Movie Theaters In Fremont Nebraska

Fremont, Nebraska, is home to about 25,000 residents. Fremont is about 35 miles west of Omaha, the state's largest city, so its residents can take advantage of living in a small town while having easy access to a much larger one. As of 2011, the only movie theater in Fremont is the Main Street 7 inside the Fremont Mall. However, there are other theater options just down the road in Omaha.

Main Street 7

Main Street 7 is a first-run movie theater and also offers 3-D movies regularly. As of 2011, the regular evening ticket price was $8 for adults. A 3-D movie costs $3 extra. Every Tuesday, popcorn and sodas only cost $1 each. Students get discounts every Thursday while senior citizens get discounts every day. The Main Street 7 is part of the Main Street chain that operates in Iowa and Nebraska.

Renovations

Main Street 7 underwent renovations in 2007. The theater, which was previously called the Fremont 4, got digital menu boards, expanded selling stations and three new auditoriums. Each auditorium got wall-to-wall screens, digital sound, and refurbished seats, all with improved sight lines.

Promos and Value Tips

Aside from discounts, Main Street 7 patrons get free popcorn just for signing up for the theater's electronic newsletter promotion. After that, they get free tickets and free medium popcorn on birthdays and anniversaries. A rewards card program is available on all Main street theaters. Each admission ticket is worth 20 rewards points. Depending on the points earned, a movie-goer can get a free soda, popcorn or a free admission.

AMC Oakview Plaza

Fremont moviegoers who want a different theater or just more options can always go down to the AMC multiplex at the Oakview Plaza in west Omaha. The theater is just a 20 to 30 minute drive from downtown Fremont. It features 24 screens, AMC's "Real 3-D" technology, an IMAX theater, and the AMC Independent films series. As with other AMC theaters, there is an additional charge for 3-D and IMAX movies.

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Early Signs And Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the result of unusual cell growth over the cervix--the narrow end of the uterus that opens into the upper part of the vagina. In its early stages, the cell growth normally affects the top layer of cells of the cervix and is almost 100 percent curable. As it progresses to deeper cell layers, the chances of stopping it plummet.

Significance

Almost 13,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually and nearly 4,500 of these women will die because the disease was diagnosed too late.

Importance of Early Detection

Cervical cancer is nearly completely curable if diagnosed in its early stages and treated promptly. An abnormal Pap test is usually the best and first way to detect something is wrong. The death rate for cervical cancer has decreased by 75 percent since Pap tests began.

Symptoms

An abnormal Pap test result could be considered the first symptom of cervical cancer. As it progresses, women may notice irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, bleeding during intercourse or unusual vaginal discharge.

Women at Risk

Women who do not see a gynecologist regularly are at risk, along with those who smoke or have sexually transmitted diseases. African American women are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer.

Treatment

Cervical cancer may be treated with Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (or LEEP) and conization, hysterectomy, cryosurgery or electrocautery.

Tags: abnormal test, cell growth, cervical cancer, early stages

Get A Certificate In Radiologic Technology

Radiologic Technologists (RTs), also called radiographers and radiologic technicians, prepare and perform radiographic exams, including x-rays, fluoroscopies, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imagery (MRIs). They work primarily in medical facilities and always under a doctor's direction. In all but seven U.S. states and the District of Columbia (as of June 2009), state law governs their education and practice.

Instructions

1. Find out whether your state licenses radiologic technologists by going to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Web site. The ARRT is the national organization that tests and certifies radiologic technologists. At the ARRT Web site, first click on State Licensing and then State Contacts. If you do not find your state on the ARRT site, you should go to the Legislative & Regulatory section of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Web site (www.asrt.org). That section also lists state contacts and identifies which states do not have licensing boards. If your state does not license RTs, you can proceed to choosing your certificate program.

2. Get a list of approved certificate programs from your state's licensing agency or its Web site. If your state does not license RTs, you can research radiography training programs at the Web site of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), which accredits radiologic technology training programs in the United States. You can also gather valuable information by asking medical professionals in your local community which programs are the most respected and accepted by the employers you want to apply to after you earn your certificate.

3. Select a program that meet your state's requirements. In most cases, that will mean a two-year certificate program run by a medical facility or a community college affiliated with a medical facility. It will also mean a program that prepares you to take the ARRT exam. Not every state requires the ARRT exam, however, so know your state's requirements. Once you've selected a program, you should re-confirm with your state licensing agency that the program meets the state's requirements before you pay any money to the school.

4. The coursework will be challenging and science-based. Courses will include human anatomy, radiologic technology, diagnostic imaging, physics, chemistry, ethics, psychology, communication skills, and other related topics. Clinical labs will teach you position bodies for x-rays and communicate effectively and humanely with patients. Exams will test you on all aspects of your coursework.

5. Once you pass all the exams for your program, you will be awarded a certificate by your school. In most cases, however, you will still need to pass the state licensing board's exam to work in the state. Most states use the ARRT exam as their licensing exam. Once you pass the ARRT exam you will be eligible to obtain a state license and to become an ARRT-certified radiologic technologist.

6. Your final step will be to apply for and obtain your state license. You may also want to apply for ARRT certification because, in most cases, you will now meet the eligibility requirements.

Tags: your state, ARRT exam, ARRT site, most cases, state requirements

Information On A Detached Retina In The Eye

A detached retina develops when the retina pulls away from its normal position in the rear part of the eye. The retina captures visual images that are sent to the brain. An untreated detached retina often causes blindness.

Symptoms

According to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, patients with a detached retina might observe floaters or a gray curtain that moves across their field of vision. (See Reference 1.)

Risk Factors

Nearsightedness, glaucoma and previous cataract surgery can increase the likelihood of developing a detached retina, according to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. Other risk factors include weak areas of the retina, a family history of retina detachment and severe trauma.

Surgery

The detached retina needs to be surgically sealed to the rear wall of the eye, usually with cryotherapy or laser surgery.

Risks of Surgery

Bleeding, infection and high pressure in the eye are possible complications of detached retina surgery. In addition, Cataracts can develop after surgery.

Recovery

According to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, vision might not improve for months after surgery for a detached retina. (See Reference 1.) Some patients might never experience improvement in their vision.

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Nursing Policies & Procedures

When a nurse is tested for her license, she is also tested on policies and procedures for nursing. Nursing policies and procedures were developed to protect patient confidentiality and to ensure the patient receives quality health care. They also help a nurse avoid losing her license or facing malpractice suits. Policy prohibits a nurse from performing any duty she has not been trained to do. Policies and procedures may vary depending on the health care institute and the nurse's training level.

Nursing License

Policy calls for all nurses to receive the required training for his program of study. After the coursework has been completed, clinical hours of training must be completed. Nurses also must pass state board examinations with the required scores for his state. After passing the state board examinations, a nurse will be awarded his nursing license to begin working in his health care field.

Patient Consent

Policy and procedure requires nurses to inform patients about the type of medication or treatment being administered to them. If a patient is allergic to a specific medication, the nurse has the responsibility of finding this out. If a patient gives consent to the treatment, the nurse will have the patient sign a consent form in front of a witness.

Performing Outside of Training

Nursing policy does not allow a nurse to perform a duty or procedure he has not been trained to do. For instance, a licensed practical nurse cannot assist in surgeries with a surgeon as an operating room nurse can. Procedure requires a nurse to summons the help of a higher authority nurse, physician or other medical staff member when he is unable to perform a specific procedure. A malpractice suit could occur if a nurse performs a duty he was not trained to do and the patient suffers as a result.

Patient Confidentiality

Nursing policies require all patient records and medical information to be confidential. A nurse is not permitted to share health records of a patient with anyone other than the authorized physician or medical personnel. Medical records are not to be taken outside of the unit the nurse works in unless otherwise instructed. If a nurse violates this policy, she could lose her license and face a civil suit.

Patient Advocate

A nurse must be an advocate, acting in the best interest of the patient at all times. A nurse cannot make decisions based on his own interest. Also, if a patient's activity or health changes, it is the nurse's responsibility to find the patient's physician or refer the patient to another physician immediately.

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Share Medical Information Among Health Care Providers

The sharing of medical information among health care providers is a key factor in improving any health care system. Most often, in today's debate about make the system better, electronic records are thought to be the best way to preserve accuracy and consistency across the system. Linda Kloss, CEO and vice president of the American Health Information Management System, talks about the three goals of electronic medical records (EMR) as: recording the information instantly as care or tests are given; incorporating all the information from a large number of providers; and using the entire body of information for making decisions about your health care.

Instructions

1. See if your medical information is online. The highest standard of accuracy is an online medical history that is stored in a secure place on the Internet. You and any health care provider you work with should have access to this site. If you are living in an independent living arrangement, or are seeing specialists at a major health care institution, you may already have such a record, provided by the professionals associated with the institution. Make sure you share the access information to this record with every health care provider who works with you. Also insist on being able to access it yourself.

2. Ask for bedside updates. Information that is updated as it is received is always the most accurate. Physicians and nurses who have access to bedside computers save themselves time and provide more accurate data on your care. "Bedside" can also mean within minutes after you are seen in a doctor's office.

3. Keep your own records. If your health network is not set up to update an online master record, you or a family member will be responsible. Ask for copies of your history every time it is updated because of new tests, hospitalizations, medications or illnesses. Make copies of your health history and carry them with you to appointments.

4. Protect yourself from medication errors. Have your physician print out a list of your medications, including prescription name, generic name, dosage and frequency. Keep a copy at your home and a copy with you at all times. That way, a physician will not waste precious time figuring out what medications are interacting if you are unable for any reason to tell him what you are currently taking. Ask your pharmacist to review the medications and note any possible interactions. If you are hospitalized, have an advocate with you who reads the medications prescribed during the hospital visit and confirms that the same medications are brought to you by checking the names and doses with the nurse. If you are fully conscious, you can do this yourself.

5. Go online yourself. Many patients with chronic, complex illnesses scan their records into a web log (blog), adding their own comments about their reactions to certain drugs, photos of scars, rashes or other visible signs. Although this type of information is not official, it can be very helpful to your health care providers, and to you when you are trying to remember how you felt at certain times during the course of your illness. Give your health care providers access to your blog.

6. Make sure every member of your health care team has access to every other member. Make copies of the contact information for everyone who treats you and give each team member a copy. In an emergency, an office may be too busy to track down the information.

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Medical Manager Job Description

Medical managers may be responsible for managing the finances and budget of their facility or department.

Medical managers, sometimes known as health care administrators or health care executives, oversee and direct various functions at health care facilities to ensure that patients receive necessary health care services. They are employed by hospitals, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), home health care agencies, outpatient facilities, private group practices and other health care facilities. Some medical managers function in a clinical capacity and play a direct role in the delivery of health care services, while others work in a non-clinical role and oversee the administrative functions of the facility. A career as a medical manager is good for those who are interested in the health care field and possess strong business management skills as well.

Duties

Medical managers may function as general administrators and oversee an entire hospital or health care facility, or they may specialize in a certain area, such as surgery, therapy, medical records or nursing. Medical managers who work as general administrators usually oversee all aspects of daily operations. This may include: supervising staff; overseeing facility admissions; and monitoring finances and facility operations. Medical managers who function in a clinical capacity usually have specific duties to fulfill as well, such as physical therapy managers who must also be trained physical therapists. Clinical medical managers are also responsible for developing departmental policies and goals, assessing employees’ work performance and planning budgets. Non-clinical managers may be responsible for overseeing functions not directly related to health care, such as human resources, financial management and housekeeping. Medical managers who work in the health information field must maintain patient records and ensure that all necessary security measures are taken.

Education

Most medical managers are required to have a master’s degree, though some smaller hospitals or health care facilities may employ managers with a bachelor’s degree. Candidates usually earn a master’s degree in health service administration, public administration, business administration, health sciences or public health. Those interested in a career in medical management should be sure to choose a college or university that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education to ensure that the program meets professional standards in the field. Previous professional experience in health care is helpful for medical manager candidates as well. In addition, medical managers who work in nursing care facilities are required to be licensed. They must complete an approved education program, successfully complete a licensing exam and participate in continuing education courses.

Working Conditions

Many medical managers work in private offices, while others must share workspace with other staff. They are often required to work long hours because hospitals and nursing facilities are open 24 hours a day, and they may be called at any time should an emergency occur. In addition, medical managers are sometimes required to travel to meetings or to examine satellite offices.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages for medical and health service managers were $80,240 as of May 2008. The highest 10 percent were paid more than $137,800, while the lowest 10 percent were paid less than $48,300. The middle 50 percent were paid between $62,170 and $104,120. Salaries vary based on the size and type of facility. General medical and surgical hospitals were the highest paying employers for medical managers, with median annual wages of $87,040.

Employment Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for medical and health services managers will increase by 16 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is a faster rate than average. Candidates with experience in the health care field and training in business management should enjoy the best prospects. In addition, large hospitals should offer the best opportunities for medical managers as their size and complexity typically require large managerial staffs.

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Become A Sonographer In Seattle

A sonographer at work

Becoming a sonographer or, as it's more commonly referred to, ultrasound technician is an excellent area of the medical field. This is especially true in Seattle because salaries for sonographers here are the second highest in the entire nation at around $30 per hour. As a sonographer, you work with doctors and other medical professionals to help diagnose patients and their ailments through state-of-the-art machinery and computers.The field also allows you to explore other areas of the health profession so you can expand your opportunities once you get some experience.

Instructions

1. Search for schools in Seattle that offer medical diagnostic sonography training. The premier school in the area is Pima Medical Institute which offers certification training as an ultrasound technician and an Associate's Degree in the field as well. You can also find other Seattle-area schools that offer similar programs, including Everest College, Bellevue Community College and the University of Washington-Seattle.

2. Possess some upper body strength. The field of medical diagnostic sonography involves lifting and positioning patients correctly on the machines that run the scans of their body. In some cases, they might not be able to lift themselves and you will need to do it for them. This can take a toll on your body if you are not careful.

3. Be a compassionate and understanding person. When working with patients that could have serious problems, you may be dealing with depressed and grouchy people. This can be demanding on your personality, but it's important to still treat them with respect and do your job to the best of your ability. The rainy weather in Seattle doesn't help much, either. People tend to be less upbeat and more gloomy when the skies are gray and dreary as often as they are in Seattle.

4. Get certified. You can become a sonographer without first completing training and getting certification, but you won't make as much money and your job opportunities are more limited. To be a certified sonographer, complete a program at an accredited school and then pass the exam for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Some Seattle hospitals, including the Swedish Medical Center and the Virginia Mason Hospital, will offer training for sonographers, but most places prefer hiring a person who has fulfilled all of the requirements beforehand.

5. Look for ways to expand your opportunities. The medical field is full of opportunities for people who are dedicated and willing to put in some extra work. By taking extra classes and volunteering for extra shifts, you may be able to make a name for yourself and get recognized for your hard work and abilities. Take computer classes and other classes that relate to your day-to-day responsibilities at places like Highline Community College, North Seattle Community College and Shoreline Community College. Also, consider a graduate degree in Seattle at institutions like the University of Washington.

Tags: Community College, your opportunities, diagnostic sonography, expand your, expand your opportunities

Functions Of The Adrenal & Thyroid Glands

The adrenal and thyroid glands are located in the throat and above the kidneys, respectively. These glands produce hormones, which are chemicals that help give orders throughout the body. The adrenal and thyroid glands actually work together, the hormones they produce feeding off each other and combining to regulate the activities of your body.

Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are located just above your kidneys. They look like small pyramids. The adrenal glands are responsible for secreting a number of hormones into your blood stream. Adrenaline, for instance, heightens your awareness in times of danger and allows you to perform better physically. The adrenal glands are also responsible for making corticosterone and hydrocortisone, which are two hormones that affect the immune system and help the body properly use fats, nutrients and other materials.

Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland, which is located in the throat, produces its own set of hormones. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are triiodothyronine, or T3 and thyroxine, or T4. T3 and T4 help the body make energy and regulate temperature at around 98.6 degrees F. T3 and T4 are also essential to normal organ function, and both are used by all of the body's organs.

Connection

A documented link exists between the adrenal and thyroid glands and the hormones they release into the body. According to thyroid-info.com, when you have a difficulty with your thyroid output, called low thyroid, it can be worsened by the low output of hormones from the adrenal gland. The reverse may also be true, that thyroid problems can cause problems in the adrenal gland, or exacerbate existing problems.

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Early Symptoms Of Fibroids

Fibroids, or leiomyomas, are muscular tumors that grow on the uterine walls of women during child-bearing years. Most fibroids are benign (non-cancerous), may cause few or no symptoms, particularly in the early stages of growth and generally require treatment only if symptoms are severe. Some of the most common early fibroid symptoms include pain, enlargement and a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen and irregular menstrual bleeding. A variety of treatments are available to relieve fibroid symptoms. Your doctor can evaluate the size of your fibroids and the severity of your symptoms to determine an appropriate course of treatment.

Pain

Uterine fibroids may cause feelings of pressure, pain or cramping in the pelvic area, which usually occur with menstrual bleeding or during sexual intercourse. Some women may also experience pain in their lower back or legs. Your doctor may recommend over the counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve the pain.

Abdominal Symptoms

Fibroids may cause a feeling of fullness or enlargement of the lower abdomen. Depending on their size and location, fibroids may also cause increased urinary frequency, difficulty emptying the bladder, gas or constipation. Fibroids that create pressure on the bladder may also increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

Menstrual Irregularities

One of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids is heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Bleeding may last for seven days or longer or may occur between periods. Heavy menstrual bleeding can result in iron-deficiency, or anemia, which must be treated with iron supplements.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Fibroids can be detected by your doctor during a normal pelvic exam and may be confirmed by further tests including an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or x-rays. Treatment for fibroids is usually only necessary if symptoms become severe, causing heavy bleeding or sharp pelvic pain. Current treatment options include over the counter medications and supplements, to relieve pain and anemia, birth control medications, hormone therapy, or surgery.

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Mobile Home Repair Grants

Several grants assist mobile home owners with repair costs.

According to State Master's 2004 housing statistics, an average of eight percent of the nation's housing units are mobile homes. Sooner or later, those homes will require repair. However, a declining economy can result in financial burdens for homeowners, and costly repairs must often be delayed. Fortunately, several grants offer funds for mobile home owners. While each mobile home repair grant has its own specific guidelines, most fund safety and health-related repairs. Does this Spark an idea?

United States Department of Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture offers grants for mobile home repair through the Section 504 Rural Home Repair Loans and Grants program. Eligible repair projects "may be made to improve or modernize the home, to make it safe, sanitary, or to remove health and safety hazards," according to grant guidelines. Grants can fund energy conservation projects such as insulation and window screens, heating system repairs, roof repairs, electrical system improvements and accessibility improvements. Applicants must own and occupy the mobile home and its site, and the mobile home must be on a permanent foundation. To qualify, applicants must be over age 62 and be unable to repay a loan. Grants range up to $7,500.

United States Department of Agriculture

Rural Development

1400 Independence Ave. S.W.

Washington, DC 20250

605-352-1100

rurdev.usda.gov

King County Housing and Community Development

The King County Housing and Community Development office offers the Mobile Home Repair Grants program. Grants range up to $5,000 and can be used to make "quality of life repairs" to mobile homes, according to grant guidelines. To qualify, applicants must own and live in the mobile home that needs repair, but cannot own the land or pad where the mobile home is located. Additionally, applicants must live inside King County but outside of Seattle and Normandy Park city limits, have less than $15,000 in assets and have a household income level of less than 50 percent of the median area income, not including the value of the mobile home or vehicles.

King County

Department of Community and Human Services

Chinook Building

401 5th Ave.

Suite 510

Seattle, WA 98104

206-263-9095

kingcounty.gov

County of San Diego

The County of San Diego's Department of Housing and Community Development

offers grants for mobile home repairs through the Home Repair Loan/Grant Program. Grants award up to $8,000 and pay for health and safety-based projects such as roof repair, plumbing repair or replacement, fumigation, soft spots in subfloors, weatherization and energy efficiency improvements, carpet cleaning or replacement, and mobile home leveling. To qualify, applicants must own and occupy the mobile home to be repaired; live in Coronado, Del Mar, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Poway, Solana Beach or an unincorporated part of San Diego County; and meet income standards.

County of San Diego

Department of Housing and Community Development

3989 Ruffin Road

San Diego, CA 92123

858-694-4810

sdcounty.ca.gov

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The Salary Range Of A Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic images are developed onto acetate or videon screen.

Radiologic technologists use imaging equipment to produce pictures of the internal structures -- organs, muscles and skeletal system -- of the human body for diagnostic purposes. The primary technology is X-rays, although radiologic technologists often have training and experience in more than one imaging technique. These additional methods include computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Technologists work under the supervision of radiologists and are assisted by technicians. Salary levels for the role vary according to factors such as location and employer type.

Average Salary

During its May 2009 national employment survey, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that the average yearly salary for a radiologic technologist working in the United States was $54,180, the equivalent of $4,515 a month and $26.05 an hour. In April 2011, pay comparison website Indeed.com published figures that suggested the pay rate had risen in the interim, placing the annual average at $61,000.

Salary by Industry

The bureau's survey also detailed the way salaries for radiologic technologies vary between different sectors of the medical industry. It found that the majority of practitioners worked within general medical and surgical hospitals. The average wage in this sector was $54,770. Positions within the offices of physicians paid slightly less -- $50,860 -- while those in medical and diagnostic laboratories offered a higher average -- $57,250. Speciality hospitals were listed at $58,320, federal government agencies at $56,140 and outpatient care centers at $52,950.

Salary by Geography

The bureau listed Massachusetts, Nevada and Maryland as the states in which, across all industry sectors, a radiologic technologist is likely to achieve the best pay rates, with averages of $68,530, $66,420 and $65,820, respectively. South Dakota was listed at $44,970 while West Virginia had an average of $41,400. Wage analysis website SalaryExpert.com, in a survey of salaries in some large U.S. cities listed Boston, Massachusetts and New York, New York State as the most lucrative locations, with average salaries of $89,233 and $75,554, respectively. Meanwhile, in Florida, Miami was listed at $60,422 and Orlando at $52,711.

Prospects

According to estimates published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for radiologic technologists are expected to increase by around 17 percent through 2018. Across all professions, the national growth rate is not expected to exceed 13 percent over the same time. An expanding, aging population will cause demand for imaging procedures to rise and should mean salary levels for technologist remain competitive. Those with experience in multiple imaging techniques should be best-placed to secure the highest wages.

Tags: Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics, radiologic technologist

Health Checklist For Men

Exercise promotes good health.

A health checklist for both men and women includes getting more exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and scheduling regular medical checkups. However, men's life expectancy, on average, has fallen when compared to women's; in the 1920s, women lived one year longer than men, but in the 2000s, men die nearly six years earlier than women. In fact, The Men's Health Network says that America has a silent crisis in men's health.

Heart Health

Eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables for a healthy heart.

According to the Men's Health Network, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. But they add that close to twice the number of men die from heart disease than do women. Minimize your risk of strokes and heart attacks with healthy practices that reduce blood pressure, such as keeping weight in an acceptable range, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and getting plenty of exercise.

Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death for both men and women. Caring4Cancer states that "half of all men and one-third of all women" in the US will develop cancer. According to the Men's Health Network, 50 percent more men die from cancer than women, especially from lung and colon cancer. Noted food authority Michael Pollan says that more than one third of all cancers are linked to the typical Western diet that is high in fat and sugar. To reduce your risk of cancer, stop smoking, know the danger signs of skin cancer, schedule a colorectal health check every three to four years after age 50 and have a chest x-ray after age 45 if you have smoked.

Prostate Health

Cooked tomatoes increase prostate health.

Over 230,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and 35 percent of all men over 50 deal with prostate issues according to the Prostate Health Guide. They recommend a number of ways men can reduce the risk of prostate disease: scheduling yearly prostate exams after age 40; maintaining a diet rich in soy protein, fruits and cooked tomatoes; keeping weight within acceptable limits; exercising; drinking plenty of water; and having regular sex, which empties the prostate.

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Radiation Therapist Duties

Radiation therapy is a vital part of cancer treatment.

Cancer cells can be resilient. However, radiation therapy is used to treat cancer by killing the cancer cells with excessive radiation. Radiation therapists help perform this procedure. The radiation therapist is a member of the radiation oncology team and works directly with the patient in explaining treatment plans and procedures.

Formulate a Treatment Plan

A radiation therapist starts by formulating a plan for treatment. He may use an X-ray machine or a tomography scan to find the tumor. This is vital, as he will focus the majority of the radiation on the tumor or tumor area. The radiation therapist will work in conjunction with the oncologist and radiation physicist to find the correct treatment method. The oncologist is the doctor who specializes in radiation therapy while the radiation physicist will be the person to actually operate the radiation treatment machine. After he has found the most effective plan, the therapist will position the patient before treatment begins. He takes notes of the details of the treatment, so it will be done the same way in subsequent procedures. The details include the position of the patient and the positioning of the radiation therapy machine. The last part of the planning duties involve explaining the treatment plan to the patient and answering any questions.

Treatment

After treatment has been set up, the therapist moves behind the radiation-proof room, followed by the oncologist and radiation physicist. The treatment takes about 10 to 30 minutes. The treatment room has a microphone and a camera trained on the patient, so the therapist can monitor the physical and mental condition of the patient. During treatment, a patient may react poorly. She may get sick, faint or become upset. The physical strength of cancer patients varies, depending on the severity of the cancer. Also, a patient who has already undergone radiation treatments may be physically weaker. A patient undergoing cancer treatment also can be emotionally strained. The radiation therapist must stay compassionate and upbeat before, during and after treatment.

Record Keeping

After the therapy is over and the patient has left the office, the radiation therapist must make records of the treatment. The records are taken after every treatment. It includes the radiation dosage of the treatment, the radiation used with all treatments combined, the part of the body treated and the patient's physical and emotional response to the treatment. These records are used by the oncologists and dosimetrists to determine how the treatment plan is working. Dosimetrists are technicians who decide the radiation dosage. They measure effectiveness of the plan and that the radiation the patient is exposed to is as minimal as possible. Radiation technicians may also help the dosimetrists with proper radiation dosage by making suggestions based on personal observations.

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Types Of Medical Equipment

There are a number of essential pieces of medical equipment.

One of the many benefits of living in the modern era is the evolution of the medical industry. The days of primitive surgeries done without anesthesia or other products are long behind humanity, and these days there are a number of machines and other types of medical equipment that can not only help diagnose and treat patients, but can also save lives when put in the hands of qualified professionals.

Therapeutic

Therapeutic equipment is an important part of the healing process after surgeries or other types of medical treatments. These can range from infusion pumps that help recovering patients maintain a viable level of nutrients in their bloodstream via IV drips, to medical lasers such as those used in LASIK eye surgeries. Another example is a simple hand-held squeezer or ball, meant to help a recovering patient's wrist muscles strengthen after a surgery.

Diagnostic

Diagnostic equipment is anything that serves to help a doctor or a medical professional make a diagnosis about a patient. These can range from MRI machines to X-ray machines, along with ultrasound machines and CT scanners. Lab equipment also falls into this category, as many of the processes are diagnostic in nature, such as analyzing a urine sample.

Life Support

Life support equipment is some of the most sophisticated. These machines are usually only used in circumstances where a person's body cannot operate on its own, such as with heart and lung machines or medical ventilators used to pump air in and out of a patient's lungs. Dialysis machines are also in this category, since they filter the blood for patients with kidney problems.

Everyday Use

Everyday use equipment depends on the type of medical facility, but there are a few pieces of equipment that are the same no matter where you work, ranging from simple tools such as latex gloves, stethoscopes and syringes, to the more complex everyday devices such as refurbished autoclaves used for sterilizing medical tools prior to their use. Medical examination tables are another good example of everyday pieces of equipment found in offices.

Tags: equipment that, help recovering, medical equipment, other types, other types medical, pieces equipment

Hipaa Computer Regulations

HIPAA computer regulations are designed to protect personal medical information.

When the health industry began to see a rise in the use of electronic media, the government stepped in to assure consumers of medical records privacy and security. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act known as HIPAA was the result. Regulations are broken into two areas--privacy and security. HIPAA computer regulations fall under the HIPAA security rules. Health care providers have to follow HIPAA guidelines when transmitting personal health information in electronic format.

Physical Computer Safeguards

Personnel workstations and electronic media must be protected from unauthorized access under HIPAA regulations. All entities covered under HIPAA rules are required to write and implement procedures and policies that outline the proper access and use of all computer equipment. The policies and procedures must be based on an individual risk analysis conducted by the facility's management.

A risk analysis includes the identification of all computers, devices and networks in detail---all software, hardware and network systems must be examined. The facility or business in question must outline and understand the use of computers and technology in its day-to-day routines and in the overall management of its patient records. Electronic interaction with outside vendors, like billing companies, laboratories and product suppliers, should be included in the risk analysis.

Technical Computer Safeguards

HIPAA regulations require a series of technical controls be put into place to protect patient records. Included is a written procedure and a software control tool for the following: user access, system audit and data integrity. Access control should allow only authorized users to enter and use the computer system. Password and log-in procedures along with firewall software can protect the computer from intruders at several levels.

Audit software can record computer activity and examine access or attempted access of systems and records. Integrity issues like the destruction or damage of electronic records should include a backup and restore software tool. In addition, procedures should cover identify records ready for storage and what to do in cases where the records have become corrupted within a database.

Transmission Security

Unauthorized access of records during transmission from one entity to another is included in HIPAA regulations. The risk analysis of each business will dictate the needs for securing transmission using authentication tools on computer workstations and networks. Offices or facilities that do not connect to an outside computer system, but instead use only a local (on site) network of computers, will create a different solution to transmission security than those with networks that reach into other businesses.

Entities falling under the requirements of HIPAA regulations should examine their transmission options with their software and hardware vendors. Information Security Publication number 800-63 entitled "Electronic Authentication Guideline," produced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, provides insight into the ways federal agencies design electronic authentication or e-authentication. The information is recommended reading for health care managers handling the implementation of HIPAA regulations.

Tags: HIPAA regulations, risk analysis, under HIPAA, computer regulations, Computer Safeguards, computer system

Minnesota Requirements For Dexa Technicians

DEXA is an X-ray that measures bone density.

To measure bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis, radiologists use an X-ray technique called dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA). This bone scan is commonly used to measure bone mineral density.

DEXA technicians in Minnesota must meet certain requirements to perform these tests. The state Department of Health and the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice oversee medical practitioners, including DEXA technicians, so that the public can be assured of health workers' competency and skills.

Training Requirements for Technicians

Medical technicians must be specially trained to use bone densitometry equipment.

DEXA technicians must be qualified X-ray operators and undergo at least 16 hours of bone densitometry training. The training includes learning how bone density is determined, learning use the equipment and the different kinds of DEXA systems properly, and understanding the basics of osteoporosis and how it affects the patient. Technicians must pass a nationally recognized examination or be certified in bone densitometry, and must undergo additional training any time there is a change in equipment or software that affects radiation output.

Training in Minnesota

Classes are available for those who want to become X-ray technicians.

Educational programs are available to those who want to become X-ray technicians in Minnesota. The website of the the Minnesota Department of Health lists training programs (see Resources). The department does not endorse any particular program.

Additional Information

Bone scanning tests such as DEXA can assess a person's risk for bone fractures.

Osteoporosis affects mostly women after menopause, but men are also susceptible. The bones become thin and brittle because of a gradual loss of calcium. The DEXA test can also evaluate a person's risk of bone fractures, which is affected by body weight, age, lifestyle and family history. The test, which is painless, is most often performed on the lower half of the body and is generally done on an outpatient basis.

Tags: bone densitometry, DEXA technicians, available those, available those want, become X-ray, become X-ray technicians, bone density

Minnesota Health Insurance Rules

Health insurance varies from state to state with each having their own laws and regulations for healthcare including the state of Minnesota. The laws and regulations that exist in Minnesota govern the availability of health insurance and the eligibility requirements for coverage. These laws affect not only state residents, but employers in the state and the health plans that they are required to offer to their employees.

MinnesotaCare

MinnesotaCare is is a state run healthcare program for residents that do not have access to health insurance that is affordable. This program has specific eligibility requirements that need to be met in order to obtain coverage. An individual must live in Minnesota, have a Social Security Number, be a legal United States resident and unable to obtain health insurance through an employer. Income limits may also apply depending on the size of the family.

Flexible Benefits Health Insurance Law

This law was enacted in 2005 that permits small employers to offer a flexible health benefits plan to their employees. Minnesota has many mandated benefits, including maternity care, preventative well-baby care as well as emergency care. This type of plan does not cover all of the benefits that are "mandated" by other Minnesota health insurance laws.

Other Mandates

Minnesota has many mandates for healthcare that is provided in the state. A "provider mandate" requires non-physician providers, such as a chiropractor or an optometrist, to provide services to individuals with coverage under a valid health plan. A "persons covered" mandate requires that coverage be provided for certain types of people, such as newborns and children with disabilities that have reached adulthood. The state of Minnesota's "persons covered" mandate has requirements that go beyond what is available in federal law.

Group Coverage

A Minnesota law that went into effect on July 1 requires employers to provide an option for employees to purchase individual- or employer-based health coverage. Employees would purchase coverage on a pretax basis. This law was designed to make reduced cost health coverage available to employees of an employer who does not make health coverage available. An employer can opt out of this requirement by filing a form with the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Premiums Report

In addition to the group coverage law, a law was passed in Minnesota that requires employers to provide each employee with a report of the amount of health premiums paid. This report is to be included on an employee's W-2 form and indicate the amount of pretax dollars spent on health coverage. The first report needs to be included on a W-2 sent beginning in 2010.

Tags: health coverage, health insurance, coverage available, covered mandate, eligibility requirements, employers provide, health coverage available

Obtain A Belize Passport

Belize is a gorgeous Central American country that uses English as its language and the dollar as its currency. Formerly British Honduras, after gaining its independence from Great Britain it became Belize in 1973. Bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, more and more U.S. citizens are buying second homes in Belize.

Instructions

1. Be a Belizean citizen. If you were not born in Belize, you must have obtained naturalization by descent through your Belizean parents or naturalization by registration (through an application and $50,000 in fees).

2. Gather your paperwork. You need a birth certificate, marriage and/or divorce certificates, your naturalization certificate (if applicable), other passport (if applicable) and appropriate photo identification (Belizean social security card or voter registration card).

3. Print the application (see resources). Fill out sections 1 and 4 in blue or black ink. Have appropriate family members fill out sections 2 and 3.

4. Get the appropriate person to sign section 5. In Belize, this can be a Member of the House of Representatives, Permanent Secretary, Justice of the Peace,

Minister of Religion, medical or legal Practitioner, Notary Public, or Head of any Department of the Government of Belize.

For those applying while outside of the country, go to a Belizean Embassy, High Commission, Consulate or Consular Agency, and get authentication from an approved medical or legal Practitioner, Notary Public, or Registered Minister of Religion.

5. Bring all paperwork and a fee of $30 to the Immigration Offices in Belize City, Corozal, Orange Walk, San Pedro, Dangriga, or Punta Gorda. Those outside of the country can go to a Belize Foreign Mission office in Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., London, Taipei, Taiwan and Panama City, Panama.

Tags: legal Practitioner, legal Practitioner Notary, medical legal, medical legal Practitioner, Minister Religion, Notary Public

Make Histology Slides

Histologists use light and electron microscopes to view and analyze cells.

Histology, sometimes called microanatomy, is the study of cells and tissues to determine their functions in the human body. Since cells cannot be observed by the naked eye, histologists often use light and electron microscopes. To view and analyze cells under a microscope, slides are prepared and stained to aid the observer in detecting these structures. These slides can also be stored for a prolonged period of time for further analysis.

Instructions

1. Obtain a slide and a sample of the tissue to be prepared on the slide.

2. Immerse the sample in a beaker of a chemical fixative, such as formaldehyde, to preserve the cell structure for 24 hours. This will keep the cell in stasis, or a state of stability, by preventing metabolism and degradation. This also is useful in hardening the tissue.

3. Take the sample out of the chemical fixative. Remove excess water from the sample by using alcohol. This increases the visibility of the cell structures in the sample. However, since alcohol doesn't mix with the wax or plastic in which the sample will next be embedded, use a cleaning agent on the sample to remove the alcohol. Toluene and xylene are two such cleaning agents.

4. Embed the tissue sample in wax or plastic. This makes the tissue hard enough to cut into thin sections. The sample is then sliced into thin sections of tissue, usually 5 to 7 micrometers in thickness.

5. Stain the slide for increased visibility. Different stains can be used depending on the interactions the dye will have with the tissue sample. For instance, hematoxylin and eosin dye are used in combination. Hematoxylin is a basic blue dye that binds to positively charged structures, while eosin is an acidic pink dye that binds to negatively charged structures. You should choose the dye according to the tissue sample and the types of cell structures you want to enhance for viewing under the microscope.

Tags: tissue sample, analyze cells, cell structures, charged structures, chemical fixative, electron microscopes, electron microscopes view

Treat Thyroid Cysts

Thyroid cysts are the same as thyroid nodules or lumps. They can be solid or filled with a liquid and cancerous or benign. According to Thyroid-info.com, only 5 percent are cancerous. It's important to treat the thyroid cysts so you can be sure they are benign.

Instructions

1. Know that thyroid cysts can cause hyperthyroidism symptoms such as weight loss, insomnia, anxiety and palpitations. Others have hypothyroidism symptoms like depression, fatigue and weight gain.

2. Take thyroid hormone to shrink the nodule. The medication can also keep it from getting bigger.

3. Monitor the thyroid cyst's growth. If it gets bigger, your doctor may perform another biopsy or recommend surgery to remove it.

4. Expect your doctor to recommend surgically removing malignant cysts. He will evaluate the nodules during the procedure and decide whether to remove one of the thyroid's lobe or the entire thyroid gland. The gland is composed of two lateral lobes.

5. Begin thyroid cancer treatment if the diagnosis calls for it.

Tags: your doctor

How Soon Can An Ultrasound Tell A Baby'S Gender

How Soon Can an Ultrasound Tell a Baby's Gender?

Once you and your partner find out you are expecting a baby, you may be eager to find out if you are having a boy or girl. Several different tests can be performed to determine a baby's sex, but an ultrasound is the most common and the safest way to find out.

Function of an Ultrasound

An ultrasound machine uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs of the baby so they can be easily visible by the doctor or technician. Ultrasounds are commonly used throughout pregnancy to check the baby's development and monitor the amount of fluid surrounding the baby in the womb.

Determining the Baby's Sex

Generally, the baby's sex will be determined sometime in the 16- to 20-week time frame. Some doctors prefer to wait until at least the 19- to 20-week mark to ensure accuracy in the results. At 16 to 18 weeks, the baby may still be too small and there may be some difficulty in seeing the baby's gender, depending on the baby's position in the womb at the time of the ultrasound.

Other Ways to Determine a Baby's Sex

Besides an ultrasound, the baby's sex may also be determined by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). However, these tests are primarily done to analyze the genetic material of your baby for any possible genetic disorders and are done between the 10th and 18th week of pregnancy.

Over-the-Counter Blood Tests

Blood tests sold over the counter also claim to be able to determine a baby's sex. The validity of these tests has not been studied well enough though to determine their accuracy rate.

Accuracy of Ultrasound

An ultrasound is about 95 percent accurate in determining the baby's sex at 20 weeks and beyond. The earlier you use an ultrasound to determine the baby's sex, the lower the accuracy results, but not significantly.

Tags: determine baby, accuracy results, Soon Ultrasound, Soon Ultrasound Tell, Tell Baby, Tell Baby Gender

Cheap Ways To Get Health Insurance In Georgia

Learn about cheap health insurance options in Georgia so that you can get the insurance you need.

Without health insurance, you could face a financial catastrophe if you find out that you have a serious illness or you get into an accident. But health insurance is not always affordable. If you live in Georgia, there are a few health insurance programs that try to make health insurance available if you cannot afford it.

Medicaid

If your income falls below a certain percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), then Medicaid will help pay for health insurance if you are a resident of Georgia. The income requirements vary according to how old you are. For example, if you are providing coverage for a child and the child is one-year-old or less, then income must be within 200 percent of the FPL to receive assistance. However, if you are deemed "medically needy" by your Medicaid case worker, then you must be within 44 percent of the FPL to receive benefits.

PeachCare

PeachCare provides health insurance benefits for children under the age of 19 provided that they meet certain income guidelines. There is no cost for children under age five provided that the family household income is below 235 percent of the FPL. For children over age five, the maximum premium payable is $70 for two or more children living in the household.

Georgia Cancer Screening Program

The Georgia Cancer Screening Program is open to women under the age of 65. You must have limited or no other health insurance and must not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. You must also have an income that is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. You must not have had a pap test or mammogram within the last 12 months and must not have symptoms that may suggest breast or cervical cancer.

Tags: health insurance, health insurance, must have, below percent, Cancer Screening, Cancer Screening Program

Symptoms Of Inflammatory Breast Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, inflammatory breast cancer is a rare, very aggressive form of cancer that is difficult to diagnose with traditional methods such as mammograms and general physicals. Left untreated, inflammatory breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes. It can go unnoticed for a time because it does not produce the lumps associated with common breast cancer. Symptoms become noticeable only after the cancer cells begin to obstruct the blood vessels within the lymphatic system, which then causes the breast tissue to become swollen and inflamed. According to a the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database, the chances of surviving five years after diagnosis with inflammatory breast cancer are about 40 percent, whereas the chances of surviving five years with other types of breast cancer are about 87 percent.

Sudden Changes in Breast Appearance

A breast affected by inflammatory breast cancer may become discolored or appear bruised. It may look pink, red or purple. It may also have a dimpled look.

Sudden Breast Enlargement

One breast may suddenly swell or seem heavier than the other one.

Warm Feeling

One breast may feel noticeably warmer than the other.

Lymph Node Changes

The underarm lymph nodes and those above or below the collarbones may swell.

Discomfort

The affected breast may itch and/or ache.

Nipple Changes

The nipple on the affected breast may flatten or turn inward. Also, the nipple may appear swollen or have crusty skin.

Tags: breast cancer, inflammatory breast, inflammatory breast cancer, about percent, affected breast

Adhd Screening Tests For Children

There is no simple medical test, such as a blood or urine analysis, that can diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. Therefore, if parents suspect that their child might have ADHD, the child's doctor will have to perform a complete evaluation of the child's habits and behaviors in order to make a diagnosis.

Preliminary Qualifications

In order to be considered a candidate for an ADHD diagnosis, a child must exhibit certain behaviors. First of all, he must exhibit behaviors or traits from two out of a possible three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-compulsive, or combined. An inattentive subtype is basically a child who has difficulty paying attention, staying on task, listening and keeping himself organized. A hyperactive-compulsive child is one who has difficulty waiting his turn, holding still, playing quietly, and refraining from blurting out or excessive talking. A combination subtype involves a few traits from both of the first two options. Any child who exhibits at least a few of the characteristics from one or more subtypes may be considered for further tests to determine whether or not he has ADHD.

In addition to exhibiting these behaviors, there has to be a pattern of consistency present in order for doctors to pursue an ADHD evaluation. These behaviors must last for at least six months; otherwise, they may be only a temporary phase, rather than an indicator of a health condition. The behaviors must interfere with the child's life at home and school, and they must be more serious than similar behaviors exhibited by other children his age. If a child meets these criteria, your doctor probably will decide to conduct further testing.

Initial Screening

When a doctor considers an ADHD diagnosis for your child, he will begin by taking a full medical history. He may ask about your child's health, in addition to the health of your other family members. He probably will also check your child's hearing and vision, to make sure that her inattention isn't a result of an associated condition. He also will want to know what medications she has been taking.

Your child's doctor will ask about her behavior, eating habits and personality traits. He will want to rule out other emotional or stress-related disorders, which often can have similar symptoms to ADHD.

Further Testing

After an initial consultation with you and your child, your doctor will probably move to involve other people. She may refer you to a specialist, such as a child psychologist or a behavior specialist. She also will want the other people involved in your child's care to provide input. She will ask you to give surveys to your child's teachers and other caretakers, and will use their answers as part of the diagnosis.

This range of testing procedures will help your doctor determine if your child has ADHD, how severe his case may be, and what kinds of treatment options you should explore.

Tags: your child, doctor will, will want, your child, your doctor

Types Of Melanoma Skin Cancer

Four basic types of melanoma skin cancer appear on the top layer of the skin or penetrate below the skin's surface. These are easy to diagnose. The surface forms of melanomas may only attack the skin, while others are aggressive from the time of their diagnosis. However, rare forms of melanoma skin cancer manifest themselves in atypical body parts such as the eyes and organs.

Superficial Spreading Melanoma

The Skin Cancer Foundation states that superficial spreading is the most common type of melanoma skin cancer. Doctors often see this skin cancer in young people. It spreads on the top layer of the skin and appears on all areas of the body (see Resources).

Lentigo Maligna

Lentigo maligna, like superficial spreading, appears close to the top layer of the skin, but elderly people tend to get this type of melanoma skin cancer on the face, ears, arms and trunk areas.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

The Skin Cancer Foundation states that acral lentiginouson is a type of melanoma that spreads along the skin surface before it penetrates the epidermis. This form of cancer is common in African Americans and Asians, but less common in Caucasians (see Resources).

Nodular Melanoma

Nodular melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer because it is aggressive and spreads to the trunk, legs, scalp and arms of elderly people, primarily men.

Rare Types of Melanoma

Cancer Research says that a group of rare types of melanoma skin cancers penetrate the skin and attack the internal organs and even the inside of the eyes.

Tags: skin cancer, layer skin, type melanoma, Cancer Foundation, Cancer Foundation states

Information On Kentucky Access Health Insurance

Access to Health Insurance in the Blue Grass State.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky established the Kentucky Access program as a way to provide affordable coverage to more uninsured Kentuckians. The program creates a large risk pool of people considered high-risk due to a chronic illness or preexisting condition. The state then permits insurance companies to sell individual health plans to program participants at a cost lower than what they would otherwise pay in the individual market. The program is funded by the state tobacco tax, state health insurance assessments charged to insurance companies operating in the Commonwealth, and participant premiums.

Eligibility

If you've lived in the Blue Grass State for at least 12 months and were denied coverage due to a preexisting condition or chronic illness or offered coverage at a high premium rate, then you may be eligible to participate in Kentucky Access.

The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act provides individuals certain rights that prevent insurance companies from engaging in discriminatory practices that result in high premiums or refusal of coverage.

Plan Options

Kentucky Access offers participants the choice of three separate health insurance plan options. Participants can select one of two preferred provider organizations plans or one fee-for-service plan. Each option has its own premium rate and covers different benefits.

Plan Benefits

You'll need to compare each plan option to determine what plan offers the best benefits to accommodate your needs. However, it's important to know some plans have an unlimited lifetime benefit limit that will kick in once you've reached a defined deductible amount, which could increase your out-of-pocket costs.

Premiums

Premiums are calculated in three ways. They're based on the plan option you select, your age and gender. In addition, insurance companies participating in Kentucky Access are able to adjust premium rates each year. That being said, premium rates are capped at 175 percent of what the plan would cost a typical individual in the standard market.

Application And Enrollment

You can enroll in Kentucky Access anytime, although it's recommended to enroll within 63 days of losing your prior health care insurance to prevent a lapse in coverage. You'll need to fill out an application as part of the enrollment process. As of January 2010, the application must also include two months of premium payments. Once you apply, coverage goes into effect on the first day of the following month unless you specify otherwise.

Tags: Kentucky Access, insurance companies, Access Health, Access Health Insurance, Blue Grass, Blue Grass State

Ovarian Cancer & Diet

Cancer is not one disease, but many different diseases that attack different parts of the body in different ways. Ovarian cancer is one that is hard to detect, but fortunately it has definitive symptoms that should make it easier to identify.

Experts recommend that a woman see her doctor if she experiences any of these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency).

Luckily, women can do some things at home to treat and prevent ovarian cancer.

Significance

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that more than 21,000 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008. That same year, more than 12,000 women died from the disease, making it the second-deadliest gynecologic cancer. Ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American women.

Traditional treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, with the surgical option usually consisting of the removal of at least one ovary. Seventy-five percent of women survive the first year, while only 45 percent survive past five years. Only 19 percent of cases are diagnosed in the disease's early stages, and this usually occurs when evidence of cancer happens to show up during another medical procedure.

Diet

Several commonly available foods are known to have anti-cancer effects. Olive oil, garlic, soy, green tea, and fenugreek are known to fight and prevent cancer in general and ovarian cancer specifically. The ACS reported on a 2003 study that showed women who eat a diet rich in vegetables survived longer than five years after diagnosis. In particular, those who ate broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and foods high in vitamin E did better longer than those who failed to increase their vegetable intake. Dairy products, on the other hand, hurt the five-year survival rate.

Body Cleanse

Cleansing your body of toxins is another way to fight ovarian cancer. Enemas are known to remove harmful toxins and parasites from your system, and drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of melon is a good way to flush your kidneys out as well. Sweating, either through exercise, a sauna, or drinking hot coffee on a warm day, is another easy way to rid your body of toxins. The exercise that leads to sweating can also help reduce and relieve stress, and stress is a key component in the development of ovarian cancer.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal treatments, when used in conjunction with a doctor's treatment plan, can be helpful in most cases. Astragalus capsules, espinheira santa tincture, green tea extract, mistletoe loranthus or mulberry mistletoe, and soy isoflavone concentrate are just some of the herbs recommended for fighting cancer. Ginger fights just about every kind of cancer, including ovarian, and selenium has been used in many cases to combat the effects of chemotherapy.

Tags: more than, ovarian cancer, body toxins, five years, longer than, more than women

Causes Of A Skin Rash On Dogs

Long haired dogs that are not properly groomed are prone to skin rashes.

The skin and coat of a dog is a very reliable indicator of general health and well being. A dull, brittle coat and discolored or dry skin indicate that a dog is in poor health. Poor coat and skin may indicate malnutrition, immune system weakness or something more serious such as cancer. There are many causes for a dog to have a skin rash, which can be a simple local irritation or an underlying condition.

Parasites

An infestation of fleas or mites are both likely to cause a rash on your dog’s skin. If your dog is allergic to fleas, it is even more likely that a rash will materialize. Comprised of red pimples, a skin rash caused by fleas will be extremely itchy and may become infected if the dog scratches at it. Mites burrow under the host’s skin and release a toxin, which results in an area of red, sore skin. If left untreated, a mite infestation can cause fur loss and infection. Fortunately, both types of parasitic infection can be treated easily by your vet.

Allergy

Food allergy and reaction to environmental irritants such as pesticides, air freshener or perfume can result in a skin rash, typically in the form of hives. In the case of food allergy, you can carry out an elimination diet to identify the offending food stuff. Remove any newly introduced products, such as detergent, from the household environment and do a deep clean of materials that you dog comes in to contact with.

Dematitis

Dermatitis is a general term for common skin infections and rashes. Typically these common skin infections are not serious and do not develop beyond beyond a temporary irritation. Just like in humans, dogs can become run down or tired and therefore more susceptible to react to otherwise harmless environmental irritants such as pollen or mold.

Fungal Infection

Fungal infections such as ringworm are caused by fungal spores that live in your dog’s environment. Ringworm is a common type of fungal infection, typically presented as a circular red rash with a pale center. Whilst these spores are ever present, the canine immune system is normally strong enough to repel them. However, if your dog is unwell or has diminished immune function due to poor diet, he or she may be more prone to fungal infection. Keeping your dog’s environment clean is the best prevention.

Contact Irritation

A tight fitting collar can cause irritation and may result in a skin rash.

Some dogs are sensitive to friction against their skin. If a collar or leash is causing friction the skin may become sore and develop a rash.

Hot Spots

Hot spots occur when an area of the skin becomes over run with a bacteria. This usually occurs in dogs with a heavy coat, especially if they live in a home that is poorly ventilated. Dogs that are sedentary and spend a lot of time laying about may develop hot spots on their abdomen due to the excessive contact with either a bed or the floor. If left to persist, hot spots can develop into sores and can become infected.

Tags: skin rash, your dog’s, become infected, common skin, common skin infections, contact with

Signs & Symptoms Of Breast Cancer Metastasis To The Brain

Twenty to 30 percent of patients with breast cancer will develop brain metastasis.

Brain metastasis occurs when a cancer that originates in another part of the body migrates to the brain tissue. Almost any cancer can metastasize, but breast cancer is one of the more likely to metastasize and, per Neurosurgerytoday.org, 20 to 30 percent of patients with breast cancer will develop brain metastasis. When the cancer spreads to the brain, it forms tumors in the tissue that can impair brain function and functions throughout the body. The symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected

Brain Symptoms

As the tumors grow they press against healthy brain tissue, causing an increase in pressure within the skull.

The tumors can cause changes in consciousness, including behavioral and personality changes. The pressure can also cause seizures in people with no history of epilepsy or seizure disorder. There may be changes in cognitive function, including confusion, memory loss and difficulty with word recall.

Motor and Sensory Symptoms

Patients may experience weakness or numbness or paralysis in the extremities, difficulty walking and balance problems. The patient may also experience visual and hearing disturbances, including blurred or double vision and hearing loss. Tumors can also affect the speech areas of the brain, causing slurred speech and other speaking difficulties. If the tumors affect the area of the brain that controls smell, the patient may experience phantom smells, have difficulty identifying smells or lose her sense of smell entirely. Tumors can also affect sense of taste, either by directly affecting the taste center in the brain or by affecting the sense of smell.

Systemic Symptoms

If the tumors infect the part of the brain that controls the endocrine system, it can cause hormonal imbalances and disorders. These hormone imbalances have their own symptoms depending on the system affected. For example, if the tumor causes imbalances in the thyroid system, the patient will exhibit symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism. The tumors can also cause changes in headache patterns, with headaches becoming more frequent or severe, and the headaches may cause nausea or vomiting.

Tags: also affect, also cause, brain metastasis, brain that, brain that controls

What Are The Benefits Of Health Screening

Health screenings are very important to preventive medical care. They allow doctors to find illness and treat it much earlier than they could otherwise. Patients with high risk factors for screened diseases can make sure they don't acquire the illness as well, and if they do they can treat it early on. However, not all patients can have all health screenings available. Because of high medical costs, certain screenings are only for patients at high risk.

Benefits

Health screenings help doctors test high-risk populations for certain diseases to discover any signs of the disease. In cases of cancer, this leads to identification of tumors early on in the disease. Doctors may discover high blood pressure during a regular blood pressure screening. No matter what type of disease doctors discover in a health screening, an early diagnosis and treatment leads to a better prognosis. In fact, many health screenings for disease save lives by starting treatment well before the patient was aware of a problem.

Types

There are several types of health screenings. Mammograms detect early-staged breast cancer. Blood pressure checks reveal hypertension. Ophthalmologists test for glaucoma and cataracts at regular appointments. Prostate exams may find prostate cancer. Pap smears check for cervical cancer. Blood work may reveal a variety of conditions from diabetes to high cholesterol or triglycerides. An EKG reveals problems with the heart. Skin checks identify possible skin cancer.

Time Frame

Most health screening begins in middle age, unless the individual is extremely high-risk. Health screening continues for the patient's whole life to assure that the disease they are at risk for does not occur. For patients at risk for diseases that can occur earlier in life, such as cervical cancer, screening begins much earlier. Additional risk factors for a disease may warrant earlier testing also. For example an individual at high risk for heart attacks may undergo testing much earlier if they are also obese.

Features

For those patients who have no access to insurance or cannot afford health screenings, several charities and organizations offer health screenings for free. Most of these screenings occur in mobile clinics that travel to low-income areas in order to better serve people who may not have access to transportation. While individuals may have to wait in line to get a screening, it does offer a valuable service to those individuals who need the help. Other charities sponsor patients who are very high-risk to get screened at their medical facility.

Considerations

Health screenings are sometimes expensive. Most patients only undergo certain health screenings if they are high-risk for a particular disease. This makes the screening cost-effective. Cheap health screenings, such as blood work or blood pressure testing, are available for every patient.

Tags: health screenings, blood pressure, high risk, much earlier, Benefits Health

Define How A Cat Scan Works

A CAT scan, also referred to as a CT (computerized tomography) scan, is a three-dimensional X-ray that shows computerized images of internal organs, soft tissue, blood vessels and bones. CT scans show more details than a standard X-ray.

Traditional CT scanner

Features

A typical CT scanner has a narrow exam table on which the patient lies and is slid in and out of the CT tunnel. It is non-invasive. The tunnel will rotate around the patient while taking multiple images.

Function

During the CT scan, X-ray beams and electronic X-ray detectors move around the patient and measure radiation that is absorbed during the scan. The beam goes in a spiral direction.

Significance

As the X-rays are taken, a computer forms cross-sectional images that are two-dimensional. These are the images the physician will view.

Types

A standard CT scan only involves the patient lying still and being scanned. A contrast CT consists of either a contrast inserted through an IV or an oral contrast swallowed before the scan.

Considerations

Most CT scans are done quickly. The patient must remain very still. Claustrophobic patients or those in chronic pain who find it hard to stay still may be offered a sedative before the procedure.

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Laboratory Technician Courses In British Columbia

Medical laboratory technologists (MLT) carry out laboratory tests that help health professionals diagnose and treat patients. Most MLTs in Canada work in private medical clinics, public health clinics, hospitals, blood transfusion service laboratories or government labs. Upon completion of an MLT program in British Columbia, the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS), the national body that certifies MLTs, administers the certification exam.

Types of Medical Laboratory Technologist Programs

To become a medical laboratory technologist in British Columbia, individuals must have completed a program accredited by the Canadian Medical Association. There are three types of medical laboratory technologist programs available in Canada. There is the General MLT program and then areas of certified specialization, which are the Diagnostic Cytology program and the Clinical Genetics program. All three are available in British Columbia.

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) offers both the General Medical Laboratory Technologist and Clinical Genetics programs at its Burnaby campus.

The General MLT program is 2.5 years in length and provides a combination of practical, theoretical and clinical training. The cost of tuition is more than $12,000 and does not include the cost of clinical fees.

The area of clinical genetics involves the detailed analysis of the human genome. To be admitted into the Clinical Genetics program at BCIT, prospective students must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in cell biology with a major in genetics. The program is 13.5 months in length and preference is given to students who have a minor in cytogenetics, molecular genetics or human genetics. Fees for the Clinical Genetics program are approximately $7,500.

College of New Caledonia

The College of New Caledonia in Prince George also offers the General Medical Laboratory Technologist program. The program length is 2.5 years, one of which is a practicum with the college guaranteeing placement within British Columbia. Tuition fees for the entire program are $15,926.

British Columbia Cancer Agency

The British Columbia Cancer Agency in Vancouver offers the Diagnostic Cytology program. A cytotechnologist is responsible for the microscopic examination of different specimens on slides. The Diagnostic Cytology program is 23 months in length, and tuition is approximately $4,500.

Tags: British Columbia, Clinical Genetics program, Cytology program, Diagnostic Cytology, Diagnostic Cytology program, Laboratory Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technologist

Ultrasound Technician Schools In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to a number of ultrasound technology schools.

A number of schools in Pennsylvania offer programs in ultrasound technology, a field the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts will grow by 18 percent from 2008 to 2018. Located throughout the state, these programs prepare students to take the voluntary certification tests offered through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Community College of Allegheny County at Boyce

A public two-year institution, the Community College of Allegheny County at Boyce offers an associate degree and diploma program in diagnostic medical sonography for prospective ultrasound technologists. The campus is located in Monroeville, an eastern suburb of Pittsburgh, and has more than 18,000 students. Students in the ultrasound technology program can choose to focus on general, cardiac or vascular sonography. In order to enroll in the program, students must successfully complete courses in biology and medical terminology.

Community College of Allegheny County at Boyce

595 Beatty Road

Monroeville, PA 15146

(724) 327-1327

ccac.edu

Thomas Jefferson College of Health Professions

Located in Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson College of Health Professions is a private institution offering a two-year program that culminates in a bachelor's degree in radiologic sciences with a concentration in cardiac, invasive cardiovascular, general and vascular ultrasound technology. The programs are only offered on a full-time basis and begin once per year. Classes meet eight hours per day, five days a week with mandatory attendance. Students receive hands-on clinical training working with patients at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, which is also the site of the college.

Thomas Jefferson College of Health Professions

111 S. 11th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

(215) 955-6000

jefferson.edu

Mount Aloysius College

The Roman Catholic Order of the Sisters of Mercy founded Mount Aloysius College in 1853. With an enrollment of more than 1,500 students, the college is in the town of Cresson, a rural area approximately 80 miles east of Pittsburgh and 144 miles west of Harrisburg. The College offers an associate degree program in ultrasound technology, which allows students to then spend two more years at the school to earn a bachelor's degree. In addition to courses in the field, students also take classes in rhetoric, communication, statistics and Christian ethics in medicine.

Mount Aloysius College

7373 Admiral Peary Highway

Cresson, PA 16630

(814) 886-6383

mtaloy.edu

Northampton Community College

Situated in Bethlehem, Northampton Community College is 70 miles north of Philadephia. A large public school, the College is home to more than 36,000 students. The diagnostic medical sonography program at the college culminates in either a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or an 18-month certificate. Abdominal, obstetrical and gynecological ultrasound are the main focuses of the programs. Before graduation, both associate and certificate students complete 1,360 hours of clinical training at hospitals throughout Bucks County. The associate program requires coursework in English, communications, algebra and sociology while the certificate program requires classes only in life and radiologic sciences.

Northampton Community College

3835 Green Pond Road

Bethlehem, PA 18020

(610) 861-5477

northampton.edu

Tags: Community College, ultrasound technology, Thomas Jefferson, Allegheny County, Allegheny County Boyce