Breast cancer is typified by uncontrolled maturation and growth of cells lining the breasts. As per the National Cancer Institute, it is a very common form of cancer affecting women with nearly 190,000 new cases being diagnosed every year in the United States. However it may develop in men as well.
Diagnosis
Breast cancer mostly develops in the ducts of the breasts and gradually spreads to other parts within the breasts such as the lobules and tissues lining the nipple. Numerous methods like physical examination, mammography, ultra sound, X-rays among others are used in order to detect the condition.
Symptoms and Effects
Bloody discharge through the nipples, development of abnormal lumps, peeling of skin, inverted nipples among others are some of the common symptoms of breast cancer.
Treatment Types
Resection or surgical removal of the cancerous tumors is one of the common methods which is used to treat breast cancer patients. However, post surgery adjunct treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy (which involves administration of drugs like interferon and interleukin-2 to enhance the immunity system in patients) and radiation therapy might be administered to increase the effectiveness of the surgery.
5-Year Survival Rates
The NCI (National Cancer Institute) reports that the average 5-year survival rate from the time of diagnosis in women suffering from breast cancer is 89%.
Prevention/Solution
According to the Mayo Clinic, the steps you can take to avoid cancer development (including in the breasts) are diminishing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to sun radiations and toxins present in the environment.
Tags: among others, breast cancer, Breast cancer, Cancer Institute, National Cancer, National Cancer Institute
If you are legally changing your name, include it on your state criminal history assessment.
Legally changing your name requires a substantial amount of paperwork. Among the parties that should be notified are your state's department of motor vehicles, the IRS, your bank and your employer. One often-overlooked but important name change is on your criminal history assessment. A criminal history assessment is a record of all of your past arrests and convictions. Formally declaring your name change is likely required if you are on parole or probation. Even if you have no criminal history, you should change your name on your criminal history assessment for potential employers. Note that the requirements vary by state.
Instructions
Changing Your Name
1. File an official name change. You will need a name change form, which may be called a "deed poll" or "deed of name change." Though you can change your name at a number of locations, including the state DMV or its equivalent, it is recommended that you do it through your local Social Security office. Most states require that your new name and Social Security number match before allowing any other name changes, especially on a driver's license. It is no different for your criminal history assessment.
2. Obtain a personal criminal history. For a small fee ($25 in California), any individual may obtain a criminal history of all arrests and convictions in a particular state. The criminal history should list the date of your arrest and all subsequent dispositions in your case, including hearings, trials, conviction and sentencing. It will also list the counties and judicial districts in which each took place. You should obtain a criminal history in each state where you have any criminal history, regardless of whether you were actually convicted of a crime.
3. Submit a name change form in each jurisdiction where you have a criminal history. For example, if you have an arrest for marijuana possession in Santa Monica, you should file for a name change with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Or, if you were convicted of theft in Rockville, Maryland, you should file a similar document with the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. You can probably find a criminal history assessment name change form online as a PDF. Otherwise, contact the jurisdiction's office of parole and probation or its equivalent for more information.
4. Follow up. Don't assume that because you have submitted your form you are in the clear. Government bureaucracies can be slow to process paperwork. Call the office every few days to make sure that the name change has gone through.
Tags: name change, criminal history, history assessment, criminal history, criminal history assessment, your name
Microsoft Word, part of all versions of the Microsoft Office Suite, may be your ideal choice for typing simple documents such as letters and reports, but the program can also assist you with publications such as brochures. Microsoft Word 2007 ships with a large collection of templates, including brochures, that you can completely customize. The brochure templates just give you a starting point, saving you setup time. Whether you want to publicize a sale, distribute information in your community or show off your antique collection, use Microsoft Word 2007 to create a quick brochure handout.
Instructions
1. Open Word, click the "File" menu and select "New." Click the "Brochures" button in the "Office.com Templates" section.
2. Scroll through the different brochure options, including brochures for businesses, different design elements and health care. Double-click a brochure to open it in a new Word document window. Depending on your computer's speed, this may take a few moments.
3. Click into one of the placeholder text boxes on the brochure, highlight the text and type over it with your own information. Repeat this for the other text boxes on the brochure, including the contact information details section for your hours of operation, phone number, website, address, and other information where applicable.
4. Change text appearance on the brochure by highlighting the words, clicking the "Home" tab at the top of the screen and using the "Font" section to change the words' font, size, color and position.
5. Replace a graphic on the brochure by clicking once on a placeholder image and pressing the "Delete" key on the keyboard. Click the "Insert" tab at the top of the page, click the "Clip Art" button and type a word or phrase into the "Search for" box. Click "Go," scroll through the results and double-click an image, which opens on the brochure. Repeat for the other images on the brochure.
6. Add a custom image, such as a company logo, to the brochure by clicking the "Insert" tab and clicking the "Picture" button, which opens a navigation window. Browse to your digital image and double-click it, adding it to the brochure. Drag it into place with your cursor.
7. Click the "Page Layout" tab at the top of the screen. Give the brochure a colored background by clicking the "Page Color" button in the middle of the toolbar and clicking one of the small colored boxes. This instantly updates the brochure's background.
8. Print the brochure by clicking the "Office" button, then "Print." To preview the page before printing, choose "Preview," or to set print options and print right away, click "Print."
9. Click the "File" menu, click "Save As," type a name for the brochure and save it to your computer.
Tags: Microsoft Word, brochure clicking, boxes brochure, File menu, including brochures
The cost of hair implants is determined by the amount of hair that needs to be transplanted, as well as other factors. Hair implants allow some people to regain self-confidence and a youthful appearance. Here are some of the different types of hair implants and how they vary in price and results.
Time Frame
The average length of a single session is between 5 and 10 hours. Results can begin to show within three months after all procedures have been completed. The cost of hair implants is determined by the total amount of time and sessions needed. The average price of each graft used during a session is $6; the price may be lower for those who require many sessions.
Considerations
The cost of hair implants is calculated by the total number of grafts needed. If you have excessive balding, the cost can be $7,000 to $10,000. Hair implants do not require continual sessions or yearly replacements, so you'll save about $1,800 when compared with nonsurgical hair-restoration treatments, which require replacements and special grooming.
Types
There are three main types of hair implants. The first is Single Hair Follicular Unit, which transplants a single hair at a time. This procedure is mainly used to form hairlines and softer edges. The second procedure is called Follicular Units, which transplants two hairs at a time for a denser appearance. The last procedure is the Modified Follicular Unit. With this procedure, three to four hairs are used to add bulk.
Warning
Choose a surgeon who specializes in hair implants and has extensive experience. One risk of the procedure is further hair loss. Scarring in the area where the hair is retrieved, as well as bleeding and infection, are common risks. Not following your doctor's post-operative orders will increase your risk of negative side effects.
Misconceptions
Hair implants are not the ideal procedure for everyone. If you have typical male-pattern baldness, this procedure will yield the best results. However, if you have hair loss over the entire scalp, hair implants will not provide positive results. Within six months, positive results will be prevalent and--by following your doctor's orders--your hair will grow evenly and healthy.
Tags: hair implants, cost hair, cost hair implants, Follicular Unit, following your
The field of mammography involves using x-rays to capture the internal imagery of the breast, which is used to observe, diagnose and treat potential cancers, cysts and other illnesses. Mammographers may also interact with patients to take their medical history, discuss treatments and position them while taking x-rays. Mammographers and other radiology technicians earn an average annual salary of approximately $52,210, according to the United States Department of Labor. Becoming a mammographer takes specialized training and certification through accredited radiology programs.
Galveston College
Graduates can earn a certificate in breast imaging and mammography with a short program at Galveston College. Offered two times a year, the program takes 11-13 weeks to complete full-time and includes clinical experience at local hospitals. Classroom topics including anatomy, patient assessment, quality assurance, positioning and modalities.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with an overall grade point average of 2.5 from an accredited radiologic health sciences school or program and be registered as a technologist in Texas. Students must also undergo a background check, file a Texas Department of Health certificate and be immunized against Hepatitis B and Varicella.
Galveston College
4015 Ave. Q
Galveston, TX 77550
409-944-4242
gc.edu
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College's certificate in mammography lasts one quarter (approximately three months) and is offered four times a year at the Georgia campus and online. Coursework includes clinical mammography, mammography physics, anatomy, instrumentation, pathology and positioning. Graduates may sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam.
Students interested in the program must have a high school diploma or GED and be registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a radiographer. SAT or ACT scores are required.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
One Maurice Culberson Drive
Rome, GA 30161
866-983-4682
gntc.edu
Madison Area Technical College
Train for a career as a mammographer by enrolling in the Madison Area Technical College mammography certificate program. Classes include mammography instruments, anatomy, positioning, quality assurance and clinical mammography. Students get real-world experience performing diagnostic procedures and screenings, reviewing x-rays and assisting doctors. Graduates may take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam.
Students do not have to apply to Madison for acceptance; they can just register for the mammography courses individually. Madison requires that students taking the courses must be either a registered radiologic technologist or in their second year/second semester of an accredited radiography school program.
Madison Area Technical College
3550 Anderson Street
Madison, WI 53704
800-322-6282
matcmadison.edu
Tags: Technical College, American Registry, American Registry Radiologic, Area Technical, Area Technical College, Galveston College
North Carolina is part of the Carolinas HealthCare System, an organization that supervisors 29 hospitals in North and South Carolina. In addition, North Carolina has private medical clinics. Radiology colleges in North Carolina prepare students for careers in radiological imaging, giving them the skills needed to work at these healthcare facilities. These colleges provide programs designed to pass exams and are recognized by state and national organizations. Radiology careers include MRI services, digital imaging and ultrasounds.
South College - Asheville
South College offers associate of science degrees in radiologic technology and baccalaureate degrees in radiologic sciences. Admission requirements include holding a high school diploma or GED, as well as having an ACT score of 17 or an SAT score of 830. Applicants without ACT or SAT scores must take admissions examinations at the admissions office. If enrollees have previous college credit from accredited institutions, they must submit transcripts for consideration; South College accepts 60 percent of transferable credit. This radiology college has accreditations from or affiliations with the Accrediting Council for Independent College and Schools, the Joint Review Committee on Education on Radiologic Technology, the North Carolina Association of Career Colleges and Schools, and the Ashville Chamber of Commerce.
South College - Asheville
29 Turtle Creek Dr.
Asheville, NC 28803
828-277-5521
southcollegenc.edu
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) offers an associate degree in radiography, which includes classes in radiologic science. Graduates can work in various fields, including mammography, sonography, bone density, cardiovascular imaging, nuclear science and radiation oncology. To apply for FTCC health programs, prospective students must have a high school diploma with a 2.5 grade point average. Applicants need to take high school algebra I and II, chemistry and biology. Students need to take FTCC's Accuplacer Assessment Test and achieve scores of 87 in writing, 80 in reading and 80 in algebra. The admissions department considers transfer credit. All health programs students must pass criminal background checks.
Fayetteville Technical Community College
2201 Hull Rd.
Fayetteville, NC 28303
910-678-8400
www.faytechcc.edu
Wake Technical Community College
Wake Technical Community College Health Sciences Campus in Raleigh, North Carolina awards an associate of science degree in radiography. This program prepares students for careers in radiation protection, pathology, radiographic procedures, and patient care and management. Students who complete this program can apply for certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Admissions requirements include having a high school diploma with one unit of chemistry, acceptable scores on the reading, English and math sections on the placement test, current CPR certification, immunization records and a clean bill of mental and physical health. Applicants must attend a Radiography Program information session. This program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Wake Technical Community College
9101 Fayetteville Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-866-5000
waketech.edu
Tags: Community College, North Carolina, Technical Community, Technical Community College, high school
The Difference Between a Medical Assistant and a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Medical assistants and medical billing and coding specialists are health care workers with different roles. A medical assistant has a variety of administrative and clinical duties. A medical billing and coding specialist focuses on medical claims and billing for providers.
Medical Assistant Administrative Roles
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) states that medical assistants can have office administration duties, including front-office work, such as scheduling and handling patient records.
Other Roles
Depending on the size of the medical provider's office, medical assistants may also handle billing and bookkeeping.
Medical Assistant Clinical Roles
Medical assistants can also have clinical duties, determined by state law, such as preparing exam rooms and instruments, drawing blood, taking vital signs and explaining prescribed medical care to patients. The AAMA also explains that medical assistants can specialize in types of health care and particular roles.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), medical coders assign standard codes to health care and treatments received by a billed patient. Coders may also handle billing and may work independently or in a health care office.
Potential
Both the AAMA and the AAPC offer certification programs.
Tags: health care, Medical Assistant, Billing Coding, Medical Billing Coding, also handle, also handle billing, Assistant Medical
Mobile dental clinic drivers operate state-of-the-art specialty vehicles designed to provide oral health services. They work for city, county and state governments, social services agencies and private dental care providers.
Job Requirements
Mobile dental clinic drivers need good driving records and specialty licenses.
Aspiring mobile dental clinic drivers must have a high school diploma. They must have a driver's license with a clean record. Mobile dental clinic drivers must have a commercial driver's license, or CDL. A chauffeur's license is helpful.
Duties
Mobile dental clinic drivers transport oral health professionals to a variety of destinations.
Mobile dental clinic drivers operate specially designed vehicles that have dental chairs, sterilization chambers, portable X-ray equipment, rinse basins and computer systems. They transport dentists and hygienists to and from daily scheduled appointments, dental health clinics and patient educational seminars.
Key Traits
Successful mobile dental clinic drivers must be customer-focused, punctual and patient. They need the ability to interact with dental professionals and patients. Mobile dental clinic drivers must be able to negotiate different traffic and weather conditions.
Compensation
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, taxi drivers and chauffeurs earned an average hourly wage of $11.51 and an average annual salary of $23,930, as of May 2009. Salaries ranged from a low of $15,950 to a high of $35,020.
Tags: clinic drivers, dental clinic, dental clinic drivers, clinic drivers must, drivers must, Mobile dental clinic, must have
Helping careers can provide personal satisfaction as well as a salary.
Some people help others by volunteering in their spare time. Individuals who want to become more involved can pursue a paid career that involves assisting the needy or suffering. People who enter careers of this nature often do it primarily because they want to help, rather than specifically for the money. This is fortunate, because most helping careers don't pay all that well.
NGO
NGO stands for "Non Governmental Organization." These are organizations that help needy and suffering people in areas of the world that experience disasters, war or ongoing poverty. Some examples of well-known NGOs are Doctors Without Borders, The Red Cross and Save the Children. Working in the field for an NGO requires good health, resourcefulness and sometimes a strong stomach. The pay is generally not very high, and the work is difficult and can be dangerous. NGOs work to counteract the tide of poverty, starvation and sickness that is an ongoing battle in poor areas of the world.
Nurse
Nurses work in hospitals, long-term care homes and in the community to promote health and well-being to people of all ages. Nurses fulfill many different roles within the medical system in areas such as emergency rooms, cancer wards, hospices and clinics. Nurses perform most of the hands-on work that is done in hospitals. Nursing is a difficult job. As a nurse, you are expected to provide comfort and attention to patients, but are frequently busy doing three other things at the same time. It can be very tiring to simultaneously comfort the afflicted and fulfill the many practical duties that any medical facility requires.
Social Worker
Social workers may work for government departments or for independent agencies. They interact with a broad range of people who are experiencing varying levels of difficulty. This can include welfare recipients, ex-prisoners, youth at risk and substance abusers. Being a social worker involves working with many people whose life skills don't enable them to function well on their own. This can lead to a great sense of satisfaction when you help someone to put their life back together, but can also lead to cynicism and burnout if you allow the endless tide of problems that confront you at work to get under your skin.
Firefighter
Firefighters keep their communities safe from fire by standing guard at all times and fighting out-of-control fires when they occur. They also work in an educational capacity, making the public aware of the importance of fire safety, smoke alarms and evacuation plans in their homes. Firefighters may face extreme danger in the course of their jobs. A good firefighter needs to be physically fit and have a calm personality that isn't prone to panic. Firefighters enjoy a very positive public image, particularly since the tragic loss of hundreds of firefighters in the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Radiologist assistants work in hospitals, clinics and doctor's offices.
Radiologist assistants work directly with radiologists to assist in the more advanced duties of the practice. An assistant's responsibilities typically include preparing the patient for the procedure, operating the radiology equipment including X-ray, CAT scan and ultrasound, and making observations on the results of the images. Radiologist assistants cannot diagnose any conditions based on the results and must perform certain advanced procedures under the supervision of a radiologist. The road to becoming a radiologist assistant involves several steps and many years of education or training.
Instructions
1. Earn a radiologist assistant degree from a college or university offering an accredited radiologist assistant degree program. As of 2012, a dozen schools across the country offered an accredited radiologist assistant program recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Radiologist assistant students can choose to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree. Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree.
2. Obtain a Radiography Certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Applicants must have completed an accredited radiology program within five years of applying for certification. Applicants must complete the didactic and clinical competency requirements, which involve showing competence in six patient care areas and 66 imaging procedures. In addition, the applicant must also have a clean background record, uphold the ARRT code of ethics and pass the certification exam, which costs $200 per exam.
3. Acquire the Registered Radiologist Assistant certification. The Radiography Certification is a precursor to the Registered Radiologist Assistant certification, which requires an applicant to complete a radiologist assistant program at an accredited school, complete at least one year of full-time clinical work, pass a background check and take the certification examination, which also costs $200 per exam.
4. Get a radiologist assistant license. As of 2012, 29 states required radiologist assistants to receive proper licensure before practicing in that state. While the exact methods differ from state to state, the process for obtaining a radiologist assistant license usually involves submitting a license application form, application fee and proper documentation of education and certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Licensees must also undergo a background check in most states. Some states require additional certifications. For example, applicants for a radiologist assistant license in Ohio must also hold certification in advanced cardiac life support.
Tags: radiologist assistant, American Registry, American Registry Radiologic, assistant license, must also
Diagnostic assessments are used to evaluate learners. Often school administrators want to measure various educational tools used within the school. Diagnostic assessment is one way to measure the effectiveness of implemented programs as well as the students' academic background. Such measurement may offer the school authorities guides for future course of action.
Functions
Diagnostic assessments have many different functions. They are used in skills assessment and objectivity tests. They involve standardization, and they address the competency standards of the assessed learner. Diagnostic assessments are organized in different ways. They may be administered in schools, under a department or under a particular classroom setting. They may also be used within the setting of an educational institution or on state and national levels.
Types
The three categories are diagnostic evaluation, summative assessment and formative assessment. These three methods offer key information that may be used by the policy makers or counselors to determine stages of learning applicable to any learner.
Diagnostic Assessment
Diagnostic assessment is used to determine the current level of knowledge and skill of a learner. The learning activities of such individual would be developed and tailored along those lines. Diagnostic assessment is best used at the initial point to get a glimpse into the learner's stage of learning. Diagnostic assessment would also prove very informative when a multidisciplinary situation is involved, where different individuals in the course have different levels of academic backgrounds.
Formative Assessment
The aim of formative assessment is to provide support for the learner based on her unique learning level. Formative assessment uses practical models to help learners through a hands-on approach. Developmental activities are centered on use of practical tools to improve the quality of learning for the student in question.
Summative Assessment
Summative assessment is used to grade and judge the particular level of understanding of the student with regard to movement of the student from one level to another. Summative assessments may be used for certification purposes. Examinations and quizzes may be administered and graded. Such exams would be administered under controlled environment using several other variables, such as start time and end time for the test or exam.
Tags: Diagnostic assessment, Diagnostic assessments, assessment used, assessments used, learner Diagnostic, used within
Apply for federal grant funding for your faith-based organization.
The Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, established by the federal government, offers grant programs to assist nonprofit faith-based and community programs in bettering their local communities. Grant funds for faith-based organizations are abundant; however to take advantage of the funds you must know which government agencies to access.
Department of Justice Grants
The Department of Justice offers various grants for nonprofit faith-based organizations. Grants include the Helping Outreach Programs Expand (HOPE) grant, which funds grass-roots organizations that help victims of crime, and the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants Program, which provides funding to programs that help victims of domestic violence.
U.S. Department of Justice
Task Force for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Office of the Deputy Attorney General
950 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20530
800-851-3420
justice.gov
Department of Labor
The Department of Labor provides grants to faith-based organizations that assist disadvantaged or otherwise underrepresented workers in needy communities. Grant programs include the Employment and Training Administration Young Adult Offenders Grant Program, which helps young, previously jailed youths develop work skills and the Susan Harwood Targeted Topic Training Grants in which organizations specify the development and facilitation of training to populations in need of job training.
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20210
866-487-2365
dol.gov
Health and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services offers an array of grants for nonprofit faith-based organizations that assist communities' health and standard of living needs. Grant programs include Community Economic Development Project grants that help organizations develop stronger housing and economic infrastructure and the Drug Free Communities Mentoring Program grant, which promotes drug-free environments in at-risk communities. Application requirements vary by grant program and grant programs are revolving.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20201
877-696-6775
hhs.gov
Tags: faith-based organizations, Department Justice, Department Labor, Health Human, Health Human Services
Growing male breasts into female breasts requires a hormonal change from testosterone to estrogen and can only be achieved by receiving hormonal injections from a licensed professional. Due to the use of needles, it is important to only receive hormone injections from physicians who carefully follow safety procedures. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Visit a therapist. Before you can start taking hormones you must have permission from a therapist. The therapist will determine whether taking hormones is suitable through a number of sessions, and will give you a letter that states you are allowed to receive hormonal injections. The purpose of the sessions is to rule out the possibility of depression or other mental health problems and to confirm you are prepared for the results and changes that will occur. You can find a licensed professional at the American Medical Association's website at www.ama-assn.org.
2. Maintain injection treatments. Your doctor will usually give you Delestrogen and Depo-Estradiol injections. Monthly estrogen therapy can cost between $25 to $80, plus laboratory monitoring fees. The laboratory fees are based on where you go and how much your insurance will cover. It is important for your physician to monitor your testosterone and estrogen levels in order to ensure the injections are working properly.
3. Use an estrogen patch. Depending on your doctor, he or she may prescribe you an estrogen patch that distributes estrogen into your body. The patch works by remaining on your body for seven days at a time. Avoid excessive heat and moisture to ensure the patch continues to work as prescribed. It is recommended to only use one patch at a time, as there is a risk of overdosing.
4. Take estrogen pills. Oral estrogens are the last option as they damage the liver but absorb well. Premarin is one of the estrogen tablets prescribed to patients, although it is important to contact your doctor immediately if you start having side effects after taking Premarin. Some of the side effects include jaundice, lower leg pain, chest pain and sudden numbness. Premarin should not be taken for long periods of time as it increases your risk of stroke or blood clots.
Although New Jersey is one the smaller states, it is very populous for its size. There are approximately 8.7 million people living in the state of New Jersey. Of the 8.7 million, 85% have health insurance. The other 15% are without coverage. According to the 2008 Census Bureau, approximately 7% of children living below the poverty level in New Jersey are not covered.
Considerations
Because the state is high-income, many families in New Jersey already have health-care coverage. Poverty rates in the state are also low. This makes it easier for the state to manage health-care programs for low-income families.
NJ Family Care
One way that New Jersey provides residents health-care coverage is through a program called NJ Family Care. The program is not considered a welfare program, but rather the state's way of providing health-care coverage for children and eligible low-income parents. It covers children who are 18 years old and younger. Eligibility for the program is based on factors like monthly income and family size.
Medicaid
Residents of New Jersey can also consider Medicaid. Medicaid provides insurance to children, pregnant women, the elderly and the disabled. The Medicaid program pays for hospital services, prescriptions, doctor visits and nursing-home care.
Low Cost Alternatives
Families that make too much money to be eligible to participate in state-run health-care programs can still take advantage of programs like the NJ Family Care Advantage program. This program offers low-cost solutions that may be a cheaper alternative to group health-care plans.
Small Employers and Individuals
In 1992, the state created two programs that guarantee access to coverage for small employers and individuals. This coverage exists regardless of a person's risk factors, age or health status. The programs are called the Individual Health Coverage Program and the Small Employer Health Benefits program.
Tags: Family Care, health-care coverage, health-care programs
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that can be very dangerous if left untreated. It develops within the skin, and affects various layers of the skin depending on the stage of the cancer. The prognosis for melanoma depends on the depth of invasion of the cancer cells within the three layers of the skin: the epidermis (the outermost layer), the dermis (the thick layer below the epidermis) and the adipose tissue (the layer of fat below the skin).
Staging
Cancer prognoses depend in large part on how far the cancer has developed. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) has developed a system of stages for classifying the progress of the cancer called the TNM system. The letters TNM refer to the three factors used in staging cancer: the size of the tumor ("T"), the lymph node involvement ("N") and the metastasizes or spreads of the cancer to other parts of the body ("M"). Melanoma has 5 stages, between 0 and IV, with Stage 0 cancer having nearly a 100 percent survival rate while the five-year survival rate for Stage IV comes in as low as 14 percent.
Stage IIIA
Stage IIIA melanomas have a T number between 1a and 4a, an N number of 1a or 2a and an M number of 0. This means that 3 lymph nodes local to the infected skin area are involved. However, the lymph nodes have not enlarged despite the presence of cancer cells, and the melanoma is apparent in the lymph nodes only with the use of a microscope. The tumor can measure between 1 to 4 mm but is not ulcerated, and there is no metastasis (the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body).
Stage IIIB
There are three distinct sets of TNM numbers associated with Stage IIIB Melanoma. The first is a T number between 1b and 4b, meaning the tumor is between 1 and 4 mm long and is ulcerated. Like Stage IIIA, there is involvement in between 1 and 3 lymph nodes, but the melanoma is only seen under a microscope. Again, there is no metastasis.
The second set of numbers has a T number between 1a and 4a, an N number of 1b or 2b and an M number of 0. Under these circumstances, the melanoma is not ulcerated. The lymph node involvement is such that the affected 1-3 lymph nodes are enlarged. There is no metastasis.
The final TNM numbers include a T number between 1 and 4 (a or b), an N number of 2c and an M number of 0. This means it does not matter whether the tumor is ulcerated or not, the tumor can measure between 1 and 4 mm, and there is no metastasis. These numbers are characterized by the fact that the cancer has spread to nearby skin or lymph nodes, but the lymph nodes themselves do not contain melanoma.
Stage IIIC
Stage IIIc has two distinct sets of TNM numbers that are associated with it. The first is a T number between 1 and 4b, an N number of 1 or 2b and an M number of 0. The tumor is thus between 1 and 4 mm, and ulcerated. There is lymph node involvement with lymph nodes that are enlarged by the melanoma. There is no metastasis.
The second factors that indicate a diagnosis of Stage IIIc are any T number, an M number of 0 and an N number of 3. There is no metastasis, and the tumor can be any size and ulcerated or not. The N number of 3 is the key factor here, and it means that 4 lymph nodes, or a clump of lymph nodes, have melanomas, or the skin and lymphatic channels around the tumor show melanoma. The lymph nodes are enlarged as a result of the cancer cells.
Prognosis
At the time of the American Cancer Society's most recent study, Stage IIIA was a new stage so there were no five-year survival rates. Thus statistics are not available for this group.
The five-year survival rates for those with Stage IIIB are between 50 and 68 percent. Survival rates over 10 years are between 44 and 60 percent.
Stage IIIC five-year survival rates are between 27 and 52 percent. After 10 years the figures fall between 22 and 37 percent.
Tags: lymph nodes, number number, number between, between number, between number number, between percent, five-year survival
Power drills have not been shown to interfere with pacemakers.
A pacemaker is a device that is implanted in a person or applied externally to regulate heart function. The electromagnetism generated by some devices has been shown to interfere with the proper functioning of pacemakers.
Small Appliances
Many small appliances emit mild electromagnetic signals. Appliances that produce electromagnetism include power drills, televisions, remote controls, electric razors, microwave ovens and CB radios. These do not appear to seriously impact pacemaker function.
Cellphones
Cellular telephone frequencies sometimes interfere with pacemakers. The American Heart Association recommends that a patient keep cell phones at least 6 inches away from his pacemaker. The Federal Communications Commission is currently experimenting with new cellular phone frequencies; cellphone companies are studying whether or not these will impede pacemaker function.
Heavy Machinery
The electromagnetic noise generated by some heavy equipment and motors can interfere with pacemakers. A person with a pacemaker who works around heavy machinery should be aware of possible risks to his health.
MRIs
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is a diagnostic tool used in hospitals, creates strong magnetic fields. MRIs have been shown to impede the function of pacemakers.
Airport Screening
Walk-through metal detectors in airports and other facilities generally do not affect newer pacemakers. Older pacemakers may miss a beat or two but this does not usually affect the person. Conversely, hand-held metal detectors can inhibit the proper functioning of pacemakers. Metal-detecting wands should not be used on or around people with pacemakers.
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While many of the compounds we see used in manufacturing and other applications come from nature, others are created in laboratories based on theories. One such compound is silicone, which is composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. The bonds they make have to be replicated in a laboratory, but the result is a material that comes in many different forms for use in a variety of applications.
Identification
At the atomic level, silicone can be identified by the basic double bonds occurring between silicon and oxygen atoms. These bonds link together and form chains that vary in length. Depending on the length of these chains, silicone can take various physical shapes or properties. Some silicone is completely liquid, while others are more solid, though they are malleable and rubbery. Silicone is typically gray or clear unless artificial coloring is added, and easy to identify when one knows its atomic nature.
Features
Silicone has a number of different features and properties that make it such a popular material. For one, it is able to withstand temperatures of up to 250 degrees Celsius, and it also water repellent, making it great as a sealant. It is flexible and resists electricity, which makes it a great insulator for electrical cords. Silicone has a very low reactivity rate when it comes into contact with chemicals, and is a non-toxic, work-safe material.
Types
Since silicone refers to any material that has a base of silicon-oxygen double bonds, there are different types that can be manufactured by manipulating the strand of such bonds or adding extra ones. Basic general silicone sticks to almost any surface before drying and is used as a strong sealant. Glazing silicone is created so that it dries clear, making it popular for binding glass. Silicone rubber is tough and flexible and is one of the most popular types of silicone.
Function
Silicone is used often as a sealant or a lubricant, though it can also be shaped into various rubber objects. Silicone lubricants are used in many mechanical objects, from bicycle chains to various automotive parts. Sealants are used to mend gaps or pieces of glass together and to create airtight, waterproof, and heat resistant seals. Silicone rubber is used to make molds that can stand up to extremes in temperatures and be generally tough and durable.
Significance
The importance of silicone in the many applications it is used for comes mainly from the fact that is so resistant to so many things. Both extremely hot and cold temperatures do not alter it, and it can create an airtight seal that is also completely waterproof. These four things are the basics of the significance of silicone. Since it can be made in laboratories with such ease, it is also a cheap material that can be produced regularly and efficiently.
For thousands of years, the stars have been a constant source of wonderment and fascination for the human race. In fact, cave paintings over 15,000 years old depicting heavenly bodies were found in Lascaux, France in 1940. While primitive cultures had no tools with which to measure and study these points of light in the sky, we have since created several devices capable of looking closely at the stars and better understanding their nature.
The Reflector Telescope
Developed in the early 17th century by Niccola Zucchi and perfected later by Sir Isaac Newton, the reflector telescope is still in wide use today as the principal tool for studying stars. This telescope operates by bouncing light through a number of mirrors in a process called "folding the optical path." The result is a short, fat telescope, which has better magnification ability than long barrel refractory telescopes. Reflector telescopes range in price from $250 to $5,000 and more, in 2010. What you can expect to see with a reflector telescope depends on the aperture size. A 4.5 inch aperture will show excellent views of the moon, other planets and even faint galaxies and clusters.
The Star Chart
Humans once used star charts to navigate while traversing the oceans. These star charts included all the directly observable formations in the night sky including constellations, clusters and the cardinal stars (e.g., the North Star.) Using these charts, sailors could tell where they were in relation to their home country. Today scientists using telescopes and other instruments are able to create detailed star charts, including stars invisible to the naked eye. These charts are used not to navigate the oceans, but to navigate the stars themselves with telescopes. The detailed charts provide a record of galaxies and other astronomical objects and provide more accurate dates for celestial sightings and events. Star charts can often be downloaded free from universities with astrophysics departments.
Radio Telescopes
While reflector telescopes use light to show details in the night's sky, radio telescopes use radio waves. These waves often provide greater detail and use computer telemetry to process very detailed images. One clear advantage of using radio instead of light is that radio captures an image that covers more than the entire light spectrum. This allows computers to filter out harsh light, which can obscure the details of a star's inner workings. The result is not just a clear picture of a star's surface, but thermal images of a star's core and even profile images of a star as it burns. Telescopes like this are responsible for discovering sunspots and seeing other phenomena such as black holes and supernovas that are not visible by some other star-studying devices.
There is a consistent need for x-ray techs in the medical field.
The medical field has a continuous need for x-ray technicians, also known as radiology techs. A career in radiology can be achieved in as little as two years with the proper course of study. If you are interested in a career in the field of radiology but have limited time for scheduled classes at a college or university, x-ray technician online schools can allow you to study at your own pace and from anywhere you have access to the internet.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
St. Joseph's College of Maine is located in Standish, Maine, but offers online courses in radiology science. Entrance requirements include a diploma from an accredited high school or a GED with an average grade of "C" or better. Students may earn a bachelors degree in radiologic science administration, and already certified x-ray technicians may enroll in the advanced course to achieve an associate's degree. Because St. Joseph's offers online training at your own pace, you may enroll at any time of year and begin training as soon as you are ready. St. Joseph's College of Maine has been an accredited education facility since 1976.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
278 Whites Bridge Rd
Standish, MA 04084
online.sjcme.edu
800-752-4723
PIMA Medical Institute
PIMA Medical Institute was founded in 1972 by Richard Luebke, Sr. and his wife, JoAnn. Today Richard Luebke operates eleven campuses nationwide and offers a variety of online courses to prepare students for successful careers in the medical field. The facility offers online training to achieve a bachelors or associates degree in x-ray technology, advanced level radiology, and health care administration. PIMA Medical Institute prides itself on creating an online learning experience comparable to a class room situation with online instruction by real educators. PIMA's simulated classes are available to scholars 24 hours a day, seven days a week to cater to the flexibility needs of students studying online.
PIMA Medical Institute
pmi.edu/online/careers
800-477-7462
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
Over 92 years old, the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences is a private accredited Christian college that is closely affiliated with the Mission of Florida Hospital. The college offers an online bachelors degree program in radiologic sciences that concentrates on administrative management within the field of radiology, and advancement opportunities for students who have already earned certifications in x-ray technology. Fully accredited by the Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences awards certifications in radiology science, associates, bachelors, and masters degrees, usually within 18 to 24 months, to students who successfully complete the 100% online courses.
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
2145 Metro Center Blvd., Suite 400
Orlando, FL 32835
877-471-1454
onlineradiology.fhchs.edu
Tags: Florida Hospital, College Health, College Health Sciences, College Maine, Health Sciences
Blackheads and whiteheads can bother almost everyone at some time. To get rid of them you first have to understand what they are and what causes them. Simply put, whiteheads and blackheads are a type of acne called comedones and they are caused by clogged pores. Comedones are divided into two major categories, open comedones and closed comedones. Whiteheads are closed comedones. Some people describe them as looking like a small piece of rice under the skin. It seems that no matter what you clean your face with or how hard you squeeze them--please don't--a whitehead won't go away. Open comedones are blackheads. They are a little easier to deal with because they actually have an opening to exit through. Sometimes no matter how good your skin care regime is, you will get these pesky skin problems. They can cause your face to look dull and dirty. But there are solutions that you can use that cost little. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Cleanse Face
1. Gently clean your face with an exfoliating cleanser of your choice. Do not clean closer to your eyes than your cheek bones. You can feel the edge of the cheekbone with your fingers. Rinse well with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel.
2. Find a comfortable area to sit with your face positioned over the facial sauna and allow the steam to open your pores for about 10 minutes.
3. Wipe your face with a warm moist washcloth and examine your skin in the magnifying mirror to determine where you want to start the blackhead removal process. Gently press the comedone extractor over the blackhead according to the manufacturers instructions. Be patient. It may take several tries to fully empty the pore of the debris causing the blackhead. It is also important to remember that to be fully effective you need to keep your pores open by re-steaming or laying a warm moist washcloth over your face intermittently until you are finished.
4. The same steps for blackhead removal applies to whiteheads, too. But with some important differences.
Since whiteheads are closed comedones it is impossible to extract the whitehead without creating an opening first. For this you will need to use a lancet tool. The lancet tool will have a sharp pointed end and a smooth loop at the other end.While looking in the magnifying mirror, gently lance the top of the whitehead and then switching to the looped end, press out the debris using the same method as you did for the blackhead. Again, be patient this may take a few tries to fully extract.
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According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), approximately 30 percent of people 70 and older have a kidney cyst. These non-cancerous cysts consist of water-filled sacs in the kidneys. They are detected by CT scans, and usually do not cause symptoms unless they grow so large that they put pressure on other organs. As a result, you may feel pain in your back, hips or stomach that is accompanied with a fever. At this point, a urologist either drains the cysts or surgically remove them.
Drainage
If you feel pain as a result of a kidney cyst moderate in size, your urologist may drain the cyst. With the help of an ultrasound machine, he inserts a long needle through your skin into the cyst. Then he draws out the watery fluid and inserts an alcohol solution in its place. The tissues surrounding the cyst harden, making conditions unfavorable for further growth.
Surgery
Surgery is recommended for patients whose cysts are of considerable size. Once removed, the pain stops. According to Cedars-Sinai Health System, there are three forms of surgery offered for kidney cysts: laparoscopy and cyst removal, percutaneous kidney surgery and retrograde inrarenal surgery.
A laparoscopy and cyst removal procedure is for numerous cysts that are large enough to press on other organs. This is primarily an outpatient procedure. A surgeon makes three incisions into your stomach and draws out the cysts will needles
Percutaneous kidney surgery is recommended if you have large cysts located on the back of your kidneys. With the help of an X-ray, the urologist makes an incision in your skin over the kidney and places a sleeve between the two. Then he uses endoscopic tools to open the cysts and remove them. This procedure is more extensive, and you likely will be hospitalized overnight.
Retrograde intratenal surgery is used if your cysts are in a position that they can be drained by a laser. Once the laser cuts and drains the kidney cyst, the surgeon will place a tube, called a stent, in the ureter. The stent stays in for two weeks until you go back to the doctor for its removal.
Prevention
CT scans are used to monitor kidney cysts that are small and do not cause any pain. Your doctor may not recommend treatment unless you experience any symptoms from the cysts. Also, once you have undergone treatment, your doctor might check your kidneys every six to twelve months, according to familydoctor.org. You will be monitored if a CT scan reveals that your kidney cysts have dense tissues, or if they contain chunks of stone-like pieces.
It's easy to group public service announcements (PSAs) and commercials into the same category because when a television show breaks, both forms of media can air consecutively. In this way, they are both forms of advertising. However, there are a few key differences between PSAs and commercials, such as how they are made, how they appear on TV and who is responsible for making them.
Donated Media Versus Paid Media
One key difference between PSAs and commercials is how they get a spot on television. Each time you see a commercial, the amount of time (minutes and seconds) the commercial runs has been paid for by a company. Executives see the money spent to create and air a commercial as an investment to reach viewers and entice people to buy. PSAs, on the other hand, run on TV for free. The PSA sponsor requests a slot from a TV network but the station is under no obligation to play the spot at any time or at all. In some cases a fee is charged when a station agrees to play a PSA in a particular time slot.
PSAs Cannot Raise Money
While both PSAs and commercials can be well-produced, high quality and creative, there are far more restrictions on the type of content a PSA can include. PSAs cannot be used to raise money for a group or cause or recruit volunteers for that purpose. Unlike commercials, the Federal Communications Commission restricts PSAs from using the media as a platform for sales of any kind and words like "free" and "discount " are prohibited.
Calls to Action Are Prohibited in PSAs
The focus of a PSA is to educate and inform the public about matters concerning the well-being of the community. Commercials, on the other hand, are intended to convince viewers that they should purchase something as soon as possible. PSAs cannot qualify, indirectly or directly, one product or service over another. Likewise, PSAs cannot use calls to action or verbs that instruct people to do something specific (go, get, call, serve). This makes all the difference between statements like "Don't let friends drive drunk" (a call to action) and "Friends don't let friends drive drunk" (accomplishes the same thing without telling the listener what to do).
PSAs are Sponsored by Not-For-Profits
Commercials can be made by anyone who can afford to purchase advertising space. Typically this is done by companies or individuals with a product or service to sell. PSAs, on the other hand, cannot be submitted by for-profit companies. Only non-profit organizations can submit PSAs. However, a for-profit company can donate its time and talent to help produce a PSA, which is often the case with highly produced television PSAs, such as those made by the Ad Council.
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Oral surgeons generally complete eight years of schooling.
Dentistry is an exciting and rewarding career. Some dentists take their careers a step further and become oral surgeons. Becoming an oral surgeon is a lengthy process. On average, it takes at least eight years of schooling. Even so, it's a solid career choice for anyone who wants to specialize in an area of dentistry.
Instructions
1. Apply for a scholarship or grant. Becoming an oral surgeon is expensive, and most students graduate with more than $100,000 in student loan debt. Students can get around costly loans by securing a scholarship or grant money.
2. Get a bachelor's degree from a college or university. Dental schools require a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Students may choose any major, but dental schools require courses in biology, chemistry and anatomy.
3. Attend dental school. Students can apply to dental school after receiving an undergraduate degree. Dental school is typically four years. Dental school is where students receive a license to practice dentistry.
4. Choose a specialty. Upon the completion of dental school, students may choose to practice dentistry or opt to specialize in an area of dentistry. Students make the decision to specialize during their four years of dental school. Becoming an oral surgeon requires an additional three to four years of school.
5. Complete an oral surgeon residency program. This post-graduate requirement provides oral surgeons with in-depth, hands-on training under the supervision of a qualified physician. A medical residency lasts four to six years.
Tags: four years, Becoming oral, Becoming oral surgeon, dental school, area dentistry, college university
Working as a civilian contractor for the U.S. Army offers many benefits.
Working overseas as a civilian contractor for the U.S. Army offers you benefits such as allowing you to experience a new culture, learning a new language and enriching your resume. In addition, you'll receive the same benefits active duty soldiers receive while still maintaining your civilian status. Since the Army is organized in a structured fashion, most jobs available stateside exist overseas as well.
Medical Jobs
Jobs in the medical field focus on the health and welfare of soldiers and civilians, as well as research into new technologies. Some examples of medical jobs are physicians, surgeons, nurses, medical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacists, medical billing and clerical positions, dentists, dental hygienists, x-ray technicians and medical waste handlers.
Technical Jobs
Jobs in technology focus primarily on the gathering and management of information from both friendly and enemy forces. Some examples of technical jobs are military intelligence analysts and advisers, communication specialists, computer programmers, Internet specialists, translators and interpreters and engineers.
Service Jobs
Service jobs focus primarily on meeting the needs of and completing tasks for mission completion. Some examples of service jobs are light and heavy wheeled mechanics, construction workers, cooks, office staff, cleaning specialists, supply specialists, forklift operators, tank mechanics, communication repair personnel and dry cleaners.
Tags: Some examples, Army offers, civilian contractor, civilian contractor Army, contractor Army, contractor Army offers, focus primarily
X-ray technologists, also commonly referred to as radiologic technologists specialize in radiology. They work directly with patients, using equipment such as X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines to diagnose problems that exist internally within the patient. X-ray technologists are formally trained at accredited schools and can specialize in a variety of different imaging techniques. X-ray technologists are often mistaken for X-ray technicians, although the professions are quite different.
Average Annual Income
X-ray technologists earn an average annual income of $50,000, as of 2010. Technologists on the low end of the spectrum earn an average of $40,000, while those on the high-end of the spectrum earn an average of $60,000 or more. The type of industry and geographical location the X-ray technologist works in play a significant role in how much the technologist will earn.
Types of Industries
Diagnostic medical imaging labs, hospitals and physician offices are the three most common types of industries X-ray technologists work in. Technologists that work in diagnostic medical imaging labs are typically paid more than those that work in hospitals and physician offices.
Location
Geographic location can play a large role in how much an X-ray technologist earns. Technologists working in major metropolitan areas earn a higher salary on average than those working outside of big cities. Some of the top earners in places like New York city make salaries over $80,000 per year, as of 2010.
Technologist vs. Technician
X-ray technologists and X-ray technicians are not the same. They are often confused to be the same profession because the titles are commonly used interchangeably, but there is a significant difference between the job descriptions and salaries. The average X-ray technician makes $10,000 less per year than the average X-ray technologists. X-ray technologists are healthcare professionals and work directly with patients; X-ray technicians are not healthcare professionals and do not interact with patients.
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As of March 2010, Hawaii was home to four programs for LPNs.
The Hawaii Board of Nursing has the responsibility of approving educational programs that fulfill the education requirements necessary for practical nurse licensing in the state. As of March 2010, the board has approved only four programs, all of which are found at public, two-year colleges. These LPN colleges use classroom instruction and clinical experience to prepare students for careers in a field the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts will grow by 21 percent from 2008 through 2018.
Kapiolani Community College
Located one mile from Diamond Head Crater Park in Honolulu, Kapiolani Community College is a member of the University of Hawaii system of schools and is home to more than 8,200 students. To receive admission to the program, students must first complete a 15-hour medical terminology course and either take a nurse aide training course or have work experience as a nursing aide. Students must also receive CPR and first aid certification prior to enrolling. The coursework and clinical training takes one year to complete and features experience in maternal, pediatric, geriatric and surgical nursing.
Kapiolani Community College
4303 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, HI 96816
808-734-9000
kapiolani.hawaii.edu
Kaua'i Community College
Kaua'i Community College is located in the city of Lihue on the northwestern island of Kaua'i. The school's practical nursing program boasts a 100 percent pass-rate among graduates on the state licensing exam during four different years since the 2002-2003 academic year. Before entering the program, students must complete mathematics and English courses and pass a nursing pre-admission examination. To complete the LPN program, students study for three consecutive terms, which requires approximately 12 months of full-time study. Topics covered in the required curriculum include anatomy, psychology and child, adult and family health care.
Kaua'i Community College
3-1901 Kaumualii Highway
Lihue, HI 96766
808-245-8212
kauai.hawaii.edu
Maui College
Home to approximately 3,000 students, the main campus of Maui College in Kahului on the island of Maui and serves as the location for the school's practical nursing program. Only Hawaii residents may apply for admission to the LPN training courses and additional requirements include completion of the nursing pre-admission examination and coursework in English, anatomy and microbiology. Having previous experience as a nursing assistant is also beneficial, but not mandatory. Students admitted to the program usually study for an additional 12 months and have the option to begin classes in the spring or fall. The school has a student group for men in nursing.
Maui College
310 Ka'ahumanu Ave.
Kahului, HI 96732
808-984-326
maui.hawaii.edu
Hawaii Community College
Hawaii Community College is in the city of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Unlike the other programs in Hawaii, the practical nursing certificate course of study does not require students to have any previous education or work experience beyond a high school diploma or the equivalent. Admission is based solely on the results of the college's math and English placement exams. The curriculum encompasses three terms of study with classes in human development, maternity and child health, patient care and personal vocational relations.
Hawaii Community College
200 West Kawili St.
Hilo, HI 96720
808-974-7611
hawaii.hawaii.edu
Tags: Community College, Hawaii Community, Hawaii Community College, Kapiolani Community, Kapiolani Community College, Kaua Community, Kaua Community College
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. It is also the second most dangerous type of cancer among women, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women living in the United States. Breast cancer is the highest cause of death for women between the ages of 45- and 55-years-old. Breast cancer is extremely common in women, however, only a very, very small amount of men are ever diagnosed with cancer. There are several different treatment options for curing breast cancer.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common and popular treatment and cure for dealing with breast cancer. There are two different kinds of breast cancer surgeries, and they are lumpectomies (surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue) and mastectomies (breast removal surgery). These surgeries either include or omit taking out the lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a very popular cancer treatment option that involves killing and destroying the cancer cells by using drugs. There are various different types of chemotherapy that all use different drugs and medications to destroy the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy has a host of side effects, including lowered blood cell count, fatigue, nausea, hot flashes, early menopause and most commonly, full hair loss.
Biological Therapy
Biological therapies for breast cancer treatment operate by using the immune system of the body in order to kill the cancerous cells. One example of a biological therapy is Herceptin, which focuses on the malignant breast cancer cells that contain large amounts of a protein called HER2.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is another well known breast cancer cure. This therapy treatment utilizes drugs to stop hormones, such as estrogen, from encouraging the growth and expansion of any breast cancer cells that might be lingering post-surgery, like lumpectomies and mastectomies.
Considerations
When considering which type of breast cancer treatment to undergo, it is important for a patient to discuss with her doctor all of the possible health benefits and health negative effects to help her choose the appropriate treatment option. Depending on the person's age, medical history, type of cancer and stage of cancer, the best possible treatment method always varies.
Tags: breast cancer, cancer cells, cancer treatment, among women, breast cancer, Breast cancer
A qualified dividend is a distributed part of a company's earnings given to stockholders which falls under particular tax laws. In this case, the dividends are "qualified" for capital gains taxes. Normally having a tax applied to earnings is considered negatively, but in this case it is positive, since the capital gains tax rate is usually lower than the income tax rate, which the earnings would fall under otherwise.
Dividend Practice
It is common practice for companies to give dividends to shareholders, usually a certain amount of money per share, which is given based on the earnings of the company within a certain time frame and is decided by the leaders of the company, often the board of directors. The form dividends take can vary: usually they are made in the form of cash payments, but they can also be additional stock or even property or other assets. Different dividend amounts are offered for different classes of stock. The reasons companies offer dividends, and at what rate they pay out dividends, differ from organization to organization and are often complex. For instance, a company may raise their dividends to make up for a decrease in the rate of market value growth their stock itself is experiencing.
If a company does not have enough extra earnings, it does not pay out dividends, and this is a common occurrence in the early life of many companies. As a company grows, it usually includes clauses that outline mandatory distributions of income within the prospectus, so both investors and potential investors will know what to expect.
Tax Regulations
Regulations deciding whether or not dividends are qualified can also be complex. Generally, the dividend must be paid either by an American company (under American law) or a qualifying foreign company. Dividends that don't qualify for the capital gains tax must be listed with the IRS, so any dividends on this list do not apply. There may also be other conditions, such as a dividend holding period, that must be first met.
These standards are fairly regular, but the variety comes when the capital gains tax rate is decided. This is not a steadfast number, but changes based on legislation alter the rate based on tax brackets. For instance, from 2003 to 2007 those who fall in lower income tax brackets needed to only pay 5 percent capital gains tax, while the others were relegated to 15 percent. From 2008 to 2010, the lower tax bracket number has been dropped to 0 percent for the lowest two brackets, while the others have been unchanged. Later, the capital gains tax rate was raised again closer to income tax rates. The future-predicted numbers, however, are open to legislative change.
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HSA's, or Health Savings Accounts, allow workers to divert a portion of their pre-tax income into an account that that is used to pay qualifying medical expenses. HSA's must be paired with a high-deductible health insurance plan. For persons with single-person coverage, the 2010 contribution limit is $3,050. For persons with family coverage, the limit is $6,150. The limits increase annually.
Significance
HSA's can help reduce your adjusted gross income.
High-deductible health plans feature lower premiums but higher out of pocket costs. For example, the average health insurance premium in 2010 was about $13,000. High deductible plans cost an average of $11,000. While typical health plans may pay for preventative care, high-deductible plans don't cover any expenses until the deductible is reached. Deductibles in these plans must be at least $1,200 for single coverage and $2,400 for family coverage in 2010. These minimums change each year. The plans feature maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $5,950 for single coverage and about $12,000 for family coverage. Public policy experts believe that high deductible plans will help lower the cost of health care because people with such coverage will shop around.
Considerations
Some high deductible plans feature $11,600 deductibles. That is two years of contributions.
Employers and/or employees can make contributions to HSA plans. In fact, anyone can make a contribution to your HSA, and it will be tax deductible. Persons who receive health insurance through their employers often receive a contribution to an HSA from their employer. According to the IRS, this contribution must be included in the maximum contribution.
Contributions made to an HSA are pre-tax. That means contribution amounts reduce your adjusted gross income (AGI), and therefore your tax burden. You do not have to make contributions monthly. Lump sum contributions are permitted, and you can make your annual contribution for the previous tax year anytime before your tax filing date. For example, persons with HSA's could make contributions for the 2009 tax year anytime before April 15, 2010. The 2009 limits were $3,000 for persons with single coverage and $5,950 for persons with family coverage.
Warning
Contributions above the limits are subject to a 6 percent excise tax. Taxpayers can remove excess contributions "by the due date, including extensions, of your tax return for the year the contributions were made," according to the IRS. Taxpayers must also remove any additional interest or investment income on the withdrawn contribution. Money removed from an account after this deadline, when it doesn't go toward medical expenses, is taxed at the taxpayer's normal rate, plus a 10 percent penalty.
Additional contributions
The IRS allows workers aged 57 or older to contribute an additional $1,000 to an HSA. For 2009, this means that a qualifying worker can contribute $4,000. This may be a benefit to older workers who are considering retiring, because the rules permit people over 65 to use HSA money for insurance premiums, including Medicare.
Benefits
The balance of an HSA account can carry over from year to year, allowing some workers to accrue sizeable balances. Funds are typically held in interest bearing accounts, and earnings on HSA funds are tax-free. Several banks offer HSAs with investment options, provided balances reach appropriate levels. Some offer investment options in stocks and mutual funds.
Tags: persons with, family coverage, deductible plans, health insurance, make contributions, plans feature
What Doctors Don't Want You to Know About Menopause
Menopause is part of the natural progression of a woman's life. Unfortunately, many doctors view menopause as a disease and treat the symptoms with prescription drugs and hormone replacement therapies. They don't tell their patients that there are many natural herbs and supplements that can treat the unpleasant symptoms without the major side effects of prescribed treatments.
History
Women have been going through menopause for thousands of years. Until the 20th century, most women took care of themselves through the change of life or consulted with a "wise woman" who had already been through the process. Women took a variety of herbs, ate certain foods and adjusted their lifestyles until the change of life process was complete.
Significance
According to Dr. Christiane Northrup in her book "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom," medical doctors are taught in school and later in seminars to treat menopause and perimenopause as a disease of aging. Because of this, many women fear this time in their lives rather than embracing the change and learning to keep their bodies healthy and fit without drugs.
Effects
Most women enter the menopause process somewhere between the ages of 45 and 55. It is during this time that many doctors encourage a woman to start Hormone Replacement Therapy (or HRT). Hormone Replacement Therapy has been linked to breast cancer in a wide variety of studies including one published in the Journal of the America Medical Associations (JAMA 1991; 266:1362). While HRT may reduce the symptoms of menopause, the rewards gained may not be worth the risks. Any HRT program should be individualized to each specific woman's needs and not a generic one-size-fits-all program, according to Dr. Northrup.
Considerations
In her series, "Wise Woman Herbal" Susun S. Weed claims herbs such as Black Cohosh, Motherwort and Vitex can help treat symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and irritability. The addition of soy to the diet can help with estrogen imbalance, as soy contains isoflavones that mimic human estrogen. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements along with soy foods can also help to keep bones strong and more resistant to fractures. Wild yam can be taken as a replacement for progesterone and there are other natural progesterone products available at health food stores and pharmacies.
Misconceptions
Many women do not know that Premarin, the leading estrogen replacement therapy, is actually made from the urine of pregnant mares. For many years doctors and the pharmaceutical companies kept this information from women. While there are now synthetic estrogen replacements, Premarin is still often prescribed for menopausal women.
Prevention/Solution
Before starting any therapy for menopause, a woman should have a frank discussion with her doctor about what she is prescribing and why. Women should also take the time to research new breakthroughs and discuss alternative methods with their health care professionals. If your doctor refuses to discuss reasons and alternatives, seek a second opinion.
Expert Insight
There are a number of books on the market that can help a woman though the menopausal years. Dr. Christiane Northrup has written "The Wisdom of Menopause" and "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom." Naturopath Tori Hudson, N. D. has written "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" and Susun Weed has an exhaustive book, "The Wise Woman's Guide to the Menopausal Years." All of these books can be purchased at your local bookstore or ordered online from Amazon or other retailers.
Tags: About Menopause, Bodies Women, Bodies Women Wisdom, change life, Christiane Northrup, Doctors Want
Teaching preschoolers about the disabled aids in their inclusion.
As of 2004, more than 11 percent of students in the United States who enrolled in post-secondary education reported a disability, the National Center for Education Statistics reports. More than 14 percent of those students were considered independent. Educating children at a young age about those with disabilities aids in their inclusion in school and society.
About Disabilities
CVS Caremark notes that 7 percent of children ages 5 to 15 have a disability; of those, 62 percent have a development disability. Those with disabilities often are involved in what CVS Caremark calls a "cycle of de-conditioning" that further perpetuates physical and mental disabilities and can lead to secondary disabilities. While rehabilitation and medical care are important in helping the disabled maximize their abilities, CVS Caremark suggests it also is important for the disabled to be involved in cooperative learning and inclusion.
Inclusive Learning
According to the National Institute for Urban School Improvement's booklet on inclusive learning, disabled students attending school with other students does not in itself help learning for the disabled. The booklet's new models of inclusive learning reveal that individualized teaching can help disabled students feel that their needs are being met. Focusing on individual strengths provides the best learning environment. The booklet recommends more cooperation and attention to those with disabilities, as well as "experimental, hands-on and inductive" learning to create an inclusive environment.
Teaching Preschoolers About The Disabled
Preschoolers can learn about the disabled or inclusion through the use of role play. Using items a disabled person might use, such as a wheelchair, or using dolls with pretend disabilities, such as blindness, allows the child to understand the disability in a human context. Storytelling and picture books generate an understanding for the disabled. The Word Pool website lists many books for preschoolers that teach about the disabled.
Goals For Preschoolers
Understanding that all people have weaknesses and strengths is a major factor in teaching preschoolers inclusion, notes the Bright Hub article "Inclusion Starts At Preschool." Emphasizing all students' strengths allows preschoolers the chance to accept and appreciate the disabled. Modifying lesson plans for disabled students in teaching about disabilities is often a necessity.
Tags: disabled students, with disabilities, about disabled, aids their, aids their inclusion, disabilities often, inclusive learning
In the state of Arizona, medical coverage insurance for qualifying low-income families and single people is provided through the Arizona HealthCare Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Eligibility determination is quick as long as applicants plan ahead, organize, and pay attention to detail.
Instructions
1. Organize your current financial documents as well as all your personal information in preparation for applying for AHCCCS. If you are applying for coverage for your children, you will need Social Security numbers and original birth certificates for each child, as well as for yourself. Financial paperwork includes three months of pay stubs for all employed household members, bank statements, receipt of child support payments incoming or outgoing, disability benefits, and any other type of income. You will also need a letter from your landlord or a copy of your lease, as well as a copy of all monthly utility bills. The AHCCCS website provides eligibility information to help you prepare.
2. Apply for AHCCCS by submitting an application at the Department of Economic Security (DES) or by filling out an online application at the Health-e-Arizona website. If you happen to require food or cash assistance, as well as medical coverage, you can use the same application to apply for everything at once. Once your application for AHCCCS is received, a letter will be sent to you by mail with the time and date of your upcoming caseworker interview. This letter also explains exactly which of your financial and household statements you will need to have on hand in order to complete the interview.
3. Interview with a DES caseworker to complete the process of applying for AHCCCS. This interview may take place over the phone or in person. Since it is the caseworker who ultimately determines your eligibility for AHCCCS, being on time to the appointment and having all the required paperwork is extremely important. In Arizona, it is not uncommon for eligible AHCCCS applicants to have to reapply simply because they didn't follow the directions stated in the interview notification letter. After completing the interview, applicants can expect to receive a determination letter in the mail within three to five days.
Tags: applying AHCCCS, Arizona Health, Arizona Health Care, Care Cost, Care Cost Containment