to cover children under 6 years of age whose household income is no more than 133 percent of the FPL. Medicaid requires that all states extend coverage up to age 19 for children born after September 30, 1983. Limits are generally lower for children ages 6 through 19. In Indiana, the income limit for children is 100 percent. Resource limits may apply to children.

Parents, Elderly, Disabled and Blind

Parents who have children living in the household are eligible for Medicaid. Income limits are generally lowest for parents. There are no federal income guidelines specified for parents. In Florida, working parents can earn 55 percent of the FPL. Non-working parents are allowed to receive only 21 percent. Supplemental Security Insurance recipients are generally automatically eligible for Medicaid. Individuals who receive Medicare can apply for Medicaid to supplement their coverage. To receive coverage through the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program, the applicant's income must be at least 120 of the FPL, but no more than 135 percent of the FPL. Resource limits usually apply to these categories. Limits range from $1,000 to $4,000 for an individual and up to $6,000 for a couple.

Medically-Needy

Most states offer a medically needy or spend-down program to provide coverage to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria but not the income requirements. Applicants who exceed the income limit and have excessive medical debt may be able to use monthly bills to reduce their income. If the income guidelines are met after subtracting medical debt, coverage will be awarded. The income limits vary, depending on the state. In Michigan, individuals are limited to 57 percent of the FPL and couples 56 percent. In New York, individuals are allowed 87 percent and couples 93 percent.

Tags: income guidelines, couples percent, earn percent, eligibility groups, eligible Medicaid

Hawaii Health Insurance Laws

Hawaii Health Insurance Laws

The state of Hawaii has strict laws governing the provision of health insurance in the state. Many of the laws that regulate health insurance provisions and health insurance policies are contained in chapter 431:10A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, and contain regulations stating the exact form that a policy must take, provisions that must be included in every policy, and how family policies must cover newborn children.

Form of Policy

Section 431:10A-104 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes contains the form that all health insurance policies offered in Hawaii must conform to. A health insurance policy must include the total amount of money that the purchaser is expected to pay, and the exact times when the policy begins and ends. The policy must be designed in such a way that no prominence is given to any part of the text, and the text of the policy must not be printed using a font size smaller than 10 point. All policies must include a form-number on the bottom left hand corner of the first page, and policies must not contain provisions stating that the rules, charter or constitution of the insurance provider form part of the policy, unless they are expressly included in the details of the policy and written in full. The publication of insurance rates, or the classification of risks may be included in the policy information.

Required Provisions

All health insurance policies offered in Hawaii must contain certain provisions by law. These provisions are contained in section 431:10A-105 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, and must be included in health insurance policies, using the exact words used in this section. Insurers may use their own wording for the required provisions, provided that they have been approved by the state commissioner. Only customized provisions that are at least as favorable to the policy beneficiary as the provisions set out in the revised statutes are allowed.

Provisions that must be included in all health insurance policies include a time limit on misstatements of three years. The provision limits insurance providers to three years in which a misstatement on a policy may be used to deny a claim, unless the misstatement can be shown to have been made deliberately, as a fraudulent act. All policies must include a payment grace period, which comes into force following the first payment. This means that the policy must remain in force even if the insured person is late in paying the premium, provided that it is paid by the end of the grace period.

Newborn Children

In Hawaii, all health insurance policies that provide cover for families, must provide insurance cover for the newborn infants of the insured family from the moment that the infant is born. Coverage in this instance is governed by section 431:10A-115 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which states that coverage of newborn infants can be limited to the treatment and care of birth abnormalities or congenital defects. Wherever a policy requires a separate premium to be paid for each child, the insurance provider must be notified of the birth within 31 days for coverage to continue and apply to the newborn child.

Tags: health insurance policies, insurance policies, policy must, Hawaii Revised, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Common Types Of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Fortunately, if caught early, it can often be easily treated, especially if it is basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer. There are also several ways to lower your risk of developing skin cancer, but it's most important to know the signs and symptoms of the types of skin cancer so that if you do end up developing the disease, you can have it dealt with as soon as possible.

Types

There are three common types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. Basal-cell skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer; it is usually slow-growing. Squamous-cell skin cancer is the second most common type; it is more dangerous than basal-cell skin cancer as it can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is the rarest form of skin cancer, but it is also the most dangerous.

Symptoms

Basal-cell skin cancer usually occurs on the hands, head or neck, although it can also show up on your torso. It looks like a bump or a flat skin-colored or brown lesion. Squamous-cell skin cancer can also appear as a flat lesion or a bump, but the bump will be red and the lesion red or scaly. Melanoma has many different appearances but it often appears in a mole or dark spot on the body (see "Additional Resources," below, for photographs of different symptoms).

Risk Factors

The lighter your skin, the more at risk you are for skin cancer. Blondes, redheads and people who freckle or burn quickly are especially at risk. However, it's important to remember that people of any color can develop skin cancer. If you have lots of moles, a family history of skin cancer or you live in a sunny or high-altitude area, you're also at higher risk of skin cancer. Radiation treatment also raises skin-cancer risk.

Prevention

The easiest way to prevent skin cancer is to stay out of the sun completely. However, that's easier said than done. Cover up when you're going to be in the sun, and use sunscreen. You should also stay away from tanning beds. To ensure early detection, look yourself over for any changes in your skin, or make a yearly appointment with a dermatologist. It's especially important to know the "ABCDE" system of finding melanomas (see "Additional Resources," below, for more information).

Treatment

There are many types of treatments for skin cancer, depending on the type of cancer and how far it has advanced. Most treatments involve surgery to remove the skin cancer. If the surgery is on a prominent part of the body such as your face, your surgeon may pick a treatment that minimizes scarring. Other treatments include freezing off small tumors, curettage and electrodessication, during which the physician scrapes away cancer cells and kills off the rest using an electric needle. Radiation and chemotherapy are used if surgery can't be done or if skin cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Tags: skin cancer, skin cancer, skin cancer, cancer most, common type, most common, most common type

Surgery Infection Risk

Many risks are associated with surgery. Among them is the chance of getting an infection. Precautionary steps can help the patient avoid many infections. But sometimes infection cannot be avoided no matter what is done.

Chances for Infection

Surgery makes the body more susceptible to infections. This is one of the main reasons operating rooms and equipment are sterilized and why surgeons must go through a rigorous cleaning before entering the room. Advancements in medical care have greatly decreased the number and types of infections occurring in postoperative patients, but they still occur.

Preparing the Body to Fight Infections

Doctors conduct a wide range of tests to ensure that the patient does not have an infection before his surgery. Patients who have an infection prior to surgery are at risk for complications and are more apt to have an infection following the procedure. Generally, the surgery is postponed in those cases. The medical staff may administer antibiotics to the patient before the procedure to decrease the risk of infections. After the surgery more antibiotics are prescribed as the patient recovers.

Incision Infection

Infections in the incision area are among the most common types of infections occurring postoperative. Infections of this type are generally treated with antibiotics or ointments. The infected incision must be kept clean and sterile dressings are changed frequently. Incision infections are more common in diabetic patients.

Sepsis

Sepsis is one of the most severe postoperative infections. Sepsis spreads throughout the body and is very hard to control. Patients with sepsis have an increased body temperature, fast heart rate and a high white blood cell count. Broad spectrum antibiotics, and IV fluids are among the treatments used to treat sepsis. Sepsis may cause organs to fail, requiring additional surgery or the use of machines to keep the organs working.

Prevent Infection

As a surgery patient, know what you can do to reduce the risk of infections. Take all medication as directed. Request that the incision site be shaved with clippers, rather than a razor. Razors can cause infections in the incision site of some patients. Understand your risks for infection and increased healing time if you are diabetic. Notify your physician immediately if high fever or nausea occur following surgery. Your doctor should also be notified if the incision site becomes inflamed or starts to ooze pus.

Tags: have infection, incision site, infections occurring, infections occurring postoperative, occurring postoperative

Laws On Life Insurance Benefits In Utah

Utah has laws that protect life insurance benefits. These laws outline the protections that the state offers in the event you are sued by a creditor or if the insurance company becomes insolvent. You should understand these laws prior to doing business with a life insurance company in the state.

Creditors

Utah provides certain protections under Utah Code section 78-23-6 and 78-23-7 concerning collection attempts by creditors. Utah provides an exemption for death benefits in an amount that is "reasonably necessary" under the law to support your dependents or beneficiaries. Ultimately, the courts would decide how much of the death benefit, if any, would be excluded. Otherwise, Utah provides a maximum exclusion of $5,000 for any interest or benefit you receive from your own policy. In other words, if you own a cash value policy, your exclusion amount would be limited to $5,000 of the cash surrender value of the policy.

Guaranty Association

The Utah Life and Disability Insurance Guaranty Association protects your life insurance policy if the insurance company becomes insolvent. The guaranty association pays a maximum of $300,000 to your beneficiaries if the insurer becomes insolvent at your death. The guarantee association guarantees $100,000 of the cash surrender value of your policy. This guarantee is per person. If you own policies that, collectively, exceed this amount, the excess is not guaranteed.

Benefit

The protections offered to you by Utah provide a safety net for you. This safety net is in addition to the cash reserves established and maintained by the insurance companies doing business in the state. With these protections, you and your beneficiaries won't have to worry about not receiving anything from your policy.

Consideration

Before you purchase a policy in Utah, you should still research a life insurance company. Even with the guarantees in place, you should recognize that the guarantees are limited. Doing business with a financially secure insurer will prevent you from having to go through the hassle of having to make a claim for benefits later on if the insurer fails.

In regards to creditor protections, you may wish to diversify your cash holdings. If you are using your life insurance policy as a way to supplement your retirement income through the use of the cash value feature of some life insurance policies, consider using an IRA or other retirement account. Retirement accounts offer protections from creditors that may limit the amount of money that can be taken from you or totally exclude the account altogether.

Tags: life insurance, insurance company, becomes insolvent, Utah provides, your policy, business with, cash surrender

Radiology Technician License & Ceu Renewal Requirements

Radiology technicians work in hospitals and doctor's and dentist's offices.

Radiology technicians have several responsibilities, but their most important duty is to ensure they and their patients are completely protected against the potentially harmful effects of radiation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2008 there were over 200,000 radiology technicians employed in the United States earning an average salary of $52,210 annually.

High School Diploma or GED Certficate

Radiology technicians are required to have a high school diploma or GED equivalency certificate as an admissions prerequisite to a formal training program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students should take classes in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. All workers in the health care field are also advised to take courses in English, foreign languages and computer science. Depending on the admissions requirements of radiology technician training programs, students should keep a "C" or better grade-point average, and may have to provide scores from the ACT, SAT or COMPASS standardized exams.

Formal Training

In order to earn a license in radiology technology, candidates must complete a formal training program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology; graduates may earn a certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree depending on the length and curriculum of the program attended. Certificate programs last around 21 months and are usually attended by individuals already working in the medical field with previous health care experience. Most students pursuing education and training in radiology technology earn a two-year associate's degree, available at community colleges and some universities. Students who earn a four-year bachelor's degree are given a liberal arts education in addition to medical training, and often qualify for supervisory positions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, curriculum will include didactic and clinical instruction in patient care procedures, radiation protection, anatomy and physiology, principles of imaging, positioning of patients, medical terminology, radiation physics, pathology, medical ethics and radiobiology. Education-Portal.com reports students will also study diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine, diagnostic medical sonography, medical resonance imaging, radiotherapy, cardiovascular interventional procedures, computerized tomography, cardiovascular-interventional radiology, magnetic resonance imaging and mammography.

License/ Certification

Although most states require radiology technicians be licensed, requirements vary. Many states use the requirements set forth by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a licensing standard. Candidates must meet three basic requirements: ethics, education and examination. To meet the ethics requirement, candidates must not have any felonies or misdemeanors, and must not have been the accused in any criminal procedure that resulted in a plea of guilty, no contest, deferred or withheld adjudication, pre-trial diversion or suspended stay of sentence. To meet the education and examination requirements, candidates must complete sufficient ARRT-approved education to pass an exam on the following topics: radiation protection, image protection and evaluation, equipment operation and quality control, patient care and education and radiographic procedures.

Continuing Education

Radiology technicians registered with the ARRT are required to renew their registration every two years by the beginning of their birth month. In order to be eligible for renewal, registrants must complete 24 CE (continued education) credits. These courses and lectures are usually offered in local hospitals and colleges.

Tags: According Bureau, According Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, candidates must, Labor Statistics

Naturally Treat Sebaceous Cysts

Sebaceous cysts, or epidermoid cysts, are usually more annoying than dangerous. The small lumps contain protein and sebum (oil), and tend to pop up on the face, scalp or back. They're caused by ingrown hairs or skin trauma. They're not a major health threat unless they become infected, which can cause redness, swelling and pain. Some home treatments may be enough to handle uninfected cysts. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Increase your intake of Vitamin A and B. Garlic is a food that contains a lot of Vitamin B. Pregnant women should avoid taking too much of either vitamin.

2. Take 500 mg of Black Currant Oil orally per day or 2 or 3 tbsp. of flaxseed oil.

3. Apply a topical cream to the cysts once per day. Ideally you should apply this at night and allow it to soak in overnight. The creams, such as Calendula and Poke Root, can reduce the inflammation and the risk of infection.

4. Clean the area and apply an essential oil directly to the cysts a few times a day. Some essential oils are fennel, lemon, burdook root, milk thistle and juniper.

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Relay For Life Team Theme Ideas

Make exercise a regular part of your routine before and after the relay.

Relay for Life not only raises money for a vitally important cause, battling cancer, it also brings communities together. Families and friends will bond, and acquaintances will become new friends as they work toward a common goal. Choose a theme and begin recruiting people well in advance to encourage a spirit of camaraderie.

Dance Party

Choose a certain time period, such as the '60s or '80s, and use a dance party theme set in that era. Your team could dance around the track with disco moves, dressing in 1970s style, or women could wear poodle skirts and ponytails while men slick back their hair. Bring lively dance music from whichever era you choose, and teach your team dance moves in advance or on the field.

Masquerade

Use a costume ball theme to give everyone creative freedom while creating an aura of mystery. As people circle the track, they'll have a blast guessing who everyone is. They'll liven up the atmosphere as other teams try to recognize people they know, too.

Movies

As Relay for Life organizers suggest on the website, choose a particular movie as your theme. If other teams want to do the same, each team can decorate with the theme of a film.

Tropical Paradise

Hold a luau at your camp and bring lots of delicious and nutritious tropical fruits for teammates and other friends. Play traditional Hawaiian music and give lei to all team members. As other friends come to join you, welcome them with lei as well. Bring lawn chairs for relaxing in between walking shifts.

New Life

Use the theme of new life to keep everyone thinking positively. Make shirts that each portray a symbol of life, such as an egg, a rising sun, and a budding flower. Brainstorm with teammates about what represents "new life" to them, letting everyone choose their own design. Use light, bright colors for tarps, tablecloths, and other materials in your camp.

Superheroes

Choose a theme of superheroes fighting cancer, as suggested on the Relay for Life website. Each person from your team can dress as a favorite superhero, or create his own superhero character to dress as.

Countries

Decorate your camp to represent a certain country, and dress in the traditional style of the people, as Relay for Life of Northeast Connecticut suggests. This theme works best when all teams participate, with each team portraying a different country. Serve food from your country, so as people walk around the field, they can try the cuisine of various cultures.

Fairytale

As Relay for Life of Northeast Connecticut also suggests, decorate your camp as a fairyland or scene from a favorite fairytale, using the theme, "Making the Fairytale of a Cure Come True." Teammates can dress as fairies and elves, or as favorite characters such as Cinderella and Snow White.

Tags: Relay Life, your camp, Choose theme, each team, from your

Preventive Maintenance Policies

Correct maintenance policies reduce long-term costs

Preventive maintenance policies and predictive maintenance policies are put in place by businesses to ensure that regular maintenance tasks are performed. This avoids the higher costs associated with repairs and replacement, and the associated costs of plant and machinery downtime.

PPM

Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) structures the frequency and implementation of maintenance tasks. Maintenance staff schedule tasks into routines that cover daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly and other, longer periodic time frames, such as quarterly or annually.

Optimization

The ideal maintenance policy ensures the highest rate of safety and economy by preventing system-critical plant breakdowns, avoiding repair costs and lengthening the life cycle of the plant. To achieve this, the policy needs to consider the condition and age of systems and the plant; any deteriorating system will eventually be in a state where it is more cost-effective to replace than maintain.

RCM

Reliability centered maintenance (RCM) involves tracking the reliability of plant and systems to ensure that approaches to PPM task development maintains cost effectiveness.

Tags: maintenance policies, ensure that, maintenance tasks

High Performance Automotive Tech Schools In Michigan

High performance auto technicians require specialized training.

Michigan is home to several high performance automotive tech schools that can prepare students for careers in high-performance auto mechanics, including race cars and high-performance engines. Well-trained high-performance mechanics are in demand throughout the U.S. Michigan's schools offer an educational range that includes bachelor's degrees, associate's degrees, trade-school completion or certification.

Ferris State University

Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, offers several different bachelor of science and associate of applied science degrees in automotive technology. Classes with an emphasis on automotive diagnosis, inspection, adjustments, service, diagnostic testing, electronic controls, fuel-injection components and accessories, air-conditioning units, power windows and seats, lighting circuits and safety and warning devices are available.

Auto Diesel Institute of Michigan

The Auto Diesel Institute of Michigan is a division of Baker College in Owosso. The institute offers certificate programs providing training needed to prepare for specialty- and master-mechanic-certification exams. Associate programs are also available to advance your career to the next level.

Henry Ford Community College

The Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn offers several degrees in automotive sciences. Classes specializing in high-performance skills are available. They also work closely with local automotive manufacturers, offering internships and on-site training.

Tags: Auto Diesel, Auto Diesel Institute, Community College, degrees automotive, Diesel Institute, Diesel Institute Michigan, Ferris State

Breast Selfexam Guide

Check for breast cancer

Breast cancer is a serious problem and affects many women. Doctors can perform breast examinations to check for cancer, but you can perform this process in the comfort of your home without having to involve a medical professional. Breast self-exams can be a fast and effective way to keep tabs on your health.

Who Should Perform a Breast Self-Exam

Any woman over the age of 20 should perform a monthly breast self-exam. You should perform the exam a few days after your period, if you still have periods. If not, perform the test on the same day every month. Try each of the following tests to see which one works best for you.

Mirror Exam

Stand in front of a mirror and examine your breasts, looking for a difference in size and bulging. Check to see if your nipples have turned in. Examine your breasts standing with your arms by your side, above your head, hands on your hips with your arms flexed to flex the muscles beneath the breasts and finally bent forward. Look for any subtle dimpling on the skin, which may appear if a tumor has affected the ligament. Check for discharge from the nipple.

Lying

Lie down and put a pillow under the same shoulder as the breast that you are testing, placing the same hand as the breast you are testing under your head. For instance, if you are testing the right breast, put a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right hand behind your head. Using the opposite hand, press in circles with the fingertips up and down the breast until you have checked the entire breast. Using the pads of the second, third and fourth fingers, press in small, circular motions from the nipple out to the edge of the breast. Make sure to use light, medium and strong pressure on each part of the breast. Squeeze the nipple gently to check for discharge.

In the Shower

Lift the same arm as the breast you are checking over the head. Check the breast for lumps in the same manner described for performing a breast self-exam lying down.

Results

If you see dimpling of the skin, discharge from the nipple or feel a lump in your breast at any point while performing a breast self-exam, contact your doctor as soon as possible to go through more rigorous testing.

Tags: from nipple, your head, breast self-exam, Check breast, dimpling skin, discharge from, discharge from nipple

Individual Fellowship Grants

The National Institute of Drug Abuse awards fellowship grants for individuals preparing for drug abuse research careers.

Like scholarships, fellowship grants are tax-free as long as they are used for educational expenses like tuition and fees or academic research. Recipients of fellowship grants must also have gained or are in the process of gaining a degree from an educational institution with regular faculty, curriculum and enrolled body of students to be eligible for tax freedom. Fellowship grants are not limited to education though, there are also awards for working individuals. Commonly they are awarded in medical, art or research areas.

Dedalus Foundation Individual Fellowship Grants

The Dedalus Foundation is privately owned and was established by the Abstract Expressionist artist Robert Motherwell. The foundation provides grants for institutions and individuals. It offers three types of fellowship grants for individuals including senior fellowships in art history, dissertation fellowships in art history and master of fine arts fellowships in painting and sculpture.

The dissertation fellowships are for PhD candidates at a US university who is completing a dissertation related to modern art or modernism in the amount of $20,000. Senior fellowships were developed to support critical and historical studies of modernism and modern art and are awarded to United States citizens who have made prior accomplishments and are not matriculated for academic degrees. The award is a maximum of $30,000 and is according to project needs. There are two fellowship grants given for master of fine arts (MFA) and they are awarded to painting and sculpture students in the last year of their MFA program in the amount of $20,000.

Dedalus Foundation

555 West 57th Street, Suite 1222

New York, New York, 10019

212-220-4220

dedalusfoundation.org

Aaron Siskind Individual Photographer's Fellowship Grant

Founded by Aaron Siskind, an artist and photographer from New York City, the Aaron Siskind Foundation offers fellowship grants for individual working artists of photo-based art and still photography in amounts up to $7,000. Requirements are that the artist be a US citizen and over the age of 21. The application consists of a career summary, artist's resume, short biography, a portfolio of eight samples with descriptions and a work statement that explains each sample. There are no restrictions for genres or subject matter but internet projects, videos, interactive media and film are not permitted. Information and the application is found on the foundation's website.

Aaron Siskind Foundation

c/o School of Visual Arts, MFA Photography

209 East 23rd Street

New York, NY 10010

609-348-5650

aaronsiskind.org

Wenner-Gren Foundation Fellowship Grants

The Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research provides programs that fund research in all branches of anthropology as well as fellowships, publications and conferences. There are a variety of grants for doctoral students, post-PhD scholars and non-US scholars. The fellowship grants that the foundation presents are the Wadsworth International Fellowships, Wadsworth African Fellowships and the Hunt Postdoctoral Fellowships. The Wadsworth International Fellowships support PhD students attending colleges or universities with the opportunity to study abroad and must study within countries where anthropology is underrepresented. They cannot attend a school within their native country to be eligible. Candidates are awarded $17,500 for any education related expense. Hunt Postdoctoral Fellowships are intended for scholars that have already completed research. The candidate must not have had their PhD longer than ten years and funds of $40,000 in financial support for a period of twelve months of full-time writing will be given to a maximum of eight individuals. The Wadsworth African Fellowships are funded to African PhD students in South Africa that provides international-level training in anthropology. Awards are given in the amount of $17,500 for education and research expenses.

Wenner-Gren Foundation

470 Park Avenue South, 8th Floor

New York, NY 10016

212-683-5000

wennergren.org

NIDA Fellowship Grants

The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) offers pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellowship grants for individuals that are permanent US residents who are enrolled or accepted to an accredited Doctor of Philosophy or Science (Ph.D or Sc.D) program or a combined clinical degree and Ph.D degree (such as M.D./Ph.D). They are given to students preparing for drug abuse research careers. The pre-doctoral grants are for up to five years and the post-doctoral grants are for up to three years. The NIDA also offers specialized fellowship grants for the disabled and underrepresented minorities. Applications and more information is available on the NIDA website.

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Division of Epidemiology, Services and Prevention Research

6001 Executive Boulevard

Room 5153, MSC 9589

Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9589

301-443-6504

drugabuse.gov

Tags: Aaron Siskind, Dedalus Foundation, Drug Abuse, fellowship grants, fellowship grants

Ultrasound Technician Courses Nearest To San Lorenzo

Neurosonographers look for nervous system disorders in premature babies.

Ultrasound technicians, also known as medical sonographers, use sound waves to produce images of organs, tissues and structures inside the body. Sonography is used not only to perform fetal ultrasounds on pregnant women but also to diagnose medical conditions within the nervous system as well as the abdominal and cardiovascular regions. Although California, like the rest of the nation, does not require sonographers to obtain licensure, ultrasound certification may improve career possibilities. For individuals near the San Lorenzo, California area, there are several options for ultrasound technician courses.

Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences

The Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences, located about 30 minutes from San Lorenzo, offers certificate programs in both general and cardiac sonography. Students in the 18-month general program take courses in ultrasound procedures and patient care. They also gain exposure to specialties such as abdominal and obstetric/gynecologic sonography. In addition, students complete clinical experiences in medical facilities located in northern California. Those that pursue the cardiac sonography concentration focus on cardiovascular sonography and echocardiography.

Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences

938 Marina Way South

Richmond, CA 94804

888-299-0077

kpsahs.kp.org

Foothill College

Located approximately 45 minutes from San Lorenzo is Los Altos Hills' Foothill College. This institution offers an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Students in this program are exposed to the major ultrasound specializations such as vascular, abdominal and obstetric/gynecological sonography. In addition to completing coursework, Foothill students participate in 32 hours of weekly clinical practice throughout the academic program.

Foothill College

12345 El Monte Rd.

Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

650-949-7777

foothill.edu

Merced College

Merced College in Merced, California, is an approximate two-hour drive from San Lorenzo. Students who already have allied health education and experience can enroll in the general or cardiac sonography certificate programs at the college. The general program requires clinical experiences and coursework in ultrasound physics in addition to the sonography specialties. Those interested in earning the cardiac certificate will complete similar requirements but focus primarily on cardiac physiology, vascular sonography and echocardiography, according to the Merced curriculum guide.

Merced College

3600 M St.

Merced, CA 95348

209-384-6000

mccd.edu

Tags: Allied Health Sciences, cardiac sonography, Foothill College, from Lorenzo, Health Sciences, Kaiser Permanente

Obtain A Spanish Translator Certification

There is more than one way to become certified as a Spanish translator.

Obtaining a Spanish translator certification can be a daunting task, yet with enough professional experience and preparation it can be achieved. It is not necessary to have a translator certification in order to work as a professional translator, but having it makes the individual stand out from the rest. Since it serves as proof to a translator's abilities, it also grants access to more work and the opportunity to charge higher rates.

Instructions

1. Choose the type of certification you want to obtain. There are the prestigious US Court Interpreter Certifications (which includes translation), the equally respected ATA (American Translators Association) certifications, or those granted through a diploma or college degree in translation. All three are certifications that prove the abilities of the individual obtaining them, and therefore, it is up to the Spanish translator to decide which route is more adequate for the type of translation work they want to specialize in.

2. Research. Each certification route will require that you focus your attention on certain aspects of the Spanish and English languages. If you chose to undergo testing in order to obtain your translator certification, prepare yourself for success by studying for these exams: obtain samples of past exams, test yourself, participate in translator study groups, take preparation courses, etc. Passing the U.S. Court Interpreter exams or the ATA exams is not easy, even for a bilingual individual.

3. Sign up. If you chose to obtain a diploma or degree in translation, the first step is to sign up at the institute or college and begin your coursework. On the other hand, if you chose to obtain a Spanish translator certification via testing, you will have to wait until the exams are announced in your area (typically on a yearly basis) and sign up for them.

Tags: Spanish translator, translator certification, chose obtain, Court Interpreter, degree translation, Spanish translator certification

Physical Therapy Exercises For Post Mastectomy

A mastectomy is a highly invasive, serious surgical procedure, and as such it will require heavy amounts of therapy and properly supervised and designed exercises during the months of recovery. As with any major surgery that affects main moving areas, a mastectomy is likely to require a rehabilitation program to regain proper movement and strength in the weeks after surgery. Working with a physical therapist to ensure proper technique, there are several exercises you can learn and perform to help heal fully in the stages following surgery.

Initial Recovery

During the initial stages of healing and rehab, it's important to not overexert the surgical area. Doing so could inhibit proper healing and cause large amounts of pain, so it's best to focus on smaller exercises that work the hands and elbows more than the chest and shoulders.

Hand and wrist strengthening exercises with little to no resistance are excellent starting points. Gently squeeze your hand closed and hold it tight for several seconds before relaxing. Repeat this several times.

As you progress through the initial days and weeks of your healing you can add some resistance to this simple exercise, by squeezing a stress-relief ball or a heavy hand-strengthening sandbag. These bags are essentially latex or rubber balls filled with heavy sand or synthetic material that is difficult to easily squeeze, providing resistance for hand exercises. You can also lightly work the wrist during this phase by gently moving it back and forth, holding it for several seconds at each position. This won't strengthen the area so much as stretch it and help regain pain-free movement in the wrist and up the forearm.

As you get past the initial week or so from your surgery you can begin to incorporate light elbow exercises as well. For the rest of this initial stage these exercises should involve nothing beyond some simple elbow extensions, more to regain movement rather than to strengthen. Bend both elbows so your hands are raised to your head. Gently extend one arm at a time, holding it in front of you at full extension for several seconds before bending it back. Then do the same with the other arm. Repeat several times. Resist the temptation to add any weight to this exercise, as doing so too early in your recovery could harm the surgery area.

Later Rehab

As your rehab from surgery progresses into the next month, you can begin to experiment with exercises that work additional areas of the upper body. At this point you can involve the shoulders and chest much more. Again, you should focus initially on regaining movement more than on strengthening with weights or resistance.

Several good exercises to accomplish this with the shoulder area involve lying flat on your back. From this position, have your arms extended at your sides with the palms facing up. Then extend one arm straight up so your hand is directly above your face. Hold it there for several seconds before lowering. Repeat with the other arm.

An even better exercise, and a good indicator of how far along in your healing you are, also begins with lying flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head, with your elbows bent and pointed straight up toward the ceiling. Next, slowly lower your elbows to the floor while keeping your hands firmly locked behind your head. This movement will have your arms, still bent, moving slowly parallel to the floor. Depending on how far along in healing and rehab you are, you might be unable to move your elbows all the way to the floor. This is a good exercise to repeat frequently as you heal, as it works the affected chest area very well and helps continuously build movement in the area as the muscles restrengthen.

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Navy Core Training

Navy core values influence training.

The core training experienced in the Navy can be better understood in light of its core values: honor, courage and commitment. These values extend throughout the Navy's basic and specialized training programs.

Values

The three core values of honor, courage and commitment translate into fundamental actions exercised in training and beyond. Regarding honor, each sailor must be ethical and honest in all relationships. In the name of courage, a sailor must meet the demands of the job, even when dangerous or difficult. Additionally, a committed sailor will command respect relative to the chain of command, displaying dignity towards all people.

History

Beyond instilling the Navy's core values, core training also focuses on developing skills necessary for the sailor. For example, in 1963 Navy recruits in San Diego learned seamanship skills in a team environment, which even included playing volleyball for physical and team-building exercise.

Specialization

The Navy SEALs training program also adheres to the Navy's core values, and utilizes specialized core training for its recruits, including three core pillars: being men of character, being physically fit for demands in any environment with a special emphasis on underwater environs, and having the intelligence for learning technical tasks quickly.

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What Are The Causes Of Polyarthritis

In contrast to widespread aching and other causes of extremity pain, arthritis is characterized by inflammation, stiffness, swelling, tenderness and warmth. Monoarthritis is defined as inflammation of one joint and can indicate septic arthritis, gout or tumors. On the other end of the spectrum, polyarthritis affects five or more joints. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) and other diseases can all present as polyarthritis. Some of these diseases have widespread and systemic effects, requiring early diagnosis and intervention.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is an autoimmune disease usually affecting five or more joints in a symmetrical fashion. Symptoms are highly variable, but joint involvement is characterized by fluid in the joints, painful joint movement and erosion of bone, cartilage and ligaments. Enlarged joints feel spongy and warm. Systemic symptoms include low-grade fever, weight loss and fatigue. In later stages, stiffness predominates. RA is confirmed by X-rays, blood tests and particularly the blood test for rheumatoid factor, the auto antibody causing the disease.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease affecting multiple organ systems due to the buildup of proteins in the vascular system. Polyarthritis is almost always one of the first symptoms, and arthritis can occur in any joint. The arthritic pain is usually not associated with specific radiological findings, joint nodules or bony deformity, but other deformities may occur, such as ulnar deviation and Swan-neck deformities in the fingers. Polyarthritis, in combination with malar rash, photosensitivity and multiple organ system involvement, are helpful in diagnosing lupus.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis affecting some people with psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder characterized by raised patches or lesions of dead skin cells. Psoriasis is usually diagnosed first, followed later by psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to RA except that the rheumatoid factor is not present. The arthritis is usually symmetric and affects the small joints of the hands, wrists, elbows, ankles and feet. Diagnosis is based upon the presence of psoriasis and arthritic pain and a negative rheumatoid factor blood test.

Osteoarthritis

OA, also called degenerative joint disease, causes polyarthritis and is easily differentiated from other kinds of arthritis because the joint damage is mechanical (caused by trauma or overuse), inflammation is minimal and joints are cool rather than warm. Symptoms include bony enlargement, locked joints, joint tenderness, stiffness and decreased joint mobility. OA does not have systemic effects and is diagnosed by clinical symptoms and X-rays.

Miscellaneous Causes

Polyarthritis also has many other less common causes that have inflammatory, infectious, metabolic and other origins. For example, Still's disease, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, reactive arthritis, gout, cancer, Whipple's disease and hemochromatosis can cause polyarthritis.

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